CHAPTER 9 DAY 7

I woke and made breakfast. Flicka got her share of eggs. I filled a gallon jug with water and put two beers in a cooler. I then went to work. I spent the entire day doing the walls. All eight trailers had walls by the end of the day. I had even cut all the roof rafters. It was an incredible amount of work to get down. I didn’t even remember getting the lunch delivered and eating it but the wrappers proved that it did happen. Flicka was tired from protecting me from squirrels all day long. It was just getting dark when I got to the cabin. I was going to log in late but took a long hot shower anyway. I made a salad and put it on a generous amount of dressing and cheese. Flicka got her dry food and gave me the ‘what the hell look’ but after a few minutes nibbled on it.

I got to the Cocoon and logged in. I awoke to find myself with a branch in my face. I moved the branch out of the way and a rough hand grabbed it and I heard Harrash whisper, “stay still, they could be coming back any second.”

I took in my surroundings. Just beyond the bushes was an expanse of beach to the water. The bushes quickly turned into a dense woods. Some birds could be heard above the waves on the shore. Harrash was squatting, constantly looking around for dangers. “A storm blew the boat off course. We hit a reef. I managed to create a float from some of the supplies and get you on it. We were in the water for half a day before I got us to this island. I hauled the supplies and you off the shore a few hours ago and erased the tracks. Twenty minutes ago a patrol of beastmen passed by. Luckily they were close to the water and focused their attention out on the water otherwise they would of caught our sent.” Harrash continued to scan the woods never having looked at me while he told me of the events leading to our current situation. I checked and all my equipment was present. Harrash continued, “Our best bet is to find their camp and steal a boat. Our other option is to find the camp and get to far side of this island and build a raft to escape.”

I took everything thing. I would respawn if I died but Harrash would not. “I am not much of a fighter or good at stealth. I think we should build a raft and leave this island.” Harrash met my eyes for the first time.

“We have one axe to cut the trees down. I have 50 feet of rope so we will need to make some more.” Harrash started to gather up the supplies. “I will lead since you have no skill. Put what you can in your bag and carry the rest.”

I did as Harrash said and when I was finished pulled out one of my unfinished rings, prepared it and cast a +3 strength enchantment on it. “Here Harrash, I cannot afford to buy you a new boat but I will make sure to make the cost up in trade starting with this.” He took the ring and placed it on his finger. His head was turned so I did not see his expression.

“There is no need. I can always build another boat. I promised to get you to your island and I will do so. When you walk avoid the deadwood. Try to only step on solid roots and rocks to mask your trail. In the end it may not matter if they pick up our scent. Keep me in sight and if I raise my hand find cover and hide.” I had room for all the gear in my bag. I drank some water and ate some food to restore my hydration and satiety bar. Harrash was already moving. I followed Harrash at twenty paces behind. I tried to harvest whatever plants I recognized with my herbalism skill. I was also making a concerted effort to be quiet and after three hours was rewarded.

Stealth-Move Silently 1 Tier 1 unlocked: +1 Agility, Tier 1 abilities can now be learned

After gaining the skill we came to another beach. Harrash put his arm up and a squatted and moved into some brush. Through the trees I could three catmen moving along the shore line. Two were female and were the panther subspecies. The third was a larger male but of the leopard subspecies. They wore leather armor and carried spears. After they passed Harrash put his hand down and I approached him.

“I will scout down both beaches.” He handed me the axe he was carrying. “Cut trees four to six inches in diameter. Only cut trees about 50 yards into the tree line. Trim the branches off. I would guess you have at least four hours till another patrol comes around. Stop after four hours and wait for me.” He left without waiting for questions.

I got to work. I tried to be as quiet as possible but just gave up and went for speed. I downed twenty trees, trimmed them and cut 15’ lengths thinking it was a good size for a raft. I got the lumberjack skill and two handed axe skill.

Lumberjack 1 Tier 1 unlocked: +1 Strength, 2% speed increase in cutting trees

Axe: Two Handed 1 Tier 1 unlocked: +1 Strength, 2% damage bonus

I laid out the raft and tossed the rope on top. I figured I would wait for Harrash to tie the raft together. We probably would have to do it on the beach anyway. I sat down and decided to enchant my sword with the flame blade enchantment. Then I got my alchemy kit out and twenty vials. I pulled out enough ingredients to make 20 minor health potion and got to work. It was dark when I finished and still no Harrash but I raised my alchemy skill.

Alchemy 2 Tier 2 unlocked: +1 Intelligence, safely brew tier 2 potions, +1% to potion effectiveness

I didn’t want to log out before he came back. I had just enough magic to enchant another ring with +3 constitution. I would give it to Harrash when he got back. I decided now was a good time to raise my Earth skill. I started casting summon earth making an earth works. When I ran out of magic I consumed some of my magic potions. After 3 potions I managed to raise my earth skill and had an impressive 20 foot long and four foot high earth wall.

Earth Magic 2 Tier 2 unlocked: +1 Channeling, +2% damage Earth Spells

I made three ying-yang rings in order to raise my earth stone skill and replace the rings I had made for Harrash so far.

Earth Magic: Stone 4 +1 Constitution

The night had passed in the game and the sun was rising. I was getting worried now. I had not seen a beastman patrol either. Harrash had followed in the same direction as the patrol. It was 3:00am in the real world. I didn’t have time to follow him. I decided to wait an hour more. I made a safe area, or at least an area I thought it was a safe place, to log out. It was 200 yards from the raft. I broke out the alchemy kit again. I had dozens of plants and fungus. I decided to experiment with tier 2 ingredients. My first three combinations yielded nothing useful but my fourth attempt yielded something cool.

You learned a new recipe, Battle Potion: +10 strength, +10 constitution, +10 agility for 30 minutes

I had enough ingredients to make two more. After making them I logged out.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Flicka was waiting. I ate two bowls of cereal and took her outside. She got the remnants of the milk as a treat.

I went to bed and got four hours of sleep. I made a sandwich and ordered a bbq chicken pizza to be delivered at lunch online. I went and started putting the rafters on the trailers. One of the walls had fallen out of square and I had to fix it. I probably was just rushing yesterday. When the pizza arrived I had finished half the roofs. I ate quickly and left a quarter of the pizza for Flicka. As I was finishing the fifth trailer I noticed I was too distracted. I was worried about Harrash. I stopped working and changed into running clothes. I took off to blow off some steam. I went six miles and Flicka seemed upset with my pace. She barely had time to smell the forest and get drinks of water at the streams. I finished the run by the Pavillion, it was going up quicker than expected. I talked to the contractor and he had guys laying the forms for the pool and guest house. Apparently someone had cancelled a project and he suddenly had extra bodies. Things were going well in the real world but my fake reality was falling apart. For some reason I was more concerned about my fake reality.

As I was heading for my cabin a young women stopped me. Her name was Gina. She was one of the women I had emailed about the new cabins and wanted to talk. I invited her up to my cabin to talk, I just wanted to take a shower first. I led her through the door. “You can wait in the living room. Feel free to look around and help yourself to anything in the fridge.”

“Thanks.” Gina replied. She was attractive, 5’9” athletic build, dark hair, brown eyes and a slight southern accent. She looked a little nervous. I wondered why Amanda couldn’t handle her but I wanted a distraction anyway. I went into the bathroom. Flicka plopped down outside the bathroom door and kept watch over Gina as I washed up.

I came out in a towel and went to the bedroom to get fresh clothes. Gina was inspecting the Cocoon. I came back in a tee and shorts. Gina spoke first, “You play that new game that is all over the net?”

“Yes a gift from my uncle. I got in on the early release and play a few hours a day. It is remarkable how real everything is with this.” I pulled back my hair above my ear and showed the port.

“Wow! If I get into medical school in a few years I will get one of those. The things doctors are doing in surgery now with them is amazing!” Gina blurted out. She looked like she was maybe 20 and had no control over her impulses. She turned a little red when I studied her.

“So you said Amanda couldn’t help you?” I asked trying to get to the point.

“Yes, I tried to talk with Amanda to day but she was adamant that the new units wouldn’t be ready before the date you mentioned in your email. I just really want to move in now. I don’t care if they are still being built. I will sleep in a tent. I grew up in Nebraska and I love being outside. I just really need a place to stay and this place is close to campus and affordable.” She spoke so quickly I had to pay attention to understand.

“I am sorry but I don’t think there are any openings at the camp ground either. Perhaps if you explain the situation a little more I could help?” I could sense her distress and considered she may just be trying to use her feminine whiles on me.

“Of course! Sorry. I completed my freshman year and UNC last year. I love it there but my parents could only pay so much. To make it easier for them I decided to move in with a guy I met my freshman year while I was going to school. Well we rented a nice place with two rooms that was close to campus and really cheap. Unfortunately he left school midway through the semester and the land lord held me to the lease. I found a job a short distance from your campground and have been working there for two months. Even working 50 hours a week it is hard to commute 25 miles to a job and school. My grades are slipping and the rent was stressing me out. I just got the landlord to let me out of the lease two weeks ago and have been living out of my car. Someone tried to break into my car two nights ago. I just want some place safe.” Definitely a sob story but I still felt she was genuine and there was more to the story.

“I can make sure you are the first one to get a unit when it is ready Gina. Maybe another week?” I was putting a tight deadline for myself and might have to pull some longer days.

“Can I sleep in my car in one of the parking lots here and use the common showers at the campground until it is ready?” She asked hopefully. Flicka had hoped up on the couch and had laid down next to Gina. Flicka had her head in Gina’s lap and was petting Flicka. Flicka had sensed that Gina was upset and was comforting her. I was a little shocked because she had never done this for a stranger before.

There was silence for a time as I looked at Gina again. I had an impulse, “Gina you know I am using the Cocoon? I need someone to watch Flicka and exercise her. Amanda is doing a little bit for her but she needs more exercise. My cabin has a second bedroom. You can stay there for free if you exercise Flicka for an hour each day. However there is only one bathroom and we would have to share it. I wouldn’t rush the build of the units so it would take three weeks for your unit.” Gina looked at me.

“I am sorry but I have heard stories from other women here and I don’t think I am prepared to…..”

“Whoa! No impropriety here. I am just trying to help.” She looked torn. And it was at that moment that I realized that I was very attracted to her. Maybe I was having some improper thougths.

“I…I didn’t mean…ok…I heard you were very nice…ok…thank you.” She broke down into a half sob. Flicka pushed her head into Gina’s hand and liked her wrist.

I got up, “Let me show you the room.” I walked up the stairs and she followed. Flicka was right behind. “The bathroom is on the first floor next to the my bedroom.” I mentioned as I climbed the stairs. The second floor was only two rooms both overlooked the large living room and kitchen. The first door was to a large room that I used for a study. I was mostly empty except for a desk with a computer and a wall of shelves. I walked to the second door and opened it. “This is the room.” I motioned with one hand into the room.

The room was 20 by 30 and had a sloped ceiling. A king bed with a dark blue comforter centered the far wall. A massive window allowed light in. There was a skylight that added more light. Two very old and large armoires were in the room. “The laundry is off the kitchen downstairs. Feel free to make the room your own for the next few weeks.”

I turned to leave, “Incredible!” I heard her say to herself. The room was breathtaking in the day. I didn’t use it for my master bedroom because I wanted to be close to the bathroom. Flicka stayed with Gina for a second before following me downstairs. Downstairs I ordered a meatball and spaghetti with garlic bread dinner for two. Gina left and ten minutes later I heard her car pull up. As she brought her things upstairs I let her be. After four trips she finished and there was a knock at the door.

I went to the door and paid for the delivery and gave a generous tip. I yelled to Gina upstairs, “Join me for some dinner and we can discuss the details of exercising Flicka.” Flicka looked up at me at the mention of her name. I gave her a pat on the head.

I laid out the food and got two glasses of water. Gina came down a few minutes later. I was already munching on some garlic bread. I put a heap of spaghetti on two plates and gave Gina the spoon for sauce and meatballs.

“Thank you for dinner,” Gina said as she sat down and filled her plate. “The room is gorgeous. Your house, I mean cabin is gorgeous, I can’t thank you enough for hosting me.”

The conversation went to her classes and UNC. She was from Georgia originally. She worked as a cook at the restaurant down town and sometimes as a bartender if the regular guy called in sick. I knew the restaurant and it was the best place to eat in twenty miles. She professed she was more of an assistant cook and learning the ropes. I listened and asked questions while she talked. I was enthralled with her voice and her story. The meal was long finished and she Gina was talked out.

I started talking about Flicka. I wanted her to take Flicka for at least a mile walk at sunrise and sunset if I was not able to. Since she was a cook I would pay for all the food while she was staying here but she needed to leave a prepared lunch and dinner in the fridge for me every day. I added this bit figuring it would make my life easier and I wanted Gina waiting on me a bit. It was almost my log in time. I took Flicka outside with Gina and told her where the trail system map could be found. It was getting dark so I said she could start tomorrow and Flicka was ready to head inside anyway, she hadn’t gotten a meatball because I had been distracted with Gina.

After Flicka got the last two meatballs I headed to the Cocoon. I was shocked at how quickly things had happened with Gina but was definitely pleased with the end result.