Samara

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

As Lapis made her slow, traumatized way toward Arthur, she heard Dal speak and met his cocky gaze. His arrogance was nearly enough to bring her out of her stupor, but what really did it was the way his arrow whizzed past the leader and stuck fast into the ceiling. A startled, hysterical laugh bubbled out of her and she doubled over where she stood, bracing a hand out on the floor to steady herself. By complete chance, the leader stumbled over her outstretched arm and slowed, just a little, in his escape. Lapis didn't even notice. She had dissolved into a sort of half-laugh, half-sob, and she wondered idly if she was really having a mental breakdown.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis shivered on the floor, watching the rest of her new team take out the rest of the villains. Her knife gradually slipped out of her hand as her body went slack, and the clang as it dropped to the floor startled her. She glanced around quickly to see if anyone had noticed and briefly met Dal's eyes before he turned back to his opponent, the remaining assassin. She could see his mouth moving, but his words didn't reach her.

She turned instead to try to find Arthur. She knew he was armed, but still worried that he had not survived the fight. Spotting him not far from Dal, she was shocked to see blood dripping from his blade, a dead man at his feet. Of course she knew that he carried a blade, but up until now she had never seen a hint of violence in the man. It made her wonder what else she didn't know about him.

Regardless, he was still the person she knew best in this tavern, so she gathered herself, steeled her expression, and made her way out from under the table to his side. The shaking in her limbs forced her to half-crawl, half-stumble, and her progress was slow. The fight continued around her. Lapis hardly noticed, her focus solely on reaching the familiarity of a known face.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis blindly stepped backward, and in her haste tripped over a body and landed on her rump. She continued to scrabble back on her hands and feet, not seeing Dal coming until it was too late. She flinched when he shouted at her, but managed to snap at him, "Like hell will I stay back!" The knife in her hand was steadier now as she stood, ran full-tilt at the glowing assassin, and stabbed him in the chest again.

attack roll

1d20=12
target: boom b

The assassin stopped chanting. He clutched his twin chest wounds, looking down as if finally noticing that he had been mortally wounded. Lapis watched numbly as he stumbled, then fell to the floor, the tattoos on his skin winking out like smothered lanterns. She had the presence of mind to slink back to a hiding place beneath a table, but as the adrenaline drained out of her she began to tremble all over again. The enormity of taking a life was sinking in.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis dared a glance up to see that her dagger had fallen far, far short of its target. Frustration and embarrassment overruled her fear briefly. Taking stock of the chaos around her as her companions engaged in the combat, she decided to go on the move. Someone needed to take out the glowing figures in the back. She'd wasted her own dagger, lost on the floor several feet from her, but she still had Dal's throwing knife and the dinner knives. She slid the knives under her belt and kept the throwing knife handy.

roll

attack: 1d20=13
target: boom B

Darting from table to table, keeping crouched low to the ground, she picked her way around the room, creeping behind Dal as he fought one of the bladed fighters. She tried to keep a piece of furniture between her and the others at all times, staying as hidden as possible until she was ready to make her move. The fist gripping her borrowed blade trembled, but her gaze on the glowing, living bomb was steady.

All at once, she sprang up, ran the rest of the way toward the mage, and stabbed them. She tried to aim for the heart, but in the heat of the moment, she couldn't be sure where it was or even where she hit. She reeled backward, barely remembering to yank her weapon back out.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis was luckily still looking in Ashe’s direction when the masked woman shouted. She nearly knocked her head on the table as she dove under it, unsheathing her dagger as she crouched. An ear-shattering boom cracked through the tavern, and from under the table, she saw dozens of cleaved bodies thud to the floor. Limbs, entrails, and gallons of blood swam in her vision as she swayed on the balls of her feet, her dagger hanging limp in her grasp. Fear clawed its way down her spine.

She might have descended further into shock if not for Dal’s anguished cry. Her vacant gaze snapped to follow his; the musician he’d befriended only moments ago was in pieces, his innards still steaming. She closed her eyes and allowed herself one more moment to steady her nerves before she inched her head up over the edge of the table, getting a better look at their adversaries. She noticed two more nude people immediately, but this time pushed aside her embarrassment to note the glowing tattoos covering their bodies. Magic. These people were somehow the cause of the explosion. She noted the armed fighters and the ringleader in the back, but dismissed them. They far outclassed her just by being armed; her companions would have to take them on. But the unarmed mages…

She scanned her immediate area and seized as many dinner knives as she could reach from the surface of the table, keeping low and moving quickly. Plus her dagger, that was five weapons at her disposal. Ducking back down under the table, she also spied a throwing knife that had fallen out of Dal’s pack. Six. She peeked back up, readjusting her grip on her dagger as she took careful aim.

attack=miss

1d20=7

She shot up, hurled her dagger at the naked mage to her right, and ducked back down, not waiting to see if she hit her mark. From the way her hands shook, she wasn’t too confident.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis kept her eyes averted, but sighed in relief when Fyr addressed the naked woman. At least he’s taking charge of sending her packing! She’d never known this place to hire prostitutes, which the bartender then confirmed. Her confusion and discomfort only increased. What on earth was such a woman doing here? She looked to her companions to gauge their reactions. Fyr was pointing at the woman, but kept blinking his eyes as if trying to clear them. Arthur looked as appalled as she felt. Dal was blatantly staring at the woman’s chest. Lapis scoffed, surprised he wasn’t also drooling. He at least wasn’t alone, as some of the other thugs sharing their table had gone a bit slack-jawed themselves. She would have rolled her eyes if she wasn’t afraid of grabbing another unwanted eyeful of skin. And Ashe…she obviously couldn’t tell with the mask and hood combination. Hopefully she had noticed the naked woman, too, and would take action. Someone needed to get her out of here, and it clearly wouldn’t be the staff here. Everyone around their table seemed to be at a standstill, and Lapis couldn’t figure out why…

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis breathed a sigh of relief and followed Fyr, Arthur, and the hulking Griff to the bar to buy the brute the drink she had promised him. Parting with even more of her precious coin, she couldn’t help an inward chuckle. Once the adrenaline had died down, she realized how…invigorated she felt. Would it be like this all the time, traveling with these new companions? She was surprised at herself, at how excited she felt, rather than daunted.

As she sat back down at the table, her smiles came more easily and more genuinely than before. She even giggled when Dal’s absurd music started back up. Perhaps she was actually losing her mind.

Perception roll

Lapis Request: [1d20] Roll: [6] Result: 6

That prospect gained traction when a woman in dark robes strode right up to their table and stripped naked before them. Lapis got hardly a glance at her body before she whisked her gaze away, her face heating instantly. She was familiar enough with prostitution, but had never seen such a bold proposition! Never had she been more grateful that her skin didn’t show blushes easily. She focused her attention instead on her companions, gauging their reactions to the bare newcomer, and tried to school her own expression back to nonchalance. Her hands nervously clutched the sides of her cup.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Dalious, at least, agreed readily to her proposal, but Lapis wasn’t sure she thought too highly of his opinion, especially as he flitted from their table over to a nearby bard with hardly a glance back. The music they made together was nice enough, she had to admit.

Lapis hid her disappointment as Ashe, too, left the table to go gambling. Her agreement was the one she had wanted most. Well, at least the woman might come back richer. No use trying to draw blood from a stone.

She turned to Fyr–perhaps her last chance at joining this little circus. She didn’t know him well enough yet to determine what he really thought, but he did agree to repay her. It would have to do for now.

Lapis let herself fully smile when Ashe returned to the table, jingling merrily. “Indeed, you are lucky. I only hope you count me and Arthur here among your group and share your luck with us.”

She would have said more, but a huge brute approached the table and challenged Fyr to an arm wrestling match, of all things. This place sure has changed since I was here last. She tried to squeeze through the ring of thugs to watch Fyr in action, but only got through in time for the screech of pain from his opponent. The atmosphere changed rapidly as everyone tensed for a brawl. Lapis could feel her heart thundering in her chest as she made brief eye contact with Fyr. Even he looked panicked, like he was looking to her for a solution. She shifted a hand to her dagger hanging from her waist and gave him a subtle shake of her head.

To her surprise, Arthur stepped in, insisting it was all a mistake. She wasn’t sure these thugs could be persuaded, but it was worth a shot. “Oh, it was an accident for certain! He hardly knows his own strength, you see. I’m sure you’ve broken a door or two just by closing it, haven’t you? You seem a strong sort yourself. Why don’t we buy you a drink and part here as friends?” She turned her head and tried to catch Ashe’s eye in the crowd.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis quietly seethed at herself. Of course her new companions were broke. She cursed her bleeding heart the whole way to Zephyr, while outwardly tending to the group’s needs with perfect hospitality. She let them eat and drink from her already meager supplies, mentally calculating how much gold she would need to make to replenish what they took. Too much.

She noted Arthur reading the strange journal Dalious had given him. It seemed to disturb him greatly, but she dared not ask him about it in such close quarters with the strangers. And anyway, there seemed to be a dispute between Ashe and Dal as to its ownership, so she thought it best not to bring it up. If Arthur decided to buy it from them, that was his decision. But if he didn’t, perhaps she could, and later fetch a very fine price for it at market. There were at least three rare book collectors she knew in the next town over from Zephyr. A magic journal would pique anyone’s interest, but book collectors would pay exorbitant amounts for one. However, Ashe clearly knew the item was of value. Lapis might not be able to pay whatever price she named. But the group still owed her. A plan began to form in her mind...

Despite herself, her worry began to show on her face as they rode into the village. Even the familiar splendor of Zephyr didn’t lift her spirits. She directed Helah right to the oasis; at least her camel could quench her thirst for free. As the others dismounted, she made to follow them, intending to persuade at least one of them. But before that, she turned to Arthur. Well, Novice Travers, I hope your journey wasn’t too disrupted by our new friends. I am going to follow them to the tavern to speak with them. You’re free to join me for a drink.

She rolled her eyes at Dalious’s invitation to have a drink before she could stop herself. Something about that man really made her lose her cool demeanor. But she had enough self-control to keep from biting his head off–this time.

By the time Lapis hopped down from her caravan, Ashe was already striding away in the direction of the tavern. She turned to Fyr instead.I understand you and your friends are lacking in wealth at the moment. I’m sure it didn’t escape your notice that I am in the same boat. Now look, I have enough money to secure some rooms for us all at the inn here for a night or two, and a few hot meals, but I think we both know we have to plan ahead. Why don’t I buy you and your companions a drink and talk this over?

She walked with Fyr to the tavern where they joined Ashe. Lapis flagged down a server and ordered them all a round of ales and a plate of roast meat and vegetables. She allowed them all a few moments to chat and savor the meal, then spoke. You all seem to have…unusual skills. Skills I do not share. Likewise, I have skills you do not share. And I have a caravan. My proposal is this: we travel together. I provide transportation, food, drink, and shelter. You provide the loot. I set up my stall whenever we reach town, and I sell it. You can help protect me on the road and at market. Whatever we sell, we split the profits. I’m open to negotiation on the percentage, but I expect a fair split considering my hospitality so far. What are your thoughts?

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis eyed the pirate suspiciously for a moment before turning her attention to his companions. She smiled graciously at Fyr and Ashe, finding them leagues more palatable at first introduction than Dalious. She told them her own name, accepting their request for a ride with a simple nod.

I have given your Dalious…Dal…a canteen of water if you’d like to share it. I’m sure you all have a mighty thirst after your ordeal in the caves. I would like to hear the story on our way if you’re inclined to share it.

Turning to Fyr, she reached into a hidden pocket and held out a dried date.

Here, feed her this before you mount her.

Helah snuffled a bit, then lipped the date greedily. She seemed not to mind Fyr swinging a leg up over her back, chewing placidly as he squirmed a bit, getting comfortable. When he’d settled, she let out a long, blustery fart, the only protest she gave.

Lapis raised her eyebrows, a bit nonplussed for a moment. Abruptly she spun on her heel and clapped her palms together once.

Alright, I think Helah’s ready to get moving, so we will go. Everyone please find your seats on the wagon. Mind the wares. Perhaps after you’re all rested a bit more, we can discuss payment.

With that she hopped up into her seat at the front and picked up the reins.