{"id":281,"date":"2017-07-27T15:19:34","date_gmt":"2017-07-27T15:19:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/?p=281"},"modified":"2018-01-19T15:24:48","modified_gmt":"2018-01-19T15:24:48","slug":"another-life-home-is-elsewhere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/?p=281","title":{"rendered":"Another Life (Home is Elsewhere)"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hero, you are our last hope against the evils of tyranny<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The forces of Dark Sorcerer Xashar have descended on our peaceful realm, murdering our village folk and sapping this land of its natural resources.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will you lend us your strength and help vanquish this villain that holds dominion over us?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accept.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you, Hero, thank you! I shall heal your wounds before we continue<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xashar has taken residence in the Seaward Tower; a fortified keep that looms above our town, atop the Cliffs of Blight. I have heard word of a secret entrance through the sewer run-off at the foot of the cliffs, though I know nothing more of it. You will have to investigate by asking around at the local tavern, south of here.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Priestess La\u2019anast bowed to Mikey Powerfist, then resumed her post. She stood perfectly still, staring ahead, unblinking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mikey unsheathed his Daikatana of Holy Reckoning, which glowed with the Fires of Righteousness, and turned southward. He had not reached the Port of Peril before, so allowed himself time to scan the horizon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He had passed a few farming settlements on the long road here, the inhabitants going about their business without acknowledging him; ploughing, watering, carrying. If a field had more than three people in it, Mikey noticed, then the majority of them would just stand on the spot, sickle in hand, as though rooted by an unseen terror. There was a rumour that if he\u2019d complete enough quests within the realm, he could recruit these surplus farmers to join him in battles and raids. He would have to return after killing Xashar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The port town consisted of five identical structures, white stone walls and thatched straw roofs, plus the small chapel northwards where Mikey had met with the priestess. There were no characters around the town. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They must all be inside<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, he thought before realising that there were only businesses and no residential properties. Continuing along the dirt path, the facades of the buildings came into view, revealing their simple signage; \u201cShop\u201d, \u201cInn\u201d, \u201cStable\u201d, \u201cGuild\u201d, and \u201cTavern\u201d. Mikey pushed on the wooden door of the tavern and entered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The familiar lilt of lute music gently emanated from all around, it felt welcoming when combined with the looping crackle and pop that played from the fireplace. There was no barkeep behind the counter, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m supposed to talk to a patron<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Mikey deduced. A few tatty villagers were placed at tables around the room, sat with frothy mugs of indiscernible brew in their left hands, which they lifted to their lips occasionally; the foam never settling on their dotted stubble. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So the townsfolk are either drunk or dead, then<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One man stood out; he wore a tricorn hat and did not have a drink in his hand. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good signposting<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The seat opposite was free, so Mikey headed straight to him, sat down, and engaged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So you are the mighty saviour, come to defeat Dark Sorcerer Xashar?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worry not, friend. I heard of your arrival from the Priestesses of the Panatar. You seek a path into the Seaward Tower?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am Rognoc the Rash, and I will be your guide. Meet me at the foot of the Cliffs of Blight, and I will reveal the secret entrance within the rocks. But beware, friend, as Xashar\u2019s Orc Battalion patrol the port and beaches, and they will likely kill you on sight<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you ready to go?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accept.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be swift, friend. I shall be waiting<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rognoc did not seem to be in any hurry, as he remained seated and unmoving following the conversation. There was nothing left to do but head outside and toward the ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It took a fraction too long to traverse through the exit and back onto the street.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The moment that Mikey was outside again, a farmer ran by -on fire and screaming- then out of view behind the stable. Mikey turned to the north, where the flaming farmer had appeared, and saw a band of elves approaching on horseback. The <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elven Freedom Fighters<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had crossed paths with Mikey Powerfist before, in the neighbouring city of Paradigot; they were chaotic-lawful, and unflinchingly mowed down entire settlements in their mission to topple the despot of whichever area they occupied. The nonchalant murdering of the innocents was to starve the ruler of resources, or something like that. Mikey hadn\u2019t really been paying attention during their initial introduction. All he knew was that they were okay to kill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Daikatana of Holy Reckoning held high, he began to run toward the elves. He hadn\u2019t gone two steps when a colossal boulder flew over him from the direction of the town, and bowled through the attacking troupe like skittles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a quick turn on the spot, he faced the port town again. The Orc Battalion had arrived from the beach, equipped with gigantic clubs and huge chunks of rock that they had pulled from the ground. The burly mob rumbled past the five identical buildings, directly toward the Elven Freedom Fighters, who continued their unfluctuating advance, despite having just lost a quarter of their number.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mikey Powerfist stood in the middle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You Died<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael slammed both palms down onto his desktop in frustration, expelling a curse and a grunt. He pulled off his headphones and flung them carelessly onto the keyboard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI haven\u2019t saved for ages. Fuck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas sat behind him to one side, perched on the edge of Michael\u2019s bed. He sat up in recognition of the swear word. Michael noticed this and spun around in his swivel chair to face the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">died<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d Michael informed Firas, drawing the words out at half his usual talking speed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI know. I see. Sorry.\u201d Firas replied, looking upward into his own brow to consider each word before saying it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was a knock at the bedroom door; Michael\u2019s mother opened and entered it without needing a response. She stood in the doorway, hand on the handle, smiling broadly and looking from one boy to the other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cEverything okay, honey?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes, mum. I just\u2026\u201d Michael began.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMichael died.\u201d Firas finished.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOh, well, that\u2019s okay, darling. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll get them next time.\u201d Michael\u2019s mother said, only partially aware of its meaning. \u201cWhy not let Firas have a turn, Michael?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael turned to Firas reflectively, locking eyes unintentionally then looking quickly away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBut mum, he doesn\u2019t know <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to play. He probably won\u2019t even understand what the characters are saying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll get the hang of it, just let him have a go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBut mum!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cActually,\u201d Firas interjected, \u201cI need to use, the bathroom. If that is alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael\u2019s mother opened the door wider and stood to the side, \u201cOf course, Firas, no need to ask. You know where it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas got up and left the room, issuing a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thank you<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as he went. Michael remained silent, looking absently at his bedroom carpet. His mother\u2019s eyes were on him; he knew she was waiting for him to say something.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checking the corridor before closing the bedroom door, his mother replied, \u201cMichael, you have to be nicer to Firas. Talk with him, play with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI\u2019m thirteen, mum, I don\u2019t <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">play<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His mother\u2019s eyes darted to the computer screen and then back to her son. \u201cWell, why not go outside, p- <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kick<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> your football around for a bit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael huffed, stalling for time before speaking his mind, \u201cBut\u2026 but then everyone else will see us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAnd?\u201d Michael\u2019s mother enquired, loudly, causing Michael to wince.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAnd\u2026 and Firas is weird, mum. Everyone at school thinks so, too, even Daniel, and he\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael was hesitant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHe\u2019s what, Michael?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a shrug and a whisper, \u201cHe\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMichael!\u201d After the shout, she turned to the door, then back to her son, continuing in a far lower volume, \u201cMichael, the colour of his skin does not make him strange. How the other children at school talk about Firas behind his back is a shame; it\u2019s mean, it\u2019s cowardly, it\u2019s ignorant\u2026 it\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bullying<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and you\u2019re better than that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSorry, mum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s not <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">me <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you need to be sorry to. Poor Firas. You <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">know <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">why he comes to our house-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c-he barely spoke a word of English when his family moved here last year-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c-we all wanted to make an effort-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c-<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you, to make his family feel comfortable and welcome in our community-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes, mum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c-he hasn\u2019t made any other friends at that school-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> friends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c-and his <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mum<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, poor Hilal, needs this time for job-hunting, as much as Firas needs this time-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c-to socialise, and integrate, and, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for pete\u2019s sake<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, make a friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you know, Michael? Are you taking this in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes, mum, sorry. Sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMichael.\u201d his mother repeated warmly, stepping closer and leaning down with one hand on his computer desk, \u201cThank you for spending time with Firas, love. I know you\u2019d rather be out on your bike, or playing <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Didgy-Mons<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with your other friends, but we\u2019re really grateful -Firas and his whole family are <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">really <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grateful- to you for spending this time with him since he moved here. I know you\u2019re finding it hard, but you understand the bigger picture here. Firas is a really lovely boy, and I know that he really wants to be your friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOkay mum, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There was the sound of flushing down the corridor. Michael\u2019s mother stood up straight and returned to the door. Before leaving, she looked at her son, who was now looking at her. \u201cHilal will be here in an hour, so please let him have a go on your\u2026 thing. And please, talk to him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI will, mum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas appeared at the door. Michael\u2019s mother smiled and gestured him back into the room, which he entered with another passing <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thank you<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. She smiled again at Michael, then left, closing the door behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas stood awkwardly in the middle of the room for a few seconds before asking slowly, \u201cMay I please, sit on your bed, Michael?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael got out of his chair, \u201cNo, man. You-\u201d He moved behind the chair and swivelled it to face Firas, \u201cYou can sit here. Your turn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas beamed and gladly accepted the offer, planting himself with a plonk, then turning to face the open laptop that still lingered on the screen that Michael had left it:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You Died<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael placed himself to the side of Firas, rather than taking seat on the edge of the bed. \u201cYou have to press-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before finishing his instruction, Firas hit the Return key and the screen progressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resurrect at last Holy Pylon?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The new player had his right hand planted on the wireless mouse, and his left hand resting with the index finger on the F key and thumb on the space bar. \u201cIn Daraa, my keyboard, was big, like this. Good for playing games.\u201d Firas spoke confidently, \u201cAt home, now, my computer, it is faster, but the keyboard, it is far smaller, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">compact<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d he continued with a laugh, \u201cI get, Minecraft cramp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas\u2019 humour was infectious and Michael found himself chuckling, \u201cYou play Minecraft?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes. I like to build.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDo you play <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">survival<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u201d Michael asked hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNot really. Dying, makes it, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficult<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to build.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWell\u2026 what do you like to build?\u201d Michael pushed on, partially out of his mother\u2019s encouragement, but mostly, he found, out of interest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas went quiet, and turned away from both Michael and the screen, his hands retreating to his lap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael felt a pang in his chest; the awareness of an uncomfortable subject breached, and the urgency to move along, \u201cHey, Firas, are you going to start playing, or what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The boy in the chair straightened up and returned to the game.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accept.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOh hey, we\u2019re back at the chapel with the priestess,\u201d Michael noted, hoping that Firas would recognise the location and context of the scene, \u201cIt must have auto-saved when we were healed here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xashar has taken residence in the Seaward Tower; a fortified keep that looms above our town, atop the Cliffs of Blight. I have heard word of a secret entrance through the sewer run-off at the foot of the cliffs, though I know nothing more of it. You will have to investigate by asking around at the local tavern, south of here.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Priestess La\u2019anast bowed to Mikey Powerfist, then resumed her post. She stood perfectly still, staring ahead, unblinking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mikey Powerfist kept his weapon sheathed and ran the straight course to town, its modest structures popping into view and presenting the familiar choice of buildings. He stood before the tavern door, but did not enter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI think,\u201d Firas began, \u201cthe battle, is triggered, after we go inside, and then leave. I notice, the game loading, it is too long, to load.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBut we need to speak to Rognoc the Rash, so he can direct us to the beach.\u201d Michael retorted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas sat back in the chair and furled his brow in consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLast week, Michael, we were in, Paradigot.\u201d Michael raised his eyebrows as Firas spoke on, \u201cWe were told the, password, for the elf camp. We died, we should never have heard the password, in our new life. But we travel to the camp, not to the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quest giver<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; we could choose, the correct password.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThat\u2019s right, I did!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI believe, the same will happen, now. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> we avoid, the insurgents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfamiliar with the word, Michael assumed it referred to the Elven Freedom Fighters.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mikey Powerfist ran through the small town, sights set on the waterfront harbour and beaches beyond that now popped into view. As anticipated, the Orc Battalion were on patrol; they marched in step with each other along the sand, but were fortunately inattentive of the wooden jetties that served as the town\u2019s wharf. The actual port was as empty as the town proper; not a dock-hand or boat to be found. A decorative gull took flight on reaching the wooden planks that blended into the dirt path, issuing a synthesised <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caw<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as it went.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe people, of the town, they must have taken the boats, to flee.\u201d Firas commented.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOr Xashar had them all destroyed.\u201d Michael added, familiar with the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lay-waste-to-all<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approach of usual videogame baddies.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mikey Powerfist stood alone on the empty pier, gazing out over the repeated texture of the ocean, unmoving.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cEither way, we know now, why there are no people. We know now.\u201d Firas eventually remarked, quietly. On the peripheries of the screen, it became clear that the Orc Battalion\u2019s programmed route had changed, as they began to ascend the steps that led to the port. \u201cThe army, they will kill us if they see us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mikey walked forward and over the edge of the boardwalk, splashing down into the water below. The beach that would lead to the Cliffs of Blight was to the west; Mikey began to swim to the east.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWh- what are you doing?! The Seaward Tower is the other way!\u201d Michael blurted in haste.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes, but we, we are no match, for the army.\u201d Firas explained, leading the hero away from the danger, \u201cWhen we <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">died<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, last, it was from one hit, just one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right, it was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI think, we go, inland, we help more people. I hear, I <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heard<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, helping more people, they will help us, join us. We can win, then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou heard that too? About this game?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes Michael, Daniel told me, at school, last week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHe did?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes, I told him, where we were, in the game. He knew, the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trick<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael felt a warm flush of embarrassment wash over him. For months now he had been sidelining Firas -merely tolerating his presence- as a passive observer on the edge of his bed. But Firas had invested in their time together; he had paid attention to their progression, engaged in the game and in Michael\u2019s playing of it. He even said <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">we<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">us<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when talking about playing the game, as if he\u2019d been controlling it too. As if Michael ever gave him the chance to. Michael noticed Firas\u2019 wide grin as his friend revelled in explaining <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the trick<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that he had discovered for them, and forced a smile back, despite feeling ashamed of himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThat\u2019s awesome, Firas.\u201d Michael tried hard to perk up, to join Firas in his excitement, \u201cSo, what are <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">we<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> going to do next?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hour passed in no time at all, as the two boys succeeded in completing a few minor tasks around the area, and rallied enough of their own troops to overcome the freedom fighters, storm the tower and topple the ruler. A fairy-tale ending to the mission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firas\u2019 mother arrived and met with her son downstairs. They were about to walk out together, when Firas turned back to Michael, a resolute frown on his face, and returned to his side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMichael, I want to say, to tell you: You ask me, what I build, when I build, in Minecraft.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael had forgotten the fleeting conversation from an hour ago, but recalled Firas\u2019 hesitance, and stuttered a response, \u201cY-yes? Yes, I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWell\u2026\u201d Firas began, momentarily silent as he formed the words in his mind, \u201cI build, my old home, my old neighbourhood, in Syria. I build the streets, the buildings, the roads, I remember. I build them, as they were. As I remember they were.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael looked uncomfortably at Firas\u2019 mother, who was waiting for her son with a warm smile on her face. He didn\u2019t know what to say, but Firas continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLast week, Michael. Last week, I build this, I build your house, your home. I build your room, your bed, your desk. This week, I will build, the street, the other houses, my new neighbourhood, our neighbourhood. And next week, Michael, I would like, to show it, to you, if you would like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A gentle lightness filled Michael\u2019s chest with giddy anticipation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes. Yes, I would like that, Firas, very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2018Hero, you are our last hope against the evils of tyranny.\u2019 Next. \u2018The forces of Dark Sorcerer Xashar have descended on our peaceful realm, murdering our village folk and sapping this land of its natural resources.\u2019 Next. \u2018Will you lend us your strength and help vanquish this villain that holds dominion over us?\u2019 Accept. \u2018Thank<a class=\"read-more \" href=\"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/?p=281\" title=\"Read More\"> <span class=\"button default\">Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-281","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prose"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=281"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":282,"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281\/revisions\/282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=281"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montyake.pirat.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}