Nathaniel slammed the door to his car and rummaged into his pocket for the keys. He locked his car, and tried to fix his disheveled hair as he ran into the building. He took several deep breaths when he stepped into the building.
“Nathaniel, you’re late!” His boss stormed up to him.
“Sorry sir,” Nathaniel said.
“First you failed to show up for the conference, then you show up late,” his boss said with a sigh, “I can’t keep taking chances on you. Pack up your things, you’re fired.”
“Sir it wasn’t my fault,” Nathaniel tried to argue but his boss’ glare stopped him, “Yes sir,” he said staring at the ground.
Nathaniel drove down the street. His things rattled in the passenger seat next to him. His hands barely hung onto the wheel, and his shoulders slumped. This day couldn’t get any worse.
A flash of red and white lights appeared down the street, and he found an ambulance sitting in front of his parent’s house. He parked his car and ran to the front door as two paramedics were wheeling out his dad.
“What happened!” Nathaniel said.
“Where have you been?” his dad said, “I needed you here. You said you’d be here.”
“I’m sorry. I was busy with something.”
“What’s more important than family?” the ambulance doors closed, and it drove off.
“What kind of son abandons his family?” Nathaniel turned to see his mom slam the door on him.
Nathaniel gasped and sat up in his bed, “Mom!” Sweat ran down his face and his chest felt heavy. “Damn dream again.” He said holding his head.
After taking a few deep breaths, Nathaniel leaned over and lit the lamp on his nightstand. The stars were still shining but he couldn’t see the moon. [3:08] appeared at the top of his vision. With a deep sigh, he rose and took the lamp to his desk. A metal buckler sat on the desk with carving tools sitting next to it. Nathaniel started working on the shield.
Nathaniel took the carving tools and started carving the runes on the inner buckle. The first rune was a triangle inside a circle. This new rune would increase the shields durability. The second rune was a lightning bolt in a circle with five lines coming out of it, and the third was a standard strength rune. Sunlight was starting to pour into the window as he finished working. Nathaniel slipped the shield onto his arm.
[New Item created: arcane steel buckler. Status: Durability+, Strength+, Lightning Strike]
Nathaniel made his way through the fortress to the training yard. The soldiers were standing in formation running through drills. The Commander stood by shouting out commands. He noticed Nathaniel approaching.
“Inventor, how may we be of service?”
“I was wanting to join in this morning’s drills,” Nathaniel said, “I think it’s time that I started learning a few martial skills, so I can protect myself in case of an emergency.”
The Commander nodded, “I understand,” he said, “Grab a practice weapon and I’ll run you through some drills.”
Nathaniel grabbed a wooden arming sword from the rack and approached the Commander. The Commander led Nathaniel through a few forms. It was surprising how much thought went into learning swordplay. There was a balance to attacking and defending, but thanks to the shield, defending wasn’t nearly as difficult. As for attacking, the Commander showed him how to read his opponent, and how each strike could be parried and counterattack. After an hour, Nathaniel was breathing heavily and wiping off his sweat.
[New skill acquired: Single-Handed weapons (Sword) Lv. 1]
[New skill acquired: Shield Lv. 1]
“Thanks for the lessons, Commander,” Nathaniel said while stretching.
“A pleasure, Inventor,” he said, “But I recommend you practice regularly. It’ll take you longer to level those skill since you don’t have any martial talents.”
“Hey Light,” Duncan approached, “Are you training? Why not spar with me?”
Nathaniel narrowed his gaze, “I don’t know,” he said.
“Just think about how much your skills will level up,”
“Fine,” Nathaniel sighed, “Just grab a practice sword first.”
Duncan pulled out two wooden arming swords, “I’ve maxed out my [Two-Handed] skill, so I want to work on [Dual-Wielding].” He stepped into the sparring circle, “Whenever you’re ready.”
Nathaniel took a deep breath, then charged forward with his shield close to his body. He stabbed at Duncan, but the champion effortlessly dodged the attack with a side-step. Nathaniel followed up with multiple slashes, but Duncan continued to dodge with a smug smile. Again and again, Nathaniel’s strikes didn’t land. Nathaniel started breathing hard as he glared at Duncan.
Duncan’s smile turned vicious, and he charged towards Nathaniel. Nathaniel brought his shield up and felt the power of Duncan’s strike hit. A strong gust blew against him followed by a hard impact with the ground. Nathaniel screamed in pain as pain ran throughout his entire body.
[Critical damage taken: Health (175/325)]
[Skill Leveled: Single-Handed weapons (Sword) Lv. 2]
[Skill Leveled: Shield Lv. 2]
“Damn it, that hurt!” Nathaniel could hear Duncan shout, “What the hell! The shield shocked me.”
“Inventor, are you all right!” the Commander looked down at Nathaniel.
“I lost half my health,” Nathaniel said through gritted teeth.
“Quick, someone fetch a healer!”
----------------------------------------
“What were you thinking?” Nathaniel grunted as Maria slapped his chest, “You’re lucky Duncan didn’t outright kill you.”
“Agreed Nathaniel,” Ophelia said with wide eyes, “You should have been more careful.”
“I needed to learn some kind of martial skill,” Nathaniel said.
“Why?”
Nathaniel sighed, “Because I need to be able to protect myself,” he said, “There might be a time that I can’t rely on the other heroes or the soldiers.”
“You still should have known better,” Maria said slapping him hard again.
A knock came at the door and a servant stepped in, “I apologize to interrupt, but his highness wishes to see both lady Ophelia and the Saint.”
“Relax for the day, Nathaniel,” Ophelia said with a small smile, “We can discuss martial training later today.”
Nathaniel nodded and watched the two women leave. He slowly stood up with a groan, and rubbed at his sore back as he left the room. Nathaniel aimlessly wandered the halls until his stomach started growling. He made his way to the dining hall and found himself walking behind the head mason Ruce, and his men.
“Are you sure you should have taken credit for the Inventor’s cement, boss?” Nathaniel slowed down.
“It’s a shame that the guild wouldn’t give him the credit,” Ruce said, “But I couldn’t pass up on it. That bonus will help my family greatly.”
Nathaniel stopped and let them disappear down the hall. With a heavy sigh, he turned around and once again wandered through the castle. His stomach no longer growling. A dull pain gripped his chest, and his mind wandered. He didn’t notice Antron and nearly crashed into him.
“Sorry Antron,” Nathaniel said laughing nervously.
“Don’t worry,” Antron said, “But you look to be worried about something.”
“Duncan beat me in sparring practice,” Nathaniel said. Antron nodded with an understanding laugh, “You haven’t heard anything from the Alchemy guild, have you?”
Antron’s smile vanished, “I…have,” he said. A long awkward silence surrounded them. “I’m sorry Nathaniel, they won’t recognize you as the creator of the anesthetic paste.”
“I see,” Nathaniel said clearing his throat, “Thanks for letting me know. Have a good day Antron.”
“You too,” Antron said with a sad smile.
The pain in Nathaniels chested deepened and his mind went blank. Strangely, everything around him started to turn to grey, and there was a sudden chill despite it being early summer. What am I doing here?
“What’s he even doing?” the words pulled Nathaniel out of his thoughts. He recognized the voices of Maria’s and Shawn’s attendants.
“I think Helmer is trying to vie for a better position,” Shawn’s attendant said. “Serving the Inventor isn’t going to advance his career, so he’s trying to get in the Prince’s good graces.”
“I feel bad for the Inventor,” Maria’s attendant said, “But I understand. Even if he can innovate the kingdom, he’s still a crafter.”
Nathaniel stared down at his shield. It had taken two weeks to make it, and now it sat on his arm with a big dent in the center. It barely did a thing. With a heavy sigh, Nathaniel headed to the forge.
After three months, Nathaniel knew the quickest way to the fort’s forge. Yet, there wasn’t the usual rhythmic ring of hammers striking metal. When he entered, he found Gordon and his sons reading a letter.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Nathaniel said drawing their attention, “Do you mind if I use the forge?”
“Why are you even asking son,” Gordon said, “You’re free to use the forge whenever you want.”
“Thanks,” Nathaniel removed his shield and started to disassemble the leather straps.
“Did you make that?” Ramsey said looking over Nathaniels’s shoulder, “I don’t recognize two of the runes.”
“This is one of my new inventions,” Nathaniel said, “An Arcane Steel Shield with strength, durability, and a lightning strike runes.”
“Why does it have a dent?” Moses said with a sly smile.
“I wanted to test it out,” Nathaniel said, “And ended up using it on Duncan.”
Gordon took the shield and inspected it, “Excellent work,” he said with a proud smile, “You’re a true blacksmith now.” He handed it back.
“Have…you heard back from the guild?”
“I have, and I’m sorry,” Gordon said, “They won’t accept you into the guild, and have named me as the one to create your steel alloy,” he gave a small smile, “But I told them to shove it up their ass, so they’ll probably give it to someone else.”
“Why would they do that,” Nathaniel said through gritted teeth, “The masons guild and alchemy guild both did the same thing.”
“Because you’re a threat to them,” Gordon said placing a hand on his shoulder, “Listen, you need to think of the guilds like small kingdoms. The families at the top have spent years solidifying their control and will do anything they can to hold onto it. And you, a hero that can master any form of crafting, are a major threat to their power. So, for the time being, it would be best to hold off on making any new innovations.”
“Then why am I here?”
“Pa, do you think they’ll let Nathaniel leave for a bit?” Ramsey said, “I’m certain Ma would like to meet him.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Gordon said slapping his son’s shoulder, “I’ll ask Lady Ophelia tonight.”
“What?” Nathaniel said looking at them.
“Our contract with the fort is almost done,” Gordon said, “In a few more weeks we’ll be heading back home to Treante.” He gave Nathaniel a warm smile, “It’s a small village to the southeast, down by the Black Iron mountains.” Nathaniel remembered seeing those on the map, “If they’ll let you come, I’ll teach you everything I know. Besides, Lydia will want to meet ya as well.”
“Thanks Gordon, I hope they let me go,” Nathaniel said with a grateful sigh.
“I hope so too,” Gordon squeezed Nathaniel’s shoulder, “Now teach me how to make this shield.”
----------------------------------------
Ophelia sat at the table with her head in her hands, “I don’t know about this,” she said.
“I understand lady Ophelia,” Ollimier said staring at the map. His gaze fell to the forest to the west of the fort, “But this isn’t something we can ignore.” He riffled through the reports, “Giant spiders are making a nest in the Ubold forest. If we don’t deal with them now, then they’ll be a problem later.”
“But to send the heroes,” Ophelia said.
“We were planning to send them out eventually, why not now?” Debin said handing her a few reports, “They’re no longer gaining levels from training. It’s time for them to put their training to use.”
“I agree,” Ollimier said, “At their level, giant spiders shouldn’t pose much of a problem. This will also teach them to work together as a team.”
“And they’ll have the prince and yourself to aid them,” Debin said.
Ophelia looked over her hands, “What about Nathaniel?”
“The Inventor will stay here as we agreed,” Debin said, “He’ll be safe here. I promise.”
Ophelia let out a heavy breath, “When do we leave?”
----------------------------------------
A loud clatter woke Nathaniel. He rose from his bed and looked out the small window and saw a group of carts being loaded, and at the front was a carriage with the royal crest. Nathaniel quickly got dressed when a knock came at the door. Ophelia stood outside with a polite smile.
“I hope I didn’t disturb you,” she said. [Upset]
“What’s going on?” Nathaniel said gesturing to the window, “It looks like they’re preparing for a trip outside.”
“They are,” Ophelia said. Nathaniel barely caught the quiver of her lip, “Prince Ollimier and I are taking the other heroes out on an expedition. A group of giant spiders have made a nest in the nearby woods, and we’re wanting to see how they do in the field. It shouldn’t take more than five days.”
“And I’m being left behind,” Nathaniel said letting his shoulder fall.
“I’m sorry, but you’ll be of more use here,” Ophelia said, “While we’re away, you’ll have free reign to make whatever you want. Debin’s been told to give you anything you might need.”
“Thanks,” Nathaniel said forcing a smile, “Did Gordon talk to you yesterday?”
Ophelia’s smile fell, “He did,” she said, “I’m sorry, but we can’t let you travel without a proper escort. As a hero, you’re too important.”
Nathaniel couldn’t hold back the sneer, “I’m not a hero,” he said, “Please stop calling me that.”
“But…”
“I mean it Ophelia,” Nathaniel said closing the door, “I’ll see you when you get back.”
Nathaniel heard Ophelia walk away. He stood by the window and watched as the Prince, Ophelia, and the other heroes climb into the carriage and left the fort. His head gently struck the glass as another knock came from the door.
“Come in,” Nathaniel said.
“I’ve come to check on you sir,” Helmer voice came from behind.
Nathaniel turned and scowled at him, “Couldn’t con your way into the party?” Helmer’s eyes widened and his mouth opened. “Don’t bother,” Nathaniel said, “When they get back, I’ll have you released from your obligations. Now please leave.”
“Yes sir,” Helmer said with a bow.
The next four days dragged on. Nathaniel spent most of it learning new skills such as bow crafting, fletching, and trap making, so that he could get up to level thirty. However, he seemed to be stuck at level twenty-nine. He sat at his desk looking over his shield. Even though it was repaired, he could still make out the spot where it was dented.
The light from the single lamp reflected off the metal surface. Shadows hung around the corners of the room, and the curtains covered up the night. They’ll be back tomorrow. Nathaniel sighed heavily.
A knock came from the door. “Sir, I’ve brought you your meal,” Helmer said wheeling in a cart.
Nathaniel rose from his chair and walked over to the cart. A sandwich sat on a plate with a pitcher of water. Nathaniel let out a humorless chuckle as he filled the glass.
“Cheers,”
Nathaniel felt something force him to the ground, and his ears were suddenly ringing. A breeze ran through the room despite the windows being closed. Nathaniel slowly tried to get up, but a heavy weight rested against his legs and back. His hearing started to come back, and he immediately heard the ringing of the alarm bells. Nathaniel looked and saw the outside wall of his room falling apart with several large sections pinning him down. Rapid footsteps drew his attention to the door. Helmer was nowhere in sight.
“Help!” Nathaniel called out. Another loud explosion shook the fort causing more dust to rain down. “Help!”
Nathaniel could hear people scurrying through the castle. Their cries echoed off the walls drowning out his own. Nathaniel desperately searched the room, but his head felt clouded. His gaze lingered on the shield in front of him. With a ragged cough, Nathaniel clawed at the ground, stretching his fingers to the point of hurting, and pulled the shield towards him. Nathaniel strained and twisted himself, and he started striking the stone holding him down.
The ringing of his shield blended in with the sound of fighting. Nathaniel screamed in pain and returned to laying on his stomach. The muscles in his lower back were burning. Nathaniel could make out the screams of people coming from outside, and the sounds of unfamiliar growls. This is it. Nathaniel laid his head on the ground.
“He’s in here!” Nathaniel looked up and saw Ramsey standing outside his door.
Gordon, Moses, and Antron appeared quickly after.
“Quick, get the stone off him,” Gordon pushed into the room, and started removing the stone.
When they removed enough of the rock, Gordon, Ramsey, and Moses lifted the final section so Antron could pull Nathaniel free.
“Drink this,” Antron pushed a vial to Nathaniel’s lips. The sour taste filled his mouth, but the energy that followed was worth it.
“W-what’s happening?” Nathaniel said through deep gasps.
“The Horde is attacking,” Gordon said helping him to his feet, “They must have noticed the heroes leaving the fort and decided to attack.”
“We noticed your attendant fleeing with the fort commanders,” Moses said handing him a sword, “So we decided to come look for you.”
“Debin fled!”
“The Horde used some kind of weapon to break through the wall,” Antron said, “They’ve destroyed the village already.”
“Let’s talk about this once we’re safe!” Gordon pushed them out of the room, “We can use the back gate.”
Nathaniel fell in behind everyone as they rushed through the halls. The screams of the dying were echoing through the halls. They rounded a corner and saw a group of soldiers fighting. The monsters were hidden by the shadows, but Nathaniel could make out their thick, hairy arms. Gordon led them away from the fighting and out into the back garden.
“There should be a door along this back wall!” Gordon said.
Shadows jumped from the bushes, and Antron screamed as a little green monster with large ears and nose landed on his shoulders. The monster drove a dagger into the elderly man’s neck, and ferociously ripped it out. Two more monsters dashed around striking out at Moses and Ramsey’s legs. Nathaniel stabbed at the monster clinging onto Antron’s body, and the blade pieced the monster’s heart. Gordon decapitated another monster while Moses finished the last one. Ramsey was on the ground with a dagger sticking out of his chest.
Moses fell with his hair clung to his face, “Damn, they coated their weapons,” he said through ragged breaths. Blood seeping down his leg, “Sorry Pa,” Gordon nodded as Moses looked to Nathaniel, “Take care brother.”
“Let’s go,” Gordon pushed forward without looking back.
A heavy silence followed as Nathaniel followed Gordon to the wall. There, Gordon kept his left hand along the wall as he snuck along it until they came to a single reinforced wooden door sitting behind a woodshed. Gordon shook the door, but it wouldn’t open. With a growl, Gordon ran to the shed and grabbed an axe. He started hitting at the door until he created a big enough opening for them.
“Let’s get out of here,”
Something whistled pasted Nathaniel, and Gordon cried in pain as an arrow struck his back. One of the green monsters jumped out of the bushes and nocked another arrow at Nathaniel. Nathaniel dropped to one knee and brought the shield up. He felt the arrow hit, but the monster let out a scream. Nathaniel peeked over his shield and saw the monster twitching on the ground. He ran over and stabbed it in the chest. Nathaniel ran back to the wall and saw Gordon leaning against it.
“Damn goblin,” Gordon said.
“Let’s get you out of here,” Nathaniel said moving to pick him up.
Gordon pushed him away, “Don’t bother,” he said, “Goblins poison their weapons. You need to get out of here.”
“But…”
“Don’t argue,” Gordon said pulling a simple golden ring from his pouch, “Do me a favor son. Take this to Lydia for me. I…don’t want these filthy creatures getting it.” Tears started streaming down his face, “And tell her I’m sorry…for not protecting…our boys.”
“Yes sir,”
Gordon gave him a weak smile, “Good boy,” he said, “I’m glad…there’s a…hero like…you.” Gordon’s head fell to his chest.
Nathaniel closed Gordon’s eyes, “Good night old man,”
Nathaniel squeezed through the hole and ran to a nearby group of trees. He kept running, using the trees as cover, and never looked back. The sounds of fighting faded away as the darkness engulfed him. I’m no hero.
----------------------------------------
Ophelia stared into the forest. We’ve been here longer than we should have. The heroes had gone in four days ago, and now they are coming back out. Duncan was covered in spider blood with scars running along his armor. Shawn’s bow sported a broken string, and more than half of his arrows were gone. Maria and Shizuka were pale with disheveled hair and torn clothes. Bandages could be seen around Maria’s right shoulder.
“What happened?” Ophelia said looking them over.
“This bastard!” Maria said pointing at Duncan, “He charged into the nest without looking and was immediately trapped in the web. Then, while we were trying to get him out, the whole nest decided to attack.”
“Not to mention,” Shizuka said glaring at Duncan, “He left Maria and I alone while he and Shawn pushed deeper into the nest. We nearly died!”
“We at least cleared the forest,” Duncan said, shrugging his shoulders, “We should be celebrating.”
“No offence man,” Shawn said shaking his head, “I don’t have a problem with improvising, but we nearly lost Maria. We should be thankful that we brought a few vials of antivenom.”
“Not to mention Nathaniel’s paste,” Maria scowled.
“We know better next time,” Prince Ollimier said taking them in, “The four of you will need to learn to work together. Otherwise, we won’t stand a chance against the Horde or the demons.”
“Sir! A party is approaching.” A soldier called out.
Ophelia looked down the road and saw a large group headed towards them. As they got closer, she could make out Debin at the front with his arm in a sling. Her eyes widened in horror.
Debin rode up to the Prince, “I’m sorry your highness, Fort Cadarn is lost,” he said.
“What happened?”
“The Horde attacked,” Debin said sliding off his horse, “They destroyed the village, then broke through the wall. Their forces overwhelmed us, and I was forced to abandon it.”
“What about Nathaniel!” Ophelia said looking through the group. She recognized Helmer, Nathaniel’s attendant.
“I’m sorry my lady,” Helmer bowed, “The Inventor’s room was destroyed in the attack. He…didn’t make it.”
Ophelia fell to her knees, “No,” she said. Maria wrapped her arms around Ophelia, but the Oracle didn’t acknowledge her.
“Gather everything up quickly,” Ollimier ordered, “We move out within the hour.” He leaned closer to Debin, “We’ll head to castle VuRant, then make our way back to the capital.” He approached Ophelia and gently got her to her feet, “Let’s get her in the carriage,” he said, “Will you take care of her lady Maria?”
“Of course,”
Tears flooded down Ophelia’s cheeks. I failed, was the only thing running through her mind.