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Odd thing happened with this one. Not much happens in terms of plot... Yet this became the longest one of all! Funny how that works out, eh?
PART 7 RECAP:
King Somnus: Thank you for joining me. My only concern now that I am awake is... Well, I am sure that you can guess. It is Murdaw alone who occupies my thoughts. Thanks to your courage, he has been banished from the dream world. But in this world, he is very much alive and well. And his power is growing... If we do not strike soon, this world will fall into his clutches. This is the thought that haunts me. Yet there is no cause for despair! We still have time! I do, however, have one request to make of you. I would like you to go in my stead and do battle with Murdaw. Blessed as you are with the ability to travel between world, you may be able to withstand Murdaw's illusions and trickery. Will you take on the heavy burden of this mission? The entire Kingdom of Somnia will stand beside you.
Rex: Murdaw's threatening my loved ones, too. We'll get 'em.
King Somnus: I am delighted to hear it! I sensed that you would not let me down! But I am afraid that we no longer have a ship capable of transporting our troops to the battlefield. Yet there is no cause for despair! Have you ever heard of the sacred village of Ghent?
Rex: Sacred? Go on.
King Somnus: Devoted to serving the Goddess, the people of Ghent possess a sacred ship known as the Providence. Go to Ghent and show the authorities this Royal Missive I have prepared for you. They will be sure to give you free use of the Providence.
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Rex received the Royal Missive
King Somnus: The sacred village of Ghent lies in the mountains to the north of here. I have ordered the checkpoint that guards the path to the northern mountains be opened. I wish you Goddesspeed!
Milly: We should strike while this iron is hot, Hero. Let's get to the northern checkpoint right away.
Ashlynn: These Ghentiles... They aren't scary or anything, are they? I mean, “serving the Goddess” sounds like scary business.
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Huh... Another person who didn't know who the Goddess was. Rex had always worshiped the mountain spirit, yet everyone he ran across worshiped the Goddess. He always felt like he was out-of-the-loop, so it was interesting finding another non-believer.
The group started to leave. As they did, one of the guards came up to apologise.
I know that you are not to blame...but if Captain Rusty hadn't mistaken you for the Prince, he would not have been sent to the front. It was there that he met his tragic, untimely end, devoured by a ferocious beast. I hope Chancellor Keating is happy now...
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Logically, Rex knew that they were not the ultimate cause of Rusty's fate. They were simply the excuse the Chancellor had been waiting for; His chance to remove the greatest obstacle to his authority.
It didn't matter. They were STILL a convenient excuse; That tore Rex apart.
Carver: When we finish Murdaw for real, I'll dedicate the final blow to Captain Rusty!
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Aye. That was all they COULD do, at the time.
A lot of people are wondering why the King woke up... I'm not one to blow my own trumpet, but I'll bet my alarmingly spicy soup had quite a lot to do with it!
Milly: Perhaps the King would have preferred to remain asleep...
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Owch. Good thing Milly was subtle. If it'd been Ashlynn, she'd have said it loud enough for the castle to hear...
Carver: Huh. How'd he get soup down the King's piehole?
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Actually, that wasn't the hard part. The REAL question was what happened when the King needed to g...
No. Scratch that. The less time thinking about that, the better.
Did you lot 'ear that Cap'n Rusty got gobbled up by some 'orrible monster in the middle of nowhere? He may have slung me in gaol, but I always 'ad a lot of time for that Cap'n Rusty. Seems the good really do die young...
Ashlynn: Guess that means Keating will live to a hundred then.
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Should Rex hope that Keating doesn't live that long? Or should Rex feel bad about thinking that? Or perhaps the answer was to simply wish the good lived as long as the wicked? That death wasn't so prevalent? Yes, that seemed the best tact to take.
So though you were only pretending to be the Prince, you managed to wake the King and Queen... There must be some kind of deep connection betwen you all. But what could it be!?
Carver: A question like that could give a man a migraine!
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No kidding.
Milly: I'd love to stand you next to the Prince to see how similar you two really are, Rex. Hee hee.
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In looks, or personality? Rex was interested in the latter, personally.
Anyway, that was everything of interest in Somnia. The gang considered heading off to Ghent... Then decided to pay Port Haven another visit. Turns out, they'd already heard the news! Everyone was in high spirits!
...Well, almost everyone.
Ivy: (sigh) My life is so dull these days. Ever since my silly Johan phase, there's been no man on the scene at all. Life's a bit...lonely if you haven't got someone to love.
Carver: Oh, boo hoo! Who'd fall for a girl who might sabotage your supper?
Milly: What goes around, comes around, or so they say... Still, I wouldn't wish loneliness upon anyone.
Ashlynn: Me, I like guys with a mix of brains and brawn, you know?
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Ashlynn giggled... Rex wasn't sure how that had to do with what Ivy said, but he liked hearing Ashlynn laugh anyway.
They met a little kid running around, afterward.
Hey! D'you think this dream world is really, uh, real?
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Whoooa, people were talking about the dream world, now? Perhaps it was inevitable, given the state that the King and Queen were in.
Rex: Yeah! It's kinda like ours, 'cept everything's a li'l bit different!
Wow! I'd love to go there some day!
Carver: Maybe if the kid eats his veggies, we'll take him there sometime, aye?
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Aw, isn't that a cute thought?
Milly: Dreams vs reality... I'm not sure which is more enjoyable, to be honest.
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Personally? Rex would've chosen the dream world just so he didn't have to fight Murdaw again.
Ashlynn: I've been having a hard time telling the difference between what's real and what's a dream lately... Hey Rex, pinch me, will ya?
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...Rex pinched her on the cheek, and she yelped. She yelled at him for a bit, and he gave a goofy grin. She sounded as though she was upset... But then he heard her giggling to herself, when she thought he couldn't overhear. It was odd indeed...
I heard the Queen of Somnia's name is Apnea, and she's a right looker!
Ashlynn: Hey Rex, who do you think is prettier - me, or the Queen?
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Rex's heart skipped a beat.
Rex: Well... You, of course. Why?
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Ashlynn just laughed, and went about her way. Was.... Was this normal? Or was Ashlynn... Hoo boy.
The group met the carpenter and his wife yet again.
Carver's Mom: Oh, ahoy. What can I do for ya? My husband's a bit-
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She laid eyes on Carver, and her mouth widened.
Carver's Mom: C-Carver! You came back! I always knew ya would, my boy!
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She turned to her husband.
Carver's Mom: Hey! Would ya look here? It's Carver!
Carver: Whoa! Slow down, lady. I'm sorry, but I think ya got the wrong guy. I'm a wandering martial artist, ya see?
Carver's Dad: Ha! You ain't wrong. I ain't even got a son called Carver any more. And look at ya. Are you some kinda fighter 'n everything like that? You must be, with that getup.
Carver's Mom: Why are you bein' so stubborn? Just listen-
Carver's Dad: No, YOU listen! And stop talkin' bilge. These constant interruptions are gettin' in the way of my work. I want them out of here, now!
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The man drug Rex & Carver out of the house with astonishing strength. The two lost their balance, and fell onto the lawn. Milly & Ashlynn followed, and Carver just laid there.
Carver: Man, this is just gettin' crazy! I sure don't remember this house. I swear on the Goddess 'n everything!
Carver's Mom: Oh, Carver, my boy... What's happened to you...?
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Rex had an idea, but there was nothing to be done about it now. Amnesia seemed part and parcel for everyone whose identities were split. Only Milly was her complete self, now.
The group stopped by Madame Luca's house, but her advice was basically just what they'd already been told. So, up they went, to Ghent.
Carver: So this is Ghent, aye? Lots of room to roam here... Hey, look at that big building at the other end!
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Perhaps that's where some of the authorities were? They decided to ask around, just in case.
i hear that our blessed Elder tried to cure King Somnus without any luck. What's that you say!? King Somnus is back on his feet!? Well, there you go! The Elder's prayers must have finally reached the Goddess!
Milly: King Somnus wasn't actually “sick” to begin with, so perhaps they were just praying for the wrong thing.
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Was that a joke? Or was it a simple observation? It was hard to tell, with Milly.
When my poor daughter was struck down by a cruel sickness, we made pilgrimages to every other so-called holy site. But Ghent's the only one that gets results! My daughter's looking more chipper by the day!
Carver: Whoa. Ghent must be the best village around. Remind me to come here if I ever get sick.
Milly: Hmm, yes... I do seem to recall hearing about the healing powers of Ghent.
Ashlynn: Wonder if they could fix my memory here...
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That would be the day.
We humble citizens of Ghent live our daily lives in a spirit of gratitude to the Goddess. If it wasn't for Her grace and good will, we wouldn't be able to enjoy this fine food. Thank you, Goddess!
Carver: Folks are pretty nice around here, aye, Rex? All humble 'n everything like that.
Ashlynn: I better say thanks to the Goddess, too! You know, for being well fed and finding friends and all...
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'N everything like that.
When I grow up, I pray I'm just like the blessed Nevan, the chosen one! Nevan may still be young, but he's fast approaching his grandfather the Elder in terms of sheer holiness.
Milly: I wonder what this “holiness” means in practical terms.
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Better question: How did his parents get him to talk THAT formally!? The Goddess was wondrous indeed!
Gaze upon this sacred above! For this is where our Elder resides! A more holy man you will not meet! ...You can go in and have a poke around if you like. Just don't rearrange the furniture or anything.
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Interesting change in tact, but, it sounds like they found their man! Time to present the Royal Missive and hope for the best!
Elder: By the infinite and unknowable wisdom of the Goddess, you have found your way here. You desire an audience with me, I take it? Now, patience is not a virtue that the Goddess has granted me an infinite supply of. What precisely was it that you wanted?
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Rex handed the Royal Missive to the Elder.
Elder: Well! So thanks to the divine will of the Goddess, King Somnus has awoken. And not before time! But no sooner does he awake than he requests that you be given free use of our sacred ship! This is no trifling deman! Is there not a perfectly good ship at the castle? I find this puzzling... As the Goddess moves in mysterious ways, so too it seems does King Somnus...
Rex: Actually, his last ship was destr-
Elder: This request may have come directly from the King, but our people answer only to the Goddess Herself... I cannot lend you the ship. Please accept my apologies but your journey has been in vain.
Carver: Wait, what? He won't even do a favour for King Somnus himself!?
Ashlynn: Wow. He just straight up ignored the King's request. Can he do that?
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His balls hadn't shrunk with age; That much was clear.
Nevan: Grandfather, I have returned.
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A young teenager walked in, up to the Elder.
Elder: Nevan! You are back! How are your studies progressing?
Nevan: I often feel that I should be offering lessons to the teachers...
Elder: That is as it should be. I have schooled you well, for the destiny that awaits you is no ordinary one.
Nevan: May I ask who these visitors are? They don't look much imbued with the spirit of the Goddess.
Elder: They brought a missive from King Somnus of Somnia requesting use of our most sacred ship, the Providence.
Nevan: B-But surely you cannot countenance allowing these vagabonds to treat the ship as their own!?
Elder: Do no fear, my child. I told them in no uncertain terms that the ship will not become their plaything.
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The young man walked up to the group.
Nevan: I take it then that you have no more business here. Do you think it would be rude to ask you to leave?
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"Yes, you two have been really worried about 'being rude'."
Rex didn't say that out loud, but he sure wanted to.
Nevan: Urgh!
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Rex didn't understand it at the time, but Nevan had told them about it later. Told them of how the Goddess had spoken to him. She said this:
Goddess: Nevan... Can you hear me? It is you whom I seek... You must not send these visitors away... For your destiny lies with them... Together you must embark on a voyage to the Isle of Murdaw aboard the Providence.
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And the message ended.
Elder: Nevan! Wh-What is it, my child!? What is it that afflicts you?
Nevan: It has been decided. We must allow our visitors free use of the Providence. And I must join them.
Elder: B-But wh-why the sudden change of heart!? It is not like you!
Nevan: A higher power made the decision, not I. The Goddess deigned to speak to me...
Elder: But wait! This can only mean that the visitors who stand before us are the heroes spoken of in legend!
Nevan: Indeed, that may be so. But it is impossible for us to know. All I know is that we must break the seal and return the Providence to the ocean. What will happen beyond that, only the Goddess knows. But I must witness it with my own eyes. I must go.
Elder: The Goddess has spoken and it is not in our power to ignore Her divine voice when it calls. I cannot stand in your way. I have seen how your powers have grown and I know the heavens have their own plans for you. Go, my child! It is time to break the seal! It is time for the Providence to set sail once more!
Nevan: Come. It is time for us to go. We must head to the shrine where the Providence awaits us.
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Nevan walked out. Rex had to admit; It was nice getting vindication from the very being Nevan worshiped.
The promotion from "vagabond" to "hero spoken of in legend" was also a nice bonus.
Carver: I don't get what happened, but I think they're lendin' us the ship. That's all that matters, aye? C'mon! Let's go follow him!
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They walked out, and followed Nevan into a large building. What they saw was the most beautiful ship they had ever seen, though its sails were missing. It was suspended in the air by large wooden beams through holes in the sides of the ship, as well as a further underlay of wooden beams below the hull. They walked onboard, and awed at its majesty.
Nevan: Once the seal is broken, the Providence will be lowered directly into the river below. Are you ready to break the seal and set sail?
Rex: By your leave.
Nevan: Very well. It is time for us to embark on our quest. Our destinies are entwined.
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And with that, a new friendship was formed.
Nevan closed his eyes and began to pray...
Nevan: O Goddess, since ancient times the people of Ghent have served as Your most faithful vassals. Now that I break the sacred seal of the Providence, I pray that You will gift us wind in our sails... DEVOTIOR MERCU VOTARO INSTIA TOR! O Goddess, hear my prayer!
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The beams retracted from where they were slotted in, and four beams of light activated around the four corners of the Providence. The remaining underlay of wood was lowered, slowly but surely, into a slant of yet more wooden beams floating in the water below. The Providence was tucked neatly into this slant, and then slid into the water itself. Six large sheets of golden magic formed where the sails would normally be... And then it was off! The ship glided through the ocean as easily as any other; No, MORE easily!
From there was an easy cruise south... Where Murdaw's Keep resided.
We've arrived at the Isle of Murdaw!
Nevan: Shall we get going, then?
Ashlynn: Hold on! I think I better stay here.
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Tch!
Carver: Wha? Ya came all this way just to quit now?
Milly: Now, now. There's no need to force her. Besides, it's best that someone remains with the ship. Ashlynn, keep watch over the Providence for us, okay?
Ashlynn: You got it!
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Ashlynn turned towards Rex.
Ashlynn: ...Sorry to drop out like this... Hope I'm not being too much of a pain.
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It was an odd feeling. Logically speaking, she was the weakest link. She saved them from Murdaw before, but that was on account of one of Murdaw's most fiendish tricks; The ability to mimic voices. Her weakness, her problems following orders, was turned into a strength... For that one specific moment. On the whole? It was still a dangerous weakness; Too dangerous for a front-line fighter.
...Yet... Rex really wanted her with him. He couldn't explain it... But neither could he stop talking about it.
Carver: Alright, off we go! What's on your mind, Rex? Worried about Ashlynn? Look, I don't know why she's stayin' behind either... But like Milly said, we can't force her along. Take a leaf outta my book and stop thinkin' so much...
Milly: Destiny awaits us! Ashlynn? I'm not sure why she chose to stay behind, but I'm sure she has her reasons. In any case, the four of us have something more important to worry about: defeating Murdaw!
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Perhaps it was how flippant she was about it... Or appeared to be. Women were strange beasts, as were men, so... Who knows.
The four walked for a while before happening upon a wrecked ship. It was in utter ruins, with the mast missing, the wood rotted, and holes dotting it everywhere you looked. Perhaps this was King Somnus' ship? That was what Milly theorized, at any rate.
They pressed on further from there, and found a cave. They walked in, and found a field of molten lava. A furnace of unnatural heat washed over them; Even the walls seemed more liquid than solid.
Carver: Gah! Hot! What's the matter with this place!?
Milly: Be careful! That lava burns incredibly hot!
Milly: Destiny awaits us! Ashlynn? I'm not sure why she chose to stay behind, but I'm sure she has her reasons. In any case, the four of us have something more important to worry about: defeating Murdaw!
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The journey was a three-step process from there. They needed to establish Buff spells on everyone in the party (to raise their melting point), plus, they needed to keep healing themselves as they stepped across.
Milly and Nevan were easy enough; Both were adept healers. Rex managed it, with effort. Carver, however, did not have healing. So, Nevan loaned him his own Staff of Ghent; a healing staff that everyone could use, not just the mages. The effect was about as potent as what Milly & Nevan could do, and it was infinite; its only limitation was a short cool-down time between uses.
The four proceeded.
Carver: Hot enough for ya? Monsters I don't mind, but this heat... Holy heck!
Nevan: This lava forms a perfect natural barrier to prevent enemies from invading. It's no coincidence that Murdaw has located his fortress here.
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In retrospect, it was good that Ashlynn hadn't come. Monsters harried them everywhere they went, she didn't know healing, and Carver had their only Staff of Ghent. They would have needed to carry her.
Milly: The layout of this cave is rather complicated. We must take care not to get lost.
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The cave was a labyrinth. It had good treasure, but every path they took seemed to lead to a dead-end... Or worse.
Carver: Isn't there any water around here? I need to wet my whistle...
Milly: Haah... Haah...
Nevan: Th-This sweltering heat... I feel rather faint...
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Then came the last straw; a monster that disguised itself as a treasure chest! Rex went to open it, and was blasted by magic of the darkest intent. It was a death spell the fake chest had unleashed; One that actually forced a heart attack!
That was when Nevan really came through. He ordered Carver & Milly to distract the chest, and he unveiled his patented Zing spell! It worked on the same principles as Cardioversion therapy, sending electric shocks through the heart to restore its rhythm.
Still, damage had been done. Milly & Nevan were almost running on empty, and Rex's fighting spirit was in shambles. Milly cast an Evac spell, and the group was back outside. They were back to square one.
They boarded the Providence, and rode for Ghent. Rex had the Zoom spell, but there were no waypoints on Murdaw's island. Their ship was still the only way TOO it, even if it wasn't t heir only way OFF it.
It was a somber ride back to Ghent. Carver tried to fake bravado, and Nevan tried to restore his spirit through prayer and ritual... But Rex could see it would be pointless. Instead, the group would go back to Rex's hometown. They would relax a little, then go back once they were ready.
They arrived at Ghent without incident, and Rex took them all to Weaver's Peak.
Carver: Wow, your village is great. The air's fresh. The folks are down to earth. And what a view! Seems like a place like this would breed hardy folk, Rex. So what's your excuse?
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Oh, "ha ha".
Um... Heh heh... Hi there. Welcome to Weaver's Peak! Oh, Rex! I heard you're a Somnian soldier now! That officially makes you the coolest person I know!
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The child was waaaaaay behind on the times. In fact, everyone was. None of the events that transpired had reached their ears.
What, ya think Murdaw is stronger than our mountain spirit, do ya? O ye of little faith!
Carver: “Mountain spirit”, aye? That your neighbourhood deity, Rex?
Rex: Yeah. An' of course, Nevan's got the Goddess. Kinda makes ya wonder which of 'em is stronger, eh?
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That aside, Rex went to see the mayor. Tania was the one he looked forward to most, and he liked saving the best things for last.
Mayor Spindell: His Masjety's given you a difficult mission, Rex. You've got a tough road ahead of you, young man. Just don't worry about us, you hear? I'll keep the home fires burning while you're gone, you betcha!
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Then was Judith; the mayor's daughter. Rex had a surprise waiting for him...
Judith: I feel so silly now. Why didn't I realise it before? So charming, so sweet, so - Eeeek! Hee hee! Rex is a lot more reliable than Buddy ever was, too. Hmm...
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Judith turned to Rex. Her hands were behind her... she spun the ball of her foot on the ground... her eyes kept darting to, and away from, Rex...and her face was red as a tomato.
Judith: Rex...will you marry me?
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Whoa. That was sudden.
Rex: I'm sorry, but...no. I gotta beat Murdaw, an' he's tough. I dunno if I'll make it back alive. An' there's this girl...
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Rex surprised even himself with that last statement. This girl was in his mind, but he hadn't formalized the thought with words yet. Not till now.
Judith looked about ready to burst.
Rex: Look, you're very special special. You, Buddy, Tania, n' all the other guys are! Just...not the way you're wanting.
Judith: What!? Whatever. You'll come to your senses sooner or later, Rex!
Rex: I'm sorry, but...no. I gotta beat Murdaw, an' he's tough. I dunno if I'll make it back. And, there's this girl...
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Judith stormed off in a huff. Hope the mayor didn't take this too personally.
Carver: Whoa, Rex. I didn't know ya had it in you!
Rex: Hey, I just don't go round, breakin' young girls hearts. Never been my style.
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And speaking of young girls...
Tania: Oh! Welcome home, Rex! I've been hearing all sorts of thrilling tales about you!
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Tania turned to the party
Tania: And you must be travelling with Rex! My name is Tania. Thank you for taking care of my brother for me!
Carver: Rex, you never told me you had a sister like this!
Milly: My. A very charming sister, indeed.
Rex: Yup. She's the best.
Tania: I'm sure you must be tired. Did you want to rest?
Rex: That's JUST what I was gonna ask. Thanks, sis!
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Nevan was silent throughout the whole stay. He was serious; Much too serious.
It was clear he had basic combat training, but, that was only half the battle. The other half was the horrible terror that came BEFORE the battle. The dread that came when you were bored, and lost yourself in your own thoughts... Your own head.
No fight lasted more than a few minutes... But the fear lasted to the day you died. That was the curse of being a warrior...
Actually, it was part of why Rex had wanted to avoid being part of Somnia's military. He felt all these things, even as someone who'd only killed monsters. If he were to start killing human beings...
Rex went to bed, dismissing these thoughts. He drifted off into sleep, thankful that he and Nevan would never have to worry about that. He and the group woke up. They were about to leave, when Rex remembered a certain piece of Enchanted Armour resting in the village. The group walked over.
Carver: Yer sister's out of this world, Rex. She doesn't look much like you, though.
Milly: You must feel blessed to have such a cute sister, Rex.
Rex: What, you implying I'm not cute?
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They laughed the whole way there. They arrived, and Rex went up to the Enchanted Armour.
It was a one-piece breastplate, designed in an unusual fashion. The breast part was normal enough, but the rest was off. The pauldrons over the shoulders... Were completely worthless. They extended up into the air at a 45 degree angle, instead of downward over the shoulders. They offered no actual protection for the shoulders. The only reason they were made that way (if there was any besides "looking cool") was for intimidation. Commoners would look at those jagged shoulder pads, and shrink away in fear.
Murdaw was no commoner.
The fauld was slightly better. It was a sheet of metal that would offer SOME protection for Rex's family jewels... But there wasn't enough surface area; Not for how loosely fitted it was. The widest part was at the waist... It got thinner and thinner as you got down to what ACTUALLY needed protecting. Again, a nice angular shape to inspire awe in the citizenry, but no practical value. Rex would still need his codpiece.
And yet...
She's a real beaut, ain't she? That armor's enchanted, ya know. Look but don't touch.
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Rex wanted this anyway. It was made of a magic material; one that was always shooting small blue sparks into the air. It was Enchanted Armour, and it gave light resistance to magic of all kinds. Fire magic, ice magic, lightning magic, wind magic... every kind of offensive magic there was. Murdaw was a magician. They needed all of that they could possibly get.
Besides, it was some of the lightest material one would ever find. Even NEVAN could wear it, and he was a head shorter than Ashlynn! And against a magician? Mobility was everything.
It costs seven-thousand gold coins and is my shop's pride and joy. It's a real conversation piece. You interested?
Rex: (Sheesh, 7000...) Yep, sure am!
What, you're buyin' it? Really!? Well, it's all yours.
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And there it was! The Enchanted Armour! Not very good in a melee fight, but perfect for Murdaw!
Then, he had another idea. "What about Wellshire? That place I fell into rescuing that dwarf?" It was the only location whose wares he hadn't checked yet. It was unlikely to offer anything interesting, but, he had the Zoom spell. There wasn't any harm checking it out.
He and the group did so... And the town's mayor charged them upon entry.
Cynthia's Father: Who in the name of the Goddess do you fink you are!? You kidnapped my lovely Cynthia, didn't you? It was you, I can tell! Give her back, d'you hear? You've got no right takin' her!
Rex: H-Hey, we just got here! S-See? Milly, Ashlynn, Nevan? Do any of them look like they'd take your daughter?
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Rex motioned toward the three. They introduced themselves in their own way, Ashlynn with her youthful spirit, Milly with her serene calm, and Nevan with his straightforward eloquence.
Cynthia's Father: ...Wot's that? It weren't you? I, I see... I'm sorry I flew off the handle just now. I hope you can find it in yer hearts to forgive me. I'm sick wiv worry, you see... As you've probably gathered, my poor daughter Cynthia's gone an' got herself kidnapped. If I get my hands on the ne'er-do-wells wot took her, I'll wring their necks, so help me Goddess! All I've got to go on is this note they left on the table. Hark at this... 'We've got yer daughter! If ya ever wanna see her again, ya'd better cough up! Come to the overgrown well north of the town wiv 5000 gold coins! An' make it snappy!' Have you ever heard the like of that!? Wot am I gonna do!? I ain't got no choice but to beg, borrow an' steal an' try to rustle up those five thousand coins...
Nevan: A kidnapping? This is unforgivable!
Ashlynn: They kidnapped her? That's terrible! Rex! Let's find who did this and rough 'em up!
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It was an odd thing. Ashlynn was no craven; Rex knew that. Yet, she stayed back when time to deal with Murdaw. It didn't even seem like she was scared; Just that she had a gut feeling.
Again, no harm done, as she couldn't have withstood the lava anyway... But Rex still thought about it.
Rex checked the town to see if it had a jail... And it did not. His heart heavy, the group went to the well mentioned in the note. Evidently, the thugs were counting on this being a small town with no military. They never would have revealed their location this way, otherwise.
Bigg: That bloomin' Chief don't take 'alf his time... 'Ang about! Who do you lot fink you are? 'Ave you come on the Village Chief's behalf, by any chance?
Rex: We have.
Bigg: So you must've brought the ransom. That'll be five thousand of yer finest gold coins. Come on! Let's be 'avin' it!
Rex: First the girl, THEN the coins. Give us that, or we'll give a bloody lip for wasting our time.
Bigg: ...Well, if yer goin' to be like that... Fine! 'Ave it yer way! LIDDLE! Go an' get 'er ladyship! NOW!
Rex: (Amateur.)
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It was posturing. That was the dance when dealing with these types. You had to be the one in control, not them. Besides... Rex had a plan.
A morbidly obese man walked a young woman out from behind the house.
Liddle: Come on! Shake a leg! There ya go!
Cynthia: Mmph! Mmph...
Bigg: Well, 'ere she is, large as life an' right as rain! Not a scratch on 'er! Now, wivout any further ado, let's 'ave that five grand! Come on! Cough up!
Rex: Guys, if you would?
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Milly and Ashlynn blasted them with fire and ice, while Nevan swallowed Cynthia up with a small tornado from below. He was an expert Wind Mage, adept at bending the winds as he saw fit. Cynthia was right in the eye of the tornado, and she was lifted safely behind Rex.
The pair were beaten.
Bigg: (groan) ...If our dear ol' mother 'ad lived to see 'er boys in this sorry state...
Liddle: We've been done good an' proper, Bigg. (groan) I fink I need a lie down...
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Rex walked over, cut the tips from their ears (this was known as "docking"; a warning to anyone else they might harm), then bisected their thumbs with his sword. No more kidnapping for these two; Not unless they were tired of life. No, they would be at the mercy of the town officials.
...Rex wasn't sure how he knew to do all this, nor how he felt such authority to do these things. Perhaps it was part of being Prince Sleipnir, in the Real World? That was his guess. He had informed the group of his plan beforehand, in any case. That's why they were allowing this.
The two screamed for a while, before recovering their wits.
Bigg: We'll get you back for this. You see if we don't!
Liddle: Th-That's right! W-Wot 'e said!
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Rex watched with a forlorn gaze. Everyone was someone's son. Everyone was someone's husband, someone's daughter, someone's brother, someone's guardian... Sometimes even someone's everything. Besides, he and his friends had gone their whole lives without killing another human being; They didn't plan to start now.
...Yet, the two were a threat. They used their former strength to hurt people. Wellshire had no jails, either. Actually, Rex wasn't sure what they DID have, regarding law enforcement. Whatever it was, Biggs & Liddle weren't scared of it.
Rex removed the gag from Cynthia's mouth.
Cynthia: Pah! Haah... Haah... Phew! You've only gone an' saved my life! How can I ever repay you? That pair of clowns have absolutely no idea how to treat a lady, let me tell you! Thank the Goddess you came along when you did, or who knows wot would have happened!
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The mayor came onto the scene.
Cynthia's Father: Cynthia! It's you! You're ALIVE!
Cynthia: Oh, I'm alive alright! But I owe it all to this fine bunch of heroic folk.
Cynthia's Father: Y-You! I know you! You came to my house... B-But surely you didn't... Y-You mean you stumped up the ransom out of yer own pocket!?
Rex: Nah. Just had a particular set of skills. We were in the area; Thought we'd help.
Cynthia's Father: So you're sayin' you gave those kidnappers a thick ear an' sent 'em packin'? I'm very glad to hear it!
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'Thick ear', eh? Funny he should say that.
Cynthia's Father: I'm afraid I don't have anythin' for you now, but I promise to make this up to you later! Right, young lady! Let's get you home an' get the kettle on!
Cynthia: That sounds like the best idea I've heard all day! We're goin' to head back into town an' put our feet up. I can't thank you enough for wot you did!
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The two left. Rex would've refused the reward on any other day... But tomorrow was Murdaw. Nothing they did here would matter, if he was not destroyed.
The mayor rewarded them handsomely, and Rex accepted it with thanks. He only hoped he proved worthy of it. Tomorrow was coming very soon...