Questbeats: How to Set the World on Fire, #5

By T.K. Riggins

Kase Garrick faces his greatest challenge yet in the How to Set the World on Fire series, as he does everything in his power to keep his family, friends, and girlfriend safe.

 

After being promoted to High Guardian, Kase's mission is to hunt a group of fugitives across the realm. With his task force at his side, Kase will need to use both his wizard and warrior abilities to gain an advantage, track down the criminals, and capture them one by one.

 

Inspired by her boyfriend's success, Lenia convinces Kase to be her warrior professor. While the other Liberati's lives get busier—Talen balancing her professional work and personal research, and Cali with her new responsibilities at the Triple Crown—Kase and Lenia find time to focus on what is most important to them: each other.

 

But when an old enemy resurfaces, Kase gets trapped. Taught never to back down, never to surrender, and never to give into the demands of his adversary, Kase must forget what he has learned to make a foul decision: to help his enemy so he can save his friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.K. Riggins
• Release date: Oct 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781777321512

T.K. Riggins

T.K. Riggins started writing because of a dare. His friend was searching for something new to read, and after coming up empty handed, challenged Riggins to take action. Instead of recommending a book, he decided to pen a story of his own. He shared an experience from his past, where he witnessed a cattle farmer deal with fetus malposition. The farmer was able to reach inside the cow, turn the calf around in the womb, and reorient the birthing position. With a little bit of tugging, some questionable language, and a healthy dose of faith, the calf entered the world and took its first breath with ease. Growing up in the city, Riggins thought he witnessed a miracle. The calf was struggling and was surely dead, but with the help of the farmer it was alive and well. Riggins turned this day on the farm into a fantasy story by replacing the cow with a flying lion, and the miracle work of the farmer into a tale of magic, because the experience was magical to him. His audience loved the story, so Riggins was obligated to make more. Instead of focusing on just the farm, he used other aspects of his life to create a world involving the physical strength of a warrior, the intellectual prowess of a scholar, and the passionate magic of a wizard. After a while, he had a whole book! Although he doesn’t have a typical writer’s background in Literature or Education, his BSc in Mechanical Engineering helps him innovate, problem solve, and attack his series with a fresh perspective. He’s able to take a classic fantasy setting and add a modern twist, creating a world and story of his own. T.K. Riggins is the Chanticleer OZMA award-winning author of the fantasy novel How To Set The World On Fire. Originally from the Midwest, he now lives on the Canadian west coast, where he enjoys hiking the path less traveled, swimming against the current, and continuously pushing the boundaries.

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Questbeats.jpg

Questbeats

T.K. Riggins

How To Set The World On Fire Series

Book 1: How To Set The World On Fire

Book 2: Money Jane

Book 3: Next Level Hot

Book 4: Outlaw OTP

Book 5: Questbeats

Copyright

Copyright © 2021 T.K. Riggins

tkriggins.com

All rights reserved. The use of any part of this publication reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the publisher is an infringement of the copyright law.

Published in 2021 in accordance with Franchise Publishing.

Cover design by: Edge of Water Designs, edgeofwater.com

Interior Formatting: Spica Book Design, spicabookdesign.com

Issued in print and electronic formats.

ISBN 978-1-7773215-0-5 (Book)

ISBN 978-1-7773215-1-2 (E-book)

Franchise Publishing

Vancouver, British Columbia

Contents

How To Set The World On Fire Series

Copyright

Prologue

1. Living In The Garden Of Evil

2. Let’s Get Out Of This Town, Baby, We’re On Fire

3. I Swore I’d Chase ‘Em ‘Til I Was Dead

4. His Parliament’s On Fire, And His Hands Are Up

5. Kiss Me Hard Before You Go

6. A Half-Life in Lost Dreams

7. I Just Ride

8. You’re No Good for Me

9. You’re Scared to Win, Scared to Lose

10. Feet Don’t Fail Me Now

11. Darling Doesn’t Have a Problem

12. You Call Me Lavender

13. I Miss Dancing with You the Most of All

14. Maybe the Way I’m Living Is Killing Me

15. Waiting on the Other Side

16. Blue Hydrangea

17. There’s Something in the Wind

18. Flames So Hot That They Turn Blue

19. Because I’m a Ride or Die

20. Wish I May, Wish I Might

21. It’s You, It’s You, It’s All for You

22. When You and I Were Forever Wild

For the black sheep,

Live fast.

Prologue

Dom froze at the sound of a birdcall. It wasn’t the tune of a songbird, but rather the screech of something fierce. The animals on Jenim Island were proportional to the giants that inhabited the land. The birds were the scariest, with talons as large as Dom’s torso and beaks that could tear him to shreds.

Still clear, Mac shouted.

The young warrior’s confident tone gave Dom the courage to peek from inside the tree hollow and search the foliage. It was difficult to see anything flying above through the giant leaves. It didn’t sound close, but it’s hard to tell from here.

I didn’t see anything, Buck said. He lowered his bow. Keep going.

Dragoon, Mac replied. Dom appreciated how Mac could so instinctively obey his commanding officer’s orders in such dangerous conditions; it was certainly an asset to the mission. The burly warrior continued to methodically pull on his rope: hand over hand, moving the system inch by inch.

Although their journey wasn’t exactly going to plan, Dom had been able to help the team adjust on the fly. He’d built some buckets using wood from large fallen twigs, fixed them to the extra rope that the warriors had, and created a pulley system. He removed two wheels from their cart, secured one on a branch above them, and then the other on the ground below. Mac was able to use the pulley system to transport dirt up to them slowly and steadily.

You don’t have to hide, Dom, Buck said. I don’t think any birds will swoop down. We’re covered.

Dom searched the foliage again. Even though the birds were his biggest fear, there were plenty of animals on Jenim Island that could hurt them. Giant squirrels, beavers, and raccoons were native to the region. Snakes, lizards, and frogs were also a threat. Even insects like bees, wasps, and spiders could prove fatal if encountered.

Dom had wanted a wizard to join their team, but the warrior task force wouldn’t allow it. Half of them didn’t trust wizards and refused point-blank to work with them, so instead of arguing, Dom had accepted their illogical viewpoint. If his wife were still alive, she would have been able to connect with some of the animals in the region. But if she were still alive, he wouldn’t need to be on this expedition.

Mac stopped pulling on his rope. He took a deep breath and wiped his brow. His steel gauntlets didn’t do much to absorb his sweat, but they protected his hands well from any rope burn. Ready, he panted.

Dom sprinted from the safety of the hollow and unhooked the wooden bucket from the top of the pulley. He returned to his sanctuary, staying focused on the tree’s opening rather than searching for animals. He didn’t enter the hollow, but tossed the dirt into the hole instead, knowing it would fall down the hollowed-out centre of the tree. He rushed back to the pulley.

Mac pulled on the rope so the hook came over the wheel and into the descending position. I hope we see a bird, he said confidently. I bet they’re delicious.

We could have a feast, Buck said. We’ll dig up some giant potatoes. Maybe even get some bread from the giants’ village.

Dom set the bucket back on the empty hook. Why don’t you just go to a restaurant in town? I’m sure a single portion would feed you for a week.

A week? Mac laughed. Have you seen how much Buck eats? A plate of food fit for a giant wouldn’t last him a day!

They all laughed. Buck tapped his gut. Challenge accepted.

Dom returned to the tree hollow to wait until Mac’s steady pulling brought the next bucket of dirt up to branch level. There were twenty buckets in total: ten were filled with dirt as they made their way up, the other ten remained empty on the way back down.

They kept a steady pace for a few more hours. Mac pulled the buckets up, while Dom emptied the dirt. Buck kept a watchful eye, and the two warriors at the bottom of the tree, Jem and Katrin, supplied the soil.

Although Dom couldn’t see how much dirt they’d tossed down the hollow, he had an idea of how many buckets’ worth they needed. After this next load, we should be ready, he said.

Buck put his fingers to his lips and blew hard, signalling the end of this phase of their plan. Jem and Katrin whistled back, acknowledging that they’d remain on the ground until further orders.

After pulling up the rest of the full buckets, Mac joined Buck and Dom in the tree hollow. By Dom’s calculations, the interior diameter spanned about thirty feet. A makeshift ladder was cut into the bark on the inside, leading down to the surface below. As a scholar, Dom knew that it wasn’t logical for the tree to have survived like this through the centuries. He couldn’t feel the magic that helped the tree, but he knew it must be there.

They climbed down the ladder right to the very bottom. The pile of soil that they had hauled up and tossed through the opening now rested on the stone surface at the base of the tree. The designs carved into the stone were harder to see than before, because the loose dirt blocked out the silver shine of the magic doorway embedded in the floor.

We need to spread this out, Dom said. He pushed the top of the pile, spilling dirt everywhere. Once we cover the handprint, the door should open.

Should? Buck asked.

Will, Dom said firmly. The doorway was a magical portal to the resting place of an ancient treasure. According to legend, just a fraction of the riches would make the entire task force wealthy beyond their dreams, but that wasn’t why Dom was on the expedition. He only wanted one artefact.

The stone portal was circular, with a triangular doorway etched into the centre of it, so large its corners touched the circumference of the circle. The triangle was like the other portal doors throughout the realm, but it faced the ground instead of standing straight up.

Embedded into this special doorway was the handprint of a giant, complete with five fingers and a thumb. Dom always thought it strange that giants had an extra finger, but wondered if they thought it odd that he had one less.

Dom, Mac, and Buck spread the dirt over the entire imprint, being sure not to waste any; they didn’t want to have to go back outside to haul up more. As Buck was packing some of the soil around the sixth digit, the silver stone platform suddenly turned a deep black.

I told you it would work, Buck said, taking credit for Dom’s idea.

They stepped back to the edge of the circle. A crack split down the middle of the triangle, causing dirt to spill into the darkness. The middle stone panels separated, disintegrating into the triangular frame as the doorway opened up completely.

The portal acted like the rest of the gateways in the realm, but they couldn’t see anything on the other side. Normally, the destination of the calibrated portal could be seen as a shimmer, but this time there was only darkness. Dom stared ahead, trying to let his eyes adjust.

What now? Buck asked.

Follow me, Dom commanded. He stepped off the edge and felt a rush of air. Just as quickly, he sensed the comfort of the ground beneath his feet. He didn’t fall, or suddenly stop as if he had hit the ground from a certain height; it felt like the ground just appeared below him.

He was happy to see an illuminated, auditorium-sized chamber. Thick tree trunks lined the outer walls, so close they only allowed slits of light to sneak through. The roof was thatched with green foliage, but no light came from above. The air was still and smelled of a carpenter’s shop. The magic of the cache protected them from the elements, the outer world, and any giant birds that might be flying about.

The room was littered with gold coins, statues, artefacts, and tapestries. There were a few shelves with books on one side, and a giant set of moose antlers on the other. Dom rushed to the back wall, where a green, oblong artefact was strung with golden chains.

We’re going to be rich, Buck said. He stopped at the first pile of gold and started filling his pockets. Mac joined him, but instead of shovelling gold into every available crevice of his armour, he picked up a golden sword and waved it around.

Dom focused on the chains that supported the green stone artefact. There were six chains in total, each attached to posts that formed a semi-circle behind the artefact. Dom unwrapped each one carefully, starting with the chain at the top. When he was finished, the green stone hit the ground with a loud thud. Dust swirled around his feet.

Dom stood proud and waved over to the warriors. Help me carry this!

We’ll get to your loot after we move ours, Buck said. He was still shovelling coins into his pockets.

But this is what we came for, Dom yelled. It’s worth ten times the amount of treasure in this room.

Buck became still, but Mac walked towards Dom. I’ll help you, he said. I’d rather haul one piece of treasure than a million little ones. Besides, these coins aren’t like Aileron. They are blank on one side, and the other has some sort of flying lion.

I’ll help too, Buck said, sprinting past Mac. They both raced towards Dom, who bent down to study his artefact.

What is it? Mac asked.

It’s part of the most magical relic in the realm, Dom said. He bent down and ran his fingers along it. Alone, it meant nothing, but it had the potential power to bring his wife back, and that made it priceless.

The relic was a green, stone column that looked like a wide, angled ‘L’. The short side was around 6 feet long, while the longer end jutted out at a slightly obtuse angle to span another ten feet. Both of the ends were jagged. Beautiful artwork and emblems were etched into it, but Dom didn’t need to study all of it just yet.

What does it do? Mac asked. If it’s magical, does that mean only a wizard will buy it?

It’s valuable to everyone, not just wizards. Dom closed his eyes and sighed. But it’s part of a set. It needs the other pieces for it to be useful.

Buck looked around the room. What other pieces?

There are four treasure troves like this one hidden throughout the realm, Dom explained. Each one of them holds an artefact like this. Once we collect all of them, we’ll be able to … Dom noticed the light dim a little bit in the cache. Change the world. He wondered if the others had noticed the change in light. They would have to work quickly.

Mac wrapped his paws around the stone and tried to lift it. He was able to get the end off the ground, but he dropped it right away. This isn’t going to be easy, he muttered.

If we all work together, we can move it, Dom encouraged. He lifted up the shorter end.

Mac grunted, and then lifted the edge of the artefact. Buck grabbed the middle, which seemed to steady everything. They had to take a few rest breaks, but they were able to shuffle towards the entrance of the cavern. When they finally made it to the spot where they first appeared, they were teleported back to the inside of the hollow tree.

How do we … Buck paused. What just happened?

Dom stared at the black stone beneath his feet. They had been transported to an area beside the triangular doorway. He looked up to gauge how far they needed to lift the treasure.

One of us needs to climb back up the ladder and get the extra rope Jem and Katrin have stashed, Dom instructed. Tie one end to the pulley system, and toss the other back down. We can hoist this artefact back out of the tree entrance, and then move it down to the ground for transport.

Don’t tell us what to do, Buck snapped. Mac, go get the rope. I’m going back down to grab some more gold. Buck emptied his pockets, spraying gold everywhere, and then jumped back into the portal hole.

Dom shook his head. I wasn’t trying to—

It’s okay. Mac smiled. He can be a bit stubborn at times. If I climb the ladder, can you grab some extra gold for me?

He can be a bit of a stingbum. Dom chuckled and ran his fingers through his dark hair. I don’t need anything else from the treasure trove, so I can fetch the rope. But I did notice you waving a sword around. Can you pick out a nice one for my son? He’s only five, but he’s going to grow up to be a Guardian.

Anything for a young warrior, Mac said. He tapped his heart with his fist.

I also have a daughter, but she’s a scholar, Dom added.

Now you’re asking a lot. Mac chuckled. Anything else? After Dom shook his head, the warrior stepped back through the portal.

Dom climbed the ladder to the top, but hesitated before stepping out of the tree hollow. He searched the foliage for any birds or other fauna, and then peered over the edge of the giant branch, looking for Jem and Katrin. He whistled to get their attention.

He saw the two warriors walk out from beneath their canopy. How much rope to we have? he yelled.

Tons! Jem yelled back.

Put it on the hooks! We need it to haul up the treasure! Dom watched as Jem and Katrin obeyed his orders.

When everything was ready, Dom hustled out to his pulley. Working hand over hand, he lifted the rope as fast as he could. He had to stop to move the empty buckets around the pulley, but he didn’t slow or tire; he kept pulling until he got what he needed.

He dragged the pile of rope to the tree entrance and looked down. It was too dark to see anything, so he put his fingers to his lips and whistled. The echo was so loud that he instinctively covered his ears. He glanced around, hoping the noise wouldn’t attract any predators.

He ran back to the pulley, tied one end of the rope to a hook, and then raced back to the hollow. He curled the other end around his belt before descending back down into the tree. When he got to the bottom of the ladder, Mac had reappeared.

Wow, that was quick, Mac said. Well done. Do these look like good souvenirs for your kids? He held up a book with a mermaid on the cover, and then unsheathed a short, silver sword and swung it around.

Although Dom was sweating, being appreciated made him feel better. Thanks, Mac. They’re perfect, he said. He accepted the sword and book. I hope the rope is strong enough. Let’s tie this end to the relic, and then we’ll go adjust the pulley.

After securing a knot around the elbow of the L-shaped stone, Dom and Mac climbed back up the ladder. When they reached the opening, Dom peeked outside before stepping out. He was still concerned about the loud call he’d made. He was glad he had a warrior to watch his back.

Keep your eyes peeled, Dom said. I need to make some alterations to the pulley.

Mac unsheathed a golden-handled longsword. Don’t worry, I’m still hungry.

Dom went to work adjusting his pulley design. He called down to Jem and Katrin to unsecure the other wheel from the ground, and then he used his short sword to cut the rope with the hooks on it. He hauled the other wheel up to their branch, and then built a multi-pulley system.

We’ll need a counterweight to drop off the branch, but I doubt the two of us together will be heavy enough, Dom said.

Buck stepped out from the tree and leant over. He looked exhausted.

Perfect, Dom said. Buck is a little heavier.

Buck stood tall. What did you say?

It’s a compliment, Mac said with a laugh. It’s actually in your best interest. You won’t have to climb down the tree this way.

Buck smiled. I can live with that. He wobbled towards the pulley system, coins rattling in his pockets with every step.

Suddenly, a bird swooped down and landed on Buck, dropping him under its weight. Its feathers were bright blue and orange, but its eyes were as black as night. Its talons hooked into Buck’s torso, cutting through his armour like a knife through butter. He screamed, but his voice was short-lived. Blood squirted everywhere.

No! Mac screamed. He charged the bird with his golden sword held high.

The bird stretched its wings, catching Mac in the process. He was flung backwards and dropped towards the edge of the branch. He let go of his sword with a clatter and gripped the branch, saving himself from a fatal fall, but his weapon skipped over the edge and fell to the ground far beneath them.

Dom gripped the silver short sword meant for his son and sized up his enemy. He couldn’t overpower the giant bird, so he had to strike with speed and precision. He wanted to avoid the beak, and it looked like its wings could knock him down with little effort, as they had Mac. He focused on the talons.

The bird bobbed towards him, but Dom dodged its beak. He was agile, fierce, and strong. His steps were confident, his focus was sharp, and his attack was smooth. He launched himself towards the bird’s closest foot, swiping and connecting just above the sharp claw.

The incision caused the bird to jerk its leg back. It flapped its wings, screeched, and tried to fly away, but Dom saw its foot coming straight back down. Before he could react, the bird crushed him against the branch.

Dom felt his ribs break. The talon that he’d struck dipped over his shoulder, missing his head but ripping into his arm. The bird flapped its wings and took off, taking more of Dom’s flesh with it. The bird darted through the air, disappearing through the foliage and out of sight.

Blood filled Dom’s throat. He coughed, but that only splattered flecks of blood onto his face. Mac’s wide hands rolled him over, which helped Dom spit blood onto the branch instead of choking on it. Buck lay motionless a few steps away.

I’m going to get you out of here, Mac said. We’ll find a healer and—

It’s too late. Dom coughed again. Just promise me you’ll get the relic to Sheese. He’s the only one who can fix everything. He choked, and then started to see black spots. He thought about his wife: he had failed her. Ashlyn, he whispered.

I’ll do right by you, Dominic Garrick, Mac said. You saved my life, and are a true hero. I’ll make sure your children know of your bravery today.

Dom thought about his children. He’d miss reading with Cali every night. He wanted to see Kase swing his new sword. He’d done all he could for them: now, they’d have to take care of each other.

Dom closed his eyes without another thought.

1. Living In The Garden Of Evil

Kase gripped the handle of his nutmeg, a metal mace with a smooth ball on the end of it. Its sleek design was what allowed the High Guardians to distinguish it from all the other maces they had in their armoury. Being part of the elite had its perks.

Jax held three fingers in the air. He counted down until his fist was closed, and then swung his war hammer. The wooden door of the cabin flew open and bounced on its hinges.

Shay was first through the opening, holding her nutmeg high. Kase followed her, but slid to the right while she went left. He found himself in the kitchen area, where the candlelight illuminated a mess of potion bottles sitting on the countertop.

A low growl came from the entrance on the other side of the room. The flickering candlelight didn’t help much as Kase stared into the darkness of the room. Rather than waiting for an attack, he decided to use his wizard power to feel for the creature that was defending its home.

The growl grew louder, but the beast’s footsteps were soft and stealthy. Kase closed his eyes, extended his hand, and connected with the animal. He felt its anger, rage, and fear immediately, but used his power to diminish the chaotic emotions. He felt calmness overcome the creature’s previous desperation, so he knelt down and extended his hand.

The young wolf sat just beyond his reach, and then leant in to be petted.

Kase removed his silver gauntlets and brushed the soft, grey fur. He tickled the wolf behind her ear, and then rubbed her back gently, all the while using his wizard abilities to stay in control. He could feel the joy of the dangerous animal masked behind its hesitation to completely submit.

Clear! Jax shouted.

Clear! Shay yelled.

Clear! Josephine said. She entered the room where the wolf had come from and stood tall in the doorway. Her shadow was