Thank you to all my reviewers, and keep those coming! It really motivates
me to write more. Things are proceeding along nicely, I think. If you
believe otherwise, let me know. Heh wow, an author's note in which I didn't
write an essay!
Rats, and ff.net had to be acting all weird too! =(
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 Fourteen: Parting Ways … Again
I stumbled out from the tent, disoriented and slightly dizzy. The sun shone brighter than on any other day I've ever seen it in these lands. Rays of light burst out unhindered in the cloudless blue sky. Cows mooed softly, and the caravan families called out to each other joyfully. It was as if there was no threat existing, as if everything had gone back to normal. Everyone and everything seemed to be … unburdened by the demonic goings-on. It took my addled mind a minute to figure out why.
It had to be the presence of Cain and Edan. To have the last member of the renowned mage clan, the Horadrim, living here would make them feel safe. Add to that the heroic image of a holy paladin and the people were probably feeling victory was close at hand. I made a face at the sky. Even the heavens seemed happier with their arrival.
Shrugging to myself I made my way to the central campfire. Hopefully there would still be some stew and bread left.
"Good morning!" Warriv greeted me cheerfully. "How are we this fine morning?"
"Drunk," I mumbled to him as I took some leftover stew, hard cheese, and the end of a loaf.
"It is a wondrous day!" he continued on as if I didn't say anything. "I have a good feeling that the caravan should be leaving by tomorrow morning at the latest! Edan has promised to clear the Monastery as soon as he can, and knowing that paladins never break their word, I am quite sure he shall do so with utmost haste!"
"Huh," I grunted, swallowing some stew-soaked bread. "We'll see."
Warriv caught my drift and changed the topic of our (one-sided) conversation. I felt a little under appreciated at the moment. I had done a lot for these people, and yet no one (aside from the ones who gave me the quests) had ever thanked me. Now some stranger shows his 'blessed' face and they're clambering over each other to kneel and rain praise on him.
'Heh, we'll see how he fares against those demons out there,' I thought darkly as I finished my meal.
The caravan master had just finished telling me about one of his exploits in the east, when I interrupted him before he could go into another tale.
"That's very interesting, Warriv," I said quickly. "But I need to get to Charsi to pick up my equipment. I can't keep Edan waiting, you know. The sooner we leave, the sooner he can clear out the Monastery and whatnot."
"Ah, my dear, you shall be dearly missed!" the kindly man smiled at me. "You have done much for this encampment, and I thank you!"
"Err, you're welcome," I replied, wondering if he could read minds or not.
"May I suggest a small side-trip before you depart with the paladin?" he broke in before I could leave. "One of the men traveling with my caravan sells weapons and other enchanted items. His name is Gheed, and his wagon is located opposite the smithy. Perhaps you can take a look at his wares, just in case he has something you can use."
"I'll take a look," I agreed. "Take care, Warriv. May money land in your palms more times than it leaves it."
"Farewell," he laughed.
I briefly stopped at the nearby stream to clean myself as best I could. Afterwards I arrived at Charsi's area where the large woman was working.
"Hello there!" she said to me. "I've been expecting you. Your new weapon and armor is over there at the stands."
"Thank you," I paid her. "Did you make anything new since I came here?"
"I'm almost done with this scimitar!" she showed me the smoldering piece of metal on the anvil. The blade was curved instead of straight as was the usual style of the west. "I think Edan might be interested in it."
"Oh," I said. "Well I'll just get my things and leave. Good bye Charsi."
"Good bye!" she smiled widely at me before turning back to her work.
Sighing to myself, I walked over to the stand. The items the cursed black smith had dropped in Tristram were all enchanted. I had Identified them all, and sold most. What I did keep was a Wrist Blade of Slaying, a weapon whose blade was magicked to be sharper than normal. There was also a well- made Hard Leather Armor whose quality was much better than the one I wore now. I switched armor, and wondered what to do with the old one I had.
"Charsi," I turned to the black smith. "Will you do me a favor?"
"Of course," she said, wiping sweat from her sooty brow. "What do you need?"
"Give this to Debi next time you see her," I pointed to my old set of armor. "She'll need it."
"All right," she agreed. "Just leave it on the stand and I'll give it to her when I can."
"Thank you," I did as I was told and left.
Like I had promised Warriv, I looked for the caravan merchant named Gheed. I found him standing idly by his richly decorated wagon. There was a canopy of cream white and gold colored silk that hung at one side. He himself was dressed in the same material, a turban wrapped around his head and large robes covering his equally large body. Jewels fairly dripped from every facet of him. I mentally kicked myself as I approached. Why hadn't I found out about him sooner? 'Target' was written all over him, and I knew I could have taken a few jewels and gold from his fat hide.
"Why hello there, partner!" he shouted out, his voice cheerful, but the emotion was calculated. I narrowed my eyes slightly. I replaced 'target' with the words 'swindler'.
"I'm interested in looking at your stocks," I said flatly, not letting his fake amiability get to me. "I don't want to know any of your deals, specials, or sales. Just show me what you have, and then we'll talk prices."
"Of course, of course," he readily assented, sweeping his arms to his wagon in a truly showman fashion. "Take your time, my friend! You'll see that not even the lovely Charsi has wares this good! Now don't be shy! All my items come with a two day warrantee!"
Silently I walked over to his wagon and inspected the items for sale. I could tell that they were exactly the same kind of things I could get at the smithy (he probably bought them from her for all I know), but didn't comment. I scanned it for a bit longer just to be polite; I had no real intentions of buying anything from this charlatan. But before I could leave, I saw some items kept separate from the rest. They rested on red silk, and I could feel something emanating from them.
"What are those?" I asked, pointing.
"Ah, aside from selling normal items, I also have some special wares," he chuckled. The man leaned in as if he was sharing a great secret with me, but I recognized his ploy to gain my trust. "I have traveled far and wide across the lands of Sanctuary. During my travels I have found many magical items, some which are rare and quite powerful. I bring them with me, and sell them to worthy customers, such as yourself."
"Then show me the most 'powerful' ones," I folded my arms.
"I can't do that," he said apologetically.
"Why? Do you think I don't have enough money? Or are you just saving them for Edan?" I snapped.
"No, no, it's not that!" he quickly reassured me. "It's because I don't know which are the most powerful ones!"
"How's that?" I cocked my head to the side.
"I haven't Identified all of them yet!" he said, resuming his friendly salesman manner. "I don't have enough scrolls to spare, you see. But since I can tell that you're mighty interested in them, I'll cut you a deal. If you buy an unknown item from me, I'll toss in a Scroll of Identify, no extra cost. You get what you want, I get what I want, and we're all happy!"
"How much per item," I asked. I had expected him to raise the prices since they were 'special' magical items, but when he quoted the amounts, my jaw dropped in shock.
"That's … that's… robbery!" I shouted. "You can't expect people to pay those kinds of prices!"
"Ah, but you forget that they're enchanted," Gheed went on smoothly. "You may end up being the owner of legendary items for all I know! Now would it be fair if I didn't get a little bit of profit for that? I'm taking a gamble every time I sell you something."
"Little bit," I scoffed. "More like a king's ransom!" But I couldn't help it; I was intrigued. "How much if you didn't add in the scrolls? I have my own I could use to identify."
"Sorry," he shook his bejeweled head. "They come in a package."
I sighed. It was true when I said that I had some gold I could spare, but the prices he quoted … Was it worth it? I remembered the blade talon my clan owned that could freeze objects. The idea of having something like that was tempting …
"Those magic items would sure come in handy against those demons out there," he cajoled me further.
"There you are, lady," someone broke into our conversation. We turned around and I caught sight of Edan. "If you would so please, finish your business here so we may leave as soon as we can. The sun has risen and I am anxious to start my quest."
"My business here is done," I said dryly as I started to walk away from the wagon.
"Both of you come back now, all right? I'll save you my best items!" Gheed beamed at us, but I could see his face was less cheery than before.
"Sure," I muttered under my breath as I led the way to the waypoint. We walked in silence, bypassing Warriv who gave us a friendly wave, and Kashya, who merely glared at me. I remembered what had happened last night, and I grew uncomfortable. It was stupid since I would never see here again but … would Debi still be mad at me?
I didn't have time to contemplate that since Cain called us over to him. Sighing at another delay, we walked over to the elderly man.
"Good morning, my friends!" he began happily. "Last night I was thinking of a better way to repay both of you for your kindness and valor. I was at my wits ends when my pouch fell from my cloak as if it was a sign from the Light. Inside are great treasures, and I wish to impart them to you."
He dug out the ratty leather pouch he spoke of and undid the leather thongs keeping it closed. I squashed the urge to tap my foot impatiently as he struggled a little at the knot.
"Deckard Cain, I do not seek any rewards for my work," Edan protested. "Keep these treasures for yourself. I am sure you can put them to better use than I."
I glanced at him and saw that he was being serious, just not refusing the gift to be polite. I rolled my eyes and shook my head slightly. He was just like Debi …
"Nonsense!" Cain laughed as he finally pried loose the knot. "What I have here is not gold or jewels. They are something more useful in your quests. Now, to the gallant paladin, I give you this."
In Edan's outstretched palm he dropped a ring. The ring itself was silver with a strange blue stone set in it.
"This is the Ring Of Truth. Pepin the Healer had given it as a reward to Vandalin for cleaning the town's water supply. I found it in Vandalin's house when he left and took it, meaning to return it to Pepin. I never got the chance …" Cain trailed off. He cleared his throat. "This ring raises your resistance to elemental magic, and also reduces the damage you receive from an enemy's blow. It will protect you on your journey."
"Thank you, Cain," Edan slipped it on his finger. "I will honor the memories of Pepin the Healer and the hero who saved Tristram by banishing Diablo once more into Hell."
"I'm sure you will," the Horadrim mage smiled. "As for the clever Mez, I have this for you."
He held out a weathered hand and I reluctantly took what was in it. I received a silver ring as well, but the stones set on it was black with diamond-like speckles.
"This is the Empyrean Band," Cain explained to me. "Vandalin found the Heaven Rock in the monastery and Griswold set pieces of it into that ring. It shines quite nicely in the dark, so you may traverse shadowy areas with ease. I also heard from Vandalin that this protected him from traps he came across while in the cursed cathedral. May this serve you as well as it did him." *
"Thanks," I replied but did not take my eyes off the ring. The light the black stones reflected from the sun was entrancing somehow. But the warrior Diablo now possessed had worn this very ring. It unnerved me to use the same things he had. The less we had in common, the better, I thought.
'I'll sell it,' I promised myself as I cautiously slipped it on. It had to go on my thumb since it was too large for any other finger.
"Now do not let me keep you from your way," Cain smiled, missing my dark mood. "I am sure both of your are anxious to go."
"Sure," I nodded quickly, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. "Come on, alter boy. The waypoint is this way."
"Alter boy? I haven't been one in over ten years," he frowned in confusion.
"I was joking," I said dryly.
"Oh," he said, and then chuckled. I rolled my eyes.
We stepped on the magical stone, the blue ethereal lights dancing in the morning's soft breeze. I looked around the camp.
"Is there a problem?" he asked after a minute.
"Isn't Debi coming with you?" I asked.
"Your mercenary?" he said. "No, I had not seen her at all since last night. I had assumed she would be here if she had wanted to come along. Perhaps she has been re-assigned by Kashya to some other duty."
"Yeah, that's probably it," I nodded, but felt a little uneasy. She didn't seem like the type to give up so easily, despite what my first impression of her had been. But the day was getting older, and she wasn't here. Shrugging, I activated the waypoint, and instantly we stood in the abandoned Fallen camp in the Dark Wood.
"By the Light's grace!" Edan exclaimed. I bet he probably had a lot of sayings to use for each time he was surprised.
"Nice, isn't it?" I commented offhandedly. "But we should go. Do you know how to get to the Black Marsh?"
"Yes, Kashya told me this morning. It is in the south of this region," he said, scanning the area. He wore his ring mail armor again, and carried a small shield and his mace. I noticed that on the front of his white tunic was a coat of arms. It was stitched into the fabric with thread, and had rampant lions standing on either side of a blue and red shield.
"This is the emblem of the 36th paladin legion I am part of, the Lion's Pride," he explained automatically.
"Right," I nodded, embarrassed that he caught me staring. "We go south then."
We traveled in silence. I knew he was uncomfortable with it, but I was unwilling to talk. In my opinion, the sooner we parted, the better. Anyway there was nothing I wanted to speak to him about.
"If you do not mind, lady, may I ask where you hail from?" he said, trying to stir up some talk.
"I do mind."
"Pardon me if I offended you," he apologized quickly. "That is a common question we ask in Duncraig. Living in the capitol of Westmarch means that we see many travelers passing by, and this is an ideal way to get to know them."
"Well we're going to separate in a few hours, less if I had it my way, so there is no need to 'get to know' each other," I replied coldly.
He didn't speak anymore, and I let it stay that way.
There was no discernable border marking us leaving the Dark Woods and entering the Black Marsh. The trees had thinned out gradually, and we found ourselves walking in boggier soil. The constantly wet earth sucked at our booted feet, and it was annoying having to literally wrench myself from the ground for each step. The stagnant water was also host to irritating mosquitoes.
'As if there wasn't enough creatures after my blood,' I thought sourly as I swatted one on my arm.
We followed the dirt/mud road until it came to a junction. It was a 'T' intersection with the road we were on ending, and two new roads sprouting out in opposite directions. Wordlessly we stopped.
"My way lies east," he said, looking at me. "I believe Kashya mentioned the Forgotten Tower in the western direction."
"Then this is where we go our own paths."
"Yes, it would seem so," Edan smiled kindly at me. "I wish you safe travels, Mez, and thank you for helping me. May the Light always shine upon you."
"Good bye, Edan," I nodded curtly. I turned around and headed on the western path. I could feel his eyes watching me go, and I suppressed the urge to look back at him. Finally though, I stopped and turned. He was still there at the intersection, and he raised a gloved hand at me.
I raised mine in return, but not as high as his. Resuming my trek to the buried treasure, I turned my head once more to look at him, and found that he was gone.
* Note: The Ring of Truth and the Empyrean Band come from Diablo (the original one) when you complete certain missions (Poisoned Water Supply and the Heaven Rock respectively). I thought it would be nice to bring them back for this story. =) Here are the stats if anyone is interested.
Ring of Truth: +10 hit points (or in D2 terms, +10 to Life)
-1 damage from enemies
Resist All +10
Empyrean Band: +2 to All Attributes
+2 Light Radius
Fast Hit Recovery
Abosrb Half of Trap Damage
And yes I know Akara is supposed to give you the (craptastic, in my opinion) ring reward for this request, but nice to have something a little different, eh? =D
Rats, and ff.net had to be acting all weird too! =(
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 Fourteen: Parting Ways … Again
I stumbled out from the tent, disoriented and slightly dizzy. The sun shone brighter than on any other day I've ever seen it in these lands. Rays of light burst out unhindered in the cloudless blue sky. Cows mooed softly, and the caravan families called out to each other joyfully. It was as if there was no threat existing, as if everything had gone back to normal. Everyone and everything seemed to be … unburdened by the demonic goings-on. It took my addled mind a minute to figure out why.
It had to be the presence of Cain and Edan. To have the last member of the renowned mage clan, the Horadrim, living here would make them feel safe. Add to that the heroic image of a holy paladin and the people were probably feeling victory was close at hand. I made a face at the sky. Even the heavens seemed happier with their arrival.
Shrugging to myself I made my way to the central campfire. Hopefully there would still be some stew and bread left.
"Good morning!" Warriv greeted me cheerfully. "How are we this fine morning?"
"Drunk," I mumbled to him as I took some leftover stew, hard cheese, and the end of a loaf.
"It is a wondrous day!" he continued on as if I didn't say anything. "I have a good feeling that the caravan should be leaving by tomorrow morning at the latest! Edan has promised to clear the Monastery as soon as he can, and knowing that paladins never break their word, I am quite sure he shall do so with utmost haste!"
"Huh," I grunted, swallowing some stew-soaked bread. "We'll see."
Warriv caught my drift and changed the topic of our (one-sided) conversation. I felt a little under appreciated at the moment. I had done a lot for these people, and yet no one (aside from the ones who gave me the quests) had ever thanked me. Now some stranger shows his 'blessed' face and they're clambering over each other to kneel and rain praise on him.
'Heh, we'll see how he fares against those demons out there,' I thought darkly as I finished my meal.
The caravan master had just finished telling me about one of his exploits in the east, when I interrupted him before he could go into another tale.
"That's very interesting, Warriv," I said quickly. "But I need to get to Charsi to pick up my equipment. I can't keep Edan waiting, you know. The sooner we leave, the sooner he can clear out the Monastery and whatnot."
"Ah, my dear, you shall be dearly missed!" the kindly man smiled at me. "You have done much for this encampment, and I thank you!"
"Err, you're welcome," I replied, wondering if he could read minds or not.
"May I suggest a small side-trip before you depart with the paladin?" he broke in before I could leave. "One of the men traveling with my caravan sells weapons and other enchanted items. His name is Gheed, and his wagon is located opposite the smithy. Perhaps you can take a look at his wares, just in case he has something you can use."
"I'll take a look," I agreed. "Take care, Warriv. May money land in your palms more times than it leaves it."
"Farewell," he laughed.
I briefly stopped at the nearby stream to clean myself as best I could. Afterwards I arrived at Charsi's area where the large woman was working.
"Hello there!" she said to me. "I've been expecting you. Your new weapon and armor is over there at the stands."
"Thank you," I paid her. "Did you make anything new since I came here?"
"I'm almost done with this scimitar!" she showed me the smoldering piece of metal on the anvil. The blade was curved instead of straight as was the usual style of the west. "I think Edan might be interested in it."
"Oh," I said. "Well I'll just get my things and leave. Good bye Charsi."
"Good bye!" she smiled widely at me before turning back to her work.
Sighing to myself, I walked over to the stand. The items the cursed black smith had dropped in Tristram were all enchanted. I had Identified them all, and sold most. What I did keep was a Wrist Blade of Slaying, a weapon whose blade was magicked to be sharper than normal. There was also a well- made Hard Leather Armor whose quality was much better than the one I wore now. I switched armor, and wondered what to do with the old one I had.
"Charsi," I turned to the black smith. "Will you do me a favor?"
"Of course," she said, wiping sweat from her sooty brow. "What do you need?"
"Give this to Debi next time you see her," I pointed to my old set of armor. "She'll need it."
"All right," she agreed. "Just leave it on the stand and I'll give it to her when I can."
"Thank you," I did as I was told and left.
Like I had promised Warriv, I looked for the caravan merchant named Gheed. I found him standing idly by his richly decorated wagon. There was a canopy of cream white and gold colored silk that hung at one side. He himself was dressed in the same material, a turban wrapped around his head and large robes covering his equally large body. Jewels fairly dripped from every facet of him. I mentally kicked myself as I approached. Why hadn't I found out about him sooner? 'Target' was written all over him, and I knew I could have taken a few jewels and gold from his fat hide.
"Why hello there, partner!" he shouted out, his voice cheerful, but the emotion was calculated. I narrowed my eyes slightly. I replaced 'target' with the words 'swindler'.
"I'm interested in looking at your stocks," I said flatly, not letting his fake amiability get to me. "I don't want to know any of your deals, specials, or sales. Just show me what you have, and then we'll talk prices."
"Of course, of course," he readily assented, sweeping his arms to his wagon in a truly showman fashion. "Take your time, my friend! You'll see that not even the lovely Charsi has wares this good! Now don't be shy! All my items come with a two day warrantee!"
Silently I walked over to his wagon and inspected the items for sale. I could tell that they were exactly the same kind of things I could get at the smithy (he probably bought them from her for all I know), but didn't comment. I scanned it for a bit longer just to be polite; I had no real intentions of buying anything from this charlatan. But before I could leave, I saw some items kept separate from the rest. They rested on red silk, and I could feel something emanating from them.
"What are those?" I asked, pointing.
"Ah, aside from selling normal items, I also have some special wares," he chuckled. The man leaned in as if he was sharing a great secret with me, but I recognized his ploy to gain my trust. "I have traveled far and wide across the lands of Sanctuary. During my travels I have found many magical items, some which are rare and quite powerful. I bring them with me, and sell them to worthy customers, such as yourself."
"Then show me the most 'powerful' ones," I folded my arms.
"I can't do that," he said apologetically.
"Why? Do you think I don't have enough money? Or are you just saving them for Edan?" I snapped.
"No, no, it's not that!" he quickly reassured me. "It's because I don't know which are the most powerful ones!"
"How's that?" I cocked my head to the side.
"I haven't Identified all of them yet!" he said, resuming his friendly salesman manner. "I don't have enough scrolls to spare, you see. But since I can tell that you're mighty interested in them, I'll cut you a deal. If you buy an unknown item from me, I'll toss in a Scroll of Identify, no extra cost. You get what you want, I get what I want, and we're all happy!"
"How much per item," I asked. I had expected him to raise the prices since they were 'special' magical items, but when he quoted the amounts, my jaw dropped in shock.
"That's … that's… robbery!" I shouted. "You can't expect people to pay those kinds of prices!"
"Ah, but you forget that they're enchanted," Gheed went on smoothly. "You may end up being the owner of legendary items for all I know! Now would it be fair if I didn't get a little bit of profit for that? I'm taking a gamble every time I sell you something."
"Little bit," I scoffed. "More like a king's ransom!" But I couldn't help it; I was intrigued. "How much if you didn't add in the scrolls? I have my own I could use to identify."
"Sorry," he shook his bejeweled head. "They come in a package."
I sighed. It was true when I said that I had some gold I could spare, but the prices he quoted … Was it worth it? I remembered the blade talon my clan owned that could freeze objects. The idea of having something like that was tempting …
"Those magic items would sure come in handy against those demons out there," he cajoled me further.
"There you are, lady," someone broke into our conversation. We turned around and I caught sight of Edan. "If you would so please, finish your business here so we may leave as soon as we can. The sun has risen and I am anxious to start my quest."
"My business here is done," I said dryly as I started to walk away from the wagon.
"Both of you come back now, all right? I'll save you my best items!" Gheed beamed at us, but I could see his face was less cheery than before.
"Sure," I muttered under my breath as I led the way to the waypoint. We walked in silence, bypassing Warriv who gave us a friendly wave, and Kashya, who merely glared at me. I remembered what had happened last night, and I grew uncomfortable. It was stupid since I would never see here again but … would Debi still be mad at me?
I didn't have time to contemplate that since Cain called us over to him. Sighing at another delay, we walked over to the elderly man.
"Good morning, my friends!" he began happily. "Last night I was thinking of a better way to repay both of you for your kindness and valor. I was at my wits ends when my pouch fell from my cloak as if it was a sign from the Light. Inside are great treasures, and I wish to impart them to you."
He dug out the ratty leather pouch he spoke of and undid the leather thongs keeping it closed. I squashed the urge to tap my foot impatiently as he struggled a little at the knot.
"Deckard Cain, I do not seek any rewards for my work," Edan protested. "Keep these treasures for yourself. I am sure you can put them to better use than I."
I glanced at him and saw that he was being serious, just not refusing the gift to be polite. I rolled my eyes and shook my head slightly. He was just like Debi …
"Nonsense!" Cain laughed as he finally pried loose the knot. "What I have here is not gold or jewels. They are something more useful in your quests. Now, to the gallant paladin, I give you this."
In Edan's outstretched palm he dropped a ring. The ring itself was silver with a strange blue stone set in it.
"This is the Ring Of Truth. Pepin the Healer had given it as a reward to Vandalin for cleaning the town's water supply. I found it in Vandalin's house when he left and took it, meaning to return it to Pepin. I never got the chance …" Cain trailed off. He cleared his throat. "This ring raises your resistance to elemental magic, and also reduces the damage you receive from an enemy's blow. It will protect you on your journey."
"Thank you, Cain," Edan slipped it on his finger. "I will honor the memories of Pepin the Healer and the hero who saved Tristram by banishing Diablo once more into Hell."
"I'm sure you will," the Horadrim mage smiled. "As for the clever Mez, I have this for you."
He held out a weathered hand and I reluctantly took what was in it. I received a silver ring as well, but the stones set on it was black with diamond-like speckles.
"This is the Empyrean Band," Cain explained to me. "Vandalin found the Heaven Rock in the monastery and Griswold set pieces of it into that ring. It shines quite nicely in the dark, so you may traverse shadowy areas with ease. I also heard from Vandalin that this protected him from traps he came across while in the cursed cathedral. May this serve you as well as it did him." *
"Thanks," I replied but did not take my eyes off the ring. The light the black stones reflected from the sun was entrancing somehow. But the warrior Diablo now possessed had worn this very ring. It unnerved me to use the same things he had. The less we had in common, the better, I thought.
'I'll sell it,' I promised myself as I cautiously slipped it on. It had to go on my thumb since it was too large for any other finger.
"Now do not let me keep you from your way," Cain smiled, missing my dark mood. "I am sure both of your are anxious to go."
"Sure," I nodded quickly, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. "Come on, alter boy. The waypoint is this way."
"Alter boy? I haven't been one in over ten years," he frowned in confusion.
"I was joking," I said dryly.
"Oh," he said, and then chuckled. I rolled my eyes.
We stepped on the magical stone, the blue ethereal lights dancing in the morning's soft breeze. I looked around the camp.
"Is there a problem?" he asked after a minute.
"Isn't Debi coming with you?" I asked.
"Your mercenary?" he said. "No, I had not seen her at all since last night. I had assumed she would be here if she had wanted to come along. Perhaps she has been re-assigned by Kashya to some other duty."
"Yeah, that's probably it," I nodded, but felt a little uneasy. She didn't seem like the type to give up so easily, despite what my first impression of her had been. But the day was getting older, and she wasn't here. Shrugging, I activated the waypoint, and instantly we stood in the abandoned Fallen camp in the Dark Wood.
"By the Light's grace!" Edan exclaimed. I bet he probably had a lot of sayings to use for each time he was surprised.
"Nice, isn't it?" I commented offhandedly. "But we should go. Do you know how to get to the Black Marsh?"
"Yes, Kashya told me this morning. It is in the south of this region," he said, scanning the area. He wore his ring mail armor again, and carried a small shield and his mace. I noticed that on the front of his white tunic was a coat of arms. It was stitched into the fabric with thread, and had rampant lions standing on either side of a blue and red shield.
"This is the emblem of the 36th paladin legion I am part of, the Lion's Pride," he explained automatically.
"Right," I nodded, embarrassed that he caught me staring. "We go south then."
We traveled in silence. I knew he was uncomfortable with it, but I was unwilling to talk. In my opinion, the sooner we parted, the better. Anyway there was nothing I wanted to speak to him about.
"If you do not mind, lady, may I ask where you hail from?" he said, trying to stir up some talk.
"I do mind."
"Pardon me if I offended you," he apologized quickly. "That is a common question we ask in Duncraig. Living in the capitol of Westmarch means that we see many travelers passing by, and this is an ideal way to get to know them."
"Well we're going to separate in a few hours, less if I had it my way, so there is no need to 'get to know' each other," I replied coldly.
He didn't speak anymore, and I let it stay that way.
There was no discernable border marking us leaving the Dark Woods and entering the Black Marsh. The trees had thinned out gradually, and we found ourselves walking in boggier soil. The constantly wet earth sucked at our booted feet, and it was annoying having to literally wrench myself from the ground for each step. The stagnant water was also host to irritating mosquitoes.
'As if there wasn't enough creatures after my blood,' I thought sourly as I swatted one on my arm.
We followed the dirt/mud road until it came to a junction. It was a 'T' intersection with the road we were on ending, and two new roads sprouting out in opposite directions. Wordlessly we stopped.
"My way lies east," he said, looking at me. "I believe Kashya mentioned the Forgotten Tower in the western direction."
"Then this is where we go our own paths."
"Yes, it would seem so," Edan smiled kindly at me. "I wish you safe travels, Mez, and thank you for helping me. May the Light always shine upon you."
"Good bye, Edan," I nodded curtly. I turned around and headed on the western path. I could feel his eyes watching me go, and I suppressed the urge to look back at him. Finally though, I stopped and turned. He was still there at the intersection, and he raised a gloved hand at me.
I raised mine in return, but not as high as his. Resuming my trek to the buried treasure, I turned my head once more to look at him, and found that he was gone.
* Note: The Ring of Truth and the Empyrean Band come from Diablo (the original one) when you complete certain missions (Poisoned Water Supply and the Heaven Rock respectively). I thought it would be nice to bring them back for this story. =) Here are the stats if anyone is interested.
Ring of Truth: +10 hit points (or in D2 terms, +10 to Life)
-1 damage from enemies
Resist All +10
Empyrean Band: +2 to All Attributes
+2 Light Radius
Fast Hit Recovery
Abosrb Half of Trap Damage
And yes I know Akara is supposed to give you the (craptastic, in my opinion) ring reward for this request, but nice to have something a little different, eh? =D
