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I'm sorry I took so long to update. Please don't fill me with hatred-filled reviews... mea culpa, mea culpa! I had to take some boring final exams, and I had a rather hectic schedule. But now on holidays I hope to write at least some chapters before leaving to the beach. So go ahead, read and enjoy, and lastly, but not least, review !
"It's too hot ! I can't take it anymore !" said Welfor. After leaving the grateful Rogues behind ( even Kashya admitted they weren't that bad after all for foreigners ) the three had travelled along with Warriv's caravan for almost a week in the desert. The high temperatures and the sun had had a disastrous effect on Welfor's skin and mood, who was used to the chilling winds of his homeland. The Barbarian kept to himself most of the time complaining about the sun. Melissa, on the contrary was happy to finally see the sun after the darkened sky of Khanduras, for it reminded her of her home and family. Arcadio, trained to endure pain, cold and heat alike, walked easily through the torrid desert.
" How long before we reach Lut Gholein, Warriv ?" asked Welfor.
"Patience, my friend, patience." answered Warriv calmly, checking on the mules which were pushing the caravan. Welfor had wanted to take refuge from the sun inside the wagon, but Warriv had forbidden him to do so, arguing that his weight would be too much for the mules. The northern man hadn't totally forgiven Warriv even now. Checking the sun's position, he added "But I would say that we're close. We should be reaching the city tonight. Since it wouldn't be safe to sleep another night in the desert, let's hurry and reach Lut Gholein before nighttime."
Melissa and Arcadio were slightly behind, trying to avoid Welfor's bad mood, talking to each other.
"I hope Welfor doesn't stay like this for too long." commented Arcadio.
"Well, we're lucky we came during spring, for the summer in the desert is a lot hotter. And Lut Gholein is a bit cooler, thanks to the winds coming from the sea. Plus, I've heard they have lots of taverns." said Melissa. After a while she continued, almost in a whisper. "I'm a bit scared you know."
"Scared ? Why ?"
"To go there.... to Lut Gholein. There I will know for sure if they did make it. And if they didn't, I don't know what I'll do." she said, tears in her eyes.
Arcadio didn't know what to say. "I'm sure they are fine."
"No you aren't." Melissa stated. Then she smile sadly "But thanks anyway. And I shouldn't be whining about my problems so much, since I'm sure our friend over there also has worries of his own." Both looked silently at Welfor, walking and rubbing the sweat from his forehead.
"Yes.... I wonder.... I've heard him mention to Charsi that he missed his family." said Arcadio.
"And since we all know the war is raging in the Barbarian lands, it doesn't take that much brain to guess what worries him." completed Melissa.
They fell silent and heard Welfor grump again against the heat.
"My friend, behold the Jewel of the Desert !' said Warriv triumphantly. They were standing on the top of a dune, and from there they could see a large city, and the great sea, behind which the sun was almost disappearing. They hurried to the gates of the city and after telling the guards what brought them to the city, they entered Lut Gholein, which was by far livelier than the small Rogue camp. Despite the fading daylight the market was filled with people and laughters could be heard from the tavern near the port, and for a moment, the three warriors almost forgot all their worries. They were abruptly brought back to reality seeing several men sparring with spears. War was being waged in the Jewel of the Desert too.
"Well, my journey ends. I believe there is a inn not far from here where you can rest after this trip."
"Thank you Warriv, but I would like to know first if there is any ship sailing to Kurast soon." said Arcadio.
"And I need to find the refugees from Farjella." added Melissa.
"And I....." Welfor began, staring eagerly at the inn.
"Well go to the dockside to know about your ship. But I don't know where are those refugees. They arrived after I left Lut Gholein. Just ask around." answered Warriv.
After thanking Warriv, Arcadio, Melissa and Welfor decided to meet at the inn two hours later, and split up.
Arcadio walked quickly towards the dockside, but he couldn't help but admire the peace which seemed to reign within the city's walls. It was as if nothing were happening, and now that he had left the center of Lut Gholein the silence was only broken by the soft waves crashing against the dock. He finally saw it, the large sea covering all the horizon. Many boats were stationed, which reassured Arcadio that he would find a way to reach Kurast. However Arcadio couldn't spot anyone, not even a drunk sailor. He was thinking of going back and ask someone in the market, when a quiet voice startled him.
"There are no ships going to Kurast, and I fear, for a long time...." Arcadio finally realized who was talking. A red-haired woman was standing near the water so quietly that Arcadio failed to see her at first.
"How... how do you know I'm heading toward Kurast ?" asked the Paladin surprised.
A faint smirk appeared on the woman's face. "A cross on your shield, a determined face, a resolute aura, that is surely a Paladin. And how many Paladins do you reckon this city has seen leaving for Kehjistan ?"
"Surely all those who were fighting King Leoric in Westmarch are now coming back."
"Either they have already reached their Temple, or they won't be able to reach Kurast, I fear."
"I beg your pardon ? Surely at least one of these ships is going to Kurast."
"Yes, I believe most would, if they were allowed to leave this city ."
"What ?" asked Arcadio bewildered.
"You must be new around here.... And blinded by the apparent peace of the desert night, you thought that this town could afford to lose its ships on a ill-fated trip. Stay here a bit longer, and you will surely understand the horrors which are taking place here." with a sigh the woman left, leaving Arcadio even more confused than before.
Melissa felt utterly lost. The inner streets and alleys of Lut Gholein were a maze, and she had been wandering there for some time unable to find her way. It seemed that the refugees weren't grouped somewhere in the city as she thought, and walking around town she had little chances of finding her family. She decided to return to the inn, but she couldn't remember the way, and as the last weakened daylight faded away. The streets were completely dark, and no light could be seen trough the windows. Melissa was almost panicking, wishing she would just find someone to whom she could ask where was the inn, but no one could be seen.
"This is absurd. It isn't that late, and already nobody out of their houses." she thought. As she was thinking this, she reached some kind of small square with a fountain, but there wasn't any way to go further ahead. She walked toward the alley from which she had come, but...
"What is such a pretty face doing here so late at night ?" a voice said.
"AAAHH !! screamed Melissa, turning. She spotted a man sitting on a bench she hadn't spotted before, but could hardly see him because of the darkness. "Oh, sorry !You startled me" she said, her heart still racing.
"It's alright" the man said, approaching her. "Why are you out after curfew, sweetie ?"
It was then that Melissa understood that the man was drunk. She hoped he would still be able to help her get to the inn."I... I got lost, and I'm trying to reach the inn called the Desert Rain. Do you know where it is ?" she said frightened.
"Why don't we go to my house instead ? It is closer and I will make sure you enjoy your night" he said grabbing her arm.
Melissa broke free from his grasp quickly. "No please. Just tell me where is the Desert Rain." she said miserably.
"Come here princess !" The man began to chase her, and Melissa retreated behind the fountain.
"If.... if you don't go away I'll scream."
"No one will come for you, people are used to hearing strange sounds at night here." the man said laughing.
Melissa had had enough : she casted a fire ball and threatened him with it.
"Stop or I'll attack !" she said. But the man was either too stupid or too drunk to realize he was in danger and kept coming. Melissa threw the spell at him, hitting the man square on the chest. He stopped dead on his track, rolled his eyeballs, and fell unconscious. Melissa sat on the fountain's edge trying to recover her breath and her calm. When she looked up an old man was standing in front of her. She screamed again in fright and nearly fell into the water.
"Calm down my child. I do not wish to harm you." the elder had a quiet and slightly soothing voice, and seemed harmless, and Melissa calmed down. He was dressed in red robes and held a staff in his left hand.
"I'm sorry. I just had enough trouble for one night." she said her eyes closed.
"I guess so..." said the wizard. "Nevertheless, you should know that it is unsafe to wander out after curfew. Who are you ?"
"I'm new here,I didn't know. My name is Melissa" the wizard's eyes seemed to take a new interest at her "and I'm trying to find the Desert Rain inn."
"Melissa, you say ? Hmmm quite interesting." Melissa was too tired to wonder at the meaning of these words. "Well don't worry I'll lead you there."
"Thank you !" she said gratefully. They walked in silence until they reached the inn. "Thank you so much ! I was beginning to think I would stay lost forever in that maze."
"Don't mention it." answered the man. "Tomorrow morning you ought to have a look at my shop. I imagine many items there would interest a young Sorceress such as yourself. Good night." he said turning to go.
"Good night." said Melissa opening the door. Only then did realization strike her. How did the man know she was a Sorceress ? She turned to ask him but he had disappeared into the mysterious desert night.
Welfor entered the inn, after having had a good time and a good ale in the town's main tavern. However, in spite of the constant noise of laughing and music, the athmosphere was rather artificial, as if the people of Lut Gholein were just trying to forget their own troubles. This had made Welfor rather unconfortable, and was the reason why he was returning so early. However when he entered the inn he found Arcadio sitting alone in the entrance room, brooding. The distraught Paladin didn't see his friend entering and startled when he tapped his shoulder.
"What are you doing here, Arcadio ? Did you find a ship heading to Kurast after all ?" asked Welfor.
"Well... no. It seems that for some reason all ships are forced to remain here, though I can't imagine why..." replied Arcadio.
"So we're stuck here ?" Welfor didn't know why his voice had sounded so anxious. For some reason, the Barbarian felt it would be best to leave the town as soon as possible.
"It seems so." the Paladin said sulkily "To make matters worse I don't know where Melissa went. She said she would just ask around for her family, and she hasn't come back yet ?"
"Perhaps she has found them after all and is spending the night with them." suggested Welfor.
"Maybe.... Nevertheless I think I'll wait for her for a bit longer."
"Alright. I'll be upstairs if you need me." said Welfor with a faint smirk. Arcadio always worried to much about Melissa...
"Thanks. Good night."
"Good night." Welfor climbed the stairway and entered the room Elzix had given him, and went to bed immediately. He was almost falling asleep when he had a sudden feeling of anxiety, but was unable to explain why. 'There's something malevolent about this city' he thought before he fell asleep. Of course at that time he couldn't have guessed how right he was...
Arcadio didn't realize the time passing by as he thought worried that he was farther from Kurast than ever. Therefore he couldn't say if it had waited for some hours or just a few minutes when he heard Melissa wish 'goodnight' to someone and enter the inn. She seemed exhausted and before he could ask anything she had immediately begun talking.
"Arcadio ? What are you doing here so late at night ?" she asked.
"I was worried about you. Besides, I don't think I could sleep much..."
"Why ? Did you find your ship anyway ?"
"No." He then told Melissa about the strange red-haired woman he met, and her disturbing words. "I didn't understand much, but I think it'll be hard to leave this town." after a pause he asked "Did you find your family ?"
"No, but I won't give up hope though, I discovered this city is just huge... I don't have any chance to find them if I just walk around asking. Tomorrow I'll ask whoever is in charge of this city and I'll have my answers, good or bad...." She thought about telling Arcadio of her frightening experience in the alley and the mysterious old man who seemed to know her, but she didn't. He would probably worry too much. But Arcadio seemed lost in his own thoughts and wasn't paying attention.
"Where's Welfor by the way ?" asked Melissa.
"Huh ? Oh, he already went to bed." answered Arcadio startled.
"Well there isn't much we can do tonight. I'm going to follow his example." she said yawning. "You should do the same you know. I'm sure everything will seem better tomorrow morning."
"Right.... " said the Paladin slowly standing. They silently made their way up the stairs and Melissa wished goodnight to her friend who didn't even hear her, the haunted look never leaving his eyes. 'Strange' thought the Sorceress, entering her room, but dismissed the thought quickly. 'He's just tired, that's all'. And with that comforting thought, she fell asleep.
The next morning Welfor wake up early and descended the stairway. He saw none of his friends so he assumed they hadn't woken yet. However he was surprised when Elzix told him that Melissa had already left, considering that the Sorceress hated waking up early, and was always the last to be up.
"Strange" he commented to Elzix "Do you know where she went ?" he asked.
The innkeeper shrugged and said "She said she would meet you at midday in the Sand Mug. You know where it is right ?"
"Yes, yes. Thanks." He distinctly remembered passing that tavern the night before. The Barbarian now didn't know what to do, should he wake Arcadio and search with him for a way to go to Kurast or do it alone ? His problem was solved when Arcadio came yawning down the stairs himself.
"Good morning" greeted Welfor cheerfully. "Sleep well ?"
"Not really... worried that's all. Melissa is still sleeping ?"
"I was told she left. I suppose she found something about her parents yesterday and went check it out. She set a meeting point in a tavern not far from here at lunchtime."
"Alright..... I thought about our trip problem last night, and I think we should try to go to the docksides again. I'm sure we'll find a sailor who can inform us."
"If we can't discover anything we'll just ask for an audience with the sultan." said Welfor to reassure his friend.
Arcadio and Welfor walked to the dockside, and Arcadio couldn't help but feel nervous, afraid that he would be told more bad news. Unlike the night before, many people were walking around the docks. They decided to talk to a man who was unloading something from his boat. A sailor should know for sure, they thought.
"Good morning. Erm.... can we ask you a few questions ?" Welfor asked him.
"Why, of course." the man said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I'm Meshif, captain of this ship. Who are you ?"
"We're travelers, who are trying to reach Kurast." Arcadio said.
"Kurast, eh ? Well, I'm afraid you won't reach it by sea."
"But why ?" asked Arcadio despaired. After his confusing chat with the red-haired woman, the Paladin wanted answers.
"Official reasons. Lord Jerhyn forbade any ship from leaving Lut Gholein."
"He did ? Why ?"
Meshif shrugged. "I suggest you ask him. Look, if you manage to convince him to let me leave, I'll take you to Kurast."
"Thank you very much. We'll see what we can do." said Welfor.
Melissa breathed heavily the air filled with the smell of the sea. The sun was shining strongly, and the temperature wasn't too high. Melissa's mood couldn't be better. She had left early to go to the old man's shop, yearning for answers. Again she was walking through small alleys, but instead of the hostile and lonely feeling she had felt the night before, the alleys made her feel peaceful and almost at home. Distractedly she walked until she found the shop. It seemed like a regular magical shop. She entered. Colored vials were disposed on the shelves all around the room, which had just two windows which let very few sunlight in. Staves, wands were against the wall, and their prices ( Melissa's eyes widened as she saw them ) were written on a sheet of paper fixed to the wall. And behind the counter was the old man looking at her silently.
"May I help you ?" he asked.
"I have some questions for you." said Melissa nervously.
"Assuredly. Please come with me." he said emotionless.
Melissa followed him to a room backwards where a boy who looked like twelve or thirteen sat studying a heavy book. He looked up and when their eyes met, Melissa choked.
"Melissa ?" he asked unbelievingly.
"Melampo !?!?! I finally found you !" she said filled with an intense joy.
When Welfor entered the Sand Mug, he was immediately stricken by the contrast between the noisy and crowded streets of Lut Gholein's bazaar, and the inner quietness of the tavern. The only people in there were a tall blonde woman sitting in the back of the room, and a smaller woman, dressed in black, sobbing quietly behind the counter. The two men hesitantly approached her.
"Excuse me. Are you alright ?" asked Arcadio worried.
"Yes, yes, I'm sorry." she said, her voice still trembling, and she wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand. "I assume you would like to have lunch." she ended.
"Erm... yes, if that isn't too much too trouble. But we are waiting for a friend"
"Lunch for three then. But... tell me, you are new here, aren't you ?"
"Yes, we are just warriors who are temporarily in Lut Gholein.""Then.... perhaps you could help me. My name is Atma and if you just could..." she began her eyes becoming teary again. "Oh, just ask the Amazon over there.... I can't bear to talk over it.... She'll explain it to you. But please be careful ! I don't want you losing your lives on my behalf. Please....." And the crying Atma retreated to the kitchen.
Still stunned by Atma's outburst, they didn't see Melissa entering the tavern, and startled when she greeted them noisily.
"What's up with you two ? You look like zombies. Didn't you sleep well ?" she asked, concerned.
"We just had a weird chat, that's all." said Welfor scratching his head.
"Come, we have to talk to her." said Arcadio turning toward the Amazon. Ignoring Melissa's puzzled expression, they approached the table where she was sitting. The blonde-haired woman looked at them interrogatively, but neither Arcadio nor Welfor found a way to start the conversation.
"May I help you ?" she asked after an embarrassing silence.
"You saw us talking to Atma didn't you ?" asked Arcadio.
"It was hard not to, since you were right in front of me." she replied coldly.
"Yes... well, she asked us for help, but didn't explain what it was about. She told us you could explain it to us." Finished Arcadio looking at the woman expectantly.
"I see." said the Amazon after a silence."Please sit down." She asked, but in her indifferent voice it sounded more like an order, Welfor thought."I take it you're warriors ?"
"Yes we are" said Melissa proudly.
"Good." she said appraisingly and seemed a little less hostile towards them."That's what we need, people to fight demons, not those merchants or the useless preachers from Zakarum." she said harshly. Arcadio flinched, but she didn't see him, or pretended not to."You will notice that no one wanders in the streets at nighttime. Of course, robbers and thieves make it normally unsafe, but recently people have been disappearing, and a great demon was reported to have been seen in the city, obviously wanting for some reason the corpses of the citizens. It is said that the creature eats them, but Drognan the wizard thinks otherwise. Anyway, Atma has lost her husband and her son in one of those raids, and she hired me to destroy it."
"You're a mercenary ?" asked Welfor.
"Exactly."
"But... then Atma must have thought we were mercenaries too !"
"I doubt it. She barely has the gold to pay me, so I imagine she is just hoping you accept to do it for free. Do you ?"
"Of course. We fight demons wherever we find them, don't we ?" said Arcadio
"Of course" answered Welfor immediately. Melissa looked mortified and said nothing, instead staring at the table. Arcadio saw her and was going to ask the Sorceress what was wrong, but the Amazon spoke first.
"Then I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Sela, from the Amazon islands. And you are ?"
"I am Welfor from the Barbarian tribes in the North. He is a fighter of the Zakarum, Arcadio. And the Sorceress here is Melissa." said Welfor.
"Quite a unusual group you form, yet you speak as a team.
"We met in the West, and decided to fight together." explained Arcadio.
"Here is your lunch." interrupted Atma quietly, putting their food in front of the three famished warriors. Arcadio looked at her, and saw the unasked question trembling in her eyes.
"We will help you." Arcadio stated simply. Gratitude was evident in her face, but she left without a word.
"I've been trying to find the creature for some days now, but it's just as if the undead I kill in one day revive the day after. It's very strange...." continued Sela frowning.
"I'm sure together we can find the monster in one day."
"We'll see." said Sela."Well, I'll leave you with your lunch. I have some business to do, but I'm going back to the sewers tomorrow morning. I'll see you there, if you don't change your mind until then." And with that she left the inn.
"At least we won't get bored while we are stuck here." Said Welfor happily. He had food and drink in front of him, and the prospect of battle for the next day. Everything a Barbarian needed, he thought.
"Melissa what's wrong ? You haven't spoke since we met that Amazon, and forgive my rudeness, but it's quite unusual for you." said Arcadio playfully.
"I'm sorry." said Melissa miserably."But I don't think I will come with you to the sewers."
AHAHAHA, I must admit it feels rather nice to stop the story when one of the characters says something bombastic. I think it's the fact that I'm the only one to know what's going to happen, that makes me feel powerful.... Well don't worry, I don't think I will take so long to write the next chapter. Of course reviews could only boost my writing speed. So please review me. Thanks
}
I'm sorry I took so long to update. Please don't fill me with hatred-filled reviews... mea culpa, mea culpa! I had to take some boring final exams, and I had a rather hectic schedule. But now on holidays I hope to write at least some chapters before leaving to the beach. So go ahead, read and enjoy, and lastly, but not least, review !
"It's too hot ! I can't take it anymore !" said Welfor. After leaving the grateful Rogues behind ( even Kashya admitted they weren't that bad after all for foreigners ) the three had travelled along with Warriv's caravan for almost a week in the desert. The high temperatures and the sun had had a disastrous effect on Welfor's skin and mood, who was used to the chilling winds of his homeland. The Barbarian kept to himself most of the time complaining about the sun. Melissa, on the contrary was happy to finally see the sun after the darkened sky of Khanduras, for it reminded her of her home and family. Arcadio, trained to endure pain, cold and heat alike, walked easily through the torrid desert.
" How long before we reach Lut Gholein, Warriv ?" asked Welfor.
"Patience, my friend, patience." answered Warriv calmly, checking on the mules which were pushing the caravan. Welfor had wanted to take refuge from the sun inside the wagon, but Warriv had forbidden him to do so, arguing that his weight would be too much for the mules. The northern man hadn't totally forgiven Warriv even now. Checking the sun's position, he added "But I would say that we're close. We should be reaching the city tonight. Since it wouldn't be safe to sleep another night in the desert, let's hurry and reach Lut Gholein before nighttime."
Melissa and Arcadio were slightly behind, trying to avoid Welfor's bad mood, talking to each other.
"I hope Welfor doesn't stay like this for too long." commented Arcadio.
"Well, we're lucky we came during spring, for the summer in the desert is a lot hotter. And Lut Gholein is a bit cooler, thanks to the winds coming from the sea. Plus, I've heard they have lots of taverns." said Melissa. After a while she continued, almost in a whisper. "I'm a bit scared you know."
"Scared ? Why ?"
"To go there.... to Lut Gholein. There I will know for sure if they did make it. And if they didn't, I don't know what I'll do." she said, tears in her eyes.
Arcadio didn't know what to say. "I'm sure they are fine."
"No you aren't." Melissa stated. Then she smile sadly "But thanks anyway. And I shouldn't be whining about my problems so much, since I'm sure our friend over there also has worries of his own." Both looked silently at Welfor, walking and rubbing the sweat from his forehead.
"Yes.... I wonder.... I've heard him mention to Charsi that he missed his family." said Arcadio.
"And since we all know the war is raging in the Barbarian lands, it doesn't take that much brain to guess what worries him." completed Melissa.
They fell silent and heard Welfor grump again against the heat.
"My friend, behold the Jewel of the Desert !' said Warriv triumphantly. They were standing on the top of a dune, and from there they could see a large city, and the great sea, behind which the sun was almost disappearing. They hurried to the gates of the city and after telling the guards what brought them to the city, they entered Lut Gholein, which was by far livelier than the small Rogue camp. Despite the fading daylight the market was filled with people and laughters could be heard from the tavern near the port, and for a moment, the three warriors almost forgot all their worries. They were abruptly brought back to reality seeing several men sparring with spears. War was being waged in the Jewel of the Desert too.
"Well, my journey ends. I believe there is a inn not far from here where you can rest after this trip."
"Thank you Warriv, but I would like to know first if there is any ship sailing to Kurast soon." said Arcadio.
"And I need to find the refugees from Farjella." added Melissa.
"And I....." Welfor began, staring eagerly at the inn.
"Well go to the dockside to know about your ship. But I don't know where are those refugees. They arrived after I left Lut Gholein. Just ask around." answered Warriv.
After thanking Warriv, Arcadio, Melissa and Welfor decided to meet at the inn two hours later, and split up.
Arcadio walked quickly towards the dockside, but he couldn't help but admire the peace which seemed to reign within the city's walls. It was as if nothing were happening, and now that he had left the center of Lut Gholein the silence was only broken by the soft waves crashing against the dock. He finally saw it, the large sea covering all the horizon. Many boats were stationed, which reassured Arcadio that he would find a way to reach Kurast. However Arcadio couldn't spot anyone, not even a drunk sailor. He was thinking of going back and ask someone in the market, when a quiet voice startled him.
"There are no ships going to Kurast, and I fear, for a long time...." Arcadio finally realized who was talking. A red-haired woman was standing near the water so quietly that Arcadio failed to see her at first.
"How... how do you know I'm heading toward Kurast ?" asked the Paladin surprised.
A faint smirk appeared on the woman's face. "A cross on your shield, a determined face, a resolute aura, that is surely a Paladin. And how many Paladins do you reckon this city has seen leaving for Kehjistan ?"
"Surely all those who were fighting King Leoric in Westmarch are now coming back."
"Either they have already reached their Temple, or they won't be able to reach Kurast, I fear."
"I beg your pardon ? Surely at least one of these ships is going to Kurast."
"Yes, I believe most would, if they were allowed to leave this city ."
"What ?" asked Arcadio bewildered.
"You must be new around here.... And blinded by the apparent peace of the desert night, you thought that this town could afford to lose its ships on a ill-fated trip. Stay here a bit longer, and you will surely understand the horrors which are taking place here." with a sigh the woman left, leaving Arcadio even more confused than before.
Melissa felt utterly lost. The inner streets and alleys of Lut Gholein were a maze, and she had been wandering there for some time unable to find her way. It seemed that the refugees weren't grouped somewhere in the city as she thought, and walking around town she had little chances of finding her family. She decided to return to the inn, but she couldn't remember the way, and as the last weakened daylight faded away. The streets were completely dark, and no light could be seen trough the windows. Melissa was almost panicking, wishing she would just find someone to whom she could ask where was the inn, but no one could be seen.
"This is absurd. It isn't that late, and already nobody out of their houses." she thought. As she was thinking this, she reached some kind of small square with a fountain, but there wasn't any way to go further ahead. She walked toward the alley from which she had come, but...
"What is such a pretty face doing here so late at night ?" a voice said.
"AAAHH !! screamed Melissa, turning. She spotted a man sitting on a bench she hadn't spotted before, but could hardly see him because of the darkness. "Oh, sorry !You startled me" she said, her heart still racing.
"It's alright" the man said, approaching her. "Why are you out after curfew, sweetie ?"
It was then that Melissa understood that the man was drunk. She hoped he would still be able to help her get to the inn."I... I got lost, and I'm trying to reach the inn called the Desert Rain. Do you know where it is ?" she said frightened.
"Why don't we go to my house instead ? It is closer and I will make sure you enjoy your night" he said grabbing her arm.
Melissa broke free from his grasp quickly. "No please. Just tell me where is the Desert Rain." she said miserably.
"Come here princess !" The man began to chase her, and Melissa retreated behind the fountain.
"If.... if you don't go away I'll scream."
"No one will come for you, people are used to hearing strange sounds at night here." the man said laughing.
Melissa had had enough : she casted a fire ball and threatened him with it.
"Stop or I'll attack !" she said. But the man was either too stupid or too drunk to realize he was in danger and kept coming. Melissa threw the spell at him, hitting the man square on the chest. He stopped dead on his track, rolled his eyeballs, and fell unconscious. Melissa sat on the fountain's edge trying to recover her breath and her calm. When she looked up an old man was standing in front of her. She screamed again in fright and nearly fell into the water.
"Calm down my child. I do not wish to harm you." the elder had a quiet and slightly soothing voice, and seemed harmless, and Melissa calmed down. He was dressed in red robes and held a staff in his left hand.
"I'm sorry. I just had enough trouble for one night." she said her eyes closed.
"I guess so..." said the wizard. "Nevertheless, you should know that it is unsafe to wander out after curfew. Who are you ?"
"I'm new here,I didn't know. My name is Melissa" the wizard's eyes seemed to take a new interest at her "and I'm trying to find the Desert Rain inn."
"Melissa, you say ? Hmmm quite interesting." Melissa was too tired to wonder at the meaning of these words. "Well don't worry I'll lead you there."
"Thank you !" she said gratefully. They walked in silence until they reached the inn. "Thank you so much ! I was beginning to think I would stay lost forever in that maze."
"Don't mention it." answered the man. "Tomorrow morning you ought to have a look at my shop. I imagine many items there would interest a young Sorceress such as yourself. Good night." he said turning to go.
"Good night." said Melissa opening the door. Only then did realization strike her. How did the man know she was a Sorceress ? She turned to ask him but he had disappeared into the mysterious desert night.
Welfor entered the inn, after having had a good time and a good ale in the town's main tavern. However, in spite of the constant noise of laughing and music, the athmosphere was rather artificial, as if the people of Lut Gholein were just trying to forget their own troubles. This had made Welfor rather unconfortable, and was the reason why he was returning so early. However when he entered the inn he found Arcadio sitting alone in the entrance room, brooding. The distraught Paladin didn't see his friend entering and startled when he tapped his shoulder.
"What are you doing here, Arcadio ? Did you find a ship heading to Kurast after all ?" asked Welfor.
"Well... no. It seems that for some reason all ships are forced to remain here, though I can't imagine why..." replied Arcadio.
"So we're stuck here ?" Welfor didn't know why his voice had sounded so anxious. For some reason, the Barbarian felt it would be best to leave the town as soon as possible.
"It seems so." the Paladin said sulkily "To make matters worse I don't know where Melissa went. She said she would just ask around for her family, and she hasn't come back yet ?"
"Perhaps she has found them after all and is spending the night with them." suggested Welfor.
"Maybe.... Nevertheless I think I'll wait for her for a bit longer."
"Alright. I'll be upstairs if you need me." said Welfor with a faint smirk. Arcadio always worried to much about Melissa...
"Thanks. Good night."
"Good night." Welfor climbed the stairway and entered the room Elzix had given him, and went to bed immediately. He was almost falling asleep when he had a sudden feeling of anxiety, but was unable to explain why. 'There's something malevolent about this city' he thought before he fell asleep. Of course at that time he couldn't have guessed how right he was...
Arcadio didn't realize the time passing by as he thought worried that he was farther from Kurast than ever. Therefore he couldn't say if it had waited for some hours or just a few minutes when he heard Melissa wish 'goodnight' to someone and enter the inn. She seemed exhausted and before he could ask anything she had immediately begun talking.
"Arcadio ? What are you doing here so late at night ?" she asked.
"I was worried about you. Besides, I don't think I could sleep much..."
"Why ? Did you find your ship anyway ?"
"No." He then told Melissa about the strange red-haired woman he met, and her disturbing words. "I didn't understand much, but I think it'll be hard to leave this town." after a pause he asked "Did you find your family ?"
"No, but I won't give up hope though, I discovered this city is just huge... I don't have any chance to find them if I just walk around asking. Tomorrow I'll ask whoever is in charge of this city and I'll have my answers, good or bad...." She thought about telling Arcadio of her frightening experience in the alley and the mysterious old man who seemed to know her, but she didn't. He would probably worry too much. But Arcadio seemed lost in his own thoughts and wasn't paying attention.
"Where's Welfor by the way ?" asked Melissa.
"Huh ? Oh, he already went to bed." answered Arcadio startled.
"Well there isn't much we can do tonight. I'm going to follow his example." she said yawning. "You should do the same you know. I'm sure everything will seem better tomorrow morning."
"Right.... " said the Paladin slowly standing. They silently made their way up the stairs and Melissa wished goodnight to her friend who didn't even hear her, the haunted look never leaving his eyes. 'Strange' thought the Sorceress, entering her room, but dismissed the thought quickly. 'He's just tired, that's all'. And with that comforting thought, she fell asleep.
The next morning Welfor wake up early and descended the stairway. He saw none of his friends so he assumed they hadn't woken yet. However he was surprised when Elzix told him that Melissa had already left, considering that the Sorceress hated waking up early, and was always the last to be up.
"Strange" he commented to Elzix "Do you know where she went ?" he asked.
The innkeeper shrugged and said "She said she would meet you at midday in the Sand Mug. You know where it is right ?"
"Yes, yes. Thanks." He distinctly remembered passing that tavern the night before. The Barbarian now didn't know what to do, should he wake Arcadio and search with him for a way to go to Kurast or do it alone ? His problem was solved when Arcadio came yawning down the stairs himself.
"Good morning" greeted Welfor cheerfully. "Sleep well ?"
"Not really... worried that's all. Melissa is still sleeping ?"
"I was told she left. I suppose she found something about her parents yesterday and went check it out. She set a meeting point in a tavern not far from here at lunchtime."
"Alright..... I thought about our trip problem last night, and I think we should try to go to the docksides again. I'm sure we'll find a sailor who can inform us."
"If we can't discover anything we'll just ask for an audience with the sultan." said Welfor to reassure his friend.
Arcadio and Welfor walked to the dockside, and Arcadio couldn't help but feel nervous, afraid that he would be told more bad news. Unlike the night before, many people were walking around the docks. They decided to talk to a man who was unloading something from his boat. A sailor should know for sure, they thought.
"Good morning. Erm.... can we ask you a few questions ?" Welfor asked him.
"Why, of course." the man said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I'm Meshif, captain of this ship. Who are you ?"
"We're travelers, who are trying to reach Kurast." Arcadio said.
"Kurast, eh ? Well, I'm afraid you won't reach it by sea."
"But why ?" asked Arcadio despaired. After his confusing chat with the red-haired woman, the Paladin wanted answers.
"Official reasons. Lord Jerhyn forbade any ship from leaving Lut Gholein."
"He did ? Why ?"
Meshif shrugged. "I suggest you ask him. Look, if you manage to convince him to let me leave, I'll take you to Kurast."
"Thank you very much. We'll see what we can do." said Welfor.
Melissa breathed heavily the air filled with the smell of the sea. The sun was shining strongly, and the temperature wasn't too high. Melissa's mood couldn't be better. She had left early to go to the old man's shop, yearning for answers. Again she was walking through small alleys, but instead of the hostile and lonely feeling she had felt the night before, the alleys made her feel peaceful and almost at home. Distractedly she walked until she found the shop. It seemed like a regular magical shop. She entered. Colored vials were disposed on the shelves all around the room, which had just two windows which let very few sunlight in. Staves, wands were against the wall, and their prices ( Melissa's eyes widened as she saw them ) were written on a sheet of paper fixed to the wall. And behind the counter was the old man looking at her silently.
"May I help you ?" he asked.
"I have some questions for you." said Melissa nervously.
"Assuredly. Please come with me." he said emotionless.
Melissa followed him to a room backwards where a boy who looked like twelve or thirteen sat studying a heavy book. He looked up and when their eyes met, Melissa choked.
"Melissa ?" he asked unbelievingly.
"Melampo !?!?! I finally found you !" she said filled with an intense joy.
When Welfor entered the Sand Mug, he was immediately stricken by the contrast between the noisy and crowded streets of Lut Gholein's bazaar, and the inner quietness of the tavern. The only people in there were a tall blonde woman sitting in the back of the room, and a smaller woman, dressed in black, sobbing quietly behind the counter. The two men hesitantly approached her.
"Excuse me. Are you alright ?" asked Arcadio worried.
"Yes, yes, I'm sorry." she said, her voice still trembling, and she wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand. "I assume you would like to have lunch." she ended.
"Erm... yes, if that isn't too much too trouble. But we are waiting for a friend"
"Lunch for three then. But... tell me, you are new here, aren't you ?"
"Yes, we are just warriors who are temporarily in Lut Gholein.""Then.... perhaps you could help me. My name is Atma and if you just could..." she began her eyes becoming teary again. "Oh, just ask the Amazon over there.... I can't bear to talk over it.... She'll explain it to you. But please be careful ! I don't want you losing your lives on my behalf. Please....." And the crying Atma retreated to the kitchen.
Still stunned by Atma's outburst, they didn't see Melissa entering the tavern, and startled when she greeted them noisily.
"What's up with you two ? You look like zombies. Didn't you sleep well ?" she asked, concerned.
"We just had a weird chat, that's all." said Welfor scratching his head.
"Come, we have to talk to her." said Arcadio turning toward the Amazon. Ignoring Melissa's puzzled expression, they approached the table where she was sitting. The blonde-haired woman looked at them interrogatively, but neither Arcadio nor Welfor found a way to start the conversation.
"May I help you ?" she asked after an embarrassing silence.
"You saw us talking to Atma didn't you ?" asked Arcadio.
"It was hard not to, since you were right in front of me." she replied coldly.
"Yes... well, she asked us for help, but didn't explain what it was about. She told us you could explain it to us." Finished Arcadio looking at the woman expectantly.
"I see." said the Amazon after a silence."Please sit down." She asked, but in her indifferent voice it sounded more like an order, Welfor thought."I take it you're warriors ?"
"Yes we are" said Melissa proudly.
"Good." she said appraisingly and seemed a little less hostile towards them."That's what we need, people to fight demons, not those merchants or the useless preachers from Zakarum." she said harshly. Arcadio flinched, but she didn't see him, or pretended not to."You will notice that no one wanders in the streets at nighttime. Of course, robbers and thieves make it normally unsafe, but recently people have been disappearing, and a great demon was reported to have been seen in the city, obviously wanting for some reason the corpses of the citizens. It is said that the creature eats them, but Drognan the wizard thinks otherwise. Anyway, Atma has lost her husband and her son in one of those raids, and she hired me to destroy it."
"You're a mercenary ?" asked Welfor.
"Exactly."
"But... then Atma must have thought we were mercenaries too !"
"I doubt it. She barely has the gold to pay me, so I imagine she is just hoping you accept to do it for free. Do you ?"
"Of course. We fight demons wherever we find them, don't we ?" said Arcadio
"Of course" answered Welfor immediately. Melissa looked mortified and said nothing, instead staring at the table. Arcadio saw her and was going to ask the Sorceress what was wrong, but the Amazon spoke first.
"Then I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Sela, from the Amazon islands. And you are ?"
"I am Welfor from the Barbarian tribes in the North. He is a fighter of the Zakarum, Arcadio. And the Sorceress here is Melissa." said Welfor.
"Quite a unusual group you form, yet you speak as a team.
"We met in the West, and decided to fight together." explained Arcadio.
"Here is your lunch." interrupted Atma quietly, putting their food in front of the three famished warriors. Arcadio looked at her, and saw the unasked question trembling in her eyes.
"We will help you." Arcadio stated simply. Gratitude was evident in her face, but she left without a word.
"I've been trying to find the creature for some days now, but it's just as if the undead I kill in one day revive the day after. It's very strange...." continued Sela frowning.
"I'm sure together we can find the monster in one day."
"We'll see." said Sela."Well, I'll leave you with your lunch. I have some business to do, but I'm going back to the sewers tomorrow morning. I'll see you there, if you don't change your mind until then." And with that she left the inn.
"At least we won't get bored while we are stuck here." Said Welfor happily. He had food and drink in front of him, and the prospect of battle for the next day. Everything a Barbarian needed, he thought.
"Melissa what's wrong ? You haven't spoke since we met that Amazon, and forgive my rudeness, but it's quite unusual for you." said Arcadio playfully.
"I'm sorry." said Melissa miserably."But I don't think I will come with you to the sewers."
AHAHAHA, I must admit it feels rather nice to stop the story when one of the characters says something bombastic. I think it's the fact that I'm the only one to know what's going to happen, that makes me feel powerful.... Well don't worry, I don't think I will take so long to write the next chapter. Of course reviews could only boost my writing speed. So please review me. Thanks
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