The Kartoss Gambit (The Way of the Shaman: Book #2) (44 page)

Maybe I really shouldn't have done that...

The wild roar of the beast was probably heard as far as Farstead. I was landed with a bunch of minute-long debuffs: 'Stun', 'Dumbness', 'Immobilisation' and a couple more brief ones, which vanished as I was examining the others. Judging by Mirida's downcast expression she was hit by the same stuff. With a wild jolt the beast tore itself out of the dome of light and jumped over the fence. Where the heck do you think you're going? Hold it right there! I didn't manage to take a look at its properties, so now I was kicking myself for being such a slow coach.

"Quick, after it!" I started to hurry the two ladies as soon as the debuffs expired. "Beth, the secret passage that you were using must be near here somewhere. Open it! Mirida, summon Fluffy, I'll heal him. Come on, hurry. It'll get away from us!"

"Mahan! It's a Sclik! Are you crazy?" Mirida's panicked voice made me freeze. A Sclik!

"Beth — the passage!" I continued to issue commands as I fought off the panic that now gripped me head to toe. "Now! A Sclik isn't as black as he's painted! He's got an amulet of Eluna on him — we could catch him and have a chat. Beth! You have a 300-level trap, just for him. Quick!"

+1 to Charisma. Total: 7.

"Yes, just a moment," hurried the priestess and I tried to remember all I knew about Scliks. Just my luck to get landed with one of these!

Malabar players really liked to go on Raids into Kartoss and attack its castles. Once a group of a hundred players made it as far as the Nameless City, the capital of Kartoss, home to the Dark Lord with his Masters and Magisters. A Master is an equivalent of a Malabar Adviser and a Magister of a Herald. The raid group laid siege to the castle and then all twenty Magisters of Kartoss joined the battle. They could teleport to any point within the borders of their own Empire, so they appeared at the attackers' rear. But they didn't come alone — they brought their pets with them, the Scliks. The 300-level beasts demolished the raid group in less than a couple of minutes, leaving no chance of escape. After this there was a wave of discontent from the players and the Corporation created the Dungeon of Fear, where the main Boss was an equivalent of a Magister with his Sclik. As usual, the Phoenix players were the first to complete that Dungeon. About a year after it had been launched. The Magiser-Sclik team was very strong.

By itself a Sclik is an enormous octopus that could take on any shape. It has an insane number of abilities, a very advanced Imitator and an impressive ability to learn. The Dungeon of Fear's design was special — the level of the boss was never higher than three levels above the highest-level player in the raid, so even level 10 players could try to complete it. What can I say? I tried it myself, so know of the Sclik's strength first hand.

But what worried me even more now was the fact that a Sclik never travelled alone. It couldn't depart from its master's side for more than a few kilometers and this means that we had a Kartoss Magister based in Beatwick.

"Done," shouted Beth, pointing to the passage. "The beast headed towards the temple."

"How do you know?" I asked, although I could already see the answer plain enough. Dark blood, probably dripping from the injured head left burning spots on the ground a pretty flaming path that lead towards the temple.

"Let's make a group. Beth, Mirida — accept my invitation! Let's go after it!" once the girls joined the group we dashed towards the temple.

"It went inside! After it!"

"Why in such a hurry, my children?" as soon as we ran into the temple, the priest of Vlast appeared from behind the altar. The priest's sleeves were rolled up high, showing arms that were currently covered up to the elbow in dark blood, dripping on the floor. He probably tried to take off the amulet.

"Father..." Beth said in a subdued hoarse voice and fell on the floor. Judging by the frames, she was under the 'Petrify' debuff.

"Mahan, I'm coming!" Tisha flew into the temple, saw Beth and froze, shifting a confused gaze from the priestess to the follower of Vlast. Though some follower he was... Judging from the fact that I was looking at a 400-level NPC, this was a Kartoss Magister in person.

"And that is that," mumbled the priest, satisfied. "I was not permitted to fight a priestess of Eluna outside the temple — it would have caused such a magical din that all the Heralds would have dropped in to join us. But inside the temple I make the rules! Thank you again, Mahan. Once more you've made me a present," a chesty and gloating laugh of the Magister echoed through the building.

"But you are the one who sent me to hunt the monster," I half-whispered, almost dumbstruck, but the Magister heard me.

"So I did. You had to find the Vagren and hand it over to me. That was the point of my assignment. When you covered for Tisha I was incensed! I wanted to tear you apart with my own hands instead of using the Sclik! But I restrained myself and was rewarded! Beatwick is finished. All of Malabar is finished! Kartoss will have victory!"

"Mahan, can you explain to me how a Magister ended up this far away from Kartoss? Are the Heralds completely blind?" Mirida's words snapped me out of it, returning my brain to a functional state. When we get out of here, I owe you a drink, elf gal.

"Heralds?" the Magister laughed. "There is a ziggurat active here, my pretty. Right under this building. Not a single Herald can see what's happening here."

"You are mistaken, 'holy father'" now it was my turn to enjoy myself. "I call upon Heralds: I need your help. Preferably of at least two of you," I added, when I saw the Magister start.

There were two portal claps and two Heralds appeared in the temple.

"You called us and we came. If you... Attack!"

The quest 'Night Terror of the Village' has been completed.

Lightning began to flash through the temple. Who's the stronger — a 400-level Magister on cursed ground or two 400-level Heralds on their territory? I guess we're about to find out. One of the Heralds covered us with a dome, so neither the ladies nor myself had much to worry about. We could just sit back and watch the fireworks.

Ball Lightning, Cleansing Light, Suffering Darkness, Cursed Mist — the most terrible spells available in the game were seeing some action. If not for the Herald's dome our game avatars would've been blown to bits. The temple interior went up in flames, stone began to melt and then the battle was over: the Heralds turned out to be stronger. At some point the Sclik flew out from behind the altar and entered the fight. However, I noted that my amulet was still shining in its head. The Heralds barely took any notice of the Sclik: a few spells and the mist beast left Beatwick for good. That's one down.

Another minute and the Magister found himself bound. The two Heralds, breathing heavily, sat on the ground and started to drink something. They were probably restoring their Hit Points and Mana. The fight with the Magister didn't go all that easy on them.

"Mahan, I thank you on behalf of the Emperor. Now we know who coordinated all the works..."

"MASTER!" came a wild scream from the false-priest of Vlast. "MASTER, I BEG YOU FOR HELP!"

"Master? One of the four Advisers of the Dark Emperor?" I managed to ask before both Heralds froze with glassy eyes and someone entered the temple at a leisurely pace. I turned around and froze agape.

'Search for the Dark Coordinator' quest completed.

"I would've never thought that such a magnificent plan could fall through on account of a 20-level free citizen. Hello once again, Mahan."

Mirida looked at me in complete incomprehension and I let the extent to which I had been a total dumbass sink in. How could I not guess this from the start? Everything was so darn obvious!

"T
hat's some place I landed in," whispered Mirida. "Some 20-30 level backwater — yeah right! A Magister with a Sklic, a Master... It's like the Dark Lord himself might turn up any moment!"

The smiling Master was standing in the entrance of the temple, one hand raised in the direction of the Heralds. A ray of light was coming out of it, forming a sphere around them and, by the looks of it, had taken them out of the game. I looked up the Master's level. Finally! He was no longer 1*N, which was all I could see before, but level 450, as is appropriate for Masters and Advisers. I looked once again at the identity of the newcomer and found that I was kicking myself very hard. What a complete dolt!

"Yes, dear lady, things are interesting around here. And it's set to get even more interesting in the near future. Our Lord had spent a long time preparing for the invasion and it is finally underway."

"What's the point of invading a village this far from Anhurs, and from Kartoss too, if it came to it?" Mirida just had to know. "From the point of view of common sense this is stupid."

"Why do you say that? Really, just think about it. And while you're occupied with that, with your permission, I would also get some work done," the Master came up to the Magister, released him from his bonds and started to utter some kind of a spell. While he was thus occupied, I fitfully began summoning the Heralds. It's time they get their act together.

"Don't trouble yourself, Mahan," the Master briefly turned to me. "Before coming here I covered the temple with a dome. The Heralds can hear your summons, but they don't know there to aim the portal." An amulet vibrated on the Master's chest. "Speaking! Continue to observe! These Heralds are so predictable. Since they can't figure out where to jump, thanks to the ziggurat, they started jostling near the fog. Like little children, honestly. Now you'll excuse me for a moment and then we'll continue our conversation."

A shimmering veil appeared in the temple entrance and then the Maser turned around and continued with his incantation. The Magister, limping, disappeared behind the altar. That was probably the location of the local basement entrance. I glanced over the battle-worn group of Sklic hunters. Beth was lying on the floor — her 'Petrify' buff would last another 15 minutes. Mirida was motionless, but it was clear from her glassy eyes that she had exited full immersion and was now vigorously reading the forums. Or, perhaps writing in them about the current situation. I envied her. The last member of our wipe-group, Tisha, was lying next to Beth with a 20-minute 'Stun' debuff. Strange, I just don't remember her being frozen. Never mind, we'll put it down to the Master.

So the Heralds don't know where to jump because they can't find an anchor point? That's bad. Very bad. Are they incapable of knocking two brain cells together and teleport straight to Beatwick? Daft NPCs!

"Mahan, am I correct in thinking that it's curtains for us? Let's at least get to know each other a little. I'll tell you why I'm here," Mirida began to speak, but I rudely interrupted her.

"Wait! That's for later!" I took out Anastaria's communication amulet and had to expend considerable willpower to avoid crushing it to pieces as I pressed the call button. Well, Stacey, pick it up!

"Speaking! the girl's tired voice was music to my ears. Stacey dear, I love you!

"Anastaria, this is Mahan! Summon a Herald, quick! It's a matter of life and death!" I screamed into the amulet.

"Mahan, is everything all right with your head?"

"Stacey, on the double! Trust me!"

"Shaman, have you completely lost it? As if getting me stuck in the middle of nowhere wasn't enough, you want to land me in the Heralds' bad books as well?"

"Stacey. I am begging you: summon a Herald. Just trust me."

The Master took no notice of my screaming and Anastaria fell silent. An eternity seemed to go by before I heard from the amulet:

"I call upon a Herald, I request your assistance. Mahan... You owe me. Remember this!

"You called me and I came. If your summons was a false one, Anastaria, you will be punished. Speak."

"Herald, this is Mahan. At this moment the temple of Vlast near Beatwick contains a Magister and a Master of Kartoss, as well as two stunned Heralds. The temple is covered by a dome that prevents you from being summoned, use the village to find your bearings!" the Heralds probably would've heard my wild screaming even without an amulet. I cared little that the Master could hear me too, he was as good as done for. In a moment the Heralds would turn up and clean up this mess. Two against eighteen don't stand a chance in hell.

"We read you loud and clear, thank you Mahan! Hold out for an hour. We can't open a direct portal to Beatwick, so we'll create a network of portals. We need an hour! Hold on! Anastaria," he now addressed the girl, "on behalf of the Emperor I thank you for your help. No matter how this ends, you will be rewarded."

There came a clap of the portal, as the Herald flew off on his various errands, and then Anastaria's heavy breathing was all I could hear from the amulet.

"I think my debt is paid. When the time comes for the bonuses to be handed out, I will ask the Emperor for your reward to be a good one. Anyway, I have to go. Thanks," with these words I turned off the amulet. I felt that the situation called for a flamboyant remark of some kind.

"So you managed to get through after all," as soon I turned off the communicator, I saw that the Master observing me with some interest. "Bravo, Mahan, bravo! Geranika was right, you really do have a certain something."

I was about to give a rather pointed response, when an announcement appeared before my eyes.

Citizens of Malabar!

Our lands have been invaded by the forces of the Dark Empire! I ask all the heroes that have proved their valour to come to Malabar's aid. Summon a Herald and follow him to the gathering point. I forbid fighting between free citizens at the time of the invasion — now we must unite and act as one.

I would like to express my gratitude to free citizen of the Empire, Shaman Mahan, thanks to whom the Kartoss plot has been unveiled.

Hurry, the time for summoning a Herald has begun.

The Emperor.

Conditions for taking part in the continental scenario: character level of at least 280, positive reputation with the Malabar Emperor.

Scenario description: PVP mode has been disabled for 24 hours throughout the Empire. Participants in the event will receive + 200 to the reputation with the Malabar Emperor.

Your reputation with the Shaman Council increased by 200 points. You are 700 points away from the status of Friendly.

The last part was for my eyes only, by the looks of it.

"So, it looks like I have an hour," said the Master, looking pleased. "That's even more than I expected. Now you can drag out the time all you like — everything is ready for us to receive the guests. Thank you for reminding me about the amulets used by the free citizens. To stop you warning anyone that this is a trap, I should block them too."

My eyes met Mirida's. Judging by her raised eyebrows, she managed to return to the game, read the announcement and was now giving me a long appraising look.

"Level twenty one, eh?" it was more of a statement than a question. "And already neck-deep in the thick of it."

"I too was first surprised by this," quite unceremoniously the Master slid into our conversation, "I have to admit that I expected a higher-level envoy from the Emperor, so right at the start made an inexcusable mistake, which could have spoilt all my plans. I was relieved that Mahan didn't take any notice of it."

I was all set to defend myself, pointing out lack of information, but was visited by an ingenious idea. It was so good that I practically beamed with happiness. The Master narrowed his eyes, somewhat puzzled, and tilted his head.

"Why the sudden look of joy, my good fellow?" he finally enquired. "Did you really find a way to spoil my plans?"

"Of course, Master," I had to put my cards on the table. As soon as I did anything, the Master could simply freeze me and my plan would fail. I had to play on his curiosity. "If you give me your word that you would not try to hinder me, in about thirty seconds your plan will fold in a most spectacular fashion.

At first the Master lifted his eyebrows as if in great surprise then looked around the temple, weighing up the strength of the veil at the entrance, thought about it a moment and started to laugh.

"Ha-ha-ha! Do you really think that you would be able to destroy me in thirty seconds? Even if all four of you tried anything together you will fail."

"What are you on about? Do you think I'm crazy to attack someone who is twenty times higher than me in his level. No, your Lord's plan has a certain flaw, meaning I'll need only thirty seconds to disrupt it."

"The Lord's plan is perfect. It was put together by four Masters and no room was left for mistakes. We planned for everything. You're bluffing, Mahan. Your attempt at delay has failed."

"Master, let's make a bet," I was ready for anything at this point. It's not like I had anything to lose. "Don't touch me for thirty seconds and I spoil all your plans. Without even moving from this spot. If I win, the Dark Empire owes me one wish. If I lose... You'll think of something — you're smart enough."

"You are able to spoil our plans in thirty seconds without moving from this spot?" The Master was quite an interesting sight. He was almost laughing, but was just able to restrain himself in some unfathomable way. "All right! On behalf of Kartoss, I Master Naahti, agree to your conditions! If you manage to spoil our plans, the Kartoss Empire would be obliged to carry out any wish you may have. I repeat, any, which is within our power. Including having the Dark Lord sing you a lullaby. But it comes with a limitation — the wish must only be connected to yourself. No world peace, end to all hatred and other social foolishness. But if you fail, you will work as a servant in the Lord's fortress. You will be teleported to our capital and end up serving food. To everyone! For a year, without any increase in levels or reputation! Agreed?” the grinning Master was looking down on me, in full belief that he presented me with conditions that could not be met. NPCs have become rather naive these days.

"Agreed," I was, of course, taking a great risk, but my intuition, may it be damned, told me that the plan should work.

"You have thirty seconds, future slave."

You have concluded an agreement with the Kartoss Empire. Conditions:...

"Mahan, what are you doing?" shouted Mirida, "I haven't spent all this time looking for you to see you destroy all my efforts!"

Looking for me? Why? Nevermind, this can wait.

"I call upon a Herald. I need the aid of an Advisor," at this phrase the Master laughed. To be more exact: he cracked up.

"Didn't I tell you that the temple is surrounded by a dome! Ha-ha-ha!" Heralds can't lock on here to open a portal! Especially one for a Advisor! Hail, new slave of the Lord."

"Master, we've known each other for quite a while now," I returned the Master's smile, "how could you think so little of me?" I opened my bag and took out the Emperor's ring, put it on and once again looked at the Kartoss official. It was so good that I didn't give the ring away to Beth!

"I call upon a Herald. I need the help of an Advisor. Target destination — the Emperor's ring!"

The Master froze. There was such surprise in his eyes that I even missed the moment when the portal opened and a sentient wearing a white robe stepped out of it. The Kartoss representative came to himself, made a fast hand movement and the portal exploded with a great bang. A wave of destruction went through the temple, toppling the statues, but a dome appeared around all those present. The Advisor cast it on me and the ladies and the Master put up a defence of his own. Although it's not like some explosion would do him much harm.

"Advisor," the Master uttered in a hissing growl. "You cannot stop the invasion! You are too late!"

"I too am glad to see you," the Advisor answered with a chesty voice accompanied by thundering music, "FATHER."

The conditions of the agreement with the Dark Empire of Kartoss have been met. You have a right to one wish. In order to have your wish carried out, summon Master Naahti.

"People, can someone explain to me what the heck is going on here? There's every chance that I'll die anyway, so this way I'll at least gain some information what the heck is behind all this.

"Will you tell them, father?"

"Do not dare call me that," the poison in Naahti's voice could have easily killed, had the Adviser been a now-level NPC.

"All right, if you won't tell it, then I'll try to guess," smiled the Adviser. "Could you release the Heralds? I really don't want to start a fight. Whichever way you turn it, you're still my father. I propose you surrender to the mercy of the Emperor and wait to be ransomed by your Lord. No? Fine. Then I'll begin," the Advisor walked around the frozen Heralds, touched the obstacle that barred the exit from the temple, chuckled at its exquisite beauty and then turned to us.