David

  We stood at the base of the airship’s ramp just as the sun peeked over the eastern mountains. The light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the clearing. Allira and Allyson stood close to me, silent and alert, as we waited for the Orcs to return.

  Marlena, Aria, and Seraphina wished us well before falling back asleep, and Allira and I left them to their dreams. Theresa returned to her stateroom shortly after we broke the news of our unexpected divine… marriage. Seraphina told me last night that they were planning a tea party later this morning to discuss those changes.

  Honestly, I was happy to leave that to them.

  “Allira, get ready, they’re coming,” I said, spotting movement at the treeline. “It’s the same three from yesterday.”

  The Orcs emerged from the forest, walking calmly and confidently.

  “Builder, are you ready?” the lead Orc asked.

  “Yes. You lead, we follow,” I replied.

  He grunted approval and turned back into the trees.

  I glanced behind to see Prince Theodore, Ajax, and General Kitch step forward, joined by three soldiers. I took a position behind the last Orc, with Allira and Allyson flanking me. We moved east into the woods at a steady pace.

  The forest brought to mind Maine, with tall pines, damp moss, and the earthy scent of morning dew. I had hiked the Appalachian Trail more than once, and this scene wasn’t far from that. Birds chirped above us, and somewhere deeper in the woods, a distant predator called out. Despite their massive size, the Orcs moved with almost silent precision. The rest of our group… not so much. They made enough noise to keep any curious creature far away.

  Eventually, we broke through the forest and reached the shores of the large lake we flew over days before. The clear water shimmered in the morning sunlight. We skirted the lake, nearly reaching the opposite treeline when a shriek tore through the sky above us.

  Two shadows swept past.

  Griffins.

  Wings beat the air like war drums. I scanned the sky. One of them peeled off, diving lower.

  I pulled my rifle from storage and cocked it in one smooth motion. The others scrambled toward the treeline. But Allyson and I stood our ground.

  The griffin locked onto me, wings sweeping back as it began its final dive.

  I didn’t move.

  The barrel glowed as the glyphs ignited. I pulled the trigger.

  I hope this doesn’t jam.

  Blue light streaked from the weapon, a sharp crack echoed through the forest, and the griffin slammed into the ground, kicking up dirt and leaves just yards away.

  [DING]

  [2,500 Kinetic Weaponry XP Gained]

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 14]

  730 XP Until Next Level

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 15]

  850 XP Until Next Level

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 16]

  780 XP Until Next Level

  I cocked the rifle again and scanned my perception HUD. The second Griffin was circling wide. I tracked it around the trees, predicting its flight path. When it broke from the canopy, I fired.

  Another burst of light. A puff of feathers. The creature rolled violently into the underbrush.

  I walked to the first griffin, slung the rifle behind me, and stored the body. No time to waste. I turned to the second one; it was still alive, wheezing.

  It hissed.

  Then went still.

  [DING]

  [2,500 Kinetic Weaponry XP Gained]

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 17]

  880 XP Until Next Level

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 18]

  1050 XP Until Next Level

  The Orcs caught up, staring in stunned silence.

  I stored the second Griffin and looked at them.

  “Don’t worry,” I said calmly. “I’ve got it, just storing them for later.”

  “This is Builder magic,” one of them muttered.

  “Builder magic,” the other two echoed, wide-eyed.

  Allira and the others joined me, stepping over broken branches and feathers.

  “I’m glad you’re alright,” I said, wrapping an arm around Allira.

  “Next time, I think I’ll just stand next to you,” she said, brushing dirt from her leggings.

  The Orcs didn’t waste time. They turned back toward the forest. We followed.

  Soon, the trail dipped into a valley, revealing a hidden village nestled among the trees. Dozens of huts formed a loose circle around a central clearing. The huts looked Iron Age in design, with stone bases, thatched roofs, and smoke drifting from holes in the center. Nets were strung between trees like spiderwebs, probably to keep the griffins out. Clever.

  As we walked through, young orclings darted between buildings, laughing and playing. The villagers stopped what they were doing to watch us pass.

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  The largest of our three guides approached a large longhouse and opened the thick wooden door.

  Inside, it was loud, with a sea of deep voices echoing off the walls. Rows of Orcs sat on rising platforms, forming a semi-circle that focused on the rear of the room where the Grand Elder sat. I now understand what General Kitch meant by the rings of authority.

  He was unmistakable. Bigger. Older. Adorned in bones, feathers, and armor that looked ceremonial and deadly. A jagged staff rested in one hand, the other gripping the arm of a stone-carved throne. Two female warriors stood beside him, holding gleaming axes that reflected the firelight in dangerous glints.

  We were led to a central space before the gathered Orcs.

  I gave a respectful bow.

  The murmuring grew louder, until the elder slammed his staff into the floor, silencing them instantly.

  “Thyyicksive Areeik Mookicivk Loorksives,” the Grand Elder boomed.

  I bowed again and replied, “Gherty Justiffic.”

  The room exploded in shocked gasps.

  Prince Theodore slid up beside me. “What the hell did you just say?”

  “He asked if we were the ones who flew in yesterday. I told him yes, I’m the Builder.” I grinned at him. “Or maybe I asked for a soup recipe. Hard to say.”

  “You understand us?” the Grand Elder said in surprisingly clear common. His eyes narrowed. “You, the one in black. You stand with the female, but you are not like the others.”

  “True, Great Chief,” I replied. “I am David. This is Allyson. We are not fully human. The others are.”

  He leaned forward. “You carry power. Builder magic. The ancient words.”

  “I came seeking knowledge. I am looking for the location of the Black Gate.”

  He tapped the end of his staff on the stone floor. “That secret has been guarded for generations, passed from elder to elder, hidden until one worthy arrives.” He fixed his gaze on me. “Are you that one?”

  “What’s the price for being found worthy?” I asked.

  General Kitch leaned in slightly. “That could be a double-edged question.”

  “I know,” I said calmly, eyes still locked with the chieftain’s. “But I’m curious to see what the price is.”

  The elder’s lips curled slightly. “You are strange. That one…” he pointed to Allira, “…is clearly your mate, yet you take counsel from the humans. Is this the way of the Builders?”

  “Times have changed since the Great Departure. I welcome their views,” I said, unsure if he would truly understand how much the world had shifted. I made that name up, and I wonder if they would challenge me on it.

  But he nodded. “Yes. Times have changed. Many generations have passed since your kind walked among us.”

  He leaned back, contemplating. Then he spoke:

  “My challenge to you: remove the Huddiiss from the eastern caves. It came many moons ago and has disrupted our hunts. Drive it out or kill it… alone. We lost many good warriors in this task.”

  Great, a task with no options but to do it. “When?” I asked.

  “Now. Escorts will guide you. Your companions will remain here.”

  “Will they be safe?”

  He nodded. “Yes. They are honored guests while you take the trial.”

  I gave a small bow. The Orc who had first brought us in motioned for me to follow him outside.

  “What’s a Huddiiss?” Prince Ajax asked.

  “It roughly translates to serpent, or something close,” I replied. “Guess I’ll find out soon.”

  “You sure we can’t help?” Allira pressed, stepping closer.

  “This is a test,” General Kitch answered before I could. “You saw it. They see us as humans. David… is something else. This is his trial.”

  “And yet I’m not seen the same,” Allira said thoughtfully, glancing at me.

  “You’re seen as my mate,” I offered. “They see that, and maybe that’s the reason. Either way, you are special to me.”

  But I knew there was more to it; a growing theory slowly taking shape.

  We stood in the open clearing for a few minutes before the longhouse doors reopened. The two orcish women I had seen earlier stepped out, tall, powerful, and armed with their axes. Their appearance could have come straight from an old Earth fantasy film. Sheena, the Warrior Princess, came to mind. Their skins were minimal, just enough to cover what was necessary, leaving their tribal tattoos and corded muscles visible. I would like to know if Allira would be willing to cosplay for me in one of those outfits.

  The taller one stopped in front of me and bowed.

  “We were selected to be your escorts to the cave, Builder,” she said. “Your mate and the others will be treated with honor while you are on this trial.”

  “Thank you,” I said, then turned and embraced Allira.

  “I’ll be back soon,” I whispered to her, pulling her close.

  I looked at the others, nodded to them, and then turned to follow my escorts.

  The forest grew denser as we headed east. Eventually, the trees ended, replaced by cliffs, towering walls of stone that soared into the sky. High above, I spotted outcroppings… and griffins. More than a few heads peered out at us from their perches.

  “You’re not worried about them?” I asked, pointing up.

  “They rarely attack near the cliffs. Too close to the nest,” one of the orc women replied, keeping her eyes sharp.

  Famous last words.

  My perception HUD flared to life. Red dots. Movement.

  “Down!” I shouted, yanking my rifle from storage and chambering a slug.

  The first griffin dove hard, wings tucked, talons out. I took aim, held breath, and fired.

  Blue light surged through the glyphs on the barrel. The shot cracked like thunder. The griffin crashed behind us in a cloud of dust and blood.

  [DING]

  [2,500 Kinetic Weaponry XP Gained]

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 19]

  1100 XP Until Next Level

  [Level Up – Kinetic Weaponry – Level 20]

  You have reached a milestone in the Kinetic Weaponry Skill.

  New Trait Gained: Gun Kata I

  Grants fluid integration of melee and kinetic weapon combat. If using a sidearm or kinetic blade, unlock short-time slow-motion reflexes for parrying and countering.

  1250 XP Until Next Level

  [DING]

  [New Skill Unlocked – Kinetic Overload Level 1

  Overcharge your next kinetic shot or burst with amplified force, doubling projectile velocity and adding concussive damage.

  Double the impact for double the cost.

  I re-cocked the rifle.

  The others were circling, watching, but not diving for now.

  I made my way to the downed Griffin and stored the body, then stowed the rifle. The two orcs caught up and stared down at the dirt-stained spot where the beast had fallen.

  “You killed it?” one asked.

  “Yes. Your village can have it when we return,” I offered.

  They grinned.

  “Delicious,” the other said. “A rare meal.” She gave me a hearty slap on the back and blinked in surprise when I didn’t budge an inch.

  “Thank you,” I replied.

  “That’s the way to the cave entrance. We’re close now,” she said, regaining her composure and pointing further along the path we were traveling. We continued the last stretch in silence until the trees opened to a cavernous mouth in the cliffs. Calling it a cave was generous. It was more like the mouth of the abyss, gaping and wide, large enough to swallow an entire building.

  “This is where we leave you, Builder,” the taller orc said, saluting with a hand to her chest. “The Huddiiss is down there.” She pointed into the shadowed maw of the cave. “We’ll wait until nightfall before returning.”

  “Before I go… what are your names?” I asked.

  “I am Varka,” said the taller one, her stance proud and posture disciplined.

  “And I am Shavri… the one with the firmest breasts,” the other added with a smirk, mirroring the salute.

  “Always with the breasts…” Varka muttered, rolling her eyes before shoving Shavri in the shoulder.

  “You’re the one who always says your ass is better than mine,” Shavri shot back, returning the shove. “At least mine doesn’t sag.”

  Varka growled, then threw down her axe and, without hesitation, began pulling off her clothes.

  Wait, what?

  I froze as both orc women stripped down, each tossing their clothes aside. Shavri cupped her lush green breasts, lifting them and turning toward me. I stared at the watermelon-sized breasts cradled in her hands. I’ve always loved watermelons. Three… point… one… four… I tried to recite pi before the other caught my attention.

  “Builder,” she purred, never breaking eye contact with her sister. “What do you think? Are they better than hers?” I stared. I tried not to stare.

  “Why are you asking me?” I said, trying to keep my focus somewhere, anywhere, above their necks.

  “You are strong… not Orc,” Shavri said.

  “Your mate is strong too, and beautiful,” Varka added, spinning to show off her backside. “But is Shavri’s ass better than this?” She started to spank herself, showing off her tightness.

  I cleared my throat, glancing toward the cave as if it might save me. Where was I… oh crap, three… point… one… four… one.. five… six… crap. Not six, nine… There was no way I could ignore these two sexy She-Hulks asking me to choose between them. They stood at least seven feet tall and looked like they could win any beauty contest back on Earth, then suplex the judges.

  “Okay, fine,” I said at last, giving in. “Yes, Shavri… you have very impressive breasts. And Varka, your ass? Easily the tightest I’ve seen.” Both grinned at that.

  “Any man would be in eternal bliss with either of you,” I added diplomatically.

  “Would you take us, Builder?” Shavri asked, striking a dangerously seductive pose.

  “You’re putting me on the spot,” I replied, shaking my head with a smile. “If I didn’t already have Allira? No question. But you’ve seen her. Try anything, and she’d tear the mountains apart.”

  “She is scary,” Varka nodded.

  “Sister, did you see her eyes when we greeted the Builder?” Shavri added.

  “Shivers,” Varka muttered, giving herself a quick shake.

  “Yeah. Let’s not test her…” I said. “Hey… that warrior who first escorted us,” I said, shifting gears. “What was his name?”

  “Morga,” Varka said.

  “Yes, Morga,” Shavri confirmed.

  “He was the only one besides you two who didn’t flinch when I stepped forward. That’s strength. You should keep an eye on him.” They looked at each other, maybe seeing Morga in a new light.

  I smiled. “Might be worth your time.”

  “So…” I gestured toward the dark tunnel. “This is the way to the Huddiiss?”

  “Yes, Builder,” Shavri said, pointing again. “Follow that path.”

  “Good hunting,” Varka added.

  I stepped forward, the darkness swallowing me. Behind me, I could already hear them talking about Morga. I chuckled to myself. Poor guy. Those two would either love him forever… or drive him completely insane. Maybe both.