Riftside - Chapter 59

The clash of mugs filled the Timberline as we toasted another round. The air smelled of wood smoke and new lumber, the tavern's scaffolding creaking softly in the wind, but not a hint of the chill made it inside.

“To killing the bastard Titanfang!” Wade whooped.

“To living through it!” Nina shouted back.

“To violence!” Roq boomed in my mind.

Eryn's shoulder pressed warm against mine as we sat at our usual spot, the benches creaking under the weight of so many people. Knut's massive frame took up nearly a third of the space on his own, while Nabeeh perched elegantly on the edge in her bright robes.

“You lot better not be paying for those drinks,” Johan called as he walked past, a towel slung over his shoulder. “Heroes drink free in my establishment!”

I raised my drink.

“We've got to pay you something or we'll drink you dry!”

“Like hell you are!” Johan's face reddened. “I earn more than enough from the lumberjacks and guards and the rest of the civilians. And none of us would even be here if not for you adventurers and scavengers! Why won't you just accept—”

“That we're heroes?” Garret finished with a laugh. “Ash, Knut, Wade, and Nabeeh, maybe, but not the rest of us. Not yet.”

Knut's deep voice rumbled.

“Gold for food! Not beer! Bring much!”

The table erupted in laughter as Johan's face split into a grin. 

“In that case, I'd better get right on it!” He headed toward the kitchen, shouting orders to his cooks.

“Speaking of food,” Roq said in my mind, “I insist on getting a piece of blueberry pie. I saw a slice pass by earlier. It's absolutely imperative! And milk. Lots of milk.”

“Please no. It's humiliating. People already think I'm crazy.”

“I don't care! I want it! I deserve it! After everything we've been through, after all our glorious victories. I demand pie!”

I sighed heavily, already regretting what I was about to do.

“Johan!” I called. “Can I get a slice of blueberry pie? And…milk…in a big bowl or something? And no, please, don’t ask.”

The entire table went silent. Eight pairs of eyes locked onto me, and I felt my face growing hot.

Nina cleared her throat carefully.

“Is that... for you? Or your hammer?”

“Nina,” Knut warned, his voice low.

“What? I'm just asking!”

“Ash put pie on hammer for dungeon run,” Knut explained seriously. “Dungeon run good. He feeds hammer more.”

Nina's brow furrowed.

“Your point being?”

“Pie on hammer for good luck.” Knut nodded sagely, as if this explained everything.

“Exactly!” Roq crowed triumphantly. “Finally, someone who understands the importance of proper weapon maintenance! Though he doesn't know the half of it. Pie isn't just good luck—it's an essential component of maintaining peak combat effectiveness. The sugar content alone—”

“So,” I said loudly, desperate to change the subject, “Favorite moments from the dungeon run? Wade, you start.”

Wade grinned. 

“That Titanfang's size nearly had me reconsidering my life choices.” He mimed aiming down a crossbow. “But when that explosive bolt went straight down its gullet?” He brought one hand up and kissed his fingers. “Poetry in motion.”

Nina elbowed Knut.

“My favorite was watching this big lunk get hit so hard he forgot which rift he came through!”

“Least favorite part,” Knut grumbled, rubbing his head. “Swear I saw two Ashes.”

Nabeeh laughed.

“Nothing beats watching Benedict fuss over his precious robes after I nearly set him on fire.” She grinned. “Completely by accident, of course.”

“My favorite part?” Garret took a long pull from his mug. “Living through it. Least favorite was when that Titanfang almost made that first part not happen.”

Finn absently rubbed his hand.

“I liked watching Edwin's group fight up close. Seeing what’s possible. But that breeding chamber,” he shuddered. “Nightmare fuel.”

Eryn's hand found mine under the table, squeezing tight. 

“Worst moment was watching you disappear into that rift,” she said softly. “Best was when you came back. Even if you were wounded.”

“Nawww…” Nina said.

“Shut up!” Eryn rolled her eyes.

“What about my favorite part?” Roq complained. “When do I get to tell everyone about what it felt like to be stuffed into the Titanfang? How its grey matter sizzled around my fire-y metal?”

“What about you, Enar?” I asked the guard-turned-scavenger. “Still planning to keep scavenging with us or are you going back to guarding the keep?”

Enar stared into his mug, his usually cheerful face drawn tight with thought.

“I've never,” he started but swallowed hard. “Never been more scared than when that Titanfang came from the tunnel and slammed into the wall in front of my face. The way something so big moved so quickly—” His hands trembled slightly around his drink. “Seeing Knut and Garret nearly die? That was bad.”

“We killed it though!” Roq said. “Crushed its pathetic excuse for a brain! Though I suppose it was rather intimidating. For others. Not for us, of course.”

Johan appeared beside our table, a concerned frown creasing his weathered face.

“You've got a good job at the keep, Enar. Steady pay. Why risk it?” He set down the next round of drinks. “Your family needs you alive more than they need extra coin.”

“That's just it, though,” Enar said, his voice picking up. “My children deserve better than what I had growing up. If I can make it to a classed adventurer, I’m doing it.” He straightened in his seat. “I could give them everything they need. Make sure they never go hungry, never have to worry about having warm clothes in winter.”

“Drink to that,” Knut said, gulping down more of his brew.

Enar’s eyes met mine.

“And what happens if the monsters come through the rift? What good am I to my family if I'm not strong enough to protect them?”

Heads nodded around the table. We'd all seen what lay beyond the rifts, seen the Twisted Titan and what waited inside. The threat wasn't just to us — it was to everyone we loved.

“Welcome to the grind.” I held my cup out and he bumped his against it. “And speaking of getting stronger,” I said, after wiping foam from my lip, “Where's everyone at level-wise?”

Garret grinned, puffing out his chest.

“Finally hit ten of ten in level nine! Just need that class gem now and I'll be a proper adventurer.”

“Level seven,” Finn said, taking a long drink. “Not nearly high enough.”

Nina elbowed him.

“You're just mad I'm keeping up. I'm halfway through seven myself.”

“Should hit three with the gems from the run,” Enar said. He turned to Eryn. “And that includes paying back your loan. I can't thank you enough for that.”

Knut's massive hand clapped Enar on the shoulder, nearly knocking him face-first into the table.

“You do good! Follow orders. Fought smart.” His grin widened. “Even help carry sleepy Ash in forest!”

Laughter erupted around the table as I scratched at the back of my head, grinning.

“At least it was super dramatic!” Roq said. “Though next time, perhaps we should work on not almost dying. It's much more impressive that way.”

The tavern's warmth shifted as a chill draft swept through. Benedict shouldered his way between tables, crystal wine glass in one hand, his staff clearing a path with casual disregard in the other. His nose wrinkled as he approached our table, as if something particularly foul had crawled under it.

“Well, well.” He looked down his nose at us. “If it isn't the heroes of the hour.”

I couldn't help but grin.

“Perfect timing,” I said. “We're ready for those monster carcasses — already cleared space in our storage.”

Wade, Knut, and Nabeeh nodded firmly. Benedict's face tightened.

“About that,” he said, swirling his wine. “Since I never received the spider I was promised, I hardly think it's fair that I should have to rent out my spatial storage.”

Their faces fell.

“A deal's a deal, Benedict. You agreed to store carcasses for us in exchange for a guaranteed pick on a rare monster.” My voice sharpened. “You will uphold your end.”

“Honor promise,” Knut said, straightening in his seat.

Benedict's lip curled.

“The circumstances have changed. I hardly think it fair that—”

“An adventurer,” Nabeeh cut in, flames dancing along her fingertips, “Who doesn't stand by his word isn't worth keeping alive.” Her voice dropped low. “And accidents do happen. Things tend to go kaboom in battle.”

Benedict's face twisted with rage. For a moment, I thought he would take us outside and fistfight or something, but then his shoulders slumped.

“Fine,” he hissed, practically spitting the word.

Before anyone could move, Benedict started swiping carcasses out of his storage, right where he stood. Monsters crashed onto the tavern floor with wet, meaty thuds. Patrons scrambled back, drinks spilling as a table overturned. The stench of dead flesh filled the air and guts began seeping into the fresh wooden planks.

“Damn it!” I lunged forward, grabbing the nearest carcass and swiping it into my storage.

Nabeeh, Knut, and Wade did the same, each snatching two corpses and storing them away.

“Oh come on!” Roq complained. “At least try to make it look dignified. This is just embarrassing.”

“Benedict!” Johan's roar cut through the chaos as he stormed across his tavern, face purple with fury. “You arrogant piece of rift-rotted garbage! First you try to get me killed, and now you're dumping monster carcasses in my establishment? I will need to pay someone to get that blood and stench out!”

Benedict ignored him completely, his eyes locked onto me with an unsettling intensity.

“Now that you have robbed me blind, why don't you tell me more about those abilities you showed in the dungeon? I've never seen anything quite like them.”

“Let me activate Armor Break and let's show it to him up close! Real close!”

I scoffed.

“My abilities?”

“That red glow around your hammer.” Benedict leaned forward. “I've worked with many warriors over my career, but I've never seen a skill look quite like that. And that cloak of yours? What exactly is it made from?”

“My abilities are just that — mine.” I crossed my arms. “I don't share trade secrets.”

Benedict's eyes narrowed.

“Trade secrets? For basic combat abilities?” He gave a sharp laugh. “Unless there's something special about them? Something worth hiding?”

“I don't need to explain myself to you.” I met his gaze steadily. “You haven't earned that trust, Benedict, and by the way you’re acting, that will never happen.”

“Trust?” Benedict spat the word. “Since when does sharing information about abilities require trust? Unless there's something more to them.”

“You'll never know.” I leaned back and smiled. “But what I will tell you is I had considered asking the group if you should get a share of the Titanfang, despite having given up every claim to anything but the spider. But you just can’t help it, huh? Even after seeing we did just fine when your ice powers were useless,” I said, shaking my head. “You just can’t get over your ‘I’m better than you’ act. Not a chance you’re getting anything.”

Benedict's face darkened, twisting with fury.

“You arrogant little shit.” Ice crystals formed along his staff. “You will regret crossing me.”

“I haven't crossed you, Benedict.” I kept my voice level. “You're just being a monster’s ballsack and I’m calling you on it. And do you know why?” I asked, leaning in closer to him. “Because I can.”

Benedict's gaze swept across our group, lingering on each face before his lip curled in disgust. 

“You know what? This backwards filthpit isn't worth my time any more. I'll find a proper rift to adventure at. One where those with my level of skill are actually appreciated.” He spun on his heel and stormed out, his robes billowing dramatically.

“Well, good riddance!” Roq said. “Though I wish you would have let me tasted his blood. Just a teeny tiny bit.”

I smirked.

“It would probably give you brain freeze.” My smile faded slightly. “Though I doubt we've seen the last of him.”

Wade stood, adjusting his crossbow.

“Speaking of leaving. This raid's given me enough to lay low for a while. Sold all my carcasses to the guild, including my Titanfang share.”

Nabeeh raised an eyebrow.

“And what exactly are you laying low from?”

Wade chuckled, shaking his head.

“Please,” he said and drained his mug in one long pull. “Thanks for letting me join the run, Ash. It's been educational.” 

With a nod, he stood and then headed for the door.

Nabeeh looked between me, Knut, and Eryn.

“I enjoyed the dungeon, you know. We did good work. And unlike our departing 'friends', I'd like to stick around Dawnwatch.” She smiled. “If I have a good party to hunt with, that is.”

Knut, Eryn, and I exchanged glances. The massive northerner shrugged.

“No objections. Ash party leader. He decide.”

Then Knut gave a small, discreet whistle and took out a gold coin, letting it roll across his knuckles, as if he didn't have a care in the world.

His reference was clear. The golden bird. A reminder that bringing more people into our circle meant more risk, especially with my secrets.

I nodded slightly, acknowledging his concern.

“I'm fine with it,” Eryn said. “It'll be good to have someone to offset Knut's craziness.”

Nabeeh threw back her head and laughed.

“Oh honey, I doubt his craziness has anything on my own.”

“She sets things on fire, including my head, and I like that,” Roq declared. “You have my permission to invite her to the party.”

Nabeeh was an odd one, and her combative nature was something I didn’t really like, but we desperately needed someone with area of effect powers. And if she proved to be loyal, she could get a version of the truth in due time. 

I held out my hand.

“Welcome to the team, Nabeeh, but the moment you turn into a Benedict, you’re gone. There’s no power in this world I’d risk the harmony of our party for.”

Nabeeh's hand met mine, her grip firm.

“I won't let you down. And I won’t turn into a drama queen, that’s a promise. As long as you treat me fairly.”

Finn raised his mug.

“To Dawnwatch's rising stars!”

“You'll love it here,” Nina added with a grin. “Just watch out for Knut's attempts at humor.”

“Don't let Ash and hammer weird relationship throw you. Becomes normal,” Knut laughed.

“I don't—” I started, but trailed off at their looks. “Whatever.”

“Speaking of getting used to things,” Nabeeh said, settling back, fingers drumming on the table. “How do you handle loot distribution? Some groups I've worked with get rather creative with their math.”

I shrugged, happy to change the subject.

“Simple. Equal shares. No fancy formulas, no 'leader takes extra' nonsense.” I gestured at our group. “We hunt fast and hard. Maximum efficiency, minimum drama, but you follow orders. I can’t explain every little detail. Knut and Eryn are already used to it and you will have to as well.”

“Perfect.” Nabeeh smiled. “Nothing worse than stopping mid-hunt to argue over who deserves what percentage of which drop.”

Knut's massive frame shifted as he turned toward her.

“Ash's father — local weapon smith. And armor. Very good.” He tapped his chest. “Have arrangement. Sell only to him, get good price on work.” He winked. “Maybe get same deal if part of family.”

“Oh?” Nabeeh's eyebrows rose with interest. “I would love that.”

“We just might make that work,” I said. “And speaking of the smithy, Pa's looking to expand operations. Thinking of bringing on another smith to handle the increased workload.”

Knut straightened suddenly, nearly knocking over his drink.

“My brother! He smith!” His face split into an eager grin. “Very good one. Strong arms, stronger work ethic. Big like me. Almost.”

“Why does he need you sending money back home all the time then?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“He has big—” Knut looked around the table and smiled at the ladies. “Group of kids. True. Many many kids.”

I chuckled.

“You should definitely let Pa know then,” I said. “He'll want to talk to him.”

“As long as he understands proper forging techniques,” Roq muttered. “And the importance of dramatic flair. And—why is there no pie?”

I turned to see Johan approach our table again. He bent close and whispered in my ear.

“See Karl leaving?” He jerked his chin toward the door where the boy was slipping out. “One of my little helpers just told me there's been a gem-gram asking after Ivan.”

My hand tightened on my mug.

“And?”

“Message went back saying he'd left for the capital.” Johan rose, his eyes meeting mine meaningfully.

I nodded slowly, understanding exactly what he wasn't saying. House Domitius was reaching out to see where the thug had gone off to. We'd bought some time, but just how much? I had no idea.

“Oh, this is getting interesting!” Roq said. “Just think of all the noble blood we'll get to spill when we dismantle that pathetic excuse for a house!”

“Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I’d rather keep killing monsters than humans, Roq.”

“Oh, and I nearly forgot!” Johan said, hurrying to the kitchen before returning with a heaping plate of steaming pie, and a deep bowl of milk. The entire table went silent as he set it down, all eyes turning to me.

With a heavy sigh, I placed Roq on the table.

“Finally! Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for this? The anticipation has been killing me! Though not literally, of course, as I am an indestructible weapon of supreme power and mass destruction!”

“Just... try to be dignified about it?”

I dumped the pie onto his head and placed him into the bowl of milk.

“Yessss!” Roq said. “The CONSISTENCY! It is like the brain of a Titanfang, Ash! Stick a finger in it and feel! No, wait. Order yourself your own piece, pie stealer! This is MY pie! Though next time, perhaps we could work on the presentation? A little more ceremony wouldn't hurt. Maybe some dramatic flames? A drum roll? No? Fine, be that way. But at least appreciate how the berry juice brings out my natural luster!”

I sighed, unable to meet the gaze of my party as I shook my head in embarrassment.

The things I did for my soul weapon's happiness.

  *

My feet dangled over the edge of the keep's scaffolding, the rough wooden planks creaking beneath me as I shifted. The moon cast long shadows across Dawnwatch below, its silver light catching on the slowly filling moat that encircled the outer walls. It'd take days, at least, but our town was growing and more people were streaming in every day. Adventurers, too.

The ale from the Timberline sat warm in my belly, just enough to take the edge off without dulling my senses. Up on the scaffolding, the wind cut. 

It was refreshing.

“You're in an unusually contemplative mood,” Roq said from his position beside me. “Though I suppose nearly dying does that to people. Not that we nearly died, of course. We were merely... temporarily inconvenienced.”

I snorted, watching the night shift adding water to the moat from huge barrels hauled by oxen. Large stakes were rammed into the ground and torches attached to them. They burned bright, lighting up the work area.

“We've got a lot to figure out,” I said quietly. “Arclight's corpse needs processing. Eryn needs her class gem. You need your breakthrough, and we need to get ready for whatever the hive mind throws at us next. Not to mention House Domitius.”

“Bah!” Roq scoffed. “Minor obstacles! We'll crush them all! Though,” His mental voice grew thoughtful. “I must admit, this inability to break through is frustrating. To be stuck at the precipice of greater power, and unable to advance is bothersome.” He paused for a moment and continued, screaming in my mind. “It's absolutely INFURIATING!”

“We'll figure it out.” I patted his handle absently. “Maybe Edwin will have some answers about soul weapons.”

“Perhaps. Though I still say we should just find something bigger to kill. That usually solves most problems. And speaking of problems to solve, what's in the box? And why did Eryn give it to you with such a secretive smile?”

I couldn't help but grin.

“Oh, this old thing?” I patted the cloth-wrapped package I'd been carrying since we left the tavern.

“Yes, that old thing! The one you've somehow managed to keep hidden from me! How did you do that, by the way? I've never even seen it before tonight.”

“I asked Eryn to help get it while you were in storage.” I picked up the package and set it next to Roq on the scaffolding. “It is a gift for you.”

“A gift? For me?”

“Want to see what's inside?”

“Of course I want to see what's inside! Stop being dramatic - that's MY job!”

Using the spike at the bottom of Roq's haft, I carefully unwrapped the cloth and lifted the lid. The moonlight caught on a rich dark red fabric inside.

“Ahh!” he squealed. “Is that—” Roq's mental voice went completely still. “No. It can't be. Is that what I think it is?”

“Depends.” I couldn't stop grinning as I revealed the luxurious satin pillow. “Is this what you’ve been asking for ever since we met?”

“It is! It’s BEAUTIFUL!” Roq cried out. “Look at that stitching! That shade of red! The way it catches the light! Like dried blood. Ash, oh Ash! It's... it's... PERFECT!”

I burst out laughing at his reaction. 

“You've earned it, you know? Between the dungeon and everything else — you've more than proven yourself a good friend above all.”

“I... I don't know what to say. Except that you should put it in storage immediately before something happens to it! And then store me right after so I can properly appreciate its magnificence!”

Still chuckling, I swiped the pillow into my spatial storage.

“There. Safe and sound.”

“Excellent! Now me! Quick, before something ruins this moment!”

“One moment. You know, with the amount of gems we earned today, I'll soon be able to start leveling again.”

I pulled up my soul chart, and grinned.

NAME: Ash Aldrich

CLASS: Hammerlord

LEVEL: 10 (4/11)

STRENGTH: 41

AGILITY: 22

VITALITY: 31 

MIND: 18

TOTAL STATS: 112

MANA: 45/45

ABILITIES:

1. NAME: Hammer Mastery

TYPE: Passive

DESCRIPTION: Hammers deal 15% increased damage. Other weapons deal 25% reduced damage.

2. NAME: Stagger

TYPE: Passive

DESCRIPTION: Hammers have a 10% chance to stagger targets on a successful hit, slowing their target's movement speed for 30 seconds and lower defense parameters by 10%. 

NOTE: Each stack reduces chance by 2%.

3. NAME: Smash

TYPE: Active / Attack

DESCRIPTION: Channel energy into your hammer, causing it to deal extra damage on hit. 

NOTE: Every activation costs 10 mana.

With the one mind and one strength I’d gained from the Shardfang hunt and battle with Arclight, the one mind, one vitality, and one strength from the dungeon run, and the five total stats from the Crackenmail, I’d gained nearly ten percent more power, especially with Roq boosting my strength.

“And when I start leveling…”

“What?”

That couldn't be right.

I blinked hard, wondering if the ale was affecting my vision more than I'd thought. But no — the numbers remained unchanged.

“Four out of eleven mind gems? How can I be four gems on the way to eleven already? I haven't consumed any.”

“What!” Roq's voice exploded in my mind. “THAT'S where the extra power went! You dirty, good for nothing, satin pillow giving, EXPERIENCE LEECHER! Come here, loot-stealer! Let me at you!”

The end of Riftside book 1

Thank you so much for your support of our writing (Cassius and myself)! We really appreciate it.

So tomorrow, we'll start posting book 2.
I'll keep the 7 chapters a week a bit longer, and then go to the planned 5 a week (Monday through Friday) so we have time to build up a bit of buffer, etc.