The Path to Peace

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “We might be able to get him to wait until morning, though,” Fluff added.

  “I hope so,” Alburet replied as he looked out the carriage window. “This last week has been a hell of a rollercoaster.”

  Stacia squeezed his hand. “We will make it.”

  “Of course we will,” Karen nodded.

  “I don’t like the idea of failure,” Fluff added.

  Eyes misting for a moment, Alburet nodded. “We’ll get it done. I don’t want to go without all of you with me.”

  A minute later, the driver pulled the carriage to a halt, “We’re here, sir.”

  Stepping out, Alburet helped his wives down as another carriage rolled up behind them. He gave Gerald a nod as he handed Marysue out of the other carriage. “We’ll be a bit,” Alburet told the drivers.

  “We’ll be waiting, guv’,” one driver said before the carriages rolled around to the carriage area.

  “How are you feeling?” Gerald asked softly while the women took a moment to compliment each other.

  “Like a big chunk of my life rests on this moment,” Alburet replied truthfully. “We need to stall him until the morning, at least.”

  “I’ll do what I can, Al,” Gerald said, patting him on the shoulder. “Keep your game face on. If he knows how much it means to you, it weakens our leverage.”

  “Got it,” Alburet said, his face going blank, “thanks.”

  “Ladies,” Gerald asked, “are you ready?”

  Forming two lines, and with everyone paired off, they approached the main doors of the Royal Auction House. Vladimir had said he would be showing them around and holding a feast for them. As the door opened to reveal Renful, Alburet felt a momentary spike of worry about the future. Stacia squeezed his arm and helped him push the emotion away, and he patted her arm in thanks as they followed Gerald inside.

  Alburet

  Half-blood Infernal Summoner

  Level 77

  Strength: 313 (308)

  Agility: 313 (308)

  Constitution: 244 (214)

  Intelligence: 214 (184)

  Wisdom: 953 (613)

  Charisma: 343 (308)

  Health: 6,290

  Mana: 13,380

  Spells:

  Demon Skin- Rank 8

  Demonic Retribution- Rank 7

  Summon Improved Imp

  Fire Blast- Rank 7

  Sap Strength- Rank 7

  Demonic Haze- Rank 7

  Summon Greater Destroyer

  Demonic Vitality- Rank 7

  Fire Burst- Rank 7

  Summon Greater Succubus

  Abilities:

  Personal Spells

  Flame Weapon

  Copy

  Infernal Upgrade: (Succubus- Ally)

  Infernal Upgrade: (Imp- Big Boom)

  Infernal Upgrade: (Destroyer- Demonic Shell)

  Infernal Upgrade: (Succubus- Comforting Touch)

  Copy

  Infernal Upgrade: (Succubus- Essence Drain)

  Still Caster

  Infernal Upgrade: (Imp- Burning Cleanse)

  Infernal Upgrade: (Destroyer- Savage Roar)

  Infernal Upgrade: (Destroyer- Bash)

  Copy

  Imp Storm

  Racial Abilities:

  Cast spells without verbal components

  Physical damage reduction 25%

  Magical damage reduction 10%

  Influence emotions

  Fire resistance 50%

  Reputation gains at half value

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Renful led them through the building, pointing out various items of interest before showing them to the private dining room, normally used for whoever purchased the big-ticket item during any auction.

  Vladimir, in a very formal black suit, stood as they entered. “Welcome, friends. Please sit.”

  Once everyone was seated, Renful tapped a gong and another door opened, admitting servants into the room. Each of them carried a glass and plate for each person at the table except for one, who carried a bucket of ice with two extra bottles chilling in it. The servants were all pale, beautiful women wearing maid outfits. They were swift, silent, and gone in moments.

  “Please enjoy the food. We’ll discuss business after the meal,” Vladimir said as he picked up his first fork.

  Conversation was general, mostly centered on the food, though Vladimir did comment on how fast they were growing in power. His smile was broad, obviously thinking that they would be ready soon for his quest. They couldn’t help tensing, though, and Vladimir’s smiled dimmed as he noticed, though he didn’t press the matter.

  Dessert was a sweet cream and berry pastry that was a perfect ending to the meal. Once it had been eaten, Vladimir stood. “Please, follow me. We shall talk in my private study.”

  Leaving the dining room behind, they followed Vladimir down the hall to a richly decorated room. A thick desk of blood red wood dominated the far wall, with a number of plush chairs set for them in front of it. Renful caught up to them as they entered the room, pushing a small cart with a coffee service on it.

  Vladimir took his seat behind the desk as the others picked out chairs. Renful began setting out fine china cups and filling them one by one with rich, dark coffee. “Please tell him how you would like yours, and once he’s served us, we can discuss what brings you tonight.”

  It took a handful of minutes before everyone had their coffee. Gerald took a sip of his before setting the cup and saucer on the desk. “Sir Dracon, we have progressed as fast as we have been able so that we could accompany you to the city of Peace.”

  “That is good to hear. I had feared it would take you considerably longer than it appears to be,” Vladimir smiled.

  “Will you give us another day to reach the proper level?” Gerald asked intently.

  Vladimir sat back, sensing a trap in Gerald’s question, but not sure why it would be. “Why wouldn’t I give you another day, or even two?”

  “We have a bit of news that might cause you to change your plans and go sooner than perhaps you’d originally thought to. We’ll go with you as early as tomorrow morning, but we do ask that you give us that long.”

  Eyes narrowing, Vladimir picked up his coffee, buying time as he looked at them and trying to gauge what they might know. After a moment, he set his cup down. “If I promise to wait until the morning, you will tell me this news?”

  “Yes,” Gerald said.

  “I don’t think that would be asking too much,” Vladimir said, no longer smiling.

  Marysue sat forward and slid a folded piece of paper across to Vladimir. “This is a copy of a letter we found while we were hunting the other day. We thought it would have meaning to you, so we set up the meeting as soon as we found it.”

  Pulling the paper across the desk with an intrigued look, Vladimir picked it up and began to read. His face went cold and his eyes began to glow dark red. “She would dare…” Alburet and his wives looked at each other, alarmed at the towering rage Vladimir felt. He set the letter down carefully and looked up. “I would have wanted to know about this immediately when you found it.”

  “We tried to arrange a meeting,” Alburet replied. “You told me to arrange it with Renful, and this was the soonest he said it could be…” Alburet trailed off as Vladimir’s red gaze shifted to Renful, who stepped backwards to the wall.

  “Renful? Would you care to explain why it took so long to arrange this meeting?” Vladimir’s voice was cold, devoid of emotion as his eyes pinned the man to the wall.

  “I didn’t know… I had no idea that it was of such import…” Renful’s words were strangled, as if someone had a hand to his throat. “I would never… delay your mission… master.”

  Pulling his eyes from Renful, his gaze darted from one person to the next. “I did promise to wait until morning. If you wish to come with me, be at the Portal Guild as the sun breaks the horizon.”

  “We’ll need to gather—” Alburet began, but Vladimir cut him off
with a chopping motion.

  “I will provide supplies for the trip,” Vladimir snapped as he stood up. “If you will excuse me, I must make sure everything is in order.” His red eyes went back to Renful. “Contact those I spoke of earlier, then arrange for the supplies. I must tend to other things.” He turned back to his guests with a strained smile, his canines appearing much longer than any of them recalled. “I will see all of you in the morning.”

  Gerald stood, followed by everyone else. “We’ll be there, Sir Dracon. Thank you for the meal, and we apologize for the tardiness of our news.”

  Vladimir’s teeth looked normal again as he said, “I do not blame you, Gerald, nor any of Alpha Company. I only pray we will be in time.” Giving them a bow, his eyes flicked to Renful, who scurried to open the door. “Do not be late. I will not wait for you.”

  “We won’t be late,” Gerald said, leading the way out of the room.

  Following Renful out of the Royal Auction house in silence, the group waited until the carriages pulled around and Renful went back inside the building before speaking. “I’ll contact the people I said I would,” Alburet said.

  “We took a room at the inn, in case we had to leave quickly,” Gerald said. “Try to make it on time, but not too early—if we all show up early, he might try to leave sooner.”

  “Got it,” Alburet said as he began handing his wives into the carriage. “Thank you for making sure we could push it off until morning.”

  Putting his hand on the handle of the carriage, Gerald gave Alburet a serious smile, “Maybe you can mention to your contacts at Mindblown that Mary would really like Delta World as well; I’d call everything even if you did.”

  “I’ll do what I can,” Alburet replied. “See you in the morning for another trek through the desert.”

  “Maybe we’ll be attacked less this time,” Gerald said as he pulled himself into the carriage.

  “Somehow I doubt it,” Alburet sighed as he climbed into his carriage. “Home, driver.”

  “Right you are, sir,” the driver said, snapping the reins lightly.

  “Al?” Karen said, pulling his attention to her. “We’ve cleared the first hurdle, we’re going. We can manage whatever else comes along.”

  Exhaling, Alburet realized he was radiating his nervousness. “Sorry, it’s just…”

  “We know,” Stacia said softly, her hand covering his. “We be in it together.”

  “Yes. None of us are willing to let this fail,” Fluff said, leaning forward to touch his knee. “I’m going to wash you before bed tonight, okay?”

  His throat closed for a moment as he looked into her soft, loving eyes. “Okay.” Coughing, he pulled his Mindstone from his belt pouch, “I need to send a couple of messages.”

  He composed and sent messages to Cody Carter and Ioaniss Jones, letting them know what had happened. He got replies from them both very quickly, confirming that they would be there with everything needed for the journey.

  The carriage slowed as Alburet put his Mindstone away. “Looks like we’re home,” he said, opening the door just as they came to a stop and before the driver could announce it. “Thank you for the smooth ride.”

  “My pleasure, sir,” the driver said. “I wish you all a good night.” Alburet handed the ladies out of the carriage, then turned to pay the driver, who was shaking his head. “I’ve been paid by the receptionist earlier, sir.”

  “Goodnight, then,” Alburet said as he walked toward the door where the women were waiting for him. A sad smile settled on his lips as he looked at the three beauties that he had to fight to keep.

  “Come with me,” Fluff said, extending her hand. “We’re going to get clean while the others make sure everything is ready for tomorrow. They’ll join us in bed.”

  “As you wish,” Alburet said, taking her hand. “Lead me, Fluff, and I will follow to the ends of the world, if need be.”

  She smiled as she led him to the bathing room. “We’re going to end up at the ends of this world eventually, Al. I want to say thank you again. It’s because of you that I met Karen and Stacia. They’ve really helped me, and you have, too. I’ve felt like this is the best dream I’ve ever known, since that day outside the Goblin fort.”

  “I’ve been just as thankful that you’ve stayed with me after all of my mistakes,” Alburet said, stepping closer and putting his hand on her waist. “I’ll be in your capable hands tonight, and if I have my way, for the rest of our lives.”

  Her smile blossomed. “In all of our hands, as we will be in yours.”

  They simply washed that night, then cuddled on the bed, each of them seeking comfort from the others. The sound of thunder rumbled outside and all eyes turned to the ceiling.

  “That’s not a good sign,” Alburet said softly.

  “We need our sleep,” Stacia said. “I will sing, so we can start out rested.” When no one objected, she began to sing, helping them all fall asleep. Once they were asleep, she kissed Alburet’s head and slipped out of the bed. “I will do what I can to help, me love. I hope ya do nay mind me doin’ what I do.” Moving carefully, she dressed and slipped from the room.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  “Wake now, master, ya need to wake and get ready.”

  The soft words from the woman he loved brought him out of a dreamless slumber. “I’m awake,” Alburet said, sitting up. “Are—”

  “She woke us first,” Karen said from the door. “We’ll see you in a minute.”

  Rubbing his eyes, he looked around to see that he was alone in the room. His clothes were laid out for him already, so he dressed quickly. He was aware of hints of worry from each of his wives, who waited near the door for him. “The first hurdle from Vicky is before us,” he said as he finished putting his backpack on. “With you all at my side, I feel better about being able to do what we need to do.”

  “I won’t let her pull us apart,” Karen said firmly, a spike of anger accompanying her words.

  “We’ll be fine,” Fluff said, her worry melting away as Karen’s anger flared.

  “Who knows what help we might find?” Stacia said softly. A small sliver of regret accompanied her words, dissipating in a fraction of a second.

  A loud peal of thunder rumbled overhead. “Umbrellas?” Alburet asked, distracted by the sound.

  “Here’s yours,” Karen said, holding out a red and black one.

  “Thank you. I’ll summon the others outside. Tiny’s a bit big to be summoned inside now,” Alburet said, taking the umbrella from Karen. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as he opened the door. “We can’t be late.”

  Karen eyed him for a moment before she giving him a soft smile. “Always a gentleman.” Stepping out, she opened her red umbrella and vanished.

  “He always has been, and always will be,” Fluff added, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek as she left the house, opening her black umbrella as she stepped out in the rain.

  “We all be lucky to have him.” Stacia smiled at him, but her eyes looked pinched as she left the house. Her umbrella was also black and red, just reversed from his in coloration.

  Shaking his head, Alburet followed her, locking the door behind him and summoning Tiny and Bob, and the Copies of each of his minions. “Sorry about the rain, but we’ll be leaving the city quickly.”

  “We are heading into the sands again?” Tiny asked, his voice almost as deep as the rumbling thunder.

  “With Sir Dracon, Sir Jones, and others,” Alburet told them. “Are you ready to traverse the Dead Lands again?”

  “We’ll get you to the city,” Bob said, huddling under Fluff’s umbrella with her.

  “Without too much trouble, even,” BJ finished from where he was trying to huddle under Stacia’s.

  “Bob, we have to protect them,” Tiny rumbled, looking at his friend.

  Sighing, Bob and BJ left the shelter of the umbrellas and flew to the rooftops. “I don’t like the rain,” he grumbled.

  “Thank you for dealing with it,” A
lburet told the Imp. “We won’t be here long. Tiny, lead us to the Portal Guild.”

  The walk was uneventful and silent, devoid of their usual banter. Turning the last corner to the Portal Guild, the brightening of the sky hinted that the sun was about to crest the horizon. The rain tapered off, allowing them to put the umbrellas away, much to Bob’s delight.

  Standing just outside the doors of the Portal Guild, Vladimir, in sand colored leathers with a number of small blades strapped to his body, turned to them. “On time, but early would have been better,” Vladimir said as he glanced to Renful in his black robes, and the three other men who stood behind him.

  “Oh, good, we didn’t miss the trip,” Ioaniss said as he exited the Portal Guild in his leathers, hat on his head and whip coiled at his hip. A second larger man trailed behind Ioaniss, wearing plate, though he had a fez instead of a helmet on his head.