The range I can interact with my summons has grown by a huge amount ever since I evolved my class, I can see through my minions up to five miles away. Unfortunately, that is not enough for me to be able to watch the upcoming battle, so I mount up on a hunter and set off for my old burrow. I leave the majority of my forces behind, I am not planning on participating in this battle, not to mention I am completely unprepared to do so anyway.
My small escort of hunters and archers swiftly delivers me to my old burrow without trouble.
The ceiling is a little too low, but I won't be here for long. I snuggle down into my old bed with One and extend my sight to the scouts that are observing the confrontation.
The Karnakan army is about five thousand strong, while the gathered forces of Lotheris add up to three thousand, Lotheris is outnumbered, but they have the advantage of the city walls, I really don’t know how this is going to shake out, my understanding of warfare in this world is lacking, so I hope to amend that by watching.
The attacking army is approaching with ladders and siege towers. I notice a lack of catapults or any kind of ballistae, not even a battering ram for the gate.
Groups of attackers in armored robes are clustered periodically throughout the formations; the defenders have similar groups placed on the walls. A trumpet sounds a signal and the robed Karnakans begin chanting, holding up staves and waving them around, huge orbs of fire are coaxed into existence, and are launched towards Ironhill. The mages on the defending side have not been idle, huge magical barriers spring up over the city, cracking under the assault, but holding up, nonetheless.
Ironhill doesn’t just take it and launches its own magical barrages, with the Karnakans having their own barriers for protection.
The invaders slowly advance towards the walls while the magical warfare continues overhead. The ranks of soldiers crash against the walls, throwing ladders up while arrows fall like rain. I guess the mages save their mana for defending against the other mages, even though I do see some falling to the arrows. Most soldiers have a red glow infusing their shields and armor with some kind of defensive skill, deflecting arrows easily.
The invaders fly up the ladders so fast that I have to wonder if they have some kind of ladder climbing skill. I wonder what their stats are. Never enough information. Fighting starts on top of the wall, attackers flooding up the ladder faster than the defenders can rebuke them. Swords cut flesh, men scream, occasionally someone will get blasted off the wall for a grizzly demise below. Some soldiers use small flourishes of magic, but for the most part it is just martial prowess, skills going off constantly.
My scouts instantly switch focus to a figure in pristine white armor, the summons must be able to innately tell if a person is strong, I myself would have to be blind to miss the absolute confidence the man emits; he even has a red cape flapping behind him. He draws his sword, activates a skill, and jumps. In an instant, he is on top of the wall, landing with enough force to scatter the nearby soldiers. He takes a second to rally his allies, before getting to work. It is hard to track his sword as it cuts down man after man, he is significantly faster and stronger than anyone else on the wall, he must have his second evolution, around level forty. The ease with which he dismantles his enemies makes me sweat, I do not have an answer for that, a strong Vess to duel him. My soldiers wouldn’t last long, I know that for sure.
A bright light streaks across the city, heading straight towards the high-level warrior, actually forcing the warrior to stop his slaughter to block the incoming bolt. The two collide and the warrior is thrown off the wall and disappears over the side. A mage in glowing blue robes soars through the sky, stopping above the wall, before annihilating the invading soldiers in a torrent of flame. The warrior leaps back onto the wall, only to be engaged by a high-level woman wielding a sword and dagger. The two clash while the mage is met by several enemy mages in the sky, bright flashes and deafening booms are all I can really make out, the two martial fighters are a blur even to my scout’s eyes.
A powerful mage cracks the wall with a stray magic bolt, only for the damage to be repaired in an instant. I guess it is more efficient to attack the enemy mages rather than try to tear down the wall, managing mana must be a huge component to long battles. The mages seem to clash fiercely, before backing off for a while, the mages of Ironhill seem to be fighting as conservatively as possible; never going on the offensive. I have gotten potions as drops in the dungeon, so I assume they must have a supply of mana potions they are rationing.
It’s honestly impressive how long the high-level warriors have been fighting, the mages have already backed off. There must be a strategy to conserving your higher leveled soldiers until the right time. Ugh, I just realized I don’t have a good answer to mages either, besides kill them before they can cast.
I’m starting to get hungry, and I really have to pee, the battle has been going on for a day already. I force my senses back into my body, to finally take care of my needs. It’s annoying to have to walk hunched over to go pee, at least I have a hot meal waiting for me when I am done. Sitting down at my table, I dig into the simple stew my drones have prepared.
+10,000 XP +100 gold +1 uncommon magical item
I smile around my spoon. Maybe I shouldn’t worry too much about Ironhill, it would be nice if they could hold out, but I don’t think I am going to be ready for a while. Every subsequent level up has been requiring more and more XP, and it’s starting to become a problem, even multiple boss kills aren’t enough to level me up consistently anymore. There are several more dungeons in the area around my hive, I think it’s time to monopolize them. I won’t feel safe until I have a Vess that can take on a level forty.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Crawling from my burrow, I stretch and do a few light exercises. Again, I wonder if I am too lazy?
My hunters take me back to the mountains, by the time we make it back the sun is rising, and I’m exhausted, my non-existent sleep schedule has also carried over it seems.
“It’s not my fault.” I mutter, “It’s really easy to fall asleep while spectating my Vess.”
One looks up at me and yips.
“Yeah, it would be really nice if I had someone to talk to…”
Another round of yips.
“It’s just not a good time to make contact, they are at war, and I am vulnerable. I want to help, but on my terms, the thought of being ordered around by some king is revolting, my Vess are mine! Is that so wrong?”
My little Whelp just runs excitedly around my ankles, before darting off to jump at a bug.
+750 XP +750 XP +1,000 XP
Congratulations you are level 30! +5 Wis, +2 free points
New skill unlocked, Summon Royal Caretaker
I blink. This is different, I can only summon one of these, and it will grow in strength as I level. Using the skill, the Royal Caretaker pulls itself from the shadows, growing to be twelve feet tall and taking a humanoid form. The Caretaker has obsidian skin, as all Vess do, two jagged horns jut up from the head, granting an extra foot of height. A black veil hangs from the horns, obscuring the face, cloth-like material covers the important bits, as its form solidifies into a womanly figure. A beautiful figure at that, looking down at my childish body, I can’t help the frown that mars my face. The Vess looks equal parts sensual and deadly.
The Caretaker kneels in front of me. A few awkward moments pass by, “Uhhh, rise?” I try.
Standing up to her full height, I have to strain my neck upwards to look at her covered face, again feeling a spike of jealousy. Why are all of my Vess so much bigger than me?
“Do you have a name?” I ask.
The Vess gently shakes her head.
“Ok, your name is Enna then.” I am way too tired to spend time thinking of a name, I like the name, and she doesn’t seem opposed. A yawn escapes my mouth, despite my excitement over my new summon, I still need sleep.
Rubbing my eyes. I begin walking past my Caretaker, only to be blocked by her huge form. A smooth sensual voice addresses me, “Ohhh I can’t take it anymore, you are such a cutie!”
Enna crouches down in front of me and lifts her veil, revealing six red eyes.
I stumble back, “You talk?”
She lets out a light laugh, “Of course I do!” Shifting on her heels, she peers closely at me, “I can’t believe you summoned me!”
“Why?” I question.
“Well, because you're just a baby, that's why!”
My mouth hangs agape, “I’m not a baby!” Wait, that is such a childish response!
Before I can correct my mistake, Enna looks really pleased and pats my head. “Mhmm, anyway, you look really sleepy.” She gives me a gentle smile, “Let's get you to bed!”
It seems like the decision has been made for me, as I am scooped up and quickly taken down into the hive. I was going to go to bed anyway, so she is just doing what I want her to do anyway, yeah, I’m the one in charge.
“This is kinda huge.” I say to myself.
“Hmm?” Enna smiles down at me.
“It’s just, you seem really strong. I guess I was kinda scared over how strong the Karnakan soldiers were.”
Enna gives me a light squeeze, “Of course you are safe with me sweetie, you don’t need to worry about a thing, the Karnakan army is busy solidifying their hold on Ironhill. I’m sure they will move on soon; they have no reason to suspect we are here.”
That does make me feel a little better, just to hear someone else say it out loud. “Wait, how do you know that?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” she seems confused, “The Vess tell me.”
“You can communicate with them too? Do you have authority over them?” This is getting concerning.
“You know that isn’t really how it works, honey. You don’t need to worry, you are our queen.”
“Can you read my mind?” The other Vess respond to my thoughts, I never really thought about how that would work with a more humanoid Vess.
“Aww it’s okay, there isn’t anything to be worried about. It’s not uncommon for young Vess to fear losing control over their hive.” She slows her movement and starts to bounce me lightly in her arms.
“I am not a baby!” I blush, covering my face.
We continue down deeper into the hive, Enna humming a song I recognize from earth. I peek up at her from between my fingers, “I like that song, it’s weird you know it ‘cause I know it.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“Uh, no.”
We enter my personal chambers, and Enna takes me over to the bed, quickly tucking me in.
“T-thanks.” I manage.
“Of course. Sleep now, little queen.” She bows lightly, “I will be here when you wake.”
