Last Horizon: Live Read online

  Last Horizon: Live

  By Daniel Schinhofen

  Copyright © 2016 Daniel Schinhofen

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written consent by the author.

  Cover art by henryez (via fiverr.com)

  Launch Day

  Dumadin blinked as the world came into focus, to find a few hundred people milling about in the square of Stoutbank. Stepping as much off to the side as possible he looked around for his friends. His eyes were drawn to a large group of people who were gathered around a black obelisk in the middle of the square. A small smile tugged his lips upwards as he could make out his name at the top of it in bold letters.

  “There you are, love,” Kittish whispered in his ear as she wrapped her arms around him.

  Dumadin turned around and pulled her head down for a quick kiss. “Your reward for finding a poor lost soul adrift in this teeming mass of people. Any idea where the others are?”

  “Yo, ugly!” Terets called out as he and Amythyst came up to them. “Looks like we’re all here. We should head over to Pony Express first and buy some horses with our gold from the Carnival. After that we should head out to Veno and put all this gold into the bank. So we don't drop any if someone tries to gank us.”

  Dumadin smiled, “Good thinking man. Alright, let's go see the stable master and buy some horses.” Dumadin formed the party and once they all accepted the invites they began to move through town. Once out of the square they were able to move a little more easily, even with the town still being crowded. “Should we check in and see if Dunstun will give us the goblin quest at the same time?”

  “We can try, but we might need to be level five at least. Remember how tough it was the first time and we had the shield then.” Kittish commented as they made their way down the street.

  “Oh, almost forgot. Dumadin, here’s the shield and hammer for you. Can I have the staff you picked up, please?” Amythyst held out the items as she spoke.

  “Of course,” Dumadin said as he handed the staff over and took the shield and weapon in return. He looked them over. “Hammer is just an Exceptional Steel Hammer, really good damage to start with and very high durability, but no special abilities.” He put the hammer on his belt then checked the shield and whistled. “Nice, Thallien's Training Shield. It has the teleport and Block an attack, but only once a day. So they nerfed it, but this will still be useful. The durability is stupidly high as well.”

  Terets chuckled, “I got the same blades we got the first time. Tankard's Blades, which lets me vanish in combat if not seen by an enemy and use Backstab even if I don't have that ability. The durability is higher than the last time, along with the damage.”

  “Makes me wish we had the necklace of double healing,” Amythyst sighed as they turned a corner.

  Kittish pointed down the street, “Precious Stones is on the way to the stables. We can stop and see what Thund has. In fact, with the gold bonuses from the Carnival we might as well load up on all kind of equipment before we leave. Give us a nice OP edge right out the gate.”

  “Sounds solid to me,” Dumadin chimed in. “First store on the way is Tanned Hides,” he paused and a sad smile crossed his face. “We should get you three some armor there, we know hers is good.”

  Kittish hugged Dumadin to her side as they came into view of the store. People milling around in front of it, approaching and turning away at the door. “That's weird, why would she be closed?”

  Puzzled, the group moved through the crowd with Dumadin using his shield to move people aside as he asked the crowd to excuse him. When they reached the three stairs in front of the shop Dumadin froze for a second as he recognized the two people who had been stopping others from entering. The healer and tank for Vengeance blocked the doorway, telling everyone the shop was closed for the day.

  Just as Dumadin's brain kicked in, realizing what he was seeing and what it could mean, a female scream came from inside the shop. As the scream started a pop up for a quest appeared to all those who heard the scream.

  Quest: Save Alvira Smoothskin, owner of Tanned Hides.

  Alvira is being attacked by bandits and needs your help!

  During this quest no PvP penalties will be in place, if you are helping Alvira.

  Rewards: Five hundred experience and increased reputation with Stoutbank.

  Dumadin let out a yell and threw himself at the two blocking the door as the quest was accepted by one of his party. Triggering Anger Howl, Dumadin made the duo focus on him as his friends burst past the duo and into the shop.

  The trio found Alvira backed into a corner with multiple wounds visible on her as Executioner, Blade Master, and Talia had her pinned in place. “Too bad you don't know why you’re about to die bitch, but trust me it is payback.” Talia was saying as the door burst open. The trio attacking Alvira spun to see who had interrupted them.

  Alvira slipped to the floor as Kittish screamed in rage and cast Chain Lightning. Terets surged forward and stabbed at Talia, while Amythyst tried to target Alvira for a healing spell.

  Dumadin watched his friends surge into the store as he slammed his shield into the healer just outside the door. A mob of other nearby people jumped in and quickly helped him kill off the healer and tank.

  Talia quickly went down under Terets attack due to not having any armor and the increased damage from his unique swords. As Talia fell, Executioner and Blade Master lunged at Terets, their attacks cutting a little over half of his life away. Amythyst threw her Healing Light on him while Kittish hit the remaining two with another Chain Lightning, stunning them for a second again on top of the damage. Terets took advantage and plunged both of his blades into Blade Master, killing him.

  Executioner backed up with a sneer on his lips, “Doesn't matter, we killed the bitch first. Vengeance is ours!” As he finished speaking he laughed and smirked. His smirk went away as Alvira stood up and stabbed him in the back.

  “I haven't left this world yet pup, and you will no longer be tolerated in this town.” Alvira twisted her dagger and pushed him off of it before meeting the disbelieving eyes of the trio. “Thank you for your aid, adventurers.” As the words left her mouth Dumadin, along with a mob of others, pushed into the shop. Alvira knelt and touched the dead bodies, standing up with coin pouches in her hands as the bodies despawned. “Thank you to all of you who came to my aid.”

  Quest Completed: Save Alvira Smoothskin, owner of Tanned Hides.

  Received: Five hundred experience and increased reputation with Stoutbank.

  Bonus: An equal share of the gold taken from the attackers.

  Alvira went behind her counter with the three bags and picked up a red potion which she drank as everyone stood there, stunned. “Now, if someone will hand me the coin pouches from the two outside I will divvy out a fair share of gold to you all.”

  Kittish spoke up, “You died though.”

  Chuckling darkly Alvira replied, “Yes. I am one of the rare few who has consumed a legendary elixir that gives a person a second chance. A pair of dear friends gave it to me some time ago before they left me. Now, who has those extra two sacks?”

  Someone tossed her the two coin pouches and she quickly divvied up the gold to the thirty players who were in her shop. She thanked each of them as she handed out the gold. The quartet held back as most of the others accepted the coin and fled the shop to go buy gear from other stores. When the shop only held two other players, the group moved to the counter where Alvira stood waiting for them.

  “Is there a reason you four held back from claiming your rewards?” Alvira asked with a small smile on her lips. “If anything, you deserve the lion’s share of the praise for taking
on the door guards then killing the others, giving me a chance to get back up.”

  Terets looked at Dumadin and Kittish before speaking, as the couple seemed at a loss for words. “We’re in no hurry. We need to find some armor for our journeys. What would you recommend for us?”

  Alvira smiled and nodded, “Well, with the coins left as your rewards we can certainly get you into something decent.”

  As she walked around the counter Terets corrected her, “Actually we have much more than that. Show us your best, please. We need one set for a person who likes the shadows, one set for a healer and lastly a set for a person who uses magic to kill her foes.”

  Alvira paused and raised a brow, “My best you say, those are worth a decent amount. Let me show you, and you can tell me if you can afford them.” With a motion to follow, she walked towards the back of the shop, her high heeled leather knee boots clicking on the stone flooring.

  As Terets and Amythyst followed, Dumadin and Kittish watched Alvira walk away with sad looks on their faces. “Maybe it's for the best,” Dumadin softly spoke to his lover. “When I go in a couple months she won't feel the pain of loss like we do right now.”

  Kittish pulled him to her and hugged him tightly. “You might be right, but it still hurts to lose one we found love with. I won't have her to turn to when you leave, either.”

  Dumadin looked up at the wet eyes of his long timer lover. “Maybe we should seduce her again, then. I will want you to have love after I go.”

  Letting out a small hiccupping laugh Kittish leaned down to kiss him. “Maybe once we get back from Veno. In the meantime, let’s get our gear.” She released him and followed after the other two, who were examining some armor with Alvira.

  Dumadin let Kittish walk towards the others and he held back the deep sigh he felt inside. He silently vowed to do what he could to try and help Kittish find happiness at least here before he died. He set his features to neutral as best he could and joined the others.

  Terets held a full set of dark grey iron studded leathers up examining them. “You are definitely a Master leather worker, Alvira. These have a very high durability and will even help reduce Keen Eyes effectiveness. On top of top notch armor effectiveness.”

  Alvira just shrugged, “What else did you expect, exactly?”

  A sad smile flitted across Kittish's face before she spoke up. “Go try them on Terets, while she helps me and Amythyst. I can tell they will be worth the gold. What is the cost of those leathers Alvira?”

  Alvira smirked, “One hundred gold for the set.”

  Nodding Terets held out a hand with a hundred gold in it. “Done, I’ll take them. Oh, for the reward money, can I get a large crafter bag for a leather worker please while I put these on.”

  Alvira looked shocked for a second before taking the gold and turning back to Kittish. “Of course, if you can all afford similar sets I can help you.”

  Speaking up Dumadin said, “I will be getting armor from Weskit over at Iron Shells. I could use a crafting bag though for the ore I’ll be mining for my armor smithing.”

  Alvira nodded and quickly pulled sets of leather in dark green for Amythyst and a dark blue for Kittish. She accepted the gold from them before walking back toward her counter, followed by Dumadin.

  Letting his eyes follow the swaying waist of the shop owner Dumadin missed the small smile that crossed her lips as she glanced back and found the dwarf eyeing her backside. She had a neutral expression on when she turned and laid four bags on the counter, taking the coins that was their reward off the same counter.

  “A crafting bag for each of you. The largest size I can make, though the leather worker in Veno might be able to do better for you.” Alvira said as Dumadin picked the one up that she indicated for him and put it on.

  Terets snagged his and put it on, his leather armor making him look roguishly handsome. “These will be great Alvira, thank you. If we need anything else leather wise we’ll be coming back to you.”

  Amythyst seconded him as she came over and put her new bag on. “Yes, you have some of the best stuff. I love this silk lined leather you crafted.”

  Claiming her bag Kittish agreed, “Yes this is the best set of leather I have worn.”

  Coughing gently Dumadin raised a brow, “Really?”

  “Fine the best set of leather armor I’ve worn,” Kittish said with a smile, “happy lover?”

  Dumadin chuckled, “Yes. Otherwise I would think you didn't like the cuffs I put on you or the collar.”

  Terets shook his head and took Amythyst’s arm, escorting her towards the door. “Let’s leave the two deviants and make our escape.”

  Amythyst giggled and taking his arm they exited the store and she called out as they left, “See you two over at Iron Shells.”

  Dumadin laughed turning to Kittish, “Shall we go, love?”

  Kittish paused before leaning over the counter towards Alvira, who stepped back a half step with sudden trepidation in her eyes. Kittish pointed down at Alvira's feet, “I love the boots. Can you make me a set like them in black? I can be back to pick them up in a week or so.” She set ten gold coins on the counter.

  Alvira blinked, looked at the gold and nodded her head. “Of course, Kittish, it will be my pleasure.” She scooped up the money and hurried off as one of the other players in the shop called out for assistance. The duo watched her go before walking out of the shop and heading down the street towards Iron Shells to get Dumadin a set of armor.

  Gearing up

  Stepping into Iron Shells they found Terets talking with the owner, Weskit. Terets waved them over and Weskit eyed Dumadin as they crossed the store.

  “Aye, I have a full set that will work for him. It will be pretty expensive though.” Weskit said with his arms crossed, “None of the others in today could afford it.”

  Giving a polite half bow to the armorer Dumadin greeted the crafter, “I am different, Weskit. Show me this armor and then we can discuss the cost of it.”

  Weskit led him over to a corner where a set of half plate stood on an armor stand. “This is what I was talking about. This is the armor I crafted for my Master crafting work. No one has bought it in the entirety of the time I have owned this store.”

  Dumadin was only half listening as he inspected the set of armor. Smiling he looked up and met his friend’s eyes before turning to the owner. “Well, it is certainly a very worthy set of armor Weskit. What does this fine set cost?”

  Weskit sighed before he responded, “Two hundred gold and that is the lowest I can go.”

  Dumadin put on a thinking face for a few moments, “It is well worth that, Weskit. The armor value and durability are above average and the ability to completely negate any one attack is fabulous. I will take it and wear it with honor.” Dumadin held out the gold with a smile on his lips.

  Weskit paused blinking at the sight of the gold, taking it and verifying the amount before nodding. “I am glad that it will find use finally. Is there anything else I can do for you folks?”

  Kittish nodded, “Yes the other three of us could use helms. Something for a healer, mage and sneaky bastard, please.” She pointed to each member of the group in turn as she spoke.

  Weskit half frowned as he considered them before nodding and walked into the back of his shop. When he came back out he had three reinforced leather skullcaps. He placed each on the counter as he spoke, “The steel banded helm with the black bands is good for your stealther. The other two here are silk lined which will not drain your aether as much while wearing them. One in green and one in blue to help keep your armor from looking off. They cost three gold apiece if you are agreeable.”

  Kittish dropped her three gold on the counter and picked up the blue helm followed by the other two. “These will do splendidly. Our thanks, Weskit.” As she finished speaking, Dumadin came over in his suit of armor and nodded to the armorer as well. “We wish you a profitable day, sir.” Kittish said as the group left the shop.

  “This is be
tter armor than what I had at the Carnival,” Dumadin commented as they made it out to the street. “I like the blacked steel look as well. I always hated the shiny chrome look of some armors.”

  “Makes it hard to try and be sneaky if you reflect all light that hits you,” Terets agreed.

  “All Tools is next,” Amythyst cut in on the boys before they could get rolling about who had the better armor. “We don't need melee weapons but we should go ahead and grab some bows, they were useful before.”

  “Yeah, they did help a lot during the carnival,” Kittish said as she linked arms with her lover. “Let's get you a pair of throwing axes again as well, hun.”

  Dumadin agreed with a wistful look on his face, “Too bad this armor didn't have a mini crossbow built into the forearms.”

  Terets laughed out loud as he linked arms with Amythyst as they walked, “You want a crossbow mounted to your helm as well? That way Amythyst can shoot people as she stands behind you?”