Pete cleared his throat. Geswald’s eyes focused on him again.
“We have heard rumors of a member of the Stone Raiders being a Dwarven Master Smith. I think that is how they were able to make it. Three days ago, there was another teleport pad connected. This one in a town called Cliff-Hill. It’s an insignificant place, but the only place in Opheir other than Nadorf. They are connected to a human city, Omal, as well as an Elven forest, Kufo’tel, and the Mithsia Mountains. Trade goes through the village, where they have large smithies and a ceramics factory. I have been looking into these factories and the smithies through the connections in the trader’s guild. They’re owned by the same person, Dave Grahslagg, the reported Dwarven Master Smith. He has multiple patents on different items and it seems that he is responsible for using all of the smithy and ceramics factories’ income to buy a teleport pad,” Pete said.
“So, the Stone Raiders basically bought two teleport pads in as many days. They call a Dwarven Master Smith one of their people and they can somehow get goods from somewhere on a near constant basis?” Geswald sat back in his chair, feeling much older.
The guildmaster was right. I’ve never seen a guild have this kind of power before.
“We need to cancel all plans that we have with the Stone Raiders. They are not a group we want to anger. We can maybe pressure them in some way, but direct confrontation will lead to nothing,” Geswald said firmly, relieved that he had been held back from his hasty attack plan he’d made just a few weeks ago.
“Yes, master,” Pete bowed, wincing as he said the next sentence. “Lord Esamael received the same information as us a few hours before. He sent a message for you.”
“Well, out with it.” Geswald frowned.
“Lord Esamael, upon hearing that there is a second teleport pad held within fifty miles of his own teleport pad, has expressed his displeasure at the current situation. He wants us to do something about them. If we do not, then he will increase the cost of using the teleport pad, as well as taxes, while doing his best to interfere in our businesses. He said it in more flowery language.”
“Did he send his message to just us?” Geswald asked darkly. His mind worked to try to figure a way to balance himself between the Stone Raiders and Lord Esamael.
“No, he sent it to a number of merchants and traders. We have already received complaints from a few of them.”
“Esamael is a powerful man. His family has owned this town and its teleport pad for many generations. They’re more powerful than most kings. Their power is only beaten by the actual king of Gudalo on this continent. Even with no standing army, their ties make them strong indeed. With the new information about the Stone Raiders, we’re going to have to tread very carefully,” Geswald warned.
“Yes, master,” Pete said.
“Send word to the council in town that we need to discuss these latest developments.”
“I will see to it personally.” Pete bowed before he left the room.
Geswald looked around his office. He had been excited with the thrill of the hunt and his opportunity to show others his real power and crush a group of Players. It would have been perfect. Now that he knew of their true strength and pulled back his plans, he was getting forced from another direction to try to carry them out.
I need time to figure it all out, to see a way of keeping Esamael happy while not angering the Stone Raiders too much.
***
Lord Esamael drank wine from his ornate glass. It was handcrafted straight from Markolm. It was worth a small village’s income for a year. He didn’t really taste the wine that was worth more than a farmer’s yearly expenses. Opulence wasn’t an acquired taste; it was a standard to him.
He had silver hair and bright blue eyes. His jawline and well-groomed hair would make many girls swoon for him. He was well-built, the physique of a man who took his physical training seriously.
He let out an angry breath as he drank from his glass again. His eyes were fixed on the horizon. In the direction of his gaze lay Verlun. The Esamael family had not gotten to their seat of power through sitting back and letting others walk all over them. They were well versed in the art of backroom deals and non-physical arm twisting.
Anyone who didn’t fall in line, they put them in place with force. They might not have a big standing army, but they controlled the gangs and crime in the region. Accidents weren’t all that uncommon.
I will have that teleport pad and I will get those Players to either leave or submit. They might be immortals, but they’re still weaker than my own forces and I know where they respawn.
He drank deeply from his cup.
He had issued his orders out to the traders and other groups to start the discrete pressure. If the Stone Raiders didn’t take the hint, then Esamael would be forced to take things into his own hands. He was the law here. No one liked being in a cell for months; even the immortal Players usually changed their bodies after a few months.
Esamael turned from the balcony and headed into his castle.
Emerilia will be continued in This is Our Land.
As a self published author I live for reviews! If you’ve enjoyed Emerilia, please leave a review!
Hope you have a great Day! ☺
Want a bigger map of Emerilia and the continents? Check out http://theeternalwriter.deviantart.com/
You can check out my other books, what I’m working on and upcoming releases through the following means:
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
Twitter: @chatfieldsbooks
Facebook: Michael Chatfield
Goodreads: Goodreads.com/michaelchatfield
Thanks again for reading! ☺
Interested in more LitRPG? Check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
Continue on for Character Sheet!
Characters
Ankol
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art: Metal Spinner. Lives in Grorart Mountain.
Boran-Al
Lich
One of the Dark Lord’s Champions. Works directly under the Dark Lord. Creates Creatures of Power and carry’s out the Dark Lord’s orders. His Citadel was destroyed.
Alastair Montgoa
Arch Lich aka former Lord Vailyn. Gave up his fellow Aleph to have everlasting life; used the centuries to build strength and knowledge
Barry
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art-Unknown. Wandering smith.
Cassie
Elf/Human Halfling
Holy warrior. Leader of the Golden Sabres. In a relationship with Josh Giles.
Dark Lord
God
Embodiment of the Dark affinity. Created Demons. Normally an ally with the Earth Lord. Always looking a way to tip the power balance of Emerilia in his favor.
Dasano
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art: Metal Press. Lives in Grorart Mountain.
Akatol Dracul
Dragon
Water Mage. Was the second Dragon, Denur’s husband. Went mad and started a genocide, disappeared.
Denur Dracul
Dragon
Fire Mage Hailed as ‘Mother of Dragons’. First of her race, a creature of power created by the Lady of Fire. Seen as her daughter. Sister to Oson’ Deia.
Gelimah Dracul
Dragon
Dark Mage. Brother to Induca, Louna and Malsour
Fornau Dracul
Dragon
Earth Mage. Quindar's mate Malsour and Induca’s grandnephew.
Induca Dracul
Dragon
Fire Mage. One of the youngest from the first generation of Dragons. Sister to Malsour, daughter of Denur, aunt to Quindar, great aunt to Fornau. Member of the Stone Raiders and Party Zero.
Kinal Dracul
Dragon
Louna Dracul
Dragon
Induca, Gelimah and Malsour’s sister.
Malsour Dracul
Dra
gon
Dark Mage. One of the oldest Dragons in existence, first born of Denur. Deia and Induca’s Guardian, Stone Raider and Party Zero member. Brother to Induca. Great Uncle to Fornau Dracul and Uncle to Quindar Dracul.
Quindar Dracul
Dragon
Wind Mage, wife to Fornau, Niece to Induca and Malsour.
Wokui Dracul
Dragon
Water Mage
Xednai Dracul
Dragon
One of the first Dragons, had several Dragons. Her son is Fornau.
Gorpal Dunsk
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, lives in Aldamire Mountain, created 3 Weapons of Power - Mace of Fury, Tower Shield, Boots of Smash. Smithing Art: Paint Copy
Earth Lord
God
Embodiment of the Dark affinity. Created Earth Sprites.
Edmur
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Had been in the Dwarven War Bands as a Shield Bearer. Former pupil of Quino's Brother to Endur. Smithing Art: Metal’s Song
Edwards
Human. Military scientist within the Deq’ual System. Friend of Sato’s
Edwin
Beast Kin. Beast Kin representative on ruling council.
Endur
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Had been in the Dwarven War Bands as a Shield Bearer. Former pupil of Quino's, brother to Edmur, lives in Zolu Mountain. Smithing Art Hammer Blows
Esa
Human
Melee fighter. Member of Mikal and Jule’s party. Fought at Boranl-Al’s Citadel.
Member of the Stone Raiders. Going out with Jules. Works under Dwayne as a fighter. Being trained for a leadership position under Dwayne.
Lord Esamael
Human.
Lord of Emaren within the Gudalo Kingdom.
Ela-Gal
High Elf.
Warrior living in Aleph, married to Ela’Dorn. Persectued by high elves as heretic.
Ela-Dorn
Orc.
Researcher and professor at Aleph College. Aleph Council Member. Married to Ela-Gal
Fend
Dwarf
Lord Under the Mithsia Mountains.
Geswald
Human.
Trader’s Guild Chapter head in Emaren.
David Grahslagg
Dwarf/Human Halfling, in-game character of Austin Zane. Dwarven Master Smith, Resident of Cliff Hill, member of Party Zero and the Stone Raider’s Guild. Other names: Austin Zane
Josh Giles
Human
Rogue. Leader of the Stone Raiders. Was a investment broker on Earth, became an E-head. In a relationship with Cassie from the Golden Sabres.
Gimel
Human
Warrior.
Fellox Guild Master.
Gorrund
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith in Benvari Mountain with Jesal, teaching four apprentices. Smithing Art: Blood Bender.
Goula
Demon
On the Ruling council for Devil’s Crater.
Gurren
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg, Kol’s Grandson. Member of the Stone Raiders.
Helick
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith.
Kim Isdola
Human
Cleric/alchemist. Lieutenant in Stone Raiders.
Ishox
Demon
On the Ruling council for Devil’s Crater.
Arch-Mage Jekoni
Human/item
Soul bound to Staff of Growing, over 2,000 years old; missing legs. Held within Dwarven Vaults with other Weapons of power.
Jeeves
AI
Made by Bob to assist the Dwarven Master Smiths.
Jeremy
Human
Fellox Guild member.
Jesal
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, Dave's master smith trainer. Smithing art: Nature's Guide
Jules
Human
Healer. Member of Mikal and Esa’s party. Fought at Boranl-Al’s Citadel.
Member of the Stone Raiders. Used to be an army medic, E-head without legs IRL. Going out with Esa. Works under Lucy as support, leads the healers of the Stone Raiders.
Joko
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend and trainer of David Grahslagg.
Deceased.
Anna’Kal
Wolf Beast Kin/Administrator AI24681
Air mage. Originally a program meant to assist Lo’kal with the running of Emerilia. Anna was uploaded to a Player body and inserted into Emerilia. She became emotionally attached with her charges. When the Beast Kin people were wiped out from Emerilia she went into cold storage, waiting for her father to awake her when a chance came to fight against the prison they had created.
Member of the Stone Raiders and Party Zero. Daughter of Bob.
Lo'kal
Jukal
Scientist, created Emerilia. Awarded the position of the Gray God, maintains Emerilia, its people and Players. Other names: Bob, Bobby McMahnon, The Balancer, Gray God.
Kino
Demon
On the Ruling Council for Devil’s Crater.
Kol
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Gurren’s grandfather. Resides in Cliff-Hill. Taught Dave how to Smith. Runs his Smithies. Smithing art: Blind Man’s Touch
Lady of Air
Goddess
Embodiment of the affinity Air. Known for causing mischief. Her Champions act as spies and information brokers, tilting the balance of Emerilia.
Lady of Fire
Goddess
Created Dragons, Mages Guild and College. Gave gift of ‘knowledge’ to the people of Emerilia. Mother to Deia, Lover of Oson’Mal and best friend with Bob.
Other Names: Ignil
Lady of Light
Goddess
Sent Players to kill/capture Dragons to make her own Creatures of Power. Created the race known as Angels. Large rivalry with the Dark Lord.
Lena
Demon
On the Ruling Council of Devil’s Crater. Wife to Vrexu.
Lovan
Dwarf
Mithsia Mountain Warclan leader
Lox
Dwarf
Shield bearer. Was the commander of the War Band sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg. Member of the Stone Raiders.
Suzy Markell
Human (IRL)
High Elf (Emerilia)
Austin Zane’s secretary and best friend. David Grahslagg’s best friend and assistant with running Cliff Hill Smithy and Factory. Summoning Mage. Steven’s contractor, member of Party Zero and the Stone Raiders.
Max
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg.
Deceased.
Meda
Dwarf/Elf
Aleph Council member. Deals with the food within Aleph cities and facilities
Melanie
Human
Melhoun
Water snake made by the Water Lord.
Sealed away.
Mikal
Human
Rogue. Jules and Esa’s party member. Member of the Stone Raiders. Friends with Party Zero.
Oson'Deia
Elf/Demi God Halfling
Elven Ranger and Fire Mage. Daughter of Oson’Mal and Lady Fire of the Affinity Pantheon. Resident of Cliff Hill and member of the Stone Raider’s Guild, Leader of Party Zero.
Other names: Ouluv'Deia
Penelope
Human
Fellox Guild member.
Pete
Human
Geswal
d’s secretary.
Queen Farun
High Elf
Queen of Raolor.
Queen Mendari Selhi
Human
Queen of Selhi.
Quino
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith, lives in Zolu Mountain. Trained the brothers Endur and Edmur. Smithing Art: Internal cutting.
Rola
Dwarf
Dwarven Master Smith. Smithing Art Puppeteer. Lives in Aldamire Mountain.
Sato/Communications officer Sato
Human
Lives in De’qual system.
Communications Officer, becomes Vice commander of Deq’ual military forces. Grandfather original settler.
Emperor Talis
Human.
Ruler of the Xeugrera Empire, located in the Ashal Continent.
Tounk
Dwarf
Shield bearer, member of Dwarven War Band under Lox’s command, sent to guide people to Cliff-Hill. Friend of David Grahslagg.
Deceased.
Demon Prince Alkao/Alkao Travezar
Aerial Demon
Melee fighter. Commander of the Third Demon Horde and leader of Xerzit lands. Oldest of the five remaining Demon Prince’s of Devil’s Crater.
Dwayne Trebault
Human
Melee fighter. Lieutenant in Stone Raiders. Leads and trains the melee fighters in the Stone Raiders.
Venfik
Elf
Lady Air’s advisor.
Lucy Vernia
Wood Elf/Human
Lieutenant in Stone Raiders. Spy master, deals with supporting the Stone Raiders and paperwork.
Vrexu
Demon
One of the seven Demon Princes. General in the Devil’s Crater Army. Married to Lena, the youngest of the five remaining Demon Princes.
Water Lord
God
Embodiment of the Water Affinity. Created the Mer-People and water creatures. Created the Water Serpent Melhoun. Rival to the Lady of Fire.
Austin Zane
CEO of Rock Breaker’s Corporation. Engineer specializing in space vehicles. Background in Astro physics. Other names: David Grahslagg
Wis'Zel
Wood Elf
Bard. Works for David Grahslagg, managing his Ceramics factories in Cliff Hill.
Book 5
Want a bigger map of Emerilia and the continents? Check out http://theeternalwriter.deviantart.com/
Character Sheet is located in the back of the book for reference.
Emerilia
This is Our Land
Prologue
Lezar looked over the Demon Horde as it progressed. They were highly resistant to most diseases and poison, but that didn’t mean that they were unaffected by it.