Chapter Two: The Warlord
Disclaimer: I do not own Diablo, yet all characters mentioned in this chapter are rightfully mine. (I think :-/)
Note: Thanks for the reviews, this one is a little shorter. Still in the process of fleshing out the introductory phase.
Redderick Fain was becoming impatient. The sandstorm had temporarily hindered the siege and was causing plenty of chaos amidst his camp. His men had hurriedly erected a number of tents, though getting the horses shielded had been knowingly difficult. Draining the remainder of his mead, he tossed the heavy tumbler to the side and started poring through his attack plans and maps once again. He had set up a small, knee-high table and was sitting in the sand. The large tent was dark, save for the few wax candles he had lit next to him.
"The main gates are heavily defended and the south side is festered with sand creatures... BAH!"
He let his head drop into his crossed arms, he had lost much sleep over the past two days, and not only due to the execution of the siege... There was a certain reason to his insomnia, his madness and his depression. He fumbled with the heavy brass ring hanging from a chain about his neck, the symbols glared back, reminding him of his sacrifice and his inevitable doom.
He raised his head, startled as a chilling wind passed over him, there was a fizzle as the candles were snuffed out. Fain began to whimper and sweat rolled down his face. It had returned, and he was sure it was not pleased.
A hissing voice, harsh and raspy raised the hairs on the back of his neck, " You are far too ssslow Fain. I've given you sssstrict orders and you have yet to put my sssservices to good use. My massster is becoming restlesssss..."
Fain did not bother to face the demon, instead he glared at the wall ahead of him, eyes closed.
"Every time I have sent men toward the city, they have been intercepted and have had to deal with the patrols... shortly thereafter the spell had already worn off..."" THAT IS INSUFFICIENT REASON! Your men should pay no mind to patrols, and they must make hassste when attacking."
"Please... give us another chance-" Sweat dripped heavily down his brow now, he made no attempt to open his firmly shut eyes.
" Another chance... Another chance? Do you take me as a fool Fain? My massster has shown you mercy time and again, when you made the decision of sssserving him-"
"I had no such desire! It was an accident..."
" Oh, but surely you knew of the ring'ssss hisssstory? A fine treasure it is, but when you bear it you become the ssssame sssslave as the one before you... My masssster has become impatient and will not hesitate to bring forth the consequencesss..."
"No... Please, give us another chance! We... we shall attack tonight! During the storm, while they are unable to patrol the desert. We will admit you into the city!"
Fain was turned around now, facing the shadowy figure of the demon. He was shivering, the sight of it was hard to bear, even in darkness. The only thing he could make out was the massive height, the shadow of a massive tail slithering in the sand, and the fiery red glow of the demon's eyes...
" Perhapssss... That isss a proposition that goesss wisssse beyond your yearssss Warlord... Yet... there is always the sssssimple and much more reliable fashion of going about doing thissss..."
Redderick was now on his knees, pleading with the demon, "No! We will succeed! Just give us more time, please!"
The demon emitted a croaky chuckle that made Fain cringe. There was a soft swishing noise as the demon advanced on the desperate human. Redderick sprawled backward, knocking over the table complete with the plans. A soft hiss and flicker of the demon's tongue made the man whimper.
" You have until dawn, human." And with that, the figure let out a roar and slipped out of the tent in an instant, leaving Fain to drown in sorrow and anxiety.
To be continued...
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