A GROUP PUZZLE

  The party calls up their status sheets. Everyone talks over each other. “Quiet we don’t want to wake up Bree and Rhys they need their sleep.” Connie sternly admonishes the others.

  “Sorry Connie. We go one at a time. Who has changes on their Status Sheets other than all the Levels.” Tanner asks the group.

  Claire says, “We all saw the lights change colors before they entered our gates. Is this what changed our Attributes?”

  “What is going on? Are you guys seeing this too? I am a little scared, actually.” Jackson says.

  Claire, to soothe Jackson and the others, tells them. “We fought two times. If we fight something much higher leveled or if we are fighting something that is going to award us a lot of experience. We can only get two levels at a time at Tier 1. If we should get more experience than two levels’ worth, we get spells or skills. We can not compress more at our tier without getting hurt, so the system limits us. At Tier Two, we can improve three levels. Tier Three, we can improve four levels, so on and so forth.”

  Everyone nods in understanding. Jackson asks another question. Claire, cutting him off, tells the young man, “hold your questions I will go over everything then you can ask questions just like in class. We all went up four levels and gained new Titles right?”

  “Yes, Instructor.” the rest of the class choruses with grins.

  Claire grins back, “Smart asses, our Attributes all most look like what we would see at Tier 2, but not exact. That is one thing I have no clue about.”

  Connie asks, “Could that be what the light did? Separate our attributes early?”

  Dylan asks. “Or maybe it has something to do with the fights or the creatures?”

  “No clue, is anyone else showing Soul?” Tanner asks. The rest all raise their hands. “What the hell is happening to us? Let’s go over status sheets together one at a time. Maybe something will spark an idea. Mick, Lilli, Karnna, Milly, Jackson, Iris, Dylan, Connie, then Claire. I will go last, if you all don’t mind?”

  After a brief discussion, “Everyone looks pretty much the same. Same Title, Attribute changes, and additional levels. I think for now all we can do is accept what this is and just carry on. Do we need to discus anything? Questions about any of this?” Tanner observes.

  “No I am good” Milly smiles.

  Mick raises his hand. “Yes I do as a matter of fact. When do I get to play with the new powers?” He asks with a grin.

  “Tomorrow morning.” Tanner grins back.

  “I’m good, just waiting to kick Mick all around camp tomorrow morning.” Claire proclaims.

  “Oh. Challenge accepted.” Mick retorts.

  “So let’s get back to the fight with Rhys and Bree. What went wrong, what went right?”

  Mick speaks up first. “We had no warning what was going on.”

  “Unfortunate, but there really was no way to let the rest of you know without alerting them. As it was Bree tumbled on to what we were doing and almost killed us.” Tanner sighs.

  Claire interjects. “Maybe we should come up with some nonverbal cues that are just for us.”

  “There is an idea, maybe our own sigh language I know some parties use a series of hand signals.” Milly encourages.

  Dylan says, “We were way under leveled for any of that. Could we not have waited?”

  “If we did we would have had all six on us or do you think anyone would believe us? And help?” Connie asks the others.

  “Hmm good point we would have had to reveal our status sheets explain everything then look over our shoulders for the rest of our lives until we get stronger.” Mick answers her.

  “What else?” Tanner asks.

  “Why aren’t we dead?” Jackson asks. The others chuckle with dark humor. “Guys I am serious. We should not have survived that. Either one of them could solo this dungeon, There is no way we can take them, even doing it one at a time.”

  “That is puzzling now that you mention it. I thought we just got lucky.” Milly says.

  “I think we had a few things on our side.” Connie informs them. “One, they were fighting the compulsion or what ever it was. Two the dungeon was limiting them somehow. Three one of the pantheon was with us.”

  “How do you know any of that?” Mick asks her.

  “Well, Rhys and the Empress were very slow and never hit us with anything close to full power. Or did you think that kick from her Majesty was all she can do to you, Milly? That kick should have killed you. Heck, she didn’t even use her bow.”

  “Those are very solid points, so you think they were trying to get help?” Mick asks.

  “Yes.” Connie nods her head. “Okay, I’ll consider that, but the gods helped?” “Yes definitely, where do you think Tanner got that tea cup we all drank from? Or the Map, or whatever that coin, disc thing was?”

  “Okay you have a point on those. But the Dungeon itself limiting them?” Mick argues.

  “I’ve felt something from it a few times.” Connie looks over at Claire’s side of the fire and asks. “Have you, Claire? What about you Tanner?”

  “Well I’ve never felt anything.” Mick scoffs.

  The others pause, taking in Claire’s expression and Tanner’s thoughtful look. Connie smiles and says, “See I am not crazy.”

  “Wait really?” A stunned Mick asks the two.

  “Yes watch.” Tanner walks over to the sleeping Empress, taking her hand gently. Tanner casts Arcane Weapons and fiercely stabs the back of her hand. The Empress’s expression remains unchanged as she sleeps through the attack that did not scratch her skin. Gently placing her hand back under covers and tucking her in. Tanner walks back to the fire. “The encounters are getting harder, the goblin equipment is better than when we first entered, and their levels have increased. I was two levels lower when I sliced her almost in half. Something beyond divine forces were involved. However, their interaction on this world is not supposed to happen. Only guide and advise. But our we on our world? No one understands the dungeons. Lots of false claims are circulating, but do they possess accurate knowledge or understanding? I doubt it. Lets get some sleep, hopefully they will be awake in the morning and we can all talk some more.”

  Morning finds the decuplet in the middle of breakfast, when Rhys stretches and asks. “Got some of that for me? That smells good, and I am starving.”

  As the group turns to Rhys, a smiling Claire brings the man a large platter of food. “Eat all you want I made a lot.”

  “Thanks, Bree still out?”

  “Yes she did start stirring around a few minutes ago so I expect her to wake up anytime.” Connie reports.

  “Let me eat, and then we can talk.”

  As the big healer is finishing the last of his food. Bree wakes up with a scream. “Jackson NO.” Sitting bolt upright and looking around in a panic, she sees everyone is alright. “Oh thanks the goddess, you are all okay.” she breathes out. A sobbing Claire steps in to hug and hang on to her mother. Tanner, quickly grabbing another platter of food, walks over and waits for the reunion to soften. Claire lets go and steps back. Tanner steps in and gives Bree a one-armed hug and hands her a platter. “Eat up, We can talk after you get settled.” Gently pushing Claire down to sit with her mother. Tanner gestures to the rest. “Lets move over there and we can give them some privacy.”

  “Lets do some light sparring, they may be awhile.” Rhys suggests. “Connie you and I will team.” Everyone unlimbers and pulls weapons. They move into pairs and work two person forms. Eventually, the group hears Claire's call to assemble and rejoin by the fire.

  “So, I would like to hear your stories first then I can maybe fill in any blanks.” Bree starts.

  All look to Connie. As Connie goes over her story in more detail than the previous night. Rhys and Bree ask questions for more clarification at some points. Tanner takes over his part, giving more detail as well. As Claire goes over her findings. Rhys stands and paces in thought. Once all the younger delvers have given their side of events.

  Bree thinks for a few moments. “I'll revisit the Empire's origins. The unification days, to be exact. The Tidewells are one of the oldest families on the continent. All the Grand Dukes trace their lineage back to the Kings of the Chaos Years. King Contigo received the backing of the Church in his unification efforts. The kingdom of Contigo, with church backing, conquered the other kingdoms one by one. The Tidewells were the last holdouts. There has been heavy debate among many about what happened next. They set up peace talks for the Tidewells to surrender. Instead of surrendering at the peace talks. They attacked from ambush and killed the Emperor’s oldest son. Peace talks and other meetings of diplomacy are sacrosanct. It is considered a very foul deed to shed blood at a peace talk. After realizing that the Tidewells were untrustworthy, the other kings aligned behind the Contigo line and crushed the Tidewells with their combined might. The only Tidewell left was a young boy, the dead king's nephew. They placed him on the District throne and administered the oath as the Grand Duke of the fourth district. Over the years, the Tidewells have been counted upon to sow hate and discontent throughout the Empire. The Grand Duke starts out fine. Within 100 years or so, they usually go bad. Almost like there is some type of hereditary insanity. Now not all of them start out good, mind you. The current Grand Duke is a foul waste of human skin. We attended Darton with him. He was in his third year, We were in our first year. He developed an unhealthy obsession for Eunice and Penny. Cornered Eunice in the girls' shower room. Got expelled, after she beat him almost to death. He followed her around for months until she out leveled him and almost killed him again. Then he just got smarter and stalked her from further away. She joined the church, and he stopped. His fourth son is in the third year at Darton. He thinks he is going to marry Claire. Never mind, Imperial law forbids it. His oldest son and heir has an unsavory reputation.” Bree stops talking, looking into the fire for a few moments. She starts up again. “He gave the set to us on Empire Day two years ago. We picked them up and thanked him for the gift. I remember he had the strangest look of satisfaction that day. Now I know why. He must have found someone with an Infernal Affinity.”

  “Not to be an ass but how did you not know the daggers were cursed?” Mick asks her.

  “We cast Identify on them nothing out of the ordinary showed up. Other than the quality. They were High Rare, the belts and sheath all showed up as Rare.”

  Connie asks, “Did you examine them separate or with the knife in the sheath and on the belt?” Bree answers. “He gave them to us in different boxes why?” “The curse did not take effect until all were together, and on you.” Connie says.

  “How in the world would you know that?” Rhys asks. “I have a book on Celestial.” Connie explains.

  “All of that was in there? Must be some book.”

  “Yes many things about Light, Darkness, Infernal, and Divine Affinities.”

  Bree, staring at Connie, asks. “Just who gave you a book on Celestial Origin Essences?”

  “I’d rather not say were I got the book.”

  Bree says. “Fine keep your secrets just know we have noticed You, Tanner, and Claire have managed some unusual insights about the way things work. Please take care in the future.” She smiles to take the sting out of her reprimand, then stands up straight, and calls Rhys over. Rhys comes over and stands next to her. Both bow formally to the ten. Bree states. “This is a formal thank you from your Empress. After this mess is sorted, I will make sure you ten have suitable rewards. Connie, without your keen mind and insights, who knows what would have happened. Then you had the courage to bring it to someone's attention. Wonderful job. Tanner, you excelled after Connie brought this to you. You have helped her and the others to find the courage to step out of their comfort zones and you believe in them and their skills. You have inspired them to follow you into a very troubling fight. Claire words cannot express how proud you have made me. You have blossomed in all the ways I have ever hope for you and have even stepped beyond. Milena, your positive attitude, and sense of fun keeps us all going. Mikhail, Karnnadosandra, and Lillianne the way the three of you continue to bring your sense of duty, honor, and dedication to the forefront of your party is a boon to us all. Dylan and Irisonalkillian you are steadfast and loyal, your efforts have a solid impact on the effectiveness of this party. Jackson, your willingness to sacrifice for your team mate was inspired. Madman, that you are. That literally took guts.” She smiles and squeezes him in a tight hug. “Now Rhys if you have anything to add?”

  Rhys, uncharacteristically serious, bows, “I can not express how grateful I am. You have all come to mean a lot to me over the last few months and weeks. Helping to train you ten has been one of the greatest highlights of my life so far. Last night, you did something that can never be repaid.”

  Bree states, “You ten have started on a path to save the Empire from ruin, in a literal sense.”

  “I completely agree.”

  “We will do our best to reward you for your service.”

  The decuplet, looking at each other, have a brief meeting without words for a few moments, then all nod their heads at Tanner. Tanner, nodding back, steps to Bree and Rhys and with a bow, asks. “Can you just continue to train us and advise us when we need it? That is all we really require. We did not do this for the Empire or to be heroes we did it because we saw you needed help.”

  “We can do that but you will still get what’s coming to you. I would like to apologize for fighting you all. I really did try to hold back. What I said and did was not me. I tried so very hard to hold back.” Bree says tearfully, reaching out to hug Tanner. Rhys and Bree hug the rest of the party in thanks and for emotional support on both sides.

  Tanner steps back from the group. Claire, spotting Tanner’s actions, walks over to him. “What are you thinking that handsome head of yours?”

  “We need to rush to the boss and finish this.”

  “We should, but I am not certain Mother will let us.”

  “Why?” Tanner asks.

  Bree, overhearing the two, calls, “All right gather round. We have several things to go over. Dungeons never sleep, and we do not get to celebrate until we are out. We will deal with one thing at a time, right now the first priorities are your FIRST CLEAR. Yes I spoke in capitals, Your first dungeon should always be completely cleared. This is another class room moment so gather round.”

  The budding party gathers, and Rhys speaks. “One thing you can never get again is a first time. That being said, always make the first time count. When you step into your first dungeon you get bonuses, it is not a secret. But I will not tell you what they are. The dungeons give a bonus for any first events. First kill, First kill of a monster type, First delve, First into a new dungeon. Questions?” Milly with a grin raises her hand. “Yes Milly what is your question?” Rhys asks, giving her permission to speak. “Will Claire and Tanner get a bonus for their first kiss?” The others chuckle as Tanner and Claire blush slightly. Rhys, keeping a straight face with effort, responds. “Possibly. I have no knowledge if that is an achievement. So we need you to clear the dungeon. The rewards should be very good. You entered this as Tier 0, level 0. This is a Tier 1 level 15, so you should see some truly fantastic gains. I know we have some unfinished business outside of here. We will take this time to plan and have a solid strategy when we rescue our loved ones. We need to see your Status Sheets and establish your strategy for conquering this dungeon.”

  A short time later, after updating everyone on the status sheets and new capabilities. Bree and Rhys, both in complete shock at the decuplet’s status sheets. After attempting to understand what exactly has happened. The two have no answer for the group of younger delvers. The decuplet spend the day sparing, to practice using the new powers. The next morning, the group finds themselves back on the hill overlooking the mine fort.

  Tanner begins the Strategy session. “So my thoughts are to take the gate guards and the ones out side the wall as quietly as we can, maybe make the wall guards fall outside the fort. Make a distraction at the front gate. Draw attention there and break through or go over the North wall next to the barracks. Hit them from behind while gathered at the gate. Or wait for night to stealth our way in and kill as many as we can, burn everything we can. Then fall back and go in again, until we have killed them all. Or anything between the two plans. I am fully open to suggestions.”

  Claire, looking over the fort, observes. “We now have three goblins on the North wall, three on the South wall, two on the East wall and four on each side of the gate, two inside and two outside. Plus three outside each wall. Can we take the nine goblins outside the fort quietly? Without the two outside and inside the gate noticing?”

  Jackson answers her. “I do not really see how, we would have to do it all at once. I could take one set of gate guards but the other pair is to far away. Each pair would have to be taken one at a time.”

  Mick voices an opinion. “We have to take the goblins outside the walls first, before we go in it gives them too much advantage other wise.”

  “What about get the walls clear then enter the gate with overwhelming force?” Karnna asks.

  “That may drive them into the mines, we would only have to take them a few at a time in the tunnels.” Lilli says excitedly.

  Rhys clears his throat to interrupt. “The only reason I am giving any input here is the ten of you have had no experience in underground delves. Your tactics depend on a few things. In natural caves some skills and spells are not a good idea. Natural caves can have weakness, sound in the wrong place could collapse the whole thing on you, sudden impacts to the walls could do the same. Mines will have similar weakness sounds would be unlikely but vibrations in the right spot could again collapse it partially or in whole. If it did not kill you right away trapped under ground with no way out is a bad way to die. Digging out may even collapse more on you. You need to limit skills and spell effects when under ground. It is not a bad plan just beware of your limitations. I am not approving or disapproving any of your plans. Continue on.”

  “Thanks for the lesson, Rhys.” Jackson grins. After a few more hours of planning and discussion. The decuplet presents their plan of attack.

  Bree, thinking over everything presented, “Are you sure you can do this in this manner?”

  “We believe so.” Tanner replies as the rest nod yes.

  “Okay when do you want to attack?”

  “It is still morning and we need to be done with the first phase before the sun shifts into our eyes.”

  “Good Luck I will be up here as an observer only. Rhys is to only loot and observe you all close at hand for after action critique, if you get into trouble, you have to get yourself out. We will not help you.”

  The party gathers in front of the East wall, Tanner looking over everyone asks. “Everyone knows their part?”

  “Sorry quick question, they will really let us die?” Milly asks.

  Claire sighs. “Yes. Think about it, the only help we have been given is to make the fights more equal. We are now on parity with the Dungeon. They can not help us any longer other than to advise. Regardless of what many people think the dungeons do react to outside help, be it limiting a powerful foe, or enraging a monster to make it more powerful. If we can break away and get outside of the fight zone, they can help us heal, but that is about it. So do not think you will be saved, if things go wrong.”

  Jackson soberly tells the others. “You all may not understand because you do not have delvers in your families. But this is what it means to delve the Dungeons. The Empress will stand up there and watch us succeed and celebrate with us. Or she will watch us fail and mourn her daughter.”

  Tanner quietly asks “Does anyone have questions about the plan before we move?” As the others shake their heads no. He smiles and says. “Then let’s give the Empress something to celebrate.”

  Getting into formation, Mick, Karnna, and Lilli wait for their opportunity to charge. Milly and Jackson target the east wall guard patrols while Connie and Claire target the north wall guards. Dylan and Iris target the south wall “Now.” Tanner says. As the energies of Primal, Celestial, Lightning, Elemental, Nature, and Psi magic crash into the unsuspecting goblins, Tanner casts Arcane explosions on to the gate as fast as he can. To the accompaniment of screaming watchmen and thunder, the gate disappears in a brilliant flash of light. Silence reigns over the new battlefield until the sound of falling bodies and timber splatter across the devastated landscape. The party runs to the new opening in the wall and wait for the smoke and dust to clear. Mick stands bold and proud in front of his party, Karnna one pace behind and left of the big man. Lilli one pace behind and to the right. The three ready to be the party’s Titans of Battle. Jackson casting spells on the door of the crude keep, making it weigh as much as possible to delay the Hobgoblin Sub-Boss. Once the door is several hundred pounds heavier, his job is to ignite the central keep, and he refuses to fail. As the door sags in place, he begins his second task. Along the south wall, Iris’s Strangling Vines pin any fleeing goblins in place. Dylan, determined to account for the south wall lookouts, sets his feet to cast. His fire balls arcing across the distance, landing with concussive force among the terrified and pined goblins. Claire, and Connie both as resolved as Jackson. Their task is the remaining goblin lookouts along the north wall. Claire's Primal missiles slam into the terrified lookouts in sets of two. She realizes the power of her level up. In her excitement, she doubles down on casting as fast as she can. Connie’s Celestial Judgment acts as a finishing touch on each of Claire’s targets. Tanner’s Arcane Blast explodes amongst the goblins, charging the decuplet, killing them before they can move even half the distance. Milly, not to be outdone, casts her lightening bolts around the edges of Tanner’s explosions, killing wounded goblins in mass. Tanner, seeing the walls cleared and the central keep on fire with the door stuck in place, he orders the decuplet forward to range on to the barracks. The Connie and Claire duo walking their devastating path of spell chaos over the South side of the fort. While the Iris and Dylan duo continue their destruction of the North side. The two pairs cast hell into the goblins pouring out from the doorways of both barracks. Mick, monitoring the central keep's door, watches the roof of the building collapse. Soon after, the door bursts open, belching flame and cinders. A large, flaming hobgoblin rushes out amid the conflagration. Mick, quickly casting taunt on the Sub-Boss, steps into his stance to receive the monster's charge. “Boss in play.” he yells. Jackson, done lighting the barracks on fire, shifts target to the Hobgoblin. Casting on the monster's sword as fast as he can. The monster grunting with the effort of attempting to swing the now heavy sword, and failing, the enraged Hobgoblin drops the heavy blade and charges into Mick barehanded. As Mick takes the Hobgoblins' charge on his shield in a circle motion, deflecting the monster to the side into a stumbling fall. Quickly casting Taunt again on the downed creature. While Lilli attacks the sub-boss, slashing her sword across the creature’s legs, as the Hobgoblin regains its feet and charges Mick, Jackson casts Trip. Mick smashes the off balance Hobgoblin with a Shield Smash into Karnna. Karnna swipes her axe, hitting his legs. Tanner finished with the east side goblins, focuses on the Sub-Boss, casting Arcane Missiles four at a time with alternating hands. Claire, seeing Tanner’s new technique, quickly copies him, targeting the Sub-Boss. Dylan finishes the goblins on the south side, his focus also shifts to the Sub-boss, blowing hot cinders into its face. Connie and Iris scan everyone for healing before going back into the battle. Milly dances around the side of the Hobgoblin, casting lightning, followed closely by the sonic spell Thunder. Connie, seeing the new casting technique, grins and also copies Tanner. The Sub-Boss falls, and the group takes a much needed break.

  Tanner, looking over the Mine Entrance and the miners' barracks, orders. “Meditation time I’ll keep watch. Fill back up, first one done take over watch and I will Meditate. Connie top everyone off then Meditate. Okay?”

  “Yes boss.” she replies. Tanner smiles briefly at her and then continues to watch the mine. Rhys and Bree enter the Fort. Mick waves at them, and lets Tanner know he will take the watch. Tanner thanks his teammate and slips into meditation. Rhys, looting all the bodies, puts out the fires and starts going through the buildings, taking care to stay away from the group fighting. As the last one to recharge his attributes. Tanner says. “Lets go just like we planned.” Jackson lights the miner's barracks on fire. Goblins run screaming out of the door, and the ranged attackers quickly remove them from the fight. The group makes sure the barracks are, in fact, empty. They line up at the mine entrance. “’Diamond’ formation, forward point will be. Mick, you lead, Lilli on the right three steps to the right, and three steps back. Sword only. Dylan you are to stay within ten steps of Lilli. She fights, you work around her to damage her opponent. Karnna will be on Mick’s left, three steps left and three steps back. Claire you will follow Karnna. Stay within ten steps of her. She fights, you work around her. Connie you stay five steps behind Mick. I need you to watch his back and Heals for our Titans do not worry about fighting unless they are very close to you. Your job is primarily heals, then watch then fight. Rear guard will be me behind Dylan, Milly behind Claire, Iris five steps in front of Jax is Jax main rear point. Once everyone is ready, I need a ready response.”

  Mick steps forward. “Ready.” He responds. The group lines up into place, and all report “Ready.”

  “Mick, your lead.” Tanner tells the young man. As the group travels through the mine. The unarmored, lower-level goblins, armed with only mining picks, brings minor challenge for the higher leveled delvers. The group steps into a large central tunnel where they find the Hobgoblin Mine Boss. The decuplet stops at the entrance to the central tunnels, the ten take stock.

  Mick speaks in a low voice. “We have The Mine Boss centered. Six miners to the left, eight miners to the right. There seems to be some more behind the boss, but I can’t tell how many are back there. Not to mention the three other tunnel openings.”

  Milly, looking over the situated monsters, asks. “Can we get to the other tunnels and clear them first?”

  Tanner, also looking at the room, decides. “We can try. What do the rest of you think?”

  “Let’s not bite off more than we can chew.” Connie answers, the other mutter agreement.

  “Sneak around the sides.” Tanner orders. “Okay then let’s hug the wall we step out single file and walk to the right it looks the closest.” The group of young adventurers slip quietly around the hobgoblin and into the next tunnel system. They move forward, killing the occasional single goblin. A distinct chill comes over the air the farther down the tunnel they tread. Holding his hand up, Mick signals to stop. The decuplet halt, scanning the area with caution.

  “Why is it so cold?” Claire whispers.

  “It is coming from up ahead.” Mick answers.

  “All right, we move forward slowly.” Tanner decides. They round the corner of the tunnel. The mine continues for a few more yards before opening into an enormous cave filled with ice. The adventurers creep closer to the cave entrance, stopping just outside of the opening. Inside the cavern, around 50 yards from the entrance, creatures are working with picks.

  Jackson, the first to speak, asks, “Are those goblins?”

  Connie whispers, “Keep your voice down, and yes they are Ice goblin Miners. Oh by the way I just got Analysis”

  “Nice.” Tanner tells her, “I’ve already Identified it but can you tell me what they are mining?”

  “Really, a test already teacher, it’s only my first day.” Connie snarks.

  “No just showing you how to level it.” Tanner tells her. “Why is Connie the only one to get Analysis or Identify, by the way?” The others look at each other shamefaced. “Really guys?” Tanner asks.

  “Uh we were busy?” Milly tries. Tanner shakes his head in mock disappointment, trying not to laugh. “I want you all to look at each goblin we encounter and each item we see and say what it is out loud. That is your punishment.” He tells them, looking away, biting his lips to stop laughing. Connie, catching the look on his face, snickers and looks away over the ice cavern.

  Claire jumps a little softly, exclaiming. “That’s why its so cold in here.”

  Milly looks at Claire with a small frown, “You forgot to look too didn’t you?”

  Claire stands straight and holds her head up. “Of course not, I have had it for a while now I just did not want to show Tanner up.”

  Jackson chuckles. “And with that statement. Everyone that does not believe her hold up your hands.” The parties' hands all go up.

  Claire giggles. “Fine I forgot too.”

  Tanner tells the rest, “Hate to brag, you guys are all still behind, I just got Analysis now too. So both now.”

  “You are such a cheat, you, you cheater.” Claire whispers.

  Tanner reaches over to hug Claire, and asks the others, “Anything?”

  Jackson mutters, “Nothing, nothing, nothing, level 5 Ice goblin, Mana crystal…” stopping in stunned amazement. Jackson turns to the others. “Identity.” He smiles so big his eyes almost shut.

  Claire, pointing at Tanner, tells Jackson. “Well he has both now.” Jackson stops smiling and looks at Tanner. Jackson holds out his hand and shakes Tanner's hand and congratulates him seriously. Clair, unable to see Jackson’s wink at Tanner. Stutters, “I. You. I hate you both.” She turns away before she sees their smiles. Claire stalks over to Connie.

  Connie having watched the two boys tease Claire and Claire, falling right into the verbal mess. Smiles Brightly, “Having a Day?”

  “BOYS.” Claire whispers.

  Connie laughs at her, “You do know they were teasing you, right?”

  With a sigh, Claire says. “I figured it out on the way over here.”

  Connie laughs gently at her friend. Claire gives her a sheepish look and starts laughing, too. The rest of the party, smiling at the four, continue to attempt the Skill.

  Tanner softly clears his throat, “Okay guys we needed that quick break, now we need to figure out how to take the Ice goblins without damaging the Mana Crystals. They have to remain Cold and can be damaged if hit hard enough.”

  “How do you know that?” Milly asks.

  Jackson, reaching over to Milly, gives her a hug and gently whispers. “We just had an entire conversation about it a few seconds ago.”

  “Oh.” Milly says in a small voice. “I really don’t belong with you guys do I?” Milly, softly crying, turns and walks back down the mine tunnel away from the Ice Cave.

  Tanner sighs. “Jackson go after her.”

  “Why me? Your the Boss.” Jackson asks.

  Claire steps up to Jackson and thumps him on the head like when they were children. “Knuckle head, she likes you, a lot. You like her, a lot. Go and bring her back.”

  Jackson trots after Milly. Tanner motions with his head to go back around the tunnel bend. The rest gather at the bend. Tanner announces. “We need to get this sorted now before we continue.” Nodding in agreement, the rest settle down and await Milly and Jackson’s return. Tanner starts the meeting, “Guys I think we have all been feeling a bit depressed and hopeless, Like we don’t belong. We need to talk about this before we continue.”

  Connie, turning to the others. “Do any of you feel you don’t belong or that you are not good enough to be here. It’s okay to talk about it with us. I was exactly like Milly is, I still am to a certain extent. But I am working on it. Don’t let fear or a lack of confidence hold you back. We belong here and we belong together. Don’t you dare think any different.”

  Mick, taking a deep breath, says, “Okay, look Claire your an Imperial princess with one of the most powerful affinities, Tanner your a prince. Again with an affinity that can change us on a fundamental level. Connie your on your way to becoming some kind of beautiful goddess of light and darkness and you have an Origin Essence. Don’t get me wrong I am so grateful to be with you three but I am just a wannabe front line from a very poor merchant family that can barely afford to keep the shop doors open.” Milly and Jackson return as Mick says the last sentence. Both of them sit and rejoin the group.

  Tanner turns to them and says, “Welcome back, we missed you.”

  “Sorry I don’t know what came over me.” Milly tells the group.

  “No problem, we were just sitting down to have a talk about things.” Tanner explains. “Something we should have done quite some time ago it seems. It is probably my fault I am the team lead and never even thought we needed to do this. Maybe I need to step down. Connie, do you want to continue leading this, please? You are pretty good at it.” Tanner sadly smiles.

  Connie says, “I agree to continue the talk. I do not agree you need to step down. You have been fantastic.” Claire snuggles in closer to Tanner and holds his hand. Connie, turning to Mick, explains. “I want us all on the same level,” and asks him to repeat what he had said earlier. Mick repeats his thoughts about Claire, Connie, and Tanner, only this time adds. “Jackson is the next best thing to a prince as the second son of a Grand Duke.”

  Milly adds, “I kind of feel that way too, but I also feel like I am dragging you all down and I am not good enough for…” She trails off, looking at Jackson a little forlornly.

  Karnna weeps, “The Anvilhand’s forced Dylan and I out because we weren’t good enough, we shouldn’t be here either, we can’t even afford food most days.” Dylan lays his arm around his sister’s shoulders and hangs his head. While the elf twins huddle together dejected.

  Connie looks at Claire and asks her to speak. Claire sits up, still holding Tanner's hand, and begins. “Yes my Father is the Emperor, my Mother is the Empress. I was raised in wealth and privilege. As a child, my training was with the Imps, celebrated heroes of the Empire. That is what everybody knows. What you do not know, I am constantly in my Mothers shadow. I have to be perfect, perfect princess, perfect daughter, perfect example for young girls everywhere. The Imps are all anyone wants to talk about when they acknowledge me. Not until I met Tanner did any boy see me. Claire, as anything other than a means to power of some kind. Everyone wanted what I could give them or what they could take. Truthfully I found him intriguing the first time I laid eyes on him at the docks. I watched him save two children from a sinking boat.” As she looks at Tanner, “I called Penny then to come help you.” Looking at the rest, she continues. “When he got to the dock, and the two children got up a ladder. He was so brave and did not hesitate to put himself in danger to help save a little boy he never ever met before. Then Penny was there to pull him out just as the kraken pulled him under. That was the first time I laid eyes on Tanner Wilson. He became my first real friend. Sorry Jackson, you and I both know we were friendly, but not friends.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Jackson grins, “I know you acted the way you needed to keep everybody at a distance, I did not blame you really.”

  “Thank you, if I knew then what I know now I would have been your friend.”

  Jackson shrugs, “Like I said I understand. Had some of the same things going on myself.”

  Claire continues, “So I had my very first friend, at 16 summers old. There, at the Attunement Ceremonies, I found the first boy I loved. I was so frightened at losing my first ever friend I said nothing. Then Tanner and I ran into Jackson. He became my second friend. Jackson goof that he is, spots Connie in the crowd coming into the auditorium and calls her over. She became my third friend. Having someone to share with made me realize how lonely I had been. I know I had the Imps, but they were Mother and Father's friends and they all love me, but it is just not the same. I'm sorry for not explaining this well. Then I met two set of twins that were funny and kind and they also became friends with me. Then a brave brother and sister that were struggling so hard to make something of themselves and would not give up. Someone that could never allow herself to trust suddenly had friends, two of whom I love. Even now, I am scared. I don’t want to lose my boyfriend, my girlfriend or any of my friends. I have nightmares about it.”

  Tanner’s arm goes around Claire’s shoulders, pulling her closer. Reflecting on each other's lives and comparing perceptions to reality is a humbling experience.

  Connie speaks up after giving everyone time to process the discussion. “Do we continue the talk or the delve?”

  “I for one am ready to kill stuff. Mick says. When everyone stands to gets ready to ‘kill stuff’, Milly walks up to Jackson, goes on tiptoes and reaches both hands up to his head and kisses his lips slowly. Letting go and standing back on her heals she announces, “Dungeon, that was my first kiss and the first time I kissed a boy if there is a bonus, thank you, if not at least I got my First Kiss.”

  Jackson, stunned for a second, says. “Wait, a minute.” Jax reaches over to take Milly in his arms, he leans in and kisses her back. Still holding her, he tells her, “I did not get to kiss you back. Oh and Dungeon that was my First Kiss and my first time to kiss a girl.” Tanner and Claire walk to the ice cave, laughing at hearing a repeat of their words to each other.

  “I think melee only so we do not destroy any Mana Crystals. What does everyone think?” Tanner asks.

  “Sounds like a plan to me.” Claire says. The other all agree.

  Tanner tells Mick. “Your lead my friend.”

  “Got it Boss.” Mick says while getting into position. Leading the charge into the lower level miners, Mick bashes them around and back into the path of his party. After defeating the Ice goblins, Rhys shows up and starts collecting the Mana Crystals. “Nice job folks. These are worth a small fortune.”

  Tanner walks to Rhys. “Got a minute?”

  Rhys smiles at Tanner. “Anything for a friend.”

  Tanner, lowering his voice, asks. “You heard out talk?”

  Rhys nods his head. “I am sorry I never realized what she was going through. Tanner this was a great thing you guys did. I recommend you do this for a short time once a week. I also think you all need to see a party councilor and each of you see individual councilors. This life takes a toll on us. But only if we let it.”

  Tanner replies, “Thanks I’ll make sure we do that. On another subject, I know or think I know what Celestial trains.”

  Rhys stops what he is doing and looks at Tanner. “What?”

  “Calm down I may be mistaken. While we were talking, I felt an odd tug in my abdomen, and chest it was not a physical thing really hard to explain what it felt like. But I have higher Body and the three new attributes Charisma, Fortitude, and Luck all went up by one.”

  “The others?”

  “No one has said anything but I check my Statuses after everything I do, just got into the habit.”

  “Why do you think Connie is involved? You guys were in a very intent discussion. If your Soul Gate opened that would give your some attributes.”

  “When was the last time we fought? I know it was long enough for all of us to regenerate. Connie was at half of her CP when we stood up.” Rhys stares after Tanner as he walks away.

  The decuplet regroups and Tanner orders. “Back in formation keep alert we cleared this tunnel getting here but something may have wandered in.” Mick cautiously leads the others back to the main shaft, killing a few more miners that have repopulated the tunnel. As the young adventurers return to the central cavern, they stop to reevaluate. The Hobgoblin is now situated directly in front of them, leaning on a very large two-handed sword. Watching with a big smile and a small army of goblin miners.

  “Well this is not good,” Mick says in a dry tone.

  “I just got Identify.” Milly tells him brightly.

  Tanner, not taking his eyes off the waiting enemies, says. “Good job Milly, remember no big storms for you when under ground. Mick, you lead Lilli, Karnna, and I to the Hobgoblin and the higher leveled goblins at the back of the group. Can you charge though the ones lined up in front of us?”

  Mick replies, “Only one way to find out.”

  Tanner continues his instructions. “The rest of you stay here, Connie and Iris heals only for the charge, keep us all alive. Claire, Dylan, and Jackson support our run to the Hobgoblin. Then kill everything but the Boss and his gang. Protect Connie and Iris. Milly you are going to have to protect the other casters. Once we are on the Hobgoblin. You all shift focus to the low levels. Connie and Iris kill any wounded from our charge to the Hobgoblin and heals if we need it, then heals and kill with the other casters. Remember NO Explosions.”

  Claire and Jackson step forward, almost to Tanner and Milly’s positions, while Connie and Iris step back a few paces. The titans set to charge, their combined aura of fear reaching out to the goblins arrayed in front, turning snarls to whimpers. Tanner requests a ready check. Once all ten have reported ready, Mick begins his charge. Quickly gaining speed, he blasts into the trembling goblin's front line, pushing through the smaller creatures. Lilli gracefully dances along his right side, her sword, a partner of her deadly waltz. Karnna, using a bounding stride, her spinning axe cleaving a path to the mine-boss, keeps Mick’s left side free. Tanner, follows the Titans of Battle, short swords glowing with Arcane energies, moving in sync with the others, weaving a dazzling pattern of destruction amongst the goblins. Jackson Casts Psionic Wail, leaving a swath of unconscious goblins around Lilli as she travels to the Mine Boss. Claire, casting her Primal missiles, discovers she can target each missile to individuals and hits goblins all around Tanner and in front of Mick, relieving some of the pressure, delaying his charge. Dylan casts a flurry of sharp bladed ice around his sister, keeping a circle of chill death around her. Iris casts waves of healing, on the foursome. Connie, not needed for healing targets, kills almost all the wounded goblins that are left in the foursome’s wake. Milly lays sheets of ice in front of the remaining casters and in the charge's wake. With a casting of Battle Cry on the Mine Boss, Mick collides with the creature, knocking it back a few steps. Pushing forward into the off balanced monster with a snarl. Mick starts methodically pounding with his shield and sword on the Hobgoblin. Tanner, placing himself at Mick’s back, glowing swords and Arcane missiles lashing out at all foes within reach. Lilli places her back to Mick and Tanner’s shoulders, while Karnna completes the square. Axe and sword glowing with the reflected Arcane energy. The three weave a bewildering, quilt of glowing weapons. Combined with Arcane missiles arcing across the chamber make Mick’s trio of defenders look like fireworks on Empire Day. As the others kill the last of the low leveled goblins. They step further into the large chamber and shift focus to Tanner, Karnna, and Lilli’s targets. Soon only the Hobgoblin stands. The monster realizing he is about to die, roars loudly, raising its sword overhead and activates an ability. Stunned, Mick, Karnna, Lilli, and Tanner can only stand in stupefaction, as the large two-handed sword slams into Mick, cutting deeply into his shoulder and body and partially into Tanner’s back. As Mick falls, Rhys is suddenly in front of Mick, grabbing him in healing hands, desperate to save the young man. Karnna, screaming in rage, jumps into the Hobgoblin, stabbing and slashing at its head and neck with no thought of defense or her teammates. The furious fight between Karnna and the Mine Boss continues for a few seconds more, each giving and receiving horrendous damage. The others can only watch as Karnna, in her rage, blocks access to the Mine Boss, Connie sobbing despairingly, casts heal after heal on Tanner. While Iris frantically casts healing spells on Karnna. Finally, the Boss’s head falls to the floor. Karnna collapses on top the hobgoblin with racking sobs, completely exhausted.

  “He is stable.” Rhys announces into the silence.

  “Thank the goddess you were here. I don’t know if I could have saved him.” Connie sobs. Iris crying hugs Connie, both girls sink to the ground holding each other tight. Lilli walks over, sitting, she pulls Mick’s head into her lap, looking him over.

  Karnna, regaining thought, asks quietly. “Is he dead?”

  Dylan, who had been hovering around Karnna since the fight's end, gently tells her. “Rhys saved him, he is fine.” Dylan lowering himself to her, folds her in a hug and rocks her slowly.

  Jax, holding Milly’s head to his chest, whispers to a sniffling Milly, “He’s fine, he’s okay.” over and over

  A hunched over Tanner, along with Connie, and Claire confront Rhys. “No interference huh?” Tanner asks with a relieved grin.

  Claire, hugging the man tightly, snuggles into his chest and says. “Thank you uncle.”

  Rhys, smiling down at the young woman he helped raise, replies. “No problem, Claire Bear.”

  Claire thumps his chest half halfheartedly. “You promised not to call me that anymore.” She complains.

  “No I said I would only call you that on special occasions, this qualifies.” As he hugs her tighter.

  Rhys, looking Tanner in the eye, tells him. “Technically I broke the law, but anything for a friend. I could not stand by and watch so much potential be wasted by plain bad luck.”

  After releasing Claire, Rhys turns to the room at large. “I was never here, this never happened. Connie marvelous job on such a successful heal.” Connie gives him a small smile and a nod. Rhys grinning, says, “Now I know how Tolbur feels. Okay, I am going to loot, while you guys make your way to the surface. The rest of the mine is clear.”

  Connie and Milly walk up to Rhys. Milly grins and gives him a hug. “Thanks for nothing.”

  Rhys, grinning back and returning the hug, tells her. “You are welcome for nothing.”

  Connie just gives him a hug, which he returns. The two girls walk back to an unconscious Mick, Jackson, and the others walk up to thank Rhys as well. As Dylan and Jax collect Mick to carry from of the mine, Tanner calls out. “I am front, Lilli, Karnna middle, watch over Mick and the boys. Iris and Connie on either side of Mick please keep and eye on him. Claire has tail end. Milly you have over watch. Anything happens place Mick on the ground, then we circle around him. Let’s go.” As the party exits the mine, they look around. Spotting Bree up on the hilltop they had used as an overlook. Tanner waves.

  “We may want to make camp away from this mess.” Connie suggests. The party moves out of the small battlefield and makes camp by a brook. As the girls make Mick comfortable, the others set camp. Bree and Rhys join the group. Tanner announces, “The plan is to wait for Mick to recover, then go over the fights in and out of the mine. Then we head South and take the fort, then East and take the village. Then the Dungeon Boss in the North. Take this time to relax, work on spells and skills, or study. We will use this time as a break. Do not forget to catch up your journals.”

  A few hours later, Mick wakes up from his healing sleep. “Oh gods and goddesses I think he hit me with a draft cart.” He mutters.

  “Welcome back,” Karnna says. Mick, realizing his head is in her lap, jumps to his feet, flushing red all the way down his neck. Karnna calmly stands and gives him a hug and whispers, “I was worried.”

  Karnna steps back as Milly bounds over to them and sweeps Mick off his feet and spins him around. “Don’t you ever do that to me again. You are a horrible little brother to scare your big sister so much.”

  The sight of the two hundred eighty pound, six foot, seven inch tall broad-shouldered man being twirled around like a little boy by his five foot four-inch sister makes everyone laugh. After everybody welcomes Mick back to the fold. Tanner gathers the party. “We have a choice. We need to be at the next Sub-Boss tomorrow, and we need to discuss our performance. If we have the meeting, we cannot make it to the Sub-Boss until the middle of the Morning tomorrow. My vote is to break camp and head to the Sub-Boss. What does anyone else think?” After a brief discussion, they break camp and start running to the next fight. After finding a place to set camp, the group settles in and starts the Class room time.

  “I think the battle for the fort went well.” Jackson starts the critical evaluation.

  “It did,” Bree agrees. “You all came up with a very well throughout plan and executed it almost flawlessly. You had the minions controlled and or killed in record time. The Sub-Boss was contained and bled down, damage wise quickly and effectively, keeping it off balance and unable to cast spells or use skills.”

  Rhys interjects, “As far as the Fort goes you all need to work on your timing. Communication, and your teamwork. All things that come with time and practice.”

  Bree continues, “So the mine. What went right? I know something went wrong, you carried a party member out.”

  Tanner speaks for all. “The mine went very well until the Mine Boss. We attempted to sneak around and clear everything we could before taking it on. It gathered everything and was waiting for us.”

  Bree winces and asks. “Ouch. Describe the fight please.”

  Tanner and the others explain the plan and their rolls in the fight. Bree listens intently.

  Mick explains. “The Mine Boss cast a stun spell on us then used a cleave ability on me. I went down and Tanner got part of the sword in his back.”

  Connie, looking straight ahead and nowhere near Bree, says, “I started healing him.”

  Karnna then speaks up, shamefaced. “I saw Mick go down and lost it. I jumped on the Mine Boss in such a rage. It almost killed me and I blocked sight lines for anyone else to attack. I’m so sorry I’ll leave the party if you all want me to.”

  Bree walks up the girl and gives her a hug. “You simply made a mistake. Learn from it and move on.”

  Tanner, stands up snarling, “This FUCKING bullshit ends now! No one is going to get kicked out over a mistake made, and NO ONE is leaving for the ‘GOOD OF THE PARTY’.” Tanner stalking back and forth in anger. As a surprised group warily watches the young man. He continues. “Everyone of you are valued, everyone of you have equal say and equal shares. Everyone of us are on the same level. I do not care who has what Affinities or Essences, I do not care who has what Class or spells or skills. We are all the same party. Don’t you guys get it? All of us are part of a family. We are brothers and sisters to each other. We are friends. Do we come from unique backgrounds? Yes. SO WHAT! We have a kick ass Celestial Mage, the only one in the Empire. We have a Primal Mage that can smack down monsters with her hands tied behind her back, and guess what? She is also the only one in the Empire. The party has a Magus, a Storm Rider, a Wizard, and three Titans of Battle, they're way beyond what anyone could imagine. On top of all that we have a Jester. We are a new party with less than five months experience and we are in a TIER one, LEVEL 15 DUNGEON. And we are kicking ass. As far as backgrounds go, we have a farmer, a couple of merchants, a noble, an Imperial princess, two clanless dwarves, a set of elf twins from a successful crafting family, and an orphaned street rat. But above all we are family, we are brothers and sisters, we are friends and we are a party that will shake the Empire if not the world.” Looking back at the surprised faces of his party and friends. Tanner, realizing he was ranting, blushes and opens his mouth to apologize.

  Before he can do so, Jackson opens his mouth. “You forgot a few things in your speech. We also have a burning hot Arcane Mage that can kick ass in your face or deal the pain at any range, and he is the only one in the Empire.”

  Milly, with a grin, tells him, “You also forgot we have a leader that is not afraid to kick our asses when we need it.”

  Tanner sighs, “Sorry guys, I have been holding that in for a while. We are going to go to party counseling and I want us to take individual counseling. I want to hold meetings like we did earlier, too.”

  “We should get back the fight.” Bree starts back in. “What level was the Mine Boss?”

  “Level 18,” Milly answers.

  “Did it have a Class?” Bree asks.

  “Hobgoblin Mine Boss.” Claire answers.

  “What happened when you got your CLASSES?” Bree asks.

  Mick answers. “We got spells and skills. Oh well crap I didn’t even think they would be the same.”

  Bree looking at everybody. “I see none of you did. This is my mistake, I am not an instructor, I thought it was so obvious I did not think to mention if they have a Class they have skills and spells just like us. I am coming at this from over 300 years of delving. What is everyday basic knowledge for me is brand new to you ten. You have less than five months experience. Rhys is a part-time Instructor but this basic delving is not his subject. He covers healing and Healer Class development.”

  Rhys tells the group. “So going forward if they have a Class they have spells and skills. I do not have a comprehensive list of spells and skills. The only defensive advice I can give you is watch for anything that looks like it maybe a starting move for something and either try to interrupt it or be somewhere else when it hits.”

  Tanner, deep in thought, says. “Or we could treat them like we did the first Sub-Boss.”

  “What was that Tanner?” Mick asks.

  Tanner speaking a little louder. “We hit it hard and fast, keep it off balance. Burn down its Mana and Hit points so fast it can’t use anything.”

  “While that is not a bad strategy, it's hard to put into practical use.” Bree warns.

  Tanner answers. “We have a full party of ten, Lilli, Karnna, and Mick in the front taking damage and dealing damage. Me, Iris, Jax second line, short to medium ranged damage and heals. Well when I learn how. Then Connie, Claire, Dylan, and Milly, Long, middle, short range damage. Heals for Connie, Claire when she learns how. All of us can melee as needed.” Tanner pauses and stares into space for a few moments. Muttering, “Mood swings, anger, inadequacy. Yes exactly that’s the answer.” Tanner pacing back and forth, making wild gestures. Looking at Claire and Connie. “Don’t you feel it?” Rhys, becoming concerned, reaches for Tanner.

  When Connie shouts, “Don’t you dare.” At Rhys, “He is right. How did I not recognize it?”

  Claire smiles, “We are unbalanced. Now that you pointed it out, it is so obvious how did I not notice?” They grab each other's hands, dance, and laugh wildly. The rest of the party looks on in shock. Finally, they calm down and end the dance.

  Bree cautiously asks, “What was that about?”

  Claire smiling brightly, “Sorry we got so worked up, it has been ongoing for a few days now we finally identified what was wrong. It was such a relief to figure it out. We may have gone a little overboard.”

  Bree sighs. “Claire dear you have not really explained anything yet.”

  “Oh Okay, think about it like an unknown illness you know something is very wrong, it wears on you night and day you just do not feel right. Week after week, dragging into months. You start thinking maybe it is in my mind. Then suddenly from an unexpected source you get an answer for what is happening, and it is an easy fix, well not really easy but fixable any way.”

  Rhys notices how perturbed Bree is getting asks her. “Bree may I?”

  Bree shaking her head in confused frustration. “Yes. Please.”

  Rhys invites the three to join them by the fire. As the overexcited trio sit with the rest of the party. Rhys continues with his gentle questions. “From what I gather you three have figured out the answer to a problem.”

  “Yes,” Connie answers. “We are unbalanced.”

  “You got that right.” Mick mutters.

  Milly elbows him in the ribs, hard. “Not. Helping. This is important to all of us.”

  Connie smiles at Milly. “You get it.”

  “Not really you guys have yet to explain.”

  Connie, nodding agreeably, tells the girl. “We have all been dealing with emotional turmoil. Mood swings, anger, insecurities, overly happy stuff like that. It is because of our imbalance.”

  Rhys, looking thoughtful, asks. “Just what is out of balance, and how do you know?”

  Claire, taking over, explains, “Almost everything, and it is just enough to cause what we have been going through. As far as how we know we get flashes of inspiration, and insights with our Affinities. Just like you when you heal, you don’t always see what is wrong, you just know something and heal it. Like Mothers talent she gets insights and feelings from different things about, well you know.” Claire looks over at the others, “Sorry guys, Mother's secret to tell.”

  Rhys nods head, “This is making much more sense. Remember the documents we found before we entered to Dungeon? It read about how using Origin Essence for training was a blessing and a curse and had to be done with care. Are your attributes unbalanced again? That was the problem before.”

  Tanner says, “We never really regained balance. A lot of little things are adding up to bigger things. That is why we are seeing Tier 2 attributes at Tier 1. Our compression is way high for our Tier, but our attributes are low for our levels. I know that seems off. What we need to do is get our attributes to just a little over our levels, this will give us a chance to make our bodies Essence channels bigger and more durable, which will help equalize the pressure in our channels.”

  Milly laughs, “Damn Tanner that almost makes sense.”

  “Your much smarter than you give yourself credit for Milly. Of course you understand it.” Tanner replies.

  A suddenly bashful, Milly ducks her head and mumbles, “Thank you.” as the tips of her ears turn red.

  Claire adds, “And I need to step up my influence. In my defense I did not know I was doing it. Now I do, so I need to fix our Affinities.”

  Bree, looking a little shocked at the revelations coming from Tanner and now Claire’s claim to influence Affinities, asks. “What did you do wrong? And how are you going to ‘fix it’.”

  Thinking for a minute, Claire muses aloud, “Best way to explain this, oh I know.” She looks at her mother and begins. “When we become attuned we gain a spiritual body to go with our physical body. It is overlaid on top of and in our physical body. Make sense so far?” The rest all agree and are following along. Claire smiles and continues. “This spiritual body is Attuned to certain Essences. It also holds the three Gates. Each Gate has a Reservoir, each Reservoir is connected to channels that go throughout the spiritual body. I shifted the Attunement to be more efficient, but did not make the Reservoirs bigger to handle the more powerful Essences. So unbalanced.”

  “So where does Connie fit into all of this?” Bree asks.

  Connie, speaking up with a smile, says, “Sorry I thought that was obvious, I have influence on the three Gates. The Gates are rated just like all the rest of our Statuses, but for each Essence the opening or even the gate maybe bigger or smaller, for instance. Rhys what is your Gate?”

  Rhys replies, “Mind uncommon.”

  “Okay now your Affinity branch?”

  “Branch?”

  “Sorry I see the Affinities as trees, Origin is the trunk and the others branch off of it, then there are branches of the branches.”

  “Wait, you can see this?”

  “That is what we were laughing about. We kind of joined and suddenly we could see the spiritual body and each other’s areas of influence. Without Claire and Tanner, I can only see the Gates clearly. The Reservoirs are present, but I only get a vague feel of them. I sense the channels, but can not see them. Claire sees the Reservoirs, the Gates, and Channels are present but not very clear. Tanner sees the Channels clearly and the Reservoirs are there and not clear, and just senses the Gates.”

  Rhys says, “This is all fascinating. I will have many more questions later. We need to get back to what you were explaining before we go off on any more tangents. Let us continue. Please. My Affinity is healing uncommon.”

  “Okay can you get sense of what branch it belongs to? I know that Nature and Celestial both have healing branches, I am not sure what else is out there.”

  “Wonder why we never think of doing that?” Rhys, closing his eye for a few seconds, says, “Flesh Crafting? What the hell is that?”

  Connie, smiling at the man’s excitement, tells him. “Your Mind gate at Uncommon, along with your Uncommon Healing affinity puts your gate at around 25% open and slightly smaller. If you had a Rare Affinity your Uncommon Gate opening would be around 35% and slightly bigger. I am still figuring some of this out but I am pretty sure I am close.”

  Rhys grins. “This is amazing.”

  Bree speaks up. “This will change a few things.”

  Rhys laughing, “You mean like everything?”

  Rhys suddenly looking thoughtful. Stands and starts pacing deep in thought. Rhys stops in front of Bree, kneeling. “Your Majesty, I Rhys William Brightstar, request a Dispensation from Imperial Dungeon Law.”

  Bree, sitting like she is on a throne and not a rock, asks in a regal tone of voice. “What part of Dungeon Law would you request Dispensation from petitioner Brightstar?”

  Rhys, still kneeling, replies. “The Law of Non-Interference in the development of new delvers. In particular, the law against power leveling. I propose to enter battle with the delvers, I will refrain from fighting by their side. I will only heal, remove them from the fight and revive.”

  Bree asks. “And if they all fall? Will your mercy allow them to redo the fight?”

  Rhys replies. “No, your Majesty. They will take the loss and leave the Dungeon unfinished.”

  Bree taking a moment to think. Nods her head in agreement. “Very well, Rhys William Brightstar. I well grant the Dispensation under the conditions stated. Go any further than the conditions agreed up on and your life will be forfeit.”

  “I understand and I thank your Majesty for her kindness.”

  Tanner, looking each of his party members in the eye, says. “I don’t think we will let things come to that. Will we?”

  “No,” the rest of the party choruses.

  “Lets circle up and make some plans from what we remember of the next Sub-Bosses lair. Then we get a good nights rest and work hard in the morning so Rhys has nothing to do but stand around and be bored.”

  “A real stone fortress this time.” Mick says with a sigh.

  “Don’t forget made of stone that’s the important take away.” Milly tells her brother.

  “Well I was kind of hoping I misremembered.” Mick snarks back to his sister.

  Tanner, shaking his head, tells the twins. “Focus guys, so there is no one on the walls this time but we have four towers occupied.”

  Connie chimes in. “I count four in each tower. North wall has the gate, two gate guards outside and two inside.”

  Claire continues with the assessment. “I am seeing two smaller gates, one on the East wall and one on the West wall. Sally ports maybe?”

  “Well getting in will be interesting but not terribly hard. Our timing is going to have to be really good.” Tanner says, thinking out loud. “Okay, we need to approach this in stages like we did for the last one. If we attack as is at any of the gates. We come under attack by the towers. We have to take out the towers first. Anyone else have a better idea?”

  “No matter what we do we need to take all four towers first other wise we are giving them the high ground to use spells and skills on us.” Jackson observes.

  “So first stage, all four towers.” Connie says.

  “Before we go into detail on each stage let’s get a basic plan. Then we can pick it apart and work in details.” Claire tells everyone.

  Tanner smiles at her and nods his thanks. “To get in we need to use a gate. I think either East or West. That way we will only have to worry about one side.”

  “Jackson can you make the main gate unusable?” Mick asks.

  “Maybe, if they have a winch attached, probably not. If they are using muscle power then yes.”

  “More scouting needed then, I’ll see if I can find a better vantage point.” Milly volunteers.

  “I’ll go with her,” Connie says.

  Tanner continues. “The main keep is along the back wall. There is a stable next to it. I think this guy may be mounted. The barracks toward the front wall are much better built. This is going to be a challenge, the fort’s layout is simpler but better built. Let’s gather more information about the main gate before proceeding with the plans for the second stage.”

  Milly snaps a quick salute and marches off with Connie.

  “Well at least her salutes are getting better.” Claire observes.

  Mick tells the other four, “Milena has always been a bit of a smart ass and a jokester.”

  Tanner, turning to Mick, answers, “I honestly don’t mind, she just needs to learn when it’s okay to do that. She has gotten much better at toning it down when things are happening. It doesn’t help with our unbalanced statuses. “Claire why don’t you and I meditate and work on that. Mick you and Jackson okay to keep watch?” Mick and Jackson agree to keeping watch, Claire settles down to meditate. Tanner, reflecting on his friends and how great they are, starts meditating and working on Jackson’s channels. Claire and Tanner rouse when the two girls return.

  Connie announces, “Milly came up with a plan. I think it is really good.” Lightly pushing Milly forward, Connie says to the other girl, “Don’t be shy tell them.”

  Milly, blushing, looks at Tanner and the rest. “I think if we hit the towers today and destroy them. Then run to the East Village and hit it tomorrow, then come back here and finish it off the day after. I mean do we have to do this all today? If we just do the towers we can run off. We will have finished stage one. Then when we come back, maybe take out the outside gate guards. Then get inside the fortress go to the front gate and take the barracks.”

  Tanner looking at her in surprise. “Milly that is a really sound idea. When we come back the towers are gone, they no longer have the high ground. We could enter and work the second stage. We just need to plan it all out. I think you came up the key to this Sub-Boss.” Tanner says with a giant smile. I hope you two are prepared to run, Tanner tells Bree and Rhys as their group gathers.

  “Well sounds intriguing,” Bree smiles. “What battle plan do you propose for me to admire?”

  “Sorry not my plan, this is all Milly.”

  A short time later, the decuplet line up just in range of the South-Western tower. “Monitor that sally portal and the north-west corner you three.” Tanner orders “Mick, Karnna, and Lilli, defense. Jax they need you on over watch and control. If you need help call for Iris then Milly in that order. Ready on three.” Tanner counts down. The seven damage dealers sling high energy spells at the tower. Stones, mortar, and bodies start falling from the tower to the accompaniment of thunderous explosions. After a few seconds, the tower crumbles like a sandcastle on the beach. Quickly moving to the prearranged point. The decuplet once again start blasting away at the next target.

  Mick calls, “Target right, squad of five goblins.” He leaps forward to engage the howling goblins, smashing his shield into the massed creatures. Mick howls back into their faces, taunting the attention away from his party. With a few steps forward, Lilli, Jax, and Karnna cut down Mick’s targets. The tower falls with a loud crash of stone and screams in the background while Jackson lays the last of the goblin squad low.

  Tanner heads toward the next tower, shouting. “Move, Move, Move.” Then casts Arcane Explosion again. Joined by Claire, Milly, and Dylan, the four falling into a rhythm of destruction. Iris peels off to cast heals on the four guarding the flanks.

  Connie spotting the exterior gate guards heading their way reinforced with a second goblin squad followed a third squad running out of the main gate. Stops just behind Mick and Jackson. After casting quick healing spells on the two, she casts damage spells on the first goblin squad to reach them. Mick once again taunting his foes into rage and attacking, followed close behind by the other two girls. Jackson stuns the following squad, and Iris casts her vine spells on the same squad, holding them all in place. The quintet working like a well oil machine.

  Connie, after noticing the first two squads under control, casts curses over the third squad of incoming goblins. The curses slow the goblins, Connie switches to her Bolt spell. Two of the targets fall, Mick and the girls charge into the second squad again, casting Taunt. Jax, finishing the remaining goblins in the first squad, moves in to help Connie.

  “One more time.” Tanner shouts, as they all run to the final firing point. They see an enormous mass of goblins exiting from the East sally port. Connie stops and lays curse after curse on the small horde. While Jackson casts Psionic Wail. Milly runs to Jackson, Iris, and Connie’s side and hits the goblin horde with lightening and thunder spells, disorientating many and stopping the clustered goblins. Arrows fall among the goblins along with Curse and Harm Spells, from the Healers now paired, standing back from the fray. They continue to cast Heal Spells on the close in trio. Mick and the girls charge the edge of the tangled gathering of creatures, picking them off three by three. Tanner, Dylan, and Claire continue rushing to their goal. Once at the range needed, the three cast explosive energies at the remaining tower. The last tower eventually falls, Tanner and Claire pivot and begin lobbing missiles of florescent multi-colored bolts of chaos, at the stalled goblin raiders. Dylan charges up his biggest Fire Ball yet. Claire shouts for the Titans to get clear, and the two casters blow large chunks of earth and goblins apart. Disarrayed, the confused goblins cease their charge. Just in time to receive Dylan’s enormous Fire Ball. The resulting flash and explosion hits like a giant’s fist. Goblins engulfed in flame are tossed into air like sparks from a campfire. Goblins fall brutally, smashing into the ground, or are pasted against the wall, then oozing to the ground. The decuplet turn as one and run for the meeting place. Connie and Jackson taking turns pivoting to the rear and casting Curse or Psionic Wail to slow pursuit.

  Tanner announces. “We walk for another hour north, then rest to recover. Anyone needs a break now, speak up, please. I am down to around 10%.” The rest of the exhausted party reports similar levels. They continue North then stop to make a small cook fire for a hot meal and settle in for meditation. Once everyone has eaten and meditated to full recovery, they turn east and run, heading for the East Village. They run lost in their own thoughts, knowing they have made the southern sub-boss slightly easier, until time make camp for the night.

  The dungeon raiders set camp, and all gather for class time. Bree starts the discussion. “So Milly, you came up with this hit-and-run strategy?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Bree continues with her questions. “Is this something you read about or came up with on your own?”

  “On my own, it seemed like the right call.”

  Bree nods her head. “It was, marvelous job. Tanner, why didn’t you come up with this? I am not being critical of you. You have led very well so far and have come up with most of your group’s tactics. Why defer to Milly’s idea?”

  “I realized my mindset is different. Any training I have gotten was with the Volks Harbor guard. That means a raid has to work right the first time. If you have to do it a second time, the criminals have usually run away,”

  “You have found a flaw in your thinking. What do you intend to do about?” Bree asks.

  “I will attend Tactics class this coming semester. Along with Milly.” Tanner replies.

  “Excellent idea.” Bree compliments.

  “Wait, what? Why me?” Milly ask startled,

  “You’re smart Milly, much smarter than you let on. I also think you will excel at it. So I want you in a class with me. If you like it and do well in class, we need a tactician. I plan on taking classes in strategy, too.” Tanner tells her.

  Rhys clears his throat. “Milly I want you to look over the village tomorrow morning. Come up with a plan. Don’t worry, we may use it or not either way. I want you to think more tactical.”

  Bree continues, “Tanner, Claire, and Dylan you three did well. anything you would do differently?”

  Bree nods to the trio’s replies of “No, ma’am, and no Mother.”

  “Karnna, you and your fellow titans worked well together would any of you do anything different?”

  Lilli comments, “Our timing needs work, but overall, we did well adding Jackson was a great idea! It made our job of control and guarding the flanks much easier”

  “Anything the four of you would do differently?”

  After receiving replies of, “No Ma’am.” Bree nods, turning to Milly and asks. “Milly, you performed well. Is there anything you would do differently?”

  “I am not sure if I should have cast thunder as much as I did. I am not sure how much damage it did to the tower walls.”

  Rhys tells Milly, “Keep the thunder spell going. The sonic component moved a lot of the loose material around. I believe it went faster because of your efforts.”

  “I agree.” Bree states.

  Rhys nods at Iris. “Iris you have been quiet, don’t think we forgot you. Excellent job shifting roles. Damage, to Heals, and your control work all first class.”

  “Well I think I should have kept a closer eye on our defensive line I feel I should have been there sooner.”

  “Honestly Iris I think you are being a little hard on yourself. You and Connie have been a well coordinated team and it showed during that skirmish.”

  “I guess I am last,” Connie says. “I am embracing my Affinity I have been reading and experimenting, and I realize that limiting myself to just healing is doing myself and everyone else a huge disservice I need to expand my power set to include the Infernal side of things and not just the Celestial There are more prime Essences enfolded within Divine and as I am pushing my powers, I can feel more of the other prime Essences.”

  Tanner interjects, “I know the curses you cast on the goblins were very good at slowing them, the way it hit them was dramatic.”

  Claire, jumping in, asks, “Was it damage over time?”

  “Yes,”

  “Okay, time for lessons,” Rhys says, handing out textbooks. “When finished, I want everyone to turn in. I will keep watch tonight.”

  Tanner, up before the dawn, climbs out of his tent. “Morning Rhys,”

  “Morning Tanner, sleep well?”

  “I did. Have you thought about how we proceed when we get out of here?”

  “Yes, a part of me wants to rush off and rescue my wife. Then another part wants to rescue my emperor. I do not believe those are the optimal plans.”

  “Honestly, I am thinking of Eunice first. We have talked about it and think Eunice will be the best. Maybe the goddess can help after we free her.”

  Rhys, in a worried tone, asks, “Do you believe the goddess is not assisting her?”

  “We have considered this, there might be limitations if she is.”

  “I think that maybe a stretch Tanner. The goddess is all powerful.”

  “Hear me out. One, the goddess has contacted me, not her Voice. Two, Eunice has dropped several hints. She mentioned she had not been to the chapel in several months to me. I didn’t think much about it at the time, now? A cry for help? If she is cursed, she may not be able to enter the chapel. It seems to me that the goddess would want her in the Chapel. If the curse is in charge, it may not allow her to go into the chapel. If the curse can get Bree to attack her daughter, pretty sure it can stop someone from going somewhere.”

  “Damn sorry I should have thought of that too, I have told no one but Penny is pregnant, so I have been a little preoccupied.”

  “Congratulations to your first.” Tanner shakes his hand.

  Rhys gets a stricken look on his face. Falling to his knees and holding himself, exclaiming, “What have I done?” Tears streaming down the big man’s face. He holds himself, rocking with heartbreak. Tanner wakes Bree in alarm, explaining what they were discussing and the breakdown. Bree kneeling by him and putting her arm around her old friend. “Talk to me, Rhys what’s wrong, Rhys you have to talk to me.”

  Finally, seeming to get through to the anguished man, Rhys stands screaming. “That bastard I’ll rip him apart and heal him just to do it over again.” Attacking the surrounding trees in a frenzy of anguished screams. Waking the rest of the camp. Exhausted, the big man falls on his knees, Wailing “My baby boy.” with body wracking sobs. Watching in shocked silence,

  Bree placing a hand on his shoulder, “Tell me.”

  “He made me abort …” Rhys unable to continue in his grief. Bree, tears in her eyes, sinks down with him, holding her friend in shared misery.

  Tanner, angrier than he can ever remember, starts pacing. “We need to finish this place. We can not do this angry. If any of you feel like I do right now, start meditating. Today, we will conquer the village. Run to the fortress and take it tomorrow. Depending on time and how we feel, we may take the Boss too.”

  Claire’s eyes red from tears. “Before we take the Boss we need a plan for the Imps.”

  Milly nodding her head. “We will. I think we should enlist Bran. He trusts us, he knows us, and he will help once he finds out about the curse.”

  “Eunice, first, only we try to get her into the Chapel then attack the curse. With luck she can help with the rest, maybe we can draw some of the other to the chapel and get them inside? Then any of them that are left.” Tanner explains.

  “We form a raid party.” Milly insists. “We invite them after we cleanse them. That gives us the high level back up to hold them in place.”

  “Will they be able to cut the belts and open them like Tanner? Only Tanner can extract those things.” Jackson replies,

  Lilli breaks her silence. “I don’t think they can. Whatever they use would have to be much better grade and higher level than what they are cutting. Tanner’s Arcane seems to give him an advantage over that.”

  “Meditate, scout the village, form a plan, then attack from the sun?” Mick sits down to meditate. “I don’t know Rhys well, but making a man do that to his unborn child. Tidewell’s an evil bastard that shouldn’t be walking this world with me.”

  Tanner tells the others. “Meditate, I’ll keep watch.”

  Gathered on another hilltop overlooking the goblin village. Jackson chuckles to himself.

  “something funny?” Milly inquires.

  “I was just thinking these hilltops are awfully convenient for scouting. Do you think the dungeon puts them here for that purpose?” Jackson replies.

  “Guys, focus on killing goblins or the goblins kill you,” Tanner scolds them.

  Jackson says, “Sorry Tanner, It’s just this feels wrong, we are supposed to be the good guys aren’t we?”

  Tanner stops observing the village to look at Jackson in puzzlement. “Huh? What are you thinking?”

  Milly says, “Tanner we are getting ready to destroy a village, it’s a goblin village but still.”

  Tanner chuckles, realizing what they are getting at. “The goblins are not real, the dungeon makes them out of Essence for us to fight. Look over the village, we scouted it before right?”

  Claire, looking confused, agrees. “Yes we used this same spot,”

  Tanner, smiling, says, “Yes, we did now look at the goblins digging the trench, the dirt pile is the same size and the trench is not any bigger. Think back to the mines. Did you see any goblins mining? They swung a pick at the wall. Any ore visible on the ground? Where are the bodies of the goblins we killed? We have back tracked all over this place. No bodies.”

  Milly says, “That is not really proof, goblins are lazy and animals would have scattered the bodies.”

  “What animals? Have you seen animals other than the warg mounts? Look at the two goblins working the field in a few minutes they are going to fight then do something else with each other.”

  The group stops the discussion to watch the goblins in question. Sure enough, they fight, then become excited and have sex. Tanner shrugs and says, “They did that before when we were here. Now that brings me to my next point. See any children, pregnant females, or old goblins hobbling around?”

  Mick, deep in thought, says, “No they have all been fighting age adults.”

  “Exactly as much as goblins have sex with each other and no pregnant females? That's just not possible.”

  “Ah the age old question is this real?” Bree says as she approaches the young delvers with a tired smile. “This is important which of you questioned the mortality of your actions?”

  Claire speaks up and tells her, “I think we all were thinking it was wrong.”

  Tanner looks at Bree, shaking his head and mouthing, “Not me.” while pointing to himself.

  Bree, smiling at Tanner, tells them, “I need to know who said it first.” Claire narrows her eyes at her mother, and asks, “Do you guys have a bet on this?”

  “Of course we do dear we bet on almost everything.”

  Jackson, laughing, raises his hand and says, “It was me.”

  Bree looks over at Connie, shaking her head in mock sadness, and tells her. “I thought for sure it would be you, you have really disappointed me young lady,” teasing her.?Sobering, Bree inhales deeply, and tells everyone, “Rhys is resting. He is meditating currently, attempting to order his thoughts and emotions. He told me to let you all know he will try to continue to train you all. Rhys is not one to cease on his commitments, no matter what goes on in his personal life. He has devoted himself to the ten of you. I think you all have become the siblings he never had.”

  “Now what have you come up with, Milly?”

  Milly, flushing slightly at being the center of attention, draws out a rough map of the village. “A small fence encloses the village for defense. There are six mounted goblins patrolling the area. There are six more in the center of the village, stationed with their mounts. A ready force, maybe? My count is around 50 goblins, most around level nine and ten, the warg riders are at level 14. The chieftain is level fifteen, the shaman is also fifteen.” After looking up from her map, Milly gets tongue tied, seeing everyone focused on her. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, thinking to herself, ‘You can do this, just channel your inner Tanner.’ Milly opens her eyes, standing upright with a more confidant manner, she explains the objectives. “The warg patrols need to go first. Since the patrols are isolated at these points, I want to divide into teams of two and attack them when they intersect. Be noisy attract attention to those areas and away from the east side.” Looking at the others, she tells them, “We prioritize taking down the wargs first, then the goblins. That puts us on the north, south, and west sides of the village. We then destroy the fence in our area and run to the east side and meet up for the assault. This should draw attention to those areas. The goal is to confuse and spread out the goblins. Once we break through the east fence, we wait for the warg riders to approach us, prioritizing the elimination of the wargs before dealing with the goblins. We do this at range. Our frontline hits any of the goblins attacking on foot. Jackson burns any standing buildings in his range. I want us to move left around the outskirts of the village. We keep the fence to the left and our attacks focused ahead of us, and to our right. As we make our way left, Jackson continues burning as we advance. Once we have made it all the way around, we then advance to the center and take on the sub-bosses, hit the shaman first, burn it down, then the chief. That is the basic plan, anyway.”

  Bree asks. “Why go left?”

  Milly stands taller and says, “We are all right-handed. If attacked our reactions to turn right will be slightly faster.”

  Bree nods her head, then tells them. “Take a quick break, then flesh out the details when you come back.”

  The girls surround Milly, Connie tells her, “That was an excellent plan,”

  Claire tells her she looked in control and confident.

  Milly blushes and confides, “I was channeling my inner Tanner.” with a giggle. The other girls giggle along with her,

  “No wonder you looked so good.” giggles Lilli. As the girls fall to the ground in fits of laughter. The boys look on in puzzlement.

  A snickering Bree, having overheard, puts her arms around the boys and tells them, “You do not want to know.”

  After creating a more detailed plan of attack, the decuplet set out to implement it. Connie and Tanner head to the village’s west side, Claire, and Dylan make their way to the north side, while Milly and Jackson take the south.