Shadow of the Rogue: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Shadow of the Rogue Book 1)

by Quinn Dallas

  Also, permadeath was a literal possibility in this scenario. I didn’t envision any way for this to end favorably for us.

  “Everyone stand down,” a deep masculine voice commanded. Though the door strode a tall and imposing white haired elder.

  His whiskers and hair were entirely gray. He wore long white robes trimmed in gold. The soldiers parted way for him. Even so, the guard captain stood his ground and grunted.

  “Hold Tellus!” the gray-haired man placed his hand on the captain's shoulder. “Shedding blood in this room is sacrilege.”

  The reluctant captain sheathed his blade and stepped back. His narrowed eyes remained locked on me the entire time. “This thief and her criminal gang are under arrest.”

  “I understand,” the mysterious man spoke. “What have you to say for yourself young rogue?”

  The NPC’s gaze was powerful and I became aware that it might be best to show respect.

  “Regal sir,” I bowed low. “We have been wrongly accused. This Priestess and Paladin on a holy quest for the goddess.”

  “He speaks the truth,” Leonidas stepped forward. “We are on a mission of great urgency for the Goddess.”

  “You seek to slay Grymme?” the older man stroked his chin. “I sensed his presence here.”

  “The great dragon who interrupted our holy communion?” Shauna spoke.

  “Ah, then that is what the disturbance was!” he nodded.

  “Yes,” I replied. “A great fire breathing beast of unimaginable power!”

  “I am Varick Stoneblood,” the man answered. “High Wizard of the King’s City.” He nodded his head and then gaze at me. “And you are?”

  “I’m Kira Nightwind,” I responded.

  “Leonidas Strongarm,” our Paladin spoke.

  “I’m Shauna Oakleaf,” the pretty elf then gestured to her friend. “And this is Yvir from the Northlands.”

  “A barbarian warrior,” Varick stroked his beard. “Very interesting.”

  “Cairngorm the Mage,” the dark haired magic user held out his hand. Varick regarded the gesture suspiciously and simply nodded. I noted his reluctance to shake hands with the dark wizard.

  “And this is my vassal Mahk the Orcess,” I gestured towards my imposing pet. She simply grunted. Orcs hated social formalities.

  “You are all well met,” he said. “And I have use for strangers such as you.” He then spoke the guard captain. “These pilgrims mean no harm to us. Consider them under my protection

  “With all due respect, sir,” the Captain's face flushed red. “They escaped from jail and injured my men.”

  “Were any killed?” Varick asked.

  “No High-Mage,” the angry man shook his head.

  “Then no real harm was done.” Varick waved his hand. “You and your men may go. These are my charges now.”

  “That may be dangerous,” the Guard Captain protested.

  “Am I not capable of protecting myself?” Varick's eyes darkened and he focused his gaze on his subordinate.

  “Apologies,” the Guardsman bowed his head in deference.

  “Then away good Captain. I have this matter well under control.”

  With that the Guard Captain turned sharply on his heels. His soldiers followed him out the door. Soon we were all alone in the candle lit shrine. I took some time to bring up my HUD to inspect Varick.

  “Holy shit,” my eyes widened. “He’s an Epic Level NPC” I whispered.

  “He must be part of the quest line!” Leonidas whispered.

  “Follow me,” Varick headed towards the door. “I would suggest that you not try to escape.”

  We followed Varick out of the Chapel. The night breeze was crisp and the sounds of revelers filled the night.

  “Once a year, we open the palace grounds to celebrate the goodness of Ashtara.” Varick walked at a steady clip. He was surprisingly spry for a man of his advanced years. I kept pace with him and listened intently.

  “It’s very generous of King Alaric to do so,” I replied.

  “It’s a tradition that dates back to the very first Tiberian Monarch- Queen Iseult.” The old wizard continued, “However it opens the royal family to danger. There is almost always an attempt to take the Kings life.”

  “Then why do it?” Shauna increased her walking pace and came to Varick’s side.

  “Because it is tradition and in the King’s City, Tradition is everything!” Varick quickened his pace.

  I took in his words. The NPC’s were programmed to follow a strict code of behavior. They had no free will but their AI was highly adaptable.

  My thoughts went back to the appearance of Grymme. He seemed to be the exception. The rogue AI had gone completely off script and was now acting on his own.

  “What has the dragon to do with this?” I asked.

  “Grymme has been amassing power in the wastelands.” Varick replied. “Dragons are wise and wily beasts, but usually give the affairs of men a wide breadth.”

  “But not this Dragon,” Leonidas interrupted.

  “You are correct Paladin,” Varick said. “Grymme seeks to rule the entire world. I have foreseen a great darkness rising in the desert. One that will doom us all. The dragon has amassed a great network of spies and assassins.”

  “What do you expect from us?” Yvir spoke.

  “For whatever reason, Ashtara has chosen you to help us.” The Wizard paused. “I don’t pretend to understand her will, I am no priest. But it is clear to me she has marked you for this quest.”

  “Do you know of Rolf Alehorn?” Shauna asked.

  “A more wily thief has never existed!” the Wizard laughed. “Why do you seek him.”

  “He is important to our quest,” Leonidas replied.

  “I will put out an inquiry,” Varick answered. ‘We should be able to find out where he is, thief or no.” We reached a great oaken door and the Wizard gestured. Strange glowing runes appeared and the door swung open. “Follow me.”

  We stepped into a torch lit hallway. Our feet tapping against the cold stone floor as the Wizard led us towards a great room. He gestured again and the door swung open easily on well-oiled hinges.

  Beyond it we saw that the chamber walls decorated with wood paneling, and the stone ceiling and floor were hidden by bright marble tiles.

  Several large and well-stuffed chairs are arranged about the room along with some small reading tables. It was indeed a vast library. Shelves of books lined the walls and a stack of scrolls lay on the table.

  “Welcome to the Tiberian Lore Hall” he said with great ceremony.

  “Imagine the spells stored here!” Cairngorm grinned wide. His dark eyes crackling with purple power. I could only imagine what devilish mischief our Wizard was contemplating.

  “You may study the lower ranked spells,” the Wizard spoke. “But the higher level spell books are locked to you Dark Mage.”

  “I see,” he replied. “Well, can’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” With that he began to busily thumb through a large book.

  “Why did you bring us here?” I asked.

  “To tell start you on your quest.” Varick responded. He unrolled an age map. We all examined it and gasped. The shadow of an enormous dragon creeped over it. Engulfing entire kingdoms as it grew.

  “Holy Crap,” Leonidas uttered. “It’s taking over the world!”

  “This map shows the lands now under Grymme’s rule,” the gray-haired wizard spoke.

  “Holy Shit, at this rate he’ll overtake us soon” Yvir gasped.

  “How in the hell are going to beat him? His army must be massive!” Cairngorm groaned.

  “With me as your guide,” Varick spoke. “As you complete my quests you will grow in experience and power.”

  “Holy Crap!” my mouth fell open. “He’s an advanced level contact!”

  The wizard waved his hands, “With my blessing the experience you gain will be doubled. Learn fast young ones!”

  “Fuck Yeah,” Yvir pumped her fist in th
e air. “Double XP!!”

  “Do you think GM Jason,” had anything to do with this?” I asked Leonidas. “Yup. Check out that NPC’s face,” he whispered. “Does he look familiar?”

  I narrowed my vision and soon it dawned on me. Varick looked very much like an older version of the GM. I couldn’t believe our luck. The Wizard gestured again and a floating treasure chest appeared before each of us.

  “Open the box,” he commanded. “Inside you will find special gear to aid you on your quests. When you finish each quest, you will return to me for additional training.”

  I opened the chest and peered inside. I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Well this will be useful,” I said. Then I reached inside to claim to my loot.

  CHAPTER 8

  “Sweet!” Excitement flooded through me. Inside the chest lay a leather pouch and a dark cloak. I held the pouch up and examined it. Then I pulled up my display screen to read the description.

  ITEM NAME: THIEVES KIT

  DESCRIPTION:

  THIS POUCH NOT ONLY HOLDS YOUR LOOT BUT CONTAINS ALL THE TOOLS A GOOD THIEF NEEDS. INCLUDING LOCK PICKS, SMOKE BOMBS, AND CALTROPS.

  Next, I pulled out the cloak and examined it. It was made of soft cloth. The fabric was black with light-silver trim on the edges.

  The trim was actually intricate runes. Some kind of magical enchantment that had been woven into the fabric itself. I scrolled through my items list and read.

  VANDAL’S CLOAK (+STEALTH)

  THIS CLOAK IMPROVES YOUR STEALTH ABILITIES.

  Underneath the cloak was a pair of dark soft leather boots. Like the cloak there it was trimmed in silver runes. I pulled them on as I read what properties it had.

  ELVEN BOOTS (+RUN SPEED)

  WEARING THESE BOOTS WILL INCREASE HOW FAST YOU RUN!

  “Damn this is awesome!” Yvir let out a rebel yell as she swung a silver hammer around her head. I noticed that it was blunt at one side, while being sharp on the other.

  “This mofo does crushing and bleeding damage!” she yelped.

  “Plus, it can do extra damage to undead things.” Then she pulled out a metallic bustier. The skimpy armor left her midriff exposed.

  “And this impractical looking item,” she grinned. “Provides protection from all damage!”

  “You wouldn't think so by looking at it,” Leonidas quipped.

  “The hazards of being a girl gamer!” the barbarian replied.

  “Wow!” Shauna grinned wide. “Gloves of healing and a magical bow” She slipped on the gloves.

  “These boost my healing by a ton!”

  “Check this out!” Leonidas held up a glistening long sword. “Blade of Lightning! It deals electrical damage on attack!” Then he held up a shield, “And this provides me and nearby allies with a damage protection!”

  “No fair you got the extra good gear!” she shook her head.

  “I’m a freaking tank!” he answered.

  “What’s this?” Cairngorm muttered as he pulled out an unremarkable looking ring. It didn’t look like much, just a tarnished silver band. “Damn,” he moaned. “I always get the junk roll! I can’t even see its stats!”

  “Put it on,” Varick spoke. “See what it does.”

  The dark mage put on the ring and then a deathly glow surrounded him. Then he gestured. The ground in front of him rumbled.

  I heard the sound of something scratching beneath the stone floor. Suddenly bony hands burst up through the ground. Then a strange creature pulled itself upward. Standing before him was a skeletal warrior. The undead thing was armed with scimitars and wore a tarnished breastplate.

  “Holy Shit!” Cairngorm revealed his shark-like smile. “A bone warrior!”

  “That is the ring of TA-SET,” the wizard nodded. “Use it wisely dark one. It will grow in power as you gain experience.”

  I noticed that Mahk was observing us. While I was certain the AI pet couldn’t really feel. Guilt overwhelmed that she was left out. Surely there was something I could do to reward her for loyal service.

  “Sir Varick,” I questioned him. “May I ask a favor for my loyal Orc companion?”

  “You may,” Varick entertained my request.

  “I don’t think she should accompany us further, but perhaps you can find a use for her?”

  Varick scanned the lady Orc and then stroked his beard thoughtfully. “She is in sore need of training and equipment.”

  “I know,” I said. “I don’t think I can provide either for her at this moment.”

  “I will take her under my wing.” he said. “We’ve never had an Orc in the royal guard.”

  “The royal guard,” Mahk perked up.

  “Yes,” he replied. “Go visit the Captain. Tell him I’ve sent you for enlistment. I will further instructions for you both later.”

  The Orc bowed low. “Thank you great mage!” Then she turned to me and spoke, “Mistress Kira, your kindness towards me will never be forgotten.” With that she headed out the door.

  “That was a slick move,” Leonidas winked.

  “What are you talking about?” I asked.

  “You placed an operative in the royal palace. Now we have a contact for useful information!”

  That hadn’t really been my intent. But I understood that intrigue was also part of the game. If we were stuck in here we might as well do our best to set ourselves up for success.

  No doubt other players would be doing the same. Like it or not, we had no guarantee that we’d be able to unlock all the clues in the mission chain. In the meantime we should do our best to assimilate and build up a power base.

  Especially, if we were going to achieve a high enough level to defeat a world class boss like Grymme. But we off to a damned good start with the equipment and XP bonus that Varick Stoneblood had blessed us with.

  “Are you ready for the task I have before you?” Varick asked.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  “As ready as ever,” Leonidas sheathed his blade.

  “Then let me brief you what needs to be done.” The old wizard sat in a red velvet lined chair. “Tonight the King is hosting a ball. Only the highest of nobles will be in attendance. It is also an opportune time for Grymme’s Assassin to strike.”

  “How do you know?” I asked.

  “My own network of spies is both formidable and extensive,” Varick spoke. “I have reason to believe that Grymme has sent his most able agent- Tolan Gath.”

  “Never heard of him.” Shauna tugged at her new healing gloves.

  “He is a most able killer,” Varick continued. “One the best Shadow Thieves in Tiberia.”

  “So how do we find him?” I asked.

  “We most use subtlety and intrigue to catch one such as him,” Varick explained. “Each of you must attend the ball tonight to catch him.”

  “A royal ball,” Leonidas groaned. “That’s so boring.”

  “I promise you it’s anything but,” Varick continued. “Hundreds of scheming nobles and their agents will be about. And it will be your job to protect King Alaric from them.”

  “What do we do?” I asked the old man.

  “You three will go disguised as servants.” Varick got up. “The Dark Mage will stay here for now. The rest of you please follow me.”

  “Being a servant doesn’t sound like fun,” Yvir groaned as we went out the door.

  “Perhaps,” Varick answered. “But nobles tend to not pay attention to the servants. Their tongues wag and wine loosens their inhibitions. Listen carefully to all that is said. And keep a watchful eye on our King.”

  We stepped back out into the hall and Varick led us to another door. Her turned the knob and pushed it open. We found ourselves in a large and bustling kitchen.

  Servants paid us no notice and kept about their work. Varick scanned the room and the called out. ‘Griselda! I have more servants for you!”

  “It’s about time!” a chubby middle-aged woman approached us. Her hair was pulled into a bun and she wore stained apron. “I
’ve been cooking since dawn. But there is much work to be done. I asked the King to double my staff!”

  “These gentle folk will help you tonight!” he gestured to us.

  “They don’t look like much,” she looked us over. “I hope they are used to hard work.”

  “Of course,” he assured her. “But we need to dress them appropriately.”

  “Yes we do!” Griselda replied. “I have proper dresses and aprons for the women.”

  “Dresses?” Shauna snorted.

  “Aprons?”I rolled my eyes.

  “I don’t know what kind of strumpets ye’ normally be!” The head cook threw up her hands. “But tonight you will be properly dressed servants of Alaric’s household.” She poked Yvir in the belly with her rolling pin. “You certainly won’t be gallivanting about half-dressed!”

  “I already don’t like this,” Yvir replied.

  “Trust me,” Varick winked. “You will have your share of adventure. For now obey Griselda and do your best to blend in the rest of the servants.”

  “This could be fun!” I said.

  “Follow me lassies and lad” Griselda waved her hand and we followed her into the dusty back room. “There are proper servants uniforms hanging in here. You should find clothing that’s a good fit.”

  “We are going to share a dressing room?” Leonidas brightened.

  “Turn around you horn dog,” Shauna commanded. “You ain’t getting a free show!”

  He blushed and turned his back. I’d never actually been in the same room as a naked guy before. So i snuck a quick peek at Leo as he changed trousers. I didnt see much, but nothing about his body seemed interessting to me. On the other hand it took all of my self control not to steal a quick glance at Shauna. The super femme elf-girl was just my type. But i respected her privacy and kept my eyes averted. I actually wasnt sure where her preferences lay. But now certainly wasnt the time to find out!

  We all dressed quickly. Putting on the clothing of royal servants. The blouses were quite low-cut, revealing more cleavage than I normally liked. The skirts were too long and the hard shoes pinched my feet. Leo had donned a light-blue tunic embroidered with the King’s royal crest, two ravens seated on a throne.