“I don’t need you to defend me,” Laura said.
“I’m not here to make friends,” Viper stared at her evenly. He turned to Bishop, “That brings up another point. You didn’t mention anything about babysitting a group of toddlers. This isn’t a field trip we’re talking about here. If someone dies in the ship we can’t wait around for them. I’m also not going to risk losing my gear in there because someone gets curious and pushes a big red button.”
“Each of these people has some stake in seeing the boy reach safety,” Bishop said. “If they want to come, they are all welcome. I believe you will find us capable of taking care of ourselves. Past encounters should give you some confidence in that.”
Haymaker let out a gruff chuckle.
“It was not long ago, Viper, that you were a hair away from being filled with arrows,” Athena said. “You are not invincible.”
“You had the drop on me and extreme range,” Viper countered. “In a fair fight under normal conditions, we both know what would happen.”
“Fair fight? What would Kogan have to say about that?” Athena’s fangs were bared.
Viper stood up. Haymaker and Athena sprang to their feet. Bishop held out his hands and shouted at them.
“Enough of this!” He looked at Viper, “You remember the conditions. If any party member is harmed by your hand, you will never see your payment. If any party member attempts to provoke you, they will go home alone.”
Everyone sat back down. Bishop returned to the map.
“Tonight, the Wolf and Christine will board a ship at Southbay. The Alexa is owned by a friend of mine...”
“Christine?” Laura asked.
“Christine is my dragon. If Viper can get us to the White Plateau safely, I will turn the dragon over to him.”
“Do I get my camera back?”
Bishop put his hand to his forehead, “Viper?”
“Sure, whatever.”
“Nobody interrupt me until I ask for a response, ok?” Bishop put his finger on Southbay and moved it along the coast. “The ship will deliver them to a port in the Great Inner Sea. Their journey will take two weeks. During this time, anyone who wants to come will need to set their affairs in order. It is another two week’s march overland to reach the plateau. This is two weeks of twelve hours on, six hours off. Does anyone have a problem with that kind of a commitment?”
Athena shook her head.
Haymaker chuckled, “Tax season is over and I have vacation to burn.”
Laura was stunned, “That’s a lot of time to spend in a game. What about families and personal lives?”
“Do you have either?” Bishop asked.
“Not really right now. I’ve been busy with school. Its summer, I was getting ready to go home.”
Wisp had remained silent. He finally spoke up, “I won’t have school, but I don’t really have anywhere I can...” He trailed off, and found his voice again, “It’s not safe at home.”
Bishop opened his mouth to respond, but Viper beat him to it.
“What’s your closest major city?”
Wisp looked puzzled, “I’m about an hour from Chicago.”
“Perfect. Can you get into the city on your own?”
“I could take the train.”
“Okay. I’ll take care of it. Send me your contact info and I’ll give you a place to go.”
Wisp said, “Are you joking? You’re just going to give me a place? How am I supposed to believe that?”
“I can afford it. If you won’t take the offer, fine.”
“I guess the worst that can happen is I waste a few hours in Chicago.”
Bishop smiled, “I’m glad you will be able to come. We can definitely use an extra sword, and stealth is always useful.”
“So now what?” Laura asked.
“Now,” Bishop replied, “you can do one of two things. You can head to Southbay and catch the boat before it leaves, or you can make north to Red Harbor and meet us there in two weeks. The rest of us have preparations.”
Victor stood up, “I’m catching the ship.”
“No way!” Laura exclaimed, “We can’t leave him on a ship alone with Ben!”
“They’ll be glad I came if there are any pirates around,” Victor said.
Bishop nodded, “Viper knows that the dragon will not obey him without my blessing. It is in his best interest to keep the wolf safe.”
“Well I’m going on the ship then,” Laura glowered at Viper. “I don’t trust him.”
“Suit yourself,” Viper walked toward to door. After a bit of hesitation, Laura followed. The others could hear her demanding her camera back as they left Bishop’s quarters.
Once they had left, Bishop turned to Athena, “I have another favor to ask of you.”
“What would that be?” Athena replied.
“I need you and Haymaker to speak to Kogan, and see if he will give us any help. I know you have some pull with the Explorers.”
Athena nodded, “I will do what I can, but I am not sure he will help at all if he knows Viper is with us. Do I let him know about that?”
“Tell him the truth. That’s always better in the long run.” Bishop replied. “In the meantime, I have a few errands to run and some other preparations. I will keep all of you updated.”
“Can I tag along to meet Kogan?” Wisp asked.
“I don’t see why not,” Bishop replied, looking to Athena for approval.
“As long as you don’t try to steal anything.”
Haymaker stood up and stretched, “Let’s meet in Ra’ah tomorrow at seven. I will try to get an audience with Kogan.”
Each player went their separate way, mentally preparing for the journey ahead.
…
Outside, Viper and Laura stood beside Venom. The horse had waited patiently in the dark. A full bright moon looked down upon a Haven that was frantic and busy as members packed their things and fled into the valley below.
“Here you go,” Victor pulled the camera from his saddlebag and handed it to Laura.
“Thank you.” Laura put the camera around her neck and checked it to make sure it worked. She snapped a couple shots and gave an affirmative frown. She looked around her, “How exactly do I get to Southbay?”
“You walk or you ride.” As he spoke, Viper swung up on the saddle, “See you there. You have about an hour before the ship leaves. It’s six miles away.” He clicked his tongue and Venom trotted away.
Laura whirled hopelessly and took several steps toward him, “Wait!”
He stopped the horse and turned in the saddle, “What now?”
“Can I ride with you?”
“I thought you didn’t trust me.”
“I don’t, but I don’t want to walk, either.”
Venom turned and walked over to Laura, absent any direction from Viper. Viper held out his hand and pulled her up. They headed toward the gates of the Haven at a brisk trot. She sat awkwardly for some time trying to hold onto the saddle.
“Hold on to me; you’re making me nervous,” Viper rasped. “Don’t worry about me getting ideas. For all I know you are a three-hundred-pound bald man.”
Laura complied by holding his waist. She defended herself, “People say I’m quite pretty, actually.”
“Right. All the hot girls hang out in Verdia.”
“Well what about you? You must have an awesome life if you spend all your time here.”
Viper did not respond. They rode south to the harbor at Southbay in silence.
Wooden docks waited for them under a starry, clear sky. Lanterns glowed softly and swayed where they hung from hooks driven into posts on the dock. The small harbor town consisted of a handful of shanties and a larger building that could be a fish-house. A single ship was moored there, a chunky little vessel with three tall masts and a white bouquet of furled sails. The ship bobbed gently in the water. Crab-like creatures with a couple extra claws skittered about on white sand that stretched for miles in either direction.
Viper climbed down from the horse and approached a hatch leading below deck. He gave it two sharp raps with his fist. The music stopped, and feet thundered. When the hatch flew open, a burly Agilus burst out. His calico fur had grown long and was pleated, braided, and tied in random lengths. One ear was missing, and an eyepatch covered his left eye.
“Yar, who be ye?” he snarled.
“I’m Viper. I’ve come to watch over the boy and the wolf.”
“A’right then.” The Agilus seemed disappointed that he had a legitimate reason for being on the ship, “The Cap’n said to expect ye. I’ll fetcher.”
Viper sighed, “Do you have to talk like that?”
“If ye dun’ like it ye can...”
“Hush, Barnacle.” A slim dark-haired girl stepped past the Agilus and extended her hand to Viper, “I’m Gale, Captain of the Alexa. This is Barnacle, my first mate. He’s an NPC and his dialect will only get worse if you make him mad. He will never trust you so don’t worry about making friends.” Her voice had a slight Irish lilt. Maybe faked, maybe real.
Viper shook her hand, “Viper. Is the boy safe?”
Gale nodded, “Aye. He’s below decks.”
“Good.”
“Before I take you onboard,” Gale said, “you must know that I am Captain and my word is final. You must obey me at all times without question. Is that understood?”
“Of course,” Viper responded.
This stunned Laura. Viper did not seem like the type to respect authority. She nodded at Gale, “Yes.”
“Do you have room for my horse?” He turned back toward Venom and Laura. Laura had slid down off the black mare.
Gale frowned and shook her head, “Sorry, no. We have two rather large animals now. From what I hear, this dragon will keep growing and I don’t know how fast.”
“Dragon?” Laura implored. “There’s a dragon on the ship?
“Aye.” Gale tapped her foot on the deck, “Sleeping below. We’ll move her above decks once we’re out of sight of land. Now, I must go back below and get the crew to prepare for departure.” She turned and disappeared through the hatch, with Barnacle in tow close behind.
“Come, Venom,” Viper commanded his horse.
He led her down the gangplank and patted her on the jaw. Viper removed his spear and a small pouch from the saddle, and smacked her on the rump. The horse trotted off for a bit before being engulfed in red and purple flame. As Venom ran, the ground opened up and swallowed her. Viper walked back up the gangplank and boarded the ship.
“Where did she go?” Laura asked.
“To the stables at home,” Viper replied. “I can recall her whenever I need to. She’s a special horse.”
“Where’s home?”
“Not here.”
“Whatever.” Laura folded her arms, “Now, what?”
“Now, we get to our bunks and log off. Or, you can watch the crew as they prepare to cast off here in a few minutes. I’m going to bed.”
“Are you going to log on while the ship’s at sea?”
“Yeah I’ll check in.”
Laura looked out through the opening in the bay that leads to the open sea. The moon rose over the water in storybook fashion. “Will I really be any help?”
“You can be,” he replied. “I can show you some things.”
“I guess I have to start trusting you at some point.”
“If I hurt Ben I don’t get paid. Whether you trust me or not, nothing bad is going to happen to him if I’m around.”
With that, Viper vanished through the hatch that led below decks, clunking the long spear against the ceiling. Laura took another look at the scenery - as if she was going on a real journey and would not see land for some time - and went down to find her bunk.
Chapter 13
Limerick
Verdia City
Bishop had not visited Verdia City in months, and he was surprised at how busy it was. He shook his head in wonder at the throngs of people milling about; the city was much different than his memories. Crowded streets were filled with new and old players going about their business. He heard many mutters about the contest, and the words Wolf Rider could be picked out often as well.
Side-streets and alleys led him away from the city center, to a merchant district on the western side of town. The crowds thinned out and the chatter subsided as the surroundings changed. People in this area were too busy making money hand-over-fist moving iron ore or linen cloth or magical gems to care about a contest or a wolf. He entered an office building that faced a small but elegant park with a babbling fountain.
Bishop found the suite he was looking for on the top floor and knocked on a copper-plated door. Bishop chuckled - there was definitely money here.
Suddenly, the door swung open and he was greeted by a surly Brutalli in a waistcoat and ascot. A monocle as big around as a baseball adorned his left eye. The room behind the Brutalli had a sort of nineteenth century décor that fit the attire perfectly.
“Your business?” the Brutalli asked.
“I am here to see Limerick. I spoke to him earlier. My name is Bishop.”
“Ahh, yes.” A smile pierced the otherwise dour face, “Come right in.”
He stepped into a plush reception room with ornate chairs and a small wall gallery of paintings of Verdia. The room had a steampunk vibe - with dark wood, copper and leather as the media of choice. Behind a massive hardwood desk sat a pretty secretary working on a stack of papers. She was wearing a frilly dress - something a saloon girl would wear in a cowboy movie.
The Brutalli nodded at the secretary, “The boss’s appointment.” He opened a door at the back of the room and disappeared into another part of the office.
“Would you like a cappuccino?” the secretary asked. “My name is Kate.”
“So you’re the famous Kate. And I assume that was Doc.” Bishop looked at the massive cappuccino machine in the corner of the room. It was surrounded by a sea of tubing- a golden octopus. He nodded, “I would love a cappuccino.”
Kate walked across the room and soon had the machine whooshing and humming. Before long she brought him a steaming cup on a saucer.
“Thank you.” Bishop took a sip and bobbed his head in satisfaction.
The door at the back of the room swung open. A man in suit pants, a dark blue tie, and a maroon vest stepped forward. A gold chain dangled from his pocket, and he walked with a bit of swagger. In his left hand was a dark wooden cane with a silver handle in the shape of a compass. A top hat sat cocked on his bald head.
“Bishop!” the man exclaimed. “It is nice to meet you. I’m Limerick. No need for your real name.”
Bishop set the cup on a coffee table and stood up. He extended his hand and shook with Limerick, “It is nice to meet you as well.”
Limerick was one of several thousand original players. He was an Explorer (both faction and class) that blazed many of the early trails in Verdia. He created maps and star charts, as well as discovered and named a significant portion of Verdia’s flora and fauna. His adventures rivaled Kogan’s for entertainment value.
He was most famous for writing Limerick’s Dungeon Guide. This was a descriptive, illustrated walk-through for many of Verdia’s most rewarding dungeons and quests. The guide was published in the real world and quickly became a best-seller. Like many of Verdia’s “celebrities,” Limerick had kept his true identity secret to avoid unwanted attention.
“So the Haven is gone,” Limerick said with some remorse. “Like me, you learned the hard way that there is no frontier in Verdia.”
“What else have you heard about the Haven?” Bishop asked.
“You have taken in a guest that is quite unpopular.”
“You co
uld say that,” Bishop responded cautiously.
“I assume that’s why you came to me. I’m not sure how I can help you, though.” Limerick turned to the door at the back of the room, “Let’s continue in my office. Doc will bring us sandwiches. Crust or no crust?”
Limerick’s office was torn from the pages of a Jules Verne novel- perhaps how Nemo’s cabin might have looked on the Nautilus. Odd devices and trinkets adorned shelves. An enormous aquarium, filled with exotic Verdian fish, straddled the room’s center. Leather-bound books lined an entire wall. Half of the ceiling and the outer wall were made of green-tinted glass panes bordered by copper, allowing a distorted view of Verdia City. Another wall housed a massive fireplace. The mantle held two golden lever-action rifles. A box of ammunition sat below them.
“Do those work?” Bishop pointed to the rifles.
“Maybe for a few shots. They are exact copies of the Winchester Repeater. But you know how guns work here. I might get two shots off and find myself with no hands. Probably a good thing. It would take a lot of fun out of the game if everyone was running around with assault rifles and rocket launchers. These are just a small part of my collection; I have all sorts of modern weapons stashed away. For show of course, but I still had them made perfectly.”
“The Shepherd?” Bishop asked.
“Who else would I trust with my collection of useless weaponry?”
Limerick sat behind a glossy granite desk and waved Bishop to a leather chair. He studied Bishop for a moment before speaking again.
“I must say I regret never visiting the Haven. It sounds like a place that was right up my alley. I just got so busy with the book and the guide service.”
Bishop dismissed him, “It was pretty boring - more sitting around scratching than exploring.”
“Well you guys had some exciting times; I heard you scared Viper off more than once - that must have been exciting. Of course if he would have done things himself it might be a different story. Luckily, most of the players at the high levels are too scared of dying and losing their gear and reputations to do much anymore. They have to preserve the image and all.” Limerick smiled in a way that showed he counted himself among those who avoided death at all costs. “You should try getting Kogan out of his castle these days. It’s impossible.”
Shepherd's Wolf Page 22
