A dark stranger- chapter 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Neverwinter nights or any of its characters. Bioware takes credit there.
(Authors note: This is chapter 2 of my story (I should stop stating the obvious) anyway if you like it or not tell me. Please read and review)
The convicts absurd tranquility as the trio of his gaolers ran to battle was so strange that it would have been laughable where it not for the impending doom and danger of the situation. Four people, one tied up and unarmed faced a horde of rather angry orcs- not a good situation to be in by any standards. But he just sat there and observed the scene. The paladin appeared to be the most capable of the fighters her technique near on flawless as she cut through the screaming antagonist that charged at her like lambs to the slaughter.
A nearby orc had spotted the meat that sat so incapable on the floor, and abandoned its fellows to chase this new victim (Bugger). Rolling on to his back and using his legs to kick himself onto his feet Leonal was at last able to stand after several failed attempts.
This wasn't much consolation- he was still severely disadvantaged. Narrowly dodging the axe that grazed his ear, he stood in a defensive position and awaited attack. Knowing the orcs clumsiness in battle, he might be able to counter the beasts' brute force. Maybe… just maybe.
As it charged Leonal dropped to the floor striking a blow to the minion's gut, with the price of blood running from his arm where the bastard had struck. Taking advantage of the creatures being doubled up he kicked at its back, but lost balance himself with the result that he lay flat on its back.
The orc, now weaponless, sprang onto him, clawing at the convict's throat. He held it off, trying desperately to get some part of his body to connect with it. The orc was, at last, thrown away with a blow to the head. Only a moment layer, the prisoner was stood once more, this time with an arrow in his hand that had stuck out of the ground. Thrusting the arrow into the orcs gut, he dropped back to the floor, panting with exhaustion while the beast bled it vile source of life into nothingness.
Hours later
Two of the three slept while one kept watch to check that the murdering scum was staying put. Desther had taken first watch, taking much pleasure in taunting his prisoner while no one was around to hear. It was rather obvious he hoped to provoke a fight from Leo, but long gone where the days when he allowed emotion to rule him… or have any emotion at all. It was his dreams that gave him away, and that was why it was vital he did not sleep this journey.
For the latter section of night Aribeth kept watch over him, as the night creaked with the sounds of the land. It was a dark with little moonlight, and the dying embers of the fire cast a red glow around the camp.
"Are you waiting for me to let my guard down, or something?" came the quiet voice of virtue.
"No"
"You just don't sleep?"
"That's right". He was determined to keep his answers as short as possible with them still making some kind of sense. Conversing with people was not on his agenda. Silence fell for a few moments before she spoke again.
"Are you not sleeping because of your dreams?" He looked at her as though for the first time. Twice they had asked about the night ghouls that haunted his mind, and tortured his soul- this was none of their business.
"It is isn't it?" She continued after his silence.
"Does it really matter why I'm not sleeping?" This was of course a rhetorical question but she answered any way.
"It does if when you get to Neverwinter you'll be exhausted. How will you be able to help then" Such a sensitive view, but she had a point. He wouldn't be able to do anything without sleep… though this was something he was going to have to learn to live without a lot of the time so he might as well start now.
The next day
Morning broke into the camp as Fenthick and Desther awoke.
"Still here then, convict" spoke the voice of hatred.
"Evidently"
They continued the trip to Neverwinter, and the day passed without incident. At dusks light the great iron doors of the gate to Neverwinter loomed over them. The jewel of the north, brought so it knees by the savage destruction of an incurable affliction lay inside. Through the gated they would leave a world of natures life into death and decay. Death and decay. This pretty much described Leo's life.
(Authors note: Please read and review)