An Army of Dead
Chp.3
By: Jack Shepard
It hadn't been long since the death of the young Wizard, when talk of an army and a coming war. Rumors began to spread that a close knit clan of necromancers were marching on the Haven, rumored to be seeking 'he who killed their own' but then again they were just rumors. Everyone in the haven was over reacting. Only Crow was happy to hear of such rumors. After all war meant weapons, which in turn meant repairs, which for Crow meant money. Her small shop had taken off everyone was trying to get their hands on the best armor and weapons around, All for a rumored war. I didn't care either way I was going to make money Would be the first time in a while, since my last true job was a failure my band was slaughtered like dogs. By the dog men they called gnolls. Shortly after I had found the merchant who had set us up, and killed her with the last bit of cargo I had left. One arrow that was rumored to burn through anything any man could make. It burned right through her chest and right into her heart.
I had made new friends but the emptiness was still there no one could recover from the loss of such loved ones. One was a fiery young dwarf Named Crow she was only in it for herself and those she loved. Rarely ever laughs but has a rage that is beyond any compare. Ava was a young human ranger who was just looking for some excitement in her life. She lost her hand finding it and hasn't changed a bit, although the Device she uses as a hand is rather unsightly. She's still looking for a good adventure, and her deep brown eyes still hold the same fire as the first time I met her. I had come to call the haven my home, and soon I was fitting in as well as a dark elf could. I had worked to make enough money to keep my room, and on my free time I merely looked out my window watching the people in the streets.
I had gotten up early as I always did and headed outside I took the less obvious route and went out the window. No one noticed as I dropped into the crowd and blended in working my way in the direction of Crows shop. I was walking up the steps to her front door when a hammer came whizzing out of nowhere. I caught it as I always did and hooked it into my belt as I entered the show room. Crow came close behind huffing as she always did "One of these times I'm going to kill you." She grumbled as she walked over to the hearth and stoked the fire.
"That would be an odd day indeed." I said as I sat down on my stool "who knows you might get taller too." Crow huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. I promptly dropped the hammer on her toe and laughed as she tried to dodge it.
"We got another order for your famous daggers." Crow said as she jumped aside letting the hammer bounce off the floor harmlessly. "Couple hundred. Seems the city guard heard of your craftsmanship." Crow said as she began to beat a bar of mithril into the shape of a dagger's hilt. I nodded my head and went to work myself. A couple hundred wasn't a big order, but I would rather have free time.
I had gotten out of work early already have met today's quota yesterday. I noticed fewer people were out then normal. Seemed the whole haven was asleep. Then I noticed him, an archer, sitting off in the shadows notching an arrow and taking aim my way. I watched him out of the corner of my eye running my finger over the hilt of my throwing dagger. He let fly but I was already in a roll. I came back to my feet a yard behind were the archer had aimed and flipped my throwing daggers out they flew straight out one hit the archer in the chest while the other cut his bow string. He leaned against the alleyway wall and slowly sank to the ground Eyes staring at the hilt of the dagger sticking from his chest. No one on the street seemed to notice let alone care assassination attempts were common in the haven.
I stood to my feet and brushed myself off walking over to the dieing man. I politely waited for the man to die before I ripped my dagger free. I gave up trying to find the second one figuring it must have slid under one of the stones nearby. I looked the archer over, he wore the robes of a caster and his hands were thin and long. His face was blank as if a spell had wiped it clean of any markings. I noticed a pendent hanging around his neck. I reached out slowly to try and break it free. The corpse jerked violently causing me to stab it another time and jumping to my feet watching confused as the corpse got to it's feet and began to walk off. I watched it as it walked off looking confused. "Damn Necros." I grumbled as I began to follow the corpse. It took all the back ways, but every once in a while it would wonder out in the streets and I would have to follow it closer to prevent losing sight of it. I got odd looks from everyone who passed by; after all I was following a corpse.
I followed it down an alleyway. I pulled my weapons from my belt knowing it was a dead end and likely a trap. Suddenly the corpse just dropped to the ground. I spun about in time to take a fist to the face. As I started to black out I saw A familiar face looking over me. "But... You're Dead." Where the last words to escape my mouth before I blacked out.
When I came to I was in an old sewer drain chained to a grate. My vision was blurry but as it cleared I saw Karan standing over the smoking pot. As two humanoid like figures ran about grabbing supplies and dropping them in. It was deathly quiet in the chamber except for the occasional splash of a component being dropped into the pot. I heard nothing else and felt Ice cold. I let my Neck relax and my eyes went down looking down at the water. Then I realized it, I had a hole in my chest the size of a gnomes head and I had no heartbeat. I let out a silent gasp that sounded more like a scream of fear and hatred. Karan spun about and eyed me wickedly her smile almost taking in her ears. "You're awake at last my toy." Karan said as she walked over to me.
"What have you done?" I said still staring at the hole in my chest. She laughed madly seeing my discomfort
"I merely made the score even." She said as she stuck her hand through my chest and shook on the grate. It shook and so did I "See it's not an illusion." She said laughing again. She pulled her robe back exposing the dead flesh underneath and the broken arrow shaft sticking from her chest. "It still burns Jraxle. It still burns for your death but we can't give it your death yet. No I'm not done with you yet. I have better things to do then kill you." She mumbled to herself scratching her chin as her eyes darted back and forth.
"Why am I still alive?" I asked managing to move an arm although my muscles hurt with every effort.
"Magic" Karan chimed happily as she threw her arms open wide her robe falling to the water. She spun about exposing her back which had been rotten and maggot ridden her backbone was clean and her shoulder blades stuck out from the flesh. "Besides we need you for something special but we can't have you dead now can we. Bring the vial." She said snapping a hand out behind her. One of her helpers ran over to her and handed her the potion. I noticed this one was shaped like a women but she had no face and her eyes were pure white. I shook my head wondering how someone could end up like that. "Here drink it'll revive you." Karan said as she put the vial to my lips. I kicked out sharply hitting the broken arrow shaft and driving it deeper into her body. She howled with pain and fell back smashing the vial in the face of the helper standing be hind her. The helper staggered as the magic soaked in then fell into the pot.
A huge puff of smoke went up from the pot, and using it as cover I managed to get myself free from the grate and stumbled out of the room. "That'll do Jraxle." Came Karans haunting voice. "You're free to go." She finished. " Just don't run into any of my friends" Her haunting laugh followed me out of the sewer and rang in my ears as I fell form the drain and landed in the lake.
Ava rolled out of bed and hit her head on the nightstand. Her eyes popped open at the sharp pain and sat up looking about her room as she rubbed the bump on her head. Something had woken her up but she wasn't sure why. She got to her feet and slid the gnomish device onto the stubble of her arm she flexed her arm and tested the mechanism. She had been working with it and now she could spread the hooks far enough to fit and arrow. She had lost her hand battling alongside Jraxle, and ever since Jraxle said he owed her, his. Until one day her boss, Xer, had been kind enough to fashion the mechanism together for her. Saying the whole time he couldn't lose his best waitress.
She pulled on her leggings and managed to get into a lose tunic. She walked out the door of her room and rambled down the steps and into the tavern. Xer was scrubbing the bar trying furiously to get one of the deep stains out. Dapark was seated across from the gnome sipping his drink and taking pride in driving the poor thing nuts. Ava straightened her tunic and brushed the wrinkles out of her pants. Dapark looked her way and nodded. She nodded back slightly as she sat down on an old barstool. Xer walked down to her hopping from the box he was standing on to the floor and up onto another one. Ava smirked as she relished why the Inn was called "The popping Gnome". "Slept well I hope" Xer said as he stopped in front of her. He gave Ava her morning Ale as he always did and she sighed heavily.
"Daparks up early." She stated to herself more then to the gnome. Xer just smirked as the old ranger sat down next to Ava. "Something awoke me..." Dapark began but was interrupted when crow burst through the front door. She was bleeding badly and she huffed a few times before she collapsed on the floor. Xer was at her side in a matter of seconds and he went about trying to lift the dwarf back onto her feet.
"We're under attack." She gasped between breaths. She looked up at Dapark as he ran over to her side a look of fear on her face. She passed out a second latter.
"Take her to a room and tend her wounds." Dapark said grimly motioning for Ava and Xer to attend to crow. Xer nodded and began to lift the dwarf onto his back and stumble up the stairs. Ava looked at the gnome as he parted then back at Dapark as he put on his weapons and Cloak.
"I'm coming with you." She said as she grabbed her bow and swung her quiver onto her back. Dapark just sighed and shook his head as he walked out the door.
Sounds of battle were clear as day even though the battle wasn't in the city yet. The streets were littered with the wounded, dead, and dieing. Ava hopped the fence of the stable and ran into the stables. She hopped atop her big black horse and petted it gently on the side of the neck. Dapark had a head start since his horse was always ready to ride bear back. "Catch up to him Stag." She whispered into the horses' ear. The horse reared up on its hind legs and bolted out of the stables.
She was on the outskirts of the haven when she finally caught glimpse of Dapark stood by the big iron doors talking to a guard, who was taking count of the wounded as they filtered out of the service tunnel. She wondered why the Guard was out of the battle but she quickly guessed why he seemed to be blind. 'Perhaps he got lucky enough to dodge a sword but not lucky enough to save his vision who knows' She though to herself as she dropped form her horse and ran over to Dapark. Then a scream erupted from the tunnel and a young man, No older then 16, came bearling out an axe buried in his shoulder. She watched the tunnel closely and for a second nothing truly happened. Until the ugliest troll she had ever seen emerged from the tunnel and yelled in rage charging towards her. She lifted her bow but before she could even begin to fit an arrow three arrows hit it solidly in the chest and it fell away.
Dapark sprinted for the tunnel jumping over the corpse bow still in hand. Ava fitted an arrow and followed through. When she emerged from the other side she was standing on the side of a massive canyon. No stars were out and the moon was hidden. As if the battle itself had scared them off, and the way it looked form where she stood they had a right to be scared. She could not tell friend from Foe it all just seemed to be a surging mass. The she saw something interesting a haven guard was charging into battle holding a halberd only he wasn't holding it. It was simply stuck through his body. "Zombies..." Dapark muttered. "... I hate Zombies... Aim for the head Ava." He said as he let an arrow go into the throng. She watched as the tide slowly shifted and the haven guards fell back to try and defend the ramp.
"Protect the gates let none of them through." Came a call from the front. " We are the last defense. If they break through nothing will be standing between them and our families." The voice yelled. It was meet by a cheer from the whole line and they began to push back. Dapark put his bow away and charged on to help. Ava went to follow but a punch to the back dropped her to the ground. She heard the strum of a bowstring then again. She felt her head resting in a pull of blood. Hers maybe she couldn't tell. Her vision blurred and she heard one more strum before she blacked out.
Crow jerked to a sitting position screaming out in fear. She had been out cold since she had last walked into the Inn. Her head was wrapped tightly and her arm was tied to a wooden splint. A scream came from outside the door and a thud was heard. Then the door burst open and a zombie stumbled for her. She grabbed a tray form the table and smashed it over the head. It collapsed to the ground and stopped moving. The hall was Slippery and had a sickening Dark red hue to it. "Blood?" Crow asked herself as she stuck her head out her door. Dead bodies were everywhere. She heard no noise except for the sickening drip drop of blood. Everything was still, but then she heard a whimper and on closer examination she saw a crooked nose sticking out from a slit in the floor.
Crow lifted her foot and stomped on the little thing. Xer screamed out throwing the slat aside and jumping to his feet. "Yellow bellied Gnome." Crow yelled, "Where is my armor." Xer pointed to a near by door holding his nose trying to stop the blood flow. Crow burst through the door and stopped on the inside looking around. It was dark and a thin layer of dust covered the floor. Except for the trail of gnome sized footprints leading over to the closest. Crow ran over and ripped the closest open. Her hammer and armor were placed on the shelves and her boots sat under them. She pulled them on quickly and was about to head back out into the hall when Xer screamed out followed quickly by a dull thud. Crow shivered figuring the Gnome dead and looked around for an escape. Her eyes fell on the window.
She was airborne and through it before she gave any thought of where she was going to land. She landed on something soft and rolled to her feet the street was littered with dead bodies. Some of which were simply hacked apart. She bit back the urge to vomit and rushed on. Her eyes fell on a Drow male curled up in the gutter. She about fell over when she relished who it was.
I looked up at Crows face her Head was tightly wrapped and she was covered in blood. "We need to get out of this city." She said grabbing my tunic and pulling me to my feet. I shrugged and started to sink back down. "What is with you?' She yelled in my ear as she kicked me in the side.
"I'm dead." I said staring at the ground in front of me.
"Bullshit" She screamed as she pulled me back to my feet and began to haul me off down the street.
"You don't understand..." I began but she cut me off
"NO! You don't understand... Dapark and Ava went to fight." Crow screamed as we veered around a corner.
"Ava..." I whispered to myself "Dapark." I yelled at the top of my lungs as we approached the great Iron doors.
"Yes Dapark, don't tell me you've lost your mind." Crow grumbled as we got to the big iron bound door. It hung lose on its hinges as if some great giant had busted through, and the ground was littered with the bodies of the dead. I cringed as I relished the grass wasn't green. "Holy smokes..." Crow said staring at the great doors. The bodies were piled atop each other as if the guards were using their comrades for high ground. Then one shifted and moaned. Crow whipped her hammer back but I caught her arm as it began to speak.
'Wait" The young guard said. "I'm still alive, but barely"
"Why are you still alive?" I asked helping the guard sit up right
"I was spared to bring a message to you. Karan has your friends." He said as his head lolled funny and the young guard passed on
"Karan?" Crow said questioningly. "I thought you kill..."
"She lives... but not for much longer." I said in such a grim tone it reminded me of Juggernaght. I grabbed a halberd from the dirt near by for I just relished I only had my dagger had lost my mining pick a while back. I ran on Crow following as close as she could. I followed the same path the zombie had taken. I knew I was getting close for some reason I could feel it. I motioned for Crow to hold back as I stepped into the shadows and snuck around the corner. Three Haven guards stood in the alley way milling about. I couldn't tell if they were dead or not, but before I got a chance to ponder on it they turned towards me and rushed at me full speed. "Zombies." I said answering my question.
I swept my halberd to the side and brought it back taking the first zombie down. I felt a rush of power from the weapon and it seemed to be lighter in my hands. I brought the halberd up in and arc and took the second zombie in the ribs. I forced the Blade on feeling the power surge. "I'm liking this weapon." I said as I began to bring it back around but a hammer flashed in fronnt of my face and smacked the third zombie in the face.
"Stealing all my fun." Crow said foaming at the mouth.
"You are in no condition to fight." I smiled but it quickly faded when Crows foot connected with my shin. I pulled my halberd free and lead on limping the rest of the way. Soon I was standing over the corpse in the Alleyway. "Cover my back," I said as I began to hit the ground hit my fists. Crow nodded and stayed back to protect the entrance to the alleyway. I heard a soft thud and began to Dig in that spot.
"Might want to hurry." Crow said as she smashed a zombie in the face "They're getting close." She finished wiping the gore form her hammer. I nodded and I began to dig deeper. My finger hit something hard and I wrapped my hand around it and pulled. I couldn't make it budge. I rushed back to Crow as the zombies fell atop her.
"It's stuck." I yelled as I took the zombie full force. Crow nodded and ran back towards the hole I had dug.
"I'll get it" She called as she got on her knees and began to pull and grunt. I was swiping Zombies aside experiencing the full rush of power from my weapon. I was constantly being pushed back being forced to take a step back for every zombie I killed. I heard metal on stone as crow grunted throwing the grate aside with a grunt. She dropped down and landed with a splash. I turned and dropped into the hole holding my halberd straight up as the ground rushed past my nos. I landed on Crow and kept running. Crow got up to her feet and ran after me. Either to catch up to me or beat me to a bloody pulp for using her as a stepping stool.
I rushed around a corner and almost fell off a ledge overlooking a drainage pool. Crow tackled me from behind and we dropped into the muck bellow with a splash. She rolled atop me grabbing the color of my tunic. She shook me hard. "Never ever step on my back again." She screamed. " Quiet crow." A voice called from off to the side. I pushed my hair out of my eyes and saw Dapark standing not to far off to the side. Crow popped to her feet and stormed over to Dapark.
"Don't you ever tell me to shut up." Crow screamed. Just then the whole room lit up as a purple bolt shot up to the ceiling. Karan was at its source surrounded by a score of zombies.
"Jraxle... How good to see you" She boomed as the zombies rushed towards us. She sat as if on air and began to watch laughing madly. Ava was closest to her propped up on a flat stone her head wrapped in Daparks tunic. She shifted some and tried to stand but one of the zombies sensing her movement picked her up and carried her back to Karan who began to wave her hands over her.
"Five to one was good odds." Dapark mumbled...
"But twenty to three is even better" Crow yelled as she charged forward Hammer leading the way. She swiped one zombie to the side pushing it into the muck. I followed closely Killing any zombies that survived Crows charge. Dapark Stood behind us shooting arrows into the throng. The zombies were dropping as fast as we could drop them. Crow took a blow to the face when her hammer didn't stop on the zombies skull instead just kept going. She fell to her knees and she was quickly scooped up. The zombies carried her back to Karan who now had Ava standing at her side watching the fight blankly. A zombie popped up before me his sword held up high. I brought my Halberd up to block but the sword cut through digging into my shoulder and dropping me to my knees. I looked up at the zombie as it brought its sword up to finish me off. It began its swing and I stared at it accepting my death.
Then a blade flashed over my head and took the zombie from his feet. Dapark ripped his sword free and charged on. Soon no zombies stood and Dapark was a leap away form Karan. Karan laughed madly as she simply flicked her wrist tearing the rangers soul from his body. I looked on in horror as Daparks body crumbled to the ground. I looked around for anything I could use to end this. I saw Daparks bow sticking in the muck but I could not see his quiver. I dove over to it and ripped it free. Karan Laughed madly as crow and Ava stumbled towards me. I looked around franticly for anything I could shoot at her. I reached for my dagger but it wasn't there. "Dammit" I whispered under my breath. Then I found it an arrow shaft but I had no time to wonder if it was whole. I tensed me leg as Ava got closer then I felt a cold hand on my shoulder and heard Dapark's voice. "Kill her and her magic will undone. It's to late for me, but not for our friends."
"How?" I asked the parting spirit.
"How? Jraxle?" Karan laughed "... I am all powerful," She rambled on. Then I heard Daparks parting words "I kept one too" I thought it over for a moment absently bringing my hand up to feel the hole in my chest. "Yes Jraxle. ALL my magic." Karan Jibbed as the zombies stopped in front of me. "I'm keeping you alive." You're a survivalist. I know your memories. You can't kill me." She said slowly basking in the glow of her victory. "You killed your best friends, and brought about the demise of your own lover. You only care about yourself. I know you." Karan Finished crossing her hands over her chest. "Join me and I'll let you live. Who knows maybe even free your friends. That is... If they wish to join me as well."
I kicked my foot up and caught the arrow and pulled it back into the string. "Then you surly know you'll die first." I screamed letting the arrow Go. It streaked out kitting Karan in between the eyes pinning her to the wall behind her. "Come... back form that... Bitch." I said coughing up a mouthful of blood. I fell to my knees watching as Karans head erupted into flames and her screams slowly died away. I fell back into the muck my vision fading. I looked up into Ava's pained face tears streaming down her face. Crow stood beside her a saddened look on her face. She nodded grimly and Ava began to bawl harder.
They watches, hunkered over his motionless body, as the last of his life force faded away. Jraxle Died with a smile on his face. He had never planned on dieing had it been him a year ago his friends would be dead and he would be standing over them laughing. Something in him had changed he wasn't sure what but he didn't care. He died with honor. Crow dropped a comforting hand on Ava's shoulder "We better get going. There may still be fighting in the city." Ava nodded finding Jraxles' Dagger once again on his belt and grabbing Daparks bow from his grasp.
Crow sat in the tavern of the popping gnome watching Ava going about her chores. Xer had died so by the right of the law Ava now owned the inn. She refused to change the name but Crow didn't care as she watched as the first people walked in through the front door. Most went straight to the fireplace and admired the weapons hanging over it before they went to take a seat. Ava had hung the legendary dagger of Jraxle, The marksmen bow of Dapark, and the magic arrow. In honor of their defense of the haven the captain of the guard had a plague maid that read ' with these weapons Jraxle and Dapark slew Karan the undead leach and her undead army in the northern most sewer drain.' Crow smiled as she remembered the popularity the Mercenary had gotten.
She stood up smiling and went through the back door and into the backyard. Two Tombstones sat in the back yard. One read 'here lies Jraxle.' And the other ' ... and his buddy Dapark.' She smiled looking back at the two figures sitting at the table in the back. "Can I get you boys anything?"
"We'll be fine Lady Crow but thanks." Said the dark elf as he continued his conversation with the Human sitting across from him...
Now you have to ask yourself. Is it over? If you say yes then ask yourself why is it over? I'm not here to tell you what to think just keep you're mind open, and you'll see
The End
By: Jack Shepard
Thanks To Rex for letting me base the gnome after him (Xer)
Thanks to A. Wooten for letting me base Ava after her
Thanks to Sammie Fluck for letting me base Crow after her
Thanks To My buddy Dapark for letting me base Dapark after him
And thanks For Kara for being Evil and letting me base Karan after her
Thanks for reading LATTER
Chp.3
By: Jack Shepard
It hadn't been long since the death of the young Wizard, when talk of an army and a coming war. Rumors began to spread that a close knit clan of necromancers were marching on the Haven, rumored to be seeking 'he who killed their own' but then again they were just rumors. Everyone in the haven was over reacting. Only Crow was happy to hear of such rumors. After all war meant weapons, which in turn meant repairs, which for Crow meant money. Her small shop had taken off everyone was trying to get their hands on the best armor and weapons around, All for a rumored war. I didn't care either way I was going to make money Would be the first time in a while, since my last true job was a failure my band was slaughtered like dogs. By the dog men they called gnolls. Shortly after I had found the merchant who had set us up, and killed her with the last bit of cargo I had left. One arrow that was rumored to burn through anything any man could make. It burned right through her chest and right into her heart.
I had made new friends but the emptiness was still there no one could recover from the loss of such loved ones. One was a fiery young dwarf Named Crow she was only in it for herself and those she loved. Rarely ever laughs but has a rage that is beyond any compare. Ava was a young human ranger who was just looking for some excitement in her life. She lost her hand finding it and hasn't changed a bit, although the Device she uses as a hand is rather unsightly. She's still looking for a good adventure, and her deep brown eyes still hold the same fire as the first time I met her. I had come to call the haven my home, and soon I was fitting in as well as a dark elf could. I had worked to make enough money to keep my room, and on my free time I merely looked out my window watching the people in the streets.
I had gotten up early as I always did and headed outside I took the less obvious route and went out the window. No one noticed as I dropped into the crowd and blended in working my way in the direction of Crows shop. I was walking up the steps to her front door when a hammer came whizzing out of nowhere. I caught it as I always did and hooked it into my belt as I entered the show room. Crow came close behind huffing as she always did "One of these times I'm going to kill you." She grumbled as she walked over to the hearth and stoked the fire.
"That would be an odd day indeed." I said as I sat down on my stool "who knows you might get taller too." Crow huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. I promptly dropped the hammer on her toe and laughed as she tried to dodge it.
"We got another order for your famous daggers." Crow said as she jumped aside letting the hammer bounce off the floor harmlessly. "Couple hundred. Seems the city guard heard of your craftsmanship." Crow said as she began to beat a bar of mithril into the shape of a dagger's hilt. I nodded my head and went to work myself. A couple hundred wasn't a big order, but I would rather have free time.
I had gotten out of work early already have met today's quota yesterday. I noticed fewer people were out then normal. Seemed the whole haven was asleep. Then I noticed him, an archer, sitting off in the shadows notching an arrow and taking aim my way. I watched him out of the corner of my eye running my finger over the hilt of my throwing dagger. He let fly but I was already in a roll. I came back to my feet a yard behind were the archer had aimed and flipped my throwing daggers out they flew straight out one hit the archer in the chest while the other cut his bow string. He leaned against the alleyway wall and slowly sank to the ground Eyes staring at the hilt of the dagger sticking from his chest. No one on the street seemed to notice let alone care assassination attempts were common in the haven.
I stood to my feet and brushed myself off walking over to the dieing man. I politely waited for the man to die before I ripped my dagger free. I gave up trying to find the second one figuring it must have slid under one of the stones nearby. I looked the archer over, he wore the robes of a caster and his hands were thin and long. His face was blank as if a spell had wiped it clean of any markings. I noticed a pendent hanging around his neck. I reached out slowly to try and break it free. The corpse jerked violently causing me to stab it another time and jumping to my feet watching confused as the corpse got to it's feet and began to walk off. I watched it as it walked off looking confused. "Damn Necros." I grumbled as I began to follow the corpse. It took all the back ways, but every once in a while it would wonder out in the streets and I would have to follow it closer to prevent losing sight of it. I got odd looks from everyone who passed by; after all I was following a corpse.
I followed it down an alleyway. I pulled my weapons from my belt knowing it was a dead end and likely a trap. Suddenly the corpse just dropped to the ground. I spun about in time to take a fist to the face. As I started to black out I saw A familiar face looking over me. "But... You're Dead." Where the last words to escape my mouth before I blacked out.
When I came to I was in an old sewer drain chained to a grate. My vision was blurry but as it cleared I saw Karan standing over the smoking pot. As two humanoid like figures ran about grabbing supplies and dropping them in. It was deathly quiet in the chamber except for the occasional splash of a component being dropped into the pot. I heard nothing else and felt Ice cold. I let my Neck relax and my eyes went down looking down at the water. Then I realized it, I had a hole in my chest the size of a gnomes head and I had no heartbeat. I let out a silent gasp that sounded more like a scream of fear and hatred. Karan spun about and eyed me wickedly her smile almost taking in her ears. "You're awake at last my toy." Karan said as she walked over to me.
"What have you done?" I said still staring at the hole in my chest. She laughed madly seeing my discomfort
"I merely made the score even." She said as she stuck her hand through my chest and shook on the grate. It shook and so did I "See it's not an illusion." She said laughing again. She pulled her robe back exposing the dead flesh underneath and the broken arrow shaft sticking from her chest. "It still burns Jraxle. It still burns for your death but we can't give it your death yet. No I'm not done with you yet. I have better things to do then kill you." She mumbled to herself scratching her chin as her eyes darted back and forth.
"Why am I still alive?" I asked managing to move an arm although my muscles hurt with every effort.
"Magic" Karan chimed happily as she threw her arms open wide her robe falling to the water. She spun about exposing her back which had been rotten and maggot ridden her backbone was clean and her shoulder blades stuck out from the flesh. "Besides we need you for something special but we can't have you dead now can we. Bring the vial." She said snapping a hand out behind her. One of her helpers ran over to her and handed her the potion. I noticed this one was shaped like a women but she had no face and her eyes were pure white. I shook my head wondering how someone could end up like that. "Here drink it'll revive you." Karan said as she put the vial to my lips. I kicked out sharply hitting the broken arrow shaft and driving it deeper into her body. She howled with pain and fell back smashing the vial in the face of the helper standing be hind her. The helper staggered as the magic soaked in then fell into the pot.
A huge puff of smoke went up from the pot, and using it as cover I managed to get myself free from the grate and stumbled out of the room. "That'll do Jraxle." Came Karans haunting voice. "You're free to go." She finished. " Just don't run into any of my friends" Her haunting laugh followed me out of the sewer and rang in my ears as I fell form the drain and landed in the lake.
Ava rolled out of bed and hit her head on the nightstand. Her eyes popped open at the sharp pain and sat up looking about her room as she rubbed the bump on her head. Something had woken her up but she wasn't sure why. She got to her feet and slid the gnomish device onto the stubble of her arm she flexed her arm and tested the mechanism. She had been working with it and now she could spread the hooks far enough to fit and arrow. She had lost her hand battling alongside Jraxle, and ever since Jraxle said he owed her, his. Until one day her boss, Xer, had been kind enough to fashion the mechanism together for her. Saying the whole time he couldn't lose his best waitress.
She pulled on her leggings and managed to get into a lose tunic. She walked out the door of her room and rambled down the steps and into the tavern. Xer was scrubbing the bar trying furiously to get one of the deep stains out. Dapark was seated across from the gnome sipping his drink and taking pride in driving the poor thing nuts. Ava straightened her tunic and brushed the wrinkles out of her pants. Dapark looked her way and nodded. She nodded back slightly as she sat down on an old barstool. Xer walked down to her hopping from the box he was standing on to the floor and up onto another one. Ava smirked as she relished why the Inn was called "The popping Gnome". "Slept well I hope" Xer said as he stopped in front of her. He gave Ava her morning Ale as he always did and she sighed heavily.
"Daparks up early." She stated to herself more then to the gnome. Xer just smirked as the old ranger sat down next to Ava. "Something awoke me..." Dapark began but was interrupted when crow burst through the front door. She was bleeding badly and she huffed a few times before she collapsed on the floor. Xer was at her side in a matter of seconds and he went about trying to lift the dwarf back onto her feet.
"We're under attack." She gasped between breaths. She looked up at Dapark as he ran over to her side a look of fear on her face. She passed out a second latter.
"Take her to a room and tend her wounds." Dapark said grimly motioning for Ava and Xer to attend to crow. Xer nodded and began to lift the dwarf onto his back and stumble up the stairs. Ava looked at the gnome as he parted then back at Dapark as he put on his weapons and Cloak.
"I'm coming with you." She said as she grabbed her bow and swung her quiver onto her back. Dapark just sighed and shook his head as he walked out the door.
Sounds of battle were clear as day even though the battle wasn't in the city yet. The streets were littered with the wounded, dead, and dieing. Ava hopped the fence of the stable and ran into the stables. She hopped atop her big black horse and petted it gently on the side of the neck. Dapark had a head start since his horse was always ready to ride bear back. "Catch up to him Stag." She whispered into the horses' ear. The horse reared up on its hind legs and bolted out of the stables.
She was on the outskirts of the haven when she finally caught glimpse of Dapark stood by the big iron doors talking to a guard, who was taking count of the wounded as they filtered out of the service tunnel. She wondered why the Guard was out of the battle but she quickly guessed why he seemed to be blind. 'Perhaps he got lucky enough to dodge a sword but not lucky enough to save his vision who knows' She though to herself as she dropped form her horse and ran over to Dapark. Then a scream erupted from the tunnel and a young man, No older then 16, came bearling out an axe buried in his shoulder. She watched the tunnel closely and for a second nothing truly happened. Until the ugliest troll she had ever seen emerged from the tunnel and yelled in rage charging towards her. She lifted her bow but before she could even begin to fit an arrow three arrows hit it solidly in the chest and it fell away.
Dapark sprinted for the tunnel jumping over the corpse bow still in hand. Ava fitted an arrow and followed through. When she emerged from the other side she was standing on the side of a massive canyon. No stars were out and the moon was hidden. As if the battle itself had scared them off, and the way it looked form where she stood they had a right to be scared. She could not tell friend from Foe it all just seemed to be a surging mass. The she saw something interesting a haven guard was charging into battle holding a halberd only he wasn't holding it. It was simply stuck through his body. "Zombies..." Dapark muttered. "... I hate Zombies... Aim for the head Ava." He said as he let an arrow go into the throng. She watched as the tide slowly shifted and the haven guards fell back to try and defend the ramp.
"Protect the gates let none of them through." Came a call from the front. " We are the last defense. If they break through nothing will be standing between them and our families." The voice yelled. It was meet by a cheer from the whole line and they began to push back. Dapark put his bow away and charged on to help. Ava went to follow but a punch to the back dropped her to the ground. She heard the strum of a bowstring then again. She felt her head resting in a pull of blood. Hers maybe she couldn't tell. Her vision blurred and she heard one more strum before she blacked out.
Crow jerked to a sitting position screaming out in fear. She had been out cold since she had last walked into the Inn. Her head was wrapped tightly and her arm was tied to a wooden splint. A scream came from outside the door and a thud was heard. Then the door burst open and a zombie stumbled for her. She grabbed a tray form the table and smashed it over the head. It collapsed to the ground and stopped moving. The hall was Slippery and had a sickening Dark red hue to it. "Blood?" Crow asked herself as she stuck her head out her door. Dead bodies were everywhere. She heard no noise except for the sickening drip drop of blood. Everything was still, but then she heard a whimper and on closer examination she saw a crooked nose sticking out from a slit in the floor.
Crow lifted her foot and stomped on the little thing. Xer screamed out throwing the slat aside and jumping to his feet. "Yellow bellied Gnome." Crow yelled, "Where is my armor." Xer pointed to a near by door holding his nose trying to stop the blood flow. Crow burst through the door and stopped on the inside looking around. It was dark and a thin layer of dust covered the floor. Except for the trail of gnome sized footprints leading over to the closest. Crow ran over and ripped the closest open. Her hammer and armor were placed on the shelves and her boots sat under them. She pulled them on quickly and was about to head back out into the hall when Xer screamed out followed quickly by a dull thud. Crow shivered figuring the Gnome dead and looked around for an escape. Her eyes fell on the window.
She was airborne and through it before she gave any thought of where she was going to land. She landed on something soft and rolled to her feet the street was littered with dead bodies. Some of which were simply hacked apart. She bit back the urge to vomit and rushed on. Her eyes fell on a Drow male curled up in the gutter. She about fell over when she relished who it was.
I looked up at Crows face her Head was tightly wrapped and she was covered in blood. "We need to get out of this city." She said grabbing my tunic and pulling me to my feet. I shrugged and started to sink back down. "What is with you?' She yelled in my ear as she kicked me in the side.
"I'm dead." I said staring at the ground in front of me.
"Bullshit" She screamed as she pulled me back to my feet and began to haul me off down the street.
"You don't understand..." I began but she cut me off
"NO! You don't understand... Dapark and Ava went to fight." Crow screamed as we veered around a corner.
"Ava..." I whispered to myself "Dapark." I yelled at the top of my lungs as we approached the great Iron doors.
"Yes Dapark, don't tell me you've lost your mind." Crow grumbled as we got to the big iron bound door. It hung lose on its hinges as if some great giant had busted through, and the ground was littered with the bodies of the dead. I cringed as I relished the grass wasn't green. "Holy smokes..." Crow said staring at the great doors. The bodies were piled atop each other as if the guards were using their comrades for high ground. Then one shifted and moaned. Crow whipped her hammer back but I caught her arm as it began to speak.
'Wait" The young guard said. "I'm still alive, but barely"
"Why are you still alive?" I asked helping the guard sit up right
"I was spared to bring a message to you. Karan has your friends." He said as his head lolled funny and the young guard passed on
"Karan?" Crow said questioningly. "I thought you kill..."
"She lives... but not for much longer." I said in such a grim tone it reminded me of Juggernaght. I grabbed a halberd from the dirt near by for I just relished I only had my dagger had lost my mining pick a while back. I ran on Crow following as close as she could. I followed the same path the zombie had taken. I knew I was getting close for some reason I could feel it. I motioned for Crow to hold back as I stepped into the shadows and snuck around the corner. Three Haven guards stood in the alley way milling about. I couldn't tell if they were dead or not, but before I got a chance to ponder on it they turned towards me and rushed at me full speed. "Zombies." I said answering my question.
I swept my halberd to the side and brought it back taking the first zombie down. I felt a rush of power from the weapon and it seemed to be lighter in my hands. I brought the halberd up in and arc and took the second zombie in the ribs. I forced the Blade on feeling the power surge. "I'm liking this weapon." I said as I began to bring it back around but a hammer flashed in fronnt of my face and smacked the third zombie in the face.
"Stealing all my fun." Crow said foaming at the mouth.
"You are in no condition to fight." I smiled but it quickly faded when Crows foot connected with my shin. I pulled my halberd free and lead on limping the rest of the way. Soon I was standing over the corpse in the Alleyway. "Cover my back," I said as I began to hit the ground hit my fists. Crow nodded and stayed back to protect the entrance to the alleyway. I heard a soft thud and began to Dig in that spot.
"Might want to hurry." Crow said as she smashed a zombie in the face "They're getting close." She finished wiping the gore form her hammer. I nodded and I began to dig deeper. My finger hit something hard and I wrapped my hand around it and pulled. I couldn't make it budge. I rushed back to Crow as the zombies fell atop her.
"It's stuck." I yelled as I took the zombie full force. Crow nodded and ran back towards the hole I had dug.
"I'll get it" She called as she got on her knees and began to pull and grunt. I was swiping Zombies aside experiencing the full rush of power from my weapon. I was constantly being pushed back being forced to take a step back for every zombie I killed. I heard metal on stone as crow grunted throwing the grate aside with a grunt. She dropped down and landed with a splash. I turned and dropped into the hole holding my halberd straight up as the ground rushed past my nos. I landed on Crow and kept running. Crow got up to her feet and ran after me. Either to catch up to me or beat me to a bloody pulp for using her as a stepping stool.
I rushed around a corner and almost fell off a ledge overlooking a drainage pool. Crow tackled me from behind and we dropped into the muck bellow with a splash. She rolled atop me grabbing the color of my tunic. She shook me hard. "Never ever step on my back again." She screamed. " Quiet crow." A voice called from off to the side. I pushed my hair out of my eyes and saw Dapark standing not to far off to the side. Crow popped to her feet and stormed over to Dapark.
"Don't you ever tell me to shut up." Crow screamed. Just then the whole room lit up as a purple bolt shot up to the ceiling. Karan was at its source surrounded by a score of zombies.
"Jraxle... How good to see you" She boomed as the zombies rushed towards us. She sat as if on air and began to watch laughing madly. Ava was closest to her propped up on a flat stone her head wrapped in Daparks tunic. She shifted some and tried to stand but one of the zombies sensing her movement picked her up and carried her back to Karan who began to wave her hands over her.
"Five to one was good odds." Dapark mumbled...
"But twenty to three is even better" Crow yelled as she charged forward Hammer leading the way. She swiped one zombie to the side pushing it into the muck. I followed closely Killing any zombies that survived Crows charge. Dapark Stood behind us shooting arrows into the throng. The zombies were dropping as fast as we could drop them. Crow took a blow to the face when her hammer didn't stop on the zombies skull instead just kept going. She fell to her knees and she was quickly scooped up. The zombies carried her back to Karan who now had Ava standing at her side watching the fight blankly. A zombie popped up before me his sword held up high. I brought my Halberd up to block but the sword cut through digging into my shoulder and dropping me to my knees. I looked up at the zombie as it brought its sword up to finish me off. It began its swing and I stared at it accepting my death.
Then a blade flashed over my head and took the zombie from his feet. Dapark ripped his sword free and charged on. Soon no zombies stood and Dapark was a leap away form Karan. Karan laughed madly as she simply flicked her wrist tearing the rangers soul from his body. I looked on in horror as Daparks body crumbled to the ground. I looked around for anything I could use to end this. I saw Daparks bow sticking in the muck but I could not see his quiver. I dove over to it and ripped it free. Karan Laughed madly as crow and Ava stumbled towards me. I looked around franticly for anything I could shoot at her. I reached for my dagger but it wasn't there. "Dammit" I whispered under my breath. Then I found it an arrow shaft but I had no time to wonder if it was whole. I tensed me leg as Ava got closer then I felt a cold hand on my shoulder and heard Dapark's voice. "Kill her and her magic will undone. It's to late for me, but not for our friends."
"How?" I asked the parting spirit.
"How? Jraxle?" Karan laughed "... I am all powerful," She rambled on. Then I heard Daparks parting words "I kept one too" I thought it over for a moment absently bringing my hand up to feel the hole in my chest. "Yes Jraxle. ALL my magic." Karan Jibbed as the zombies stopped in front of me. "I'm keeping you alive." You're a survivalist. I know your memories. You can't kill me." She said slowly basking in the glow of her victory. "You killed your best friends, and brought about the demise of your own lover. You only care about yourself. I know you." Karan Finished crossing her hands over her chest. "Join me and I'll let you live. Who knows maybe even free your friends. That is... If they wish to join me as well."
I kicked my foot up and caught the arrow and pulled it back into the string. "Then you surly know you'll die first." I screamed letting the arrow Go. It streaked out kitting Karan in between the eyes pinning her to the wall behind her. "Come... back form that... Bitch." I said coughing up a mouthful of blood. I fell to my knees watching as Karans head erupted into flames and her screams slowly died away. I fell back into the muck my vision fading. I looked up into Ava's pained face tears streaming down her face. Crow stood beside her a saddened look on her face. She nodded grimly and Ava began to bawl harder.
They watches, hunkered over his motionless body, as the last of his life force faded away. Jraxle Died with a smile on his face. He had never planned on dieing had it been him a year ago his friends would be dead and he would be standing over them laughing. Something in him had changed he wasn't sure what but he didn't care. He died with honor. Crow dropped a comforting hand on Ava's shoulder "We better get going. There may still be fighting in the city." Ava nodded finding Jraxles' Dagger once again on his belt and grabbing Daparks bow from his grasp.
Crow sat in the tavern of the popping gnome watching Ava going about her chores. Xer had died so by the right of the law Ava now owned the inn. She refused to change the name but Crow didn't care as she watched as the first people walked in through the front door. Most went straight to the fireplace and admired the weapons hanging over it before they went to take a seat. Ava had hung the legendary dagger of Jraxle, The marksmen bow of Dapark, and the magic arrow. In honor of their defense of the haven the captain of the guard had a plague maid that read ' with these weapons Jraxle and Dapark slew Karan the undead leach and her undead army in the northern most sewer drain.' Crow smiled as she remembered the popularity the Mercenary had gotten.
She stood up smiling and went through the back door and into the backyard. Two Tombstones sat in the back yard. One read 'here lies Jraxle.' And the other ' ... and his buddy Dapark.' She smiled looking back at the two figures sitting at the table in the back. "Can I get you boys anything?"
"We'll be fine Lady Crow but thanks." Said the dark elf as he continued his conversation with the Human sitting across from him...
Now you have to ask yourself. Is it over? If you say yes then ask yourself why is it over? I'm not here to tell you what to think just keep you're mind open, and you'll see
The End
By: Jack Shepard
Thanks To Rex for letting me base the gnome after him (Xer)
Thanks to A. Wooten for letting me base Ava after her
Thanks to Sammie Fluck for letting me base Crow after her
Thanks To My buddy Dapark for letting me base Dapark after him
And thanks For Kara for being Evil and letting me base Karan after her
Thanks for reading LATTER