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Hello ! I've had the third chapter ready in my computer for some time, but due to some Internet problems I wasn't able to update it before. Anyway, hope you enjoy the next chapter :)
The next morning, Welfor and Arcadio went to Akara's tent to check on the Sorceress they had rescued from the cave. Akara greeted them in a tired voice for she had spent all the night healing the woman's wounds.
''Good morning warriors. I hope you had a nice rest.'' said the old healer.
''We did, thank you. How is she ?'' asked concerned the Paladin.
''She'll make it. I've healed most of her wounds, but she still needs some rest. She should be fine tomorrow.''
''At last some good news ! Warriv told us yesterday about our caravan.... '' commented Welfor.
''Yes, I heard about it too. Those are dark times...'' she said, then in a rather amused voice she proceeded ''By the way, I think you've made quite an impression on Kashya by cleansing this cave. She must have thought you were only other common fighters seeking fortune and glory. Yet I sense something else in you.... As the Sightless Eye Seer, I am able to see many things which remain hidden to your eyes...''
''Can you see the ending of this war ? '' asked Welfor.
''I've tried many times to discern it through the mists of time. I can see a great glory ahead, for our Sisterhood, and for the whole mortal world, yet how far away, the eye cannot say.....''
Ending the conversation, the two walked silently, wondering about the Seer's mysterious words. Suddenly they spotted Kashya coming in their direction.
''Oh no ! Here she comes again'' whispered Arcadio to his companion, who tried to repress a moan.
''Greetings outlanders. I have heard of your last exploit and.... I am quite impressed I must say''. She saw their surprised faces and continued ''However, do not think that only by killing some beasts in the wilderness you've earned my trust.''
''Ah, that's the Kashya I know'' remarked Welfor loudly enough to allow the Rogue to hear.
Ignoring his comment she went on ''If you truly want to prove yourselves to me you must go to the Burial Grounds, the Sisterhood graveyard and destroy a corrupted Sister called Blood Raven, who is raising our dead as zombies for her evil purposes !'' she said, her eyes sparking with fury, which turned to visible pain as she went on '' Though....she was once my closest friend, I hope that her corrupted soul remains banished from our world forever.'' she added slowly. Then, composing herself she concluded ''The Burial Grounds are close form here, just follow the path across the Blood Moor and continue through the Cold Plains until you get there. Go now and.... good luck'' and she left.
''Well, it seems like we have been assigned a new mission'' said the stunned Barbarian.\ ''Yes. You know, that was the first time i actually saw Kashya displaying some emotion.. I wonder who is that Blood Raven''
''Let's check it out''
Their second task had begun
''You are going to attack Blood Raven ?'' asked Flavie, amazed, as the two were entering the Cold Plains.
''Yes. Kashya asked us to do it, and who can resist her natural charisma ?'' said cheeerfully Welfor.
The Rogue seemed amused, and advised ''Well the path is easy enough. Just be careful and kill Blood Raven as quickly that you can, for she keeps summoning our fallen sisters to her aid. I really hope you do it. From here where I guard the Cold Plains, I am able to see so many horrors... The dead need rest.''
''They will have it'' said Welfor confidently as usual.
They proceeded through the Cold Plains and suddenly found themselves attacked by a group of corrupted Rogues. Hesitation was almost fatal, as one of the women hit Welfor in the chest with her crude sword. Fortunately the armor repelled the attack, and they quickly eliminated their foes.
''May their souls rst in peace'' whispered Arcadio, giving the Rogues their last blessings.
''Awful....'' said Wefor looking at the dead demons. Their faces were twisted by Evil, but one could still recognize the traits of the young Rogue fighters they once were.
''Andariel will pay for this'' said grimly Arcadio.
They continued, saddened by what they had seen. After some time, and some battles, the entrance to the graveyard could be seen. The once clear and peaceful place, was now dark. Many graves were open...and empty !
''I don't like this. Too many empty graves'' said Welfor.
''This holy place has been desecrated'' said his companion angrily. The Barbarian was surprised to see the usually calm man in such a fury. The Paladin raised his scepter '' May the Light aid us in our task''. He seemed to shine in a soft glow for a moment, and suddenly Welfor felt strengthened.
''What is that ? '' he asked amazed.
''It is called Might. Thanks to the Light's power, our strength has increased'' answered his friend , calmly now.
''Nice !''
''This power shall destroy Blood Raven !''
And with those brave words, they entered the house of the dead.
They went slowly, trying to spot blood Raven before she could detect their presence. All was silent in the graveyard, and they quickly arrived to the center of the place, where a solitary tree, stood alone in the middle of the graves. They saw horrified many dead Rogues hanging from the tree. It seemed that not all Rogues scouts were able to return to their encampment.
''Well, well, visitors !'' said a female voice.
Welfor saw her first. She was sitting on a bough of the tree, and looked calmly at them.
''Do you want to join my army of the dead ?'' she said mockingly.
''Blood Raven for your betrayal and blasphemy, we will destroy you !'' yelled Arcadio at the corrupted Rogue leader.
''I see'' she said. Blood Raven jumped from her bough and landed graciously on the ground ''My army will destroy you.'' she said in a deadly voice. ''Come to me fallen Sisters, and kill the intruders ! ''
The earth itself began to shake, as the undead raised from their tombs, and surrounded the heroes, who were quickly trapped within the circle of zombies.
''I have this feeling of deja vu....''
''This isn't the best time for jokes, Welfor'' cut the Paladin.
The undead moved closer to them, and attacked. They were weak and easily slain, but while the two fought the undead mob, blood Raven shot arrows at them, dealing massive damage. And no matter how many zombies were killed, more and more came.
''This is no good ! She's raising them faster than we can kill them !'' yelled Arcadio.
''We have to get her. Hold them, I'll try to break through.'' answered the Barbarian
He jumped over the crowd, as his companion engaged the undead in combat. Blood Raven, however, had guessed his plans, and she swiftly summoned undead around herself. Welfor didn't lose time with them. Not caring about the little injuries they dealt, he charged Blood Raven and swung his axes, greatly injuring the undead mistress. She quickly retreated, summoning more undead to block him, and climbed up to the tree. From there she began shooting fire arrows again. Desperated to get her to the ground, Welfor threw one of his axes. Blood raven didn't expect that move, and fell heavily on the ground, and Welfor's second axe dealt the final strike.
All the undead were destroyed by the lightning which suddenly radiated from her body. The flash of light blinded temporarly the warriors, and as Blood Raven's tortured soul left her body, they heard, almost a whisper ''Kashya.....I'm sorry''. And the Burial Grounds fell silent... once again.
Welfor grabbed his axe while Arcadio stood near Blood raven's corpse, praying for her soul.
''Well done, my friend. I wouldn't have been able to hold them much longer. You all right ?'' he said.
''Yes....Still, it feels horrible to kill those corrupted ones. After all, it isn't their fault.''
''At least in death they can rest. And it is best to be dead than to serve Evil.'' answered vigorously the Paladin '' Do not feel bad for her. She would have wanted it that way, were she in her normal state.''
''You are right. Let's go back.''
They arrived at the Rogue encampment almost at night, though the dark day made it quite impossible to distinguish day from night. They reported their deeds to Kashya. She didn't say a word, and although she looked relieved to see a demon leader dead, the pain in her eyes was evident. She walked away almost running. On their way to Akara's tent they spotted a forge, where a blond young woman stood, staring lovingly at the sword she'd just crafted. She saw them and her eyes widened when she saw Welfor
''Wow ! You're a Barbarian aren't you ?'' she asked.
''Yes, I am. Who are you ?'' he asked back.
She giggled ''I am Charsi, the blacksmith here in camp. I knew I would meet a Barbarian somaday. You see, I've been raised here in the Sisterhood, but Akara told me that my real parents were Barbarians, and that they were killed when I was very young''
''That is.... sad'' said Arcadio.
''Yes.... Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been, were I raised as a Barbarian.''
''Times are harsh for us in the North.'' said Welfor. He wondered if he would ever make it back to his homeland again.... But quickly dismissed the thought. It was better not to think about it.
''Well I love being a blacksmith anyway. And I take pride in the fact that my weapons and armors are helping my Order to take back the Monastery, though I don't know if we'll ever manage to do it.''
''Keep faith. The Light will not allow such a holy place to stay in the hands of Andariel'' said the Paladin reassuringly.
''Anyway feel free to choose armors or weapons from my stand.'' Charsi smiled at them, and went back to her work.
As they arrived to Akara's tent, they were surprised to see her talking with the Sorceress they had rescued the day before, looking healthy and fresh. Both women interrupted their conversation as they watched the heroes approach. The Sorceress immediately started talking with them.
''Hi ! So you are the ones who saved me ! Thank you very much. I'm Melissa, pleased to meet you.'' she said smiling.
''It was nothing.'' said Arcadio politely.
''Sure it was ! I owe you my life. Anyway, I was quite stupid, actually. You see I entered the cave, and went forward too boldly. They blocked the entry and surrounded me ! I tried to cast some fire bolts, and clear the entrance to escape from the cave, but they threw something at my head and I was unconscious. When I awoke, I was tied to the wall, and they were about to drain my magic powers through some evil ritual ! Fortunately you interfered just in time !'' she said in one breath.
''Well I'm surprised you are already healed. You were badly injured when we brought you here'' said Welfor.
''Well I must thank Akara for that. But she tricked me too you know ! I told her I wanted to help you today and she said she would wake me up before you left, but instead, she let me sleep and when I awoke you were gone !'' she said, glaring at the healer.
''That's enough Melissa, I'm not going to discuss this with you again. You weren't ready to fight yet.'' said Akara exasperated.
''But.....''
''She's unbearable.'' Akara left them, sighing.
Arcadio and Welfor could barely hold their laughter, faced to this talkative Sorceress.
She turned to them and said.''Well, now I'm ready to fight ! Where are we heading tomorrow ?''
''What ? You want to join us ?'' asked Welfor.
''Of course. I have powerful magic, you know. And look I even got a nice staff !'' she said boastfully showing her short staff.
''Well, actually.....'' began Arcadio, immediately cut by Melissa.
''Thank you so much ! I'll see you tomorrow morning then, because despite what I said to Akara, I still feel quite tired hehe. You'll tell me your plans tomorrow. Well have a good night !'' and with a last smile and singing to herself Melissa went to the sleeping tent.
The two warriors couldn't stand it anymore. They looked at each other and laughed their heads off.
Well here it is ! I added the Sorceress, because no one has reviewed to tell me if I should or not ! That was rude ! And there is a Portuguese saying which says ''Quem cala consente'' which means that if you don't say anything it's yes. So welcome to the story Melissa ! I hope you like her. Please review to tell me what you think. If you don't like any of the characters I can just kill them and replace them ^_^.
\ }
Hello ! I've had the third chapter ready in my computer for some time, but due to some Internet problems I wasn't able to update it before. Anyway, hope you enjoy the next chapter :)
The next morning, Welfor and Arcadio went to Akara's tent to check on the Sorceress they had rescued from the cave. Akara greeted them in a tired voice for she had spent all the night healing the woman's wounds.
''Good morning warriors. I hope you had a nice rest.'' said the old healer.
''We did, thank you. How is she ?'' asked concerned the Paladin.
''She'll make it. I've healed most of her wounds, but she still needs some rest. She should be fine tomorrow.''
''At last some good news ! Warriv told us yesterday about our caravan.... '' commented Welfor.
''Yes, I heard about it too. Those are dark times...'' she said, then in a rather amused voice she proceeded ''By the way, I think you've made quite an impression on Kashya by cleansing this cave. She must have thought you were only other common fighters seeking fortune and glory. Yet I sense something else in you.... As the Sightless Eye Seer, I am able to see many things which remain hidden to your eyes...''
''Can you see the ending of this war ? '' asked Welfor.
''I've tried many times to discern it through the mists of time. I can see a great glory ahead, for our Sisterhood, and for the whole mortal world, yet how far away, the eye cannot say.....''
Ending the conversation, the two walked silently, wondering about the Seer's mysterious words. Suddenly they spotted Kashya coming in their direction.
''Oh no ! Here she comes again'' whispered Arcadio to his companion, who tried to repress a moan.
''Greetings outlanders. I have heard of your last exploit and.... I am quite impressed I must say''. She saw their surprised faces and continued ''However, do not think that only by killing some beasts in the wilderness you've earned my trust.''
''Ah, that's the Kashya I know'' remarked Welfor loudly enough to allow the Rogue to hear.
Ignoring his comment she went on ''If you truly want to prove yourselves to me you must go to the Burial Grounds, the Sisterhood graveyard and destroy a corrupted Sister called Blood Raven, who is raising our dead as zombies for her evil purposes !'' she said, her eyes sparking with fury, which turned to visible pain as she went on '' Though....she was once my closest friend, I hope that her corrupted soul remains banished from our world forever.'' she added slowly. Then, composing herself she concluded ''The Burial Grounds are close form here, just follow the path across the Blood Moor and continue through the Cold Plains until you get there. Go now and.... good luck'' and she left.
''Well, it seems like we have been assigned a new mission'' said the stunned Barbarian.\ ''Yes. You know, that was the first time i actually saw Kashya displaying some emotion.. I wonder who is that Blood Raven''
''Let's check it out''
Their second task had begun
''You are going to attack Blood Raven ?'' asked Flavie, amazed, as the two were entering the Cold Plains.
''Yes. Kashya asked us to do it, and who can resist her natural charisma ?'' said cheeerfully Welfor.
The Rogue seemed amused, and advised ''Well the path is easy enough. Just be careful and kill Blood Raven as quickly that you can, for she keeps summoning our fallen sisters to her aid. I really hope you do it. From here where I guard the Cold Plains, I am able to see so many horrors... The dead need rest.''
''They will have it'' said Welfor confidently as usual.
They proceeded through the Cold Plains and suddenly found themselves attacked by a group of corrupted Rogues. Hesitation was almost fatal, as one of the women hit Welfor in the chest with her crude sword. Fortunately the armor repelled the attack, and they quickly eliminated their foes.
''May their souls rst in peace'' whispered Arcadio, giving the Rogues their last blessings.
''Awful....'' said Wefor looking at the dead demons. Their faces were twisted by Evil, but one could still recognize the traits of the young Rogue fighters they once were.
''Andariel will pay for this'' said grimly Arcadio.
They continued, saddened by what they had seen. After some time, and some battles, the entrance to the graveyard could be seen. The once clear and peaceful place, was now dark. Many graves were open...and empty !
''I don't like this. Too many empty graves'' said Welfor.
''This holy place has been desecrated'' said his companion angrily. The Barbarian was surprised to see the usually calm man in such a fury. The Paladin raised his scepter '' May the Light aid us in our task''. He seemed to shine in a soft glow for a moment, and suddenly Welfor felt strengthened.
''What is that ? '' he asked amazed.
''It is called Might. Thanks to the Light's power, our strength has increased'' answered his friend , calmly now.
''Nice !''
''This power shall destroy Blood Raven !''
And with those brave words, they entered the house of the dead.
They went slowly, trying to spot blood Raven before she could detect their presence. All was silent in the graveyard, and they quickly arrived to the center of the place, where a solitary tree, stood alone in the middle of the graves. They saw horrified many dead Rogues hanging from the tree. It seemed that not all Rogues scouts were able to return to their encampment.
''Well, well, visitors !'' said a female voice.
Welfor saw her first. She was sitting on a bough of the tree, and looked calmly at them.
''Do you want to join my army of the dead ?'' she said mockingly.
''Blood Raven for your betrayal and blasphemy, we will destroy you !'' yelled Arcadio at the corrupted Rogue leader.
''I see'' she said. Blood Raven jumped from her bough and landed graciously on the ground ''My army will destroy you.'' she said in a deadly voice. ''Come to me fallen Sisters, and kill the intruders ! ''
The earth itself began to shake, as the undead raised from their tombs, and surrounded the heroes, who were quickly trapped within the circle of zombies.
''I have this feeling of deja vu....''
''This isn't the best time for jokes, Welfor'' cut the Paladin.
The undead moved closer to them, and attacked. They were weak and easily slain, but while the two fought the undead mob, blood Raven shot arrows at them, dealing massive damage. And no matter how many zombies were killed, more and more came.
''This is no good ! She's raising them faster than we can kill them !'' yelled Arcadio.
''We have to get her. Hold them, I'll try to break through.'' answered the Barbarian
He jumped over the crowd, as his companion engaged the undead in combat. Blood Raven, however, had guessed his plans, and she swiftly summoned undead around herself. Welfor didn't lose time with them. Not caring about the little injuries they dealt, he charged Blood Raven and swung his axes, greatly injuring the undead mistress. She quickly retreated, summoning more undead to block him, and climbed up to the tree. From there she began shooting fire arrows again. Desperated to get her to the ground, Welfor threw one of his axes. Blood raven didn't expect that move, and fell heavily on the ground, and Welfor's second axe dealt the final strike.
All the undead were destroyed by the lightning which suddenly radiated from her body. The flash of light blinded temporarly the warriors, and as Blood Raven's tortured soul left her body, they heard, almost a whisper ''Kashya.....I'm sorry''. And the Burial Grounds fell silent... once again.
Welfor grabbed his axe while Arcadio stood near Blood raven's corpse, praying for her soul.
''Well done, my friend. I wouldn't have been able to hold them much longer. You all right ?'' he said.
''Yes....Still, it feels horrible to kill those corrupted ones. After all, it isn't their fault.''
''At least in death they can rest. And it is best to be dead than to serve Evil.'' answered vigorously the Paladin '' Do not feel bad for her. She would have wanted it that way, were she in her normal state.''
''You are right. Let's go back.''
They arrived at the Rogue encampment almost at night, though the dark day made it quite impossible to distinguish day from night. They reported their deeds to Kashya. She didn't say a word, and although she looked relieved to see a demon leader dead, the pain in her eyes was evident. She walked away almost running. On their way to Akara's tent they spotted a forge, where a blond young woman stood, staring lovingly at the sword she'd just crafted. She saw them and her eyes widened when she saw Welfor
''Wow ! You're a Barbarian aren't you ?'' she asked.
''Yes, I am. Who are you ?'' he asked back.
She giggled ''I am Charsi, the blacksmith here in camp. I knew I would meet a Barbarian somaday. You see, I've been raised here in the Sisterhood, but Akara told me that my real parents were Barbarians, and that they were killed when I was very young''
''That is.... sad'' said Arcadio.
''Yes.... Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been, were I raised as a Barbarian.''
''Times are harsh for us in the North.'' said Welfor. He wondered if he would ever make it back to his homeland again.... But quickly dismissed the thought. It was better not to think about it.
''Well I love being a blacksmith anyway. And I take pride in the fact that my weapons and armors are helping my Order to take back the Monastery, though I don't know if we'll ever manage to do it.''
''Keep faith. The Light will not allow such a holy place to stay in the hands of Andariel'' said the Paladin reassuringly.
''Anyway feel free to choose armors or weapons from my stand.'' Charsi smiled at them, and went back to her work.
As they arrived to Akara's tent, they were surprised to see her talking with the Sorceress they had rescued the day before, looking healthy and fresh. Both women interrupted their conversation as they watched the heroes approach. The Sorceress immediately started talking with them.
''Hi ! So you are the ones who saved me ! Thank you very much. I'm Melissa, pleased to meet you.'' she said smiling.
''It was nothing.'' said Arcadio politely.
''Sure it was ! I owe you my life. Anyway, I was quite stupid, actually. You see I entered the cave, and went forward too boldly. They blocked the entry and surrounded me ! I tried to cast some fire bolts, and clear the entrance to escape from the cave, but they threw something at my head and I was unconscious. When I awoke, I was tied to the wall, and they were about to drain my magic powers through some evil ritual ! Fortunately you interfered just in time !'' she said in one breath.
''Well I'm surprised you are already healed. You were badly injured when we brought you here'' said Welfor.
''Well I must thank Akara for that. But she tricked me too you know ! I told her I wanted to help you today and she said she would wake me up before you left, but instead, she let me sleep and when I awoke you were gone !'' she said, glaring at the healer.
''That's enough Melissa, I'm not going to discuss this with you again. You weren't ready to fight yet.'' said Akara exasperated.
''But.....''
''She's unbearable.'' Akara left them, sighing.
Arcadio and Welfor could barely hold their laughter, faced to this talkative Sorceress.
She turned to them and said.''Well, now I'm ready to fight ! Where are we heading tomorrow ?''
''What ? You want to join us ?'' asked Welfor.
''Of course. I have powerful magic, you know. And look I even got a nice staff !'' she said boastfully showing her short staff.
''Well, actually.....'' began Arcadio, immediately cut by Melissa.
''Thank you so much ! I'll see you tomorrow morning then, because despite what I said to Akara, I still feel quite tired hehe. You'll tell me your plans tomorrow. Well have a good night !'' and with a last smile and singing to herself Melissa went to the sleeping tent.
The two warriors couldn't stand it anymore. They looked at each other and laughed their heads off.
Well here it is ! I added the Sorceress, because no one has reviewed to tell me if I should or not ! That was rude ! And there is a Portuguese saying which says ''Quem cala consente'' which means that if you don't say anything it's yes. So welcome to the story Melissa ! I hope you like her. Please review to tell me what you think. If you don't like any of the characters I can just kill them and replace them ^_^.
\ }