She slumped to the ground. Krenua dispatched another Demon a second after; the third rustled in their sleep but didn’t rise.
Krenua made sure they would never wake from their slumber.
The rusty smell of freshly spilled blood made Krenua’s stoic expression turn into a grin similar to Lezar’s.
DCA that had been with the Horde moved on their targets. Fifty thousand Demons died in a few short hours. Not a large number compared to the mass of Demons, yet nearly every one of them had been the strongest of the Horde. Potential leaders and groups were quashed in a night, while the most aggressive ones were left alive.
“Pull back. Good work,” Lezar said. The DCA melted back into the forest.
Krenua stayed up the few hours left until morning, watching the Demon Horde camp. Before night turned into day, movement started to fill the camp. It seemed that word had been passed.
By the time that the sun had risen, the groups that were remaining, the bottom feeders and the more aggressive ones, were pulling themselves together.
Krenua watched as a battle played out in the middle of the camp. The open area in its center turned into a gladiator pit.
The Demons would probably level up but without leadership and their mistrust, it was like the first days they came to Emerilia. It was a free-for-all.
“We kill fifty thousand; they kill nearly two hundred thousand. That’s what I call a strategic advantage.” Lezar watched the scene with Krenua.
“What do we do now?” Krenua asked.
“Nightly raids; I want to fan the flames. The more time we hold them back here, the longer Efri gets with his traps. I want them disorganized, sleep deprived, and unwilling to trust one another when we hit them.” Lezar looked to Krenua.
“I’ll see to it.” Krenua nodded and looked back to the camp one more time. Once they clear Efri’s traps, then they’ll be at Devil’s Crater and the real battle will start.
***
Josh watched the interface in front of Florence disappear. For a few moments, there was nothing. Then, the drop pad’s runes lit up. There was a flash of light as the drop pad had disappeared. In its place was a teleport pad. A control terminal sat on top of it.
Everyone looked around, as if stunned by what had just happened. It didn’t seem as nearly ground-breaking as they’d thought.
Josh knew that with time, it wasn’t having the teleport pad that would change Emerilia; it was what they did through the teleport pad.
“Get the control terminal off and put it in the control room,” Florence said.
Two Stone Raiders grabbed the terminal, moving it off to the control room on one side. The entire area around the teleport pad had been made for speed and efficiency as well as defense. They wanted to be able to control what went through the teleport pad immediately.
The teleport pad hummed with power; the Stone Raiders’ hands went to their blades.
A portal opened, showing Lucy on the other side.
“Well, it looks like it worked. Congratulations.” Lucy smiled at Florence.
“I didn’t think that it would there for a bit.” Florence laughed.
Lucy stepped from the guild hall and out into Verlun. The portal closed behind her.
“Ah, just had to ramp up the excitement!” Josh said.
“Yeah, ramping up the excitement has nearly turned me into a nervous wreck,” Lucy said dryly.
“Well, anyway, I have to get back to planning out a fight. I’ll see you ladies later,” Josh said, seeing that they were eager to catch up.
“Fine, go have fun. We’ll get your supplies sorted out.” Lucy waved Josh away like some annoying mosquito.
Josh grinned, headed for the control room where the teleport pad’s controls were. As much as he was excited by the things going on in Verlun, when he thought about the impending war that was going to happen at Devil’s Crater, he couldn’t help but feel more excited.
Fellox’s hundred grand is as good as mine! What the hell can they do that compares to an entire war between two different groups of Demons with Beast Kin thrown in? Bloody hell, it’s nerve-wracking, it’s nuts, and it’s bloody brilliant!
***
“What?” Geswald said, his pipe in his numb hands.
“From the sources that we have, we’re getting reports that the Stone Raiders have installed a teleport pad at their new headquarters in Verlun. They are starting to talk to local businesses. We believe that it was put into place a few days ago. With their standing treaties with other nations for fighting on their behalf, their network is expanding rapidly,” Pete said.
Geswald looked at the man blankly. His eyes moved around the office he sat in, but didn’t settle on anything. “What kind of monsters are they that they can buy a teleport pad? Where did they even get the drop pad from?”
Pete cleared his throat. Geswald’s eyes focused on him again.
“We have heard rumors of a member of the Stone Raiders being a Dwarven Master Smith. I think that is how they were able to make it. Three days ago, there was another teleport pad connected. This one in a town called Cliff-Hill. It’s an insignificant place, but the only place in Opheir other than Nadorf. They are connected to a human city, Omal, as well as an Elven forest, Kufo’tel, and the Mithsia Mountains. Trade goes through the village, where they have large smithies and a ceramics factory. I have been looking into these factories and the smithies through the connections in the trader’s guild. They’re owned by the same person, Dave Grahslagg, the reported Dwarven Master Smith. He has multiple patents on different items and it seems that he is responsible for using all of the smithy and ceramics factories’ income to buy a teleport pad,” Pete said.
“So, the Stone Raiders basically bought two teleport pads in as many days. They call a Dwarven Master Smith one of their people and they can somehow get goods from somewhere on a near constant basis?” Geswald sat back in his chair, feeling much older.
The guildmaster was right. I’ve never seen a guild have this kind of power before.
“We need to cancel all plans that we have with the Stone Raiders. They are not a group we want to anger. We can maybe pressure them in some way, but direct confrontation will lead to nothing,” Geswald said firmly, relieved that he had been held back from his hasty attack plan he’d made just a few weeks ago.
“Yes, master,” Pete bowed, wincing as he said the next sentence. “Lord Esamael received the same information as us a few hours before. He sent a message for you.”
“Well, out with it.” Geswald frowned.
“Lord Esamael, upon hearing that there is a second teleport pad held within fifty miles of his own teleport pad, has expressed his displeasure at the current situation. He wants us to do something about them. If we do not, then he will increase the cost of using the teleport pad, as well as taxes, while doing his best to interfere in our businesses. He said it in more flowery language.”
“Did he send his message to just us?” Geswald asked darkly. His mind worked to try to figure a way to balance himself between the Stone Raiders and Lord Esamael.
“No, he sent it to a number of merchants and traders. We have already received complaints from a few of them.”
“Esamael is a powerful man. His family has owned this town and its teleport pad for many generations. They’re more powerful than most kings. Their power is only beaten by the actual king of Gudalo on this continent. Even with no standing army, their ties make them strong indeed. With the new information about the Stone Raiders, we’re going to have to tread very carefully,” Geswald warned.
“Yes, master,” Pete said.
“Send word to the council in town that we need to discuss these latest developments.”
“I will see to it personally.” Pete bowed before he left the room.
Geswald looked around his office. He had been excited with the thrill of the hunt and his opportunity to show others his real power and crush a group of Players. It would have been perfect. Now that he knew of their true streng
th and pulled back his plans, he was getting forced from another direction to try to carry them out.
I need time to figure it all out, to see a way of keeping Esamael happy while not angering the Stone Raiders too much.
***
Lord Esamael drank wine from his ornate glass. It was handcrafted straight from Markolm. It was worth a small village’s income for a year. He didn’t really taste the wine that was worth more than a farmer’s yearly expenses. Opulence wasn’t an acquired taste; it was a standard to him.
He let out an angry breath as he drank from his glass again. His eyes were fixed on the horizon. In the direction of his gaze lay Verlun. The Esamael family had not gotten to their seat of power through sitting back and letting others walk all over them. They were well versed in the art of backroom deals and non-physical arm twisting.
Anyone who didn’t fall in line, they put them in place with force. They might not have a big standing army, but they controlled the gangs and crime in the region. Accidents weren’t all that uncommon.
I will have that teleport pad and I will get those Players to either leave or submit. They might be immortals, but they’re still weaker than my own forces and I know where they respawn.
He drank deeply from his cup.
He had issued his orders out to the traders and other groups to start the discrete pressure. If the Stone Raiders didn’t take the hint, then Esamael would be forced to take things into his own hands. He was the law here. No one liked being in a cell for months; even the immortal Players usually changed their bodies after a few months.
Esamael turned from the balcony and headed into his castle.
Emerilia will be continued in This is Our Land.
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Thanks again for reading!
Continue on for Character Sheet!
In Alphabetical order
Ankol
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art: Metal Spinner. Lives in Grorart Mountain.
Boran-Al
Lich
One of the Dark Lord’s Champions. Works directly under the Dark Lord. Creates Creatures of Power and carry’s out the Dark Lord’s orders. His Citadel was destroyed.
Alastair Montgoa
Arch Lich aka former Lord Vailyn. Gave up his fellow Aleph to have everlasting life; used the centuries to build strength and knowledge
Barry
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art-Unknown. Wandering smith.
Cassie
Elf/Human Halfling
Holy warrior. Leader of the Golden Sabres. In a relationship with Josh Giles.
Dark Lord
God
Embodiment of the Dark affinity. Created Demons. Normally an ally with the Earth Lord. Always looking a way to tip the power balance of Emerilia in his favor.
Dasano
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art: Metal Press. Lives in Grorart Mountain.
Akatol Dracul
Dragon
Water Mage. Was the second Dragon, Denur’s husband. Went mad and started a genocide, disappeared.
Denur Dracul
Dragon
Fire Mage Hailed as ‘Mother of Dragons’. First of her race, a creature of power created by the Lady of Fire. Seen as her daughter. Sister to Oson’ Deia.
Gelimah Dracul
Dragon
Dark Mage. Brother to Induca, Louna and Malsour
Fornau Dracul
Dragon
Earth Mage. Quindar's mate Malsour and Induca’s grandnephew.
Induca Dracul
Dragon
Fire Mage. One of the youngest from the first generation of Dragons. Sister to Malsour, daughter of Denur, aunt to Quindar, great aunt to Fornau. Member of the Stone Raiders and Party Zero.
Kinal Dracul
Dragon
Louna Dracul
Dragon
Induca, Gelimah and Malsour’s sister.
Malsour Dracul
Dragon
Dark Mage. One of the oldest Dragons in existence, first born of Denur. Deia and Induca’s Guardian, Stone Raider and Party Zero member. Brother to Induca. Great Uncle to Fornau Dracul and Uncle to Quindar Dracul.
Quindar Dracul
Dragon
Wind Mage, wife to Fornau, Niece to Induca and Malsour.
Wokui Dracul
Dragon
Water Mage
Xednai Dracul
Dragon
One of the first Dragons, had several Dragons. Her son is Fornau.
Gorpal Dunsk
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, lives in Aldamire Mountain, created 3 Weapons of Power - Mace of Fury, Tower Shield, Boots of Smash. Smithing Art: Paint Copy
Earth Lord
God
Embodiment of the Dark affinity. Created Earth Sprites.
Edmur
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Had been in the Dwarven War Bands as a Shield Bearer. Former pupil of Quino's Brother to Endur. Smithing Art: Metal’s Song
Edwards
Human. Military scientist within the Deq’ual System. Friend of Sato’s
Edwin
Beast Kin. Beast Kin representative on ruling council.
Endur
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Had been in the Dwarven War Bands as a Shield Bearer. Former pupil of Quino's, brother to Edmur, lives in Zolu Mountain. Smithing Art Hammer Blows
Esa
Human
Melee fighter. Member of Mikal and Jule’s party. Fought at Boranl-Al’s Citadel.
Member of the Stone Raiders. Going out with Jules. Works under Dwayne as a fighter. Being trained for a leadership position under Dwayne.
Lord Esamael
Human.
Lord of Emaren within the Gudalo Kingdom.
Ela-Gal
High Elf.
Warrior living in Aleph, married to Ela’Dorn. Persectued by high elves as heretic.
Ela-Dorn
Orc.
Researcher and professor at Aleph College. Aleph Council Member. Married to Ela-Gal
Fend
Dwarf
Lord Under the Mithsia Mountains.
Geswald
Human.
Trader’s Guild
David Grahslagg
Dwarf/Human Halfling, in-game character of Austin Zane. Dwarven Master Smith, Resident of Cliff Hill, member of Party Zero and the Stone Raider’s Guild. Other names: Austin Zane
Josh Giles
Human
Rogue. Leader of the Stone Raiders. Was a investment broker on Earth, became an E-head. In a relationship with Cassie from the Golden Sabres.
Gimel
Human
Warrior.
Fellox Guild Master.
Gorrund
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith in Benvari Mountain with Jesal, teaching four apprentices. Smithing Art: Blood Bender.
Goula
Demon
On the Ruling council for Devil’s Crater.
Gurren
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg, Kol’s Grandson. Member of the Stone Raiders.
Helick
Dwarf
Dwarve
n Master Smith.
Kim Isdola
Human
Cleric/alchemist. Lieutenant in Stone Raiders.
Ishox
Demon
On the Ruling council for Devil’s Crater.
Arch-Mage Jekoni
Human/item
Soul bound to Staff of Growing, over 2,000 years old; missing legs. Held within Dwarven Vaults with other Weapons of power.
Jeeves
AI
Made by Bob to assist the Dwarven Master Smiths.
Jeremy
Human
Fellox Guild member.
Jesal
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, Dave's master smith trainer. Smithing art: Nature's Guide
Jules
Human
Healer. Member of Mikal and Esa’s party. Fought at Boranl-Al’s Citadel.
Member of the Stone Raiders. Used to be an army medic, E-head without legs IRL. Going out with Esa. Works under Lucy as support, leads the healers of the Stone Raiders.
Joko
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend and trainer of David Grahslagg.
Deceased.
Anna’Kal
Wolf Beast Kin/Administrator AI24681
Air mage. Originally a program meant to assist Lo’kal with the running of Emerilia. Anna was uploaded to a Player body and inserted into Emerilia. She became emotionally attached with her charges. When the Beast Kin people were wiped out from Emerilia she went into cold storage, waiting for her father to awake her when a chance came to fight against the prison they had created.