Defenders of the Realm

by Dave Willmarth

  She nodded solemnly, saying “I feel safer already. Lainey will need to make you a harness and sheath, so you can wear that on your back.”

  Taking that as a mission, Fibble bolted toward the door, already shouting “Lainey! Lainey! Fibble need hardhead sheep! You make sheep!”. With his increased speed, he was gone in seconds.

  Sasha asked “Should we message Lainey and warn her?”

  “Ha! No way. In fact, if you’re still watching guys, please record what’s about to happen. I want to watch it later!” Alexander chuckled at the mental picture of Lainey trying to figure out what hardhead sheep meant.

  Sasha rolled her eyes at him, but he could see she was trying to suppress a smile. “Poor Lainey.”

  The two of them made their way downstairs. Alexander needed to visit Kings Charles and Thalgrin to discuss the alliance, and update them on recent events. As they walked, he said “Jeeves, loudspeaker please.”

  “Go ahead, Alexander” Jeeves replied. Alexander noted the change from ‘master’.

  He made his announcement. “Attention everyone. I’ll be opening a portal to Stormforge in about ten minutes. If you’ve got business there and want to tag along, we’ll be meeting in the courtyard. I’ll also be going to Broken Mountain, probably right after lunch.”

  Alexander was tempted to poke his head into Lainey’s leatherworking shop just to see what was happening. But she saved him the trouble. She met them by the main doors leading out to the courtyard, Fibble jumping around behind her. “What the hell is a hard-headed sheep and why does Fibble need one? And what kind of crack is he on? Did you give him too many cookies?”

  Sasha burst out laughing as Alexander tried to maintain a straight face. “He needs a harness and sheath for his new sword.” He got through the whole sentence without laughing, but the look on Lainey’s face sent him over the edge. He burst out laughing, tears forming in his eyes. When he could get a deep breath, he said “Fibble just got stats. Thirty points each in agility and luck.”

  Lainey looked at the little goblin hero jumping about, bouncing off the walls and doing backflips while giggling to himself. Her frustration faded, and she smiled. “I can do a harness and sheath.” She pronounced them very slowly and clearly for Fibble, who stopped and nodded his head. “Yes! Lainey make Fibble hardhead sheep!” And he was off again.

  Lugs, Helga, Benny and Beatrix joined them in the courtyard. Having started again at level 1 a couple days ago, all three had picked up several levels from the experience gained during Chaos Nation battle and needed to visit their class trainers. Upon seeing his buddy Lugs, who was still hung over from the night’s partying, Fibble ran and leapt toward the ogre. He hit Lugs squarely in the chest and bounced off as the unsteady ogre staggered a step backward. Lugs managed to catch the little goblin in one hand as he regained his balance. “What the hell? Did somebody put a rocket pack up his ass?”

  Fibble grinned widely and pointed to his feet. “Feets got fast!”

  Sasha quickly explained to everyone what had happened as Brick and Grumpy approached the group. Both dwarves were also clearly hungover. Grumpy was amused by the sight of Fibble, now frozen by the npc lock due to the conversation surrounding him, standing like a statue in the palm of Lug’s hand.

  He still had his new sword in hand, and Grumpy took a closer look. “The engraving says ‘Demon Killer’” he grinned.

  Alexander said “That was made at the dragon forge at Greystone Manor. A gift from one of the apprentices.”

  Brick nodded. “Aye, and it would be demon killer, too. Weapons made in tha’ forge be blessed by the gods o’ light.” He winked at Fibble, who was now unfrozen and waving the sword about. He nearly sliced Lugs’ arm before Lainey took control of him and led him back to her shop for his sheath in the interest of public safety.

  Silverbeard appeared with Lola and asked for a portal to Antalia. He wanted to visit the two new properties, then ask for an audience with the queen’s representative to discuss establishing an embassy. Alexander opened the portal, asking “Shouldn’t I go with you? To make the request to the queen, I mean?”

  Silverbeard shook his head. “Ye can make the request yerself. But let me discuss the terms with her people before ye do. I’d say tomorrow be soon enough.” And with a wave he stepped through the portal.

  The group waited a few more minutes as others joined them. When the ten-minute clock ran out, Alexander opened the portal. Guild members and citizens passed through to the compound in Stormforge and dispersed to go about their business.

  Alexander headed for the palace. He was sure that the king had already heard about the previous day’s events, but felt he should speak to Charles himself. He fought the feeling of needing to ‘report’ the way he did as a knight-advisor. He was an equal, at least in title, to Charles now.

  They would need to discuss details of the proposed alliance as well.

  He had just exited the compound and was passing the merchant’s guild house when he caught a motion out of the corner of his eye. Before he could even turn, three drow had dropped from atop the wall.

  He shouted in alarm, and the guards at the palace gates a half block away took up the call as they came running. The guards inside the merchant’s compound lay dead.

  Alexander began to cast a shield on himself but was too slow. One of the drow wrapped her arms around him from behind, pinning his arms with surprising strength. Another drove a dagger into his chest. When it didn’t penetrate, the third drow reached in and grabbed Alexander’s chin, tiling his head back while drawing a dagger across his throat. As he did so, he said “The dark one sends his greetings. This is for disturbing his plans in Antalia.”

  The drow dropped him as he bled out. He managed to cast wizard’s fire on one of them, the damage over time preventing him from going back into stealth as the guards arrived. As his vision went dark, Alexander hit the stones of the street, and he could see more guards pouring out of the gate. He went into the grey world of limbo as his respawn counter ticked away.

  As soon as he respawned in his sitting room at the keep, his UI lit up with guild chat.

  Brick was shouting “They be drow! Killed Alexander in the street in front o’ Lydia’s place! Captain Redmond’s got one, the others be vanished. Everyone find a safe spot. We’ll get ye an escort back to the compound.”

  Sasha was cursing quite profusely. It made Alexander chuckle despite his anger at being killed.

  Jules was trying to speak over everyone. “Alexander?? Are you okay?”

  Alexander spoke up to reassure her. “I’m fine everybody. It’s okay Jules. Just a game, remember? I’m back at the keep. I’ll be in the compound in a minute. They must have been high level drow. They took me down in about three seconds. I only had time to tag one of them.”

  Max spoke up. “I’m out front now. The drow they’ve captured is level 80. Don’t know what the others were. The guards and some mages from the guild are searching the merchant’s compound now. I can see several dead guards through the gate. The drow must have been expecting you. Couldn’t have left dead guards laying around for long, or they would have been spotted.”

  Alexander checked his gear and log. He hadn’t lost anything of real value when he died. A few hundred gold out of what he was carrying. The experience loss was more annoying. He quickly pulled up his stat sheet.

  Mage: Alexander Level 60Build: Ranged magic/Melee dps

  Health: 28,000Experience 0/400,000 Attribute pts avail: 15

  Mana: 24,000 Skill pts avail: 5

  Stamina: 14(27)Dexterity: 6 Armor: 240 Health Regen: 130

  Strength: 12(28) Wisdom: 70(99) Defense: 150 Mana Regen: 220

  Agility: 12(22)Intel: 70(99) Phys Attack: 65 Magic Attack: 180

  Luck: 14(22)Charisma: 12 Stam Regen: 28 Race: Elf

  Could have been worse he thought to himself. Lost all the xp I gained since I last leveled but didn’t drop back to 59. Damn, that dagger hurt. Getting killed sucks.

  Like a lightn
ing bolt, he was struck with panic. In guild chat he asked “Did anybody check on Lydia? I was right in front of her shop!” If she was dead, and her baby with her…

  Max replied instantly. “Lydia’s right here. She’s fine. Not a scratch. She actually helped the guards take down the captured drow. Threw some kind of potion in his face. Momma bear is a badass!” He chuckled.

  Alexander let loose a sigh of relief as his gut unclenched. He gave one last check of his gear, then teleported back to the compound. He chose the balcony outside his quarters, as he didn’t know how many people would be running about. Looking down, he saw Jules in the courtyard waiting for him. Several of the dwarven smiths were standing around her, shields and weapons at the ready.

  He jogged through his room and down the stairs. Exiting the house, he waved to Jules as she ran to him.

  Five feet away she launched herself at him, wrapping arms and legs around his body. “I was worried.” she whispered into his ear.

  He hugged her tight and kept his tone of voice light. “I only got my head nearly sliced off. I mean, it wasn’t like they dropped a nuke on me. I’ve died much worse than that!” He tried to set her down, but she held on. After a moment, he said “Uhhh… Jules? People are starting to stare. If you want to snuggle, we can go back inside…”

  She snorted and slapped the side of his head playfully. Letting go of him, she stood in front of him and stared into his eyes. “Sasha and your dad were worried that after last time, if you died…” her voice trailed off.

  Alexander understood. “You were worried I wouldn’t wake up. Relax. I mean, all you would have had to do is have Brick kiss me again.”

  That got a laugh. She smiled at him, then put her arm through his and began to lead him out through the gates. “The others are out here.”

  As they reached the street, Alexander shook his head. Apparently, by ‘the others’ Jules had meant every guard in the city, several hundred bystanders, and nearly his entire guild. All of them standing around the spot where his body had fallen. Guards were dashing off in different directions as the captain issued orders. Sasha was talking to Lydia, Brick, and Max. Several of the king’s guard stood nearby watching over Lydia as well.

  When she saw him, Sasha said “I hear you screamed like a little girl when they killed you.” Causing Max and Brick to grin.

  Alexander played along. “I tried, but they were too fast. All I managed was a bit of a gurgle. Not very dignified, I’m afraid.”

  Brick slapped him on the back and said “Aye, a king should be dyin’ with more style. Big explosions, the ground covered in the bodies of yer foes.” He looked around the corpse-free street conspicuously. “Ye didn’t even kill one of em!”

  Alexander adopted a look of mock shame. “I guess I’m not fit to be a king. I think you should take over, Brick.” At which point the dwarf looked horrified and backed away. As the others had a laugh at Brick’s expense, Alexander felt his ring vibrate.

  King Charles’ voice sounded in his ear. “Alexander, I would appreciate it, if you would come and speak with me.”

  Alexander immediately said “Got a summons from the ring. From the King. Err, from the king’s ring. Dammit! Gotta go. Who wants to join me?” He looked meaningfully at Brick, who only shook his head and took another step back. None of the others seemed anxious to go either. So, he made his way through the mass of guards and citizens still gathered on the street. The guards at the gate waved him through, as did the guards in the inner bailey. He proceeded directly to the great hall, where he found the king surrounded by several members of the king’s guard.

  “Alexander! I hear you’ve been making a mess, bleeding all over my street.” The king was sitting in a chair near the fireplace and motioned for Alexander to take a nearby chair.

  Alexander rolled his eyes, forgetting once again his royal composure and amusing the king. “Yes, majesty. There were three drow. One of them whispered to me as he slit my throat. Passed on greetings from the Dark One. Said it was payback for clearing out Antalia.”

  King Charles nodded his head. “You know, you can call me Charles now. You’re the king of a kingdom that I’m told is even larger than my own now.”

  Alexander looked uncomfortable. “Thank you, your majesty. I’m… not comfortable with that just yet. If you don’t mind. I’m just beginning to learn how to be a king, and not doing very well, I’m afraid.”

  King Charles held up his index finger. “Rule one. Never go anywhere unprotected. Especially with enemies such as yours. Those drow snuck into my city, killed half a dozen guards just steps from my palace gate, then killed a visiting monarch. That would be you.” He paused to wink at Alexander. “And we had no idea they were there until they revealed themselves. From now on you must be accompanied by guards of some sort wherever you go. With the exception of your keep, which I understand no drow could enter undetected.”

  Alexander grimaced at that thought. He was balancing the inconvenience of a constant escort against the penalties for being killed, when the king continued. “I know what you’re thinking. If you’re killed, you’ll just return. But you’re a king now, and your death has implications. To your people, your kingdom, its reputation. We managed to keep your killing relatively quiet just now. Because no one but my guards and Lydia saw it. Many people know that someone was killed on that street, but not that it was king Alexander of Elysia.”

  Alexander nodded thoughtfully. “Thank you, majesty. As I said, I am still learning.”

  The king thumped the arm of his chair. “Good! Now, let us talk about alliances. I understand you wish to speak to the elves…”

  The two of them discussed their planned alliance for another twenty minutes or so, then Alexander took his leave. He’d never dreamed that running a kingdom involved so much implication and innuendo. He supposed most rulers had “people” for that. He smiled to himself as he thought about what kind of onerous work he’d give to his ‘people’.

  Captain Redmond met him in the inner bailey and joined him on his walk back to the compound. “Are you my escort?” Alexander asked. “For about the next two minutes. You really need to arrange one of your own. I’d give you some of mine, but with drow creeping about the city…”He let the rest go unspoken. Then he asked a question. “Tell me. You’ve enchanted several hundred dragon pins with the Undying spell for your people, so that they don’t die from a mortal wound. Yet, you don’t use one yourself?”

  “Wouldn’t have mattered here, I was bleeding out. But no, I don’t. Not for any particular reason, I guess. Which reminds me, I need to make another batch of those.” Alexander made a mental note as they passed by Lydia’s shop. The street had cleared, and the bodies had been removed from the merchant’s compound. New, very alert guards had taken the place of the slain. Once back at the compound, the captain waved a goodbye as he turned back to the palace. Alexander entered through the gate to find his guildmates mostly returned from their training.

  Helga’s group were assembled and preparing to head out. They’d leveled back up to 20, and were going to make their way through the forest back to the keep, killing bears and wolves along the way for xp. Lainey was going to meet them in the forest and tag along to skin the beasts and to step into the fights if necessary.

  Helga called out to the dwarves in the dragon forge “Any of you wanna come kill boars and bears with us? We can send you back via portal when we get to the keep!”

  One of Thea’s crafters, Harin volunteered. Along with the apprentice that had crafted Fibble’s new sword.

  Alexander nodded to the young dwarf saying, “that was quite the weapon you made for Fibble. He loves it, thank you.” The dwarf bowed his head in acknowledgement.

  With a wave from Helga and a “See ya back at the keep” she left with the two dwarves, Lugs, Benny, Beatrix, and Lainey. Several of them had new spells and skills from their trainers to try out. The players had each begun with a slightly different build than they were used to, and were figuring out ways to mo
dify and combine their skills just as Alexander and the core group had done.

  Alexander shouted to them as they exited the compound “Watch for drow. If you get attacked, call out! We’ll send help.”

  Jules was waiting for him inside the house. She patted the spot next to her on a sofa and waited for him to sit. She lifted his arm and curled up underneath it, hugging him tight. They just sat that way for a few minutes, silently enjoying each other’s company as they waited for the others to return.

  She broke the silence. “It was my ex-boyfriend.” she said.

  Alexander looked down at her, but could only see the top of her head. He could feel her body tense, and waited for her to go on. After a moment, she did. “It was him that hurt me. Put me in the hospital.”

  He took a deep breath and tried to suppress his anger. Exploding at her wouldn’t help her in any way. Instead he tried to keep his voice calm, and asked “He tried to kill you?”

  She shook her head slightly against his chest, and said as she stumbled with the words. “N…no… I don’t think so. He was just really mad, and drunk. We broke up a couple weeks earlier. I caught him cheating on me and dumped him. He came to my house after a night out with his buddies and wanted to make up. I told him no.” She paused, her voice trailing off as she remembered.

  Alexander hugged her closer. “It’s okay Jules. You don’t have to talk about it.”

  She was quiet for a bit. Then she said “He’s dead now. So, I mean, you don’t have to worry about him or anything. You know, when I get out of the pod.”

  Alexander chuckled. He kissed her on the top of her head. “Have you been worrying about that?” He shook his head. “I suppose you wouldn’t know this because you’ve been in immersion the whole time. No dumbass ex of yours, would have gotten anywhere near either of us in this lifetime. Our compound is possibly the most secure place on the planet at the moment. My dad’s hired several hundred special forces types to guard us all. Not to mention Heimdall and all his security tech. So, no. I wouldn’t have worried even if he were alive.”