Crown of the Mountain King: Channel the power of Volen and wear a crown of black diamond strong and sharp enough to pierce stone. Diamond growths up to a yard long extend from the bone plates of the stone bear’s head and cheeks. Size of growths increase with subsequent levels. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 1 hour.
Hey! I shouted at my ponderous travel companion, hands on my hips and furious. He slowly turned to look at me. I saw you use the Mauling Frenzy ability back on those unlucky trow. Impressive. But when did you get this Crown of the Mountain King? And why didn’t you tell me?
The bear stared at me, seeming confused at my anger. I chose my affinity, Madi. All powerful beasts end up choosing an affinity. I was given the choice between Ice, Earth, and Water. Earth was the obvious option for me. The god Volen is mighty.
But when did you get to select this affinity? I asked, still upset despite the bear’s right to pick his own path.
Right after we killed the trow. I am excited to use it on our enemies! Enthusiasm filled his words.
I took a deep breath, trying to let it go. Then I added one thing, hoping to get on the same page as this frustrating bear. Can you at least tell me the next time you get to choose a new skill? It’s your call, but if we plan together, we can make a stronger team.
Okay, I can do that, he said, then looked back to the road. Now, can we get going? I want to eat something again soon.
I started walking alongside him again and inspected his affinity, hoping to gain some insight into the path he had taken.
Earth: By choosing the Earth affinity, the stone bear warrior has promised to worship and follow the god Volen. All attacks are enhanced by Earth Damage. Crush, Dust Storm, and Weakness debuffs can be learned as Affinity Level is increased. The Body of Stone skill tree is unlocked.
I had to admit that I probably would have agreed with this choice, but I’d have liked to see the other options at least. Still, the debuffs looked useful, especially Weakness, and the Body of Stone skill tree was already impressive. I agreed with Tejón. It would be awesome to see him try on his black diamond crown for the first time.
We’d left the mountains behind a couple hours ago and descended a series of rolling hills. Compared to the two days we’d traveled through the high passes of the mountains, this part of the journey was easy. Fields of cattle and crops vied for prominence with occasional orchards, and a few placid ponds scattered across the green expanse. If nothing else, I had the notion that Bridgerun might provide us with some fine dining. The variety in a place like Benham or Taelman’s Pond was necessarily limited.
It was the third day since Tejón and I had departed from Benham, and I was looking forward to a proper bed and a long bath. Having a huge stone bear with me made things more complicated, though. I would need to keep an eye out for a very inclusive inn.
As we approached Bridgerun, we crossed the first roiling river before entering the city proper. The bridge was a sturdy thing made of stone, though it was not elaborate in design.
Calling Bridgerun a city was generous, though it dwarfed Benham. A few thousand people lived there, if I had to guess, but the surrounding countryside held many more. Smoke curled up from dozens of hamlets nearby, all of which most likely claimed they were part of the city.
A few travelers gave me sour looks as they saw my companion walking beside me. The road was wide enough for three carts at least, so there was no lack of room. They took advantage of this fact and crossed to the opposite side, ogling Tejón as they did so.
One farmer, hauling a load of turnips into town with his horse, said something about “barbarian trash,” and though I only laughed, Tejón sent a growl his way that made the man blanch.
Easy, boy, I soothed him. None of that. Not everyone will be able to see our beauty for what it is. Besides, soon enough we’ll be surrounded by people. You have to behave, okay? No smashing the little people.
He lifted his nose in the air and continued walking. They should not speak about you like that. But I will not eat anyone unless you say I can.
I patted him on the back and said, That’s great to hear. I’ll make sure we go to the butcher’s stand right away. You can try a few different things to see what you like most.
The bear picked up his pace noticeably and I suppressed a laugh. Food was the way to move this bear.
Proper buildings were the biggest difference between Bridgerun and the other towns I’d been to. Stone and stucco and three-story wooden structures lined the street, growing closer together as we made our way. The second bridge was far grander, and on the far end, a large pair of iron gates stood open, several guards standing watch on either side.
I noted that from the south, the direction Tejón and I had come from, the city would have both bridges as defense points, with the second serving as a place that could hold off a sizable force. A stone tower stood on either side, ringed with parapets where archers could rain death down on any enemy foolish enough to attack the gates.
A man stopped me as I approached. “Sorry miss, but no wild animals are allowed in town. Your, um, friend here is not welcome.”
Tejón swiveled his head and looked at the man, who swallowed
