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A Soldier's Life - 313 - The Third Trial (final edit 8-4-25. So I added Maveith into the The Choosing and tried to give him a bigger role in this chapter. Not sure if I like it though.)
🕑 Added 2024-12-16 20:08:12 +0000 UTCChapter 313: The Third Trial Chapter 313: The Third Trial A chill ran through me. “What kind of trouble?” “He was caught consorting with ano
Chapter 313: The Third Trial
Chapter 313: The Third Trial
A chill ran through me. “What kind of trouble?”
“He was caught consorting with another goliath,” Tarnasha said, sounding unconcerned.
“It was not his sister,” Glasha added, but not helping my angst.
“Where is he then?” My anger and concern started to rise. These clerics should have kept Maveith from getting into trouble.
“The warlord who he offended has coopted his labor until the end of the trails. Do not worry. Harming Maveith in any way would allow you to take his life,” Glasha said indifferently.
“Where do I find this warlord and my friend?” I said icily, not caring about orc honor.
“You should let it be,” Tarnasha started to say, but Glasha interrupted him with a slight smile.
Glasha stood. “I will bring you to him. We can resolve this tonight if you wish.” I was exhausted, but I was not going to let Maveith toil away for a warlord. Glasha rose, and I followed her out. As we walked, she talked.
“It is Warlord Korth. He was a supporter of Fioasha and will not be happy that his chosen candidate is dead while Mynasha remains,” Glasha explained.
“Tell me what I need to know. I thought Maveith was considered my attendant since I was Mynasha’s First. If all of this is happening through your machinations to make me confront one of Mynasha’s enemies, you will also feel my ire,” I said heatedly.
Glasha paused and looked at me. “Maveith was trying to get word to his sister that he was here. He was lingering at the stream where goliath slaves fill large buckets. A human slave reported the interaction. Warlord Korth came to our camp and demanded his honor be restored. I negotiated the payment down to labor.” It sounded like something Maveith would do, but I was still blaming the clerics for letting it happen.
“And are you trying to force me to confront Korth?” I said heatedly.
Mynasha considered her words. “He is a lost pup looking for purpose. It wouldn’t hurt for you to show him Mynasha’s strength. But no, I did not orchestrate a confrontation. You could let this play out, and Maveith will be back with us soon.” I still felt like my strings were being pulled and I was not going to let Maveith serve a warlord.
I was silent as Glasha led us to a long house closer to the center of the valley, telling me that Warlord Korth was important in the Caliphate. Orc attendants rushed inside as we approached, and two elite warriors guarded the entrance. They moved to block my path.
“I am here for my goliath,” I stated loudly as I approached. I could hear voices and scrambling inside. The two orc elites gripped the pommels of their swords but did not draw them.
“Patience, he will come to greet you,” Glasha whispered. The door to the longhouse opened, letting out the odor of cooking meat and incense.
Warlord Korth was only slightly taller than me but much wider at the shoulder. Heavy hand axes hung on both hips. He was shirtless and had a sheen of sweat over his torso, covered in the tattoos. He sneered slightly. “The human comes to beg for his slave back.”
“I don’t beg,” I replied flatly. “You took my goliath while I was guiding your next Supreme on the second trial. You besmirch my honor, and I demand satisfaction.” I didn’t know if that was a correct challenge, but it sounded good.
A growing grin appeared on Korth’s face, and I guessed this was perhaps the outcome he had been hoping for. “Humans are not entitled to slaves in the Caliphate. Your position as a First is temporary.” His sneer grew.
I didn’t know how to navigate the interaction and looked at Mynasha and nodded. “Warlord Korth, the Elders have recognized this man as a First. During the Trials, all Firsts have the same status as warlords. If you wish, you can petition the Elders since there is no Supreme to pass judgment. Or you can release the goliath.”
Korth scoffed. “The goliath was caught trying to convince my slave escape was possible.”
“I do not believe you. Bring my goliath here to speak for himself,” I said grinding my teeth. Maveith was not stupid to trust a goliath he just met.
Warlord Korth finally looked uncertain. Glasha had erupted into a massive grin. “Yes, let’s question the goliath. If I recall, I think cleric Hynasha can see the truth of words.”
It was finally Warlord Korth’s turn to grind his teeth. The cleric and Maveith were both summoned. Maveith for his part did not look upset and only nodded at me with a small grin. I let Glasha do the talking as I would probably cause more trouble. “Cleric Hynasha, you have been asked to confirm if the goliath’s words are true.” The cleric nodded but his body language told me he was familiar with Glasha and perhaps even an ally. The warlord started to look even more uncomfortable.
Maveith was questioned in Elvish by Glasha. “Maveith, please retell the events.”
Maveith nodded knowingly to Glasha and I suddenly got angrier. Maveith was clearly in on this! Maveith’s deep voice rumbled. “I was getting water and struck up a conversation with another goliath, Jolan. I asked him if there was a goliath called Zorana that he knew. And if he did, to pass a message to her.”
“And what was the message?” Glasha asked.
“Her brother Maveith is here,” Maveith said.
The warlord interrupted in terrible Elvish. “Did you tell Jolan that you were here for her?”
“Zorana is not even your slave, Korth,” Glasha snapped.
Maveith answered the question anyway. “I told her I was here. Not here for her.”
“Truth,” Cleric Hynasha confirmed in my better Elvish than the warlord.
“Since you have taken Eryk’s goliath without cause, it is only fair he takes yours,” Glasha announced. The warlords hands went to his axes and squeezed the grips while we all waited. Instead of responding, he stormed off into his longhouse. A confused goliath soon exited and Maveith was beaming.
As we walked back to our longhouse Glasha explained. “Sorry, we needed you sufficiently angry to confront Warlord Korth.”
“You didn’t tell Eryk the plan?” Maveith rumbled.
“It was a dragon shit of a plan! What if I never returned from the trial Maveith? What if I had attacked the warlord before it was resolved?” I said angrily.
“Blame me,” Glasha said. “Maveith wanted to get word to his sister, and I came up with the plan.”
Maveith tried to calm me. “Eryk, this is Jolan from a village not far from mine. He got word to Zorana that I am here.”
“What does it matter? He is going to back to the warlord at the end of the trials?” I retorted.
Glasha shook her head. “No. It was established that Maveith was taken without cause. Jolan is now yours. I could try to explain it but it would only give you a headache.”
I didn’t know how to express my anger at Maveith and Glasha for being manipulated. Maveith clearly looked guilty, but he had achieved his goal of sending a message to his sister, and we were here for her. I hope this subterfuge did not interfere with our efforts to save her. He could have made things worse, but voicing my anger would only have made him more anxious.
We returned to our long house with Maveith giving me a quiet apology before heading off to talk with Jolan. Mynasha went into deep discussion with Tarnasha and Glasha. I rubbed down the horses trying to calm myself and eyed the new slaves and orcs working in the long house. There were four humans in drab brown smocks. They looked well-fed and wouldn’t make eye contact with me as they helped prepare a meal.
Ginger’s head lowered into my back, causing me to stumble with an unexpected shove. “Damn it Ginger, I don’t have any apples.” I said it angrily, turning on her, and she took the hint, turning away abashed. I had forgotten that I had left three dozen apples with Woolasha, but it was too late to get them now. I wasn’t angry at Ginger, but more at being manipulated and seeing the human slaves. It didn’t feel right and reminded me of how I had been forced to serve as a legionnaire, essentially a slave to the Telhian Empire.
Among the slaves were two old men, one bald and the other with closely cut gray hair. An older, pudgy woman with streaks of silver in her black hair seemed to be directing both the orcs and humans. The fourth human was a younger woman who appeared to be hauling buckets of water with two younger orcs. They were using yokes on their shoulders to carry two heavy buckets at a time. My protective instincts made me want to free her.
I almost didn’t process it as the food was being prepared on a bunch of tables, but the buckets were filling a large brass tub that looked to have a system of pipes to heat the water. That could only be one thing—a bath. I walked over to the older human woman and asked in Telhian, “How long have you been a slave?” She looked at me, confused. I asked again in Orcish.
In a thick, sharp accent, she replied. “I was taken as a child from across the sea by slavers.”
“Are you treated well?” I asked seriously.
“I am fed, clothed, and given time for leisure,” she said cautiously. “Do you need something of me, warrior?” My eyes unintentionally drifted to the bath briefly. She tsked at me, “That bath is for Cleric Mynasha. She is to present her artifact before the Elders in the morning.” I sighed as a hot bath would have been nice to soothe not just my body but my mind.
I looked over at the younger woman again as she entered carrying two more buckets. She was closer to my age. “What about her, how long has she been a slave?”
The older woman looked at the other as I studied her. She had a tangled mess of auburn hair pulled back. Her face was marked with soot and feint freckles. The woman pursed her lips. “Nolona has been with us since her teens, maybe twelve years.” The old woman warned me seriously. “Don’t get any ideas, she belongs to Warlord Rakkim. He has killed others for defiling his property.”
“That is not what I was thinking,” I said indignantly.
I could see I had made a poor impression on the woman, and the others were starting to stare. I was still unhappy with Maveith, so I let him talk to the new goliath in the corner. I moved to join the conversation Mynasha was having. Glasha had the Titan key in her hands and was using her lore ability on it. I joined them, waiting for her to finish.
Glasha’s eyes opened, her face marked by perspiration, and she exhaled a long slow breath. “It is a key to a vault high in a forgotten mountain city. The Titan was right, it is useless. My final images were of the vault being looted by elves thousands of years ago when the city fell.”
“Then why did he keep it? It seems odd to carry around a key for thousands of years if it is useless,” I said, annoyed.
Glasha agreed with a nod. “The giant used it as a focus for light magic. The enchantments on the length side are for magnifying spells. They also were what allowed the key to open the massive vault doors.”
There was another issue that needed to be aired. “Did you tell them?” I asked, making eye contact with Mynasha.
Tarnasha chuckled. “That you are concerned about others finding out you can store a griffin in your dimensional space?” He was clearly enjoying the fact I was uncomfortable with the secrets I guarded. “Don’t worry, boy. If Warlord Rhuuk wants what you hold, he will challenge your honor. Even though he is one of the best warriors in the Caliphate, I think you can handle your own.”
Glasha nodded in agreement. “Mynasha said you had a number of intriguing—items. If you want me to delve into their histories, I will. I just need time to replenish my aether stores. The key took a lot of me.”
I nodded, upset that Mynasha so willingly gave up my secrets. The door was open to get some more of my curiosities appraised by Glasha. I let go of my anger for the moment at Mynasha. “What is the plan? What will the final trial be?”
“Mynasha and Jhuarkasha will present their Titan artifacts in the morning to the Elders. I am sure they will be debating all night on who they prefer as the Supreme and will design the final trial to accomplish that end result,” Tarnasha said.
“Mynasha needs to look presentable before the Elders, warlords, and clerics. We are hoping for someone to donate something suitable for her to wear,” Glasha indicated the array of supplies now littering the longhouse.
“I don’t need…” Mynasha started to say.
Glasha hissed at her, stopping her objection. “You do. If you are to become the Supreme, you need to start looking the part. Not like some backwater village cleric.”
A brief argument broke out among the three and I kept glancing at the slaves as they worked. “Were you given ownership of those slaves?” I asked, pausing their conversation.
“They are just on loan. They are just here to help, just like the others.” Glasha answered. “You can do what you like with them,” she gestured at the group. Why did everyone think I had an ulterior motive? The old woman had already warned me off, but maybe she was just protecting the younger woman in her group.
They were in a heated argument on what Mynasha needed to wear to impress the warlords. “I have these.” I said, producing the massive fire bear pelts. The pelts shimmered in the firelight from the cooking fire. They were marvelously soft and, with the proper lighting, almost seemed to be on fire themselves.
“Where on Desia did you find fire bears?” Tarnasha said, stroking the fur appreciatively. “I think this is a fabulous idea. We can make a cloak for Mynasha and you. It will certainly draw the attention of the warlords. Not one in ten would be brave enough to take on such a beast this size.”
While they were ogling the pelts, I asked, “Do you mind if I use the bath first, then?”
“I wasn’t planning to use it at all,” Mynasha said. I took that as a cue and walked over to the large brass tube in the open.
“I heard,” the old woman hissed irritably. I simply smiled at her as I undressed and slid unabashedly into the hot water. It had been too long, and an attendant handed me a bar of abrasive soap. As I scrubbed, I noticed something odd—not exactly noticed, but felt. My thoughts seemed muddled, harder to grasp. I closed my eyes and reached out with my healing and purify self spell forms. Damn, the orcs were sneaky bastards. The water was poisoned. Well, maybe not poison, but it definitely contained some drug that was permeable through the skin.
I carefully let it work as I pretended not to notice its effects, but I also tried to identify what it was supposed to do to me. It appeared to be a powerful muscle relaxant and fogged your brain. After I confirmed the effects, I eliminated the toxin from my body. It should not take a lot of effort for me to appear slow-witted. Let them think they had succeeded.
Of course, the toxin was planned for Mynasha and not me. By the angry stares of the old woman and two of the orcs directed at me, I assumed they were responsible. If Mynasha had bathed first, she would have succumbed to the narcotic. I don’t think Glasha’s healing would have cured Mynasha before the third trial in the morning. I don't even think her healing could have affected it. My purify self spell form was eliminating it, and my healing spell form did not affect it.
Knowing the old human woman was in on the deception made me less likely to care for her fate. She had been targeting Mynasha, but still her efforts had caught me. I took pleasure in the heat and her dismay for the next two hours in the tub. Across the room, the fire bear pelts were being attacked by a score of workers as they tried to make them into presentable cloaks before morning.
The old woman slammed a mallet into the side of the tub. I had been pretending to sleep in the hot water, “Get up or Cleric Mynasha will not have time to clean herself.”
I pretended to have difficulty standing when I exited and looked around confused as I slowly dressed. I walked in a daze to Glasha, who was overseeing the fire cloaks manufacture. I leaned into her and told her about the dangers of the water and then went to get some rest myself. I was sure Mynasha would not be taking a bath tonight.
I slept heavily and woke up when Maveith shook me. My hand was already on my hilt as my mind went into overdrive. I quickly reeled it in, remembering I had to appear drugged. Getting to my feet slowly, the activity in the longhouse had only increased the few hours I had slept.
“Your new cloak is ready, and I admit it is more opulent than the manticore cloak I made for you. I helped with some of the stitching. You will look regal, Eryk. Better than any of the warlords,” Maveith said cautiously. He could probably read my body language, which indicated I was not happy with him.
The cloak draped well across my shoulders, and it was large enough to wear it over heavier armor as well. Glasha nodded approvingly, “You only need a crown to look like a king.”
“I think I will pass. I have enough trouble being responsible for just a handful of men. Is…” I indicated a sleeping Mynasha with my chin.
“She decided she didn’t want a bath, even though I told her she smelled like an ogre’s ass.” She exhaled theatrically for the audience. “Well, she might not smell like one, but at least she will look like a Supreme.”
The black spear appeared in my hands. If Warlord Rhuuk was returning, hiding my dimensional space size seemed like a moot point. “Can you read this?” I indicated the impressive spear. The spiraling black wood grain of the ancient treant made up the shaft. The leaf tip looked just like an actual leaf, and the black metal added to the mystique. Glasha’s eyes widened, and she spun the shaft so the blade was on the floor. She pressed the blade between a crack in the floorboards.
“Don’t show this to the warlords,” she whispered and looked at the slaves who hadn’t noticed the spear yet. “The dull black spearhead is dark mithril. It is indestructible and will always keep an edge.”
Her excitement rose as she stroked the length of the shaft. “It is a replica—made by a dungeon, but there are echoes of the original.” Her eyes closed as her hands caressed the wood. “Its name was Heartseeker. The favored weapon of the King of Caelora. The enchantments allow it to cut through anything, even dragon scales with enough force behinf the strike.” She exhaled as her eyes remained closed. “The original still remains, and this weapon has a connection to it.” Her eyes shot open, and she coughed.
“Are you all right?” I steadied her.
“I…I…I tried to follow the connection back to the source but was rebuked. That…that shouldn’t be possible.” She pushed the spear into my hand. “Put it away and only take it out if you truly need it. Something else can sense this weapon. Something powerful. I think it might be the King of Caelora or whatever is left of him.” Great, one of my strongest weapons needed to be kept hidden from the original owner and envious warriors.
“It is time to wake Mynasha,” Glasha said, while collecting herself. I wondered if Mynasha had told Glasha that she was an otherworlder. Soon, there was a lot of activity as we made to get ready. I kept up my acting of being a dullard from the narcotic. I hoped it would give us a small advantage when we enter the third trial.
We walked to the Elders’ residence, both Mynasha and I wearing our hastily made fire bear cloaks. I admitted we did look good. The consortium of warlords and clerics had circled the area outside the stone residence of the Elders. Over three hundred by my estimate. Envious stares and whispers among them about our attire hung in the air. Even the assembled Elders looked shocked at our dress as the sun rose and illuminated the fire bear pelts.
Warlord Rhuuk had a long black cloak made of fine fur, while Cleric Jhuarkasha had a dress made of yellow and red feathers. Both looked impressive but didn’t equal us. When things calmed, there was a ceremony to present the artifacts. The Elders declared their veracity to the assembled crowd.
The leader then addressed the assemblage. “Cleric Fioasha has fallen during the second trial. It has been determined that neither Cleric Jhuarkasha or Cleric Mynasha played a role. Instead, it was Warlord Etus who angered the Titans by demanding an artifact from them.” That solved the mystery of what had occurred before we arrived.
She took a breath. “The Choosing has but two remaining candidates.” I could see the anger and disappointment on the faces of the Elders standing behind her. “We have deliberated long and hard on a suitable task for the final trial to find a Supreme to lead the Caliphate in the new era.”
The air was thick with anticipation as she paused dramatically. “The candidates and their Firsts will enter the Warlord dungeon together! The first to return with two sets of greater demon horns will assume the mantle of our next Supreme!”
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Comments
Random Guy
I wouldnt be so hard. Yes he got manipulated but he did the same its life really. The annoying part is that he has no real agency so yeah I also happily await the next Arc where he may again control his own actions at least somewhat.
Erik Zimmerman
This entire arc has been incredibly annoying. Eryk hasn't been able to make an informed decision in forever because no one fucking tells him everything, even his supposed friends. He's just constantly being manipulated. I hope Glasha is dead by the end of this.
Louis Nel
The entire orc storyline has been Eryc gaining incredible personal power and then being lied to, manipulated and generally having his goodwill abused.
Chris
I like the character but book 5 so far has slotted him into the tool role. It is possibly the most frustrating thing. It may be projecting but do normal people forgive being used and manipulated multiple times so easily? Like even if you add a "looks guilty" afterwords like wtf; I don't understand why the mc became a giant dumb ass over one book. He calls these people his friends and Mateo spills secrets for pretty eyes and the Goliath gets manipulated into active sabotage and endangered the mission over some random he does know? I'm sorry if I'm picky or unforgiving but fuck those guys. Tbh I'm rooting for the supreme and the other girl to have their heads spatially relocated to a dimensional pocket. Also still nobody knows he politics other than "good for HER people" it's honestly a dumb thing when you phrase it as "I'm going to risk my life for this politician" What do they stand for? "Idk" Do they have good morals? "Not based on what I've seen so far" Do they have a large number or important supporters plebian or political? "No the opposite, not sure about the plebs but has a duty to her people" So do you think maybe this person has the capacity to be very dangerous to people she considers to not be her people? "Why is this starting to sound like a young artist who rose to power and started a world war?"
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene
I am not one to nitpick. But every single time the stupid horse is mentioned so is feeding it an apple. Like 99% of the time. I get tired of reading it.
Aaron Spielman
My head canon is that Tarnasha’s given name was Tarnation. I just wanted to share that.
HappyNoms
I think it might be preferable if Eryk was the one to come up with the idea to turn the pelts into cloaks, out of some kind of selfish/greedy angle. It would give him more agency, and it would align more with his mix of good intentions atop a somewhat selfish core. Perhaps he could have a third cloak made as a bribe, to the elder with a key vote on the next trial, to bribe his way to the result that the trial will be the dungeon race, or for an advantage to his team in some way, because he is greedy to get in the dungeon and loot/essence gather, and that also dual use serves to bias his team to win versus some less aligned trial or bribed advantage. That might take an edit to a prior chapter so it's not a foregone conclusion he was getting into the dungeon anyway. Hmm. I like the bribing an elder to influence the challenge angle, and the agency angle, but the idea might need some adjustment / tuning. Bottom line, I think he would benefit from a touch more agency and his selfish nature simmering under a faux noble surface. I think he's a more complex and compelling character when his selfishness/immaturity and heroism/leadership are entangled in juxtaposition, and when he rationalizes to himself he's being decent while being selfish/villanous as his Jungian shadow creeps in.
Kevin
Do we see the other Titan Artifact, the one Warlord Rhuuk brought back? I would think Eryk would get a good view of it. Unless it comes up while they are in the dungeon.
Mercutio Montano
I like that our protagonist has been stripped of so many Aces. His overconfidence and showmanship needed a reality check. Konstantine would have kicked him in the nuts for some of the things he's revealed in dumb ways :D
J. L. Mullins
So poison the bath, but not the food? That seems... odd?
Andrew Crews
She decided she didn’t want a bath, even though I told her she smelled like [an] ogre’s ass.” She exhaled theatrically, “Well, she might not smell like one, but at least she will look like a Supreme.” “Don’t show this to the warlords,” she whispered[,] and looked at the slaves who hadn’t noticed the spear yet. “The dull black spearhead is dark mithril. It is indestructible.” “It is time to wake Mynasha,” Glasha said[,] while giving me another appraising look. I wondered if Mynasha had told Glasha that she was an [otherworlder]. Soon, there was a lot of activity as we made to get ready. I kept up my acting of being a dullard from the narcotic. It should give us a small advantage when we enter the third trial.” “We walked to the Elders’ residence; both Mynasha and I had hastily made fire bear cloaks. I [had to] admit we did look good. The consortium of warlords had circled the area outside the stone residence of the Elders. Envious stares and whispers among them at our attire hung in the air. Even the assembled Elders looked shocked at our dress as the sun rose and lit the fur.”
Andrew Crews
Glasha was grinning beside him[.] “Mynasha said you had a number of intriguing items. If you want me to delve into them, I will. I just need time to replenish my aether stores. The key was intensive.” “I have these[,]” I said, producing the massive fire bear pelts.” The pelts shimmered in the firelight from the cooking fire. They were marvelously soft and, with the proper lighting, almost seemed to be on fire themselves. “While they were ogling the pelts, I asked, “Do you mind if I use the bath first, then?” “I carefully let it work as I pretended not to notice its effects[,] but I also tried to identify what it was supposed to do to me. It appeared to be a powerful muscle relaxant and fogged [my] brain. After I confirmed the effects, I eliminated the toxin from my body. It [shouldn’t] be much of an effort for me to act slow-witted. Let them think they had succeeded.” “I don’t even think her healing could have affected it[;] my self-cleansing void spell form was eliminating it, [but] my healing spell form had no effect on it.”
Andrew Crews
Ginger’s head lowered into my back, causing me to stumble with an unexpected shove. “Damn it[,] Ginger, I don’t have any apples.” I said [it] angrily, turning on her, and she took the hint, turning away. I had forgotten that I had left three dozen apples with Woolasha[,] but it was too late to get them now. I wasn’t angry at Ginger, but more [at] the enslaved people. It didn’t feel right and reminded me of how I had been forced to serve as a legionnaire.” “I walked over to the older human woman and asked in Telhian, “How long have you been a slave?” She looked at me, confused. I asked again in [Orcish]. “In a thick, sharp accent, she replied in [Orcish], “I was taken as a child from across the sea by slavers.”
Nicholas Livingston
The plot armor grows. Now mc gives away priceless pelts he has in storage because storage no longer has value or meaning. Even if this action is inconsistent with mc’s actions and motives to this point. He is a tool in this current situation and has no agency in the story. He is just a passenger that can kill things when needed and has no other purpose in the story.
Deliver roo
I do really hope the grand plan is to finally make Eryck react, so that we can finally have the MC confront some orcs instead of being pushed around and lose shit for no actual gains.
Erick Thiemke
Thanks for the support. looks like you have caught up. well 314 should be up soon. at 2100 words at the moment so just a few more paragraphs
Balerion18
I think would be good. That would change the groundwork and make him see the benefits of not being selfish Eryk lol. I love the story and the world. Hints why i havent slept much the last couple days trying to catch up.
Erick Thiemke
feedback is good. just remember you are reading drafts of chapters. i already know the reasoning behind Eryks helping is tenuous. I will try to edit it to more believable. As far as "generous" Eryk, that kind of evolved when he became responsible for others. Maybe a hint of it in the dungeon with Maveith earlier and Raelia.
Balerion18
Only found this series on Audible last week....then starting reading to catch up. I am kinda missing selfish Eryk a little. The titans...felt a little rushed and I honestly dont know why he is putting all this effort in to help this woman. I understand freeing the slaves...but Eryk isnt really that guy in my opinion. There is still a good chance that if she is made Supreme will not keep her word.
Alias
I think as Eryk loses secrets he needs to gain some. I’m hoping this Dungeon can provide him with some of the crucial essences he needs to take the next step in his power development. Like a Channelling essence or a Core essence. If Eryk is going to be forced into the open, he needs to start powering up as he faces monsters like the Storm giants.
Scientist Valci
This was the worst eryk has ever been disrespected. How is he allowing this after single handedly completing all the tasks and endangering himself. Mynasha didn't do anything. Like how is he just taking everything and doing nothing. I am so pissed. He got fucked at the giants, almost getting killed for nothing, lost everything for what?? A maybe, being treated like a bystander, like a side character. He caught all the pixies. He took care of all the food and the horses. He is now known in the damn orc nation to the most important people and they know all his secrets. When he was hiding this shit from his best friend for years. Wtf always rolls a one. When will he react, when will he get his dough!? As I said this whole arc is stupid. He has no good reason to get involved. He could have waited to kidnap the girls. Damn it am I the only one that thinks this is stupid and forced. The bitch Mynasha never thanked him or was even an iota nice to him. 😤
Silver Beard
Wager he'll get the chance once they are inside the Dungeon. What happens there stays there.
Silver Beard
The last non-orc failed to return; why would Eryk be any more likely to survive? The Elders can still kill him when he returns. For Eryk it will be leaving venue alive with what he came for.
Shandlar
Shaping is at least 8 and probably 12 Apex away from being useful even if he gets to 90 dexterity and spends months in the dream practicing true spells given the descriptions so far in the series. He needs core size. Even just 3 or 4 majors would be enough to alleviate the issue given the gains are logarithmic. He'd be able to actually go for a water spell form at that point and not be stuck unable to take a magic ess every day anymore.
Salvo
Would like to know if Mynasha’s cloak is fire resistant, as her burning clothes while channeling would be resolved. And, weren’t dungeons built on ley lines, so she should be in her element.
NightRider
The cloak draped well across my shoulders, and I could probably wear it over heavier armor as well. Mynasha nodded, “You only need a crown to look like a king.” “I think I will pass. I have enough trouble being responsible for just a handful of men. Is…” I indicated a sleeping Mynasha with my chin. Mynasha nodded. & a sleeping Mynasha I think it should be Glasha nodded as Mynasha is still asleep.
hrs
it is an orc controlled dungeon, best it can do is magic turnips lol
Erick Thiemke
probably to kill him. jk, he is her First and if she won the Supreme seat he was going to enter anyway
1536539
Why would they allow a human into their precious warlord dungeon? I thought demon horns were a state secret.
Win Rar
Here's hope for apples in the new dungeon. We can't stop spoiling Ginger now can we? lol
Chachi
i agree its been nothing but give from eryks side
Deliver roo
Goals change, the first one should be to make sure he can mitigate the damage now that others know his secrets, the second should be to obtain something for the risks he is taking, then maybe the third is freeing the slaves…
John Donovan
Remember the goal here is not to make enemies but to free some slaves.
PatronTurtle
It's definitely too late to keep it in the box. Eyrk will probably have to kill them in the dungeon too
PatronTurtle
Given how the Elders were still discussing, it seems very likely the poison is from the other candidate. But will they be dumb enough to monologue while in the dungeon?
Babblefish
Really can’t do much, the enemy knows his secret and will probably spill
Silver Beard
IDK- the whole assembly was looking the part. I thought prestige was the goal. yes, yes- going into the Dungeon is a given, but better to set minds early on that this couple is a given.
Mark Corwin
Kills the competition quick then harvests a ton of essence....hopefully aether shaping essence.
Mark Corwin
Tube > tub
Salvo
Eryk was really willing to risk everything to free the slaves, til they poisoned his bath. IS NOTHING SACRED!? lol
Filip
Which of the other books do you recommend the most?
Erick Thiemke
got all of these except changing dress to prestige
Erick Thiemke
Im glad people find them interesting
Erick Thiemke
added in edit to the forgetful MC
Chachi
would be kino if eryk can glass rhuuk he seems like a headache in the future.
Andrew
Thank you!
Inner peace
LFG!!
Sunto
Gonna be honest, it still feels weird to me that Eryk is so passive and non confrontational in these scenes. I feel like given how much power he holds over there fate, he would be far more willing to show his annoyance at her spreading his secrets so casually. Or at least take advantage to demand concessions from her. Tbh the best that I can think of though is him saying she will owe him a favour in future, if he wants some claim to future territory accepted for example.
hrs
This chapter feels like its on a good track. Depending on how the rewrite goes this could be a watershed moment for eryk's lifestyle. He has been super paranoid about everything since he was a plebeian and could basically be killed or robbed by a first citizen at will. If he establishes a state backed identity (through Mynasha and/or Ralia) then he can be the equivalent of a lesser warload, knight, or whatever the recognized warrior class is. Maybe not a true warlord tattoo, but something to show he has earned enough Honor to fall within the legal system instead of the bullshittery that has applied to him up to now. Eryk would still have secrets, but could live openly as a well off adventurer and wouldnt be at risk of the some random aristocrat being able to legally screw him over anyway they want. Doing his punch card to level up his guild memberships would probably give him some protection as well since they are a multinational group that will fight to protect their status.
Joel
Madman! How do you write so many interesting stories.
M van Dongen
Easiest fix....they were eaten by some pesky storm giants.
Eriach
-roar of approval by the crowd of warriors-
Silver Beard
[S]He was clearly enjoying the fact Where on Desia did you find [a] fire bears?” omit Mynasha nodded, “You only need a crown to look like a king.” “I think I will pass. I have enough trouble being responsible for just a handful of men. Is…” I indicated a sleeping Mynasha with my chin. [who is talking and sleeping at the same time???] be the King of Caelora of [or] whatever is left of him Elders looked shocked at our dress[prestige] as the sun rose and lit the fur.
Erick Thiemke
interesting question....I forgot about them myself. i will check how I wrote it and how many there should be left
Caledon Smith
Question: what happened to the bag of apples Eyrk left for his horse in case he never came back
Caledon Smith
Thank you!!
Erick Thiemke
2nd of 4 for Cycle (yesterday's chapter). going to work on editing two Town Builder Chapters and then wrtie the 3rd of 4 Soldier tonight
