A different Perspective: Short stories From Pixels to Peril

Important note: This short story is able to be read as a prologue to From Pixels to Peril, as such no spoiler warning needed.

“Do you think they know we can hear them?” Kor’Calora asked his king.

Kal’modyr glanced to him, only daring to move his eyes. He had asked in the hushed tone the elves used to speak to one another to hide the conversation from lesser hearing ears. His question was regarding the near hundred robotic beings that stood still or jumping in place or moving side to side– some circled. It was clear they were not all speaking to each other. Some had text above their heads, not deigning to use their voices. But there were many who were laughing, speaking to one another as if not doing so in this plane of existence.

It was a new development, but not entirely unexpected. Kal’modyr was not entirely sure any movement made would be noticed by them, but he did not want to frighten them. He imagined that would come later.

The chaos of the attack they’d just defended his city against, however, had him just curious enough to test at least something.

“Doubtful, although it’s a curious question.” Kal’modyr responded in a not as quiet voice. Several adventurers stopped jumping or.. Fidgeting, whatever made them move. Many got quiet. He saw heads swivel.

It made Kor’Calora’s grip on his weapon tighten. It made Kie’Falor’s head swivel towards his king. It made Kal’modyr slowly grow a grin.

Several voiced to their friends if they’d heard something, if their, quote, ‘sound was up.’ It was not a term Kal’modyr understood but most of what they said seemed like the rantings of mad men and women. Kal’modyr looked over the sea of faces, and decided to abandon the quiet, decided it was no longer necessary in the capacity they’d carefully done so in for months.

It would be soon, then. That these adventurers’ feet would land in his city. If not tonight, then by the end of the week.“Thank you for your aid, adventurers.” He said, looking over the crowd. They had all grown quiet. Several laughed or voiced their amazement, proving they had, indeed, heard him.

“We welcome you with open arms.”

Kal’modyr gazed over the crowd, seeing several adventurers he knew on sight. It wasn’t their clothes, or even their names that hovered above their heads as if to distinguish the near identical faces. It was the way they defended, how they always existed in his city. Three chaos elf guild leaders who’s halls were stationed here, an orc warrior, who defended nearly as well as his own guards, and finally one he was very much looking forward to meet, also a guild leader in his city.

She stepped backwards, as if surprised she had been seen, it made Kal’modyr falter. It surprised himself even, so he quickly looked away at others as to not frighten her.

“Perhaps we should make our way back to the spire, my lord.” Kie’Falor whispered.

Kal’modyr hummed a low “mm, yes. Perhaps that is wise. We walk today instead of running.”

Kal’modyr turned from the crowd, facing towards his castle stairs. It earned him a concerned look from his royal guards, who shifted ever so slightly.

“You are not worried they will ask questions?” Kie’Falor voiced quietly, clearly uncomfortable with the action.

“I believe it too late regardless, Kie. Their silence is deafening but it is the first time they have heard us. Once all are clear from my throne room I will send word immediately to Lilif to inform Hildramor and the others. We will use whatever time is left to prepare for their arrival.”

Everything said was done so unheard by the robotic beings. He hoped they would be less so when their feet landed in the city. He also hoped they would be prepared but the experiment fueled by chaos was.. Enlightening. Something told Kal they were completely unprepared, hadn’t a clue it was coming. He imagined they’d be frightened.

This was something he would inform Hildramor as soon as he could do so himself. Hoped they would get one of the short moments where all the adventurers blipped out of existence for minutes to hours to do so.“-- anyone know if this is normal on retail?” Her voice rang in his ears. So inquisitive. She didn’t even know it yet. It made Kal’modyr smile to himself as he walked with his guards in tow. “Perhaps this week we shall take more walks.” He said quietly, but not silently to their ears, there were some of the beings that looked to him, followed him, which made him grin fully, and decided yes.