Chapter 102: Moving Up
Alex was just behind Brent as they burst through the dining room doors and into the foyer. Tergara’s screams were reaching a fever pitch and Alex saw Amalie slip by him to attempt to calm down the hysterical ghost.
“DEAAAAAAAAATH,” screamed Tergara. She was zooming through walls, rattling paintings, and making suits of armor lurch and clink where they stood. Even over the sound Alex heard Chase give a command.
“Weapons!” Shouted Chase.
Cursing himself, Alex realized that his sword was in the kitchen, but Brent, Chase, and Thomas all had daggers which they brandished before themselves as they piled into the foyer. Claire was holding an empty flower vase above her head and Marlon was trying to say something to Chase, tugging on his sleeve and making motions with his hands.
“Not now!” Shouted Chase again, brushing off the old man. “Just like we practiced! Fighters! At my signal!”
Alex’s mind was speeding at a mile a minute as he catalogued all the guild’s actions.
Chase is at the forefront, facing the main door. He is flanked by Claire with her vase, and Brent seems to have grabbed my best kitchen knife, thought Alex. Despite the intensity of the situation he still managed to summon up some indignation. Thomas is trying to get past Chase but the leader is holding him at bay with a single hand, clearing growing flustered. There’s the signal.
The leader of The Seven Banes held up two fingers, and Brent and Claire rushed to either side of the door. Alex began to look for a make shift weapon, and found a fork that someone had dropped on the ground between his feet.
“DEAAAAAAAAAAATH,” screamed Tergara again. Her shrieks were growing louder, and Amalie seemed to be having little success in quieting her down.
Three fingers from Chase, and now Alex fell in next to Thomas, and followed Chase slowly to the door. Chase placed a single hand on the left door handle, his knife in his other hand, ready to be plunged into whomever was beyond the door.
Here we go, thought Alex. He readied his stance. The only thing in his mind was the image of Xemnara, her cruel face twisted in a grin of malice and evil. That, and also what Thomas would say when he finally noticed the fork in Alex’s hand.
Chase threw open the door.
“DEAAAAAAAAAAAATH!DEAAAAAAAATH!! DEAAAAAA—.”
The screaming stopped.
“Morning, Chase.”
“It’s you,” said Chase dumbly.
“Who is it?” Said Thomas, craning his neck around Chase. “Can I stick him? Or Alex could just eat him with that dangerous fork of his.”
Chase opened the other door and there was their Advisor, Ghelion, with a small smile and his bemused eyebrows slightly raised upon his face.
“Expecting a battle, are we?” Said Ghelion.
“Just our procedure if someone knocks on the door, is all. There are only a few players who can pierce the magical wards that Christie placed around Strawberry Meadows.”
“Makes sense, Chase. Um, may I come in?”
“Of course!” Said Chase, standing aside sheepishly. It was a mark of Chase’s training that the others hadn’t leapt at joy to see their advisor step over the threshold. Long conversations with Chase over the possibility of foes concealing themselves as their friends had left an indelible mark upon each of the Banes.
Brent looked warily at Ghelion, his hand still grasping the knife, though it were at his side.
“What day did I spawn?” Said Brent.
“What day did you spawn?” Said Ghelion, slightly frowning. “Do you really think I would know that?”
“The real Ghelion would,” said Claire, also eying the advisor suspiciously.
“You think I know the exact date that each of you spawned? Advisors are only concerned with signing players, not when they spawn. You should ask the Guide on training island.”
“Ghel,” said Chase with a chuckle. “I know you know. Please, I have scared them for too long with the idea that any of us could be impersonated with the proper spells. Just set their minds at ease.”
“Not how I was expecting to be met after six months,” muttered Ghelion. He sounded annoyed, but Alex could tell he was also slightly amused, and not a little bit relieved that the Banes were taking such precautions.
“Let’s see,” began Ghelion. He pointed at Brent. “January 30th, along with Claire, of course. Marlon, you spawned on February 3rd. Thomas, you were six days later on February 9th. Alexander and Amalie, you spawned on March 6th and finally Chase,” Ghelion turned around. “The first time you spawned was March 9th, SD959, the second time was almost twenty five years later to the day, along with Amalie and Alexander. Is that sufficient enough? I could also describe the weather for each of your spawns if you would all like to hear it, that is.”
There was a collective sigh of relief, and just as Alex began to open his mouth to speak Amalie rushed past him and embraced Ghelion in a fierce hug.
“Oh, Ghelion! We’ve missed you so much!”
Ghelion seemed at a loss for words, and simply returned the hug while awkwardly looking at the other over Amalie’s head.
“And I’ve missed you all as well. Thank you, Amalie. I suppose you all know why I am here?”
“No,” said Marlon, sounding serious for once. “Did something happen? Is the Antagonista on the move?”
“Um, not that I’ve heard,” said Ghelion, shaking his head.
“I haven’t told them,” said Chase. All eyes swung to their grinning leader. “I knew that Marlon was going to reach his eighth level last night, and so I sent a letter to Ghelion two days ago. Didn’t expect him to arrive so soon, however.”
“Explains the reception,” chuckled the Advisor, but whatever he was about to say was suddenly cut off by Brent, Claire, Amalie, and Thomas trying to excitedly talk at once about the going ons in Strawberry Meadows for the past six months. Eventually Chase got them calmed down and corralled the guild along with their Advisor into the dining room. Alex tried to offer Ghelion some food but the advisor politely declined, but not without remarking on the spread, which gave Alex a thrill of delight at his skills being noticed.
“Now, how about we get down to business,” said Ghelion, once everyone was settled around the table. “Today you all get to sign for your second contract. How long as it been since you all set off from training island?”
“About a year and two weeks or so,” said Alex.
“Remarkable,” said Ghelion, shaking his head. “I am sure you all know that’s it quite rare for players to complete their first contract in less than two years, but a single year—and seven of you at once— is nearly unheard of.”
“Thanks,” said Brent smugly.
Claire rolled her eyes and said, “It’s all because of Chase, Brent. And also—.”
“Me,” said Marlon, somehow sounding so humble that Alex might have almost believed him. “I am to be congratulated.”
“As if, Marlon,” said Thomas.
“Anyway,” interrupted Ghelion. “How about we get this started? Do we all know what our next contract will be?”
Nods of assent all around.
“Good. Shall we go alphabetically, or…?”
“Me first!” Said Brent, rising to his feet.
There was some argument, but soon Brent had his way, and Ghelion directed him out the dining room and into a side room that Chase said would afford privacy for the ritual. Alex noticed that the guild was too excited to eat, and so were no longer gorging on his food. He wanted to sigh, then considered getting the dishes done whilst the others were signing for their second contracts. Then he remembered something in the kitchen that he had left there the night before.
“What’s that, Alex?” Said Thomas suspiciously as Alex returned from the kitchen, a book in his large hands.
“‘The Esem Survival Guide’,” said Alex, sitting in his chair. “Been reading it a lot lately.”
“Why?” Said Thomas, genuinely curious.
Alex just rolled his eyes, but at a look from Amalie quickly said, “Thomas, you should do more research into these classes. We won’t always have Chase around to tell us which one to choose.”
“Alex is right, Tommy,” said Chase. “Nosterly Quarter’s Survival Guide has been helping out players for centuries. Wouldn’t hurt for you to thumb through it sometime.”
“Maybe,” muttered Thomas, sounding disinterested.
Marlon ruffled the boys hair and said, “Would you like me to read it to you before you go to bed?”
Thomas made a sound which resembled retching.
Alex knew that Brent and Claire were signing for the Warrior class, and so turned to that page and read the description which he almost knew by heart.
The Warrior class is the natural progression for players who wish to remain combat operatives in Esem. Whether in battle or on a lonely road in the middle of the night, there is no other second contract class which is given so much raw power as well as abilities. Though it shares identical stat buffs with its sister class of Mercenary, the abilities which the Warrior will achieve make this a force to be reckoned with even to players with higher contracts, and for those who have dreams of being known for their combat skill, the Warrior is a must have class. The stats and abilities earned during each level are as follows:
Level 1. 10% strength
Level 2. 10% defense
Level 3. Duo Buff (two or more warriors get a temp buff)
Level 4. 10% strength
Level 5. 10% defense
Level 6. Energy Burst 2 (the upgraded version of the Fighter class ability.
Level 7. 15% strength
Level 8. 15% defense
Level 9. Stone Shield (also an upgrade from the Fighter class, but allows one to focus their ability into a shield, for better maneuverability and power.)
Level 10. 20% stat of choice
Alex was about to turn the page to read about his upcoming Mercenary class but his ears pricked up when he heard Chase and Amalie speaking.
“I really am not sure yet,” Amalie was saying.
“Come on,” said Chase, sighing. “Water or air?”
“I won’t know which until I talk to Ghelion some, I think,” said Amalie. She sounded a bit nervous, Alex thought.
“Okay, okay,” said Chase, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Oh, look, there he is!”
Brent was at the door, beaming, and had the sleeve on his left arm rolled up. A small tattoo above his Fighter mark was now displayed on his forearm.
“What’s the mark?” Said Thomas, squinting at Brent. “Looks like a flower from here.”
Brent, who Alex usually noted didn’t allow Thomas to mock him, instead grinned even harder.
“It’s a sword with a sun behind it, Thomas.”
“Well, it looks like a flower from where I’m sitting.”
Claire gave Thomas a look and then turned back to Brent and said, “Congratulations!”
Alex watched as Claire left the table to see Ghelion while Brent took his seat again. He still had his sleeve rolled up and couldn’t stop from marveling at the small contract mark.
“Chase?” Said Brent.
“Yes?”
“How long do you think our second contract will take?”
Chase drummed his fingers on the table.
“Only a little longer than this one did. We are going to Great Nexia for this one.”
“Excellent,” Brent almost purred. “Hey, Chase?”
“Yes?” Chase looked amused. Brent hardly ever spoke so calmly to their leader.
“I know that for the third contract some players are allowed to select a special class. How does that happen?”
“Well, for you that special class would be Paladin. I never got a Special for my third but from what I know you have to distinguish yourself, and also work it out with your advisor. So I would ask Ghelion today before he leaves about what you should be doing on your second contract to make that happen.”
Paladin, paladin, paladin, thought Alex, as he skipped ahead a few pages in the Survival Guide to the special classes section.
Of all the Special classes the third contract may bring, none is more coveted by combat players than the Paladin. Indeed, most players who went on to achieve the Over Powered status did so with at least one Special class, and so for those players who wish to be seen superficially and in actuality as a behemoth of talent and fighting prowess the Paladin is a must. That being said, the Paladin is incredibly difficult to achieve. One must go above and beyond in their second contract (as either a Warrior or a Mercenary, though the latter may have fewer chances to earn Paladin) to even be considered for their third contract.For those who do attain this lofty class, know that it brings with it a near doubled buff to stats than the Knight or Sellsword classes offer.
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Level 1. 30% strength
Level 2. 30% defense
Level 3. Holy Light
Level 4. 30% strength
Level 5. 30% defense
Level 6. Turbulent Cross
Level 7. 40% strength
Level 8. 40% defense
Level 9. Heavens Mandate
Level 10. 100% stat of choice
Claire soon returned, likewise brandishing her Warrior contract mark. After some congratulations around the table, Marlon got to his feet.
“Alright, suppose I’ll go next,” said the old man. “Besides, afterwards I need to go to the garden. Forgot to water the Fire Lillies last night.”
Alex watched Marlon trudge out of the room and then flipped the Survival guide back a few pages to the Second Contract section.
“Was Marlon signing for Alchemist or Herbalist II?” Alex asked.
“Um,” Chase looked up from his coffee and frowned. “Damnit. I can’t remember, now. I am pretty sure he’s going for Herbalist II—at least he better. We need better potions if we are going to Great Nexia. That place is a whole other ball game compared the Avalon.”
“How so?” Said Amalie curiously. She had been writing in her journal but suddenly looked up, a look of worry on her face.
“Well,” began Chase, appearing to regret saying anything. “Great Nexia went through some big changes over the past couple decades. Avalon and the other areas are all mostly controlled by NPCs, but Great Nexia became player controlled not too long ago.”
“Is that a bad thing?” Said Claire.
“Not really,” said Chase. “I mean, guess it depends who you ask. To the NPC king there it sure does. The monsters we meet will be the same they always have been, but the cities are all under the governance of the Guardians of Nexia, and they are a bit stricter than the NPCs we have come to know in Avalon.”
“The Guardians of Nexia,” said Brent, his face lighting up. “I know all about them. After the Old Guard most people say they are the most powerful guild in Esem.”
“That’s likely true,” nodded Chase. “Of course they are significantly larger, as well.”
“Are they good or bad, Chase?” Said Amalie.
“I mean, um,” Chase seemed at a loss for words. “A bit of both? They certainly aren’t evil, that’s for sure. I met a few when I was with the Old Guard. Killed a few as well,” he added under his breath.
“I heard that!” Said Thomas, smiling wide.
“Yeah, well, The Guardians have been wanting to control The Hub for years. They made a few attempts as well, but we always pushed them back. But to answer your question, Amalie, no, they aren’t really bad. Just players who have a different way of seeing Esem.”
“What about the NPC king of Great Nexia?” Asked Amelie, sounding concerned. “What did they do to him?”
“King Albertossi was deposed by the Guardians and essentially placed under house arrest. He hasn’t left his home in many years.”
“Really?” Said Brent. “I always imagined he was in a dungeon somewhere.”
“Again, they aren’t really evil,” said Chase. “Plus, if they killed him he would just respawn and they would have to lock him up all over again.”
“Still sounds sad, though,” said Amalie.
Any further talk was silenced when Marlon entered the dining room. All eyes went to him, but instead of basking in the moment and launching on some confounded speech he instead quietly walked around the table and sat back in his chair next to Chase.
“More coffee, please,” said Marlon.
“Marlon,” began Chase. “Which—.”
Thomas interrupted with, “no, Chase. He’s gonna do that thing where he makes us beg him for some information only he knows. Just don’t ask him and he’ll be pleading with us to ask in about fifteen minutes.”
“Thomas is right,” chuckled Claire, shaking her head. “Remember last week when we went goblin hunting and he wouldn’t tell us what potions he had made?”
“Ahem,” said Marlon politely. “Coffee, please.”
Chase rolled his eyes but passed the near empty coffee pot.
“Have it your way, Marlon. Just so long as you didn’t sign for Alchemist.”
Marlon noisily drank from his mug.
“Alright, how about us next, Thomas?” Said Chase, getting up from his chair.
“Why do we have to go together?”
“Because I want to make sure once you’re done you return to the dining room. And accompanying you is the only way I know how.”
“Whatever,” muttered the boy, but he bounded out of his chair, clearly excited to get his second contract mark.
Rogue, read Alex from The Esem Survival Guide, is a class marked by stealth, cunning, and not a little bit of strength. By combining the abilities one received from the previous Thief class, the Rogue is able to become a master of not only deception, but also of agility which enables greater combat ability and more daring quests than had otherwise been available for the Thief class.
Level 1. 10% agility
Level 2. 10% dexterity
Level 3. Morning Maul
Level 4. 15% strength
Level 5. 15% strength
Level 6. Afternoon Aggro
Level 7. 25% agility
Level 8. 25% dexterity
Level 9. Evening Elevation
Level 10. 50% in stat of choice
Great, thought Alex to himself. Thomas will become even better at pranking us.
Alex shook his head and then flipped a few pages to the Archer class, which he knew Chase was signing for.
The Archer class will have the player focusing on their skill with a bow far more than the Hunter class did. No longer will the Archers skills rely solely on hunting animals, but instead their speciality will become combat. The stat buffs for Archer are very evenly distributed, and it is this writers opinion that, when the Archer reaches level ten, that they place their 25% ‘stat of choice’ into Dexterity. Having a high dexterity whilst wielding a bow allows one to draw quicker, and may even improve aiming. Although, just like the other combat classes, natural and latent ability will go much further than simple stat boosts, it is wise that the Archer develops a even sharper reflexes. The ten levels, buffs, and abilities are as follows:
Level 1.10% dexterity
Level 2.10% agility
Level 3. Piercing Shot
Level 4.10% strength
Level 5.10% defense
Level 6. Quick Draw
Level 7.15% dexterity
Level 8.15% agility
Level 9. Energy Arrow
Level 10.25% stat of choice
“Amalie,” whispered Alex. He shut the book and placed it on the table. “Do you know which class you’ll be signing for?”
“Um,” Amalie glanced at him, and also lowered her voice. The others were chatting around the table and didn’t seem to care what they were doing. “I really think I need to talk to Ghelion about it, first. What do you think?”
Alex saw a chance to be helpful to Amalie, and also to demonstrate how thoughtful he could be. He knew that Chase’s constant asking was bothering her, and he had yet to hear their guild leader mention anything about their personal preference, only what he believed would be good for his guild.
“I think you should choose whichever one you like. Which one appeals to you most?”
“Well…being an Air Mage might be fun. But also water seems the most practical.”
“True,” nodded Alex. “Really I think that you should just, um, follow your heart?”
Amalie frowned. “Is that a question?”
“No, I mean, um, just choose whichever one you like the most.”
“Ok,” said Amalie, nodding. “Thanks, Alex.”
Alex felt flustered. Nothing he had wanted to communicate really came through. He had developed a problem over the last few months that any time he really wanted to talk to Amalie he could not find the proper words.
Soon Thomas came back into the dining room, proudly displaying his contract mark, which caused some fuss among the guild. As soon as the little boy entered the he room, he had to take his shirt off to show the guild.
“Thomas!” Said Amalie in alarm. “Why is your contract mark on your shoulder?”
The little boy grinned and said, “everyone gets these things on their arms, but I wanted to be different. I asked Ghelion to put it on my forehead but he refused. I think it looks cool. Reminds me of that guy with the tattoos we met in the King’s City during the winter.”
“Oh, Thomas,” said Claire, shaking her head. She glanced at Brent for his reaction but he seemed somewhat impressed.
“We can get these things in other places?”
“Yup,” nodded Thomas.
“Good to know,” said Brent simply. But he eyed the Rogue Mark, a small picture of a hood with a sword and a dagger crossed beneath it, until Thomas buttoned his shirt back up and took his seat.
It wasn’t long before Chase returned, rubbing his hand.
“Alright, we got two more to go, and it happens to be my very own spawn mates. Alex, Amalie? Would you like one arm wrestle for the honor?”
Marlon muttered something.
“What’s that, Marlon?” Said Chase.
“I signed for Alchemist. Anyway,” Marlon begin to rise to his feet. “I really must be getting back to the ol’ laboratory. Left my new Alchemists Handbook that Ghelion gave me in the—.”
“Alchemist?!” Chase’s eyes were nearly bulging out of his head. “We agreed on Herbalist!”
“Technically, we agreed to table the discussion last time we spoke about it,” said Marlon.
“But, but,” spluttered Chase. “We need potions to…”
In the end Chase gave up, throwing up his hands. The rest of the guilds heads swiveled like spectators at a tennis match, watching the two eldest members of the guild argue. Finally, Marlon was able to excuse himself, but it left Chase sizzling such was his frustration.
“Is it really that big of a deal, Chase?” Said Brent, after their leader had sat down again. “I am sure that an Alchemist can still support us.”
“Yeah,” said Alex tying to sound placating. He had noticed that as soon as Amalie had seen Chase’s reaction to Marlon choosing Alchemist instead of Herbalist II she had gone as pale as Targera. “Besides, with my Mercenary class we should be about to buy plenty of potions, right? The first ability I’ll get is Called ‘Money Drop’, after all.”
Chase sighed.
“Look, I don’t want any of you to think that I am trying to force a certain class upon you. I have experience in Esem, and I want us all to succeed and be a great guild. I am sure I may come off as pushy about these contracts, but I really do know the best way to get us all to the third contracts and beyond. When we are talking about the fourth contract, I promise to allow you guys to choose whichever you want, but right now there is a set plan.”
“I get it,” said Brent, and Claire nodded her head in assent.
“Me too,” said Thomas, a bit struck by Chase’s anger.
Alex decided not to respond, still feeling Amalie’s anxiety.
“I should probably apologize to Marlon,” sighed Chase. “Brent is right—and so are you, Alex. Alchemist isn’t so bad, I suppose. Just so long as you two don’t choose something crazy, that is,” he added, glancing at Alex and Amelie with a chuckle.
Amalie audibly gulped, and Alex decided that was a good time to say, “Alright, guess I’ll go see Ghelion now.”
Chase waved him off, and Alex soon found himself heading to the little room by the foyer. Ghelion was sitting at a chair with a small table overlooking the grounds of Strawberry Meadows. There was another chair across from him which Alex took.
Ghelion looks the same as always, thought Alex, his mind quickly cataloguing his Advisor. A nondescript face, with brown hair. His eyes are brown, as well, which match the same brown robes I have always seen him wearing. I’ve seen other Advisors wearing different clothes, so I wonder why Ghelion insists on wearing such—
“Took long enough,” said Ghelion. He had a document in his hands which Alex assumed was his contract. “Did Chase and Marlon have a blowout?”
“A bit,” shrugged Alex. “Chase really wanted him to sign for Herbalist II.”
“In the end what you players choose is not up to him,” said Ghelion levelly. “I think that Chase will kick himself later when he remembers that Solomon did the same thing to him.”
“Solomon forced Chase to sign for certain classes?”
“Oh yes,” nodded Ghelion. “I don’t think until Chase was at his eighth contract did he allow him to sign for something he actually wanted. I tried to reason with Chase many a time to follow his heart, but he always sided with his leader. Ah well,” Ghelion shook the document and then smiled. “So, what will it be? Warrior or Mercenary?”
“Mercenary,” said Alex without hesitation.
“I think that would fit you quite nicely, Alex,” said Ghelion. “Can you tell me a bit of how you made this decision?”
When they had first arrived at Strawberry Meadows, it had been on the heels of the Antagonista and the Followers. He and the rest of the guild had all feared that Xemnara would be coming for them again, and though it seemed she was being quiet in the world, that fear had still never left he or the rest. Initially he had resumed training with the intention of working towards the Warrior Class, but as the months ticked away and his levels increased, the only thought in head mind had been making some money. After talking with Grady and the Hard Won Warriors months earlier, he had begun to seriously consider Mercenary for his second class. There was just something so enticing about being able to provide for himself and the guild in a way the others would be unable to.
Alex shrugged. “Kill monsters. Get money.”
Ghelion raised his eyebrows and then laughed.
“I don’t understand you, but for some reason I totally understand you. Well then, shall we get going?”
Ghelion placed the paper on the table beside him and began writing out the contract. It didn’t take long, as Ghelion had the practiced ease of centuries of writing contracts. When he was done he handed the contract to Alex.
Alex looked it over and nodded. From his memories it seemed almost exactly like his first contract for Fighter. Alex’s eyes darted over the paper and then he noticed what was in Ghelion’s hand.
“Why the knife, Ghelion?”
“It’s how we finalize the contract, remember?”
“Yeah, I know that. But why did AION make it so we had to cut ourselves? What’s the meaning behind it?”
“Only a few players have ever asked me that,” said Ghelion, looking down at the blade in his hand.
“And what did you tell them?”
“The truth,” said Ghelion. “The knife represents the sacrifice that a player makes when—.”
“No.” Alex shook his head. “I don’t care about the metaphorical meaning. I mean why does AION want us to bleed for this thing? Couldn’t be just snap his fingers and give us the contract mark?”
For the first time Ghelion’s brow furrowed, and Alex realized he had stepped on his Advisor’s toes somewhat. He sometimes forgot that he was talking to someone who had likely met AION and was a servant of the one who had created all of Esem.
“I suppose he could, yes. But, again—as I was saying— the knife cut has to do with sacrifice, and also that you are freely allowing AION to give you his blessing. I am aware that the manner may seem barbaric, but AION has deeper meanings behind all of his actions than even a lowly advisor like me may be able to interpret, let alone explain.”
Alex accepted that reason, and, not wanting to annoy his Advisor anymore, allowed the ceremony to commence. Ghelion place the contract on the ground between them, and then slowly drew the knife across his palm. He winced as he did so, and then handed the knife to Alex.
“Seven times in one day,” muttered Ghelion. “Here you go.”
The first time he had done this he had involuntarily yelped, but this time he thought about Xemnara and the Followers and his guild being persecuted by them from Birchtown all the way back to Lazerpail, and for some reason…was he imagining it?…the pain of the knife across his tender flesh almost felt…
“Good,” whispered Alex. Blood dripped from his hand and he took Ghelion’s hand into his large mitt.
“Player whose word is bond. Do you swear to abide by this contract?”
“Yes.”
“AION has given you this chance to be the strongest version of yourself. Do you swear by the master creator of this world to be true to yourself and your word?”
Alex nodded. “Yes.”
Blood was dripping from between their palms and splattering upon the contract. Alex almost thought that he could feel his hand growing cold, though he knew it was only fantasy.
“This contract is a chain you shall wear every day of your life. If this chain is broken then you forfeit your life. Do you swear you shall attempt to contact your advisor before breaking your contract?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then it is so,” intoned Ghelion.
Light like a bomb erupted from the paper. Alex wanted to shield his eyes but the light did not burn nor sting his eyes. He allowed the intense glow to bath him and for a moment felt a wonderful sense of ease course through his body. It came with the speed of a rushing stallion, and made him feel as though he were soaring through the air.
And then the light was gone, and the contract lay between Alex and Ghelion, blood free, and their palms were healed with no indication they had ever been cut.
“AION accepts,” Ghelion said. “Welcome to Mercenary, Alexander.”
“Thank you, Ghelion.” He pulled up his left sleeve and felt another rush when he saw the Mercenary contract mark. For some reason in his imagination he heard Grady of the Hard Won Warriors saying, “What a MIGHTY, MIGHTY contract!”
“It is my honor and a pleasure, Alex,” said Ghelion. “Now, would you send Amalie in?”
Alex didn’t have to return to the dining room to find her, as when he left the small room there was Amalie, standing in the foyer, chewing her lip with a look of apprehension. Was it Alex’s imagination? Or did he really see a wisp of Targera’s clothing disappear through the opposite wall.
“Hey,” said Alex.
“Hello.”
“You ready?”
“Yup,” Amalie nodded her head, and her auburn curls bounced. She smiled nervously and then slipped past Alex into the room.
The dining room was a chatter when he returned, and immediately Brent asked to see his Mercenary mark. He showed the guild and everyone smiled and congratulated him. As he took his seat again the chair groaned.
“Now all we got is Amalie,” said Chase. He seemed very relaxed, as though he were on an island in Tangamar soaking up the sun after a very long hike. “It’s hard to believe that we made it to this point. After little over a year of constant training, not to mention nearly dying, by my count, three times, and we are finally ready to leave Avalon.”
“We never doubted you, boss,” said Thomas with a cheeky grin.
“I’m sure,” said Chase, rolling his eyes. “Well I certainly did a couple times, but seems that Christie’s old manor was just the stop we needed to get to the second contract. Hard to believe it all turned out this way.”
“Do you think we will see Christie in The Hub?” Asked Claire.
“Wouldn’t be a good idea,” said Alex before Chase could respond. “If the Old Guard see her talking to us it could be bad for Chase.”
“Um, yeah,” said Chase. For some reason he seemed uneasy. “Anyway, she knows the next stop is Great Nexia. If she wants to contact us she can at any time.”
Suddenly Alex remembered what he had read in the Esem Monitor that morning.
“By the way,” began Alex. “I read that there is going to be a Guild War—.”
“Amalie!” Said Chase. He stood up, his arms wide. “Lay it on us! Water or air?”
Amalie was standing in the dining room doorway, one hand on the door frame. Her eyes were quite big as she stared at the room, and she had the unsettling look of person who just did something she regretted.
“What’s wrong?” Said Alex, also sensing that something was off with their mage.
“Amalie,” said Claire, actually sounding concerned. “What happened?”
“Well, don’t be mad, Chase. Guys,” said Amalie. “But, um, well. You see I—.”
Ghelion suddenly appeared next to her. His face was as unreadable as a rock, yet he stared directly at Chase as he spoke.
“Amalie declined to sign for either Water or Air Mage.”
Chase’s face fell. “You mean…?”
Ghelion nodded his head, and then motioned at Amalie’s arm.
Amalie gulped, and then pulled up her sleeve.
“I signed for Mage I.”