Ravina
Chapter 3
I see Kiara nearby when my eyelids pry themselves apart. I start to stand, then realize I'm not wearing my armor. In fact, I'm not wearing anything. I decide to stay under the blanket for a while longer.
"Where are my clothes," I ask. "And who undressed me?"
Kiara turns and replies "Your clothes are in a pile on your right side, and I undressed you. You were feverish and Akara said it would help reduce your temperature. So that is twice I have saved your life. You owe me," she added with a twinkle in her eye, a faint smile on her face.
"Twice? I've only been near-death once."
"Nope. The day I found you, there were zombies approaching you. My sisters and I turned them into pincushions," she stated. "That was the first time."
"So what happened to me?"
"You were poisoned. We went back out to your last kill, and checked one of the swords. It was dripping with poison. You're lucky you were so close to the camp."
Poison, huh. I guess I need some more information from Akara. I grab my pants and pull them on, then stand and pull on my shirt, followed by my boots, gloves, and armor. I strap my belt over the armor, and check the potion pockets. They're full. I then strap my shield to my back, sheath my sword, and pick up my cap. Charsi's going to have her hands full.
I turn to Kiara. "Go ask Akara if she needs me for anything. I want to venture through the Blood Moor again. See if there's anything I missed."
"Actually, Akara doesn't need you for anything, yet. But Kashya has a job for you."
"Ok. I'll talk to her after I see Charsi," I said.
I walk over to Charsi's forge, and drop my sword, shield, and cap, and remove my leather armor and add it to the pile. "Charsi, when you get some time, could you fix these?"
"Sure, Xavier, I'll get right on it."
Now, off to Kashya. She's in her usual place, walking back and forth, a constant frown on her face.
"Kashya? Kiara said you wanted to speak to me?"
"Ah, yes, Paladin… We have a problem," she begins. What else is new? "In the cemetery, a fallen Rogue has risen, and is gathering an army of undead. Her name is Blood Raven. If you can send her back to her grave, the Rogues will be able to venture out into the fields to deal with the evil that is spreading through them. I will also release one into your care to provide supporting fire."
"All right, I will dispose of her," I answer. "But give me a day to gather myself. I have to do some meditation. I believe that to continue, I'll have to use my auras. To prepare myself, I must have a day."
"Very well, Paladin. Just don't take too long."
It's not even midmorning yet. I need breakfast. I go over to see Akara. Surely she has some food.
"Ah, good day, Paladin. I trust you had a good sleep?"
Yes, I did… How long was I out?"
"Three days," she replies. "The poison was very strong, unlike any others we've seen. The creatures seem to be growing stronger of late."
Oh, great. That was a definite need-to-know item. I purchase a town portal book and an identify book, figuring they will come in handy. I say my goodbyes, then return to my spot to begin my exercises. Upon arriving, I see the Rogues running to the entrance, preparing for an attack. I pick up my club and position myself behind them, to get any that come through.
Kiara comes to my side. "There's another traveler out there," she says. "We're preparing to cover its approach."
"Its?" I ask.
"We don't know if it is male or female," she says.
Oh. That's understandable. I finally see the figure burst from the trees, trailing a green robe and carrying a staff. Three skeletons are close on her heels. They drop from a sudden onslaught of arrows. The sorceress races across the bridge, watching behind her, and hits me full in the chest. I wrap my arms around her as I go down, and roll so she doesn't hit the ground.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir knight. The skeletons… they were so close…"
"It's ok, you're safe now," I answer, then realize the hilarity of the situation. "Anyway, you should thank the Rogues. I was only here to provide backup. I thought the camp was under attack. I'm not even wearing my armor."
She looks down, and realizes she's still on top of me. She jumps up, scrambling for her staff. I catch Kiara's face, a hard light burning in her eyes. "What's gotten into her?" I ask myself.
I get myself up, and turn to the newcomer. "Milady, I'm sure you are welcome here. I suggest you speak to Akara. She seems to be the one in charge here."
"Thank you, sir knight, I will do so," she says. "My name is Ravina Choltek."
"I am Xavier Halcrion, of the Army of Zakarum. Akara is right over there," I point to the old woman, watching the exchange. "She'll be glad to help you."
As Ravina turns away, I catch Kiara's look. I flash her my biggest smile, then return to my exercises. I hope there are no more interruptions. Before I begin, I get a sword from Charsi, promising to return it. I start into my practice, honing my skills, and at the same time, meditating and bringing my auras to the surface. I activate the prayer aura, to keep myself healthy. A faint blue glow surrounds me.
As I continue, I finally open my mind, to all I know. Some auras are stronger than others, so they will take more time to bring out. I roll through position after position, each promising either a deadly blow, or a defense against one. I spin, bringing the sword close, and stabbing forward. Ravina freezes, her eyes fixed on the point of the sword, not three inches from her heart. I pull it back, startled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you approach. Had I known you were there, I would not have done such a thing."
"It's… it's… it's okay," she finally says. "Akara told me I should speak to you. She wants me to join you on your quest."
"She wants you to join me? Why?" I ask.
"She thinks you'll need some help. And besides, what if your target is three inches farther from your sword?" she laughs.
"This isn't my sword, mine's longer. Had I been using it, you would be dead right now. How old are you?"
"I'm eighteen. The proper age for a sorceress to begin her life's work."
"Eighteen? When I was your age, I was cutting purses to buy bread. I cut one on a fellow Paladin, but he caught me. He became my mentor. I underwent a complete life change. I traded a life of stealing for a life in service to the Gods. Every day I give thanks for what I did."
"How old are you, you look like your in your thirties," she replies. "You had a complete turnaround?"
"I am twenty-two. The life of a Child of Zakarum is harsh. Have you ever killed anyone, Ravina? Can you?"
"Only creatures of evil. I was out of mana when those skeletons jumped me. Three of their brothers went down under fireballs."
"Very well. If you think you have what it takes, I'm going back out there tomorrow. You may join me if you wish. We'll clear the Blood Moor, then continue into the Cold Plains. Kashya, the lead Rogue, wants me to clear the cemetery."
"Ugh, I hate cemeteries, but I'll help," she says. "What is in this particular one that is so bad?"
"Her name is Blood Raven, she's a fallen Rogue who is raising the dead for an army. Kashya feels she is becoming too strong, and may attack soon."
"Very well, I will help you," she decides. "But what will she think of that?"
"Who?"
"The Rogue that keeps shooting deadly glances at me," Ravina nods toward Kiara, who's watching from across camp.
"Don't worry," I answer. "She'll only do anything if I return wounded again, I believe. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to my meditation now."
"Oh, ok. I'll move over here."
Feeling my hunger, I ask her, "Could you see if there's any food around here, I haven't eaten in three days."
Her eyes grow wide. "Three days?"
"Yeah, I was poisoned."
"Ok." She leaves, going to see Akara. I noticed she left a large area between her and Kiara. Kiara rose and approached me.
"She's a little young for you, isn't she?" I see the fire flash in her eyes.
"What? I have no designs on her. I just met her today. And besides, I don't want an arrow accidentally burying itself in my back."
The fire died, then flashed anew, for a second. Then Kiara laughed. A rich, lilting laugh. And, for that brief moment, I felt all the roughness of this world drift away. But it returned as soon as it had left.
"Paladin, that was the first time I've had such a compliment given to me," her eyes drop to the ground, then return, locking with mine. "Thank you."
"Any time, my lady," I reply.
A long silence stretched between us. I saw her hand start to move, then return to her side. "I will leave you to your exercises then." She departs, but I notice her hips sway a little more… Then catch Kashya's face, as impassive as stone, as always. I can't tell if that's a smile or frown. I try to start again, but can't focus. Lowering the sword, I decided I'm finished. I return the sword to Charsi and pick up my equipment, which has been repaired. I pay her and go back to my pack.
Ravina returns with bowls of stew that Gheed was preparing. "I had to promise to pay him for this when we return tomorrow."
"What? No, I'll handle it." I finish my stew, then walk over to Gheed. "How much?"
"For what, sir?" He asks, an oily smile on his face.
"For the stew."
"Don't worry about it. The young woman will pay for it."
"No, Gheed. I will," I answer. "How much?"
"Look, noble Paladin. The young sorceress will pay for it. There is no need for you to get involved."
I lay my hand on the pommel of my sword. "I'll ask one more time. How much?"
"Oh, very well. Two gold coins," he snaps.
I pay him, and walk away. I turn, and say, "Don't try anything like that again. I know men like you, and have done worse to them than I did to you. I will try to curb that part of me, due to the circumstances we are in. Do not try to take advantage of her again." On that, I turned, not wanting to hear his spluttered excuses, although I did hear a 'mighty paladin's got it hard for her' as I strode off. Oh well.
"Don't worry, Ravina. You won't have to deal with him again. Anything that has to do with him, I'll handle."
"Ok, thank you. I didn't really like the way he kept looking at me, like he was trying to see through me."
"No, not through you, just your clothes. He probably thought that with your age, he could take advantage of you. He won't try it again, but if he does, either incinerate him on the spot, or tell me. I'll kick him out of the camp."
I look up at the sun. Just after noon. "What do you say we go out into the Blood Moor? I want to get it clear before we go anywhere else?"
She looks up. "I thought you were going to wait until tomorrow?"
"I was, but I've lost my concentration. You ready?"
Ravina grabs her staff and stands. "Whenever you are."
We walk to the gate. I turn to the Rogue there. "We'll only be out for a little while. Just want to take a look around, see if we can clear it."
The Rogue replies, "Very well. We will await your return."
Chapter 3
I see Kiara nearby when my eyelids pry themselves apart. I start to stand, then realize I'm not wearing my armor. In fact, I'm not wearing anything. I decide to stay under the blanket for a while longer.
"Where are my clothes," I ask. "And who undressed me?"
Kiara turns and replies "Your clothes are in a pile on your right side, and I undressed you. You were feverish and Akara said it would help reduce your temperature. So that is twice I have saved your life. You owe me," she added with a twinkle in her eye, a faint smile on her face.
"Twice? I've only been near-death once."
"Nope. The day I found you, there were zombies approaching you. My sisters and I turned them into pincushions," she stated. "That was the first time."
"So what happened to me?"
"You were poisoned. We went back out to your last kill, and checked one of the swords. It was dripping with poison. You're lucky you were so close to the camp."
Poison, huh. I guess I need some more information from Akara. I grab my pants and pull them on, then stand and pull on my shirt, followed by my boots, gloves, and armor. I strap my belt over the armor, and check the potion pockets. They're full. I then strap my shield to my back, sheath my sword, and pick up my cap. Charsi's going to have her hands full.
I turn to Kiara. "Go ask Akara if she needs me for anything. I want to venture through the Blood Moor again. See if there's anything I missed."
"Actually, Akara doesn't need you for anything, yet. But Kashya has a job for you."
"Ok. I'll talk to her after I see Charsi," I said.
I walk over to Charsi's forge, and drop my sword, shield, and cap, and remove my leather armor and add it to the pile. "Charsi, when you get some time, could you fix these?"
"Sure, Xavier, I'll get right on it."
Now, off to Kashya. She's in her usual place, walking back and forth, a constant frown on her face.
"Kashya? Kiara said you wanted to speak to me?"
"Ah, yes, Paladin… We have a problem," she begins. What else is new? "In the cemetery, a fallen Rogue has risen, and is gathering an army of undead. Her name is Blood Raven. If you can send her back to her grave, the Rogues will be able to venture out into the fields to deal with the evil that is spreading through them. I will also release one into your care to provide supporting fire."
"All right, I will dispose of her," I answer. "But give me a day to gather myself. I have to do some meditation. I believe that to continue, I'll have to use my auras. To prepare myself, I must have a day."
"Very well, Paladin. Just don't take too long."
It's not even midmorning yet. I need breakfast. I go over to see Akara. Surely she has some food.
"Ah, good day, Paladin. I trust you had a good sleep?"
Yes, I did… How long was I out?"
"Three days," she replies. "The poison was very strong, unlike any others we've seen. The creatures seem to be growing stronger of late."
Oh, great. That was a definite need-to-know item. I purchase a town portal book and an identify book, figuring they will come in handy. I say my goodbyes, then return to my spot to begin my exercises. Upon arriving, I see the Rogues running to the entrance, preparing for an attack. I pick up my club and position myself behind them, to get any that come through.
Kiara comes to my side. "There's another traveler out there," she says. "We're preparing to cover its approach."
"Its?" I ask.
"We don't know if it is male or female," she says.
Oh. That's understandable. I finally see the figure burst from the trees, trailing a green robe and carrying a staff. Three skeletons are close on her heels. They drop from a sudden onslaught of arrows. The sorceress races across the bridge, watching behind her, and hits me full in the chest. I wrap my arms around her as I go down, and roll so she doesn't hit the ground.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir knight. The skeletons… they were so close…"
"It's ok, you're safe now," I answer, then realize the hilarity of the situation. "Anyway, you should thank the Rogues. I was only here to provide backup. I thought the camp was under attack. I'm not even wearing my armor."
She looks down, and realizes she's still on top of me. She jumps up, scrambling for her staff. I catch Kiara's face, a hard light burning in her eyes. "What's gotten into her?" I ask myself.
I get myself up, and turn to the newcomer. "Milady, I'm sure you are welcome here. I suggest you speak to Akara. She seems to be the one in charge here."
"Thank you, sir knight, I will do so," she says. "My name is Ravina Choltek."
"I am Xavier Halcrion, of the Army of Zakarum. Akara is right over there," I point to the old woman, watching the exchange. "She'll be glad to help you."
As Ravina turns away, I catch Kiara's look. I flash her my biggest smile, then return to my exercises. I hope there are no more interruptions. Before I begin, I get a sword from Charsi, promising to return it. I start into my practice, honing my skills, and at the same time, meditating and bringing my auras to the surface. I activate the prayer aura, to keep myself healthy. A faint blue glow surrounds me.
As I continue, I finally open my mind, to all I know. Some auras are stronger than others, so they will take more time to bring out. I roll through position after position, each promising either a deadly blow, or a defense against one. I spin, bringing the sword close, and stabbing forward. Ravina freezes, her eyes fixed on the point of the sword, not three inches from her heart. I pull it back, startled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you approach. Had I known you were there, I would not have done such a thing."
"It's… it's… it's okay," she finally says. "Akara told me I should speak to you. She wants me to join you on your quest."
"She wants you to join me? Why?" I ask.
"She thinks you'll need some help. And besides, what if your target is three inches farther from your sword?" she laughs.
"This isn't my sword, mine's longer. Had I been using it, you would be dead right now. How old are you?"
"I'm eighteen. The proper age for a sorceress to begin her life's work."
"Eighteen? When I was your age, I was cutting purses to buy bread. I cut one on a fellow Paladin, but he caught me. He became my mentor. I underwent a complete life change. I traded a life of stealing for a life in service to the Gods. Every day I give thanks for what I did."
"How old are you, you look like your in your thirties," she replies. "You had a complete turnaround?"
"I am twenty-two. The life of a Child of Zakarum is harsh. Have you ever killed anyone, Ravina? Can you?"
"Only creatures of evil. I was out of mana when those skeletons jumped me. Three of their brothers went down under fireballs."
"Very well. If you think you have what it takes, I'm going back out there tomorrow. You may join me if you wish. We'll clear the Blood Moor, then continue into the Cold Plains. Kashya, the lead Rogue, wants me to clear the cemetery."
"Ugh, I hate cemeteries, but I'll help," she says. "What is in this particular one that is so bad?"
"Her name is Blood Raven, she's a fallen Rogue who is raising the dead for an army. Kashya feels she is becoming too strong, and may attack soon."
"Very well, I will help you," she decides. "But what will she think of that?"
"Who?"
"The Rogue that keeps shooting deadly glances at me," Ravina nods toward Kiara, who's watching from across camp.
"Don't worry," I answer. "She'll only do anything if I return wounded again, I believe. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to my meditation now."
"Oh, ok. I'll move over here."
Feeling my hunger, I ask her, "Could you see if there's any food around here, I haven't eaten in three days."
Her eyes grow wide. "Three days?"
"Yeah, I was poisoned."
"Ok." She leaves, going to see Akara. I noticed she left a large area between her and Kiara. Kiara rose and approached me.
"She's a little young for you, isn't she?" I see the fire flash in her eyes.
"What? I have no designs on her. I just met her today. And besides, I don't want an arrow accidentally burying itself in my back."
The fire died, then flashed anew, for a second. Then Kiara laughed. A rich, lilting laugh. And, for that brief moment, I felt all the roughness of this world drift away. But it returned as soon as it had left.
"Paladin, that was the first time I've had such a compliment given to me," her eyes drop to the ground, then return, locking with mine. "Thank you."
"Any time, my lady," I reply.
A long silence stretched between us. I saw her hand start to move, then return to her side. "I will leave you to your exercises then." She departs, but I notice her hips sway a little more… Then catch Kashya's face, as impassive as stone, as always. I can't tell if that's a smile or frown. I try to start again, but can't focus. Lowering the sword, I decided I'm finished. I return the sword to Charsi and pick up my equipment, which has been repaired. I pay her and go back to my pack.
Ravina returns with bowls of stew that Gheed was preparing. "I had to promise to pay him for this when we return tomorrow."
"What? No, I'll handle it." I finish my stew, then walk over to Gheed. "How much?"
"For what, sir?" He asks, an oily smile on his face.
"For the stew."
"Don't worry about it. The young woman will pay for it."
"No, Gheed. I will," I answer. "How much?"
"Look, noble Paladin. The young sorceress will pay for it. There is no need for you to get involved."
I lay my hand on the pommel of my sword. "I'll ask one more time. How much?"
"Oh, very well. Two gold coins," he snaps.
I pay him, and walk away. I turn, and say, "Don't try anything like that again. I know men like you, and have done worse to them than I did to you. I will try to curb that part of me, due to the circumstances we are in. Do not try to take advantage of her again." On that, I turned, not wanting to hear his spluttered excuses, although I did hear a 'mighty paladin's got it hard for her' as I strode off. Oh well.
"Don't worry, Ravina. You won't have to deal with him again. Anything that has to do with him, I'll handle."
"Ok, thank you. I didn't really like the way he kept looking at me, like he was trying to see through me."
"No, not through you, just your clothes. He probably thought that with your age, he could take advantage of you. He won't try it again, but if he does, either incinerate him on the spot, or tell me. I'll kick him out of the camp."
I look up at the sun. Just after noon. "What do you say we go out into the Blood Moor? I want to get it clear before we go anywhere else?"
She looks up. "I thought you were going to wait until tomorrow?"
"I was, but I've lost my concentration. You ready?"
Ravina grabs her staff and stands. "Whenever you are."
We walk to the gate. I turn to the Rogue there. "We'll only be out for a little while. Just want to take a look around, see if we can clear it."
The Rogue replies, "Very well. We will await your return."