Wonder’s Turn

“The Dark League?”

Wonder rubbed his chin before typing a response to Rose:

You know what I am about to ask.

He leaned back on his bed. The small village had been shocked when Wonder basically just appeared in their town square, panting from the exercise. But since he had been deemed safe by the Slave March, he was welcomed. He was now hanging out in his room in an inn.

Rose finally responded: I do not know all the details. But basically the Dark League is a counter to the fact that Lightwraiths are a warrior species, and Forest Spirits are not. You could compare them to the “Black Ops” or the “Wreckers” in the stories you have told me and the kids.

So a super-speciality, doesn’t-actually-answer-to-government-officially warrior-spy team.

Wonder took a deep breath and typed: You had a run-in with them?

Not as bad as you’re thinking. I was still a kid then. While playing with the animals, I fell through a weak floorboard into their base command. Bruised and honestly a little freaked out, but was all right. I don’t know what words their commander had with my dad, but I do know he was shit scared. We abandoned that mission.

Wonder sighed. He knew what Rose was thinking. It was his luck. Wonder probably would go in, just expecting to get some backup for Oracle City and new Beasts. But then would run into the Dark League somehow, and BAM.

A wild, wild idea ran into his head.

Wonder typed: Do you think the Dark League would be willing to help free Pal?

Silence.

Kat was the one to respond: I actually think I could convince them to spare you some people for a mission like that. Don’t actually approach yet.

Wonder typed: Kat, bedtime. Also: it’s a two-day journey by foot. I may even be here longer because I need to get a party to avoid an ambush.

Rose typed: Putting the baby god to bed now. It’s gonna take us a while to get to Echilion, even if we warp to the Capital first. Look, I’m not saying this out loud, but it might be worth asking Malchon for help.

Wonder blinked. Smart idea. Oracle City would be a mission Malchon would want in for. And since he brought in so many people, maybe he could even suggest ideas.

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Wonder pulled up his messaging. Malchon was there was a contact. He typed: Hey, Malchon. Hope I’m not bothering, but hoping to get some advice or help.

Malchon answered almost instantly, NOT AT ALL! =D I’m stuck in a boring carriage ride, so please TALK AWAY!!!

Wonder had to laugh at that thought. He typed out what he knew about Oracle City, Pal’s situation, Echilion, and the Dark League.

So 1: need help with maybe getting some folks to protect my ass from Oracle troops. 2: just help with Oracle City in general.

It took a bit for Malchon to answer. Wonder went downstairs to get something to eat. While waiting for food, Malchon finally responded.

Sorry. I am caught in another mission, so I sadly can’t come over. I went to check my logs for anyone I can suggest, at least for escort. There should be a party called the Running Rovers. Among them is a Knight who calls themselves Myrid. I’m sending them a message now, and they should be good with escorting you to Echilion.

Wonder smiled. He typed: Thanks, Malchon. I dunno I should be wishing you luck, so I’ll wish you safety instead.

LOL, thanks, Wonder.

Wonder put the messaging board away. He smiled to see his food coming up. “Yum!”

Soon, someone in the traditional Knight armor walked up. “Wonder Hyde?”

Wonder blinked and used Appraisal:

Myrid Danger

Class: Knight

STR: High

DEF: High

AGI: Average

Mana: 5,000

Rep: Average

Wonder smiled. “Ah, you’re the dude our common friend suggested. Yes, I’m Wonder. Please, sit.”

Myrid nodded, and did so. They removed their helmet, allowing a flock of brown hair fall out. They said, “I hear you need a guard until we get to Echilion.”

“Yeah. Then I will regroup with my family there, so that will then be up to you.”

Myrid nodded. “That is fair. Can I ask how you got separated?”

“Same reason I need an escort. I stayed behind to buy my family time to escape.”

Myrid relaxed. Maybe Malchon ran out of typing room. Was there character limits? Wonder admittedly used the system more like texting…

Wonder said, “Of course, I’ll help pay my way. I may be a Tamer, but I kept my Hunting skills intact. I can hunt us food.”

Myrid relaxed even more. They said, “It is not necessary. I owe Mal—our common friend a favor.”

They looked to the side. “And to be honest, our Mage fell ill. Nothing serious, but he has been unable to cast a spell for a while. We need someone who can handle ranged attacks.”

Wonder said, “Fair enough.”

He finished up his ribs and cleaned up. He asked, “What’s our Quest?”

“Signed an NDA. While our bosses won’t mind us hiring extra help with the trip, I cannot say more.”

“Fair. Just need to know if anything I’m shooting is gonna be needed. Don’t want to sell an important quest item away by mistake, you know.” Wonder winked.

Myrid’s mouth twitched in a smile. “That is fair. No, our quest is in the mountains. You’ll be fine.”

Wonder smiled. “Hope so.”