by TJ Reynolds
Teegan spun around on his stool and faced the fuming player. He held up his hands in one final attempt. “I said I’m sorry. I don’t want trouble. I’m just gonna pay and leave.”
Rodrick came up, noticing the tension, and warned, “No fighting in the Rooster’s Head. Take it outside or I’ll call the guards.” He kept his eye on the men and polished a glass until it squeaked in protest.
Berron took a couple steps back and raised his hands. “No trouble here. We’re just having fun.”
The elf paid his tab and left the room, threads of conversation picking up almost immediately. I was about to follow suit when I saw the player whispering to his companions.
One of them, a woman with two swords strapped to her back, said a bit louder than she’d meant to, “He probably has great gear, too. I say we do it. There’s six of us.” She paused, pulling the groups of eyes around the table tightly into her grasp. It would seem that the foolish Berron wasn’t the leader.
After each of the players tossed down a few coins, they left as inconspicuously as a bunch of drunkards could.
This was where I would walk away and mind my own business. Who cared if some fancy arena fighter got gutted in an alley and robbed? I certainly didn’t.
Still, I found myself following them out.
I waited until they cleared the door and wound my way through the crowd.
I walked behind them, grateful that I’d strapped my axe on my hip, but wishing I’d brought the other. It would have to be enough.
Teegan was a bobbing head of silver hair a hundred strides away. Mist was beginning to shroud the city of Bridgerun and only the orange blooms of torchlight broke the dark of night.
He turned into a side alley, and a minute later, his pursuers did the same.
I wasn’t Hana. I couldn’t drop into Stealth and act sneaky. I used the safety of distance to remain anonymous.
As I approached the mouth of the alley and I unbuckled my axe, the first sounds of combat caught my ear. A quick clash of steel, then a thud. Finally, just the scuffling of boots on cobblestone could be heard. I fell into a jog and as I neared the corner, I heard someone hiss, “Hold him. Just freaking hold the bastard.”
As I strode out, axe held ready for action, I saw that one of the players was bleeding out, his breath already shallow and irregular. A quick look showed me it was James. His sword was discarded next to him. Further in, another man held a wound in his gut and was leaning against the wall. Two more, Berron and another man that must’ve been near seven feet tall, held Teegan by the arms.
The woman was about to stick the elf with her dagger when the wounded man saw me. He shouted, “Hey, someone’s coming!” The woman whipped her head toward me, giving Teegan a brief respite.
He didn’t waste it.
One of his legs shot up and kicked the dagger from her hand. Berron tried to punch Teegan, but he lost his grip on the fighter as he drew back his fist. Teegan had just enough time to roll to one side, pulling his body into the big man who held him. Berron, too drunk to stop himself, punched the stone wall instead.
The sound of his hand breaking seemed to act as a trigger for the fight that ensued.
Not wanting to kill anyone I didn’t have to, I smacked the injured man in the head with the flat of my blade. He fell in a boneless heap.
The woman pulled out a thin sword and sneered at me. “You’re gonna die with him, then.”
Not wanting to wait around to see how good this cabrón was with her sword, I swung my axe out in a wide arc, buying myself some room. She dodged it easily then darted in.
She’d known that I would be vulnerable the second after my swing. The tip of her sword flashed out toward my chest faster than I’d thought possible. What she wasn’t counting on was my willingness to get wounded.
I let the axe continue to pull me to the side, moving off center just enough to let me run my blade through her ribs as she stabbed me. I grunted as the pain seared through my chest.
She saw my intent and tried to pull her sword free. I howled as she yanked the blade, but it held fast, caught between my bones and the studded leather vest I was wearing. Had she abandoned her weapon, she would have survived.
I dropped Sunder, and despite the chainmail she wore, my axe tore through her chest and clavicle. I hadn’t wanted to do any killing, but she’d stabbed me.
I heard the huge man scream and saw that Teegan was biting him in the forearm. The man dropped an elbow on his victim, but even as the elf took the blow, he spun again, freeing himself. Rather than dodge back to get room enough to draw the sword on his hip, Teegan sent a barrage of strikes at the man.
The first three struck the meaty points of the man’s arm, hitting his bicep twice and then the front of the shoulder. The limb hung limp afterward, and the hulk of a man ground his teeth and made a grab with his other arm.
Teegan was a blur of motion. He ducked under the arm and sent two strikes to the man’s ribs, then twisted his wrist down and to the side. The man fell forward to prevent his wrist from being broken. As he did so, Teegan sent an open palm up into the man’s jaw. His mouth had been open, and the sound of his teeth clacking shut sent shivers down my back.
Rage pulsed in the huge man’s eyes, and it stayed there, even as he fell.
I threw my axe at another of the group that was aiming a strike at Teegan’s neck.
Instead of splitting the man’s head in two, as it always happens in the movies, the man just stumbled to the side. The axe clattered harmlessly to the ground.
Teegan sprinted at the swordsman and produced a dagger from his belt, stepped inside the man’s next attack, and buried his blade in the man’s neck.
I turned in time to see Berron swinging a left-handed mace at my head. I ducked the sloppy attack and brought my knee up into his stomach. He didn’t collapse, so I pulled him into a guillotine, shoved him back against the wall, and gave him several more tastes of my knees. Finally, I felt the pop of Berron’s sternum, and he fell to the ground gasping for air.
I took a few steps back and surveyed the scene. All was quiet again, and I caught my breath, noting the billowing clouds of steam coming from my mouth.
Teegan snapped a kick to Berron’s face, knocking him unconscious, then said, “Thank you. I even expected it, but it is hard to be quick when you’re surrounded.”
I looked at the elf and saw that his pretty nose was pushed to one side of his face.
I held out my hand and replied, “No problem. These cabrons deserved it. Sorry, I’ll use my English. These cabróns deserved to be beat up a little.”
He laughed as he took my hand and pointed to something near my chest. “Need help with that?”
I looked down and saw that Vienna’s sword was still stuck in me, sunk up to the hilt and looking ridiculous. I laughed and winced at the pain. The rage of the fight was already fading, and pain came back like a crazy ex-boyfriend. “Yeah, I guess I do. Just be quick, please.”
Teegan took the sword in his hand and gave a few sharp tugs. I growled and said a few more choice Spanish words, but it came out.
“Souvenir?” he said, handing me the sword back.
“Actually, yes. I think I will.” I surveyed the thugs that were spread out around us. Then my brain came up with something rather devious. “I might have a better idea. You down for a short stroll?”
Teegan smiled at me, oblivious to his jacked-up nose. “Sure thing. What’s the plan?”
I explained as we spent a few minutes stripping the players of their gear. We liberated their coin as well, which was nothing to snuff at. Teegan told me to keep it, and I nodded to acknowledge his generosity.
We found a Ring of Greater Agility on Vienna’s hand, and Teegan thought it a nice addition to his build. I found an item on the hulking man that was worthwhile as well. I inspected it and grinned at the stats.
Amulet of the Centaur
Quality: Epic
Durability 45/50
+10 Strength, +2 Vitalit
y, +10% mounted speed
“This will come in handy,” I told Teegan as I showed him the necklace and pulled it over my head. “I have a badass companion. Had he been here, these fools would have been down in a second.”
“What kind of creature is he?”
“A stone bear,” I explained as I loaded my arms with the spare gear. “Like a regular bear but stupid big and with bone plates on his head, chest, and ribs.”
Teegan nodded, impressed. “Well, I’d like to meet him if you’re going to be in town much longer. Shall we get to our task then?” He picked up the rest of the armor and weapons.
I grinned as we stumbled down the street toward the first bridge.
The guards had drawn the gate and stopped us as we approached. The same man as before met me, his face a mix of fear and annoyance. “What are you two up to? City closes at night, everybody knows that.”
“We were attacked by some thugs, so we thought it would be fair to deposit their gear in one of the rivers.” I saw the hesitation in the man’s face, and his fellow guards seemed prepared to turn us back. “Well, that’s my bad. I forgot to mention, we assumed that you and your friends would want to pick through the weapons and armor to see if there was anything that you might like. It wouldn’t do to have the city guard be under-geared.”
The man smiled wickedly as we dumped out the gear. The guards spent a few minutes inspecting it all, taking a pair of bracers here and a dagger there.
The guard didn’t lose his smile as he mentioned, “We still can’t open the gates, but there is a lovely view of the river just over there. Oh, and your permit was delivered to the Rooster’s Head. And thanks for the tip. Name’s Miles, by the way.”
I shook Miles’ hand and we took off to satisfy our petty grudges.
The sound of crappy steel and leather splashing into the stream below made the still-healing wound in my ribs more than worthwhile. Teegan walked with me partway back to the Rooster’s Head, and we chatted about Eternal Online and their slippery PvP policy. Teegan was no longer a minor, having just turned nineteen, and this was not the first time he’d been jumped.
“Pretty harsh if you ask me,” I said as we neared the hotel.
“It is, but usually, I end up with a spattering of XP and a few choice items. Tonight would have been different, though, if it hadn’t been for you. Seriously, thanks a lot. By the way,” he said, scratching his chin, “what are you doing in Bridgerun?”
“I’m on a chain quest. Supposed to find as many players and NPCs as I can that will agree to fight against the Rat King. Have you heard of him yet?” I was grateful for a chance to bring it up.
Teegan nodded. “I have, though not much. Some of the locals said he’s some boss that’s building an army.”
“Yeah, and powerful. It’s looking to be a world event, if it keeps building this way. Any idea how I can talk people into joining the cause?”
He thought a moment then answered plainly, “The arena. Tournament starts tomorrow. If you win some fights, your reputation will spike. That’s my advice.”
I rubbed my chin and told him honestly, “I watched you do a PvP duel outside of Taelman’s Pond against an orc a couple weeks back. I don’t really want to look like an idiot for no reason. I mean, I could kick your butt in a heartbeat, but only if you stood still.”
Teegan laughed. “There are a few events. I only fight in one-on-one matches unless my friend is with me. The Battle Royale could be a good idea for you. Also, there’s an event strictly for players with a companion. That one tends to draw a big crowd, too.”
I thanked Teegan for the tip and told him that regardless of what I did, I’d see him at the tournament tomorrow.
Tejón was nomming on another unlucky animal when I came in, and, after questioning me about the blood, seemed unbothered by the prospect that I’d been stabbed in an alley while he slept. The bastard.
My bear and I slept hard that night and into the day after. I got to ring my bell again and took breakfast in my room. Another delivery of fine meat was delivered, to Tejón’s delight.
The bear pondered while he ate, So far, I might like the ducks the most. It is almost like eating pure fat.
I rose from the small table in the corner of my room and wiped my own mouth. That sounds gross, but maybe I’ll give it a try sometime. As I strapped on my armor, I decided to see what Tejón thought about what I’d been tossing around in my head all night. Hey buddy, what would you say if I asked you about fighting in a tournament? You down to fight?
What is a tournament? Is it a battle?
I tried to explain. It is, at least like one. More like a competition, though. Different travelers get together and try to hack each other apart, and whoever wins gets a prize.
So they attack each other and the strongest one gets something. Gets what? Like nice meat? More territory?
Well, I guess it differs. This one offers gold, though, which you can use to buy meat. And also items, like my axe and armor.
Tejón chuffed in response. I have enjoyed the food I’ve had since coming here. I would like to fight for more. Who do we fight and when?
I walked over and petted the beast. I guess we will fight today, then.
I told Tejón to wait for me out on the veranda while I ran a few errands. Heading out into the common room, Rodrick, the barkeep, called me over.
“Enjoying your stay here? Is the big room up to your standards?”
I gave the man a mock bow. “It exceeds my expectations, sir. That bath yesterday was epic.”
He smiled and gestured at my clothing. “And it was just in time, if I might add. Your outfit was beginning to sprout a tail when you came in.” I just smiled at his jest and waited, sensing the man had more to say. “You know, a group of travelers had a rough go of it last night. Said that some barbarian woman and Teegan Shadespar himself jumped them in an alley close by and took their gear and weapons. Just robbed them blind! You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
I didn’t bother to hide my grin. “Not at all. However, I am sure that whatever did happen to those travelers was well deserved.”
Rodrick nodded solemnly as he said, “No doubt. No doubt. I don’t think they will stick around to find out, either. From what I heard, they barely had more than their small clothes.” He winked at me, and I began walking toward the front doors. “Hold a minute. Here’s the papers for your companion. Also, a runner came this morning and said that Wardahl wants to see you. Says he’s got a surprise.”
I thanked the man and asked him one more question before leaving: “What time is the tournament starting today?”
“Fights start at 2. You plan on giving it a go?”
A simple widening of my grin was answer enough.
Shopping was most definitely on my to-do list, and I only had so much time. I planned on heading to the arena around 1 o’clock to sign up and get ready for the fight. Since I’d slept in and had a luxurious breakfast, that only left me a couple hours.
The smith was silent when I ducked my head in, and I couldn’t immediately see Wardahl. I decided to rouse the dwarf from wherever he was hiding. “Oy! I’ve come to see the shortest man in town!”
Poking his head out from a backroom, Wardahl responded, “Yeah, yeah! I’m here. Don’t get your bush in a bind, woman.” I made to walk back and see what he was up to, but he held up a hand. “No! No one is allowed in my secret workshop. Besides, what you want is out here.”
He closed the door and strolled over proudly to a table towards the front of the forge. On it, something was draped with a soiled sheet. He gestured proudly and held my gaze, letting the tension build.
“Let me guess… You finally built yourself a woman? I’m happy for you, Wardahl. Now you can give that hand of yours a break.”
I was rewarded with a belly laugh, but he shook his head, too excited to be sidetracked. “Shut up, girl, and look.”
A tingle of anticipation ran through me as I tugged at the edge of the sheet.
Then, in a flourish, I ripped it free. “Jesus Cristo! It’s gorgeous,” I said in a whisper.
On the table before me was a matching set of red armor. The wyvern scales had a rusty hue to them, but now they were burnished and covered in some clear lacquer. The fire within them shone through and reflected in the sunlight streaming through the window.
The scales had been overlapped, forming a flexible cuirass, with the front and back joined together in one piece. Two large pauldrons hung from its sides attached to full vambraces. Even a matching set of gauntlets sat folded before them.
Below the cuirass hung a skirt of scales that would replace the leather faulds. The final piece of the armor was a pair of greaves.
There was no helm, and my knees and part of my thighs would be exposed. My boots would likewise be unarmored, but it was perfect for my fighting style.
I looked at Wardahl and he nodded, answering my unasked question. Taking a step forward, I picked up armor and gasped. The entire top piece only weighed ten, maybe fifteen pounds. “God, it’s light as a feather!”
“Aye, and much of the weight is in the metal wire and leather used to bind it. The scales are a miracle of nature.”
I did the only thing any gamer would at this point: I examined the gear’s stats.
Flame of Anwar Scale Cuirass
Quality: Legendary: Armor 200
Durability 600/600
+10 Stamina, +50% Fire Resistance
Flame of Anwar Scale Pauldrons
Quality: Legendary: Armor 125
Durability 360/360
+10 Strength, +25% Slashing Damage Resistance
Flame of Anwar Scale Greaves
Quality Legendary: Armor 85
Durability 350/350
+2 Vitality, +5 Stamina,+5 Dexterity
