Awaken Online: Inferno (Tarot #3) by Travis Bagwell

Author:Travis Bagwell [Bagwell, Travis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-10-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28 - Forged

Finn’s eyes widened in alarm as he stared back at Nar Aljahim, his resolve wavering. “What…what do you mean?”

“Just as I said. If you wish for me to impart my knowledge, you must trade one of your companions. Whoever you choose will be bound here – to this place – constrained to this facility as I have been.”

“The same facility you intend to blow sky high to stop the corruption?” Finn demanded, frustration now simmering in his veins. Because, of course, there was a catch.

“This central chamber and its wards are nearly impregnable,” the fire elemental answered calmly. “My fires will wash this facility clean and destroy most of the remaining sections, but this room was built to withstand such energy. So, you must choose. Or you can pass from this place empty-handed. That is your decision.”

Finn glanced to the side to see both Julia and Kyyle staring back at him in alarm. His daughter shook her head, grinding her teeth. He knew this wasn’t real, that his daughter and Kyyle wouldn’t truly die. But even so, the thought of losing one of his companions stung. If what Nar Aljahim said were true, they would likely be trapped here in this facility – the only true death for a traveler. They would lose everything they had built so far. All of their time spent in this world. Their skills and equipment.

And he would lose an ally. And for what? The vague promise of knowledge? He didn’t even know what he would be buying with this so-called sacrifice.

“Uh, can I volunteer?” Daniel offered in a stage whisper.

Finn just gave him an incredulous look.

“What? Have you seen that guy? He’s HUGE. And if I gain enough power, I could turn into a planet? Sign me up!” Daniel said before pivoting and drifting toward the fire elemental. “Notice me, senpai—”

The AI cut off abruptly, freezing in place as Nar Aljahim turned those glowing orange eyes toward him. “I’m sorry, young one, but Finn must choose one of the two travelers. Your sacrifice will not be sufficient.”

“Damn it,” Daniel muttered, drifting sullenly back to Finn’s shoulder. This earned him a surprised glance from Finn. When had the AI started cussing? And was Finn responsible for that? That did sound like something he’d say…

“For the record, I’m not going to forget that you just tried to bail on us,” Finn told the AI. “And here I thought we were starting to become buddies.”

“Technically, you just told me we were even,” Daniel chirped, flashing once in the fire elemental equivalent of a wink.

“Rather mercenary little firefly you’ve got there,” Julia drawled.

Her expression sobered as her eyes met Finn’s. “Seriously, though. You should do it. Sacrificing one of us is an acceptable price – especially with what’s at stake. This isn’t just some game. You have to do it. For Mom.”

“I… I’m not sure I can,” Finn answered weakly.

The choice seemed mad – almost impossible.

“Yes, you can. And you should pick me,” Kyyle retorted.

As they both glanced at the earth mage, he stared back, grim-faced.

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