Chapter 11

 

Allistor had chosen the Bastion in Denver for Amanda’s memorial rather than Invictus or their original Stronghold at The Warren.  Mostly because there wasn’t room for the expected crowd at The Warren, and she’d liked the park area outside the capitol building in Denver.  When he and the kids arrived on the Bastion teleport pad,  Allistor found most of his advisors already waiting for him.  In addition to his four hired alien analysts, there was his core group, along with Master Daigath, Gralen of the beastkin, and each of the Stronghold leaders.  Bjurstrom and McCoy stood with a dozen or so raid leaders.  There were still some raid groups scattered across the globe who were being picked up by either Kira or Gene, and would be back in time for the service. 

“Thank you all for coming here early.” Allistor spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear as he and the kids stepped off the pad.  Almost immediately it flashed behind him, and a group of twenty citizens that Allistor recognized from Laramie appeared.  Folks were already arriving to pay their respects.  Seeing the growing crowd beyond the trees, he added, “Let’s head inside and talk.  We’ve got a lot to cover.”

He led them through the park and into the old capitol building where they gathered in the rotunda.  A quick word to Prime and several droid guards sealed off the building to ensure their privacy. 

He spent some time updating them all on what he’d learned about Baldur and Loki, and Harmon’s suspicions about what Baldur wanted.  It took nearly an hour, as his people had many questions, and there were multiple angry outbursts that Allistor sympathized with.  Each time he allowed a little while for tempers to calm before he continued. 

“So there you have it.” He looked around the room at his most trusted friends and advisors, his people, his new family.  Surprisingly, it didn’t feel at all odd to him that a good number of them were non-human.  In his heart he knew that none of them were responsible for the apocalypse on Earth, or for Amanda’s death.  He had narrowed his focus and hatred to the race of ancient beings that included Loki, Baldur, Odin, and the rest.

“I have a decision to make.  I intend to listen to what Baldur has to say, and once I’ve heard him out, I’ll consider his offer.  But I’d like to hear from all of you what you think.” He held up a hand as several mouths opened.  “I realize you don’t have all the information yet.  And in this case, this isn’t up for a vote.  This is my decision to make, right or wrong.  I’d just like to hear your thoughts.  Do I execute Loki for his role in the near genocide of our race, or do I leave him to Odin’s justice and accept some probably epic reward from Baldur?”

Immediately there were several shouts of “Kill him!” and even one “Off with his head!” that he was pretty sure came from the usually quiet and reserved Lilly, of all people.  In the back there was a shout of “Gnomes rule!” and he briefly searched for Selby while shaking his head and holding up his hands.

“Okay, clearly some of you have strong opinions.  Let’s do this.  Raise your hand if you have a comment to make, other than kill or don’t kill.  When we’ve heard from everyone who wants to speak, I’ll ask you to vote by a show of hands.  Who wants to start?”

Bjurstrom was the first to speak, raising his hand and stepping forward into the small open area between Allistor and the others.  “I think you need to consider what you’d gain from killing Loki.  We’ve been sort of tippy-toeing around since the aliens,” He paused and nodded to Gralen and the others, “Excuse me, the non-humans started arriving.  You’ve been worried about accidentally angering some faction and being taken out.  Well, now we have strong allies, with agreements to help protect us.  And if you yourself were to suddenly gain a massive number of levels, you’d become pretty difficult to take out.  We’d be operating from a position of strength for a change.”

There were lots of murmurs of agreement as he finished, even a little bit of applause, mostly from the gamers in the group, who always approved of leveling up.  Gralen cleared his throat and raised his hand, and Allistor motioned him forward.

“While I do not have the same urge for vengeance that all of you native Earthlings feel, I understand your desire to see Loki dead.  But I would remind you that Odin has declared Loki’s life forfeit, and has done so, at least in part, because Loki failed in his obligation to protect you, Allistor.  An obligation set upon him by Baldur, a member of the same race, who has apparently been working on your behalf all along.  In a sense, whether you physically take Loki’s life yourself or not, you will be the ultimate cause of his demise.  It is merely a question of timing, and what benefits you reap from his death.   As someone with more experience in the ways of the Collective, I strongly recommend you consider Baldur’s offer, and allow them to deal with Loki in their own time.”   He bowed his head to Allistor and stepped back, the crowd around them completely silent. 

“Thank you, my friend.” Allistor nodded his head slightly at the beastkin.  “That was a well-considered and logical argument.”

One by one his people stepped forward and made their individual cases, both for and against Loki’s execution.  Not surprisingly, the majority were in favor of taking the mass murderer’s head right there in the park in front of everyone.  But it wasn’t a huge majority.  Many of those who’d been gamers like Allistor, while curious about what Baldur might offer, couldn’t resist the idea of racking up a huge number of levels and the stats that went with them.  Others were, like Allistor, just thirsty for revenge.  Allistor noted that Master Daigath did not step forward to offer his opinion.  He just stood off to one side and listened.

After more than twenty of them had spoken, they were tending to overlap in their arguments or just repeat what others had already covered.  Finally, there were no more volunteers, and Allistor took over again.

“Thank you all for your input.  Regardless of what I decide, I want you to know that I’ll be seriously considering all of your advice.” He paused and took a deep breath.  “Now.  We have a little planning to do.  This is going to go one of two or three ways, and I want us to be ready for all of them.  So… here’s what I want you to do.”

They spent another hour together, going over Allistor’s instructions for each scenario.  If for some reason things went badly, he wanted to be able to react immediately.  When he dismissed them, some of his people were grinning and chatting excitedly, while others were just shaking their heads. 

Harmon and Daigath remained behind at Allistor’s request.  He had some additional questions for them, questions that the others didn’t need to hear the answers to just yet.

*****

 

When Allistor exited the building just before noon, he was nearly overwhelmed by the sight that greeted him.  Standing atop the wide staircase that faced westward across the park, Allistor was looking down at a throng of his citizens, tens of thousands strong.  There were humans, beastkin, and dwarves in large numbers, as well as a scattering of elves, gnomes and other races.  Standing head and shoulders above the rest, gathered around Droban, were a few hundred minotaurs that Allistor hadn’t even known had become citizens.  Off to one side was a group of more than a hundred of the trainers they’d hired, come to pay their respects.

Atop the stairway, off to the right and left sides, were the representatives of the elves, dwarves, and others who had asked to attend.  Cogwalker was there, along with Melise and her father the commander, among a few dozen others.  Allistor nodded to them, silently thanking them for attending, before stepping forward to face his people.

He’d known that his citizenry had grown in leaps and bounds, especially as he added in the non-human contingents.  But the numbers in his UI as each group had joined had been just that.  Numbers.  Seeing the football stadium sized crowd standing before him, Allistor’s heart beat faster.  If he had to guess, he would say there were more than fifty thousand beings in attendance. 

All for Amanda.

Unable to speak, for a moment, he just stood there taking it all in.  A brief look up at the clear sky showed the protective dome covering the area.  Seeing it reminded him of the day Gralen and his shipmates attacked the Bastion.  The fact that the wolverinekin had since become one of his most trusted advisors was not lost on him. 

Taking a deep breath, he said, “Nigel, loudspeaker please.  Everywhere.”

“ Go ahead, Sire .”

“I want to thank you all for coming here today, to help us say goodbye to Amanda. And to thank those of you who stayed behind to guard your various homes.” He paused, a small smile forming as he looked across the park.  “I can’t believe how many of you, how many of us are here.  My heart is… full today.”   There was scattered applause, but Allistor kept going.  “Some of you never met Amanda, so I’ll tell you a little bit about her.  I loved her.  It wasn’t love at first sight, mind you.  Amanda was… stubborn, occasionally rude, extremely capable, and independent.  She was there with me from the first days of the apocalypse, when we first claimed and built the Warren.  She could shoot better than I could, and saved my butt more than once on scavenging trips!”  Some of the humans laughed, mostly those who’d been at The Warren or Luther’s Landing.  “She took great pleasure in using me as a… guinea pig.” His voice caught for a moment, visions of her advancing toward him with scalpel in hand making him tear up.

“She teased me mercilessly, often threatening to trade me in for one of you cowboys out there.”  Several of the cowboys whooped and whistled at this, making Allistor smile along with most of the crowd.  “And she never, ever stopped trying to help people.  Many of you were healed by her in those early days, before we all learned how to heal ourselves and each other.  She saved hundreds of lives after scavenging missions and during raids.  She kept me grounded, often called me prince fancy-pants or something similar to keep my head from swelling.”

“She was a terrible cook!  Her specialty was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.” This time nearly everyone laughed. “But she was a great mother to William, Sydney, Addy, and everyone who found themselves in her care.  She was a natural and gifted healer, and her last act was to save a life.”  Allistor looked at William, who was standing between the girls, all of them crying openly. 

“I loved her, and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.” Again he had to pause, a lump forming in his throat.  After clearing it a few times, and taking a deep breath, he wiped tears from his cheeks and began again. 

“Like so many other friends and loved ones, Amanda was taken from us too soon.  We gather together here, as we’ve done too many times before, to share our love for her, to offer support to each other, and to say goodbye.”

The service continued for nearly an hour as several people climbed the stairs to stand next to Allistor and share a memory of Amanda.  Some were funny, others simple stories of how she’d saved a life or healed a devastating injury.  Allistor quietly offered the kids a chance to speak, but they all shook their heads, holding each other and crying.  When it was through, Allistor nodded toward Harmon, who spoke into his wristband.   Stepping forward, Allistor got the attention of everyone below.

“The circumstances of Amanda’s passing have left us without a body to bury.  So let’s just bow our heads instead, and observe a minute of silence for Lady Amanda.”   Allistor bowed his head, but quickly looked up again at the sound of rustling below.  Starting with those of his inner circle in the front row, the citizens of Invictus all began to take a knee.  They lowered themselves in a vast wave moving from front to back, heads bowed and silent.   Allistor stepped behind the three kids and put his hands on William’s shoulders, feeling the young boy tremble. 

When a minute had passed, he called out.  “Thank you.  All of you.”  He waited as they all rose to their feet.  He was about to say more, when Addy and Sydney began to sing.  At first their voices were rough, but they bravely continued.  After just a few words, other voices began to join in.  The funeral song that the citizens of Invictus had claimed for themselves was slow, and sad.  But the chorus of voices swelling up from the crowd and echoing off the walls was beautiful.  Glorious.  Somehow it made Allistor sadder, and lightened his burden of sorrow at the same time.

When the last note of the song faded, there was a brief moment of silence as people looked to each other and smiled, or hugged.  Then the crowd began to disperse.  Seeing this, Allistor held up his hands and called out. 

“Please, wait.  Don’t go yet.  I want you all to witness something while you’re here.  In a few moments, We’re going to be joined by some guests.” He nodded at Bjurstrom, who spoke into his radio.  Throughout the crowd, raiders and raid leaders began to circulate.  “Citizens of Invictus, I don’t know how much of this you already know, so I’ll start from the beginning.” He walked down a few steps, then sat on the top one.  “This is going to be tough to hear, and you might want to take a seat.”   As he spoke, the people spread out a bit and sat on the ground where they were.  “First of all, Earth was not supposed to be inducted into the Collective yet.  We were supposed to have had years, centuries more to develop and grow, to become better prepared.  But a being named Loki interfered with the natural order of things…”

Allistor spent the next ten minutes explaining to them what had happened, and who was about to join them.  When he was through, there was a flash of light, and two beings appeared atop the stairs.   Allistor quickly got to his feet, as did everyone else.  There was an immediate roar of angry shouts, threats, and calls for Loki’s head.  Sections of the crowd tried to surge forward, only to be held back by several rows of higher level raiders and advisors in the front.  As his people tried to calm the crowd, Allistor took in the two ancient beings.

Baldur was in a more or less human form.  He stood eight feet tall, with tanned skin and golden hair that practically glowed in the light of the twin suns above. Allistor wasn’t surprised that his human ancestors saw Baldur and his kin as gods if they appeared like this. He was dressed in pristine white leather armor with a sword in a scabbard at his hip.  The only color on his attire was a sprig of green mistletoe embroidered upon his left breast. 

Loki, on the other hand, was in his natural tentacled form.  He looked much like the octopoids that so many of Earth’s people had fought, and fallen victim to, since the apocalypse.  Except that each of his legs was bound in a shining silvery metal band, attached by chains that ran up to a similarly shiny collar around his rubbery neck.  His multiple tentacles all hung limp at his side, twitching occasionally.  His gaze briefly took in the crowd in front of him, then he turned to stare at Allistor with open contempt. 

Allistor was busy resisting his own urge to attack Loki as his people finished bringing the crowd under control.  When things had mostly settled, the front rows turned back to face Allistor and the visitors.

Baldur turned to face Allistor as well, inclining his head slightly.  When he spoke, his voice was deep, and reverberated through the Bastion without any assistance from Nigel. 

“Greetings, Allistor, Prince of Earth and Emperor of Orion.  I am Baldur, and this is Loki.”  One hand waved slightly toward the chained prisoner.  “I appreciate the grace you and your citizens have shown in allowing us this audience.  I shall attempt to be brief, so that you may return to your mourning.”

Allistor couldn’t find it in himself to welcome the so-called god of his ancestors.  Despite being told that Loki was the one responsible, Allistor was not ready to accept that.  Or to forgive.  The best he could do was nod his head and motion toward Baldur.  “Go ahead and speak your mind.”

Momentarily taken aback by the lack of civility, Baldur blinked at Allistor, while Loki glared daggers.  With a sigh and a nod of understanding, Baldur began.

“I have brought my wayward brother, Loki, here before you today to apologize.  We have no direct proof that Loki was responsible for the early induction of UCP… of Earth.  If we had such proof, the System itself would instantly punish Loki in the most severe manner.  Still, our people took on a responsibility many eons ago to foster developing worlds like your own.  We have, in fact, visited this world several times since humankind’s early ancestors learned to use tools and walk upright.  Each time, we contributed in small but significant ways in your development, with the ultimate goal of preparing you to become viable and successful members of the Collective.”

There was some grumbling in the crowd, and Baldur paused to allow it to settle down. Loki glared out at them and mumbled something that included the word “ungrateful”.  Allistor took a step forward, moving the children so that they were behind him, and placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.   Down below, the front liners all produced weapons from their inventories, though they didn’t point them Loki’s direction.

Seeing this, Baldur gave Loki an admonishing look, which his brother ignored.

“The early Induction of Earth was a terrible failure on the part of myself and my people.  Odin and I wept together over the near extinction of the human race, but could not interfere without violating the restrictions of the System ourselves.  For that failure, my people and I apologize.”  He bowed his head, first to Allistor, then to the crowd below.  Motioning again toward his prisoner, he continued.

“After a series of suspected misdeeds against you, Allistor, and your people, I personally charged Loki, on pain of death, with ensuring that no harm came to you.  As you all now know, the recent attack that claimed the life of Lady Amanda and nearly the life of young William, and Allistor himself, constitutes a failure of that charge.  As a result, my brother’s mortal existence in this plane is forfeit.  We have come here to offer you, Allistor, the right to end it.”

The crowd once again erupted, this time in a mixture of cheers and angry shouts.  Baldur held up a hand asking for silence, and it took half a minute or so for the crowd to settle.  “There is a reason that Loki is known on this world, and most others, as a god of mischief and deceit.  And though he is surely guilty of crimes beyond counting, he may not be guilty of all the crimes for which he is suspected, or has been accused.  For that reason, I would ask that you forego your right of vengeance and allow Odin and myself sufficient time to fully investigate the extent of Loki’s guilt.  So that we may seek out those responsible for infractions that may otherwise be laid upon Loki’s head.” 

There were boos and more shouts accompanied by raised fists from the crowd.  Once again Baldur raised a hand, asking to be allowed to continue. 

“In return for showing such generosity of spirit, Odin will personally reward you. We have both been impressed with you, Allistor.  You have shown great determination, heart, and compassion while at the same time rising to a position of significant power in a surprisingly short time.  You are a credit to the human race, and a shining example of what your people might have become, had they been given time.  And while we cannot undo the damage that has been done, we can offer significant assistance.”

Baldur held up a hand, opening it to reveal a small glowing object that most closely resembled an acorn.  When Allistor tried to Examine it, all he got was question marks.

“This seed can assist you in your efforts to restore your race.  Plant it somewhere safe, and the tree that sprouts from it will bear a fruit that, when ingested by human females, will induce a genetic alteration.  Any female that consumes the fruit will be able to bear children after just a three month gestation period, rather than your normal nine months.  In addition, their offspring will grow to adulthood at a fifty percent faster rate than normal.  Upon reaching physical maturity, their bodies’ development will then revert to a rate closer to current human norms.”

There were gasps from the crowd even as Allistor’s own eyes widened and his mouth fell open slightly.  His mind raced to absorb the implications of this offering.  The human race could reproduce three times as quickly?   No, more than that.  Because the new generations would reach maturity in half the time, and would then be able to reproduce themselves.  The math temporarily boggled his mind.  He immediately had questions, like would the new generations also need to eat the fruit, or would they automatically reproduce at the faster rate?

His jumbled thoughts almost caused him to miss Baldur’s next words.

“In addition, Odin has purchased all remaining settlement rights for Earth.  Any land currently unclaimed by humans or off-world settlers will be awarded to you, to be disposed of as you see fit.” Baldur’s eyes unfocused for a moment, then refocused on Allistor.  “That is currently approximately thirty eight percent of the land area of Earth, and eighty percent of its oceans.”

Those numbers knocked Allistor ass over teakettle.   Odin and Baldur were offering him ownership of most of the planet.  As if to confirm this, Baldur added,  “This would be more than sufficient to make you Emperor of Earth.”

“Ridiculous!” Loki growled at his brother. 

Not taking his gaze from Allistor’s eyes, Baldur yanked on Loki’s chain, causing his brother to grunt in pain.  “This would also include the lands that Loki has already claimed for himself.  He won’t be needing them.”

“You go too far, Baldur!  These hairless apes do not deserve such a concession!  And what’s mine is not yours to give!”  Loki spat at Allistor, the slimy fluid falling short and landing on the stone at Allistor’s feet.

Allistor blinked twice, his amazement over Baldur’s offer giving way to fury.  He stepped toward the chained prisoner, drawing his sword.   Baldur, a look of regret and resignation on his face, took two steps back from Loki, dropping his end of the silvery chain.  At the same time, the entire front two rows of citizens raised their weapons.  Some carried rifles, projectile or plasma.  Others held bows with arrows knocked.  Some held swords or throwing daggers, axes and spears.

Allistor placed the tip of his homemade sword against Loki’s throat, resting it on the top of the collar.  “This hairless ape could claim your life, here and now!” He roared.  “I think that’s a fitting end for the great and powerful Loki!  I imagine your people, and the rest of the universe, will get a good laugh from that!  The so-called god of deception, caught red handed, chained and sliced into sushi by a lowly human!”   He pressed the sword forward slightly, causing Loki’s skin to dimple but not breaking it. 

“Vile insect!” Loki shouted back at him.  “You could not kill me with that puny stick if Baldur gave you a year and a day!” He jerked his head forward, causing the sword’s point to slide cleanly thru his neck and out the back, then leaned back until the blade slid free again.  The wound seemed to cause him no harm, or even discomfort.  “You are so weak and ignorant that you don’t even know what you don’t know!”

Despite himself, Allistor looked to Baldur, who looked distinctly upset. 

“Is he right?  Can I not kill him?  I thought you came here in good faith, to offer me his life.”

Baldur nodded.  “We did.  As usual, Loki aims to deceive.  Your sword touched no vital organs just now.  Our race is hardy, our weaknesses few.  And he is correct that under normal circumstances you would have little hope of killing him with that weapon, even were he to stand there and let you strike him all day.”

Allistor was growling and considering another strike, just to be sure, when Baldur added, “However, the restraints Loki now wears were designed to fundamentally alter his physical form, as well as prevent him from controlling the motes.  He is currently powerless, and as susceptible to injury as any mortal being.  He cannot heal himself, as you can see from the wound you just inflicted.”

Allistor looked closer and saw that, although there was no blood, there was indeed a three-inch wide open wound on Loki’s flesh. 

“Go ahead, insect!  Take your petty revenge!  I tire of this existence!  You, and you as well, Baldur, bore me!  I will leave this body and the restrictions of a physical form, and join our brothers and sisters on the next plane!”

Allistor didn’t like the sound of that.  Lowering his sword, he turned and spoke to Harmon.  “I’ve been thinking.  We don’t really need those eternity gates.  Do you think if I offered to return them to the Archons, they’d agree to use the orb to take Loki’s soul?”

Baldur’s sharp inhale from behind him let Allistor know he was onto something.  As Allistor turned around, Baldur addressed him.  “You go too far, Allistor.  You do not understand what you threaten.”

He was about to say more, but Allistor cut him off.  Stepping closer to Loki, he raised his sword again, this time pressing the tip against his forehead.  “What do you think, murderer?  Would you enjoy an eternity trapped in an orb with thousands of fomorian souls?”

Loki’s eyes went red, and two of his tentacles whipped upward, one striking Allistor’s face, the other his chest.  The force of the blows knocked him backward, reducing his health by half. 

Instantly, every citizen in the crowd received the same message.

Alert!  The Bastion is under attack!

Quest Received:  Defend the Bastion!

Loki the Deceiver has attacked Prince Allistor

within the boundaries of the Bastion. 

Defend your home and your Prince!

Reward: Variable experience.

 

As Allistor got to his feet, the crowd surged forward, advancing toward the steps leading up to where their enemies stood.  They hadn’t taken more than three steps before Baldur shouted, “ HOLD !”.  His voice carried such power that everyone within hearing, including those listening in at other strongholds, froze in place. 

Turning to Allistor, he asked in a grave but quiet tone.  “I ask you not to allow this, Allistor.  I greatly regret Loki’s assault on your person, and you would be doubly within your rights to end him now.  If that is what you choose, I will not stop you.  But understand, what you have threatened, the confining of Loki’s essence, would cause even myself to react badly.  I do not have time to explain to you here and now the myriad facets of the nature of existence as we understand it.  Nor would I if I could.  That is something your race will need to discover on your own as you evolve.”  He stared into Allistor’s eyes for a long moment.  “Ah, I see.  You planned this.  Very clever.  You manipulated Loki, and me as well.  If you kill him now, all of your people will share in the credit, earning significant advancement for each of them.  I am impressed and surprised, Allistor, which at my age is a rarity.”  Baldur bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement, a wide smile on his face.  “Still, I would prefer that Loki survive the day, as would my father.  Name your price.”   Baldur blinked, and the citizens below came to life again.

Allistor held up his hands, still holding his sword, and shouted at his people.  “Wait!  Hold your fire!  Don’t attack!”

There was a seemingly endless moment when he wasn’t sure his people would listen.  But they eventually stopped moving and lowered their weapons.  Despite being frozen, they’d heard Baldur’s words.

Looking first toward Daigath and Harmon, both of whom wore blank looks upon their faces that offered no help, Allistor turned back to Baldur and Loki.  This was his third scenario, the one he’d been hoping for.  The one for which he’d given his inner circle very specific instructions.

“My price is high, Baldur.  I want nothing more than to erase this filth from existence right now.  And I truly would gladly give up my new eternity gates to ensure he suffers inside that orb.”  His voice was half shout, half growl as he pointed his sword toward Loki again.

“But my own desires should take a back seat to the needs of my people.” He watched as Baldur let out a long exhale.  “So, in return for sparing Loki now, you will give us that seed, all the property rights here on Earth that you spoke of, and more.” He waited for Baldur to nod, indicating he should continue.  Surprisingly, the godlike being was smiling.

“You will also grant each of my citizens, excluding me, a portion of what they would have received had we completed this defense quest and killed Loki.”  Baldur’s eyes unfocused for a moment, and he nodded in agreement.

“That is possible.  The system will allow a peaceful resolution of this conflict to count as a successful defense, thus completing the quest.  I think you will find the rewards to be satisfactory.”

Allistor grinned, idly poking Loki in the chest with his sword, still not drawing blood.  “And lastly, I still get to kill him.   Not today, but when you and Odin have had time to question him, or suck his memories from his brain, or whatever you plan to do.  Let’s say… a week from now?”

Behind him, Harmon coughed and covered his mouth with a massive fist.  Allistor saw a glint of amusement in his eyes.  Daigath retained his poker face.

“Ha!  You continue to surprise, young man.” Baldur favored him with a warm and open smile.  “On behalf of Odin and myself, I agree to your terms.  Though I suggest you use the week you’ve just granted me to reconsider taking Loki’s life.  Speak with your advisors.  Such an action can have consequences that I doubt you’ve considered.”  He held out a hand, palm down, and Loki’s chain leapt from the ground into his grasp.  “Once again, my apologies for your loss.  It has been a pleasure to meet you in person, Allistor.”

Without waiting for a response, Baldur and Loki disappeared.  The very next instant, everyone in attendance except Harmon, Daigath, and the visiting dignitaries from Or’Dralon, Stardrifter and the others, leveled up.

Quest completed!  Defend the Bastion.

You have successfully defended the life of your Prince

and his property by repelling the invader!

Reward:  Experience commensurate with threat.

Reputation increase with Baldur, Odin,

and the Ancient Ones .

 

And not just one level.  The average citizen received enough experience to grant them twenty five levels.  Several of them dropped where they stood, the effect of gaining so many levels at once overwhelming them.  Allistor remembered how that felt from when Helen had done the same to him. The lower level crafters and children received as many as thirty levels, while the higher level raiders earned twenty or less in some cases.

The people began to cheer and congratulate each other, but almost immediately there was an ebb in the celebration as people looked up at Allistor.   He quickly realized they were feeling guilty about being happy at Amanda’s memorial service.

“Go on!  Celebrate!  Amanda would be happy for you!  Let’s all eat and enjoy our good fortune.” 

He smiled and waved toward the long lines of food tables set up under the shade trees farther back in the park.  But his people didn’t immediately disperse.  A quiet chant began somewhere near the front of the crowd, the voice sounding suspiciously like Sam’s.  It quickly grew louder as it spread, until all of them were shouting.  “Allistor!  Allistor!  Allistor!”

As the people faded away to partake of what had now become a celebration feast, Allistor’s guests approached along with Daigath and Harmon.  Allistor sent William and the girls down to Meg, who was waving for them to join her and Sam. 

“That was… impressive.” Commander Enalion gave a stiff but deep bow from the waist.  “I doubt I would have had the presence of mind, or the restraint, to do as you did.”

“That is a great compliment coming from you, Commander.  Thank you.” Allistor inclined his head slightly, as L’olwyn had taught him.

“I am truly sorry about the loss of Lady Amanda.” Melise’s expression matched her words.  “I enjoyed the time I spent with her.  She was kind and lovely, and it is obvious from your words today that you loved her.”

Allistor found he couldn’t speak, instead giving her a sad smile and nod. 

Cogwalker was much less circumspect.  “Holy shit!  Ye scammed the damn gods, Allistor!” his eyes were wide and his grin stretched from ear to ear.  “I’ll be tellin’ this tale to me great grandchildren’s grandchildren!”

Allistor chuckled, finding great relief in the dwarf’s irreverent enthusiasm.  “I hope they’re buying the drinks while you tell it, Master Cogwalker.” 

The dwarf roared with laughter, gathering up his clansmen and heading down toward the celebration.  Allistor exchanged pleasantries and accepted both condolences and congratulations from the rest of the visiting dignitaries, inviting them all to join in the feast below. 

Eventually it was just Allistor, Daigath, and Harmon.  All three took seats on the top step, and Allistor took in a deep breath, held it for a moment, then let it out in a long exhale.  “Well, what do you think?”

Harmon chuckled.  “Baldur was right.  That was impressive, Allistor.  Even knowing what you planned, I was surprised at how you pulled that off.  And more than a little scared, at times.”

Daigath shook his head.  “You played a very dangerous game, Allistor.  Any other being of Baldur’s age and power would have simply erased you for your impertinence.  You must learn some respect, or you will lead your people to ruin.”   The ancient elf got to his feet and departed before Allistor could respond.

Harmon placed a giant hand on Allistor’s shoulder.  “He’s fond of you.  You worried him quite a bit today.  And he’s right, the odds of you living through that encounter after responding the way you did…”  The orcanin shook his head. 

“I was counting on Baldur being everything our legends said he was.  If he’s truly the epitome of justice and mercy, then he couldn’t, or I guess shouldn’t , have reacted otherwise.  I knew it was a risk, but the potential reward seemed worth it.  And really, everybody gets what they want.”

“Except Loki.” Harmon grinned at him.  “Now, let’s go get some of Lady Meg’s cooking before all the food is gone.  Those damned dwarves eat like they’re full-sized orcanin!”

“I’ll join in you a minute.” Allistor waved him toward the food.  I’ve got some notifications to get through.

“Ha!  I imagine you do.” Harmon set off down the stairs, roaring, “Lady Meg!  Save me some of that delicious meat loaf!”

Smiling to himself, Allistor took a minute to watch his people.  They were all mingled together, humans and non-humans.  Most of them were still high from the ecstasy of earning so many levels at once.  They were smiling and laughing, some even dancing.  He thought this was a much better tribute to Amanda than the solemn wake that it might have been.

Closing his eyes, he willed his UI to display the notifications he’d waved aside earlier.  His entire display filled with them.

The first was the same quest completion notification that everyone else had received.  Except that his reward did not include any experience.  He did get significant reputation increases with Baldur and Odin, and the seed that would help his people to repopulate was listed as loot.

Next came a long list of faction reputation gains and losses.  Unsurprisingly, there were a large number that disapproved of at least one of his actions that afternoon.  Though after a quick scroll through, he was pretty sure that the gains outnumbered the losses.  He’d ask Selby and the others to go through them later and alert him if there were any serious issues either way.

The content of the next notification was expected, but the form of it was a surprise.  The moment he opened it up, he braced himself.

 

Congratulations!  

You have completed the hidden quest: Retribution!

For exhibiting both guile and sound judgement in reaching

a mutually beneficial agreement with Baldur and Odin,

you have been awarded ownership of all remaining property

rights of UPC 382. These property rights, combined with your

existing holdings, grant you the Noble Title of Planetary Emperor!

Reward:  Noble Title – Emperor of UPC 382; 

Experience awarded:  2,100,000,000

 

The moment he finished reading that particular notification, another flashed across the screen.  One that all his people received as well.  There was a resounding cheer of approval from the crowd below, and the party got even louder.

World First :  Planetary Emperor!

Planetary Prince Allistor of Invictus has secured sufficient holdings

to earn the Noble Title of Planetary Emperor!

May he rule long and wisely!

 

Immediately Allistor felt the rush of gaining several levels.  Though he’d not earned any experience directly from the defense quest, the experience from another world first achievement and becoming Emperor was significant.  He quickly scrolled through the accompanying level notifications.

 

Level up!  You are now Level 56 !  You have received two Attribute Points .

Level up!  You are now Level 57…

Level up!  You are now Level 58…

Level up!  You are now Level 65 !  You have received two Attribute Points .

 

In total the achievement and title had granted him an additional ten levels.  At least now he didn’t have to worry about any of his raiders out-leveling him for a while. He took a quick look at his status sheet.

 

  Allistor decided to leave his stat point assignments for later, when he was alone and could focus.  He also wanted to ask Daigath about more Battlemage spells.  For now, his people were calling for him to join their celebration.  He gave a brief smile and a wave, reflecting on how much Amanda would have enjoyed this party as he walked down the stairs.