Tiff cast me a sidelong glance as we went back inside the castle, and I sensed an intense longing in her eyes. This was a woman who felt alone in both her former world and her current one, but she’d taken the first step to creating a lasting friendship with me.
Her vulnerability called to me to protect her, but I knew the deadly goddess was more than capable of defending herself.
“So, the gods and goddesses can be killed,” I said as I led the way into the foyer. “Not so immortal, it seems.”
“Rumor has it that you are the only one who cannot die,” Tiff said in a curious tone. “You have beaten death, and now you’re on your way to conquering the rest of the world.”
“I can die,” I said in a vague manner. “I just don’t let that stop me from kicking ass.”
“You’ll have to explain that one to me later,” Tiff said as she narrowed her green eyes at me. “But for now, we should really focus on the mission Plague sent me on.”
“Right.” I nodded. “Then afterward you can tell me everything you know in complete detail.”
“Fine,” Tiff huffed, and she plopped down on the sofa in the sitting room. “If you can help me survive this mission, I will owe you my life. Knowledge is a small price to pay.”
“You really think the God of the Plague means to get you out of the way so he can dominate the entire world by himself?” I shook my head in awe. “That’s gotta strike a nerve after you stood by him for so long. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to trust him, but I don’t have a great track record with other deities.”
“Plague is driven by ambition and the pursuit of power,” Tiff said. “He only cares about himself, and anyone helping him is a disposable pawn to be used as a shield before being discarded. I helped him out of necessity, but… Well, there’s a lot more to the story.”
“You don’t want to be beholden to him anymore,” I said as more of a statement than a question, but the goddess nodded in confirmation. “But what if this mission he sent you on isn’t a trap?
Will you return to his side?”
“I-I-I don’t know.” Tiff frowned. “My gut tells me that Plague is setting me up, but I suppose there’s always a chance it could just be unfounded paranoia. I also don’t have a great track record with other
players, and I’ve gotten pretty good at seeing the red flags of betrayal.”
“So, you were friends with some of the others?” I settled into an armchair opposite the sofa, and I rested my elbows on my knees while I cradled my chin in my hands. “It sounds like it got pretty complicated.”
“There were others who offered up alliances,” Tiff explained.
“But after a few key mistakes, which left me close to death, I learned not to trust anyone. Not Plague, or even you for that matter.”
“If you don’t trust me, then what are you even doing here?” I arched a challenging eyebrow. “You came to me for a reason.”
“Yeah, you’re strong and powerful.” Tiff shrugged. “I thought you could help me because you’ve never been defeated before, but that doesn’t mean I trust you. Yet…”
“I get it.” I smirked. “I’m not ready to trust you, either, but I’m open to giving you the benefit of the doubt because you’ve been very open and honest with me. Still, the second I sense deceit, I won’t hesitate to protect my territory by any means necessary.”
“Heard loud and clear.” Tiff swallowed hard. “You gotta see it from my side, though. I’m putting myself at great risk by coming to
you. If Plague finds out… Well, a fatal mission might not be the worst plan he has for me.”
“Alright, tell me about this mission,” I said as I rubbed my hands together. “The sooner we make a plan, the sooner we can both get some sleep. I’ll give you a room here, but I’ll be watching you, so don’t try anything funny.”
“I’m not known for my sense of humor,” Tiff said in a dry tone.
“Besides, do you seriously think I’m dumb enough to do anything nefarious while you have a fucking dragon hanging out?”
“You’re right.” I smirked. “Nameless would blast you into next week in the blink of an eye, but he seems to like you for some reason, so I’ll be guarding your room personally.”
“What if your groupies don’t want you to help me?” Tiff asked with a defiant lift of her chin. “Who actually wears the pants around here?”
“You will never speak of my women like that again, or you can consider my offer of help revoked.” I fixed the goddess with a hard stare. “They deserve respect first and foremost, and you’re lucky none of them heard you, or you’d be staring down several blades.”
“Alright, alright, chill out,” Tiff chuckled as she held up her hands in surrender. “Maybe I went too far, but it’s probably just because I’m jealous that you get to have a family here while the rest of us are isolated.”
“You made your choices,” I reminded her. “It seems to me that most of your decisions were driven by fear and hate more so than love and openness. That’s why you’re alone, and the sooner you learn to open up and let people in, the sooner you will have people supporting you.”
Tiff rolled her eyes, but she didn’t respond right away. Her gaze roamed the shelves lining the study walls, and I could tell she was trying to maintain her composure. It seemed I’d struck a nerve, but if she could face reality, then maybe she could learn and grow from it.
“So, this mission,” I said as I attempted to regain control over the conversation. “What exactly are you supposed to do?”
“Plague has been after a particular magical artifact for a while now, but he’s been gathering anything that contains magic for years.”
Tiff frowned. “His current obsession is King Frederick’s black crystal.
Plague believes the stone’s power could fuel an army’s worth of blades. It could make all the difference in the final battle.”
“This crystal…” I said in an effort to make it seem like I knew nothing about the matter even though the object of her mission was currently in my possession. “What does it do?”
“According to Plague, it makes any weapon poisonous when joined with the steel.” Tiff shrugged. “But he’s pretty capable of spreading poison and disease without the aid of a magic rock. He just wants to give his army the ultimate advantage.”
“How big is his army?” I asked with a worried frown.
“Nice try, dude.” Tiff smirked. “No details about Plague until you help me survive this mission.”
“My bad,” I chuckled. “You can’t blame me for trying, though.”
“So, we need to get to this cave network on the northern edge of Sorreyal as soon as possible,” Tiff said in an urgent tone. “If the crystal is there, I’m supposed to return it to Plague before the next full moon.”
“Why the urgency?” A crease formed between my eyebrows.
“What is he planning?”
“Let’s just get through this mission first,” Tiff said to remind me of our deal. “When this is all over, I will answer all of your questions. I promise.”
“This definitely feels like a trap,” I said as I thought about the black crystal hiding in my vault. “What makes either of you think the crystal is there?”
There was no way my enemies knew its location, or I’d be facing a full-force assault, but there was also no way the crystal was in some distant network of caves. Whatever information led the God of the Plague to send Tiff to that location was either falsified or just plain wrong.
“There are mentions of artifacts being hidden in the caves,” Tiff explained. “The references didn’t specify what the pieces were, but it’s possibly a hiding place used by mages in this realm.”
“Or it’s a trap leading to your demise,” I said. “We can’t let our guard down even if it seems like all is well. There’s no telling what tricks Plague could have in store for you.”
“You better not leave me high and dry if it turns into an ugly situation,” Tiff said as she shot me a challenging glare. “Otherwise, I won’t be giving you any information.”
“We have a deal.” I nodded curtly. “You can count on me to honor my word.”
“Ditto.” Tiff smirked. “So, when are we leaving?”
“I’ll have to talk to my family first,” I said in a cautious tone. “I need to make sure my homebase is secure before I leave again.”
“You don’t trust your army and walls to keep your people safe?” Tiff arched an eyebrow, and I wondered if she was attempting to gather information about me while seeking my help. “It seems like your followers are capable of defending themselves.”
“I’ve taught them well,” I allowed. “And I’ve certainly strived to increase the overall safety of my territory, but I still have an obligation to enhance their lives. Besides, I have a few tasks I have to accomplish before I can go anywhere.”
“What are you hiding?” Tiff narrowed her emerald eyes.
“There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“The information sharing goes both ways,” I pointed out.
“There’s still plenty you haven’t shared with me. Once I know I can trust you, I will open up more, but for right now, I don’t have to tell you anything. I just have to get you through this mission alive.”
“Whatever.” Tiff rolled her eyes. “I’ll find out sooner or later. I have a skill for sniffing out secrets.”
“Do as you wish.” I shrugged. “But I think we should call it a night. I’ll talk to the ladies in the morning, and we can start preparing
for our quest.”
I led her upstairs to an empty room on the second floor, and Tiff cast me one last glance over her shoulder before she disappeared behind the door. Then I took a deep breath as I finally began to process everything that had happened since we’d spotted the Goddess of Death in the rafters. I took up a position outside her door, but after a while, I sank to the floor. I wasn’t going to let her go unguarded even if it meant I stayed up all night to watch her, but I knew I could take a nap once one of my women took over my guard duties.
It was only a few hours before dawn when Akina crept down the hallway, and she squatted down beside me with a quizzical look.
“What are you doing on the floor?” the desert warrior asked.
“I’m watching Tiff’s door,” I explained. “She’s still sleeping.”
“You let her stay here?” Akina’s eyebrows rose in alarm. “Do you think she is trustworthy enough to be in the same castle as the babies?”
“No.” I gave my lover a wry smile. “That’s why I’m sitting here.
I’m not going to let her go anywhere without supervision, especially not near the babies.”
“You look exhausted,” Akina said in a sympathetic tone. “Why don’t you let me take over after I get the breakfast pastries in the oven? I will wake you the moment anything strange happens.”
“Alright,” I allowed with a grateful smile. “I suppose I could use the sleep.”
Akina flashed me a cheeky grin before she disappeared down the stairs, but it was only a few moments before she returned.
Speckles of flour dotted the tan skin of her cheeks, and the scent of woodsmoke clung to her.
“You’re good to go,” she said as she motioned for me to get up.
“Get some sleep. I’ll wake you soon.”
“Thanks.” I pressed a kiss against her cheek despite the flour flavor of her flesh, and then I made my way to my own bedchambers.
I passed out with my boots still on, and I slept with confidence in Akina’s ability to protect our family. She wouldn’t let the Goddess of Death move an inch without watching her like a hawk, and I hoped Tiff was smart enough to behave appropriately.
It was only a few hours later when I woke up again, and I blinked up into Elissa’s emerald eyes. Her gaze was full of love and
adoration, and a smile tugged on my lips as I lifted myself into a sitting position.
“Good morning,” I chuckled.
“That woman is still here,” Elissa said. “Does that mean she has joined our side?”
“Not exactly.” I worked the muscle in my jaw. “She agreed to tell me everything she knows about the God of the Plague if I help her accomplish her mission.”
“Bash, it could be a trap,” Elissa said in a worried tone. “The God of the Plague could be trying to separate us from you in an effort to overpower you.”
“Let him try,” I chuckled. “I’m ready to get him out of the way.
It’ll just be to my benefit if he comes to me since I wouldn’t have to hunt him down.”
“I trust you.” Elissa smiled, and a brilliant twinkle lit her beautiful gemstone eyes. “You can do anything!”
A few moments later, I sat at the table with Zenda, Elissa, and Mahini. I had to pull Akina’s pastries out of the oven, and Elissa helped me spread the frosting drizzle over the tops. By the time the
desert warrior and the Goddess of Death joined us, the baked goods were nearly cool enough to eat.
“Aww, thanks Bash.” Akina’s cheeks lifted as her face broke into a big smile. “I was worried they would burn.”
“I wasn’t about to let your newest delicacies be ruined,” I said with a wink.
“How did you sleep?” Zenda asked the goddess in our midst.
“The mattress in that room is new, so it may still be a little on the firm side.”
“It was fine,” Tiff assured the scholar, and her gaze flicked from one woman to another. “Did Bash already tell you what’s going on?”
“A bit…” Mahini frowned as she turned her icy-blue gaze to me. “But, please, explain.”
“Tiff needs my help,” I said as I made room at the table for everyone, and I paused for a moment to make sure the newcomers also had pastries and milk. “She explained her situation, and I think it would be to both of our advantages to work together on her mission.”
“What exactly does that mean?” Mahini questioned and shot Tiff a look. “What is her mission?”
“Well,” I said as I ran a hand through my hair. “She’s after a magical artifact the God of the Plague wants to strengthen the power of his army.”
“So, you’re going to get to it first,” Zenda said. “To make sure it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.”
“Basically.” I shrugged. “But Tiff here thinks this mission is actually a ruse to trap her. She doesn’t want to go alone just in case.”
“And you said yes, of course,” Elissa chuckled.
“Sounds like Bash,” Akina agreed.
“Oh, really?” I laughed. “What does that mean?”
“You’ve never been one to turn away from someone in need of help,” Zenda explained. “Even if they had previously been on the opposite side.”
“You’ve done this before?” Tiff arched an eyebrow at me.
“Helped an enemy?”
“Not exactly.” I smiled. “But I’ve certainly come up with some creative ways to eliminate my enemies while also helping my followers have a better life.”
“That sounds interesting,” Tiff chuckled. “You’ll have to share some stories of your previous conquests.”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “But for now, I really want to hear everyone’s opinions about this mission.”
The women all exchanged glances, and it seemed like they shared some sort of telepathic communication because they all turned to me as one. The four women knew me well, and the looks of approval on their faces showed their acceptance of my unique way of handling challenges.
“Obviously, you need to make sure Tiff makes it through the mission,” Mahini said.
“You think so?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I’d expected the former desert dweller to argue against the mission since I’d only recently returned home, and our baby was only a few weeks old.
“Wouldn’t you rather me stay here?”
“I’ve never expected you to stay home for long,” Mahini said with a shake of her head. “You’re an adventurer at heart, and that’s one of the reasons I love you. It wouldn’t be right for me to stand between you and the call of the road.”
“I agree.” Elissa nodded. “You can handle anything, Bash, so I’m not worried about how this mission will turn out. You will win yet again, I just know it.”
“Where exactly are you going?” Zenda asked, and I could tell she was pulling up a mental map of Sorreyal.
“To a cave network near the northern boundary,” Tiff said in a cautious tone. “It’ll take us a few weeks to get there.”
“I haven’t heard any references to caves in that area,” Zenda mused in a thoughtful tone. “You’ll have to write down everything you observe. There could be unique species of cave dwelling animal life waiting to be discovered.”
“I’ll take notes on everything,” I promised.
“Do you need any further assistance on the road?” Akina asked. “I could travel with you to help watch your back while you sleep.”
“I would rather you stay here and keep the babies safe,” I said.
“If there’s even a small chance this could be a way to get me away from home so an attack can be made in my absence, then I want to make sure I have the most powerful warriors standing between my children and my enemies.”
“I lay my life down in their service,” Akina said with an air of solemnity. “No harm shall come to them while I still breathe.”
“You’re an intense one,” Tiff observed as she pressed her lips into a slight smile. “Do you do everything to the death, or is that just the Kotar way?”
“You must know little of the southern deserts,” Mahini said in a warning tone as she quickly came to her fellow desert dweller’s aid.
“The harsh sands cull weakness like a forest fire destroying invasive plants. Only the strong can survive.”
“Oh, I’m sure.” Tiff’s emerald eyes twinkled with mischief, and I realized a part of her enjoyed stirring up shit just for the sake of entertainment.
“You do realize we are not the same as the bullies who attacked you in your old world, right?” Zenda’s sapphire eyes searched the goddess’ face. “You came here because you need our help, so maybe try to remember that when you’re talking to us.”
“I meant no offense.” Tiff lifted her hands in surrender. “I was just pointing out how intense the scary one is. I could practically feel her staring through the bedroom door before I woke up.”
“In any case, it doesn’t seem like anyone has any objections to my newest quest,” I said as I brought the conversation back to the topic at hand. “If there’s anything that needs to be addressed before I leave, just let me know. I’m going to make sure everything is good to go first.”
“Alright,” Elissa said. “The Elder Council brought up a few things I wanted to run by you.”
“Plus, there’s some decisions to be made about the library,”
Zenda added.
“I’m sure everything will work out just fine,” Mahini assured me.
“Even if there’s something that needs attention while you’re gone, I’m sure we can handle it.”
“Yes, stay focused on your mission,” Akina urged. “Don’t let your guard down for any reason.”
“Alright, alright, I’m not going to try to kill him in his sleep,” Tiff interjected in an annoyed tone. “You all keep acting like I am this evil bitch, but I’m just doing what I have to do in order to survive. I doubt any of you would make different choices if you were in my shoes.”
“We need to give her the benefit of the doubt,” I said to my women with a comforting smile. “I will bring Nameless with us to
watch my back, and I can always blip back home to make sure everyone is okay.”
After we discussed the plans for the mission, we split up to go about our days. I met with Zenda in the study as she perused the books by Lord Havers, and she updated me on her research. The Zaborian historian was confident she’d have the secrets of the memory spell unlocked by the time I returned to Bastianville, and she cautioned me to keep our attempts to extend my fast travel magic hidden from the goddess.
“There’s no telling what she will do if she finds out what all you’ll be capable of once you master the spell,” Zenda said. “There would be nowhere for her to hide from you if she betrayed you, but that probably won’t stop her from trying.”
“I’ll keep Tiff’s attention on other things until we can finish combining the spell with the amulets,” I agreed. “The more she stays focused on the mission, the less energy she’ll have to put her nose in my business.”
“Please be careful, Bash.” Zenda’s sapphire eyes were full of concern as she tilted her head up to meet my gaze. “While you’re the most powerful man I’ve ever known, you have a big heart, and I’d hate to see someone take advantage of your good nature.”
“Trust me,” I said with a confident smirk. “I know who I can count on. I’ll sleep with one eye open, and I’ll make sure nothing shady happens.”
With faith that our efforts to combine the memory spell with the fast travel amulets would continue in my absence, I went about the rest of my preparations for the quest. It felt like I’d barely unpacked my bags from the previous excursion before I was called away again, but I was a pro at packing for an adventure by this point.
I went over all my gear and weapons with a shrewd eye, but there were a few items I knew I would be taking without question. My panabas were freshly sharpened and oiled until the edges gleamed in the light, and I made sure my dragonscale armor was in perfect condition with all the buffs refilled. My griffon feather boots still had plenty of uses remaining, so I didn’t worry about enchanting them again.
My magic would be able to fill any gaps in my arsenal, and I knew my spells were strong enough to defend myself without any weapons. Still, there was no telling what all Tiff was capable of, so I’d have to keep a close watch on her until I figured out all her powers.
Killing plant life and crazy sorcerers was one thing, but surviving
against the mind controlling madman, the God of the Purge, was no easy feat.
Tiff had to have some serious firepower.
I packed up some various lengths of rope, and I wondered if I’d have to use it to restrain the goddess eventually. I wouldn’t hesitate to immobilize her if she threatened me, and I would be prepared either way. As long as she cooperated with me, I wouldn’t make a move against her, but the moment she tried to betray me would be her last moment of freedom.
Even though I had agreed to help her with this mission, I still didn’t trust her.
After my gear was ready, I checked in with Riondale about increasing security protocols around the town. We also arranged for a regular patrol to travel to my other holdings to ensure the safety of the entire territory, and I felt confident leaving my people in his capable hands.
Word traveled about my pending departure, and I was stopped by Sarosh in the late afternoon after I’d spent the day getting ready for my quest. Mahini and Akina had visited her in the Bastian Church to seek solace from their anxiety over the Goddess of Death, but I
was sure they would feel much better once this mission was completed. The priestess was concerned about the rumors of the goddess’ presence, and she warned me not to trust her.
“Did your former master mention her or the God of the Plague?” I asked as I took in the worried look in her eyes. “If you know something, it could be useful, even if it seems trivial.”
“No, he only said there were others who wished him harm.”
Sarosh pressed her lips into a thin white line. “But I could tell there were forces that terrified him. Perhaps it was her.”
“I will keep that in mind,” I assured her. “You have nothing to worry about, I promise.”
“I trust you, Bash,” Sarosh said in an adamant tone. “But I know you often see the good in people even when it’s hidden beneath their darkness.”
“We should all strive to see people for their potential more so than their past,” I said. “You and I were once on opposing sides of the battle, but what would have happened if I hadn’t seen the good in you?”
“I would likely be dead,” Sarosh sighed. “I am grateful for your mercy and forgiveness, but I wish to remind you of the power of
these other gods. If they are anywhere close to the God of the Purge, then you will have your work cut out for you when you’re facing two at once.”
“Hey, I killed Purgy,” I reminded her. “I can handle Death and Plague, too.”
“I believe you.” Sarosh gave me a hopeful smile. “Just come back to us in one piece, alright?”
“I’ll see you soon,” I promised before I went about my business.
While I was going through town to gather my supplies, Mahini and Akina were keeping a close eye on Tiff, and I found them in a tense silence when I returned home.
“What’s going on?” I asked as I looked from one stoic face to the next. “I figured you’d be making friendship bracelets by now.”
“Ha, ha,” Tiff huffed as she rolled her eyes. “If your two watchdogs would let me get a single word out without verbally attacking me, then maybe we’d be able to bond.”
“Did she just call us dogs?” Akina asked Mahini in a terse voice.
“Alright, alright,” I said as I stepped into the center of the triangle, and the three women all looked at me expectantly. “Tiff, you can’t expect me to trust you yet, so keeping you well supervised was necessary. Maybe if you were a little less hostile, then you wouldn’t feel upset by their reactions.”
“Hey, I’m not the hostile one,” Tiff said as she threw up her hands.
“We agreed that Bash should help you,” Mahini reminded the goddess. “I can tell there is some good in you, no matter how hard you try to hide it. Don’t make me regret that.”
“Bash is willing to give you a chance,” Akina added. “So, I am, too. But the second you betray us, I won’t hesitate to shove my fire blade down your throat.”
“Whoa, girl, take it easy,” Tiff teased with a smirk. “I’m not very good at sword swallowing, but I doubt you could lay a hand on me, so let’s just agree to peace for now.”
There was a heated look exchanged between the three women, and I knew we had a long road ahead of us before there would be any trust in the Goddess of Death. I wasn’t going to try to
convince anyone to change their minds, though. Tiff was the only one who could do that, and her actions would speak for themselves.
I designed a pack that I could strap onto Nameless, and I stuffed it with dried meat and one of my old shirts he used to snuggle up in. There would come a day when the dragon would be large enough to carry more than a small bag, but at least he was able to hold onto his own rations.
We spent one more night in Bastianville while my women and I took turns guarding Tiff’s door, but after a quiet night, I began my final list of preparations before leaving town. I found Corvis and retrieved an additional horse for the goddess to ride, and I shined Goliath’s saddle and bridle to a mahogany glow. Once our rations and gear were packed into saddlebags, I made a round of goodbyes before I parted ways with my family.
Arcas and Sorena both seemed to sense my pending absence, and the two babies wiggled and whined until I held them each for several moments. I planted warm kisses on their foreheads after I returned them to their mothers’ arms, but then I turned my kissing lips to my lovely ladies. Zenda wrapped her arms around my neck as she draped her slender frame against mine, and her kiss was soft and lingering. Akina ran her fingers through my hair as her tongue
delved into the depths of my mouth with a burning passion, and Elissa peppered my entire face with kisses. Mahini and I shared a long look that spoke way more than words could ever describe, and when I kissed her, there was a respect and understanding in our embrace.
Once we were outside the castle, Tiff swung herself into her saddle with a fluid grace that spoke to experience on horseback, but after spending so long in this medieval fantasy world, it didn’t surprise me. It had taken me a few resets to be able to maneuver my mount in an efficient manner, but she had the advantage of years to practice.
Nameless watched from a nearby rooftop roost, but I could feel his stardust eyes following my every step. He wasn’t about to let me leave without him, and I had no intention of doing so. I would need his help if I got into a difficult situation with the Goddess of Death, and his firepower would give me the upper hand no matter what we were up against.
“Be safe, husband,” Elissa urged as she waved her baby-free hand over her head, and her long red curls swept across her face.
“Go swiftly, my love,” Mahini said with an encouraging look, but I could see in her icy-blue gaze that she was already starting to miss
me.
“I’ll have a surprise for you when you get back,” Zenda promised.
“Don’t worry about anything, Bash,” Akina insisted. “We have everything under control.”
“I love you all,” I said before I climbed onto Goliath’s saddle, and I waved one more time as I nudged my heels against the stallion’s flanks.
I led the way toward the gate leading to the east side of Bastianville, and Tiff followed a few paces behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see her gazing around at the town with a curious expression on her face, but it only made me eager to take her away from my hometown.
I didn’t want to take any chances.
Nameless swooped by overhead, and his flight quickly overtook us. The iridescent dragon rose higher and higher into the sky, but he stayed visible until I rode beneath the gateway. Once the open road was ahead of us, Nameless picked up his pace, but I knew he would stay close enough to keep track of us.
“He’s faster than I expected,” Tiff observed as her emerald eyes followed the dragon’s path. “I mean, I don’t know what I was expecting… I’ve never seen a dragon in real life before.”
“Really?” I asked. “Did you hear anything about Smiguel?”
“Only that there was a dragon killed by the God of Time,” Tiff said. “I guess there used to be more dragons, but I’m not sure what happened to them.”
“Maybe Nameless will be able to tell me someday,” I said in a thoughtful tone as I returned my gaze to the gravel road ahead of us.
“But he’s nothing like Smiguel. I don’t think they were related, but I have no way of knowing for sure.”
“It’s pretty cool that you got to fight an actual real-life dragon,”
Tiff said, and I could hear how impressed she was in her voice.
“That’s like something straight out of a fantasy novel.”
“Or a video game,” I agreed.
“Nah, this isn’t anything like Tetris or Pac-Man,” Tiff argued.
“This is more like a tabletop game except you’re pulled into it yourself.”
“Maybe,” I chuckled. “There’s been a lot of advancements made in video games since the eighties, but I think being kind of a
gaming nerd gave me a lot of advantages here.”
“You’re lucky,” Tiff said. “My old life didn’t give me any advantages.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” I shrugged. “If you continue to see just the bad side of things, then you won’t notice anything good.”
“Don’t act like you’re going to change my entire personality after a few days with you,” Tiff scoffed and lifted her nose in the air. “I am who I am.”
“You do you,” I said in a nonchalant tone.
We rode for hours without saying another word, and the sun carved a path across the sky. Occasionally, I spotted Nameless flitting in and out of clouds, but I often had to look away as soon as the light reflected off his shimmering scales. We put a lot of distance behind us, and I was impressed by Tiff’s ability to ride for long periods of time without a break.
The days continued in much the same way as we passed through Wyndvale and continued on to the northwest, but we veered from the main road before we reached Arginold Hold. I made a new save point each morning, and we soon fell into a comfortable routine.
We trekked into the wilderness in a general north direction, but I
found myself getting confused by the similar-looking trees on all sides.
“Do you have this cave network marked on a map or something?” I asked as we made our way deeper into the forest.
“I know where it is,” Tiff assured me.
When she didn’t say anything more, I fell into silence again. I was lost in thought for the rest of the day, but it was close to dusk when I had a strange feeling wash over me. It was like I could sense danger coming, so I pulled Goliath to a halt. Tiff followed my lead as she shot me a confused look, but I held a finger to my lips as I stared around at the shadows beneath the trees.
“Something’s wrong,” I said in a low voice.
Before Tiff could say anything in response, a strange shape emerged from the shadows of the forest, and I struggled to keep my jaw from hitting the ground. The weird creature before me looked like it was straight out of a nightmare, and it took me a second to believe my own eyes.
It was like a horse, if equines had eight legs, and the entire thing looked sallow and starved. There was a face full of eyes, and I could see sharp fangs protruding from the monster’s maw.
“What the fuck,” I said under my breath.
It was definitely time to reset to my save point, and I wondered how Tiff would respond to my monster attack prediction. It was my moment to show the Goddess of Death a little of what I was capable of, but maybe I could learn more about her in the process.
Only time would tell.