It was a miserable grey day in Garonmouth and the guiding council of the Adventurer’s Guild was meeting in one of the panelled rooms on the second floor. A large fire was burning in the fireplace and the three most important members of the regional headquarters of the guild were present as were two others.

Sofos Ironfist the guildmaster and his number two Sarannas were looking unhappy. “We are here to consider the preliminary report on this Mock Turtle Dungeon.” Stated Sofos.

“The Roving Valkyries, a Veteran ranked group, accompanied by a Paladin of Hel-Arlizzy,” Sarannas paused to give Estgadon a considering look before continuing. “Entered the dungeon close to Arsouk and were unable to get past the second room. They only got past the first because the dungeon is honouring the contract that the prior dungeon had with the guild.”

“That can’t be all or we wouldn’t be sitting here,” interjected Taron.

Sofos grimaced, “no it isn’t, the Valkyries located the new entrance of the Last Stand dungeon and the large village of beastfolk that has been established outside its entrance. They were able to find a guide, a guide that was able to keep the dungeon passive and allowed them to navigate the dungeon. It uses portals and has at least two other entrances. One within an hour’s walk of the city state of Folding Deep and the other, we believe but haven’t confirmed that it is in the same valley as that uninspired goblin themed dungeon near Celestial Peaks.”

“Celestial Peaks? But that’s only a couple of hundred leagues from here near Jandorton and Folding Deep’s on the continent of Fraldator. Soros, that’s three entrances on three continents. That can’t be right!” exclaimed a startled Taron. “Are you sending another team to confirm these findings? Creevar’s Killers are the most experienced at the moment. Send them.”

Sofos Ironfist looked as if he was sucking a lemon, “They refused. Creevar has forbidden them from accessing the dungeon. Taron, would you consider coming out of retirement and recruiting a team to attempt the assessment?”

Taron looked up with a glint in his eye, he’d show this namby pamby later generation what their elders were made of. “Yes of course Sofos. It would be a pleasure.”

“Right, now Estgadon, as his priest, what do you know of this Paladin of your god?” asked Sarannas.

* * *

Tomcat settled his ladies in a sprawling house just outside Silverton, he had managed to persuade an amused Mary to raise it and he and his ladies inspected it in the morning. It was on the by now familiar central courtyard plan with defensible outer walls. The ladies were very impressed with the running water and other amenities.

An exhausted Tomcat dragged his tail back abroad the Alessandrina’s Glory two days later and set sail once again for Garonmouth laden with the officers of the impressed ships and some of their crew along with a small company of marines.

While not record breaking the trip was fast, it certainly impressed the ship’s officers he was conveying. On arrival they dispersed to make arrangements for further travel or to contact their owners.

Tomcat walked through the streets in contemplative mood. He watched the passing scenery with appreciation, especially if it involved young ladies. He soon reached the building that housed the shipbuilder’s guild. He glanced around briefly, his gaze lingering on an attractive fruit seller before entering. At reception he flirted with an appreciative receptionist and asked if he could have a meeting with one of the guild’s arbitrators.

He was in luck, he only had to wait an hour before one could see him and he spent it most agreeably in Zoreena’s company. They agreed to meet for dinner at the Silver Cauldron, one of Garonmouth’s more exclusive – and expensive – restaurants.

At his meeting with the arbitrator he explained the circumstances that had led to Mary’s need for an arbitrator and asked if the guild could spare one for a month or so and what compensation they and the arbitrator in question would require.

After agreeing to the terms and passing over half the fee specified as required and arranging for the remainder to be held by the temple of Ocidon Tomcat concluded the meeting cheerfully shaking the man’s hand. So he now had to wait two days until the journeyman selected by the guild would be ready to board the Alessandrina’s Glory.

The Silver Cauldron lived up to its reputation and it was a pair of slightly tipsy revellers that retired to a nearby comfortable inn for the night. Zoreena and Tomcat enjoyed the theatre on the next evening, attending a public ball on the next. They remained at the inn for both days. After protracted goodbyes Tomcat headed back to his ship feeling at peace with the world. That is until he passed an enchanter’s shop, slapped his head and headed in to purchase something one of the advertised rings enchanted to act as contraceptives.

Tomcat found the journeyman already abroad ship, and the captains plus crew of one of the impressed ships ready to board. His company while not happy had agreed to the terms. Also with them were what looked like a small legal team that requested passage to first the Silverton and Blue Lagoon and then to Drakoton.

* * *

Mary soon had the eight impressed merchantmen patched up and floating at anchor in her lagoon. By now regenerating the hull timbers to eliminate the holes was easy through constant practice. This done she turned to other things.

« Um, Trisha, do you think I should tone down those mangrove caverns in the Mock Turtle dungeon. The Valkyries are supposed to be good but they didn’t even get to first base. »

Trisha cast her eyes up in exasperation, “Mary, what part of a mass of roots separated by barely enough space for one of your barracuda... It’s ambush heaven for the ‘cuda and those toothy eel like things you thought up. And if the poor bastards wear metal armour your ‘letric ‘cuda will light them up.”

« Erm. »

“Anyway it’s too late now. You have a vicious first floor and it gets worse from there. Then there’s Tentacles and whatever you’re dreaming up as a final boss.”

« So you’re sayin’ I should leave things be? »

“Yes! Or maybe you should just up the rewards again. Sheesh, I’m just sorry I ever asked you to create a real dungeon.”

« ... »

* * * INTERLUDE 1 * * *

Dr Macquarie was feeling distracted, his non-existent link ached; it felt as if he lacked a limb. He was putting out a call. He had felt some pixies but they had moved away. And then his former colleagues were working their way slowly and exquisite care room by room, erecting steel grates and cages as they went. They had cleared half his first level. He could always absorb the grates etc when they withdrew for the night or for lunch. Or even when they withdrew for a smoke. However it would probably only make things worse.

Then... Something was coming... Something old and strange... It was following his call.

The ancient huaka‘i po was tired; its brethren had long since departed. Then it felt this call coming from under the ground. It mirrored the ache he felt for his missing brethren so he answered.

Two lonely beings met, felt a common need and they exchanged ideas, thoughts, needs. They slowly came to an agreement. The huaka’i po would hunt and the dungeon would cease being passive and actively work to survive. With their agreement the bond was formed and neither was alone.

Dr Macquarie expanded sideways whilst his huaka‘i po explored the land above, then he created a passage up from the depths seeking an alternate exit.

* * * INTERLUDE 2 * * *

Mary had spent, wasted two whole day answering silly and nonsensical questions, she readily accepted that the people who arranged for her to be shot were rogues. Or rather she tried hard to convince people that she did believe it. No point putting her tormentors on their guard any more than they already were.

And now it was time to return to school as the idiots seemed to have calmed down and an uneasy peace was descending on the streets.

School seemed alien, people that she barely knew kept coming up to her with good wishes and commiserations. Irritatingly she was able to perceive through another skill gifted her by Bluey that most actually were sincere. And almost everyone was jabbing at the air in front of their face despite her evaluate telling her that about half hadn’t been integrated yet.

Thankfully she was able to duck PE, it always annoyed her that the coach was always after her to throw a stupid ball through a too small basket. The woman seemed incapable of believing that her victims didn’t believe that throwing balls at baskets wasn’t the most important thing in the world.

Then the mismatched stars of the school chess club accosted her over lunch. Sottomayor, the best pitcher in the school and Fredericks the o so very unathletic maths genius.

“Mary, is it true that you can see the blue screens?” asked Fredericks.

“And how come you don’t need to touch the screens?” demanded Sotomayor.

Mary rolled her eyes, “the screens are in your mind, only you can see them unless you select the share option. Just look at the option you want an’ say the word in you mind. Bluey will do the rest.”

“Bluey?” asked Fredericks.

“’S what I call the System. He hasn’t complained yet.”

“Can you really change your race and sex when you use the setup system?” asked Sotomayor.

“’Course, but you have to insist an’ confirm three times when you want that kind of change. Careful what you ask for though, there’s no goin’ back once you’re assimilated.”

“Assimilated?” asked a voice from behind her back.

Mary glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah, when Bluey integrates you into the System. Assimilated.”

Once school was over for the day she slid into her jeep and stared as the engine fired up by itself. She felt an eagerness to be gone, to be motoring that wasn’t her.

“’K sweetheart, lets be goin’.”