Chapter 86: Return to Topaz

I often think that it was a wise idea that AION forbid any player without their second contract to leave the area from which they spawned. This rule forces players to get used to their surroundings and make due with what they are given. Also, and this should be obvious, it gives that player a sense of home, and some loyalty to whichever area in which they began their adventure, and also flavors each player in details which even the least observant monster should be able to tell.

Stereotypes are fun, and often bear more than a little truth if we have an open mind. It is said that Avalon players are wide eyed when they first enter Great Nexia, and smell of sheep. I have often noticed that players from Nabonoban are more haughty and typically disdain the other areas from a sense of elitism only rivaled by Great Nexia players. Tangamar, of course, has the most laid back bunch who always flock back when whatever area they in turns to winter. The Killhiem players are more violent and arrogant and consider themselves superior in the fighting arts.

I have always observed that these things generally hold true, but to have them as your guiding star is a foolish idea. There was a time during the days of the Dark Lord that the differences between the areas was exploited by Oscuro for his own means. To have all the players of the world as antagonists to one another instead of him was a wise decision, as it kept us from his front door, and also kept him rich as he manned the Hub Gates and profited from their use. Despite the fact that we, as humans lost in this mysterious world called Esem, had far more in common than a malevolent NPC should have been self evident, but us humans are great fools, sometimes. We have the record of nearly two dozens battles and minor wars that have occurred between areas over the thousand year history of Esem, and, in my opinion, they are a far greater threat than any NPC AION could ever have cooked up for us.

-Historical Blunders and Their Lessons, Stan Shayer, SD979

“Are you done, Chase?”

“I think so,” said Chase, looking over what he had written.

“I hope that Ghelion sees this soon, of course I have no idea what he can do with the information.”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Alex with a shrug. “As long as he knows then that’s fine. Advisor’s are running rogue.”

Chase shook his head and sighed. They were resting at Outpost Topaz. The Hard Won Warriors had decided after their night of partying to escort them back to the forest, something which Chase had been very grateful for. Once they had reached the outpost Chase had wanted to write their advisor to tell him of the most recent happenings.

“I can hardly believe it,” said Chase. “Who ever thought that the Advisors would do anything like this?”

“And how?” Said Alex. “I thought they were just AIONs slaves, basically.”

“Right,” said Chase. “Clearly they are more autonomous than anyone ever knew.”

“Why don’t you tell him to come meet us at Lazerpail?”

“I told him he could visit if he wants. But usually Advisor’s just come in case of emergencies or to sign new contracts.”

Alex nodded. He was sitting on the ground, picking blades of grass as he often did when he was deep in thought. The other Banes were with the Hard Won Warriors as they scoped out the outpost.

“What’s wrong?” Said Chase.

“What if…”

“Ghelion?” Chase laughed. “There is no way he works for her, trust me.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“I’ve known him for decades, that’s why,” said Chase. “I’ve also known a lot of other Advisors and if there was one who would betray AION it’s not him. Ghelion is too ‘by the book’ for any of that nonsense.”

“Still,” said Alex thoughtfully. “Maybe he is fed up with AION or something.”

“I just don’t see it,” said Chase, running his eyes along his letter again. “Ghelion is the picture of the perfect Advisor. Do you know how long he’s been in Esem?”

Alex shook his head.

“Over 500 years.”

“500?!” Said Alex, sounding startled. “How is that possible?”

“Advisors are…well…mysterious is the right word. They come and they go, but always by their choice. Sometimes one will show up-no one knows from where, mind you-and start signing players left and right. Then, when the time comes, they up and leave. Ghelion has been here just about longer than any advisor in Esem. He’s signed thousands of players. I don’t think any Advisor that committed to AIONs vision would suddenly betray him.”

“Have you ever asked him?”

“Asked him what?”

“Where Advisors come from.”

“Oh,” said Chase. He folded the letter and began shuffling it into an envelope he had received from the Gryphon Express player earlier. “Yeah, he won’t say…but I have an idea.”

“Well?” Said Alex. He had dropped the blades of grass and was staring at Chase wide eyed.

Chase chuckled.

“I mean it’s only logical, Alex. The Advisors come from AIONs home.”

“AION has a home? I thought he just spawned them like the rest of us.”

“Maybe,” said Chase. He remembered long ago days with the Old Guard, discussing this very topic late into the night. “But I think there is another world where AION lives. Maybe it’s where we go when we die.”

“Interesting,” said Alex. He went back to plucking grass. “You clearly have no idea. I thought you were about to tell me some secret from your past life.”

Impudent little-,thought Chase, but he shook his head. There was always more he could tell Alex, but that information was better left for another time.

“It’s just speculation,” said Chase, getting to his feet. “I mean, I could be wrong. I have been about many things in the past.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Alex looked up and cocked an eyebrow.

“You really got no idea, then? Never learned anything with the Old Guard in all your adventures about where the Advisors came from? Whether there is another world out there waiting to be explored?”

Chase had a memory of the last time he spoke with the Dream Emissary on training island, and the land scape she had conjured during their talk.

“No idea,” said Chase. He held up the letter safely in it’s envelope. “I’m gonna mail this. Come with?”

“Sure,” said Alex with a sigh.

The Grpyon Express player was smoking a pipe by his flying vehicle as it hovered above the ground. Thomas was listening to him talk about his job.

“It’s a 7 day a week kind of job, Tommy,” said the man. “And it’s not for everyone. I would say only 4 outta 10 people make it past all the tests.”

“What kind of tests?” Said Thomas, wide eyed and listening in a way that Chase rarely ever saw from the boy.

“Oh, all kinds. Flying tests, memorization tests. You gotta know all the roads and towns and even street names. And if that isn’t bad enough you also got to remember those of the other areas, as well. Just in case you are called on to fill in for another member who gets sick.”

“Does it happen a lot?”

“Here and there,” said the player. “More often people just quit, though. As I said it’s not an easy life, but you would think the money would make up for it.”

“The pay is good then?” Asked Thomas.

“I mean…” the player looked around, then shrugged. “What can I say? It won’t make you rich but you also won’t be starving. Besides, you get to fly this thing for free.”

He slapped the side of his flying machine with a grin.

“This is the real reason any player decides to join up. There is no freedom like flying, let me tell ya! Everyday is an adventure, soaring through the clouds, passing birds by, seeing Esem from a perspective most never will.”

Thomas eyed the machine hungrily.

“Oh, you ready?” Said the player, seeing Chase and Alex.

Chase handed him the letter.

“Address is on the front,” said Chase. He then pulled a coin from his pocket and palmed it to the courier.

“It will get there safe and sound,” he said with a wink. “Where are you guys off to?”

“Going home,” said Chase. “Hey, have you seen the others we were with?”

“They are down the road a bit,” said Thomas. “Grady was showing Claire and Brent something.”

Chase decided to allow Thomas to continue his talk with the Grypon Express member. Moonshine and their wagon was nearly by, and the horse was munching on some grass. Chase could see only a hundred feet away was the rest of his guild, and the Hard Won Warriors were laughing and talking to one another as they watching something.

“What’s going on?” Said Chase once he Alex had walked the distance. It was a cool day and the last of summer was now feeling well behind them. Despite this some of the warriors were still sweating.

“We got a little competition going on,” said one of them. “Take a look.”

The warriors moved aside and there was Brent, massaging his leg while Grady, the guild leader of the Hard Won Warriors, was laughing to himself while clutching his belly. Claire had her arms crossed and was standing along side Brent.

“Chase!” Said Grady. “I was letting your fighters try and break my guard. Wanna shot? I think young Brent here is ready to call it a day!”

“Not a chance,” said Brent, getting to his feet. “Give me another shot. I think I almost had it that time.”

“My defense buffs are too high, lad,” said Grady, patting his belly. “There ain’t a chance you’ll get anything but winded striking me.”

“Can I try?” Said Alex, raising his hand.

“Sure, sure,” said Grady. “Give it your best shot. Brent has been kicking me for the better part of half an hour. I suppose you’ll want to try the same.”

“There’s no point,” said Brent. “Alex, if I can’t break through then there is not way that you can.”

“So?” Said Alex, bristling at the comment. “I wanna try.”

There was some chuckles and murmurings in the group but Grady motioned towards Alex to step forward.

“Give it your best shot, lad,” said Grady. “All you got.”

Alex nodded his head and stepped forward. Brent only sighed and then got out the way, Claire along with him. Alex stood there for a moment, looking the grinning Grady up and down.

“Anytime now,” said one of the Hard Won Warriors in the crowd.

Grady hiccuped and chuckled. He had been drinking since they left Birchtown and had not stopped as far Chase had seen. After their party Chase was ready to put down the bottle for a while but Grady would hear no such thing.

“Interesting,” said Grady as Alex rolled up the sleeve on his right arm. “Feeling confident, eh? The big ones always are.”

Brent, who must have noticed a change come over Alex, pipped up.

“Careful, Grady. Alex doesn’t like being called big.”

“Is that a problem for you boy?” Laughed Grady. “Don’t worry. People always called me fat as well, and look where I am now!”

Chase could tell that Alex was getting angry. The back of Alex’s neck was getting red and he was rearing up his arm.

“I’m not fat,” seethed Alex. “Don’t call me that.”

“It’s not an insult, lad,” said Grady. “Some of the best-or shall I ay biggest?-heroes in Esem have had a few extra pounds. There was Marduke the Hefty, the Prince of Pudding, even that one lass they called The Fat Lady who—.”

Alex walloped Grady in the belly, and the big man stopped talking. His eyes opened wide, and though he did not gasp or cry out the pain was obvious around his eyes. The Hard Won Warriors stopped their laughing and there was the sound of shocked silence, such as it was.

Stepping back, Alex seemed out of energy. When he turned around he gave a small smile to Chase.

“Well then,” breathed Grady finally. He let out a big breath and then planed his hands on his stomach where Alex had hit him. “WELL THEN!”

The Hard Won Warriors cheered.

“No one has ever made him shut up before!” Said one.

“That’s got to be a record!” Said another.

“And only with a single contract mark to boot!” Came a third.

There was back slapping and laughs around the group and even Brent shook Alex’s hand with glee.

“Well done, Alex,” said Brent. “You’ve got a great punch. Maybe one day you can sign for Boxer!”

“I don’t think I would be too good at that,” said Alex sheepishly. “But thanks.”

Grady himself, once he had gotten over the shock, threw an arm around Alex and tried to offer him a drink from his whine skin.

“You’re a strong one, lad, and you’ll only grow stronger the more you train and get levels. Really, really, (hic) well done!”

This went on for another ten minutes, until Chase saw an opportunity to remind them that they should be leaving. Within a half hour all of their things, including Moonshine and the wagon were trotting along the road as the Hard Won Warriors flanked them. There was more singing and marrying making a s they went along, and Chase enjoyed the company of the warriors. They were a fun group of players and the added protection they provided was just what the Banes needed. There was not a chance that they were being tailed as the Warriors were periodically doubling back to ent sure their trials were empty of curious eyes.

“I bet Marlon is dead,” said Thomas as they saw the edge of the forest come into sight. He was sitting in the back of the wagon.

“Thomas!” Scolded Amelie, shutting her spell book. “You shouldn’t say such thing.”

“Why? It’s probably true. He loves testing new potions on himself. Without us there I am sure he plucked the wrong plant and tried to make it into some alcoholic tonic or something.”

Amelie sighed and then went back to her book.

“I bet he’s fine, Thomas,” said Chase as he steered the wagon.

“Hey, Thomas,” said Brent. “Did you get the Grypron Express guy to give you a ride?”

“No,” sighed Thomas sadly. “I forgot the words that Chase told me. But I did get something pretty cool from him.”

Thomas pulled a coin out of his pocket. He handed it to Brent.

“What’s this?” Said Brent, examining the coin. “It’s not like any gold coin I’ve ever seen.”

Chase craned his neck back to look at the coin.

“Wow,” said Chase. “He gave that to you?”

“What is it?” Said Alex.

“That is a Gryphon Token,” said Chase. “It’s what gets them into their headquarters. I’m surprised he handed that over to a kid he just met.”

“Well,” said Thomas. “He didn’t exactly hand it over, if you know what I mean.”

“Thomas!” Said Amelie in shock.

“What? I’m a Thief, after all.”

“Will he be able to get home?” Said Alex.

“Sure he will,” said Thomas before Chase could say a word. “Look, don’t worry about him. He’s got a great life, apparently. He would barely shut up about it.”

“Still,” said Amelie. “Stealing the key to his house…”

Chase had to laugh. The sky was clear, and despite the crisp air he was feeling invigorated. Birchtown had been a series of surprises, but over all the guild was doing fine, and he felt that as a leader he had pulled it through.

Let’s just hope there’s no more surprised for a while,he thought.

Far away, a pair of eyes watched the two guilds march down the road to the forest.