Page 46 of Captain's Companion

“Virtually,” Ulrik said. “I guess I could offer up some of my wares.”

“You do have a sword I lust after,” Gwyn said grinning.

“My Sword of Alasia,” Ulrik said. “I use it in all my battles. I’m not giving you my best sword.”

“Death it is,” Gwyn said.

“I have the staff of Beladore,” Ulrik said. “After the wizard, I’m willing to give it to you.”

“Hmmm,” Gwyn said. “A staff and a sword. Is that all you have to offer?”

“Do you want a more permanent alliance,” Ulrik asked not daring to look at her. He hoped she talked about their life together and not the game.

“Maybe,” Gwyn said. “Depends on how well you do with the wizard.”

“Let’s get to it,” Ulrik said. He felt the challenge was more than about the game.

It took them half an hour to reach the wizard. They laughed so much as they played, Ulrik’s ribs hurt. “Do we have a plan,” he asked glance at her.

“Kill the wizard,” Gwyn said.

“Strategy,” Ulrik asked.

“I’m sacrificing you if I need to,” she bit her lower lip but laughed outright.

“If you must,” he said. “Let’s see if we can both come out alive.”

“If we do,” she said. “We’re moving to the bedroom to celebrate.”

“Incentive,” Ulrik said. “All right. I’ll…”

“Use your super fancy sword and I’ll use my magic,” Gwyn said with a raised eyebrow. “That won’t work.”

“No, what do you suggest,” Ulrik said.

“You hit him with the potion,” Gwyn said. “It will weaken him. Then I hit him with my magic and my sword.”

“If we attack at the same time,” Ulrik said.

“He’ll go down,” Gwyn said.

“But to wipe him out we’ll need to work as a team,” Ulrik said.

“We will,” she said.

“Ready,” he asked.

“Always,” she said. “Let’s kill this bastard.”

“I look forward to it,” he said.

They tackled the wizard according to the strategy they laid out. It worked but they fought and cursed a lot before they finally destroyed the wizard.

“Yeah!” Gwyn jumped out of her chair to celebrate their victory.

Ulrik joined her, grabbed her, and swung her around. “Did I do well enough for a permanent alliance,” he asked.

She cupped his face, brushed her lips across his. “You’ve passed the first test,” she said. Wiggling down from his arms, she took his controller and set them both on the table. “Now, let’s see if you can pass the next dozen.”

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