Page 67 of The Christmas Accomplice

“Help me divide up these roles,” Welton said, then looked at Reece. “We need at least two more people for non-player roles.”

A man entered the ballroom, and Welton recognized him from the snowman building activity he’d stumbled into his first full day at the resort. It was where he and Reece had been partnered up and really started to get to know each other. It also felt like it was at least five years ago instead of just a matter of days.

“How are things going with the The Battle for Castle Claus?” The man pointed at Welton. “I remember you from the snowman building. Welton, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name.”

“Edward Salva. I’m the Activities Director here. Are you helping out?”

A tingle of nervousness went through Welton, and he glanced at Reece. “I’m going to be running the game. I’ve played D&D many times, and Reece thought it would be a better experience to have someone familiar with how it works be the DM. Well, sorry, I guess I would be a CM for this game.”

“But Reece will still be involved?”

“Absolutely,” Reece said. “I’ll have a role in the game and will be encouraging all of the participants the entire time.”

“Sounds fine to me. Just one question,” Edward said. “What is DM and CM?”

“DM is Dungeon Master, but since this is holiday themed, I thought Christmas Master might be more festive.”

Edward smiled. “I get it. That’s a good one.”

Nick returned with different colored elf hats and a few Santa hats. “I got the hats. Pretty sure these were bought after the lice outbreak two years ago. Oh, hi Edward.”

“Did you say lice outbreak?” Edward said with a startled look.

Welton didn’t give Nick a chance to respond, fearing the conversation would get sidetracked. “We’ll need to assign roles to players at each table. From what I’ve read, there’s an above and underground journey, plus finding a way through Castle Claus, so one player can be navigator. Someone else can handle inventory of weapons, gold, magic items, that kind of thing. I’ll manage tracking initiative for each group. The story will be the same for each group, but depending on the rolls of dice, each group will have different outcomes, and might struggle with different puzzles or obstacles.”

“Holy shit,” Reece whispered, staring at Welton with a dumbstruck smile.

“I think I hear wedding bells,” Nick muttered as Dean snickered.

“The guests will be showing up in fifteen minutes,” Edward said. “Do you have enough people to assist?”

Dean raised his hand as if he were in a classroom. “Oh! I know someone who will help out.” He pulled his phone from his front pocket and started typing. “I’ll see if he’s on the slopes or not.”

“I wouldn’t think so, in this storm,” Edward said, looking at Welton. “Okay, CM, tell us what to do.”

The snacks and beverages arrived shortly before three, along with several of the guests. The guests chatted as they grabbed snacks both salty and sweet as well as soft drinks. Reece had them choose tables and write their actual names on the name tents, then select an elf name for themselves. During this time, Welton sat at the head table, spot reading sections of the binder. This was a lot different than running a campaign with his friends. He didn’t know any of these participants, and the majority of them had probably never played a game like this before. If he wasn’t able to capture their attention right away and keep it for the duration, Reece would receive harsh scores and most likely not get the promotion.

No pressure.

Well, you’ll just have to make sure that doesn’t happen. Keep it simple. No one is here looking for crunch. They want fluff. Holiday fluff.

When he looked up from the binder, he was surprised to see a lot more people than they’d expected. Reece approached him, eyes wide and mouth a tight, thin line. Across the room, Edward watched Reece carefully, the green elf hat he wore cocked at a jaunty angle. The judging had apparently already begun. Welton had a moment to wonder how Graham’s activity had gone before Reece sat in the chair beside him.

“The snowstorm is keeping people off the slopes,” Reece whispered. “And someone told me the hotel bar is packed. This is the only other thing going on, so people are coming in to check it out. I’ve asked Nick to get more tables and tablecloths, but will they all be able to play?”

Welton nodded once. He stood and twisted his torso right and left to crack his spine. He drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out, then met Reece’s eyes. “Get everyone’s attention and introduce me. I’ll explain how the game will work, and then we’ll get started.”

“Okay.” Reece stood beside him and shook out his hands, drawing Welton’s attention to them and causing a memory to burn through his brain like a flash fire: Reece’s hands, soft and warm, touching him all over, grasping his length, slowly stroking him.

Good God, get control of yourself. You’re standing in front of a room full of strangers!

Reece locked eyes with him. “Thank you. Again.”

“Don’t thank me yet. We’ve got to save Castle Claus first.” Welton put on a Santa hat and smiled. “And then I’m getting that damn free appetizer.”

Reece’s laugh sounded good and genuine and relaxed, and Welton was glad to see his shoulders lower a bit. Not much, but it was encouraging.