Replies to Reviews:
Bluesnowman: Thank you.
Guest: I'll keep that in mind suggestion in mind. As for Taylor's power, in sheer terms of the in-story analogue to skill and attribute points? Yes, she'll eventually get there, but she won't end up with the same depth of skill as any of them, rather she'll be picking things up from all of them. "Jack of All Trades, Master of None." It has its advantages in terms of flexibility and versatility, but it means she won't be able to pull out really hard hitting techniques any time soon, and maybe not for a long time. Its like how in Diablo 2 you basically have to pick between a bunch of decent abilities, or a few really good ones, the farther into the game you go.
TakashiTheNXT: Thank you. As for the Diablo 3 characters, technically she's pick ups stuff from one of them.
But more seriously, she probably won't be running into them into them until after the Diablo 2 story arc has wrapped up. Those guys are basically the next generation of heroes after all. People with the same "classes" might show up in the story earlier than the Diablo 3 heroes did chronologically speaking. Her learning from the Crusader and Monk would be cool to see.
Actually, she might qualify as a Wizard, since the main thing for them is that they don't have formal training with their magic, and she did end up being or getting teleported. However, she'd need some reason to try to develop magic spells independently of what her companions have to offer. I wonder what could possibly make that happen?
T-B-R: Yes, yes it is. Imagine what the PRT and Cauldron on Earth Bet would be willing to do if or when they hear about this.
2. Languish in Anguish
Taylor ducked behind a log as a pack of Quill Rats fired spines at their group. The log unfortunately wouldn't do much good as it seemed the pack was led by a larger than normal Quill Rat which to her sixth sense radiated power in a way the others didn't. Isendra had explained that humans were not the only ones that had Potential, and that sometimes creatures of the world would develop abilities well above the norm for their kind. Clearly this particular Quill Rat was one such creature as it fired burning quills clean through the tree trunks of the forest they were fighting in.
Already the sparks from its quills had set some fallen leaves alight and fire was spreading and the heat was coming uncomfortably close to her, but Taylor remained where she was. Taylor wasn't sure if the large Quill Rat could see her, but given the fact that it hadn't hit her yet, she was assuming not. She concentrated on her mana, clearing it into the dark, three dimensional image of her surroundings. The Quill Rats had apparently decided to ignore her in favor of Chilanik, who had leapt clear through the trees and dropped into the middle of their group. He swung at the large Quill Rat with has two handed axe hard enough to knock it into a tree which had been what Taylor judged to have been three feet behind the creature. Unfortunately, upon being hit it released a blast of lightning which swept through the forest, causing Taylor to flinch back as the blast almost reached her before fading into nothing more than a slight tingle.
With her concentration broken, Taylor had to refocus her sixth sense in order to see what was happening. Even if she was trapped here until she could find a way home, Taylor didn't want to just be a burden on the others. She needed to do something, but she had no idea what. That morning, she had been able to call up some sparks with her mana when Isendra tried to teach her some elemental magic, but Taylor had a feeling that some sparks wouldn't be much help here. Elemental ice might have been useful, or even the Necromancer's Teeth spell, but she didn't know how to do those and with the oppressive heat of the nascent forest fire she didn't think she'd have much success concentrating on cold.
Maybe she could move the fires that were already there?
She didn't actually know how to do that, but given all of the strange things mana could do, it had to be possible. But how?
Taylor knew she didn't have much mana, especially compared to Isendra. When they had passed a long abandoned farm house, Isendra had shown Taylor what elemental magic could do compared to Necromancy or the Barbarian's martial prowess by calling down from the sky a staggeringly large ball of fire which had utterly destroyed the farm and lit the surrounding fields on fire. Taylor had been knocked off her feet and temporarily deafened and even the Necromancer had been staggered while Chilanik had just stood there and scoffed at her 'showing off.' Taylor had been shocked at his casual disregard for such a display, but seeing him shrug off the large Quill Rat's lightning explosion, maybe he really was tough enough not to be bothered by getting hit by an exploding fireball from the sky. Or maybe he was just showing off.
Taylor shook her mind clear and focused on the task at hand. Even if she couldn't create enough fire or make it what little fire she could make hot enough to hurt the Quill Rats, maybe she could distract them… or better yet, direct the preexisting fires towards them. Sure, Isendra's sorcery seemed to be fire and release, but there had to be a way to control the fire. Taylor just needed to figure it out before she burned to death. Simple, right?
Fire wanted to spread, so Taylor just needed to make sure it spread in the right direction. She imagined reaching out and suffusing her mana into the shadowy image of the world her sixth sense provided, wrapping the forest fire in it like a hand around a ball, and pulling in the direction of the ongoing fight. She could feel her strength draining out of her and the fire had stopped spreading in any other direction, but it was only slowly creeping towards the ongoing fight.
Gritting her teeth, Taylor pulled harder, willing the fire to move to help Chilanik. 'Get over there and help him!'
The drain of her mental strength increased as her sixth sense dissolved into darkness, leaving her powerless and without any idea what was happening. Taylor threw back her head and cried out in frustration as the fire roared around her with oppressive heat.
Taylor slumped and looked in the direction of the fight, seeing that the trees in the direction of fight had disappeared into the fire, which had continued spreading in Chilanik's direction. However, it was still all around her, which was a problem as Taylor was already surrounded by painfully hot air, and it was only getting warmer.
And she had no way to get out without her mana. 'Maybe I should have thought this through.'
Taylor quickly reached into the leather pouch Chilanik had given her (he had said he would replace it with the skins from the deer that they had eaten last night, which made Taylor uncomfortable ever since she had remembered what happened to Bambi's mother), and drew out a vial of blue liquid. A mana potion.
Unstopping it, she held it up to her mouth and poured it in, only to stop as she nearly gagged at the taste. It was a noxious mixture of sour and bitter liquid, but Taylor couldn't afford to spit it out. Instead she forced herself to swallow the entire drink and felt her inner strength return.
She needed a way out of the fire, but her options were limited. Maybe if she were better at elemental magic, she could use ice to put it out or if she knew more necromancy she could conjure something to put it out, but she could do neither anywhere near well enough. 'Maybe I could jump out?'
She considered the possibility. She'd seen Chilanik jump higher and farther than any normal human could, and he claimed that this was a combination of his own physical strength and using his internal mana. Perhaps she could do something similar? Taylor it was better than waiting to see if someone else was going to put out the fire, so she concentrated and focused her power, feeling it flow into her legs as she crouched. Taylor didn't want to end up landing in the fires, so she had to aim carefully. Using her restored sixth sense, she saw that the worn dirt road that they had been travelling on was clear of the fire at the edge of where her limited senses could reach, about twenty feet away as far as she could tell.
She wasn't sure if she could reach that far, but she didn't have much choice. Shambling humanoid figures had emerged from mucky pools of stagnant water a short distance away and were engaging Chilanik, who was still fighting the three Quill Rats that had escaped the blaze she had sent their way. Taylor wasn't sure what those figures were, but with the abandoned farmhouse and the mention of an empty town that Isendra had passed through days ago, she had a bad feeling about them.
However, now wasn't the time to dwell on that so Taylor focused her mana into her legs, feeling tingling pressure build up in her muscles as the power strained to break free.
Gritting her teeth, Taylor pushed off from the ground and jumped, launching into the air as her mana rocketed out of her.
Letting out an involuntary cry at the abrupt acceleration, Taylor began wind milling her arms as she tumbled through the air. Passing over the fire, she inhaled the copious amounts of smoke it was releasing upwards, and started coughing, making it even harder for her to keep track of what was going on as she spun through the air. Then she started feeling gravity's tug reassert herself and she started arcing back towards.
Realizing that no matter how well she posed herself, she was going to hit the ground hard, Taylor tried to think of something, anything that could help her. Closing her eyes in an effort to help her focus, she didn't bother trying to call up the dark mirror so that she could direct her power, but instead pushed it into her body in an effort to help her absorb the impact somehow as she imagined herself becoming tougher. For a brief instant, she felt elation as a sense of vitality flowed through her body. And then she hit the ground and knew nothing.
+OHA+
Taylor groaned as she shifted in where she lay. It was uncomfortable with her aches, but she could feel a blanket on top of her and the heat of the camp fire that crackled nearby. She could also hear voices speaking all around her. Adult voices mostly, but she heard children as well, even a baby crying. This certainly didn't sound like summer camp. And then she remembered where she was, that weird fantasy world.
Taylor started when she remembered her jump over the forest fire and sat up. She was in a large camp. All around her were men, women and children huddling around fires or sitting next to wagons and tents. Some quietly talked and others stared blankly into the distance. Throughout the crowds, women in reddish leather armor with long hair tied back in pony tails and wielding bows patrolled. Beyond the crowds, wagons and tents Taylor could see tall walls made of cut logs erected vertically surrounding the camp, and the corners of the camp had platforms attached so that more of the armored female archers and some men with bows but no armor could stand watch over the areas beyond.
In the distance, Taylor realized that she could make out the repeated clang of metal on metal, though she wasn't sure what the cause was. It vaguely reminded her of one time she had been with her dad in the docks and seen a dockworker trying to hammer straight a piece of bent scrap metal. She didn't remember why he had been doing that. She did remember seeing her dad's smile when she and her mom had come to meet him after work that day.
She sighed and looked down at the blanket that lay across her legs.
"Ah, you're awake," a man said. Taylor looked up at him. He had dusky skin and wore a grey tunic, leggings, and cap, with blue cloth hanging from the cap and wrapped around his upper torso. He also had a blue sash around his waist and sturdy leather boots. "Greetings, stranger. I'm Warriv, a caravan master unable to complete my journey to the East. I've heard your tale from the Necromancer. You have my condolences; it is truly a tragedy to be cast away from one's home and into a strange land, especially in such dark times as these."
Taylor looked up at the man uncertain what to say. Before it could get too awkward, she stood up and held out her hand. "Thanks, I'm Taylor. I heard that the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye or the last Horadrim, um… I don't know his name, but I heard they could help me get home." Taylor looked around. "What's going on here?"
Warriv frowned. "No doubt your companions have told you about the tragedy that befell Tristram." At her confused look he shook his head and continued. "Some say Diablo, the Lord of Terror, walks the world again. I don't know if I believe that, but a Dark Wanderer did travel this route a few days ago. He was headed east to the mountain pass guarded by the Rogue Monastery."
He paused as his eyes momentarily drifted off, seeing scenes remembered before he refocused on Taylor and continued, "Maybe it's nothing, but evil seems to have trailed in his wake. You see, shortly after the Wanderer went through, the Monastery's Gates to the pass were closed and strange creatures began ravaging the countryside. My caravan, along with many of those living in farms and villages in the surround area, were hunted by the creatures and even the normal beasts have begun to act strangely hostile. Even after they were forced out of the Monastery, the Rogues have been doing their best to round up anyone they can find in order to bring them to safety here in the camp." At this he gestured to the crowded camp they were in. "Not everyone has made it, and only a few at a time can be taken elsewhere through the Waypoints, but it is better than out there.
"Until it's safer outside the camp and the gates are reopened, I'll remain here with my caravan. I hope to leave for Lut Gholein before the shadow that befell Tristram consumes us all. If you're still alive then I'll take you along. I imagine that one of the mage clans of the East might be able to better aid you than anyone here," he finished telling her before stroking his chin in thought. "Your friends seem to be the adventuring type, and have gone off to speak with Akara." At that he pointed towards one of the corners of the camp, which Taylor saw was close to one of the two entrances to the camp. "She seems to be the leader of this camp. Maybe she can tell you more."
Taylor absorbed the information for a moment. She had been surprised that people would live anywhere near monsters like Spike Fiends, but if they were driven to attack people by something…. The abandoned farmhouse with its overgrown field and the shambling corpses that had risen out of the pond a mile up the road from it came to her mind again. The story of the more recently abandoned town followed. The people here were scared, she could practically feel it, taste it in the air.
This… wasn't what she'd hoped to find.
She turned back to Warriv, who had gone back to the nearby camp fire where several similarly dressed men and women were clustered, talking among themselves. A large man in gleaming heavy armor and carrying a yellow and white kite shield walked up to Warriv, who greeted the man as Taylor walked over. The man had a strangely reassuring presence, and as she approached, Taylor realized that just by being near him she felt better as the cloying fear that permeated the camp fell away. Even her aches from her bad landing seemed to fade.
"Well met, noble Paladin," Warriv said to the man. "It's been a while since I've seen any of your kind in the west. It would be an honor to aid you in any way that I can."
The Paladin nodded and spoke with a clear, authoritative voice, "Well met to you as well. I have heard dark tidings from Tristram and was sent out to investigate by my order, the Knights of Westmarch. What has become of this place that it is necessary for people to hide behind these walls?"
As Warriv began to relay what Taylor had already heard, she decided to find 'Akara' and her companions. Even with all of these people around her, she would feel more comfortable with the three.
Taylor passed the people huddled in the camp and saw some of the armored women that she supposed were the 'Rogues.' She felt their air of defeat and despair settle around her like a suffocating weight, trying to choke her.
Trying to push the despair away, Taylor focused on the feeling that had emanated from the man, the Paladin. If the Barbarian could use his inner power to become a peerless warrior capable of leaping over tall trees in a single bound, the Necromancer could raise golems and cast out spears of bone, and the Sorceress could call up the elements, perhaps the Paladin too did something with his inner power to help the people around him. And if he could do it, maybe she could too.
Taylor concentrated and grasped at her mana and focused on using it to push away the despair, the defeat, the fear. It was hard, like her power was resisting her almost, but she assumed it was just her inexperience and kept pushing, unwilling to back down. She tried to visualize what she imagined the Paladins stood for, a light in the darkness like that had befallen the land. She tried to reach for that Light, shape her own mana into it, but it continued to resist, more and more as she tried to push away the pall that hung over the camp.
She gritted her teeth in anger at her power not working as the fear crept back. It wasn't working. How was she supposed to do this? The Paladin had radiated calm confidence as he projected that feeling over Taylor and presumably the others. He hadn't needed to force it, at least as far as she could tell.
Maybe that was the trick?
Taylor paused, standing still and drawing in a deep breath. She slowly exhaled, calming herself and trying to think peaceful thoughts. If she could push fire around – even if it nearly killed her – she could do this. She focused on the feeling of reassurance and wellbeing that had come from him. Her mana resisted but she didn't try to fight it into being what she wanted, she just steadily, firmly, calmly pushed at it. Slowly her confidence that it could work rose and her dark mirror of the world began to slowly lighten, though it remained distorted and many details remained unclear.
Taylor was elated that it seemed to be working, or at least doing something, but held back the urge to push her mana hard, instead keeping up the stead pressure to mold it.
Eventually she felt it settle into place within her and begin to radiate outwards and she could see with her sixth sense that the people all around her seemed to perk up slightly as her mana flowed outwards and into them. She'd done it.
Taylor pumped her fist in the air and cheer. "Yes! I did it!"
"Impressive," a man said behind her as metal clanked.
Realizing that she had lost her hold on her sixth sense again, Taylor whirled around to see the Paladin approaching her with a warm smile on his face.
"I have never before seen someone pick up on channeling the Light so easily," Paladin said as he walked reached her. "Of those easily able to pick up the basics of various kinds of magics, few put that versatility to use in the Light." He held up his gauntleted free hand. "However, be careful and do not become overconfident. Though you may yet become a jack of all trades, you will as become a master of none."
Taylor felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment and nodded. "I think I already learned that…but I don't really have a choice, do I?"
The Paladin pursed his lips. "With your talent, even without any of the necessary physical training," at this Taylor blushed even more as her skinny figure was pointed out, "you could yet become a fine Paladin. While the Waypoints require great power to use, I could take you to the rest of my order in Westmarch."
Taylor shook her head. "No. Thank you, but I need to find the last Horadrim, or speak with the leader of the Sisterhood. They're the only way I have to return home."
"So, you are the girl Warriv mentioned," the Paladin said. "I had thought so upon seeing you. While my duty to protecting these people comes first, should I have the opportunity I will lend you what aid I can." He held his right hand to right above his heart and bowed slightly at the waist. "I am Sir Cecil of the Knights of Westmarch and Paladin of the Zakarum, at your service."
"Um, I'm Taylor, Taylor Hebert. It's nice to meet you," she replied.
"The pleasure is mine Miss Hebert," he replied as he stood straight. He looked over her shoulder. "Are those your companions?"
Taylro turned and saw Isendra, Chilanik, and the Necromancer – she really needed to learn his name – approaching her through the camp. Isendra waved. "Hello Taylor, it's good to see back on your feet."
"Thanks, Isendra," Taylor replied. "What's going on?"
"We were attacked by Rogues who had been twisted by Andariel during our battle against the Quill Rats and zombies," the Necromancer said, "that is why we could not come to your aid when you were trapped by the flames. It was too well coordinated not to be some form of ambush, and if Andariel has the beasts of this land under her thrall as much as the men, then it makes sense. Especially given what we have learned since arriving at this camp."
"Indeed," Chilanik interjected, "Akara, the high priestess of the Rogues has informed us of a force of darkness that is gathering in a nearby cave." He looked at Sir Cecil. "Paladin, will you aid us?"
"Of course," Sir Cecil agreed, holding up a mailed fist. "Together, we shall cleanse this wilderness."
"Excellent, then let us clear out this den of evil," Isendra said before turning to go. Sir Cecil began to follow after her, though Chilanik and the Necromancer remained unmoving.
Taylor looked between them uncertainly. Were they expecting her to say something? The Necromancer had an unreadable expression on his gaunt face, and Chilanik was grinning.
Before she could do anything, Chilanik stepped forward and pulled a hand axe from his back and held it out to her. "You've already learned enough magic," the Barbarian declared. "If you're going to fight for your way home, then you'll need to learn how to really fight. Take this and I'll teach you how to fight and survive like my people."
"Thank you," Taylor said as she took hold of the hand axe and hefted it in her right hand. It was heavy even just to hold, so she switched to a two handed grip.
"No, hold it like this," Chilanik chided her, and he moved her hands into position on the handle of the axe.
"Thanks," Taylor said, tearing her eyes away from the Barbarian's bare, muscled chest. She turned slightly away and experimentally swung the axe a few times, adjusting as she received corrections from Chilanik. It was tiring, but after what felt like hours but was probably much shorter, Taylor was confident that she could swing the axe properly.
Panting, Taylor turned to look at the Necromancer, who had been sitting on a crate watching while playing with some sort of ghostly blue-green flame.
"Why are you here with us?" Taylor asked him. "I'd've thought you would be out there with Isendra and Cecil."
The Necromancer shrugged. "Your display with the fire was impressive for an amateur, but I think it's a good idea that I teach you a spell that won't nearly kill you." Taylor's face heated up again in a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance.
"It worked!" she objected.
"That it did," the Necromancer agreed in an amused tone. "However, you clearly need the ability to cast a proper combat spell, and the teeth of Rathma are exactly that. Normally the proper use of necromantic magic in my order requires a lengthy initiation to get properly attuned with its power, but I have a feeling that you will be a quick study."
"He relies on the magic of death, but at least his magic is less liable to nearly burn down a forest," Chilanik grunted.
Taylor shot Chilanik a glare as the Necromancer stepped forward, holding out the ghostly flame in his hand. Upon closer examination, Taylor could see faint faces appear and disappear within the ghostly fire and she could feel a strange sensation that wasn't quite a chill crawl up her back at its proximity. It was odd. She felt as though she should be unnerved, and she was, but at the same time there was a sense of familiarity. Taylor assumed it was because of her close proximity to the Necromancer since she had arrived in Sanctuary.
"Necromancy is a magic of life and death," the Necromancer explained. "With it, we are guardians of this world, we maintain the Balance between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells so that humanity may thrive and find their own path here." He smiled slightly. "This calls on us to defend against the forces of Hell more often than those of Heaven though." His smile fell away. "There are demons who use this art for foul ends, but though it is a dark magic, it is used to protect this world and mortal free will. IF you endeavor to learn this magic you too must take up the mantle of protector of the Balance and protect humanity, here or on you own world."
Taylor looked at the ghostly fire and then met his sunken eyes. She'd always dreamed of being a hero, if she intended to master her powers, how could she say no? "I promise I'll use my powers to protect people and free will."
The Necromancer looked at her with searching eyes for a long moment. Taylor fought down the urge to fidget and tried to focus on the feeling of calm confidence she got from mimicking the Paladin's power. "Good enough," he finally said, before turning and walking towards the nearby camp entrance. He waved for her to follow. "Come; let us practice your necromancy."
Chilanik nodded. "Good, I was about to suggest we go out." Noticing Taylor's questioning look he continued, "You needed to train with your axe and zombies are slow."
Taylor's grip on the axe tightened.
+OHA+
Taylor cried out in fear as she scrambled away from the zombie. Just moments ago it had been slowly shambling in her general direction as she cautiously approached, but then it suddenly charged at her, swinging its rotting hands. She barely managed to avoid its grasp and knock its hands away with an axe blow to its left forearm, spinning the animated carcass to the right slightly.
"Go for the head!" Chilanik bellowed from where he watched a dozen feet away. His shout briefly distracted the zombie before it refocused on the closer target, her.
Screaming partly in fear, Taylor held her hand axe up over her head and brought it down on the zombie's. The axe caught in its head as it staggered back, nearly causing Taylor to lose her grip.
"Pull it out!" Chilanik shouted at her and she growled, set her left foot against the left leg of the slowly reacting zombie and heaved on the axe's handle. With a sickening pop, the axe came free and Taylor stumbled back, barely staying on her feet.
"Take it down with a Teeth spell," the Necromancer shouted in suggestion from where he stood with his iron golem next to the Barbarian.
"Don't listen to him, magic is for the weak!" Chilanik countered as Taylor backed away from a clumsy swing by the zombie. "Hit him again, and this time put your back into it!"
Taylor growled and concentrated on focusing her mana. She still wasn't good at keeping her sixth sense focused when she was being distracted, especially by rotting undead monsters that smelled truly awful with their putrefied stench, but she didn't need to keep it long. She let go of the axe with her left hand and focused her mana into her open palm, causing Chilanik to throw his hands in the air and groan. Two gleaming fangs of white energy took shape in her hand and she could feel the spell straining to be set free. Taylor quickly held her hand up in the direction of the zombie and released the spell at the monster.
The fangs sunk into either side of its chest and exploded into nothingness with surprisingly soft bangs, knocking the zombie off its feet and onto the ground.
Taylor sighed with relief and let her axe fall to her side. It hadn't been so bad when she'd practiced the spell on some rocks and sparred with Chilanik – even though he had insisted on both her using axe without covering the edge and him hitting her hard with his fists – but then they had sent her out against a zombie the Rogues had seen wandering within sight of the Encampment. The thing was disgusting and noxious, and she had immediately regretted agreeing to attack it.
At least it was finally over. 'I suppose that wasn't too bad for my first zombie,' she thought to herself as she smiled at her victory.
"Get back!" the Necromancer shouted at the same time Chilanik bellowed, "Finish him!"
Taylor looked down to see the zombie was picking itself back up. She shrieked and jumped backwards, dropping her axe in surprise. Holding up her hand again, she concentrated on pulling her mana into it again and forming it into two more fangs.
Since hitting it in the chest hadn't done much, Taylor decided that she needed to do something more to put it down. She held out her hand and aimed at the zombie's head. Its cloudy dead eyes focused on her and it began to charge again, but Taylor held her ground and fired, both Teeth hitting the zombie in the jaw, knocking its head clean off. The zombie staggered and collapsed again and this time Taylor made sure it would stay down by focusing on forming her mana into elemental fire until she had a tennis ball of flames hovering in her hand. Seeing the body twitch, its hands starting to grasp at the grassy moor upon which it lay, Taylor sent the bolt of fire into the zombie's body and stepped back as the fire scorched its back to little effect.
She looked up at where her two 'teachers' were watching from a safe distance. "How do I kill this thing!?" she demanded as the zombie started to push itself up again.
"This is only a lesser form of undead, its animating magic should have dispersed by now," the Necromancer called out in reply. "I believe Andariel's influence on this land is bolstering their strength."
"Just keep hitting it until it goes down," Chilanik cheerily suggested. "It being tougher than it should be just means you'll get more practice!"
Taylor picked up the axe and hefted it in her hands as she considered her options. She was already tired, both physically and mentally, so she couldn't keep this up much longer. Maybe she could lure it towards her 'teachers?' No, they'd just move away. Even with the zombie's bursts of speed when it closed, it wouldn't follow fast enough.
Perhaps she could help it?
Chilanik had leapt great distances, and she'd seen him knock that Quill Rat into a tree. Sure he was ridiculously strong, but maybe that was something his mana helped with. Taylor gripped her axe in two hands and hefted it, concentrating and sending most of the remaining mana she could grasp into the axe. Taylor stepped up to the almost upright zombie and swung her axe like she was trying to hit a home run, which in a sense she was.
Her axe hit the zombie with a bang and the undead abomination flew towards the two adventurers before landing half way between them and Taylor, who immediately skipped back.
The zombie slowly stood up as Chilanik scowled and the Necromancer laughed. "Good job, Taylor," the Necromancer congratulated, "clever girl."
Chilanik nodded in agreement. "Indeed it was intelligent, though unnecessary." The zombie started shuffling towards them since they were now closer by half as Taylor had carefully and quickly backed away.
"I'm tired and sore!" Taylor shouted back.
"Drink a health potion!" Chilanik shouted as he picked up his two handed axe which he had buried in a handy boulder when he had settled back to watch her fight earlier.
"It's late and she's right not to waste them," the Necromancer replied loudly enough for Taylor to hear, "using potions to forgo sleep is unhealthy and should only be done when absolutely necessary." His deathly pale face stretched in a rictus grin. "I know from experience." He casually gestured towards the zombie and a shining spear of bone shot out of his hand and tore it apart before Chilanik even got the chance to swing at it.
"Hail!" Taylor heard Cecil cry out from the distance. He and Isendra were slowly walking towards them.
"Back already?" Chilanik cried out. "I would have thought it would take you longer!"
"We ran into a problem," Isendra replied as they all started walking to meet each other in the middle. "The cave where they've laired is full to the brim with Fallen and zombies. Farsi's outpost has managed to keep up a picket to ward off their fallen sisters, but these lesser demons have managed to slip through in numbers, along with their shamans. If we are to put them down fast enough to get through the shamans, we need more people."
Cecil nodded. "Her magics can destroy the bodies so that the demon shamans cannot raise them, but their numbers are great enough to cause even a trained Paladin concern."
"All of us together with some Rogues at the back to provide cover fire could work," the Necromancer mused. "How clear is the cave itself?"
"Winding tunnels," Cecil informed him, "but there are clear spaces where they gather. The Rogues are trained enough with their bows that they should be able to provide us cover and take down the shamans that we cannot reach."
"Bah! We do not need them, and they are busy defending the camp," Chilanik corrected. "We will go in there without them, and we shall emerge victorious."
They others shared a look but Cecil nodded. "You're right. After the casualties they've maintained, they don't have left enough to spare to an assault like that without leaving the camp dangerously undefended. We must go ourselves."
"Taylor can remain at the back and watch for stragglers," the Necromancer suggested. "She's been practicing with some basic spells and her skill with an axe."
Taylor swallowed as she thought about going into a cave full of demons and undead, all at least as tough as the zombie she hadn't even managed to kill despite the fact that it was one of the 'lesser forms of undead.' She shivered at the thought. "Um. Can we go back to camp first?"
Isendra nodded and gave her a sympathetic smile. "Yes, I brought down the cave entrance with ice and a meteor. It will take them some time to clear the way out."
"Okay, good," Taylor said as she immediately began to make her way back to camp. Idle childhood fantasies of being a hero and saving people's lives aside, Taylor was not looking forward to tomorrow, but she couldn't say no. Not really. Not after seeing that camp full of fear and despair at their lives being ruined and their families hunted by monsters. Her companions were good, but if she didn't help them watch their backs, the demons might be able to ambush them or overwhelm and trap them or some of the monsters might escape and make their way to the camp.
Taylor hadn't seen the monsters actually try to attack the camp, but she'd seen the wrecked cart partially blocking the bridge they'd crossed into the moor, she'd seen the weary eyes of the Rogues on her way out, and the burnt out bonfire beside the bridge which she was now sure that she had seen bones inside of its ashes. She couldn't ignore the empty farmhouse visible in the distance across the moor.
Even if Taylor didn't like it, she didn't think she could look Dad and Emma in the eyes if she didn't try to help protect those people. She looked down at her axe and tightened her grip. Tomorrow, she had monsters to kill.
+OHA+
A/N It sounds bad, but the Rogue's Encampment is actually better than the canon one, since at some of the people who got killed by monsters and eaten or turned into undead in canon were rescued by the surviving Rogues. All those empty buildings and random corpses you run across had a cause after all. If you still think this version of the Rogue's Encampment sounds grim, just wait for Lut Gholein, or, better yet, Kurast, a major port, capital of a sizable country and center of a major world religion that got reduced to a few sections full of fanatical mind-slaves and everything else reduced to jungle-buried ruins. Thousands, probably even tens of thousands, had to have died in and around there by then end of Mephisto's reign when the Heroes come knocking.