Chapter 11: To Imperialis

As Ricky saw a seated figure up ahead, he slowed his run putting one hand to the hilt of his dagger. But then, the figure turned, pushing back its hood to reveal a familiar face.

“Finally,” said Xarok. “It feels like I’ve been waiting half the night for you.”

> *Quest 010 complete: Reunite with one or more of your companions. +10XP

>

> *Quest 011 complete: Find your way safely out of Triptych Forest. +20XP

Ricky gaped at the demonkind spell-caster, then looked over his shoulder and to both sides before hurrying forward again. He was the only one around; the words had indeed been directed at him.

“How did you get here, man?” he said as he hurried over. “I was expecting you to come after us in the forest. What happened with the goblins? And is that Imperialis up ahead?”

The demonkind man grunted, standing up. He had been seated on a long, low bench constructed of two split logs, right by the side of the paved road, and he stretched out his arms wide, regarding Ricky with tired-looking brown eyes. “So many questions,” he responded, “and I have a few of my own. But for now, let’s walk. To answer your last question – yes. That is the city of Imperialis ahead of us. I’m a little surprised that you would have come all this way without knowing that.”

Ricky fell in beside his companion, and they strode quickly on as the morning light began to fill the sky. The city now lay around a half a mile ahead of them. The road verges were now small hedgerows, backing onto well-tended fields. Off to the right were the last fringes of forest, a low hill marking its southernmost point. To the left, sea cliffs could be seen – the city was presumably a port, Ricky now saw.

He hadn’t even realized that he was anywhere near a coast.

The city itself was circumscribed by mighty stone walls, and there was a copper-domed turret every fifty yards or so along its length. There was no moat; the terminus of the road joined onto a large fortified gatehouse on the wall itself, featuring a very wide gate – wide enough for two or even three wagons to pass through at once – which was currently standing open despite the early hour. Beyond, there were signs of movement – carts, local people, soldiers on patrol, and workers who were already up and about at the nearby farm buildings.

“You said you have questions,” said Ricky, looking around at Xarok as they hurried on. “I’m afraid that if they are about Gabriella, I can’t help you. She and Channia moved far ahead of me on the path, and I was attacked. I tried to follow after, but I had lost them.”

“Hmm,” grunted Xarok. “That wasn’t going to be my question, no. For I know where Gabriella is.”

“You do?”

“Yes. She made it out of the forest, and returned to Imperialis ahead of us. One of our guild members met her on horseback, a mile from the gates.”

“Oh... right. Well, I am glad that she is safe, at least. But do you know of the other two?”

At this, Xarok peered closely at Ricky. “That was going to be my question. When you say two...”

“Oh. I was meaning Channia and Sami. I already know what happened to the man from Barrowdale.”

Xarok raised his eyebrows in a way that made the horns on the top of his head twitch slightly. “Go on.”

Ricky briefly related to Xarok the encounter he had had with Spanch in the forest, and the attack of the monstrous beast immediately afterwards.

“I see.” Xarok was smiling to himself a little now, and looking much more relaxed. “I feel somewhat reassured by that, I must say.”

“Reassured? Man, I was almost killed by Spanch, and it was only a piece of luck that led to that beast biting through his leg rather than mine.”

“True, true. You found yourself being stalked by a korapta lizard. One of the big ones. Very dangerous, especially when faced alone and in the dark, though the packs that gather near Doomstar can be even worse. But there are ways to take them down. Anyhow, it was not the lizard that I found reassuring – I’m glad to hear that you don’t know this Spanch, and that he is now dead. I was worried that he may have gained some leverage over you that would have foiled our plans.”

“How so?”

“If he had made you promise something in return for his aid, then we wouldn’t be able to proceed with what we discussed. With the Tooth and Claw Guild, that’s to say. Because it is now clear that he is a member of one of our deadly rivals. I am not entirely certain which, but I would guess that it would be the Green Hand Guild, for they are trying to move in on this area, and they are known for their use of goblin troops.”

“I see.”

> *Quest 015 (level 1): Find out more about korapta lizards.

>

> *Quest 016 (level 2): Find out more about the Green Hand Guild.

A korapta lizard – that was what Xarok had called the beast that had attacked them in the woods, and carried off Spanch in its jaws.

“Uh, Xarok?” he said, as he hurried forward.

The demonkind spellcaster had paused, one eyebrow raised, and then pointed ahead as he resumed walking. “Yes?”

“Can you tell me more about those korapta lizards?”

“Korapta lizards, you say, Ricky? Oh, yes. Very dangerous. The next major settlement down the coast is a city by the name of Doomstar. It was once the second city in a growing empire, but was entirely overrun by the lizards some five years back. They are a constant threat. We need to be wary, especially if travelling south or moving through the forest.”

> *Quest 015 complete: Find out more about korapta lizards. +10XP

>

> *Quest 017 (level 4): Find out more about the connection between korapta lizards and Doomstar.

“Right. And the Green Hand Guild?”

“I’ll tell you more about the other guilds, Ricky, but all in good time. Let’s get ourselves safely into the city first. Any of our foes could have agents out here.”

The pair continued on the road, now passing a few farmers who were transporting crops in for market on carts pulled by oxen or camels, and each of them were waved in without close scrutiny by the armored city guards who stood alongside the gates. It certainly did not appear that Imperialis was primed for any immediate threats, Ricky thought to himself. Indeed, it seemed to project an aura of confidence, even though he knew very little about the place as yet. What sort of city was it, he wondered? Could it be the seat of an empire, as the name implied?

> *Quest 018 (level 3): Find out about the history and politics of Imperialis.

He really needed to stop wondering about things, Ricky told himself with a wry smile. These quests could be a distraction, and he didn’t want too many of them mounting up. But then again, they were a good source of XP. And XP meant hit points.

Which reminded him...

Guide – my hit points recover over time, right?

“That’s true, Ricky.”

Okay. Can you tell me how many hit points I have now?

“Yes, I can. The quickest way is to use the command ‘hit points’, and you can also say ‘status’ to request an update on your health and location, and the time.”

Very well, then. Status.

> Time: 05:42

>

> Location: Outskirts of Imperialis

>

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>

> Hit points: 11

Ricky nodded; the rate of recovery must be around one point per hour, but he could figure out the details later. The main thing was that he was close to safety, and healing, too.

As they reached the gatehouse, another notification appears:

> *Quest 013 complete: Travel to Imperialis. +10XP

Ahead, two guards were deep in conversation, and they initially paid the new arrivals little heed. Both were wearing iron helmets with flat tops, large rectangular slots that showed their eyes, and a grid-like mouth area. They were also garbed in rich-looking purple cloaks, and underneath Ricky could see chainmail armor, and atop it, a white tabard with a purple horse symbol.

“Hey, you two,” called out one of the guards, just as Xarok and Ricky were about to walk past. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“But...” Ricky began, pointing to the multiple people who had just walked past without challenge.

“Local farmers are one thing,” said the other guard, taking a step closer and putting one hand on the hilt of an axe that was at his belt, “but you are strangers. Outsiders.”

“Real weirdos, too,” added the first.

“With weapons.” The second pointed at the sword which Ricky wore.

Ricky took a deep breath, and tried to maintain patience. “I hear what you are saying,” he began, “but I assure you, I am a law-abiding man from nearby Barrowdale, and I have...”

But then Xarok interrupted.

“Allow me, Ricky,” he said, and then turned to the guards. “We are travelers from a far-off land, and just come here to spend some coin in the famous Imperialis taverns before taking a ship to the Kingdom of Mellor. If you would allow us to pass, I can share the delights of the taverns with you, too.” At this, he pressed a small handful of coins into the hand of the guard who had spoken first.

“Very well, good traveler,” said the pair of guards with a shrug, standing back. “That’s very reassuring. Carry on.” Ricky glanced downwards as the guard who had received the coins subtly slipped them into a purse at his belt. He then hurried on after Xarok.

> *Achievement: Moral compass! You have noticed corruption in action. +10XP

>

> *Buff: You will experience better-than-average fortunes for the next 24 hours.

Better than average? Well, thought Ricky – it all depends how positive the experience was for the average player inside Imperialis.

He walked up to his companion’s shoulder.

“Bribery?”

But Xarok just looked around at him and put one finger to his lips. “Do not speak of it, or you could make powerful enemies. Some of the workings of this great city are best not subjected overly much to scrutiny.”

“Understood,” said Ricky, as they hurried on. “I just thought that you were a local here. Why pretend otherwise?”

“It’s a useful line,” said Xarok softly. “Why, after all, indicate that you are a member of a network that might have reason to pay a ransom for you?”

“True. Then it’s even worse than I thought.”

At that, Xarok just shrugged.

At this point Ricky saw a further notification that suggested his wounds were still healing by themselves, despite his fatigue.

> *Healing report: You have gained 1 hit points (12 remain).

The street that they found themselves on as they hurried away from the city gate had tall, brightly painted stone buildings on both sides, and there were many locals around, people of multiple species. Most were going the same way as themselves for reasons that were initially unclear.

But soon, Ricky saw why. The street opened out into a huge market area, oval in shape, and traders were already busy despite the early hour. All around he saw goods and coins changing hands at little wooden market stalls, and heard the sound of amiable but intense haggling going on.

“Which way now?” he asked, pausing to take stock.

But Xarok had continued walking, and simply waved at his shoulder for Ricky to catch up.

“We’ll see Gabriella shortly,” he said, as Ricky scurried forward to rejoin him. “It’s down one of the alleys on the left, there.”

Ricky looked ahead; sure enough, there were a great many narrow alleys punctuating the edges of the market. He allowed Xarok to lead on, walking past the back of a group of stalls that were selling very pungent-smelling cheeses. The demonkind man then turned left down an alley that was only wide enough for two to walk abreast.

Ricky looked up as he followed. It was dark down the alley despite the light of the morning; although the buildings on either side were no taller than the ones he had passed before, they were set very close together, blocking the sunlight.

He hurried along just behind Xarok, looking at the ground as he went. It was muddy with lots of compacted animal droppings, too, though the cobbles of the surface were still visible for the most part. Ricky got the impression that the surface must be swept at least occasionally. Xarok led the way to a reinforced wooden door, and then looked both ways. They hadn’t passed anyone on the narrow alley; Ricky could see a couple of figures moving a few dozen yards further on, but nobody was close. There was a tavern at the next door down, and Ricky could see the sign: The Obsidian Bear.

Xarok then knocked hard at the nearer door three times, and it opened almost immediately.

“Xarok, plus one,” said his companion.

Ricky was relieved to see that the guard was just a human – no sign of wolves or their like. Indeed, the guard – if that is what he was – was not wearing any armor, and had only a dagger at his hip by way of armaments.

“Good to see you back safely, my friend,” said the man with a smile at Xarok, and he swiftly closed the door behind them after they entered. He then nodded at Ricky. “Welcome, both. Gabriella is expecting you. She is waiting below.”

Ricky looked around. The area where they were standing was a square room of around two yards in diameter, with a set of stone steps leading downwards, and another leading up. Xarok began to move downwards, stepping at a more leisurely pace this time.

“Xarok?”

“Yes, Ricky?”

“I was wondering about Channia and the girl Sami. Do you think they’ll be safe in the forest?”

“Hard to say. But on balance, yes. Especially if the elf gets to her home.”

“Elves live in the forest, then?”

“Most of them, yes. That was just the edge of a very large forest. She has a way to go, but, well...” The spellcaster shrugged. “Who knows, but I had a good feeling about that one.”

They had now reached the bottom of the stairs, and Ricky glanced around – his eyes adjusting to the gloom. They had emerged into a large, long seating area. There was a bar along one side with various bottles and tankards on it, mostly empty, and some tall cupboards and shelves behind. A dwarven man with a neatly-trimmed beard pleated into two tassels was leaning on the other side of this bar, his arms folded. The tables all around were small and square, and most were empty, and again many empty glasses and tankards could be seen. Ricky was reminded that it was now morning – but it certainly looked like carousing had gone on late into the night.

“And their homeland – won’t it be at risk from more of those korapta lizards?”

“Well, elves...” muttered the demonkind sorcerer as he led Ricky towards the bar, and then shrugged. “What can I say? It’s well known that they have ways of protecting themselves, especially when it comes to woodlands.”

“And that’s just as well for your young friend from the village,” said a voice from behind, just as the pair stopped at the bar itself.

Ricky turned to see Gabriella, now divested of her armor and travel cloak, and wearing a light-blue dress.

“Well met,” said Ricky, smiling and stepping towards her. “Xarok said you were safe, but... the others?”

“As I said, the girl is well,” replied Gabriella, motioning for then to join her at a nearby table. “When I left them, Channia was well on the way towards the home of her tribe, and with luck, we will see them both again soon. In their own domain, the elves and their guests are safe – or at least, as safe as they can be anywhere, these days.”

Ricky nodded, surprised at how relieved this made him feel.

“Now – welcome to the headquarters of the Tooth and Claw Guild. A round of spiced mead, please, Tajfel!”

They sat, and the dwarven man brought them each a porcelain mug of a warming, spicy-smelling brew. Ricky drank deeply, and then saw two notifications.

> *Healing report: You have gained 1 hit point (13 remain).

>

> *Health update: You have regained 1 point of lost fatigue.

“Mmm,” said Ricky, holding up the mug. “Healing stuff. I feel better already.”

“Yes. So you see – there are many advantages to joining our guild,” said Xarok, wiping his own mouth with his sleeve. “You do still intend to join us, correct? Because I have vouched for you with our core members now.”

“I... I mean, yes. I am grateful for everything you have done to help me. And clearly I need the protection of a guild – I can see that now. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

“No need for gratitude,” said Gabriella sternly, clenching one fist in a way that made her muscles ripple. “We benefit too. We are a guild, and we need talented new recruits, always. How else would we grow? Most of our rival guilds feel the same way. It’s a power struggle, and new talent is necessary in the long run. But this path won’t be easy, I can tell you that now, Ricky.”

“All the same,” said Xarok, “there is something to be said for being on the right side.”

“Absolutely.” Ricky nodded emphatically. “But... I’m still kinda wondering why you recruited me.”

The pair exchanged a glance, and then Xarok put his drink down and leant forward on the table. “As Gabriella has said, we want to grow our guild, and give new players a chance. But it’s true that there is a specific task we require – and one that neither of us can safely do.”

“I see. And if I do this thing, then I can join?”

“We have already invited you to join,” said Gabriella, “and that offer will stand either way. But I very much hope that you will consider the quest that we have in mind, for it needs done, and achieving it will be a major step forward towards gaining one of the keys.”

“The keys? To the city of New Baravia, you mean?”

She nodded.

Xarok spoke up again. “We have gained control of a magical gateway. It is secure here, on a low level of this safe house. Indeed, that is why we established a base here. But there is a catch – the gate is magical, and it requires four orbs to activate it.“

“Okay...”

“Two we have already,” said Gabriella. “One more has been identified, and several core guild members are already working on securing it. The final, however, requires certain special skills. Skills that necessitate a new recruit.”

“And that’s where I come in.”

She nodded. “It’s in the city of Doomstar. The thing is, that city is a ruin nowadays, overrun by... well, let’s just say it’s uninhabitable. But we have a plan, if you are willing.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

> *Quest 019 (level 7): Locate the orb in the city of Doomstar.

“Wow. I take it this is going to be more challenging than raiding the goblin caves.”

Gabriella grinned cautiously. “Somewhat. You will be prepared, however. There are powers that will equip you.”

“The power to become a wolf, you mean?”

Xarok nodded. “Yes, and more beyond that. But all of that will be yours. We have certain... magical abilities which we can pass on.”

Ricky smiled. “I’m in.”

They looked at each other and nodded, a look of relief crossing each of their faces.

“But first things first,” Gabriella continued, standing. “A whole night has now passed in the real world, and you need to rest somewhere secure. There are bedrooms through this way. They are taken, but you can have the room belonging to one of our most loyal guild members, a warrior name Big Mindar. He is extremely clean and tidy with his belongings – he never leaves anything lying around – so I’m sure you’ll be comfortable.”

“Very well,” said Ricky.

He would have happily accepted any room at this stage, so a tidy one was a bonus.

> *Quest 014 complete: Find somewhere to rest before noon. +10XP.

“You’re going to be real tired tomorrow,” continued Gabriella, “and unfortunately, many of our enemies don’t stop to rest. But for now, you can sleep safely in Framework, while the other version of Ricky slogs away in the stinking swamps around New Baravia.”

“And what about you?” asked Ricky, as they got up from the table.

“I have an errand to run, and will be out of the city for a couple days,” said Gabriella. “Stay here. Xarok will be around, and will tell you everything you need to know about the guild. Wait for my return.”

“And now go,” said Xarok, standing. “Rest.”

Accumulated XP: 605 (unspent – 105)