“You could have let me stay without the oath.” Kyle hung his head, his voice weak.
“Obviously not, you murdering little shit! First chance you got, you killed Jeremy and a couple other kids! You remember Jeremy? He never hurt you, or anyone else!” Allistor cast Mind Spike in his rage, causing Kyle to scream and struggle against his bonds. Which in turn did more damage to his flesh.
“Allistor!” Amanda scolded, this time stepping past Helen, who didn’t try to stop her. She cast a heal on Kyle, causing many in the crowd to grumble angrily. In less than ten seconds Allistor’s spell wore off, and Kyle slumped against the tree trunk. Many of his wounds had closed, but gravity cause more to appear as the wire took his full weight.
“Just kill him, Allistor. Quickly.” Amanda took his hands and held them up against her heart. “He deserves a slow death. Nobody is arguing that. But what will it cost your soul to let him die like this?” She flicked her gaze over his shoulder at the crowd behind him. “What will they think of you?”
The woman who’d fallen off the pickup and almost been killed by the undead spoke up. “It’d be fine with me… let him rot here!” Amanda watched in dismay as most of the others nodded or spoke words of agreement. She felt Allistor tense, and he pulled his hands away.
“I should have let Fuzzy kill you last year.” Allistor’s face was dead calm as he addressed Kyle. “How many other people have you killed since then? How many humans would still be alive if I hadn’t shown mercy?”
Kyle opened his mouth to speak, but never got the chance. Almost faster than anyone could follow, Allistor had his sword in hand and swung it at Kyle. The blade thunked against the tree trunk, embedding itself in the wood as the man’s severed head rolled free. Allistor levered the blade out of the wood, producing a rag to clean the blade as he turned his back to the headless corpse and walked away.
“I know some of you are angry, but when you calm down later, you’ll understand.” There were mixed emotions in the crowd as they parted for him.
Bob was the next to speak. “Alright folks, let’s go. Somebody loot him, then leave him for the scavengers.”
Helen did just that, a surprised look appearing on her face as she examined the loot notifications. A moment later she called out. “Hey, guys. Come back. Everybody needs to loot him. Right now.”
One by one each of them touched the still bound body, a few of them kicking the head instead. Each person’s eyes unfocused, and a few of them cursed as they read their loot notifications. Allistor was the last of them, having turned around and come back. When he looted Kyle’s body, he understood. He received a small amount of klax, which he ignored, and two other things that made him raise his eyebrows.
The first was a spell scroll labeled Repel Undead. He set it aside to give to Ramon, making a note to tell him that reproducing this one would be a priority. The second notification was the one he assumed the others were reacting to.
Quest Received: Ditch the Lich
Quest Difficulty Level: Hard
You have engaged the undead minions of a high level necromancer, and learned that he plans to raise even more on orders from a powerful unknown third party. This presents a threat to your citizens, and potentially the planet itself. Locate and destroy the lich and all its minions.
Reward: Variable experience based on number of enemies defeated; Increased reputation with all light factions.
Allistor shook his head. “It’s always something.” He was just starting to make progress in uniting the remainder of the human race, and the System throws another obstacle at him. “Alright guys. We need to clear this place. I want this cemetery burned to ash. Every square inch. Get a few thousand people out here, let them practice their Flame Shot spells. Form a line and burn this place down. Send patrols down every street, through every building for a quarter mile in every direction. Burn those down too, if necessary.” He paused as he noticed a significant look from Daigath. “Don’t burn the trees if you can help it. And be wary of traps.”
No one argued as they made their way back to the trucks and loaded up. One of the nearby droids had transmitted his orders, and by the time the vehicles reached the Stadium gate, people were already forming up inside the walls. The teleport pad was flashing every few seconds, volunteers from other properties coming to help. Allistor watched as a long procession of several thousand citizens walked out the gate and turned toward the cemetery. He climbed to the top of the wall and watched as his people moved down the various streets until they surrounded the cemetery. Then every other body began moving forward, casting fireballs and columns of fire as they went. The others remained where they were, half watching the progress in the cemetery, the other half turned to face outward to watch for incoming threats.
About two thirds of the grounds were blackened ash when progress stopped. Those who’d been doing the burning retreated back to the streets, switching places with the watchers, who in turn walked through the ash and began burning the still green areas. The first group had run out of mana, and someone had wisely rotated them out. Turning to Virginia, who was back atop the wall watching over Bob below, he said. “Please find out whose idea that was, and let me know? They deserve a promotion, whoever they are.”
She smiled at him. “Of course, Allistor. And…” She paused as if unsure whether to continue, then went for it. “You did the right thing out there. Ending it quickly, I mean.” She stepped forward and gave him a warm hug, which for some reason made him want to cry. But he held it in, taking a few deep breaths before disengaging.
“Thanks, I appreciate that. How’s Austin doing? Getting into trouble as usual?”
Her face fell, and she shook her head. “He’s crushed. Those were friends of his that died today. He would normally have been there with them, doing daily quests for experience, but one of the hunters offered to take him along this morning. They went to Pelican Bay to harvest a few feral hogs. Probably saved his life.”
“I’m glad he wasn’t there.” Allistor patted her shoulder. “And I know I don’t have to tell you this, but keep him safe, Virginia. Austin and those like him represent our future.”
*****
While Amanda and Helen followed Daigath home to retrieve the kids, bears, and drakelings, Allistor stopped at Ramon’s Citadel to deliver the new scroll. He gave Ramon and Nancy a brief report on what happened, and Nancy immediately left to go comfort Cindy, who had worked with her and George in the greenhouses over the winter.
As Ramon took the scroll and read it, Allistor tried sharing the lich quest with him. When he was successful, he began to look through his UI, searching for something. A minute or so later, every citizen of Invictus received the quest. Allistor had no way of knowing where the lich would appear next, and he wanted to make sure that all of his people benefitted from its death.
“This is a cool spell. Creates AoE light magic damage against undead. The first level spell covers a twenty foot circle. Double that, plus a damage bonus, for paladins and priests of any light god. It’ll take about an hour to make each copy of this one.” Ramon offered, bringing Allistor’s focus back to him. “Most of my people aren’t advanced enough to make it yet.”
“Right. Then let’s focus on making sure the raid leaders get the scrolls first, along with each Stronghold leader, and all of our inner circle. I need at least two or three people at every property to know this spell, just in case.”
“I’ll get right on it, boss. Who needs sleep, anyway?” Ramon sat down and got to work, calling for his assistants to bring him specific types of paper and ink. Allistor left him to it, heading back to Invictus Tower after a brief game of fetch with Max. The dog’s simple joy at chasing and retrieving the stick helped to lighten Allistor’s heart a bit, banishing the echoes of Cindy’s hurtful words. Before stepping onto the teleport pad, he rewarded Max with a large canid steak from his inventory.
Back at Invictus headquarters, he stepped off the pad to find Longbeard and Harmon chatting with Igglesprite in th
e tower lobby. They all got to their feet to greet him as he approached.
“Allistor!” Harmon clapped him on the shoulder. “Master Igglesprite has returned with good news.”
The little gnome, who had stood up on his chair rather than hop down before greeting Allistor, grinned happily, raising his ever-present flask in salute. “The eternity gate is being installed in orbit around Orion as we speak. It should be functional in two days. The Arkhons wished me to pass on their assurances that the second gate is ready and waiting for you to select its installation location as well. Will you be placing it here?”
Allistor shook his head. “Thank you, master Igglesprite. And no, not here at Earth. We’re not ready for that kind of traffic. Maybe never will be. The space station is probably more than enough for now.”
“Ah, yes. Your new space station, along with a significant portion of your military vessels, will arrive by the end of the week. Several of the cargo and colony ships are already in orbit above both Earth and Orion, as you requested.”
Longbeard added, “We took the liberty o’ providin’ skeleton crews on each ship from among dwarven and beastkin citizens with the proper experience. Members o’ Gralen’s and L’olwyn’s ship crews be supervisin’ the recruitment. I think a few o’ them hope to be made captains themselves.”
Harmon cleared his throat. “Several of my people have volunteered as well. To work on the ships or space station. While they do not wish to become citizens of Invictus, they are bound by my oath to you, and you can trust that they will not betray you.”
Allistor motioned for them all to sit as he did so himself. He still couldn’t get used to people standing in his presence. “Thank you, all of you. And of course your people are welcome, Harmon. You have shown me that orcanin value honor, maybe even as much as dwarves.” He smiled at Longbeard, who snorted.
“Have the Arkhons taken possession of the orb?” He asked the gnome, who took a swig before answering.
“Aye, they have indeed. But fear not, they will still honor their bargain with you. We have no knowledge of them ever failing to meet the terms of a trade agreement. Or ever failing to enforce them. I remind you again not to tinker with the gates in any way.”
“Understood. No poking our noses into Arkhon tech. Loud n clear.” Allistor smiled at the gnome, who hopped down from his seat.
“You should really get some gnome-sized furniture around here.” He mumbled, adjusting his robe. “Right! I’m off to visit my old friend Daigath. He says he has some fancy new brandy to share. Which way is his home?”
“Just instruct Nigel to send you to the Wilderness Stronghold. From there, any one of my people can escort you.”
“An escort won’t be necessary, but thank you. And good day to you all!” The ancient gnome gave a friendly wave before toddling off to the teleport pad and disappearing.
Allistor raised an eyebrow at Harmon. “Should I be worried that he’ll get lost in the woods?”
“Ha! No need to worry. Igglesprite has more tricks up his sleeve than possibly any living being within the Collective. He’s likely got a ring full of teleport scrolls and such.”
Longbeard cleared his throat again. “If ye have time, we should discuss in more detail yer incoming ships, staffing, and such.”
“Sure, now is good. Do you want to do it here? Or head upstairs and include the others?” He looked over at Harmon. “Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, we have a lich necromancer here on Earth. He and his apprentice just attacked one of our outposts with several thousand animated corpses. The apprentice is dead now, but he told us the lich was heading east.”
“I did hear.” Harmon growled. “My people consider necromancy to be among the worst of crimes. The dead should be honored, not defiled and abused. Any assistance you need in eliminating this lich, we will provide.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Allistor followed Longbeard, who was already heading toward the elevators. “It seems we’re going upstairs. Nigel, please ask the kitchen to send up snacks for a dozen people? Nothing fancy.”
“Of course, Sire. And please allow me to apologize for my failure to detect the undead intruders this morning.”
Allistor stopped dead in his tracks, his mouth open, staring up at the lobby ceiling. The AI’s apology surprised him. After a moment, he closed his mouth. “No need to apologize, Nigel. Daigath explained to me that whomever sent that lich to earth and ordered the attack was aware of your inability to sense the undead, and exploited it. It is no fault of yours. In fact, would an upgrade to your next level increase your ability to sense them?”
There was a slight pause before Nigel answered. “I’m afraid that ability is still several upgrades away, Sire. But thank you for inquiring.”
Though he knew that Nigel felt no emotions, Allistor still felt a need to reassure the AI. “Well, let us take care of the first of those upgrades right now.” He stepped off the elevator and opened his UI as he walked into the conference room. Taking a seat, he selected his custom-made Nigel tab and keyed up the next upgrade. The resource and population requirements had been more than met, so all that was required was two billion klax. He only hesitated for a second before confirming the transaction. As always, Allistor was disappointed that the System provided no fanfare with the upgrades.
“There you go, Nigel!”
“Thank you, Sire. Your generosity knows no bounds.”
Allistor’s other analysts began to file into the conference room and take seats, apparently summoned by either Longbeard or Nigel. As he was about to update them, L’olwyn spoke first.
“Your dungeon cores have all been delivered, Allistor. Lady Melise delivered the unaligned core from Or’Dralon personally a short while ago. She seemed… quite disappointed that you were not available.” The elf’s face was stiff as stone, but Allistor noted the twitch of a smile trying to break free. When Selby snorted, and the others chuckled, the elf finally succumbed and allowed a small smile to spread across his face. For a moment, anyway.
Longbeard saved Allistor from having to respond. “Right, then. First order o’ business be yer new space station. When it’s delivered, there’ll be a few days o’ work settin’ it up like ye want it. There’ll be a crew o’ Stardrifter dwarves here to make sure it’s all runnin’ properly, and to make any modifications.”
“Modifications?” Allistor asked.
Droban nodded. “I have been in communication with them over the last day or so. These are the base schematics for the station. It can be modified, within reason, at no extra cost. And more extensive modifications can be ordered at a discount from normal cost if you have them done now, while their technicians and supply ships are already here.” The minotaur touched some holokeys in front of him, and a three-dimensional hologram of the space station appeared above the center of the table. It wasn’t what Allistor had expected. The stations he’d seen around Orion were basically a long cylinder with several wheels of various sizes surrounding it, connected to the central core by spokes that served as access corridors or conduit runs. Some part, or all of the station, spun around the axis to generate artificial gravity.
But this one looked… imposing was the first word that came to Allistor’s mind. As it turned and spun above the table, Allistor thought it looked like the designers had taken the old Earth universal biohazard symbol and made a three-dimensional version, then spent a little time adding some badassness.
There was a small rotating central ring that resembled a sort of barrel, out of which grew three larger rings in a trefoil pattern, but with their outer edges open, and coming to a point on each side of the gap. The three large rings intersected the center barrel and connected to each other in the middle. Along the outer edges of the rings were what looked like a series of docking bays for large ships, mixed in among open cargo bays that smaller vessels could fly directly into. Various towers and globes grew up from the surfaces of the outer rings, both upward and downward, and everywhere Allistor looked there were windows of every
shape and size.
“At the moment, the station is in this standard configuration. It features housing units of various sizes, from barracks rooms to luxury suites, that will accommodate approximately twenty thousand. The central hub contains the engines, control center, and most of the engineering and maintenance facilities, along with offices, storage, some housing, and dining space. In an emergency the hub can be separated from the larger rings and become self-sufficient for a short period of time.” Droban pushed a button and the larger rings broke apart, separating from the barrel.
“Each section of the outer rings can also function as what amounts to a life pod, if they remain structurally intact. Individual sections can be sealed off and jettisoned in the event of a catastrophic breach or security concern. The larger rings host most of the housing units, as well as cargo bays, docking and repair bays, and the merchant quarters. That is a literal term, by the way. One quarter of each of the rings is designed for shops, restaurants, and various entertainment venues. The towers that you see on the outer rings are mostly residential, and can be used as privately owned residences or hotels. The domes are hydroponics, large greenhouses designed to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the dining facilities.”
As Droban spoke, different sections of the hologram glowed green and enlarged for everyone to see. Allistor was having a little trouble determining the scale of everything, so he asked, “Droban, what are the dimensions of that hydroponics dome?”
After a brief pause, the image of the dome grew larger, and there was several lines with symbols. “The diameter of the dome is approximately two hundred feet, making the floor area of the dome approximately thirty one thousand square feet. About half of that area is actual growth bed space. Each dome accommodates four levels of growth beds, giving you a total of approximately one and a half acres of soil. The current configuration features four domes per outer ring, for a total of twelve.”
Shadow Sun Unification: Shadow Sun Book Five Page 12
