Stranded (Closed)

[JadeKnight]

The MMORPG Swords and Sorcery had been a fairly successful running online game for the nearly twenty years that it had been going. There was one player who had been with the game from it's first announcement, closed Beta, open Beta and all the way till the last day when the servers shut down for good.

Jacob Rilley was 67 years old by the last day of the RPG and he had loved every moments of it. When he started, he had been lucky that he was an empty nester as both of his children has left the house two years before the game came out. His wife was a little skeptical about how much time he spent playing the game, but he was able to balance out life outside of the game with life inside the game. He had prided himself on becoming a completionist within the game, finishing every quest that came along, collecting and obtaining every single legendary and unique items within the game, maxing out his single character, every mount, and doing everything else that had been possible within the game. He had even gotten a few more unique items from the developers for his devotion to the game.

The final party with his guild went great for everyone. Though they were sad to be leaving, they had made promises to try and stay in contact with each other after the game, or possibly finding another game they could get together in. By the time the last few minutes were down to the shutoff time, Jacob was the last one left at the guild hall. He had decided to just wait things out till the very last second, mostly just to revel in the accomplishments he had done. They were just virtual, but they meant a lot to him. Time and devotion to many wonderful memories.

While he was sitting at his computer, a strange storm was beginning to brew outside. The sky had turned pitch black, even though it was the middle of the day. Red lightening danced across the sky, but didn't strike anywhere. Nothing seemed to be happening until the last few seconds of the server shutdown timer. It was the very last second when a bold of red lightning struck Jacob's house. Normally the surge protector would protect against such strikes, but not this time. Lighting trailed through the computer before arching out of the computer screen, striking the old man. He screamed at the intense pain for a few seconds before he was suddenly gone.

-----

One of the few temples which had been used by the Cult of the ALL Seeing Eye was located in the rarely traveled Bagoda Swamp in the Eastern Providence of Algonia. They were a major cult that was prolific throughout the land, mostly due trying to bring Chaos back to a world that had been at peace for a couple of thousand years now. It was the same old story of evil wanting to rule in place of evil. At this particular temple, a handful of members were trying to summon the Great Demon Lord Azarel, the symbol of their cult. This wasn't the first time such a thing had been tried, no just the latest in a series of failed summonings. Azarel was the strongest demon known that they felt could accomplish their goals. Wiping everything good from the world and all living creatures was what the demon was best at, but also a downfall since he hated all creatures. It was a fool hardy attempt, but they felt they could control him to do their bidding.

In the lowest and largest area of the temple, a completed summoning circle was created. Everything was carefully checked and re-checked by the ten members before they began the ritual. After a few moments of chanting, a large bellowing cloud of black smoke filled the inside of the circle before slowly dissipating. Two figures were seen within the circle, that of The Great Demon Lord Azarel standing nearly fifteen feet tall and a smaller figure. This figure was Jacob as he had appeared within Swords and Sorcery. Azarel roared with anger as he looked to the circle of cults while Jacob stood there stunned at what had happened. The Demon turned towards the nearest cultist, trying to throw a fireball at him. The fireball disapated as it hit the edge of the barrier. It took a few moments before the members noticed Jacob, yelling for their Demon Lord to kill the intruder.

"I am not yours to command!"

Still, the demon lord was looking for someone to take his anger out on and Jacob was the only one he seemed to be able to get to. The demon turned towards Jacob, who was still trying to figure out exactly what had happened since he had been staring at his computer a few seconds before. It was the heat of a failed fireball attack on him that snapped him out of the daze.

"What in the world? Did you just try to attack me?"

Running on adrenaline now, his mind focused solely on the large demon before him. Something in the back of his mind told him that he had faced such creatures and won in the past. Having no idea what was going on, he acted mostly on instinct. He lifted up his left hand, throwing a pair of small orbs at the large demon. Nothing seemed to happen as the two small orbs sunk into the demon at his chest and the middle of his neck. The demon laughed evily for a moment.

"What was--"

The demon's words were cut off as two large balls of fire exploded from within him, chunks of burnt limbs, flesh, organs, and blood flew everywhere. Jacob was coating in the blood as several of the cult members yelled in anger before raising ceremonial knifes into the air. Five of them raced into the circle, breaking the seal. Jacob raised his hands on reflex, blue lightning arcing towards the nearest one. After that one screamed in pain as he was fried from the inside and collapsed to the ground in a pile of blackened robes, it jumped to the next one in line. All ten were fried to a crisp and dead. Jacob sank to his knees, blinking as he looked around at the dark and strange room.

"What the hell just happened?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

The temple shook from a series of explosions and the dirt drifted down from the ceiling. I was jarred from my duties in the kitchen by the shock. “SHIT” I gasped as I knew something had gone horribly wrong in the summoning chamber. I tucked a kitchen knife into my tunic and grabbed the master key set. As the kitchen leader screamed for us to get out of the temple. The other two staff members bolt out of sight as did the leader. I did not. I figured this was the kind of chaos that provided opportunities not normally available for someone like me. I ran toward the head priest’ private chambers.

I saw three clerics running away from the temple summoning chamber. I grabbed Enfield, the one assistant priest, I knew. "What happened?” I asked.

“The Great Demon has been killed. A powerful mage is killing everyone! RUNNNNN” He screamed as he pushed past me.

“SHIT” I screamed in anger. Not because the demon had been killed, but because again I had picked the wrong side to team with! What can I say? I have made some bad choices in life and unlife, and joining this cult was another.

I continued on my way to the head priest’ private chambers. I reached the large decorated wooden door. As a kitchen staff member, I knew the master key set had a key to this room. I sorted through the keys until I found the right one and used it to open the door.

I enter the private chambers. Polished braziers attached to each of the eight marble columns lighted up every part of the chamber. The tapestries depicting various demons hanging from the layered ceiling dance in the flickering light while stone gargoyles look down upon the stone floor.

A ruby rug ran down the middle of the room and under the large bed. Behind the bed was a large mirror where I could see myself. There I stood a young, attractive, blue skinned woman with long white hair. I had a very curvaceous figure, with pear-like hips and well-endowed chest. My eyes had black sclera and gold-colored irises. I wore a white, thigh-length dress with a black long coat. Worn over the dress and the coat, was a black-lacquered western-style armored corset with matching bicep-length armored gloves and thigh-high armored heeled boots. Wrapped around my neck, was a long back scarf. I continued to look around the room.

To the left side of the bed was a desk, a scythe, and a book case full of tomes. I noticed the large sapphire sitting atop a small stand on the desk. There were also clerical items made of jade. I headed over to the desk to steal as many valuable items as I could find.

 

[JadeKnight]

Jacob remained on the ground, dumbfounded for a few more seconds before he felt a rumbling under him and a few small pieces of stone clattered around him. It seemed that when the summoning circle was forced open by the cultists' attack, it had released a massive amount of energy into the temple. This had begun to weaken the temple, making the entire structure unstable.

"Ok, I don't think it's safe here anymore."

As he stood up, the ground shook under his feet for a moment. At the same time, a larger chunk of stone fell from the ceiling to splatter on one of the larger pieces of the demon's remains. A shiver ran up his spine, seeing how close death was. Having no clue which way to go, he just took off in a run towards the chamber's opening.

As he left the room and began to climb a flight of stairs, he cried out as he grabbed for wall mounted torch holder. He almost lost his footing as the stairs partially collapsed. He had no clue what was going on and decided he was no going to die here.

"HEY! Can anyone help me?"

He climbed up into the hallway that ran both ways, a little ways from the head priest's chambers that Zetta was raiding.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

I had finished grabbing the large sapphire, and jade items when I heard someone yelling “HEY! Can anyone help me?” I’m not really the helping type. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I really helped someone. But as I explained before, I really have made a lot of bad choices. So I went against my regular course of action, and decided to help whoever was yelling. I grab the scythe, always nice to have a weapon when helping someone, and departed the head priest’s bedroom.

I looked down the passageway and a saw a man standing there facing me. He looked like young but powerful wizard. “Oh Shit” I said out loud, it was the guy who was killing everyone!! Another bad choice! I really am cursed!!

 

[JadeKnight]

I pause for a moment, a little confused as the strange, but beautiful blue skinned woman came out of one of the rooms further down. However, another rumble pulls me from my little trance to tell me things aren't safe.

"Do you know the way out? Please, I really don't want to die."

I yell as I run towards you, not knowing if you spoke my language or not. After all, it sounds like English to me. I stop next to you for a moment before quickly looking around.

"Please, tell me you know the way out of here. I don't think this place will last much longer."

I noted that there really only seems to be one hallway to go down, leading past a few doorways before opening through a pair of large ornate doors standing wide open. I barely give you time to react before I am running down towards the large doors.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

Well, the guy was probably powerful enough to kill me with the snap of his fingers. But I had little choice but to follow him. He was right. The temple was falling apart. Stone blocks began to shake loose from their mortar. The passage way we were running in was collapsing. I’m a great runner when my unlife depended on it. I sprinted past him at the large doors. I turned left and ran of the service entrance to the temple. The rumbling of falling stones grew louder as the man came out of the same door I exited.

“This way” I told him as I put distance between me and the temple. It was good I did as the rumbling grew louder and the whole temple collapsed in a huge cloud of stones and dust.

When I stopped running the wizard was next to me. We were both breathing hard. So we said nothing to each other for a moment. Each of us trying to catch our breaths. I got a few good lungs full of air in and could speak first.

“Hi” I said “My name is Zetta.” I told him “And I’d prefer if you did not kill me!”

 

[JadeKnight]

I was taken back for a moment when she sprinted past me, but I did ask her to lead. I did the only sensible thing at that moment and followed after her. I tried not to let anything distract me as I followed, wanting to get out with my life.

As we stopped to catch our breathe, I bend over a little, putting my hands on my knees. My whole body seemed to be screaming from the exercise, but it felt good. It had been forever since I had been able to do any true exercising. It takes me a moment to register her speaking and what she said. I lift a hand and wave it back and forth as I speak.

"Please, don't be alarmed. I only kill those that try to kill me. And I'm...Jacob. Pleased to meet you Zetta."

I stand up once more, taking in our surroundings. The sun was just above the horizon, saying that night was nearly upon us. I also noticed a seeming floating black box in front of me, positioned about my waist and slightly to the left. It was only a couple of feet away, easily within my reach. It wasn't visible to anyone but me, and I didn't want to test it just yet. I look back at the destroyed temple for a moment and then back to the woman.

"Well, Any idea for shelter or where we are at?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

“Follow me” I said in answer to Jacob’s question about where to find shelter. I started to walk towards a path leading into the swamp. “We are in the rarely traveled Bagoda Swamp. The swamp is located in the Eastern Providence of Algonia.” I explained.

“There is a small hamlet not too far away. It will not take us long to get there.” I explained. The swamp was huge and murky. Its canopy was marked by cypress, cottonwood, and willow trees. The trees permitted small amounts of light to descend to the forest floor. As the sun was setting, the swamp was getting darker quickly.

A medley of wild sounds, belonging mostly to foraging animals, reverberated through the air. The twilight was a good hunting time for the many predators that lived in the swamp. I blocked out the noises and focused on this strange wizard who I walking with me.

“I just wanted to say, I was a kitchen assistant to the Cult of the All Seeing Eye. I was not a full member of the cult. I was with them because I needed a place to hide out for a while. The Algonia kingdom thinks I’m a criminal. They sentenced me to death. So hiding from them seemed a good idea.” I told Jacob.

We made good progress while I was talking and reached the hamlet of Fourwinds. Jacob saw a few small buildings clustered together and could tell it was not large. Most of Fourwinds buildings were the simple, small farm houses.

The nearby swamp presented the biggest danger to the inhabitants of the town. There were bands of kobolds, goblins, and frogoloks that occasionally tried to raid the town. The local militia of Fourwinds was experienced in repelling these attacks. What they were not ready to address was a powerful wizard!

5 of the militia met Jacob and I at the entrance to the town. Many of them were still adjusting their armor. The Militia was mainly human, but there were several lizardmen, and one Halfling. The captain of the Militia, a human, asked us to halt and state our intentions.

I came forward “Good Captain, my friend and I are only here for tonight and plan to leave first thing in the morning.” I explained.

“Are you from the temple?" He asked.

“No… what temple?” I lied.

“Oh… good. No cult member are allow in” The captain said believing my false statement. “You’ll want to stay at The Swamp Donkey Pub and Inn.”

“Thanks” I replied as Jacob and I walked past the small militia group.

“I hope the pub is not full of Asses!” I said laughing at my play on words.

From the outside, the pub looks dull, dire, and dirty. Plastered walls made up most of the building's outer structure. It's hard to see through the closed windows. As we enter the pub through the hardwood door, we were welcomed by a feeling of discomfort and thick air. The bartender just stared at us.

The pub itself was almost empty. The few people inside were keeping to themselves. I walked up to the bar. “We’ll take two beers and whatever the food is tonight. Oh, we also need two rooms for the night” I told the man as I put a silver coin on the counter.

“I’ll bring the beer and food over” He said. I walked back to Jacob and sat down.

“Drink and Food on the way." Said with a smile. I was curious so I asked the Wizard "If I can ask, who are you? and why did you destroy that temple?” I asked Jacob.

 

[JadeKnight]

I am pretty much silent as I follow after Zetta, partly in a daze at everything that went on. I do my best to keep track of what she was saying, while trying to keep my bearings on where we were going. It was all still very confusing to me.

Despite the eeriness of the swamp, I find that it does have some beauty to it. I had always been an explorer in my youth and teens, plus traveling as much as I could as I got older.

I just hope she doesn't think I am ignoring her, since I really don't speak a word as I follow after her. I do nod and smile to the guards as we pass them, happy to finally be someplace of safety for the night.

I do chuckle a little at her joke about the tavern, finding it amusing. As we take a seat, I do find myself eyeing her more, feeling a little more giddy so to speak. Now I had never cheated on my wife or family, but I had a nagging feeling that I probably won't see them again.

"Food would be a godsend now. I am starving."

I grin and pat my stomach for a moment, which promptly gives a low growl. I laugh and grin sheepishly for a moment.

"Sorry about that. Umm..I am not really sure about why exactly the temple fell."

I purse my lips for a moment as I try to think of what could have caused it.

"Well, the only possible thing I could think of is a major release of power when the summoning circle was broken. I don't think the others liked that I took down that demon Lord with just a couple of delayed fireballs."

I grin sheepishly once more, feeling a little embarrassed about the bragging. It's only a few more moments before two large bowls of stew and a couple mugs of ale are sat down at the table. I smile and pick up the spoon brought with the stew, mming as I eat a couple of mouthfuls.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

“Maybe it goes without saying, but blowing up a temple is a big deal. You are going to get tagged with it. The wizard that blew up a temple.” I explained. I ate some of the stew. I did not need food, but I still enjoyed the taste of it. What I still enjoyed even more was drinking! The beer at this pub was pretty bad. So the next visit, by the not-so-friendly bartender, I upgraded.

“You have anything besides beer?” I asked

“Apple Brandy, Vicuna, and some Andoor Whiskey” He said.

“Apple Brandy” I ordered.

He came back with a big glass in no time and I took a good sip. The spirituous flavor of apple and some oaky flavors dancing around in my mouth as the high level of alcohol hit my body with a feisty kick.

“Oh, that is some good shit” I commented as I took another sip of the wonderful brandy.

“Jacob, not sure where you plan to go next. But if I may make a suggestion. The country of Algonia is vast but the place is shit. When we get out of this swamp and you look north. There is a large mountain range. Algonia claims land further north than the range, but everyone knows the country’s border is those mountains. To the South is a large ocean, that is their southern border. To the East is a desert and a volcano. To the west is the country of Zorus.

Algonia has strict laws, ruthless law enforcement, and a corrupt government. The people are hostile and the place has deteriorating infrastructure. Therefore, I would head west to Zorus. In Zorus, the king actually care about his people and the hills are rich with minerals. The people of Zorus are friendly towards foreigners. They feel foreigners raise the country's well being. It has nice forests, waterfalls and good food. Good place for a wizard to set up shop.” I explained.

 

[JadeKnight]

I chuckle for a moment and shake my head at her comment on me becoming a wizard who blew up a temple.

"It would seem that the only way for me to become known as that is if someone started spreading it around. Though I am sure that is already well on it's way through the grapevine."

I give a little smirk for a moment as I look at her, watching her order another drink for herself. Watching and listening to her explain everything about her does give me time to look her over. She does have an exotic quality about her, and there is something about her I can't quite place my finger on.

"Well, judging from the way I was brought into this world, I would say I need to do a little bit of exploring to try and get back to my place. Setting up shop is something nice for the long term, but I don't know if that is what I want to do just yet. I think my priority right now would be to possibly find a way back home. If, and only if, that doesn't work, then setting up shop will be fine."

Despite my words, I already had the feeling that I couldn't get home. And even if I could, there really wasn't much for me to go back to. This was a chance for me to start a new life, of a new adventure. I finish up my meal, leaning back in the seat for a moment, just watching her enjoy her drink.

"Since I don't know my way around this land, perhaps I should have you guide me for a bit till I truly get on my feet, so to speak. What do you say?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

“Well, I have a few thoughts” I paused as I took another sip of my brandy. The brandy was great and I could feel it trying to weaken my will power. My will power not to order another drink.

“If you arrive via a conjuring circle, we’ll need to find another circle. There is a shrine hidden in the fiery depths of the volcano in the east. Fire priests are a large and active group. They worship an elemental spirit, an old fire elemental.” I explained

“Closer to us, is the Temple of the Eye. It is a crumbling, vine-choked ruin, a former temple of a forgotten dark god. The image of an enormous, hideous eye is carved into the wall above the black stone altar. Templars tend the temple day and night, slaying anyone who happens upon the site. So we’d need a good plan to visit that circle.

Lastly, temple of the Lion God is to the south. Priests and priestesses of that cult are there, but it is open to the public. People can go there to hear sermons about the coming glory, the value of order, truth and what happens in the afterlife.” I explained

“If you want a place to gather your thoughts… this hamlet is a start. A few days journey from here is the town of Fool's March. Mainly a human town which does woodcrafting, wine brewing and farming.”

 

[JadeKnight]

I pursed my lips a little as I listened to her explain about the different places we could visit to try and use a conjuring circle. It was a nice idea, but I thought there was just a little flaw in the logic. The circles were meant to pull something in, not send things away. I could think of one or two spells that might do what I was thinking of, but I also knew such spells probably didn't have the desired results I wanted. Well, there was nothing wrong with trying.

"Those sound like good starting places to see what we can do. If they don't pan out, we can always try elsewhere."

I soon finished up my meal, pushing the empty bowl forward as I sat my mug beside it. I was full and know a little tired after the day's events. My eyes wander over the exotic woman for a moments before I smile and nod.

"How about we check out the nearest one tomorrow after we get some rest? I know it's probably still early, but I am a little overwhelmed with everything that's happened so far."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

I noticed Jacob’s eyes wander over my body. I was not sure what that meant. Could he be interested in me in a sexual way? No, that was not possible. I had light blue skin and was dead. So I smiled back at him and laughed “Temple of the Eye, it is then… how did I know you were going to pick the most dangerous temple.”

I drained my brandy glass with a satisfying “ahhhh” afterwards. I stated what he seemed to be thinking. “Yep, nothing like a heroic escape from an collapsing temple, meeting a new friend, some shared food and drink, and then to top it off with some powerful love making!” I said in excitement, looking around the room. The place was pretty empty and there were no real choices for love making. My eyes fell back on Jacob. I realized he might misinterpret my last declaration. “Jacob, that was just a statement… I was not hinting at anything with that comment.” I explained to him. Then I looked at the brandy with a frown on my face. “This stuff is pretty powerful… I’m glad I'm stopping.” I said laughing.

We both got up and headed to our room. The rooms were upstairs and next to each other. As we both struggled with our keys in our locks, our eyes met. I really wanted a fuck tonight. It might have been the brandy talking, but I wanted a fuck. Jacob was handsome and powerful. I heard his key open his room door. I needed to say something, now, or nothing would happen tonight.

“Did you want to plan how we are going to get inside the Temple of the Eye tonight?” I suggested. “Or maybe since you are a powerful wizard, you need someone to warm up your bed for you?” I offered.

 

[JadeKnight]

I gave a little chuckle at her statement about lovemaking, not pushing any comments about it. After all, we were both adults and the promise of such things were inevitable. However, I was a gentleman about such things.

"No worries about it. It was just a slip of the tongue."

At our rooms, I had just placed my hand on the doorknob after unlocking it when Zetta spoke up. I smiled for a moment as I looked over at her, seeing the lust in her eyes at her words. It was a very tempting offer, since it had been years since I had really had sex with my wife. However, I wasn't sure about how things were going to progress and if I would have been able to get home anytime soon.

"As tempting as your offer is Zetta, I think I need to pass tonight. I think a bit of sleep for both of us would be good so we can get an early start."

I could see the deflation of rejection in her eyes, but I smiled softly. Bidding her good night, I stepped into my room and closed the door behind me. I locked the door with a soft 'click' so I wouldn't be disturbed before I would like. After undressing, I crawled beneath the sheets of my bed. It wasn't exactly comfortable, being a straw-stuffed bed.

Before going to sleep, I decided to see what the floating x box was about. Upon pressing it, it expanded into a much larger box with several various categories to choose from. Going from top to bottom, it had 'Stats and equipment', 'inventory', 'Companions', 'Pets', 'Item creation', and 'Spells' The stats and equipment contained an overview of my stats, an inventory layout for everything I wore at all times. The inventory was the full listing of every piece of equipment I had collected during my entire run of Swords and Sorcery. My companions tab actually had carbon copies of my guild mates that it looked like I would be able to summon based on a set number of points. The pets were every pet I owned, though I could only summon one at a time it seemed. I wasn't sure if any of them would be able to be useful in a fight or were just cosmetic. The item creation seemed to be a very large amount of things I could use points to summon various items, ranging from mundane items like soap and towels up to a castle or other small buildings. There was so much there, I would have to actually take the time to sort through the different categories. I was also interested by the large amount of spells I had, not just the ones I knew from the game, but new ones as well.

A very large number was hovering about the list of main categories, which I figured to be what I could use to summon the various items. The defeat of monsters probably added to the total, most likely depending on the difficulty. Closing down the menu to the x, my last thoughts before drifting off to sleep was that I was probably stuck in this strange land for a very long time.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

I opened my door and entered my room. “Wow, turned down!” I said to myself. “What does a girl have to do to get laid?” I grumbled. But Jacob was right about needing some sleep. I went to bed and was out in less than a minute.

The next morning

I got up early and went down to the Inn’s eating area. I felt good, with the exception of the whole trip to the Temple of the Eye, I was doing well. I had survived my capital punishment, being in the Cult, and a temple collapse. Now, I’m teamed up with a powerful wizard that was a plus. Just need a few more wins and my life would be really good.

“Coffee?” A waiter asked a minute later

“Yes” I answered.

A few moments later I was greeted by the smelled the fresh ground coffee. The waiter brought a cup and I wrapped my hands around it. In a matter of minutes, the warmth of the coffee was carried throughout my body.

That was when Jacob came in and sat down next to me.

“Good morning” I said with a nod. Jacob nodded back.

“Thank you for yesterday and for your mercy and kindness. I’m in your debt” I stated humbly.

Jacob smiled “Don’t worry about it. I want to thank you for helping me as well. New land advise and paying for the room and food last night.”

Coffee arrived for Jacob.

“Please bring us some breakfast” I told the waiter. He nodded in understanding and departed.

“No problem…” I told Jacob. “So I guess we need a plan to get past the Templars. They slay anyone who happens upon the site. Killing a Templar on patrol is not the answer, as the rest of the Templars will come out and try to kill us. Maybe there is a way to fool them into thinking we are visiting from another temple. That might be possible." I said, thinking out loud.

The waiter was back with our breakfast. It was a simple breakfast of meat and bread. I grabbed some bread and tried it. “Not bad” I told Jacob.

 

[JadeKnight]

I was a little disappointed by the simple breakfast, mostly due to the lack of eggs. However, I wasn't going to complain as I was able to get my morning coffee. Though I really didn't need it, I always enjoyed a good cup of coffee in the morning. I didn't need it as I had woken up refreshed and ready for the day, but I wasn't going to stop such a wonderful habit just because I was in a new place. It was also nice not to wake up with aches and pains as I had the past few years. The straw mattress wasn't the best, but I wasn't going to complain about it.

I mulled over her advice as I took a mouthful of bread and chewed it slowly. I took a moment to glance around the large room, noting that we were the only ones there, other than the innkeeper and server. This was a good thing in my opinion, as discussing how to break into a temple in the middle of dangerous territory was probably not the best thing to do.

"I've had better. Well, as much as you think it will be a bad idea to kill one of the Templars, it's going to have to be one of our options."

As I saw her eyes go wider and open her mouth to argue, I dismissed it with a wave of my hand.

"Hear me out first. Our easiest option might be to go and pretend to just be travelers lost on our way through the countryside, and claim to be asking for a place to rest as if we stumble upon the Temple. If the region we are in is as bad as you said last night, they would probably not let us anywhere near the temple, either chasing us off or kill us since no one would really miss us. That is a long shot if I ever heard it."

I took a sip of my coffee for a moment before continuing.

"Second option, we can force our way in through intimidation. I am sure it's common knowledge that the cult of the All Seeing Eye from was trying to summon whatever nefarious demon to do their bidding. As far fetched as it may sound, we can say that I was that demon and take his name to threaten them to let us in. Then I use my magic to get us in, either by forcing them to accept my skills or getting killed."

I continued after a couple of mouthfuls.

"Another option would be to use the Templars themselves to get in. We ambush a couple of them on their patrol, knock them out or kill them, steal their stuff and dress up as them. Oh, what was the cult of the All Seeing Eye trying to do?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

Jacob came up with several possible ideas on how to get near the temple of the eye. But one idea seemed best to me.

“I like the second option the best. Where you become the Great Demon Lord Azarel. That is such a bold idea, no one would ever think, we’d be stupid enough to pretend to be a demon lord. It is so offensive to Azarel, he’d kill us on the spot. Too bad no one knows you killed the real demon lord.” I explained.

“But you will need to know about the Great Demon Lord Azarel to act like him. As background, what I do know is there are lots of Demon Lords. There are many secretive cults that worships different lords. The cults seek to elevate their lords to godhood through prayer and sacrifice. Some cults are trying to bring their demon lords to the mortal plane, others are trying to free their lord from any prison the lord is in.

Great Demon Lord Azarel normally appears as an ordinary human man in remarkably clean clothing. But he had two other forms, that of a huge fly, a chasme, and also the form you saw him in, a glabrezu. So I think if you wear magically clean clothing that would be a great disguise.

I know Azarel was an excessively cruel and merciless demon lord. This is compared to other demon lords. Not even his own troops were spared from his devious brutality. He was as clever as he was inventive, possessing advanced torture techniques both vast and terrifying. Seemingly insane, he had a deep-seated loathing of anything good or lawful.

That is the little bit I know, but perhaps we need to visit a scribe or library so you can brush up on your knowledge.” I suggested to Jacob.

 

[JadeKnight]

I was quiet as I listened to Zetta's idea, eating my breakfast slowly. I did nod every now and then just to show I was listening. It was a pretty good idea to do, something which I never really got a chance to do. Whenever I played games, I tried to stick with the good path of the story. It wasn't that I wasn't interested in going down the bad path in stories, I didn't see the appeal of it most of the time.

Now, however, that seemed like the best path to take. After all, if I was going to impersonate a demon lord, I was going to have to start being bad. I gave one final nod as I finished eating my breakfast, but motioned for a refill of coffee.

"You know, I think that might work. Granted, it will take a bit of work to pull off. However, with your help I think we can do that if you are going to stay with me."

It's going to be a long shot as getting things down, but I am sure I can handle it. Being a tough guy hasn't exactly been in my nature, but I have always been willing to try new things.

"Yes, a little bit of research will be good. And I am ready to go anytime you are."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

“Are you sure, I can’t talk you out of going to this particular temple?” I asked Jacob directly.

“No” He answered with a shake of his head.

“Ok… but you can’t say I did not I warned you” I answered. I got up and walked over to the waiter. “Where is the nearest scribe or library?” I asked him.

“Mmmm” The man replied thinking “Swamp Shaman is the closest. East of here, probably a journey of one day."

“That is on the way to our destination" I said to myself. "Thanks” I said to the waiter and went back to Jacob with the news. We picked critical supplies in the small hamlet and then headed out.

It was well after sunset when we grew close to the shaman’s hut. The night was dark with bits of fog drifting about … obscuring the thin sliver of a moon. The small dirt path was barely visible through the swamp/jungle bush. Ahead could be seen a small clearing and a mud pit. The swamp although dark was alive with sounds of crickets and other nocturnal animals.

Moonlight dimly lit the clearing.

“The shaman’s house should be here” I said to Jacob as we looked at the clearing. Then the clearing trembled slightly and an old mud hut raised up from the muddy ground, the trees seems to back away, for a few moments nothing happens, then the door of the mud hut flew open and a wizened old lizardman came out, leaning heavily on a walking stick. The staff had three shrunken skulls on it, and large python slithering between the skulls.

The shaman’s eyes were red, his great crocodile jaws open, animal pelts and bones covers his body, he also carried a short sword. He looked very scary but there was something you could trust about him too.

The old lizardman peered into the darkness. Like he was a predator that has caught some prey and was about to kill it.

“WHO DARES TO DISTURB ME!” he said quietly but with great force of will behind the words. I and Jacob behind me approached the heap of fur and bones … the old lizardman’s dark face turned towards me … a small crocodile smile appeared on the old lizard’s face.

“Ah an undying” He said to me. “Such dark magic!” Then he looked at Jacob “Someone who does not belong, yet does belong. Please come into my clearing” the old lizardman said almost warmly as he grabbed some wood from the side of his hut … and placed it in the fire circle. He snapped his fingers and a fire was started. “What can I do for you?” He asked.

 

[JadeKnight]

As we traveled to our destination to meet this scribe, I couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty of the new world I was in. Granted mostly what we were going through was swampy, but that was besides the point. The air was mostly free of man made pollutants, tainted only by nature. Though I did miss my own world a bit, this one seemed to be growing on me. Little by little, it made me want to stay.

As we approached along the dirt trail, I only nodded to Zetta. I was more interested in our surroundings to pull away from them. Well, following after her was a little distracting at times as well. The though of getting my hands on her were in the back of my mind, but pushed aside as something for later.

I stopped in my tracks as the hut door flew open, and the strange lizardman came hobbling out. I wasn't sure what to expect as the scribe we were supposed to meet. However, given our surroundings, it wasn't that far fetched. I raised an eyebrow for a moment as he called Zetta an undying, not completely sure what that meant.

I step forward at the invitation, pulling up a large piece of log. I turn it on it's side before sitting down as Zetta did the same. I speak up first.

"We are here hoping to get some information, if you don't mind.I am trying to get back to my own world and was hoping you could help out. We were trying to get information of the cults and how to deal with them."

He was quiet for a few moments as he looked at us with a smile, as if deciding how best to answer. He leaned on his walking stick in silence for a few moments before speaking.

"What you ask is going to be very difficult, if not impossible. Travel to the realms of the gods is easy, but not so much other worlds. Such sorcery you speak of, many have tried. It has been said such knowledge is very ancient, but lost to time. The temples may have something, true."

I nod, fearing as much. I was certain that such a thing might be true, since I knew that most RPG worlds were built without such means. The only time that was possible had been if the DM desired it. Sadly, I don't think this world had been built with such knowledge.

"We want to know about Azarel and the Cult of the All-seeing Eye then."

The lizardman grinned wider for a moment, before starting to speak. He gave much the same information about Azarel that Zetta had told me, adding in how he had also been a womanizer and wanting to sow chaos, just for the sake of it. He told how the Eye wanted to use Azarel as the instrument for them to take over the world. He went into the history of how the cult came about many years ago, slowly gaining power over the decades. They had several chapters around the world, but no one was certain where the main headquarters were. He spoke till I started to yawn, being nearly after midnight.

As the fire was dying down, he pointed to another hut further away from his.

"You may use that hut to sleep. There is only one bed, but I am sure you can think of something. Good night to you both."

He gave another knowing grin before turning and heading back into his hut, slamming the door behind him. I stared into the fire for a few more moments in thought. I could use the information easily enough to get by in this new world. I stood up without a word from my log chair, looking towards Zetta.

"I think it's time for bed."

Without a word, I lean down to her. I slide a hand around the back of her head as I press my lips against hers. Her eyes widen for a moment before I grin as I pull away.

"Azrazel is supposed to be a big womanizer."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

I was surprised by the kiss, but also happy about it. I really liked Jacob, he was the nicest person I had met in a long time.

“You naughty Demon Lord.” I said to him as I got up from the fire. I pulled a small, burning branch from the fire, using it as a torch. “I just knew a wizard like you needed a bed warmer.” I replied with a wink as we headed to the spare hut. Once inside I placed the branch in a small brazen, which caught fire right away.

I really wanted to please Jacob. It had been some time since I had sex, but I still remembered a few tricks. I gave him my best naughty smile and walked over to him. I knew sex was 50% about what I did physically to him, but the other 50% was about turning him on mentally.

“I love to suck on cocks.” I whispered to him. “It really turns me on. Do you mind helping me get turned on?” I asked him. He gave me a reassuring nod. I smiled back at him. I pulled off my cloak. Then I unbuttoned my corset. My full breasts pushed open my corset. Jacob watched as my beautiful figure was revealed. Lastly, I took off my skirt, leaving only my knee high boots on. Jacob gave me a nod of approval. He loved the view of my breasts and slim waist. My slightly blue skin did seem to bother him. He started to untie his cloak.

“You are so beautiful, Zetta” He said to me.

Now, it was my turn to be turned on. He pulled open his cloak and his big cock sprang out. It was a beauty!

“Oh WOW” I moaned in excitement. I dropped to my knees and grabbed his fat cock and started to stroke it. The cock doubled in size as he moaned. I knew some men fantasized about a woman that was hungry for their cock! I hoped Jacob liked that fantasy. Gauging from his rock hard cock, I think he did.

"I love your cock!” I said, but it was the truth, I really did love his cock! I kissed his cock as I stroked it.

I was hoping he liked dirty talk, I like being a little naughty in bed. “I’m your little, dirty, cocksucker! I said as I opened my mouth and his cock went inside. I noticed how hard his cock felt. I hope it was from my dirty, slutty attitude. My head was moving up and down his cock as my tongue explored his dick. The bottom side of his cock was full of veins. I made sure the ridge of his cock head hit the corners of my mouth. I used my lips to tug at his cock. When I inhaled, I could smell him. He smelled like a man and I liked it.

“MMMM" He moaned that sent a shiver through me that ended between my legs with a demanding tingle of excitement. Oh fuck, he was getting me excited! I sucked harder, more aggressively. I wrapped my hand around his prick, tugging and pulling while I bobbed my head up and down.

"Do it in my mouth," I told him “Squirt your load in my mouth” I begged him as he pushed his swollen, throbbing cock back in my mouth. I moaned around my mouthful of cock. Jacob's cock was bigger, fatter and longer than before. His cock felt really hard. I could feel his prick twitching.

 

[JadeKnight]

To say I was merely pleased by the turn of events was an understatement. It had been years since i had gotten a blowjob, more for a good one. It was amazing to watch her go down on my large shaft, working it for all she could to get me off. She was just such a wonderful cock sucker, it was almost mindblowing.

"Fuck..that's it...almost there.."

I grabbed the back of her head, pushing her down to take all of my shaft in her mouth. I was amazed that she didn't gag, her throat closing around my thick head. I cried out in pleasure as my fingers tightened in her hair, my eyes partly closing from the instensity.

"Zetta!"

My cock twitched and swelled, my thick seed pumping down her throat for several seconds. I could feel her throat moving around my tip as she greedily swallowed everything I gave until I could give no more. I panted softly as my hands released her head, shivering as her tongue slicked around my length as she pulled off of me.

"It's been forever since I had a good blowjob job. That was wonderful."

I chuckled softly as she licks her lips for a moments before I slowly lay back on the bed, closing my eyes. I know I could probably could go anther round, but it would probably be better to take things slow for now. I finish pulling off my cloak and robe before patting the bed next to me for her to crawl next to me.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zetta

I curled up next to Jacob and we both fell asleep. The next morning there was no sign of the shaman’s old mud hut.

“Well, I guess he sank back into the mud again.” I said as I looked at the muddy clearing. “I wonder what he does down there?” I asked no one in particular.

Then Jacob and I were off hiking towards the Temple of the Eye. The swamp was more like a bayou in this area. We needed to go into the water at places just to keep going in the right direction. The thick tree cover made everything dark and foreboding. There were strange noises and creatures that moved in the shadows. Everything was mysterious and somewhat troubling. But I tried to appreciate the swamp for its natural beauty. The plants were amazing. The wildlife was more worrying, but besides a few alligators that got close, nothing really threatened us.

We stopped for a break at midday and I asked Jacob a question.

“I’ve been thinking. Most people are on a similar journey to what you are doing. They encounter unpleasant experience or painful events. Life is full of unavoidably pain. Life is a battering ram that inflicts trauma upon people. So people cope with religion, sex, booze, drugs, fantasy, and other forms of escapism. They journey away from the pain.” I pointed out.

“The shaman said it would be very difficult, almost impossible for you to return to your world. But still you seek a way back. Is the pain here so great that you wish to escape it? Do you think this trip is your form of escapism?” I asked.

 

[JadeKnight]

As I sat and ate my lunch, I thought about Zetta's questions. They actually weren't hard questions to answer, and my situation was mostly likely opposite of what others might want to find themselves in.

"It would only be natural for someone to want to return home, no matter what things are like from what they left. Most would give anything to return what they would consider normal, even if it was someplace that was harmful for them."

I go quiet for a few more moments before chuckling softly.

"I have lived a very good life from where I came from. I raised two wonderful children who have grown to have families of their own. My sex life is a bit lacking, but I am considered old and sex is a little risky for me and my wife. No, I am not really escaping from anything here. It was more of a mistake I ended up here really."

I finish up my food before standing up and brush off the remaining crumbs for a moment before smiling.

"I won't give up hope on getting home just yet, but if it's not possible...Well, I will just have to make the most of things here as my new lease on life. Speaking of new...These robes just are suitable for the Great Demon King."

I press the floating x, opening up my menu. As I flip through my various outfits, it probably just looks like I am waving my had in the air in front of me like a spell to my new 'follower'. Well, I would consider her a follower in game terms. I finally smile as I find just what I was looking for.

"That should work. And if you want me to make something for you, I am sure I could find something more suitable for my follower."

I wink to her for a moment as my plain robe and clothes shimmer before shifting to a new set of armor.