The Rogue Camp
Chapter 1
"Well, that sure looks like the place Cain described," I said to myself, examining the log fence in front of me.
Turning to grab my pack, I paused, feeling the point of an arrow digging into my chest. Looking the length of it, I found myself staring into the charcoal gray eyes of a young woman holding a bow.
"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage here," I said, glancing at my pack, and sword. "You see, I was not expecting company. I have no food left."
Laughing, she lowered the bow, but kept the arrow notched. "Yes, I see that. We have been watching you for a long time, since you entered this area."
"We?" I asked. "I only see you."
"What good would our training be if anyone could see us? My Rogue sisters are nearby, and trust me, if you try anything, you will be come a pincushion," she said, her eyes growing even darker.
"Very well," I replied. "I have a question for you. Is this the rogue encampment?" I pointed over my shoulder at the balustrade behind me.
"Why do you ask?" the young woman replied.
"I was told by a mage to meet him here," I mentioned. "Has he arrived? His name is Deckard Cain."
At this, the rogue started. "I have not seen the old man for some time," she said. "He left for Tristram many weeks ago. He told us to expect a young Paladin to arrive around this time."
"I am that Paladin. My name is Xavier Halcrion," I said. "I have journeyed for many days, and I am tired. Will you lead me into your encampment?" As if I had a choice, I knew I couldn't get in without her help.
"Yes, follow me," she said. "By the way, my name is Kiara."
Standing, I grabbed my pack, laced my left arm through my shield, and picked up my sword with my right hand. I kicked over the remaining coals, making sure the bright orange spots were no longer showing, and then kicked some dirt over them.
"Lead the way," I gestured to Kiara.
She turned, keeping her bow at the ready. As I followed, I caught glimpses of the other Rogues in Kiara's party moving quickly through the trees. I noticed they had their bows out, hunting for danger. Seeing this, I decided to leave my sword out.
"Tell me, how long has it been since you started patrols in the area?" I asked Kiara.
"About six months ago," Kiara answered, keeping her eyes on the surrounding terrain. "A... man... dressed in robes passed through, seeking the Monastery of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye. The next week the encampment was set upon by hordes of demons.
"There were skeletons, zombies, small winged demons... and others too horrible to describe," she shuddered, recalling the battles. "Many Rogues, and many Sisters, were slain. Akara is the last of the Sightless Eye. She will have more answers for you."
Hearing a shout ahead, I froze.
Kiara noticed me stop. "Come on, it's only the gate watch, challenging our escort."
I began walking again. Approaching the gate, I noticed arrows dotting the wall and notches cut with bladed weapons. All around were patches of charred ground, even molten slag that had once been rock.
"Where are the bodies?" I asked. "Surely a battle this severe left bodies."
"The demon corpses disappear in the night," Kiara stated. "We don't know if the disintegrate and get blown away, or if the earth claims them as a fertilizer."
I saw a shudder run through her, and felt one myself.
Entering the camp, she said, "I'll take you to Akara, then I have to report to Kashya. Don't worry, I won't make you look so lax in your defenses," she laughed, referring to his 'capture'.
"Thanks, I think," I replied.
"Akara, this is Xavier, the Paladin Deckard Cain spoke of," Kiara stated. "He was outside the camp, and my patrol happened to run across him."
I eyed the old woman. Dressed in a faded purple robe, with her long, gray hair, and wrinkled skin, she looked more like a sorceress than a priestess. Her yellow eyes locked on mine, and I could see the wisdom behind them.
"Ah, a child of Zakarum! I would not have expected one here, had Cain not said you would come," she said, her voice raspy with age. "Welcome to our camp. Any problem you may have, please, come to me."
"Where is Cain," I asked. "He was supposed to be here waiting for me."
"Deckard Cain went to Tristram many days ago," she replied. "He said he was going to pay his respects to the dead."
Tristram, the place where the portal opened and let the hell spawn Diablo into the world...
Tristram, the place the hellish forces twisted and destroyed...
Tristram, the place where no sane mortal would dare enter...
"He should have returned by now," Akara frowned. Then her eyes lit up. Turning them on me she said, "While you are waiting, there is a small matter we could use your help with. In the neighboring field, there is a cave. In this cave there are monsters. If you can clear it, we would be very grateful."
Jabbing the point of my sword into the ground, kneeling, and placing my hands on the pommel, I said "Milady, I would be honored." Secretly, I was questioning my sanity.
"Very well. Kiara, you may report to Kashya," she said. As Kiara ducked out of the hut, Akara turned to me. "You may need supplies on this journey. Go to Charsi or Gheed for weapons and armor. I have scrolls and potions for you. Go, and may the Light shine on you."
Leaving the hut, I went to the center of the camp, near a large fire, and dropped my pack. Then I made my way around the camp. I ran into Kashya first.
"Oh, I see you are the one my Rogue scouts discovered," she snapped, her dark eyes burning with hatred. "You cannot expect help from us until you have proven yourself."
"Good day to you, too, milady," I said, and turned away from the old Rogue.
I met Charsi in one corner. She seemed... excited... to see a new face.
"Good day!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes flashing in the firelight. "I... we don't see many wanderers around here. I am a blacksmith, and will help you with repairs."
"Thank you," I said, wondering at her attitude. She seemed... helpful. "But I don't need anything now. I will return."
Turning away, more to leave the heat of the forge than to leave her, I started toward Gheed's wagon. Before I got halfway, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Failing to hide the startled jump, I turned, and saw it was only Kiara.
"Boo," she laughed. "I saw you heading over to Gheed. Before you go, I have to warn you, he will try to take all you have on his 'deals'. He's more interested in money than in customer service."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," I admitted. Remembering my chat with Kashya, I asked, "Is she always that snippish?"
"Who? Kashya?" Kiara said. "She just doesn't have much trust in newcomers. So many have passed, and so many have fled. She would rather take us to clear the evil ourselves, but she knows many of the sisters aren't strong enough to do so. So we wait, and pray, for assistance."
Shaking herself, she turns to me. "You had better get some sleep, if you're going to the cave tomorrow. I'm sorry, but you will be alone. No one can join you for your fight."
Looking at the moon, I realize it was well into the night. "You're right," I said. "I should get some sleep. Thanks for the advice."
For the first time, she flashed me a smile without laughing, and I saw some of the worry in her face fade. Then, just as suddenly, it was back. "Good night," she said.
"Good night."
I watched her walk over to her sisters, who were gathered around a small fire. As she approached, I could hear a few of them laughing at her, and they shot glances at me. She sat down hurriedly and didn't look back.
"Oh well, looks like another lonely night," I sighed, as I walked to my gear.
"Good day!" I heard a voice call out.
A man stood up from the fire. "My name is Warriv, welcome to our encampment! I am surprised to see a Paladin here. Must be the troubles in the area that brought you."
Looking over at him, I said, "Friend, I'd love to chat, but I have a task to do tomorrow, and would like to get some sleep tonight."
"Very well, I'll hold my tongue, friend," he said, a goofy smile on his face. Sheesh, some people have too much energy.
Laying down, and pulling my blanket over me, I drifted into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 1
"Well, that sure looks like the place Cain described," I said to myself, examining the log fence in front of me.
Turning to grab my pack, I paused, feeling the point of an arrow digging into my chest. Looking the length of it, I found myself staring into the charcoal gray eyes of a young woman holding a bow.
"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage here," I said, glancing at my pack, and sword. "You see, I was not expecting company. I have no food left."
Laughing, she lowered the bow, but kept the arrow notched. "Yes, I see that. We have been watching you for a long time, since you entered this area."
"We?" I asked. "I only see you."
"What good would our training be if anyone could see us? My Rogue sisters are nearby, and trust me, if you try anything, you will be come a pincushion," she said, her eyes growing even darker.
"Very well," I replied. "I have a question for you. Is this the rogue encampment?" I pointed over my shoulder at the balustrade behind me.
"Why do you ask?" the young woman replied.
"I was told by a mage to meet him here," I mentioned. "Has he arrived? His name is Deckard Cain."
At this, the rogue started. "I have not seen the old man for some time," she said. "He left for Tristram many weeks ago. He told us to expect a young Paladin to arrive around this time."
"I am that Paladin. My name is Xavier Halcrion," I said. "I have journeyed for many days, and I am tired. Will you lead me into your encampment?" As if I had a choice, I knew I couldn't get in without her help.
"Yes, follow me," she said. "By the way, my name is Kiara."
Standing, I grabbed my pack, laced my left arm through my shield, and picked up my sword with my right hand. I kicked over the remaining coals, making sure the bright orange spots were no longer showing, and then kicked some dirt over them.
"Lead the way," I gestured to Kiara.
She turned, keeping her bow at the ready. As I followed, I caught glimpses of the other Rogues in Kiara's party moving quickly through the trees. I noticed they had their bows out, hunting for danger. Seeing this, I decided to leave my sword out.
"Tell me, how long has it been since you started patrols in the area?" I asked Kiara.
"About six months ago," Kiara answered, keeping her eyes on the surrounding terrain. "A... man... dressed in robes passed through, seeking the Monastery of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye. The next week the encampment was set upon by hordes of demons.
"There were skeletons, zombies, small winged demons... and others too horrible to describe," she shuddered, recalling the battles. "Many Rogues, and many Sisters, were slain. Akara is the last of the Sightless Eye. She will have more answers for you."
Hearing a shout ahead, I froze.
Kiara noticed me stop. "Come on, it's only the gate watch, challenging our escort."
I began walking again. Approaching the gate, I noticed arrows dotting the wall and notches cut with bladed weapons. All around were patches of charred ground, even molten slag that had once been rock.
"Where are the bodies?" I asked. "Surely a battle this severe left bodies."
"The demon corpses disappear in the night," Kiara stated. "We don't know if the disintegrate and get blown away, or if the earth claims them as a fertilizer."
I saw a shudder run through her, and felt one myself.
Entering the camp, she said, "I'll take you to Akara, then I have to report to Kashya. Don't worry, I won't make you look so lax in your defenses," she laughed, referring to his 'capture'.
"Thanks, I think," I replied.
"Akara, this is Xavier, the Paladin Deckard Cain spoke of," Kiara stated. "He was outside the camp, and my patrol happened to run across him."
I eyed the old woman. Dressed in a faded purple robe, with her long, gray hair, and wrinkled skin, she looked more like a sorceress than a priestess. Her yellow eyes locked on mine, and I could see the wisdom behind them.
"Ah, a child of Zakarum! I would not have expected one here, had Cain not said you would come," she said, her voice raspy with age. "Welcome to our camp. Any problem you may have, please, come to me."
"Where is Cain," I asked. "He was supposed to be here waiting for me."
"Deckard Cain went to Tristram many days ago," she replied. "He said he was going to pay his respects to the dead."
Tristram, the place where the portal opened and let the hell spawn Diablo into the world...
Tristram, the place the hellish forces twisted and destroyed...
Tristram, the place where no sane mortal would dare enter...
"He should have returned by now," Akara frowned. Then her eyes lit up. Turning them on me she said, "While you are waiting, there is a small matter we could use your help with. In the neighboring field, there is a cave. In this cave there are monsters. If you can clear it, we would be very grateful."
Jabbing the point of my sword into the ground, kneeling, and placing my hands on the pommel, I said "Milady, I would be honored." Secretly, I was questioning my sanity.
"Very well. Kiara, you may report to Kashya," she said. As Kiara ducked out of the hut, Akara turned to me. "You may need supplies on this journey. Go to Charsi or Gheed for weapons and armor. I have scrolls and potions for you. Go, and may the Light shine on you."
Leaving the hut, I went to the center of the camp, near a large fire, and dropped my pack. Then I made my way around the camp. I ran into Kashya first.
"Oh, I see you are the one my Rogue scouts discovered," she snapped, her dark eyes burning with hatred. "You cannot expect help from us until you have proven yourself."
"Good day to you, too, milady," I said, and turned away from the old Rogue.
I met Charsi in one corner. She seemed... excited... to see a new face.
"Good day!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes flashing in the firelight. "I... we don't see many wanderers around here. I am a blacksmith, and will help you with repairs."
"Thank you," I said, wondering at her attitude. She seemed... helpful. "But I don't need anything now. I will return."
Turning away, more to leave the heat of the forge than to leave her, I started toward Gheed's wagon. Before I got halfway, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Failing to hide the startled jump, I turned, and saw it was only Kiara.
"Boo," she laughed. "I saw you heading over to Gheed. Before you go, I have to warn you, he will try to take all you have on his 'deals'. He's more interested in money than in customer service."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," I admitted. Remembering my chat with Kashya, I asked, "Is she always that snippish?"
"Who? Kashya?" Kiara said. "She just doesn't have much trust in newcomers. So many have passed, and so many have fled. She would rather take us to clear the evil ourselves, but she knows many of the sisters aren't strong enough to do so. So we wait, and pray, for assistance."
Shaking herself, she turns to me. "You had better get some sleep, if you're going to the cave tomorrow. I'm sorry, but you will be alone. No one can join you for your fight."
Looking at the moon, I realize it was well into the night. "You're right," I said. "I should get some sleep. Thanks for the advice."
For the first time, she flashed me a smile without laughing, and I saw some of the worry in her face fade. Then, just as suddenly, it was back. "Good night," she said.
"Good night."
I watched her walk over to her sisters, who were gathered around a small fire. As she approached, I could hear a few of them laughing at her, and they shot glances at me. She sat down hurriedly and didn't look back.
"Oh well, looks like another lonely night," I sighed, as I walked to my gear.
"Good day!" I heard a voice call out.
A man stood up from the fire. "My name is Warriv, welcome to our encampment! I am surprised to see a Paladin here. Must be the troubles in the area that brought you."
Looking over at him, I said, "Friend, I'd love to chat, but I have a task to do tomorrow, and would like to get some sleep tonight."
"Very well, I'll hold my tongue, friend," he said, a goofy smile on his face. Sheesh, some people have too much energy.
Laying down, and pulling my blanket over me, I drifted into a dreamless sleep.