~o~O~o~

 

 

Insert standard disclaimer here: The one that reminds everyone that this is a work of fiction. No one is real and any resemblance to someone who is real is just the reader's imagination. This is also a Fan Fiction set in the Whately Story Universe. No Canon characters were permanently harmed in the making of this story. I hope. :)

 

 

 

** Chapter 14 **

 

Brenda is starting to feel more than a little nervous. It is almost time for her to log into GEO and for the first time, she will be doing so in front of a live audience complete with video cameras. The day has been a complete whirlwind for her and she can’t help but smile as she thinks back to what happened after that first surprise meeting.

 

The ride to her apartment in a Humvee accompanied by armed soldiers was certainly exciting and the soldiers found that her excitement was infectious.  Before they returned to the labs, she learned how to say her name using the Army’s phonetic alphabet and learned what SNAFU and FUBAR really meant.

 

After she got back from ‘securing’ her PC from her apartment and getting it setup, Doctor Edmundson took her to see Brian.  It was a little scary to see the METS suit surrounding Brian’s body, but according to Doctor Edmundson, the suit was actually helping to keep Brian alive. 

 

Doctor Edmundson officially added her to the team investigating what happened to Brian and as a result, she was allowed to attend all the briefings.  The most interesting briefing was Lieutenant Lyons’ afternoon briefing.  It was a shame Mrs. Peters, or Jennifer as she asked Brenda to call her, missed the briefing.  The poor woman was still sacked out in the room that her son was being kept in.  She needed the sleep and it might have been a blessing that she did not learn that the suit had never actually made it past the animal testing phase.

 

Lieutenant Lyons cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. “Okay Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for attending this briefing.  I will use this time to summarize what we know to date regarding the incident with the subject, Brian Peters.”

 

“Item one. Subject Brian Peters. Male. DOB: 9-JUL-1992 Age 15. High school freshman. Honor-Roll Student.  Visited non-secure research labs as part of High School Field trip supervised by his Science teacher, Mr. Allen Anderson.”

 

“Item two. Shortly after returning from this facility , subject is reported to have exhibited signs that could indicate first stage mutant manifestation. Further investigation is required.”

 

“Item three. At the time of METS suit activation, Subject is reported to have been playing the popular video game known as Good and Evil Online or GEO to its players.  Further investigation is in progress by Ms. Brenda Koshnick”

 

“Item four. Nanite container handled by subject was discovered to be empty of all mechanically functional nanites.”

 

“Item five. Examination of nanite container showed microscopic holes drilled into the container.  Current hypothesis is that subject Brian Peters accidentally activated nanites enabling them to drill microscopic passages through the container, thus allowing the nanites to enter subject’s body.”

 

“Item six, Recorded inventory of nanite container indicates that 70% of nanites were of a low security risk medical nanites. 25% High Security risk <Classified>. Remaining 5% Unknown.”

 

Major Thole interrupted Lieutenant Lyons.  “Excuse me Lieutenant, but we will have the brass here tomorrow and I think that they will have an issue with the ‘Unknown’ quantity.  Do we have a good explanation for that?”

 

“Excuse me Major Thole” Doctor Edmundson said. “I think that we could change the ‘unknown’ to ‘miscellaneous’.  That may minimize the impact. However; if the issue is brought up, I will address it by taking full responsibility and explaining to our guests exactly what the container’s purpose was intended to be used for.  It was a learning aid to show visitors to the lab what these microscopic nanites that they are paying us so much money to develop really look like. Every nanite in the container was certified as inactive or inoperable. As such, it was never considered that it would ever be anything more than an educational prop item and in an effort to fill the container our research teams would sometimes deposit failed experiment batches.  I’ve begun an audit with my team to try and narrow down the ‘miscellaneous’ list and we should have a better handle on that by tomorrow.”

 

Major Thole nodded his head and smiled with relief. “Ahh, thank you sir. I know how much upper leadership hates to see ‘unknown’, but that sounds like it should help. Lieutenant, I think that we can move on with the rest of the briefing.”

 

“Thank you sir. Item seven. Current hypothesis is that subject has mutant Esper powers coupled with an electro-kinetic energizer power and possibly a Gadgeteer or Devisor power. Further investigation is required.”

 

“Item eight. Prototype METS suit successfully activated for subject and monitoring of subject’s vital signs via suit diagnostic port indicates subject is alive. Further briefing data to be provided by Doctor Johannson.”

 

Doctor Johannson’s presentation went on to explain that due to the high cost of armored exoskeleton suits, the Army was looking for a way to help an injured soldier survive until medical help could arrive.  He explained that the concept was dropped due to weight issues since the standard required load that each soldier must carry is already at the limit.  He finished his presentation with some good news.  His team thinks that due to how the nanites created the suit for Brian, they might be able to use that data to reduce the weight of the suit enough to make it feasible.

 

Brenda was glad that Jennifer didn’t hear Doctor Johannson’s description of the medical condition that caused the suit to activate.  Brenda barely knew Brian and if she had a hard time hearing it, she couldn’t imagine what his mom would think when Doctor Johannson said, “During the course of our investigation, we used the METS standard diagnostic port to request the activation log.  We discovered that the subject was diagnosed with a nearly always fatal condition, called ‘Neurogenic Shock’.  What that means is that for some reason, his autonomic nervous system stopped communicating with the rest of his body.  This is most often caused by the severing of the spinal column.  Based upon the observations that Lieutenant Lyons mentioned regarding the subject’s theorized mutant powers, we believe that the subject somehow interfaced directly with the game and became so immersed in the game, that his nervous system started to shut down.”

 

That concluded the briefing and as she was getting ready to exit the room she overheard Major Thole tell Lieutenant Lyons to convert his part of the briefing into a PowerPoint presentation for some VIPs that are going to be arriving tomorrow.  The Lieutenant sure was handsome in his uniform and he looked like he was about the same age. 

 

“Let me know if you want any help with that Mark.”  Brenda said to Lieutenant Lyons.

 

“Oh thanks ma’am, but I need to learn this stuff. I’ve heard that you can’t make it past being Major without know how to make a Power Point presentation.”  He said with a wry grin as he nervously ran his hand through his short cropped hair. “Is it okay if I hunt you down if I have any questions?”

 

“Sure! But, please. Just call me Brenda. Ma’am makes me sound so old and official.” Brenda said with a smile.

 

**

 

Brenda’s thoughts return to the present when she spots Brian’s mom enter the conference room and take a seat.  She looks much better now that she has gotten some rest and a change of clothes, but she can see the strain that the woman is under and Brenda can’t blame her.  She would like to think that she could be as strong under the same circumstances. She gets up and gives Jennifer a quick hug.

 

“Thank you Brenda” Jennifer says with a brittle smile.

 

“No problem, Jennifer. Why don’t you come and sit next to me?” Brenda asks and receives a nod and grateful smile in return. With Jennifer in tow, Brenda notes that even a few of the tough Army men appear show some concern for Mrs. Peters.  She even catches the look on Mark’s face and his concern warms her heart.  She can’t stop the pleased smile that peaks up from the gloomy situation.

 

This room seems to be turning into an adhoc command center. Her computer is up and running with the display linked to the big screen for everyone to watch her play GEO.  She smiles a little as she wonders what Doctor Edmundson will think when he sees her character and the world of GEO on the big screen. 

 

She logged in earlier to test the connection and file a petition with the Council for permission to see Lady Seramis.  While Brenda could have taken it upon herself to visit Lady Seramis; she couldn’t because first of all, she didn’t have the means to get her character to Lady Seramis’s stronghold in the time that her boss needed.  Second, dropping in unannounced on Lady Seramis after she just had an assassin’s visit could prove fatal for Kalisa.

 

The only way she could do pull this off is with the Council’s help. The Council would be able to magically talk to Lady Seramis and smooth the way for Brenda to talk to Lady Seramis via diplomatic channels. 

 

Brenda reaches over to give Jennifer’s hand a reassuring squeeze and receives a grateful smile in return. Then, she adjusts her headset while taking a deep breath to help calm her nerves before she logs Kalisa into GEO.

 

**

 

Brenda’s character, Kalisa, sits on a marble bench just outside the huge oak and steel reinforced double doors that lead into the Council chambers.  Two AI controlled guards stand with halberds in the rest position at either side of the doors. Her magically strengthened plate mail armor is clean, but instead of a highly polished surface that a paladin would favor, Kalisa’s armor is a more subdued and practical brushed metal finish.  Brenda smiles at the sight of Kalisa’s cool, competent and dangerous appearance. Unlike most of the other MMORPGs on the market, her armor is 100% protective.  None of those eye candy female armor designs in GEO.  It is fitted to match her female form though. There is no disguising the hour glass shape of her body.  Even from a distance, no one would ever confuse her for a male warrior.

 

Brenda hears one of the scientists say, “Wow, nice armor” which gives her a small glow of satisfaction.  She’s worked hard on her character and is proud of everything that she has been able to accomplish.  Her warrior’s skills are always in high demand by her guild-mates and friends outside of the guild.

 

A small shield is strapped to Kalisa’s back, but hidden underneath her cloak. The scabbard of her long sword rests upon her hip with her battle helm sitting beside her on the bench.  It is now 1500 hrs MST, which means that it is 1800 hrs or 6pm EST.  Brenda is pretty sure that most of the Council members should be playing by now.  They seem to take their duties pretty seriously.

 

She catches sight of Lord Vincint striding toward the chambers. Kalisa stands while calling to him. “Lord Vincint, please excuse me...” Lord Vincint adjusts his course to meet her as she finishes, “but do you know how long it might be before I can speak to the Council?”

 

Lord Vincint smiles broadly at her.  “Ah, Lady Kalisa.  It is always a pleasure to see you and no excuse is needed.  As I have just arrived myself, I am not sure what the Council’s status is right now.” He says as Kalisa shows her disappointment, “I believe that you mentioned in your request that you might have some information regarding Whisper?”

 

“Yes my lord, I know what Whisper’s quest was really for and as a result, I desperately need to speak with the Lady Seramis.”

 

Lord Vincint rubs his chin as ponders her revelation. “Hmmm, that is an unusual and perplexing combination of requests to make before the Council, but considering that it involves the Lady Whisper, I cannot help but find myself fascinated to learn what this is all about!” He says with an amused smile.  “Why don’t you accompany me into the Council chambers so that we may get to the bottom of this issue as quickly as possible?”

 

“Thank you my Lord” Kalisa says with gratitude as Brenda overhears some of the comments from her audience.

 

“Holy cow! Look at his armor.  Can you say Target with a capital ‘T’?”

“This is pretty cool looking; I might have to go buy this game on my way home tonight.”

 

Brenda fights to contain a smirk at the thought of another soon to be GEO addict while her character enters the room to discover that most of the council members are already seated behind the elevated table located in the back of the room.  Lord Vincint motions for her to stop at the first row of benches while he continues on to take his seat at the center of the table. Kalisa can see him speaking with the seated members of the Council, but there must be some kind of privacy spell in place since she cannot hear them. After a quick conference, Lord Vincint motions for the Council’s herald to announce Kalisa.

 

“The Council of Light requests the presence of The Lady Commander Kalisa of The Order of the Four Winds so that she may deliver news important to the safety of the realm.”

 

“Ooo, Brenda’s character is a ‘Commander’.”

“Isn’t that an officer’s rank Major Thole?”

“Yes, in the Navy, a Commander would be equal to an Army Lieutenant Colonel.”

“Hey, that means that Brenda outranks you!”

 

Smiling both in game and out, Brenda directs Kalisa to move forward and stop before the Council’s table.

 

“Thank you for making the time to see me on such short notice my Lords and Ladies.  I have grave news regarding the Lady Whisper’s player and to make a request to be allowed to visit with the Lady Seramis before the evening is over.”

 

Everyone except for Lord Vincint is shocked by Kalisa’s statement.  Lord Calrent is the first to speak and he doesn’t look to pleased.

 

“What does the Lady Seramis have to do with a wanted criminal like Whisper?  Can we add ‘traitor’ to the list of offenses that this thief has now committed?”

 

Brenda is shocked by his vehemence towards Whisper. She wonders what Whisper might have done to him to earn such animosity. Reminding herself that Brian is laying in a hospital bed, she hardens her resolve and coldly replies to his statement, “Lord Calrent, I do not know what the Lady Whisper might have done to earn such scorn by you, but I do know that she is not a thief nor a traitor.”

 

Lord Calrent airily dismisses her reply. “And, just how do you just happen to know more about Whisper than anyone else in this room Lady Kalisa?”

 

It takes all of Brenda’s control to not scream at the jerk. She watches as her character’s posture becomes more rigid and tense. “I know Whisper’s player in real-life. He is a 15 year old boy named Brian and right now he is laying in a hospital bed. None of his doctors know what is wrong with him and since he was playing GEO when he collapsed, I’ve been asked by his doctors and his family to find out if there is anything in the game that could have caused his condition.”  She surprises herself with how calm she ends up sounding.

 

You could hear a pin drop in the Council chambers as everyone, including Lord Vincint, sits back in their chairs with shock.  Lord Calrent has the decency to look a little ashamed of himself, but it is Lord Vincint who breaks the silence.

 

“That is indeed grave news Lady Kalisa. I think that I can speak for the entire Council when I express my deepest concern for him and his family.  Frankly, I am at a loss for how we, as players in this game, would be able to help him with a medical condition in real-life. Can you explain to us why you think that we might be able to help him?”

 

Brenda smiles as she and her character relaxes. “Thank you Lord Vincint.  As you all may know, two days ago, Whisper received a GM level quest.  What you do not know is what her quest was to assassinate the Lady Seramis...” She is interrupted by the shocked exclamations of the Council.

 

“What?!?”

“Oh my god!  That could start a war!”

“What was she thinking?!”

“Lady Seramis’s forces could be attacking us right now!”

 

Lord Vincint turns to address his fellow council members. “Please, calm yourselves before we jump to conclusions.  We have a bigger issue to worry about right now.”  The reminder has the desired effect. “Please, Lady Kalisa, continue.” 

 

“Okay, so the quest instructions indicated that Whisper had to kill Seramis last night.  I believe that is why Whisper ‘borrowed’ your griffon” Kalisa says with a nod to Lord Vincint. “I was on the phone with Brian while Whisper was waiting in Lady Seramis’s rooms for her to return from a party that she was hosting.  Brian hung up on me shortly after mentioning that another character had just entered into her rooms via the window.  Brian identified the other character as the evil aligned assassin, Shadow Killer.”

 

“What?  Why would the evil side send an assassin after Lady Seramis?” Lady Necina asks.

 

“I don’t know my Lady, but I believe that GEO is trying to force Lady Seramis to pick one side or the other.

 

“What makes you think that?”

 

“Prior to Shadow Killer’s entrance, Brian and I spoke about the quest and what it might mean.  The quest text specifically mentioned the word ‘test’. I think that Whisper was supposed to tell us about the plot so that we could warn Seramis.  It is my belief that Brian realized that and decided to try and protect Seramis by fighting Shadow Killer, even though he was sure that Whisper would lose.”

 

“Why would Whisper lose?” Lady Necina asks.

 

“Well, from everything I have heard, Shadow Killer is a much higher level character than Whisper and a specialized assassin, while Whisper is more thief skill specialized.”

 

“Hmmm, Whisper may have had more of an edge in that fight than most here would realize.” Lord Vincint says.

 

“What makes you think that Lord Vincint?”  Lord Calrent asks with a hint of his old suspicion.

 

“One...In addition to being a damn good thief, Whisper is also an Illusionist.”

 

“How is that even possible?  You can’t dual class in GEO!” Lord Calrent says, incredulously.

 

Lord Vincint smiles at him. “Are you sure of that?”  He looks at Lord Calrent and Lord Calrent nods his head ‘no’. “When I asked Whisper that very same question here is how she replied, I don’t know, I just went to the Illusionist trainer and asked.”

 

He pauses for a second in reflection. “With that being said, one can never be one hundred percent sure when it comes to what Whisper really has or has not done, in addition to that, I believe that Whisper actually used the Font of Light to Evolve.”

 

“What!?!  We all know that Whisper snuck into the Font chambers against the Council’s orders.  She left her smart-ass little calling card there for us to find, but when we questioned her in front of the Council she denied having done it and I am pretty sure that at least one of us would have noticed the changes in her character.”

 

“That would be true, if not for the fact that she always disguises herself as a human using her powers of Illusion.”

 

“What?!  If that is true, then what is she?” Lord Calrent asks while Lady Necina leans back with a pleased smile.

 

“The Lady Whisper is really an Elf.”  Lord Vincint says.

 

While the Council processes the news, Brenda finds that her audience’s reaction to the news is even more entertaining.

 

“What’s an Elf?”

“Umm, I think that is like Spock in Star Trek”

“No, Spock is a Vulcan. An Elf is like that Legolas dude from that Lord of the Rings movie!”

“Oh, yeah”

 

Brenda focuses back to the on issue at hand when Lord Vincint starts to speak.

 

“The Council will contact Lady Seramis and negotiate for you to meet with her tonight.  Lady Necina, would you be so kind and attempt to open up communications with Lady Seramis?”

 

Lady Necina nods. “Certainly Lord Vincint.” 

 

Brenda and her audience watches with fascination as Lady Necina begins to cast a spell.  A semi-transparent ball of light appears before the Council and the face of a beautiful woman appears within.  She doesn’t look too happy right now either.

 

“Ahh, if it isn’t the Council of Light.  What a pleasant surprise to hear from you all on this day.” The woman says with regal aplomb.

 

“Greetings Queen Seramis.  It is always a pleasure to speak with you.” Lord Vincint says, smiling with apparent pleasure.  The game of State is on and he appears to be relishing his role.

 

“Lord Vincint, you seem surprised to see me and it’s now ‘Queen Seramis’ instead of ‘Lady Seramis’? Did something not work out as you planned?”

 

Grinning, Lord Vincint replies. “Lots of things don’t work out how I plan, but do you have a specific plot of mine in mind that you might be willing to help me with?”

 

She narrows her eyes in annoyance. “You know damn well what I am referring too.  If you’re calling to find out what happened to your little elf assassin, you can forget about it!”

 

“So, Whisper was able to reach and protect you from that evil assassin?” Lord Vincint says with a smile of satisfaction.

 

Lady Seramis’ musical laughter fills the room. “So, that is how you wish to play this game?  Yes, she was able to infiltrate my defenses, but I find it incredulous that you would try to imply that you sent her to protect me. I have numerous reports of you ordering your city turned upside down looking for your wayward assassin.”

 

“Merely a diversion so that the forces of Evil wouldn’t know that we were aware of their plan to have you assassinated by Shadow Killer.”  Lord Vincint says with a dismissive wave of his hand.

 

Lady Seramis laughs with genuine pleasure.  She looks like she is starting to enjoy the verbal sparring. “You have got to be a lawyer or something similar in real-life Lord Vincint!  I find your version of this story absolutely fascinating, but other than to find out if one of the two assassins managed to kill me, I fail to see why you would decide to call me now.” 

 

“While it is true that we don’t see eye to eye on a few critical philosophical details Queen Seramis, I have always respected you and would never stoop to something so evil as assassination to get you out of the way.  I am speaking with you today on behalf of Whisper’s parents and doctors.”

 

Lady Seramis’s eye grow round with surprise before narrowing with fierce determination. “Speak.”

 

“If I may introduce you to the Lady Commander Kalisa so that she may speak?  Lady Kalisa, meet Queen Seramis, the Bandit Queen of the West.”

 

“Hello Queen Seramis, I’m sorry about all this, but Whisper’s player collapsed last night and we think that it happened while he was playing GEO.  We are hoping that you might be able to provide us with some clues that could help his doctors find out what is wrong with him.”

 

“Him? That is definitely not was I was expecting to learn when you called me Lord Vincint. If this is one of your vaunted tricks, I will be most displeased with you.  However; I do guard my own.  Lady Kalisa, I will be happy to assist you with the answers you seek, but I am reluctant to speak freely in such a public forum.  Will it be possible for your illustrious leader to arrange for a portal so that we may speak more privately?”

 

Brenda looks to Lord Vincint, who nods his head yes.

 

“Yes Queen Seramis, Lord Vincint indicates that the Council is willing provide me with a portal to your location.”

 

“Okay, I will open up a hole in my defenses for a single person to pass into my lands at the portal beacon that I will setup just outside my stronghold.  That should take fifteen minutes or so, and I will signal your Council when all is ready for your arrival.”

 

“Thank you Queen Seramis” Kalisa says while Brenda is barely able to restrain her tears of gratitude.

 

“Yes, thank you Queen Seramis” Lord Vincint adds.

 

Seramis focuses her attention back to Lord Vincint and narrows her eyes with determination. “This had better not be a another one of your tricks Lord Vincint!”

 

After her image fades away, Lord Vincint clears his throat and walks around to Kalisa’s side of the table. “Well, while she is getting things setup on her end, would you mind if I had a word with you Lady Kalisa?”

 

“Certainly my Lord” Kalisa says as she follows Lord Vincint out through the front doors of the Council chambers and into the hallway.

 

Once clear of the chambers, Lord Vincint turns and faces Lady Kalisa. “I want to express my concern for Brian and his family.  It is all too easy for us to forget that there are real people on the other end of our screens.”

 

His honest concern threatens to overwhelm Brenda’s emotions.  She feels Jennifer’s hand grip her leg in support.  That helps her find the strength she needs to not start crying in front of Lord Vincint. “Thank you Lord Vincint, but why does Lord Calrent seem to dislike Whisper so much?”

 

“Oh yes, Lord Calrent.  I believe that this little item may help to answer that question” Lord Vincint says as a small card appears in his hand.  He hands it to her and she feels confused as she examines it. “Go on, read it.”  He says, encouraging her.

 

Still confused by what a little card could have to do with Lord Calrent, Brenda reads what looks like hand written text inscribed on the card. “Watch the first step, it’s a doozy.  Hugs and Kisses, Whisper”  There is even a little heart drawn in there at the end. She still isn’t sure why a simple card would piss off Lord Calrent so much.

 

Lord Vincent notes her confused expression. “The Council received this card a week after we won our Font in the Battle of Lumar Hills.   Whisper petitioned the Council for permission to try the Font, but was denied.  If you recall, the Council made the decision to wait for almost two months before allowing any players to be allowed to try and Evolve using the Font. I had advised against that and supported Whisper’s petition, but was over-ruled. A few days after her petition was denied, we found this card next to the Font.  She didn’t have to leave the card. If she hadn’t, we might have never have even known that she had been there. To do this, she had sneak her way past countless AI controlled guards and somehow bypass several very strong wards. Then, she used the Font and snuck her way back out without anyone the wiser.  That is why Lord Calrent dislikes Whisper so much.  That and I think he must be in the Army or something in real life.  I’ve never known anyone who hates it when someone doesn’t follow proper procedure than him.” Lord Vincint says with a grin.

 

He pauses to gather his thoughts. “Whisper and the her player will be sorely missed by the me. I know that this is ‘just a game’, but while sometimes mischievous, I have found Whisper to be an exceptionally clever, smart, loyal, creative thinker who is able to work with the minimum of direction to accomplish difficult goals.  No job is ever too tough and no mission ever too impossible for Whisper to accomplish.  I would even go so far to say that, if it hadn’t been Whisper, we might not have won the Battle of Lumar Hills.”

 

That surprises her.  She couldn’t remember even seeing Whisper during the battle. “How so?”

 

Lord Vincint taps his lips as he considers how to best answer her question. “How many enemies did you personally kill during the battle?”

 

“I’m not sure, why?”

 

“Was it ten? Maybe twenty?”

 

“Yes, I think that sounds about right.”

 

“While Whisper may have only personally accounted for two or three enemies, she indirectly caused the death of three entire enemy battalions.  She skillfully used her cunning along with her powers and skills to misdirect and so thoroughly confuse the commanders of three enemy battalions, that by the time they did make it to battlefield, their troops were all tired, worn out, hungry and completely demoralized. That is one of the main reasons that our forces were able to punch through their lines so quickly and with so little loss of life on our side. Whisper advised me on which units that we should hit first.”

 

“Wow, really? I never knew that.  How come we were never told what she did? Whisper should have received at least an award or two”

 

“A few reasons. One, Whisper didn’t want the credit. Two, it’s hard to have a secret weapon if everyone knows about it and three, because if the enemy ever found out, they would have sent every assassin they have to kill her.”

 

The AI controlled guard approaches us and salutes Lord Vincint. “Lord Vincint, sorry to interrupt you, but Lady Necina sent me to tell you that the portal is ready for Lady Commander Kalisa”

 

Lord Vincint returns the guard’s salute. “Thank you sergeant. Lady Kalisa, are you ready?”

 

“Yes, and I can’t thank you enough for your kind words and words of encouragement. Oh, and Brian’s mom insists that I give you a hug for her.” Kalisa says as she surprises Lord Vincint with that revelation and hug.

 

Lord Vincint looks past Brenda’s character and directly into the audience. “Yes, well, thank you Brian’s mom and I am confident that based upon what I have glimpsed of your son’s character, that he is a fighter and you can’t count him out. Ever. If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me using the following number xxx-xxx-xxxx”

 

Surprised and touched by his gesture, it takes all of Brenda’s will power to not break down in tears when Jennifer surprises her with a hug while she notices Major Thole copying Lord Vincint’s number down.

 

Lord Vincint steps back and motions for Lady Kalisa to follow him back into the room where the portal that will take her to Seramis’ stronghold awaits her.

 

Waving her thanks to everyone, Lady Kalisa steps into the portal and finds herself in the middle of a circle surrounded by heavily armored warriors with crossbows leveled at her.

 

A mounted officer wearing blackened plate mail with a red cape draws her attention. “Ahh, Lady Commander Kalisa of the Forces of Light I presume?  It is so nice of you to drop in. I must apologize for appears to be a rude welcome, but the wild animals in this area can be quiet vicious.  Allow me to introduce myself, I am Lord General Grover of her Majesties Bandit Army.  I have taken the liberty of bringing a spare mount for you to ride. If you would be so kind as to join me, my associates and I will pleased to ensure that you arrive safely to Queen Seramis’ court.”