* * * EARTH – DUNGEON EXCHANGE * * *

Blue Lagoon: Oscar good news. It’s been fixed, you’re the official guardian of Clay an’ Viv. On the other front, everything is in hand on Tarifax.

Oscar’s Mine: Thanks Mary. You sure we can get the other me out of that market safely?

Blue Lagoon: Neat name Oscar, congrats. Can’t be hundred per cent sure but... Yeah, I’m sure we will succeed.

Blackrock (cmp): I understand you are supplying Oscar with the inter world portal Mary. Can you do that for us? It would make life easier.

Falstaff Middle School: Thanks for hanging Galbraith out to dry Mary. Any progress finding me a teacher for Magic?

Goblin Town: That’s asking a lot Sarge... And it would only create other problems.

Blue Lagoon: Got to get an amulet to both ends. You got any idea where on Ambuila your core’s other self is lurkin’?

Blackrock (cmp): Not really. Grasslands and low hills, small lake at foot of some falls with another dungeon. A small river and a tribe of semi nomadic goat herders, could be almost anywhere near the equator.

Alligator Haven: Take a star sight. *chortle*

Blue Lagoon: That might actually work Gator.

Alligator Haven: Huh!

Blue Lagoon: I’ll send a cat lady I know, to speak to you ’bout that Snakey.

* * * TARIFAX – GREY * * *

In the morning, directly after breakfast, Grey and Mesca left the Pig in a Poke and made their way to the main commercial airship port of the town. Once there they confirmed their suppositions regarding Casar Vitara.

On returning to their inn, Grey learned that there would be another eleven people going to Casar Vitara with them. Sighing in resignation, Grey returned to the airship port to obtain the relevant tickets.

When he got back after his second visit to the airship port, Grey met the new members of their party. He looked over what was obviously a raid group. Grey was not impressed; they were all warriors of various types, no healer and no mages. And the warrior types were not particular high levelled.

At least their leader, a captain Benedek was willing to ask for advice and open to suggestions. Unfortunately, his orders did not allow him to recruit additional personnel. That meant that Mesca would be their only mage, and worse, Silk would be the party’s healer. And Grey still didn’t trust the cat.

They boarded the Star of the East, a mid sized passenger airship, early on the following day. It left Conimbriga shortly before noon. To Grey’s surprise it immediately made for the coast.

Grey located the Purser, and asked, “Excuse me, but why are we heading for the coast? I thought Novarmagus was to the north?”

Purser II looked up at the big troll, scratched his neck under his silver collar, and replied; “That is true sir. However, ever since the drow and sea elves of Blue Lagoon have been patrolling the ocean, the air pirates have relocated. It’s safer for us to overfly the ocean. And then too, the air has been better over the ocean recently. Better visibility.”

“But, isn’t the trip much longer this way, what about coal and supplies?” asked a startled Grey.

“We no longer have to pay insurance to half a dozen independent cooperatives. Things are cheaper this way, as the cost of your passage should have shown you.”

Grey rubbed his horn in frustration; things were changing too fast for him, and his goddess was not that fond of change. Then he blurted, “You mean they aren’t charging taxes for clearing out the pirates?”

Purser II grinned, “No taxes, no protection money. It’s a holy war, their goddess hates Blackbeard.”

* * *

The next day they were flying over the ocean, the sky was hazy, but the sun was visible. The deck of the Star of the East was crowded with passengers, and crew, enjoying the unusual sensation. That was when a pair of small, absurdly fast and noisy flyers approached to inspect them.

Grey noted that captain Benedek stiffened when he used his binoculars to inspect them. Grey overheard him inform Claude that the flyers, that he called strike fighters, were armed with AIM-120s.

The Star of the East dipped its ensign to them, and shortly after turned towards the shore. Grey and Benedek noted that the two flyers shot past them and headed inland, to loud cheers from the crew.

Once over land, the Star of the East soon encountered the ever present yellow fog. They were passed by the two flyers on their way back to the sea. Benedek cursed softly. He turned to Claude, “They’ve used a missile since they passed us last.”

And sure enough when they were about half an hour from Novarmagus they passed over scattered wreckage and a small fire. The Star of the East circled the wreckage twice before resuming its way. It looked like all that was left of a flyer, from the scattered guns and the number of dead, the crew of the Star of the East was sure it had been a pirate. One that had been waiting for them.

Once they docked in the airship port in Novarmagus Grey hustled the whole party across to where their connection was finishing loading.

The Empire Flag II was a cargo hauler that catered for passengers. Their cabins were smaller and far less comfortably furnished. Captain Driistor was very interested to hear of the downing of the supposed pirate. He hurried his crew along and they were soon retracing their way to the sea.

* * *

Grey was glad when they arrived at Casar Vitara with no further incident. They were met by one of Blue Lagoon’s agents, a huge were named Iluak whose human form was heavily built and over two meters tall. He also sported a bushy walrus moustache. With him was a tiny woman cuddling a racoon.

Iluak ignored him and instead dealt directly with Benedek. The first thing he did was hand the captain a crystal amulet with the words: “Someone needs to invoke this in the dungeon’s domain so that the portal can be established.”

Benedek looked round cautiously as he accepted the small crystal knick-knack. “Anything else I should know?”

“Make sure the other amulet is in Oscar’s domain on Earth,” said Iluak. “The Oscar on this world is in charge of the Covered Market. It’s the town’s principal market. The owner rents space, stalls and shops. The town’s main slave mart is located in the market’s east quadrant. I believe that its presence is mandated by the town council. I have heard the market’s owner is not happy at having to host the slave sellers.

“Not because Rupinius Baltor objects to slavery, but because of security concerns, and because his rent is regulated by the council. He could make more if he was free to rent the space to whomever he wished.”

“Do you believe this guy would sell us the market and Oscar? Or just Oscar?” asked Claude.

“Maybe, but it would be ruinously expensive. And the moment you freed Oscar the alarm would sound. You must understand that the locals are rightfully terrified of a free dungeon,” explained Iluak.

“So, what do you suggest we do?” asked a visibly frustrated captain Benedek.

“Mother suggested capturing Oscar’s core, in conjunction with Earth’s Oscar freeing his other self and liberating this companion. Then getting out of town and finding a cave somewhere along the shore to set up Oscar’s new dungeon, and giving you lot a free hand to set up a fortified bridgehead.”

Grey watched this with growing annoyance; he was becoming irritated at being ignored, seeing as he was, nominally at least, in charge of the raid.

* * *

The next few days were spent exploring the town and market. Iluak and Sandaara left town by the heavily fortified northern gate. With them went two of Benedek’s men. They returned a week later with several maps.

The coast to the north was rocky and lined with cliffs. Iluak had located several caves that looked promising. Some tidal, some not.

Slowly the plan came together, Benedek and Claude spent a great deal of time on their phones, especially when Iluak produced a tablet and introduced them to the orbital views available. Benedek and Claude were somewhat frustrated that they weren’t as good as the views available on Earth but they were soon lost in their planning.

Then it was time, Grey watched as Iluak and his team headed north again, their mission to see to securing the bridge, should that become necessary. Ax and Silk would be carrying Oscar’s core, he had a silk bag to grant the Core as much insulation as possible. As for himself and the remainder of his team they were remaining near to the entrance of the market to ensure the rest a secure withdrawal.

Grey watched the two armoured minotaurs that were guarding the entrance. If anything was to go wrong their actions would let him know.

Then, despite expecting it, Grey almost jumped out of his skin when the Town’s bells rang the alarm. “Rogue Dungeon – Free Dungeon” they sang. In the market, Grey saw chaos erupt. After a stunned moment, everyone he could see stampeded for the exits, shying away from the minotaur guards.

Grey began to feel happier when the two minotaurs just stood there blank faced. But then they jerked to life and began laying into the fleeing market goers. Grey stepped forward, drawing his sword. Lia’s shoulders slumped, but she unlimbered her battleaxe and joined Grey. Mesca called up his magic.

Grey and Lia managed to surprise one of the minotaurs, they were lucky and they quickly cut it down. Mesca called a thick mist and used it to hinder the other minotaur.

The market goers who had started to fall back in order to find another exit cheered and hesitated. Then seeing the second minotaur was turning to deal with its attackers they surged forwards once again, chancing the exit.

Grey and Lia were able to deal with the second minotaur when two of the market goers joined in to help them.

Grey watched with satisfaction as Ax and Silk passed them, along with the Earthlings. He decided to remain guarding the entrance to the market, especially as the two volunteers were still with him, and then too, a few stallholders had joined them. They dared not venture into the rapidly emptying market as the building’s roof started to collapse.

They were still undecided as to what to do when the first of the town guard arrived to deal with the disaster. They were promptly co-opted into an ad hoc militia to guard the entrance to the market.

Grey exchanged a glance with Lia and Mesca, shrugged and stood doing his best to look alert. Grey noted that the city guards had no trouble securing the market, two of them escorted a wounded Rupinius out of the ruins. The man had one guard with him, and he was complaining that Cyrdwynne, the former dungeon’s companion had escaped. The guards did not look happy that Rupinius was moaning rather than thanking them for the rescue.

Shortly after that, while the wounded were being helped out, a guard captain dismissed them with thanks for doing their civic duty. He also gave each of them a token granting them a small discount on that year’s taxes.

* * * EARTH – THE LANDRYS * * *

Harvey looked at the top of his wife’s head with despair in his eyes. She was crying into his shoulder, and her wracking sobs were breaking his heart. He felt helpless, as all he could do was pat her back and murmur reassurance, which even to his ears, sounded futile.

He cast his mind back to October of last year. They had been so happy at Melly’s squeals of joy when she had seen the two ponies in their pet carrier.

And now, Suzette’s father had come down with the Chinese Wuhan virus. And due to his asthma he was not doing well. They hadn’t even been able to visit him in intensive care.

The ponies were no help, they point blank refused to help adults, at least Melly would be fine. It might be small comfort, but at least they were reassured on that point.

“Sue, maybe you should phone your brother. Ask him if his friend Frog can help us.”

Suzette rubbed her eyes, “May-maybe. Do you think it will help?”

“It can’t hurt. Can it?” asked Harvey.

* * * EARTH – OLIVER BROUSSETTE * * *

Olli swallowed, he felt devastated, his sister Suzette had just phoned him with some very unwelcome news. Why had no one told him his father was on death’s door? The conversation he had just had had been very uncomfortable.

After the initial misunderstanding, and the shock, he had been able to partially reassure his Suzette. He looked out of the window of his living room at the somewhat unkempt lawn that was his front yard.

No point driving out to the Arena of Blood, if he did, he would only have to waste time explaining things to the agency guys, and they might, no make that probably, wouldn’t let him through to see Frog. Better to phone.

Olli picked up his phone and dialled. He waited until Frog answered, “Hi Olli, what’s up?”

“Frog, thank god! Look can you do anything about the Wuhan illness? My dad’s got it bad.”

“Illnesses are not my thing Olli, sorry.”

“How about your friend, you know, Mary?”

There was a long silence on the line; Olli almost lost hope while he waited. He was just about to speak again when Frog finally answered. “Olli, look, I don’t know if Mother can help. I will, if you want, pass your question on to her. Are you willing to accept owing her a favour should she be able to help? I already owe her too many.”

“God, yes! It’s my father who needs help desperately.”

* * *

Half an hour later Olli answered his phone.

“Hello Frog. Do you have good news for me?”

“Mother tells me that she’s a geneticist. But that despite that Bl... The System provides dungeons with the ability to purchase treasures. One such is a potion of Cure Major Disease. The only problem is treasure purchased from the system has to be won by adventurers. It can’t be sold or given by us dungeons.”

Olli wondered what Frog was trying to say. “Does that mean you can’t help?”

“Up to you, Olli. Put together a party and head for the Moon. Lewis Carroll will handle getting you out of this system and to the appropriate dungeon. Beat the challenge and you will earn a number of potions. Be aware that you will be risking your life. Lewis will take it easy... but...”

“But, it has to be a challenge... That’s what you are saying, isn’t it?” asked Olli. “Please, set it up for me Frog. How do I get to the Moon?”