The Debt of Death
By: Jack .S.
I sat alone in The Haven, one foot casually hung over the side and into the body of water that surrounded the spire. The water churned about my Dark blue skin as if it were a stone in a calm river. I had seen the local Healer about a week before, to see if she could tend to my wounds, but being a Drow had brought me little help from her. She had healed most of my wounds but I still hurt. I had come across an eye patch a few days latter, to cover the scare of my left eye. Something was special about his patch. When I wore it my weapons seemed lighter. My dagger was always light but the mining pick; I now carried as my second weapon, just seemed lighter. I had searched for the merchant whose shipment had gotten my friends killed, as well as twelve of Common ports finest. I had gotten no leads until now. I was told to seek out a Dwarven smith named Crow.
I sighed heavily as I stood stringing Daparks bow over my shoulder. I slide my dagger back into my belt and hung my pick from my pack. I stretched and yawned in the morning sun. I turned to look into it, but as I did a softly glowing arrow slid from my pack and clattered to the ground. It was the last remaining piece of the cargo; my friends had lost their lives for. I had promised their souls and myself. I would deliver it to the rightful owner. I smiled as I picked it up and slid it back into my pack.
The Haven was loud by most standards, but today was quieter then usual. The merchants weren't out haggling and the rift raft weren't about. I limped among the buildings looking for a smiths shop called 'Crows feet'. After I had found the shop I decided to wonder about for a while more browsing the wares of some nearby merchants. When I finally worked up enough nerve to enter the shop.
I walked in through the front door and I was assaulted by and intense heat and the smell of burnt coal and melting metal. A young Dwarf was busily at work pounding away on a brightly glowing sword. She glanced up between pounds of the hammer. " I'll be right with you." She yells over the din. I nodded as I began to look among her wares that were strewn about on shelves and hung from walls. I scratched at my eye patch as she threw her glowing into a vat of cooled water. The resulting steam covered her approach and when it cleared she was standing near the center support beam. Her hair was raven black natural but the sot added to it. She pulled her smock off and hung it on a hook near by. She was tall for a Dwarf, and thinner then most. She crossed her arms across her chest and glared at me. She wore several bracelets on each arm and two earrings in each ear. She shook her head and wiped her face clean with her sleeve exposing a rosy red nose and cheeks. She grinned as she wiped her hands off on a rag and dropped it into a can nearby. "What can I do for you my friend?" she said as she jumped atop a box and looked me in the face.
" Friend?" I asked, " You call a Drow a friend?" I scratched at my eye patch as she shook her head again.
" The sot of the furnace covers all faces, the heart is all that matters." She said as she pulled a helm from a nearby shelf. It was designed to cover the Left eye with a sheet of metal. Perfectly designed for a person like me. She held it out to me. I shook my head as I sat down on a bench. " I don't need a Helmet at the Moment M'lady. I came here for some info. I need to know if anyone made an order for one of these." I said as I pulled the arrow from my pack as held it before her. Her eyes went as wide as dinner plates and I thought they would surely roll form their sockets.
"Why. Yes I think," She said scratching her chin as she thought. I shook my head quietly cursing myself for forgetting my manors.
"I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself," I said as I bowed to the floor " I am Jraxle, part of the merc." I began " no just Jraxle." I finished.
"Well, Just Jraxle." She smiled trying to lighten my mood. " I am Crow, and I don't remember the name of the merchant, but I know of their shop." She said Grabbing a key ring and storming out of the shop. She popped the helm on her head as she passed out the door. I shrugged and followed her out into the street. She turned and locked the door behind me.
A few hours latter we were standing outside an old building. It's stone was cracked and covered with an odd dark brown hue. An odd colored moss seemed to have taken over the building. The front door was guarded by two onyx Golems. Both taller then me but neither seemed to be active. Crow patted me on the back handing me the one eye helm. I looked at the helm then looked up at crow, but she was gone before I had even realized she was gone.
I walked up to the front doors and pushed on them. They swung open with a bang and an old musky smell greeted me. I walked in and the doors slammed shut behind me. The room was large and dimly lit by a fireplace, which burned low in the far corner. Vials and bottles were strewn about on the floor. Some still contained some of the liquid it once held. The shelves were covered in dust and cobwebs, and odd slime hung from the ceiling. It was under furnished with shelves along the walls a counter with a stool at it in the center and a chair placed near the fire.
I saw one long white leg hung over the arm. I approached it but a soft angelic like voice called out " No closer." I froze in place staring at the leg as it swung around to be hidden form view in front of the chair.
" I bring your Cargo from Common port." I said pulling the arrow from my pack. She spun about at the mention of the port city. Her Elvin features were locked in a glare, as she looked me over. Her skin was pale and her red hair hung about her shoulders. Her lips were as pale as her skin but had a red hue to them. She wore no makeup so the bags under her eyes stood out. Her eyes were greenish blue with a dark glow, and her hands were muscled from many years of spell casting.
" I thought it lost, Bah were are my manors." she began, 'where's your makeup', I thought, " I am Karana the alchemist of The Haven." She said as she stood and bowed before me her red hair sweeping the floor and scaring a rat away.
" I am Jraxle the last surviving." I began, as I slowly brought Daparks bow from my shoulder. She caught the movement and a clap of lighting shot from her hand. It thudded into my chest but I managed to stay on my feet. She waved her hand and a gust of wind smashed into me knocking me from my feet. The wind blew me into the door and I quickly rolled to my feet and disappeared into the crowd. Karana spent the next couple hours resetting her traps and devising new ones. I needed the rest anyhow.
I stubble into the Inn I was staying at and collapsed to my knees my chest hurting with ever breath. The gnome barkeep waved for one of the waitresses to help me to my room. As the little gnome hopped the counter grabbing a club and heading for the door to make sure I wasn't followed. I nodded my thanks as the waitress picked me up and I passed out in her arms.
When I came to I was staring at the ceiling in my room. I sat up and scratched at my eye patch again. My head swooned and I almost passed out again. My chest was tightly wrapped and one of my ankles was in a splint. My chest still hurt and I couldn't feel my ankle. I lay back in my bed and looked about my room. A human female was bent over a washbasin her back to me. She turned around and blushed when she realized I was staring she turned for the door. " You need your sleep," she said in such a soft tone.
" Wait" I called sitting up quickly causing my head to swoon again. She turned about her deep brown eyes locking with mine. She grinned and stepped out the door closing it behind her. I shook my head and lay back down her Image locked in my mind. I could still see her well-figured body, and the beautifully dark hair flowing. As if it were a mountain stream over her shoulders and down her back. I fell asleep a moment latter after she had left. My chest still needed time to heal.
I awoke latter that night when a rough hand grabbed me over the mouth. I reached for my dagger but it wasn't there. I opened my eyes wide to see a rather unhappy dwarf standing over me. " You stole my helm" crow whispered sharply into my ear. I shook my head and sat up.
" You gave the helm." I began but the punch from the angry dwarf shut me up.
"Lent it to you blue berry" Crow growled, throwing her hands in the air as she stomped over to a chair and sat down roughly.
" Sorry Crow I'll return it." I said as I grabbed my pack and pulled it open. Crow shook her head and popped to her feet.
" Keep it," she said as she stormed out of my room and stomped noisily down the hall. Drawing a few shouts for quiet.
" Strange little dwarf." I said to the set of eyes looking in at me. The gnome walked in nodding. "Sorry to have caused all the trouble. Dear gnome was just a mix up." I apologized.
" No worries friend. I heard the ruckus from the bar." The gnome threw his thumb over his shoulder. " Someone wants to talk with you." A young woman stepped around the corner her dark hair waving in the light breeze and her brown eyes sparkling in the candlelight. " I believe you've met before." The gnome laughed drawing a rough shove from the women.
"Heard your story from the gnome" She said as she dropped a hand onto the gnomes head. "I am Ava, A ranger by trade." She announced proudly as she bowed in the doorway. I nodded and stood up through the pain and bowed myself.
" I am Jraxle you no doubt know my trade," I said grinning as I looked up. " And what can I do for a lady such as yourself." I finished standing up straight my chest still hurting. I noticed the gnome shifted uneasily. I could guess what was coming next.
" I wish to adventure alongside you." She said grinning the biggest smile as she turned to the gnome. " And why are you still here?" she asked all though we all knew the answer.
"Well." The little gnome began as he popped down into a chair near the window. "I'm just making sure nothing happens to you. At least until you've paid off your debt."
"I couldn't leave you with a debt silly gnome" Ava Laughed roughing up the gnomes hair. " I'll stay until it is paid off. So how bout it Jrax?" The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Leibelec was the last one to have ever called me 'Jrax' and it hit the nerve.
" We'll see in the morning." I said as I fell back into bed and went back to sleep.
My dreams that night were of Leibelec and the last battle in the Common lands. I saw the arrow flying form the fog and hitting Leibelec in the chest. I saw Juggernaght go on his rampage and disappear among the gnolls. I saw Dapark running beside Cairenna, as they were smashed under the giant. Lastly I saw Celebiel, the only women I ever felt close to, propped up on the end of a gnolls spear. I shook the images away and spent the rest of the night dreaming up a plan.
I awoke the next day when I heard yelling from the outside. I jumped to my feet and pulled my armor on my chest didn't hurt as much today. I Turned for the doorway and took a step. I stopped dead when I saw Leibelec standing in the doorway holding a Mug of some murky liquid. I shook my head and wiped my eyes, sliding my hand under the eye patch to scratch at my scar. When I looked back up the image was gone.
I walked down the steps to the front room of the Inn. Everything was in a ruckus. Tables were covered with maps and people were talking of war. I shook my head as men ran all over spreading info from table to table. I looked to the table in the back and saw Juggernaght seated across from Leibelec. I shook my head and looked over at the gnome barkeep. He nodded towards the door. I thanked him looked back at the images at the back table and walked out the door.
People were running all over, some caring buckets of water others caring armfuls of dirt. I followed the throng through the city until we arrived at 'Crows feet' or what was left of it. Bricks were strewn about and a massive fire burned in the middle. I was handed a bucket and shoved towards the fire.
It took almost all day to put the fire out, but once it had stopped the crowd dispersed leaving only me and the ashes." I wonder if Crow's all right?" I mumbled as I absently kicked a stone, or I wished it were a stone. For when the fiery dwarf pulled herself from the rubble she hopped to her feet and I got a sharp punch in the chest that sent a shock of pain coursing over my body. I fell to the ground on my side the fiery dwarf standing over me rubbing her rump.
" Why don't you ask me yourself?" She growled kicking me in the ribs. I let out a sharp breath to hide the groan. She smiled as she turned about digging through the rubble.
"How?" I asked sitting up on my elbows. She didn't seem to register so I repeated myself "How?" She turned to me and stomped her foot causing a gauntlet to launch into the air. She punched out and slid her hand inside perfectly.
"Better off to ask who, and why" she started to dig through the rubble again "Karana visited me last night. She got mad cause I won the argument." Crow growled as she pulled a helm over her head. " I survived because my hearths are fire-proof." She answered patting a stone nearby. I looked up form the rummaging dwarf and saw a dwarf staring wide-eyed at me. His hand and club were wrapped in a whip and another was wrapped around his throat. I tapped crow on the shoulder but the Image faded before she looked up.
" It's time to go visit that wizard." I said as crow looked up. She nodded and pulled a great axe from the rubble. It took me a while to calm crow enough to talk her into going to the Inn, but once I had we were quickly toward it.
I busted in through the door as was met by Ava all dressed up in her battle mail. "I'm coming with you." I shook my head and a few minuets latter I had all the supplies I needed and Crow, Ava, and me were all marching towards Karana's shop.
When we arrived we found the doors thrown wide open. The golems were gone and a weird magic was about the place. Crow let out a wild battle call and charged. I threw my hand out to top her but she was to quick, but no quick enough for a clap of lighting shoot from the portal and knocked crow back. I shrugged helplessly and smiled at Ava. Crow got back to her feet and charged again. This time she was ready for the lighting and she dodged aside and was inside the door.
Soon we all were inside. The room had changed greatly furniture seemed to have come from nowhere for it was strewn about the room. It had a door in the far wall. It swung on one hinge so it was hard to move but soon we were in the next room.
It had bookshelves lying on the floor against the wall and at odd angles. I climbed to the top of one to survey the room. A door was on the far wall, but something else caught my eye. I saw Celebiel propped up on a spear. I shook my head and rubbed my eye with my hand roughly. I looked back but she was still there. "What is it Jraxle?" crow called form bellow.
"A friend" I yelled back as I dropped to the ground and sprinted around the next bookcase to stand before Celebiel.
"Poor sap" crow whispered viewing the paladin.
"Who is she?" Ava asked through a quivering voice. I turned to answer but I suddenly got goose bumps running up my arms. I looked back and saw Celebiel fall to the ground. I took a step towards her but another shiver made me stop. I watched as Celebiel got to her feet and walked towards me.
The door in the back swung open and four figures stepped out. Juggernaght leading the way his body ripped and cut in many places. Leibelec followed closely behind a bloody arrow shaft protruding from her chest. Then came Hsabcm his head lulling about on his shoulders. Then came Karana, her robes flowed about her and her eyes glowed like two emeralds in the morning sun.
"I've brought your cargo." I called pulling the bow from my back. I reached for the arrow but it was gone. "Cargo?" The evil wizard laughed as she walked her hand towards her pets. "You are the cargo." "What's she talking about Jrax?" Ava asked taking a step back. Another shiver went up my back at the sound of my nickname. "They're my friends," I growled grimly. I ripped my mining pick from my belt and pulled 'The Dagger' from my boot. I charged towards the wizard but Juggernaght and Leibelec meet my charge. I feinted a few thrusts before I realized they were just zombies. Juggernaghts swings would over extend his great sword over thrusting. I heard crow growl something about fighting her kin and I could guess who she was fighting. I risked a glance over at Ava and saw her arms were a blur as she fended off Celebiel's thrusts.
I soon realized, as did my allies that you had to behead the things to kill it. For I had drawn one of Juggers swipes into his sisters throat causing her head fly free. Juggers' sword was stuck in her body and it bought me a moment of time. Behind me I heard a sickening noise behind me and knew crow was done with hers. I was about to finish Jug when Ava's scream drew my attention. I looked over to see Ava fall back with a sword stuck in her thigh. "Take this one." I yelled as I charged over to intercept Celebiel. I managed to deflect a killing blow but Ava lost a hand in the process. She screamed and passed out.
A lightning bolt flashed and the fighting beside me stopped. I heard
two dull thuds and I knew I was alone. "You're still to slow," I growled at the zombie as I brought my pick about for the finishing blow. "Wait" Celebiel wheezed, "I'm not dead." She coughed up some blood as she finished "You are to me," I said as I brought my dagger around and finished the blow. A bolt of lightning hit me and I was thrown to the floor stunned. Karana walked over to stand above me and she grinned pointing a wand in my face. " This one will make you my slave. As it did all your friends." She said wrapping her fingers tighter around the wand. I glared at her as she began to move it around. I felt a pull on my will power and the urge to bow before this lady. I closed my eye and fought for all I was worth. I almost blacked out when it stopped suddenly. I opened my eye and looked up at Karana her wand was splintered. She stared at it wide eyed then threw it aside drawing a dagger from her belt. I smiled and tried to sit up but couldn't my head was foggy and my limbs hurt. She raised her hands high up in the air the daggers carved blade flashing in the dim light. Her arms began the sudden drop but were stopped abruptly when and arrow thudded into one of her hand pinning it to the bookcase. She shook her head then looked about I looked towards the doorway and saw an elf standing his head bandaged as well as his chest and one of his legs. He fumbled with another arrow and fitted it into a bow. I shook my head figuring I was seeing another ghost but the next arrow pinned Karanas' last hand next to her other one. She screamed in pain as I got to my feet and stumbled towards the door. "Dapark My friend." I said grabbing him in a great hug "I'll explain latter," he said as he patted me on the back. I took his bow from him as he handed me the glowing arrow. I thanked him and pointed towards crow and Ava." Help them," I said as I fitted the arrow into the bowstring. "Dang that was a good shot." I mumbled realizing Dapark had hit her hand from quiet a distance. Karana managed to tear a hand free and began to wave it in my direction " Here is your cargo." I yelled as I let go of the arrow. It flew true and hit her solidly in the chest burning through her robe and the chain mail underneath. It kept going tearing through her skin and coming to rest in her evil heart. She glared at me with all the hatred she could muster as the light faded from her eyes.
It took a week for everyone to recover, Ava had lost her hand but now had a two pronged hook in its place. Crow had Taken over Karana's shop and now sold some of the finest metals in the Haven. In that week Dapark and me got up to speed. Seems they had survived the giants' fall but Cairenna was to badly wounded to make it out of the mountains. He had come up earlier the day he saved me. Visited the gnome and found out what I was up to. Ava kept her job as a waitress and I kept my room in the Inn.
A few days latter a tired out dwarf ran into the inn and collapsed on the floor of the Inn. He brought word of a necromancer ring that Karana was a part of, and her superiors were unhappy about her death. Looks like we going to get a visit in the future.
The End
Special thanks to: All my friends for their input and the great characters. .Also thanks to anyone who reads this I'm open for input.
By: Jack .S.
I sat alone in The Haven, one foot casually hung over the side and into the body of water that surrounded the spire. The water churned about my Dark blue skin as if it were a stone in a calm river. I had seen the local Healer about a week before, to see if she could tend to my wounds, but being a Drow had brought me little help from her. She had healed most of my wounds but I still hurt. I had come across an eye patch a few days latter, to cover the scare of my left eye. Something was special about his patch. When I wore it my weapons seemed lighter. My dagger was always light but the mining pick; I now carried as my second weapon, just seemed lighter. I had searched for the merchant whose shipment had gotten my friends killed, as well as twelve of Common ports finest. I had gotten no leads until now. I was told to seek out a Dwarven smith named Crow.
I sighed heavily as I stood stringing Daparks bow over my shoulder. I slide my dagger back into my belt and hung my pick from my pack. I stretched and yawned in the morning sun. I turned to look into it, but as I did a softly glowing arrow slid from my pack and clattered to the ground. It was the last remaining piece of the cargo; my friends had lost their lives for. I had promised their souls and myself. I would deliver it to the rightful owner. I smiled as I picked it up and slid it back into my pack.
The Haven was loud by most standards, but today was quieter then usual. The merchants weren't out haggling and the rift raft weren't about. I limped among the buildings looking for a smiths shop called 'Crows feet'. After I had found the shop I decided to wonder about for a while more browsing the wares of some nearby merchants. When I finally worked up enough nerve to enter the shop.
I walked in through the front door and I was assaulted by and intense heat and the smell of burnt coal and melting metal. A young Dwarf was busily at work pounding away on a brightly glowing sword. She glanced up between pounds of the hammer. " I'll be right with you." She yells over the din. I nodded as I began to look among her wares that were strewn about on shelves and hung from walls. I scratched at my eye patch as she threw her glowing into a vat of cooled water. The resulting steam covered her approach and when it cleared she was standing near the center support beam. Her hair was raven black natural but the sot added to it. She pulled her smock off and hung it on a hook near by. She was tall for a Dwarf, and thinner then most. She crossed her arms across her chest and glared at me. She wore several bracelets on each arm and two earrings in each ear. She shook her head and wiped her face clean with her sleeve exposing a rosy red nose and cheeks. She grinned as she wiped her hands off on a rag and dropped it into a can nearby. "What can I do for you my friend?" she said as she jumped atop a box and looked me in the face.
" Friend?" I asked, " You call a Drow a friend?" I scratched at my eye patch as she shook her head again.
" The sot of the furnace covers all faces, the heart is all that matters." She said as she pulled a helm from a nearby shelf. It was designed to cover the Left eye with a sheet of metal. Perfectly designed for a person like me. She held it out to me. I shook my head as I sat down on a bench. " I don't need a Helmet at the Moment M'lady. I came here for some info. I need to know if anyone made an order for one of these." I said as I pulled the arrow from my pack as held it before her. Her eyes went as wide as dinner plates and I thought they would surely roll form their sockets.
"Why. Yes I think," She said scratching her chin as she thought. I shook my head quietly cursing myself for forgetting my manors.
"I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself," I said as I bowed to the floor " I am Jraxle, part of the merc." I began " no just Jraxle." I finished.
"Well, Just Jraxle." She smiled trying to lighten my mood. " I am Crow, and I don't remember the name of the merchant, but I know of their shop." She said Grabbing a key ring and storming out of the shop. She popped the helm on her head as she passed out the door. I shrugged and followed her out into the street. She turned and locked the door behind me.
A few hours latter we were standing outside an old building. It's stone was cracked and covered with an odd dark brown hue. An odd colored moss seemed to have taken over the building. The front door was guarded by two onyx Golems. Both taller then me but neither seemed to be active. Crow patted me on the back handing me the one eye helm. I looked at the helm then looked up at crow, but she was gone before I had even realized she was gone.
I walked up to the front doors and pushed on them. They swung open with a bang and an old musky smell greeted me. I walked in and the doors slammed shut behind me. The room was large and dimly lit by a fireplace, which burned low in the far corner. Vials and bottles were strewn about on the floor. Some still contained some of the liquid it once held. The shelves were covered in dust and cobwebs, and odd slime hung from the ceiling. It was under furnished with shelves along the walls a counter with a stool at it in the center and a chair placed near the fire.
I saw one long white leg hung over the arm. I approached it but a soft angelic like voice called out " No closer." I froze in place staring at the leg as it swung around to be hidden form view in front of the chair.
" I bring your Cargo from Common port." I said pulling the arrow from my pack. She spun about at the mention of the port city. Her Elvin features were locked in a glare, as she looked me over. Her skin was pale and her red hair hung about her shoulders. Her lips were as pale as her skin but had a red hue to them. She wore no makeup so the bags under her eyes stood out. Her eyes were greenish blue with a dark glow, and her hands were muscled from many years of spell casting.
" I thought it lost, Bah were are my manors." she began, 'where's your makeup', I thought, " I am Karana the alchemist of The Haven." She said as she stood and bowed before me her red hair sweeping the floor and scaring a rat away.
" I am Jraxle the last surviving." I began, as I slowly brought Daparks bow from my shoulder. She caught the movement and a clap of lighting shot from her hand. It thudded into my chest but I managed to stay on my feet. She waved her hand and a gust of wind smashed into me knocking me from my feet. The wind blew me into the door and I quickly rolled to my feet and disappeared into the crowd. Karana spent the next couple hours resetting her traps and devising new ones. I needed the rest anyhow.
I stubble into the Inn I was staying at and collapsed to my knees my chest hurting with ever breath. The gnome barkeep waved for one of the waitresses to help me to my room. As the little gnome hopped the counter grabbing a club and heading for the door to make sure I wasn't followed. I nodded my thanks as the waitress picked me up and I passed out in her arms.
When I came to I was staring at the ceiling in my room. I sat up and scratched at my eye patch again. My head swooned and I almost passed out again. My chest was tightly wrapped and one of my ankles was in a splint. My chest still hurt and I couldn't feel my ankle. I lay back in my bed and looked about my room. A human female was bent over a washbasin her back to me. She turned around and blushed when she realized I was staring she turned for the door. " You need your sleep," she said in such a soft tone.
" Wait" I called sitting up quickly causing my head to swoon again. She turned about her deep brown eyes locking with mine. She grinned and stepped out the door closing it behind her. I shook my head and lay back down her Image locked in my mind. I could still see her well-figured body, and the beautifully dark hair flowing. As if it were a mountain stream over her shoulders and down her back. I fell asleep a moment latter after she had left. My chest still needed time to heal.
I awoke latter that night when a rough hand grabbed me over the mouth. I reached for my dagger but it wasn't there. I opened my eyes wide to see a rather unhappy dwarf standing over me. " You stole my helm" crow whispered sharply into my ear. I shook my head and sat up.
" You gave the helm." I began but the punch from the angry dwarf shut me up.
"Lent it to you blue berry" Crow growled, throwing her hands in the air as she stomped over to a chair and sat down roughly.
" Sorry Crow I'll return it." I said as I grabbed my pack and pulled it open. Crow shook her head and popped to her feet.
" Keep it," she said as she stormed out of my room and stomped noisily down the hall. Drawing a few shouts for quiet.
" Strange little dwarf." I said to the set of eyes looking in at me. The gnome walked in nodding. "Sorry to have caused all the trouble. Dear gnome was just a mix up." I apologized.
" No worries friend. I heard the ruckus from the bar." The gnome threw his thumb over his shoulder. " Someone wants to talk with you." A young woman stepped around the corner her dark hair waving in the light breeze and her brown eyes sparkling in the candlelight. " I believe you've met before." The gnome laughed drawing a rough shove from the women.
"Heard your story from the gnome" She said as she dropped a hand onto the gnomes head. "I am Ava, A ranger by trade." She announced proudly as she bowed in the doorway. I nodded and stood up through the pain and bowed myself.
" I am Jraxle you no doubt know my trade," I said grinning as I looked up. " And what can I do for a lady such as yourself." I finished standing up straight my chest still hurting. I noticed the gnome shifted uneasily. I could guess what was coming next.
" I wish to adventure alongside you." She said grinning the biggest smile as she turned to the gnome. " And why are you still here?" she asked all though we all knew the answer.
"Well." The little gnome began as he popped down into a chair near the window. "I'm just making sure nothing happens to you. At least until you've paid off your debt."
"I couldn't leave you with a debt silly gnome" Ava Laughed roughing up the gnomes hair. " I'll stay until it is paid off. So how bout it Jrax?" The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Leibelec was the last one to have ever called me 'Jrax' and it hit the nerve.
" We'll see in the morning." I said as I fell back into bed and went back to sleep.
My dreams that night were of Leibelec and the last battle in the Common lands. I saw the arrow flying form the fog and hitting Leibelec in the chest. I saw Juggernaght go on his rampage and disappear among the gnolls. I saw Dapark running beside Cairenna, as they were smashed under the giant. Lastly I saw Celebiel, the only women I ever felt close to, propped up on the end of a gnolls spear. I shook the images away and spent the rest of the night dreaming up a plan.
I awoke the next day when I heard yelling from the outside. I jumped to my feet and pulled my armor on my chest didn't hurt as much today. I Turned for the doorway and took a step. I stopped dead when I saw Leibelec standing in the doorway holding a Mug of some murky liquid. I shook my head and wiped my eyes, sliding my hand under the eye patch to scratch at my scar. When I looked back up the image was gone.
I walked down the steps to the front room of the Inn. Everything was in a ruckus. Tables were covered with maps and people were talking of war. I shook my head as men ran all over spreading info from table to table. I looked to the table in the back and saw Juggernaght seated across from Leibelec. I shook my head and looked over at the gnome barkeep. He nodded towards the door. I thanked him looked back at the images at the back table and walked out the door.
People were running all over, some caring buckets of water others caring armfuls of dirt. I followed the throng through the city until we arrived at 'Crows feet' or what was left of it. Bricks were strewn about and a massive fire burned in the middle. I was handed a bucket and shoved towards the fire.
It took almost all day to put the fire out, but once it had stopped the crowd dispersed leaving only me and the ashes." I wonder if Crow's all right?" I mumbled as I absently kicked a stone, or I wished it were a stone. For when the fiery dwarf pulled herself from the rubble she hopped to her feet and I got a sharp punch in the chest that sent a shock of pain coursing over my body. I fell to the ground on my side the fiery dwarf standing over me rubbing her rump.
" Why don't you ask me yourself?" She growled kicking me in the ribs. I let out a sharp breath to hide the groan. She smiled as she turned about digging through the rubble.
"How?" I asked sitting up on my elbows. She didn't seem to register so I repeated myself "How?" She turned to me and stomped her foot causing a gauntlet to launch into the air. She punched out and slid her hand inside perfectly.
"Better off to ask who, and why" she started to dig through the rubble again "Karana visited me last night. She got mad cause I won the argument." Crow growled as she pulled a helm over her head. " I survived because my hearths are fire-proof." She answered patting a stone nearby. I looked up form the rummaging dwarf and saw a dwarf staring wide-eyed at me. His hand and club were wrapped in a whip and another was wrapped around his throat. I tapped crow on the shoulder but the Image faded before she looked up.
" It's time to go visit that wizard." I said as crow looked up. She nodded and pulled a great axe from the rubble. It took me a while to calm crow enough to talk her into going to the Inn, but once I had we were quickly toward it.
I busted in through the door as was met by Ava all dressed up in her battle mail. "I'm coming with you." I shook my head and a few minuets latter I had all the supplies I needed and Crow, Ava, and me were all marching towards Karana's shop.
When we arrived we found the doors thrown wide open. The golems were gone and a weird magic was about the place. Crow let out a wild battle call and charged. I threw my hand out to top her but she was to quick, but no quick enough for a clap of lighting shoot from the portal and knocked crow back. I shrugged helplessly and smiled at Ava. Crow got back to her feet and charged again. This time she was ready for the lighting and she dodged aside and was inside the door.
Soon we all were inside. The room had changed greatly furniture seemed to have come from nowhere for it was strewn about the room. It had a door in the far wall. It swung on one hinge so it was hard to move but soon we were in the next room.
It had bookshelves lying on the floor against the wall and at odd angles. I climbed to the top of one to survey the room. A door was on the far wall, but something else caught my eye. I saw Celebiel propped up on a spear. I shook my head and rubbed my eye with my hand roughly. I looked back but she was still there. "What is it Jraxle?" crow called form bellow.
"A friend" I yelled back as I dropped to the ground and sprinted around the next bookcase to stand before Celebiel.
"Poor sap" crow whispered viewing the paladin.
"Who is she?" Ava asked through a quivering voice. I turned to answer but I suddenly got goose bumps running up my arms. I looked back and saw Celebiel fall to the ground. I took a step towards her but another shiver made me stop. I watched as Celebiel got to her feet and walked towards me.
The door in the back swung open and four figures stepped out. Juggernaght leading the way his body ripped and cut in many places. Leibelec followed closely behind a bloody arrow shaft protruding from her chest. Then came Hsabcm his head lulling about on his shoulders. Then came Karana, her robes flowed about her and her eyes glowed like two emeralds in the morning sun.
"I've brought your cargo." I called pulling the bow from my back. I reached for the arrow but it was gone. "Cargo?" The evil wizard laughed as she walked her hand towards her pets. "You are the cargo." "What's she talking about Jrax?" Ava asked taking a step back. Another shiver went up my back at the sound of my nickname. "They're my friends," I growled grimly. I ripped my mining pick from my belt and pulled 'The Dagger' from my boot. I charged towards the wizard but Juggernaght and Leibelec meet my charge. I feinted a few thrusts before I realized they were just zombies. Juggernaghts swings would over extend his great sword over thrusting. I heard crow growl something about fighting her kin and I could guess who she was fighting. I risked a glance over at Ava and saw her arms were a blur as she fended off Celebiel's thrusts.
I soon realized, as did my allies that you had to behead the things to kill it. For I had drawn one of Juggers swipes into his sisters throat causing her head fly free. Juggers' sword was stuck in her body and it bought me a moment of time. Behind me I heard a sickening noise behind me and knew crow was done with hers. I was about to finish Jug when Ava's scream drew my attention. I looked over to see Ava fall back with a sword stuck in her thigh. "Take this one." I yelled as I charged over to intercept Celebiel. I managed to deflect a killing blow but Ava lost a hand in the process. She screamed and passed out.
A lightning bolt flashed and the fighting beside me stopped. I heard
two dull thuds and I knew I was alone. "You're still to slow," I growled at the zombie as I brought my pick about for the finishing blow. "Wait" Celebiel wheezed, "I'm not dead." She coughed up some blood as she finished "You are to me," I said as I brought my dagger around and finished the blow. A bolt of lightning hit me and I was thrown to the floor stunned. Karana walked over to stand above me and she grinned pointing a wand in my face. " This one will make you my slave. As it did all your friends." She said wrapping her fingers tighter around the wand. I glared at her as she began to move it around. I felt a pull on my will power and the urge to bow before this lady. I closed my eye and fought for all I was worth. I almost blacked out when it stopped suddenly. I opened my eye and looked up at Karana her wand was splintered. She stared at it wide eyed then threw it aside drawing a dagger from her belt. I smiled and tried to sit up but couldn't my head was foggy and my limbs hurt. She raised her hands high up in the air the daggers carved blade flashing in the dim light. Her arms began the sudden drop but were stopped abruptly when and arrow thudded into one of her hand pinning it to the bookcase. She shook her head then looked about I looked towards the doorway and saw an elf standing his head bandaged as well as his chest and one of his legs. He fumbled with another arrow and fitted it into a bow. I shook my head figuring I was seeing another ghost but the next arrow pinned Karanas' last hand next to her other one. She screamed in pain as I got to my feet and stumbled towards the door. "Dapark My friend." I said grabbing him in a great hug "I'll explain latter," he said as he patted me on the back. I took his bow from him as he handed me the glowing arrow. I thanked him and pointed towards crow and Ava." Help them," I said as I fitted the arrow into the bowstring. "Dang that was a good shot." I mumbled realizing Dapark had hit her hand from quiet a distance. Karana managed to tear a hand free and began to wave it in my direction " Here is your cargo." I yelled as I let go of the arrow. It flew true and hit her solidly in the chest burning through her robe and the chain mail underneath. It kept going tearing through her skin and coming to rest in her evil heart. She glared at me with all the hatred she could muster as the light faded from her eyes.
It took a week for everyone to recover, Ava had lost her hand but now had a two pronged hook in its place. Crow had Taken over Karana's shop and now sold some of the finest metals in the Haven. In that week Dapark and me got up to speed. Seems they had survived the giants' fall but Cairenna was to badly wounded to make it out of the mountains. He had come up earlier the day he saved me. Visited the gnome and found out what I was up to. Ava kept her job as a waitress and I kept my room in the Inn.
A few days latter a tired out dwarf ran into the inn and collapsed on the floor of the Inn. He brought word of a necromancer ring that Karana was a part of, and her superiors were unhappy about her death. Looks like we going to get a visit in the future.
The End
Special thanks to: All my friends for their input and the great characters. .Also thanks to anyone who reads this I'm open for input.