Eric ate heartily from his rations in the morning for breakfast and rejoiced in the simplicity of good food. He didn’t waste time sitting in the dirty room he would be calling home for the next couple days and left immediately after eating his fill. He made it back into the crowded streets by dawn, and the hustle and bustle of the capital city was already in full force. The only relief was the well-paved streets and unspoken rule to keep moving or be run over.

Eric found himself standing in front of Mattock’s home by the time the first flicker of light was hitting the top of the tall city walls. He was happy to see Clarke had the same idea and was already walking up to the house from the north. Clarke was wearing a determined look and stepped next to Eric with his usual stoic demeanor.

“Good morning. Long time no see,” Eric said jokingly.

“Hah… Morning Eric,” Clarke replied politely.

“So.. what do you think is going to be on this map? Seems pretty mysterious,” Eric asked, scratching his head lightly.

Clarke looked at him inquisitively and responded, “Honestly… I have no idea, but I wouldn’t mind if it led us to some long lost treasure or something. With the way things are going around here, getting our hands on some additional gold wouldn’t hurt.”

“Yea, the kingdom seems to be bleeding with all the monster attacks,” Eric replied in a more serious tone.

Their conversation was cut short when the front door to Mattock’s house was suddenly thrown open, and Erwin stumbled out holding his right arm loosely. Eric noticed a gash on his head sending blood down the side of his face. Eric heard yelling coming from inside. The companions darted toward Erwin and the house without hesitation. Eric armed himself with Shadowspark and Clarke unsheathed a thick blade from his waist.

Clarke caught Erwin as he lost his balance and lowered him to the ground gently. Clarke took a defensive position in front of the door, and Eric slipped inside without delay. He observed the previously tidy home was turned upside down with smashed furniture and items all over the floor.

Eric followed the sound of a voice into the back of the house and slowly made out some of the words being spoken.

“Where is it…? I know it is here!” a thick voice yelled in frustration.

Eric ducked past the overturned kitchen table and saw a beaten and bruised Mattock standing with his hands out in surrender in a room at the back of the house that resembled a small study. There were three large bodies wearing dark colored robes with their backs toward Eric standing over Mattock in intimidating poses. The same voice he heard before continued the harsh questioning as Eric inched toward the door and nocked an arrow.

“I am losing my patience with you! Mitch go grab the kid, I think I know how to get him to talk,” the voice growled in frustration.

The shape to the right began to rotate to make its way out of the room, and Eric used the opportunity to finish drawing his arrow. He loosed it into the side of the figure’s thick neck as it turned toward the door. The short distance caused the arrow to pierce deep into the target’s neck tearing through skin and muscle before splattering blood across the back wall as the arrow tip passed through the other side.

The figure released gurgling sound for half a second before stumbling and collapsing into a heap onto the floor with a loud thump. The other figures didn’t hesitate once they identified Eric as a threat. They quickly unsheathed large axes from under their cloaks and turned to face him wearing faces of rage. Eric identified the figures human males of a larger variety leading Eric to believe they were mixed with an orc or giant strand at some point. Eric could immediately tell they focused on building Strength by their bulging muscles and the awkward steps they took toward him.

Eric didn’t have time to nock another arrow, so he took Shadowspark into a tight grip with both hands and began filling it with Lightning enchantment preparing to fight a defensive battle against the two oversized enemies. The ringleader took the first swipe at him, and Eric barely dodged it with a quick jump back toward the kitchen. He immediately got pushed back even further when the second even larger enemy charged out. Eric met the head of the man’s axe with a grunt as it slammed into the thick shaft of Shadowspark.

Eric was happily surprised that Shadowspark easily held against the sharp head of the axe even with against such a forceful blow. Eric twisted slightly causing the man’s eyes to widen as he realized Eric’s Strength matched his own. Eric slashed down across the front of the man’s body leaving a deep cut diagonally in his chest. The built up Lightning enchantment initiated at the same time causing the man’s body to stiffen and convulse. He was only wearing simple cloth under his cloak, and it quickly started to soak up the blood pouring out of the wound.

The injured man back stepped and lost his balance. He gave Eric a hesitant look as he stumbled away. The leader standing in the doorframe of the study became even more furious after Eric countered the attack and started screaming louder, “Kill him! Idiot, what are you doing?!”

The man glanced back at his screaming leader giving Eric the opening he needed to finish him. Eric caught him through the abdomen, tearing all the way up to the middle of his chest. His guts fell the floor before he died. The final intruder gave Eric a look of sheer hatred.

“I don’t think you know who you are messing with kid. If you think you are going to get away with this, you better think again. I know what you are here for, and my organization won’t stop to get it. It’s better if you just talk this fool into giving us the map and staying out of it,” he sputtered as his face turned red with anger.

Eric held steady with resolve. He didn’t know who these intruders were, but he didn’t question his duty to stop them. He never claimed to be a hero or fighter of injustice, but they were attacking kids and stealing from those less powerful than themselves.

Eric replied calmly, “You are more stupid than you look if you actually think I’m going to let you walk in here and harm these people and take what isn’t yours.”

The man’s face contorted, and he suddenly threw his axe directly toward Eric, the unexpected attack caught Eric off guard. The axe deflected off Shadowspark, but still found contact with his left side and tore through Eric’s armor leaving a gash that shocked him for a moment. The enemy was on top of him before he had time to recover from the sudden decline in Health. He wielded a small short sword and sliced open Eric’s arm weakening his grip. He felt the blood loss starting to take its toll.

The man stepped back laughing at Eric’s pained expression and said, “Not so confident now!”

Eric took the moment’s relief to attempt a wild strike at his foe, but the man dodged it easily. Eric stumbled back and fell against the overturned kitchen table taking ragged breaths. He felt his life slowly dwindling and looked up to see the man standing over me holding the axe that caused the first injury.

He smiled wickedly and said, “You are on my black list now. Enjoy a death courtesy of the Flooding Death guild.”

As the man hauled his weapon over his head for the final blow, Eric saw a welcome sight in the doorway of the kitchen. Clarke was armed with his bow and had an arrow pulled tautly. He had a serious look as he scanned the room and spotted Eric on the floor. Eric glanced up with a pained smirk, and the axe head filled his vision before everything around him went dark.

Eric felt a horrible pain in his head and then a bright light invaded his vision. He slowly opened his eyes to give them time to adjust to the piercing light. It took him a few seconds to blink away the blurriness and before finding a familiar sight laid out in front of him.

Eric found himself back in the cathedral where his journey had begun not many days before. He noticed the same paladin pushing people along, and it felt like he was having déjà vu. The large hall was tight with people, and he was pushed into the crowd as the glowing portal behind him pulsed in preparation to release another player.

Eric was jarred by the debuff applied to him due to his death. He felt slow and heavy from losing half of his Strength. He lumbered toward the exit with slow deliberate steps as he adjusted to the weakness in his legs. The debuff was a potent reminder of the consequences associated with dying in his new life, but it was a small price to pay for his freedom.

He found his way into the street and noticed only minutes had passed since he was in Mattock’s kitchen getting butchered by the ring leader of the intruders. He cringed at the thought as he got his bearings. He knew he would need to get back to the scene. Even at half his usual power Eric was determined to make sure Clarke and the Pryde’s were okay.

He navigated through the crowded streets as quickly as possible toward Mattock’s home in the north district. He arrived in front of the home after half an hour and was relieved to see Clarke tending to Erwin on the front steps. Clarke had handled himself against the thug that mercilessly killed Eric. Eric felt a wave of anxiety wash over him at seeing his two friends in good health.

Clarke noticed Eric after helping Erwin to his feet and gave him a gentle look. “Eric, I’m sorry my friend. I should have been there for you. I don’t know what to say…”, Clarke said remorsefully.

Eric gave his companion his best reassuring smile and said, “You made the right decision to watch over Erwin and keep him safe. I would have done the same if I was in your shoes.” Eric stepped up to him, and they gave each other a quick tight gripped handshake. “I assume you dealt with the shithead that killed me?” Eric asked.

“You know it; he was fortunately distracted when I made my first attack. He was crippled after the first arrow and was cursing us both until he died,” Clarke said with a grin.

“Good, I’m glad there was some justice served. How were they able to hide their negative alignment and get into the city?” Eric questioned.

Clarke pulled something from his bag and threw it to him. Eric caught it out of the air and saw it was one of the thick cloaks worn by the intruders. Eric quickly discerned Clarke had looted it from one of the intruders bodies. Eric pulled up the stats of the item and was shocked at the results.

Obscure Cloak of Shadows- Damage:N/A; Durability: 72/80; Grade: Rare; Requirements: Agility:24, Intelligence: 22; Effect: Conceals alignment, Conceals name, Conceals level

“I wasn’t even aware this type of enchantment is available,” Eric said in surprise.

“They must have paid a pretty penny for those things. I don’t know much about concealment items, but to hide alignment takes powerful magic and must cost a fortune. It’s a shame only one of them dropped. You should keep it after what you went through in there. Unfortunately, everything else they were carrying was common items without any enchantments,” Clarke said thoughtfully.

“I don’t even know what to do with a cloak of this nature. It’s probably a crime to even carry something like this,” Eric replied while storing away the cloak in his inventory.

“True, it’s probably best to keep that thing hidden away for now,” Clarke said.

Eric turned back and said, “Good idea. I’m happy for the gear, but I fear we have made some powerful enemies.”

Clarke frowned and said, “I’ve heard rumors about the Flooding Death guild, and unfortunately they are all sorts of unpleasantness. They control a territory to the east of Drail. The only decent news is there is no way those particular thugs could have respawned anywhere in the city because of their negative alignment.”

“I guess that is fortunate, but there is no telling if there are other guild members in the city. We need to get Erwin and Mattock out of here as soon as possible,” Eric stated decisively.

“I didn’t consider that possibility. Where are we supposed to go?” Clarke said worriedly.

Erwin looked up at them and spoke for the first time, “I think Uncle Mattock might know what to do.”

Eric looked into Erwin’s eyes finding a look of determination and noticed the bleeding had stopped. His arm was already in better shape as well. Eric gave him a firm nod. “Let’s get inside and figure out our next move,” Eric said.

Erwin and Clarke stepped inside the disordered house. Eric followed them with his eyes on the road scanning for any trouble. He stepped through the threshold, tightly closing the door behind him. He wedged a coat rack he found lying on the floor nearby into the entryway to help prevent forced entry. He proceeded back into the kitchen and saw that all the corpses had already vanished, and only his dropped items lay on the ground where he was slain. Eric found Clarke had already gathered all the loot from the others.

Eric picked up his dropped armor and gold, thankful for the return of his hard earned items and found the others standing in Mattock’s office. Mattock was wearing a stressed look when Eric entered. Eric stood next to Clarke and waited for Mattock to speak.

Mattock appeared out of sorts and looked around at the disheveled office before stepping behind his desk, finally saying, “I don’t know how this could have happened. I’ve always been so careful.”

“What is going on? What was so valuable about the map they were after?” Eric asked flatly.

Mattock looked up from his desk of scattered papers and debris. He was bruised and had a long cut across his cheek that was filled with dried blood. “I never thought it would be of such value. It contains the location of what is believed to be a very powerful artifact,” he replied. He paused for a moment before continuing in anger, “The scribe! He is the only other person who knows what is on it.”

Mattock slammed his fist on the desk in frustration. “This is all wrong, now we have no choice. I’m sorry Eric and Clarke, but I have to ask you to help my family again. After all, you’ve both done for us I have no right, but for Erwin’s safety we have to leave the city,” he said with troubled eyes.

“We have extended family that lives to the north in the town of Fraylin, beyond the reach and vision of these new threats. I recently received word Fraylin has been reinforced by a legion of dwarves to secure their holdings in the town and should protect the people there against any monster invasions. I wish I could offer you more, but this map is the only thing of value I have left. I just ask you use whatever you find from it to punish those who wish to steal and take advantage of others,” he said dis-heartedly.

Ting!

Quest Alert: Protection of Pryde II

Escort Mattock and Erwin to safety and provide protection from those who seek them harm.

Reward: Ancient Map of Pryde Family

The moment Eric saw the quest reward he immediately knew he would see it through. He pulled up the prompt and immediately accepted it. He took a moment to scroll through his social menu options and shared a knowing look with Clarke as they confirmed a party to allow group completion of the new quest.

“We will do whatever we can to help you make it safely to your family. And we will use whatever we find to help those in need and punish any who seek to take advantage of others,” Eric said steadily.

Mattock gave them a weak smile with a slight bow and said, “I am in your debt.”

The next hour was a whirlwind of activity as the group quickly salvaged everything they could from Mattock’s home to prepare for travel. Eric was pleased Mattock secured a wagon and two Plufs for the expedition. The Plufs resembled oversized sheep with thick brown curly hair and hooved feet. They would serve as valuable work beasts to speed up their journey northward.

Mattock transferred the deed to his home over to one of the large banks in exchange for a small pile of gold to use when he arrived in Fraylin. He wore a saddened face as they pulled away from the small home and headed toward the north gate.

Eric didn’t forget the quest Flynn gave him as they exited the city, but he felt helping Mattock and Erwin needed to be his immediate priority, and he would be able to find better supplies to help him on his journey into the frontier once they arrived in Fraylin. The small party was on the road to the north by early afternoon, and Eric settled into the back of the wagon with Erwin to keep an eye on any possible threats to their rear while Clarke kept a close watch on the road ahead with Mattock.

The day slipped by uneventfully, and Eric was thankful they didn’t run into any trouble considering his weakened state due to the long timer on his death de-buff. The party made a small camp on the edge of the road, and Eric was more than ready to feel his normal self as they settled in for the night.