by Eden Redd
“I kept my mouth shut, watching the whole thing from a distance. She tried to go back and speak to Caspian but he would not see her. Guild members turned their backs on her instantly. Then Lola told me about the threats in reality. They began to go after her with messages and e-mails that said if she spoke about anything in the guild, they would hurt her in real life. The game wasn’t fun anymore and she told me she was leaving it.”
Claudia’s hand was to her lips, eyes glistening. “Caspian said she was stealing from the treasury.”
Rayna nodded, eyes dark. “Lola didn’t want what happened to her to happen to me. I kept my promise but knew I had to leave. I became less involved with the guild and was planning to leave when Caspian let everyone know the guild was being disbanded.”
Edric stood up before the bard, eyes filled with sorrow. “I had no idea he was so cruel.”
Rayna let out a sinister laugh, a tear in the corner of her eye. “No matter where you go, there are assholes. Caspian wants control and wants to dig his dirty claws into us. I vote we let the asshole rot outside the city gates.”
Edric stepped closer, “I think it’s safe to say we all agree he should not be here. My concern is the damage he can cause while he’s here.”
Faye stood up, oval eyes moving to Claudia, “Take Rayna to her room.”
The lancer stood up and moved to Rayna’s side. The bard looked to the sad expression in Claudia’s eyes before looking away. The bard stood up straighter and began walking, the lancer close behind. Faye watched as the two companions left the throne room and turned her attention to Edric.
The summoner looked to the wood elf, his mind filled with confusing bewilderment. He had no idea how deep some of this went or the scars they carried. Faye stepped closer, her head tilted forward and shadows covering her eyes.
“I believe what Rayna said was true. I was brought in after Lola was banned. They wanted a new captain to replace her and I was the logical choice but they were extremely quiet with me, testing the waters. They never spoke of Lola other than her being a thief and stealing from the guild. I found it hard to believe because I knew her, a druid with a good heart.
“Once she was gone, I never had her contact information so I couldn’t get the whole story. It didn’t take long before some of the other captains had one on ones with me, seeing where I stood on the future of the guild. I was as honest as I could be. I knew it wouldn’t work out when one of the captains suggested we loot players in the higher level PvP areas. I never had a taste for PvP and said I couldn’t be a part of that. The next day, Caspian told me I wasn’t a right fit for the position.”
Faye moved to her throne and sat down, spirit heavy. “I joined Lewd Saga to find love and go on adventures. Almost everyone knows that about me because I never kept it a secret. Dating in real life these days is different from when I used to date but I had hopes I could find it here and maybe bring some inner peace. I like the monk class and I have met many wonderful players but the search goes on for that right soul.”
Faye looked away. “Rayna confided in me about what happened a few days before the guild was disbanded. I was sort of a den mother for many in the guild. She was hurting and needed to speak to someone. I promised to keep her secret but now it’s out in the open.”
Edric sat down on his throne, looking to the wood elf.
Faye continued, “I saw the cracks as they happened. I was going to leave too but I knew I couldn’t leave those who confided in me. I couldn’t leave them in a toxic guild. I stayed to protect them. Caspian is strong but I know I could take him if I needed to. I spent a lot of time unlocking my monk abilities and increasing my chi.”
The wood elf eyed the summoner, a small smile blooming. “Then you came along, nervous and full of big dreams. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t endearing. Claudia and I talked and thought it couldn’t hurt to at least escort you. When you treated the ogre with respect, giving it a chance to return to its people, I knew you would be a good leader. When the ogre pushed back despite your kindness, you were strong enough to show you wouldn’t be pushed around.”
Edric gave a nervous smile, “Easier done when the ogre was on his knees.”
“You kept a balance and that is all we can do,” Faye smiled.
“I had no idea building a kingdom would be this complicated. I focused so much on the actual building that I didn’t spend enough time on the people. I thought if we simply protect them, they would fall in line.”
“No kingdom is built without its hardships.”
Edric nodded, “Can we stop Caspian if he decides to not be so nice?”
Faye’s smile dimmed, “The four of us against Caspian, Suusa and Tyrath, maybe. I’m not sure if he’ll bring anyone else here. Their stats are very high, in the seventies or even eighties. Caspian has mastered several sword techniques and he has a strong harem of various monster girls. If he and Tyrath brought them to their aid, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Faye reached over and placed her hand over Edric’s hand, “We may have to gain more allies and build an actual army. Then he might back off.”
Edric turned his hand and curled his fingers around Faye’s hand. “Even if we last to the first tax collection, it won’t be enough to build an army quickly. We need gold and a lot of it.”
“If Caspian stays in the city, he will continue to make trouble until we are forced to agree to his proposal. I read up on the kingdoms update in Lewd Saga. The trolls and dread lords are not the only ones we have to be concerned about. Players and guilds could invade us. We barely have any protection for our city core. If Caspian smashes it, the city will be no more,” Faye said with a hint of concern.
“I’m not ready to roll over when we just started,” Edric declared. “I hate to say this but we may have to leverage ourselves with old fashion medieval politics.”
The summoner smiled, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Eleven
Edric sat on the edge of his bed, sunlight beaming in from the balcony. The morning glow soothed his tired spirit. He slept about an hour, spending most of the night preparing with Faye, Claudia and Rayna. The three agreed to the plan, knowing full well it was temporary. It still rubbed Claudia the wrong way but the more they discussed it, the more it seemed to make sense in these desperate times. Survival of the kingdom depended on some concessions and as long as they stuck together, they would come out on top. Edric wanted to be sure of their plan but the back of his mind whispered the many ways it could go wrong. He silenced the voice, knowing they had little choice. Caspian was a problem, a strong problem. They had to meet his strength with their own.
The summoner stood up, palm touching his chest. Green robe gently appeared over his nude body, whip at his hip and satchel on the other hip. Hand digging into the satchel, he pulled Leeta’s lock stone and began the summoning incantation. Words flowed like a practiced song until the word of power was uttered. Energy snaked from the stone and struck the floor, an arcane circle appearing. Leeta rose up to her full height before the circle faded away. The ogre eyed her master until something shifted in the room.
Leeta grabbed at the mace hanging from her belt and lifted it up. Edric turned, following her gaze until he too saw the dark figure in the corner of the room. Its shape pixilated and breathed like some monster from the abyss. Leeta took a step toward it but Edric lifted his hand, stopping her in her tracks.
The dark figure took a shaky step forward and then another. Its hands hung at its side as black lines flowed behind the barely humanoid body.
“Who are you,” Edric asked with a concerned tone.
The thing took another trembling step forward and then another before it fell to its knees. Edric didn’t know what possessed him as he rushed over and fell to his knees before it. Tendrils of shadow seemed to roll off the figure as it stayed on its knees, the sunlight pouring in six inches from its body. The light touched Edric as he tried to visually penetrate the darkness to see a face but only cloudy sh
adows twisted and writhed. Leeta stood behind her master, spiked mace in hand and hard eyes on the shadowy figure.
Trembling hands rose up between the summoner and the figure. Edric could see the strain as the figure tried to keep its arms up, hands about a foot apart. Black fingers spread apart and the figure’s head tilted forward.
Edric’s eyes widened as a thin line of glowing red light appeared between the shadow’s fingers. The light stood vertically and the middle began to bend outwards. Leeta’s hands gripped her mace but Edric was lost to the light. The red energy bowed out farther and farther until the light became a crimson oval. Edric was mesmerized, trying to guess what the shadow was trying to say.
Light flashed and a red bolt shot out. It happened so quickly and startled the summoner; Edric threw himself back as the bolt flashed at him. Leeta raised her mace up and brought it down on the shadow. The shadow pixilated as the mace came crashing down and the black form dispersed into globs of fog. Leeta and Edric watched as the globs fell to the floor and slipped into the cracks of stone. A moment later, it was gone.
“I don’t think it was trying to hurt me,” Edric said with saucer sized eyes.
Leeta stepped to his side and helped him to his feet. Edric stood up and stared at the spot where the shadow melted away. Checking himself, there was no marks or damage to his person. He glanced at his stats to be sure.
Edric Temple
Summoner
Hit Points- 70/70
Mana- 120/120
Armor- 5
Strength-13(+1)
Intelligence- 18(+2)
Wisdom- 13(+1)
Dexterity- 14(+1)
Stamina- 19(+3)
Charisma- 19(+3)
Spell Abilities
Charm- 26
Snare- 26
Channel- (+STR/HP/DEX)
Lock Stones (1)
Leeta (Ogre)- HP-220/220
Spells
Summoning Spell- 10 Mana
Summon Demon Spell- 2o Mana
Light Spell- 5 Mana
Primary Skills
Spell Casting- 25
Spell Craft- 12
Gem Craft- 12
Rune Craft- 12
Enchantment- 12
Melee- 14
Wilderness Lore- 13
Equipment
Whip- 5 to 9 damage
Dark Green Robe- 5 Armor
The player could see he took no damage of any kind. A sigh fell from his lips as he looked up to Leeta.
“I’ll tell you the plan as we go. We have some things to complete before our honored guests arrive.”
***
Edric and Leeta walked along the corridor to the throne room. Faye, Claudia and Rayna stood waiting. Voices hushed as they watched the summoner and ogre approach. A solemn silence filled the corridor as they prepared for their parts.
Edric looked to the three women and gave a small smile. “I know this may be hard but for now, it’s our best option. Are we still on board?”
Faye nodded. “As long as it’s temporary, I’m in.”
Claudia nodded, eyes filled with glowing strength.
Rayna’s lips curved into a wicked grin, “I’m ready. Let’s blow their minds.”
Edric kept his smile as he pressed his hands to the door and pushed. The door opened to the majestic throne room. The players stepped out and the throne room stretched on. Tapestries hung from high ceilings. Guards lined each side, spears pressed against shoulders. A red carpet with gold trim flowed from the entrance and up the dais to the four thrones.
Edric smiled as he and his companions stepped to the thrones, eyes on the intricate stone and metal. The royal seating was still stone but fine metals shined against the edges of each one. Symbols were carved into the stone and metal, runes of power and peace for all to see. Red velvet cushions lay and expensive cloth covered the back.
Edric knew it was the last of their gold but they all had to make an impression as a group. The hanging red and gold tapestries had a symbol of a tree with white wings extended from the midsection. All four of them agreed on the symbol, showing growth and blessed protection. As Edric and his companions took their places, he marveled at the tapestries, drinking in the design and the meaning settling on his heart.
The four rulers sat down on each of their thrones, knowing noon was nearly upon them. Leeta stood off to the side, eyes on her master. Edric settled into his seat when the main doors at the opposite end of the chamber opened; Caspian, Suusa and Tyrath walking in their full armor and weapons at their hips.
“Here we go,” Edric whispered.
Faye reached over and curled her fingers over his, “We will be fine.”
Edric squeezed her hand before they let go and rested their hands on the arm rest. Caspian looked ahead to the four thrones while Suusa and Tyrath looked around in astonishment. The former guild leader let a small smirk fill his cheek as he walked along. When they reached the bottom of the dais, they looked up but it was Caspian who spoke first.
“Impressive. It looks better than it did last night.”
“We thought, since this was going to be a big moment, we should have the throne room match the event. Glad you like it,” Edric said.
Caspian eyed the summoner, “But you didn’t have to spend your hard earned gold on such things just for a simple meeting. I know you’re just getting on your feet. I would have been happy to donate to help the kingdom of course.”
Faye leaned forward, “We thank you for your kindness but we thought it would be best to discuss any arrangements about the kingdom first before any exchange of gold takes place.”
Caspian nodded, “I see you want to role play this out. I’m game. We are willing to donate our protective services to help keep the peace in the kingdom. If we can build a guild hall in Elora, we would swear to its protection and pay a tithe of ten percent of our gold to the kingdom.”
Edric nodded, “Very generous. How many players would you bring into your guild if we allow it?”
“I know about fifty players who would be interested. Once we set up a guild hall, I’m sure more will flock to our banner. Being four days from the Middle Kingdoms will be an attractive incentive for many.”
Faye’s oval eyes gazed down to the knight, unblinking. “Since we have known each other from our previous adventures, how will a new guild be different since you disbanded the last one? How will we know you won’t run if the city is ready to fall?”
Caspian’s small smile faded away. “You have my word. We didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel but now, many have expressed interest in trying again. If your city is as magnificent as it appears, this might be our chance to take back the Middle Kingdoms and end the war.”
“We will need more than just assurances,” Faye said with a cold gaze.
Caspian eyed the wood elf, a vein rising against his forehead. “As I said before, we will contribute a sizeable donation to the city treasury. We also ask for the time to prove ourselves before we build our guild hall.”
The knight eyed each of the four rulers but his eyes stayed on Claudia. The lancer’s head was tilted forward, shadows over her eyes. A storm began to brew as he turned his attention back to Edric and Faye.
“What’s going on here? You all look like you’ve made up your mind about something. This isn’t simply role playing. Most cities would kill for guilds to come in for protection.”
Edric smiled. “I’m sure but….I was only part of the Hyperion Guild for a few months. I never had a chance to really get to know everyone. Once it disbanded, some rumors came to light. We just want to make sure it’s a good fit.”
Caspian’s eyes narrowed. “Rumors? You mean what they told you,” Caspian pointed to Faye, Rayna and Claudia. “All guilds have their drama. We did our best to focus on the end result, to defeat the trolls and bring peace back to Lukken. You think disbanding the guild was easy? I fought hard to keep it going but in the end, many thought otherwise.”
The knight’s eyes
took a knowing gleam. “Did they tell you that many in the guild were holding back on their dues? Did they tell you about how many were too busy for guild raids to make sure our coffers were filled? How I pushed on for the greater good but many deemed the fight not important anymore?”
Caspian centered his vision on Rayna, “Did they tell you the whole story about awful things behind closed doors. Things I had to do to fix them. Things I took no pleasure in.”
Rayna stood up, purple irises on the blonde knight, “Tell us your version of events. Tell us about Lola Leafwind.”
Caspian’s jaw clenched before his shoulders relaxed and he took a step back. “Lola was a thief. She had stolen from the guild and she was banned.”
“What about how she was treated by the other captains? What about the threats and e-mails from your captains?” Rayna glared. “We have all seen it. If players don’t fall in line, they get banned. If they don’t follow or sing your praises, they are gone. Your sycophant followers had no problem chasing them out and making their lives so miserable that they didn’t even come back to the game!”
Caspian looked to the bard, a smile blooming. “Is this what this is about? Some players talking shit because they were punished? Last time I checked, none of you ever ran a guild and yet here you are, trying to run a city. Lola was not falling in line and then she assaulted another captain. They were fighting for their lives.”
“Four high powered captains, fighting for their lives against one druid, you really think your shit doesn’t stink,” Rayna sneered.
Caspian turned his gaze to the lancer, “Claudia, you can’t believe what they’re saying about me and the guild. You know I would never do anything to hurt anyone. We were fighting for peace.”
The lancer lifted her head, eyes cold. “I was in your bed when the captains came to you. You thought I was asleep. I heard you go to the doorway and they explained what happened. I didn’t have the whole story so I didn’t think much of it until you said ‘Ban the bitch and make her life a living hell’. I figured you were mad but it felt deeper than that. The way you said it…..it wasn’t stress….it felt like you liked it.”
