If the number of expressions or emotions that Zigferd had shown while SJ completed her big reveal had been recorded, a whole drama series could have been written, filmed, edited and published. SJ was currently walking back to the Hogling Arms with Carlito. Who, for Killic's purposes, was now being referred to as Fas. This had been strongly advised to remain so by Zigferd. Although not all in the town may know about Carlito, enough may well understand what weight his name carries.
When SJ had spoken about Bob, Zigferd had turned the air multiple brilliant shades as he exploded in shock and awe. Then, the revelation of who her guardian was, the system, and Dave, as well as the actual happenings that had taken place in Asterfal. It had all been discussed.
SJ was now uncertain how she felt. In one way, she felt absolute relief in sharing her secrets. On the other hand, it left her with a profound level of uncertainty and unease.
Zigferd had been accommodating to everything, and under the oath, he couldn't reveal anything to others without potential fatal repercussions. Not that she thought he might. It was just the underlying fear that she had been dishonest with him for so long. Not lying but not sharing her true self. Another consideration was what she would tell the others. Did she consider telling all those under Nexis's oath? Did she try to retain some secrecy? Was there really a need to? She had so many questions that she was struggling to process after the revelation.
"You do realise that Zigferd will be able to speak to anyone who is under Nexis's oath about it if he wishes to," Dave said.
Fas walked beside SJ quietly, taking in the town. The streets were still empty, and many shutters still remained closed. Only two of the usual traders' shops were open, and SJ noticed the town representatives who were inside with the owners. She doubted any were open for usual trade.
'I know. I don't think he would, but I should have clarified what to do next,' SJ thought.
"You still have to decide on what skill you want to progress?" Dave said.
'I'll decide once we are back at the inn.’
The inn wasn't empty when they returned, but it was the quietest SJ had ever experienced from those inside, even during the hob battles and the alarm caused by the potential goblinpox, had the inn ever been as subdued? Those patrons in attendance were sitting quietly or talking in hushed tones. The feeling of uncertainty felt like a thick blanket of snow absorbing sound from the world.
"This is nice," Carlito, now known as Fas, said upon entering.
SJ smiled. "It's my favourite place in town."
Kerys was serving one of the tables, and SJ was waiting patiently at the bar for her to return.
"Hi Kerys," SJ said.
Kerys had a half smile. "Hi. Did you want your usual?"
"I will have a wine and whatever Fas would like as well," SJ indicated.
"Honey wine sounds good," Fas replied.
Kerys looked at Fas for the first time, not even noticing him. That was very unusual since Kerys noticed everything normally.
"Are you okay?" SJ asked.
"Umm. What?" Kerys replied as she poured two drinks.
"You don't seem yourself?"
"It's Fhyliss. She has decided to go and help with the town's defence. I know she is old enough to make her own decisions, but I don't like her being out there."
"Oh. I would have thought you would need her here."
"You can see how quiet it is compared to normal, and with Holly as well, Fhyliss decided that she could spare the time."
"I didn't know she was a fighter?"
"She isn't. She is providing supplies and restocking the fighters as needed."
"That's an important task," SJ said.
"I know. I know. I'm just being selfish and worrying for no reason. Here you go, and sorry, Fas, wasn't it? I'm Kerys, nice to meet you. I guess you're one of SJ's friends."
Fas smiled pleasantly. "You could call me that," he said.
Kerys shot SJ a glance. SJ blushed. "No, he is not. Don't even get any ideas, Kerys Thruttle," SJ said.
"I didn't say a word." Kerys smiled innocently, the amusement and twinkle in her eye telling SJ she meant exactly what SJ had thought. It was nice to see her smile return.
"Do you have any free rooms? Fas needs somewhere to stay," SJ said.
"I thought..."
SJ cut Kerys off. "Don't even."
Kerys chuckled this time. "Yes. Most of the rooms are empty. As soon as the news spread, the majority of the villagers cleared out and left via the crags. Only a couple remain. Actually, your old suite is available. I assume that will do?"
"That would be perfect," SJ said. "Can we order some food as well?"
"Just pop in and see Floretta in the kitchen. She will make whatever you ask for."
"I will, thanks," SJ said as Kerys placed the suite key on the bar. SJ handed it to Fas.
"Upstairs. Second on the left. Go and have a look while I order some food. Do you have a preference?"
"Happy with anything as long as they are big portions," Fas said. "I'm still feeling drained."
"Sure," SJ said as Fas took the key and went up to the suite.
"So, who is he?" Kerys asked as soon as he was out of earshot.
SJ shook her head. "A friend, just a friend, nothing more."
"Okay. He's a nice-looking elf."
The thought hadn't crossed SJ's mind. He was okay in her eyes, but she hadn't looked at anyone since her arrival in any other light. The only being who had affected her in any way was Nexis, but that was because of his godly charisma when he was in Nexis's persona, which really didn't count.
SJ sighed. "If you knew more about him, you may not be as so forthright."
"Do tell?"
SJ shook her head. "I'm going to order food," she said, turning and walking towards the kitchen.
"No fair," Kerys said. "You know my inn runs on gossip."
"Exactly!" SJ said.
Kerys laughed.
SJ couldn't see Floretta as she entered the inn's kitchen.
"Floretta?" SJ called.
"Be there in a minute," Floretta replied.
Only moments passed before Floretta appeared from one of the rear store rooms. SJ was standing over the stove, wafting the amazing smell of broth towards her nose.
"Hi SJ," Floretta smiled. "You need more food already?"
"I had to share what you gave me, and thanks. As usual, it was amazing. What's in the broth?" SJ asked as saliva built in her mouth. "It smells divine."
"Setu dropped off some of the excess fish. With the siege ongoing, all normal fishing activities have been paused, and with no market in operation, he didn't want it to go to waste."
"That was kind of him. I haven't spoken to him since I got back properly. I should call in."
"He is away. He left this morning with his family. They are travelling to Cuopi. He said something about relatives and getting the sproglings safe. He plans to return in a couple of days."
"Oh. Although I can understand why he would."
"Anyway, what would you like?"
"I'll take two servings of the broth with bread, and three hogling steaks, please."
If Floretta had eyebrows, she would have raised one of them. "You're that hungry?"
"Ha. No. It's for the monster here," SJ said, stroking Kibble on her shoulder. "And I have a friend with me."
"No problem," Floretta replied as she started to prepare SJ's order.
"Have you seen Terrance and the others? I told them to go back to Farleck."
Floretta flinched, only a tiny movement, but enough for SJ to notice.
'It appears Terence's feelings are reciprocated,' SJ thought.
Dave just chuckled in response.
"They have. Ter... They asked me to go with them, but I couldn't leave Kerys and Fhyliss. Burt has already started building the town defence with his cousins, and beings still need to eat."
Floretta was stalwart, her resolve unbreakable. SJ had to remind herself that Floretta had been around a long time and had experienced Amathera's most deadly period during the Scrug Wars. She doubted the threat to Killic even came close in comparison.
"How are things going?" Floretta asked.
"We should have some respite now that the track is destroyed, but they may find a solution. We are going to build defences at the cliff face along with the fields leading to town, just in case."
"I went out to the fields. Jarsep is furious that his fields are being dug up, but understands the needs."
Jarsep owned the fields that led from the southern edge of town to the forest's edge, and SJ was aware of how much he had kicked off after the hob attack over the fields. He was a good being. A dryad who spent his time working the fields and had a good heart, but also a short fuse when it came to his crops. SJ was grateful that it was just after harvest, so the majority of the fields would still be empty, having not been resown yet.
"It's a necessity, unfortunately," SJ said.
They continued to pass small talk while Floretta finished pan-frying the hogling steaks. The smell was driving Kibble mad as he fidgeted on her shoulder.
"Here you go," Floretta said after placing the last item on a serving tray.
"Thanks," SJ smiled, collecting it and returning to the bar.
Fas was sitting at a table by the window, looking out onto the square, savouring his honey wine. He looked peaceful and relaxed.
"Do I sense romance blooming?" Dave said.
SJ hadn't even realised what she had been thinking.
'NO,' she thought forcefully.
"Looks like Kerys hit a nerve with her observations."
'Shut up, Dave.'
Dave just chuckled.
"Here you go," SJ said, placing the overflowing tray of deliciously smelling and looking food on the table.
"It smells wonderful. I hope it tastes as good," Fas replied, taking a bowl of broth and a side plate of thick-sliced bread.
"I guarantee it will," SJ said as she sat.
Kibble stood on the edge of the table and stuck his nose over the broth, sniffing before sneezing. A flash of electricity sparked from his nostrils.
"No," SJ said as she cut his steak up and placed his plate on the floor. She didn't think it was right that he should eat at the table. They sat in silence as they devoured the food. The only sounds were those of pleasant comfort from eating such heavenly delights. The hogling always melted in her mouth; it was so tender, and the fish in the broth was flaky and soft.
As the last drop of broth was mopped up from Fas's bowl, SJ spoke.
"I levelled again."
"Really? What have you chosen?"
"I haven't yet. I wanted to get your thoughts."
"Remind me again, where are you at with your skills?" Fas said.
SJ opened her character sheet and looked through her information.
Class:
Martial Arts –
Kata Level 10
Unarmed combat - Incapacitation Level 5 / Elimination Level 3
Armed combat - Melee Claws Level 4 / Ranged Darts Level 3
Clawed Avenger Level 4
Subterfuge –
Identification Level 10
Advanced Identification Level 5
Shroud Level 6
Shadow Discipline –
Shadow Step Level 2
SJ confirmed the details with Fas. He sat there thoughtfully before discussing options.
"Under the current circumstances, there is little point in focusing on your stealth skills, so I would ignore subterfuge and shadow for now. The situation moves towards increasing your damage capability over anything else, with the level variance and conditions you are likely to be fighting in. Open plains don't create many shadowy environments that allow for the use of your or my skills. The forests, yes, and if in town, but not with where we need to go."
"Need to go?" SJ asked, confused.
"Yes. Where do we need to go? I already told you the one thing to stop those lizards."
"You want me to go to the desert region?"
"No. I'd like us to visit the desert region. I have never been in this territory before, but I have seen gila beasts and also dealt with the other beasts that live in similar regions. It would also be a good opportunity for you to try and gain some quick experience to increase your levels further."
"I can't just fly off, leaving the town!"
"And what are you going to do here? Sit around and wait to see what happens?"
"No. Of course not. I would be helping with the defences, planning and supporting." SJ was getting frustrated.
"You're experienced in that, are you? How many town defences have you planned? You're best option is not to delay in Killic but seek a solution."
"No, but I can help where needed. I can't just abandon my friends," SJ snapped her voice loud enough to draw the attention of several patrons.
Fas looked at her, his face neutral, holding no emotion, and he spoke calmly. "You wouldn't be abandoning them. You would be seeking help. I am an assassin, as you know. Even with my experience and skills, I would have a limited impact on the outcome of a battle against those creatures. There is little that can combat them, and those that could are at too high a level to fight in the territory with its restrictions. You have to think logically and seek help from a beast that they fear is the only viable option."
"What he is saying makes sense," Dave said.
SJ fumed; she didn't want to consider leaving Killic in its hour of need. The town meant the world to her, never mind her friends. She leaned back in her seat, her arms folded, lips pursed, and brow furrowed. After several moments, she spoke.
"Can't we just kill their leaders?"
"They are tribal clans with hierarchy. There is always another vying for the leadership position. Even if they were to remove a few of their leaders, I doubt it would have much impact. Another is always willing to step forward, and as I have stated, I can't kill the draconians," Fas said.
Again, SJ fell silent as she fought with her inner turmoil.
"I would need to speak to Zigferd. I hold a position of trust in the town and have responsibilities," SJ eventually said.
"Then do so because the sooner you do, the sooner we can prepare to go."
"Prepare?"
"You require specific items to survive in a desert region. We will need to go to one of the towns to procure them, cactus taps, and goggles. You can't wander the deserts without them. We also have no guarantee where the beasts will be. It may take time to find them, and even then, if Kibble can influence one well enough to bring one back."
"So, it could be a wasted journey, anyway?"
"Perhaps, but would you prefer to sit here and wait for an outcome or try to get a weapon that can help you?"
SJ rubbed her head, closing her eyes; she could feel what felt like a migraine coming on.
"Look, I understand your predicament, but I am trying to think logically. I know it goes against your natural instincts. You are a caring and kind being after all, and leaving your friends behind without knowing what happens is a worry," Fas gently smiled.
The comment threw SJ off guard. Fas had never once spoken about her emotional state or her 'natural instincts'.
Fas pushed back from the table, standing. "Kerys. Thank the cook for the food, it was delightful," he called. Kerys waved, then he turned to SJ. "I am going to rest, I still feel weakened. You need to decide, know where I will be, and increase one of your damage skills." Fas turned and walked away, heading up to the suite, leaving SJ staring after him, torn on what to do next.
SJ just stared where Fas had disappeared up the stairs. As she battled with the inner turmoil over the choice she had to make.
"Which skill?" Dave said, jolting her back to reality.
'Sorry.'
"Which skill will you choose?"
SJ looked at her details again, as she struggled to remain focused on them, her mind wandering.
Eventually, she responded. 'Clawed Avenger to five,' she thought, selecting the skill.
It would add a minimum of five further points of damage per attack. She confirmed the selection.
"What attribute points are you going to add?" Dave asked.
'I think after what we just discussed, Dexterity would be the best option.'
"Are you sure? Your dexterity is already insanely high for your level."
'I'm not fighting my level, though.'
"True, but consider all options."
'No, I am definitely going with Dexterity,' SJ thought, selecting and adding the three additional points. She looked at her full sheet now that she had selected her options.
Legionnaire 25007077
Name: SJ
Age: 27
Race: Fae
Class: Assassin
Alignment: Neutral
Level: 22
Experience: 4790 of 19000
Hit Points: 147 of 147 (155)
Mana Points: 115
Armour Class: 77 (37)(40)
Damage: 92-94 (18-20) (13)(41)(20)
Attributes:
Strength: 17 (5)(12)
Dexterity: 50 (9)(41)
Intelligence: 14 (2)(12)
Wisdom: 22 (9)(13)
Constitution: 25
Charisma: 25 (9)(16)
Resistances:
Arcane Resistance 10%
Cold Resistance 10%
Magic Resistance 10%
Poison Resistance 10%
Skills
Racial:
Night Vision – you have improved vision in poor light conditions.
Flight – when in miniature fae form, you can learn to fly. Flying is not available in humanoid form.
Shapeshift – the ability to switch between fae forms.
Class:
Martial Arts –
Kata Level 10
Unarmed combat - Incapacitation Level 6 / Elimination Level 4
Armed combat - Melee Claws Level 5 / Ranged Darts Level 3
Puncture
Clawed Avenger Level 5
Subterfuge –
Identification Level 10
Advanced Identification Level 5
Shroud Level 6
Shadow Discipline –
Shadow Step Level 2
Profession:
Tailor Skilled Level 8
Perks - Sure Stitch
Profession Specialisation - 0 of 1 available points 1
Symbiosis:
Dragon Sense – your senses, touch, hearing, smell, and sight are heightened.
Precognition – foreknowledge due to increased perception will allow you to evade a killing blow. (24hr cooldown)
Divine lightning – your blood is combined with that of a blue dragon, increasing healing speed while out of combat.
Malware: Waiver (Sandboxed)
Inventory: 84 slots (8 x 10 Bags of Holding) (2) (+2 strength) (10 special)
Relationships:
Guardian - Carlito
Followers - Brian, Charlotte, Terence
Companions - Kibble
"Your progression is still unmatched by any Legionnaire I have ever been with," Dave said proudly.
When SJ considered that her basic damage was nearly at 100 with her claws, she was indeed becoming a formidable force. That was if and only if the situation allowed. She may be advanced beyond her current level with her attribute bonuses, but it still didn't compensate for the skill or basic level of her opponents overall, as she had discovered in Asterfal.
SJ closed her display, not even considering the profession specialisation that she still required to discuss with Nexis, and looked out of the inn window. The silent square, usually filled with traders and townsfolk, was a bleak reminder of what they had to face. If there were beings out, then they would all be towards the south of town working on the defences by now. She watched as a female orc and her orclings hurried across the square carrying a large sack. It looked like another family would be leaving town.
The beauty of Killic was something to behold, with its rural, charismatic architecture and cobbled streets adding to its charm. However, with the current hostilities, the town felt outdated and weak in comparison. Her hand tightened on the stem of her glass as she realised her decision was made.
'I'm going back to speak to Zigferd,' SJ thought, standing. The image of Ballentine burned in her mind, the draconian holding his axe, and she felt bitter about leaving, but knew deep down it was the best option. If Kibble were able to influence a gila beast and bring it to Killic, then their prayers may be answered.
"It looks like we are going to the desert then," Dave said.
'It doesn't appear like I have another option open to me.' SJ thought as Kibble squeaked and flew to her shoulder.
"Thanks, Kerys. I'll be back in a while," SJ called, leaving and heading back to the barracks.
