“Perhaps your eyesight is getting weak, hunter. You missed a black dragon.”
The hunter looked, grumbled under his breath, and threw his cards away. He placed another bet and glared at Rohini.
“You’re new here, aren’t you?” He stiffened.
“Yes. But I’m not unfamiliar with the legends of mines. I never believed in them, myself. Old stories. Dwarves, diamonds, emeralds, gold. A lot of silly child’s stories is all.”
“No, miss. Those stories are real. Not myths, although many legends grew of out the tales that were factual. I knew them to be true myself when I was a child,” said an older player who had been silently playing his cards, but listening in on the conversation.
“Really? You saw the mines when you were a child?” Rohini smiled at the old man.
“Yes, miss. I was almost captured by the dwarfs when I was twelve. The rule was, back in those days, if you entered the mines, you were fair game. We had a treaty with the dwarfs back in those days. If they entered the forest, we could shoot them. If we entered the mines, they could enslave us. Fact is, those treaties were set up just to keep dwarf children and the village children from wandering off. No dwarf was ever shot, not for simply being in the woods, at any rate. Nor were any of us children enslaved and made to work in the diamond mines. But the mines were real; I was inside one once myself.”
“I told you so,” the hunter said. “I knew I’d seen an old dwarf mine when I saw it. I didn’t see no dwarfs. But I had sense enough to stay clear of the mine.”
Rohini thought for a moment. She needed a good way to get information without seeming like she actually cared about the mines themselves.
“I bet you saw a cave,” she said.
“How much you willing to bet, miss?”
“Three or four bars of gold, I’d wager, if you aren’t scared, that is.”
“I ain’t scared. How about five bars?”
“Five bars it is, with the following condition: you have to guide my party to the mine by sunset tomorrow. If you do, you win five bars, if not, I win five bars. If you lead us to a cave, you forfeit an extra bar for stupidity.”
“How about if I lead you there with enough sunlight remaining in the day to make camp, roast hare, and boil potatoes, you owe me an extra bar for your arrogance?”
“Deal.”
They shook.
...........................
A Wager
A wager with: Sam, Treyolum. Huntsman.
Amount: Five bars of gold with a bonus of one bar for certain conditions
[Select for Terms]
...........................
In the morning the party left the village with two new members, one a temporary guide, the huntsmen, the second was a witch. The witch had been looking for a better paying job and had convinced Ruthann that she knew enough about magic, the local mountains, and the old dwarf legends, to warrant employment by the Princess.
Good to his word, the huntsman guided the troop through a series of crisscrossing trails, switchbacks, and rope bridges over deep gorges, to a long narrow valley that ended at an entrance to a mine.
“Well, I’ll be the stubborn fool,” the Princess said.
...........................
Wager Lost
Wager outcome: Lost.
Amount owed: Six gold bars.
Settle wager now: Y/N?
Auto-settle future wagers with this player: Y/N?
...........................
The Princess settled her bet. Six gold bars were transferred to the huntsmen, Sam Treyolum. He thanked her, laughed about her cynicism, and bid the troop farewell.
“I wouldn’t stay camped here for long,” he said. He had mounted his pony. “Your cooking will waft into the mines, and you’ll have a unit of war dwarves out here looking for slaves.” He laughed, gave his pony a slap on its rear, and galloped off.
“Set up a watch,” Rohini said. Then she approached the witch. “Tell me what you think.”
“There are no dwarfs close, my lady. I would smell them. My charms tell me that you have a great mission. My spirits tell me that a great war is coming. I suspect your mission has something to do with this war. For the people, I will serve you above and beyond my agreed upon pay, my lady. I too, wish for peace.”
“What else do you know of the war?”
“Only that the Nagants are a great house of Lords and Gods. Their monks are ancient masters. They come from another world outside of our world. They are fair judges, my lady, but they do not interfere as the lesser gods do. I cannot summon their help. I know that your enemy will be as fierce and as dedicated as you, my lady, however, they too, will not be helped by the Nagant masters, only judged on the battlefield, according to their own merits.”
“I see.” The Princess thought deeply about the implications of this coming war.
“Tell me, witch. Do your spirits give you guidance as to our mission?”
“They tell me that your instinct to find the mines and enter them is a worthy quest. If you are successful, you’ll discover a safe haven, but the route goes through dangerous mines, caverns, and tunnels. We’ll face the risk of getting lost, captured by dwarves, and being attacked by creatures. Dragonlings, bats, lizards, snakes, and other things I cannot speak of, least they hear me and notice, all dwell underground, in the mines, in the caves, and under the mountains.”
...........................
A Quest.
The following quest is available:
Enter the mines and seek a sanctuary.
Accept quest: Y/N?
...........................
The Princess accepted the quest and informed her party.
“We leave after first light, sleep well tonight, my friends. Tomorrow we enter an unknown world.”
CHAPTER TEN
Sometimes I think Earth has got to be the insane asylum of the universe.
~ Forrest J. Ackerman
For forty-five years now—no, forty-six— I’ve been telling young men that to die for country and honor is a glorious gift they should accept with pride.
~ Major Blank
...........................
Dale Brown was in the middle of his third day of orientation when an announcement interrupted all the new students.
...........................
Message from Vice-Dean Bold
Accept Y/N?
...........................
Dale accepted the message.
...........................
Message from Vice-Dean Bold
To: Dale Brown (duplicate message to all incoming students)
Attention: All students are required to meet in the West Hall meeting room at 1300 hours today.
Will you be attending: Y/N?
...........................
Dale sent his affirmation and tried to put the meeting details out of his mind. However, something in the back of his head made him think that this was not going to be good news. He finished his required tasks and went to lunch.
“Anybody have any idea what this meeting is about?” A student at his table asked everyone.
“No idea,” said another student.
“Probably nothing to get worked up about,” said a female student who was obviously anxious about it.
“It’s going to be something to do with the government. I saw officials from the Governor’s office and military police here this morning. Something about the Nagants and the war, no doubt.”
“I thought we were exempt,” said another.
“I thought so, too,” Dale said.
“It’s the government, man. Nobody is ever exempt from anything.”
...........................
When the meeting started, the Vice-Dean introduced a major from the Earth United Defense Army. The students clapped politely, but it was apparent that they were nervous and anxious.
“Students,” the Major said. He spoke with a clipped military tone.
“My name is Major Blank. I’m the Commander of Recruitment for the state of Ohio. I serve under the auspices of the Earth United Defense Army, and at the pleasure of our great president, President Shepard, Commander of the North American Division. I’m here today to speak to you about your responsibilities and requirements under the law. Congress, in passing The Haight-Frank-Todd Emergency Bill, has ensured our citizens that nothing is more crucial to them than the peace and safety of the American people. Your generation is being called upon to do your duty to your country. Rest assured that nothing asked of you is beyond what previous generations of Americans have done so that you could be here today.”
Dale and the other students sat still and silent like they were at a wake for a best friend. Nobody had suspected that the course of their lives would have changed so rapidly, but there was no denying that the world was changing.
“I understand that you bright and outstanding students may be experiencing a feeling of apprehension right about now. I understand. You’ve started a path to build a better future. I want you to understand that in order for that future to be possible, there must be a future. The Nagant War has begun. There is no stopping it. There is no backing out. There is no surrender.
“Students. Understand that you will not be asked to give more than your lives. The trials for inclusion into the EUDA begin shortly for your group. You’ll be required to enter and test at full capacity. Failure to appear, or failure to test at capacity, which I’m confident none of you here would be so dishonorable to do, are punishable by law. In some cases, by execution.
“You’ll be notified of all requirements and a duty schedule. Good day, students. I turn you back over to your Vice-Dean.”
He walked off the stage. The class was silent. The Vice-Dean approached the dais and spoke.
“Students. I wish to remind you that under the law your positions at the school cannot be jeopardized or lost in any way other than by an act of treason. I’m most confident that will never be an issue. I want to reiterate that the law is quite strict on the matter of testing. We’ve been required to surrender your records to the military, something I was loath to do. Regretfully the state of fear is such that martial law could be declared any day. I do not wish to push the boundaries. Students, you must test to the fullest of your capacity. I can assure you, that upon returning from war, you’ll be placed into the next available slot here at the University.”
Dale felt a dull ache in the pit of his stomach.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Most people don't believe something can happen until it already has. That's not stupidity or weakness, that's just human nature.
~ Max Brooks
Events are improbable until they happen.
~ Declanian Proverb
...........................
For the next few days after the visit from the Major, the mood on campus was depressing. Students spoke in whispers about conspiracies and war and what these things meant to their lives.
“Has anyone heard of the Troth?” A student asked during lunch.
“What is that?” someone else said.
“It’s a secret group,” the first student answered. “They are against the war and conscription. They believe—”
“Quiet. Don’t speak of it here. Fool.” A dark-eyed Japanese student spoke to the group. Dale knew him by reputation only; students whispered rumors that he was a spy for the Japanese government. It was, Dale thought, most likely a story invented by schoolboys with too much imagination.
“Do you know about this group?” Dale asked the student.
...........................
Message
Arthan62arta wishes to send you a message.
Accept: Y/N?
...........................
Dale accepted the message. He looked towards the student who had ignored his question. The Japanese student stood and looked away. He was tall and had a long braided ponytail that hung down his back. He didn’t look back.
...........................
Message from Arthan62arta
Quit staring. I’ll meet you in the Venus Gardens at 20:30 hours tonight if you’d like to know more. Do not trust the message system or any other communication except face to face.
...........................
Proposed Meeting
Accept meeting: Y/N?
Delay answer: Y/N?
...........................
Dale accepted the meeting. What could it hurt? He was curious, and he had a lot of anxiety about the upcoming trials for the military. He only wanted to follow his career path. To be left alone to create things was his dream.
...........................
At the agreed upon time, Dale entered the Venus Gardens. The gardens were designed with rare plants and rock sculptures. They were located on a mid-level balcony of the school’s main building where a vast view of the sky created a backdrop for the plants, and an infinity edge of greenery blocked the view of the city. The night was clear, a half moon in the distance poked through light clouds. Stars were visible. Dale felt a sense of wonder and dread.
“Thank you for coming,” the tall Japanese student said. “My name is Akio. I’ve been studying you, Dale Brown. I’ve researched your gaming, and your creative abilities. I know your feelings about the war.”
“And?”
“I know you don’t want to join a senseless war.”
“True.”
“But you feel that fate has given you no choice.”
“True again.”
“Can you be trusted, Dale Brown?” Akio stared at him with dark eyes.
“I suppose it depends,” Dale said.
“Yes, I do suppose that as well.”
“I can be trusted to follow my word.”
“Fair enough. I want to tell you about a secret society that opposes the conscription of free men. You’ll be safe listening to our offer; you’ll not be safe if you join us. I’d like to offer you the chance to consider it.”
“Can I have some time to think before I answer?” Dale was curious, but he didn’t want to commit to something he didn’t understand.
“Three days. After that, we will be a whisper in the wind. Do not ever speak of this meeting, not to anyone. If you’d like to hear more, send me a message within three days time. You should only send me a message regarding your DragonFly Programming. Simply message me that the language is easy for you and you’d like to offer me some aid in my studies. If you choose not to meet, do not message me.”
They shook hands.
...........................
Dale messaged Akio the next day. He wanted to know more. He received a note, written on actual paper, later that evening.
A pretty woman bumped into him while he was in the cafeteria.
“Excuse me,” she said.
“It’s, ummmmm…” Dale stared.
She had the sculpted face of a doll and large green eyes. He couldn’t tell if she was Japanese or Korean, perhaps a mix, but she was definitely Asian, and she became more attractive to him the longer he stared at her like an idiot.
She took Dale’s hand and placed a small item in it.
“Don’t mention it,” she said. “Read the message and then eat it.”
She whispered her instructions so that even Dale could barely hear her.
“It’s rice paper and adzuki bean ink.” She looked down to the floor and walked away.
Dale watched her. She was beautiful. He had not thought about girls for a long time. Ever since…
Too much of a distraction.
Women…
Hell…
...........................
The Message on Rice Paper
Take the Grand Park Train to the Western Mall transfer station on Saturday at 1600 hours. Walk one block south on 123rd Street. Enter the sushi restaurant Schooling Ahi and ask the hostess to seat you in the Samurai room.
...........................
On Saturda
y, Dale dressed casually and told a few of his acquaintances that he felt like doing some exploring in the city.
“You want some company, dude?” One of the students who lived on his floor asked.
“No, not this time. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Maybe next time.”
He left on foot and walked a block. The school building was even bigger than he’d realized during the time he’d spent inside. Over-the-street bridges connected secondary buildings, so the campus took up more than two city blocks. After walking a mile, Dale requested a Zipcar and took it to the train station, where he caught the train as specified in this message.
He got off at the Western Mall station and began to walk down 124rd street.
A Zipcar stopped in front of him, and the door opened.
“Get in.”
It was Akio. Dale jumped into the back of the car.
“I thought I was supposed to—”
“There is no sushi restaurant. That was a misdirect. In case you betrayed us or if you were followed.”
“I see. Where are we going?”
Akio didn’t answer him; instead he lifted his arm and sprayed Dale in the face with a sweet smelling mist.
Dale slept.
...........................
Dale awoke to the smell of coffee. He was hungry and stiff, but unharmed.
“Welcome back,” Akio said.
“What happened?” Dale asked.
“A mild sleep potion. Nothing harmful, my friend. It is for your protection as well as ours.”
“I see.”
“Please, drink, and eat.”
Dale was famished.
There was a low table with pillows instead of chairs. There were ten place settings. Besides coffee, there were pots of green tea and bottles of saki. The dishes ranged from pots of noodles that were set over low flames and steaming hot, to plates of tempura, sushi, and sashimi.
Nagant Wars: A LitRPG Novel (Nagant Wars Series Book 1) Page 5
