“Really? I was starting to think you forgot I was here,” she teased.
“Never happen,” he assured her. “You’re my favorite lady elf in this whole country!”
Laughing, she pulled a rolled bundle of cloth from her bag, handing it to him. He unrolled it on the table in front of them. It was a guild banner. The majority of the banner was a light grey color, with a large red shield in the center. Upon the shield was a fierce black dragon that looked just like the one mounted above the main door of the keep.
“Jules, this is… it’s amazing!” He hugged the elf tightly, if briefly. “Is this where you’ve been the last couple days? Working on this?”
“Well, this, and several more like it. You need two for over each gate. A few scattered along the walls. At least one for the Great Hall…” she began to count off.
Alexander just sat there, staring at the beautiful elf maiden, a stupid grin on his face. He thought about the night they’d spent talking on the balcony at the manor. And waking up next to her. He very much wanted to do that again. He thought about how kind she was. And how tough, having survived her ordeal in the dungeons and recovered so quickly. And smart! Her idea to flip over the mirrors in the command center-”
“The mirrors!” he blurted. Interrupting Jules, who looked confused. “I’m sorry, Jules. You just reminded me that we left those two mirrors on the floor in the command center. Jeeves said somebody tried to get through one of them. We need to find out where they go, and who’s on the other side.” He was already planning who to take with him.
“My… talking about banners made you think of creepy dungeons?” She looked sideways at him.
“Huh? What? No! I was just thinking about how beautiful you are. And how smart your idea was to just turn the mirrors…” She was gazing into his eyes now, and he completely lost his train of thought.
“You think I’m beautiful? And smart?” she asked him. She wasn’t blushing this time.
“And brave, and strong.” He held up a corner of the dragon banner. “And talented! You’re amazing, Jules. You don’t even realize.”
She gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. “Okay! So, who are we taking through the looking glass?” She winked at him.
“Good question.” He opened up guild chat. “Hey, folks. Jules just reminded me we’ve still got two teleportation mirrors to investigate. We have no idea where they go, or who’s on the other side. Who’s feeling adventurous?”
“What teleportation mirrors?” Fitz demanded. He did not sound happy.
Alexander explained to him about the mirror they found in the tower that led to the command center, and the two other mirrors that they’d found. And about Jeeves’ report that someone had been destroyed trying to get through one of them. The others listened quietly. For everybody but his core group, this was new and interesting information.
As soon as he was finished talking, Fitz appeared next to him.
“You should have told me about those as soon as we got here!” the wizard reprimanded him.
“I’m sorry, Fitz. I didn’t realize you’d care. And to be honest, they totally slipped my mind.”
Sasha, Brick, Max and Lainey had drifted over to take seats at the table. Dayle and Misty were moving their direction, and he could see Lugs in the distance across the courtyard. Beatrix was offline. Warren and Lyra had been sparring with some guards, and were on their way.
“Benny and I want to go.” Helga said.
“Helga! I forgot to ask about Dirk. How did it go? You know what? Tell me later. Come sit with us and have lunch.” Alexander replied. It was still early for lunch, but they should all eat before heading into battle.
While they waited for the others to arrive, Rufus jumped down off the wizard’s hat and scampered over to the dragon banner. He looked thoughtfully at the image of the dragon in the center. He sniffed at it, then reached out a paw to touch it. Looking up at Alexander, he smiled and belted out the squirrel version of ‘Rawr!’ drawing laughs from everybody at the table. Sasha pulled a pastry out of her bag and gave it to Rufus as a reward. The little squirrel bowed to a delighted Sasha, waved the treat at Fitz, then scampered out of reach.
When everyone who wanted to go had arrived, Alexander looked to Fitz. “You seem worried about the mirrors. You suspect something?”
“Not worried. More suspicious,” Fitz said. “We know this place was being used by minions of the Dark One. And that they, and therefore he, had access to the portal in the command center. We also know that teleportation mirrors have a limited range. Less than a mile. So, wherever those two mirrors lead, it will be close.”
Heads around the table nodded, following his logic. “Now, tell me. If you happened to find an ancient dwarven complex under a lake, and had access to teleportation mirrors…” The wizard let Alexander finish the thought.
“Well, shit,” Alexander said. “There’s practically a whole city down there. It could take days to clear.”
“Dwarven city?” Brick asked. Alexander hadn’t filled them all in.
“Yesterday, right before I went to the city to buy livestock, the water level in the lake was dropping because it was draining into the moat. A doorway appeared under the water. It had dwarven runes on it, and it leads down to a system of tunnels and caverns. Man-made. Or, dwarf-made, probably.”
Silverbeard spoke up. “I’m nearly five hundred years old, and I’ve never heard tales of a dwarven city under a lake. Or anywhere near here.”
Fitz stepped in. “I believe it’s well over a thousand years old. Master Tomebinder did not know of it either. He is checking the archives for any mention of it. There is always the possibility that it was merely built by dwarves, for somebody else. Or that it is simply a mine.”
“Can I assume you want to go with us?” Alexander asked the wizard.
“Aye, boy. Wouldn’t miss it. I’ll bring Fibble too. Level him up a bit, make him useful.”
“And everybody else? Anyone who doesn’t want to go?” Nobody spoke. Everyone was in.
“Brick, throw that last cannon in your bag. I’ll bring Edward. He can practice with it. So far, nearly every dungeon we’ve been in around here has had demons or undead. The light magic will work against either. And this group is large enough that we can protect him.” Alexander eyed Fitz, who nodded his head.
“Right, Master Silverbeard, can you send a runner through to Broken Mountain? Let them know I may not be back by sunset? I’ll open a portal now before we leave. And again, as soon as we get back.” The old dwarf bowed his head.
“Okay. Everybody eat some lunch. Then grab your gear. We’ll head up to the control room in thirty minutes,” Alexander said. “Misty, could you hang back a minute?”
Misty stayed in her seat as the others moved away. Alexander patted her hand, then motioned for her to walk with him as he headed toward the portal. “I got an update on your sister. She declined to stay at Olympus. She wants to help hunt the bad guys. She’s moved to a police department safe house, and has a squad of cops with her. My father put an undercover security detail on her as well. She won’t even know they’re there.”
“Thanks for that,” Misty said. “I figured she wouldn’t go. She’s a predator. Doesn’t even like being inside a building for long. Rather be out hunting criminals.” She gave him a small wave and moved off to gear up.
Alexander opened the portal, and Silverbeard stepped through to speak with the guards, who sent a runner to the king. Silverbeard stepped back through the portal, and it was done.
Alexander went in search of Edward, discovering that the prince was at the outer gate with the selected guards, ‘practicing’ with the light cannon. Looking out toward the forest, he saw they’d cut down nearly fifty trees along the front edge of the forest. Boys and their toys. Alexander grinned.
“Edward, we’re going to go investigate those mirrors in the command center. Want to tag along?” he asked the young prince.
“Yes! I just need to grab my armor.
” Edward was enthusiastic about getting into pretty much any kind of danger.
Alexander teleported the two of them to their study, and Edward dashed into his room to gear up. When he was ready, they both walked downstairs. Passing the chapel, Alexander noted Dirk sitting inside, speaking to Alric.
“What are you still doing here?” Alexander demanded as he stormed inside.
Alric held up his hands, patting the air toward Alexander to try and calm him. “I’m told you promised this man a teleport to Stormforge?”
“I did. Before he cut off my damned hand and tried to kill me,” Alexander growled. He took a step toward the level one player, who sneered at him.
“This chapel is dedicated to Asclepius as well as Durin, Alexander. Though Durin is a god of battle and vengeance, my god teaches forgiveness and healing. Please do not kill this man here,” Alric pleaded.
Alexander was about to give in and teleport the man to Stormforge. He had been dropped down to level one, after all.
Then Dirk made a decision that would impact the rest of his life. “I had some time to get on the forum during the six hours your people spawn camped me. I told everyone all about this place. Every detail I could think of. Names of all your group, the mine, your compound layout. All of it. I told everyone you had a treasure room piled with artifacts. They’ll be beating down your doors! This Dark One you’ve been fighting? He contacted me, and I sold him all the information too!” The warrior crossed his arms, looking proud of himself. “My bills are paid for a year!”
Alric looked shocked at the venom in the man’s voice. And the betrayal he’d just confessed to.
Alexander shook with rage. “You complete dumbass. You’ve just thrown your life away. And you’ll never get that money. The Dark One heads a terrorist organization that was responsible for a car bomb attack at Olympus. He uses idiots like you to do his dirty work, then throws you away. If you’d been online, or even if you’d not been a total dick, you’d have heard all of that. Now you’ve just confessed to aiding a terrorist organization. I’m placing you under arrest for espionage. You’ll not be getting your teleport to Stormforge. Or anywhere.”
Alexander turned to Father Alric, and said, “This man just proudly admitted to willingly serving the Dark One. I don’t think Asclepius would mind, do you?”
The priest looked conflicted. It went against his nature to harm anyone. But if anyone deserved it, it was this warrior. “Please, don’t kill him.”
“Oh, I don’t intend to.” Alexander smiled coldly at the priest. Alric actually backed up a step.
Alexander reached out and slapped Dirk in the face. Not hard, just enough to sting. The man was only level one, and a solid punch would kill him again. Alexander didn’t want to kill him. That would allow the man to log off and run. A slap placed him in combat.
“You stupid piece of shit!” Alexander slapped him again. “You felt left out of the mine run, and being the little bitch that you are, you just had to whine to the entire world. Then, rather than accept the consequences, you attack ME?” Alexander slapped him again. Dirk took a swing, and Alexander allowed him to connect with the punch. He barely felt it.
“You’ve been dismissed from a guild that would have made you comfortable, if not wealthy. You got yourself blacklisted, which would have meant you’d never be able to earn a living in the game.” Alexander slapped him again. His health was down to about 50%.
“But you couldn’t stop there, could you? Oh, no. You had to climb to a whole new height of stupid, trying to sabotage people who took you in and offered to help you. Well, you’ll never know if your little scheme worked, because your unparalleled mastery of the moron subclass just led you to confess to being a terrorist. You’ll be in jail for a good long time. I hope they throw you in a cell block with lots of big, patriotic murderers who’ll just love your whiney ‘the whole world is picking on me’ attitude.” He slapped the warrior again.
Dirk tried to kick him in the nuts. All he managed was to damage his own leg. Alexander hoped this had gone on long enough for the FBI or the local cops to show up at Dirk’s location.
A moment later, a GM appeared. Father Alric froze in place, as the GM said, “Elroy Biggles, your account has been terminated per Io Online’s terms of service. We reserve the right to deny service to any one, for any reason. In your case, the reason is being a terrorist asshole. Emphasis on the asshole. You will be logged off in ten seconds. Enjoy prison.” The GM smiled at Alexander and blinked away.
Dirk roared and took another swing at Alexander. Edward’s sword was out in an instant, and Dirk’s hand fell free of his arm. His screaming cut off suddenly, and his body dropped to the floor. His connection to the warrior avatar had been terminated.
“Thank you, Edward. But he wouldn’t have done any damage to me,” Alexander said.
“I know. I just really didn’t like that guy. I saw Odin’s messenger, and though I could not hear what he said, it was clear he pronounced sentence for serving the Dark One. So, I assumed it was my duty to kill him.” The prince sheathed his sword.
Right. Son of the king, and heir. He’d be in on the secret of players respawning, and he was able to see the GM.
“I didn’t like him either. And between you and me, I’m glad he died in pain.” Alexander winked at the prince.
Turning to Alric, he said, “Father, I apologize for the violence in your chapel. Your words had convinced me to simply teleport him to the city, before he confessed to serving the Dark One. Some people just will not accept or allow kindness.”
Alric nodded his head. “The malice in that man would only have grown. He would have done his best to injure you, and those here with you. I saw the face of evil in him.”
Taking their leave of the chapel, Alexander and Edward met up with the group in the courtyard. He quickly updated them all on what Dirk had said.
“What a piece of shit,” Helga muttered.
“You have a room piled with treasure?” Warren asked. Lyra slapped the back of his head.
“More than one, actually.” Alexander grinned at Lyra. “And we’re headed into an underground city that’s more than a thousand years old. My guess is we’ll find a bit more.” He looked around, counting his group and sending out raid invites. There were sixteen of them in total, counting Fitz and Fibble.
“Even split fifteen ways, after the guild’s ten percent, I imagine you’ll be able to pay some bills when you return home.”
With that, Alexander teleported them all to the command center.
“Good morning, Jeeves,” Alexander said out loud. “I’ve got some folks for you to meet. Greystone guild members, and an honored guest.”
“Good morning, master. Please ask the others to place a hand on the control table and identify themselves,” Jeeves replied. Each of the team did so, and received the usual welcome.
Fitz immediately moved to the two mirrors still lying face down on the floor. Before he moved them, he asked, “Jeeves, which of the mirrors did someone attempt to exit from?”
“The one closest to the portal, master wizard,” Jeeves answered.
Fitz lifted the mirror and hung it back on its wall hook. He focused on it, waving a hand and murmuring a spell. The reflection in the mirror began to fade, and a stone room could be seen beyond. Just as if they were looking through a portal.
“This spell allows us to see the reflection from the connected mirror,” Fitz explained.
The room on the other side was lit with torches mounted on the wall. They couldn’t see the entire room, just the section of it facing the mirror. There was no movement, and no sound.
“Okay, guys. One by one, touch the mirror. Brick, you first. Then Lugs. Sasha and I will go next. The rest of you follow. Edward, you and Lyra bring up the rear. Remember to step aside as soon as you get there, to make room for the people behind you,” Alexander said.
Chapter Fifteen To Kill, Or Not to Kill
One by one they touched the mirror and passed through. T
he room at the other end was empty. It was about twenty feet square, carved out of rock. It had a high ceiling with moss growing in patches. There was a single doorway that led to an unlit corridor.
Sasha called out, “Okay, Brick you have lead. I want Max and Jules right behind you, looking for traps. Then Dayle, Warren, Helga, and Alexander. Lyra, you’re with me and Fibble. Lainey, you and Edward protect us. Misty, Lugs, Benny, you bring up the rear, in case we get hit from behind.”
The group arranged themselves and moved forward. Fitz threw two light globes in the air, one leading above Brick, the other above Lugs at the back. Brick began to move forward at a slow walk, allowing Max and Jules to use their stealth skills to detect traps. Alexander scanned under the floors and inside the walls, not finding any obvious traps. He activated his mage sight, just in case.
The Greystone Chronicles Book Two: The Dire Lands Page 39
