Demons of the Dark Online Part 1

by Derrick R Williams

  "Leg of lamb with mushrooms, onions and garlic, with or without mint sauce. You have your choice of mashed potatoes, beans or chicken soup. Asparagus is the vegetable of the night. And if you still have room after all that, you can order carrot cake."

  "How long will that take?"

  "Would after your massage be good enough for you?"

  "Splendid!"

  After a long massage, an excellent meal and a hot bath, she was ready to sleep. Sleeping on the soft, feathered bed, her long walk and battles were washed away.

  The moment her head hit the pillow, she dove into the inkiness of sleep.

  Stretching the sleep from her body, she slowly woke to the bustling town, wondering what adventures she'd have today. She read some, before ordering a light breakfast.

  I want to explore today! Jinx jumped out of bed. Snapping her fingers, her clothes fit around her body and she set out on her day's adventures.

  She looked at the quest board and smiled. There were so many quests, she'd grow rich on them. Noting the ones she liked, she went off to explore.

  "Where are we headed for today?" Azhar picked his fangs with a toothpick.

  "Just looking round." She smiled.

  Jinx walked down the street, looking into shop windows. Stopping, she gazed at some glittering colors. They were so beautiful as they glittered in the sunlight.

  A bell tinkled as Jinx entered the shop. "This one has strong magic to hold your minion under your sway. He'll serve your family and won't try to run away any more." The sales lady said.

  "Do you have better collars?"

  "Yes. This one here."

  The minion was being held by two others as he struggled.

  "Please! Don't do this! Have mercy upon me!" He begged, but his mistress held none in her heart.

  She bought one and snapped it around his neck. He stopped struggling instantly and bowed to her.

  "What is your life's mission?" She arched her eyebrow.

  "To serve you in all things." He said, his head lowered in abject submission.

  The mistress cast a hard glance to her other minions. They instantly bowed.

  Jinx moved aside as they passed. I've got to get a collar like that. She inspected the prices. They ranged from a few gold to countless gold pieces.

  She left the store, knowing she'd return when she gained her first minion who wasn't a demon. If they caused trouble, they'd be fitted with one.

  For now, though, her demons were enough.

  Jinx walked along the wooden walkway, looking at the shops. Once she'd explored the town, she brought up her HUD. Looking over her quests, she selected "Take Package to Next Town."

  Looking on the map, she saw where the quest was and made her way toward the person who needed the package. She found a man leaning against a fence.

  She looked at the man's name above his head. Xizorth looked at her with mistrusting eyes. He looked more like a shadow than a man.

  She drew closer with her demon beside her. He was watching her with suspicious, feral eyes.

  "I've got something for you." She drew close to the man. Jinx was evaluating him. He was a mysterious man, a rogue who lived by caution.

  "What?"

  Jinx handed him the package. He nodded and gave her some coins. 50 silver. She pocketed it with an inward smile.

  "Quest complete. You've earned 400 xp plus another 400. It is a total of 800 xp."

  She saw her xp bar was more than half way to the next level. A few more quests.

  "I've got something for you to do if you are interested." He said, studying her as if evaluating her.

  "What is it?" Jinx said.

  "I want you to go see Nessa Darkstar and tell her the answer is 'yes.' Understood?" He cocked an eyebrow.

  She indicated that she did. Jinx didn't understand what the message meant, but she didn't need to. Just as long as it was delivered. And paid.

  "Quest accepted. Deliver Message to Nessa."

  She received her choice of sashes and chose one. It had two spell power on it and was yellow. She could see it was low grade, but it was better than nothing.

  "If you want more quests from me, come back here."

  "I will." She promised.

  Jinx headed toward Nessa Darkstar's house. On her way, she saw on her HUD the supposed aunt who needed her shawl. Maybe it was a shawl or maybe not, she didn't care. She was only interested in building up a network between these people so she could continue her lifestyle.

  Her gentle footfalls scraped against the rough stone steps. Rapping on the door, she called out for the woman of the house.

  "Just a second. Please come in and sit on the cushions." A raspy voice called from the kitchen.

  "Thank you." Jinx said, giving a knowing glance at Azhar.

  "Go invisible and check out the house and see who's there." She leaned close to him, giving his command.

  Azhar vanished and did as she bade.

  An old woman shuffled into the room, her cane tapping against the wooden floor.

  "Hello, dearie. What can I do for you?" She gave her a toothy smile before sitting cross-legged on a pillow.

  "I was sent to deliver you this." She pulled out a package from her pack and handed it to her.

  "Oh, it's from my niece!" She clapped her hands. "Thank you so much! Would you like some cookies?"

  Jinx shook her head. "I've just eaten. Thank you."

  "Very well."

  "Quest complete. You receive 300 xp plus a bonus of 300 xp."

  It was a total of 600 xp. She checked her HUD and saw that it was at 5,020. She wanted to get to level four bad.

  "In the basement, there are some drugs. They are guarded by two mean looking women. The shawl hides drugs which are sown in it." Azhar whispered.

  Jinx leaned forward and lowered her voice.

  "I know what I delivered and I wish to be employed by you to deliver what you are selling to other cities or in this one." Jinx said, studying the sweet old lady's face.

  The old woman's eyes narrowed.

  "I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about." She said a bit nervously.

  "You do. There are two mean-looking women down in your basement. They are working on some sort of drugs. I simply want to be employed by you."

  "Can you prove what you say is true?" A thin, tight smile appeared on her face. Her sharp eyes held cunning in them.

  "Azhar."

  Her demon appeared.

  "Repeat what you said."

  He did.

  The old woman didn't look too pleased. She recovered from her shock rapidly.

  Jinx imagined what the old woman was thinking. Most warlocks don't have those type of demons. At least not yet.

  Just her and her enemy, as far as she knew. There couldn't be any other Founders who had tamed them.

  "I'm not going to your competitors. I need employment and I'll work for you." Jinx said.

  "I must say you're a crafty one." The woman evaluated her.

  "I'll serve you well." Jinx said, knowing she needed to get her foot in the door. This was her opportunity.

  If she got the job, she'd learn all she could and gather and research this occupation.

  "Wait here." She commanded. Getting to her feet, she walked into the room with her cane tapping on the floor.

  "Go see what they are talking about." Jinx said.

  With a quick nod, he vanished.

  Jinx waited impatiently.

  There was a creak of a door, one Jinx assumed was her closing the basement door. Her cane tapped on the floor as it came closer to where she sat in the front room.

  The old lady pushed aside the curtains and motioned her into the next room. Jinx followed as her heart thrummed in her ribcage like a trapped hummingbird.

  She was led downstairs and saw two women. They gave her an unwelcome glare. The toughest battle-scarred one stepped toward her.

  Jinx swallowed, but stood her ground. They stared into each other's eyes. She knew she'd never defe
at this veteran in battle.

  I want to be this intimidating.

  From deep inside, she didn't follow her impulse to back away. She stood her ground as if she was just as tough.

  "You're going to have to prove yourself. If you can deliver this package to the next city and return with what they give you, you're in. If you can't, then you're out. Agreed?"

  "Yes."

  She thrust her hand out and Jinx shook it.

  "Now deliver this to the next town, which will take three days. You'll have seven days to get back here." She said.

  She turned, grabbed the package and handed it to her.

  "Don't get caught."

  "Don't worry, I won't."

  She turned and left the basement. Jinx controlled the giddiness which pumped through her.

  She spent the entire day completing quests and gathering others that were in the next city. Jinx made sure she could return and still have her two days for a few nights when she returned.

  The innkeeper affirmed that she could keep her two nights. Before she left, she had one more thing to do: steal the ruby.

  She'd reached fourth level from all the quests she'd turned in.

  There was so much to do, learn and experience that she wondered if she'd be able to do it all. She was excited to see the next city, but didn't want to walk all the way there.

  It was now or never to learn to how to ride a horse. Maybe she could rent one out.

  People have ridden horses for thousands of years. It will be simple to learn.

  "What would it cost to rent a horse?" She inquired of the stable-mistress as her fingers tap-danced on the hitching post.

  "A gold per day. I will need some collateral. If the horse comes in lame or hurt, you'll pay for it." She said, folding her arms as she leaned against the doorway.

  Jinx knew she didn't want to walk all that way. She was just too lazy. The desire to avoid sore feet and tired muscles led her to the stables. She didn't know how to ride, but she wasn't going to admit that to the stable master.

  "That sounds good." She said as she gave her six gold. She'd just have to learn to ride.

  "What is your collateral?" She asked.

  "This." She handed over Keylos.

  The stable-mistress stared at her dragon skull wand as if it were a deadly viper, ready to strike out at her.

  "Will this be enough?" Jinx tapped her foot on the dusty ground.

  "Y...yes."

  "Good. Take care of it or it might eat you." Jinx teased, knowing it wouldn't harm her unless she commanded it.

  "I will." The stable-mistress handled her wand like it was a very precious object.

  Get me my ruby. It will make me stronger. Keylos sent his thoughts to her.

  I will and don't try anything. Understood?

  Not even scaring her? His voice sounded shocked and dismayed.

  Nope. Not this time.

  Ah, come on, you're no fun!

  Chapter 10 ***

  Her mission left no time for her to waste. She'd celebrate when she completed this delivery. Jinx headed for the rogue's mother's house.

  What powers did this ruby contain? Why did Keylos want it? She was learning more about her demons and she wanted to use them more.

  They could spy for her and gain information she couldn't know. Her demons were proving useful in many things and she wanted to expand upon that.

  Even though she needed to go, she wanted to complete the mission and get the ruby.

  She found the house where the mother lived and knocked on the door. A male elf opened the door.

  "Yes?" His dour expression and the collar around his neck left no doubt in her mind what he was. He wasn't a consort, just a lowly minion.

  "I need to speak to the mistress of the house." Jinx said, wondering how she was going to pull this off.

  "Was she expecting you, ma'am?"

  "I'm here for an assignment."

  He cocked an eyebrow.

  "Please wait here." He closed the door and Jinx heard him walk to the back of the house.

  "You know what to do." She said to Azhar.

  He acknowledged her and was quickly gone.

  Heavy steps fell, drawing nearer to the front door. Jinx shuddered, then forced herself to calm down. This would work, it had to.

  The door flung open and there stood a tall, cold-eyed woman. She eyed Jinx as if she were a minion she wished to purchase at the market.

  "I don't know you." She said, her voice colder than a frigid blizzard wind.

  "I've come for an assignment." Jinx looked into her cold eyes, knowing only one thing, she shouldn't back down from this woman.

  "Do you think you can do the job, Missy?"

  "My name Jinx Hellfire." She stepped forward, locked eyes with her.

  "Jinx." She rolled her name on her tongue as if tasting its flavor. She looked up at the ceiling, breaking eye contact, as she pondered something.

  Jinx wondered if she couldn't use her demons to read minds. She'd have to try it the next time the situation came up.

  "Yes."

  "Who sent you?" She demanded to know as she clenched her hands into fists.

  She was a woman that liked to be in charge of things and wanted to know everything about her business. Jinx like that about her, but she was too cold and cautious.

  "I came here for a job. No one sent me. I'm questing in this town and I want money. I'm willing to do anything within reason." Jinx said, wanting to impress this cold-hearted bitch.

  "Hmm..." Her long, slender fingers twiddled with her sash. She then motioned for the young warlock to enter her fancy mansion.

  "You are dressed as a warlock, have you tamed your imp yet?" Her icy tone and small talk made it clear she didn't expect much from her. Jinx's blood boiled and all she wanted to do was teach her a lesson. However, she kept a calm demeanor as they conversed.

  "I've tamed her and another demon. Azhar." She said. The woman jumped back when Azhar appeared.

  "You mean you've tamed one of these creatures?" She looked at the demon, then back at the young warlock.

  Was there a glimmer of respect in those eyes?

  "I know little about taming demons. But isn't the imp the first demon you tame?"

  "Yes, the imp is the first demon a warlock tames. I drew him forth and tamed him as well." She said offhandedly as if it were of no importance.

  Jinx was pleased to see her arch an eyebrow and look at her with a glimmer of respect. Her imposing warrior-demon commanded and compelled people to admire her and respect the power she held.

  I must use him more in the future.

  The woman was only three levels higher. Would she be able to take her now or maybe she should do a couple more quests?

  She sat on the softest cushion she'd ever felt and was even more wary of the woman's power. You didn't live in this lap of luxury without gaining it. Maybe it was handed down, but still you had to protect it.

  The woman sat down across from her and commanded her minion to bring tea. He bowed and left the room.

  "Now tell me. How did you find me?" She sat back, watching her like a cat watches a bird.

  "I need quests to do. I'm new to this town and have little coin. So I need someone to give me a quest or two, then I'll be on my way." Jinx said.

  "I have a few quests for you. Maybe you can accomplish them."

  "I'm sure I can, just tell me what they are." She said, wondering if they'd be dangerous. She loved danger, but didn't like to take unnecessary risks.

  "I want my cellar cleaned out of rats. It should be very simple for you to do." It was spoken as if she really didn't think she could do it.

  "What is the other one?"

  "Deliver this letter to the next town. She should reply to me the very next day."

  The Butler brought the tea as commanded by his mistress. He set the steaming cups on the coffee table.

  The woman took a sip of her tea and nodded her head.

  Azhar appeared by her side.
r />   "Don't drink that." He growled in demonic.

  "Sorry, I don't want any coffee. I'm not all that thirsty."

  "I insist that you have some."

  "Why?"

  They looked at each other like two cats ready to fight.

  "It is only right that I offer a person off the street something to drink. It's rude for that guest to refuse my hospitality." She said with this mug air of superiority.

  "Let's cut to the chase. That drink has something in it and I want to know what it is." Jinx said, glaring at her. "I came here for a..."

  "You came here to steal my ruby and there is no way I will allow that, bitch. You are not the only one that has magical means to see what's going on." She stood like a challenged queen for her throne.

  Great! The witch knew what she was up to and now was the time to fight. Jinx glanced at her health bar - 100 hp - and she wondered again if she could take her on.

  Pride and the greed for power urged her on. She couldn't allow this woman to insult her and go on living!

  The witch weaved her fingers in the air, whispering an incantation. Jinx was doing the same when a blast of intense power slammed her into the wall.

  It drained 2 hp from her health bar.

  Azhar charged, slamming down his mace, dealing 7 hp of damage. She screamed, then turned her evil intentions to him.

  Reaching into the depths of her dark rage, Jinx screamed out the spell as she shot dark magic out.

  "Shield." The witch said and a shimmering, prismatic light softly flowed around her, deflecting Jinx's attack. Azhar roared in rage as his mace glanced off her shield.

  Fury exploded in Jinx's heart. How long would that shield last? Two turns, maybe more?

  With a calculating laugh that sounded like mad hyenas, she spoke a few words that Jinx couldn't comprehend. She attacked Azhar, pummeling him with a windy ice storm, driving the demon back.

  The jagged ice dealt 4 hp of damage then 6, then lastly 2. For a total of 12.

  Man, she was going to have to learn that spell! It took Azhar down from 40 to 28. She was no pushover!

  Then she turned her attention to Jinx and attacked.

  Azhar gave his battle cry as the whole room vibrated and the witch was drawn back to attacking the fearsome demon.