The newcomer took a forward step, his cloak billowing in the breeze. He was short but broad shouldered, with a balding head that rested above a pair of bushy black eyebrows. His beard was streaked with grey, his eyes a similar color. “This your…elf friend?” he said, voice deep and authoritative.
“He is,” Carver replied, still smiling. “Darian, this is Jorg.”
“Hello,” Darian said, he and Jorg regarding each other.
“Nice to meet another friendly face,” Jorg said, an edge to his voice. “Thought maybe all I would find out here was the undead.”
“None of those here,” Darian said. Now that he was a little closer, Darian got a better look at Jorg’s gear. He was wearing a black pair of trousers that matched his black boots, shirt, and gloves. He wore chainmail that shone beneath a polished breastplate. But he curiously had a belt filled with knives at his hip, with three little green vials that Darian figured to be poison tucked into bandoleer around his chest. His right arm held a thick mace, the edge of which shone yellow. His other arm held a shield that radiated some kind of magic aura, bending the air around it.
“The cave is just over there,” Carver said, pointing.
Jorg nodded and followed Carver and Darian to the cave. But he never quite took his eyes off Darian, regarding him with a suspicious glare even as he called out to Fria.
“The state of you,” Jorg said, kneeling down to Fria’s side. “But thank Argus you yet live.”
“Argus didn’t save me, he did.” She lifted her wounded arm to point at Darian.
“And I’m sure he was guided by Argus’ benevolent hand.” He laid his mace and shield down, his palms coming to rest on Fria’s arm. “Through his grace do I channel my faith.” The air around Jorg and Fria began to glow, a bright golden light swallowing them. Then it faded, Fria’s wounds healed.
“Thank you,” she said, a hint of bitterness on her tongue.
“And poor Zan, it appears you also need my services.” Jorg walked over to where Zan lay curled up. The wolf regarding the man warily but didn’t react when he laid his hands on him.
The same golden light filled the cave, the gash beneath the bandage on Zan’s neck vanishing. Darian was thankful that he at least could no longer smell the sweet blood from their wounds. But he knew he was in danger. Fria just got done telling me about these people and one just happens to show up? Darian started feeling like maybe some divine entity liked playing pranks on him. But what do I do? It was instantly obvious Jorg knew Darian wasn’t an elf. But he probably didn’t know quite what he was, or else he would have attacked by now. Just keep your cool. He told himself that, but his instincts wouldn’t allow him to relax so easily.
“I’m sorry friend, but I’m out of spells for the day,” Jorg said, looking Darian up and down.
“I’ll be alright.” It was mostly true. His passive regeneration in combination with Carver’s poultice bandage combo would see him recover within a day or two.
“Carver told me on the way here that you’re cursed?” Jorg chuckled to himself. “Not much I can do about that I’m afraid.”
“I’ve managed so far.” Darian’s shoulders tensed, he and Jorg locking eyes.
“Perhaps Torin is still out there,” Carver cut in. “His scrolls should do the trick.”
“Torin is dead. Same as Joseph and Yulia.” Jorg rested against the wall, his fingers picking at his gloves. “Yulia got grabbed by the biggest damn Warg I’ve ever seen. Killed her before anyone had a chance to intervene.” Darian glanced at the satchel in the corner, Gershank’s words in his head. “This belonged to a Justicar. She… no longer needs it.”
“I tried healing Joseph, but the Flesh Hounds' poison was too much,” Jorg said, continuing. “And Torin went down in a hail of arrows, a Bone Knight finishing him off. All that’s left of the force from Ulsfel is me.” He looked up, something like madness in his eyes. “But I have not given up our holy mission. I will rest here for the night and then continue on my way.”
“On your way to what?” Fria asked, testing her healed arm. “You only ever told Father what you lot were after.”
“We were sent to destroy objects of necromantic power,” Jorg said, an untrusting glance leveled at Darian. “Three of them exist in this forest. They feed the foul necromancer’s summoning magic. Until they’re destroyed, she will continue to produce an army of undead.”
Guess he’s talking about the Nether Gates. “Have you destroyed any so far?” Darian asked.
“No, but not for lack of trying. I’ve been hounded by the undead for days and running on an empty stomach. Carn knew these woods and was to guide us to the old battle sites, but I’ve been told he also sadly fell in battle.” Jorg looked to Fria. “Your father was a good man. One of the finest rangers to ever serve the Emerald Branch. His loss will be felt by many.”
Fria didn’t say anything. She just nodded and grabbed her bow and one of the nearby quivers. “Thank you for healing me, but I need to return to the village. Mother will be expecting us back soon. I need to tell her what happened.”
“Wait,” Carver said blocking the cave entrance. “You want to leave now? In the middle of the night?”
“That would be foolish, Fria. The dead grow thicker by the day. You would not make it alone.” Jorg stood as he spoke, his armor rattling.
Fria looked between the two of them and her eyes narrowed. “A coward and a liar,” she said. “Why should I trust either of you.”
Darian expected the men to argue with her, but to his surprise they both just stood there. But they had a point. Even if she was healed, Darian doubted anyone could just walk through this forest alone and make it out in one piece. “They’re right. You shouldn’t go alone.”
“Then go with me.” She stood, throwing a quiver over her shoulder.
The question caught Darian off guard. “I wish I could, but I can’t.” I know that Warg has to be out there somewhere. If I try and run, he’ll kill me.
“And why can’t you?” Jorg asked. “Where are you from? What brings you to these woods, especially at a time like this?”
“He can’t remember,” Carver answered. “He is cursed with memory loss.”
“Ah, my apologies. I’d forgotten.” Jorg reached out his hand. “Sorry for the questions. You get a bit paranoid in my line of work.”
“I understand,” Darian said, trying to ease the situation. He gripped Jorg’s hand and gave it a firm shake. But then Jorg’s eyes flashed green and a strange tingling enveloped Darian.
----------------------------------------
Warning: You are being targeted by a mind tampering skill.
Skill – [Memory Delve]
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Chance to resist: 47%
----------------------------------------
Darian jerked his hand away so hard he fell backwards into the wall.
“You’re a liar.” Jorg slammed into Darian, his forearm pressed under Darian’s chin. “Who are you really? Who do you work for?”
“I…” Darian thrashed and kicked, but Jorg was too strong.
“Stop this!” Carver pulled on Jorg’s shoulders, but the big man pushed him back easily.
“He’s been lying to you, Carver. I didn’t see much, but memory delve showed me enough to know.” He pressed into Darian’s throat harder.
“He’s not an enemy,” Carver said coming to Darian’s side. “He’s a friend. Saved mine and Fria’s life. Bled along beside us.”
Jorg’s free hand pressed into Darian’s forehead, his palm pulsing with divine energy. “Don’t like that do you, you beast,” he spat. “Now I’ll ask one more time before I incinerate you. Why are you here and who do you work for?”
A growling enveloped the cave as Zan approached, fangs barred. “Fria control your wolf,” Jorg barked.
Fria shook her head, slipping an arrow free of her quiver. “He’s not mine.”
“Fine then,” Jorg said, his palm pushing harder against Darian’s face.
Darian pushed and kicked, but Jorg’s strength was far superior to his. He tried casting [Shocking Grasp] but his hands were being crushed into his own chest by Jorg’s bulk. Then his face started to slowly burn, divine energy swirling from Jorg’s hand. With no other option and the fear of destruction coursing through him, Darian did the only thing he could do.
He bit down on Jorg’s arm, his fangs sinking deeply into the man’s flesh.
Jorg cried out and stepped back, but Darian kept his mouth latched on. Warm, beautiful blood filled his mouth, the taste more powerful than anything Darian had ever imagined.
----------------------------------------
Quest Completed: The Hunger
Objective: Consume human blood.
* Reward: + 25 Race XP.
* Reward: Unique Skill [Vampiric Charm]
* Reward: Unique Skill [Life Leech]
* Trait: +15% weakness to holy damage.
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[Race Lv.2 Reached]
* Strength: +8
* Dexterity: +10
* Constitution: +10
* Perception: +12
Unique skills unlocked
* [Swarm]
* [Blood shield]
* [Minor Transformation]
Skill Evolutions
* [Minor Regeneration] has evolved into [Intermediate Regeneration]
* [Command Animal] has evolved into [Dominate Animal]
Traits gained & Altered
* Frost Resistance: +10%
* Normal Weapon Resistance: +15%
* Weakness to Fire: +25%
* Weakness to Holy: +25%
* Weakness to Silver Weapons: +25%
* Sun damage: +25%
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Quest Completed: Rise of the Vampire
Objective: Reach Race Level (2)
* Reward: Blood Vial
* Reward: Ring of Summon Minor Undead
----------------------------------------
Blood consumed: Human Paladin (Lv.7)
* Temporary + 25% Holy resistance
* Temporary skill unlocked: [Major Heal]
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Jorg kicked and Darian rolled away, but he came back with a punch to Jorg’s gut that doubled him over. They grappled, Jorg still stronger but not nearly as much.
“Monster!” Jorg cried, a sudden burst of force throwing Darian back.
Jorg rushed to his mace and shield, equipping them with an expert’s speed. The mace lit up, the ball of steel glowing in holy light. Just looking at it told Darian even a single blow from it could be fatal. But as Jorg went to attack, someone stepped between them.
“Not. Another. Step.” Fria had an arrow drawn back, the shaft bursting in multicolored light.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Jorg raised his shield and the air around him shifted and blurred.
“I know this won’t be enough to kill you, but it will do enough for him to finish the job.” She nodded at Zan who crouched beside her, snarling, poised to strike.
“What is it you plan on doing? Running off with that monster?” Jorg sneered.
“He’s not a monster,” Fria said, drawing the arrow back tighter. “You forced his hand.”
“Tell yourself that all you like, but that beast will kill you once it has the chance. Please Fria, put down your bow.” Jorg took a single step, falling back after Zan snapped his jaws at him.
Watching this, Darian’s mind finally cleared. What have I done. He wanted to apologize, to make this right somehow. But Fria was correct, Jorg forced this on him. He had no other choice.
“Put it down,” Carver appeared behind Jorg, an arrow drawn. Darian smiled at another friend coming to his aid. But then he realized. He’s not aiming at Jorg.
“I said put it down!” Carver’s eyes were wet and wild, his face consumed by rage one second and despair the next. “Or by Argus I’ll put an arrow in your eye.”
“Here’s how this is going to work,” Fria replied. “We’re going to back away into those woods while you stay right there.”
“And why would we let that monster go? I saw into his memories. He’s working for them. Spoke and made deals with that massive Warg only yesterday.”
Fria’s shoulders slumped for a second, but then she regained her composer. “Perhaps he did, but I know that man is no threat to me. So, what will it be?”
“We can’t let them leave,” Carver said.
“It’s three against one. You’ll lose.” Fria replied, her voice measured.
The two groups stood staring at each other a while, a cold wind whistling between the trees. But then Jorg lowered his shield and smiled. “Fine then, run along with the monster. But when he turns on you, remember it was I that warned you.”
“But we—” Jorg silenced Carver with a stern glare.
“Carver,” Darian said, desperate to explain himself. But Carver backed away, doubt creasing his face.
“Just go.” Carver said. “And pray we do not cross paths again.”
“You can’t be serious,” Darian argued. “You’re going to believe this nut job?”
“He’s not the one with blood running down his chin,” Carver replied.
Darian reached up and touched his face. The blood there was still slick, and he had to fight the urge to lick his lips.
“Let’s go,” Fria said, backing away. “We need to find you a place to rest before the sun comes up.”
Darian went to argue, but he could see the situation was hopeless. He and Fria backed into the forest, Zan beside them.
“I will remember this, monster,” Jorg called as he faded from view. “You’ve made an enemy of the Justicars this day.”
Darian grit his teeth, remembering Gershank’s words. “Things like us have to kill. Not our fault humans and the like are always trying to do the same to us.” He licked his lips, Jorg’s blood wetting his tongue. “You can’t fight what you are. None of us can.” A cold pit formed in Darian’s gut.
Maybe Gershank was right.