Post by aribeth on Feb 24, 2007 15:30:19 GMT -5
I hope you enjoy the story! And sorry if it is a bit voilent.....
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~The Murder ~
~Prologue~
It was the night of a terrible storm. The wind howled across the rooftops, the thunder boomed, and the lighting streaked across the sky in a big flash. Then the rain pounded against the buildings and occupants of the gigantic city.
All was all right for the occupants of a cheery little inn. People of all races were happily stuffed inside the small inn. Bards were singing and telling stories, the drunks drinking, and the clerics happily giving blessings despite the terrible storm outside. The occasional bark of laughter wasn’t uncommon.
The Innkeeper had the same cheery attitude as the rest of the inn. Her cheeks were rosy, and she had a cheery twinkle in her eyes. Her dress was simple but elegant. Her hair was a dark brown color.
“Have you heard what happened to one of the local hunters?” asked a fair headed woman.
The Innkeeper thought for a moment and answered no.
“Well, the hunter was Odon and he was killed by one of the cursed forest bears. Some say he died bravely. I feel ‘very’ sorry for him.” said the young woman in an innocent voice.
Shock was clearly on the Innkeeper’s face. “He… He was my husband!” cried out the Innkeeper. Tears dropped down from her less cheery face now.
The inn was quiet for a few moments. People stopped drinking, telling stories, singing, and giving out blessings. Then the innkeeper told everyone that everything was okay.
“It is okay, Romana!” said the woman when the inn stopped paying attention to her and the Innkeeper, “Everything will be alright…”
“But he was a supposed to come back alive!!!!! Not dead!!!” whimpered Romana the Innkeeper, “He said that he would come back ALIVE!!!!! Not DEAD!!!!!” cried Romana desperately.
“Like I said before, everything will be ‘all right’…...” assured the woman.
A strange glint lit up her eyes. Then she smirked. It seemed like she was enjoying the Innkeepers misery. She then flipped her hair.
“What is the matter with you? Do you think this is enjoyable?” said Romana. She noticed the strange woman’s smirk.
If you took a closer look at the woman, her skin was pasty and pale, her hair had no life to it giving it a fair color, and her eyes had a evil twinkle in them. Her eye color was purple, almost black, and she was carrying a suspicious bag with her.
“Why, I loved him so much! He was my husband!!” added Romana.
The woman filched at the word ‘love’ but did not let the Innkeeper know. “Do you want me to help you?” asked the strange evil-looking woman in a scary but sweet voice.
“Why, yes! That is so nice of you to ask! You can help me by making the beds, and then you can go.” answered Romana.
Romana was not aware of the danger……….
* * * * *
The woman walked upstairs with the Romana. All she could hear was the creaking of the stairs and the pitter-patter of the rain. So quiet, so cold, what a nice night for a killing……..
Romana took a left then a right and ended up in the common room.
A young man jumped up with three other people. “Innkeeper, we need you! Keith is hurt!!!!!” exclaimed the young man.
“What happened, now?” asked the Innkeeper in a polite but stern voice.
“Keith fell down and cut himself with a stray knife!” gasped the man.
The bearded man nodded. He was holding on to his wound.
“Let me see that ‘nasty’ wound Keith!” whispered Romana.
Suddenly, the woman took out a dagger and put it up against Romana’s throat.
“Scream or try to heart me, she will die with the rest of you!” the evil woman said in a cold voice.
“I will save Romana!” yelled Keith.
“No……..” Romana gasped but was cut off when the woman sliced her throat. Then Romana fell down to the ground, dead, with no life. Keith stopped his rampage and kneeled down beside her body.
“May Trina guide your way, Romana!” said Keith. Then he stood up.
Then, there was a bright light. The woman shifted into a hideous form. Her body smelt like the dead and her face was ugly. Her nose was hooked and was large and her eyes were evil glowing red orbs with no pupil. And her skin, it seemed like it was falling apart and it was a dark purple. Her clothes were rags. The bag that she wore was still there, and she also wore a belt with an evil-glowing red stone on it.
“You see, that is the consequence for trying to help a fool! I am the priestess of Demerol, the lord of doom; death; chaos; despair; undead; and destruction! Now you all shall die!” cackled the Night Hag.
Then she took out spell components. Some of them were what looked like a rather large heart, a few scales, and an ear. Everybody in the room was to terrified to move or lift a finger at the horrible hag that was now chanting in a unknown language lifting the heart above her head. She then scattered the scales and a smelly black powder around her. All of the sudden, a hellish red glow lit up the now cold room. Her evil eyes had that look of enjoyment, like she enjoyed their despair. “Demerol will be happy that those that despise him are now going to be dead. Yes, I know. You all want to live a happy long life with no war, hatred, and violence. But, for you all, your destiny will be to die under Demerol’s high priestess. By the way, this is a dragon’s heart. I took it from an adult dragon by the name of Methroudixisrex. Does that name sound familiar?” that was the Night Hags speech. She then continued on with her spell casting. And then, there was a screech and an eerie evil aura lit the room and it killed everybody but the person that told Romana that Keith was hurt.
Everybody’s face twisted into recognize as the dragon’s name was spoken. The dragon disappeared a week ago and it was a gold dragon. The dragons of justice, wisdom, intelligence, and etc. It was against the law to kill a beast like that. Such a crime is the punishment of a slow agonizing death. Everybody, right now, wanted the Hag to feel that punishment for their experience with her was not pleasant.
The Night Hags evil face was twisted into a sneer. The room smelt of the dead. Her stone was now glowing. “More souls for Demerol, how exciting. But, I smell a cleric in this room; a cleric’s soul would have been nice if he didn’t protect himself with protection wards that dispelled my spell. Oh, who cares? Just another sacrifice for Demerol…..” the Night Hags face lit up with pleasure at the thought. Her evil sinister grin showed her horrible mouth. The teeth were almost gone, only a few remaining, and the few that were remaining were rotting.
“I will not to be sacrificed to that evil god of yours. I am a cleric, the cleric of Yolanda. Take me if you want, you foul hag. I am a minor and not a noble. My soul isn’t important to you or your unimportant god!” said the fearless cleric.
“Why, I am impressed by the rather weak stand, fool. But, like you said you are unimportant. That makes you a weakling. Maybe somebody will luckily think about you and will try to save you. But for now, you are my ‘unimportant’ captive!” whispered the Night Hag.
“So be it.” murmured the cleric.
Then, the Night Hag disappeared with the cleric with a teleportation spell the Night Hag prepared. A chill crept back to the room as they disappeared.
* * * * *
Odon returned home that early morning safe, happy, and alive.
Jenny, Romana’s helper was worried because Romana didn’t return from her trip upstairs with the strange woman. Jenny never liked that woman, for she was cruel for telling, or you could say lying to, Romana that her beloved husband was dead. She never trusted that woman when she came in that inn. She looked suspicious when she entered the inn, the way she enjoyed the Innkeepers despair and sadness. Just too suspicious.
“Well, where is Romana? She didn’t come rushing downstairs to hug me. That was disappointing……… So, now where is Romana?” asked Odon.
Odon is a brave man. He is about 5’ 9” tall. His beard is short and stiff, his hair and beard are a dark chestnut color, and his face is scared from his past battles. He is retired from his duties as a solider and is a well known noble of Dragoneye City. If anyone was to assassinate him, if they were to be caught, the penalty is being thrown into the dungeons.
“No, sir, Romana was upstairs when I last saw her. She went up there with a strange suspicious woman”, answered Jenny.
“Now tell me about this strange woman. I want to know what happened when I was gone. Everything, which means no excluding any details”, demanded Odon.
And Jenny did just that. She told him about the woman’s lie, how she reacted when the word love was spoken, and everything that happened when he was away.
“Now, that woman sounds like the likes of evil. Pure evil and I mean evil!” exclaimed Odon. He glanced down at short Jenny, Romana’s helper.
“Do you want me to go upstairs and check o Romana and the guests? Do you want to come with me?” suggested Jenny.
“Indeed. I will come with you, just in case!” answered Odon.
“Thanks” was Jenny’s reply and then they both went upstairs.
* * * * *
They went up the unusually creaky stairs. The stairs seemed to be moaning, and that frightened poor Jenny.
“We are almost to the top, now!” exclaimed Odon.
Jenny muttered something, undistinguishable to Odon. Odon glanced at the maid. Her face showed her worries and fears; her hair was messy and all tangled.
And then they reached the top of the steps.
* * * * *
They peered into the hallway, feeling the chilliness in the air.
“Seems like somebody did a deed of great evil”, assumed Odon.
Jenny nodded and approached a door then opened it. The door’s hinges creaked. Then Jenny screamed. Then she fall down, with a rather pale face. Tears were streaked down her face and she whispered “Somebody has done a deed of great evil!”
Odon peered into the room, and to his horror, he saw Romana and the guests bodies; dead and lifeless. Odon shook his head, not wanting to accept the truth that his precious Romana was dead.
“Why would somebody do this, Odon?” asked Jenny.
“Somebody that worships a god of great evil, like Demalithrya, as a sacrifice for them or for their pleasure, the person or thing that done this must have been an lich or another intelligent undead, for this room stinks to the High Heavens!” answered Odon.
Odon took a step into the room with Jenny following him, without waiting for a reply from Jenny. The dead bodies looked like they were killed a few hours ago. A cold floorboard creaked. Odon kneeled down on the floor and screamed “By the Nine Hells, I will personally kill who ever done this deed!”
Odon looked over his shoulder to glance at Jenny. She wasn’t standing up, alive; but dead. There was a bolt sticking through her heart, with blood staining her dress. Odon gasped, Jenny was like a daughter to him, and to have her die was like losing Romana again.
“You bloody bastard! Show yourself or--” Odon was cut off after a bolt went through his heart. Then he dropped down to the ground, dead.
Suddenly, a dark marilith came out of the shadows. She appears as an attractive female human with six arms-at least from her head to her waist. From waist down, the creature has the body of a massive snake with green, scaly coils. Her armor was a hellish red in color and had an unholy aura to it. In her hands were a hand crossbow, a punching dagger, two longswords, a flail, and a rapier. She was also wearing lots of bangles and jewels. Her hair reached down to her waist, and there was an evil, satisfied look in her face.
“What a shame. I would have been pleased to fight a warrior like this one. But, like the hag ordered, kill who ever came into this room. Now I shall leave this rotten place and back to the Abyss!” declared the marilith. After she said that, she vanished.
~The Quest~
~Chapter One~
Life was fine for the Halfling, Verna, a ranger and rouge of Dragoneye City. She loved the city as much as she loved her family. All of her adventures were wonderful, and exciting, and sometimes scary. But, those days were over for she decided to live in the city, scouting for her father’s guild. Her scouting areas were, of course, in the city. Not in the eventful wilderness, or in a dungeon exploring its dangerous depths, but in the blah boring city.
Uneventful and boring is what I describe cities. No adventure or action. There may be the occasional fight, but that doesn’t last long, she thought.
Verna was sitting at a bar drinking a glass of water, and enjoying life. The tavern was small and quiet. Verna enjoyed that. It wasn’t large, rowdy, loud, or grubby like some inns, but it was peaceful.
Stop your day dreaming Verna, for we have to be aware of our surroundings! And by the way, I am on my way to that tavern of peace as you call it! said a rough, doggish voice in Verna’s mind.
Verna sighed. The dog was always sarcastic and ridiculous. She started to munch on a piece of bread. She sat on the tall stool, waiting for the wolf. He came blundering in the inn with a, what looks like, a sarcastic grin, as always.
Fangoth’s fur was bright, shiny, and healthy. His body was covered in silky fur, his paws made no noise when they hit the ground. The wolf was noble, intelligent, and sarcastic. He liked to fool around with Verna meaning one thing and meant another. Though, he is a great loyal friend.
So now the arrogant wolf finally arrives. Always taking his sweet time to get to place to place. Yawn, my friend, yes, yawning with impatience, now hurry up, Fangoth. said Verna to Fangoth.
Fangoth looked like he glared at Verna. His yellow glowing eyes then showed his humor.
Yes, I am an arrogant wolf that likes to take my time, but to be serious, it looks like that the city is looking at a serious problem. Now follow me and keep up, for this wolf likes to keep a fast pace when there is an adventure coming our way! exclaimed the excited wolf.
Verna had a surprised look on her face. She stuffed the rest of the bread in her mouth, and then she answered Lets get going before the excitement wears off and somebody else has the adventure!
Then, the duo left the inn at a fast past, leaving a mess behind them.
* * * * *
When they arrived to the scene, a group of people was already there. There were two elite Dragoneye soldiers, the general, and a cleric of Celeste, and a paladin of Celeste.
“Why would somebody want these humble people be dead? That is what I can’t understand,” said one of the two soldiers.
The soldiers wore chainmail armor with tabards that shown the city’s symbol (a dragon) on it. They both were carrying longswords. Their faces were stern, polite, and noble looking.
“I do not understand that too. But this is of the works of evil. But I can tell that it was an undead creature that is much more powerful then any of the people inside of the inn. We either send adventurers to hunt the creature down, or we go after it ourselves. Such a crime cannot go on unpunished.” said the general.
The general was a broad giant man. His full plate armor was burnished and was a silver color with the cities symbol on it. His hair was in a ponytail and he had no beard. He carried a great great sword that was sanctified by his deity.
Then the cleric spoke, “If it is an undead creature, let them slay it. But, when I took look around the room, I found traces of a demon. It was probably a marilith. She was not wise enough to take the time to clean up any confirmation of her and the deeds. For whom we send, we probably want to send a group of strong, valiant, and hardy adventurers to track and kill the demon and the undead creature.”
The cleric had a goatee; his hair was short and was a black color, his eyes were a twinkling deep cerulean. His robes were the colors of the sun, crimson, gold, and orange. He carried a scepter that was, too, sanctified by his deity.
“Do you think that the adventurers around here are worthy enough to go through with this quest? Or are they powerful enough? There are many questions to be answered about this. We cannot blindly send people to do quests if they are not committed to this. Those are my questions. Let’s just hope that they do not give up while they are on the quest, for if they do, our mission would fail!” exclaimed the paladin.
She wore noble armor that gleamed in the radiance of the sunlight. Her mousey brown hair elegantly covered her shoulders. Her dark brown eyes had the loyal look of a paladin to them. She was a moon elf, the common race of elves that live in cities. She carried a broadsword that had her deity’s symbol on it.
Verna compared herself to the paladin, she wasn’t wearing armor, but she was wearing a tunic, vest, pants, necklace, gauntlets and a cloak. The paladin was an elf, and she is a Halfling. Her hair was black and the paladin’s was brown. Verna knew if she continued on comparing herself, she would find many differences, but there was one thing in common, they were both beautiful. Fangoth snorted at the Halfling’s thought.
Are you reading my thoughts again, Fangoth? asked Verna. Fangoth had, what looked like, a grin. I couldn’t help to read your thoughts, Verna. For you is very interesting… then the wolf looked amused at his last comment. Now, let’s continue on watching this fascinating event.
“Oh, so you say, Asheera! Now, I grant you, yes YOU, to find the ‘worthy, committed, and powerful adventurer!’ So, are you happy now? Let us leave now so you can find the adventurer!” exclaimed the now angry cleric. The cleric waved his hands, like shooing them away, to the soldiers and the general. They left without a reply. The cleric left to, without waiting for Asheera, the paladin, to answer.
Asheera was about to leave when she finally noticed Verna. Her eyebrows rose up. “So, you are an adventurer, correct? The daughter of the leader of the thieves’ guild?” asked Asheera.
“You are correct, ma’am!”
“Now, are you committed to the quest you have heard of, to track and kill the demon and the undead creature?”
“Yes, I am committed to the adventure, if I get it.”
Verna thought it was bizarre that Asheera was asking her to carry out the quest. Her, a sneaky thief slash ranger! Verna was excited at the opportunity.
“Well, I trust that you will carry out the quest. Here is the scroll for the list and a map, for you can get lost in such an immense city,” Asheera handed over the scroll to Verna, “Now, go to Moony’s Henchmen first!” Then the paladin left without an answer from Verna.
How rude. She could of waited for a reply, commented Fangoth.
Oh, shut up, Fangoth! exclaimed Verna, Yes, she left in a hurry probably because she has work to do! It is the starting of the day, nearly to the afternoon. Now, we need to leave for Moony’s Henchmen!
The Halfling opened up the scroll to see the directions to Moony’s. She sighed when she saw the long list, disappointed at the fact that she had a long list to go through. Fangoth and Verna started their way to Moony’s Henchmen.
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~The Murder ~
~Prologue~
It was the night of a terrible storm. The wind howled across the rooftops, the thunder boomed, and the lighting streaked across the sky in a big flash. Then the rain pounded against the buildings and occupants of the gigantic city.
All was all right for the occupants of a cheery little inn. People of all races were happily stuffed inside the small inn. Bards were singing and telling stories, the drunks drinking, and the clerics happily giving blessings despite the terrible storm outside. The occasional bark of laughter wasn’t uncommon.
The Innkeeper had the same cheery attitude as the rest of the inn. Her cheeks were rosy, and she had a cheery twinkle in her eyes. Her dress was simple but elegant. Her hair was a dark brown color.
“Have you heard what happened to one of the local hunters?” asked a fair headed woman.
The Innkeeper thought for a moment and answered no.
“Well, the hunter was Odon and he was killed by one of the cursed forest bears. Some say he died bravely. I feel ‘very’ sorry for him.” said the young woman in an innocent voice.
Shock was clearly on the Innkeeper’s face. “He… He was my husband!” cried out the Innkeeper. Tears dropped down from her less cheery face now.
The inn was quiet for a few moments. People stopped drinking, telling stories, singing, and giving out blessings. Then the innkeeper told everyone that everything was okay.
“It is okay, Romana!” said the woman when the inn stopped paying attention to her and the Innkeeper, “Everything will be alright…”
“But he was a supposed to come back alive!!!!! Not dead!!!” whimpered Romana the Innkeeper, “He said that he would come back ALIVE!!!!! Not DEAD!!!!!” cried Romana desperately.
“Like I said before, everything will be ‘all right’…...” assured the woman.
A strange glint lit up her eyes. Then she smirked. It seemed like she was enjoying the Innkeepers misery. She then flipped her hair.
“What is the matter with you? Do you think this is enjoyable?” said Romana. She noticed the strange woman’s smirk.
If you took a closer look at the woman, her skin was pasty and pale, her hair had no life to it giving it a fair color, and her eyes had a evil twinkle in them. Her eye color was purple, almost black, and she was carrying a suspicious bag with her.
“Why, I loved him so much! He was my husband!!” added Romana.
The woman filched at the word ‘love’ but did not let the Innkeeper know. “Do you want me to help you?” asked the strange evil-looking woman in a scary but sweet voice.
“Why, yes! That is so nice of you to ask! You can help me by making the beds, and then you can go.” answered Romana.
Romana was not aware of the danger……….
* * * * *
The woman walked upstairs with the Romana. All she could hear was the creaking of the stairs and the pitter-patter of the rain. So quiet, so cold, what a nice night for a killing……..
Romana took a left then a right and ended up in the common room.
A young man jumped up with three other people. “Innkeeper, we need you! Keith is hurt!!!!!” exclaimed the young man.
“What happened, now?” asked the Innkeeper in a polite but stern voice.
“Keith fell down and cut himself with a stray knife!” gasped the man.
The bearded man nodded. He was holding on to his wound.
“Let me see that ‘nasty’ wound Keith!” whispered Romana.
Suddenly, the woman took out a dagger and put it up against Romana’s throat.
“Scream or try to heart me, she will die with the rest of you!” the evil woman said in a cold voice.
“I will save Romana!” yelled Keith.
“No……..” Romana gasped but was cut off when the woman sliced her throat. Then Romana fell down to the ground, dead, with no life. Keith stopped his rampage and kneeled down beside her body.
“May Trina guide your way, Romana!” said Keith. Then he stood up.
Then, there was a bright light. The woman shifted into a hideous form. Her body smelt like the dead and her face was ugly. Her nose was hooked and was large and her eyes were evil glowing red orbs with no pupil. And her skin, it seemed like it was falling apart and it was a dark purple. Her clothes were rags. The bag that she wore was still there, and she also wore a belt with an evil-glowing red stone on it.
“You see, that is the consequence for trying to help a fool! I am the priestess of Demerol, the lord of doom; death; chaos; despair; undead; and destruction! Now you all shall die!” cackled the Night Hag.
Then she took out spell components. Some of them were what looked like a rather large heart, a few scales, and an ear. Everybody in the room was to terrified to move or lift a finger at the horrible hag that was now chanting in a unknown language lifting the heart above her head. She then scattered the scales and a smelly black powder around her. All of the sudden, a hellish red glow lit up the now cold room. Her evil eyes had that look of enjoyment, like she enjoyed their despair. “Demerol will be happy that those that despise him are now going to be dead. Yes, I know. You all want to live a happy long life with no war, hatred, and violence. But, for you all, your destiny will be to die under Demerol’s high priestess. By the way, this is a dragon’s heart. I took it from an adult dragon by the name of Methroudixisrex. Does that name sound familiar?” that was the Night Hags speech. She then continued on with her spell casting. And then, there was a screech and an eerie evil aura lit the room and it killed everybody but the person that told Romana that Keith was hurt.
Everybody’s face twisted into recognize as the dragon’s name was spoken. The dragon disappeared a week ago and it was a gold dragon. The dragons of justice, wisdom, intelligence, and etc. It was against the law to kill a beast like that. Such a crime is the punishment of a slow agonizing death. Everybody, right now, wanted the Hag to feel that punishment for their experience with her was not pleasant.
The Night Hags evil face was twisted into a sneer. The room smelt of the dead. Her stone was now glowing. “More souls for Demerol, how exciting. But, I smell a cleric in this room; a cleric’s soul would have been nice if he didn’t protect himself with protection wards that dispelled my spell. Oh, who cares? Just another sacrifice for Demerol…..” the Night Hags face lit up with pleasure at the thought. Her evil sinister grin showed her horrible mouth. The teeth were almost gone, only a few remaining, and the few that were remaining were rotting.
“I will not to be sacrificed to that evil god of yours. I am a cleric, the cleric of Yolanda. Take me if you want, you foul hag. I am a minor and not a noble. My soul isn’t important to you or your unimportant god!” said the fearless cleric.
“Why, I am impressed by the rather weak stand, fool. But, like you said you are unimportant. That makes you a weakling. Maybe somebody will luckily think about you and will try to save you. But for now, you are my ‘unimportant’ captive!” whispered the Night Hag.
“So be it.” murmured the cleric.
Then, the Night Hag disappeared with the cleric with a teleportation spell the Night Hag prepared. A chill crept back to the room as they disappeared.
* * * * *
Odon returned home that early morning safe, happy, and alive.
Jenny, Romana’s helper was worried because Romana didn’t return from her trip upstairs with the strange woman. Jenny never liked that woman, for she was cruel for telling, or you could say lying to, Romana that her beloved husband was dead. She never trusted that woman when she came in that inn. She looked suspicious when she entered the inn, the way she enjoyed the Innkeepers despair and sadness. Just too suspicious.
“Well, where is Romana? She didn’t come rushing downstairs to hug me. That was disappointing……… So, now where is Romana?” asked Odon.
Odon is a brave man. He is about 5’ 9” tall. His beard is short and stiff, his hair and beard are a dark chestnut color, and his face is scared from his past battles. He is retired from his duties as a solider and is a well known noble of Dragoneye City. If anyone was to assassinate him, if they were to be caught, the penalty is being thrown into the dungeons.
“No, sir, Romana was upstairs when I last saw her. She went up there with a strange suspicious woman”, answered Jenny.
“Now tell me about this strange woman. I want to know what happened when I was gone. Everything, which means no excluding any details”, demanded Odon.
And Jenny did just that. She told him about the woman’s lie, how she reacted when the word love was spoken, and everything that happened when he was away.
“Now, that woman sounds like the likes of evil. Pure evil and I mean evil!” exclaimed Odon. He glanced down at short Jenny, Romana’s helper.
“Do you want me to go upstairs and check o Romana and the guests? Do you want to come with me?” suggested Jenny.
“Indeed. I will come with you, just in case!” answered Odon.
“Thanks” was Jenny’s reply and then they both went upstairs.
* * * * *
They went up the unusually creaky stairs. The stairs seemed to be moaning, and that frightened poor Jenny.
“We are almost to the top, now!” exclaimed Odon.
Jenny muttered something, undistinguishable to Odon. Odon glanced at the maid. Her face showed her worries and fears; her hair was messy and all tangled.
And then they reached the top of the steps.
* * * * *
They peered into the hallway, feeling the chilliness in the air.
“Seems like somebody did a deed of great evil”, assumed Odon.
Jenny nodded and approached a door then opened it. The door’s hinges creaked. Then Jenny screamed. Then she fall down, with a rather pale face. Tears were streaked down her face and she whispered “Somebody has done a deed of great evil!”
Odon peered into the room, and to his horror, he saw Romana and the guests bodies; dead and lifeless. Odon shook his head, not wanting to accept the truth that his precious Romana was dead.
“Why would somebody do this, Odon?” asked Jenny.
“Somebody that worships a god of great evil, like Demalithrya, as a sacrifice for them or for their pleasure, the person or thing that done this must have been an lich or another intelligent undead, for this room stinks to the High Heavens!” answered Odon.
Odon took a step into the room with Jenny following him, without waiting for a reply from Jenny. The dead bodies looked like they were killed a few hours ago. A cold floorboard creaked. Odon kneeled down on the floor and screamed “By the Nine Hells, I will personally kill who ever done this deed!”
Odon looked over his shoulder to glance at Jenny. She wasn’t standing up, alive; but dead. There was a bolt sticking through her heart, with blood staining her dress. Odon gasped, Jenny was like a daughter to him, and to have her die was like losing Romana again.
“You bloody bastard! Show yourself or--” Odon was cut off after a bolt went through his heart. Then he dropped down to the ground, dead.
Suddenly, a dark marilith came out of the shadows. She appears as an attractive female human with six arms-at least from her head to her waist. From waist down, the creature has the body of a massive snake with green, scaly coils. Her armor was a hellish red in color and had an unholy aura to it. In her hands were a hand crossbow, a punching dagger, two longswords, a flail, and a rapier. She was also wearing lots of bangles and jewels. Her hair reached down to her waist, and there was an evil, satisfied look in her face.
“What a shame. I would have been pleased to fight a warrior like this one. But, like the hag ordered, kill who ever came into this room. Now I shall leave this rotten place and back to the Abyss!” declared the marilith. After she said that, she vanished.
~The Quest~
~Chapter One~
Life was fine for the Halfling, Verna, a ranger and rouge of Dragoneye City. She loved the city as much as she loved her family. All of her adventures were wonderful, and exciting, and sometimes scary. But, those days were over for she decided to live in the city, scouting for her father’s guild. Her scouting areas were, of course, in the city. Not in the eventful wilderness, or in a dungeon exploring its dangerous depths, but in the blah boring city.
Uneventful and boring is what I describe cities. No adventure or action. There may be the occasional fight, but that doesn’t last long, she thought.
Verna was sitting at a bar drinking a glass of water, and enjoying life. The tavern was small and quiet. Verna enjoyed that. It wasn’t large, rowdy, loud, or grubby like some inns, but it was peaceful.
Stop your day dreaming Verna, for we have to be aware of our surroundings! And by the way, I am on my way to that tavern of peace as you call it! said a rough, doggish voice in Verna’s mind.
Verna sighed. The dog was always sarcastic and ridiculous. She started to munch on a piece of bread. She sat on the tall stool, waiting for the wolf. He came blundering in the inn with a, what looks like, a sarcastic grin, as always.
Fangoth’s fur was bright, shiny, and healthy. His body was covered in silky fur, his paws made no noise when they hit the ground. The wolf was noble, intelligent, and sarcastic. He liked to fool around with Verna meaning one thing and meant another. Though, he is a great loyal friend.
So now the arrogant wolf finally arrives. Always taking his sweet time to get to place to place. Yawn, my friend, yes, yawning with impatience, now hurry up, Fangoth. said Verna to Fangoth.
Fangoth looked like he glared at Verna. His yellow glowing eyes then showed his humor.
Yes, I am an arrogant wolf that likes to take my time, but to be serious, it looks like that the city is looking at a serious problem. Now follow me and keep up, for this wolf likes to keep a fast pace when there is an adventure coming our way! exclaimed the excited wolf.
Verna had a surprised look on her face. She stuffed the rest of the bread in her mouth, and then she answered Lets get going before the excitement wears off and somebody else has the adventure!
Then, the duo left the inn at a fast past, leaving a mess behind them.
* * * * *
When they arrived to the scene, a group of people was already there. There were two elite Dragoneye soldiers, the general, and a cleric of Celeste, and a paladin of Celeste.
“Why would somebody want these humble people be dead? That is what I can’t understand,” said one of the two soldiers.
The soldiers wore chainmail armor with tabards that shown the city’s symbol (a dragon) on it. They both were carrying longswords. Their faces were stern, polite, and noble looking.
“I do not understand that too. But this is of the works of evil. But I can tell that it was an undead creature that is much more powerful then any of the people inside of the inn. We either send adventurers to hunt the creature down, or we go after it ourselves. Such a crime cannot go on unpunished.” said the general.
The general was a broad giant man. His full plate armor was burnished and was a silver color with the cities symbol on it. His hair was in a ponytail and he had no beard. He carried a great great sword that was sanctified by his deity.
Then the cleric spoke, “If it is an undead creature, let them slay it. But, when I took look around the room, I found traces of a demon. It was probably a marilith. She was not wise enough to take the time to clean up any confirmation of her and the deeds. For whom we send, we probably want to send a group of strong, valiant, and hardy adventurers to track and kill the demon and the undead creature.”
The cleric had a goatee; his hair was short and was a black color, his eyes were a twinkling deep cerulean. His robes were the colors of the sun, crimson, gold, and orange. He carried a scepter that was, too, sanctified by his deity.
“Do you think that the adventurers around here are worthy enough to go through with this quest? Or are they powerful enough? There are many questions to be answered about this. We cannot blindly send people to do quests if they are not committed to this. Those are my questions. Let’s just hope that they do not give up while they are on the quest, for if they do, our mission would fail!” exclaimed the paladin.
She wore noble armor that gleamed in the radiance of the sunlight. Her mousey brown hair elegantly covered her shoulders. Her dark brown eyes had the loyal look of a paladin to them. She was a moon elf, the common race of elves that live in cities. She carried a broadsword that had her deity’s symbol on it.
Verna compared herself to the paladin, she wasn’t wearing armor, but she was wearing a tunic, vest, pants, necklace, gauntlets and a cloak. The paladin was an elf, and she is a Halfling. Her hair was black and the paladin’s was brown. Verna knew if she continued on comparing herself, she would find many differences, but there was one thing in common, they were both beautiful. Fangoth snorted at the Halfling’s thought.
Are you reading my thoughts again, Fangoth? asked Verna. Fangoth had, what looked like, a grin. I couldn’t help to read your thoughts, Verna. For you is very interesting… then the wolf looked amused at his last comment. Now, let’s continue on watching this fascinating event.
“Oh, so you say, Asheera! Now, I grant you, yes YOU, to find the ‘worthy, committed, and powerful adventurer!’ So, are you happy now? Let us leave now so you can find the adventurer!” exclaimed the now angry cleric. The cleric waved his hands, like shooing them away, to the soldiers and the general. They left without a reply. The cleric left to, without waiting for Asheera, the paladin, to answer.
Asheera was about to leave when she finally noticed Verna. Her eyebrows rose up. “So, you are an adventurer, correct? The daughter of the leader of the thieves’ guild?” asked Asheera.
“You are correct, ma’am!”
“Now, are you committed to the quest you have heard of, to track and kill the demon and the undead creature?”
“Yes, I am committed to the adventure, if I get it.”
Verna thought it was bizarre that Asheera was asking her to carry out the quest. Her, a sneaky thief slash ranger! Verna was excited at the opportunity.
“Well, I trust that you will carry out the quest. Here is the scroll for the list and a map, for you can get lost in such an immense city,” Asheera handed over the scroll to Verna, “Now, go to Moony’s Henchmen first!” Then the paladin left without an answer from Verna.
How rude. She could of waited for a reply, commented Fangoth.
Oh, shut up, Fangoth! exclaimed Verna, Yes, she left in a hurry probably because she has work to do! It is the starting of the day, nearly to the afternoon. Now, we need to leave for Moony’s Henchmen!
The Halfling opened up the scroll to see the directions to Moony’s. She sighed when she saw the long list, disappointed at the fact that she had a long list to go through. Fangoth and Verna started their way to Moony’s Henchmen.