Quest for Camlan_A LitRPG Adventure Read online

  There’s a very anxious forty-five seconds of waiting. I begin to pace the room again. What if she doesn’t want to help me? What if she hasn’t found him?

  A tiny ding in my ear alerts me to a private message.

  Balderdash13: No, I haven’t seen him. I guess he’s way out of town at a fishing cottage he keeps on the river upstream. He must be preoccupied though. He sent word to Charlie that whoever she approves, he approves.

  SirAsh3r: You didn’t see him though?

  Balderdash13: Nope. Charlie thinks it’s weird that he wouldn’t want to control it all himself, but we’re not going to question it.

  SirAsh3r: Awesome. Thanks!

  I sign off. I agree with Charlie—whatever is taking Lord Crimson’s attention has got to be a big deal. I pull out my map again and ask Erinocalypse to do the same.

  “Look for a building that belongs to Lord Crimson that could be a fishing cottage. It should be upriver from the town.”

  We stand, in silence, poring over the topography of Camlan for only a moment before I spot it.

  “There. Official name is Ither Manor. No wonder we didn’t find it before.”

  “That’s where he’s taken Helena?”

  “I think so. Apparently that’s where he is today, sending messages into town instead of going himself.”

  “It doesn’t look too far. If we cut across and follow the river instead of the road, we should get there pretty quickly.”

  I hesitate. The last time I followed the river I got entangled with a nymph, a pixie and a bunch of trolls. But we’re running out of time.

  “You’re right. Let’s go.”

  Before abandoning the cottage completely, we do one last sweep through to loot any food that might be useful. I can feel my Stamina failing a bit and we need to recharge now as well as stay equipped for any future battle. There is a road running along the edge of the trees to the river, and then across it. We make it all the way to that junction without encountering any more than a few lone wolf enemies. Our teamwork takes them down with a few quick hits. Through unspoken agreement, we each take hits and stay relatively even in our XP.

  The uneventful trek gives me time to examine the Leaderboard again. I’m tempted to listen to the livestream play-by-play to hear how the rest of the players are doing, but I think I need to stay focused. As it is, I am almost totally in the dark about what kinds of quests they’ve been on or what kinds of creatures they have had to fight. I’m sure none of the other players crossed Lake Galavant, like I did. Part of me wants to go all the way back to the beginning so I can take the path around the lake to see how it’s different.

  But that has to be far in the future. Right now I’m committed to this character, invested in the Challenge, and I have to stay focused if I’m going to be able to pull ahead and beat Jargonaut.

  Chapter 37

  As we turn upstream, I warn Erinocalypse, “I’ve had quite a lot of experience near the river. Watch out for trolls disguised as boulders, read every game message carefully if you decide to drink the water, and keep an eye out for any sentries ahead.”

  “Dude. I know.” She rolls her eyes at me. “I have nearly as much XP as you do, SirAsh3r. I’m not helpless.”

  “I know. I just …” I shut my mouth. Better for us both to stay silent, and I have no real defense anyway. I don’t even know why I am bothering to warn her; it’s be better for me if she’s weaker.

  I waste a brief moment of wondering if I really need a second person to rescue Helena. But a plan is already beginning to form in my mind, and I’m not sure how I can achieve it without her.

  Though we’re still moving upstream, the terrain begins to level off and the river slows. I am about to tell Erinocalypse we must be getting close when she grabs my arm. She pulls me down so we’re both crouching by the riverbank to stay as far out of sight as possible.

  In the distance, along the horizon, I spot what must be the ‘fishing cottage.’ It looks as large as Whispering Fox Inn, so describing it as a cottage seems like false modesty. I count six red-clad guards along the perimeter of the building and river. But between us and our objective, a small family of bears plays and fishes in the river.

  “Bears,” I whisper. “We can handle bears. No problem.”

  “Yeah, we can handle bears. But how are we going to do that without all the guards seeing us?”

  “Oh.”

  “Yeah.”

  Erinocalypse and I watch sullenly from where we are crouched. None of Crimson’s guards ever glance our way, but I’m sure that will change as soon as we move. What we need to do is draw the bears away from the guard’s view before attacking them.

  None of the trees are any closer than fifty yards to the edge of the river. Plenty of space to be seen out in the open. Where Erinocalypse and I hide at the shallow crest of the hill seems to be the nearest thing to out of sight as possible.

  “I have an idea,” I whisper, pulling Erinocalypse to follow me back down the hill. There’s just enough of an incline to keep us hidden from view if we stay close to the ground.

  “How far are we going?”

  “Just here.” I stop, though stay crouched, keeping my head low. “I’m thinking if we can lure the bears this far, we can eliminate them. The guards will never see us. Hopefully it will look natural enough from their angle that there’s no suspicion.”

  “Ok, but how do you propose we do that?”

  “I was thinking about what you did with Burning Smite back with the goblin. The way it charred through the tree? You think it would affect water the same way?”

  “Maybe.” She looks thoughtful. “Yeah, that could work. It could send up at least a splash or maybe a puff of steam?”

  “Right. And if we time it right and aim it right in closer and closer distances, we can get the bears’ attention and draw them to us. Maybe they’ll, I don’t know, think the splash is a fish or something.”

  “Perfect. Yeah. Let’s do that. You do the spell and I’ll do the killing.”

  “Actually I thought maybe the other way around—”

  “Why? So you get the XP for the bears?”

  I hesitate. “No. I mean, not exactly. But I think your aim with the spell is better.”

  She snorts derisively.

  “And,” I continue, “since I’m shooting arrows, I can still do that from a crouching position, out of sight. You’d need to stand and swing that big sword around. You’ll draw too much attention.”

  “Whatever, Asher.” She rolls her eyes.

  “Do you have a better idea?”

  “No. Fine. It’s fine. Let’s just do this and move on. It’s probably not that much XP anyway.”

  “Fine.”

  “Fine.”

  I move slightly away from the river’s edge to give her more room and gesture silently for her to begin when ready. My bow and arrow are equipped. She nods and cranes her neck to give herself better line of sight. I watch her exhale a long slow breath, take aim, and fire Burning Smite into the river upstream.

  I can’t see what is happening or what the bears’ reactions are, but I think maybe I hear more splashing. It’s hard to tell over the natural noise of the river. Maybe my ears are playing tricks on me because I want this to work so badly.

  Erinocalypse sends a second bolt of Burning Smite up river.

  We definitely hear splashing now. It’s closer, and sounds like one of the bear cubs is in the water. I’m reminded of a cat chasing a laser pointer and almost laugh out loud. Two more luring spell casts and the young bear is in the river close to us, but down the incline and at least partly out of sight. It’s pretty cute. I have to remind myself it’s just code and the bear cub will respawn eventually.

  My aim is true and it only takes two shots to bring it down.

  [+70 XP]

  Congratulations! You have reached Level 17!

  You have one attribute point to distribute.

  Oh shit. I dismiss the message. I can’t deal with that now. Especi
ally right after Erinocalypse accused me of hoarding the XP. She’ll find out soon enough.

  It’s almost too bad there aren’t more than three bears. We quickly find our rhythm. Once each bear lumbers into view, she changes targets, aiming Burning Smite at the creatures and makes a kill. Before too long all three creatures lie dead at our feet and I’m up an additional chunk of XP.

  Erinocalypse is grinning as we loot, picking up some bear jerky and a handful of coins. “That wasn’t a total loss. I leveled up with the spell and gained some XP there.”

  “Good. Great.” Damn it. Ally or no, the Challenge isn’t over. “Any thoughts on infiltrating the building?”

  Before she can answer, we both notice movement up by the house. The forest crowds in closer to the river’s edge there, but not so close that we miss the group of people exiting the woods and walking toward the house.

  The heavy red cloak is unmistakable. We easily recognize Lord Crimson, flanked by two of his soldiers. But between them, a wide basket over one arm, is a small 30-something black woman with what looks like dreadlocks piled on top of her head and dressed in shades of dark green. She walks with her head proudly raised, as though no matter what these brutes had done or will do to her, she knows who she is.

  “Helena,” Erinocalypse whispers.

  I nod. “I wonder if they had her in there collecting potion ingredients.”

  “Maybe that’s why they brought her here in the first place.”

  That makes sense. There must be different flora in different parts of Camlan. If Lord Crimson knows enough that he needs a special potion, maybe he knows enough to have an idea of what goes in it.

  We watch as the potion maker is escorted into the manor, two more soldiers stationed outside the door. Lord Crimson, however, does not enter. A red-clad stable boy leads a horse to the front of the house and helps Crimson mount. We’re too far away to hear what is said, but he evidently has some final instructions for his men before he leaves.

  A whole retinue of men leave with him. Fortunately, the road leads away from where we are hiding. Also fortunately, he is now away from this cottage so we have far fewer enemies and obstacles to overcome to rescue her. Unfortunately, we have no idea where he’s going or where the Goblet of Vigor is.

  But I can’t focus on that now. That’s not the current quest. We need to rescue Helena, get her to Mayor Barnaby and protected. That we can do.

  Quest Completed: Bodyguards III

  Description: You have discovered where Helena has been imprisoned.

  Reward: +150 XP

  Quest Discovered: Bodyguards IV

  Description: Rescue Helena from her captivity and escort her to Allynton

  Reward: +190 XP

  “Well, that simplifies things,” Erinocalypse whispers. “Crimson is out of the way. Any idea of a plan of attack?”

  “We’ve got my ranged weapon, your sword. We both have a couple of spells.”

  “How’s your stealth skill?”

  “Good, not great. I’ve also got that long knife from the goblin and you’re at a higher level with those spells.”

  We stare at each other.

  She shrugs. “Whatever. Right now we’re too evenly matched for it to make a difference at all.”

  She’s right. Neither of us has any clear advantage over the other. It’s nice in a teamwork situation, but it worries me when it comes to the Challenge. I need to find a way to stay ahead of Erinocalypse while I catch up with Jargonaut.

  Prompt decision making. Taking charge. That will set me apart if nothing else will.

  Chapter 38

  I squint again at the few guards left at Lord Crimson’s fishing cabin and turn to Erinocalypse.

  “Okay. I’ll go in, you stay here and cover me. Your Burning Smite attack spell can keep both soldiers and other creatures at bay. Just be prepared with a Bestow Relief healing spell as soon as you see us emerge from the house.”

  Attention: You have unlocked Passive Skill: Initiative Level 2

  Description: You’re getting more used to making decisions and taking the lead.

  Reward: +70 XP

  She nods. “Keep your private messaging on. Just in case. I don’t want to have to imitate a bird call or anything.”

  I grin. “You’ve got it.”

  The fishing cottage sits on the opposite bank from us, facing the water, with the forest growing in near the back. I give Erinocalypse a final nod and wade into the river. It’s deeper than I expect and at one point near the center I am almost positive I’m about to lose my footing. The water is well above my waist and moving more quickly as the hill descends. But I am able to pause long enough to find my balance and my footing and continue. It almost feels as though strong hands grasp my legs, steadying me, but I don’t see anything other than fish through the water.

  When I reach the opposite bank, the game offers me this message:

  Achievement Unlocked: Friend of Water

  Description: Your water affinity has kept you safe in an otherwise dangerous situation. Trusting the element has proved wise.

  Reward: +60 XP, +10% Water affinity

  Of course! I had totally forgotten the River Nymph offered me affinity and protection. And to be rewarded with an even higher affinity? I’m sure that will come in handy.

  The Achievement message reminds me that I still have an attribute point to assign from my last level up. Given what I’m about to try to accomplish, I decide to boost my Dexterity.

  Name: SirAsh3r

  Level: 17

  Strength: 17

  Intelligence: 20

  Dexterity: 18

  Stamina: 18

  Magic: 19

  Skills: Woodcraft 3, Slash 2, Club 3, Paddle 1, Climbing 1, Stealth 1, Archery 5, Power Perception 1

  Abilities: Initiative 2, Focus 2

  Professions: Cooking 2

  Affinities: 2% Earth; 16% Water

  Fame: 350

  Achievements: First Explorer of Lake Galavant, First Explorer of Foyle Forest, First Visitor to Allynton, Friend of Water

  Not bad. I really like the balance and the way my skills are shaping up.

  I stay well within the trees, out of sight from any soldiers looking in this direction. The dark cloak I picked up earlier is perfect for this terrain. Once I reach the forest closest to the building, I pause to consider my approach.

  Attention: You have unlocked Active Skill: Stealth Level 2

  Description: You are even better at hiding now; enemies have got to pay attention if they want to notice you.

  Reward: +70 XP

  Wonderful. I equip the goblin’s knife and examine my surroundings.

  For a ‘cottage,’ it’s huge. At least three stories above ground, and the possibility of a basement below. There are only a few windows on this side of the house and none at all on the first floor. I’ve got to either climb, or sneak around to another side.

  SirAsh3r: Erin, can you see me? Do you have my position?

  Erinocalypse: No, you disappeared as soon as you entered the forest.

  SirAsh3r: Look at the trees directly behind the house.

  I step out from behind the trees, far enough away that I am completely visible if someone knows where to look.

  Erinocalypse: Got it.

  SirAsh3r: I need to go around the building. I’ll go on the downstream side, toward you.

  She goes silent, hopefully concentrating. Hopefully keeping me safe. The distance that she now has to cast is farther than she ever has before, but her leveling up with it should make up the difference. I wonder how it will affect her aim.

  I run from the trees and press myself against the end of the house. The closer I can get to the building, the less likely I am to be seen. My heart is racing. I’m about to walk into the middle of a bunch of armed guards. I’m not sure I’ve been in as much danger at any other point in this game—especially with how far I’ve come and how much I have to lose.

  I creep carefully to the corner of the building
, hoping Erinocalypse will actually help me and will keep the thugs out of my way. When I started this Challenge, I never would have thought that I would be putting so much trust in another player. But what choice do I have now?

  Erinocalypse: Wait.

  I obey. I’m stopped at the corner listening. There’s a small crash, like wood or plaster cracking. Then a few seconds later I hear a groan and a thud.

  Erinocalypse: Ok, go.

  I turn the corner to find one of the red-clad soldiers lying on the ground. There’s a charred spot on the building; she must have missed her first attempt. But she didn’t miss her second. Not only did she execute a perfect headshot, but Erinocalypse must have leveled up her casting high enough to produce this kind of power. I couldn’t have managed a kill shot. Especially not at that distance, but I think my casting only generates minor hits.

  I glance toward where I know she is standing, though I can’t see her. I have no idea how much I can trust her. My life could be at risk even now. I squat down next to the body to see if it has anything useful for me. I loot a wide leather belt and—oh, hell yes!—a set of keys, which I grab eagerly. The belt I equip without looking too carefully at it. It seems to boost my armor a tiny bit.

  About halfway down the length of this side of the building are a set of heavy wooden doors, likely leading down to a cellar, and guarded with a thick padlock. I can’t even count quickly how many keys are on the ring I’ve lifted. More than a dozen, I can’t waste any time. I rush to the doors, staying low, staying close to the building moving as fast as I can. I try one key, but it won’t go in the lock. The second key I try is far too small to even try. The third key gets stuck partway through the turn.

  “Come on, come on,” I whisper to myself.

  A quick beam of power flashes past me, hitting the side of the building. I duck instinctively, but it’s still several feet away. I move the Goblin Knife to my right hand, ready for whatever enemy is about to come around the corner.

  His gait is slow and casual, and the soldier looks far more surprised to see m than I am to see him. As he fumbles for his own weapon, the Burning Smite spell from Erinocalypse takes him down.