"There you are." I turn around, but the person behind me is not Gem. "Huh?"
"Fancy meeting you here." The man says with a wide grin on his face. "I didn't expect to run into you so soon."
The man I see before me is dressed in full copper plate mail armour and has an imposing air about him. He has a rugged look and sports a rough beard. His eyes are calm as if they could pierce right through me, but there is no hostility on his face.
He is someone I met on that fateful day.
Darkbond.
"Haha, small world eh?" I am obviously pleased to see him. "I just got into town and was going to send you a message tomorrow."
"Yea, I was just heading to my inn to meet with a few of my guild mates when I saw you standing here looking lost.”
"Where are you staying?"
“I’m staying at our guild headquarters, but a lot of the guys are boarding at an inn. It's a place called The Rusty Shield. Very cheap rooms and decent food. Have you found a place to stay yet?" He brushes it off as unimportant.
"Oh nice. I've hopefully got a place to stay. That is if my friend makes it back. We got separated just now and I was about to send her a message."
"I see."
A short conversation of exchanging pleasantries later, "I would like to stay and chat for longer, but I'm already late as is. Let's meet up tomorrow and I can introduce you to some of the guys."
"Sure, sounds good."
"Take care." With that, he heads off into the crowd.
A minute later I feel another tapping on my shoulder. Seriously, what is with people tapping other’s shoulders from behind. If this were not a safety zone, anyone approaching from behind would be considered a threat.
I turn around and see Gem looking at me with wide eyes.
"Hehe. You lost?" She says with a mischievous grin, "Follow me."
This time rather than running off, she grabs my hand a drags me through the crowd. I can feel the envious eyes of some onlookers as we pass by. I’m being led around by a beauty, yet I have the appearance of a beggar.
We travel for 20 minutes like this until we arrive in front of a giant building.
This building is set a little bit away from the main road and is separated by a tall stone wall surround the compound. At the entrance is an elaborate iron gate with images of flowers worked in. Above the gate are the words ‘The Prancing Mare’. The walkway to the building consists of hand laid brickwork in a spiralling pattern. To either side are bright, lush green grass and massive flower beds in full bloom surrounding water fountains.
The fountains are running on magic rather than electricity, which is an interesting concept to get around. Apparently, a society developing along the path of magic has an almost nonexistent need for electricity.
However, not everyone knows how to use magic. Non mage classes must learn magic through a quest or something similar. It would be worthwhile checking that out later.
Closer to the building are plenty of patio chairs and wooden tables under canopies. Each of these seats is occupied by players, while serving girls weave through the jungle of chair with food and drinks.
"Umm, didn't you say this place was 10 Tor a night..."
"It's a special rate." She left it at that.
“Is that so.” While I am admiring the atmosphere, Gem walk up to one of the greeters.
"Hi! Is Lady Alenia nearby?" She greets in a friendly manner.
“Ah, Gem! You're back so soon.” The greeter looks Gem up and down before a look of suspicion appears in her expression, “I thought you said you would be out for few days."
"So did I,” Gem pauses, “But, there was a change of plans."
"Oh?” The greeter peers over Gems shoulder, and looks at me with a mischievous gaze. "Who's this?"
"His name is Quinn. I met him partway in the forest and he ended up saving my life. Quinn, this is Meira."
The greeter changes the way she looks at me, and politely bows. "Thank you so much for saving Gem!” I can see a hint of gratitude in her eyes. “She is such a sweet girl, but gets in over her head sometimes."
"You're welcome. Though, it is partly my fault why she got into a situation that needed saving in the first place." More like fully my fault.
"Shall I guide you in? Or will you be alright on your own?"
"If you would guide us to Lady Alenia that would be perfect.”
"Certainly." The two girls walk ahead of me. I can see them whispering to each other, but I cannot hear what is being said.
We are led inside the building and I am very impressed by what I see. This is definitely a high class establishment catering to the financially well off. There is more seating and a bar on the inside, but even those spots are all taken up. Unfortunately, most of the patrons have that familiar red armband on, but it's to be expected since they are the most powerful guild at the moment.
We are led toward the bar where an absolutely peerless beauty was serving beverages. Her golden hair is tied up in an elaborate bun and held in place with a hairpin in the shape of a phoenix. Her unblemished skin displays a youthful shine and her bewitching eyes could ensnare any man’s heart. She wears an eloquent dress that flows along her body accentuating her feminine curves. But all of this pales to the mature charm this enchantress emits just by being in her presence. Any man would be willing to die for her. I can see why this place is so popular, especially among male patrons.
"Lady Alenia,” Meira grabs her attention, “Gem has returned already."
"Oh?" The enchantress looks up and a smile that could charm a thousand men lights up her face. "So she has. Wonderful!
"Meira, can you finish pouring these drinks? I will go into the lounge and have a chat with Gem and her guest." When I feel her eyes upon me, I involuntarily gulp. "This way."
Gem and I are led by Lady Alenia towards a private booth in the back. The seats are made of soft leather and wrap around half of a circular table. A curtain is drawn after we sit down and the extraneous sound is cut off. It silencing spell must be cast upon the curtain.
"Before we get to business, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" She asks in a seductive voice.
"Lady Alenia, this is my new friend Quinn.” She pauses, “Quinn, this is Lady Alenia. She is the owner of this inn.”
“P-pleased to meet you." I try to greet her in a respectful tone.
"The pleasure is mine.” She smiles sweetly, “Now tell me, how did the two of you meet?"
She rests her hands upon the table as Gem begins to narrate our story.
"We met about half a day's walk outside of town. . .
. . . And then we came here to stay the night."
Other than the occasional nod, 'mhmm', or 'I see', Lady Alenia quietly, and attentively listened to Gem tell the story.
"That's quite the story. I'm glad you're safe though."
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"So am I." I can't help but look at Gem as I say this. She notices and reciprocates with an added smile. I cannot believe it has only been a day. It feels like this day went on forever, but I'm glad everything worked out in the end.
"So, you would like to stay here tonight. Yes?"
"That's right.” Gem affirms, “I was hoping to use the room in the back again if you don't mind."
"Ahh dear. That's no trouble at all, but is it alright with you?"
"What do you mean?" Gem seems confused by her comment.
"I assume you would like your friend to stay as well."
"That's right." Gem still doesn't follow what Lady Alenia is saying, but I think I've figured it out.
"I only have the one room available; however, it does have two beds." Yup, I was right.
"Oh." Gems immediately becomes bashful with her face flushed red. “If that’s the case then I don’t mind. I trust him.”
“That settles it.” She declares, “You know where the room is, so I’ll leave it to you.” Lady Alenia gets up and releases the curtains. “I’ve got to get back to the bar. I’ll get Meira to bring you something to eat.”
We remain seated after she leaves, but neither of us says a word. Yet, it is not an awkward silence.
I woke up today on the roof of an abandoned cabin, fought with bandits, met a girl, exacted my revenge against that bear, and now I am in a high class establishment. It is nice to have quiet time after a full day to unwind.
It took about 10 minutes for Meira to arrive with plates of hot food.
“Here you are and don’t worry about the cost. It’s on the house” She doesn’t waver and immediately takes off back to the main dining area.
The plates have huge portion sizes and the smell reminds me of the real world. I have been eating poorly cooked meat and preserved food for the past week and so this meal is heaven sent. Without standing on ceremony I dig in and savour the multitude of flavours. The main course is prime rib steak cooked medium rare with a side of steamed vegetables. On the side there is a warm bun with soft butter and to drink is a glass of cool beer.
The meat is so tender it just melts in my mouth and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The beer goes down smooth and has a light hoppy taste.
This is paradise.
Soon the meal is gone and I am left with a satisfying full feeling. It would be nice if I could eat here every day. Once Gem has finished her meal we head over to the room. It is getting late and I am exhausted. What I would like right now would be to have a long deep sleep in a place where I do not have to worry about being attacked throughout the night.
Gem opens the door to the room and I am not disappointed by what I see. This quaint spare room may not be as fancy as the ones in the main inn, yet it is better than what one may find at a second rate inn. There are two double beds on opposite sides of the room with fresh, neatly folded linen. In the centre of the room is a circular rug lain over the hardwood floors. Against one of the walls is a wooden desk with a simplistically designed candle holder. Near the entrance is a full washroom with a cast iron bathtub. The plumbing is all controlled by magic and even includes heated water. Everything is spotless and it seems like they regularly clean this room.
I take a bath using the cast iron tub and then I plop myself on the nearest bed to enjoy the feeling of lying down. The mattress is soft, yet firm and has a slight bounce to it. This world still has some modern luxuries despite technically being a more medieval setting and for that I am glad.
"Ahh. A real bed at last.” I release a breath full of pent up tension, “It makes me think of what I went through to get to this point." I am so comfortable that I could fall asleep right away.
“I’m going to step out and go meet up with some friends.” Without even 5 minutes passing Gem already wants to go out again. Oh well, it’s her choice.
“Alright, I’m going to try to get some rest. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night.”
“A full week into this game already huh...” Before my consciousness fades away I hear a faint voice coming from the other side of the door.
"What I went through to get to this point..."
----------------------------------------
----------------Change of POV--------------------
On a cloud floating above the city of Fairhaven, a middle aged man stands with his arms crossed behind his back. He peers down at the players below, watching as they struggle to survive. Those below are unable to see this man, but if they could, they would notice that this was Cris Varnyne. The man holding them all hostage.
His face remains expressionless and his affect flat, as if void of emotion. The players resemble ants from this viewpoint, while he is holding the magnifying glass. His task is underway, and all that remains is to await movement on the other side.
Cris waves his right hand, opening a screen before him. On this screen are depictions of news programs across North America.
One program in particular caught his interest. This program was from July 12th, the day after EndGame Online was released. “Breaking News: The World Health Organization has put out a call for action in regards to the recent wake of terror that is EndGame Online. A list of those who have obtained the gaming helmet and are connected to the system has been provided by Sky Royal Studios. Federal governments are working in conjunction with Sky Royal Studios and local municipalities to find these players. However, hospitals remain overcrowded and an insufficient amount of beds are available to accommodate these patients. A nation-wide code orange has been called. If you know anyone logged into the system or have any information, please contact our hotline at 1-800-XXX-XXXX”
As Cris stares into the screen, a faint smile appears on his otherwise blunted face. Most of his positive emotions were lost as his humanity was forcefully stripped away.
A conscious entity is all that remains.
He inputs some commands into his menu and soon those four cloaked figures from before appeared off to the side one by one. However, this time their faces were exposed. They have the appearance of regular people without any outstanding characteristics. Three are males while there is one female.
“I want you four to compile a list of outstanding players in the game. Pay close attention to those with the highest potential.”
“It will be done.” The female cloaked figures says aloud. The figures bow simultaneously and then teleport one by one back into the city below.
*Sigh*
“A lot has happened to get to this point...”
His figure flashes for a brief moment. In that moment, an old man with stringy white hair replaces the middle aged figure; however, the image abruptly returns back to it’s previous state.
“Hur Hur. It seems they have someone competent on their side.”