"How is he?", asked the young knight, Sir Jose, grimly to the much older battle scarred father Emilo.
The cleric shook his head and sighed, "It's not good. He's on deaths door, and my magic is unable to revive him. It's a miracle you were able to drive that creature off before she finished him." . The recent attack made against their leader, Sir Rollo, was swift and brutal.
Sir Jose shook his head. "I'm not sure your assessment of the situation is correct. The demon could have killed him at her leisure, especially when I was taking time subduing the guards she charmed. The creature was quite content in leaving Sir Rollo in this state instead of slaying him outright. It was playing with us. ", spat the young knight angrily.
"The creature was taunting us then?", asked the older cleric in surprise.
Even though Sir Jose was much younger then Father Emilo, his experience in dealing with demons was quite vast. He had served under Sir Rollo for almost six years now , and fought the denizens of the abyss on many occasions. The young knight shuddered at the sight of his dying and helpless mentor.
"I do not know if this creature is related to the conjurer we are hunting. I do know it is beyond our capability to handle. Even with his training, his protective enchantments, and his divine grace, this demon was able to break down his defenses and enthrall brave Sir Rollo. The rest of us would be hard pressed to defeat it unless we can somehow bring our full force of arms and magic to bear . ", noted the knight.
Sir Emilo was at a loss, they were so close to apprehending the conjurer that had been plaguing the land just to be thrown into confusion by this seemingly random attack. "So what now. I guess you are in charge now Jose.", nodded the cleric.
Sir Jose sighed. He did not want his first command to start like this. Regardless of his wishes, he was ready for it, and his actions would not shame his mentor. "We give up the hunt for now. I suspect that it is indeed in league with our prey. With a single attack it has brought our search to a halt. It knows the resources we need to divert to healing our wounded will slow us down. This attack also has me questioning if we can defeat this conjurer with our current forces. ", stated the knight.
"So we give up? Retreat? Run away? Will Rollo's death be in vain? ", despaired Father Emilo in disbelief.
"Of course not! ", replied Jose in an irritated voice. He was in charge for a mere two minutes and already he was being questioned . Sir Emilo was from the Priesthood of Koryis and not the Order of the Husky , so the young knight forgave his transgression. Jose took a deep breath and calmed down before confronting the older cleric again. " We will have to postpone our hunt, but not for long. We will be back on the trail of the conjurer soon enough. Our foe is clever, but he apparently doesn't know this area as well us. Look, Sir Rollo isn't dead yet and even though you are unable to revive him, that doesn't mean no one in the area can."
"Priestess Stille! ", exclaimed the old priest. " She's one of the more powerful clerics of Koryis, and she lives nearby. Four days march , or two days ride if we go on horseback and bring spare mounts. "
"One day, I will use my holy mount Greenpaw to take us there. He is tireless like our order and will get Rollo there in time. You will take charge of the rest of the knights and priests and meet us at her barony. ", commanded Jose.
"I've never met the powerful Lady Stille, I've only heard of her from Sir Rollo. I will need a letter of introduction to explain our situation . ", added the young knight.
"Of course. Let me write one right away. It shouldn't be a problem though, Lady Stille is always friendly and helpful. I've also kept correspondence with her over the years, and recently referred some trackers to assist her. She's also an old friend with Sir Rollo. Not only will she revive him , but she would surely lend her might to our cause.", stated Emilo as he prepared the proper papers for Jose.
Jose shook his head, "I will not recruit old women to fight our battles for us. I will however accept any charms and magical aid she can lend me ."
Emilo looked puzzled and then smirked, "Oh...about that. I guess you never met Lady Stille before. Ummm.. a word of advice. Try not to get caught staring .", whistled the old Cleric slyly.
"Damn...this gear is ...oof...heavy. ", complained Martinez as he hefted the large pack over his shoulder.
"Yeah. Its really heavy , but you are a doing a tremendous job at carrying it. ", commented Raoul as he sniffed the air.
Martinez growled at the half giant, but he wasn't going to let him have the last laugh. They renegotiated their working agreement last night, and he sure as hell wasn't going to crawl back to the bargaining table. The pack was heavy, but he carried more and through worse. It was just one more obstacle to over come for the determined duelist.
"So boss. Why did we leave so early again? We could have had a proper breakfast first, but all we got was some fruit. ", commented the half giant. Raoul figured it was close to 6 am, so early that the Lady Anna did not have time to bake the morning's bread. The half giant also noted there was no left overs from yesterday, but just assumed that the servant boy must have taken them. "Oh ...fruit by the way?", asked Raoul as he offered an apple to the struggling Martinez.
The duelist brushed the offering aside and marched methodically. "For one thing, The faster we kill this demon bitch, the less likely it will kill again. Also we don't get paid by the hour, we get paid per job. Faster we get this done, faster we leave this dump. "
"Dump?", protested Lady Stille as she appeared from the shadows beside them. She was fully geared in an ornate black breast plate complete with a thorny rose motif, while wearing dark chain slacks. Her hair was once again grey and her wrinkles skillfully reapplied. She had a broadsword in a dark leather scabbard at her side, and a heavy shield with the Veb coat of arms on her back. Martinez noted that she carried her gear with ease, and the duelist wondered if they were constructed of some form of magical light weight material or if she inherited infernal strength from her bloodline.
"Oh, that's the third reason. I thought we could get this done without some young nosy know it all watching our backs. ", smirked Martinez, while motioning his head to the baroness.
"For the last time, I'm over a hundred. I can be your great grandmother for Koryis's sake. Also, while I have full confidence in your abilities, this Barony is my responsibility and I will not hide behind the keeps walls from this intruder. The encounter with the bandits last night convinced me that I must take a more active role in my lands defense. I've also dealt with demons , specifically succubus before and this one is ...different. ", commented Stille in her best non confrontational voice.
"Oh? You've dealt with succubus before? You're a professional I take it? Maybe we should follow you. ", replied Martinez as he continued his burdened march.
Stille frowned . She didn't want the pair of them to argue like last night, but she clearly hit a nerve with the duelist. She assumed she had wounded his professional pride. "You know I can't track this creature . I have some wood lore but can only track large groups or careless quarry. I need your skills for this. ", replied Stille in her most tactful manner.
"Considerable skills! Martinez is the best demon hunter in the land !", noted Raoul, careful to honor his portion of the new agreement.
Stille nodded, "I am sure he is. On the subject of succubus though, I've dealt with enough of them to know what I'm dealing with. Evil , chaotic, selfish creatures that can enthrall both men and women with their magic. Despite their obvious faults, I've found that they do not generally seek out violence unless they are compelled to by a master. Even then its a rare occurrence, since a magician that can summon a succubus could summon something more suited for battle. Succubus are normally summoned if subterfuge is required, or as a status symbol for a wizard. ", noted the baroness.
"Hmmm...I thought wizards summon them for ...err sex. ", puzzled Raoul.
"That's the last thing a wizard wants with them, unless they are insane. Succubus drain your life from any sexual contact. Even a simple kiss will trigger it. Only a fool or mad man would summon a succubus for that purpose. ", noted Martinez , as he nodded to the baroness in acknowledgement to her demonic lore.
Raoul shrugged, "Hey I just sniff them out. I don't talk to them."
"A shame though. Succubus are quite talkative and friendly if given a chance. Its all a ruse to gain an advantage though, but I have met a few that seemed pleasant enough despite their ulterior goals. ", continued Stille.
"Oh really?", asked Martinez suddenly curious , not only about benign succubus, but about the lovely lady Stille and a succubus making pleasant contact with each other.
"Stop ! ", growled Raoul as Stille began to answer. The small group froze as the half giant crouched down and began smelling the area.
"This forest makes tracking a demon's scent difficult but not impossible. ", the half giant explained as he sniffed the surrounding area like some giant two legged blood hound. "Yes ..I have a slight scent alright. "
"Weapons? ", asked Martinez , tensed and ready for action.
"Possibly but doubtful. Its an old trail, I guess a day , but you can't be too sure. Sometimes they double back. ", replied the giant as he examined the area thoroughly. Finally he beckoned the baroness and the duelist to follow as they headed in a path , tangent to their original direction.
"I've never had too many dealings with demons that didn't end up with someone dead. It shouldn't surprise me that someone with a tiefling heritage can establish peaceful contact with evil outsiders. No offense . ", remarked Martinez.
Stille shrugged. "Being a tiefling has nothing to do with it. My father ,who is a human, has known many "evil outsiders". Some of them he considers close friends. ", stated the baroness.
Raoul stopped and turned to Stille. "Really? I didn't think that was possible. I always assumed it was them versus us. ", remarked the giant in disbelief before returning to his task.
"Your father was buddies with demons huh? The same one that's an officer in the militia? You ever bother to think that maybe he was some type of practitioner of thaumaturgy. That would explain why he had no reservations about adopting you. Or more likely , he might have been telling a tall tale to impress you? No offense again. ", replied Martinez in clear disbelief over the baroness's claim.
"Believe what you like. I'm just stating the fact that most creature's from the lower planes can be reasoned with. I won't be naive and claim they are friendly and are misunderstood, I'm just saying that they are not brainless brutes. Unless forced into violence by their summoner , most of them will consider an alternate path . A small minority of them could be considered feral , and they will attack anything, but the majority will certainly seek to seize advantage or dishonor any negotiations. I am just offering a different option then the shoot first ask questions later policy you two have apparently mastered. Even the mightiest pitfiend might consider talk over weapons. ", the priestess said with conviction.
"Oh...So you've met a pitfiend have you? Did he serve you tea and cookies? Sheesh...you should listen to yourself. Making deals and having pleasant chats with demons! Do you know how ridiculous you sound! ", declared Martinez shaking his head.
"It was Popcorn. ", mumbled the baroness nostalgically.
In the distant past at the great Coliseum.
"Want anything Hush?", asked a small red imp to the young blue hair girl over the roar of a jubilant arena crowd.
"Hmm...maybe some of that hot corn stuff. A small scoop please. Really small. No salt , no butter. ", beamed the tiny girl politely to her father's shape changed familiar.
"Screw that. Get the extra large jumbo super sized container. Extra butter and salt, with a side of butter and salt. ", corrected her large half elf body guard.
" Our current prey , however, does not seem to be able to resolve this conflict diplomatically ,I'm afraid. That's the reason I summoned the cleric's of Koryis, and they in turn summoned you. I would prefer to talk rather then fight, but I concede that the prey we hunt must be put down like a mad dog. ", relented Stille as her happy memories faded.
Martinez beamed as if he had won a victory. "Now you're speaking my lingo baroness."
The sage Loric gazed enthusiastically at the town in front of him. Thoughts of uncovering ancient mysteries and discovering lost magic danced in his head. This unremarkable village was shrouded in history and legends, and he hoped that the end of his long quest for knowledge would end here.
As he walked towards the humble collection of buildings he noticed various wards through out the outskirts . From a cursory examination , the sage determined most were simple totems and symbols drawn by superstitious peasants, but some were carved and enchanted skillfully by a priest or a magician. Most towns had some protections, but the amount present was highly unusual. Something wasn't right he thought.
As Loric approached the inn, he was greeted by a pleasant young woman busy doing chores. As he drew closer the girl smiled an elegant smile at the sage. "Welcome to the Inn of the Orange Hero. I am Anna, how can I be of service to you?".
The sage noted the girl's warm demeanor and was instantly put in a good mood, "Greetings fair lady Anna. ", he said with an embellished bow, which drew giggles from the young woman. "I have traveled a long ways to reach your village. I wish to rent a room, possibly for several days if things work out. Nothing fancy , just private if one is available. ", requested Loric.
"Of course, I will prepare your chambers at once. In the meantime, would you be interested in a light breakfast. I have fresh bread baked. ", suggested Anna.
"Wonderful .", nodded the sage as he agreed heartily to her offer.
As the sage ate the hot fresh bread, he stared at the quiet town. "If you don't mind me asking. What's with the wards around the town? A local ghost or spirit? Or something more dire?", asked the sage between bites and commenting about Anna's lovely unique smile.
Anna shook her head solemnly. "Its much worse then that. There's a demon in the forest. It has been indiscriminately preying on our people. The ... baroness has so far been unable to repel the creature. ", replied the barmaid with shame and fear in her voice.
"That's dreadful ! Fear not though, I am the sage Loric. I may not be the world's greatest wizard, but my magic is formidable. Perhaps i can offer my service to your baroness to assist in ridding your town of this demon.", volunteered the sage proudly, much to the delight of Anna.
"Stop! ", growled Raoul again.
Stille and Martinez both froze again at the half giant's command.
"We're being followed, by something very skilled at hiding. Possibly invisible. ", warned Raoul.
Martinez relaxed . "One small humanoid approximately 100 feet behind us. I think its young Jim. ", chuckled the duelist.
Raoul frowned, "You already knew that? Err I mean...your perception is keen and sharp as usual master. ", replied the half giant.
"What! Why is Jimmy following us! Why didn't you say anything !", demanded Stille.
"Wait a second..wait a second. I thought he was following us, cuz you wanted him to. I was expecting him to serve us lunch or something. ", shrugged Martinez at the now concerned and worried Stille.
"Jimmy! Jimmy! Come out right now! ", shouted the baroness . Martinez made a motion for her to stay quiet but it was too late.
At first there was no reaction to the baroness's demand, then a movement in the brush, and then a reluctant young boy appeared. Stille ran up to him to make sure if he was ok.
"Jimmy! What are you doing here? The woods are dangerous enough without the demon about ! ", demanded the baroness sternly after she determined the young boy was fine.
"I...I wanted to learn demon hunting. ", explained the embarrassed boy.
"That's ridiculous. It's too dangerous for you! Why would anyone want to become a ruffian like these two? No offense. ", responded Stille in a calmer voice.
Raoul and Martinez both shrugged at the comment. The pair often wondered that themselves.
"I just want a way out...I love it here, but I've always felt my place isn't here. I..I...oh never mind. I'm sorry Lady Stille. ", apologized the dejected boy.
Martinez nodded and patted the boy on the head. "I think I know what young Jim here is trying to say. He want's to learn a sexy vocation that's full of adventure and excitement. Nobody wants to be a boring butler, he wants to be something he can be proud of , like a demon hunter. "
Jimmy looked up surprised and nodded his head, unsure of what he thought he just heard.
"Well young man. I don't accept apprentices, but in your case I'll make an exception. How about we try this on a trial basis. We'll see how you fare. ", declared Martinez smugly.
Jimmy stared at the duelist in disbelief. Then quickly nodded his head in agreement. "I won't disappoint you sir! I'll be the hardest working , bestest demon hunter's apprentice you'll ever find !", sputtered the boy.
Stille's eyes narrowed. She grabbed the duelist, by the cuff of his collar and dragged him behind a tree. "What are you thinking! He's still a child. This isn't a game, we are hunting demons! An especially dangerous one I might add. He'll get killed at the first sign of trouble !", fumed the baroness angrily.
Martinez smiled sly. "Relax princess. I maybe ruthless, but I'm not heartless. Look, I don't want the kid hanging around as much as you. However, we are in the middle of a monster filled forest and I can't just send him home alone . Although I would love to continue our hunt, I'm not gonna endanger any innocents , especially kids. So regrettably we will have to go back to town. In the mean time I'll humor him and I'll make his life miserable, so he'll never want to go demon hunting again. I bet after last night's skirmish he thinks its all fun and games, swashbuckling and derring do, but I'll knock some sense into him soon. It's a days delay , but its preferable to getting a fool hardy kid killed. " , explained the duelist.
Stille processed the rambling explanation then smiled. "My apologies. I understand now. Wouldn't sending Jimmy back with me be more efficient? I'm sure you would like to get rid of both of us. ", she asked curiously.
Martinez chuckled, "Honestly. I don't trust either of you to survive in the forest by yourselves.".
Before Lady Stille could reply, Martinez stepped out from the tree. "So young Jim. I mean , my loyal apprentice. Are you ready for some real demon hunter work?"
"Yes sir! ", saluted Jimmy with his best impersonation of Sergeant Taylor.
"Excellent ! ", responded Martinez, as he dropped his heavy pack onto the small boy's shoulders.