—— ? ——

  They made their way through the hub and into the main chamber. The glowing obelisk of the system glowed and shimmered in the center of the room.

  Brian handed Zerathis to Kaelalin who looked down. "Did anything new appear for you?"

  “No.” He chimed, his light nervously pulsing. “It still says I must interact with the System hub.”

  Simon looked at the two. "So, just like, throw him at it?"

  Kaelalin gave him a dirty look.

  He shrugged. “Hey, it was an idea.”

  Kaelalin ignored him and carefully approached the cube in the center of the room. She gently pressed the lizardman turned magic eight-ball against it. She yelped in surprise and stumbled back as a radiant glow exploded from Zerathis.

  Everyone in the room held their breath, waiting for the inevitable clunk of metal on the floor.

  It never came.

  Instead, Zerathis was enveloped in light as his metal construct body floated mid air.

  Brian, Kaelalin and Simon watched as light arched between the pedestal and the construct. Luminescent arcs of blue and red snapped and swirled.

  A few tense seconds passed as the lightshow continued.

  “Okay…” Simon broke the silence. “So uh… now what?”

  Brian and Kaelalin ignored him as they both watched in fascination.

  “Hey guys?” Simon waved at them, but they continued to stare. Brian blinked then dug through the many pockets of his coat. From within he drew a metal device that he held forward. Kaelalin shuffled up to him and they both studied it.

  “Okay then. Great talk guys.” Simon muttered, looking around the chamber. The crystalline cube pulsed in time with Zerathis’s glow, casting rippling waves of blue and red across the vaulted ceiling. The stained glass above caught the shifting light, warping it into a kaleidoscope of fractured rainbows that danced over their faces.

  Several minutes went by as the System seemed to be taking its sweet time doing whatever the hell it was doing. Simon thought it was an interesting sight–at first–but after about two minutes, the novelty wore off. He started pacing, then looking around the chamber for anything new.

  Finally, tired of admiring the architecture and seeing that Zerathis was still suspended in the same glowing stasis, Simon decided to investigate the cube himself.

  Apparently, this was where people got “town quests”. From their discussion during the walk, it was something the council came in to check on from time to time. So, naturally, he was curious if he had any quests waiting.

  He circled around to the far side of the obelisk and reached out.

  Nothing happened.

  Simon sighed. Oh, well. That's about what I figured.

  A faint chime echoed through the air and a prompt filled Simon’s vision

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > FEAT DETECTED

  > Description: You have succeeded in stabilizing the sub-realm: Realm of the Forger. This is the first realm you have stabilized and connected. Claiming this feat will unlock the achievement: Stabilizer I

  > Note: If you choose to claim this feat you will affect the system hub controlled area: Varnholt Artisan Enclave. This action will improve the local hub, unlocking an area wide feature.

  > Would you like to claim this achievement?

  > Yes — No

  ——————————

  Simon blinked. “Huh? What the heck…”

  He glanced at the glowing panel, then looked across the chamber. “Hey, Kaelalin!”

  The Frost-Kin turned, her pale eyes wide as she studied something in front of her.

  “Simon, Why did I just get a notice that my party is considering turning in an achievement?”

  “Got it when I touched the cube.” Simon said, moving to her and gesturing toward the glowing center.

  “I’ve never heard of this before. Have you, Brian?” Kaelalin called.

  Brian shook his head as he walked over. “No clue.”

  Kaelalin crossed her arms. “I wasn’t aware this was even possible. Otherwise, the council would’ve most likely been trying to accomplish this.” She rubbed her thin fingers in thought. “ I’m just… curious why it even needs confirmation.”

  Brian squinted at the glowing cube, the light reflecting across his lenses. “What prompt are we talking about? Can you show me?”

  Kaelalin nodded slightly to her right, and Brian’s gaze shifted to the empty air. His mouth moved as he read, and after he muttered “Well, that’s interesting.”

  He turned his bespectacled eyes to the other two. “Imagine if you traveled to fight and conquer one of these realms then visited the system hub.” Brian gestured to the pedestal. “And that hub just stole this for the town you were helping. I’d imagine that would piss some people off.”

  Simon glanced at the prompt then back to Brian. “Yeah… I feel like that would make everyone wait to visit any hub besides the one in their home town.” he moved his gaze to Kaelalin.

  “So… Miss party member. What do you think we should do? Accept it? Don’t accept it?”

  Kaelalin frowned. “Is there a reason not to?”

  Simon shrugged. “Hey, since the options there I thought I'd ask.” He looked back to the prompt and mentally selected ‘yes’.

  Several heartbeats passed. Nothing happened.

  Kaelalin gave a small nod—and a deep chime rolled through the room, rich and resonant like a struck bell.

  The resonant chime deepened until it vibrated through the entire hall. Light pulsed from the obelisk’s runes, spreading in concentric ripples that shimmered across the floor and into the walls.

  “Uh…” Simon shifted nervously, glancing around, ready to bolt.

  Another prompt appeared, this one larger and with a purple tint.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > AREA FEATURE UNLOCKED

  > Unnamed Party has claimed a feat for stabilizing a sub-realm. Simon Starfall and Kaelalin Zarvenna have earned an upgrade for the local area.

  > Hub Feature Added: Party interface - Telepathic Communication

  > Description: Establishes a localized psychic relay anchored to the Varnholt System Hub. Paired party members may exchange thoughts or brief impressions within the hub’s zone of influence.

  > Use: Enables telepathic communication between integrated beings.

  > Requirements

  >> Must be within range of Varnholt System Hub’s sphere of influence

  >> Physical touch is required to establish a mental link between party participants. Telepathic communication pings may be initiated by sight.

  >> Link remains active within the hub’s influence. Improvements and upgrades to this hub feature may be acquired through ingenuity or achievement.

  Harmony is offered. Growth is earned. Limits are unknown.

  ——————————

  Simon stared at the prompt, reading over the words once again.

  “Well that sounds damn useful.” He said, turning to Brian and Kaelalin.

  Before they could respond another prompt appeared.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > HIDDEN QUEST COMPLETE

  > Quest: Path of the Stabilizer

  > You have successfully anchored and stabilized a realm, linking it to integrated reality. In record of your achievement you have been granted rewards.

  > Rewards:

  >> Area Feature: Party interface - Telepathic Communication

  >> Achievement: Realm Stabilizer I (Rare - Growth)

  >> Description: For your contribution towards connecting a realm to the integrated universe, you have been granted the first stage of the Realm Stabilizer series.

  >> Benefits:

  >> The ability to send direct requests to familiar entities within a hub's influence. This bypasses the restriction requiring physical touch.

  >> Cannot exceed the hub's existing range.

  >> Note: Further efforts may upgrade this title, expanding its benefits.

  ——————————

  “Well, hell yeah.” Simon grinned as he finished reading. “Look at us helping out the town.”

  He turned his grin towards Kaelalin who smiled back at him.

  With a mental nudge, he focused on trying to ‘connect’ with her.

  ——————————

  > You have sent a request to Kaelalin Zarvenna

  > Request denied.

  > Kaelalin Zarvenna is already in a party.

  ——————————

  Simon blinked then frowned at the Frost-kin.

  “How are you already in a–” He asked incredulously, then caught Brian’s lips moving silently.

  “Oh. Of course.” Simon rolled his eyes. “Already in a party?”

  Kaelalin smirked at him “Not our fault it takes you half the day to read.” She gestured between Brian and her. “You think we wouldn’t immediately try something that promises instant telepathic communication?”

  Simon shrugged. What exactly was he expecting? He looked between the two who were busily communicating in silence.

  “This is just fantastic!” Brian muttered, a massive grin on his face. “This changes everything!”

  The bespectacled inventor blinked and kept mouthing words. Then his eyebrows furled in thought and his eyes snapped to Simon.

  “Uh… what's up?” Simon asked, the man’s eyes boring into him.

  Brian squinted, then a prompt appeared.

  ——————————

  > You have a communication request from Brian Kent.

  > Will you accept? Yes - No.

  ——————————

  Simon raised an eyebrow, but then shrugged. Sure why not?

  “Haha! It does work!” Brian’s voice echoed in his mind.

  “Gah!” Simon stepped back. “Dude, why are you yelling?”

  “Is this better?” A quieter voice echoed.

  “Yeah way better. What the hell man, you should warn someone before mentally blasting out their ear drums.” Simon replied.

  “Try mentally responding!” Brian said in a singsong voice.

  Simon squinted his eyes and focused.

  This felt weird. There was something unsettling about mentally talking to yourself. Normally frowned upon, but oh well, new world new rules.

  He willed his thoughts towards Brian.

  “Like this?”

  “Exactly! That’s perfect!” Brian replied, his mental tune buzzing with excitement.

  Simon felt the connection between them cut off.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  “Rude.” he huffed. “Just going to hang up on a guy like that?” He had just been preparing to mentally yell a question back to Brian.

  “Yup!” Brian said, turning towards the exit. “There are just so many things I need to do with this! We should get the whole council connected as soon as possible.”

  He practically skipped across the room, vanishing into the hallway. After a moment, his head popped out of the hall.

  “Oh! Kaelalin, You don’t need me here right? I’m going to see if I can track down Dravlen before he gets too far away.”

  Kaelalin gave a small smile as she shook her head. “It’s fine Brian, I will stay here with Zerathis until whatever this–” she waved towards the still glowing construct. “-is finishes.”

  “Great!” Brian exclaimed, his head disappearing back into the halfway. “See you back at the lab!” his words echoed off into the distance.

  “Wanna make a bet?” Simon said.

  Kaelalin turned to him and raised an eyebrow. “On?”

  “If he’s actually going to convince Dravlen to join that group thing.”

  “There isn’t a frozen hell where that's happening.” she scoffed. “So no, I will be keeping my money.”

  “Damn, no confidence in him huh?” Simon grinned.

  Kaelalin rolled her eyes, then focused back on Zerathis. For a few moments, she stood there carefully studying the pulses of energy.

  Simon studied it as well… and confirmed that there was indeed arcs of energy whipping around the construct.

  “Any idea how long that’s going to take?” he asked.

  “How in the hells would I know that?” Kaelalin scoffed, shaking her head. “This is so far beyond my expertise. I can’t even detect what type of magic is being used on him.”

  She pointed towards the arcs of blue and red that whipped back and forth. “We can clearly see the System is doing something, but it's just… a void in my senses.”

  Simon raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  “I have a skill that lets me sense magical energy.” she sighed. “But when it comes to this place it’s as if this entire place is magically inert. But that just doesn’t make sense.” Kaelalin grimaced.

  Simon looked back at Zerathis then let his eyes wander across the room. He took the crystalline cavernous space, the glowing blue and red fractals of energy that floated just beneath its surface. Studying made him feel like he wanted to blink, like there was something just outside of his vision.

  He turned back to Kaelalin. “I mean, doesn’t that just make sense though?”

  She gave him an exasperated sigh. “How can you say it just makes sense?”

  “Well…” he began, not completely trusting his thoughts. “I mean… doesn’t it make sense that a skill given by the System wouldn’t reveal anything about it?”

  Simon gestured around the hub. “I bet all the skills that it helps you develop are unable to discern anything about it. If I was handing out power to random strangers, I would also make it so they couldn’t learn anything about me.”

  Kaelalin blinked, taken aback.

  “Oh… That…” She gave Simon a thoughtful look. “Does make sense.”

  Simon raised his hand and gave her a thumbs up, eliciting a head shake in response.

  “Glad I could help with my unending wisdom.” He nodded. “So, what, do we just wait here until our magic eight ball finishes powering up?”

  “I can wait for him by myself.” Kaelalin said, then raised her hand, cutting off Simon’s protest. “There’s no need for you to stay as well.” She smiled at him. “Anyways, don’t you have somewhere else you should be?”

  “Uhh…” Simon paused, then brightened. “Oh right! Kurda! Alright, but come find me if something horrible happens.”

  Kaelalin scoffed. “Something horrible? Why do you think I want you to leave?”

  Simon put a hand to his heart, mock pain radiating from his face. “Are you saying I’m the one that causes horrible things to happen!”

  Kaelalin gave him a flat look.

  “Oh, yeah.” Simon rubbed the back of his head, “I guess that’s fair…”

  He looked over at the glowing arcs that still pulsed off Zerathis, then nodded to Kaelalin.

  “Well, enjoy the light show.” he said with a wave as he headed toward the hallway.

  “Have fun moving stones around” Kaelalin called back.

  “Honestly? I think I will. Sounds pretty relaxing.” Simon yelled back, making his way in and down the hallway.

  He navigated his way through the fractal crystal, falling into his own thoughts. Simon was actually looking forward to just doing some simple work. After everything that had happened, it would be good to just move his body and do some physical labor.

  He crossed the threshold into the overcast frigid cold outside. Simon hadn’t really noticed it as they had gone there, but the hub was a perfect temperature. Now that he thought about it, it was as if the air there just… vanished? It was just too perfect, as if the temperature was flawlessly adapted to his needs.

  Simon shook his head. Probably some System shenanigans. He looked out over the now fully awakened town, taking in a couple of residents that moved in the streets around the hub.

  And then he noticed the stares.

  Right.

  Dead corpse carpet bunny outfit.

  Simon looked down at the outfit. Speaking of perfect adaptation, the stupid onesie felt like a second skin. Despite its macabre appearance, it really was an amazing set of equipment.

  He looked back up and caught people turning their gazes away.

  Bah. I need to get the hell out of town. This is more than enough stares for a day.

  Simon glanced above the buildings, trying to get his bearings.

  Well shit. Where is Kurda’s tunnel?

  He looked towards some of the nearby townsfolk. Maybe he could ask them if they knew?

  Simon took a step towards a celestial that had orange dazzling gems glowing beneath his skin, but then stopped as the man quickly dropped his gaze and hurried away.

  So no one wants to chit chat with Varnholt’s esteemed explorer and fashion pioneer? So… then what to do--

  A thought came to him and a big grin cut across his face. Two Yoreboon shifted to the other side of the street.

  —— ? ——

  Kurda had woken that morning with a feeling of excitement. He was ready to be productive and make progress today.

  He had left Varnholt before first light and had arrived at the tunnel in record time. Then his growing aspirations had been immediately snuffed out. His assistant, Ryne, was already waiting for him, note pad full and ready. She gave Kurda a large smile, the amber gems of her celestial race causing a soft warmth to fall on her face.

  Most would see her jet black hair, dark skin and soft amber glow as a visage of beauty. Kurda only saw that smile as what it was. A sign his day was about to be derailed by other artisans that had clearly already spoken with the short woman.

  “Bah, can’t a man at least break a single block o’ stone before havin’ ter deal with some soft-hand’d artersans protestin’?” he sighed in a rumbling tone, his annoyance clear as he tried to pass her and enter the tunnel.

  “I’m afraid not, Councillor Kurda. Several meetings have been arranged for your morning.”

  “Felrot!” Kurda cursed. “What erf I just ignore-em.” The big man took a step and a longing look towards the tunnel entrance.

  “Then most will quit aiding us.” Ryne tapped her clipboard meaningfully. “Or worse.” She leaned towards Kurda, a mischievous grin full of perfect sparkling teeth. “They might call you to even more meetings.”

  “Bah!” Kurda bellowed, stepping back to his friend and fellow architect. “Darm. Damn. Damn!”

  Ryne’s sparkling laughter bubbled across the dark snow.

  —— ? ——

  Hours later, Kurda groaned into the stone table. He sat, his head pressed into the cool stone of what Brian called his ‘office’.

  “Ready for the last one?” Ryne’s soothing voice whispered through the air.

  “I jus’ don’ know how-ya do it, Ryne,” Kurda moaned. “When I agreed to this here project, I didn’t think I’d spend so much time jus’ talkin’.”

  “Now Councilor Kurda, I think you have done a fantastic job at it.” Ryne said, comforting the man. “You barely even fought with Emrick in front of Councilor Serel and the Frost-king”

  Kurda groaned even louder. That ass of a tailor had just come to gloat. A masterwork creation? He had just wanted to rub it in Kurda’s face that he was able to ply his craft instead of being made to slough through countless meetings.

  The behemoth stonemason raised his head and let out a long sigh. He looked into the twinkling amber eyes of his celestial companion.

  “Who’s the last meetin’ with?” he asked, his voice filled with resignation.

  Ryne gave him a small grin, her face a mask. Kurda’s stomach dropped into the abyss.

  “Who, Ryne?” Kurda asked again in a small voice.

  “Unfortunately, despite my attempts to placate him, you will need to meet with Councilor Maelis.”

  SLAM!

  Kurda’s face hit the table, causing the papers on it to jump. He moaned.

  “Jus’ let mer’ die instead, Ryne.”

  “I shall pass on that.” Ryne said, a chime of mirth in her voice. “Without you, I would have to deal with these people. Now, I'm going to let him in and go back to my other duties.”

  She stepped to the man who was groaning into the stone and gave him a soft pat on his shoulder.

  “Best of luck, Councillor Kurda.” she said, then strode to the door. She opened it and Kurda heard her footsteps leave.

  Unfortunately he also heard the unmistakable stomping of the angry smith and councilor.

  “Sleeping on the job Stone-mason?” The annoying voice of Maylis penetrated his ears.

  Kurda growled and raised his head. He met the man’s gaze and stared him down.

  “What do yer want, Maelis” Kurda spat.

  Maelis tsked, “Now, now, Kurda. Have you forgotten I’m a councillor?" The man said

  “Have yer' forgot I’m a Councillor?” Kurda shot back, “Callin’ me stonemason, yer' clod.”

  Maelis sneered at him, but then shrugged. “It’s hard to remember some times, considering how you choose to act.”

  Kurda growled.

  “You see what I mean?” Maelis shook his head. “Despite that, you have been put in charge of this venture so I suppose I must give you a modicum of undeserved respect.”

  He paused, but then continued when he saw that Kurda wasn’t going to take the bait.

  “Alright then, Councillor Kurda. I have come to inform you of some good news!”

  “Spit it out, then,” Kurda said.

  Maelis clucked his tongue. “You are quite feisty today. Well, the good news is that I have detected a vein of metal that is just off the main pathway!”

  Kurda let out a groan of frustration.

  “Why aren’t you happy, Councillor? You know how desperately we need metal in Varnholt? Or have you forgotten?”

  "Haven't forgot, Councillor Maelis.” Kurda replied, his voice dripping. “Does that make this da’ fourth or fifth time yer’ ‘found’ metal’? Yer’ think this time there’ll be more than o’ bucket o’ nuggets?”

  Maelis squinted his eyes, his visage going cold. “This time my skill has detected an uncountable sum of metal deep in the right wall.” The squat Yoreboon crossed his scared arms, sneering at Kurda. “Or do you think it’s not worth pursuing?”

  Kurda crossed his arms matching the annoying short man’s pose. “Aye, I don’ think we should.”

  Maelis sighed. “You say that every time I bring my findings to you.”

  “Cause they ain' t findin’ shit! Der’ distracterns, Councillor Maelis! What yer’ need ta’ focus on is finishing the derm’ tunnel! Kurda shouted.

  “And we will!” Maelis scoffed. “But metal is required for this work.”

  “Wer’ gettin’ metal! Wer’ got what wer' need!” Kurda said, exasperated.

  “Sure we do!” Maelis raised his voice. “Just enough to barely make the arches. Meanwhile all of you stone workers get to freely use your abilities while us with metal focused skills scrape by.”

  Maelis huffed. “I don’t even know why I bothered to discuss this with you. The side tunnel to the metal source has already started.”

  “Whatt?!” Kurda exclaimed. “What d’ya’ means it’s already started?”

  A wicked grin pulled at Maelis’s lips. “I mean to tell you that we have started tunneling to it. This meeting is more a formality than anything. Really Councilor, what did you expect? You always deny our requests despite–”

  “What der’ hell’s that, then?” Kurda muttered, cutting Maelis off and staring behind him.

  “Really?” Maelis said, disbelieving. “You are really trying to pull that trick? Just how childish are you?”

  Despite himself, Maelis quickly glanced behind him taking in the empty room. He looked back at Kurda, his face reddening.

  “Councillor!” he said, his voice thick with disdain. “How–”

  “Hello?! Simon?” Kurda said, ignoring the enraged Yoreboon. “Jus’ how are ya… Oh… Yeah! Please do! Jus’ go to der’ south side of Varnholt and head down the path—can’t miss it!”

  Maelis just blinked in disbelief. Has the councillor finally gone mad?

  “Yer there with Brian? Could yer’ ask him a question? Hello? Simon?” Kurda blinked in confusion. ““What’d he mean, ‘bad connection’?”He shook his head and looked at the staring Yoreboon.

  “Err… sorry ’bout that,” Kurda said, rubbing his neck. “Simon Starfall just reached out to me with that new hub feature.”

  “You mean ‘der one’ that requires you to touch someone to connect with?” Maelis scoffed in derision, mocking Kurda’s accent.

  “Yerup’, that’s the one.” Kurda nodded, ignoring the man’s mocking tone. “He said he got a reward for that quest in the molten realm.”

  Maelis gave him a long look. “Sure he did.” Then he spun on his heels and stomped to the door.

  “Councillor Kurda, if you continue to refuse to take us metal focused artisans seriously, I wonder what might happen.”

  He paused at the door.

  “Is that a threat, Councillor Maelis?” Kurda rumbled, his voice grinding like slabs of stone.

  “Just an observation. I suggest you not disturb our efforts to extract the discovered metal.” Maelis looked back at Kurda, his face sharp as a sword. “Or you may have unforeseen delays with this tunnel.”

  He stomped out and slammed the heavy door behind him.

  “Wer’ already been havin’ ‘unforeseen delays’,” Kurda grumbled to himself, his mood dark.

  Why was that accursed Yoreboon always so determined to waylay the project? For his own gains? It didn’t make any sense to Kurda. They had promised to pursue metal within the mountain after the tunnel was completed.

  Hell, even if the council hadn’t made a formal agreement with the metal workers, Kurda would have still gone digging for it. It just made sense to him. All of these people were working together to finish the town’s project, so of course they would help them reach their own goals.

  But Maelis? With everyday the man had become increasingly hostile.

  Kurda tapped the stone desk, his large chestnut toned knuckles thudding into the material. If Kurda didn’t know any better, it almost felt like Maelis was intentionally delaying the tunnel’s progression.

  He shook his head. No that didn’t make any sense… or did it? Perhaps Maelis didn’t believe the council? That this time under the mountain creating the tunnel was his only real chance to acquire material for his class and skills? Or was it something more?

  Kurda’s door creaked open, interrupting his thoughts. Glowing amber light filled its frame as Ryne stepped into the room.

  “My, my…” she grinned at Kurda. “How was your meeting with Councillor Maelis?”

  Kurda snorted. “’Bout as good as a chisel to yer’ eye.”

  “Unfortunate.” Ryne sighed, her inner light dimming slightly. “At least that’s the end of meetings for today. Am I correct in assuming that the tunnel will be further delayed?”

  Kurda nodded, flexing his hands. “Correct.” He leaned forward, placing his head on the table. His fists balled in frustration as he asked. “ Ryne, what did er’ do to anger that man?”

  Ryne glided across the floor, taking a seat on the other side of the table. “I don’t think you did anything Kurda. Councilor Maelis has grown more irritated with every passing day. No matter how much I consider the issue, I cannot place my finger on why.”

  Her amber eyes rested on Kurda, her face sad. “I wouldn’t think too deeply on it. Despite his criticisms, we all see how hard you have been working on this project.” She leaned forward and put a comforting delicate hand on Kurda’s clenched fist.

  Kurda harrumphed, then raised his head. He patted the celestial's hand, then pulled his fists and arms into a stretch.

  “Yer’ right.” He slapped a closed fist into an open palm. “Enough o’ the moanin’ and groanin’. Time to get back to work.”

  Ryne’s smile beamed and she nodded. “We could plan out the next stages of the tunnel gate if you want to?” she asked.

  Kurda chuckled. “Ryne, Now I know yer’ just tryin’ to make me feel better.” He grinned at her. “Everyon’ knows yer’ designs are perfect.”

  “You could always look over them!” Ryne said, but gave him a small grin.

  Kurda scoffed. “Yer’ designs are beyond anything I could ever make and you know it. Yer’ hav’ got a talent for defensive structures I ain’t seen in all my years.”

  With that, Kurda stood then loped past Ryne.

  Besides, yer’ and I need to get ready for our latest volunteer!” he boomed cheerfully.

  “Oh?” Ryne scrambled to her feet then caught up to him. “Who did you manage to bully into helping this time?”

  Kurda ducked under the doorframe out of habit. He shot a big grind back to Ryne.

  “Aye, it’s that strange new one—Simon Starfall!”

  Ryne's dark eyebrows shot up. “The one that showed up half dead, covered in blood and viscera.”

  “One and the same. Since we’ve got a staffin’ shortage, let’s see if those muscles o’ his are good for more than slaughter, eh?”

  Kurda’s laughter boomed through the hallway.

  “Let's work him to da’ bone!”

  —— ? ——

  — AUTHOR NOTICE —

  > Damn, That was way to long without a chapter!

  Chapters are now scheduled every monday-wends-friday until the end of the book. Welcome to the final act of book 1!

  Enjoy reading everyone!

  ~TheBusyBard

  Harmony is offered, growth is earned, Limits are unknown.

  ——————————