Contest (The Stork Tower Book 6) Read online

  Alkaia turned and looked over the assembled citizens. She said, “I declare today a holiday for Yilinlar in recognition of our Queen and Empress, Atherleah. All Lords will meet tomorrow in the throne room to give their oaths of allegiance to the Queen and her Regent. Queen Atherleah has responsibilities elsewhere, but I assure her that we will remain faithful and will endeavour to carry out her will in all things.”

  Alkaia was about to dismiss the gathering when there was a loud crash of thunder, and nine figures descended from the clouds and appeared on the platform behind Leah.

  6

  Chapter 6

  December 16, 2073 - Part 13

  DUNYANIN

  Even though Leah had been expecting Umut to arrive at some time, she was shocked to see him with so many of his peers. She turned and went to one knee before the assembled gods and after a quick check on who was present said, “Lady Intikam, Lord Iskense, Lord Kargasa, Lord Namus, Lady Olme, Lady Serseri, Lord Susma, Lord Umut, Lady Utsal, you honour us with your presence.”

  Lord Umut stepped forward and said, “Rise, my champion. We have come for two reasons. First, we wish to pronounce our favour upon your coronation.”

  Looking up he said, “I am Lord Umut, God of Hope. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah is my champion and is worthy of this honour.”

  Lady Serseri stepped forward and said, “I am Lady Serseri, Goddess of the Outcast. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah is my champion and is worthy of this honour.”

  Lady Utsal stepped forward and said, “I am Lady Utsal, Goddess of Light and Truth. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah is my friend and is worthy of this honour.”

  Lady Intikam stepped forward and said, “I am Lady Intikam, Goddess of Revenge and Retribution. Let all who hear my words know that I would have Atherleah as my Paladin, but she refused. She is worthy of this honour.”

  Lady Olme stepped forward and said, “I am Lady Olme, Goddess of Death. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah has visited my realm and returned alive, I value her ongoing contributions to my realm. She is worthy of this honour.”

  Lord Iskense stepped forward and said, “I am Lord Iskense, God of Lies and Deceit. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah has visited my realm and returned alive. She is worthy of this honour, trust me, or not.”

  Lord Kargasa stepped forward and said, “I am Lord Kargasa, God of Chaos. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah is valued by me. She is worthy of this honour.”

  Lord Namus stepped forward and said, “I am Lord Namus, God of Purity. Let all who hear my words know that Atherleah is valued by me. She is worthy of this honour.”

  Lord Susma stepped forward, and Lord Umut said, “This is Lord Susma, God of Silence. Know that he perceives Atherleah’s worth and watches over her. His silence declares she is worthy of this honour.”

  The Gods all stepped back except for Umut who said, “We honour Atherleah and give these gifts to celebrate her reign.”

  Nine small chests appeared on the stage in front of Leah next to the one from Lord Kötü.

  Umut then walked closer to Leah and said, “Atherleah, it was with some disquiet that I felt the presence of Suzluk’s Lanetli this morning. He also felt them and has set in motion a plan to retrieve them. His servants already gather between here and the Kukurt Depression. He hopes to kill you and retrieve the Lanetli. At this time there is much turmoil within the Pantheon, and I believe it might be lessened if Suzluk was to remain bereft of this small portion of his power. I propose to hide the Lanetli from Suzluk that we might have time to regain peace within the Pantheon. Lady Serseri has suggested that I divide the Lanetli across the entire world to prevent Suzluk from regaining them. We may not hide them for all eternity but are compelled to give clues and quests that they might be recovered, for this is one of those constraints by which this world exists. Will you give up their power that we might prevent Suzluk from regaining them? It will not return except they all be gathered once more in the same place.”

  Leah replied, “Gladly, Lord Umut, I do not desire the power, and I wish nothing more than that Lord Suzluk be denied the restoration of his full strength. All I ask is that the Lanetli be hidden with clues and quests which will honour those values I treasure.”

  Lord Umut nodded and said, “Each of us agrees to this condition. Your character, values, intelligence and prowess, will be taken into account when devising the hiding places, clues, and quests. These quests will also be influenced by the character of the God who hides any given Lanetli. One shall be hidden on Ozgur, one on Isikar, one on Hiddet, one on Shenqi, one on Taramore, one on Vatan, one in the realm of the demons, the Land of Çaresiz and the final one Lady Olme will take to hide within her realm. I trust none will find all eight.”

  Leah took the bag she kept the Lanetli in and handed it to Lord Umut. One after another the Gods reached into the bag, took one of the stones, and disappeared. Finally, Lord Umut was the only one who remained. He reverently handed the bag back to Leah and said, “Take care of this, Atherleah. It has been touched by nine gods and is now a holy artefact. It is the only receptacle which will safely hold the Lanetli. I suggest you protect it carefully.”

  As soon as Leah took the bag, Lord Umut disappeared. Leah subvocalised to Gèng, “Why do I have the bag? Get in touch with Stephen and check if he agreed to this. If he did then tell him I am not amused at all, not even a little bit. He’d better have a really good reason.”

  Leah turned to look over the citizens and saw they were all low to the ground with heads bowed. She turned to Alkaia and whispered, “Let’s finish this up. I have some gifts for the Lords and citizens which I would like you to arrange to have distributed. While that is happening, you and I need to talk before I move on.”

  Leah gave Alkaia the bags of copper, silver, gold and platinum coins and said, “Have the Guardians distribute these. Platinum to the Lords, gold to the courtiers and then the rest as you think appropriate. Whatever remains, add it to the treasury.”

  Alkaia made arrangements and then looking over the gathered crowd she said, “We have been blessed by the words of the gods. Our Queen is truly worthy of our honour and service. Take time to celebrate her coronation this day, and be ready to carry out her will tomorrow. Remain for a few moments and receive a gift from our Queen and then let the celebrations begin.”

  Leah gathered the nine small chests and followed Obür Yetki, the new Head of the Royal Guardians off the platform. As she stepped from the platform, the spell of the Elfaun mages flamed into life, and each of the citizens saw Leah covered in golden scales with a golden snake’s body that slithered behind her for ten metres. The small party moved through the quiet, respectful crowd and disappeared into the royal palace as the coins were handed out.

  Leah asked to be taken to the control room so she and Alkaia could make any changes which Alkaia thought were necessary. Leah spent two hours with Alkaia explaining her views on leadership, equity and justice. She answered Alkaia’s questions about a whole range of issues, and they discussed options of dealing with the Lords and the politics which were sure to arise. Leah gave Alkaia the box from Peter and explained how it could be used. As she was preparing to leave the room, Alkaia said, “Do you wish to visit the Treasury before you leave?”

  As she said this, a message appeared along with a bronze key.

  Atherleah, as Empress you have access to the Imperial Vault

  All the NPC Social Entities who acknowledge you as Empress are required to help meet the financial needs of the Empire.

  Each NPC Social Entity that is part of the Empire will have access via a portal to the Imperial Vault. As Empress, you may enter and exit the vault via any of the portals to which you have a key. Inside the vault is a control panel where you can modify various settings concerning the administration of the Empire. As Empress you are responsible for paying all appropriate taxes to the Developers of Dunyanin.* You are permitted to set a tax on those who live on your l
ands, those who mine, and those who harvest its bounty. Any Travellers on the Land will be expected to pay a tax on all material, money and experience achieved. The Administrators of Dunyanin will administer this tax on your behalf for a fee**.

  * Your tax payable is set at 10% of all taxes and levies raised from NPC Social Entities. The annual levy has a default value of 5% of the NPC Entity's national budget. You can change this value in the Vault.

  ** Developers will receive 20% of all money and material collected from Travellers and will deduct one gold for every 10,000 EP earned from the taxation. The default tax on EP for travellers is set at 0.5%. The default tax on material and money is set at 0.5%.

  Leah took the key and followed Alkaia to the treasury where she was given a different key with which to access it. The city’s vault was full of treasure and included a locked door with a sign indicating it led to the Imperial Vault. Leah took the new key and leaving Alkaia in the Yilinlar Treasury, she entered the Imperial Vault. The vault was more extensive than when she’d seen it in Dag Tarafind, and there were several large chests seated on shelves against one wall. As she stood there, she could hear the sound as coins dropped into the chests. Smaller chests collected tribute given in gems while large bins collected precious firs and metal ores.

  She said, “Gèng, do I have access to an accounting of this elsewhere or do I need to count what is here?”

  “You have received a link to check on your accounts at any time, but you can only access the goods and money while in the Vault. The funds will continue to accrue automatically, and Dunyanin has already taken its share.”

  Leah considered her options for a few minutes, then exited back to Yilinlar and locked the Vault. She told Alkaia to use what was necessary to rebuild the city and if she needed more, to get word to Peter and Leah would arrange to send what was required. Finally, Leah asked Alkaia to escort her to the building in the centre of Yilinlar from where she was going to leave. As they made their way through the palace, Alkaia asked, “Where will you go from here, my Queen?”

  “I had planned to head north toward the Kukurt Depression, but I’m considering going east through the Günahkâr lands because of Lord Umut’s warning about Suzluk’s forces.”

  “Might I take you to the city’s map room that you might ponder this decision in comfort?”

  Leah eagerly agreed, and Alkaia led her to a large alcove in the palace library which housed the city’s maps. Alkaia ordered two of the Royal Guardians to stand watch while Leah looked through what was available. Once Alkaia had gone, Leah sat in one of the chairs and read through her messages and took out the ten chests from Lord Kötü and the Gods.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lord Kötü.

  Claimant to Imperial Throne

  The Serpents of Yilinlar have upheld your claim to the Imperial Throne. Should your claim be upheld by one more separate and independent NPC Social Entities then you will be awarded the World Achievement: First 1 (1, Celestial) Imperial Ruler.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lord Umut.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lady Serseri.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lady Utsal.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lady Intikam.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lady Olme.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lord Iskense.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lord Kargasa.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lord Namus.

  Atherleah, you have received a blessing and a gift from Lord Susma.

  Leah took out one of her Luck potions and then opened the ten chests.

  You have opened Lord Kötü’s gift:

  1 Diamond Coin minted with an image of Lord Kötü.

  1 Shroud of Shadow (Draconic Magic) Potion—Permanent

  Permanent 10% reduction in damage caused by Darkness and Fire

  You have opened Lord Umut’s gift:

  100 Agility Characteristic Points.

  1 Royal Yilinlar Chess set

  10000 Fame Points

  You have opened Lady Serseri’s gift:

  100 Strength Characteristic Points.

  1 Cloak of Humility

  1 Vial of Serseri’s Tears*

  * An extremely rare ingredient used in healing and restorative potions

  You have opened Lady Utsal’s gift:

  Additional 5% to all future Experience

  100 Skill Points

  1 Shroud of Light (Divine Magic) potion—Permanent

  You have opened Lady Intikam’s gift:

  100 Constitution Characteristic Points.

  1 Blood-Crystal Tea Service

  1 Shield Spell—Return the Attack

  You have opened Lady Olme’s gift:

  100 Constitution Characteristic Points.

  1 Shroud of Death (Divine Magic) potion—Permanent

  1 Diamond Coin minted with an image of Lady Olme and the River Tukenis

  You have opened Lord Iskense’s gift:

  1 Ring of Perception

  1 Mask of Reflection

  1 Diamond Coin minted with an image of the Demon Lord of Çaresiz

  You have opened Lord Kargasa’s gift:

  1 Shield Spell—Cloaked in Chaos

  100 Luck Characteristic Points

  1 Vial of Elemental Chaos*

  * An extremely rare ingredient used in poisons and healing potions

  You have opened Lord Namus’s gift:

  100 Intelligence Characteristic Points.

  Permanent 10% increase in resistance to poison.

  1 Phoenix Potion

  You have opened Lord Susma’s gift:

  100 Wisdom Characteristic Points.

  1 Shroud of Silence (Divine Magic) potion—Permanent.

  1 Book of Divine Poetry—‘Lord Susma’s Sonnets’

  Leah read through the various Spells and asked Gèng to research what the Shrouds were used for. The Cloak of Humility allowed Leah to take the form of a beggar or outcast if needed. The spell Return the Attack was a straight forward shield which did as the name suggested and applied any attack back upon the attacker. The spell Cloaked in Chaos took any attack and transformed it at random. It could rebound on the attacker, it could be amplified and applied to Leah, it could be changed into a healing spell. The more it was used, the less the chance of damage to the caster.

  The Mask of Reflection transformed the wearer into a copy of their attacker similar to the way the images Leah encountered in the Mirror Quest mirrored Leah. While all characteristics, attributes, weapons and armour were mirrored, the wearer only had access to their own skill set. The Ring of Perception was similar to ring Leah received from Lady Utsal—it made the wearer aware if they were being deceived.

  When Leah had finished reading the spells, Gèng said, “The Shrouds are usually defensive shields, and act as storage devices for mana. Additionally, they often emphasise some aspect of a player’s style. You saw both types when you went to the Merkize meeting. Meredith, Princesa_Amazônica_23 and Královna_Kouzel_666 all had shrouds which used mana. Královna_Kouzel_666 had two and was able to manipulate them both. In the early levels, they cover the whole body, but as they are used, they can be manipulated to appear as needed. Meredith has a Fire Shroud which makes her almost immune to fire attacks. The shroud is energised by such attacks and Meredith can use the stored mana to power her own spells. Seishin_no_kage_12 had a shroud which emphasises her stealth. It increases her ability to move unseen, and there is no record of exactly what the shroud is made of. Players can have multiple shrouds, but controlling them can be difficult to impossible, especially if they are not compatible.”

  Leah decided to think more before using one of the shrouds. She put everything away in her backpack and then looked through the different maps. Most of them showed the city of Yilinlar
at various stages throughout its history. Of the others, only two really interested Leah. One was a more detailed map of the Forest of Night than she had seen, and the other was a topographic map of the area to the east of Batislar. This was the area occupied by the Günahkâr.

  She decided to take both maps, and after she’d put them in her backpack, she asked to be taken to Regent Alkaia. Together they walked to the central building through which Leah had first entered the city. Leah let Mĕi free, and after saying farewell to Alkaia, she climbed aboard Mĕi and together they rose into the sky and headed east.

  7

  Chapter 7

  December 16, 2073 - Part 13

  Mĕi and Leah had travelled slowly eastward for ten minutes when Gèng said, “Leah, several players who travelled to visit the Elfauns have discovered the coins and posted the information online. The forums have exploded with the news and the Dunyanin administrators are wanting to discuss the issue with you.”

  “Stephen and Peter have worked on the details, I suggest you connect them with Dunyanin. I’d rather stay out of it as much as I can. Please get the information on the coins to Sharon just in case she’s asked for comments. I’m getting close to one of the trails which heads north to the Kukurt Depression. I’ll look for a place to land and log out until tomorrow. I’d like to spend some time in Survival before I meet with Dr Ellis.”