The Secret of the Dark Forest ( (The Way of the Shaman: Book #3) Read online

  "So where do I fit into all of this?" It looked like the scenario for the opening up of Kartoss as a player faction was set to continue a week later and involve high-level players.

  "You are a Blessed Artificer. One can't depend entirely on the search for the Relic being successful ; for example, it may not be found within the given time. It is my duty as the Emperor to protect my Empire from any risk and you've given me a very interesting idea. Aside from the heroes of the Empire, I will give an assignment to each of the craftsmen. Instead of joining the search effort they will have to create a holy artifact capable of destroying the dagger. Perhaps someone will succeed. You will be given this assignment right now, even though you don't meet the necessary parameters. As Beatwick had shown, sometimes it's worth taking a risk and trusting a low-level free citizen."

  Quest available: "Creation of a Holy Artifact."

  Description: The Malabar Empire is facing a calamity: A cursed dagger has been plunged deep into the heart of the throne. If it is not destroyed within four months, the Emperor will perish. Create a holy item that could destroy the dagger.

  Reward: +500 Reputation with the Emperor, +15 Levels, +50,000 Gold Coins, a Scaling Item from the Emperor's stores.

  Penalty for failing the quest: None.

  Quest type: Scenario.

  Requirements: at least 100 levels in the main Profession (the quest cannot be completed if the level of the main profession is less than 100).

  Level restrictions: None.

  Time limit for completing the quest: 127 days from the moment it has been given out.

  "I will do everything in my power to destroy the dagger," were the only words I could force out of myself after reading through the quest description. +15 levels ... for this Anastaria and Hellfire would drop everything and start crafting like mad. It's hard to get your character to level 100, but it is possible. Reaching level 200 would require a special effort. After level 300, however, each level gained is a real cause for celebration. And with this you would get +15 all in one go.

  "I had no doubt that you would take up the challenge," said the Emperor solemnly. "Now, let us once again return to the question of your reward. I think this would suit you better than the rest," with these words Naahti handed me the boots. "Wear them with pride!"

  I bowed as I accepted the Emperor's gift and finally had a look at the properties of my reward. What kind of an item was it impossible to get from the Thricinians?

  Item acquired: “Shaman's Boots of Brisk Running”.

  Durability: unbreakable.

  Description: Shamans spend most of their lives on the road. Comfortable shoes are a guarantee of a happy, and living, Shaman.

  +40 to maximum level of Energy, Spirit summoning time is reduced by 50%, +(Player Level*10) Intellect, +(Player Level*5) Stamina, +(Player Level*3) Agility, +(Player Level*7) defense from all damage types.

  Item class: Scaling, Integrated.

  Level restrictions: None.

  Finally the Hamster shook off his apathy. He was jumping happily around the boots, blowing specks of dust off them and looking at the Emperor with love-filled eyes, solemnly promising to craft the holy artifact the very next day: anything to get another bonus like this.

  "And one last thing, you may try to create the relic in Anhurs, with the aid of the High Priestess, but I advise you to travel to the Free Lands. There are many untapped resources there, some of which are probably of the hallowed kind. The choice remains up to you, I can only advise. And now please excuse me, I have to leave you."

  The Emperor gave me a brief nod, opened a portal and a moment later I was alone with Tisha. I quickly put on the boots, in case anyone changed their mind, and sadly noted that the bonus from Rick's set disappeared. I had to choose – either to put on this new wonder or keep the bonuses from all the eight items in the set. The boots were a clear winner: Rick's gear would have to be changed soon in any case. I've outgrown it.

  "Where are you off to now?" it looked like Tisha would be sticking with the stunned princess role for some time. The change of Emperor took place almost painlessly and the developers had already come up with a mass quest for the players, but Tisha was still walking around in a state of shock. Could there be a quest tied to all this?

  "I'm going to pay Beth a visit now. She asked me to drop by as soon as I came to Anhurs. Then I will go to the registrar and finally register my clan. And then ... we'll see. Princess, can I be of any help to you?"

  "'Princess': ... that sounds so ... strange. Well ... no ... I ..."

  Judging by the fact that Tisha was struggling to make up her mind about something, I must have been on the threshold of being given a new quest. I looked at my Attractiveness to her. 39 points. Strange, with the ordinary girl Tisha in Beatwick it was as high as 83 or thereabouts, but here, with her a Princess it was just 39. Of course: these were two different Imitators despite there being only one NPC! They reduced it by too much. It looks like I'll need at least 40 points to be given the quest. Damn, I have no way of increasing my score either. I remembered the Dress that I gave to Reptilis and my inner Greed Toad came out of hibernation. Not only did that lizard fail to pay me the rest of what he owed me (although maybe he did do it – I've not been to the Bank yet), I handed him an item that would have been really useful right now. All I would have had to do was make a gift of it to Tisha and the Princess would have been putty in my hands! Any quest, any help – within reason, of course. I was so stupid!

  "Tisha," I said, risking calling the girl by her name. In Beatwick there was no problem with calling NPCs by their first names, but this was the palace and she was now the Princess, so it could land me in real trouble. "How about this: right now I'll go and settle my affairs, then come back to the palace in the evening and we'll have a chat. I have access, even to the Throne Room, so we can meet on this very spot. We can have a proper talk then."

  "All right," smiled the girl, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "Until evening, then."

  I barely had time to notice that I was alone: Tisha was gone in a flash. Great! So how will I make my way out of here? It's not like I know the plan of the palace!

  "The Emperor asked me to accompany you." Like a genie from a bottle a Herald popped up next to me. "Where would you like to go?"

  "I need to get to the High Priestess of Eluna," I said, quickly recomposing myself. "Please transport me there, or, if you can't take me there directly, to the place where I can ask for an audience with her."

  "Please come this way." The Herald opened a portal, saying, "The High Priestess is ready to receive you."

  * * *

  Beth's office had quite a Spartan look. There was a simple table, snowed under with various papers, a wooden chair and, pale modest curtains that completely covered the walls. If this were reality the curtains would have been sure to conceal a number of guards, ready to strike down anyone that threatened their mistress. In Barliona, however, I was quite sure that the curtains concealed shelves full of books and scrolls not meant for the eyes of ordinary mortals. Although ... ordinary mortals wouldn't have dreamt of being admitted to the office of the High Priestess, so the matter with the scrolls was worth further thought.

  "Mahan!" Beth was clearly happy to see me. "It's so good that you managed to get here quickly. I have started to sort out the mess left behind by the previous High Priestess, which is mind-bogglingly terrible. There was no semblance of a system or proper record-keeping. I already demoted her to the rank of a Novice – it's better for her to bring light and warmth to ordinary people than to do paperwork. That was never her strength. I'm sorry, but I have very little time, so I'll get straight to the point. What are your plans in the next three or four months?"

  "I must create a Holy Item for the Emperor in order to free the Throne," I answered honestly. There was little sense in doing anything else. My Attractiveness with the High Priestess was at 91 and I was Friendly with the Priestesses of Eluna, so I could speak the truth, whatever it
may be.

  "So you already know? The Emperor has shared this secret with you?" Beth froze for a moment. "Then again, I shouldn't be surprised, after everything that you’ve done ..."

  After pausing briefly Beth started to dig around amongst the files on her table. For a few moments, all I could hear was the rustle of paper and the subdued mutterings of the Priestess: "Where is it? You could lose a herd of elephants in here. It's not an office, it's just one big mess! … Finally!"

  "I can't give you back the ring," Beth continued, giving me a scroll. "It vanished the moment I was back in Anhurs. But I owe you a great deal, so I'm offering you the rank of a Priest of Eluna. You would skip the Novice stage and immediately become a Great Priest. This matter has already been discussed with the Emperor and he promised to help. Here's the draft of your agreement regarding the change of your class, you only have to sign it."

  To the player located in a prisoner capsule: In view of your arrival into the main Gameworld and possession of a positive Reputation with the leading NPCs of Malabar, court decision No. 45-RS344328 grants you the permission to change your character class.

  Proposed class – Great Priest.

  Chosen deity: Eluna the Light-bearer.

  Do you agree to change your class? Yes / No.

  "This offer is insufficient to express my gratitude, but I have to start somewhere," added Beth, awaiting my reply.

  Suddenly, a veil seemed to obscure my sight and a ringing sound filled my head. It was as if my blood pressure had shot up as a result of what I just heard. I even thought it a good idea to simply close my eyes and try to imagine that everything that just happened was a mistake and that when I opened them again it would all disappear. But no! The system really was offering me to change my character class from the unpopular Shaman to one of the most universal and esteemed classes. The ability to revive players during combat alone was worth a lot! And I would get all of this right now, on the spot!

  "I can't … " I spoke with some effort, trying not to look Beth in the eye. Experience had taught me that those who consider Shamans a weak class understand nothing in this game. And those who know the truth are keeping shtum about it.

  "You refuse?" Elizabeth lifted her eyebrows in surprise.

  "Beth, please understand. Do you think I would have managed to do everything that I have if I wasn't a Shaman? It's more than just a class – it's a certain way of thinking, acting and feeling. You can't describe Shamans in words; you can only feel them. I may make a good Priest, but I would have to destroy an excelled Shaman."

  "These are all just words! You think my gift unworthy of you?" Overcome with emotion Beth jumped up from the chair. Why are women so difficult ... ? Will I really have to lose Reputation with the High Priestess if I wanted to remain a Shaman?

  "Beth, I never said anything of the sort. I can't become a Priest, I'm a Shaman!"

  "You're a coward, not a Shaman! You are being offered a big responsibility and you're trying to wriggle out of it!"

  So that's how it is? Then it's time to bring out the heavy artillery.

  "Beth, if Clouter ... I mean Avtondil and Mariana were kidnapped by Kartoss minions and you were given an ultimatum: either become a Warrior or your children will die. What would you choose?"

  "What?! How dare you compare such things?" shouted the Priestess. My level of Attractiveness in the NPC's properties began to plummet. Currently it amounted to just 63 points and if the conversation kept going in the same direction, I could forget about remaining in the High Priestess's favor. With all the ensuing consequences ...

  "Yes, I do dare!" I had also raised my voice in response to Beth's shouting. "Do you think you're the only one in this position? You think that because I'm a Shaman I have no responsibilities? Tell me, what would you do?"

  "You are forgetting yourself, Elemental Shaman," Beth cut me off sharply, emphasizing the last word. By now Attractiveness had reached 47.

  "Fine, I will reply for you,” I continued. “What did you say in Beatwick? 'Let the children go, we'll stay behind and try to slow them down.' You're prepared to face death for the sake of your children, so why do you think that I ..."

  "YES! I would give up everything just so they could live!" Attractiveness was at 34. "But what do you, a male free citizen, know about children?! How can you compare parts of me that have gained their own being with your Shamanism?!"

  We had arrived at the moment of truth, the point towards which I had been driving all this time. I was ready to get to the heart of my argument with Beth. Let's see, oh High one, what you'll say to this, I thought. I wasn't even looking at the change of class message. The constantly flashing 'Yes / No' buttons distracted me only for the first few seconds. Now, as our conversation had descended into shouting, they had grown dim and almost evaporated. I don't need this: I'm a Shaman!

  "Draco, come to me, we need to sort something out."

  "Coming."

  "Hello, brother. Did you call me?" Draco appeared right next to me.

  "Do you remember him?" I asked Elizabeth, who stared at the Dragon, eyes wide. "He was playing with your son. If I become a Priest, he will disappear. Forever. Tell me, does he really deserve to be destroyed? Is the rank of the Great Priest worth the knowledge – for the remainder of my life – that I was responsible for destroying a Dragon? I'm prepared to fall out with you completely and forever be barred from Eluna's temple, as long as my brother remains alive!" Damn, I failed to restrain myself and broke into screaming towards the end. It came out altogether too emotional in the end.

  "I forgot," said the Priestess, stunned, and I was pleased to see that my Attractiveness returned to its initial 91 points ... even overshooting to reach 93! I even gained Reputation now! "Forgive me ... I ..." The Priestess's eyes filled with tears. "Forgive me ..."

  "Beth, I am very grateful to you for your offer, but you can see for yourself that it was never going to be possible for me."

  "But I wished it for all the best reasons ... I thought being a Priest was such a high honor. Do you see this pile?" Beth nodded in the direction of the pile of papers. "These are all requests from free citizen Priests to re-take the rank initiation test. Currently there are over a million of these Priests of Eluna in Malabar and that number is growing every day. I don't know how many Priests other gods have, but they are also quite numerous. So, I thought ..."

  "And you thought you would make me a Great One straight away, right? When I know nothing about what it means to be a real Priest? After all, there's a reason that people spend so long in the rank of a Novice. You have to learn how to communicate with the goddess and how to master your power. And here a former Shaman would become a Great Priest ... everyone in Anhurs would laugh if I tried to say a prayer."

  "That's not that important. You would have learned quickly, so I wouldn't have accepted such a reason for your refusal, but a Dragon …" Beth came up to him and looked at me. "Can I touch him? I really wanted to do that when my son was playing with him, but I was too afraid."

  "What about you, Draco? You don't mind?"

  "Of course not. I like it when people pet me," Draco put out his head towards the priestess, expecting to be stroked.

  "Now I can see that for you he is a person and not just a totem," the High Priestess said solemnly, in fact not reaching out to touch the Dragon after all. "You are a worthy Shaman and long may you remain this way.”

  The choice of the character class has been made.

  Changes have been recorded.

  Current class: Elemental Shaman.

  "Now, let's get down to business." Beth quickly changed the topic. "I asked you about time for a reason: Mahan, the Priestesses of Eluna need your help!"

  Quest available: “Restoration of a Holy Relic. Step 1: The History of the Missionaries of Eluna.”

  Description: Listen to the High Priestess and learn the story of the Missionaries of Eluna.

  Requirements: Reputation with Goddess Eluna = greater than 0; Reputation with the Priestes
ses of Goddess Eluna = Friendly or higher.

  Quest chain class: Rare.

  Reward for completing Step 1 = +1500 Experience, +100 Reputation with the Priestesses of Eluna.

  Reward for the quest chain: Variable.

  Penalty for failing / refusing the quest: Neutral status with Goddess Eluna.

  "I will do everything I can to help the Priestesses." I didn't hesitate for a moment in accepting the quest. Something interesting was afoot and I wanted in.

  "Ten years ago …" Beth began the tale after settling in a seat behind her table, before abruptly interrupting herself: "Let your Dragon go, there’s no reason for him to keep doing laps in my office.” She continued, “Now then: ten years ago, as soon as I was removed from the position of the High Priestess and sent into exile, a missionary expedition was sent to the Free Lands. It was comprised of forty Novices, ten junior and five ordinary Priests and the mission was headed by the Great Priest Midial. Other than the priests, two hundred warriors and fifty mages joined the expedition. All of them were at level 200. The official purpose of the mission was to expand Eluna's zone of influence in the Free Lands, but this was a cover. Midial's main aim was to find the Tear of Eluna – the lost amulet of the High Priestesses. According to our archives it was last seen in that region. As you can probably guess, the missionary party disappeared. Neither Midial nor anyone else from the group ever came back and all their communication amulets ceased to function. What happened to them is anyone's guess. What is more important is that the Great Priest took with him the Stone of Light, and it hasn’t been seen since."

  "The Stone of Light?" I interrupted Beth, seeking a bit more detail on this point "What's that?"

  "A concentration of Divine Light. With its help Priestesses can either drive back darkness or completely restore their strength. With just one use the Stone can restore the power of two Great or twenty ordinary Priests. Afterwards it needs to be recharged. The recharging happens in a temple: if the Stone is placed on an altar just two hours later it's ready for use again. These Stones can have different appearances; some look like ordinary rocks and others are statuettes. All the Stones of Light located in Anhurs are currently standing around the Emperor's throne, shielding the palace from Geranika's Cursed Dagger. The recipe for making the Stones has been lost, so each specimen is precious. This is the complete story. On behalf of the Priestesses of Eluna, I ask that you travel to the Free Lands and return with the Stone of Light!"