Chapter 33 The Dark God

The sky was gray and overcast, the weather was turning colder and soon winter would hit, this far south we expected little snow and what would fall would not last. This was what made it possible to run the Caravans all year. We had been on the road for a month and had gone through two villages setting up shop for a couple of days and then packing up and moving on.

Tonight, Ingar has mentioned we would be at the third village and would have the amenities of an Inn. I think that everyone was looking forward to having a hot bath and relaxing, we had fended off two bandit attacks with little trouble, but were still on edge over it.

Looking up the road I could see Tasia making her way back to our cart. As she pulled up and swung in the seat the greeted me with a smile and asked, “You ready to get your lazy ass off this bench and do some real work?”

I smiled at her, the last month had proven to be a time of friendship and I had enjoyed getting to know both Reona and Tasia on a personal level. We had not progressed beyond that friendship, I suspected that both of the girls were more than willing but since Ama’s Death, I had lost interest in the lust of the flesh. Not that it stopped me from admiring the beauty of the girls with whom I shared a small room.

Hearing us softly talk Reona opened the door and looked out then smiling at Tasia she slid out of the door and seated herself on the bench, making a Torn sandwich with me in the middle and a girl on each side. We talked for a few minutes and then I handed the reins to Tasia and reached into my bag and removed the bag with the 4 rings I had looted from the Hidden attic of the House of Pain.

Smiling at the girls I gave them each two rings and said, “You two deserve these if anyone does. I hope that they serve you well, I don’t want them wasting space in my bag when they could be used by you two. The girls stared at the rings in amazement they were flawless and of epic quality, all four were BOE and would level as the girls leveled. Back in the old days of WOW, the first super popular MMO game, gear like this was called heirloom I recalled as I handed it to them.

As the girls fussed and marveled at the stats of the 4 rings I let my thoughts go back to when I was at school. I had become a bit of an info sponge, especially after I had purchased the old Google Glasses. What luck to have found them I thought when suddenly I wondered if it was luck at all. Perhaps things were a little prearranged in my life, with the knowledge that the earth that I knew was no more real than this game, Gods and Men I could see how my life had been manipulated in small ways.

Taking a deep breath, I exhaled and allowed all the tension to flow out of my body. Turning to Reona I asked, “So what rings did you choose?”

As she looked at me I could see a glow on her face, she seemed happy, but then without trying to be a sexist pig I had to wonder if women getting rare and expensive jewelry always made most women happy.

Reona smiled back at Torn, noting that the tension he now carried was somewhat relaxed and for that she was grateful. “I chose the spell power and intellect rings, the first one increased spell power by ten per level and the intellect the same.” Smiling at Torn, she thought, he is so generous with us.

Torn smiled at Reona and then turned to Tasia and asked, “How about you, what stats do your new rings give you?”

Tasia stared at the rings in shock and slowly responded, they are the same but it is plus ten per level towards strength and agility. With my training and levels, these rings have put me far ahead of the curve. Thank you, Torn.” With that Tasia turned and kissed Torn, and while not overtly sexual there was no doubt that it could lead towards that avenue.

Not to be outdone, Reona also grabbed Torn and kissed him, while whispering “Thank you.” Torn half smiled and half blushed, it felt good to be kissed by two attractive women but he still was not ready to walk down that pathway with them.

Suddenly Ingar was striding beside them and spoke up, “Torn we are approaching the next village, our Scout has returned and informed me that they are eagerly waiting for us. Also, it is the headsman’s daughter’s wedding and we are all invited to the feast, it is held at the Inn so we would be there regardless.” With that he strode off to inform the others, I kept quiet, the idea of going to a wedding feast did not appeal to me.

The girls, on the other hand, were more than excited and were already discussing what to wear and if there would be a dance. Tasia mentioned that in small villages usually had no musicians and as such no dances.

Reona gave a laugh and poked me in the side, and said, “You have not heard torn sing then, it is enough to make you want to throw your undergarments at him as he sings, it is so amazing.” Seeing Tasia look at me with surprise Reona also declared, “You will hear him sing tonight at the dance, it will be amazing. I promise.”

The girls ignored my protestations as they began to seriously plan the entire night out with me as the center of attraction. Giving them both sharp looks which they ignored with ease caused me to hasten my departure from the cart. I began to walk alongside the Caravan looking at the bushes and the low trees that covered this part of the country.

As I reached the front of the Caravan we crested a small hill and the village was below us. The wood burning smoke coming out of dozens of chimneys provided a pleasant smell as we descended into the small valley. The village was nestled on a bit of higher ground with a small river running through it, with several small foot bridges joining the village. There were two larger bridges as well, they were clearly meant for wagons and carts.

Eventually, we pulled up the Inn and backed our carts against the wall, then began the process of taking the harness of the Oxyacs and moving them to the large stables. Once they were inside the Diggerduggers went to work. They began by bringing them hay and water, and then they pulled out small combs of rock and began cleaning and grooming the beasts.

My 4 animals were always clean and well-groomed in the morning; the fact is they seemed to enjoy having the little Diggerduggers pamper them. I smiled at the sight of the huge beasts gently bending down their massive heads so that they could be combed.

Making my way into the Inn I was informed that the girls had secured a room, free of charge for us. The Innkeeper explained that the girls had traded my singing for the free stay and that the dance would begin at 9 bells and would last to 12 bells. All the ale or mead I could drink was provided free of charge as well as snacks.

Smiling and nodding I slowly made my way up to my room, it was a two-bedroom suit, possibly the best room at the Inn. Entering I discovered the girls in various stages of undress as they began to try on different clothing, Reona sharing with Tasia from her trunks. I walked into the far room and saw that my bags were placed on the chest next to the bed.

Grabbing a change of clothing and a towel I walked towards the door stopping to say that I would be in the washroom having a bath. The girls looked at one another and nodded and then both spoke in unison saying, “We will join you.”

I could not help but smile at the girls and said, “I am waiting so let’s go.” Seeing them both grab a small bag I held the door for them and we all trooped down the stairs and towards the back of the building. We entered a doorway and were hit with a blast of hot air and steam. Walking through the door we entered the washrooms. The first room was basically a steam room with a warm and cold pool in the next room. The last area was broken into many small rooms each with a small pool of heated water.

I quickly stripped and wrapping my towel around my waist I turned to see both Reona and Tasia staring at me. It was the Tattoos of Runic script and the Roses and swords in my arms. I looked at Tasia she was a little pale and I could tell that she was burning with questions.

I walked over to her and took her hand and said, “Tasia it is the time you know the truth, I am Tor.” I left it there and stood back and watched her. I know that for the last 6 years the King and the whole upper tiers of the city had blamed me for the absence of the Gods and probably for anything else that they could.

Her hand trembled for a moment as she took in a deep breath and suddenly she relaxed. “I have suspected that something was different with you from when I met you, first you killed a Sea Giant then you appeared to be waiting for us when we docked and of course you saved both Reona and me, something that a party of 5 higher levels would have had trouble doing.”

Tasia continued to speak and asked, “What are you Torn, I don’t believe you are evil, your not a Demon who has come to harm us.”

I shrugged, it was hard to explain what I was and what I was becoming. Speaking softly, I said, “I am who I am, and while not a Demon, I am a Demon Prince. Truthfully I came back after dying to find my family and friends and find a safe place to live my days. That is no longer possible, but I give you my word, I am not the enemy. There is a growing darkness and I fear that we are all being manipulated by circumstance.”

Looking at Tasia I saw that the doubt was still there when Reona spoke, “Believe him, Tasia, I was there when he died and he has reason to hate me more than any other. Yet he has forgiven me. Trust him, I think we are all going to need to trust one another.”

Seeing Tasia give Reona a shocked look I stood for a moment and then said, I am for the pools I want to be clean and then walked to the next room and jumped into the warm pool and began to swim. Soon I was joined by both Tasia and Reona and both looked like they had been discussing deep things. Things I did not want to know.

Tasia began by saying, “I am sorry for doubting you Torn, I should have known better, I was just shocked.”

I smiled and the nodded, “Apology accepted, I would have been shocked also in your place.” And with that the peace and friendship were back, it was a good feeling.

Turning to Reona I noted that she was smiling and I knew she had gone out of her way to reassure Tasia. Swimming over to her, I grabbed her foot and tossed her into the water and then dived as Tasia began to splash water on us. The next hour passed with us both having fun and getting clean, it was a nice break.

As we toweled off and got dressed Reona asked what I was planning on wearing to the dance. I really had no thoughts on what to wear and told her that. Which might have been a mistake as her eyes narrowed and she looked me up and down then smiling she said, “Come with me.”

“I will help you with your evening attire,” Reona said with a smile. The rest of the evening was spent with both girls going through their trunks and working with needle and thread. When they were done, I was pleasantly surprised, I looked good, with dark gray pants and a light gray shirt.

The girls changed into stuff both frilly and feminine and then with a smile we all went downstairs. The common room had been opened up with all the table against the wall, and a large open area ready for dancing. At the far end was a small raised podium where I would be performing.

Coming to greet us was the happy couple and both set of parents. As I shook hands and greeted them I noticed the daughter had a younger sister about 14 years old. She looked like a smaller version of Nadia the young woman getting married. Her name was Stephany and she was pretty excited about the whole thing.

Soon the hall was filled with all the guests and the ceremony began. It lasted about an hour and was pretty typical of a wedding, filled with promises and hope. Once it ended the bar opened and I was directed to the stage to prepare myself. Opening up my PIM I went through my playlist finally choosing a number of the old classics.

Choosing Here Without You by 3 Doors Down I began to sing. As the music began to fill the room I saw the dance floor fill with couples as they began to slow dance. I smiled as a sang as I had seen Ingar taking Tasia by the hand and escort her to the dance floor. Reona was already dancing with a tall man from the village.

My next song was by a band called Cutting Crew and was called I Just died In Your Arms Tonight. The evening wore on with more songs sung some faster and some slow until it was time for the last one. Having already selected the final song I began to sing Dance With Me by Johnny Reid. I watched with a smile as many of the older couples took to the dance floor along with the younger folks. As I continued to sing I could see more than a few tears appear on the faces of moth men and woman as they held the one they loved close. It had been a great evening and I had enjoyed it, seeing people happy was a damned nice feeling.

As the music ended I made my way to the bar and grabbed the flagon of mead that appeared in front of me. As I was about to take a swig Ingar suddenly appeared next to me and whispered, “We have a problem, come outside quick.”

Putting my drink down I followed him outside stopping only when people grabbed my hand and thanked me. Once I was outside I saw Ingar and a couple of the other guards standing by the wagons. Walking over I nodded and then asked, “What’s happening?”

Ingar grimaced and then said, “I should have listened to you and gotten rid of that little shit Yakoff. The fucker has grabbed young Stephany and run off. He was seen by these men feeding her booze and when she was about to pass out he followed her outside and then grabbed her and left the village. He was seen going into the bush on the west side of town past the river.”

I nodded, it was the kind of thing that prick would do, I began to feel a rage build up within me as I thought of Stephany alone with him in the bush. Suddenly Ingar and the men stepped back and Ingar said. “Your eyes appear to be on fire Torn.” Taking a moment to calm myself I looked away until I felt the rage die down to a simmer.

“I will get the girl, but don’t expect Yakoff to be coming back,” I said with a grimness in my voice that startled even me. Just thinking of that bastard with the young girl was enough to bring out the Dragon fires from within me. Thinking fast I told Ingar to tell Reona and Tasia what had happened and have them find the parents and tell them privately. Turning I went to leave when Ingar asked, “Wait you have no weapons or gear, take the time to equip yourself, man.”

Shouting back at them, “There is no need,” I continued to jog towards the outskirts of town. I finally reached the bush line and began to search for a trail, a drunk girl being dragged would leave a lot of evidence of her passage and soon I discovered where they had entered the bush. I followed the trail as the heavy darkness hid nothing from me with my Dragon Eyes.

After about an hour I began to hear pleading and what then what sounded like a slap. I could also sense that something was happening, there was a glow of a fire hidden amongst the tree. Going into Shadows, I went from tree to tree until I could finally see what was happening.

Stephany was there laying on her back as Yakoff looked on with a smile, and standing beside Stephany was an Orc, judging by his attire a spell caster of dark magics. He was holding a knife and growling out a prayer to whatever Dark power he worshiped.

I had seen enough and without a sound, I cast lightning into the Dark Orc, which froze his muscles as it blew him backward about twenty feet. Casting a quick look I noted the damage was only about 10 percent of his hit points, the damn beast was a level 45 and his gear must have been pretty good.

Having stepped out of Shadows next to Yakoff I Reached both arms across my chest and pulled out my swords. They came free with an eagerness and felt light and supple in my hands. My status as a knight of Ilumberia had given me knowledge of weapons and my experience with Judo and other martial arts back in the real world had allowed me some practice in swinging Bokken the Japanese wooden swords used for training.

All of this flashed through my mind as I lunged forward at Yakoff as he spun around with a look of fear and horror on his face. I managed to stab him in the back and on the back of his left thigh for a double crit as he started to run. Both swords had also produced a bleed effect on the bastard and I could see that he only had about 20 percent life left and that was going down at about 1 percent per tick.

He glanced back at me in fear, only to discover his pathway had led towards the fallen Orc. Who was now on his feet and looking pissed off. As Yakoff tried to run around him the Orc Stabbed upwards in a brutal attack and left the knife buried in Yakoff. I meanwhile had sheathed my swords and run over to Stephany and was ripping her ropes apart and helping her to stand.

As I pulled Stephany to her feet the Orc howled in triumph, I glance over to see what was happening and noted that Yakoff was now dead and that a dark gray mist was rising from his body. As I took this all in the Orc shouted at me in said, “It is done the sacrifice of an unwilling victim has happened. The Dark God comes.”

Well, this is another fuck me moment I thought as the mist from Yakoff’s body continued to coalesce and began to expand forming the outline of a portal. The surface was a heavy cold black, not like the blackness of night or shadows but something far worse.

Suddenly a figure appeared in blackness and stepped through the portal and as he did the mist was sucked into his body. He stood 3 meters high and had a very dark reddish tinge to his skin. His eyes were glowing with green fire and as I looked at him my interface announced,

The Dark God Skanda has breached the barrier between realms.

You must kill the Dark God before he sets up his temple and begins to change the land.

Do you accept the challenge?

Yes or No?

As I hit yes I noted that the God had grabbed the Orc and holding him up to his chest he gazed down at him and then somehow seemed to absorb the soul of the Orc draining his body of both life and power. As the mist left the Orc and was sucked into the Dark God he threw back his head and howled.

It was time to go, and holding Stephany I stepped into Shadows. Unfortunately, this did not stop the God from seeing me, and as he began to move towards Stephany and I covering the distance faster than I would have thought possible I realized I was about to die. My power was no match for that of a God, not yet and my spells and abilities seemed to have no effect on him.

Whispering to the comatose girl, “I am sorry Stephany, you deserved to live.” I prepared myself to go out fighting when Nyx appeared in front of me. Seeing the Goddess of the Night stopped the Dark God who seemed surprised but then began to charge forward again.

Nyx shouted at me, “Hang on.” Suddenly all went dark as she turned into the night itself and wrapping the girl and myself up in the darkness we began to travel at great speed, soon we arrived at the village and entered back into the light of the courtyard in front of the Inn.

There was a large crowd of people standing around with Stephany’s parents in the center. I slowly pushed through the crowd which parted for me as I approached. Handing over the girl to her father I said, “She is alright but will have a bit of a hangover in the morning, take care of her.”

Seeing the mother break down and cry, I slowly walked through the crowd towards Ingar who stood with Reona and Tasia. They all looked at me with smiles and then noted the bleakness of my expression. Looking at them I spoke quietly, “We are in trouble and I mean real trouble. Some damned Orc summoned a Dark God from another realm and he is heading this way.”

Seeing the stunned look on their faces I nodded, it was hard to believe we had gone from a good time dancing and singing to this point in time, where we would soon be fighting a losing battle for not just our lives but our souls.

Explaining what had happened I told them I had managed to flee without mentioning Nyx. After hearing the story Ingar took charge and rushed off to find the Innkeeper and let him start arranging for people to flee or fight. I headed towards the bar, lighting a smoke up as I went to find a quiet spot to talk to Nyx.