Vortex Portal

Vortex Portal

by James Matt Cox

The story presented here is fiction.

Any similarity to any person, group or entity living, dead or virtual is purely coincidental.

Version Code: 201011

Copyright (c) 2019 by James M. Cox Jr.

Smashwords Edition

Cover Art by: www.viladesign.net

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Books by James Matt Cox

A Pattern of Details

The Dungeon Crawl Unlimited fantasy RPG system

Open Source Tools for Independent Authors

Vortex Portal

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The Children of Wisdom

The Dawn of Wisdom; Beyond Wisdom; Flashes of Wisdom

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Books in the Stone Blade series:

Stone Blade; Double Bait

The Radical Factor; The Burning Crown

Expedient Measures; Lethal Max

The Border Incident; The Blatant Prey

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The Moons of Epigaea

Sage's Moon; Reaper's Moon; Hallow's Moon; Planter's Moon

This book is dedicated to Brenda and Terry Burns

Who love all my books,

Even the ones I haven't written yet.

- - - - -

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

-The First Amendment to the

Constitution of the United States of America

Chapter 0. Prologue

Warning: This book contains some material that may be inappropriate for young readers.

Satoi, Master of Skies, looked into the faces of the novices standing before him. Although the Order required composure at all times some of them looked eager. He couldn't blame them, though. Today they would all leave the abbey behind, at least for a time, as they began their journeys of discovery. Some would fail. Some would fall away from the Code. Some simply would not return. The final few, however, would find their way back to become full Brothers of the Mystic Order.

Students. Your path lies before you though you do not see it. We have prepared you as best we can. Now the burden rests upon you. Hold true. Hold true to the Code and hold true to yourselves. Hold true to your path. We can give you no more.

He raised his hands and paused a moment. Then in unison they all spoke.

The Code Protects. The Code Guides. The Code Surrounds. The Code Provides. The Code Is All.

After a brief moment of silence the novices bowed. Then, with pride in his heart, Satoi bowed gravely back.

Chapter 1. A Great Game

Mike Davis rolled his shoulders, took a deep breath and contemplated the line of quarters in front of him. Loud music pounded the wall between here and the main room. The loud, smoky, hot, stuffy and oppressive main room. No small amount of that ambiance oozed into the game room.

A particularly loud and raucously drunk quartet occupied one of the pool tables. Occasionally one of more of them punctuated the clacking balls with rude and vulgar commentary. A few other video games burped and cheeped in counterpoint to the music as their players, like Mike, concentrated on their goals with rapt attention.

Before he reached for the coins Mike checked his phone. His friend from Marketing, Jack Shumar, once again talked him into a trip to the club. It was always the Satin Stage and somehow Mike never could say no. Shumar usually left with someone else, someone female and more drunk than not, but sometimes his infallible pickup lines failed and left him grouchy. His first name was really Jesse but he forbade its use unless he needed it for the big home run.

How you doin' darlin'?

I'm... I'm fine, thanks, stammered Mike.

Darla, his hostess this evening, smiled and squeezed off a wink. She had blonde hair, a full figure and a smile that never quit. She didn't mind displaying any of those and it always embarrassed Mike when his eyes dropped.

Okay, hon, she said. You get thirsty, let me know. You sure you don't want some Jack in that Coke?

He looked at his half-full and sweating plastic cup and shook his head.

I'm driving. But thanks.

No problem, babe.

She made her rounds of the other games before hitting the pool table. She had a knack for knowing when it was safe to talk and when to wait and all the gamers appreciated that.

One of the men at the pool table made a very rude comment about Darla's bottom and followed it with an incredibly lewd offer. His buddies laughed and the one woman at the table scowled at the man's back. After that they did order more drinks and Darla headed for the door. Mike caught her eye and grimaced in sympathy. She flashed her extra-bright smile and gave him another wink.

Mike took two sips of watered-down Coke and grabbed a pair of quarters. He shifted his butt and checked his balance. These stools were meant for tall, slim people and not guys like him. Just like the women who looked like Darla or even the lady at the pool table.

Maybe, he thought, he could head into the main room and find someone willing to dance with him. His last failure was over a month ago and they might have a different crowd. He actually started to slide off the stool before sense and reality kicked in. He didn't have Shumar's wit, his glib tongue or his convincing plastic smile. Or his thirty-four inch waistline. And he couldn't dance except in theory. No, he'd stick with what he could do well. At least, he thought, the club had a great game room.

The quarters dropped and the intro screen started going through the action. As it did he mulled over the process logic behind it. Once again he wished his programming skills fell more into the realm of gaming. With that and some artistic talent he could design games instead of database solutions, make millions and have a huge house with his own private game room.

His own private head-splitting-music-and-Jesse-Jack-Shumar-free game room.

***

Daniel the Bold twirled his sword and advanced into combat against the spider-trolls. Barely a millisecond before he reached them he spun into a devastating whirlwind attack, slashing the guts out of three and an arm off a fourth. Before they could react he jumped and did a vertical roundhouse with his sword.

Though risky, this time the gamble paid off. Daniel split one troll's skull and made two others miss. The one he hit went down but wouldn't stay that way long. He pressed the attack aggressively, downed the last three at the cost of a serious wound and unlocked the two potions they guarded.

Daniel paused a moment, torn between the healing potion and the immolation elixir. He chose the former, recovered most of the wound and reached for the other bottle.

Too late. A pair of sharp, bone-tipped claws impaled him and lifted him off his feet. More joined the first two as the less-wounded trolls, now recovered but still dripping gore, began ripping Daniel to pieces and stuffing them into their mouths.

***

"Shit."

He pulled his hands out of the controllers and watched the spider trolls finish their meal. He reached for his drink.

Yeah, man. That sucks. I thought you had them all.

Startled, Mike dropped his cup. He caught it before it hit the floor but he spilled everything. At least he missed the machine.

Whoa, dude. Didn't mean to spook ya.

No prob... He looked up and completely lost the power of speech.

A lady leaned against a stool, looking at him with a smile. A nice smile. His age, he thought, maybe younger. She had jet-black hair on the outside that turned bright red underneath. It hung straight down past her shoulders and framed her perfect, heart-shaped face. She wore black lipstick and eye shadow that perfectly matched her dress.

Her tight leather dress that pulled his eyes down. Her breasts were ample and perfectly proportioned and he felt his face heating up as he realized those facts. She also had black nails, black net hose and black boots. He didn't know if it was real goth or not but she was gorgeous. Stunning and gorgeous.

Yeah, she said as though no time had passed. I never can make it past the Grim Gate. Those were some pretty slick moves, bud. You going for another round?

Y-yeah, he said, commanding his voice not to mumble. Unless... unless you want it.

I do, she said, but I don't want to unseat the master. She winked. You have any objection to double play?

Sure, he said, proud that he spoke clearly. Wait. I mean no. No. I, ah, I don't mind at all. Do you really want to... to team up with me?

She smiled wider. I thought you'd never ask. She held out her hand. I'm Jane, by the way.

Mike. He shook her hand. Mike Davis.

Darla gave him a respite by appearing beside him.

I saw that, hon. You ready for another Coke now?

Yes. I'm sorry about... he looked at the stain.

Don't be. That's why we got pro-grade carpet. She turned to Jane. How 'bout you, doll?

I'd like a Shot In The Dark and a club soda.

You got it.

Darla walked away and Jane pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

You mind?

N-no. Not at all.

She touched her lighter to the cigarette and hollowed her cheeks. Then she pushed some of the smoke out her mouth and sent it up her nose, all the while watching him watch her doing it. Then she inhaled sharply and her breasts pushed out and he realized he was staring at them again. He half-coughed, turned and grabbed an ashtray from the nearest table.

Thanks, she said, exhaling upward. I guess chivalry isn't dead after all. So what do you do, Mike Davis?

I'm... s-software solutions. Damn, why couldn't he talk? Programming.

Rock on. She looked at the machine. You do stuff like this?

No. I wish. G-game design is way cooler than what I do. He shrugged. P-pays better, too. I'm not nearly good enough for this. Too boring, too.

Jane lifted an eyebrow. Well... I may just call bullshit on that one, Mike. I think anybody who can program a computer for anything has some serious brain going on. Plenty of cool, too.

Darla walked up with their drinks. Before Mike could reach his wallet Jane slapped a twenty on her tray.

This one's on me, Mike. 'Specially since I spilled your last one. Then to Darla, Just keep that, hon.

Jane's first drink came in a double-tall shot glass. Milky, translucent liquid swirled in it with a thick black thread wobbling in the middle and a big fluff of whipped cream at the top.

Well, she said, here's looking down your pants.

With that she leaned her head forward, shoved her mouth over the glass and threw her head back to shoot it. When she finished and looked down she had leftover chunks of whipped cream on her lips. Before Mike could say anything, if he could have, she opened her mouth and delicately licked each one off. He watched each one disappear. She followed it with another long drag off her cigarette.

Oh my saints and stars, she said warmly. I do love a man who turns that color.

Uhh...

It's cool, babe. Really. The smiles in her eyes matched the one on her lips. She took a sip of club soda, set it down and produced a pair of quarters. You ready to go?

Uh, yeah. No, he thought. No. Say something. Keep her talking. We can play any time. Wait. What about... He pointed to her cigarette.

She parked it between her lips. I'm good. Now let's kick some ass.

***

For her character Jane chose Wanda Runecrafter. That surprised Mike but he adjusted his strategy accordingly. Runecrafter was the weakest close-combat character but the most magically versatile. That meant Wanda could cast ranged combat spells, utility spells and even some healing charms. They passed through to the troll gate unscathed, Daniel the Bold because of Wanda's ministration and Wanda because of Daniel's protection.

This time they finished the spider trolls even though they faced more than Mike had alone. Somehow Jane managed to finish her first cigarette and light another all without breaking Wanda's action.

The troll gate opened to a semi-forested field with a road down the middle, a castle in the distance and no shortage of foes waiting.

Let's do this, said Jane.

They made it to the castle drawbridge. Wanda used her magic wisely, never expending the last of it until she had a power pod in sight. At Jane's request they took a small detour off-road to a shining pillar. That gave Wanda a Rune of Protection and she chose Poison. Their path back to the road led past a Feast of Plenty so both of them moved forward at full strength, health and power.

The number of monsters attacking dropped to nothing when the underbrush cleared so Daniel and Wanda charged forward.

The first volley of arrows dropped Wanda past all her healing and the third finished Daniel before he could retreat.

***

Well, shit, said Jane, reaching for her club soda, We should've seen that coming.

Yeah. Even though he lost Mike enjoyed the game thoroughly. At least we got high score.

That we did, my brawny friend. Jane winked and entered JJN. Best fifty cents I've spent in a while.

I had a great time too, he said, Care to go again? That he managed the last part surprised him.

I would love to but, she held up her phone. It's ten minutes 'till closing time and I don't think they'd stay open just for us.

Yeah. You're probably right. He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Damn. If he was Jack he'd already have her number, the key to her apartment and her pants off. Not that Mike could...

We can sure as hell go find some coffee, she said. Interested?

Say yes, he shouted to himself.

S-sure, he managed weakly. Then his phone beeped. Wait. I need to check this. Crap. Did he really just say that?

One glance at the small screen killed any hope he had.

I c-can't. My friend Jack needs a ride home. Mike sighed. He's gonna be grouchy too since he didn't get laid.

He spoke the last part without thinking, realized what he said and tried to unsay it. Jane chuckled at his blush.

I take it we shouldn't take him to coffee with us?

Mike shook his head. No. Umm, not unless you want him all over you.

The thought of Shumar's behavior filled him with a strong desire not to witness it. Or his possible success.

Shit. She almost made two syllables out of the word. Mike, babe, if I wanted that I'd be there, she nodded toward the main room, and not here. Trust me. She winked. I got exactly what I came for.

Jane took his phone before he could pocket it and flipped through the screens until she found the camera. He felt a thrill as she put her arm around him and snuggled her face against his. Her skin was warm and he smelled faint, musky perfume. She snapped an expert selfie followed by another with her lips pressed firmly against his cheek. His entire body tingled as she took a third with her head on his shoulder. She fiddled with the phone and by the time he came to his senses she had it back in his pocket.

I put my number in there, she said softly. D'you think, maybe possibly, we can do this again sometime?

What? Did she ask... Say something.

Y-y... sure. Yeah. Definitely.

Good. You can text me... She leaned up and planted a soft kiss half on his cheek and half on his lips. Or you can call me. Just don't break my heart.

Wide-eyed, he could only nod.

Dammit, fat boy, what the hell are you doing?

Mike grimaced at that voice and sudden anger flashed in Jane's eyes. Jack Shumar walked unsteadily toward them.

Holy shit, Mikey. Quit actin' like you're gonna get fucked and let's go.

Is that him? asked Jane. Damn. If he's your friend I hate it for you. She gave him another quick peck, this time full on the lips.

Shumar stared at Jane as she headed for the door. She spared him one disgusted glance, scoffed and kept walking.

Hey. What the fuck are you looking at like that?

She stopped, turned around and sneered. I'm looking at the drunk douchebag who tried to pick me up last year. And failed. On behalf of all women everywhere, thank you for striking out tonight. Then she did leave.

What the... Bitch, said Shumar to her back. He looked at Mike. You shouldn't be messing with that, blubber-boy. That's what you call the walking clap.

Shut up, Jack, said Mike. You're drunk and it's time to go home.

Shumar frowned at that. Hell. No need gettin' pissy about it, Mikey. Jus' tryin' to help you.

He grumbled all the way to the car but fell silent when Mike started down the street. It took him five minutes to snap the seat belt into place and after another five they reached his house. Mike waited until he stumbled through the door and headed to his own apartment.

With Shumar blessedly absent Jane worked her way through Mike's thoughts. Although he neither liked nor disliked goth it looked fantastic on her. Thoughts of her made his shower even warmer and his lips started tingling at the memory of her kiss. No, he corrected himself, two kisses. Three if he counted the one she did for the picture.

Mike powered up his computer and checked his email. After he deleted the junk and handled the rest he transferred the pics from his phone. He set the second as his wallpaper. Then he made a screensaver from all three.

You need to stop, he told himself. You're being stupid. She's just a great gamer. And a lady who doesn't like Jack.

He had a total of two dates in his life. The first happened his sophomore year in college and the second, junior year first semester. Both consisted of dinner and a movie although he did get a hug on the second. The girls wanted to stay friends, of course, but both ended up dating guys with better looks and less girth. After his senior year Mike decided he understood computers better than people. That realization and the focus it gave allowed him to complete grad school in near-record time. Sometimes it hurt and other times the loneliness attacked and left him hollow but at least it left his life uncomplicated. Cold comfort, he often thought, but better than no comfort at all.

Jane's eyes snapped him out of his reverie. Even from the flat, emotionless screen they warmed him. She looked at him with her head snuggled on his shoulder and he felt the warmth of it even now. The picture pixellated into