The table was silent. Madi was holding back tears and seemed ready to rush from the table.

Silas let out another short “Ha!”

“I apologize, I apologize,” Silas chuckled into his glass. “My Madeleine tries so hard to take on the duties of her future station, I sometimes go too far with my teasing.”

Madi looked panicky as he spoke but then calmed.

“So...that was a family joke,” Daniel guessed.

“Father does like to tease me about my future husband,” Madi murmured as she resumed eating.

“I’m sure you are a wonderful man, but Madeleine’s future husband must meet high requirements,” Silas said between bites.

Orrin and Daniel exchanged glances and relaxed. So he likes to play games. Orrin filed that away.

“But to the matter at hand. I would have offered much more, but if you are adamant that the price was fair, I will not push further,” Silas continued. “However, once you leave this table, no further succor or favor can be given for these deeds.”

“We are satisfied,” Daniel said immediately. Madi smiled softly at him.

“Good, then on to the matter of you saving my daughter’s life.”

Will this never end? Orrin threw in a look to Daniel.

Kill me please? Daniel eye rolled back.

Silas offered more gold but Orrin had another idea.

“Actually sir, we are new to Dey and wanted to try our hand at helping defeat a dungeon.”

Dungeon subjugation in Dey was regulated by the Houses. Knights were sent with select teams to destroy new ones. The only way to defeat a dungeon was going with one of these groups or finding one in the wild by chance.

“What level are you son?”

Not immediately shut down! There’s a chance, Orrin thought as he said, “Level three sir.”

Madi choked on a piece of carrot. “Three? That’s not possible! You...He...”

Silas frowned. “And you, Daniel?”

Daniel glanced up from his bread slathered in gravy, “Um...two?”

Madi sat still.

“Nobody under level ten goes into a dungeon boys,” Silas started. “But beyond that, how did two freshly classed kids, no offense intended, defeat a band of bandits that took out one of my knights?”

“Shock and awe?” Orrin mustered.

Silas stared at Orrin for a minute and then laughed. This was more than the single guffaw he’d displayed earlier. He pushed back from the table and bent in his chair.

“Hahaha. Sorry. That. Oh,” he tried. “Sometimes I forget that for all the bluster of classes and levels, even a farmer can take down a Hero.”

Weird idiom, Orrin thought.

“I suppose luck was a great part of it as well,” Silas continued. “I mean, you haven’t even reached your first stat increase yet. However did you do it? The full story now.”

Daniel and Orrin told them of spotting the bandits from a distance and sneaking up, Orrin’s distraction, the crossbow discharge into Sir Bennett, and Daniel’s judicious use of [Power Strike]. They glossed over Orrin’s healing of Brandt.

“So while he was hacking away, what were you doing Orrin? What kind of attacks do you have?”

Orrin tensed. “I had cast my spells already. I do have some small healing but mostly I focus on buff spells.”

Silas looked lost for the first time at dinner. “What is a ‘buff’ spell?”

“I increased Daniel’s Strength and Dexterity.”

“That’s not possible.” Silas frowned. “That is not a spell I’ve ever heard of.”

In for a penny, Orrin thought.

“I have them for all four main stats, Dex, Strength, Will, and Intelligence,” Orrin pulled his level one spells slots out of his status and held them up for Silas. “See?”

Silas read the spells and his eyes widened. “This...this would be expensive mana wise for one person. But you could charge good gold...very good gold to- what was the word, buff- a team before they went into a dungeon.”

He looked back at Orrin. “But do have you any attack spells? You must! Every parent teaches their child to get one first. These must have cost you...more ability points than you gain when you class.”

“I bought Will and Intelligence recently yes. But I have no actual attack spells,” Orrin explained. “Daniel and I classed together, so I haven’t really had the need for an attack spell.”

“But you can’t gain experience without an attack spell unless you are in melee and no offense young man, but you do not have the build of somebody who risks life and limb.”

“I’ll figure something out.” Orrin had spent most of the last three days reading more of the options in the Store. He had a general idea of what he needed to do. The problem was going to be gaining another level first.

“Dad, maybe Brandt and I could take them into the Pass,” Madi suggested. “Not too far, just the first quarter where stragglers might be.”

Silas did not look excited at the prospect of his daughter going out into danger again. Before he could deny her, Orrin added “Or if they weren’t available to come with us, maybe just access for Daniel and I?”

Access through the Western Wall required approval from a House or the Guild. The Guild only approved access for quests or silver rings, the next rank above Orrin and Daniel. Houses would send their own to train or those who paid enough.

Carrying around more gold sounds good in theory but I’d rather have favors, Orrin thought. Less risk of being mugged that way.

The room fell silent except the clink of silverware on plates as Silas considered.

“You understand that going beyond the wall has a one in ten death rate no matter the distance traveled?” Silas asked.

The little research they’d been able to do had turned up some statistics like that. The Leveler’s Guide had actually said one in three died.

“We plan on staying within sight of the wall,” Daniel offered their plan. “I will do most of the fighting and let Orrin get a solid blow in if we can. The more we can both level, the better chance we have helping defeat some of those dungeons around Dey.”

Silas grinned at Daniel’s ploy to appear noble. Helping defeat dungeons that the Houses had kept under control for generations was presumptuous.

But he doesn’t know Daniel’s a hero, Orrin reached for more meat.

“I can’t let Sir Bennett or Madeleine off the hook for their behavior,” Silas announced. “I also cannot afford to let their rescuers die in an attempt to gain experience.”

He clicked his tongue in thought. “I suppose I can spare a man to take you past the Wall. I’ll instruct him personally to stay back and only interfere if things look fatal. There are no guarantees though and you must be back before dusk. There have been rumors of darkness creatures roaming the Pass recently.”

Madi pursued her lips and shook her head as the chance to escape her punishment slipped away. Daniel grinned at Orrin. They’d gotten access and could gain levels.

“We would be fine going on our own sir,” Orrin tried. “There’s no need for you to waste your manpower on-“

“Nonsense, I can’t have you both dying so soon after arriving in Dey. The Guild would be at my neck for restitution if I let a new crop of adventurers go off alone.”

Orrin had seen the jaws of the trap set and tried to evade it. His man will no doubt report back every skill we use. He’s trying to spy on us. We would be fine going alone and that he knows we’re already at the Guild means the spying has already started.

“Now, enough talk. Which of you two know how to play Kala?”

Orrin silently thanked the shopkeep at Books, Books, Books! for recommending one of the children books. It had a small section of the popular pastimes and games of the world, including one section on Kala.

Seen usually as a game of chance, nobility and officers use Kala to improve resourcefulness and strategy in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Teaching your child to play Kala with the marbles only will be a great pastime, motor function activity, and counting game. Introduction of the strategy cards should be held until they are older. See my next book “Raising Teenagers to Excel in Class” for more.

The game looked at first glance like checkers, but with marbles resting in small depressions on each of the sixty-four squares. Either side started with eight marbles chosen from a black bag. They could be set up on any of the three lines closest to the player.

Different marble types were possible on the draw. White marbles moved forward or back one square and attacked diagonally like a pawn in chess. Black marbles moved diagonally one square but could only attack right in front. Green marbles could be placed once and never moved but had to be taken out before any opposing piece could move past it. The book had called it the Forest Line. The last type was red. It also could be placed only once but could ‘attack’ one time before being used and taken off the board.

The game ended when someone touched their own marble to the back line of the opponent or all an opponent's marbles were taken.

Already more advanced that basic checkers, Silas tried explaining the strategy cards as well.

“It’s surprising you don’t even know the basics,” he’d muttered while servants cleared the food and put an elaborate box with tiny drawers in front of him. He started unfolding lids and pulling drawers as the box expanded into a beautifully inlaid Kala set.

“There are ten different cards,” he explained as he shuffled them out. “Each allows an extra action on the player’s turn. We each receive an agreed amount, up to two before the game starts. Of course, you can also sacrifice a marble for another card.”

He began to lay the cards down face up on the table. “There are two of each type of card. Lightning strikes take out a green marble or forest line. Rains will negate the use of a red marble. There are also four change color cards, two red and two green. You can use a color change on a white marble only.”

He pulled out the last two cards. “These are special though.”

One card had a man standing on a hill clad in light with a sword raised above his head. The other was a creature of darkness slouched on a throne.

“The Demon Lord and the Hero,” Madi said as she watched over her father’s shoulder.

“The Demon Lord allows you to bring two extra black marbles to the table for three turns. You place them only on your back line. The Hero lets you bring one white marble to any spot on the on the first five lines.”

“But if both are played, both players lose all the summoned forces and half their remaining forces.”

“That sounds too complex for me,” Daniel whispered to Orrin.

Orrin cracked his knuckles and smiled.

After Orrin’s dad left, his mom worked more night shifts in order to keep the house running. Before Daniel’s family found out and began having him over, Orrin had had to learn to heat up whatever dinner was in the fridge and put himself to bed.

He was nine years old.

Of course, instead of following the schedule laid out by his mom, Orrin had stayed up watching TV, playing video games, and eating candy and cereal.

He fell asleep in school and his grades suffered. But every video game was completed to 100 percent. He searched every hidden room, found all the bugs that let a character off the regular map, and slowly learned how to complete all the puzzles.

His dad’s video game selection spanned decades. He played old text RPG games on the computer and more recent ones across a few different systems, more modern shooter games, and even some resource building strategy games.

In short, Orrin spent years perfecting multiple approaches and tactics for different situations. Kala should have been no harder than a side-game. Something he’d perfected.

He lost three games in a row.

“That last attempt was clever,” Silas praised. “What you attempted with your Demon card was called the Hero’s Lament, but you placed one of the summoned forces on a different line. If you had put them together like this,” Silas arranged the marbles back on the board. “You would have blocked my attacks for several rounds.”

Orrin sighed and shook his head.

“Don’t be discouraged. That was quite good for your age.” Silas smiled. “But it is getting late and I should not keep you much later.

Daniel and Madi sat on a couch chatting, as they had played round after round. They approached when Silas beckoned.

“Dear, would you escort these gentlemen out? And see about Sir DeGuis taking them out tomorrow or the day after?” Silas put pieces back in bags and closed up the board box.

“Of course, Father,” Madi bowed her head. Silas nodded again at the boys and left.

Madi made introductions to Sir DeGuis on the way out. A constant smile stretched his sparse beard and his eyes glittered with mischief. He shook their hands while asking what time they could meet. The following day he was busy with other assignments and they decided to meet the day after at first bell, around eight in the morning.

As they walked back to the Guild, Daniel talked about the food and how polite Silas was, “It’s like he wanted to pay us and stay out of debt.”

“Mmhmm.”

“And Madi was telling me about the other Houses. Before the last duty change, another House gave a year of tax exemption to all their barons, which isn’t actually legal. That’s why she was out collecting but now her Father is mad she did it.”

“Mmm,” Orrin put his hand on the small knife he’d taken to wearing on his hip.

“-when we go out with Sir DeGuis. Madi said his name is Jude and he’s a devil with his warhammer. What are you doing?”

Orrin had drawn his knife.

“Two little lambs come out to play?” three men strode from the dark alley in front of them.

Orrin began pumping boosts on himself and Daniel. Daniel had left his sword at home but had a knife in one hand. Orrin hadn’t even noticed him wearing one.

“We’re Guild members on our way back for the night,” Daniel explained. “You don’t want to get in our way.”

“But somebody told us you have lots of gold to share,” a second man snickered. All three had swords naked in the night. They were dressed in ratty leather armor and stank of stale beer.

“There’s another behind us, maybe two,” Orrin whispered to Daniel. He nodded.

I really need to get some an attack spell. Orrin kicked himself. Tomorrow I’ll check for a spellbook.

“If you just want gold, maybe we can all go get some food?” Daniel tried.

“We’ll be eating well enough later,” the man with the two handed sword said. He was the leader.

Orrin used [Identify]. The men were all under level 10 but not by much. The leader sat at level 9. All had basic fighter classes. He peered behind him but couldn’t catch a glimpse of the following men he’d been concentrating on as Daniel talked earlier.

“Have it your way then,” Daniel squatted and held his knifepoint out towards the muggers. The three men spread and advanced.

Daniel didn’t wait. With a step, he appeared in front of the leader. Shock hit his face as the knife pushed into his neck and withdrew in a spray of blood. His sword dropped as he put his hands on his neck and fell to his knees.

The man on the left yelled and swung at Daniel. The sword swept across his back and opened a cut across his shoulder, but Orrin had already cast a heal on him.

Daniel swept up the dying man’s sword and with a turn of his heel cut the man’s leg. They exchanged blows as the third man circled and approached Orrin.

Shit, Shit, Shit. Orrin could try to use [Blood Mana] but he’d promised not to use that. It’s life or death though. Sorry Madi.

He cast [Blood Mana] and tried to target the man.

Nothing happened.

It must be touch only, fuck! he thought as the man swung his sword.

The blood on the cobblestones saved him from the first strike. The man had overextended and slipped a little. Orrin scrambled back and threw his knife.

It missed.

“D. A little help!”

Daniel was still fighting the second man. They both had cuts but Orrin had been spamming heals as fast as he could. Another minute or two and Daniel would outlast the man.

Orrin didn’t have a minute though. He pulled another knife out of his [Dimension Hole].

His foot turned on a loose cobblestone and he fell on his butt. The knife handle hit the stone and vibrated out of his hand.

The mugger smiled and raised his sword to strike.

As the sword flowed through the moonlight, Orrin realized he was going to die. He had no spells that would help him here. He tried [Camouflage].

The sword struck his chest. His dress clothes were torn apart as the pain hit.

Damage taken!

HP 54/90

Orrin screamed as 36 points evaporated. His chest was on fire and blood filled the cracks of the street.

The man took his sword and pushed it through his stomach, “Shitty little asshole. Killed Kent. Now I’m gonna gut your friend too.” He twisted.

Damage taken!

HP 4/90

The man pulled his sword and turned his back, walking towards Daniel’s back. His opponent had used some ability and was still standing despite the multiple bleedings wounds.

HP 3/90

Orrin was bleeding out but his mind stayed calm and processing, This must be [Mind Bastion] at work. I think it just turned off my pain processers. Most people would be taken out by the pain alone!

Orrin quietly cast three heals. His wounds closed but he could still feel the pain beyond the wall of Bastion. His movements felt sluggish even at full health.

Camo was still active and his knife was a few feet away. Daniel was being backed into a corner, defending himself and screaming “Orrin! You killed him!”

I guess [Camouflage] works on the hero too. Orrin picked up his knife and crawled through the bloody street. He pushed himself up to one knee and vomited.

Daniel took two hits as his back hit a wall. He swung wildly.

“Just put the sword down and give us your gold. We won’t kill you, will we Jay?” the man chuckled as his friend circled.

Orrin got behind the man who’d stabbed him and put his blade to the man’s throat, “That’s enough.”

Orrin had meant to scare the man and make them leave. But as the man felt the cold blade touch his neck, he jerked hard to the side, letting the knife cut into his carotid artery. Blood sprayed as he tried to staunch the flow.

Daniel took the distraction and pressed the attack. As the man watched his friend fountain his life from an unseen attacker, Daniel slipped under his sword and buried the blade in his chest. A turn of the wrist and the man coughed hard before falling forward. His weight pulled the big sword from Daniel’s grip.

“Orrin! You’re alive? I saw him put a sword in you!” Daniel let the body fall and ran to his friend, pulling his torn jacket open to check. Faint scars were still fading on his stomach and chest.

“He didn’t finish me,” Orrin was staring at the unmoving body of the man he’d just killed.

During the bandit attack, Daniel had done the hard work. Daniel had not been shaken at the killing. Orrin turned and threw up again.

“I killed him, D” Orrin wiped his mouth and re-sheathed his knife. “I didn’t mean to. He should have stopped and just left. Why...” he trailed off.

Daniel had Orrin take their gear out of his [Dimension Hole] and pulled his leathers on over his blood-soaked dress clothes. Strapping his sword on his back, Daniel half carried Orrin back to the Guild.

The other two muggers never showed, Orrin thought in a daze as Daniel explained the blood to the receptionist. Guards were sent to retrieve bodies and look for any witnesses. Why would they watch their friends be cut down and not take us out?

Daniel got a dazed Orrin cleaned up with a wet rag and into some new clothes. As he dropped Orrin into his bed, Orrin noticed the few cuts still seeping on his friend.

[Heal Small Wounds]

“Ahh. That feels better. Thanks, O. I guess that means you’re coherent again?” Daniel sat on the side of the bed.

“Was I really that out of it?”

“You didn’t respond even when I slapped you.” Daniel’s face was etched in worry.

“Sorry,” Orrin whispered.

Daniel sat looking down at his friend. He stood up and went to the window of their new room, peering out from behind the curtain. “After I killed those men... after the bandit attack, I didn’t sleep for two days.”

Orrin shifted and sat with his back to the wall. “I didn’t know that.”

“I tried thinking why I had been so ok with killing those men and realized I was acting like this was all a dream or video game and not real life,” Daniel continued.

“But it is real now.” Daniel turned and waited until Orrin looked at him. “This is our life now, Orrin. You saved my life tonight. Again. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”

Orrin watched as tears appeared on Daniel’s face. He turned and angrily wiped them away.

“Why do you think the other one never attacked?” Daniel asked.

Orrin pondered. He’d heard someone approaching from behind but the footsteps had never joined in the attack. Maybe not a mugger then, but not a friend.

“I don’t know, but I don’t think they were part of that gang,” Orrin offered.

“Yeah, that was my thought too. Maybe one of Lord Catanzano’s men? Sent to watch over us?”

Orrin sat for a long moment before laying back down and pulling the sheet over his shoulders, “If it was and they didn’t try to help, that’s just one more reason not to trust the Houses. We need to level. I need to level and get something more offensive. I can’t believe I didn’t drop the knife.”

“Yeah, me too,” Daniel forced a laugh. “Goodnight Orrin.”

“Night.”

Orrin dreamt of blood flowing in the street.