Riftside - Chapter 50

The heavy guild doors swung shut behind me with a solid thud, cutting off the chatter. I drew a deep breath of the crisp evening air, trying to process everything that had happened, fingers brushing against the scaled armor Harold had insisted I change into before leaving. It fit perfectly.

“Can we PLEASE go hit something now?” Roq whined. I'd swiped him out of storage after receiving the armor. “All that talking made my head hurt. Which is impressive since I don't technically have a head. Unless you count my striking surface. Do you count that as a head? I've been meaning to ask.”

“We need to think about what Harold and Edwin told us. About the Twisted Titan.” 

I started walking toward the Timberline where I'd meet my family and friends, weaving between the evening crowd of workers heading home.

“Ah yes! The part about smashing our way to glory and shutting down monster production! Now THAT was worth listening to.” Roq's voice took on an eager edge. “Though I still say we should have asked more about that hive mind business. Edwin might know something.”

“And we'll press him on it once I know it won't get my head popped open to check for monsters.” 

I turned onto the road that would take me past home and towards Johan's tavern. 

“At least now we know our specific goal with the dungeon run. If shutting down the breeding chamber will give us an entire month with a much weaker monster presence, everyone could work on, well, recovering from their wounds and getting stronger. Maybe the resources sitting in the town’s storages could fund an entire second layer for Sentinel Station, or—”

“IF we can find the chamber,” Roq said. “Not that I mind fighting blindly up ten or even fifty levels in the dungeon, mind you.”

“True. But if every dungeon so far has had one, it sounds like a good bet. Even if we don't reach it tomorrow, just knowing it exists…” I trailed off, stepping around a group of children playing with wooden swords, and I waved at Karl who was making swishing noises with his mouth.

“Changes how we approach the whole thing,” Roq finished. “Instead of just trying to survive and gather materials, we have a real objective. Though I still say we should focus on finding out if anything is controlling the monsters. That Arclight recognized me, Ash. Called me by my full name.”

I nodded, earning an odd look from a passing merchant.

“I know. But Harold and Edwin made it clear — first priority is getting strong enough to handle these dungeon runs routinely. Once we can shut down breeding chambers regularly, it will allow us to start exploring further from the rift.”

“I still think there must be a way to shut down the dungeons permanently. Like smashing it really hard!”

“Don't you think someone would have found a way by now?”

We passed home, the doors were locked up and lights out. Pa and Ma must be waiting at the inn.

“Nothing has been made which I cannot break.”

I chuckled.

“Let's see. It does feel like they know more than they are telling us. But I get it. I've not even been an adventurer for a day. How many of the classed have the nobles and kings been able to lure away with promises of easier gold and cheap power?”

“Politics,” Roq spat the word like it was poisonous. “Always getting in the way of proper violence. Though I did enjoy Harold's expression when you showed them Arclight. Speaking of which, shouldn't you be consuming our bounty? It's enough to get you nearly to twelve. You'll get a new skill!”

“We first get Eryn her breakthrough, you know that.”

“You're too soft,” Roq grumbled. “Next you'll be giving gems to random children on the street.”

“Like you don't enjoy fighting alongside her. Besides, we need strong allies for tomorrow and the days after. Don't mistake the 'safe' position we are getting as if we get to sit out the fights. You weren't there last time, Roq. Or well… I guess you were, but you know. Just keep in mind The Twisted Titan is more dangerous than anything we've faced together.”

“Good! The stronger the monsters, the more satisfying the crunch! Though,” he said, his tone growing thoughtful. “I don't like what Edwin said about them growing faster. We have to make sure we don't fall behind. Imagine the loss of structural integrity if my wielder is slain by some trumped-up Scuttler or Shardfang. I'm not sure I could show my striking surfaces outside again.

“So, you need to focus tomorrow. It's the best chance we'll have of growing your strength and getting mind gems, plus valuable materials for Pa and your… side quest.”

“I'm arrow focused! With more levels I'll gain more abilities! Which speaking of, you haven't complimented my transformation yet. And there I thought we were friends.”

I shook my head and chuckled.

“Transformation? Is that what we're calling it?” I grinned, remembering Knut's face when Roq had shifted forms. “Though maybe warn me next time before sprouting crystal blades and extra legs?”

“I didn't exactly know I could do that,” Roq said. “It just happened. Like instinct. Though I must say, having actual legs was quite exhilarating. Even if they were temporary.”

The Timberline's painted sign came into view.

“Can you do it again, or was it because of the lightning attack from Arclight?”

“I will be able to. Though I don't know when. There is a stress in my metal currently. Makes me feel as if I transform again too soon that it might hurt me. Badly.”

“Then listen to that feeling. I don't want you damaged. But tell me when it leaves. I'll pick up another hammer—”

“YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THING! I AM THE ONLY HAMMER WORTHY OF BEING WIELDED BY YOU! THE HAMMERLORD DOES NOT SOIL HIS GRIP WITH LESSER WEAPONS!”

“But—”

“NO IFS, NO BUTS, NO HAMMERS OR I’LL GO NUTS! GET A SPEAR OR A MACE OR A SWORD OR EVEN A HEAVY STONE, BUT I REFUSE TO SHARE MY WIELDER WITH ANOTHER HAMMER!”

“My skills won't work, thanks to you. It might put our family in danger.”

He remained quiet for a long moment, then grumbled in my mind. 

“You shouldn't waste your mana on lesser weapons anyway. When I transform, you save your mana for me. Any skill you use will shorten my time out there.”

“But—”

“Please.”

I stopped dead by the inn's staircase.

“Don't make me beg.”

“Well…”

“What would Eryn feel if you courted another girl?”

“That is completely different! You and I are not courting, Roq. You are my friend and weapon. And its okay to have other friends. And weapons.”

“Fine. But you don't have two Knuts, do you?”

“No, but—”

“Then we are in agreement.”

I sighed.

“Let me see what I can find, and we'll take it from there, yeah?”

“Agreed. Now let's go make sure our new team is ready for tomorrow.”

I headed up the Timberline’s stairs.

“Ah yes, our glorious band of misfits!” Roq said. “A coward ice mage, a mercenary with trust issues, and two rangers who disappear at first sign of trouble into shadows. What could possibly go wrong?”

“Don't forget the scavengers we're bringing along.”

“Oh yes, our ACTUAL reliable allies. Now, shall we go explain to our friends how we're leading them into the most dangerous dungeon run of their lives? I suggest starting with the good news about the bounty gems.”

“And ending with...?”

“The part where we might all die horribly? Though personally, I vote we save that for dessert. Speaking of which, let's get some apple pie before breaking the news. Everything sounds better with pie.”

I shook my head, unable to hold back a smile as I put my hand on the tavern door.

“You can't even eat pie.”

“No, but I can appreciate its tactical value in difficult conversations. Also, the way it splatters when someone spits it out in shock is highly entertaining. Besides, maybe you could… place a piece on me? Or put me in the pie?”

“Sometimes I worry about you, Roq.”

“Only sometimes? I must be losing my touch.” His laughter echoed in my mind as I pushed the door open. “Now, let's go tell our friends about our wonderful new leadership position. And remember — pie first, potential doom second!”

The Timberline's door swung open before me, and the usual tavern chatter died instantly. Several dozen of faces turned my way and I self consciously ran a hand down my new armor as, for a heartbeat, silence reigned.

“What are they all staring at? Got pie on your face?”

Then Johan's voice boomed across the room.

“Hip-hip, hurray! For Adventurer Aldrich! The fastest recorded run from scavenger to classed adventurer!”

The tavern erupted in cheers and applause, stomping feet filled the air as people leaped from their seats, and my face burned as they started chanting my name, the sound thunderous in the packed space.

“Now this is the kind of welcome a warrior of our caliber deserves!” Roq said proudly. “Though they could stand to be a bit louder. And perhaps throw some flowers. Or weapons!”

Johan reached me first, pressing a foaming tankard into my hand. His broad face split in a grin that threatened to swallow his ears.

“Look at you! A proper champion of humanity if I ever saw one!”

“Good to see you too, Johan,” I laughed, clasping his shoulder.

Alex pushed through the crowd next, arms spread wide.

“There's our newest adventurer! And wearing armor fit for a king, no less!”

One by one they came. Finn grabbed me in a crushing hug that would have once made my ribs creak. Nina punched my shoulder hard enough to split the skin across her knuckles, talking of how she loved making Alex heal different parts of her. Garret's usual stoic expression cracked into a genuine smile as he clasped my hand.

“Record time,” he rumbled.

Isaac's booming laugh preceded him.

“Ha! Edwin said you'd do it, but I didn't think you'd manage so quickly! Color me impressed.”

Dr. Ridley's crisp voice cut through the ruckus, too.

“Congratulations, Adventurer Aldrich. I trust you'll protect your companions better now going forward, yes?” Her stern look softened with a wink.

Rasek, the scavenger who had led one of the other parties in our first dungeon run, merely nodded, but coming from him that was practically a declaration of undying brotherhood. Rowan, Edwin's melee damage dealer, slipped through the crowd to touch my arm briefly, his quiet “well done” barely audible above the continuing cheers.

“Fascinating how they swarm around us now,” Roq observed. “Like moths to a flame. Or perhaps more accurately, like survivors clustering around the strongest warrior. Smart of them, really.”

Ma and Pa pushed through next, Ma's eyes suspiciously shiny as she pulled me into a fierce hug.

“My boy,” she whispered. “My brave, foolish boy.”

Pa limped over and just gripped my shoulder, but his eyes said everything his voice couldn't.

Victor appeared with another tankard, replacing my empty one. 

“A toast!” he called out, his differently-colored eyebrows dancing.

“To Dawnwatch's newest defender!”

Walt's parade-ground voice boomed from somewhere near the back.

“To Ash!”

Everyone joined in and the Timberline boomed, even dust fell from the rafters.

Through the press of bodies, I caught sight of Eryn standing frozen near the bar. Her eyes were wide as she took in the armor, jaw slightly slack. When our gazes met, she pushed through the crowd until she reached me.

“What... what happened at the guild?” she breathed, one hand reaching out to touch the scaled surface before pulling back.

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. “Oh, you know. Adventurer secrets. You understand, I am sure.”

She slapped my chest plate, the sound lost in the general chaos.

“Don't you dare!”

I laughed, catching her hand.

“Let me sit down first and I'll tell you everything.”

A mountain of muscle shouldered through the crowd – Knut, his beard split in a fierce grin. He held up one massive arm.

I clasped his hand, palms slapping against one another, as he gripped mine. Neither of us spoke as we squeezed, muscles straining, faces growing red with effort. The crowd around us started calling out encouragement, taking bets on who would yield first.

Finally, we both released at the same time, laughing as we crashed together in a bear hug that drove the breath from my lungs.

“Ah yes, the ritual display of masculine dominance,” Roq commented dryly. “Though I suppose he has earned the right to try matching our strength. Even if he failed.”

Knut stepped back, running an appreciative eye over my armor. 

“Proper battle gear! Though,” He squinted at the shoulder spikes. “You try copy my style?”

I shook my head, grinning.

“Actually, it's Harold’s old adventuring armor. He gave it to me as a joining gift. It’s his way of… apologising, while also encouraging.”

“What?” Knut's eyes widened. “Guild Master forked out treasure? Unbelievable! What are stats?”

I focused on my soul chart, calling up the armor's information.

Name: Crackenmail

Type: Upper Body Armor

Rarity: Rare

+3 Strength

+2 Vitality

I told Knut, and he whistled.

“Ha!” Knut slapped my shoulder, making the scales ring. “Perfect for lord with hammer! Nearly good like mine! Proper warrior look!”

Knut's hand came down on my shoulder, guiding me through the crowd.

“Nearly, huh?”

“Yes! Maybe similar. Come! We have our table. By wall. Perfect for new adventurer, yes?”

I let him guide me toward our usual corner, though I didn't make it two feet without someone clapping me on the shoulder, where Nina, Garret, and Finn waited. Eryn fell into step beside me, still eyeing the armor like she couldn't quite believe it.

“Ah yes, our allies,” Roq said. “Though I notice the beer hasn't stopped flowing. Perhaps we should get that pie now, before delivering the news?”

Nina bounced in her seat as we approached.

“Look at you! All fancy in your new gear!”

Finn grinned, raising his tankard.

“Proper adventurer now. Though I bet you still can't outdrink me.”

“Later,” I said, sliding onto the bench. “First, we need to talk about tomorrow's run.”

“What run?” Nina asked.

I took a deep breath.

“I've been made party leader for a full adventurer team going into the Twisted Titan.”

Silence fell over our corner. Even Nina stopped fidgeting.

“And?” Eryn prompted smiling. She knew what was coming.

“And I want the best damn scavengers there to protect our backs.”

Nina's squeal nearly deafened me.

“Us? You mean…” she asked.

I nodded.

“All of you. If you want in.”

“By the monster’s rift rotted balls, yes!” Finn slammed his tankard down.

“And Eryn, what do you think of investing a mind gem in Enar and he can join as the fifth?”

She nodded.

“Good idea. We'll have him pay us back with the second he finds.”

The first gem for each scavenger was special. Holy. Not to be traded, but to be consumed. 

She waved over someone from the guard and asked them to go find Enar in exchange for a refill of their mug.

“Hold on,” Garret said after the guard agreed and left. “Who're the adventurers?”

I shifted uncomfortably.

“Well, Knut here for one.”

“Of course!” Nina beamed at the big man. “We've heard how well you work together.”

“And the others?” Garret pressed.

Before I could answer, a chill swept through our corner. Benedict's voice cut through the tavern noise like ice.

“Well, well. If it isn't our newest leader.”

The mage stood flanked by Wade and Raven, his perfect clothes a stark contrast to their weathered gear. Wade's fingers drummed on a crossbow while Raven's hood shadowed his face.

“Benedict,” I acknowledged, keeping my voice neutral.

He smiled, all teeth.

“I suppose congratulations are in order. Though we all know why they really put you in charge, don't we?”

“Do tell,” I said flatly.

Benedict spread his hands.

“Come now, no need for pretense. You're just a convenient figurehead to save face after that unfortunate business with the tribunal. They needed someone expendable to technically lead my team.” His smile widened. “Don't worry, we'll make sure you don't get in over your head.”

“Can we hit him?” Roq asked hopefully. “Just a little tap. Nothing fatal. Probably. A love tap that will show just how much I love him.”

“Your team?” I raised an eyebrow. “Funny, Harold and Edwin seemed pretty clear on whose team it was.”

“Please.” Benedict waved a hand dismissively. “You're level ten. Barely classed. You need us to have any hope of surviving tomorrow. So let's drop this charade and—”

“Actually,” I cut in, “I need capable fighters who can follow orders. Whether that's you.” I shrugged. “That's up for debate.”

Benedict's face darkened.

“You arrogant little—”

“Tell you what,” I said. “Two first picks of monster carcasses. That's my offer.”

“Every first pick,” Benedict countered immediately.

“Like hells,” Knut growled. “I rather go with Ash alone than work with pork ball.”

Benedict's hand tightened on his staff.

“Watch your tone, oaf.”

“Both of you, stop,” I said. “Benedict, I get it. You're trying to save face. Fine. But this posturing helps no one. Either work with me, or get lost.”

“You don't know what you—”

I held up a hand.

“We both want the same thing — a successful run tomorrow. So stop being an asshole and start cooperating.”

Benedict opened his mouth to retort when a new, cheerful voice cut through the tension.

“I hear you're putting together a team.”

We all turned to see a tall woman with bronzed skin wearing deep red mage robes approaching our table. The satin fabric shimmered, and faint heatwaves rose from her collar. Three glowing threads, the color of molten gold, were woven into her dark hair.

“Look at that fabric! I must have some! Have her give it to me, now!”

“Quiet.”

“Who in the rift are you?” Benedict demanded.

She ignored him completely, nodding to Eryn, then focusing on me.

“Nabeeh Sayani. Level fifteen fire mage. I'll take the standard cut.” Dark eyes, framed by thick lashes, narrowed as she smiled. “I heard about your quest with Arclight and I want in on tomorrow’s run.”

Benedict sputtered.

“Now see here—”

“What's your combat experience?” I asked, speaking over him.

“In Azbara, scavengers hunt riftside alongside adventurers, so I have more experience than my five levels after breakthrough would say. I've got five spells to play with, from fireballs to the face and fire traps to…” she glanced around the table and settled on Roq, “setting weapons on fire for elemental damage. I promise, my presence will make itself felt.”

“I understand now,” Roq said.

“What?”

“Why you hold hands with Eryn. I think I’m in love. Have her set me on fire. Now. Please. Then have me greet Benedict warmly.”

I chuckled. 

Nabeeh smirked. 

“A sense of humour? I like that,” she said.

Knut leaned forward, arms crossed. 

“Your fire—how good against armored monster?”

“Depends on the armor. If it breathes, it burns. If it's thick enough to block a strike, I'll cook them from the inside.” She tilted her head. “Though, if it's an ice mage standing in my way, they might as well start writing their will.”

Benedict's face looked as if it was about to turn purple.

“And healing?” Eryn asked. “Do you need constant support or can you manage yourself?”

“I always bring potions and know better than to get hit. Can't guarantee it, as it depends on the tank, but I won't be a burden. Can promise that much. Worst case, I keep them busy while you run. I definitely won’t sacrifice the party to save my own skin.” 

She glanced at Benedict.

I studied her for a moment. Fire mages tended to be reckless, but she couldn’t be worse than Benedict. And having her along would shift the power balance in my favour, with Knut and her not beholden to Benedict, which I appreciated.

“Welcome aboard,” I said.

“Thank you.” She turned slightly, fixing Benedict and his rangers with an expectant stare.

Benedict’s jaw worked for a moment before he started yelling. 

“You owe me for saving your smithy!”

Ah. There it is.

“Three first picks,” he continued. “That's my price.”

I met his gaze steadily.

“Fine. And you swear to follow my orders in the Twisted Titan. On your life.”

“Now wait, I never said anything about—” Benedict started.

“Swear it, or find another raid party.”

Benedict's eyes darted around the table, finding no allies there, and with another slot filled up, he wouldn’t have the backup he had assumed.

“Fine,” he ground out. “For this one hunt, I'll follow your lead.” His lips curled. “Try not to screw it up.”

He spun on his heel and stalked away, leaving Wade and Raven shifting awkwardly.

“So,” Wade cleared his throat. “What about us?”

Eryn spoke up.

“What's your preferred range?”

“Forty yards, give or take,” Wade said.

“Sixty,” Raven muttered.

She nodded thoughtfully.

“And in enclosed spaces?”

“I can manage,” Wade said quickly.

Raven just shrugged.

I caught Eryn's eye. She gave a slight nod toward Wade.

“Wade,” I said. “You're in. Raven, maybe next time.”

The hooded man's shoulders tensed, but he left without argument, while Wade relaxed visibly.

“Garret,” I said. “Find Benedict and bring him back. We need to discuss priorities and obligations for tomorrow.”

As Garret rose, I caught sight of Johan approaching with a tray of drinks and — yes — apple pie.

“Finally!” Roq crowed. “Now we can get down to proper planning. Though I still say we should have hit Benedict. Just to show him who’s the boss.”

After going through our tactics for the morrow, the night stretched long, ale flowing freely as more and more people crowded into the Timberline. 

I sat with a quiet smile, feeling the pleasant weight of my new armor, the warmth of the crowd, and Eryn's presence beside me. Roq sat on the table with a small piece of apple pie on his head, occasionally offering sardonic commentary only I could hear. Looking around at the faces of my friends, seeing the pride and joy there, I couldn't help but smile.

For this moment at least, it felt damn good to be alive.