Teegan took the sword in his hand and gave a few sharp tugs. I growled and said a few more choice Spanish words, but it came out.
“Souvenir?” he said, handing me the sword back.
“Actually, yes. I think I will.” I surveyed the thugs that were spread out around us. Then my brain came up with something rather devious. “I might have a better idea. You down for a short stroll?”
Teegan smiled at me, oblivious to his jacked-up nose. “Sure thing. What’s the plan?”
I explained as we spent a few minutes stripping the players of their gear. We liberated their coin as well, which was nothing to snuff at. Teegan told me to keep it, and I nodded to acknowledge his generosity.
We found a Ring of Greater Agility on Vienna’s hand, and Teegan thought it a nice addition to his build. I found an item on the hulking man that was worthwhile as well. I inspected it and grinned at the stats.
Amulet of the Centaur
Quality: Epic
Durability 45/50
+10 Strength, +2 Vitality, +10% mounted speed
“This will come in handy,” I told Teegan as I showed him the necklace and pulled it over my head. “I have a badass companion. Had he been here, these fools would have been down in a second.”
“What kind of creature is he?”
“A stone bear,” I explained as I loaded my arms with the spare gear. “Like a regular bear but stupid big and with bone plates on his head, chest, and ribs.”
Teegan nodded, impressed. “Well, I’d like to meet him if you’re going to be in town much longer. Shall we get to our task then?” He picked up the rest of the armor and weapons.
I grinned as we stumbled down the street toward the first bridge.
The guards had drawn the gate and stopped us as we approached. The same man as before met me, his face a mix of fear and annoyance. “What are you two up to? City closes at night, everybody knows that.”
“We were attacked by some thugs, so we thought it would be fair to deposit their gear in one of the rivers.” I saw the hesitation in the man’s face, and his fellow guards seemed prepared to turn us back. “Well, that’s my bad. I forgot to mention, we assumed that you and your friends would want to pick through the weapons and armor to see if there was anything that you might like. It wouldn’t do to have the city guard be under-geared.”
The man smiled wickedly as we dumped out the gear. The guards spent a few minutes inspecting it all, taking a pair of bracers here and a dagger there.
The guard didn’t lose his smile as he mentioned, “We still can’t open the gates, but there is a lovely view of the river just over there. Oh, and your permit was delivered to the Rooster’s Head. And thanks for the tip. Name’s Miles, by the way.”
I shook Miles’ hand and we took off to satisfy our petty grudges.
The sound of crappy steel and leather splashing into the stream below made the still-healing wound in my ribs more than worthwhile. Teegan walked with me partway back to the Rooster’s Head, and we chatted about Eternal Online and their slippery PvP policy. Teegan was no longer a minor, having just turned nineteen, and this was not the first time he’d been jumped.
“Pretty harsh if you ask me,” I said as we neared the hotel.
“It is, but usually, I end up with a spattering of XP and a few choice items. Tonight would have been different, though, if it hadn’t been for you. Seriously, thanks a lot. By the way,” he said, scratching his chin, “what are you doing in Bridgerun?”
“I’m on a chain quest. Supposed to find as many players and NPCs as I can that will agree to fight against the Rat King. Have you heard of him yet?” I was grateful for a chance to bring it up.
Teegan nodded. “I have, though not much. Some of the locals said he’s some boss that’s building an army.”
“Yeah, and powerful. It’s looking to be a world event, if it keeps building this way. Any idea how I can talk people into joining the cause?”
He thought a moment then answered plainly, “The arena. Tournament starts tomorrow. If you win some fights, your reputation will spike. That’s my advice.”
I rubbed my chin and told him honestly, “I watched you do a PvP duel outside of Taelman’s Pond against an orc a couple weeks back. I don’t really want to look like an idiot for no reason. I mean, I could kick your butt in a heartbeat, but only if you stood still.”
Teegan laughed. “There are a few events. I only fight in one-on-one matches unless my friend is with me. The Battle Royale could be a good idea for you. Also, there’s an event strictly for players with a companion. That one tends to draw a big crowd, too.”
I thanked Teegan for the tip and told him that regardless of what I did, I’d see him at the tournament tomorrow.
Tejón was nomming on another unlucky animal when I came in, and, after questioning me about the blood, seemed unbothered by the prospect that I’d been stabbed in an alley while he slept. The bastard.
My bear and I slept hard that night and into the day after. I got to ring my bell again and took breakfast in my room. Another delivery of fine meat was delivered, to Tejón’s delight.
The bear pondered while he ate, So far, I might like the ducks the most. It is almost like eating pure fat.
I rose from the small table in the corner of my room and wiped my own mouth. That sounds gross, but maybe I’ll give it a try sometime. As I strapped on my armor, I decided to see what Tejón thought about what I’d been tossing around in my head all night. Hey
