Lost Lands: The Game - Atlantis Read Online Free PDF

shifted from blue to purple and seemed to bore into the assassin’s flesh. After a moment of squirming, Tariq lowered his head and Cozad turned his attention back to Tao who noted that the gleam had changed colors once more. As the Dreadknight relaxed, the brilliant purple was fading to a pale violet.
    Unsure of exactly what had transpired between the two, Tao went back to his discussion. “If we are indeed inside the game, we must assume that the rules of the game govern our actions.”
    Arieal looked up. “What do you mean by that?”
    “Magic, healing, time, money, anything and everything. Don’t forget Al Shaytan made a particular point of mentioning death. He said that there are no respawn points in this realm.”
    Roland asked, “So what happens when we die over here? Do we just get kicked back to our computers? That would be an easy way to get out of here.”
    Tariq drew his dagger. “We can test that theory easy enough.”
    Tao shouted . “Tariq! Put your weapon away. Now!”
    The assassin hesitated and shifted to face the samurai with the dagger still in his hand. The fading sunlight gleamed off of the green poison which coated the blade. “Why? Who made you boss?”
    “I was the designated leader on the other side and you agreed to it by joining the group.”
    “That was the game. This isn’t or even if it is, why do I need you?”
    Tao shrugged. “You don’t. It’s simple. You stay with the group, you follow my orders. I will ask for suggestions and advice but the final decision is mine. If you don’t like it, go.” Tao pointed off into the distance. “Strike off on your own.”
    Tariq took a tentative step toward the distant forest before turning back. “Why must it be your decision? Why not Arieal’s? I know her. I trust her.”
    It was the dark elf who came to defend Tao’s point. “No. I will not stand for leader. I don’t have the skills to get us home.” She glanced up at Tao. “That’s your intention…right?”
    Tao nodded. “Aye. But to do so will take some teamwork and a bit of luck.”
    Pixi asked, “What do you mean by that?”
    “Has anyone else taken an inventory of what you’re carrying?”
    Cozad raised his mailed hand . “I have. I seem to have everything I can think of that was in my backpack within the game; spare weapons, food, drink and the few other odd and ends that I carry.”
    Tao raised his left eyebrow . “Recall stone?”
    Cozad cocked his head to the side as he mentally reviewed his inventory. Seconds later he shook his head . “No. No recall stone.”
    Everyone else scrambled to search through their packs but no one had a stone. Tao said out loud what everyone was thinking. “Which means we are not going to be able to teleport back to our guild halls if they even exist in this reality.”
    Gamble nodded his head as he understood where Tao’s logic had already taken him. “But if they do exist, then we could use the magic portal inside to port home which probably means back to the real world.”
    Tao nodded. “That ’s what I’m thinking or hoping for at least.”
    Moira asked, “But if this is a new realm, how do we get back to Camelot?”
    “Okay, let me ask everyone a nother question. Anyone other than Gamble play Lost Lands in Beta?”
    Only Cozad raised his hand.
    Tao continued. “Anyone actually read the history behind the game?”
    No one raised their hand.
    “Okay, I will try to be brief in my explanation.”
    Gamble interrupted. “While you do that Tao, I’ll get a fire going. It seems like we’re camping here tonight after all.”
    Tao nodded and organized his thoughts before beginning. “From what I understand, the basic theory behind the game was to find a way to let gamers play avatars from different periods of history and have them adventure together. So, the designers came up with something they refer to as the ‘Bubble Theory.’”
    “The what?” Pixi asked as she cocked her head to the side and absentmindedly fluttered