Ripley, seeing no threat in the confines of the empty shop, returned to the front door. Her armor clinked as she went, her sword rustling against her legs. Several children flinched when she first moved, though the tension noticeably eased when she was on the other side of the room. I could hardly blame them, seeing an undead creature for the first time was unnerving for just about anybody. Similarly, Lowki did his best to appear non-threatening. His normally wandering tentacles lay flattened across his back, the barbed quills completely retracted, as he stretched out on the hardwood floor. His purr was the loudest I recalled ever hearing it. Several small faces beamed towards what, to them, appeared nothing worse than a giant plush cat.
“Marrek said you might find us if he didn’t return once the fighting stopped,” the older girl commented.
“Is he alright?” another child shrilly asked. He was as thin as a reed with short-cropped blond hair. Soot covered his face as if he was a coal miner.
“I’m sorry to say, but Marrek didn’t make it. He saved many lives, ours included,” I answered, my words causing several of the youngest children to sob softly at the bad news. “He fought to save as many as he could. He was a good man.”
The young lady hugged one of the crying children, before embracing another as tears streamed down their cheeks. “He was a good man. He saved all, calling us to come inside when the comets started falling. A few days ago, my father said he was a bad man, but I knew he wasn’t.”
“What’s your name,” Stella asked as she floated over to the group. The spectacle of a flying dog caught the attention of all the children, many not having looked up at us since we arrived. Tears quickly vanished, soon replaced by smiling cheeks.
“Nistra,” she shared before reaching out a hand to touch Stella’s soft coat.
Stella rubbed into Nistra’s caress and nodded for the other children to come closer. “My name is Stella, I’m glad to meet all of you.”
As soon as one of the children let out a small giggle, it spread through the group like wildfire. The scraggly boy who spoke earlier ventured closer to Lowki with a hopeful hand outstretched. The boy clearly wanted to pet the large panther, the same as everyone else was doing to Stella. Lowki inclined his head and, like Stella, pushed his head into the young boy’s touch.
“My name is Isleer. What’s yours?” the youth asked.
Lowki couldn’t answer in words, but it was enduring to watch the interplay as the boy naturally assumed Lowki was capable of speech like Stella. “His name is Lowki,” I replied for the cat. “And, he says he loves your pets. He’s quite friendly and enjoys having the back of his ears scratched.” I smiled, seeing Isleer move to do just that. Lowki’s eyes closed as he tilted his head to the side, thoroughly enjoying the attention.
“This is Tallos, he’s a mighty ranger,” I said as I pointed to the earthen-garbed warden. “The one by the door is Ripley. She’s our protector, like your strong city guardsmen. She may look scary, but really, she a big softy.”
Even with my assurances, none of the children dared approach the tall skeleton, though most seemed no longer strongly frightened by her presence as she gazed out at the street. A warm light seemed to bloom in the shop, touching a soft spot in my heart, as the once fearful group started playing around the room. Lowki was on his side, three legs reaching the ceiling as two kids play-wrestled with him. He was careful to keep his tentacles and claws well clear of them. When he started using his ability to project a false image of himself, the game took on a new level as the children sought to find where he hid.
Stella was moving from child to child, telling ridiculous jokes and leaving raucous laughter in her wake. At one point, she played tagged with two older boys, not-so-subtly letting them get close and ‘catch’ her. “Tag, you’re it!” they gleefully shouted.
Nistra joined in as my mind whirled with what we should do with the displaced kids. Hopefully, they were not orphaned considering they had been alone when the fighting started. If I remember correctly, the nearby buildings burned down by the catapult fire had all been businesses, so their homes and parents could still be out there. I was about to ask Nistra where they lived when I found the girl approaching me with something clasped in her hands.
“Wizard Marrek said if he didn’t return, to give you this,” she said as she handed over a small pouch you would expect to be filled with coins. It didn’t jingle as expected, seeming near empty as I thanked Nistra. “I think he knew he might not come back. So, when he led us inside, he said to ask for you if anyone came to his store. I’m sad he died. He was nice.”
“We’re sad about his loss too,” I agreed, placing a comforting hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Thank you for protecting your friends, it was very brave of you. I bet your parents are worried sick about all of you. Can we help you find them? It’s safe outside now, with Marrek’s help we stopped any more of those comets from coming into the city.”
“Mama and Papa probably went to the shelter,” Nistra animatedly answered as she tugged at a strand of hair. “We practiced what to do if anything bad ever happened. We would have gone there too, but it was on the other side of town. We live nearby, but when Marrek spotted us, he said it was too dangerous and we would be safer in his store.”
Stella, seeing Nistra and me chatting, glided over with two children following close in her wake. When she arrived, she turned a bright smile to those around her, asking everyone in a cheery voice, “Everyone ready? We’re going to help you find your parents.”
With eager nods bobbing in reply, we left the bare storeroom. I asked Ripley to follow a bit further behind the group than normal as I didn’t want to spook the children further by having them somberly stare at her dusky gray bones as we trudged through the disheveled city. Nodding in silent response, she moved to our rear flank as we ventured to the city’s south side with Nistra’s guidance.
Several guards stopped as we walked, asking if they could offer aid. Most knew me on sight from the battle, so they had no hesitancy when advised we were taking the children home. Pressing fists to their armored chests, they moved on to help others.
Nistra said we were close when a shout from the side of the road caught everyone’s attention. An elderly woman stood at the front of a partially collapsed home. She was crying out for help. From the look of it, someone or something was buried under rubble and a tangle of splintered beams. From the name shouted by the woman, and her persistent claps, I assumed it was a dog or something similar. Asking Tallos and Stella to watch the kids, I called for Ripley to help as I approached the worried old woman.
A short while later, oohs and aahs from the kids greeted us as if we were heroes returning after saving someone from a burning building. With Ripley’s massive strength and my guidance, we created enough room for the small pup to burst forth. She rushed to her mom’s hands, instantly buried in an embrace.
After that, any lingering fear evaporated from the children as they saw Ripley for what she was, a friendly guardian. More than one nickname, including something that sounded like ‘skele-hero’ were whispered gleefully as she now strode confidently at the front of our small procession. Stella and I smiled when one of the smallest children, a girl named Yira, rushed ahead to hold Ripley’s hand. It was an endearing sight, and I could tell that the fearless minion enjoyed the kind gesture.
Nistra called out as she spotted her parents soon after. Both came running, worried expressions disappearing at the sight of their children safe and sound, hope rekindled in their spirits. Her parents, Nibero and Tashna, thanked us profusely for saving Nistra and the other kids.
“We found them safe thanks to the Wizard Marrek’s actions,” I replied with a friendly shake of my head, refusing the accolade. “He saved their lives. We’re just glad to help them come home.”
Nonetheless, we were thanked for our efforts and were assured the rest of the children would be escorted to their homes and their anxiously waiting parents. Our spirits lifted as we said goodbye to everyone, receiving a fair number of hugs from the children as we were made to promise to stop by if we were ever nearby. Ripley knelt low when Yira tugged at the hem of her cloak, receiving a hug from the loveable youngster.
Before departing, we inquired where we could find an inn to rest for the remainder of the day. We were given simple enough instructions, leading us towards a main thoroughfare near the southern border of Mammoth. We were directed to a tavern slash inn called the ‘Wild Stallion.’ We were assured the owner had some of the best accommodations in town.
“What did Nistra give you earlier?” Tallos inquired a short time later as we walked through bustling city streets. This particular residential section was mostly intact and largely absent any damage. From what we had seen as we ventured through the city, most of the buildings harmed by the catapult fire was mostly centered near the middle of town. We passed one shuttered storefront after another, the city’s population mobilizing to help their less fortunate neighbors. It boded well for the city’s recovery.
With the merriment of escorting the group of kids to their homes, I had nearly forgotten about the pouch Nistra had handed me. Pulling out the tiny leather bag, it hardly appeared big enough to store anything of significant value, unless it perhaps carried a gemstone or two. While it was a possibility, juggling the pouch gave the feel it had a padded inside. Yet, as far as I could tell, it was empty. Opening the drawstring, the inside was as black as a void. “It’s a bag of holding!” I exclaimed in excitement.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“Not a very big one,” Stella commented, tamping down my glee. “For a talented wizard or mage, they’re not overly complicated to create, though they will be more expensive the greater the enchantment is. Something that small… probably only holds a square foot or two at most.”
Inspecting the supple bag, we found it was called an ‘apprentice pouch of holding.’ Stella said it was a slight step up from the novice starter version, something generally created as crafters initially delved into this type of item creation. It could still fetch a gold coin or more, she stated, mostly depending on how large the extradimensional space was inside. This particular one carried two and a half square feet of space.
“Let’s take a look at what’s inside,” I teased, willing a window to appear as I held the pouch open.
You have received: {Bangle of Poison Potency}.
You have received: {Tome of Minor Snare}.
You have received: {Vial of Replenishment (Health & Stamina)}.
You have received: {Tome of Gnawing Blizzard (Average)}.
“Looks like Marrek got a gift for each of us,” Stella commented. “Well, not me. He probably knew I didn’t need anything since I’m an Accelerator. A flower or tasty treat would have been nice though.”
I glanced at Stella, not initially understanding which item corresponded with each party member. My confusion quickly passed as I thought about it. The last spell tome was clearly for me and, hopefully, was a damage over time spell. I mentally tied my fingers. The potion vial was clearly for Ripley since it only restored health and stamina. I wasn’t overly thrilled, disappointed it would essentially be a single-use item. Perhaps it restored both resources to maximum?
I wanted to inspect the bangle first, so willed it to appear in my hand. The diameter of the band was larger than my wrist by a good margin. If I slipped it on, it would slide right off. If it was enchanted, as the name suggested, it should modify its size to accommodate whoever wore it. The bracelet was an inch wide and made of a midnight metal with a lone five-pointed star comprised of tiny sapphires. The material was entirely non-reflective and the thought of it resting over Lowki’s obsidian fur meant it would probably be undetectable. Even the sapphires were inky dark pools, not easily seen unless you held the item at the right angle.
{Bangle of Poison Potency}. Made of an unknown metallic substance and a dozen enchanted animus sapphires, this item enhances any natural poisons, venoms, and toxins produced by the user. Quality: Well-Crafted. Rarity: Rare. Type: Jewelry. Slot: Wrist. Armor: 1. Durability 1,000/1,000. Effect(s): Plus 25% effectiveness and strength of all naturally produced poisons, venoms, and toxins. Additionally, these substances are 25% harder to eradicate by magical and non-magical means.
“Hey, Lowki, come on over here,” I ushered the large panther with a wave. Lowki trotted over with an inquisitive expression. As his head tilted in an unspoken question, I continued. “This was a gift for you. Here, let me put it on.”
As I suspected, the armband instinctively adjusted its size to accommodate Lowki’s bulky foreleg. Resting slightly below his front elbow, the dark sapphires briefly shone a bright green when the bangle clicked close. In seconds, only a detailed inspection of Lowki’s leg would reveal its existence. Lowki’s head and ears perked up as the enhancement flowed into his body and enhanced the poisonous substance excreted by his barbed quills.
“I wish it was easier to see,” Stella lamented as she hovered around Lowki’s chest. “If only I could wear such fancy jewelry.”
“We can keep an eye out for a nice collar,” I jested, causing Stella’s eyes to shoot up at me. Seeing her slight scowl, I told her I was ‘only kidding.’ It was obvious she didn’t entirely believe me so held her stare longer than was necessary to express her displeasure. “Or tiara, if you’d like,” I hastily added.
“Ripley, this next one must be for you,” Stella called out as she ignored my follow-up comments.
With a mental command, a small glass vial appeared in my hand. It had a long body about three and a half inches long and was crystal clear. Within the vial sloshed a deep cardinal liquid speckled with tiny glints of something golden. The glass bottle reminded me more of a sealed ampoule than a vial, with its glass top looking as if it needed to be snapped open. As wide as my pinky finger, I was again worried it was a one-time item. Pulling up the item's description, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not.
{Vial of Replenishment (Health & Stamina)}. This sealed glass capsule was carefully constructed to contain a self-replicating concoction capable of restoring both health and stamina. With a thought, the contents are magically injected into the user’s bloodstream. Over time, the potion will fill automatically, growing denser in potency as more time passes. Quality: Superb. Rarity: Rare. Type: Potion. Durability 500/500. Effect(s): Restores 100 plus 50n Health and Stamina, where ‘n’ equals the total hours since the item was previously used. Current restored quantity: 3,750 health and stamina.
Note – The user cannot be restored beyond their current maximum health and/or stamina. Any surplus will remain contained in the vial until next used.
“If this restored mana, I’d be tempted to use it myself,” I commented with a low whistle. As it was, the vial was perfect for melee fighters. Fighters exactly like Ripley.
“Well, it’s for her, so get your grubby paws off it,” Stella stated as she plucked the potion from my hands. She flew over to Ripley, looking as if she was trying to determine where to put it. Her right paw flashed out to the side, opening one of her Accelerator screens, no doubt. “Ah, hah!” she exclaimed in victory before touching the vial to the fold of cloak resting atop her breastplate, near her neck. When she removed her paw, the ampoule stayed in place as if glued there.
“It can affix to any surface, though it’s suggested to be placed close to a major artery,” Stella said before leaning forward as she peered at the black ribbons of magically infused muscle tissue holding Ripley’s body together. “Well, near where a major artery would be anyways. This works just as well.”
“It looks a bit exposed,” I pointed out. “Wouldn’t it be easy for someone to hit with a sword or something?”
“It’s a possibility, but it should have more than enough durability unless it takes repeated strikes. We could always move it to somewhere else on her body.”
“Nah, it’s fine where it’s at for now,” I stated with a casual shake of my head before turning to our armored guardian. “Ripley, will you remember to use that if you ever get badly injured?”
She nodded in reply, though her eyes seemed to ask wordlessly if I was serious.
Of course, I can, I imagined Ripley replying had she been capable of speech, her voice sounding like bone scrapping across the bone in my head.
“Good,” was all I outwardly mustered in reply.
“This one’s for you, Tallos,” Stella said as she pressed forward. Soon enough, the spell tome was handed. The book was far thinner than any we had seen like the massively tall ones recovered from the dwarf boss fight. Instead of tough hardcovers like those, this was more of a paperback though the material was less pliable than paperboard or card stock.
“Can he use this?” I inquired. Tallos never showed an ability to cast anything magical, so I was unsure if it would function for him as others did for me.
“Of course he can,” Stella answered snippily.
“I’ve never had the good fortune of receiving a spell tome. Only the strongest of my people are gifted such items, and usually only in appreciation of heroic deeds benefiting our society. Other than naturally talented elven magicians and clerics, I never thought I’d be given one,” Tallos replied as he reverently turned the tome over in his nimble hands. He carefully handled the book as if it was a newborn baby.
“Are you sure, Stella?” I asked as my eyes flicked to our party interface. “I don’t see any mana under his nameplate.”
“It’s there, only hidden. Once he can use the mana, it will appear like any other resource pool,” she confidently stated. “We won’t be able to see how many mana points he has, being a non-Hunter and all, but we’ll be able to roughly judge how many times he can use it and how quickly his mana regenerates once he uses it for the first time.”
The book’s description still hovered in a window in front of me. I had pushed it to the side when I handed it over but took another glance at what the spell did.
{Tome of Minor Snare}. Quality: Well-crafted. Rarity: Uncommon. Type: Spell Book – Consumable. Durability: 250/250. Properties: Teaches the spell [Minor Snare]. Call upon nature to entangle a single target within range. For the spell’s duration, movement speed will be hindered as magical roots continually grasp and cling to the target’s feet.
Note – This is a single-use item and will be destroyed when used.
Tallos looked at both of us, his eyebrows raised in question. With our go-ahead, he flipped open the cover and looked at the first page. Unlike when I used a spell book, the pages did not flip of their own accord. There was also no sign that an outside power connected with Tallos’ mind and downloaded the information. Instead, he casually flipped the pages as we walked. We slowed our pace slightly to let him keep up as he engrossed himself in the book.
Tallos looked up from the hand-written words, shrugging at my inquisitive glance. The tome wasn’t disintegrating, though he was only about halfway through. “This may take some time, and several rereads, but I think I can cast it, given enough study.”
Turning to Stella, I asked the question rolling around in my mind. “Will it crumble to dust once he’s learned it? I’m so used to the spell instantly appearing in my mind when I use those.”
“It will,” she answered. “But only after he’s fully learned how to use it. Being a Hunter has its advantages. Everyone else, well, they need to do it the hard way.”
Tallos tucked the book in his backpack before signaling we could carry on at our normal pace. “It may take a day or so, but I’m thrilled at the possibility. To be honest, I always wanted to cast spells, so maybe this is the first step towards my lifelong goal.”
“I hadn’t even thought it was a possibility, so from now on we’ll keep an eye out for anything else you could learn.” I supplied with a pleasant smile directed towards my friend.
“Alright, that leaves one more,” Stella called out.
With a mental plea, this time a much larger spell tome appeared in my hands. It was as fat as an ancient encyclopedia, as heavy as well, with a cover engraved with countless mystical symbols. One particular design looked similar to a raging cyclone with shooting lines branching out. The intersections, numerous triangles, and grids were reminiscent of mathematical diagrams. Raised lettering written across the front cover repeated the spell’s name. With how intricate the tome was itself, screamed at how valuable it must be. I was excited to see what it could do.
With our destination in sight, I excitedly willed the tome’s description to appear before me.