Dungeon Raiders: Crucible of Change, #4

By Noelle Alladania Meade

We never know why evil comes to call, but sometimes answers aren't that important…

Practice is over. Dungeon Raiders goes live, and the contestants take the field. They are the chosen ones, living out every gamer's secret fantasy—until the danger becomes real. The foes in front of the camera aren't half as dangerous as the ones behind the scenes. Beyond the fantasy competition, real monsters, the Human kind, await their time to strike.

An off-world wizard thinks to make Olivia his pawn. Competing players scheme to steal Frank's heart from her, and a disgruntled saboteur's attacks endanger the lives of all the cast members. It's not Olivia's fault that craziness and mayhem follow in her wake; a trouble magnet draws them in like fog-bound ships to sirens. But Olivia's enemies will learn the hard way what she'll do to protect her family. She doesn't play Chess; she plays War, and when she raid kicks, she means it.

Playing adventurer is all fun and games until someone loses their head.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beasthold Books
• Release date: Dec 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393663935

Noelle Alladania Meade

Noelle usually has several irons in the fire at any given time. She likes to spend her time reading, writing, crafting, running two online shops to sell her crafts, and gaming. Life took a turn for the quirky in 2000 when she had her daughter, who turned out to have autism. As a child, her ambition was to be the first woman President of the United States. When she got older and learned more about politics, she recovered from that particular insanity. Her teens were spent on historical romances, science fiction, fantasy, and writing angsty poetry. In middle school, she had her first introduction to tabletop gaming in the form of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. As she explained to her dad, with all seriousness, it gave her the chance—as a terminally shy person—to try on different personalities and experiment with being a stronger person. From the time her daughter was born until mid-2014, Noelle worked out of her home providing IT support for a small local software company. She’s finally working in an office again as an administrator, and rather likes it. It’s nice to spend the day around adults who are mostly grown-ups.

Book preview

Crucible of Change Series

Forging Day

Furious Misfortune: Overture...Crucible of Change 1.5

Family Values

Stolen Treasure...Crucible of Change 2.5

California Dreaming

Dungeon Raiders

Dancing with Dinosaurs

As Lillian Ravenwood

Discovering Evelyn

Mavis and Max

Chapter One

Colorado

Last night I’d nearly been run through by a crazy Gold Elf with a sword, and Frank and Yuri had made a connection that I hadn’t quite gotten my head around yet. Then this morning I’d learned that Nathan, my stalker from Buzzcon, was joining the cast of Dungeon Raiders. After all that, I was more than happy to accept my mentor’s offer of a short trip back to Colorado and home.

From Alexander’s office at the dojo, Aerin had Frank and I hold hands with her and Geneva, and in a heartbeat we appeared in the great room of Mikah’s house. Teleportation. The only way to fly.

Cordie, Berto, and Mikah were all there. Peeka and the compys went nuts when we appeared. They were obviously expecting us, but Cordie still screamed. I hugged Cordie tight, and couldn’t figure out why I was crying, but it felt like I hadn’t seen her in years.

Frank made the introductions. Folks, this is Aerin, she’s working with Olivia on her magic and kindly consented to give us a ride home for the weekend. Geneva is Aerin’s right hand woman and life manager. He turned to the others. This is Cordelia, Olivia’s older sister. And this is Mikah and Berto. We’re in their home.

Pleased to meet you, said Aerin. Olivia, give me a call when you’re ready to come home Sunday night. Don’t forget to study. Before you can enhance your familiar you need to know what abilities you want to include. You might want to confer with Imhotep before you finalize your list. I told Frank to pack your spell book. Oh, and stay out of trouble, okay? She grabbed Geneva’s hand and they disappeared.

Oh my god, said Cordie. I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten. Show me the goods.

I lifted up the slightly flared maternity top to show off my belly. And this is just eleven weeks, I said. You should see some of the pictures I found on the Internet. I’m going to be as big as a house.

And why do you have bandages on your belly? Cordie demanded.

It’s nothing, really. They’re barely more than scratches.

One of the girls that used to be on our team poked her with a sword, said Frank. The EMTs checked her out. They didn’t need to transport.

Cordie demanded the longer version of the story, which led back to the whole Las Vegas debacle. Frank and I both neglected to mention Yuri. I don’t think either one of us quite knew where that was going.

That reminds me, I said to Frank. When you packed, did you grab my portfolio?

I did, he said. It’s in the satchel with your spell book and our clothes.

Look, Cordie. I know I’ve made some bad choices. Something isn’t right in my head sometimes, I said. Aerin’s wife, Lilah, is a licensed councilor. She said I could call if I ever wanted to talk about things. I’m ready. I’m going to call her.

I think it’s a good idea, said Cordie. I just want you to be happy, baby sister. She hugged me tight. When she stepped back, she had that steely look in her eye that I remembered from growing up. As it happens, I have a surprise for you too. Frank called late last night and let me know he’d arranged a visit. I called Doctor Suttikul’s after-hours service and had her call me back. When I explained the situation, and that you hadn’t seen a doctor since your last appointment with her nearly two months ago, she agreed to meet us at her office this afternoon. I couldn’t believe it when Frank told me you intended to wait until July to get another doctor. You’re supposed to be seen weekly. You know that.

Oh geez. I was home. My sister was already lecturing me. Aerin said the babies are fine, I told her. She can heal like Berto, only more. I trust her.

I’m sure she means well, said Cordie, But I trust Doctor Suttikul. Humor me.

We didn’t know about the meeting until this morning, I said to Frank. When did you talk to Aerin?

I called her last night after you went to sleep. I didn’t know about the meeting either. She was supposed to have picked us up at home after breakfast, said Frank.

I finally got a chance to hug Mikah and Berto. I missed you guys too, I said. They’re all crazy out in California. And they think sixty degrees requires a parka. I laughed

I missed you too, my lovely, said Berto. The house has been much too quiet without you.

It’s nearly been restful, joked Mikah, smiling.

Are the two of you ready for lunch? asked Cordie. I don’t know how long ago you had breakfast.

I can always eat. The twins are pushy that way.

Good, she said, Because Chef made your favorite chocolate mousse for dessert.

I’d forgotten how delectable his cooking was. I knew I’d enjoy every bite while I was here. The team dinners in California tended to be hit or miss in the flavor department. Cordie insisted I drink plenty of water with my meal. You’ll be getting an ultrasound today. Doctor Suttikul said to make sure your bladder was full. It helps with the imaging.

We had a little time to visit and catch up after lunch until Cordie announced it was time to go. Frank looked excited. This was the first time he’d be able to go to the doctor with me. Something had always come up at my other appointments. I tried not to think about how badly I needed to use the restroom in the meantime.

They did the usual blood draw and happily moved directly to the ultrasound. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold out. I took off Aerin’s ring and slipped it into my pocket, just to be safe. Frank and Cordie both came in with me. Each one held one of my hands. I sobbed when the first baby appeared on the screen and I heard that tiny heartbeat. I guess I just thought it would look like a little blob, but I was wrong. It looked like a baby. It was moving, and even kicked and reached with a tiny arm. The other baby was just as active. Oh my god, Frank. They’re beautiful. Look at what we made. He squeezed my hand tight, tears filling his eyes.

After I got dressed, we met back in Doctor Suttikul’s office. How big are they at eleven weeks? I asked her.

She looked at my paperwork. You said the conception date was the second week in February, correct?

As far as we know, I said.

Then you are considered thirteen weeks, not eleven weeks. We count from two weeks prior to conception, she said. You’re actually in your second trimester now. I bet you’ve been less tired, and the morning sickness has gone away.

You’re right. I got busy and wasn’t really thinking about it, but I have had a lot more energy.

To get back to your question, baby one is just over three inches long. Baby two is a tiny bit smaller. They’re a bit larger than I’d expect for their age, but still within normal limits. Both of them have strong, healthy heartbeats. They’re doing well.

She gave me a sack full of reading materials, as well as a recommended diet and exercise regimen. Apparently Doctor Kingston had shared the information we gave him from Aerin and Doctor Suttikul had researched the foods that best met those nutritional needs.

You’re going to need to find a regular doctor if you’re staying in California, said Doctor Suttikul. We can do appointments when you fly home to visit, but at a certain point the airlines are not going to allow you to travel. You need to make other arrangements before then, just to be safe.

We’re moving to Anaheim in July, I said. Can I wait until then?

She gave me a long look over the tops of her glasses. I took that as a no.

Then you need to recommend a doctor that isn’t crazy, I said. I need normal and boring. And I really don’t like the idea of trying to get to know someone for just a couple months when I have to start all over in July.

Why don’t we find a doctor in Anaheim now? said Frank. There’s no reason why we can’t drive you down there for doctor appointments. It’s a little less convenient, but you can find one doctor and stick with them all the way through.

I will find recommendations in both Santa Barbara and Anaheim, said the doctor. A regular doctor in Anaheim is fine for routine appointments. You still need a backup plan in case you need to see someone more quickly. There’s no reason to expect anything to happen, but if you start cramping or spotting, you don’t have time to drive to Anaheim.

We agreed to keep an eye out for her recommendations. She’d be emailing them to both me and Frank. I don’t think the whole doctor thing would slip his mind again; not after we’d seen those tiny creatures, dependent on me to make good choices and take care of them. Cordie made me sit up front with her, but Frank, in the back seat, rested his hand on my shoulder all the way home.

We got back well before dinner time. It looked like we’d be bunking in Frank’s old room. Cordelia had moved into Grammy’s suite when we left. It made sense. She was the surrogate mom to Mikah’s child. I know they wanted her to be comfortable while she lived here. Her baby was due a few weeks after our twins.

Frank went off to play with his compys. I dug out the card Lilah had given me. She didn’t have office hours posted. I figured I’d call. I was pretty sure on a Saturday that I’d get her voicemail or an answering service. I was mistaken.

Lilah here, she said.

Um, hi. This is Olivia Mitchell. I don’t know if you remember me, but you gave me your card the other day.

Of course I remember you, Olivia. What can I do for you?

I think I need to talk to someone. I have some issues. I think it’s my fault someone went a little crazy and attacked people with a sword.

Olivia, I know about the incident. That was not your fault. I do agree that it sounds like you need to talk to someone. Do you want it to be me, or would you be more comfortable speaking with one of my partners?

I think I’d like to talk to you.

Let me check my calendar. It seems to me...ah, there it is. I thought I’d had a cancellation this week. I can see you this coming Thursday at three o’clock. Will that work for you?

It will work. Aerin said we’d be finished with the familiar thing on Tuesday. Where is your office?

Give me your email and I’ll send you the map. I’m on the third floor of an office building. People seem to have trouble finding us. I blame it on the palm tree partially blocking the building number.

Thanks, Lilah. I really appreciate this. I’ll see you then.

I lay down on the bed and rested my hands on my growing belly. I thought about how active the babies had been at the ultrasound, but as much as I wanted to, I still couldn’t feel the movement with my hands. The doctor had said they were still too small for that, but I had to try. I think it was a good thing Aerin had taken care of that parody of a doctor that tried to get me to lose these babies. I believe if Aerin hadn’t already done it, I would have hunted that woman down and killed her myself.

Chapter Two

Taking a Breather

After seeing the babies on an ultrasound, I wanted to capture the images while they were still burned into my mind. The satchel Frank had packed for us contained enough clothes for two days, the usual personal toiletries, and my spell book. Under that I finally found the art materials I’d been looking for. Downstairs in the library, I went to my favorite spot; it had the perfect light for sketching. I didn’t notice Cordie standing and watching over my shoulder until I was taking a stretch break from drawing a tiny hand.

You’ve gotten really good at this, she said. When I told you to stop wasting time on your doodles back in high school, I was wrong. I’m sorry.

It’s okay. I’d forgotten about that. Besides, it wasn’t the doodles in class that brought my grades down. It was sneaking out every night to meet whoever happened to be my current boyfriend. Sleeping through class was the bigger issue.

Between you and Leo, I really don’t know how we all survived your teenage years. I tried so hard to keep the house running, and keep the two of you out of trouble, and somehow still get my own degree. I guess I was a little hard on the two of you. If I had to do it over, I would have been more approachable and less of a bossy perfectionist.

I gave her a hug. I love you, Cordie. I know you were just worried about me. I just couldn’t see it at the time.

We sat in companionable silence as the tiny twins took shape under my pencil. They weren’t entirely done, but close enough, when Chef called us in to dinner.

Sitting at the big table in the dining room with my loved ones, it finally felt like home. As the tension melted out of my neck and shoulders, I realized how edgy I’d been in California and couldn’t stop the tears.

Frank took my hand, eyes alarmed. What’s wrong? Are you okay?

I didn’t know how homesick I’ve been until we got here, I sobbed. I miss being home. I miss being pregnant together with my sister. I miss Mikah rolling his eyes when the police show up, again.

Frank got really quiet and held me close. Do you want to stay here while I finish things in California? Or do you want me to leave the show and try to get my old job back?

No! That’s not what I meant. I’m staying with you in California. We’re a family. But I already feel like I should have a warning horn when I back up, and I have nearly two trimesters to go. At this rate if I can even fit through the RV door you’ll need a hoist to pull me up the stairs.

Berto was trying his hardest not to laugh. Olivia, my lovely, even with twins, you are not going to be too big to fit through doorways. As for this being home, you are always welcome here. This is always your home; even when you’re in crazy California.

I snuffled and brushed at my tears. Cordie brought me a box of tissues. Maybe your friend can bring you to visit again, she suggested. Don’t wait so long next time. If you give us some notice, we’ll have a party and invite everyone over.

I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so weepy all the time. I don’t even work and I feel like I need a vacation.

I think you’re allowed to feel a little stressed out, said Mikah. You’ve had a lot going on, and someone you trusted threatened to kill you last night. That’s enough to put anyone off their game.

When Chef sat a crystal dish of flaked salmon on the table Imhotep appeared. That cat had the nerve to glare at me while he ate. "Why haven’t you been working on your list? You’re upgrading your familiar, namely me. One might expect you to take the process a little more seriously."

Shut up and eat your salmon. I will get to the list. Have a little faith.

He finished the last of his salmon, flicked his tail in my general direction, and disappeared again. Damn cat.

Chef brought out the chocolate mousse, and it did wonders toward restoring my equilibrium. I miss you too, Chef. Nobody’s food is as good as yours.

He bowed and smiled, disappearing back into his kitchen.

We all adjourned to the great room after dinner. Frank had a surprise for everyone. He had a DVD of the Dungeon Raiders preview they’d shown at BuzzCon. It hadn’t been broadcast as part of the live feed. Only attendees had gotten to see it. The mini-movie really was amazing. It was the realest dragon I’d ever seen. Cordie smiled and got a little teary when the backstory with me and Frank played.

I wish we did have our own little cottage in the woods, said Frank. As long as it came with a maid, a nanny, and next day delivery service, he added.

He pretended to be crushed by the enormous weight as I wiggled my way into his lap. His sweet kiss drew a contented sigh. It had been much too long since we’d had time to just kiss and cuddle. As I kissed him back I felt him stirring beneath me.

Cordie let out a huge yawn. I’m sorry. I think I’m going to call it a night. I haven’t gotten my second wind yet.

Mikah and Berto made their excuses and as fast as that Frank and I were alone. We kissed again, snuggling close. I love you. Don’t even joke about going back out there without me.

He smiled at me. I won’t go anywhere without you. Want to come back to my place? He gestured toward the stairs.

I could be persuaded. I hope you’re not too tired.

I’m never too tired for you.

He swept me into his arms and insisted on carrying me up to his old room and over the threshold like a bride.

We undressed and our kissing took a turn for the serious, but then he hesitated. I’m afraid I’ll hurt the babies. I don’t want to squish them.

He did have a point. It wasn’t exactly comfortable having any weight directly on my belly. The babies were protected by Aerin’s ring, but that didn’t help me. We’ll just have to get creative. I rolled over onto my side, facing him, and leaned into another kiss. I want you.

He was so gentle as he kissed his way down my body. He planted kisses on each full breast and the swell of my belly. My breath caught when he took me in his mouth. I was on the brink and over the edge before I’d even realized how close I was.

He drew up the covers spooning around me, holding me as my breathing slowed. His arousal was silky hard against my backside. His hand found me still wet and eager. Slowly, carefully, he slid into me. With each sweet motion and caress of his fingertips I moaned my pleasure. My body clenched around him as he brought me to my second release. With just a few more thrusts he groaned and I felt him pulsing inside of me as he came.

Stay right there, I murmured. I want to fall asleep with you still inside of me.

He cradled me against him. I’d like that too.

His breathing deepened into sleep with his hand still cupping my breast. I wanted to sleep but my mind wouldn’t let me. Last night, this man who’d come to mean the world to me, had made love to Yuri. I wondered if he’d told her he loved her and what would happen when we got back to California. I knew without a doubt he loved me, but Yuri was still a train wreck in slow motion. If she crashed—no, when she crashed, was she going to take us all down? I shifted restlessly. Frank nuzzled my neck and his other hand moved to curl protectively over my belly. Sleep, love.

I finally did.

It was still predawn when I awoke to his kisses. I love you. You’re mine. He took me long and slow, not stopping until we both found our pleasure, and then held me as we drifted back to sleep.

I felt a little pang when I woke up and it was Sunday. We showered before heading down for breakfast. The house was quiet, but Chef was quick to feed us. The twins couldn’t wait for Cordie, Mikah, and Berto to get home from church.

After breakfast, Frank went off to play with the compys. I wanted to do some magical research. My shelf of tabletop gaming books was just where I’d left it in the library. I found the player’s guide and plucked it off the shelf, flipping to the spell section for ideas. It couldn’t hurt. When I glanced up, Imhotep was staring at me. "I trust this is work related?"

I will come up with the damn list. I need to think about it. Don’t pressure me, cat.

"Someone needs to. I’ll be back later. I need to see a man about a mummy." Again, the cat disappeared.

I shook my head, mostly sure he was kidding about that mummy thing. I suppose it could be worse. At least he never left dead animals in my bed. I was still reading when Cordie got back with Berto and Mikah.

My heart skipped a beat for just a second when she walked in, all dressed up. For a second, you reminded me of mom. She used to dress like that when we all went out for Sunday brunch.

She came over and hugged me, tears in her eyes. She’d have been so excited that she’s finally getting grandkids. And not from Leo first, like everyone half expected.

In spite of my late breakfast, the twins were more than happy to have some lunch. When were they not making me hungry? I miss this. I’m going to miss you guys. I’d promise I’ll be better about calling, but you know it won’t be true.

Berto laughed. We know you have good intentions–right until you get distracted.

No kidding, said Cordie. That’s why I trained Frank to keep me updated.

Mikah studied me and smiled. Whether it’s Frank, California, or your twins, I think this is the most content I’ve ever seen you. Your brother owes me. He bet that you’d never grow up.

After lunch we adjourned back to the library. We spent the rest of the day talking and catching up. Frank’s old professors, Korembi, and his wife, Roz, joined us for dinner. He lit up when they arrived. I knew they’d all been close, but they felt more like surrogate parents to Frank and not just professors and mentors. Frank regaled them with stories of his training at the dojo over dinner. I learned more than I had the entire last month living with him. To be fair, we had been kind of busy.

After dinner I did what little packing we had so Frank would have more time to visit. Before rejoining our little gathering I called Aerin and let her know we were ready at her convenience.

Aerin and Geneva popped in, quite literally, around eight. Frank made introductions. Mikah and Berto, and lastly Cordie, hugged me goodbye. We were all teary before we finished. I promise to behave.

Cordie shook her finger at me. Don’t say that. It’s like the kiss of doom. Be safe. Be happy. Be boring.

Frank and I took hands with Aerin and Geneva, and in a blink we were back in California in the living room of the RV.

Get lots of rest tonight, said Aerin. If you didn’t read your homework this weekend, do it before bed. Learn your spell in the morning and Geneva will be by to get you first thing. Pack your overnight bag tonight and don’t forget the cat.

Frank looked worried. Are you sure this is safe? You need your rest. How are you going to do a spell that takes an entire day?

Aerin patted him on the shoulder. Relax, big guy. I know what I’m doing. The spell will have her in a trance state. Her body will be at rest while her mind works the magic. If it was dangerous we would have waited until after the babies were born. See you in the morning.

Frank unpacked and went to check in with his team while I prepped for tomorrow. My homework was to come up with the main abilities I wanted to empower in Imhotep. I wasn’t sure what was possible but I jotted down a wish list. Imhotep appeared, reading over my shoulder. "I want thumbs."

Oh, no. That is so not going to happen. A cat with thumbs could take over the world. No way.

We bickered over the list for a while. He insisted I cross off a few of the items and add one or two others, but the thumbs stayed off the list. Of course I’d still have to confer with Aerin on it in the morning.

Frank got back while I was having a bedtime snack. All is well, he said. Or I should say all is normal for our group. Yuri was stark-naked and singing drunken sea shanties in the living room. Tink and Nighthawk treated their weekend like an extra honeymoon. Boris seems to have become enamored of Otok. Otok has chosen to be flattered rather than offended. Ariadne was on the phone with your brother and she was smiling. And I think that covers everyone.

And how is their strong and handsome leader spending his night? I asked as I trailed my hand across his chest.

I think he’s going to make love to his beautiful wife-to-be, and hold her until she falls asleep with a smile, he said.

It was a good plan, and well executed.

Chapter Three

Upgrading the Cat

Since Geneva was coming , I got up early with Frank. Geneva wasn’t here yet so I grabbed my overnight bag and joined the team for breakfast. Yuri, for a change, looked pouty.

What is with you people? she demanded. What do I have to do to get a reaction? I need attention. If it isn’t positive, I’m fine with negative. And you guys don’t give me anything.

Frank looked up at her. Do a good job on the obstacle course today and you’ll get plenty of positive attention.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Really? Is that a promise?

Frank nodded. That’s basically it.

I heard a car pull up outside. It wasn’t the van yet, so Geneva was probably here. I finished my glass of orange juice and kissed Frank goodbye. See you tomorrow. Snagging the overnight bag and my purse, I hustled out the door.

Geneva leaned against the car, waiting. You need the cat, she said. And Aerin said you can prepare the spell at the house if you didn’t have time to do it this morning.

Thanks. I guess I got nervous and forgot.

I sent the mental summons to Imhotep. He appeared in the car with a *bamf*.

Are you ready for this? I asked him.

Ready as I’ll ever be.

This time, Aerin was waiting in one of their guest bedrooms instead of her lab. You’re going to get comfortable here. If you still need to learn the spell, do that now. Once you’re ready, you and Imhotep lie down on the bed before you cast. Your bodies will be in a relaxed state while the magic binds you closer together and empowers your familiar to your will.

I pulled out the wish list of abilities I’d come up with. She shook her head over a couple of them. "You can fix it so he can communicate with Frank. You’ll automatically get extra spell potential. He will be able to transport objects with more volume and it will be less strain on him. You can certainly add a stealth mode for him. Cats are inclined to that anyway. As a trade-off, you