Demons of the Dark Online Part 1

by Derrick R Williams

  She looked around and saw there were only three more question marks over the heads of the card players.

  "You lying son of a bitch!" One woman snarled as she leapt to her feet, drawing out her sword.

  The other woman - whom she was enraged at - slammed her foot against the table, knocking it into her. Then she got to her feet with her daggers drawn and eyes blazing.

  Jinx watched, fascinated, as the two women were about to fight. The other women and the man who sat in the corner watched with glowing, excited eyes. Jinx was curious to know how this would play out.

  Before the women could lunge toward each other, a deadly fury-filled voice snapped out like a whip.

  "Stop!"

  A tall, dangerous-looking woman appeared from the shadows and glared at the two women. Everyone was eager to see who would win. They kept silent, knowing that the tall woman was no one to mess with.

  Jinx wondered who she was.

  "We are sisters here and we do not fight against each other. That is for emotional men to do."

  Jinx made the mistake of chuckling and looked into the leader's fierce eyes.

  "What's so funny?"

  "I apologize. I meant no offense, but from where I come from it is men who rule and women who are fighting for their rights. It's just funny to hear it said that way." Jinx responded.

  She arched her eyebrow and then marched over to her with a look of disdain on her face.

  "What is a warlock doing in the Thieves' Guild?"

  "Looking for a quest. You have one?"

  The leader of the Thieves' Guild didn't have a question mark over her head, but something told Jinx that she did have a quest.

  "Yes, actually I do."

  "What is it?"

  "Meet me in my office. We have much to discuss if you wish to do this quest."

  Jinx nodded, then quickly gathered up the other quests in the room. One wanted more liquor, the other needed a shawl delivered to her aunt in the next town. The last wanted her get some poison for her.

  Jinx agreed to all these quests, then turned and followed the leader into her office.

  "What is your quest?" Jinx asked, walking in the room as the leader glared at her.

  "The quest is 'Steal a Ruby.'" She said, searching Jinx's soul.

  "I'd like to know where it is and why you want it." Jinx stared back with just as much intensity as the leader.

  "This Ruby belongs to my mother, who banished me from her home because I wasn't a good daughter who would follow the family's traditions. She took my favorite Ruby and tucked it away as a punishment for me. They say that when I come to my senses and become the witch they want me to be, I'll be accepted back into the fold. It will be given back and all will be well."

  Interesting. It intrigued her to see how she was going to steal this gem. She must be a very powerful witch for her daughter not to want to do it herself.

  "I need more information about your mother and any siblings that you may have who live at home."

  She cocked an eyebrow as a sly gleam brightened in her eyes.

  "My mother is a witch and she needs me to become one, to carry on the family line of witches."

  "Does your mother like warlocks?"

  "Yes, she does. She often uses the warlocks for quests and allies."

  A plan was forming in her mind. She stayed silent, listening to her rant.

  Other ideas bubbled forth from her mind as a back up plan formed. She'd play this game and emerge the victor. She might even have information about Razdua or maybe even a way to destroy her.

  Of course, she would steal the silly ruby and give it back to this thief. She couldn't understand why the mother just didn't accept that her daughter wanted to be a thief instead of a witch.

  "I will get it for you. It may take some time, but you'll have it within a week."

  "You think you can do it that fast?"

  "Depends on if my plan works or not. If it works, I'll get it here sooner, if not then we'll see." Jinx said.

  A challenge to use her wits and see how crafty she could be. Someone who was stronger and had more experience would test her, but how much?

  "You will get a reputation if you complete these quests. Get enough reputation with us we will have more missions for you to accomplish." She promised with silken words.

  Jinx pushed open the wooden door and felt the sun bathe over her face. She walked through the tall pines to the gurgling stream and followed it, thinking about the new town.

  It was full of new opportunities and adventures. She had to go.

  A deep baying howl of a wolf sent chills playing along her spine. She froze, listening to whispering winds playing through the pine boughs. Fear clawed through her, mixed with excitement.

  From the dark shadows of the trees emerged a large wolf. Its blazing gold eyes spoke of hunger as it ran its tongue over its sharp fangs.

  The wolf gave a deep howl-bark, then charged. Azhar roared and raced toward the wolf. He slammed his mace on the wolf's head and the large canine crashed to the ground.

  The wolf staggered to its paws, shaking off the blow as 10 hp appeared above the wolf's head. It had only ten left.

  With a snarl curling its lips, it lunged toward the demon, letting the warlock slip from his attention.

  She cast her dots on the wolf, dealing 3 hp of damage. The total damage was 8. Then she blasted the wolf with Keylos' power.

  The wolf's fangs ripped into Azhar's arm, damaging him for 5 hp.

  Jinx took her turn and used her trinket to heal her demon. It gave him 3 hp of health, but she wanted to heal him herself.

  They battled for what seemed like hours to her, but really it was only a few minutes.

  Silence reigned over the forest as she saw the words, "one wolf killed, four more to go.'" Jinx smiled as she looked at the dead canine.

  She gained 60 experience points for the killing of the wolf. That turned into 120. Jinx checked the dead wolf and found a bone, some wolf meat and a ragged, flayed chest.

  She found the hide that she was supposed to take to the woman. Continuing on her way, she picked her way through the thickets and rocks and soon enough came to the hard path that led to the city.

  Looking around at the forest on each side of the road, she wondered about other thieves in the area. She didn't think that any thief working alone would take her on, but what about a group?

  Checking her HUD, she marked her quest as she walked along the hard-packed dirt road.

  When would she get to the next town? How much walking would she have to do until she got her mount? Even riding a horse would be better than this!

  She'd give anything for a nice inn with steaming food and a cold drink. Soaking her complaining feet sounded like heaven. if that was the right word.

  Azhar trod beside her with an effortless stride, causing jealousy to rise in her heart.

  "What did you find out?" Jinx said, distracted by a few deer crossing the road, their tails waving like banners.

  A blanket of silence fell over the pines.

  A large doe halted, sniffed the air and stamped her hoof on the ground. They dashed off.

  Azhar read the air.

  "Wolves."

  "Good." Jinx rubbed her hands together. Her excitement grew at the thought of killing them.

  A large gray wolf trotted out into the opening, followed by his pack. He swung his head and glared at them. He licked his lips when he saw them.

  "Hit all of them and get them on you." She instructed.

  Azhar gave his war cry and charged at the largest wolf in the pack, slamming his mace down on the wolf's shoulder as the wolf bit into his leg.

  Six hit points were drained from her demon from the wolf's sharp fangs. Now Azhar was down from 30 hp to 24 in one bite.

  The demon growled, slamming his spiked mace down the on the wolf's back. It yelped as 10 hit points vanished from its 40.

  Jinx blasted the large wolf with her wand and then Keylos. The wand's damage was 4 and
her skull's was 12 - a crit - which drained 3 hp of damage. He was now at 15 hp.

  The beta wolf jumped straight at her with its fangs bared. She attempted to dodge, but tripped over a rock and fell. It cost her 2 hp.

  The wolf flew over her and landed in front of Azhar. The demon smiled, roared then slammed his mace down on his head, causing 8 hp of damage on the wolf, causing it to yelp.

  The weakest wolf raced toward the demon, biting him for 6 hp of damage. The scrawny wolf ran his tongue over his gleaming fangs as he leaped away.

  Azhar was down to 18 hp.

  Jinx knew what she must do and hoped it would heal him. She popped her trinket. A pink bolt of healing energy bathed the demon in its light.

  Azhar rolled his eyes and grumbled. "Is there any other color other than pink!"

  He was healed for 10 hp. He gave the wolves a vicious smile before he launched his attack.

  He struck the large alpha for 10 points of damage, smashing his mace upside the wolf's skull, stunning him. He lost 5 through the dots which slowly chewed through his health.

  The beta wolf, who was focused solely on Azhar, tore into his arm as the demon screamed out in rage and in pain.

  He dealt 8 hp of damage.

  Following the other's example, the omega leapt on him and ripped into his shoulder. He did 5 hp of damage to the demon, bringing him down 15 hp.

  Azhar growled as he stood his ground in a protective stance. His blocking ability was increased as he attacked again.

  Jinx attacked with her spells, causing 8 hp of damage to the stunned leader who stood frozen to the spot. Through the dots, he lost another 4 hp.

  The beta wolf attacked, slamming into the demon's shield, snapping at thin air. The omega had no more luck than the beta.

  Azhar slammed his shield into them, causing 6 and 8 hp each. They fell back, snarling at him.

  Azhar roared his battle cry and stamped his foot on the dusty path. While he distracted them, Jinx cast her spells through her wand and the skull.

  They slammed into the beta as he leaped for Azhar, taking 6 hp from the beta wolf. Another 8 hp from her skull, plus the dots she added.

  The wolf took a large bite out of the demon and did 4 hp of damage. The other jumped on him and snapped at his horns.

  The alpha wolf fell dead, but the other wolves didn't notice. They continued to attack in a wild frenzy.

  The alpha gave Jinx 100 and the bonus made it 200.

  She had no time to inspect her leveling bar as she continued to fight. Jinx noted that her demon was down hit points. She blasted him again with healing energy from the trinket.

  He grumbled something under his breath, which made her smile even though she didn't hear what he'd said. She could imagine that he was complaining about the pink color of the healing spell.

  Which brought him up to 12 hp.

  His attention was on the beta wolf who had a mere 12 hp. He brought his mace down on the wolf's head for 10 hp of damage which left it two hit points.

  The omega wolf attacked, biting for 10 hit points of damage. Azhar grunted as his muscles bulged and his eyes glowed red.

  The beta wolf had had enough and tucked tail and ran.

  Jinx was shocked at him running away. Most games didn't allow that. They fought until they died. She blasted him with dark energy from the wand, which took care of him. He crumpled to the earth.

  The omega looked at them and looked at his fallen comrades and hightailed it out of there.

  Azhar charged after him, slamming his mace into the wolf's back, snapping it and the wolf was dead.

  Killing those two gave her 400 xp.

  She received 50 copper, three hides, two wolf meat and a sword.

  "Can you use this?" She held up the sword to Azhar.

  He inspected the weapon, shook his head and handed it back to her.

  "Why? Are you used to maces?" Jinx said.

  "It's a two handed sword. I wasn't trained in their use. I use one handed swords, maces and axes."

  "What's the difference? Aren't they the same?"

  "No."

  As he explained the differences between the two, they turned and walked away as ravens gathered in the trees, cawing. When they walked around the bend, the ravens began their feast on the dead wolves.

  "I can't wait to reach the next town," She glanced at her map for the millionth time.

  She almost sat down, but pushed on knowing it would take longer if she did.

  "Excuse me." A crippled old woman sat in the middle of the road. Her voice was pitiful and weak.

  "Yes?" It felt good to stop and rest her feet, even if it was for a little while.

  "Would you help me into town?" She looked up at her, pleading with her eyes.

  Quest "Help the old woman to town."

  You have a choice.

  You can either help the old woman into town (good). Or you can walk by (neutral) or kill her (evil).

  "Sure I'll help you, old hag." Jinx said, blasting her with her wand and skull.

  The old woman screamed helplessly under the onslaught. Azhar leaped into the fray with his mace, pounding the old woman as she fell to the earth, pleading for mercy.

  "Please! Don't hurt me! I can give you a few copper pieces to leave me alone!" She begged, her high-pitched voice echoed through the trees. Helpless tears spilled from her pleading eyes.

  Jinx smiled as the old hag's shrieks were music to her ears. The more the old woman begged for mercy, the more she tortured the poor soul.

  "Break her bones. Make her suffer more." She flicked her tongue over her lips as the old woman slowly died, screaming in agony.

  Quest complete. You have chosen the evil path and gained 100 xp toward it.

  She felt good for her evil act.

  She also received 200 for completing the quest, bringing it to four hundred.

  "Get rid of her body, feed it to your hell hounds. Then meet me in town." Jinx said as she checked the hag's pockets.

  He grabbed the woman's leg and vanished. If people missed her, they'd never find the body. Her feet didn't hurt as much now that she'd killed someone and she knew she was walking down her chosen path.

  Whistling, she walked toward the town.

  The sun cast its dying light on the world as the shadows pushed it away. Now it was the shadows turn to rule.

  As the stars filled the sky, Jinx thought of her mount and how long it would take for her to get one. Would she go on a quest to achieve it or would she have to purchase it?

  Jinx passed by the guards, staring ahead and acting casual, but that was soon replaced by genuine wonder. The victory of killing the old woman was forgotten as she looked in wonder at the new city.

  Blueish-black spirals rose to the heavens overlooking the large thriving city like silent monoliths.

  The circular buildings had elaborate structures of animals and weapons at the entrance. They had bright, flashing magical signs informing customers of their products.

  Assistant merchants handed out samples of their wares.

  Women talked in small groups as men toiled away. Horses trod pass, pulling heavy loads. Children screamed as they played on the wooden sidewalk.

  It looked like an enchanted fairyland. The glowing magical lights illuminated the street and chased away the dark places where rogues and and cutthroats hid.

  Clanging hammers on anvils, neighs of horses and the activity of working elves at their crafts filled the air. Mouth-watering aromas danced through the air, causing her stomach to growl.

  "I win!" A woman on the sidewalk cackled as she raked the money to her.

  "Want to play again?" Her gambling partner asked, with a crooked smile.

  Jinx passed the game of dice they were into without a second glance. All she wanted was a hot meal and place to sleep.

  "What do you mean my minion did that?" A woman screamed, shaking a finger at another as they held the fury of a firestorm.

  "He was rude to me! Do you know who I am?" The other demande
d, stepping toward the other woman.

  The minion stood behind his mistress, looking like a dog who misbehaved. He looked from one to the other in silence as they argued.

  "Mistress. Mission accomplished." Azhar appeared beside her in a cloud of black smoke.

  She gave him a curt nod.

  "Pit your minion against Metro! Earn five gold if your minion wins!" A minion's voice called out as a crowd gathered.

  A large, imposing ogre strutted around, pumping his boulder-sized fists in the air. He bellowed forth a roar, proclaiming his power.

  The ogre stomped to the corner and waited for his next victim.

  "My minion will defeat him." A woman led a muscular elf into the pen.

  The tall, battle-scarred elf roared to the cheering crowd, then glared at the hulk of a monster.

  Jinx heard her stomach growl and saw an entrance to an inn which looked like a black cat's-head with an open mouth.

  "Lucky Cat Inn." She said, liking the name.

  "Greetings. Please enter our humble tavern." A minion bowed respectfully as she looked around the inn.

  "I want wine." She said to a smiling bartender who greeted her warmly.

  "Which one would you like?" The bartender gestured to the selection of wine behind her.

  "Red Rose." Jinx said.

  "Sure. One moment." She poured a glass of blood red wine, then leaned on the counter with a warm smile on her lips.

  "New in town?"

  "Yes. Do you have a quest board?"

  "Sure do. It's over there." The bartender gestured toward the wall in front of the stairwell.

  She swept her gaze over the bar to where she pointed. A large board had many papers pinned on it. Jinx was pleased there were so many. She'd level up in no time.

  "I would like a high deluxe room. Are there any perks with that?"

  "You get a massage every evening when you return from quests. You can have your meals brought to you in your bed."

  "I need a drink. Ale." A voice interrupted.

  She quickly served the woman, then came back.

  "Will there be anything else?" She asked.

  "How much is the room?"

  "A gold per night."

  "Good, I'll take it for three nights."

  "Three gold, please."

  "Good. I want my massage and meal in bed." Jinx said. "What is the meal of the day?"