Lewd Paladin_Dread of Night

by Eden Redd

  “Byrus fought like an angel unchained. Vyle matched his strength as they hacked at one another, trying to defeat the other. The stars watched as Byrus pushed with all his might to take down the dread lord. When the paladin struck a blow, burying his axe of light in the dread lord’s chest, we thought the battle was over.”

  Magnys looked away, silent for a moment before he continued, “It was then when everything turned to a weeping sorrow. I was in my serpent form as I blasted the undead to dust. Spears struck at me, boring deep into my body. I let out a painful roar as I tried to stay in the fight. My pain caused the paladin to turn to me for barely a moment. It was all the dread lord needed to capitalize on the distraction. Producing a blade of darkness, he swung upwards, slicing the paladin’s arm clean off. I still remember how Byrus turned and watched as his arm flew into the air, his axe of light fading from view.

  “Vyle grabbed the arm and held it close. Flaming blue eyes looked down at the exposed band of Thunn. With calculated horror, the dread lord pulled the band from the severed arm and placed it in his open chest, close to his black heart. I can still see it, tendrils of darkness and shadow, reaching up to infect the holy item. Power surged as the dread lord corrupted the band, turning its light into darkness.

  “With time fleeting, Byrus chose to end the battle before any further damage could be done. Lifting his other arm, another axe of light appeared. Vyle was screaming into the night, light turning black around him. The paladin buried his axe in the dread lord’s skull. A burst of power surged and blasted out in all directions. The undead army halted their attack and fell to the ground. By the time the dust settled, I and a cleric were all that was left to witness the paladin’s heroic deed.

  “The surge of power blasted away the paladin’s physical body but could not dominate his spirit. A ghost of light stood frozen, axe buried in the dread lord’s skull. Vyle remained on his knees, his mouth open in a silent scream. Byrus had performed the ultimate sacrifice, his spirit locked forever, keeping the dread lord on his knees.”

  Nugan reached over and patted Magnys’s hand, “With the dread lord and paladin in such a state, we could not risk anyone removing either of them for fear the dread lord would reawaken. The trolls built a thick tower to house their bodies until a time when the dread lord could be revived. At first, soldiers were sent to check on the tower but after many years, that duty was abandoned. A strange graveyard grew around the tower and extended to the ocean edge and well into the forest. One of the largest graveyards in Lukken, it is teeming with undead of every kind. We believe Vyle’s power still leaks from his body, infecting everything with a toxic darkness.”

  The table was quiet for a long moment before Renner spoke up, “I don’t know if we can use this to our advantage. If they are locked together forever and we show up to try and liberate the holy item, won’t it also allow Vyle to wake up?”

  Magnys and Nugan looked to one another before turning back to the table.

  Master Nugan spoke first, “My people will go to the site eventually. One way or another, the paladin and dread lord’s power over one another will be broken. If the trolls get to the band first, it will be one less mystical item that could be used against them.”

  Magnys continued, “If Vyle Rath is awakened, he may keep the relic, corrupting it and increasing his power. Either way, the trolls and dread lord’s power will grow. I know of heroes searching for Thunn’s lost relics but as it stands, the trolls and their allies will win this war.”

  Magnys gave a knowing smirk as he looked to Thorrin, “But as an agent of light retrieving the holy item, it would put us closer to stopping the growing darkness.”

  Thorrin rubbed his neck as a new weight shifted onto his shoulders. It was a lot to take in and his confidence slid back a few steps. Knowing there was an item that could kill dread lords shined like a beacon in his spirit but his mind whispered the potential challenges of taking on such a quest.

  The paladin looked to Magnys, “It took a company of heroes to even reach the dread lord. I’m not sure I have enough power to do it.”

  Magnys gave an understanding nod, “We fought standing armies but you have no such barrier. It may seem impossible but you do have your friends to assist you on such a dangerous quest.”

  “I could never ask anyone to follow me to….,” Thorrin began before voices spoke up.

  “I will follow you,” Ro said instantly.

  “I will follow you,” Vass smiled.

  Deidra looked to the paladin and gave him a warm smile, “I will follow you.”

  All eyes turned to Renner who had been sitting with cake in his mouth. The rogue chewed it up with the grace of a hog at a trough. When he finished, he took a napkin and dabbed the corners of his mouth before placing it down with the mannerisms of an aristocrat.

  “I don’t see why not. There could be good loot….erm….good deed. It would be a good deed,” Renner smiled.

  “Jon should be on his way. I’m sure he will go with us,” Ro added.

  Thorrin couldn’t keep the warmth from his heart. The quest seemed like an impossible one but one they had to succeed. With a Thunn holy item, they would have a chance in the war and put down the dread lords once and for all. It was a chance they all had to take.

  Magnys looked to the paladin and smiled, “You have fine companions.”

  Master Nugan looked to the group with knowing eyes, “Vyle Rath’s tower is roughly fifty miles south of our current location. You should arrive in two days with the appropriate breaks. It will be easy to find as long as you stay by the coast.”

  Thorrin looked to Magnys, “Is there any way you can join us on this quest?”

  The sormir gave a sad smile, “I wish that I could but meeting with my fellow sormir has taken priority. Every night that passes, the more the trolls and dread lords gain momentum. I fear I cannot aid you on your quest this time.”

  Thorrin nodded, “We understand.”

  A light returned to Magnys’s eyes, “But you are still my guests. I’m sure Master Nugan and I can supply you with enough details to bring success to your quest.”

  The host lifted his wine glass, “To your light during these dark times.”

  “Here here!” The group said as they lifted their glasses and drank deeply.

  Thorrin put down his glass as his mind worked. Being so close to making some kind of progress on his promise, a confident vibration ran along his senses. The paladin listened as Magnys and Nugan continued to give them information on their quest. Eyes moving, he noticed the playful gaze of Deidra. She looked away but couldn’t hide her smirk, even with the wine glass moving to her lips. The paladin eyed her for a long moment before looking to the troll master. The player didn’t know if it was the wine or something else, but he felt better than he had in a long time. Taking another sip, he mentally basked in it as the evening spun on to ancient legends.

  Twelve

  The dinner drew to a close. Magnys cleared the table while everyone sat back, lost to the wine and good food. Thorrin thought about everything said and mulled it over. Despite his initial misgivings, he thought they still had a chance.

  With the table cleared, the host called for everyone to follow him. Marching in a tired, hunched over line, the players moved like zombies. They climbed the stairs slowly until they reached the second floor. Magnys showed everyone to their rooms one by one. Vass took Renner’s hand and pulled him into a room. Deidra was shown to her room, as was Ro. The goblin looked to Thorrin for a moment before stepping in and closing the door. Deidra closed her door next, without a word. The host showed Thorrin to his room, bowed and led Master Nugan and Sora to their room.

  Exhaustion seeped into tired muscles as Thorrin stepped into the room and closed the door. Even in the game, he couldn’t fight the cloud of weariness. Scanning the small bedroom, it was rather non-descript with a bed, a single painting on the wall and a dresser with a large oval mirror. The paladin moved to the bed and flopped down. Touching his chest,
his armor and clothes disappeared. A thought floated up from his tired mind of a certain woman or goblin but quickly pushed it away. He could understand why he thought of Deidra. She was strong, independent and beautiful, but the goblin was different. Ro was shy and demure but carried a fire in her. She was beautiful in her way, and the paladin couldn’t stop thinking of her emerald skin and big almond shaped eyes.

  The player gave a muffled laugh and sigh with his face buried in the pillow. He wondered if one or both would sneak into his room. It seemed to happen so much in the game that he almost expected it. When long minutes passed, the player’s eyes slowly closed and he drifted into dream land, too tired to stay awake.

  ***

  Morning light shined through the window. Thorrin stirred from his slumber. Looking around, he saw that he was alone. Sitting up, he pressed his hand to his chest. Travelling clothes appeared but not his armor. The player thought he would stay a little relaxed as they began their morning outing.

  Stepping out into the hallway, the paladin made his way down the hall and to the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, everyone stood with their travelling clothes and packs. They all looked up with cheery smiles as the paladin made his way down.

  “We thought it best to let you rest,” Magnys smiled.

  The sormir moved to the front door and opened it. Leading the way, everyone followed their host as they left the mansion on the hill. Thorrin collected his thoughts as they traveled down the hill to the town of Merlor. The seaside town was bustling with activity. Small river ships pulled in while shops opened, selling their wares. The sounds of the ocean waves crashed against the shore while townsfolk went about their daily routines.

  Thorrin took it in, basking in the sun, surf and gull song as it filled the air. The wooden buildings had a weathered appearance as the group moved through the dirt streets. Some buildings were painted soft blues and greens. Cafés opened with town’s folk enjoying the beautiful clear morning.

  A river ship docked and a gang plank extended. The group stopped as Ro pointed toward the docked ship. A tall man in white with a staff in hand stepped off. The man smiled broadly as the group waved him over. Jon stepped off the plank and onto the dock, making his way to the group. Ro hugged his leg as everyone gathered around, either shaking his hand or clasping a hand on his shoulders.

  “I’m glad I was able to catch up. Moon Haven was dealing with an out of control fire and I was able to make my escape when I resurrected,” Jon smiled.

  “Well, we’re glad you made it out okay,” Thorrin returned the smile.

  Jon looked to Master Nugan and the older man with white hair, “What did I miss?”

  Ro filled in what happened since Jon’s untimely death as they all walked through town to the seaside docks. The paladin’s smile faded as they continued until a shadow covered his eyes. Ro remained upbeat as she lastly informed him of the dangerous quest they were about to undertake.

  “It seems you guys will need me for this,” Jon said with a nervous smile.

  Ro nodded, “We will need everyone for this.”

  The group reached the edge of the seaside docks, Magnys, Nugan and Sora breaking away from the group and turning to them.

  “This is where we part ways,” Magnys said with a sad smile.

  “We cannot thank you enough for everything you have done,” Nugan smiled.

  “All part of the job,” Thorrin beamed.

  “We wish you the best on your journey,” Magnys chimed in. “I hope you all come to see us on the Turtle Islands after your quest is complete.”

  “Oh, we’ll be there,” Vass said with confidence.

  “Have the wine and rum waiting for us,” Renner added with a sly smirk.

  “We will,” Magnys said and gave a hearty laugh.

  The group gave long embraces before the sormir and trolls walked toward a waiting ship, hands waving. The group waved to them, smiles all around and watched as the three boarded a ship.

  Thorrin turned to the group, “We should stock up on supplies and began our trek south. If we leave soon, we can be at the Rath’s tower by tomorrow evening.”

  The group nodded in agreement. Thorrin started handing out duties. Ro and Jon were to go to the supply store and pick up rations and small camping supplies. Vass and Renner were tasked with finding a weapons shop that sold magical weapons. They needed to find holy daggers and any kind of magical crossbow bolts. Thorrin turned to Deidra and the rogue gave him a pleasant smile. Thorrin tasked himself and the beautiful rogue with stopping by an alchemist shop and picking up healing potions and elixirs. The group dispersed into the small town and set about their assigned duties.

  It was only after they dispersed that Thorrin realized he was alone with Deidra. The rogue walked side by side with the paladin and a heat crawled up his neck. The player knew he was never like this around the opposite sex but something about the beautiful rogue set him on edge. The confidence she carried glowed and her beauty pulled his eyes like the sun’s gravity. The rogue glanced over to see Thorrin looking ahead, his face mysteriously blank.

  “I can tell when you look at me. My awareness is pretty high,” Deidra smiled.

  Red touched the paladin’s face, “I don’t mean to be rude.”

  Deidra looked forward as they walked and talked, “It’s not rude. I was hoping you like what you see. I even hoped you would have snuck into my room last night.”

  Thorrin’s eyes widened a hair before he battled for control as they strolled, “I figured we were all tired.”

  Deidra nodded, “I understand, but you don’t need to be so formal. We all play the game for the same reasons.”

  The red in Thorrin’s face slowly bled away, “I know but sometimes it’s nice to get to know one another.”

  Deidra nodded again, “I see romance is not dead.”

  It was Thorrin’s turn to nod, “I like to get to know someone beforehand. I’m not a fan of one-night stands or one game stands.”

  The rogue smiled, “You don’t have to be so coy. I can see you don’t like to be like everyone else. While most men will dive right in, you like to take your time. It’s endearing.”

  Deidra stopped walking and turned to the paladin. Thorrin stopped and faced her glowing beauty.

  “I know we don’t really know each other but I would like to change that,” Deidra said with a French accent. “I cannot deny the pull I feel and from the way you look at me, I can tell you feel it too. I only ask one thing, don’t treat me like a fragile flower. You can’t hurt me and you shouldn’t think like you can.”

  Thorrin’s eyes took on a hue of understanding as he nodded, “As long as we are being honest, I’m not some guy who strives to conquer. Relationships are special to me and I don’t share myself with just anyone. I want to know you as a friend and then we can decide from there where we want to go next.”

  Thorrin didn’t know why but he stuck his hand out so they could shake on it. Deidra looked down at his outstretched hand for a moment. Turning her eyes upward, she stepped closer to the paladin and pressed her lips to his. Thorrin’s hand fell to her waist as wet warmth spread between their lips. It was magical and the player found it hard to resist her touch and her scent. Time slowed down and the heat of their bodies rose up and joined between them. Then, after what seemed like eternity, it ended as Deidra pulled away. She smiled as she turned and walked on. The paladin watched as she walked with a saunter, her cloak billowing behind her with quick flashes of her toned but well-defined curves. The player shook off the heat and picked up his pace until he was by her side once again. An alchemist shop came into view and the paladin and rogue walked over to it. Thorrin held the door as Deidra stepped in.

  ***

  The town of Merlor faded into the sunny background as the party marched south. Packs and inventories stocked with supplies, the band of adventurers walked on, the beach and ocean to their left and lush green forests to their right. Thorrin glanced back to the party, a welcomed comfort flowing over h
is mind as he turned to a thin dirt path leading along the coast.

  The player’s heart carried a glimmer of hope and a dash of calm. Their party was comprised of actual players, not an NPC among them. Death would be an inconvenience and nothing more. Now, Thorrin could focus and gain some momentum on his quest to rid Lukken of the Dread Lords. A two-day trip and a party that can handle themselves was just what he needed to complete the quest.

  Thorrin’s thoughts pulled back to the town of Moon Haven and the Bone Queen. She was an NPC but a strong one, capable of raising an undead army. Her dark paladins helped her to keep control but his group all managed to escape and beat her back. Thinking about his party, they all had skills but clearly, he would be the tank when it came down to a fight. Mentally filing it away, he knew he had to talk to everyone about their strategy when they reached Vyle Rath.

  The crashing waves on the beach soothed frayed nerves as the party walked on. Hours slipped by as they marched on in near silence, expect for Vass and Renner. More often than not, the party would turn their heads to the elf and man laughing at some private joke. Thorrin wished he could be mad but seeing how his sister looked to the dashing rogue helped him to feel better. Renner did seem to have a positive effect on the rogue elf. Vass didn’t throw around her biting humor, there was no need to since Renner was doing it any chance he could. Something about them melded and Thorrin wondered if the rogue had truly tamed his sister’s heart.

  Jon walked on, staff in hand. The paladin didn’t talk much since his return. Thorrin wasn’t sure what to think of him since he was content on walking along quietly. While everyone was walking along the thin dirt path, Jon walked closer to the forest edge, his eyes drinking in the dark shadows along the forest floor.

  Ro was right behind Thorrin most of the time. After a few hours, Thorrin slowed down and walked side by side with the goblin. Ro smiled but her eyes were often pointed to the ground. Thorrin smiled and engaged her in small talk. It was enough to have her look up with a shy smile. Soon they were talking about old war stories. Ro’s silence turned to burning questions about Thorrin’s past encounters with the dread lords. The paladin talked about each of the encounters in great detail. Ro’s eyes sparkled as she listened.