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Hello ! I have at last updated ! I had little time to write, and I apologize for the long delay.
Thank you, all my five reviewers. Your comments ( and google's translation tool ^_^ ) helped me a lot. It seems like Melissa has been accepted. Now I introduced, Basanti, the rogue archer. I think she'll have an important function on further chapters. Stay tuned on this story !
rothos1's suggestion was very interesting. Unfortunately, I am sorry to say, that, as a Diablo II classic player, I do not know the Druid and the Assassin, and therefore, I don't think they'll be in this story. However, I think I'll introduce an Amazon in Lut Gholein, and perhaps a Necromancer on Act III.
The next morning the two men awoke and didn't find Melissa near the fire. Warriv, however was already checking his merchandise as usual. He was getting more and more anguished as the days passed, fearing he would never make it back to Lut Gholein.
''Good morning. Nice to see that you're still alive.'' he said cheerfully.
''Hello. Haven't you seen Melissa somewhere ?'' asked Welfor.
''I think she is still sleeping, or we would be able to hear her talking somewhere !'' answered laughing the merchant.
''You're right.'' said Welfor smiling. The Sorceress had already built quite a reputation...
''Oh by the way, Akara was looking for you.''
''That means we've got a new quest to accomplish'' said Arcadio.
''Good luck'' Warriv waved them goodbye as he walked away.
When the two heroes approached the healer's tent, they spotted Kashya and Akara talking. The women interrupted their conversation as the warriors approached. Akara eyed them suspiciously.
''Where's Melissa ?'' she asked.\ ''We were told that she was still sleeping'' answered Welfor.
''Good'' said Akara relieved. ''We may be able to talk quietly. I have another request for you. This one, however, is far more dangerous than any other you faced before.'' she said.
'' What could that be ? '' asked Arcadio.
''I am asking you to go..... to Tristram'' Akara said.
''But Tristram is far away from here...'' said Arcadio.
''Yes. But there is a way to get there quickly from the Stony Fields not far from here. You must find the five magical monoliths enchanted by the Horadrim long ago. These mages sought to establish a passage from Tristram to the Monastery, and created a magical portal which leads directly to Tristram. To open the portal, though, you will need to touch the Stones in the correct order.
''And what is the correct order ?'' asked Welfor.
''It was one of the few things we didn't lose with the Monastery'' sighed Akara showing them a parchment, filled with arcane symbols. '' I want you to go to Tristram and free Deckard Cain, who is held captive by Tristram's demons. He is the last of the Horadrim, and his knowledge would be very valuable in these dark days......''
''To aid you in your quest '' said Kashya, speaking for the first time '' some Rogues have volunteered to accompany you on your journey. Since we can't afford to weaken our defense here, I asked my best Rogue archer, Basanti to go with you. She is waiting for you near the camp's exit.''
Arcadio began ''We are just waiting for Melissa to wake up, before.......''
''Goooooooood morning everyone'' said a loud voice. All turned to see Melissa running towards them, smiling broadly. Akara went back hastily to her tent and Kashya walked away heading to the other side of the encampment.
Welfor and Arcadio quickly explained the quest they had been assigned, as the trio walked to the entrance of the camp. Some Rogue archers were guarding the entrance as usual. One of the archers, however, seemed to be waiting for them. Smiling shyly, at them she introduced herself.
''Hello ! I'm Basanti. Kashya asked me to come with you on your journey to Tristram.'' she said.
''Hi ! I'm Melissa, very pleased to meet you !'' said enthusiastically the Sorceress. ''And here are Welfor and Arcadio ! It's really great to have one more addition to the team, though. It's like I always said, the more the better !''
''It's nice to meet you Basanti, but we should get going. It would be better if we reached Tristram before nightfall.'' said Arcadio.
''I'm ready. Let's go.'' said the Rogue.
They walked quickly through the Blood Moor and the Cold Plains. No demons attacked them, for the two areas had already been cleansed by Arcadio and Welfor. Melissa was happily chatting with Basanti, who surprisingly didn't seem too bothered.
After some hours, they reached the entrance of the Stony Field.
''Now we have to be quiet to surprise the demons. Understood ?'' he said, looking at Melissa suspiciously. She nodded, and stopped talking, and with a serious look on her face she followed her companions, after casting a frozen armor. They quickly came across a demon's encampment. Dozens and dozens of small red demons, and some blue ones were there, shouting in their foul language.
''Now let's try to attract them away from the Shamans.'' said Arcadio, who had naturally become the leader of their group. All nodded, but Melissa, who seemed fascinated by the demons. Suddenly, she ran to the demonic camp, so quickly that the demons didn't even have time to realize what was happening. When she arrived at the exact center of the camp, the demons were ready to charge her. Welfor, Arcadio and Basanti prepared to run and try to save her life, but the Sorceress planted the staff in the ground, and cast one, two, three frost novas, eliminating the whole group of demons as well as their Shamans.
Then, she said to her stunned companions '' Aren't you coming ? There are lots more around here !'' and with a playful wink, she ran to the next demons. The other three, followed her, and they spent hours killing uncountable monsters. When they reached the Stones, it was almost night.
''Here are the Stones. Basanti, open the portal. We must free Cain quickly, I don't think it would be safe to stay in Tristram after nightfall.'' said the Paladin.
Basanti read the parchment Akara had given them and touched the five Stones. Lightning fell from the sky, and all the four heroes had to protect their eyes from the blinding light. A red portal appeared form nowhere and after a short hesitation, Arcadio entered, followed by the three other... They had no idea then, of the horrors that awaited them in there......
Bodies were scattered everywhere in the streets, and the last houses still standing were being consumed by the flames. Welfor shivered : he had just remembered his small village, far away in the North. Was this the sight that awaited him there too ? Arcadio was also shocked, and muttering prayers of revenge, he called upon the Might aura, to aid him and his companions in their ordeal. Basanti seemed to be on the verge of tears, for the Rogue's family had been killed in Tristram, still, the woman seemed determined to get this over with. Melissa didn't seem too affected, and after a saddened look to the once prosperous town, she seemed ready to action. But her usual cheerful expression had turned into a more serious one.
''I think Cain is very unlikely to be still alive'' said Welfor.
''Let's check it out anyway'' answered Arcadio.
And so, the four entered Tristram's ruins. They walked slowly, looking for the demons responsible for the town's fall, and, hopefully, for Deckard Cain. The town was totally silent, and no demon attacked them, as Basanti led them to the center of Tristram. They, came at last, to a great square. There hanging in a cage was...
''Deckard Cain !'' screamed Basanti as she ran to the center of the square to free the old man. The three other followed her. Deckard Cain opened his eyes, and, with a panicked look on his face he saw the warriors.
''No ! Don't come, it's a trap !''
It was too late. The four turned to see that the square was now surrounded by uncountable hordes of demons. Arcadio, as an experienced warrior, analyzed quickly the situation. Escape was impossible, and fighting was suicide. There was no way they would all get back. A big, muscular man, seemed to be the leader of the demons. Seeing his foes trapped, he smiled, and was about to order his demons to slaughter them all.
''Basanti ! Melissa ! We'll distract the demons, escape with Cain to the Rogue's camp.'' Arcadio screamed, preparing to charge the frenzied mob.
''No way !'' She hit the ground hardly with her staff.
''Anel de fogo !'' she yelled.
Fire collected on the top of her staff for a second, and then the spell entered in action. The earth itself exploded under them, as a fire nova expanded consuming all the demons who had come to close, and preventing the rest from approaching them. The demon leader however, seemed unaffected by the flames, and didn't stop his advance.
''Quick ! I won't be able to hold them for long !'' she said.
''Basanti ! Free Cain ! Welfor are you ready ?''
''Yes ! Let's take the boss down.''
And with an impressive jump, he began slashing with his two axes, aided by Arcadio's scepter. The monster, however, yelled a curse, and both warriors felt weakened. The two kept attacking relentlessly though. Arrows soon joined the axes and the scepter, and Welfor caught a glimpse of Basanti shooting arrows, while Cain disappeared in a blue portal. Soon, the monster was dead. Melissa was still preventing the other demons to attack, but it was obvious that the Sorceress was almost fainting, and that she wouldn't hold them for much longer.
''Alright, Melissa, hold your spell ten seconds, and then we'll all run to the portal.'' said the Paladin.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....
''GO !''
Melissa unsummoned her ring of flames, and before the demons could react, the four of them had already escaped from the square, and made their way back to the portal, which disappeared behind then when the four exhausted heroes arrived to the Stony Field. Melissa collapsed immediately to her knees.
''Are you alright ?'' asked Welfor concerned.
''Just.... tired... so tired'' she said.
''We can't stay here the night. Do you think you can walk to the Rogue's camp ?'' asked Arcadio gently.
''Yes... I think so.'' she said, getting up.
In the end Welfor and Arcadio had to help the Sorceress to walk, for the spell which had saved all their lives had taken its toll on her. They arrived at the camp in the middle of the night, exhausted, and were welcomed by Akara, Cain and even Kashya herself.
''I thank you friends for coming to my aid'' said Cain.
''Regrettably, I could do nothing to prevent the disaster......'' he began.
''I think our heroes are too tired right now. Why don't you talk to them tomorrow morning ? '' cut Akara.
''Not too early in the morning, please.'' groaned Melissa.
''Thank you my friends for your brave deeds. Go rest now, you deserved it.'' Akara said.
As soon as they closed their eyes, all four fell immediately on a deep slumber.
How do you like it ? The spell Melissa casted ''Anel de fogo'' is portuguese, and means more or less fire nova. See you on next chapter ^_^\ \ \ \ \ \ \ }
Hello ! I have at last updated ! I had little time to write, and I apologize for the long delay.
Thank you, all my five reviewers. Your comments ( and google's translation tool ^_^ ) helped me a lot. It seems like Melissa has been accepted. Now I introduced, Basanti, the rogue archer. I think she'll have an important function on further chapters. Stay tuned on this story !
rothos1's suggestion was very interesting. Unfortunately, I am sorry to say, that, as a Diablo II classic player, I do not know the Druid and the Assassin, and therefore, I don't think they'll be in this story. However, I think I'll introduce an Amazon in Lut Gholein, and perhaps a Necromancer on Act III.
The next morning the two men awoke and didn't find Melissa near the fire. Warriv, however was already checking his merchandise as usual. He was getting more and more anguished as the days passed, fearing he would never make it back to Lut Gholein.
''Good morning. Nice to see that you're still alive.'' he said cheerfully.
''Hello. Haven't you seen Melissa somewhere ?'' asked Welfor.
''I think she is still sleeping, or we would be able to hear her talking somewhere !'' answered laughing the merchant.
''You're right.'' said Welfor smiling. The Sorceress had already built quite a reputation...
''Oh by the way, Akara was looking for you.''
''That means we've got a new quest to accomplish'' said Arcadio.
''Good luck'' Warriv waved them goodbye as he walked away.
When the two heroes approached the healer's tent, they spotted Kashya and Akara talking. The women interrupted their conversation as the warriors approached. Akara eyed them suspiciously.
''Where's Melissa ?'' she asked.\ ''We were told that she was still sleeping'' answered Welfor.
''Good'' said Akara relieved. ''We may be able to talk quietly. I have another request for you. This one, however, is far more dangerous than any other you faced before.'' she said.
'' What could that be ? '' asked Arcadio.
''I am asking you to go..... to Tristram'' Akara said.
''But Tristram is far away from here...'' said Arcadio.
''Yes. But there is a way to get there quickly from the Stony Fields not far from here. You must find the five magical monoliths enchanted by the Horadrim long ago. These mages sought to establish a passage from Tristram to the Monastery, and created a magical portal which leads directly to Tristram. To open the portal, though, you will need to touch the Stones in the correct order.
''And what is the correct order ?'' asked Welfor.
''It was one of the few things we didn't lose with the Monastery'' sighed Akara showing them a parchment, filled with arcane symbols. '' I want you to go to Tristram and free Deckard Cain, who is held captive by Tristram's demons. He is the last of the Horadrim, and his knowledge would be very valuable in these dark days......''
''To aid you in your quest '' said Kashya, speaking for the first time '' some Rogues have volunteered to accompany you on your journey. Since we can't afford to weaken our defense here, I asked my best Rogue archer, Basanti to go with you. She is waiting for you near the camp's exit.''
Arcadio began ''We are just waiting for Melissa to wake up, before.......''
''Goooooooood morning everyone'' said a loud voice. All turned to see Melissa running towards them, smiling broadly. Akara went back hastily to her tent and Kashya walked away heading to the other side of the encampment.
Welfor and Arcadio quickly explained the quest they had been assigned, as the trio walked to the entrance of the camp. Some Rogue archers were guarding the entrance as usual. One of the archers, however, seemed to be waiting for them. Smiling shyly, at them she introduced herself.
''Hello ! I'm Basanti. Kashya asked me to come with you on your journey to Tristram.'' she said.
''Hi ! I'm Melissa, very pleased to meet you !'' said enthusiastically the Sorceress. ''And here are Welfor and Arcadio ! It's really great to have one more addition to the team, though. It's like I always said, the more the better !''
''It's nice to meet you Basanti, but we should get going. It would be better if we reached Tristram before nightfall.'' said Arcadio.
''I'm ready. Let's go.'' said the Rogue.
They walked quickly through the Blood Moor and the Cold Plains. No demons attacked them, for the two areas had already been cleansed by Arcadio and Welfor. Melissa was happily chatting with Basanti, who surprisingly didn't seem too bothered.
After some hours, they reached the entrance of the Stony Field.
''Now we have to be quiet to surprise the demons. Understood ?'' he said, looking at Melissa suspiciously. She nodded, and stopped talking, and with a serious look on her face she followed her companions, after casting a frozen armor. They quickly came across a demon's encampment. Dozens and dozens of small red demons, and some blue ones were there, shouting in their foul language.
''Now let's try to attract them away from the Shamans.'' said Arcadio, who had naturally become the leader of their group. All nodded, but Melissa, who seemed fascinated by the demons. Suddenly, she ran to the demonic camp, so quickly that the demons didn't even have time to realize what was happening. When she arrived at the exact center of the camp, the demons were ready to charge her. Welfor, Arcadio and Basanti prepared to run and try to save her life, but the Sorceress planted the staff in the ground, and cast one, two, three frost novas, eliminating the whole group of demons as well as their Shamans.
Then, she said to her stunned companions '' Aren't you coming ? There are lots more around here !'' and with a playful wink, she ran to the next demons. The other three, followed her, and they spent hours killing uncountable monsters. When they reached the Stones, it was almost night.
''Here are the Stones. Basanti, open the portal. We must free Cain quickly, I don't think it would be safe to stay in Tristram after nightfall.'' said the Paladin.
Basanti read the parchment Akara had given them and touched the five Stones. Lightning fell from the sky, and all the four heroes had to protect their eyes from the blinding light. A red portal appeared form nowhere and after a short hesitation, Arcadio entered, followed by the three other... They had no idea then, of the horrors that awaited them in there......
Bodies were scattered everywhere in the streets, and the last houses still standing were being consumed by the flames. Welfor shivered : he had just remembered his small village, far away in the North. Was this the sight that awaited him there too ? Arcadio was also shocked, and muttering prayers of revenge, he called upon the Might aura, to aid him and his companions in their ordeal. Basanti seemed to be on the verge of tears, for the Rogue's family had been killed in Tristram, still, the woman seemed determined to get this over with. Melissa didn't seem too affected, and after a saddened look to the once prosperous town, she seemed ready to action. But her usual cheerful expression had turned into a more serious one.
''I think Cain is very unlikely to be still alive'' said Welfor.
''Let's check it out anyway'' answered Arcadio.
And so, the four entered Tristram's ruins. They walked slowly, looking for the demons responsible for the town's fall, and, hopefully, for Deckard Cain. The town was totally silent, and no demon attacked them, as Basanti led them to the center of Tristram. They, came at last, to a great square. There hanging in a cage was...
''Deckard Cain !'' screamed Basanti as she ran to the center of the square to free the old man. The three other followed her. Deckard Cain opened his eyes, and, with a panicked look on his face he saw the warriors.
''No ! Don't come, it's a trap !''
It was too late. The four turned to see that the square was now surrounded by uncountable hordes of demons. Arcadio, as an experienced warrior, analyzed quickly the situation. Escape was impossible, and fighting was suicide. There was no way they would all get back. A big, muscular man, seemed to be the leader of the demons. Seeing his foes trapped, he smiled, and was about to order his demons to slaughter them all.
''Basanti ! Melissa ! We'll distract the demons, escape with Cain to the Rogue's camp.'' Arcadio screamed, preparing to charge the frenzied mob.
''No way !'' She hit the ground hardly with her staff.
''Anel de fogo !'' she yelled.
Fire collected on the top of her staff for a second, and then the spell entered in action. The earth itself exploded under them, as a fire nova expanded consuming all the demons who had come to close, and preventing the rest from approaching them. The demon leader however, seemed unaffected by the flames, and didn't stop his advance.
''Quick ! I won't be able to hold them for long !'' she said.
''Basanti ! Free Cain ! Welfor are you ready ?''
''Yes ! Let's take the boss down.''
And with an impressive jump, he began slashing with his two axes, aided by Arcadio's scepter. The monster, however, yelled a curse, and both warriors felt weakened. The two kept attacking relentlessly though. Arrows soon joined the axes and the scepter, and Welfor caught a glimpse of Basanti shooting arrows, while Cain disappeared in a blue portal. Soon, the monster was dead. Melissa was still preventing the other demons to attack, but it was obvious that the Sorceress was almost fainting, and that she wouldn't hold them for much longer.
''Alright, Melissa, hold your spell ten seconds, and then we'll all run to the portal.'' said the Paladin.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....
''GO !''
Melissa unsummoned her ring of flames, and before the demons could react, the four of them had already escaped from the square, and made their way back to the portal, which disappeared behind then when the four exhausted heroes arrived to the Stony Field. Melissa collapsed immediately to her knees.
''Are you alright ?'' asked Welfor concerned.
''Just.... tired... so tired'' she said.
''We can't stay here the night. Do you think you can walk to the Rogue's camp ?'' asked Arcadio gently.
''Yes... I think so.'' she said, getting up.
In the end Welfor and Arcadio had to help the Sorceress to walk, for the spell which had saved all their lives had taken its toll on her. They arrived at the camp in the middle of the night, exhausted, and were welcomed by Akara, Cain and even Kashya herself.
''I thank you friends for coming to my aid'' said Cain.
''Regrettably, I could do nothing to prevent the disaster......'' he began.
''I think our heroes are too tired right now. Why don't you talk to them tomorrow morning ? '' cut Akara.
''Not too early in the morning, please.'' groaned Melissa.
''Thank you my friends for your brave deeds. Go rest now, you deserved it.'' Akara said.
As soon as they closed their eyes, all four fell immediately on a deep slumber.
How do you like it ? The spell Melissa casted ''Anel de fogo'' is portuguese, and means more or less fire nova. See you on next chapter ^_^\ \ \ \ \ \ \ }