Dreaming Orora Read online

  Hok turned back to see what hit the soldier. A huge figure dashed towards the other soldier and tossed a one two punches dropping him next to his comrade.

  “Damn,” Hok said, “boy am I glad to see you here.”

  “Crashing the party without me ha?” Murad said looking beyond the two knocked out men, “Come on, we got to hurry. I will lead the way.”

  They walked few more feet when shouts and screams filled the area. Silence followed a beat after. The three men exchanged a concerned look.

  A lonely door at the end of a tunnel greeted them with open sides. At its foot, few soldiers all bloodied and maimed. Even the walls and the door, in few places, did not escape the Dark One’s wrath.

  Halvar grabbed Hok’s arm and tugged at it, he looked at the two men, “you realize if we go in, there is probably no way out but back?”

  “I know, but I have no other choice,” Hok tried to look behind the door, nothing but endless darkness, “Listen, I think you guys helped me enough by coming all the way here. I won’t hold it against you to leave. Besides, I believe they’ll need you more outside than here.”

  “I didn’t tell you that so we run away,” Halvar said, “I’m just making sure that we all know what are we getting ourselves into.”

  Murad smiled, “Just a character man, won’t be my first.”

  Hok sighed, “Let’s just hope for the best.”

  The three of them inched towards the door. They passed through and noticed a purple spark towards the center illuminating a round-shaped hall. Beneath it, a man, or fragments of a man. On closer inspection, the Dark One stood directly in front of their line of vision obscuring the man behind him. Hok only saw the flailing drapes the other man adored.

  Halvar put a hand on Hok’s chest driving him towards the wall, Murad followed. They hit the wall and stopped. The three men looked from afar, content with their position.

  “I admire your dedication,” the Dark One said. The other man, hands still in the air maintained his posture. A stream of purple fog arched from his hands towards the ceiling. It stopped before hitting it though. His eyes darted left and right, searching for something. “If you are waiting for some help, I just obliterated everyone and everything on my way,” the Dark One tilted his head sideways, “You are not the one I’m looking for, but you are helping them nonetheless.”

  “I have no choice then,” the man said bringing his hands down. The column above him dissipated and the place descended into further darkness.

  The wizard’s hands resting next to him started to sparkle and he tried to bring them up. The Dark One grabbed at the air and slashed, midway through his swing a dark smoke sword materialized and hit the wizard. He staggered and fell backwards on his back. The Dark One held a sword in his hand, only the outline of which was visible, the rest just a deeper darkness. Hok jumped in the menu to equip his weapon. It worked.

  “Please,” the Dark One said, “you think you’re a match for me?” the man crawled away as the Dark One took his sweet time with every step, “I know you don’t work for those idiots. The fallen sent you didn't they?”

  The man smiled, “You won’t get that out of me.”

  Sparks glowed besides the wizard as the Dark One closed the gap between them in three steps. A portal engulfed the wizard and he disappeared with a puff. The Dark One stood where it all happened.

  Silence dominated the room for the next few seconds. Time stretched itself beyond comprehension as Hok peered into this dark figure. He had no plan of attack or an idea how to fight him if it got down to that. At the very least the wizard was dealt with.

  The Dark One turned around and walked towards the exit.

  Hok followed the dark figure with his gaze. Apprehension building with every step. They’ve done what they came for here, no need to die now. He thought about logging out for a second, not only would that not work, but it also meant leaving his comrades behind. Just keep hoping for the best.

  The Dark One reached the door and turned his head towards the three men, Hok’s heart skipped a beat, “I knew you were here ever since you entered,” the voice pierced Hok’s head, “If I wanted it, you would’ve been dead by now. I wanted you to see this,” he stepped towards them and they all unsheathed their weapons. He tilted his head sideways and smiled, “I wanted you to know your real enemy.”

  26 – The army at the gate

  Bale pointed North directing the unruly masses towards the inner walls, “no need to rush, there is plenty of room and we are not in immediate danger.”

  “Said the soldier,” a peasant said as he pushed forward, “while herding us to be slaughtered like sheep.”

  Bale frowned, but continued on his task. Perhaps there were some ungrateful citizens, but who's to blame them at this time. War loomed on their doorstep; something unheard of in Galawar.

  A soldier approached Bale, “Warden,” he tapped his chest with a fest, “I’m your relief, Orion is expecting you at the main gate.”

  Bale smiled, perhaps they didn't forget about him after all. He saluted back and got on his way towards the main gate.

  If Bale saw dread and fear when he first arrived at Galawar not few hours ago, it compared not to what he saw now. Earlier it seemed at the very least the refugees enjoyed the embrace of a safe haven away from the war, now it seems war followed. Fear imprinted on all the faces he saw.

  On the other side of the spectrum, Recruits looked happy making their way towards the gate. To them, this served as just another fun event they could partake in. If things go south, and it might, they can just hit the road and leave. And they wondered why the locals refused to warm up to most of them?

  Earlier, atop the inner walls, Bale saw not the dark army at their doorsteps, but amass of Hywars as far as the eye could see. Never before did the Beastmen to the East arrange such attack. The twist in Bale’s stomach tightened. Had he been in his beloved outpost, this army would not have reached here unnoticed.

  Now, he stood outside the gate next to all the military heads in a line facing the enemy at bay. Few Recruits loitered in the space between the two armies.

  Three Hywars walked on the bridge towards the gate. Messengers it would seem. Their army still ways away.

  “Make way soldiers,” Orion said to the few soldiers on the bridge.

  The soldiers took to the edge of the bridge leaving the general to face the three giant humanoid birds. Behind him his trusty colonels and next to them stood the wardens. Few Recruits tried to butt in, but the soldiers were diligent enough to deter them.

  A jet black Hywar took a step forward, his feathers’ tip reflected his eyes fiery red glow, “I’m Tarr, commander of the Hywar army in the East stronghold.”

  Commander? It would seem Bale mistook them for messengers.

  “Orion, General of the Army of the Kingdom of Galawar.”

  “A pleasure,” the big bird raised his chin three times, a gesture of acceptance amongst their kind it seems, “I do know the bad history between us, but please know that we are not here as your enemy. We are here so that you heed our warning, and perhaps join forces.”

  The army heads exchanged few looks; it extended towards the standing birds. Finally Orion scratched his chin, “and I’m to believe some Beastmen are trying to be our ally?”

  “For there is a bigger enemy on our tail,” Tarr said, “I fear alone, both of us won’t stand a chance. Together, we might,” Tarr raised a balled fist, “we can help you defend the city,” his head raised to view Galawar’s magnificent walls, “I’m sure you’ll need numbers to cover your walls.”

  Orion snorted, “Oh, so not only do you want our help, but also you want us to allow you inside our city walls? Isn’t that your long life dream? And you want us to hand it to you on a silver platter.”

  “We are only requesting refuge in exchange for help fighting the creeping doom.”

  “Our city Sir is impregnable. No army can penetrate its walls. So your help is not welcomed nor needed.”

&
nbsp; “We saw their numbers, we know their power. This is no army. This is death crawling towards you. They’ll attack where you are weakest. I implore you to reconsider General.”

  “Consider this,” Orion said and unsheathed his sword swinging it towards Tarr. The sword caught feather and flesh sending blood flying around. The other birds flinched then readied their weapons.

  Tarr held a hand up, “No.” both beastmen behind him relaxed, weapons still in hand. “We are not here to fight. We just thought we might join forces against a greater evil.”

  “You thought wrong,” Orion said and brought his sword again. Titus and Dahl both charged towards the birds in the back, more soldiers joined. Minerva stood still next to Bale. Didn't need to fight, didn't have time to fight.

  Only three dead birds and flying feathers remained from this brief encounter. “Bring my Vagrant and load their commander on it,” Orion said, “I shall deliver him to the rest,” he turned towards both wardens, “did you not get a chance to join the fun?” a big smile decorated his face.

  “No sir,” Minerva said. Her dark lips, hair and tone might have not showed it, but the shimmering in her eyes reflected her pleasure.

  Bale’s mouth curved to the ground, “You seem not well Warden,” said Orion.

  “I thought we were not supposed to attack messengers Sir,” said Bale. Everyone looked at him. It reminded him of the previous meeting, not a good feeling. The place went dead silent, only the sound of Orion’s ride being readied can be heard.

  “We do not fraternize with the enemy,” said Orion, “or do you want them within our city walls warden?”

  “Not what I said Sir.”

  Orion stepped towards his Vagrant and mounted in one smooth jump. He started to trot away. “Sir,” Bale ran towards him, “I don't think they are any threat. They can help us against the dark army.”

  “Have your wits forsaken you, Warden?” Orion turned his mount to face Bale, “did staying with the enemy for long made you one of them?”

  “No, Sir. My allegiance always and forever will be with the kingdom,” he brought his right fist to his chest, “but I saw firsthand what the dark army is capable of. Wouldn't hurt to get any help we can find. Besides, I’m not saying let them inside the city walls, just let them take refuge outside-”

  “Bale,” Orion said cutting him off. Titus, Minerva and Dahl stood on their mounts next to the General. “You should stay here and ward the gate. Or did you forget how to do that?”

  Bale bit his tongue for fear of what might come out. He lowered his head, “Yes, Sir.”

  “Let's go and show those beasts what the Galawar army is capable of,” Orion said, he trotted back and forth before his soldiers. “Let us tell them not why Galawar is impregnable,” more soldiers gathered around, “Let us show them why,” he said and raised his sword. A roar exploded around them. The General charged towards the Hywar army. More soldiers and Recruits cheered and joined the raid, few stood behind.

  Bale watched as the party got smaller leaving sand stirring in their wake. They were making a big mistake. Reinforcement offered to them willingly from the most unexpected of places, yet they refuse to accept it. If only they saw the horrors of the dark army.

  Bale looked behind him inside the walls of Galawar. Soldiers herded people towards the inner walls. He looked back at the team of Vagrants charging the potential help. Few more minutes and Galawar would find itself fending two armies at once.

  “Damn it,” Bale said and got on the nearest Vagrant. He charged towards Orion and the rest. Behind him, he thought he heard some shouts and calls. No time to entertain them.

  Bale raced full speed ahead. With every step he questioned his decision, what could he do? Will he be able to stop them? Is it too late? He settled firmly on the saddle, squeezed the lead and lowered his head. Faster, got to go faster.

  He got close enough and regretted not taking off earlier. Galawar soldiers slashed and stabbed at the Beastmen. The Hywars returned the attacks with more of them converging towards the assaulters.

  Orion and his men formed a circle and the Beastmen formed a ring around them. Both parties poked their weapons provoking the other to charge.

  Bale thought of one way to stop this madness. It could work, or not. But it could not make things any worse.

  He pulled his weapon, still in its sheath, and raised it upside down, a sign of surrender. “We surrender,” he shouted charging towards them. Everyone turned to look at him, men and Beastmen. “We surrender,” he said again getting closer to the outer Beastmen circle.

  The Hywars facing him parted way while he trotted towards the inner circle. Weapon still in hand he kept repeating, “We surrender,” only on a lower tone addressing the immediate audience.

  The last two birds got out of his way and his men stood behind them. Orion stood in front of him in what Bale could only describe as his furious face. Orion swung his sword and hit Bale on the side. It knocked him off his mount. He hit the ground and rolled twice before coming to a stop.

  “No we don't,” Orion said and stood on Bale’s head. He raised his sword and stabbed him again in the chest. “No we don't.”

  The pain rushed through him and he felt his chest heavy. His vision blurred and everything went to black.

  ~

  Bale woke up in the central circle of the army headquarters next to the Lady Altana statue. He kneeled on one knee and thanked her, as he always did after she showed him the way back from darkness. Few soldiers popped next to him.

  Sadness stabbed at him as he recalled this as the first time being resurrected outside his outpost. This could only confirm what he already knew. The outpost no longer belonged to them.

  The soldiers around him took out their weapons and surrounded him.

  He raised his hands, “What is the mean-” Two soldiers moved to one side making way. Orion charged in fast steps and stood face to face with Bale. “General I-”

  “Bale,” Orion snapped, “Wipe that stupid look off your face. Yes, we knew we were going there to die, but we were there to send a message. We don’t befriend the enemy,” Bale tried to open his mouth, “What you did there is inexcusable. You disobeyed a direct order and left your post. A warden never leaves his post.”

  “Sir, I-”

  “Furthermore,” Orion raised a hand; “you disgraced our soldiers, our army and our kingdom by taking it upon yourself to declare our surrender.”

  “Sir I-”

  “You are nothing,” Orion said and took a step backwards, “Bale, I hereby relieve you from your responsibilities and revoke your title of Warden of the East.”

  Bale felt his heart sink. He felt a rock lodged in his throat and his leg barely carried him. Revoked? What does that mean? All his life, Bale only knew being a warden.

  “Had it not been for your years of service and your obvious good intentions, you would’ve been accused of treason and put to trial,” Orion continued, “you are demoted to the starting rank of a Knight in the Galawar army to report to the barracks effective immediately.” Orion extended his hand, “Your sword.”

  Bale stood there absent minded for few seconds. His eyes searching the ground, then searching the eyes of the people around him. Everyone looked at him yet again.

  “Your sword soldier,” Orion said again.

  Bale grabbed the sword from its hilt and handed it over. Two soldiers flanked Bale, “Take him away,” Orion said.

  The two men escorted Bale away. That’s at least what he thought. His feet moved, but he could not feel anything anymore.

  Orora offers four seasons just like the real world. Only it’s accelerated in the game so that people can experience it faster. Nevertheless, many rules applied to seasons just like the real world.

  Certain monsters, plants or even events take place on certain seasons in the game. Although, real life events like Halloween, Christmas or Eid only coincide with its counterpart in the real world.

  27 – The B-Hunterz

  The lin
e jerked one more time. This should be a big one. Maia tugged on her rod and pulled. Left, right, right again. The fish fought for dear life.

  The battle continued for two more minutes before Maia reeled it out of the water. A big red snapper, not bad. A message popped in her display letting her know that her fishing skill raised 0.1 point. She placed the fish in her inventory. Good thing they don’t stink in Orora.

  Perhaps it was the fact that she reached level seven in fishing or that the local residents of Paya cheered her on, but Maia just realized how much time she wasted in this small little town. Yet she enjoyed every second of it. She remembered going fishing last with her late dad; she must’ve been no older than ten. Her old man was an avid fisherman with his own boat sitting in the Santa Monica pier, though Mia only went pier fishing with him. He did not acquire the boat until way late in his retirement days.

  The first time she tried fishing in Orora her throat felt stuffed and her eyes started to water. She remembered sweet memories of her old man showing her how to reel in a fish for the first time, or how to unhook the fish, or just telling her to be patient. That’s what fishing was all about.

  In the past few days she spent here, the small town came back into its old self. People started rebuilding their homes and Maia enjoyed helping along. When she got tired she stood at the pier and casted her line. The pier needed much work to operate once again though. Ships from the western continent stopped coming and ferries from Ra Varra anchored in deep waters to avoid all the debris and damaged ground. Small boats carried their supplies and people from and to town.

  As boring as this might sound to some people, Maia enjoyed every last minute of it and just couldn't believe how dynamic the game could be. A change of this magnitude was always timed and scripted in other games. Yet here, it all happened in real time, no warnings or timed event.

  The residence of Paya knew full well that the dark army could come back any moment, but they refused to abandon their homes. Some people did though, they moved to the Kingdom of Galawar as the only option available. The Arandal Federation on the northwest closed its doors to the public and secured their walls after news of the dark army advances.