Roger FitzGerald watched the antics of his current boss with malicious pleasure; Judy O’Riley was throwing a truly childish tantrum. Mind you he had known she was prejudiced but this was extreme even by her standards. This was the third village the Russian spokesman had shown them and even Ms O’Riley couldn’t deny that the invaders were utterly barbaric and that their hosts had had every reason to destroy them.
* * *
Captain Manukov was feeling extremely hard done by, first he and his people had to endure the incredulity of their superiors at their new appearances then the learned that their families had also been changed and been taken into custody. The only good news is that they were going to be reunited shortly. At least their debriefing had been relatively simple.
Now he was being briefed by his Commander in regards to their next ordeal, they were about to be the star attraction in the upcoming press conference. Meeting the world’s press was not something he Alexander Vasilyevich Manukov had ever wanted to happen.
So here he was along with a handful of his men and representatives of other services, and according to his new ‘appraise skill’ all present had the titles ‘Godslayer and Hero of the Russian People’.
“Congratulations Lieutenant Novosiltsev, a well merited promotion if I may say so.”
“Thank you Major Manukov, congratulations on your promotion also,” replied Vasili Novosiltsev.
That was all they had time fore before marching onto the stage to face the world’s press corps.
After giving his statement and answering a few questions and standing around while the jackals worried the stoic Major Manukov Vasili grew bored, so bored he started to use his newly acquired appraise skill. It was no surprise that the self-important mob were all level 1 at best. The he saw something odd off to one corner. He concentrated on the apparently empty corner and then he saw a girl leaning there in plain sight, hovering over her head he could her titles and her class and level, ‘High Priestess of Loki – Defender of the Russian People – Priest Lvl 10’.
* * *
Guilmaster Lily produced her enchanted mirror and invoked it asking for Guildmaster Vartark. The mirror shone covered by grey swirls, then after a couple of minutes cleared to show a somewhat haggard looking Vartark.
“What’s happened to you guildmaster?” Lilly asked involuntarily, then continued with what she’d intended to say. “Guildmaster we have a new Dungeon, and it’s an underwater dungeon centred about half a kilometre offshore. According to the System it’s the first one to arise on Midgard since their last one was destroyed almost four thousand of their years ago. Can you find me another second capable handling aquatic and land environments such as a Sea Elf.”
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“What happened you ask, the Gods were killed that’s what. We all had links to them and their deaths was painfully traumatic even for those of us who weren’t devout, how come you didn’t notice?” Vartark seemed to pull himself together. “I suspect that Silverfin Wavedancer would accept if he could take his wives.”
Lilly blinked, “um, High Priestess Shaleen made it a condition that we had to accept the severing of links to the Gods to get us into Midgard. Silverfin and his wives would be welcome. How soon can you send them.”
“Contact me tomorrow at this time.” Vartark cut the connection feeling peeved that Lilly hadn’t suffered like everyone else at the Guild.
Lilly replaced her mirror in storage and looked up just in time to see Felicia shrug of her robe and saunter into the breaking surf. Lilly blushed when she realised the all Felicia was wearing were two brief scraps of white cloth. Elorinal’s eyes opened wide in appreciative surprise.
Felicia smiled as the sea surged against her calves. “Hi ’Tavio, nice to meet you,” she said to the massive octopus she could just see beyond the breakers. A massive tentacle touched her with affection, « nice to share thoughts with you Felicia, I have a fish for you and something from the master too. »
Felicia accepted the large grouper with pleasure and also accepted the small bundle before heading back to her towel. She dropped her future dinner by her beach towel and cleaned her hand with some sand. Then she examined Lilly and Elorinal quietly.
Lilly was impressed that such a young Dungeon should have such an impressive looking monster but worried that it could apparently leave the Dungeon. She slowly approached the almost naked catkin with Elorinal following in her wake.
“I understand you are the Dungeon’s Voice, I am the newly appointed guildmaster of the Midgard branch of the Adventurer’s Guild, will you consent to speak with us.”
“Midgard eh, so the Norse Gods got in first, if by Voice you mean Antonio’s friend and spokeswoman then yes. So what do you want to know?”
“The Dungeon already has a name? Does he realise it’s dangerous for him to send his monsters outside his dungeon? He could be classified as a rogue.”
Felicia smiled showing the tips of her fangs, “Antonio doesn’t plan to neglect his defence, forgive me if I don’t elaborate,” Felicia showed more fang then continued, “he intends to follow a non traditional route as a traditional Dungeon wouldn’t last long on Earth, erm, that is on Midgard.”
“Non-traditional, what do you mean?” asked Elorinal, “and excuse me, but what you’re wearing, is that normal for Midgard?”
Felicia shrugged her shoulders; “a bikini is normal beachwear for young women in the developed world. Antonio is building some underwater caves that will serve a double function. He doesn’t plan to start killing people unless he has too. Does that explain things?”
“How can he survive without fighting adventurers?” asked Lilly.
“By getting lots of people to stay in his domain. Not as effective as killing adventurers but adequate. He just asked me to invite you to take a tour and that you’re welcome to visit and look round when he’s ready to formally open his hotel.”