Unforeseen path, p.19
Unforeseen Path, page 19
“No clue,” Sunny said, shaking her head, “I find it curious that she had no problem dropping Lord Ironwolf’s name though.” She glanced over at Jodi with a confused look on her face. “The young lady acted as if she knew him personally.”
“Does that mean he’s banging all the females around the castle?” Jodi asked, not comprehending it either.
“If he were,” Sunny dryly said, giving Jodi an eye-rolling glare, “wouldn’t you have seen it in one of those videos you were watching.”
“Uh, yeah, I guess you’re right,” Jodi said, holding up her hands apologetically as she suddenly felt like a heel, “Sorry about that, it’s just-”
“You weren’t thinking before you ran your mouth again,” Sunny finished for her as Jodi swallowed the first response that came to her mind.
While she was annoyed at being chastised yet again, Jodi had to admit that the comment had been unfair. She just wasn’t used to thinking of Startum Ironwolf as being one of the good guys. Even now, after knowing most of what she’d read about him on the forums was mostly bullshit to trigger a visceral reaction, she still didn’t like the guy. Not that it was Startum’s fault, it was just hard for her to emotionally change the way she felt about him even with direct evidence that pointed to the contrary.
“I guess, I deserved that,” Jodi said, letting out a sheepish sigh.
“Yes, you did,” Sunny said as her tone softened, “But, you’re getting better, deary.”
Once again, Jodi found herself biting her tongue at being called “deary.” Though, her initial reaction was to snap in response. She knew that it was simply the vocabulary that people in her grandmother’s generation regularly used in friendly conversation. It wasn’t the insult that so many of her generation automatically tried to make it into. As she was reminding herself of that, she gave Sunny a backhanded compliment.
“Thanks, Mom, I’ll try to remember that for next time,” Jodi said with a twinkle in her eyes as the older woman let out a bark of laughter. Before Sunny could respond, they heard Elandorr’s voice call out over the hum of the crowd.
“If all of you will quiet down, we can get everyone moving.” Turning towards the sound of Elandorr’s voice, Jodi saw the handsome Rogue standing on the top of a table with five other high-level-looking Half-Elves as he continued in a loud voice. “When you exit the keep and head out the front gate, you will gather into a group to have Lady Chiara explain to you the basics of Dark magic. Once she’s finished with her demonstration, we’ll be splitting you up into five separate groups to begin learning how to stand in defense of BrokenFang Hold when the need to protect your homes arises.” There was a low murmuring from the crowd as Jodi noticed the group of high-level Rangers behind them trading puzzled glances with one another.
“I understand that as crafters you’ve never been asked to learn combat techniques before,” Elandorr smiled briefly as he looked out across the crowded great hall, “but if you haven’t figured it out, we do things somewhat differently here in BrokenFang Hold.” That comment got a friendly chuckle from the group as many in the crowd held up their mugs of ale.
“On top of learning Dark magic, half of you will be receiving additional training by Saphielle Carzeiros here in Fire magic.” The dark-haired Fire Mage Assault Leader gave a wave to the crowd from where she stood, “while the other half will be learning Frost magic from Vulmon Bryroris.” This time the Frost Mage Assault Leader gave a precise bow to the crowd to signify who he was.
“Additionally, all of you will be spending time with Nalaea Heleyra to learn Light magic,” Elandorr announced to the amazed murmurs of the crafters as an elegant blonde-haired Half-Elf female stepped forward. Tucking her hands together at her thighs, she gave a shy bow to the crowd who didn’t seem like they could believe their ears. “While it would normally take a long time to level up such a skill, I fear all of us will be getting more practice with healing in the near future than we want with the coming Hobgoblin invasion.”
The reminder that BrokenFang Hold was soon to be under attack by the foul demi-humans sent a nervous ripple through the crowd. But, to her surprise, Jodi heard a number of muttered comments from the nearest crafters expressing their thankfulness at being included in learning how to defend their home. If anything, they were shocked that the House of Kayden troopers were willing to share their combat and magic skills with them. As she contemplated that curious fact, Elandorr continued with his impromptu speech.
“Since most of your mana pools will still be quite low along with your magic skills, we will also be teaching you how to operate our heavy BAMF Double Barrel Hollysharp Specials with our Ranger Assault Leader, Bialaer Holaynore.” Jodi’s eyes raised in surprise at hearing that as an all too familiar Half-Elf stepped forward to give a friendly nod to the crowd.
“Bialaer will also be joined by our newest recruit, Nycorel Liawynn who is a Heavy Lancer.” A second Half-Elf with black short cropped hair and a clean-cut beard stepped up next to Bialaer as Elandorr continued smoothly. “While you won’t be mounted, you will be learning how to work with the polearms needed to defend the walls during a siege and how to wear medium armor.” The Rogue’s face turned serious as his eyes swept the crafters.
“I know all of this sounds like a lot to learn in such a short period of time and that it will take too much time away from improving your crafts,” Elandorr said in an understanding tone as he held his hands up in a friendly gesture to set the group at ease, “but you’ll find we’ll have enough time to do both. All of you will have time to join in on the crafting going on around BrokenFang Hold during the day, and for two hours every evening, we’ll be going over the basics of combat.” A wry smile came to his lips. “While that means all of us will have some hard days ahead, you have my word that in the evening there will be plenty of Ironwood beer, Bard music, and good food to go around.”
To Jodi’s surprise, that promise got an enthusiastic shout from every corner of the great hall. It wasn’t just from the Half-Elves either, but the Beast Kin, Centaurs, Gnome, Gnomelings, and Humans too. That confused her since Elandorr hadn’t talked about the crafters being paid more for their hard work. Actually, she realized in shock, that he’d actually never mentioned anything about being paid at all. As she was trying to understand their cheerful reactions at basically being told they were going to be slaving away working long hours and possibly die at the end of it all, the Rogue waved towards the keep’s foyer.
“Just start making your way out of the keep and we’ll get the skill transfer and training started,” Elandorr said, waving at someone next to him to jump up onto the table. A second later, a superbly handsome Half-Elf male leaped up next to the Rogue and bowed to the group with a flourish, “While you’re learning your new skills, Master Hilron Wynstina, our new Balladeer, will be assisting everyone to learn faster with his lute.”
“And after that,” Hilron laughingly said in a deep voice after the clapping and shouting had died down, “I’ll be putting on a performance this evening after dinner so we can get some serious drinking and dancing in to relax.” Jumping off the table, he strode over to the foyer calling out to the crowd. “Come along everyone, the quicker we get this going, the sooner we can get to the fun part!”
Though Jodi couldn’t see him, she could hear the rich notes coming from his lute as he headed out of the keep while the mass of crafters hurriedly followed him out. There was no pushing or grumbling, but rather a feeling of hope and excitement for what was to come. As she tried to wrap her head around the difference between these people and how the same situation would’ve gone down in the real world, Zeppy spoke up.
“That Elandorr is one smooth operator.” The admiration for his performance was clear in Zeppy’s tone as they watched the great hall clear out.
“I don’t know why all of those crafters are acting so happy about this,” Jodi said, still not getting how Elandorr had managed to pull his little speech off, “We have a massive invasion force of Hobgoblins headed our way. They could all die a horrible death in the next few days.” A sour look came to her face. “Not only that, he’s basically told them they’ll be working crazy long hours without any extra pay on top of everything else.”
“Good food and drink can go a long way to make people happy,” Warduke said with an impressed look on his face, “Don’t forget, they’re all getting free room and board too.”
“Add in some great music to make the work go by faster and easier, and you’ve got a fantastic work environment for a medieval society,” Lylar said, before considering all of the craftings they’d seen going on, “not to mention all of the weapon and armor upgrades they’ll probably be getting as well.”
“There’s that,” Lylar said.
“Hell, just getting fed a good meal and treated to ale every day is probably a rare thing in a medieval society like this,” Zeppy said as he crossed his arms thoughtfully over his chest while watching the crafters hurry out of the keep, “Don’t forget the skills they’ve just been told they’re going to be learning would normally be something reserved for the nobles and their preferred enforcers. These guys are being offered the skills to raise their ranking within their society while also being given the ability to protect and defend themselves for free. That’s huge for commoners no matter which way you look at it.”
“That last part is probably the biggest factor in all of this,” Grody said with the same contemplative look on his face.
“Yeah, being given the power and skill to protect yourself is something that can’t be taken away once it has been given,” Zeppy harrumphed in agreement, “Though, they aren’t stingy on handing out this excellent ale,” the old man said letting out a satisfied belch as he finished his mug, “access to good drink has been the driving factor in society since our ancestors decided to start farming instead of subsisting solely on hunting and gathering.”
“Well, for this spring chicken, the promise of a night of excellent food, ale, and dancing goes a long way,” Sunny said as she gave her husband a meaningful look.
“Dancing?” Zeppy nervously gulped, seeing the twinkle in his wife’s eyes.
“Just in case you were wondering, old man,” Sunny said in no uncertain terms, “We’re staying logged in late tonight.” She ignored Zeppy’s mock groan as she gave him an excited hug. “It’s been forever since we’ve gone out dancing.”
“Yeah, Zeppy,” Grody chortled at the put-out look on their fearless guild leader’s face, “I don’t think the excuse that you’re an old man and your knees are sore is going to work for you now.”
“If you can be killing monsters, then you can go dancing,” Pheyed chimed in as everyone laughed.
“The rest of you can logout early if you want,” Sunny mischievously said to the boys in the guild, “I’m sure there’s plenty of men that will volunteer to dance with the pretty ladies that have just joined BrokenFang Hold.”
That got a number of thoughtful looks on many of the guild’s hardcore bachelors’ faces, Jodi humorously thought. Like Sunny and Zeppy had said, the draw of good food, ale, and music was quite the motivator as the rest of the guild started saying that they’d hang around a bit to enjoy the show after their last quest. As the crew started getting ready to move out on another quest, Elandorr came walking up to her with a Human and another Half-Elf trailing behind him.
“Jodi, it’s good to see you made it back in time for the hunt,” Elandorr greeted as the pair came to a stop in front of her.
“Thanks, Elandorr,” Jodi said, grasping his proffered hand in a wrist-clasp, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“More like you’re not about to pass up a new set of armor and weapons,” Zeppy coughed out under his breath.
“Be quiet you,” Sunny said, playfully elbowing her husband in the ribs.
“Zeppy and Sunny,” Elandorr said, before nodding to the rest of the guild, “I’ve heard you’ve been hard at work escorting our miners throughout the day. I just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Sunny automatically replied.
“Besides,” Zeppy said, finishing off his mug, “the ale is good and part of the deal.”
“That it is,” Elandorr laughingly said, giving the Ranger Assassin a brotherly clap on the shoulder, “please enjoy it as a part of our thanks.”
“No problem there,” Warduke enthusiastically replied.
“I still can’t believe how much better it is than what they serve in Delonshire,” Pheyed said after draining his mug.
“Seriously, I think it’s the best beer … err … ale that I’ve ever had before,” Grody admitted as the rest of the guild spoke up in agreement.
“We aim to please,” Elandorr laughingly said, “Who knows, maybe we can start selling it to the Light Elves for some extra coin?”
“It would certainly make some coin,” Zeppy agreed.
“While I’d love to talk more, we’re on a bit of a time crunch here as all of you very well know,” Elandorr apologized.
“It’s no problem,” Sunny graciously said as the Rogue turned back to Jodi.
“If we can get down to business,” Elandorr said, motioning Jodi to follow him as he moved to the rough-looking group of Rangers that were still standing at the bar. As they approached the group, the Centauride came trotting back to the bar with Blasto sitting happily on her shoulder and a double handful of mugs gripped in her hands.
“Sorry for the wait, but I had to take care of this cute little guy,” Metite said as the Pyro Spitter chittered happily and leaped down onto the bar. To the group’s surprise, the filly also plopped down the mugs in front of them and began handing them out, “Here are your ales.” She gave the group of Humanoids an innocent smile as she gave Elandorr a knowing wink. “We just won’t let Mariona know that I slipped you another round.”
“Our lips are sealed,” Kei promised, eagerly snatching up a mug as the rest of the Rangers began doing the same, “and I apologize for my comments earlier. It was out of place.”
“It’s no problem,” Metite assured the Kitsune Kin, “you guys have had quite the busy day. Besides, we’re grateful that you’re here to help.”
“We’re glad to be here in the House of Kayden’s time of need,” Galvin, the Badger Kin, gruffly replied as the rest of the group nodded in agreement.
“Exactly my point,” Metite said, gathering up the empty mugs as Blasto leaped into Jodi’s arms as they came to a stop in front of the group. As everyone turned around to see her holding Blasto without any issues, the filly continued, “If you’ll pardon me, I need to assist in preparing the great hall for tonight’s dinner.” As the Centauride trotted away, the Rogue spoke up.
“Everyone, I’d like to introduce our new mount trainer, Jodi Tempest,” Elandorr said, turning to her as everyone began introducing themselves.
“Kei Taro,” the Kitsune Kin said with a stylized flourish. Her puffy fox tail waved back and forth as they shook hands.
“Galvin Bruic,” the Badger Kin spoke up next as the large dark-gray male gave a polite nod instead of shaking.
“Jinlura Dorhorn,” the Half-Elf Ranger announced next as they shook hands.
“Ordan Gauss,” the scruffy Wolf Kin spoke up next as Jodi gripped his callused hand in a firm shake.
“Ryu Shachu,” the scarred Grimal Kin introduced himself last as Jodi clasped wrists once again.
“Excellent,” Elandorr said as he turned to the two males standing behind him, “I’d also like to introduce our last two members to this little excursion.”
“I’m Dan the Human,” Dan said, flashing her a cheezy smile as they shook hands, “if I can’t find your target, then no man can.”
“A Bounty Hunter,” the Wolf Kin grumbled under his breath as the rest of the Beast Kins of the group frowned at the Human.
“That specializes in newfar,” Dan said, unconcerned at the Wolf Kin’s reaction to him.
“Why the attitude?” Jodi asked, giving the grumpy Wolf Kin a curious look.
“Some Rangers don’t like it that I hunt Humanoids,” Dan answered for his fellow Rangers as the Rogue’s face hardened.
“Ordan, is that going to cause any problems with the two of you working together?” Elandorr pointedly asked the Wolf Kin, “because there are many of us here that hunt Humanoids, including myself.”
“No, sir,” Ordan grunted in reply, “it’s just an unusual preference for a Ranger.” There were several other nods around the group at his words. “We’re mostly known for tracking down monsters-”
“Or protecting our homes,” Galvin quickly interjected.
“Not tracking down other Humanoids,” Ordan finished his point.
“My targets might look Humanoid but they’re just as much of a threat to our homes as any of the monsters that you hunt,” Dan said, turning suddenly serious.
“There’s truth in that,” Ryu agreed as Ordan gave the Human a respectful nod. As Elandorr turned to the last male that he’d brought along with him, Jodi had to remind herself that many of her fellow players weren’t all that nice to The World’s inhabitants as the Half-Elf stepped forward to introduce himself.
“I’m Norlar Urihorn,” the Half-Elf said as Jodi shook his hand, “a newly arrived Beast Tamer.”
“Nice to meet you, Norlar,” Julie said, curious at the Half-Elf’s stated profession, “I’ve never met a Beast Tamer before in my travels.”
“And I’ve never met someone that managed to train an Elite Pyro Spitter before,” Norlar replied in a respectful tone as he observed the little monster sitting happily on her shoulder, “You’ll have to tell me the story of how you managed such an incredible feat.”
“Well, Fiona told me that it was impossible to imprint such a monster as a Combat Pet, but I-” Jodi began to proudly say when the Half-Elf cut her off.
“Fiona?” Norlar asked.
“Oh, sorry about that,” Jodi apologized, “Fiona is my Blink Lynx.” Again, Jodi saw the surprise reflected in everyone’s faces, except for Elandorr’s, as she hurriedly tried to explain how everything went down. “Anyway, Blasto here was the sole survivor of his family against a Mini-Boss that the,” she pursed her lips thinking of the proper term to call the troopers that had escorted them here, “House of Kayden troopers took down on our way to BrokenFang Hold. I just felt sorry for him after he’d fought so bravely against the monster,” she shrugged, “so I took the chance to ask him to be my companion and it just happened to work.”
