alwaysrollsaone
patreon
A Soldier's Life - 318 - You're Going To Need A Bigger Boat (final edit 9/17/25)
🕑 Added 2024-12-24 04:59:27 +0000 UTCChapter 318: You’re Going To Need A Bigger Boat Glasha was confused, but I didn’t care. I was tired and wanted this over with. “What happens
Chapter 318: You’re Going To Need A Bigger Boat
Glasha was confused, but I didn’t care. I was tired and wanted this over with. “What happens now?” I asked impatiently. Glasha brought her attention back to me as Tarnasha joined us.
“The Elders will confirm the demons’ horns are fresh from the dungeon and that Mynasha completed the Trial honorably,” Tarnasha said. “Are the others coming?”
“I don’t think they will be exiting the dungeon,” Glasha answered for me. I just gave a short nod to confirm. Tarnasha’s jaw fell open but no words came out.
“Will I be questioned? Can I depart? When will Mynasha free the goliaths?” I asked a little impatiently.
Tarnasha found his voice, a tusky smile forming. “It is unlikely that you will be called before the Elders to answer questions. You can go wait in the longhouse. I suspect the Elders are trying to find some way not to confirm Mynasha as the next Supreme. We need to make sure that does not happen.”
I shook my head. I didn’t care for Caliphate politics. Would Mynasha be a good ruler or just a figurehead? She was better than the other candidates and probably better for the people, but probably not for the warlords, even though she was a war cleric. I didn’t care. I just needed her to hold up her end of our agreement and free Zorana and Myra.
Under the scrutinizing eyes of the warlords, I walked back to the longhouse. My armor was ruined, soaked in foul demon blood and other fluids. The demon blood had not only stained the leather, but also caused it to rot. It was destined for the fire.
The longhouse was quieter, but the slaves and orc attendants were still present. I was about to go to Ginger when Maveith stood, suddenly towering over the others in the chamber. His expectant face begged for the answer to his unspoken question. “Mynasha is the new Supreme,” I informed him.
Maveith crossed the room and slammed into me, embracing me. My vertebrae popped as he squeezed. I was expecting the hug, but not that it would be so long. “Maveith, I need a bath,” I said breathlessly.
“Can I go to Zorana?” he asked, finally releasing me. Eagerness lined the big man’s face.
I smiled reassuringly but tempered his enthusiasm. “Wait until the clerics come back. We delivered on our end, so the clerics will have to deliver.” The other goliath was standing behind Maveith, but we were speaking in Elvish. Maveith was deflated but nodded in understanding.
I scanned the room. The old woman’s mouth was agape in shock. “A hot bath for me,” I ordered. She narrowed her eyes at me. Since she had poisoned me before, I gloated a little hotly, “Mynasha completed the third Trial first. She is the new Supreme.” I didn’t know if that was true yet, but I sounded confident.
The old woman looked shocked, but eventually, the buckets started to flow. I took the opportunity to remove all my armor and clothes to inspect myself. I had an angry, red rash on my skin that was resistant to my healing spell form. It was also hot to the touch. I was certain it was from the hellhound blood, but it only bothered me when I fixated on it.
Another irritating thing was that the injuries from Rhuuk’s blade to my thigh and arm had healed, but there were fine white scars where the skin had closed. My healing spell form told me the area was completely healed, and that there was no scar to heal.
I wrapped myself in a blanket and went to greet an impatient Ginger while I waited for my bath. She shied away from me. “Come on, girl, I have smelled worse.” She didn’t seem to agree. Some animals just knew something was terrible when they smelled it. I recalled the myths of Earth, where demons were considered evil and unnatural. To me, they just seemed like any other monstrosity among the many I had encountered, with the exception of ogres—they could kill with their stench.
The young human with freckles approached me with a bucket. “Do you wish to be scrubbed down before you enter the bath?” she asked subserviently, her head lowered.
“Nolona?” I asked, recalling her name.
“How do you …” she trailed off, confused.
“The old woman told me. Do you want to be free?” I asked. She had straightened her auburn hair and was mostly clean now. Her pale skin now highlighted her freckles. Not pretty, but attractive.
She bowed her head. “You honor me for remembering my name. I … I … I …” She didn’t know how to answer my question, maybe thinking it was a trap.
“Were you taken from across the sea as well?” I questioned, taking the bucket from her. I didn’t need someone to scrub me down.
She did not make eye contact. “I believe so. I am not educated. Orc sailors boarded our ship and I was taken with my sister. She did not survive …” She trailed off sorrowfully.
“I will see what I can do for you with the new Supreme,” I offered. She looked up at my statement, trying to hide her hope.
“You can continue your duties. I can wash myself,” I dismissed her.
As she left, I realized I was probably being petty. Freeing the young woman was the right thing to do, but I only wanted to free her and not the old woman because she had attempted to poison Mynasha with the bathwater. As I cleaned myself, I noticed my hair had clumps of things I did not care to identify. I scrubbed my skin raw with the brush and wiped myself with a cloth, removing the worst of the filth before moving to the heated bath.
The water had a floral scent to it, and before stepping in, I wondered if the old woman had poisoned it again. It would be an audacious move by the old slave. The water was much hotter than last time. Maybe it was pettiness, but I enjoyed the heat. I focused on my body, looking for changes as it settled. The heat was the only thing penetrating my body; there were no signs of toxins or poison. I sighed and closed my eyes, fighting off sleep.
Humans and orcs alike interrupted me with offers of food and assistance in washing. I declined them all, just wanting to wallow in the hot water being circulated through the fire by pipes. I dried myself twice, making them scrub the tub and fill it again. Now, the water remained clear as I pruned. Maveith was pacing and talking to the other goliath in their native tongue.
It was hours before Glasha and Tarnasha entered the longhouse with triumphant energy. “Things went well, I take it,” I yelled as they looked for me in longhouse. Maveith was already moving to intercept them. They moved to stand over the tub with tusky smiles.
Glasha yelled like a child. “She was confirmed! The coronation will be with the rising sun tomorrow.”
“That is great,” I said, truly happy and slapping the water. “And the goliaths?”
Tarnasha spoke. “With Rhuuk dead, they will be freed and set into your care. Mynasha has promised that. There is just one thing …”
I cocked my eyebrow, expecting some sort of betrayal. “You are not allowed to attend the coronation,” Glasha finished for him.
This was not a big deal, but their expressions suggested that they thought I would be upset. I acted like I was, asking hotly, “Why?”
Glasha went from jubilant to angry, mirroring me. “The Elders are upset that a human boy succeeded in helping Mynasha. They are trying to needle the new Supreme with obscure laws.”
Slightly more cynically, I questioned their motives. “Do you think they are trying to keep me away from the coronation so they can move against Mynasha?”
“No,” Tarnasha said tersely. “That breach would cause a civil war. They will try to remove her in other, more subtle ways after she has had time to acclimate. But acting so quickly would tarnish their honor.”
“Mynasha has asked me to extend an offer to you.” I looked expectantly at Glasha. “She wishes to elevate you to a warlord of the Boutan Caliphate. She will bestow Warlord Rhuuk’s city upon you to rule.” The thought of power over so many others might be appealing to others, but I didn’t welcome it. I slowly shook my head no. “She was certain you would say no. Ask anything else of her, and she will see it fulfilled for all that you have done.”
I indicated the young human woman. “Free all the goliaths in the Caliphate. Free the woman,” I indicated Nolona. “Hell, free all the slaves! I will take any others that can get here before I sail.”
The two orcs looked a little stunned at my request. “Her time as Supreme would be short if she fulfilled such a request. There are more than a thousand goliaths, perhaps as many as two thousand in all of the Caliphate. Would you settle for all the goliaths in the city? She could pass this off as a reward for your assistance and homage owed by the warlords to her authority—freeing the goliaths and the woman,” Tarnasha said judiciously, indicating Nolona.
I thought on it for a moment before nodding, more so because of the logistics involved in getting thousands of goliaths halfway around the world. Just feeding them would be a nightmare. “How many, and when can I leave?” Maveith was closing in on me in the tub. “Maveith, now is not the time for another hug,” I warned him.
“You may leave now to return to your companions. Your request will be fulfilled as soon as she is ordained. New Supremes often present numerous edicts when first coronated,” Glasha said, her voice tinged with a hint of relief that I didn’t press my request to end slavery in the Caliphate. A quick exchange between the two orcs resulted in an estimation that perhaps fifty goliaths resided in the city. My head throbbed at the thought—fifty Maveiths?
“When can I see Zorana?” Maveith’s voice rumbled earnestly.
The two orcs looked at each other before Glasha spoke with a slight smile. “With Rhuuk dead, I can arrange it now.” She nodded to me and left the longhouse.
I dressed in simple clothes, amused that the slaves had tried to clean my armor and clothes. Demon blood just never comes out. I told them to burn the soiled items while we waited for Glasha to return. Maveith couldn’t sit still or be calmed. He paced and left the longhouse multiple times to check the path.
It was early morning, the sun not far from rising, when the door opened. Maveith stood abruptly. Four goliaths scuffed their feet on the floor as they ducked to enter. There was a lot of confusion on their faces as they looked around the longhouse, all eyes turning to them. Glasha was right behind them, a stern expression on her face as she winked at me.
“Zorana!” Maveith finally bellowed, causing all the attention to focus on him. I recognized Zorana, and recognition slowly formed on the goliath’s face. Tears were pouring down Maveith’s cheeks. No one had moved. Did he think his sister was angry with him? Rejecting him?
Maveith took a tentative step toward the group. “Maveith?” Zorana said in a hoarse whisper. She separated from the others but did not rush toward her brother. If this was not a happy reunion, I was going to turn in my Fortuna-favored card.
Maveith approached, standing in front of Zorana, just a few feet apart. I held my breath. Then Zorana lunged at him, wrapping him in a hug, and started bawling. Her voice was hard to understand as she spoke Orcish, but it sounded like: “I didn’t believe them. You came for me.” Watching, I may have shed a tear or two myself.
As the goliath reunion proceeded, Glasha approached. “The new Supreme is busy and will not be returning here—perhaps if you can wait a few days, she could find the time to meet with you.” I shrugged, guessing that she no longer needed her lowly human.
“We are all going to head back to the Adventurers Hall in the city then,” I said. “Can I take the woman?” I indicated Nolona.
Tarnasha tried to dissuade me. “There will be parties celebrating the new Supreme’s honor. You cannot show yourself at the coronation, but you would be honored by many of the warlords at those gatherings who wish to curry favor with Mynasha.”
“I have all the friends and allies I need,” I said dismissively. I hoped I would never have to return to the Caliphate.
I saddled Ginger and headed back to the city with my goliath entourage and Nolona. We arrived at the Adventurers Hall in the afternoon. I found my companions playing cards around one of the tables. A young Gilda was sitting in the corner of the room on watch. Benito jumped up on his chair, pointing at me. “Told you! He even looks like he just bathed!” Well, he had me there. He turned on Konstantin. “You owe me a gold!”
Then Benito’s jaw fell as the stream of goliaths entered after me. The common room went silent at the unusual sight. It was Mateo who broke the awkwardness. “Maveith! Are you going to introduce me to your sister?”
Maveith’s bright smile was showing. “I already warned her about you, Mateo! She is not your type,” he added a little more strongly in warning.
Mateo briefly looked hurt before he beamed with Benito, while Raelia looked relieved to see me. We had been gone a few days—it was no big deal and Baldo was safe and mostly uninjured. I moved to sit with them, Blaze clapping me on the back. Maveith led his shell-shocked group of goliaths to the desk, getting them rooms.
“What does he owe you a gold for?” I asked Benito. Konstantin handed his mug to me.
“I bet you would fail and come crawling back to us,” Konstantin said half-seriously.
Benito corrected him, thinking about the exact wording Konstantin had used. “No, you said he was going to get himself killed messing in orc politics.” Benito was too loud, and the orc adventurers in the hall turned to him. He shut up and sat down.
Konstantin winked at me, and I liked to think the bet was more to distract Benito and less about my prospects. A gold coin flipped through the air and clattered on the table before Benito. He took it and pocketed it in a flash with a satisfied grin. Konstantin said gruffly, “There were rumors aplenty of what was going on. None of them good.” Okay, maybe Konstantin did have his doubts about my prospects. After seeing the lengths the Elders had gone to rig the trials, I couldn’t blame him.
There was no time to harp on it, as Maveith’s large frame was standing over me. “Eryk, they need to be registered as adventurers to get rooms.”
Maveith had the coin and badges for the rooms, but I had to argue with the clerk for twenty minutes to convince him the goliaths had been freed. It was a frustrating affair, and I had to leave my guild token with him in case I was proven wrong. The goliaths took food and drink up to their rooms to rest, as most of them were still stunned at the whirlwind of events. I told Nolona to go with them to keep her away from Mateo.
I sighed, taking a long sip of ale, and sat back with the others. It was slightly bitter but not bad. I nodded conspiratorially. “Did you get a ship, Konstantin?” He nodded. “Can it hold fifty goliaths?” I said seriously. Blaze’s eyes widened in worry.
Konstantin’s face soured, his whisper harsh as he guessed my intentions. “We cannot free and escape with fifty! Be happy with those you have.”
I waved my hand, unconcerned. “No need,” I said, finally breaking into a grin. “I freed them all. As long as I am not betrayed, they will be released to me soon.” The table was awash with disbelief.
Konstantin seemed to be the only one thinking ahead as he wrestled with the news. He hadn’t shown any shock, which irritated me. “Fifty? I think we can manage that. We would need to charter a ship instead, but it is going to cost a fair amount of gold.” It looked like I was footing the bill; maybe I would have to part with an artifact.
I looked over my companions. “I want Benito, Blaze, and Mateo to return to Gramney.” They looked ready to object, but Konstantin supported my decision.
“Castile needs to be informed and needs protection herself. There are traders headed south all the time. Since I am going with Maveith and Eryk, it makes sense for you three to return,” Konstantin said conversationally.
“You’re what?” I said, stunned. I locked eyes with Konstantin.
His eyes danced in pleasure at my surprise. “I always wanted to see the other continent.” He let a half-smile slip and winked. “Besides, Emperor Octavius is hunting me. Best to get some distance.”
My stunned look made him indicate Gilda. “She killed a pair of Hounds in the city two days ago. I am pretty sure they were here to get some revenge for Centurion Sergius. They were not the first sent after me in the last month, either. We should take this to a more private setting.” I scanned the crowd. The other adventurers were taking some interest in our table conversation.
We moved to a large, private suite in the Adventurers Hall that I paid for at the counter. It came with a clean, plush bed that I was looking forward to utilizing. My companions pressed me for details of the Choosing and my role in it.
I told a very bland tale of how I helped Mynasha become the next Supreme of the Caliphate. They scoffed in disbelief at the pixie hunt. They laughed with me when I said we confronted three storm giants, thinking I was exaggerating. They outright called me a liar when I described the demon dungeon, so I gave each of them one quickness essence to consume as proof. A lesser man might have released one of the quasits to prove his truth. Even though I was well lubed with alcohol, I was smart enough not to.
I felt that telling my companions my final revelation was necessary as well. Maybe it was because I had been drinking too much with them. They had shown me loyalty and risked their lives. “Also, I should tell you: I am an otherworlder.”
Konstantin, Raelia, and Gilda did not look surprised. Benito’s face twisted into confusion. Blaze seemed contemplative. Mateo was the one who spoke first. “Are you one of the First Legion. From the other world? A spy?” His words were slurred and his mind was not functioning. It was probably not a great idea to tell Benito and Mateo this secret. But I wanted them to know in case I never saw them again.
“Something like that. But I think you know I am not a spy. I was just a normal man with a shitty job and little purpose in life,” I replied as I used my purify self to eliminate all the alcohol in my system and sober up.
We explained to Benito what an otherworlder was, but I was not sure he understood in his drunken state. It was very late when everyone headed to their rooms. Raelia lingered behind, and I thought I knew why. “You want me to release Baldo? The Titans slightly injured him, but we can heal him.”
Worry was suddenly etched on her face. “What?!”
“He is fine!” I reassured her. “He was just slapped into the floor by powerful magic. If he needs healing, we can get it for him.” I had to go into more detail about the encounter before she calmed down about her griffin. She was obviously more concerned about Baldo than me.
I started to escort her out because I wanted to get a few hours of sleep before the action started tomorrow, but she resisted, slapping away my hand guiding her. “No! Wait.” She suddenly looked uncertain, but gained her courage back. “I wanted to let you know I changed my mind.”
“You don’t want to be a Griffin Rider again?” I asked, confused about what she was talking about.
“No,” she said angrily, stepping into me and looking up at me like I was an idiot. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing to make her mad. “I changed my mind about coming with you,” she said heatedly.
I relaxed. She just wanted permission to come with us. “Oh, I am sure Maveith won’t mind you joining us,” I said, addressing her fear.
“No.” She pushed me backward, forcing me to sit on the bed. Standing over me, she seemed angry. “I am going for you! Not Maveith.” I didn’t understand until she pushed me onto my back and climbed on top of me locking her lips to mine…
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
A loud knock on the door woke us. I stretched away from the sleepy elf, seeing that the sun was barely rising through the window. Konstantin’s voice barked over the knocking, “Your goliaths are here, Eryk. You and Raelia should dress.” I wasn’t surprised that he was aware Raelia was in bed with me. “The clerics dropped off a chest for you too.” A thud could be heard in the hallway as Konstantin dropped and I heard his boots walking away.
Raelia’s naked body untangled from mine when she cracked her eyes open to stare at me. I didn’t know who had a bigger morning-after grin, me or her. It was probably the wrong time to offer her some mouthwash. As she dressed, I dragged the chest inside the room and opened it.
I was a bit shocked by what it contained. Raelia gasped as inside were finger-sized gold trader bars and three shields. There was a note from Glasha on top.
You found these Titan artifacts, so I thought it fitting they remained with you. The runes are damaged and warped but perhaps you can find a master artificer to repair them. There should be enough gold here to get all the goliaths home. -Glasha
Raelia looked into the chest, not surprised by what she saw. “Should have been more gold,” she scoffed. I moved the entire chest into my space.
“Are you sure you still want to come with us?” I asked after we finished dressing. She looked different to me this morning, more feminine, more beautiful, and happier. She had always struck me as focused, secretive, and defensive before. Now she couldn’t stop grinning.
She gave me a cross look, and I guessed I had said the wrong thing. “Because if you decided not to come, I might decide to stay instead,” I said, course-correcting. She reached up and patted my cheek, gave me a quick kiss, and left the room. She had some sway to her hips as she left, successfully drawing my attention to them. I sighed, not regretting last night, but worrying about where this might lead us. I followed her out of the room to the street.
The street was crowded with dozens of uncertain goliaths of various skin tones and sizes. Blaze was walking among them, trying to find someone who spoke Telhian. Mateo and Benito were discussing something privately and kept glancing at me, then at Raelia. It was challenging to keep secrets in a small group. But where was Maveith?
“That is a lot of goliaths,” Gilda said in a detached observation. I hadn’t even noticed the shape changer move to stand next to me.
Konstantin walked out of the confusion of bodies, holding two large, covered cages. “Seventy-seven goliaths, one human, and four pixies,” he reported, handing me the cages with an unreadable expression. “You’re going to need a bigger boat.”
© Copyrighted 2024, 2025 by AlwaysRollsAOne
No permission is granted to translate, copy, or repost this original work of fiction. If you are reading this on a site other than my Patreon, it has been stolen without my permission and violates the DMCA. Remember, this work is the result of my creative effort and is protected by copyright law. Removing or altering this notification acknowledges that you are aware that you are violating the DMCA. No permission is granted for my original work to be used to train AI.
Comments
Kingtie
Loving the additional info/ edits thank you
Brianna Stormcloud
Thanks for the chapters, and book 5! I was and was not surprised about Raelia and Eryk, there has been an underlying attraction all along, with many misunderstandings and differing priorities. After Raelia made the decision to come along this time, I knew that there would be an evolution in their interactions soon. Was a bit surprised by her sudden forwardness, but Eryk can be a bit daft sometimes... Yay! They freed Zorana, and a few others, not sure what he's to do with the pixies, hopefully he gets to free them in the woods. Why do I feel like Eryk is purposely kept from interacting with Mynasha again, I've noticed all along the the Clerics like to keep him away
Rasmus
I had said the wrong thing. “Because if you decided not to come, I might decide to stay to stay instead A to stay to much
Javen
they really made him carry one of their own into a position of ultimate power in a major kingdom and all they had to give him in exchange was a couple slaves.
HappyNoms
A strong finishing chapter. Eryk's party members went somewhat underutilized in he overall arc, but having the four injured pixies rescued at the end was a genuine touch of class, and his party being there makes Eryk's exploits and accomplishments known, which is an important role for the party to serve. On balance, a lot of good writing instincts. I personally found the setback at the titans refreshing, and suitably remediated by the numerous essences gathered in the demonic dungeon. Thanks for the arc.
Erick Thiemke
you should move your comments here. https://www.patreon.com/posts/128468612
Kevin
End of chapter notes. Enjoyed my first read through. More Flora and Ecosystem descriptions. Eryk has more hound training and will be able to tell us more about what he sees. Moving across so much space means the biome changes. Did Renna die? She isn't mentioned after Desdemona. You could put her in his thoughts.(Just read the Epilogue. Wow.) Khrusos' scene could be more cryptic and less informative. Leave some mystery, some connections to be made later with other places or artifacts. I did like Eryk's note about Earth Mythology implying someone must have been sent there. I've waited a while for those Fire Bear Pelts. I wanted Zyna to have one but sadly she's dead, My Ship for Eryk too! Please make sure Zorana gets one. I understand If Mynasha keeps hers but Eryk has his Manticore Cloak, finer make I would wager as well. (More contention between Maevith and the Orcs.)
Erick Thiemke
you should leve your comments on the chapters. I am starting the heavy edit of book 5 next week. This is the first draft, but the Raeia relationship is staying but I agree Maveith needs to be more involved in saving his sister, there is a number of changes planned in the rewrite but only so much wiggle room because so much has been added
Maxcrazy7
I am here after listening to book 4 I couldn't wait until December for book 5. Only to be let down. Here I thought that Maveith and Eryk would go into a adventure to save his sister. Instead Eryk practically solo the whole thing and everyone else were practically useless. Adding insult to injury Raelia ended up with Eryk. Tell me author why would Raelia want Eryk? Did you forget about who killed her griffin? Eryk hid this from her and let her freternized with her griffin killer which is an asshole move. You totally humiliated her character doing so. I mean seriously why? She's in this situation because of Eryk.
Andrew G.
Really enjoyed the novel! Can’t wait to continue the journey.
Andrew G.
It boggles my mind you spend $25 to then whine like an entitled child. Shameless
Ben
Eryk the doormat strikes again! Loses all his precious belongings and instead of asking for any sort of compensation from the new supreme just asks to free all the goliaths for his friend.
brig head the hug
I found the whole orc sharman plot very frustrating to the point I considered dropping the series due to eryk just taking so many slights with any retaliation despite eryk carrying the whole team and eryk being shown to not be so passive. I am not part of the murder everyone that looks at eryk funny camp but I believe either toning down the disrespect from the orcs or adding small concessions or repercussions would make the arc much more enjoyable
Andrew Crews
She gave me a cross look, and I guessed I had said the wrong thing. ‘Because if you decided not to come, I might decide to stay [instead],’ I said, correcting course.” “Scanning the disarray of gray-skinned bodies, it didn’t take long to find two goliaths embracing and sobbing in each other’s arms. Yep, that big one was mine. Why was I crying, too? I wiped a tear away [from] my cheek and got control of my emotions—after a minute.”
Andrew Crews
Glasha was confused, but I didn’t care. I was tired and wanted this over with. ‘What happens now?’ Glasha brought her attention back to me as Tarnasha joined us.” [paragraph reworded] I didn’t understand until she pushed me onto my back and climbed on top of me…” [paragraph reworded] It is unlikely you will be called before the Elders to answer. You can [go] wait in the longhouse.” “Under the questioning eyes of the warlords, I walked back to the longhouse. My armor was ruined, soaked in foul demon blood and fluids, [and] it was destined for the fire.” “She had straightened her auburn [hair] and was mostly clean now.” “The tub had a floral scent to it, and before stepping in, I wondered if she had poisoned it again. It would be an audacious move by the old slave. The water was much hotter than last time. Maybe it was pettiness by the old woman, but I enjoyed the heat. I tracked my body for changes as [I] settled. The heat was the only thing penetrating my body with no signs of toxins or poison.” “Slightly more cynical, I questioned, ‘Do you think they are trying to keep me away from the coronation so they can move against Mynasha?’” “Tarnasha spoke, ‘They will be freed and set into your care. Mynasha has promised that. There is just one thing…’” [punctuation correction] “A quick exchange between the two estimated that perhaps fifty goliaths resided in the city. My head throbbed at the thought—fifty Maveiths?” “Benito was too loud, and the orc adventurers in the hall turned [to] him.” “I waved my hand [dismissively]. ‘No need,’ I said, finally breaking into a grin. ‘I freed them all, Zorana among them. As long as I am not betrayed, they will be released to me soon.’” “Konstantin’s face soured, his whisper [was] harsh, ‘We cannot free and escape with fifty!’” “He turned on Konstantin, ‘You owe me a gold!’” [punctuation correction]
Erick Thiemke
prologue of book 6 i think. she is more prominent in book 7 (at least that si the plan)
Mina She
I know I am a little bit late to the party. What happened to Renna? The whole thing was just skipped. And then the whole from zero to hero thing is a bit jarring. We live in Eryk’s head and he pretty much didn’t seem to like Raella that much. Not much reaction when she talked about going back and then possibly marrying someone else. Maybe it’s not going to be a long term thing but if it is a few more scenes building things up would make things more believable. Raella is willing to throw her whole life away, and there wasn’t even one moment between them of a romantic nature. I also agree with the other guys, this whole arc was about rescuing Zorana. There wasn’t enough build up with Raella to make it a good enough payoff. It’s like you spend hours watching someone making Icecream and at the end of the day they give you chocolate. It’s nice I guess.
Erick Thiemke
Hollow is the word you are looking for. I hear you all. I start editing book 4 next week and when I get to book 5 I will try to improve it. Zorana was a side character and I thought about bringing her in to a prominent role but instead chose Raelia
Bryan
It feels a little disjointed (maybe not the right word) that this whole book was about saving Zorana, and achieving that goal just sort of gets glossed over. There’s no introduction of her to the party that saved her, and no POV from her or Maveith to express that payoff after a decade of thinking each other dead.
John Donovan
There are always a few exceptions but overall most of the better novels don't complicate the story by dipping into another genre. Most people are here for fantasy/litrpg not rom/com.
MavTech
I’m very happy to see book 5 wrap and six start up. I am certain your story will continue to entertain and I hope others discover your stories. This has been such a pleasure to read. Eryk’s journey has only just begun in many ways. I hope you enjoy writing it for years to come. Merry Christmas!
Salvo
I can see it, first it was anger and fear. Eryk was an enemy, but as soon as she saw him cut off a monsters head with his space, she had to admit he was merciful to her. Then, she started to work together, trying to impress Eryk. He heard how her dream of being a griffon rider was destroyed, and gave her dream back with apex essences as well. Judge that to her family tossing her to be used as a broodmare to ‘restore connections’. Fate brings them back together. She drops her families wants just to be useful to Eryk and Maveith. And Eryk is fighting werewolfs to save a farm girl? Trolls too? Over a friend’s hope her sister lives? She talked to him about her future her family planned and probably saw his sadness; maybe of her behalf but it was all she needed. He’s too selfless, and the only way to change that is kinda how they get together.
pharoph
I disagree, respectfully. Her blushing randomly doesn't count in my honest opinion. At no point did i get the feeling that raelia was the type of person who was bold enough to just hop into the lap of a guy she has a crush on and immediately start having sex. She seemed too damn shy to even properly ask a dude out if you ask me. which is why I implied it'd seem more natural if she was frustrated before she did it. It'd give her more of a reason to act out of character. But again this is just my opinion, maybe you have a better memory than me and can explain to me some character traits or actions she's shown up to this point that would explain why this would be normal for her because I just can't see it personally🤔
BubblyGhost
Not ather resistance, spacial artifact. Can't put a pocket dimension in a pocket dimension
BubblyGhost
Spoken like a true plebian. A magical world of wonder requires exploring for a thousand years!
BubblyGhost
Jackal Among Vipers did it well. I don't want to generalize but most books that do romance poorly are poor books in general; not talking about one's where it's the main focus and the opposite end of the spectrum where they aren't included at all.
BubblyGhost
Haha, taking a page out of Singer, Sailor, Merchant, Mage's book lol
Jordan A
“When I started to escort out because I wanted to get a few hours of sleep before the action started tomorrow,” To escort ‘her’ out because
Salvo
Edit: “I might decide to stay to stay instead,”. Knock out one ‘to stay’
Ichigo Kurosaki
There’s been plenty of hints that she liked him and he clearly picked them up, he just wasn’t focusing on her.
Erick Thiemke
Hah book 1,2 and 3 are available on Amazon as a paperback and hardcover
M4AD
Ur amazing, truly if u ever release the books in physical form im buying them all
Lazarius
The spoiler is too big 😱
Ichigo Kurosaki
Me. I don’t wanna outlive everyone
Just a dude
Can't wait to see what happens when the pixie and trickster demons team up.
Psyren1596
💪🏾 nice!
pharoph
Ima be honest here. The raelia + Eryk sex really caught me off gaurd. The way it happened just seems 'off' to me. If anything I wouldve expected Eryrk to have stumbled his way into 'bagging' raelia because of how sheltered raelia seems to be and how clueless Eryrk seems sometimes(socially speaking). Like for example; maybe she leaves some hints that Eryrk is too clueless to pick up so then she gets frustrated and just puts her feelings out there because he's not catching on but that's me arguing semantics, thanks for the chapter! 🫡😁
Erick Thiemke
generally correct, yes
Alias
Great book 5. Did I interpret a previous comment to indicate 5 more books of “Solider” and then A plan to move to “Mage” books with Eryk?
Caledon Smith
Thanks for book 5. Can’t wait to listen to it!
Seth Feist
Hearing"Hay, listen" gets old quickly. I imagine Eric would positively punt the fairies out of his sight the first time he heard it especially he ever played any Zelda games.
Alias
I think that the either the cleric had a spell form or an artifact that briefly VASTLY increased Aether resistance. However, whatever secret it was…it was lost when the Demons ate the cleric.
Jordan A
I think Raelia’s role in the story changed at some point. I like it myself as it’ll be interesting to see her character grow and the relationship between the two progress. Also, there could be some fun drama between Eryk and her family. I personally think a story is missing something if it doesn’t include relationships.
John Donovan
Who is gonna be our Quint?
Jordan A
While a funny idea, I’m hoping Eryk releases them quickly as it sounds like pixies aren’t a part of society at large and would most likely only cause complications.
Jordan A
It would be nice to have a more flushed out brother/sister Maveith moment.
Jordan A
I’m personally hoping Raelia will be his long-term relationship since they both will live longer and they’re both pretty free spirited. It would also be interesting to see if Eryk’s power, reputation, and relationships with various world leaders would have an effect on how half elves are viewed around the world.
John Donovan
I am fine with romance in general but this genre, and I mean all fantasy, write it poorly. If you think you can do it then go for it but I challenge you to find romance done well. I am not talking flings or short term encounters. It's a whole new string that can either complicate or take over parts of the story.
Erick Thiemke
the first trial was catching pixies,the MC felt bad and asked they be freed if she won the Supreme seat
Erick Thiemke
do you really think the MC is good at romance? you know he is going to screw it up. for starters, the only human among the Goliaths was a woman around the MCs age. How do you think Raelia would respond?
John Donovan
What's does it matter? As long as Eryk keeps growing.
John Donovan
He demanded the release of the pixies after catching them.
John Donovan
I can't be the only person that is worried about the introduction to romance five books in. I am not saying romance kills books for me but my track record of dropping good books because of poorly written romance is pretty high. I also think instead of Eryk getting laid there should of been a reunion between brother and sister.
Erick Thiemke
Staring it in the next weeks cycle
KipBR
Tftc!
KipBR
Who doesn't want to not have to worry about aging?
M4AD
How long until the next book?
visigoth
I like how Raelia was handled. Her forcing the issue and finally acting more aggressive instead of simply talking-so was good development. Lol the 4 pixies had me laughing harder than the jaws reference. What could possibly go wrong lmao
ABU-UBAYYAH SALLAU ABA-HURAYRATA
Please drop more lore, how did you know ??
Ichigo Kurosaki
The reason the author made him choose it. Eryk isn’t a real person that can make his own decisions
ABU-UBAYYAH SALLAU ABA-HURAYRATA
He chose before he met her tho what u saying
Otter Pops
Pixies
ABU-UBAYYAH SALLAU ABA-HURAYRATA
I just have a question, I know for a fact those cages don’t hold the goliaths of constantine casually handed him one, soo what are in the covered cages ??
Ichigo Kurosaki
Hell yeah!!! Him and Raelia have to be the end ship! That’s gotta be the reason Eryk chose Slow Aging. If not then idk why else he’d choose it.
Deliver roo
The Chapter seems a bit rushed and doesn’t address the fact that the Elders know a counter for Eryck’s space spell form. Other than that it was a nice ending, Merry Christmas!
saber
Ayyy! Finally we're so back realiea bros!
Jordan A
Thanks for the chapter! It was a good ending (beyond the epilogue)
Andrew
Thank you!
Chachi
i cant stand the lovey dovey stuff lol so cheesy thank u for the chapter finally the orc politics is over
Roxanne
First off, Merry Christmas! Thanks for the chapter. So many things to do before they leave. Maybe some goliaths want to stay. Some extra muscle for Castile or an adventure team. As ex slaves they will need food, clothes, gear. Time to sell the dungeon loot. Good stuff.
Owen Jones
Merry Christmas! A very Christmas Carol story ending for this current season. Definitely needs a good proofreading and ironing out but I’m sure it feels good to get the book done.
Silver Beard
Some big typo/grammar errors... you really need to proof it again. Couple references to Mynasha being present when she obviously wasn't.
Shawn
I thought Raelia wasn't coming along? Didn't you say she wouldn't be with Eryk in the epilogue.
Salvo
Where is this mouthwash, cause it was destroyed with all his alchemy gear. I think he should take the scene to remember to buy supplies like that. Also, the demon bowl was forgotten about.
Seth Feist
4 pixies? Yes! Eric can still get annoyed by a neverending chorus of "Hay, Listen."
Prinny Knight
I love the contents of this chapter, but it felt abit squished together. Either way, yay
Zabuza Momochi
I thought that was a line from jaws lol
Zabuza Momochi
thanks for the chapter a happy holidays
Kbzzy
The realia ship has sailed!!!
Zabuza Momochi
Kbzzy
FINALLY
1536539
Thank you for the chapter
Win Rar
I'm glad with big win for Eryk. I do think him and Raelia should have hooked up at the start of the next book. Leave a small teaser instead. Too many good things all at once; the freed goliaths and maveith's sister, the faeries, the human, getting with raelia, and getting to leave orc territory fairly easy is a lot.
Mark Corwin
That's fine we won't expect the next book until Christmas morning. 🤣 🤣 🤣
Mark Corwin
Awesome. Perfect ending. 👌 a few typos etc. I am too tired to put them down. Hopefully our fellow readers will get them. 😊 thanks!
InfernalDrake
That was pretty satisfying. Raelia finally got him, his conscious is soothed, and even the pixies got released! Good stuff.
BubblyGhost
We're gonna need a bigger boat. . .now that I think about it, fuck the ocean man. Demons, titans, goblin hordes I can deal with. Giant sea horrors? Nahhhh, hard pass lmao. Btw I will say you probably could've added a bit more dialogue before she jumped his bones, just felt a tad abrupt, some small banter goes a long way
Erick Thiemke
3rd of 4. Need to expand on the reunion a bit to get a tear jerk reaction from the reader. I am going to do a read/edit tomorrow on this chapter and start on the epilogue. That was a JAWS reference at the end, it is not foreshadowing, I promisee
