Chapter 24: Leaving Training Island

Three days after signing their contracts, Chase and his still unnamed guild found themselves upon the island docks waiting to board the ship that would take them to the mainland. Besides them, there were four other players who had passed the exam. Each of them had a different advisor, and all seemed intrigued that Ghelion had signed so many players. As they waited for Mrs Everday to arrive and give them a farewell address, they made small talk or simply scanned the horizon of the clear day. It would be a good day for sailing, Chase knew.

“I wish we had different clothes than our training duds,” said Brent, picking at his blue and gold island clothes which all the new players wore. “We are going to stick out worse than a cow lick.”

“Don’t worry,” said Chase. “As soon as we arrive at Moon Town we can buy some new clothes. It won’t do to show the world we are new players.”

“Why is that?” Asked Amelie. She was perched on a small bench on the dock.

“Because,” began Chase.

“Because people are gonna see that we are weak and go after us,” said Brent before Chase could answer.

“Really?” Said Amelie, wide eyed. “I never considered that. Will other players actually do that?”

“Yes,” said Chase. “It’s actually very common. Not just players but some NPCs are designed to do that. Once we reach Moon Town we need stick together. Everyone got it?”

There were mumbled assents.

“Thomas?”

“What?” Thomas spun around. He had been trying to get a fish in the water to nibble at his finger. “Yeah, yeah I heard you. Everyone stick together.”

Alex crossed his arms and gave Chase a look. A day before he had taken Chase aside privately and told him he disapproved of allowing Thomas into the guild. For what it was worth Chase agreed that taking care of a little boy might be taxing on the guild, but he believed that Thomas would prove his worth.

“So are we gonna get our weapons soon?” Asked Claire. She was examining her nails which she chewed all the time.

“Mrs Everday should be bringing them to us,” said Chase. He scanned the road leading into town. There was still no sight of the large Island Supervisor. “But we are going to sell them before we leave Moon Town and buy better ones.”

“Are you sure this will work out as you think it will?” Said Claire.

“It should, yes,” said Chase. “There are a few minor missions we can do while in town. Most players stumble into them but I know them all. By the end of it we will have a decent amount of gold to jump start our training. Let’s just hope that Moon Town goes well.”

“I am sure we can handle any danger,” said Brent. He patted his contract mark. “This 5% strength buff has me feeling stronger than ever.”

Chase decided not to tell him the feeling was likely just excitement. 5% extra of anything was very difficult to feel. It was only after stacking a dozen buffs or so that anyone felt anything.

“Do people ever die in Moon Town?” Asked Alex.

“It happens,” said Chase. He kept his voice low so that the other players down the dock wouldn’t hear him. “When I first arrived in Moon Town there was another player—I think his name was Carl—who thought he could boss an NPC around. The NPC happened to be a bandit in disguise and Carl got stabbed a dozen times with a knife. Died before ever leaving the first town.”

“That’s horrible,” said Amelie, covering her mouth. “We must all stick together very closely. Agreed?”

“That’s a good idea, Amelie,” said Brent, not noticing that Claire was glaring at him the entire time.

They waited another 10 minutes before the Island Supervisor along with Avery, her assistant, and four advisors including Ghelion arrived at the pier. The ship which would take them to the mainland had been docked since the early morning and her crew members occasionally peeked over the rail at the new players. As the Island Supervisor called all the players around her the ships crew also gathered above them to look down and listen to the Supervisor speak.

“Good morning, players,” said the Island Supervisor. Her smile spread over her face like ice cracking upon a lake but she looked genuinely happy. “And congratulations on passing your exam, signing your first of many contracts, and receiving your first mark. I am proud of all of my graduates, and happy to see them flourish after leaving our shores.”

“I thought this day would never come,” whispered Thomas to Chase. “Can’t wait to never see this hag again.”

Chase firmly squeezed Thomas’ shoulder and the boy stopped talking.

“First of all,” continued Mrs Everday. “I would like to impart a word of warning: you are all players, and though Esem is based upon a type of game, if you are not careful you can quickly find yourself in trouble. Here, we protect the players and there are no monsters lurking around, but in Esem the world is much more dangerous.”

At this moment Avery stepped forward. He was carrying an ornate wooden box.

“Now, we never send out players off empty handed,” beamed Mrs Everday. “We have gifts for all of you. Now, let’s see here,” she pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and unrolled it. “First, we seem to have four Fighters here. Would Brent, Claire, Alex, and Matt all step forward?”

Ghelion came with them. Chase remembered all those years ago he handed him his first knife for the thief class. It was tradition that the gifts were passed from Avery, to the Advisor, to the players.

I wonder how they do it on other islands, thought Chase.

Avery opened the box, which must have had a similar design to their inventories for as he reached his arm further into the box than what seemed physically possible and pulled out a sword complete with a scabbard and a thick leather belt. He handed the first one to Ghelion, who turned to face Brent as Avery went fishing for the next one.

“Congratulations,” said Ghelion to Brent. “Here is a sword for your class. Use it well.”

Brent took the sword and half bowed to the Advisor which some in the crowd snickered at.

“At least he isn’t gonna make some long winded speech,” whispered Thomas to Chase.

“I picked him as our advisor for a reason,” Chase whispered back. Thomas had to stifle a giggle.

Avery handed Ghelion another sword who in turn gave it to Claire.

“Congratulations, Claire,” said Ghelion. As she took the blade in her hands she leaned forward and seemed to murmur something to him. The advisor smiled and nodded.

Stolen story; please report.

“What did you say?” Said Thomas as Claire returned.

I told him ‘thank you,’” said Claire. “It wouldn’t hurt if you started saying that more often yourself.”

Thomas just rolled his eyes.

Finally Ghelion received the final sword from Avery. The advisor handed it to Alex who merely nodded his thanks and returned to the group.

“How about you just give all your players their gifts?” Suggested Mrs Everday. She eyed them critically. “You have so many, after all.”

Avery stuck his arm farther into the box and this time withdrew a bow and a quiver of arrows.

“This is for you, Chase,” said Ghelion.

Chase stepped forward and accepted his gift.

“Where’s the string?” He asked.

“It should be in the quiver,” said Avery. He pointed at the quiver which held a couple dozen arrows. “There is a little pouch on the side. We also included an extra string.”

“Excellent,” said Chase, estimating in his head at least 10 gold coins for the entire piece. “Thank you very much.”

“Thomas,” said Ghelion, “Here is your thief knife, I hope you use it well.”

Thomas stepped forward and accepted a small knife from the advisor. He seemed slightly disappointed at its size but immediately placed it in his belt and patted it happily. He bowed so low that his nose nearly scrapped the docks.

“Thank you, Advisor Ghelion. And you as well, Supervisor. I hope to do the island honor by filching, thieving, and pillaging with all the strength I have. Whenever I lift a valuable from its intended place, I will do so with the island and all I have learned here in mind.”

Mrs. Everday rolled her eyes.

“NEXT,” she said before he could say anymore.

The last two were Marlon and Amelie and both received large tomes and both seemed besides themselves with joy.

“Study those books well,” said Mrs Everday. “And don’t lose them. These are gifts but replacements for them can be quite expensive for new players. I suggest placing them in your bags immediately.”

Marlon did as suggested but Amelie was already sitting on the pier and reading the tome from the beginning. The Supervisor sighed and waved her hand.

“Hurry up, Avery,” she said. “Three more players and then I have a couple more things to say.”

The other three players were named Matt, Christina, and Toby Ropy. Thomas looked at Chase in confusion when Toby Ropy’s advisor called his name.

“What kind of name is that?” Whispered Thomas.

“He chose it,” said Claire. “Keep your voice down.”

Matt was a tall man who appeared to be in his mid twenties and had chosen the Fighter class and so received an identical sword Chase’s guild mates had received. Matt’s Advisor was a stern looking man with a sharp, black goatee and long hair who Chase recognized immediately.

“I’ve been wondering where he has been,” muttered Chase to himself.

“Who?” Brent leaned in close to Chase and whispered.

“That is Advisor Merkant,” said Chase, keeping his voice especially low.

“Sounds familiar,” said Brent. He frowned in concentration. “Where have I heard that name before?”

“That is Solomon’s Advisor,” said Chase. “He must have only recently returned to the island because I haven’t seen him in the past month.”

“Amazing,” said Brent. “I kind of wish…well.”

Chase chuckled to himself.

“Too late to choose a new Advisor I’m afraid,” said Chase.

The next to receive their gift was Toby Ropy. He was a thin boy who looked to be about Brent’s age, yet was nearly twice his height. His Advisor was Tarry who handed the young player a small leather pouch.

“Well done on sighing your first contract, Toby Ropy,” said the Advisor. “May this kit of tools aid you as a Tinkerer.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Toby Ropy. He placed the pouch in his pocket and then proceeded to profusely shake Advisor Tarry’s hand.

Finally, the last player to get her gift was a tall women who had chosen the Hunter job, just like Chase. She was tall with auburn hair that was braided down her back. Chase had seen her on the field training regularly with the bow and wasn’t surprised in her choice of job.

“Christina,” said the final Advisor. Chase thought the Advisors name was Meredine. She looked like an old women but one could never tell with the Advisors. “Good luck on your journey as a Hunter, dear. I am sure this bow will see you through a couple levels at the very least.”

Once Christina had taken her bow and quiver Mrs Everday cleared her throat.

“Alright, now that all the gifts have been given, I want you all to listen to me.” The supervisor looked weary yet pleased to address the players. “I am not one for long speeches. Honestly, if you ask me, there have been enough words spoken already, but I traditionally tell players to watch their backs. Find some others who you can trust. Don’t eat anything unless you know where it came from. Especially if a dodgy looking NPC in a blue shirt offers it to you. Esem is a dangerous place, and there are many things that will want to eat, maim, and kill you. I guarantee that if you all can make it past this first contract, then the chances of you ending up as troll food is reduced by…I think…35%.”

“So specific,” muttered Marlon. “I wonder where she gets her data from.”

“What’s that about an NPC in a blue shirt?” Said Claire, leaning in toward Chase.

“I’ll tell you about it when we board the ship,” whispered Chase.

“Now then,” said Mrs Evergreen, pointing behind them. “It’s time for you lot to leave the island. The sailors here will get you to Moon Town in a few hours. Relax a bit. I rarely go to Moon Town but when I do it’s for as little time as I can manage.”

At that Mrs Everday stopped talking and looked at the Advisors.

“If you have anything you wish to tell your players before they leave I suggest you do it soon. We have a meeting as soon as I get back to the office,” she said. The Supervisor then turned on her heel and, with a wave of her hand to the players, began her long trudge back to town, Avery on her heels.

“Well, Ghel,” said Chase as his long time friend clasped his hand. “Any advice for us new players?”

The whole guild was standing around Chase and Ghelion, making a decent enough barrier that the Advisor seemed to feel free to speak candidly.

“Yes,” said Ghelion. “Don’t trust anyone but one another. We had news this morning that the Antagonista is on the move, and might have some minions in Avalon as we speak.”

Looks of concern passed between the guild members. Amelie was still lost in her book and hadn’t moved from where she was sitting.

“So that’s what your meeting is about,” said Brent. “I was wondering.”

“Yes,” said Ghelion, sighing. “I have to be off, but good luck to all of you. Don’t forget to write. I always answer my mail quickly and anything you write to me will be confidential.”

After some more good byes were shared Ghelion told them to board the ship which they did, carting their gifts up to the deck. Chase had to call to Amelie who likely would have continued reading until the ship was halfway to the mainland. The ship was large enough to fit many more people, and so the ten new players had plenty of room to stretch out. Brent and Thomas found a few barrels lashed to the side railing to sit on and soon the entire guild was gathered together there.

“I just realized something,” said Amelie as she took a seat beside Chase.

“What’s that?” Said Chase.

“We never picked out a name for our guild,” she said. Then she summoned her journal and opened it to a page with a long list of names. “We were considering ‘Wings of Death and Power.’”

“That’s mine!” Said Thomas. “I think its a great name.”

“Hardly,” snorted Claire. “What were some others?”

“Let’s see,” said Amelie. “The Bloody Knives, the Unbent Crowns, the Undertakers of Esem, Blue Lightening—.”

“I think I remember why we said no to those,” said Chase. “They all sound too confrontational. We want to fly unnoticed for a while.”

“What about your idea, Chase?” Said Brent. He was gently holding his sword and was absentmindedly drawing the blade a few inches before pushing it back into the scabbard.

“What idea was that?”

“Bane of the Old Guard,” said Brent. “I think it’s a good one.”

“I said that?”

“Not when we were coming up with names,” shrugged Brent. “It was the day you told us about your old identity. You said we could be ‘the bane of the Old Guard’ or something like that.”

“I don’t recall ever saying that,” said Chase, thinking about to that day in the gazebo.

“I remember that too,” piped up Claire. “But wouldn’t that put a target on our backs? I am sure the Old Guard wouldn’t like some new players calling themselves their bane.”

“So?” Said Brent. “It’s a good name. And they won’t notice us for a long time anyways. Chase?”

“I think Claire is right about this one,” said Chase. He noticed Claire’s face turned red and she refused to look at Brent who looked disappointed. “I especially do not want any attention from that lot.”

“Well maybe one day,” sighed Brent. “It’s still a cool name.”

“I have an idea,” said Marlon. The old man was leaning against the wall and seemed very content that the sun was shining warmly over him. “How about “The Cranky Committee?”

“Be serious, please,” said Claire, rolling her eyes.

“I was being serious,” said Marlon in mock surprise.

“I got it,” said Alex. He was the only one who wasn’t sitting and had been staring out across the water.

“Not again, Alex,” said Brent. “That last one you had was horrible.”

“Funny, though,” said Thomas. “Go ahead, Alex. Lay it on us, we could do with a laugh.”

Alex glowered at Thomas and Brent and then took a breath. When he exhaled he seemed calmer.

“The Seven Banes,” he said.

“The Seven Banes?” Said Brent. “What does it mean?”

“There’s seven of us,” explained Alex. “And ‘banes’ would be from Chase’s original idea. Or what he said at least. Kind of like a nod to when he first got us together.”

“I like it,” said Amelie. She added it to her list. “Thoughts on ‘The Seven Banes’?”

“The Seven Banes,” Brent said, saying it slowly. He tested saying it a few times and then grinned. “There is a ring to it, I guess.”

“Should we vote?” Suggested Chase. He wasn’t thrilled with the name but it didn’t matter much one way or the other to him.

Hands went up at Chase’s suggestion.

“Incredible,” said Amelie. “I guess the name passes. We are now “The Seven Banes.”

“That is incredible,” remarked Marlon. “We barely argued about it, too.”

Chase sat up and looked at everyone.

“Now I need to tell you guys something. Before we get to Moon Town everyone needs to know about something pretty huge.”

“What is it?” Said Brent. He looked excited.

“Everyone needs to know about the man in the blue shirt.”

End of Volume 1