Ghost Of Reach

Once the full crowd the cheering had ended, I was escorted out of the arena and was lead up to a large luxurious room full of fine silk tapestry and food. In the center of the room was a male griffin that looked liked a hybrid of an African Hawk and a African Leopard. From what I could see of his body, he had quite a fair amount of thick scars on him. The griffin was sitting on a pillow like throne that actually looked quite comfy. He adorned a thick pelted cape of what looked like manticore fur. While he didn’t have the classic scar over the damaged eye cliche, he still had the general look of a badass as his dark green eyes scanned over my bloodied armor.

“Guards, bring us some towels. I can’t have my new silk stained with blood.” He said, his voice strained and sounding as scared as his body, yet held strong. The Guards quickly did as he said as they came back with a stack of folded towels. Before I could even interject, the four guards started to quickly clean the blood off me. For a whole minute, they went for every detailed part of my armor till I was clean as I could get. After they were done cleaning all the grime off of my armor, the griffin guards left with the bloody towels with them.

“Now that you're cleaned up, I think introductions are in order.” He spoke up again, rising from his seat.

“I am Legate Wick Huntseeker of the Griffin Empire and current lord of this city.”

“I am Inheritor Gabe C137, Spartan II of the UNSC. But most known as the Ghost of Reach.” I replied, standing straight and and unmoving.

“Well, do you know why you are here?” He asked, observing my body for any hint of movement or expression.

“Negative, I just got here.” Wick gave a low chuckle, grabbing a cup of fizzing purple liquid.

“Well based on what my adviser told me beforehand, you claimed to be a Spartan Warrior. Of course, I nearly threw him out for believing such an absurd claim. But after seeing such a... Savage display of power, I can imagine what kind of havoc you could bring upon an army. In fact, it seems as if those wild manticores were just cannon fodder…” He said, trailing off as he downed his drink.

“Better yet, you have not only impressed the people of this city, but you have impressed me.” He began pouring himself another drink.

“In all the time I’ve trained, I never could imagine myself being a powerful warrior such as yourself. Instead, I chose to hone my skills in outwitting my enemy in combat. That is, of course, what has kept me alive for so long.” Downing the cup dry again, he set it down and taking his seat.

“Even with the odds favoring the enemy tenfold, I have been victorious. But that’s enough about my past glory.” Filling and downing the fizzing drink for a third time, he looked up at me after sighing in relief.

“You on the other hand, are an enigma with power. While my superiors back home would only see you as a great threat, I see only a greater opportunity.” He paused again, this time, taking deep, relaxed breaths as his voice had become less strained.

“An opportunity?” I asked, even though I already had a good idea what his answer is. I’m betting he wants to use me to defeat some kind of savage nation or save a daughter/princess cliche.

“Yes, I see you as possibly the biggest blessing I have been given. I am in need of someone with your set of skills.” I nearly groaned through my mic, waiting for the over used classic ‘kill them, take this, come back, repeat’ quest cliches.

“I need you to take me home.”

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“Are you serious?”

“Sarcasm is not one of my greatest strengths, so yes, I am serious.” He replied, sounding somewhat annoyed. I just stood there, not sure how to respond.

“I need more information before I can decide on any agreements you have. Exceptionally on one so crudely explained.” I replied, gaining a nod from the scared griffin.

“That is understandable. Since time is not my ally, I’ll just be true with you. I’m… Dying, have been for a quite a while now. My past life as a young warrior has left me many wounds that have scared me deep. My old age can no longer keep up with my wounds, so my time among the living as been dwindling. I’ve been relying on medicine for years now, but I fear even that has now begun to fail me.” The general sighed, taking another drink of purple liquid.

“I know my time will soon come, and Emperor help me if I die here in these savage lands.” He clenched his beak hard, emitting a low growl.

“Ahem, what I request of you is my safe passage home. The lands here are far from Havenrock and are filled with many savages and monsters alike. Many of whom would love to dance in my blood and have my head on a spike.” Wick spoke grimly, finishing the rest of his drink.

“And what can I get for my services?” I asked, intrigued as to what ‘savages and monsters’ could drive him to seek my protection.

“I can pay you in your own weight in gold.” He offered. At that moment, I swear I heard someone in my head scream ‘*Cha-Ching* BINGO!’ at that offer.

“Then it’s a deal.” I said calmly, giving a talon-handshake in our agreement.

“Great, I plan on leaving with my escorts at the break of dawn. So be ready at the front gates before then. The arena has come to a close, so I’ll have my guards bring your payment for today's entertainment.” He said, signaling me off with a wave of is arm. I give a nod and was escorted out by two guards.

“Wait, how much is this worth?”

“Again, your payment is 90 Gold Delcoins.”

“Yeah, I know that. What I want to know is how much it is worth compared to other currencies? I don’t know how much that means if I don’t know how this currency works!” I, yet again, tried explaining. This griffin has been a pain since I received my winnings.

“Then what do you want from me, winny white warrior?” I’m not even gonna comment on that.

“Explain to me, in great detail, on how this Delcoin Currency works.” I said, restraining myself from letting out my frustration on him.

“Fine, I’ll teach you. There are four types of Delcoins. First is the Vulk Delcoins, or commonly called Vulk Coins. These black coins are the commoners currency for buying food and common supplies. Copper Delcoins, or sometimes called Coop Coins as most used to buy some little scrap of land to build a small home. Silver Delcoins are what all traders use in SOAR Territory, mostly used in buying bulks of valuable things such as furs to gems. Gold Delcoins are what house nobles and the higher up rich griffins use to buy homes, land, ships, businesses, excreta.”

“Okay, so how is each compared to each other?” I ask, gaining another groan from the griffin.

“60 or so Vulk Coins are worth 1 Copper Coins. It can vary depending on how old and torn the coin is. Sometimes you need 80 Vulk Coins to get 1 Copper Coin. Anyhow, as of now, 40 Copper Coins are worth 1 Silver Coins. 40 Silver Coins makes 1 Gold Coin. The balance between silver and gold tends to differ per region. And that it.”

“Okay, so I’m being paid 90 gold? Isn’t that like, a lot for just one winner or am I missing something?”

“No, you have indeed earned a great amount of coin. Those Delcoins were for the Emerald Horde Clan, but since you outdid all of them, you took all the rewards. I advised that you should avoid their dragon master, Sire Snider. He has a great distaste for those that have claimed something he values as his own wealth. So don’t cross their path again if you with to keep your gold and fancy armor.” He warned, seeming to be serious for once.

“Well it’s good thing that this armor doesn't come off. I’ll be gone by tomorrow anyhow, though thanks for the tip.” I grabbed my sack of gold activated my TACPAD. After quickly selecting the bag through VATS, it was enveloped in a static like blue hue before being sorted into wherever I keep this stuff. Universal Hammer Space? Yeah, I think that’s what it was called. Or something like 'fick physics, game logic wins'. Anyway, it was quite amusing to see a griffin’s jaw/lower beak drop after seeing a city business worth in gold suddenly vanish.

“If you keep your mouth gaping like that, someone might decide to slip something into it.” And there goes his astonished look to embarrassment.

“Well, I bid you good day.” Leaving the still astonished cashier, I began my long walk to… Nowhere. I mean, all I had to do was look into my Quest List. (Yes, I actually do have a quest section in my TACPAD. Just like the games) And the only thing was to meet General Huntseeker at 6:00 AM tomorrow. So like any experienced fallout player, I knew what I had to do. Just wander around aimlessly until I find some shit to do. And it didn’t take long.

“If you don't even got the damn Delcoins, why are- You know what! Get outta my shop!” A coal covered and ashed smeared griffin yelled, promptly throwing a would be customer out into the street, face first might I add. Deciding to check on the poor griffin, I approached him hearing his grumbling of his luck.

“I should've known he wouldn't take the deal.” As I got a closer look, the griffin looked a bit different. He had the normal plain brown feline coat with a light to shady dark gray fluff of a head. The clay gray feathers had a zigzag pattern of dark green with slight highlight of yellow. Another thing to note was that his wing feathers matched the ones on his head, excpt in in a V shape pattern. Oh and his tail was nearly twice as long compared to normal griffin. If this was a video game, I would guess he was another player or a unique companion/follower. Either way, I sense a quest.

“And what deal could bring out such a reaction?” I questioned out loud, gaining his attention.

“A trade without any coins in it, obviously.” He replied sarcastically, rubbing the dirt off his face. He immediately stopped his dusting and froze in place once his gray blue eyes gazed up at me.

“And pretty please don’t kill me?” I nearly laughed at seeing his scared face with the classic cartoon pinprick sized eyes.

“I don’t have a reason to kill you man.”

“Oh! That’s good, that’s really goooood! Also, I’m a griffon, not a… Man? What’s a man? Or did I mishear you saying pan?” Oh god, not this explanation. I knew it was bound to happen, oh well...

“Have you ever heard of humans?”

“Humans? Hum.. Maybe? Noooo. Never have heard of them- Oh no! Is that another monster I have to worry about?” he asked, looking around as if expecting a monster to pop around the corner. Again, I nearly chuckled at his antics.

“No, we… Aren't monsters at heart or anything like that. But like any sentient species, we are susceptible to diving down to becoming such. Hopefully that answers your question.”

“Oh, that’s good. Good news is always good! With all the talk of those Tribal Diamond Dogs raiding about, I was hoping so sure that it couldn’t get any worse! I know I am right. Right? I mean, some of the local nighttime wildlife is scary enough for Theek.”

“Your name is Theek?”

“Yup! Theek the Entertainer! Even if no one wants me to entertain, I shall keep the title!” He said, trying to keep a cheery smile through his depression filled statement. Though one thing he said had me intrigued.

“Okay then. But what did you mean by ‘Tribal Diamond Dogs’? Are these dogs organised in attacking or just bark at whatever gets in their territory” I asked.

“Both actually!” Why am I not surprised?

“Care to elaborate?” I asked, starting to get annoyed by his playful tone.

“Oh, I sure will! From what I know, the local dogos haven’t been too happy with the Empire. I mean, they did ‘liberate’ this land from that crazy Sworn Cult a long time ago. I guess it’s when said lands aren't ‘rightfully returned’ that disagreement became so tense. Ya know, fancy-wancy politics.”

“What is this Sworn Cult? Is that what they are called?”

“Ummm… I believe they just called themselves ‘The Sworn’ from what I know. Yet I’ve never figured out what they are sworn to! Why title your group with only an adjective and nothing else? Not a very definitive name. As of what they are? I think they are, err… Rather they were a group monks. Or something close to that? Actually, I don’t know if their kind worship gods or not. Do Gargoyles have a deity?” Theek trailed off, rambling off questioning himself. This did not meet well with me.

“Theek.”

“Oh, sorry about that! I tend to get off track when I start to question something. I mean, I don’t do that too often, do I? How would I know when I do get off track? Could I even understand that when I don’t? What if this entire subject is a paradox in of itself?”

“Theek.”

“Okay! I’m back on topic! Please don’t kill me!” Theek wined, dramatically throwing up his arms in a begging posture.

“From what I’ve been told, they went all Koo-Koo in the head by some dark magics. And not the shadowy sneak n’ sneaky type either. Way back when I entertained the old Captain, he would sometimes get these horrible reports of troops found gutted and tortured along with a few of them being burned on a sacrificial pole. Those damn messages completely ruined my act! And I could never cheer him back up after being informed. Stupid messengers...” Theek grumbled off track once again. I think I’m starting to understand why no one wants Theek to entertain. I bet can’t keep a joke straight.

“Overall, in my opinion, they are just a group of dark doomy gloom guys that ruin my show.”

“Last question. Did you say that they were Gargoyles, like the kind that is made of stone?” I asked, kinda intrigued with the idea of dark worshipers made of stone. How would they even move? Oh god, it better not be some Weeping Angel shit. If so, fuck that I’m out.

“What? No. Gargoyles are not golems silly, they are completely normal looking!” Thank god. I can sleep knowing that doctor who shit isn’t gonna kill me.

“Well, thanks for the info, Theek.” I gave a curt nod and began to walk away, only to be blocked by Theek jumping in front of me.

“Wait! Don’t leave Theek!”

“Why? Is there something else?” Theek look down at his Talons nervously.

“Weeeeell... It so happens that I may know of a long lost treasure! Yeah, that totally it!” My bullshit detector has spiked, but I think I’ll humored him.

“And? Why does that have anything to do with me?”

“Um, oh! Because I know of the legend! Yeah, about a lost shiny crown! And you need me to find it.” He said, bringing his tone from uncertain con artist to playful pet dog. How does that even work? I don’t even know.

“O’ Really?”

“You bet so! And I also bet that I’m the only one to figure out the old riddle too!” And he doesn't get my sarcasm. Great.

“You know a, quote on quote, legend of a shiny crown that comes with a riddle to find said crown? You have got to be ficking kidding me.” I’m already frustrated with this fairy tale crap. I’m a sci-fi nerd for Picard’s sake! *Facepalm* I don’t belong in a fantasy world of talking mythological creature people…

“Theek not kidding this time! Please listen, Theek swear!” Is he really begging on his knees? God, this guy is pathetic.

“Theek, I no idiot. Why are you so desperate for my attention?”

“Theek- Um, I don’t want to be alone. I-I have no friends, no family, or home here. And you are the only one that has actually talked to me in the last four days…” Scratch pathetic, he’s just desperately depressed. Kinda reminds me of myself, before those ficking aliens…

“So… you seek my company Theek?”

“A companionship, yes, I desire so. I’ll go wherever you’ll go.” He said with hope bringing him back up.

“Well…” I began to ponder on if I should take him with me. Sure, he’s gonna be a nuisance for short awhile. Hopefully. Though I am in need a native, someone who can read their languages and or possibly teach it to me. Especially someone who has traveled and can be a guide...

“I got four questions. Can you read and write?”

“I can read perfectly clear! That’s one of my main jobs as an entertainer. I had to read the those old story books and messages to the Captain. Oh, I better not get off track! I can read both Gryphus Hieroglyphic and Modern Griffin. Crazy for a griffin like me, right? I can also read Celestial Era Equestrian off talon as well… Anything else is just coughing furballs for me. Writing? I can do that and write letters like a professional! Even though I’m not allowed to tell anyone this, but my good ol’ captain actually had poor handwriting. So I both read him and wrote all his military and honorary leader letters! Can’t be taken seriously with measly diamond dog handwriting. But to put my skills simply, I can write like a general, but nothing close to those fancy scribe books.”

“I’m betting you mean something like calligraphy? Don’t worry, I’m in no need of that. I don’t plan on writing a zealously holy sealed codex for mankind.” I joked. He obviously didn’t get it, and that’s a good thing. It would be very strange if he understood that reference. I would be very wary of his and I may have had to go full Inquisitor on his ass if so. Can’t risk it with the tainting powers of chaos lurking about…

“Okay, third. Do you know how to properly manage and use money?”

“What…” He stated, seemingly caught off guard and left breathless.

“Can you manage my money?” My simplified question seems to have an even worse effect on him as he dazed out like he just got his fix. Did I just hear someone scream ‘JACKPOT’? Seriously, where did that one come from?

“You want ME to be your… Your banker?!” He asked, as if he was being blessed in heaven by a golden god. Nope. I am not allowing that.

“More of a accountant of how much there is and an adviser when making deals. Also help manage the usage of said money to get betters deals and make sure I’m not getting ripped off. Also, it is MY wealth, hard earned or not. And you won’t hold a dime of it.” I stated load and clearly, forcing the point close to heart. Literally, my armored index finger was pointing hard into his feather fluffed chest.

“Wouldn’t expect it any other way, griffin or not!”

“And last question. Are you able to translate and navigate both naval and land maps?”

“I guess?” Theek sounded so unsure that I’m not sure that I’m sure. Wut?

“I’ll take that as a no.” My response seemed to have that magical effect of literally deflating his attitude and tone.

“Well... Seeing as that your the only one not totally terrified of me… Added the fact that you have some greatly useful skills. And that your the only griffin that I’ve met with the ability to be entertaining. I consider you hired.”

“Huh! Really?!”

“Yes, meet at the main city gate around 5:40 A.M. tomorrow. I’m leaving with General Huntseeker to complete his quest. Until then, I recommend that you pack anything for a long road trip. I’ll see you latter.” With that, he rushed off, gleaming with joy. Suddenly, my attention was drawn to a notification to the top left of my HUD.

Achievement Unlocked: Companionship
Gain a friendly and willing follower. No longer walk a lonely road.
20 Multiverse Tokens earned.

Wait... What was that last part?