The Wandering Spire

Jeze hopped off the last platform of the obstacle course and passed the finish line. There was a sheen of sweat along her lean, muscular arms. She recovered her breath as she looked back at the course. It was high up with ropes, walls, beams, gnashing wooden dummies, and swinging balls to knock testers off. She conquered it and sauntered over toward the wooden table where the Trial Observers sat.

Jeze was a sight to behold. A small wiry teenage girl with a mop of dark disheveled hair, a wicked scar on her cheek and a flat nose with a slight crookedness to it.

"How'd I do?" She asked.

The three officials glanced up at her from over the stack of applicant papers. Why were they not impressed? Jeze wondered. They were stern-looking old men and women who reminded Jeze of the Old Crones. I never realized I would ever miss them, she reflected.

"You passed," one answered, a man with close-cropped white hair and piercing green eyes.

He stamped her certificate and handed it to her. Jeze read it and asked, "What's my rank?"

"It says it there, Initiate." The observer logged her name into a large Rune-covered tome.

Jeze leaned over the table to study markings on the massive ledger. "Knowledge aspect? Or are you using the Water aspect for the ink so that what you write here goes to other books? Is that how you track all the members?" She asked.

The old man paused in his writing and rubbed his face. "There are several aspects, and we are very busy today. Please move along."

Jeze snorted as there was no one else behind her. Very few Prospects made it to the end of the course. "How do I get to Adventurer rank?" Jeze asked. She was certain she broke some record going through the course plus her sparring match with Kalina.

The white-haired man looked up at her and barked, "By proving yourself, now move along!"

Jeze flinched at the suddenness of his shout and on reflex moved to the side. "What do they know?" She grumbled as she gathered up her pack.

Irvin walked up to Jeze. "Congratulations! You are an official member of the Adventurers Guild! Less than 10% complete the full trials. This is a big honor." The stalwart warrior beamed at her.

That warmed Jeze's heart. Her brother would be proud. Even her parents, she reflected with a drop of sour sadness that mixed into the stew of her excited emotions. Jeze smiled widely at Irvin. She glanced back at the obstacle course. Only a few made it to the table where their names were entered into the enormous ledger book, and that was just half of the trial examinations.

"Allow me to give you the formal introduction," Irvin said and cleared his throat.

Clearly, this was something the man lived for. Jeze admired his passion and walked alongside him. She retrieved her last recovery potion from her pack next to her recently purchased lemons and peppers. Hmm, where is Ziplocke? She wondered. She considered summoning the Goblin with her ring, but Irvin began to speak. Besides, she could use a break from the mischievous prankster.

"For as long as people can remember, there were always those among us that would face the dark. Warriors, hunters, and soldiers that would rise above the rest and be the shield that protects against beasts, monsters and even more foul horrors," Irvin said and with his bushy eyebrows squinting he added, "Such as demons, girl."

He expected her to gasp, but Irvin didn't know that Jeze had already faced Howlers and that she even had a Goblin as a familiar. The guild official looked disappointed and cleared his throat before continuing.

"Our world is large with deep, dark histories and ancient ruins that are buried and long forgotten. From such depts, foul creatures can emerge and plague peaceful villages and towns. Militias and soldiers are not enough to defend against such scourges. Four hundred years ago was when the Adventurer's Guild was first formed. Even then, before the arrival of the Wandering Spire a 150 years later, it was known that a global organization was needed that rose above the petty politics of kingdoms and empires. A place where the best among us can work together regardless of nationalities and laws. Only a few of us have what it takes to brave the dark places."

Irvin paused to clear his throat. The official beamed with pride when he saw the apt look of attention from his young listener.

"In the early years, kings and emperors tried to take control of the Guild or even eliminate it entirely. They feared that a group that consisted of the best of the best would be a threat to their petty games for power and influence. The Guild was even outlawed in many places, but despite the best efforts of kings, queens, and so called emperors, the people loved the Guild for it is the Guild that protects them. The Guild is the one to stop monster incursions, zombie outbreaks, and the rampaging dragon."

Irvin led Jeze to the front of the Guild office tower which consisted of a massive arched entrance way. It could probably fit a dragon! Jeze marveled. The area bustled with heavy traffic as carts and wagons entered and exited. The enormous archway had room to spare despite the thick throng of people. He turned to face Jeze with a solemn look on his bushy haired face.

"You are representing the next generation of Adventurers. Like it or not, you are the future, girl. It is imperative for the safety of our world that the Guild remains neutral. The kingdoms and empires are trying their best to subvert the Guild for their own political gains. We must hold steady against that! In much the way that we hold steady against the tide of darkness that threatens to sweep this world, we must also keep firm in our neutrality," Irvin said with such conviction that Jeze imagined that she was in a church listening to the sermon from a cleric.

And like the changing of the seasons, Irvin's face softened as he beckoned the teenage girl to follow him through the massive archway. Again, Jeze marveled at the number of people she saw, who ranged from accountants carrying tomes and scrolls to laborers with dusty tool belts. Sprinkled among the crowd were fellow adventurers carrying heavy packs, in armor, and with weapons at their sides. I really need armor, she reminded herself. Another thought occurred to her, and she turned toward Irvin.

"The Guild has this many members?" Jeze wondered.

"The majority are Prospects. They won't get field assignments until they pass the trials, but they are allowed to enter Guild offices and mostly serve as support. They are our laborers, merchants, guards, and clerks," Irvin replied.

Jeze stopped walking. "So you wouldn't have kicked me out if I failed? I could have remained as a Prospect," Jeze stated.

Irvin grinned with a twinkle in his eyes. "That's true, I thought I'd light a fire under you. A little motivation is all."

The teenager stuck her tongue out at the white haired man and followed him as they made their way in between wagons and carts being pulled by mules and some were moved by magic. Jeze stopped to study the inscribed Runes.

"No time to gawk! Let's go to the Hall of Heroes," Irvin ordered.

"Hall of Heroes?" Jeze mumbled and then remembered something, "I need to meet up with Rainbow and Swordslayer at the Diamond Bank."

Irvin turned and placed his hands on the teenager's shoulders. "Listen here, girl, Rainbow, and Swordslayer are damn good adventurers. Now, I don't know the circumstances on how you got caught up with them, and it's not my business either. But they are dangerous. They are fugitives with powerful enemies, and I think it's best that a young talent such as yourself join a more suitable team."

Jeze scowled and was getting angry. But, could she share with Irvin that she was also a fugitive? That she had an agent of the Empire hunting her? Ivin saw the emotions on Jeze's face as clearly as one would see a brewing storm forming in the horizon.

The staunch official bushy eyebrows relaxed. "You had a long day, and all newly ranked Initiates are given a free meal," Irvin responded.

"A free meal?" Jeze perked up as her stomach rumbled, and her brewing anger was forgotten. She had to hurry after the staunch official as he made his way through the gigantic arch.

They were on the shaded first floor of the giant tower, and the dark stones felt slick and cool. There was a pleasant cross breeze between the two massive archways on opposite ends despite the loose crowd of people, and it created a contrast from the early afternoon heat outside. An entire army could fit in this chamber alone, Jeze imagined as she glanced up.

"The Guild has grown much in the past four hundred years. This tower is one of the main branch offices that manage all the administrative functions. It is also where the Diamond Bank is housed as well as numerous other services to meet the needs of the busy adventurer," Irvin explained.

"Is this as big as the Spire?" Jeze wondered.

Irvin let out a short laugh. "No, girl, this is nothing compared to the Spire. The base alone is bigger than Angston."

Jeze's mind froze as she tried to imagine what the Spire would look like. How could something be that big? The information and the surrounding sights shattered all that she knew and experienced from growing up in Narcadia. It was shocking and liberating at the same time. Jeze always had an itch, like her brother, to see more of the world. This legitimized her aspirations. But, there was a knot of fear in her gut. If the Stronghold was that enormous, how could she possibly defeat it to save the world? The cacophony of her surroundings shook her out of her dark thoughts.

All around her were shops and vendors selling goods specific for adventuring, such as channeling tools, weapons, armor, Rune tomes, potions, and more! She saw a merchant selling a sword that would ignite in flame on command. That alone exceeded all of her knowledge of Rune casting. Or did it? Jeze reflected. With the tome she took from the Pyramid, she was confident she could learn to craft that flame enchantment by layering Rune aspects upon each other. It was similar to how she layered the Affliction aspect onto the Darkness aspect. Jeze noticed that she was about to lose Irvin in the crowd and hurried after the staunch official.

Another merchant was selling a box that could transform into a small wooden cabin. The intricate layers of Rune smithing needed for such a feat nearly broke Jeze's mind. Until today, the glowing globe she retrieved from the Pyramid was the most advanced Rune crafting she had ever seen. The most basic merchant stall sold more advanced tools! The wonder of it all caused a tightness in Jeze's chest. Was she out of her league? She was worried.

"We are here," Irvin stated and brought Jeze back to the present. The smell of food wiped away all of her concerns like a cleansing tide of fresh water.

A wide entrance led into another chamber that was smaller than the one they had exited, but still expansive in size. It was a crowded mess hall with dozens of long wooden tables set with benches. Raucous laughter and the buzz of hundreds of conversations filled Jeze's ears and the smell of meats and warm bread teased her nostrils.

For the past couple of days, she ate nothing but her recovery potions, and this new smell was like a discovered oasis for a thirsty traveler. She discovered much more in the hall as Irvin led her through. They passed wrestling circles filled with sand, where young warriors tested each other in feats of strength and skill. Adorning the walls were the teeth-filled maws of the skulls of giant, terrifying beasts and ancient weapons. Set on the opposite end was a massive fire pit where a small army of chefs worked tirelessly preparing meals for the enormous appetites of hungry adventurers.

"Have a seat. I'll get you a plate," Irvin said and pointed to an available corner of a bench set next to a table where a group of big-boned warriors sat. They were dressed in dark brown traveling clothes and had pale skin and blond hair.

"Hail to the one that wrestled Kalina to the ground!" One roared.

He was a young man, no more than a few years older than Jeze. He had skin the color of snow and blue eyes that sparkled like a frozen lake. Swirling tattoos covered his well-muscled arms, and a thick neck rested above his broad shoulders. He held up a wooden tankard that sloshed with golden ale. The others cheered, and Jeze recognized that they were the Frostsworn she saw earlier. Among them was the older bearded man she had spoken with. He nodded in greeting to her. Irvin had left her, and Jeze was nervous from all the attention, especially from the handsome young man, that all she could do was simply nod.

"Congratulations, here drink!" Another Frostsworn roared and handed Jeze a tankard. This one was a thick stocky woman with braided hair.

Jeze never had ale before and she grimaced at the bitter taste. When she glanced up from her tankard, she saw that the tall warriors were still drinking, so she continued with them. Her stomach felt full, and her nervousness was replaced with a dizzying giddiness. She felt wobbly, but at the same time, the entire room swirled into perspective. She was no longer nervous but felt the joy of the others in the hall and was able to join the laughter as a leaf on a breeze.

A plate filled to the edges with food plopped down in front of her, and her stomach rumbled at the delicious scents of roasted chicken and seasoned vegetables. Jeze glanced up and saw Irvin talking to the bearded Frostsworn. He had motioned toward her, and she wondered what they were discussing, but her attention turned back to the food in front of her. She had not had a real meal in days!

"She looks like a hungry wolf that came across their first kill of the week," one of the Frostsworn joked.

Jeze's mouth was full as she continued to clear her plate. Another tankard of ale was placed before her. She didn't know who put it there, and she mumbled her thanks before washing down her meal with a swig.

"Such a small thing, where does she put it all?" The stocky lady with the braided hair questioned. The other young Frostsworn shrugged.

"Jeze?" A deep voice called.

The teenager wiped her mouth on her forearm and glanced up to see that it was the large bearded man who had spoken. Irvin was standing beside him.

"I am Carl Jorgenson," the bearded man greeted and extended his hand.

Jeze knew to clasp his forearm in greeting from her teacher and mentor, Raynor. Her hand was barely able to grip Jorgenson's thickly muscled arm.

"We hear that you are looking for a team," the Carl stated.

Jeze glared at Irvin and responded, "I have a team."

The bearded man nodded slowly and continued as if her answer was nothing more than a swift breeze. "Here at this table is our Proven. That is what we Frostsworn call the Initiate rank. Young warriors that have passed the trials and ready to prove themselves. We made the long journey from the north to brave the Spire. As you can see, there are only four, and we have room for one more."

Jeze opened her mouth to repeat that she already had a team, but Irvin intervened. "She will think about it," the staunch official said.

Jeze glowered at him. Why was he meddling in her affairs? She wondered.

Jorgenson nodded slowly. He was a man of precise and deliberate movements. He turned to the Proven at the table.

"This is Rolfe," the Carl introduced the young muscular man that first greeted Jeze.

"Helga," Jorgenson motioned to the stocky braided hair lady.

"Mikal," he nodded to a quiet, thin man whom Jeze had not noticed until now. Mikal was still taller than Jeze but smaller than the others.

"And Dunar," Jorgenson introduced the final member. Dunar was a young man with dark hair who just arrived at the table with his hands filled with tankards. The others cheered widely, and each grabbed a drink. Dunar was left with one.

“Dunar, this is Jeze. She may join your team," the Carl introduced.

Jeze wanted to retort that she had a team but was shy in front of the serious-looking Dunar. He was handsome and well-built but not as muscular as Rolfe. Rolfe was built like a bear.

"Well met," Dunar greeted and gave his tankard to Jeze. "Please drink with us."

A loud commotion drew their attention to the a few tables away where a robed woman in gray hair was holding up a squirming Goblin in her hand.

"Who is this creature Bonded to?" She demanded in a booming voice that belied her thin frame.

All around, adventurers mumbled to each other, and Jeze overheard some of the comments.

"I sure hope we don't have a Goblin infestation." "

That would be a nightmare."

"By the Gods, that thing is hideous to look at."

"I think it is cute looking."

"Gross!"

"Who would willingly bond with that?" Rolfe growled.

Jeze's heart sank, and she tried to hide.

"If this creature is not claimed, we will be forced to put it down!" The woman shouted.

With reluctance, Jeze raised her hand. Ziplocke's ears were pulled back, and he looked as happy as a wet kitten. It was a quick glance at the shocked expressions of the Proven that sat next to her that caused Jeze's soul to crack.