Moving out toward the east wall, Alexander reached out with his Earth Mover ability and pulled up some stone. Starting from the inside face of the wall, he built a barn that stuck out thirty feet from the wall and extended sixty feet wide. He put a sloped roof on it, with rain gutters that fed a cistern and trough inside. After a short conversation with Bodine, he made a five-foot-wide opening for the main door, big enough for the massive bears to pass through. He added some air vents under the eaves of the roof, and then began raising interior walls to create rooms and stalls for the animals. When that was done, he added a heating system, and a few glass windows on the walls to let in light.
Lydia joined him as he stepped aside to let Regina and Bodine move all the animals into their new home. She watched as the wolves and bears sniffed around, exploring the building before choosing their spots. The tiger didn’t seem happy, walking in circles in a large enclosure near a window. Alexander thought he knew the problem, and extended a shelf from the wall about six feet above the floor. The tiger sniffed at it, then immediately leapt atop the shelf and settled down, purring. Lydia nodded her head. “Cats like high places.”
Reminded of cats, Alexander touched the figurine in his bag and summoned Tigger. The giant tiger sniffed at Lydia for a moment, then head-butted her, looking for scratchings. She laughed and said, “Well, hello, Tigger,” as she obliged him with a scratch behind the ear. He soaked it up for a few minutes before the sounds and smells of the animals inside the barn drew his attention. He walked over to the door, sniffed at it, then chuffed questioningly at Alexander.
“Those are all Bodine and Regina’s animals. They’re friendly. Go ahead and introduce yourself.” Alexander wasn’t worried. Even if one or two of the animals inside decided to be unfriendly, he didn’t imagine they were any threat to his tiger.
Lydia smiled as Tigger disappeared inside. “I’ve known him since he was a cub in my brother’s stables. I’m glad he chose you. Jules told me you hadn’t named him, so she took matters into her own hands.”
Alexander just smiled and nodded. Lydia wouldn’t understand why ‘Tigger’ was funny.
Lydia was suddenly set upon by the two small monkeys that had been riding atop the cages in the wagon. They dashed out the door of the barn, each of them making a flying leap toward Lydia. They latched onto her clothes and climbed up to sit on her shoulders, one on each side. Both of them leaned forward to peer into her face curiously. Lydia was delighted, reaching up a hand to scratch under the chins of each monkey.
Regina stepped out of the barn. “Bobby! Jake! There you are. Leave the poor lady alone!”
The monkeys looked sheepish for a moment, then began to chitter away, one seeming to talk to Lydia, the other to Regina. There was much waving of hands and pointing as they talked.
Regina chuckled. “Bobby is sending me an image; he suspects you have cookies. Jake wants to go live with you. Apparently, we don’t feed him enough.” She gave Jake a mock stern look, to which he stuck out his tongue.
Lydia laughed. “I do have cookies, as a matter of fact.” She produced two from her bag, handing one to each monkey. They promptly jumped to the ground to consume the treats, Bobby absently scratching his behind as he nibbled. Tigger emerged from the barn and, seeing the two monkeys nibbling tasty treats, looked hopefully at Lydia.
She rolled her eyes, producing another cookie. Tigger gently removed it from her hand and swallowed it whole. He patted at her bag with one paw, demanding more. “No, you big moocher. You should have been born a pig!” She pushed his paw away as she scolded him.
Fibble’s voice rang out behind Alexander, from the direction of the tower. “Cat fight!”
Alexander turned in time to see the small goblin leap at Tigger, a big goblin grin on his face. Tigger, dozens of times Fibble’s size and weight, fell backward with the impact like he’d been tackled by Lugs instead. The two of them began to battle, Tigger on his back with Fibble dashing about on the tiger’s belly, dodging paws and delivering tickles.
The monkeys stopped nibbling in surprise at the sight of the hollering goblin charging toward them. But as soon as the tickle-war began, they hurriedly finished their treats and joined Fibble’s side of the battle.
Lorian chuckled at the melee as he led Pollock and friends over to watch. Lola and Silverbeard were not far behind, along with a couple of the hunters, and Mattie. Bodine emerged from the barn with his wolves to investigate the commotion. Seeing the monkey-goblin-tiger fight, he just shook his head. “We’re all settled in here. Are you ready to go meet this wolf pack?”
Alexander called to Fibble and Tigger, “You two, cut that out. We’ve got work to do. We’re going to find some wolves in the forest.”
Jeeves spoke up, his voice coming from nowhere and everywhere at once. “Master, I should point out that the wolves seen by the golems were quite large, and are likely dire wolves.”
Bodine didn’t look happy about that.
Alexander said, “Thank you, Jeeves. Please mark on my map the location where the packs were spotted.”
As he pulled up his UI to confirm the location, he heard Bodine answer. “If they’re dire wolves, we’ll have to kill them. There is no communicating with them. At least not that I’ve found, or heard of. Let us hope that is not the case. Or we’ll be forced to kill them.”
Alexander made introductions for everyone that hadn’t met, and the group was ready to set off. The first objective was the eastern tower. They exited out the southern garrison gate and turned left to hike eastward. Fibble rode on Tigger’s back with Bobby and Jake. As they had done in Stormforge, the wolves formed a loose perimeter around the group as they moved through the forest.
The newcomers marveled at the massive elder trees, staring up into the canopy far above. “It’s almost like a cathedral,” Regina murmured.
They made their way eastward for maybe ten minutes before they encountered the river. Consulting his map, Alexander led them slightly north to where a stone bridge crossed over. The bridge was ancient, but in good repair, thanks to Jeeves. It extended nearly two hundred feet across the water.
Lorian examined the stonework as they crossed. “Built by dwarves. Beautiful work.”
Looking over the side, Alexander got the impression that the nearly crystal-clear water was quite deep. Though it was moving fast, he could see the stones and pebbles on the bottom, as well as fish swimming with the current. Here and there were glints of metal from weapons and armor, likely lost during some battle in the war long ago.
Stepping off the bridge, the wolves once again spread out. With a word from Bodine, the monkeys gave up their ride and disappeared into the trees. Alexander detected some rustling of the leaves up ahead.
Bodine saw him notice. “I sent them ahead to scout for us.” Alexander nodded as they continued eastward. They continued for another forty minutes. Occasionally Lydia would step to one side or the other to retrieve an herb or fungus that interested her. And Tigger bounded off after a rabbit or other small woodland creature more than once, with Fibble holding on for dear life. Bodine and Regina chatted amiably with Pollock and his group. Alexander and Lorian brought up the rear.
“I’ve been thinking,” Alexander began “Once we officially declare this kingdom, we’ll be entering into an alliance with Stormforge, Antalia, Broken Mountain, and the Dragon Kingdom. I was hoping we could include your people as well.”
Lorian looked thoughtful for several moments as if debating how to answer. Finally, he said, “I think my people would be amenable. Both for trade, and for defense. Especially once they’ve been told about the return of the drow. But beyond an introduction, I’m afraid I won’t be much help. My father will choose someone from among his full-blooded lords to be his ambassador.”
Alexander grinned at his half-elven friend. “Ah, but I was thinking you could be OUR ambassador.”
Lorian looked at him in surprise, then laughed. “Be careful, Alexander. Having a mongrel like me represent you in the Elve
n Court would damage your reputation from the first day.”
“A risk I’m more than willing to take. You have been a good friend to us, Lorian. There is no one I would trust more, or rather have, looking out for our interests.”
Lorian bowed his head in acceptance, and they walked on. Both elves thinking toward the future.
Shortly after, they reached an area of smaller growth than indicated they were drawing close to the tower. It remained out of view though as even the new growth trees were several hundred years old, some taller than the tower. The canopy was lower here, and the underbrush thicker. They were within a hundred yards of the tower before they could actually see it.
The east tower looked much like the west. Sixty feet high with a crenelated roof, and a large ironwood door at the base. Ivy crawled up the outer wall, reaching for sunlight above the brush that had grown right up to the base of the tower.
Alexander found the door closed, but not locked. Pushing it open, he waited quietly for any movement or sound from surprised occupants. He looked around the main floor, finding it empty except for a long table with benches. Sunlight streamed in from the window slots that followed the stairway up and around one side.
“Alright, folks,” he said, his voice shattering the expectant silence. “Let’s take a quick look around. We’ll start with the upper floors, then poke around underground. Bodine, can you have a couple of your wolves watch the door and alert us of any visitors?”
Bodine nodded, and two wolves padded through the brush and posted themselves by the door. The others remained outside in the surrounding woods.
Pollock led the way up the stairs, sword in hand. The others followed a few feet behind as they wound their way up to the second floor. There was a short landing that led to a hallway extending across the center of the tower. Three doors opened on each side of the hall. The group checked each room, finding nothing of particular interest. Each room contained a bed, armoire, and a desk. There was also a chest at the base of each bed, but every one they found was locked. “Too bad Max isn’t here,” Alexander mused.
Returning to the stairs, they moved up to the third floor, then the fourth and fifth, clearing each one as they went. They closed the doors behind them after searching each room. There were more sleeping quarters, offices, laboratories, a meeting room, a kitchen, and each floor had a bathroom.
The sixth floor was one large room with an altar in it. The group approached the altar, running hands over the engraved stone. Alexander asked, “Anybody recognize any of the symbols?”
When none responded with anything but a shake of the head, he asked, “Anybody want to take a moment and pray to their chosen deity, see if the altar responds?
Figuring it couldn’t hurt, they each took a knee or knelt on both knees and prayed to their chosen gods. In Io, most players chose a favored deity from whom they could receive blessings that ranged from buffs received at temples to better loot drops. Some received actual abilities or powers.
Alexander took a knee with the others and made a silent offering to Odin. “All-Father, if this is your altar, please give us a sign.”
There was a rumble of thunder from above, and the altar began to glow. Two engravings, in particular, glowed brightly before two beings appeared in a flash of light. The first was a young-looking man with a handsome face and friendly smile. He did not speak, but radiated a feeling of warmth and joy. The second was an old man with long hair falling in a tangle to his shoulders. He held a long staff in one hand. His gaze spoke of ancient knowledge and pain.
“I am Mimir the Wise.” The old man’s voice echoed in the room. “This is Baldur. The mortals who built this altar worshipped us both. It has been many centuries since they departed. We thank you for your prayers.”
Lorian stood and bowed to both gods. “Mimir, God of Wisdom and Knowledge. You are known to my people. It is an honor. And Baldur, God of Light, and beloved of all. As ever you hold a place in our hearts.”
Baldur nodded in return, his smile widening. The hearts of all in the room lifted; each received an increase to their stamina and regeneration rate. Mimir’s staff thumped the ground, and he said, “My blessing upon each of you. We have watched your struggles against the forces of the darkness, as well as your victory over the pretender who called himself the ‘Dark One’, and we have come to aid you.”
Mimir’s blessing increased both Wisdom and Intelligence.
Attribute Level Increase! Intelligence +1
Attribute Level Increase! Wisdom +1
Attribute Level Increase! Stamina +1
Alexander spoke this time. “Thank you, Mimir and Baldur, for your blessings. We are honored that you have chosen to aid us. May we bring our comrades here to receive your blessings as well?” Alexander knew that Sasha would blacken his eye if she missed out on this boost.
Baldur smile and winked, as Mimir said, “All who kneel here and pray with open hearts for the assistance of the light shall be rewarded.”
With that, both figures faded away, leaving the altar glowing warmly.
Orville was the first to speak. “That… was… AWESOME!” he fist-bumped Pollock. “We just got three free stat points and a buff. And we met two gods of the pantheon!”
Alexander didn’t disagree. The permanent stat point increases were the kind of reward you’d normally get from completing an epic quest line. Though, when he thought about, all they’d done to lead up to this point probably counted as just that.
The group quickly climbed the stairs and exited out onto the tower’s roof. Like the western tower, the view was mainly of the sky, as many of the surrounding trees were taller than the tower. To the east, the mountains that rose from his eastern boundary were visible.
Finding nothing of interest on the roof, they made their way back to the main floor. Alexander made for the door at the back of the room that he suspected led to the same storage closet and trap door to the lower levels they found in the garrison tower.
The storage closet was there. Several crates of weapons and armor still intact. Sacks of grain and bottles of pickled eggs were intact as well. But no trap door was evident. Alexander and the others moved boxes until the room was completely clear. Then they searched the main room. There was no evidence of a doorway of any kind leading downstairs.
Looking at the clock on his UI, Alexander said, “We’ll come back with Fitz and Max, see if they have any better luck finding a door. Or maybe there just isn’t an underground level here. Let’s head out and find Bodine’s wolves.”
Exiting the tower, Alexander closed the door behind him. “Jeeves, please lock this door. Allow entry for guild members and citizens only,” he said.
“Of course, Master,” Jeeves replied.
Alexander pointed toward the southeast, where his map indicated the wolves had been. It was a long shot, as wolves tended to range over wide territories. But he was hoping a golem had stumbled upon the den of this particular pack.
The group moved in that direction for less than five minutes before there was a series of short calls from the wolves in their vanguard. The wolves at the sides and rear moved in closer to the group, forming a tighter escort. The wolves ahead had stopped, and the group quickly caught up. Bodine took a moment to receive a report from the wolves.
“They smell the other pack. Very strong scent. And there are tracks.” He pointed to the ground not far from the lead wolf. Alexander crouched down to inspect the tracks. Each paw print was roughly double the size of the paws of the wolves around him.
“Those are some large tracks,” he said. “So. Dire wolves, then.”
Bodine shook his head. “Maybe not.” He indicated the lead wolf. “Akela here says the scent is different from dire wolves.”
“Alright, well let’s go see. Everybody be on guard. Our wolf escort can give us warning, but we cannot depend on them to defend us from larger wolves. In fact, I would prefer if they don’t fight. I would not want you to lose any of your family, Bodine.”
&nbs
p; Bodine nodded, and they continued forward. Now all of the wolves except Akela were in a tight formation around the group, ears up and alert. They followed the tracks for a good twenty minutes before Akela stopped dead in his tracks.
The wind had, unfortunately, been at their backs as they moved through the forest. So when Bodine’s wolves all suddenly caught a scent and turned around to face back the way they’d come, it was already too late. A dozen wolves, maybe two-thirds the size of Tigger, had spread out in a semicircle behind them. Being two thirds Tigger’s mass meant that they were easily the size of dire wolves, and larger. But they looked more curious than angry. They did not have the baleful red stares of dire wolves.
A short bark from Akela caused Alexander to turn back to the front. The lead wolf was now standing among a dozen or so more of the oversized wolves. He was backing slowly toward Bodine, tail down in a subservient pose. Alexander didn’t blame him one bit.
Bodine stepped forward past his pack leader, both hands out and empty. He spoke quietly and calmly as he moved forward. “Well, now. Aren’t you a bunch of big fellas. I bet you’re hungry, aren’t you?”
From his bag, he withdrew a handful of jerky strips. He calmly tossed them in front of the wolves he faced, starting with the leader. The lead wolf was a head taller than the others, and jet black. He sniffed at the jerky, then stuck out his tongue to taste it. Bodine just kept talking “That’s right, tasty treat. It’s called jerky. Made from boar meat. Go ahead; it won’t hurt you. Good wolfy.” Bodine crouched down so that he was closer to the ground than the wolves. The lead wolf huffed once, then settled down on its stomach. With its forepaw, it held down one end of the jerky, and began to gnaw on the other end. Many of the other giant wolves followed his lead. Bodine handed another fistful of jerky to Regina, asking her to toss it to the wolves behind them. As she walked to the rear, he continued his conversation with the biggest wolf. “My name is Bodine. I am a Wolfmaster. Do you know what that means? I am your friend. If you open your mind just a bit, I can understand you. And you can understand me. We want to be your friends.”
Darkness Fallen Page 36
