The Greystone Chronicles Book Two: The Dire Lands Read online

  Alexander looked toward the king. “Majesty, while you’re here, I wanted to ask you about Dire Keep.”

  The king smiled back at him. “I’ve been wondering when you’d get around to asking. Master Gando told me of the research you’ve done. And I’m sure you’ve decided that those keys will open something within the keep. Am I right so far?”

  “Yes, Majesty.” Alexander nodded his head. “The implication in the name leads me to believe the keys may grant us some type of ownership over the keep. But as you said, I’ve done some research, and I know that those lands belonged to Stormforge’s King, and were granted to the baron in return for performing certain duties…” He paused to consider how to best continue.

  “Alexander, I’ll save you the effort. You wish to know if I’m willing to grant you the keep.”

  “Yes, Majesty. I’ve been thinking about this Dark One. He has clearly targeted my friends and me, and I intend to give him a fight. But, already the city has been attacked, and Whitehall as well. Too many innocents have been killed in this conflict. I am hoping that if we restore the keep and offer the challenge of capturing it to kill us, the Dark One’s minions will attack us there, far from any innocents.”

  The king waved his hand for Alexander to stop. “I, too, have been thinking. Dire keep has sat abandoned and useless for 200 years. For all you’ve done for us, and all you plan to do, I will gladly grant you the rights to the keep and surrounding lands. Though, with those keys, I rather think the decision wasn’t up to me.” He grinned at all of them.

  Quest received: Clear the Keep

  Difficulty: Hard

  The king has offered you the ruins at Dire Keep. But you must clear the keep of any enemies before you may claim it.

  Reward: Title to Dire Keep and surrounding lands. Increased reputation with all light factions of Io. Variable experience.

  Lydia and Sasha returned with tea and cookies. Sasha served the king first. The others were left to help themselves. The tea was one of Lydia’s special recipes that gave buffs to stamina, and regen rates for health and mana.

  “If you like, I can offer you an escort of a dozen men when you ride for the keep. You never know what you’ll find in old ruins,” The king offered.

  “Thank you, Majesty. But for that very reason, I must decline. We don’t know what dangers are within, and I would not risk the lives of your men.” With Lydia in the room, he did not want to mention that he and his friends could respawn if killed.

  “Because you, children, will return if you’re killed, but my brother’s soldiers will not.” Lydia solved his dilemma for him.

  Laughing, Alexander bowed his head to her. “You are very perceptive, my lady.”

  “Pshaw! I’m sister to the king and married to the extremely handsome Captain of his Guard. Of course, I know your little secret.” She winked at him as Sasha giggled. “We thank you, children, for caring enough to spare the lives of our young men and women.” The captain nodded his agreement.

  “Still,” the king began, “I’m concerned that just the five of you may run into more trouble than you can handle.”

  “To begin with, we will simply go and assess the situation. We already know of the dire wolves in the area. If we find more dangerous monsters, we can always recruit fellow adventurers to help,” Alexander reassured them.

  “I think I’d like to go as well,” the dragon’s voice boomed from outside.

  Fitz chuckled at the surprised looks on nearly everyone’s faces. “Dragons have very good hearing.”

  After a few moments, the dragon prince walked into the room, in human form. “This Dire Keep place sounds interesting. Spooky name. Unknown dangers. Might make for some interesting stories to tell my cousins!”

  Alexander wasn’t sure what to say. On the one hand, rejecting a dragon prince didn’t seem any smarter than poking a sleeping wizard. But did he want to be responsible for getting the prince killed?

  “Mighty Prince…” Alexander began.

  The dragon cut him off. “First, all of you, call me Kai. If you’re all constantly bowing and trying to sputter out my full name and title all the time, we’ll never get anything done. Second, Alexander, I can sense your concern. Know that there are few things on Io that could harm me. And none of them are in Dire Keep.” He winked.

  Fitz nodded. “Kaibonostrum is indeed hard to kill. And would make a good companion on your adventure. You should know, though, he has taken some oaths as a dragon prince…” The wizard looked at Kai, who bowed his head.

  “It is true. I will not kill sentient beings, except in defense of myself or others. I will not steal for any reason. I will not reveal the location of our home city on Io. And while I am free to teach you several forms of magic, there are secrets of dragon magic that I will not share. And I must return home once every month for… personal reasons.” Lainey and Sasha shared a look and snickered at that.

  Alexander thought it over for a moment. “Do undead count as sentient?”

  “No!” Fitz and Kai said at the same time. Kai finished the thought. “Most undead are an abomination and should be wiped from the land. The one exception being vampires. They are a civilized and sentient race that happen to feed on life essence. Though, if a vampire goes feral, they must be put down.”

  Max spoke up. “We will almost certainly encounter adventurers from a guild called PWP who will try to kill us. Or whom we will try to kill. They have been declared enemies of both Stormforge and Broken Mountain for multiple attacks that have killed innocent civilians. There may also be other servants of this ‘Dark One’ they claim as their god. Will you be able to fight them?”

  Kai thought for a moment. “I assume these are people Durin referred to? Fight them, yes. I will simply capture them, rather than kill. Unless they are an immediate threat to your lives, or the lives of innocents.”

  Alexander grinned. “Capture is better for us anyway. We can teleport prisoners back to the king for trial.”

  “Then let us be off tomorrow! With me at your side, higher level threats will be no issue.” He stepped toward Alexander and raised an open hand toward his forehead, and paused. “May I?” he politely asked.

  “Sure,” Alexander replied. Kai laid his hand down and examined Alexander’s stats.

  Mage: Alexander Level 30

  Build: Ranged magic/Melee dps

  Health: 2100Experience 3,800/20,000Attribute pts avail: 21

  Mana: 2800Skill pts avail: 5

  Stamina: 4(12) Dexterity: 6 Armor: 140 Health Regen: 30

  Strength: 4(15) Wisdom: 40(45) Defense: 100 Mana Regen: 35

  Agility: 6(11) Intel: 40(50) Phys Attack: 25 Magic Attack: 30

  Luck: 10(13) Charisma: 9 Stam Regen: Race: Elf

  “You have a significant number of attribute points available to you. Why do you not use them?” Kai asked.

  “You can see all that?” Alexander blurted. Then collected himself. “Never mind. Stupid question. I am new to magic. Two weeks ago, I was a warrior, level 74. My friends and I accepted a quest, of sorts, from Odin. He required we be reborn in this land at level one. I am still learning how best to grow, and did not want to waste points before I’m better informed.”

  Kai nodded his head. “Wise choice. And to reach level 30 in two weeks is impressive. I believe I can help you all grow even stronger.” He tilted his head. “It seems the dwarves have completed their first item crafted in the new dragon forge. Shall we go see?”

  Again, the king and the prince led the procession to the smithy. Master Ironhammer was polishing a blade as Thea was completing the stitching on a leather scabbard. Brick was already hammering away at something else on the anvil.

  Seeing the king approach, Master Ironhammer held the sword out to him on both hands, and bowed his head. “As promised, Majesty. In return for allowing us to come into yer city to work the forge. The first weapon produced be fer yer lad.”

  King Charles reached out and took the weapon in hand. It had a forty-two-inch dwarven
steel blade, fullered to keep it light. There was a simple guard, also steel, and the grip was wrapped in dire wolf hide. Inset in the pommel was a smoothed and rounded obsidian stone that glowed faintly. Dwarven runes were inscribed up and down the blade.

  Storm Blade

  Item Level: Epic, Scalable

  Stats: Strength +10, Agility +10, Stamina +10

  This is the first blade forged in the Greystone Dragon Forge, crafted by a Dwarven Master specifically for Prince Edward of Stormforge. Enchantments: Sharpness. Durin’s Wrath. This blade will remain sharp even in the harshest of battles, and will inflict an extra 25% holy damage against targets with a dark affinity. As the Prince grows stronger, so will his blade.

  The king stepped away from the group. He took a few practice swings with one hand to get a feel for the weight and balance of the sword. He then took an open stance, and with a burst of movement, began to flow through a long series of sword forms, both offensive and defensive.

  As he moved, Max whistled, “King’s got skills!”

  Ending a two-handed finishing move that would decapitate an opponent, the king chuckled. “I’m glad you approve, Max.”

  Walking back to the dwarven master, he inclined his head slightly in respect. “A fine weapon, Master Ironhammer. Light, yet with perfect balance. My son may not yet be worthy of such a blade!” He grinned. “But I must ask. How did you manage such extensive engraving in such a short time?”

  “Ha! T’weren’t me…” The master motioned over his shoulder toward Brick, who was still oblivious and pounding away at something. “I were about to quench the blade, when Brick took it from me hands. He held the heated blade in one hand, put the other on the forge. He closed his eyes n used his shaping skill, and the runes just appeared.”

  “What do they say?” Lainey asked.

  Master Ironhammer scratched his head a moment, then grinned. “Damned if I know, lass. Them runes look dwarven, but are not. I asked Brick to translate, but he just stared at me.”

  Kai stepped forward. “May I take a look?” The king handed him the blade.

  “Ever shall this blade remain sharp in service to one who is worthy. May it defend the innocent, and banish the darkness with Durin’s holy light.” Kai read the runes. “It is the language of the gods.”

  Ironhammer grunted. “Makes sense. Our lad there be a paladin of Durin, whose blessing ye all saw fall upon the forge this day.”

  The banging from inside the smithy halted, and Brick walked out, looking slightly dazed. He was carrying a staff, six feet in length and less than two inches in diameter. Made of dwarven steel, it too was engraved with runes. He bowed to the dragon, handing him the staff.

  Staff of the Dragon

  Item level: Unique

  Stats:??

  This staff was created for the dragon whose fire brought a dragon forge to life. It is imbued with dragon magic, and the blessing of a god.

  “What do the runes say?” A curious Lainey was peeking around Kai’s shoulder at the staff.

  “Defender of life, bringer of light. Strength of purpose, power of conviction.” Kai read the engraving to them. He smiled and nodded his head. “A perfect weapon for me. Thank you, Brick.”

  “It doesn’t have any stats,” Max observed.

  Alexander replied in guild chat. “Dragons aren’t like players or NPCs. They’re sort of outside the system. They don’t have levels or stats. They don’t gain XP. Their magic is innate, and they don’t use mana except in human form. They grow in strength and power over time regardless of what they do.”

  “I’m sure the stats are just hidden from us at our low level,” Alexander said out loud for the benefit of the NPCs nearby.

  Brick seemed to have recovered his senses a bit. He was staring off into space, the look on his face saying he was reading something on his UI.

  “Me journeyman blacksmithing just went up 20%. And me shaping skill raised to adept.”

  Master Ironhammer thumped him on the back. “There be benefits to working a dragon forge, lad. And not just to the quality of the items crafted. This forge, bein’ obsidian, and god-blessed, be unique in all of Io. And the potential power here be… unknowable. Whole damned structure be one big magic circuit. This be part of why smiths’d be willing to sell their children to work here! HA!”

  “Brick, how are you feeling?” Sasha asked. “You were kinda zoned out there. And you look pretty drained.”

  “Aye. I started out to forge a sword for the prince. But when I pulled the steel from the forge and picked up me hammer, I got a sort of… vision. It showed me a staff. I focused on the vision, and it guided me hands. When it faded, I held the staff in me hands. And me stamina was nearly gone.”

  “Stamina be what drives smithing,” Ironhammer explained. “And shaping, too. Ye did both, at the same time. Yer lucky ye didn’t just drop where ye stood!”

  “I thought blacksmithing would mainly require strength,” Max offered.

  “Aye, lad, it do need strong arms. And to make a horseshoe or plow blade, that be all ye need. But to work the metal into a worthy weapon or armor, ye need to put somethin o’ yerself into it. Some o’ yer power.” He looked to Brick. “Best be careful till ye grow a bit, and have more reserves, lad.”

  Brick bowed his head to the elder dwarf. “Aye, I will. Thank ye, Master.”

  “Bah. I be here to teach ye! Can’t learn if ye be dead! Ye be banished from the forge for the rest o’ the day! Get some rest, and some food in yer belly!” They all chuckled at the gruff dwarf’s concern.

  The king thanked them again for his son’s sword, and departed for the castle with both Redmonds. Kai headed toward the back courtyard, saying he wanted to practice with his new weapon. All the dwarves but Brick headed back into the smithy.

  Looking at his friends, Alexander said, “I suggest we take the rest of the day to run errands and get training. Level 30 should have earned us all new skills. We’ll leave in the morning for Dire Keep.”

  The friends ran their errands, met back at the house for dinner, and retired early to get some rest. Kai returned to dragon form, and slept atop the smithy.

  Chapter Two Finders Keepers

  The group gathered for breakfast in the morning before heading out. The table was nearly filled with the Greystone clan, Fitz, Fibble, the five dwarves, and Kai. Fitz and Kai seemed to be competing to see who could shovel down the most eggs and sausages.

  After breakfast, Master Ironhammer requested a portal back to Broken Mountain. He wanted to show King Thalgrin and the other smiths a few of the weapons he’d crafted yesterday, and to inform them of Durin’s blessing of the forge. He requested permission to bring half a dozen masters back with him for a week, so that each may have the opportunity to work the forge.

  Before Brick could even reply, he offered payment for the privilege. “We’ll bring ye two ingots of pure mithril, lad. And a set o’ the very best smith’s tools. Plus, the work o’ six more master smiths will be addin’ to the power o’ yer forge.”

  When he finally stopped talking, Brick replied, “O’ course ye can bring ’em. Me forge is at yer disposal.”

  Sasha spoke up. “I’m afraid we’re a little limited on space. But there are some rooms above the armory, and a few more above the greenhouse workshop. I’m afraid those don’t have beds, though.”

  “Not to worry, lass. Thea showed me around. We’ll make do just fine. She’ll go today and purchase some furniture. If we can use yer wagon?” Ironhammer smiled and winked at the druidess.

  “Of course. Consider this your home while you’re here.” Sasha returned his smile.

  “And if you see this goblin running around loose, capture him long enough to give him a bath!” Lainey added with a wink of her own.

  A wide-eyed Fibble disappeared under the table, then was seen briefly as he flew out the door.

  Fitz volunteered to man the portal for the dwarves. Sasha gave them each a medallion, the simple ones that would allow them access through the w
ards. And left six more for the visiting masters.

  And with that, the group that was going to Dire Keep headed out. As they passed through the city gate and headed toward the forest, Alexander sent a group invite to Kai. Sasha hit them all with a regen buff, Lainey used her haste buff, and Kai provided a strength and stamina buff.

  So, feeling stronger, faster, and more energized, the group stepped into the forest, headed toward Dire Falls and the ruined Keep.

  They ignored the low-level forest mobs that roamed in proximity to the city. The only time they paused was when Lainey or Sasha saw herbs they wanted to gather. The group made good time through the forest, and soon reached the halfway point, roughly five miles out. This was where the mobs began to match or exceed their levels. Boars and bears roaming this area would be around level 35. Dire wolves would start at about level 40. Lainey asked that they kill every mob they could, as skinning higher level beasts and working with their hides would improve her leatherworking skill. Sasha demanded they make a visit to the caverns where they’d found the dungeon two weeks earlier. She wanted to see about gathering more featherroot for Lydia. Alexander agreed, as they should probably check to see whether the dungeon had reset. Though they were still too low level to kill anything inside.

  It wasn’t long before Max located a level 36 black bear and led it back to the group. As he ran past Brick, he smacked the tank’s helmet and said, “Tag, you’re it!” The dwarf mumbled something about bears liking elf ears before charging at the bear to bash it with his shield.

  Since Lainey wanted to work with the pelt, they tried to damage the hide as little as possible. Brick pounded the bear’s head whenever he got an opening. Max and Lainey both focused their arrows at its head as well; Sasha focused on healing, though she did cast a vine trap - no thorns - to hold the bear still; and Alexander shot it in the face with magic bolts. Kai simply observed, staff at the ready in case he needed to step in to prevent one of the group from being injured. The bear was down in less than a minute, and Lainey moved to loot and then skin the animal. There was a significant amount of bear meat that would provide a nice dinner for them all when they made camp.