Gamers – The Eight
-Bloodstone
You ever have one of those days, where nothing seems to go your way? It all started with this king..
The King sat listening to the proposal, summon more heroes to help hold back the tide of the demons enough for the fifth wall to be completed. The ones who had survived so far seemed to be holding the tide back in the areas they had been assigned to. It also appeared to be least costly option than raising an army of thousands for little to no return on the investment.
“Your majesty so do we have permission to continue with this experiment?”
One of the Mages asked eagerly. “Yes, continue, some of the summoned heroes are proving the project viability.”
“We shall begin then”
They twelve mages began casting the complex spell, the king had been informed that it would summon heroes from another world, it had taken them a few tries to get it working properly. The large ball room where they had set up the summoning, for the heroes was situated in the palace. The ball room that had been used in the past to facilitate a more social time, when there were more royal houses. It was ornate, but seemed to be in disrepair. The king sat on a cushioned oak chair observing the ritual. Two men stood just in front and off to each side, they had swords drawn, and were observing ready for anything.
The mages began to summon people, first was a young man in jogging shorts short with cropped back hair. He stopped and stared, blinked a few times and if he were dreaming. The backpack he wore was large and looked like it had been overstuffed.
A few seconds passed and a young woman with an olive complexion, and curly dull blond hair wearing worn shorts a tanktop and bra appeared. She was of average height, of average weight, and dressed for warmer weather. “What the hell?” she said.
Another young woman appeared, and dropped to her knees, her long black hair covered her face. She was sobbing softly. She was wearing tight blue jeans and a blue and white flowered shirt.
A man appeared a moment later, he was muscular, and had a neatly trimmed black beard, his shirt was off and he walked over to the crying woman. “Shut the …” and stopped, looking around.
There was a loud pop as four people appeared in the middle of the mages and the other four people. Two men and two women. It was unusual to have more than one person appear at a time, it was possible to get two people if they were near when they were summoned, four was unusual. The summoning ritual stopped suddenly as one of the mages fell over. Two of the other robed mages ran over to the man as he crumpled to the ground. “He’s dead your majesty” One of the other mages said.
The king looked a bit upset, “I thought you said we would get a good batch of heroes this time, not like the last group you summoned.”
“I’m sorry your majesty, it appears that there was some instability in the summoning spell.” The female mage pointed at the corpse, “We will need another to replace him, and I don’t know of anyone qualified.”
The king did not get a good look at the newcomers as the muscular man had turned towards the king, “You!” and he charged the king. The two guards who stood next to him reacted blocked him from approaching the king.
“If you will calm down I can explain the situation.” The king said looking the man in the eyes,
“You seem to be a fighter, we need people like you, don’t kill him.”
The man pushed against the guards, for just a moment and then tried to push past them.
“Your in charge, where the hell am I,“ he turned and yelled at the sobbing woman, “You should be so lucky I don’t break your neck..”
The girl raised her head up and there were visible bruises, around her face. “Fuck off!”, and then she looked around.
The younger red-haired woman who had arrived with the last group was somewhat thin, but tall her complexion was pale. “Oh hell no I’m not going to listen to this…” She was cut off by the older man.
“Hold on let me figure out what’s going on, before you go off on a tirade.” He said.
The King was about to say something, when the older man looked over at him and said
“Can you give me a few minutes, to get this sorted, and then you can give your explanation and the world-shattering implications.”
The king stared at the older looking man, at least he was the oldest those his mages had summoned to date. He was balding, and had a ponytail. He had a scruffy white beard. The clothes he wore were clean but seemed to be as if it was an afterthought, jeans and a t-shirt, with a ghostly apparition of death.
The older woman was a bit plump, but not in a bad way. She had long blond hair, and was looking around not really paying attention to what the older man was saying to the younger man and woman. The thing that the king noted was that they were older, much older than the normal Heroes that got summoned. The other two seemed to be as young as everyone else that the spell had brought to his kingdom. The four of them were talking amongst themselves for a minute or so, when the older man then turned and addressed the king, “I apologize your majesty, it’s one thing to think about being pulled to another world it’s quite a different story when it happens. What can we do for you?” he asked.
The king blinked a couple of times, this was a far different reaction than some of the others his mages had summoned.
“Whom am I addressing”, the king asked.
“Ahh sorry, I uhh, you can call me Bloodstone, this is my wife
My daughter” He paused and looked at the woman he gestured towards. He then sighed, “and my son.”
The king had given this speech, already and had gotten it down, “I am Othius the Fourth, the eight, yes eight of you have been summoned here to help drive out the scourge of demons who are attacking my kingdom. We will equip you and see if you have magic, that can be awakened.”
And he was cut off by the red-haired girl, “Magic? Sweet!”
Bloodstone rolled his eyes and shushed her.
The kings smile twitched for a moment, and he resumed. “We will make sure you are armed, and ready to help push back the demon tide. Do you have any questions?”
The bare-chested muscular man said, “Well if this is a dream, then fuck it.” He grabbed the guard and pulled the sword out of his hand and got cut as he closed his hand on the blade. “Feels real, a good simulation, rehab program maybe.”, He punched the guard in the face, breaking his nose. The other guard had moved around and struck him across the back with the edge of the blade, blood spilled everywhere.
Panic ensued, the mages, backed away, and there were other soldiers who moved in weapons ready.
“Enough! Take him away. The rest of you, I will deal with you later.”
Bloodstone cleared his throat, “Are we to assume we are prisoners?”
The king stood up off the chair and walked past the muscular man, “He is, you are not, don’t give me a reason to make you one.”
…
The seven of them were escorted out by four soldiers and a woman who appeared to be a maid. The muscular man had been dragged away after a very thorough beating by the guards. They led the seven of them to several small rooms, in the palace. There was not much decoration in the halls, and there were guards who seemed to wander the halls in pairs.
They had been told not to wander, as they were not known to the guards, they would be escorted to the noon meal and talk with the king and his staff.
The rooms were situated along one hallway not too far from where they had been summoned. Each bedroom had a bed and a small simple desk with a chair. Each room also had a small alcove and chamber pot behind a heavy curtain.
Bloodstone had opened the one door and looked back down the hallway, two guards stood not too far from where the door was. The other six people were also looking inside their rooms.
“Listen, I think we need to talk before we have this meeting with the king,” Bloodstone said to the maid.
“I am sorry, but you will have to remain here until noon, appropriate attire will be delivered shortly.” The maid said nervously.
They stayed in the rooms for about a half hour when several maids and footmen, arrived with two tailors with cloth, and the ladies were measured for dresses, and the men were measured for formal attire.
While they waited for the clothes to be finished, they all crowded into one room to talk.
Bloodstone seemed to be the leader as he was the oldest and had everyone there by more than twice the age with the exception of the older woman with him.
“Before we get to crazy here, have you all done an assessment, what do you have on you that might be valuable or useful. Also I’m going to suggest that we use nicknames, not our real names at least for the time being. Here my license,” He said holding out a small plastic card. “If you really need to know, my name it’s here.” He put the card away. “I’m not telling you all what to do, just giving advice. I have about a hundred dollars in American money, some coins, pennies and a good luck dime, made of silver. My cell phone, I shut it off to conserve power, I have a charger and, cables for said charger. My laptop, and everything that’s usually in the case. Playing cards, a knife, and some personal spiritual items. Ah and call me Bloodstone for now.” He pointed to the olive-skinned woman, “you’re up, oh and I have a number of skills nothing that might help us here.”
“You talk too much,” the woman said. “My name is Bethany Bell, you can call me BB. I am a third-year engineering student, I have a cell phone, as well as my purse, personal effects, and a calculator.
The kid in jogging shorts looked a bit awkward, “Hi, I uh, work for an accounting firm, and was on my way to work, I have most of my personal belongings with me. Laptop, Cell phone, money keys, and a change of clothes for the office, it’s a suit though. I uh also have a bit of weed. Oh yeah, my name er, no real names, call me Newton”
The dark-haired woman said “Um, I’m Eve, the guy who was in the throne room, that’s Miguel. I have my cell phone, but I broke his.”
The older woman said looking at her bruises, “That’s no reason to hit you or threaten you.”
There was a nod of agreement from everyone present.
“Oh I suppose it’s my turn,” She said taking a breath.
“I am Amethyst, I can cook, clean and I also have my purse and cell phone.”
The red-haired girl said, “Kuya, or Sakura either works, I have my phone, a game boy and a 3d advanced some games, for the systems. I also have my art supplies. Pens, pencils and drawing books. I am studying languages.”
“Xach, “The blond guy said, who had arrived the same time Kuya did. “X aye ess h, I have my cell phone, and my game boy advanced and 3ds.”
“I know your all a bit confused and upset, I am as well. Don’t panic though, if we stick together, we can figure this out. Miguel huh, well the king implied there were more people summoned here, so that makes him responsible. We will listen to what he has to say, before deciding what we need to do.”
“Why should we listen to you?” Eve said.
“That’s your choice,” He started to say.
“My dad is pretty smart, crazy sometimes, but he’s never steered me wrong before. Yells sometimes about silly shit. Even yells at my mom sometimes, it can get awkward. Well enough on that topic. This is some crazy shit we are in.” Xach said.
“Um humm, “ Kuya said agreeing.
“What games do you have,” BB asked.
<><><><><>
An hour later the dresses and formal attire were delivered to each of them and they were asked to change.
They were then escorted to a large long table, where a few other guests were seated. The King arrived soon after and sat at the head of the table.
“Please sit, share a meal with me, I will answer your questions,” The king said taking a seat.
“I apologize, that the eighth member of your group could not join us, he is currently in the dungeon. I decided that with such a small group of you this time,that perhaps we can get acquainted.” The king gestured and hot rolls were distributed to each of them.
“I would like to know each of your names, so that we may record them for future generations.” He gestured, to the closest summoned person who happened to be the older man.
The introductions were made. The king nodded and seemed to memorize each person. There was a mage who had been introduced as the Kings magical advisor, [mage] Gallick. It was his group who has summoned the eight of them and others. It would also be there group who tested them for magical aptitude. Another man was introduced as the kings [commander], Ferald who would oversee the training they received. A leveling system was explained to them, that they could each level in the disciplines, and aptitudes that they focused on.
There were some questions on the nature of this leveling, and how it happened.
“It is usually just as you awaken the next morning.” Gallick indicated.
The next topic turned to why they had been summoned to this place. “We are attempting to build a fifth wall, to protect the people here, and to keep the monsters at bay.” The king said, “Your job will be to help keep the monsters and demons away from the walls and other outposts.
“Now your Majesty, there another issue that needs to be settled, are we prisoners, mercenaries, or something else?”, He asked point blank to the king.
“No, you are my guests, well at least the seven of you here, we will see about the other one.” The king seems to be enjoying the conversation.
“I think your, misunderstanding, let me ask another way.” He started. “Who is the highest authority in this land. For example, if we had a grievance against one of your men, what would be our remedy?” He asked the king.
“It would depend on several factors, for minor issues, the local magistrate would handle the issue. If it involved the nobility or one of my aids it would come to me. Why has someone done something?” He seemed confused.
“You make it sound like you expect us to fight in your war. We are being conscripted, if you’re just looking for bodies to throw at these monsters and demons, then unfortunately you have made a serious error, summoning use here.”
The king looked angry and was about to say something. When Bloodstone cut him off, “Before you throw us out, or make a snap decision, hear me out. I feel that at least you owe us that much.”
“Very well, “The king said his face red.
“Your angry, good. That’s how some of us feel, they won’t say it, but I will. You want respect, you need to earn it. You want us to fight in your war, give us a reason. What kind of King are you a benevolent one or someone who thinks the ends justify the means? Where do you draw the line, here and no further? I’m drawning the line here your majesty, no more summoning people from my world, it stops here. You agree to that and I will do everything I can to see that your kingdom survives and part of that agreement is you give us access to that ritual.”
The [commander] froze, as put a hand on his sword, his [danger sense] started screaming the moment his hand touched the hilt.
The king stared at him, “Are you threatening me?” he asked carefully.
“A threat implies that something might happen. I’m telling you, that if you continue this path it will go very badly for you and your kingdom.”
There was a very tense moment, and the king, “I believe you, I have only felt that kind of danger once before, when I was a child.”, He took a drink from his goblet.
“I, it was never my intention to trap you here, the spell was supposed to summon heroes, perhaps…” He paused for a moment, “I think you are right, I can’t explain how I know, I just do. Ferald, it’s all right.” The king said putting a hand on the commander’s arm.
“Very well,” he said resuming his seat, the [danger sense] vanished the moment his hand came off the sword..
“Your Majesty, I have some questions,” Bloodstone asked.
“About what?”, The king looked at him.
“You mentioned others, how many others? Where are they now?”, He asked.
The king looked concerned, “I would have to ask where they all are now,” A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his head.
“I would ask that we be given a chance to meet then, and perhaps share some of what has gone on with them”, “he asked.
“I think we can arrange something, in a day or two.” The king said staring at him, “Lets finish this meal, and get you tested for magic.”
The meal was subdued, and the king left early, and the captain and the mage went with him.
They finished the meal and were escorted to a wing where there were four mages, at a table.
Eve asked him, why they were walking, “What did you do to make the king and his Soldier jump like that, I could feel that whatever it was you did?”
Bloodstone smiled, “Intent, Will and intent that’s what they sensed, and it freaked them out.”
“Intent?” Eve asked.
“It was a trick of sorts, I made them feel the intent, There was no actual substance behind it. In essence I bluffed, they blinked.”
“Tricks what kind of tricks,” she asked.
“Ask me later.” He said as they enetered the room
The king left early, and retired to a side room, “Tell me this wasn’t a mistake.” The king said to the mage and the commander.
“What’s going on?” The mage asked, “Your acting like they are gold rank adventurers.”
“They may very well be, did your danger sense trigger as well your majesty?”, the commander asked.
The king nodded, “The moment I thought about harming him, it came off him and the others in waves, his wife, the look she gave,” he shuttered.
“I didn’t notice her, “the commander said honestly.
“Let us see how they test with magic, before we jump to conclusions.” The mage said hopefully.
“Keep an eye on them”, The king said sighing, “I have a feeling, that that group is more dangerous than they appear.”
After the lunch, they were escorted, back to the room they had appeared in, chairs had been setup, the king was in attendance, as were the mages and guards from before.
“So now that you have eaten, we will see if your proficient with magic”, Gallick said.
“I would like to watch before you test me”, Bloodstone said.
They paired each of the summoned with a mage, the mages sat across from them.
“Just look at the symbol as long, as you can”, were the instructions given to the summoned.
Each mage began weaving a symbol. Bloodstone noticed the symbols were slightly different, blues and red in one and greens and yellows in others. “Why do they look different?” Bloodstone asked.
Gallick looked bored, “Humm, never noticed before, possibly how each one learned how to use the spell. It makes no difference.”
“Are you sure?”, Bloodstone asked skeptically
“How would you determine if there was a difference, it’s not as if you could awaken your magic once it has been awakened”, He said with a slight indignancy.
Eve, sat across from a female mage, who was wearing a deep blue robe and had dark long hair tied back and bound with a black ribbon. The Mage cast her spell, Eve sat and stared at the glowing energies, “Oh how weird ….” And she continued to stare at the pattern of energies the mage had woven. “Oh I get it!” She said, and the mage cut off the spell.
Newton’s mage was male and had a working if somewhat missshapen beard, his beard and hair were a dull brown and both looked unkempt. The Mage seemed bored with the whole situation and cast his spell, and had it at eye level. Newton stared at it, “Whoa!” he continued to stare after a few minutes the mage stopped the spell. “That’s so trippy, almost like an acid trip, but way more controlled. “
BB, fidgeted in her chair as the mage, a woman, sat in the chair opposite her. The mages robes were a black with a red trim, her blond hair was swept back and loose. She cast her spell, and BB stared at it as instructed, she didn’t say anything but she seems to be trying to figure something out about it.
Xach had been playing with his game system, and sighed and put it away. He looked at the mage, who sat across from him. She was about his age and had a serious look on her face. Her black hair was cut short, and her robe was tidy, and a soft gray color. “Are you ready?” She asked.
“Yeah, “ He replied.
The mage began the spell, and he looked at it for about thirty seconds, “That’s it, boring?”
The Mage turned red, and stopped the spell, “Excuse me, this is important.”
“It’s boring, I get what you’re trying to show me, it’s just too simple”, He said going back to his game.
“Simple!” She fumed standing up,” It took me six months to learn to cast that spell.”
He looked up from his game, “Yes simple,” He cast the same spell, and showed her the same pattern. He let it hang in the air for a good ten seconds, canceled the spell and went back to his game. The mage stood over him, gawking, jaw hanging open, “That’s impossible!” She stammered.
Galick looked over at the king and said to the mage, “Enna, these are heroes we summoned, would you expect any less?” He asked.
“But but, but HOW!?, “she asked, “They said they didn’t have magic where they are from.”
“Enna!”, His voice got louder.
“Fine”, she said deflated, her eyes had never left the guy playing a video game.
Kuya, said to them. “He’s always doing that pisses me off.”
The mage who had been sitting across from her, started his spell. Kuya stared at the spell, her eyes focusing on something. “Oooo”, she blinked and looked away and started drawing in her drawing book.
Amethyst, watched the rest of the young adults, be awakened. She finally turned her attention to the older scruffy gray-haired mage, that sat across from her. She gazed at the spell, and after a few minutes, the mage dismissed the spell. “Oh that gave me a headache. Would you mind I went to go lie down?” She asked. One of the soldiers escorted her out.
Bloodstone, watched her leave, torn between following and the phenomena that they were showing him. “I’ll catch up with you in a bit hon.” He said as they left.
He turned to Gallick, “Ok so question for you, can you all overlap your spell in one place?”
Gallick paused for a moment in thought, “Not sure why you would want to do that. I think it could be done.”
Several of the other mages, started talking amongst themselves, with Gallick.
The king leaned forward, and asked, “Is there a problem?”
“No, your Majesty, we just never have been asked to do something like that.” Gallick responded
The mages moved the chairs into a semi-circle, with on chair facing it. The mages began casting on by one, and a bright glowing white symbol appeared.
Bloodstone stared into the glowing symbol. “Whoa, it’s like an equation or a fractal, Oh I get it.”
There was a bright flash as the symbol flared and went out.
“Oh, I see what she means about a headache.” Bloodstone said.
Gallick turned towards the king, “We are done here your Majesty. “
There were several of the mages who went to look at what Kuya was doing, “Master Gallick, you may want to look at this.”
He walked over and looked over the girl’s shoulder; she was scribing a spell, right before his eyes. He looked up for a moment at the king, and then back to the spell she was scribing.
“Is that?” He asked.
“It’s the spell I use to awaken someone to magic,” The mage who had awakened her said.
“Can you scribe any other spells?”, Gallick asked her.
She finished, and looked up at him, with a slight frown, “Um, maybe, this was pretty easy, though I am not sure how it got all glowy.”
“Can we borrow her for a bit, your majesty. “Gallick asked.
“The king thought about it for a moment, nodded and said,” If you think it’s important”
The other mages beamed at Gallick, and they lead her out, there was talk of how high of a scribe she might be and that she might be able to copy something. The rest of the conversation was cut off as they left and the doors closed.
The king sat back in the chair, “So I think we will just see what weapons you all feel comfortable with, tomorrow we can try some real combat.”
A table that had been off to one side covered with weapons was now the focus of the group, there were, fifteen swords of various lengths, from a great sword to two short swords. A dozen daggers, of various designs. Morning stars, maces, two falchions, nine spears of various lengths, two javelins, two halberds were leaning against the wall.
Bloodstone looked over at the weapons, then the king. “Your Majesty, I appreciate that you’re willing to help us get situated, and get started. Me and Newton have been talking and we would like to make sure that we have a bit of time to process the situation.”
The king stared at him, “I don’t understand, what this have to do with me.”
Newton walked forward, and said,” It’s like this, you want results, your wiling to front us weapons, time with your mages, feed us and keep us protected. The question is how long do we have? We are literally here at your sufferance, if we don’t perform to your expectations, how fast you would kick us to the curb, and try and get someone else. I would feel a lot better if we have a contract or agreement with you, so we know what to expect, and you know what to expect.”
The king thought about it for a few minutes, “So you want to know, what I want you to do?” He paused for a little longer, “I want you to be Heroes, to help us stop the demons and monsters while we build up the fifth wall”
“Ok,” Newton said, “What kind of time table are we talking here, six months, a year?”
The king looked confused, “It will take decades to complete, I will need heroes until it’s done and even after.”
Newton looked at Bloodstone, “I am sorry you’re Majesty, we cannot agree to something that will take decades. We might be able to help you get going faster, without more information it just isn’t going to happen.”
“Are you refusing to help?” The king seemed a little upset by this prospect.
“For decades, yes. I think we can come to a more reasonable arrangement” , Bloodstone stared at the king.
“We need to get up to speed first, see what needs doing. It’s not that we don’t respect your perspective; none of us know what you know, both about the situation or your kingdom. To do that we need time, and some place to work, and not get in your way.
The king smiled, “You’re a bit shrewder than the others we brought over, they were demanding we send them home, and whining about this and that. Very well, what did you have in mind?”
Bloodstone sighed, “I know it sounds dumb, I would like to know the history of how this got started as far back as you can, what’s happened recently, and I think we should have a formal contract with your Majesty’s kingdom, with both rewards, and what constitutes a breach of contract. There’s a saying, you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
“Good, pull up a chair so we can work this out, the others can look at the weapons, while we decide this.” The king said smiling.
“Xach, I don’t think the king will let you take everything there.”, he teased.
“Shut up, I don’t see any Axes, here.”, he fired back. He had put the game system away and was picking up weapons.
“For starters, we need to figure out our status, as of right now we are guests, of your majesties kingdom. Is there a path to become a citizen, or we outsiders?” Bloodstone asked, Newton didn’t look happy with the question.
“Yes, you’re my guests, as for being a citizen, the others never asked about that. Well you would be considered outsiders, until they got used to you around the city.” The king seems to be thinking more out loud than to them. “I don’t see that as much of a problem, if you decided to become a citizen.”
“Ok next question, are we part of your military structure?” Bloodstone asked. “Meaning, whom do we report to, directly to you, or one of your men? Do each of us have a rank, and if so is there a set pay scale for each rank.”
The kings smiled even more, “That’s a very good question, I still haven’t figured out how to deal with all of you since they all wanted my time. To be honest, this is kind of a holiday for me”
Bloodstone nodded, “So pretty much after today, we are not going to talk with you unless it’s super important.”
The king nodded, “I really don’t expect too much from the people of your world, at least since I have seen how, they behave here. There were some that threatened me with their government’s reprisal. I found that very humorous, since they did not know anything about this world.”
Bloodstone nodded, “Well, that is a valid issue, not a high probability one, though. I can’t speak for the people before us. We as a group want to do this right, having at least a way to talk with you if we need to be preference. I am also a realist, we are stuck here, until we find a way home on our own, or we die. Though I really would like to avoid the death part, and I think the best way is to have expectations on both sides in writing, and to know where we stand.”
The king nodded, still listening, “So what did you have in mind?”
Newton started talking, “Well first off we would like to know what rank we would be the pay scale associated with that, as well as the cost of the expense of bringing us here. There is also the matter of being conscripted, since we don’t know what the standard rates are, we are not really able to make an informed decision, as to the value we can add to your kingdom and its construction project. Take BB for example, she’s an engineer, has been taking classes and has a good understanding of how things should be built, and materials. Me, I’m a spreadsheet jockey, and with Bloodstones and my laptop we can figure out the expense vs risk ratios.”
The king looked very confused.
“What we can do is make sure your project, uses the best process to get it done. We want to make a company here that works for the crown. First this would be an initial investment, and we would need time to get up to speed, say a month at the most. After that, if we can produce results we will give you an estimate, and a cost analysis, perhaps hire some of the other people that have been summoned. In this way, you would limit your liability, and cost and we would have time to assess what we can do for you.” Newton said, keeping a straight face.
The king blinked, “What?” He asked.
“Well, what is the initial investment you have made so far?”, Newton asked, pulling out his phone. He started a recording application,” Do I have permission to record this?”
The king just nodded, and Bloodstone smiled.
“So far, with all the summoned, how much have I spent?”, He waved a man over, “Can you get my steward of coin?”
The guard nodded and left the room.
“Now, tell me what this laptop, is and what are these sheets your referring to?
Newton powered up the laptop and quickly showed the king the spread sheets. “Sadly without power we can’t use this for very long.”
“My mages should be able to keep your other worldly devices working.” He said.
“Some of the earlier ones we summoned had eye phones, and ann droids, they were much smaller than this device.”
“Yes this is a laptop, usually people will work with it on their lap, though this particular model gets really to hot underneath to do that. “ Bloodstone said.
An older man arrived with the guard, and seemed a bit annoyed, “You sent for me sir” The older man asked. He was dressed as a butler, but there were differences in the cloth and the cut of the suit he wore.
“Ahh, yes, my guests here were wondering about the current expenses we have used on the summoned, and were asking about the wall expenses.” The king asked.
“Very well I shall fetch the ledgers for you sire.” He left quickly, there was a hard look he gave both Newton and Bloodstone as he left.
The King, Newton and Bloodstone continued to talk as they waited for the steward to return.
The discussion turned to the king himself, as none of them knew each other very well.
Newton sighed, “Is Othius your last name?” He asked.
The king chuckled, “Yes, I think you’re the first person to ask that.”
“I don’t suppose you have a first name?”, Bloodstone asked.
“I do, but like you I don’t think it’s appropriate, to share that information”, the king replied.
Bloodstone was silent, and was about to ask something of the king, when the Steward returned with a large leather-bound book.
“Are you sure you wish them to see your ledger sire?” The Steward asked giving Bloodstone and Newton a very serious scowl.
“It fine, Samuel. They are heroes, heroes help kings do they not?” He asked.
The Steward made no remark, just continued to stare at the two of them.
The king took the ledger from his steward, and began looking through it. “What do you want to see?” He asked.
Newton was the first to respond, “All of it if possible, we can transcribe all the entries into the laptop. Stupid question, is this the public ledger or the private one?”
The king looked confused, “It my ledger, it’s not for the common folk, I don’t usually show this to anyone but lords, or my steward.”
“What I meant, is that the real numbers, or is there another ledger for things you don’t want on the books per say?” Newton asked.
The steward stiffened slightly, at the comment, it was a small motion, but Newton had been looking for the reaction. “The reason I ask, is that back home I had to deal with several clients who were not really on the up and up, they hid funds, and other investments, and payments to less than savory types, they had good reasons to do so, however if those payments or payouts, were not in the ledger there were discrepancies in the bottom line. I found that one of his men had been skimming funds to pay for umm, not important. Let get started.
The King and Bloodstone watched as Newtons fingers danced over the keyboard, entering in numbers in the fields, in rapid succession. “This is going to take a while, might as well look at the weapons, if you’re into that sort of thing”, Newton said to Bloodstone.
“With your permission, “He said to the king, who smiled and waved him off, as he was intent on watching Newton enter in the numbers.
Bloodstone walked over, to the table, and picked up a long sword. The balance was a bit off, and he picked up a second blade. The balance on this blade was off as well, “What kind of cheap crap is he trying to pawn off on us?” Bloodstone asked Xach.
Xach replied, “I don’t see any axes, and look, that mace handle has a crack in it.”
Hearing them talk, BB and Eve had both stopped and were looking at the weapons they had picked up. “I thought something was wrong with this dagger, I see some rust spots. Now that you mention it.” Eve said putting a dagger back on the table.
Bloodstone sighed, “Cheap gear, if he gave the other before us, would they even know? I mean I know because I took metal working in school and studied and watched all kind of you tube videos on working metal. I studied how a blade is made, but these…”
Bloodstone walked back over to the King and Newton. “Your Highness, I hope the weapons on the table are not a good sampling of your finest.” The king looked over at him, then to Ferald who had been standing off to one side.
“It’s my test for you, you seem to know weapons, as does your son?”, he asked.
“Sort of, he’s more a weapons buff than I am, I just know how things are supposed to be made. Those” He pointed to the table, “are inferior junk, and should be forged properly or melted down.”
Ferald smiled, “I told you sire,” he said to the king.
The king nodded, glancing back at newton who was still typing away.
The king seemed a little deflated, “Very well, have them talk to the blacksmith, have whatever they want made, we can’t have real heroes without proper equipment.”
“What are we to do now?” Bloodstone asked.
“We can collect your wife and daughter, “He looked at Newton, “What about you sir?”
Newton never stopped, “Not interested in weapons, I’m an accountant, we fight with numbers.”
Ferald let them out of the ballroom, and had two soldiers go and collect the others.
They followed him to what appeared to be a guard room and each of them were handed a grey cloak. A few minutes later Kuya, who had two mages following her. One of them was Enna the other was not one of those who had been in the summoning room. The two of them seemed excited they were talking with Kuya. Kuya had a large book under one arm.
Amethyst arrived yawning, “Sorry, I just took a nap. There was some weird voice in my head, when I woke up. I thought my phone was messed up.”
The two mages and the soldiers stared at her. Ferald asked, “what did it say?”
She said, “My phone? Or the voice?”
“The voice you heard”, He asked.
“Something about [Hero level one], [Illusionist level one] and [Enchanter level one], oh yeah and something about skills, what were they.” She looked around at them. “What?”
“How unusual, an enchanter class not a mage class.” Enna said.
“Oh yeah the skills were, [skill summon spell book] and [skill Mana channeling]”, she replied. “Not sure what that means though.”
“Are you serious,” Enna asked.
Amethyst shrugged, “That’s what it said.”
“Who are you people! That’s a crazy skill, I don’t even know anyone who’s ever had that.”, Enna said.
“Not sure how it works, do I just say summon spell book?” She said.
A glow appeared in front of her and a spell book materialized hanging in midair.
Everyone stared at her and the book, it was a massive tomb, at least two feet by two feet across and six inches thick.
She reached out for the spell book and it opened at her touch. She looked through the book, it was completely blank, however as she turned the pages spells began to appear on the pages, in cursive script.
“That’s kind of a letdown that its blank,” Enna said, having looked away.
“Do I dismiss it and where does it go?” Amethyst asked. The book vanished, as she said it.
“Handy, doesn’t take up any space, and it’s there when you need it.”
The other mage that was watching stammered, “The book, it started to fill will spells.”
“Uh yeah it’s a magic book”, She said mischievously.
“We need to get going you can look at the woman’s spell book later.” Ferald said getting annoyed.
Without any further delays the cloaks were handed out, and Ferald addressed the group, “You lot, don’t wander off, Im not searching the city for your carcass.”
The mages kept looking at the red haired girl and the blond woman. Six soldiers went with them out a door and into the rain.
The courtyard was wet and the rain came down in a light drizzle, there was a fait scent of ozone in the air as well as a hint of salt air. They group crossed the courtyard and went through a bailey, where there was both a very large door partially open and portcullis raised up just high enough to walk under and touch the metal tines.
Half dozen guards nodded to the commander and watched as each of the newcomers passed through, one of them called out to the [commander], “Who are these people more of them summoned blokes?” He asked.
The commander just nodded hurrying through.
There were few people on the street or on the raised area around the buildings on each side. The [commander] lead the group across a street turned left then right and walked for four blocks. Made another left. It was then that the sound of metal on metal could be heard. A partially open area were there were several forges, boys and men worked the forges hammering on metal. One of them a massive muscular man saw the commander and stopped hammering. He put the metal he was working on back into the fire and walked over as the group got closer.
“Commander, what’s going on here? Unusual to see you away from the king, what can I do for ya.” He said looking the commander over as well as the guards. He was huge, almost six feet four inches, and built like a body builder, His black hair and piercing gray eyes, accented the scar under his eye. He wore a white shirt with a large leather apron and thick leather pants. He took off a pair of gloves and put them in his belt as he got closer.
“These six need arms, and armor.” The commander replied.
“Well Lann is sick with a fever, so if you want any leather work it will have to wait till she’s better. Metal weapons if it’s in stock you can buy it now, or is you want something custom..” He let in the question hang in the air.
“Whatever they want.” He seemed upset by the prospect and sighed, pointing to the six whom he had escorted.
“Let’s go inside see if we have anything you’re interested in, “The large man said leading them into a large shop. Inside were weapons and armor a barrel of arrows and a barrel of unstrung bows. There were pole arms higher in the rafters on hooks to hold them in place. There were several display cases with smaller weapons. There was an entire wall of armor leather, chain and two suits of full plate, which appeared to be more decorative than functional. One of them looked like it had been made for a woman. As they looked around the soldiers followed them individually and the two mages stuck close to Kuya.
Xack started picking up weapons and looking at them.
Bloodstone asked, “Longswords?” looking around the room.
The large man pointed to one of the walls was where there were dozens of blades. Most had sheaths and the blades were not visible two were not. Bloodstone started going through the swords pulling the blade out looking at it and giving it a heft and testing its balance. He brought two of them back with him to the larger man, “So I have got to ask, how much are these? “He handed them over and the Man pulled one of the blades and looked at a mark on the blade, and then did it with the second one. “They are a hundred and fifty gold each; I can throw in a sharpening stone for each of them for one gold.” He set the blades down on the counter, “So you have the gold?”
A soft female voice came from a fluffy chair behind the counter. “Papa”
The large man turned and looked at the small girl sitting in the chair. “I’m with some customers now, Isabel.”
“Are the foreigners, they smell strange. Weird smells and weird items they carry are they mages?” she asked.
“Humm, no gold but maybe we can trade for it”, Bloodstone asked.
“What does he have to trade papa?” she asked inquisitively
“No gold, but ill humor you; let’s see what you got because my daughter asked.” He replied.
Bloodstone set down a cloth case on the table and started going through the contents. After a moment, he pulled out several black wires and a Block of shiny rough black material between them, and set them to one side.
The blacksmith looked at the material, “how very odd, are these magical. You might be better off talking to an enchanter.”
Bloodstone looked over at the wires, “Uh no, that’s the power pack for my laptop. Though I don’t think I will need it, and no, it’s not magical. “ He pulled out a small blue object with a metal cap, there was a button on one side and he pressed it and a blue light could be seen. He pressed on the metal end cap and a flame shot up. “Not magical, either.”
The commander stepped up next to Bloodstone, “The king said to get you want you wanted, so you can put your things away, once everyone has made a selection we will have someone sent to make your purchases.
Bloodstone shrugged and started to put his stuff away.
The blacksmith considered the strange black cloth bag and looked at the objects that had fallen out of it. “What are those?” He asked seeing a pile of various objects in the top of the bag.
“Oh just my dice.” He said reaching into the laptop case and pulling out a handful of different shaped dice. “I forgot to clean out the bag before I left. You’re not interested in these are you?”
BB and Eve had been talking with the mages, they were asking magic related questions. Eve had already picked up a short sword and a dagger, and handed it to Xach, adding to his pile.
“No just curious, if you decide you want to sell some of them let me know.” He said as Xach walked over with his arms full of weapons.
“Sure,” he said and dropped several of the dice on the counter. One of the icosahedrons shaped dice rolled onto the table with an eighteen showing. “Nice” Bloodstone said as he put the dice away.
“I want these” he said holding them out. The blacksmith retrieved them one by one and started making another pile. After looking at the touch mark on each weapon, he started jotting numbers on a paper he pulled from under the counter.
Kuya was wandering around the store, and found a straight piece of soft white sanded wood that had been wedged between two shelves. It was almost as tall as she was. She brought it over to the blacksmith who was still retrieving weapons from Xach.
The blacksmith looked at the wood, curiously. “Isabel this girl brought me your staff, how much were you going to charge for it.”
“The red haired girl will need that willow staff, let her have it as a gift from me.” She smiled at Bloodstone
Bloodstone looked back at the small girl sitting in the plush gray chair. Her eyes were closed, and there were white scar marks visible on her. The blacksmith stepped in front of his view. “Blight lands, took my daughters sight. I thought I could help with the wall, you know ply my trade out just beyond the fourth wall. Didn’t believe the monsters or demons would come. A group of them came, took my first daughter. It was her screams that still haunt me. They almost got Isabel. I make weapons for those who kill them, make them pay, for what they took from me. My Isabel, she sees visions“
“You have magic here, there’s no way to get her healed?” Bloodstone asked.
“I took her to the best healers here in the Kingdom, her being here is enough.” He replied.
Bloodstone could hear the pain in his voice, “What about a cleric or doctor?”
“There are no [clerics], and I don’t know what a [doctor] is. There are no gods here they all died a long time ago.” He said shuffling the weapons.
“Wait how did she know my daughter has red hair?” He asked.
The blacksmith paused, and leaned in close, “She’s a [seer], please don’t tell people, they tend to bother her about their fortunes.” He stood up straight. “Isabel, are you sure?” he asked skeptically.
“Papa, it’s ok, can I tell you something”, she asked.
He walked over and knelt next to her. She whispered something to him.
The blacksmith looked stunned, he stood up and turned to the commander, “your king needs you.”
Ferald, froze for just a moment, and then hurried towards the door, “Men with me, the mages can escort them back” They all filed out of the shop and ran down the street.
“What did your daughter say?” Bloodstone asked.
“She said the king will die if they stay here, take the weapons if my daughter trusts you then I do as well. If you are heroes like the king says he has called.”
Bloodstone grabbed the two swords, and looped them into his belt. Everyone else was getting ready; Xach sighed and took a sword and a shield from the pile. “I want the rest.”
“What’s the fastest way back? “Bloodstone asked the mages.
“West gate,” Enna said.
The group followed Enna and the other mage to the west gate.
His thoughts were racing as he ran. They arrived at the castles west gate, and saw there were a dozen guardsmen at the gate. The door itself was closed.
“You there, what business do you have here.” One of the guardsmen asked.
“Im here on commander Ferald’s orders. Let me pass.” One of the mages said..
“Who are you?”, another guard said.
“I am Enna of the court mages, let us pass, This is a Hero summoned by the King” Enna said
They laughed, “Yeah right, and you’re mage and a Hero to come and save him.”
“Dam straight, he summoned us here, it’s the least I can do. Now let us pass.” Bloodstone said.
“No one gets in or out,” The guardsman said as he said he dropped to the ground.
Amethyst began casting again, and two more of the [guardsmen] stood still staring into nothing.
It was over before the [guardsmen] could stop them the mages pushed the door open and went through the courtyard.
Everyone else followed them, into the palace proper.
“Where is everyone?” Enna asked.
The group of them entered the ballroom where there were two guardsmen bleeding on the floor. The [commander] was being restrained, by four guardsmen, when they burst into the room.
“Release me,” The commander said, to the guardsmen. On the other side of the ballroom, Newton was standing between the King and the Steward of coin. It looked as though he had been stabbed, but was still standing. The steward, held a bloody dagger, his back to the group.
Newton caught sight of Bloodstone and the rest entering the room. “It’s a Coup” he shouted.
Bloodstone and Xach rushed at the guardsmen. They had a choice take the rush or let go, two of them chose to let go. One caught a shield in the stomach, from Xach, and was knocked to the ground. The second one on the commanders left side grabbed Bloodstone. The two of them wrestled, it was apparent that the guardsman had the skill, and got Bloodstone into a choke hold.
In that moment before falling unconscious, several thoughts went through his head, as the blackness started to cover his vision. The first thought was that if there were no gods, and there was magic here perhaps he could find a way to call the nine. The second thought was that he was as close to them as any being could be, they were right next door, they just needed to know he was there and in need. In that moment all his experiences clicked in place, the knowledge of a hundred different things aligned, and he knew the truth.
[Skill – Epiphany]
The voice flashed through his mind, like fire on dry grass, his vision returned. He turned into the hold, put one foot behind the guardsman and fell onto the guardsman. The choke hold was released, and he stood up. The guardsman was on him and hit him twice with his gauntleted fist. Blood started dripping from the impact to his face where the flesh had been torn.
Pain exploded into his face, he staggered back. The guard had started his third swing and he grabbed the wrist as it went by and put more momentum into the strike, aiming it at the guardsman holding the commanders right side.
Xach stood over the fallen guardsman, and pointed the Swords point at his chest.
The commander freed on one side drew his weapon, “Surrender now before there is more bloodshed”
He said raising his voice. The guardsman who held his left arm let go.
The steward of coin snarled in rage, “Kill them now!”
The commander spoke first, “Draw a blade you die.” His words were aimed at the two guardsmen who were trying to get up, and the third who was ready to draw his weapon.
Bloodstone started walk towards the steward, “Drop the blade now, and I will not harm you.”
There was a cadence to his voice, something terrifyingly deadly; his voice was resonating in the space creating an eerie effect. The steward took a step back, “What are you!?”
“I am something new to this world,” and continued walking.
The steward, dropped the blade and ran towards the door, in his path was the red haired girl, Kuya.
She grinned at him. The Steward froze, “Who are you people?” There was a hint of terror in his voice.
The king spoke, “These are the heroes I have been searching for, It seems they have done me a service the first day they are here.” There was a sense of pride in his voice, something that had been missing before. “Commander take these traitors to the dungeons, I will deal with them tomorrow.”
“As you command, I will quell the fighting around the palace as well.” He said.
Enna said “They need potions, can you take us by the mages quarters, and we can get healing potions.”
“Help the commander Xach, no one will harm the king while we are here.” Bloodstone said, the eerie voice echo fading.
The four guardsmen relinquished their swords, and were escorted out by Xach and the commander; more guards came to assist, when the commander started to shout orders.
Bloodstone looked horrible; blood ran down his face, where he had been struck. He also looked exhausted, as if he had done something beyond what he was capable of. He leaned against a chair, listening to the others. The Epiphany he had gotten was intriguing, to try and explain it would require a lifetime of information to be imparted. He sat and listened feeling the blood run down his face, he was calm. Amethyst had sat next to him, and held his hand.
The king took control of the situation when ten [guardsmen] marched in, and took up an honor guard position at the doors. The aftermath was there were many guardsmen and soldier’s dead on both sides, the mages, had barricaded themselves in their rooms and refused to open the doors, until Enna had arrived and convinced them that the king needed them. The palace itself was in an uproar, the steward’s misdeeds were becoming known.
The king left them and went to survey the damage; he asked them to remain in the ballroom, until things settled down.
Newton sat on the other side of Bloodstone, “That steward was stealing coin from the crown, not sure what for, but it was a lot of coin. He was skimming funds from the wall being built. The king saw it almost the same time I asked, why there were two payments. The steward attacked the king, I pushed him and took the blade, and luckily it didn’t go in deep.”
Potions were brought for Newton and Bloodstone, the wounds healed but left a silvery scar on Bloodstones face.
It was well towards evening when they were escorted to the throne room. The king had changed, and the commander stood by his side. There were a number of soldiers, in attendances.
As the seven of them entered, there was a hush that fell over the crowd.
“Countrymen, today was a day that will be noted in history as the time the Hero’s came. I don’t know what deeds they will do in the future, but today they have saved this king, and found a grievous harm to this kingdom, it will be righted this day. A man who was not trained in weapons, protected me, put his own life on the line to protect the crown. This man was not a soldier, he was a knight, a protector of the realm, and today I name him, Sir Newton. Please step forward”
Newton looked very confused and walked towards the king. “Sir Newton, a knight should have a sword, and a shield. For your act of courage, and bravery I present you your sword and shield. Kneel.” The king had a sword and shield brought forward; he took the sword in hand and tapped Newton on each shoulder. “I knight thee sir Newton, and the rank of captain.” He returned the sword to its sheath and handed it to Newton who looked stunned.
“There were others today who stood by the kingdom, penetrated the western gate, and harmed no one in the process. They freed the commander, when he was restrained. Their actions prevented further bloodshed.”
The crowd began to get restless, as the king had not announced who these heroes were, looking at the remaining six standing in the middle of the room.
“Xach, Kuya, Bloodstone and Amethyst, are hereby granted titles of Lord and Lady. Once we have located a suitable holding to bestow, until then they will remain here in the capital. As for the other two they too shall be granted titles, for service to the crown, once they have decided on the path they wish to follow “The king continued
There was a wave of applause, and the king waved them forward. “This should alleviate some of your concerns. I have had better quarters arranged, for a lord and a lady and their retainers. Tomorrow we will build for the future, and I believe with your help it’s brighter than it was before.” The king leaned forward, “What did you do in the ball room? My steward is terrified of you.” He asked softly.
Bloodstone grinned, “Let’s just say I figured something out.”
The king, had the soldiers return to duty and they were escorted to two large state rooms that were next door to each other and had an open. There were plenty of beds and amenities for a group three times their size.
Two maids were introduced by the king who would be serving the two rooms while they were in attendance.
The king retired and went to his personal rooms.