They stood on the arena floor for a few minutes before the gate opened, through which the Elven King and Queen entered.
They approached and King Thalion and Queen Alaria both stood, watching the party with respect, the noise of the crowd ebbing to allow him to speak.
“This result was…unexpected. But I stand by my vow made before the entire court and the Goddess Lathalon herself. We will enter peace talks with the Orcish Confederation.”
It was at that moment that the magic of the Vault faded, revealing the ruins of the surrounding city. The once grand arena was now a desolate space overgrown with trees, its stone structures crumbling and covered in moss and vines. Yet the King and Queen, now ethereal ghosts, remained before the party, their regal forms shimmering in the late morning light.
Queen Alaria smiled. “Thank you, Brave Warriors, for saving our kingdom from certain doom. In truth, of course, this pointless war extended for another generation, until the Verdant Plague put an end to the fighting on both sides, beginning a Dark Age that would not lift from the continent for another five hundred years. And it was during this time that the Elves’ numbers were reduced to only a few scattered clans, which in the end, were hunted down by the Necromancer-Lords of the Shadow Empire.”
The ghostly King Thalion stepped forward, his spectral presence imposing and dignified. “You have proven your worth and valor, Brave Adventurers. Though our time has long passed, we honor the promises made within the Vault. For your courage and skill, you each shall receive a just reward: One Bronze-Level Item for each Party Member, and One Silver-Level Item for the Party Member deemed most worthy.”
Queen Alaria, her form radiant and serene, extended her hand. Within them materialized a pair of elegant boots, with a golden embroidery of vines. The Queen smiled kindly and looked at Justin. “These boots were once given to our ambassadors. Normally, they would be given to someone of the Diplomat Class, but their benefits can be enjoyed by anyone with a Charisma Core. Your Charisma and presence were enough to sway me, if not my husband. While wearing them, they will grant you +1 to Endurance and will always remain dry, no matter the weather.”
As the boots floated toward Justin, he inspected them. The Endurance boost would be welcome, making travel and pure survival all the easier. At first, he thought the enchantment that kept them dry was useless, since he already had the Ring of Hygiene. But as he thought about it, he realized they actually were still useful, because the enchantment would always keep the boots dry, and not merely once a day.
“Thank you, Queen Alaria.” Justin gave a respectful bow.
She nodded regally. With another wave of her hand, the Queen produced a beautifully crafted lute, its strings glowing faintly, the color sun yellow. It gave off a warm aura. Lila’s eyes widened at the sight.
“This is the Lute of the Sun,” Queen Alaria said. “For Lila Fairwind the Bard, it will give a second use Bardic inspiration so long as the sun is up. This is your gift, for your song, As Fast as Sunlight, gave your party speed and grace to evade the attacks of Seraphael and his deadly Thera.”
As the lute floated toward Lila, it traced a delicate golden trail in the shadow of the trees. Her eyes widened as she gave it a bright testing strum. It was perfectly in tune. “Thank you, your Majesty.”
Next, the Queen produced a pair of finely crafted gloves, their material both sturdy and supple. “And for Eldrin the Ranger, these are the Ilvari Gloves of Alchemy. They will increase the potency of your crafted potions and poisons by 10%.”
Eldrin received them, wasting no time in donning the enchanted gloves. “I thank you, Queen Alaria.”
And for the final Bronze-Level item, Queen Alaria summoned an amulet fashioned from a dark, polished stone set in a silver frame, with intricate Elven runes etched along the edges. “This is the Blood Warden’s Seal. Its enchantment will automatically reabsorb the blood you expel while casting Blood Magic, slightly increasing your Life Force regeneration. You will also not have to worry about blood staining your clothing, so long as you wear it.”
Kargan’s amber eyes widened as the amulet floated toward him. He immediately wore it. “Thank you, Queen Alaria.”
Finally, the ghostly King Thalion came out of his silence, looking at Kargan. Justin must have missed it, but at some point, he must have created the majestic, wooden staff adorned with glowing Elven runes. “Kargan Durzag, you landed pivotal healing spells while bravely defending your companions and were at points near death itself for the amount of Life Force you channeled. Your performance far exceeded that which should be expected of a Level 3 Blood Warden. As such, the Vault has determined you most worthy of the Silver-Level Item. This is the Staff of Aegis. It will automatically cast the Ward of Aegis at the start of any conflict, without you having to spend any Life Force. It also grants you +2 to Endurance.”
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The staff floated toward Kargan, and he accepted it. “King Thalion. You humble me. My thanks.”
“And of course, there is the prize money for winning the fight itself. One golden crown, to be split amongst the party.”
25 Silver Marks have been added to your inventory! You now have 3 Golden Crowns, 36 Silver Marks, and 24 Copper Pieces.
The King and Queen looked at the party with a mix of pride and sorrow. It was the latter who spoke. “May these enchanted items serve you well in your future endeavors. Know that the spirits of Eldareth will always remember your deeds here today.”
With that, the ghostly monarchs faded, their forms becoming more translucent with each passing second. The surrounding air grew cooler, and the remnants of the monarchs’ presence left an eerie, yet tranquil silence in the once bustling arena.
----------------------------------------
The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds.
The Trial of the Vault is complete!
Experience Gained: 350
----------------------------------------
Birdsong once again warbled through the trees, while the green veil of magic still spread overhead. It would protect them for a while, long enough, hopefully, to escape the ruins of the city through the north gate.
The party looked at each other, their new items in hand, feeling both the weight and the honor of their victory.
Eldrin looked at Justin, a rare smile crossing his usually stoic face. “Not bad for a Socialite,” he said, clapping Justin on the back.
“Not bad at all,” Justin replied, a confident grin spreading across his face.
Kargan was examining his new staff, something that would be of benefit not just to him, but whatever party he found himself a part of in the future. On top of that, he’d gained a new amulet that would increase his Life Force regeneration while keeping the blood from staining his clothing.
Lila was examining her new lute, plucking a merry tune.
Eldrin watched, a smile on his face. “An enchanting melody.”
Lila gave a playful bow. “I look forward to using this. Getting a lute has long been on my list, but money has always been tight. This’ll cheer the party’s spirits on long marches. Once we get back to safer lands, of course.”
Justin was already putting on his new boots while casting aside the old ones. The old boots were of the common variety, gifted to him by Alistair long ago on his first night in Eyrth. He almost didn’t want to leave them behind because of that, but they were extra weight, and the Paladin would have understood. They were beyond all saving, anyway.
Do you wish to bind the Invari Ambassador Boots to your core?
Justin gave his assent and immediately felt the benefit of the Endurance enchantment. They would be perfect for long marches.
Justin quickly summoned his character sheet:
----------------------------------------
Justin Talemaker
Class: Socialite
Level: 6
Experience to Level 7: 989/720 (Level-up Available!)
----------------------------------------
Attributes:
Power: 10
Coordination: 11 (10 +1)
Endurance: 12 (10 +2)
Intellect: 10
Perception: 11 (10 +1)
Charisma: 19 (17 +2)
----------------------------------------
Equipment:
Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill “Gentleman’s Rebuff.”
The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications.
The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Nullified: Death Affinity Detected.
Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance. Enchantment of Dry Stride.
The Coat of Highcliff’s Elegance: + 1 to Endurance and Coordination. Enchantment of Featherweight.
----------------------------------------
Justin closed his sheet, finding that everyone seemed to be ready to continue the march north.
“We must pass through the rest of the ruins, heading due north,” Eldrin said. “From there, we’ll come out into the western extent of the Northwood, a far gentler forest than the Darkwood. From there, we can either hang west northwest and resupply in Greenhollow, or head straight north, living off the land.”
“Which will be faster?” Justin asked.
“It depends on the hunting,” Eldrin said. “But pushing directly for Windfall will probably be faster.”
“Let’s do that, then,” Lila said. “We can’t risk Gareth getting there first.”
“I agree,” Eldrin said. “With Pathfinder’s Pace, we’re likely to make it there in three days of hard walking.”
Kargan nodded. “Let’s move, then.”
As they walked through the forested ruins, Justin couldn’t help but notice how much easier it was to move. The underbrush almost seemed to melt out of Eldrin’s way as they proceeded forward. He’d missed his Pathfinder’s Pace.
Justin walked beside Kargan. “Congrats on the new gear.”
“Thanks,” he said gruffly. “You too on those boots.”
“You earned it,” Justin said. “I’m glad we found you in that tower. It would have turned out differently otherwise.”
Kargan nodded. “Let’s just keep our eyes on the goal, Socialite. You’ve surprised me, too. That thing you did where you got the Thera’s attention…that was Dazzling Display, wasn’t it?”
Justin nodded. “It was.”
“Without that, that creature might have overwhelmed us.” He looked at his staff doubtfully. “Maybe I shouldn’t have been the one to earn this.”
“Far from it, Kargan,” Justin said.
At that point, he almost told him about the Amulet of Equilibrium, but thankfully, he thought better of it. While Kargan was probably trustworthy, it just wasn’t worth the risk.
Things were looking up again. The Vault was cleared, the Darkwood left behind, and Eldrin was back in the party, leading them resolutely north.
And when Justin slept next, he’d get to process his next level up. For the first time since Level 3, he’d get to pick a new skill to shape his destiny.
The only thing that was missing was Alistair. Somehow, they’d have to learn to manage without him. The thought was unimaginable. Justin still couldn’t believe the Paladin was gone.
It was only proof of just how dangerous their enemies were, and how important it was to stay ahead of them.
The party marched north through the ruined city in silence, each lost in his or her own thoughts. Within the next hour, they had reached the ruined north gate, exiting into the Northwood beyond.