Hello all! Thanks to all who r&r this (yes, all three of you!) and now here
is the next installment. I sacrificed a math quiz for this thing (was
writing instead of studying) so please enjoy! Or else I just failed that
quiz for nothing! =D
Disclaimer: Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction are the property of Blizzard. Please don't sue since I am not making any money from this, and I am a poor poor university student. ^_^;;
----------------------------------------
For Money or Honor
Chapter Two: Parting Ways
Old habits do indeed die hard. For as long as I can remember, I had woken up with the sun. When it rose, so did I. It heralded the new day and new opportunities to train, to learn, and to be alive. Now the sight of it sickened me.
Groaning at my sore back, I shifted on my improvised bed. The tent was pitch black still, but I could sense the sun rising. I never really had to look out a window to know when it did. Years of synchronizing my waking hours to it had fixed that problem.
Slowly getting up, I did a few stretches to get the kinks out of my joints. The ground always made for a terrible bed. Feeling my way through the lightless tent, I bumped into a few crates before reaching the tent flaps. Fumbling again, I managed to part them.
The shadows were long as the sun broke over the horizon. The sky was still green as the other early risers in the camp began their daily activities. I saw that rested warriors were replacing the guards so that the ones who had stayed awake all night could get a reprieve.
Folding the flaps back, I left them open so I could see inside the tent. There was a cool wind coming in, and a light mist was on the ground. It gave everything a surreal look to it. Shaking my head, I returned to my bedding. There would be ample opportunity to gawk at the scenery later. Now was the time to get up and leave the camp.
Cleaning the tent was easy. I just folded the crate coverings, put the lamp back where I found it, and gathered my belongings, which was just my cloak. I didn't eat anything from the left over food packet. Hopefully the Rogues would feed me something before I went on my way.
Stepping out of the tent, I headed over to Akara. The central campfire was just embers at this point. Warriv and that armored female were nowhere to be seen.
In the distance I heard someone hammering away, but nothing else. It was odd that there was almost total silence. No one spoke or shouted good morning to each other. It was like being back in the slums where the poor citizens were cowed and harassed by criminals or guards. Also there were no songbirds flying about, or any wildlife for that matter. It almost felt like the sun had risen to a dead world.
Disconcerted from the lack of ambient noise, I quickened my steps to the High Priestess' tent. I reached the area, but saw no trace of the older woman. In front of her tent were a fire and a small cauldron hanging overhead. It contained a boiling liquid that I couldn't recognize, but aside from that, nothing had changed from last night.
"Welcome, Outlander, to our glorious hovel," someone sneered from behind. I started in shock. Turning around quickly, I looked at the speaker. It was the woman from last night. She was taller than me by a few good inches. Her chain mail revealed her powerful arms, which were scarred from battle. Cold, distrustful green eyes stared at me from under a head of auburn hair. A crimson cloak undulated in the breeze as she folded her arms.
"You are either an adventurer or a fool to have come here," she continued, looking amused at my discomfort.
"I am neither, just a traveler," I said a bit crossly. "You are?"
"Kashya, Leader of the Rogues in battle," she stated proudly. "And who may you be?"
"My name is not important; I'm leaving anyway," I shot back. She had asked for my name with a challenge in her voice. I was not about to let myself be tested by one who was so unpleasant.
"So soon?" Akara's voice asked behind me. I jumped again. These Rogues had a bad habit of sneaking up on people. "Pardon me, but I could not help but overhear the conversation." She gave a meaningful stare at Kashya who just shrugged it off and walked away.
"Yes. I promised to leave by daybreak," I nodded at the much more cordial woman.
"But it is dangerous out there in the wilderness. Last night a group of demons tried to break through the gate. Luckily the archers were able to fend the small band off. If their numbers had been any greater," she let the sentence hang.
"I know; it would have been disastrous," I answered. "That is why I should go. I would only be in your way. You don't need another person to watch out for."
I saw that she was about to protest, but then she stopped. She looked at me for a few seconds, and then nodded.
"Very well. But before you go, I wish to give you something." Without waiting for a reply, she went back into her tent. I blinked as the sky turned pink.
"Well that was easy," I muttered to myself. But it came as no big surprise. Who wanted an outcast in their midst anyway?
I brooded for a little while, noting that as the sun rose higher, more people woke up. Additional Sisters were around now, fixing their bows or practicing their skills. I marveled at their accuracy on the shooting range and their prowess in melee combat. Some of the caravan people were also awake too, tending to their animals or quietly talking amongst themselves. They wore colorful clothes that were tailored in the Eastern design. But as nice as looking at fashion was, I still needed to get going. I wanted to be far away from here before nightfall.
Tapping my foot in frustration, I was about to give up and just leave when Akara emerged from her tent again.
"Here," she handed me some items from beneath her purples cloak. "Take these with you as parting gifts."
I looked at them. First and foremost was a circular piece of shiny metal. It was domed in shape, and had two leather straps at the back.
"A buckler?" I asked.
"Yes. This used to belong to an Amazon who passed by here many days ago. She came here to defeat the evils in this land. We found this on her corpse yesterday. May it serve you better than its previous owner."
"Thank you, I suppose." I gingerly put it on. The straps were too loose for me, but they were adjustable. I tightened them and swung my left arm to see how it fit. I hadn't used one of these for a long time.
Her next gifts were smaller. They were two scrolls, one with a blue seal and the other with a red one.
"The blue one is a scroll of town portal," she explained. "Use it if you find yourself overwhelmed. Step through the portal and you will be brought back here. Just read the words on the scroll and the spell will be activated. As for the red one, it is a scroll of identification. If you find a mysterious item, read the words on the scroll and touch the item. You will know what it is. Utilize these wisely for they only work once."
"I will," I tucked them carefully into my cloak. I wondered how much I could sell these for.
"Lastly, I have these," she gave me four bottles. They contained red liquid inside. The glass was warm to the touch.
"Healing potions," I said automatically. Their quantities were small, but they would do for me.
"Yes, in case you are injured."
"Well, I know I've already said this many times, but thank you again for your kindness. I wish you good luck with the re-taking of the Monastery."
"Farewell, and may the Light shine upon your chosen path," she said. "But one word of advice. If I were you, I would put that weapon of yours into your hand before venturing out of the camp."
"This thing?" I unhooked the blade from my belt and swung it a few times. "Perhaps I will. Good-bye, Akara. I hope to meet you again one day."
"We will meet once more."
"Right," I nodded and left. "Sure we will."
I started walking towards the exit; glad I was finally on my way. The sun had fully risen now and had burned all the morning mist. Anticipating the journey, I almost groaned when someone tapped me.
"What is it now?" I growled as I turned to face them. There was no one behind me. Then I realized the tap had been on my leg. I looked down. Staring back at me was a young child, probably only four to five years old. Looking at me with moist eyes, he began to back away.
"Sorry," I apologized immediately, though I doubted I sounded contrite at all. "What do you want?"
"Please, can you get my ball for me?" he pointed to a nearby stone wall. It had been part of a barricade system that was left behind when the perimeter of the camp was increased. Stuck on top, between two stones, was a medium sized leather ball. It was high enough to be out of the child's reach.
"Sure kid," I mumbled. I walked over and grabbed the toy. I felt the smooth leather surface and the sinew thread that bound it together. It was light yet supple so the stuffing was probably some sort of animal fur.
"Here," I said gruffly, my throat tightening. The ball sailed through the air, and he caught it easily. Instantly his face broke out into a gigantic smile. The sight tore my heart.
"Thank you," he shouted happily.
"You're welcome," I turned away and resumed walking. I reached the threshold of the gate when a guard shouted, "Hez, go back inside!"
I turned around and saw the little boy behind me. I put my hands on my hips, set my face into the meanest expression I could muster, and glared at him. He only smiled back.
"Go on, do as she says!" I commanded roughly.
His smile never wavered, but he did as he was ordered to. Slowly he walked backwards, his smiling face always directed at me.
"Ugh," I groaned and turned my back on him. I did not need an admirer.
"I never knew Rogues had children," I said to the guard who had spoken.
"That is not our child," she replied evenly. "Hez is the son of one of the caravan families. There are around fifteen of them traveling with Warriv."
"Odd. I never saw any children around yesterday," I frowned.
"Their mothers keep them in the wagons for safety, even in good weather. If there was an attack, they could be easily protected or moved quickly."
"Ah, I see."
Giving a curt nod at the sentry, I moved on. Finally I crossed the bridge and stepped back into the wilderness.
At the beginning, my steps were confident and large. But a few feet away from the river, I slowed. I was hit with the dead silence once more. I didn't even think there was a pesky fly buzzing around. Warily I followed the dirt path leading from the camp. To keep myself from going insane with the unnatural quiet, I started to hum, but even I sounded afraid to myself.
"Don't be foolish. The only thing I should be frightened of are mosquitoes," I said aloud. My voice seemed to be sucked into the void as soon as I spoke.
Suddenly my ears perked. There was indeed a faint noise coming from some nearby bushes. It rustled as something inside moved around. Apprehensively I backed away. It could be a rabbit, but then again, it could also be a soulless demon.
Not wanting to push whatever rotten luck I had, I decided to leave it alone. Hey, if it was content to stay in the bush, I would be happy too.
With a loud screech, it popped out of the undergrowth. The animal was rodent-like in appearance, except it was the size of a small dog. Deadly looking quills covered its body, and it sported a mean set of claws.
"Good doggy," I said nervously as it advanced. "Doggy wants a biscuit?"
It hissed at me.
"Guess not," I said and ran. I ran away from that thing as fast as I could. I didn't know what it was, and I didn't care. If it looked like it could hurt me, it was better off by itself.
Finally I had to stop from shortness of breath. Since I had practice from running away from guards, I had covered quite a distance. Looking back, I was relieved to see the creature had not followed me. Gazing ahead, I saw a lone cabin in the distance.
'Heh, well I see where I'm stopping next,' I thought to myself. If the owner was there, then I would ask for some food (since the Rogues hadn't given me any more rations). If the owner was away . well, I would help myself to the more valuable items inside.
Wrapping the cloak tighter around me, I headed over to the house. There was still no noise, but this time I took it as a favorable sign. Wondering what trinkets or food they had in store, I stopped when I saw a small figure round a corner. It was another child who was larger than Hez but still not a full grown adult. He carried a wooden shield and toy sword with him. I was spotted immediately, and the little boy stared at me intently.
"Hello!" I shouted out to him. "Is your mother or father there?"
Turning back, he raised his toy sword and shouted something.
'Wait a minute! Since when are toy swords shiny?' I asked myself. I was promptly answered as other small figures joined the first one. Apparently there were no shiny toy swords, only the shiny real ones.
Disclaimer: Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction are the property of Blizzard. Please don't sue since I am not making any money from this, and I am a poor poor university student. ^_^;;
----------------------------------------
For Money or Honor
Chapter Two: Parting Ways
Old habits do indeed die hard. For as long as I can remember, I had woken up with the sun. When it rose, so did I. It heralded the new day and new opportunities to train, to learn, and to be alive. Now the sight of it sickened me.
Groaning at my sore back, I shifted on my improvised bed. The tent was pitch black still, but I could sense the sun rising. I never really had to look out a window to know when it did. Years of synchronizing my waking hours to it had fixed that problem.
Slowly getting up, I did a few stretches to get the kinks out of my joints. The ground always made for a terrible bed. Feeling my way through the lightless tent, I bumped into a few crates before reaching the tent flaps. Fumbling again, I managed to part them.
The shadows were long as the sun broke over the horizon. The sky was still green as the other early risers in the camp began their daily activities. I saw that rested warriors were replacing the guards so that the ones who had stayed awake all night could get a reprieve.
Folding the flaps back, I left them open so I could see inside the tent. There was a cool wind coming in, and a light mist was on the ground. It gave everything a surreal look to it. Shaking my head, I returned to my bedding. There would be ample opportunity to gawk at the scenery later. Now was the time to get up and leave the camp.
Cleaning the tent was easy. I just folded the crate coverings, put the lamp back where I found it, and gathered my belongings, which was just my cloak. I didn't eat anything from the left over food packet. Hopefully the Rogues would feed me something before I went on my way.
Stepping out of the tent, I headed over to Akara. The central campfire was just embers at this point. Warriv and that armored female were nowhere to be seen.
In the distance I heard someone hammering away, but nothing else. It was odd that there was almost total silence. No one spoke or shouted good morning to each other. It was like being back in the slums where the poor citizens were cowed and harassed by criminals or guards. Also there were no songbirds flying about, or any wildlife for that matter. It almost felt like the sun had risen to a dead world.
Disconcerted from the lack of ambient noise, I quickened my steps to the High Priestess' tent. I reached the area, but saw no trace of the older woman. In front of her tent were a fire and a small cauldron hanging overhead. It contained a boiling liquid that I couldn't recognize, but aside from that, nothing had changed from last night.
"Welcome, Outlander, to our glorious hovel," someone sneered from behind. I started in shock. Turning around quickly, I looked at the speaker. It was the woman from last night. She was taller than me by a few good inches. Her chain mail revealed her powerful arms, which were scarred from battle. Cold, distrustful green eyes stared at me from under a head of auburn hair. A crimson cloak undulated in the breeze as she folded her arms.
"You are either an adventurer or a fool to have come here," she continued, looking amused at my discomfort.
"I am neither, just a traveler," I said a bit crossly. "You are?"
"Kashya, Leader of the Rogues in battle," she stated proudly. "And who may you be?"
"My name is not important; I'm leaving anyway," I shot back. She had asked for my name with a challenge in her voice. I was not about to let myself be tested by one who was so unpleasant.
"So soon?" Akara's voice asked behind me. I jumped again. These Rogues had a bad habit of sneaking up on people. "Pardon me, but I could not help but overhear the conversation." She gave a meaningful stare at Kashya who just shrugged it off and walked away.
"Yes. I promised to leave by daybreak," I nodded at the much more cordial woman.
"But it is dangerous out there in the wilderness. Last night a group of demons tried to break through the gate. Luckily the archers were able to fend the small band off. If their numbers had been any greater," she let the sentence hang.
"I know; it would have been disastrous," I answered. "That is why I should go. I would only be in your way. You don't need another person to watch out for."
I saw that she was about to protest, but then she stopped. She looked at me for a few seconds, and then nodded.
"Very well. But before you go, I wish to give you something." Without waiting for a reply, she went back into her tent. I blinked as the sky turned pink.
"Well that was easy," I muttered to myself. But it came as no big surprise. Who wanted an outcast in their midst anyway?
I brooded for a little while, noting that as the sun rose higher, more people woke up. Additional Sisters were around now, fixing their bows or practicing their skills. I marveled at their accuracy on the shooting range and their prowess in melee combat. Some of the caravan people were also awake too, tending to their animals or quietly talking amongst themselves. They wore colorful clothes that were tailored in the Eastern design. But as nice as looking at fashion was, I still needed to get going. I wanted to be far away from here before nightfall.
Tapping my foot in frustration, I was about to give up and just leave when Akara emerged from her tent again.
"Here," she handed me some items from beneath her purples cloak. "Take these with you as parting gifts."
I looked at them. First and foremost was a circular piece of shiny metal. It was domed in shape, and had two leather straps at the back.
"A buckler?" I asked.
"Yes. This used to belong to an Amazon who passed by here many days ago. She came here to defeat the evils in this land. We found this on her corpse yesterday. May it serve you better than its previous owner."
"Thank you, I suppose." I gingerly put it on. The straps were too loose for me, but they were adjustable. I tightened them and swung my left arm to see how it fit. I hadn't used one of these for a long time.
Her next gifts were smaller. They were two scrolls, one with a blue seal and the other with a red one.
"The blue one is a scroll of town portal," she explained. "Use it if you find yourself overwhelmed. Step through the portal and you will be brought back here. Just read the words on the scroll and the spell will be activated. As for the red one, it is a scroll of identification. If you find a mysterious item, read the words on the scroll and touch the item. You will know what it is. Utilize these wisely for they only work once."
"I will," I tucked them carefully into my cloak. I wondered how much I could sell these for.
"Lastly, I have these," she gave me four bottles. They contained red liquid inside. The glass was warm to the touch.
"Healing potions," I said automatically. Their quantities were small, but they would do for me.
"Yes, in case you are injured."
"Well, I know I've already said this many times, but thank you again for your kindness. I wish you good luck with the re-taking of the Monastery."
"Farewell, and may the Light shine upon your chosen path," she said. "But one word of advice. If I were you, I would put that weapon of yours into your hand before venturing out of the camp."
"This thing?" I unhooked the blade from my belt and swung it a few times. "Perhaps I will. Good-bye, Akara. I hope to meet you again one day."
"We will meet once more."
"Right," I nodded and left. "Sure we will."
I started walking towards the exit; glad I was finally on my way. The sun had fully risen now and had burned all the morning mist. Anticipating the journey, I almost groaned when someone tapped me.
"What is it now?" I growled as I turned to face them. There was no one behind me. Then I realized the tap had been on my leg. I looked down. Staring back at me was a young child, probably only four to five years old. Looking at me with moist eyes, he began to back away.
"Sorry," I apologized immediately, though I doubted I sounded contrite at all. "What do you want?"
"Please, can you get my ball for me?" he pointed to a nearby stone wall. It had been part of a barricade system that was left behind when the perimeter of the camp was increased. Stuck on top, between two stones, was a medium sized leather ball. It was high enough to be out of the child's reach.
"Sure kid," I mumbled. I walked over and grabbed the toy. I felt the smooth leather surface and the sinew thread that bound it together. It was light yet supple so the stuffing was probably some sort of animal fur.
"Here," I said gruffly, my throat tightening. The ball sailed through the air, and he caught it easily. Instantly his face broke out into a gigantic smile. The sight tore my heart.
"Thank you," he shouted happily.
"You're welcome," I turned away and resumed walking. I reached the threshold of the gate when a guard shouted, "Hez, go back inside!"
I turned around and saw the little boy behind me. I put my hands on my hips, set my face into the meanest expression I could muster, and glared at him. He only smiled back.
"Go on, do as she says!" I commanded roughly.
His smile never wavered, but he did as he was ordered to. Slowly he walked backwards, his smiling face always directed at me.
"Ugh," I groaned and turned my back on him. I did not need an admirer.
"I never knew Rogues had children," I said to the guard who had spoken.
"That is not our child," she replied evenly. "Hez is the son of one of the caravan families. There are around fifteen of them traveling with Warriv."
"Odd. I never saw any children around yesterday," I frowned.
"Their mothers keep them in the wagons for safety, even in good weather. If there was an attack, they could be easily protected or moved quickly."
"Ah, I see."
Giving a curt nod at the sentry, I moved on. Finally I crossed the bridge and stepped back into the wilderness.
At the beginning, my steps were confident and large. But a few feet away from the river, I slowed. I was hit with the dead silence once more. I didn't even think there was a pesky fly buzzing around. Warily I followed the dirt path leading from the camp. To keep myself from going insane with the unnatural quiet, I started to hum, but even I sounded afraid to myself.
"Don't be foolish. The only thing I should be frightened of are mosquitoes," I said aloud. My voice seemed to be sucked into the void as soon as I spoke.
Suddenly my ears perked. There was indeed a faint noise coming from some nearby bushes. It rustled as something inside moved around. Apprehensively I backed away. It could be a rabbit, but then again, it could also be a soulless demon.
Not wanting to push whatever rotten luck I had, I decided to leave it alone. Hey, if it was content to stay in the bush, I would be happy too.
With a loud screech, it popped out of the undergrowth. The animal was rodent-like in appearance, except it was the size of a small dog. Deadly looking quills covered its body, and it sported a mean set of claws.
"Good doggy," I said nervously as it advanced. "Doggy wants a biscuit?"
It hissed at me.
"Guess not," I said and ran. I ran away from that thing as fast as I could. I didn't know what it was, and I didn't care. If it looked like it could hurt me, it was better off by itself.
Finally I had to stop from shortness of breath. Since I had practice from running away from guards, I had covered quite a distance. Looking back, I was relieved to see the creature had not followed me. Gazing ahead, I saw a lone cabin in the distance.
'Heh, well I see where I'm stopping next,' I thought to myself. If the owner was there, then I would ask for some food (since the Rogues hadn't given me any more rations). If the owner was away . well, I would help myself to the more valuable items inside.
Wrapping the cloak tighter around me, I headed over to the house. There was still no noise, but this time I took it as a favorable sign. Wondering what trinkets or food they had in store, I stopped when I saw a small figure round a corner. It was another child who was larger than Hez but still not a full grown adult. He carried a wooden shield and toy sword with him. I was spotted immediately, and the little boy stared at me intently.
"Hello!" I shouted out to him. "Is your mother or father there?"
Turning back, he raised his toy sword and shouted something.
'Wait a minute! Since when are toy swords shiny?' I asked myself. I was promptly answered as other small figures joined the first one. Apparently there were no shiny toy swords, only the shiny real ones.