Ormus Tale

[Project_Xii]

OK, this story i wrote awhile ago, but due to my innate fear of this forum and what people might say, i've only just got up the guts to post it. (The fact that no on ever seems to read my stories on other forums, or at least reply to them, is also a factor. :lol: )
Anyways, this is my story on Ormus; what happened to him in the past, and where he's going with his future. To avoid making the story really really hard to write, Ormus has abandoned his 3rd person way of speaking.
The other main character, Gideon the Druid, is also abit different from the Druids we all see in Diablo 2. His wolf, Lobo, is not summoned, he is alive. And Gideon does not tranceform into anything, or use anything elemental. So i guess that kinda makes him just a dude that likes animals :scratch:
Oh well. You can tell me how it worked out by the end of the story.
The story is finished, but due to my annoyance at people never replying, i'll only post the next chapter after at least 1 reply (be it a good or bad one :P).
So without further blah-blahing, here is...

Ormus Tale
Chapter 1: Seaward Bound

The cool sea breeze washed over the decks, some seagulls circled above. Gideon gripped the railings of the ship and tried to ward off the nauseous feeling in his stomach. Beside him sat Lobo, his childhood pet and best friend. Lobo looked up at his master with caring eyes, whining softly. For a wolf, he’d always shown remarkable emotion and understanding. Gideon looked down at his hound and smiled weakly.

“Not a fan of boats either, ay boy? Or are you just showing some sympathy”

The dog stopped whining, and grinned, another trait Gideon had grown to love. Most people wouldn’t even notice it, just the corners of Lobo’s mouth going up, making an almost comical smile on the big canine’s face.

Gideon gulped and continued to watch the distant shoreline of Aranoch, and the deserts of Lut Gholein moving further and further away. He could just make out the spired top of the great palace towering high above the giant stone walls.

‘Oh, to see trees again’, he thought. And cool, clear rivers. Hell, even plain old brown dirt would be nice. He pictured Kurast in his mind; a majestic jungle of vines, tropical birds and fruits. The city he had been told about sounded nothing short of breath taking - the bazaars filled with merchants and exotic merchandise, and the great Zakarum watching over, protecting.

The thoughts made him smile, took his mind of the incessant up-down motion of the boat. But something else troubled him. Dark clouds were gathering fast over the distant land, and they were heading seaward. A hand on his shoulder suddenly jerked him to attention.

"Aye laddy. I 'ope you be good on your sea legs thar." The captain chewed his pipe. Gideon rolled his eyes.

"Would I be hanging over the side of the ship, trying to keep from sharing my recent meals with fishes if I was??" The captain laughed, then frowned.

"Aye, I feel for ya. That storm brewing thar is gonna knock this boat round more then a sea serpent with labour pains." He laughed again and strolled back to his position behind the wheel. Gideon watched him for a second.

"Crazy old sea dog." Gideon mumbled to himself, shaking his head.

Then he looked back to Lut Gholein.The clouds were thick and rolling, increasing in size and spreading before Gideons very eyes. Far larger then he first thought, the massive storm was definitely coming their way.
A gust of wind ruffled Lobo's fur, who flattened his ears and slunk off behind some barrels. The deck hands began to shout and run, pulling on ropes, moving crates. Only the captain seemed unfazed. Gideon could see him grinning toothlessly underneath his beard and chuckling;

"Biggun! It's a biggun. We'll see who be bested this time!"

A large, rough looking sailor ran past and grabbed Gideon by the cloak, lifting him off his feet.

"Foreigner, you're catching a ride on this hunka driftwood, you’re helping prepare it for sinking. Now get up there and get that sail down."

A loud growl alerted the sailor to Lobo, who was giving him a death stare from behind the barrels. The sailor glared back and dropped Gideon.

"Shift your lard, or your mutt goes overboard with you." Then he left.

Gideon, not wishing to get on the bad side of a dozen or so hefty sailors, hastily began to climb the mast. A sailor already up there began to shout orders.

"The storms coming up to fast, we'll have to cut the ropes. Get the thick one up there,” he said pointing.

Gideon pulled a small knife from his belt and began to climb. The wind had picked up to gale force, and the whole ship was rocking unsteadily to and fro. A loud crack of thunder sent Lobo further behind the barrels, tail between his legs. Gideon reached the rope and was sawing at it frantically, watching the massive clouds rolling closer, lightning flashing in its depths. The rope suddenly snapped free and went snaking into the air - narrowly missing his face - the sails above came crashing to the decks. The sailor gave him the thumbs up and yelled over the wind;

"That's all we can do, head for the cabins."

Gideon nodded and followed the sailor’s movements, clinging to the pole and using his feet to slow the sliding decent. Just as they reached the bottom, the full force of the storm hit. The boat swayed to an almost fifty degree stance, then swung back the other way. The water around was whipped in a thick froth as the waves grew to enormous size and smashed over the railings.

Gideon tried to remain steady, making his way towards the cabin doors. He suddenly noticed the rope holding the barrels together beginning to fray. Lobo, still hiding among them, was completely unaware. With a cry Gideon leapt over them and picked up his wolf, quite a feat considering how big Lobo was. They huddled against the wall just as the barrels came loose and began to roll about the deck; a slow sailor being flattened where he stood and another being knocked over board. The captain still remained at the wheel, laughing insanely, and actually aiming the boat for the big waves.

'He's nuts' Gideon realised.
Their only chance was for him to take the wheel and attempt to steer them out. He began to make his way to the crazed captain, when a loud shout made him look up. A fracture had appeared in the length of the mast, and it was leaning dangerously to one side. With a crack that was heard even above the sound of the storm, it splintered in the middle and fell into the sea, disappearing beneath the surface in a cascade of foam.
Gideon gazed in horror at the sight; the other sailors began shouting about 'abandoning ship'. The entire vessel was going to pieces before his eyes.

'Forget the captain,' he thought, 'find an escape boat!'

He ran across the swamped deck to where a bunch of sailors were pushing a small boat to the railings. The man he had helped on the mast looked up and smiled, then gaped in shock.

"Look out!" he yelled.

Gideon turned in time to see a pole, a piece of the remaining mast, swing down in front of him. It smashed into his forehead and sent him reeling onto his back. The world spun, and he could hear the voices of the sailors distantly over the crash of the waves. All hope gone, he was going to go down with the ship. He closed his eyes and fell unconscious…

*

He awoke to something licking his face. Rough tongue, hot breath. He opened his eyes and stared back at a large pair of big brown ones. Lobo, wet and bedraggled, whined happily and lay down beside his master. Gideon sat up and rubbed his head, a large bump having appeared where he got hit. He looked around him.

Ocean, for as far as the eye could see. Lut Gholein left far behind. Or in front. He had no sense of direction out here. The large chunk of ship deck he was floating on dipped and rose with the waves, the water was calmer now. The storm had obviously subsided long ago, for the sun now shone brightly. A gruff voice suddenly offended his ears.

"Bout bloody time you woke up. ‘Nother few hours and I woulda rolled you off. Woulda done it earlier, if it hadn't been for that blasted bad tempered mongrel there. Wouldn't let me get near ya."

It was the impolite sailor Gideon met before. He was sitting on the other side of the deck-raft, scowling. His clothes looked tattered and he held a bottle tightly in his hands. Gideon shook his head again, trying to clear the fog from his mind.

"What happened?" he asked. The sailor mumbled and swore to himself.

"Not enough bloody room on the escape boat that's what. Bastards left me behind. That'd be right, leave your own shipmate behind, but be all for takin' the bloody foreigner. The only reason they left ya is cause they thought you were dead. Heavy blow you got there. The ship broke up shortly after that. You, me and the captain all went down with it. Your mutt dragged ya through the water and onto this bitta deck. I tried to kick ya's off, you only weigh me down, but he growled and snarled so much I decided I'd let ya's stay awhile. But don't think you be gettin' any of this."

He held up the bottle for Gideon to see and shook it.
"It's mine, and all I bloody got. So keep your thieving eyes off it."

Gideon sighed and lay back on the wood. He didn't trust the sailor, but he was to tired and sore to stay awake. Besides, Lobo seemed to be keeping pretty good guard.
He slept on and off for most that day and night. By the next day his tongue was dry and stomach grumbling. He needed water, and soon. The sailor took a sip of his bottle every hour or so, his eyes growing wider and his mumbling more constant. Gideon began to wonder how close to losing his mind he was. Or if the poor fellow was already there.

By the end of the second day the pains in Gideons stomached had worsened. Even Lobo began to look ill. The sailor was still drinking from his bottle. Gideon looked at him suspiciously.

"You've been drinking for 2 days how. How is it that your bottle is not emptied?"

The sailor grew wide-eyed again and began to yell.

"Mine! Get away. I'll drink all I want, ya bloody thieving foreigner."
He waved the bottle in the air and the water sloshed out. It was nearly full.

Gideon shook his head sadly.
"Sea water," he said to himself, "he won't last much longer. But then, neither will I."

He curled into a ball next to Lobo and drifted back into sleep, dreaming of banquets and feasts.

*

Lobo's loud growl woke him from an especially nice dream meal. He sat up. It was dark, he guessed around three in the morning. He could make out the silhouette of his sailor friend, only a foot away from him.

"Gotta eat. Need food. Gimme ya food now" he said, a strange, deadly tone in his voice. Gideon backed into a defensive position.

"I haven't got any food, just like you. And even if I did, I wouldn't share it”.
He saw the sailors head turn to Lobo.

“What about ya mutt? It’s meat, last us until land at least.” Gideon immediately became enraged.

“Keep your morale-less hands to yourself, you pathetic excuse for a man. Touch my wolf, and I’ll spill your blood faster then you can refill your precious bottle full of seawater.” The sailor sat in the dark. Gideon couldn’t tell what he was thinking, couldn’t see his face. Then he spoke in a low hiss:

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to eat the stinkin’ foreigner instead!”

He lunged forward, a hidden knife unsheathed and glinting in the moonlight. But he never made it to Gideon. With a loud snarl, the razor sharp canines sank deep into the attackers throat. Lobo snapped his head to the side, and a large portion of flesh went with him. The sailor gurgled and staggered, holding his hands up to his neck in a hopeless attempt to stop the dark blood squirting from his severed artery. With an enormous splash he fell overboard. Gideon watched the body float away, leaving a thick stain on the surface of the water as it went.

He heaved a large sigh and lay on his back, exhausted. Even that mere moment of adrenalin and fear had sapped all the energy from him. Had Lobo not been there, he would have been dead for sure.

“Dead now, and not in a days time” he said aloud to himself. He looked at Lobo. “Least you had a feed.” He laughed, then winced at his own sick joke.

“Not right,” he said, “Gideon, some of your jokes just aren’t right.”
He remained on his back and watched the stars. It wouldn’t be to long. Come the next sun, his body would no longer be able to sustain his weak mind without any form of liquid replenishment. He closed his eyes, ready to accept the inevitable, and hoped the dream world of food and wine was still within reach…

*

Water. Fresh, cool water. Gideon gulped it down as fast as it came.

“Easy, my thirsty friend. You’ve been without for quite sometime, it seems, and you wouldn’t want to make yourself sick.”

Gideon finished swallowing, and wiped his dry lips, savouring the new coolness washing over his body. He opened one eye, then the other. At first there was nothing but white, but slowly, things began to take shape. The dark figure leaning over him formed into a grim face. He stared back, blinking.

“Who are you?” he croaked out finally.

“Many people call me Ormus. You’re very lucky I found you. Yet, if it hadn't been for your wolf howling, I never would have." Gideon suddenly became very awake.

"Lobo! Where is he?" An answering yowl drew his attention to the happy hound running up the beach. He looked full and healthy. Gideon sighed with relief.

“He’s fine. I gave him some dried meat from my supplies and some water. This is the first time he’s left your side since I arrived.”

“How long have I been out for?” Gideon asked, muffled slightly by the wet licks of his affectionate companion.

“I found you this morning. It’s now late afternoon. I heard the howls from a long way up the beach, and came to investigate. You were just lying on what appeared to be a raft,” he gestured to the piece of deck a small way done the cove, “the wolf right beside. At first I thought he was attacking you, but then he saw me and began whining frantically, running in circles. I deduced that he must have been a pet.”

Gideon rubbed Lobo between the ears.
“Yes, he’s my pet. And a great one at that. He’s saved my life on more then one occasion, that's for sure.” Ormus suddenly burst out in laughter.

“Well! A wolf that smiles! I’ve never seen that before.” Gideon laughed also.

“Very observant of you. Few people ever notice that.” His face became serious. "So where am I exactly? My boat broke up in a storm three days ago; we were heading to Kurast originally. Last night I could see no land anywhere, just ocean, and yet you say you found me this morning?" Ormus nodded.

"Yes, the currents of the River Argentek are very curious. When the tide of the sea is high, the river will flow out strong and steady, washing away any filth and muck that might have accumulated. But when the sea tide is low, it will flow in as fast as possible, bringing in the fresh ocean water, and keeping the river full. At the flowing in speed, you could have made it hear in a matter of hours."

Gideon gasped.
"You mean I'm here? At the very shores of Kurast?"

Ormus nodded again.
"Yes, it may have been by sheer luck that your raft found the right currents to take you here. And I wouldn't say these are the exact shores of Kurast, I left its docks two days ago. This is one of the few sandy beaches along the eastern part of the river."

"Oh," Gideon said, "So… where are you going?" A distant look crossed Ormus's face.

"I'm going… on a journey further east, to a place not far from the small city of Ureh. For I am a mage, a mage with many secrets. The evil that has recently come to Kurast, and the evil that has been twisting it for so many years now, has finally provoked me enough to complete the oath I swore long ago.” Gideon stared in shock.

"What do you mean 'the evil that has been twisting it for so many years'? What has happened to Kurast? What is this new evil?" He couldn't seem to understand anything the old mage was saying. Ormus sighed.

"Long ago, the Horadrim trapped one of the Three, Mephisto the Eldest, Lord of Hatred. They buried him in the bowels of earth, and built a tower to conceal him. Around that tower, the city of Kurast was built, and the Horadrim left the Zakarum in charge of the deadly secret. Yet, as the years went on, Mephisto's hatred began to work on the Zakarums Council, and slowly but surely, they became corrupted. Kurast became a place of evil and brutal religious practices, and ever since Diablo and Baal arrived, the forest has gone out of control. Demons and beasts have emerged from every thicket, and we, the last remaining survivors of the city, were forced to flee to the Kurast docks. It's only a matter of time before the docks too, are over run, and all humans killed. That is why I have chosen to fulfil my oath now."

Gideon stared and listened in silence.
"But… but… the stories. Stories of how beautiful Kurast is… was. They are all lies?"

"No," said Ormus, "the city was beautiful, long ago. The stories are merely the way people like to remember it, rather then a breeding ground for the religious Zealots of the Zakarum Council, and hiding place for grotesque creatures." He ended with another sigh. Gideon looked sadly at the ground.

"Damn. And I was so looking forward to trying those exotic fruits."

"Ha! Never fear. You may well yet, my friend. There are plenty growing in this forest, should you dare to enter it."

"Thanks for the encouragement. And my name is Gideon, Druid from the lands of Khanduras. Lobo I believe you've already met.” The wolf panted happily and nuzzled against Ormus’s hand, who smiled.

“And a fine specimen of Canis lupis he is.” Both Gideon and Lobo tilted their heads to the side. Ormus laughed. “Never mind. You must be starved. Come, let me share some of my supplies with you.”

Gideon nodded eagerly, suddenly acknowledging the growling from deep down in his stomach. Right now he would have gladly eaten cooked swamp rat, but thankfully the dried meat and fruit was a much tastier option.


They ate their fill on the deck-raft, the sun bleached wood proving a better resting place then on the sand and grit. Gideon finished with a loud belch. He grinned, satisfied.

“Never thought I’d taste food like that again,” he said. Ormus nodded.

“And now you must make a choice. Will you go on with me, help me fulfil my oath? Or will you follow the river back west to the Kurast docks? Neither holds much hope for you, but they are your only choices.”
Gideon thought for awhile.

“I shall go with you, mage of mystery. Not only am I interested in perhaps finding out some of these ‘many secrets’, I would rather travel with a friend to possible death, then alone to a city of decay.” Ormus grinned big and wide.

“A wise choice, my good man of nature. I have a feeling you, and Lobo, will come in quite handy on this quest. Keep your wits about you, don’t doubt the things I say, and maybe we’ll come out of this alive.”
The mage stood and picked up his staff.

“The sun is almost set. If we are to avoid the local inhabitants, we should begin the rest of the journey now. It is a good two days walk to the ruined city of Ureh, and another half day to the place in which my blood oath lies. Keep your eye out for any possible foods; I packed only enough for myself. After all, possibly stumbling across a shipwrecked Druid and his canine companion was not something I took into account.” He chuckled to himself.

Gideon stood and got his balance. The three-day trip had taken a toll on his body, but his strength was returning quickly thanks to the food and water. Lobo was full of energy and bounding around both the humans happily.

“Settle down boy. We’ve only just started. You’ll be worn out before we get half way.” Lobo paid no attention, and trotted eagerly after the fast moving mage further up the beach…

[Ian4602]

Well, I like it. Always thought Ormus was worth finding out more about, so will be interested to read the rest, as it arrives...
I'll now re-read for typos! :)
-Ian

[Project_Xii]

I'll now re-read for typos! :) -Ian
(Um.. er... no need for that. I've already spotted two :S :P
You'll have fun with the new character then. His whole way of speaking is basically a bunch of typos lol. Anyways...)

Chapter 2: Trek to Ureh

The journey was hot and rather uneventful. Gideon succeeded in finding some of his exotic fruits, but found them not to his taste. They ranged in flavor from chalky to bitter. The only one he found truly delicious was small, blue and cherry like. It grew in great abundance on thorny bushes. Ormus helped gather them by swinging his staff in wide arcs and knocking them off, as Gideons mace had proved to be too large and cumbersome to use effectively.

Gideon rarely used his mace unless the situation required it. He kept it wrapped in his backpack, the spiked head carefully covered so as to cause no discomfort to the carrier. Now he had withdrawn it from the pack, and held it firmly, at Ormus's encouragement.

"The jungle is full of swift and silent creatures," he had said, "they can sneak up on you faster then you could unsheathe a sword. The only decent protection is to have the weapon in hand."

They filled their supplies with the cherry-berries, or 'Bloups', as Ormus called them. Even Lobo took an interest in them, but couldn't eat too many, as the seeds got stuck between his fangs. Lobo found other ways to feed himself, however. On the first night, he had gone howling madly into the undergrowth.

Gideon and Ormus were sitting around the campfire talking at the time. The old mage had instantly stood and started cursing the wretched canine, saying it was going to bring every hungry creature to them for miles around. Gideon listened quietly; he knew Lobo would have a good reason to go running off. Sure enough, thirty minutes later, a tired but happy wolf returned, creature in mouth. Ormus gasped.

"Squickles! I renounce any harsh words spoken about Lobo. He has again possibly saved your life, and mine also." Gideon took the furry bundle from the wolf’s mouth and studied it, eyebrow raised.

"You mean this hairy little… thing, was a threat to us?" Ormus took it from his hands and used a stick to open the tiny mouth.

"Not him alone. Squickles work in groups, ranging from twenty to sometimes over a hundred. Single ones will often go out and hunt, but, being too small to kill by themselves, they’ll only scout until they find desired food, then run back and recruit the rest of their pack.”
He showed Gideon the mouth, who saw it was lined with many razor sharp teeth.

“Ten of these things could bring a man down, should they attack the vital areas. We should be thankful Lobo got this one before he could alert the rest.”

Gideon smiled proudly at his clever pet, and gave him back the Squickle. Lobo took it eagerly, and disappeared out of the firelight to eat his meal in peace.

*

The next day went fast, with only a small run in with some rather large mosquitoes, and that night was peaceful. On the afternoon of the second day, they finally reached Ureh.

It wasn’t a large city by any standards. A few temples, some stone houses and what appeared to be the remains of numerous wooden huts. All surrounded by a great wall of stone. In parts, the jungle had crept over the wall and begun to invade the houses, creeping up stairs and across roofs. The large wooden gates at the entrance had been smashed open wide, and they now hung loosely from their hinges, the rotting wood barely able to stay upright.

“What happened to this place?” he asked.
Ormus said nothing. Gideon studied the expression on the mages face out of the corner of his eye. It was emotionless.

“Did you live here once?”

Ormus said nothing.

“Well do you know…”

“Do not force me to speak in this place,” the mage interrupted, “there are things here I do not wish to think about, let alone speak of. Tonight, we shall be resting in silence.”
Gideon stared in surprise at the sudden change of tone in the normally friendly mans voice. But, remembering what he had been told about not doubting the things Ormus said, he obeyed, and asked no more questions.

They found a reasonable house that didn’t seem overrun with jungle and entered. Wooden cutlery still sat on the table, the beds seemed untouched. It was like time had stood still, except for the layer of dust coating everything.
Gideon walked over and sat on the bed, the blanket a sack filled with feathers from some bird. He would have lay down and slept right there and then, if not for the great cloud of dust that flew into the air when he sat upon it. He coughed heavily and, picking the blanket up, went outside to give it a good shake. Ormus strode from the doorway and looked around the room.

“The memories are strong in this place,” he said almost in a whisper to the wolf beside him, “you are very lucky to be not human, my friend. To have a human mind is to bare the full weight of guilt, grief and regret all at once.” Gideon entered the room again and Ormus went silent.

“This place looks fine. Will you be sleeping in the other bed?”

Ormus stiffened.
“No. I have never liked enclosed spaces. I shall be sleeping outside tonight.”

Gideon shrugged.
“Suit yourself. If you’re that sure there will be no intruders to interrupt our peace.”

Ormus shook his head.
“Goodnight” he said, and left the house. Gideon put the blanket back on the bed and sat on it. Lobo came over and rested his nose on his master’s knee. Gideon patted him thoughtfully.

“Strange fellow, that Ormus. Whatever ‘secrets’ he has… he’s not willing to divulge.” He sighed and lay back on the bed. And fell asleep before he could take off his backpack. Lobo nuzzled him to make sure he was truly asleep, and then lay down in the doorway, resting, but still alert, keeping an ear out for anything that might threaten his beloved owner.

*

Ormus sat bolt upright. He was sweating heavily, and his breathing was fast and shallow. Oh the dreams, the horrible dreams. He should have never come back to this place, even sleeping in a creature infested jungles was better then this. He looked up at the thousands stars above him, winking all across the sky. So long ago, so much pain… so his fault.
He got up and walked out into the main street of Ureh. The moonlight was bright and clear, and the whole city was cast into an eerie silver silence.

He began to walk up the road, trying to calm his beating heart and forgot the horrible dream. Far to the left, Lobo looked up from his position in the doorway. He watched, interested, but not concerned, and only the flicking ears suggested he was following the mages movements. Ormus focused on the temple in which the main road led. It wasn’t the biggest in the city; square, squat and with a flat roof, only some small steps leading to the entrance.
He climbed these, holding his breath, and pushed open the rusted metal doors.

Inside was much like he remembered it, if the furniture hadn’t been burnt and destroyed, he might have felt slightly comfortable here. In the dead centre sat the preacher’s podium. He felt a lump in his throat as he recalled the many happy days he’d spent in his younger years, sitting quietly on the pews of this very building, and listening to his teacher preaching the ways of mages.
Ormus circled behind the podium and stood at its base. An old, tattered book still sat open, the pages yellowed with age and as brittle as wafer thin bread. A splash of dark stain at his feet made his face contort in pain; it was all he could take. He slumped over the podium, and cried…

*

The morning was bright and fresh. Gideon was awakened by numerous birds singing, the sound almost alien to his ears. He hadn’t heard birds since he had left Khanduras more then a year ago. He smiled and put his hands behind his head, enjoying the small choir outside that seemed to be playing just for him.
Abruptly the singing stopped, and a single squawk rang out, followed by what sounded very much to Gideon like a giggle.

At the doorway, Lobo too became instantly awake, but when no further sound was heard, he relaxed. Gideon got off the bed, a look of utter disappointment on his face. Damn whatever had scared off those birds. He exited the house and stepped into the sunshine. It was warm and pleasant; he stretched and yawned, loud and wide. Lobo also stretched, then trotted over to his masters side.

“Where’s Ormus, ay boy? I don’t see him around anywhere. Use that nose of yours.” Lobo wagged his tail in delight and instantly headed up the street to the temple ahead. Gideon followed along behind.

As he neared the open door, he could hear deep humming sounds emitting from behind it. Cautiously, he peeked in. Ormus was sitting cross-legged in front of a podium, a beam of sunlight falling directly on him, enhancing the shine on his bald head.
He was making low “Oooomm… Ooomm” sounds repeatedly, and seemed utterly engrossed in it. Gideon walked up and stood silently, watching. He bent down and waved a hand in front of Ormus’s face.
No reaction.

“Ormus?…” he whispered. The mage paused his humming for a second, opened one eye jjjuussttt a crack… and closed it again instantly. The monotonous sound started up immediately, and Gideon sighed.
The old man was far to involved in a ritual of his own, he would just have to wait until it was finished. Lobo on the other hand, seemed mesmerized by the chanting. He lay down in front of Ormus, nose on paws, watching and listening intently with all his being. Gideon shook his head.

“I’ll leave you two to it” he said quietly, and headed for the entrance.
Just for that extra bit of privacy, he shut the door quietly behind him. He sat down on the steps to think.

The old mage was certainly a character. Kind, but mysterious, and Gideon found himself wishing he knew where the heck he was being taken. Ormus has said nothing more about his oath since they met on the beach. When he was done chanting, it would be the first question asked. Ormus at least had to tell him what they were looking for, no point in going blindly into the unknown. That would only lead to wandering aimlessly and possibly…

“YEOW” he screamed, falling backwards and holding his forehead.
He felt a thin trickle of blood flowing from a tiny cut that had appeared, and put pressure on it, trying to take away the sting. Unfortunately for him, the massive bruise caused by the pole back on the ship had not yet healed fully, and this made the tiny cut hurt like nothing else. He felt the anger build inside him and he sat up, glaring about.

“Who did that?” he commanded, “Show yourself, or feel the full wrath of my wolf once he’s hunted you out.”
A quiet snicker made him look sharply to the right. He pulled the mace from his backpack and held it aloft. From behind a nearby house, a small head appeared. It was giggling uncontrollably. Gideons anger subsided into curiosity.

“You there. Come out. I’m sorry for yelling, I won’t hurt you.” The head stopped snickering and disappeared for a second. Then, ever so cautiously, in slunk out from its hiding place. Gideon studied it intently.

It appeared to be a small human, a child. The skin was tanned heavily, and over its face sat a queer looking mask. Gideon gaped at the creatures size - a mere two and a half feet tall - and he watched closely as it inched towards him. The mask was carved into an almost comical figurehead; a huge mouth full of painted white sharp teeth, a large nose, and big white eyes. Two holes in the centre of the white revealed the places in which the thing looked through. In its hands, a long thin tube was gripped tightly; by its side, a small bag of what appeared to be stones.

All this time it was creeping closer to him, reaching finally the base of the steps. It came nearer, almost within arms length, then stood still.

“EEEYAARRRGGGG…GGHHAhahahahahahahahaha” It screamed, scaring Gideon so badly he fell backwards and dropped the mace on his foot. He rubbed his foot frantically, while at the same time glaring at the little creature dancing madly about on the base of the steps, laughing its mask off.

“Yahahahha. Got yooo got yooooo” he squealed in delight, and began to clap rapidly. Then it saw the expression on Gideons face.

“Oooohh… big man ccrannkkyyy. He gonna kill me eeeeehheheehhe.” The tube came up and was pointed at Gideons head again, the other hand fumbling a stone loose from the sack. Gideon acted quickly.

“No! Wait! I’m not going to hurt you. Please, put down the shooter”. The creature stopped its fumbling and lowered the tube.

“Pwomeese?”
Gideon nodded.

“Hmmmmmm…” it mumbled, “Okee then.” It sat down on the first step and went quiet. Gideon glared at it through narrowed eyes.

“What are you?” he asked.

“Pugmi!” it squealed. “Me is Pugmi!” It giggled loudly, then abruptly went quiet again. Gideon didn’t change his expression.

“Are there more of your kind round here?”

“Mmmmmm… nopee! Me is aaalll alone. Gone walkies me did”

“Why did you shoot me?”

“Eehehehe… um… it fun-nee?” It tilted its masked head to the side.

“Yeah, real funny” Gideon mused sarcastically, “What are you doing out alone?” A sudden and instant change came over the Pugmi.

“Eh heh heh… me is looking… for eeeaaatttsss” it said in a far lower, more evil tone. Gideon saw the small hand come up and scratch its face, raising the mask just enough for him to see the grinning teeth-filled mouth.

“Oh…and… what do Pugmi’s eat?” he asked, his own voice wavering slightly. The creatures tone of voice, however, did not change. It lent forward as far as it could while still in sitting position;

“Pugmi eat many things. But Pugmi prefer… man…” Its left hand went to the underside of the belt; where a small, sharp looking dart was produced. Gideon saw the green tinge upon its tip.

“Now, Pugmi, whatever your name is, I don’t want to have to hurt you. Put… the dart… down.” It paid no heed, slipping the dart into the pipe, giggling wildly. Gideon picked up his mace.

“Put it down! NOW!”

“Oooohhh… cranky man. He coming with ME!” the Pugmi snickered in his most evil voice yet. The pipe was raised, aiming directly for Gideons neck. He drew back the mace, preparing to throw it.

“Ormus!” he yelled at the top of his voice, “Get out here now!!”

“Wha yoo say??” the Pugmi said in shock.
At that instant, the door of the temple flew wide open, and Ormus stood, proud and powerful. He held the staff in his hand, and at his side, Lobo, lips drawn back in a silent snarl. The Pugmi jumped up, uttering a loud gasp.

“Oooorrrmmmuuussss?!?” it said, in what sounded like disbelief.
Then it turned tail and fled at a speed not even Lobo could have matched, down the street and out the gate.

Gideon let out a ‘phew’ of relief.
“Damn, that was close. I could have killed the little bastard easy, but there was no assurance that it wouldn’t shoot that dart into me before I got him.”
Ormus said nothing, but just stared coldly out the gates. Lobo did the same.

“We must go” Ormus said finally, “The quest is in jeopardy. The quicker we leave the better.” He walked down the stairs and headed to the place where he had slept briefly the night before. Gideon looked on after him.

“That’s it,” he thought, “you’ve got a lot of explaining to do, mystery mage.”…

[Ian4602]

Still enjoying it!
Few typos - and a couple of tentative suggestions:

Gideon rarely used his mace unless the situation required it.


Really picky - of course he'll only use it if required; it seems obvious. 'Unless the situation really required it,' or something slightly more eloquent?

“Well do you know…”


Suggest 'Well, do you know...'?

Ormus shook his head.
“Goodnight” he said, and left the house.


Perhaps
'Goodnight,' he said, ...

He looked up at the thousands stars above him, winking all across the sky.


Thousands of stars?

He began to walk up the road, trying to calm his beating heart and forgot the horrible dream.


Forget?


You've also missed out quite a few (I caught seven) possessive apostrophes:

as Gideons mace had proved to be too large and cumbersome to use effectively.

Gideon studied the expression on the mages face out of the corner of his eye.

normally friendly mans voice.

he was following the mages movements.

Gideons anger subsided into curiosity.

Gideon gaped at the creatures size

The creatures tone of voice, however, did not change.

[Project_Xii]

Whoooaaa... pickè :worship:
Usually i wouldn't be too happy with ppl tearing my story to bits, but that's actually really helpful. I can finally go through and get all the stuff fixed. Thanks.
Sometimes i get so involved in re-reading my own story, i just skip over certain typos cause i know what they were supposed to say. gotta break that habit, bad habit, bad..
Oh, and about the apostrophes: I'm like the apostrophe stuff-up king. I never know where to put them when it comes to names and such (or just honestly didn't know one was suppose to go there eg. mages/mage's) So just try to bear with me, there will probably be a few more in the future chapters. Speaking of which, 1 reply, and now...


Chapter 3: Pick a Pugmi… any Pugmi!

Gideon hurried after Ormus, who had picked up his possessions and was fast moving out the gates.

“Ormus, wait! I demand you tell me what’s going on. I know you have secrets, and I respect that. But right now, I think it’s only fair you fill me in on at least why that Pugmi seemed to know who you are. Or what they are even doing here.”

Ormus kept walking, eyes focused straight ahead.

“Pugmi’s,” he began finally, “are a sub tribe of the Children of Zakarum. Like the Fetishes and Flayers, they too have their own characteristics and interests. Fetishes, who were less intelligent then the other tribes, delighted only in killing. Having no real skills, they simply spread like a plague throughout the jungle, killing any living thing they came across. Their name was earned when they were observed killing each other for fun. They seemed to have a ‘fetish’ for it.”

Gideon noticed Ormus cringed for some reason.

“The Flayers, more intelligent but no less brutish, took more interest in hunting and treasure. They built little villages of their own, in a part of the jungle they claimed - and named - after themselves. Very, very few humans are game enough to venture into the Flayer Jungle; stories of empty villages with stew pots full of humans bones is enough to put most off. The Flayers would build dungeons and underground hideaways, where they stored any treasures that can be found or stolen.”

Gideon nodded, wondering where this explanation was going.

“Pugmi’s on the other hand, showed remarkable intelligence. They could fight, they could build, but they desired one thing more; to be civilized. To live like the humans they saw occasionally near the big city. They left Kurast and settled in a place not far from Ureh. Here they built a large village, and attempted to mimic the ways of humans by spying and listening, picking up the language and habits.” He sighed loudly.

“This is how I found them, long ago. What appeared, to me, to be a small but developing peaceful race. I knew nothing of their murderous capabilities. I should never have trusted them.” He went silent.

Gideon waited expectantly.
“Well? Is that it? You can’t leave me in the lurch like that; you have to tell me more!”

Ormus shook his head.
“You asked how the Pumgi knew me. I answered you, and informed you on some history too. Be thankful for the knowledge you have.”

Gideon screwed up his face.
“Ohh… argh! Damn you!” then he laughed heartily. “I suppose this is just your way of making me and Lobo stick around, just so we can hear more of the tale?”

Ormus said nothing but smiled secretly. Gideon tried a last time.

“Ok, but just tell me how that particular Pugmi could have known you if it was ‘long ago’ you met them? It looked and sounded like a child to me.”

“Pumgi’s, like all Children of the Zakarum, mature at extremely slow rates. They can live for over a hundred years, but may never physically mature beyond the human equivalent of 4 years old. Mentally, however, they will continue to develop, even though they keep a lot of their childish characteristics. Never let their size or speech deceive you, they are smart beyond belief. That particular Pugmi may have been around at the time when I met them, or maybe it heard of me in legend. I have no doubt that they tell stories and tales among themselves, just like humans.”

“And now we’re going to march right into the thick of it, all the way to the big Pugmi village, right?”

Ormus nodded.

“Great! How reassuring. I hope there’s no welcoming party.”

*

They had been trekking for hours, and the sun was now at its highest point in the sky. Ormus suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, and Gideon smacked into him from behind.

“Oooww… what the hell did you do that for? You could of given me some…”

“Shut up you fool” Ormus hissed. Gideon did so immediately. They stood quietly, listening, even Lobo sat with ears pricked. In the distance, very faintly, small voices could be heard jabbering away. Gideon thwacked his mace in his hands.

“That’s Pugmi’s if I ever heard them. Let’s go get the little…”

“For your own sake would you please be silent!” Ormus scolded him, “These creatures’s can hear noises over great distances, and the last thing we need is the entire tribe chasing us through the jungle.”

Gideon looked embarrassed, and hung his head.
“Sorry” he said. Then he looked up sharply. The sound of jabbering had stopped.

“Come. If we go quietly enough, we may be able to sneak up undetected.”
They began to creep, treading as softly as they could in the direction where the chattering had been heard. It was not more then three minutes before Lobo, who was ahead slightly, began to growl.

“Lobo, be quiet. We’re to close for you to give us away now.” Lobo kept growling.

Ormus looked concerned.
“Be on the lookout, they may be hiding any…”

“IIIIYYYAARRRGGG…” came a deafening cry from the trees above them. Gideon turned and saw five Pugmi’s swinging down on vines.

“Ormus, duck!” he yelled, as he swung his mace at one.
It connected with the Pugmi’s stomach, and the small body was sent hurtling into the undergrowth. The other four swung past, one jumping on Ormus’s shoulders, another aimed for Lobo but missed and went rolling into the dirt. The wolf immediately pounced on it, ripping the little creature almost limb from limb.

While Ormus wrestled with the one on his shoulders, who was viciously pummelling upon his bald head, Gideon prepared for the two coming back for their return swings. He raised his mace, focused on the one closest to him, and swung. The mace scraped its shoulder, not damaging, but knocking it off course enough to go swinging into the other one. Both Pugmi’s collided mid-air, and went crashing to the ground, where they landed upon a rock and lay still.

“Take that! Ha!” Gideon cheered. He turned to Ormus, who was still wrestling with his own attacker. The Pugmi had its arms and legs wrapped around Ormus’s throat, trying to throttle him, and Ormus has his hands up around the Pugmi, trying to do likewise.

“Oi!” yelled Gideon.

The Pugmi turned its masked face towards him.
“Ahhh.. huh?” it said, a second before the mace knocked its head clear off.

The headless body continued to grip the mage around the throat until he was able to peel the arms and legs off him one by one, and throw it to the ground. Ormus wiped the blood from his head and face, and turned to Gideon.

“Couldn’t you have done that in a cleaner way?”

Gideon smiled.
“Hey, another minute and you would both have been on the ground, probably still strangling each other as you died.”

Ormus didn’t share his amusement.
“We’ll have the lot of them on us any second now, our only chance is to retreat and try a different approach.”

A sudden yelp made them both look to Lobo. Three snickering Pugmi’s had thrown a thick net over him, and were now on top poking him with sticks. Gideon charged at them enraged.

“Get off my pet, you…”

>THUNK<

*

Gideon groaned. His head was throbbing with dull, red pain. He tried to put his hand up to feel the spot where it hurt, but found he couldn’t move his hands. Or his feet. He couldn’t move at all!

Opening his eyes, he looked around him. He was in the middle of a large clearing. Numerous shoddy stone and reed houses filled it. Around him, snickering loudly, were Pugmi’s of all sizes and masks types. They were dancing around crazily, or simply staring at their captive. He himself was tied to a stake in the ground; to his right, Ormus in the same situation, eyes closed and looking very depressed.

Lobo was a short distance away, still in the net, hanging from a tree branch. A Pugmi underneath had hold of his tail, and was pulling it every now and again, seemingly deriving great amusement every time Lobo yelped. Gideon looked to Ormus.

“Ahh... Ormus? What happened?” Ormus looked up at him sharply.

“Oh you’ve woken up. And you being your usual boisterous self is what happened. You were so focused on killing every Pugmi in sight, you didn’t even see the one in the tree above you. It kamikazied head first down onto you. Killed itself – I thought it killed you to - but I guess we’re lucky your head is thicker then a Pugmi mask.”

“Oh” said Gideon, a little shamefully, “and how did they catch you?”

“I surrendered. There was no point in getting us all killed.”

“Look, I’m sorry I’m loud and mace-happy! It’s hard to just sit back idle and watch your best friend get netted and poked though. You didn’t have to bring us along.”

Ormus looked guilty for a second.
“I know, I’m sorry. I’m just sore at being so close to my oath, and yet, it looks like I’ll never get to fulfill it.”

Gideon nodded understandingly.

“Ormus!” a high voice suddenly cried. The village went silent.

From out of a large hut, a huge Pugmi strode. Gideon gaped; he was twice the size of the rest. Then he caught on; the Pugmi wasn’t one big one, he was two. He stood upon the shoulders of another Pugmi, whose mask was almost hidden under the top ones abundance of jewelry and draperies. The majestic Pugmi’s mask was framed with large colourful feathers, and the painted grin was much bigger then the rest. He used a long staff to keep himself balanced, as they both tottered towards the prisoners.

“Ormus! Old friend. Never thought I’d see you again!”

Ormus narrowed his eyes and spoke low and sinister.
“Witchdoctor Snub. You have no business calling me ‘old friend’.”

“Ah but I do, we were friends once, long ago. Still not over that little ‘incident’ I see? Never mind. After tonight, you won’t have to suffer with your guilt any longer.”

“I’ll put you in your grave first!” Ormus said angrily.

Snub laughed.
“In your current position… that’s not very likely. Now, tell me, who are the other two you brought to visit us?” Ormus glared at him for a second more, then nodded towards Gideon.

“That is Gideon, Druid from…”

“Khanduras!” Gideon shouted, “And I’ll be the one who kills you if you don’t stop torturing Lobo.”

Snub tilted his mask to the side.
“Lobo?”

“Yes, my wolf, the animal you have in your net over there. A Pugmi is torturing him.”

Snub glanced towards the netted Lobo, who was struggling frantically. The Pugmi had released his tail, and was now taking great pleasure in using him as target practice, moving to different distances and shooting off small stones. Lobo yelped every time a rock struck home, and the Pugmi would dance for joy.

Snub raised his hand and pointed.
“You, stop that!” The Pugmi paid no attention, and continued his game. “I’m warning you!” came the second command, which was again ignored. Snub tapped the bottom Pugmi with his staff.

“Drob, go to the Druid.” Drob staggered over to where Gideon was tied up. Snub began to rummage though his backpack.

“Hey! Get out of there!” Gideon said angrily.

Snub paid no attention. He pulled the mace out and held it in front of him.
“Do you mind?”

Gideon stared blankly, then shook his head.

“Thank you.” Snub said

Hopping from his perch on Drobs shoulders, Snub drew back the mace and hurled it. It flew through the air, and clobbered the wretched torturer on the side of the head. The Pugmi was knocked head over heels, and sat stunned for a second. Then it righted its mask and went fleeing into the jungle with a pained ‘yyipppee’. Snub nodded with satisfaction and hopped back on his perch.

“There. Disobedience should never go unpunished.”

Gideon nodded automatically. He suddenly came to his senses.
“What are you going to do with us?”

“Why, eat you of course. Is that a problem?”

“Yes. This is hardly a fair way two finish off to great adventurers such as us. And their pet. You have to give us a chance.”

Snub ‘hmmm’ed thoughtfully, and rubbed the chin of his mask.
“Your argument is sound. I will give you a chance to win your freedom. There is a Pugmi game that has become very popular among other victims. Although, I must warn you, no human has ever won at ‘Pugmi Pick’.”

“Pumgi Pick?? What the hell is that?” Gideon fumed.

“I’ll let my second in command explain it. I shall return to my hut, and see to you in the morning. Whether you win or lose, your stuck here the night. Have fun.”

He tapped Drob rather hard with the staff, and the burdened Pugmi staggered to one side.
“Keep steady, you bumble footed fool. You know what happens to failed Witchdoctor bearers.”
He pointed round the edge of the clearing, where they may have been fifty or more stakes in the ground, all tipped with masked Pugmi heads.

“Tough job” Gideon mumbled, as he watched the two trot back to their hut.

Another Pugmi suddenly appeared in the space between Ormus and himself.
“Pugmi Pick, Pugmi Pick. Oooohh you lloovee dis game. We always do eehhhehehehe.” He danced about for a bit. “Me is second-in-command. Me show you how to play.” He clapped his hands and five Pugmi’s emerged and stood in a line in front of them.

“Let game begin”, the Sec-Com said.

*

The Sec-Com Pugmi walked over to a pile of bones not far from a large pot, and produced a human skull. He then came back to the lined up Pugmi’s and gave the middle one the skull.

“This is game. One Pugmi, he have skull. He and all others dance round. You: keep eyes on Pugmi with skull, and when dancing finished, pick him. Pugmi can give skull to other Pugmi whenever he like. If you pick right Pugmi, in morning, you go free. Pick wrong, and next game of ‘Pugmi Pick’ it your skull we use.”

This caused an outbreak of giggles and laughter from all Pugmi’s within earshot. Gideon looked over at Ormus.

“Looks simple enough. There’s two of us, we can watch easily. I wish all their masks weren’t the same though”

“I don’t know… it does seem too basic,” mused Ormus.

The Sec-Com came back to his position in-between them.
“Ready. Pugmi Pick… go!”

At once all the lined up Pugmi’s put their hands behind them and began to dance. They switched places, hid behind each other, but made sure they never turned their backs. Gideon watched as closely as possible, noticing the skull switch Pugmi’s at least three times.

Finally, the Sec-Com put his hand up and yelled;
“Pugmi Pick... stop!” All stopped dancing immediately. Gideon’s eyes travelled along the line of grinning masks. He had a fair idea, but could he be sure?

“What do you think Ormus?” he looked at the old mage when no reply came, and saw him shaking his head.

“I’m sorry. I got lost halfway through. You’ll have to make the choice.”

“Great.” thought Gideon. He contemplated for another few minutes, then finally nodded towards the second Pugmi in the line.

“Him” he said.

The Pugmi stepped out from the line, giggled… and showed his empty hands.

The village went into a mini uproar, as all the Pugmi’s began to laugh and cheer in delight. Gideon hung his head in defeat. The Sec-Com Pugmi finished his victory dance and spoke.

“Ehehehe… you fail Pugmi Pick. Sunrise tomorrow, you be main course,” and then, to deliberately annoy the Druid, he added “with side dish of doggy.”

“Why you…” Gideon said through gritted teeth, and struggled angrily against his bindings. The Sec-Com just giggled and wandered away among the others.
It seemed that, for now, the captives had been forgotten. Each Pugmi was busying itself with some job or the other; whether it be gathering wood, disappearing into the jungle - probably in search of food - or kicking those they sat around doing nothing. Gideon sighed.

“Sorry Ormus. I guess it wasn’t as simple as we thought.”

“Never mind, my friend. I have a feeling that was a game designed for us not to win. I’m sure that, somehow, they either tricked us, or cheated.” Gideon looked up at the sky, the first star appearing in the rapidly approaching twilight. Possibly the last night he’d ever see.

“Oh well, at least this gives us plenty of time to talk.” He looked expectantly over at Ormus. The mage looked back at him, then burst into laughter.

“You’re never going to give in until you hear the whole tale, are you? Well, I guess since we’re due to be eaten in the morning, there is no harm in finally telling you.”

They stood in silence for awhile.

“This is really damn uncomfortable.” Gideon said at last. He worked his hand ropes downwards, and finally managed to arrange it so he was sitting on his knees, resting up against the stake.

“Now, tell me the tale.”


---------------------------------
Ohhh... Ormus's past about to be revealed. Can you feel the tension? No? Hmm.. must be that taco i ate....

[Project_Xii]

Ok... been a week and no replies. Guess everyone is hooked up in the RPG thing. Grr.. i'm prety sure that's why people stopped reading stories on the b.net forum: too many RPG's to keep up with. Oh well, i'll post the chapter anyway. Someone might have read the previous one...

Chapter 4: Ormus Tale

"Long ago, when I was a young mage, Ureh was my home. There I studied and grew in skill, enjoying life and admiring its little curiosities. I would often go out in the jungle and just wander for hours, or even days, at a time. Ureh, and myself, were completely unaware of the growing corruption only just over the horizon in Kurast.”

“One day, when I was on one of my usual explorations, I heard a rustle in a bush. With some kind words and an offer of food, I managed to coax the creature out. It was small and human like, and after spending some time with him, found that he was capable of basic communication. At that time, the only words he was able to utter were ‘Snub’ and ‘Pugmi’, and so he came to earn both name and species.”

“We quickly became friends. He was willing to learn, and I enjoyed being the teacher. It was like I had a son of my own. Snub very quickly caught onto human language, and it wasn’t long before I began to ask questions. He explained best he could, as his speech was not perfect at the time. That is how I learnt of their desires to be civilized, and live like humans. He said he had been watching Ureh for sometime.”

“As the trust between us grew, he finally invited me to his village. It was a run down, shabby group of straw huts. There were only a small number of Pugmi’s back then, perhaps thirty or less. I quickly set about making them aware of stones and thick branches, and taught them how to perfect their construction skills. From there, they went wild, and the village increased to the size you see it now in under four months.”

“During this time, Snub became increasingly interested in my own city. He would sit and listen for hours as I told him about the ways of humans: their laws, morals, and lifestyle. Breeding habits, foods, lifespan… you name it, he wanted to know it. He became excitable and fidgety, and I knew any day he was going to ask to be invited to Ureh.”
“When that day came, I had no choice but to agree. We had been friends for so long, it wouldn’t be right to deny him the simple privilege of seeing first hand the humans he had heard so much about. However, he was troubled.”

“You see, underneath those masks, Pugmi’s are not what you would describe as ‘good looking’. In any way, shape or form. Snub fretted that the humans in the city would shun him or be afraid. And so the Pugmi’s worked together to create the masks you see them wearing today. They rarely take them off, and they are now worn from birth till death.”

“Inviting a strange and unknown creature into a city was not an easy task. I decided to consult the wisest man I knew; the preacher at my temple. He had been teaching me for many years, and as I had just mastered the ability to create fire, and earned my staff, I felt sure he would allow me to bring Snub in. My teacher contemplated the question for many days - he was known for being a cautious man. At last, he agreed, on the condition that Snub never left my side in the time he was at the city.”

“The first day of Snubs arrival was chaotic. At the sight of so many people and foods, he went berserk and ran rampant through the city, intent on seeing and sampling everything. I finally caught up with him and manage to slow him down. He had gotten off on the wrong foot with quite a few people in that short amount of time, and it cost me a lot of gold to pay for all the food at the market he had eaten. That night he slept in my home, and kept me up for half of it with his incessant rantings about how fascinating humans were.”

“I awoke in the morning to find Snub gone, along with a great majority of my gold. I searched the city from top to bottom for him, and eventually found him back at my house, table loaded with more food then I could ever eat. He was shovelling it under his mask at a constant pace. However, I was not at all pleased at having my savings spent on food for him alone, so I scolded him, and he sulked for most of that day. Through the night though, I had to lie and listen as he moaned and thrashed about, the effects of his titanic stomach-ache more then we both could bare.”

“At last, on the third day, I took him to meet the preacher. He had heard quite a lot about Snub already, and wasn’t pleased that I had let him cause so much mischief. Never the less, he allowed Snub to sit in on one of my teachings. Snub was intrigued, and sat quietly listening… till about half way through. Then he began to constantly ask questions and interrupt. Finally, the preacher became enraged, and threw Snub out. The hurt Pugmi took an instant disliking to him right there and then. That night, while I was sleeping, Snub must have crept out and gone exploring again. I was awoken around dawn by heavy banging on my door. It was the city guards, holding Snub by the scruff of the neck and claiming they’d caught him examining the walls and gates.”

“Snub refused to talk to me most of the next day, and by that afternoon, he announced that he was leaving. He did not allow me to follow him back to the village and for a period of more then a month, I did not see hide nor hair him. Every time I attempted to visit the village, some Pugmi’s with spears would force me to return. This raised my suspicions, as I had not before seen the Pugmi’s use any kind of weaponry.”

“Finally, after around five weeks without contact from Snub, I decided I would go and demand to speak with him. Upon arrival, I was immediately seized, bound, and gagged. They dragged me to a large hut near the centre, and there I found Snub. He was on a small makeshift throne, and had enhanced the face and decorations on his mask dramatically. They removed the gag, and I demanded he tell me the meaning of my treatment.”

“He proceeded to explain how he’d made himself leader of the Pugmi tribe, and how all obeyed him. The Pugmi’s had grown sick of living in the jungle, and decided they needed a city; namely, Ureh. He took my staff from me, hopped upon another Pugmi’s shoulders, and went outside, the others dragging me along. Here, I witnessed what they had been up to for over a month.”

Every Pumgi was armoured up with miniature body plates made of hollowed out wood. Their weapons ranged from thin pipes, which they use to shoot darts tipped with poison, to massive knives of animal bone, ground down to razor sharpness. They had obviously been training for some time, as they knew how to use the armaments perfectly. After some brief instructions from Snub, to which I listened to in horror, the entire tribe marched off to conquer Ureh.”

“The element of surprise was probably the key to the success of the Pugmi’s. The city guards were armed only lightly, and didn’t have enough time to warn the city of the invasion before most fell with darts in their backs. When the Pugmi’s reached the gates, I thought their plan might fail, as they had neither the size nor strength to break through it by themselves. However, from a nearby section of jungle, half the tribe went and heaved up a massive tree trunk, carved to a deadly point at the end.”

“I was amazed that such small creatures could carry such a thing. Yet, carry it they did, and the whole tribe helped ram it against the doors. How Snub knew where the weakest parts were, I can only guess, and think back to how right my preacher was about keeping Snub by my side when he was at the city. His late night explorations weren’t spent looking for food alone.”

“They broke into the city at last, and from there onwards; utter bloodshed. The Pugmi’s went into a kind of frenzy, killing anything they saw; women, children, or even each other, if it appeared a kill was going to be stolen from them. I kneeled at the gates and watched it with Snub, almost drowning in my own tears, so wet was the gag becoming from my torment. Snub eventually ordered for me to be picked up, and they dragged me up the street to the steps of the temple.”

“Here the Pugmi’s broke through the door and proceeded to slaughter everyone inside praying. All but my teacher, who stood horrified at his podium. Snub had me taken before the preacher, and my hand bindings were cut. He gave me back my staff.”
“If it’s one thing I’ve learned about humans,” he said, “It’s that killing a holy man is committing one of the biggest sins possible. So I shan’t do that. You will.” He pointed at my teacher, who looked absolutely terrified. “Now, burn him.”

“I began to shake uncontrollably. I could not kill my teacher, the man who had spent so much time and energy helping me to become all that I am. Snub produced a bone knife and shoved it up against my throat, the mere touch of it biting into my flesh.”

“Burn him.” he repeated. I had no choice.

“I raised my staff, uttered the words, and then watched in dismay as my beloved master screamed in agony, his whole body ablaze. Watched tearfully as he slowly disintegrated to the ground, watched as he became nothing more then a pile of ash. Snub giggled in delight.”

“It was over. He had won the city, and defeated me. I was excommunicated from the city walls, and left to fend for myself outside the gate; no food, no water, and no staff. It was then I swore the oath in which was bound two parts: to never use my abilities with magic again, and to some day return, and get my revenge upon Snub, the self proclaimed Witchdoctor of the Pugmi tribe.”

*

Ormus ended in a teary sigh, and hung his head. Gideon stared blankly into the darkness, feeling nothing but grief for what Ormus must have been going through.

“Ormus… I had no idea… I mean, I thought you may have had something to do with it... but that’s just… horrible! It wasn’t your fault though, you were forced.”

“It was my fault. I made the Pugmi’s what they are; I brought around the doom of my city and loved ones. It is my fault.”

“You had no way of knowing how evil their intentions were. People make mistakes. Ok, so this was a rather big mistake, but that doesn’t mean you have to blame yourself for the rest of your life. Fulfill the oath, get your revenge, then move on and live.”

Ormus laughed bitterly.
“Yes, maybe I’ll give Snub a bad case of food poisoning tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll find a way. I’ll do everything I can to help you.” They remained silent for awhile longer.

“Ormus… why did the Pugmi’s come back here after all the trouble they took to conquer Ureh?”

Again, Ormus laughed sourly.
“Snub never took into account that maintaining a city requires great knowledge and effort. The food he had so enjoyed back when he spent time in the city with me was not brought forth by magic. It had to be grown and nurtured. Neither he nor the other Pugmi’s had the knowledge on how to do this. After only half a year, they grew tired of the cold, roomy city and left it to ruin, returning to the village they had once lived in.”

He sighed again, shaking his head angrily.
“So now do you see why I am so reluctant to speak of my past, Gideon?”

Silence.

“Gideon?” Ormus repeated.

“Quiet!” came the reply in a low hiss. “Ormus, look, over there!”

From out of the jungle, a small, curious thing was emerging. As it entered the clearing, they could just make out the outline of its body in the moonlight.

“A Squickle…!” Ormus breathed.

They watched as it sniffed around, looking for scraps of food. Suddenly, from in the net, Lobo gave a growl. The Squickle’s tail shot straight out behind it, all the hairs bushy and stiff. It began to growl back in what seemed more of an amusing squeak then a vicious threat.
“Lobo, be quiet.” Gideon called softly. The Squickle turned swiftly and saw the two captives. It gave a high-pitched chirp of surprise, and went fleeing into the undergrowth.

“That’s odd,” Ormus said thoughtfully. “Squickles don’t live out this far. In fact, their dwellings are far back in the region where Lobo caught his. I imagine this one has followed our scent all the way here. Quite a distance for a creature its size.”

Gideon rolled his eyes in the dark.
“I don’t care how far it travelled. All I care about now is that the little guy can get home quick, and be back here with friends before the morning…”

[mashimaroinc]

this is seriously an amazing story

post the whole story!!!!!!!!!! wow, i really really enjoy it

[Project_Xii]

Thanks! :surprise:
Somebody read it at long last. And a nice complementive person as well lol.
OK, just for you, i'll post the final chapter. I hope it is to your liking...

Chapter 5: Of Revenge and Squickles…

For the rest of the night, Gideon waited for a sign of the little intruders return. Ormus slept; perhaps getting all that off his chest helped to relieve some of the demons within.
Gideon sat, more awake then ever, digesting the story Ormus had told him, and listening to the Pugmi's partying on the other side of the camp. Their bonfire was partially hidden from view by the huts, but he could see small figures dancing in its light.

They were drinking out of strange elongated fruits that, after an amount had been consumed, appeared to have an intoxicating effect. He had been watching three Pugmis's in particular that were sitting on a log not far from the fire.
After two fruits, they began to giggle and chatter a lot , after three, they began to wrestle. Five fruits later, three very rowdy and very drunk Pugmi's had begun to dance like maniacs and attack the others. By this time however, there we're a lot more drunken Pugmi's around, and before they knew it a massive brawl had broken out.

It all ended around two in the morning, as far as Gideon could tell, with a large majority of them staggering to the jungle edge and vomiting: probably not the best thing to do when wearing a mask. The rest headed groggily into their huts, the really sick ones merely slept where they lay.

Gideon smiled weakly to himself.
"Maybe they will be to hung over in the morning to eat breakfast" he thought hopefully.

*

No such luck. By morning, every Pumgi came out of his hut, as bright and chirpy as if they'd had ten hours sleep. Around half the tribe dashed into the forest at the command of Snub, to get firewood. The other half also disappeared, and came back rolling a large pot.
Memories of what Ormus had said about Flayer villages with pots full of human bones flooded back to Gideon. There obviously wasn't that much difference between the tribes.

Snub stood near last night's bonfire, pointing and yelling. Gideon watched as the huge pot was rolled in and placed on top of the dying embers, while the other Pugmi’s began to load wood at its base.
An especially hyperactive one had a torch, and was dancing around insanely, setting alight the wood placed down and - if it wasn’t placed down fast enough - setting it alight in the other Pugmi’s hands. Once all the wood was ablaze, he became bored and wandered to the jungles edge, where he amused himself by setting fire to insects and weeds. Snub had obviously had stern words with him before, as the Pyro-Pugmi never took more then three steps out of the clearing.

Ormus suddenly awoke and looked about him.
“Blast. Morning. And I thought it was all a bad dream.”

“’I’m afraid not, my good mage,” Gideon nodded towards the pot, where Pumgi’s were working in a long chain, carrying buckets of water to fill it up, “We’re still the main course.”

“And what of our furry friend? Any sign of him or his extended family?”

Gideon shook his head.
“No sign” he said sadly.

“Then we’re doomed for the pot.”

They watched the almost full pot began to steam from the intense heat underneath. Most the wood had burned away now, and there were only hot coals left, glowing radiantly. Snub was beside it, rubbing his chin.
He suddenly barked to some bystanders, and they ran off immediately, returning minutes later with armfuls of plants and herbs. The pleased Witchdoctor nodded with satisfaction, and wandered over to finally greet his victims.

“A master chef never forgets the herbs.” His grinning mask said. “Good morning gentlemen. Enjoyed your last night? Had plenty of time to chat did we?”
He looked sideways at Ormus and snickered.
“I hope you’ve put your soul at ease, old man. An unhappy heart never makes for a nice meal.”

“My heart will be at ease the day I drive my staff through yours.” Ormus growled.

“Yes yes. We’ve been through this before. And I still say, make threats to others only when in a position of power.” Snub giggled evilly. “So, any last words?”

“I do” Gideon said quickly, “Let me have Ormus’s staff.”

“Oh?” said Snub in a surprised voice, “Why would you want that?”

“So I can take it, shine it up real nice, and shove it right up your...”

“Snub!” came a sudden voice, “Master Snub. Dinner pot be ready hehehe” a snickering Pumgi called.

Snub nodded.
“Come gentlemen. I’d like to invite you to breakfast.” He laughed at his own joke and motioned for them to be released from their stakes. They were immediately tied up again, and forced at spear point towards the awaiting pot.

When they reached it, Snub halted.
“Stairs!” he commanded, and at once six Pugmi’s ran out.
Three crouched in front of the pot, the others jumped on top. Before his eyes, Gideon watched them build a stair; a Pugmi stair, leading him to his doom. The spear points in their backs forced them up. Each Pugmi groaned under the weight but, surprisingly, managed to stay firm.

Ormus and Gideon stood on the top Pugmi’s and looked down into the boiling water.
“Well, my friend. Looks like this is the end. My oath is unfulfilled, and I have led an innocent man to his death. I couldn’t have failed more thoroughly.”

Gideon looked at him solemnly.
“I don’t blame you entirely; I followed you at my own free will. And I don’t regret the journey, it was very enlightening. Perhaps we’ll meet up on the other side, assuming we’re both going to the same place.”

“Yes, let’s do so” Ormus laughed bitterly.

“Enough of the farewells, get in the blasted pot!” screeched Snub from below.

“Oh well, here goes” Gideon said, and made to step off.

*

A blood-curdling scream emitted from the side of the camp.

From out of the jungle, a Pugmi came hurtling… covered in small furry attachments. Squeaks of anger and glee came from all around, as more of the fuzzy devilries poured from the trees and undergrowth.

Snub stared in terror.
“Squickles!! Run for your lives!!”

The other Pugmi’s needed no more encouragement; the entire tribe split up and ran for their huts and weapons. The ones making up the stair all tried to get up at once, resulting in the lot crashing to the ground, Gideon and Ormus on top.
They lay groaning under their own weight, and Gideon made sure he stepped hard as he made his way off the pile. He immediately began look for something sharp to cut his hand bindings with. A discarded spear did the job.

“Quick, Ormus. We must free Lobo and get out of here.”

Ormus came up beside him and offered his wrists, as Gideon cut frantically away at the rope.
“I’m not leaving without completing my oath” he yelled over the sound of screaming Pugmi’s and Squickle squeaks.

“Fine. I’ll free Lobo, you get Snub.” He finished cutting the rope, took the spear and ran…

*

Gideon sprinted to a hut and peeked around it. A face full of very sharp teeth came flying at him, and he ducked in time for it to go sailing over his head and into the dirt. He raised his spear and prepared to throw.

“HIIIII...YAH!” A Pugmi with a flaming torch in his hand came from nowhere and slammed the Squickle into the ground. Pyro-Pugmi danced, his grinning mask jiggling insanely with pride at his achievement, then he looked at Gideon.

“Oohhh... oh oh oh.” He said, jumping up and down and raising his arms above his head.

Gideon looked confused.
“What do you want?” he asked.

“Up,” Pyro exclaimed, “up, up, up!” Gideon shook his head.

“I’m not helping you. You’ll set me on fire or something.” He turned to go.

“YAH!” came a cry, and he felt a sudden weight on his backpack.

“Get off there you little free loader." He tried in vain to shake Pyro off his backpack, but the persistent Pugmi held on for dear life. He sat, giggling with glee, and swinging his torch about.

"Fine, stay there, I haven't the time to deal with you. Just don't burn me!"

Gideon lowered his head and ran through the fray, narrowly missing a large group of Squickles stampeding after a lone victim.
They came finally to the two stakes.

"Now, where's my mace?" Gideon looked about him, but it was no longer in the spot where Snub had thrown it. Pyro suddenly climbed onto his shoulders and pulled his head around towards a hut.

A Pugmi was standing on top of it, swinging his mace around wildly. Numerous small bodies littered the ground around him, but still more were climbing up the roof. The Pugmi was squealing in terror.

"Jump, you stupid native! You'll lose my mace!"

The Pugmi paused to look at the human… giving a Squickle behind him enough time to leap up and latch onto his ear. Another two bit into his arm, and in seconds his whole body was covered in crawling fur-balls. The mace was released and went rolling off the roof to the ground; a picked clean skeleton followed it soon after.

Gideon swallowed queasily and ran over to pick up the mace. All but one of the Squickles had gone off chasing another prey. The lone one sat on his mace, baring its teeth and growling in a most amusing way.

Gideon looked down on it.
"Move" he said.

"Grrr-rrrr!" said the Squickle.

THUNK went Gideon's shoe, as it connected with the small body and sent it flaying through the air and over the hut. He stooped and picked up the mace. On his shoulders, Pyro was giggling so much he was nearly falling off; the flight of the Squickle seemed to have appealed to him no end. A whine reminded Gideon of the real reason they had come here.

Lobo was swinging in his net, a horde of Squickles below him. They could easily have jumped up and got the immobile wolf, but they seemed to be having more fun just taking little nips at his exposed body.

Gideon ran in blind anger towards them, not even thinking about what a horde that size could do to him in a matter of seconds.
"Get away, filthy rodents" he shouted.

They all stopped and turned his way.

"Ooohh ssshhhi…" he said, backing up.

"AI YI YI" screamed Pyro as he jumped off his perch on Gideons shoulders and began swinging the torch. The Squickles squeaked in fright at the crazed fire-swinging creature before them, and fled in all directions. Pyro held his torch high in pride.
Gideon nodded in thanks, before running over to cut Lobo out of the net.

A minute later, one very angry, bruised and stiff wolf emerged from his rope prison. He shook himself, gave his master a thankful lick, and then proceeded to chase a nearby Squickle.

"Stop! Come back you stupid hound, you'll be killed!" Lobo paid no attention, and kept up the pursuit, heading in the direction from whence Gideon had just come.

"Come on Pyro, you might be of use. We have to see how Ormus is doing." Pyro-Pugmi squeaked in delight and scrabbled up onto Gideons shoulders again, as they both headed back to the giant pot...

*

Ormus swung his staff and crushed another Squickle as it dived viscously from a rooftop towards him. The camp was in utter chaos; everywhere around him were fleeing Pugmi's - often with more then five Squickles in pursuit.
Those that had made a stand and tried to defend themselves were now nothing more then fleshless bones, left lying in the dust.
From his position near the base of the pot, Ormus waited for Gideons return, and also kept an eye out for the object of his oath...

Something smacked into his back hard, and he found himself suddenly on the ground in a tangle of limbs and jewellery.
A familiar voice cursed and said:

"Brainless directionally challenged fool! If we survive this, I vow your head will be stuck on the first stake I see."

Ormus crawled out and stared into the mask of his most hated enemy.
"Snub!" he said in surprise.

"Ormus!" Snub said, equally surprised.

Both stared at each other in silence for a second, Snub's beady little eyes blinking in the blackness behind his mask, then they both lunged for their staves.
Ormus reached his first, and slammed a foot down on Snubs.
The Pugmi grabbed it and tried to pull it out, but seeing Ormus's determined face, he released and sat up.

"Well, you have me. My camp is over run, my people being devoured alive." He hopped back onto Drob's shoulders, "Now, complete your oath. Destroy me, burn me alive..." an evil glint came into his eyes, "... like you did to your beloved preacher long ago."

He saw the pain in Ormus' face and snickered evilly.

"Go on. You know it's in you, the power to murder through magic. Your soul has already been corrupted by the foulness of your deed, why hold back now?"

Ormus watched Snubs hand slowly creeping to his side. A small dart was visible, hanging from his belt. Beneath him, Drob was beginning to shake, his knees knocking together in fear.

"Haven't you the will to kill me now, when I stand defenceless?" his hand crept further, “You're weak. Weak and pathetic. If you can't finish this once and for all, I WILL!"

Quick as a snake, he grabbed the dart and flung it at Ormus' head. Just as quick, Ormus put his staffs' head in front of his face and stopped the dart. Snub gave a small gasp.

"Who needs magic when good old fashioned violence does the job just as well?" He drew the staff up past his shoulder; "I'll see you in Hell!"

He swung it in a wide arc, connecting just under the shocked Pugmi's arm. Snub was lifted clear off his bearers' shoulders and into the air. Ormus watched in satisfaction as Snub flew, coming down inside the giant metal pot.

Agonized screams and wails filled the air, raising high above the cascade of Squickle-chaos. A last, painful, drawn out squeal signalled the end to Ormus's quest, and he bowed his head in silent relief.
Beside him, a small voice piped up.

"Phew. Me sssoooo happy that not me" Drob exclaimed. Then he scampered off to hide in his hut.

Gideon and Lobo suddenly came running up.
"Ormus! What happened? Are you ok?"

"Fine," Ormus said, turning to face him, "I've finally put to rest my…" his face gazed in shock.

"Gideon! There's one attacking you! Duck!" He drew back is staff and prepared to knock the head off Pyro-Pugmi, who was still sitting on the Druids shoulders.

"No no" said Gideon quickly, "That's just Pyro. He helped me out in rescuing Lobo." Pyro giggled happily. His torch had finally gone out, and was now nothing more then a smoking club. Ormus looked at him suspiciously.
"You're really trusting one of these things?"

"Yes. I know you did once, and it ended in tradegy, but I think I can trust Pyro..." Then in a softer voice he said, "I think he's a few arrows short of a quiver, if you get my drift."

Ormus nodded, but continued to watch the little creature with a wary gaze.

"Unnnnneeee…. WAH!" said Pyro, and smacked Gideon over the head with his extinguished torch.

Ormus burst out in laughter.
"I think he's a little smarter then you give him credit for" he said heartily.

Gideon laughed too, rubbing his head. A Pugmi running past with a Squickle attached to his behind reminded them of the immediate danger they were still in.

*

Snub may have been entrée, but they still had to get out of the camp and avoid the lethal Squickle hoard as well.

Lobo and Pyro-Pugmi were all too happy to assist in the slaughter, Pyro going from Gideons shoulders to the wolfs back. Ormus watched in amusement at the teamwork of the two; Lobo chasing the Squickles down and Pyro proceeding to pummel them into flat, furry pancakes on the ground.

Of the remaining Pugmi’s, Gideon saw very few. Drob peered at them from the safety of his hut as they went past, one or two others could be seen working together to fight the Squickles back into the jungle. The rest he suspected had simply fled into the dense vegetation… the ones that weren’t stark bones sprawled on the dirt.

They finally reached the entrance of the camp. A deathly silence had settled, not a sound of battle to be heard.

Ormus turned to look back at the veritable ghost village.
“My oath is fulfilled, my heart at rest. I thank you for your help, noble Druid and wolf.”

“Awwk!” said Pyro indignantly.

“Yes, and you to.” Ormus said smiling. “But, all quests come to an end. There is nothing left for me to do but go home.”

Gideon nodded, understanding the hint behind Ormus’s saying.
“May your journey home be safe and fast” he said, “It was a pleasure to meet and fight alongside you. May our paths cross again sometime?”

“Who knows,” Ormus said thoughtfully, “where the troubles of men may lead us. Before this war against evil is won, we may fight side by side again someday. Farewell.”

Gideon watched him go in silence, Lobo whined a little. The moment was broken by Pyro jumping up and down desperately.

“Ook ook!” he said, pointing to a path near the one Ormus had left
on; thin and almost hidden in the foliage.

“What?” Gideon said, who was getting used to the little ferals constant jabbering. Pyro just continued to jump about, then began to tug the Druids hand.

“Ok, ok. I’m coming.”

And so the companions departed; Wolf, Druid and Pugmi one way, Ormus; a mage with purpose fulfilled, the other.

Drob watched from a distance.
“Bah. Humans” was all he snorted. Then he left his hut, and went to see if the soup was ready…

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


And that my story on Ormus.
However, as you can see, i've left the ending open. What's down the path? Will the party meet up again one day?
I'm open to suggestions ;)
Thxs for reading (if you bothered) :P

[mashimaroinc]

nice story
hm, in this story, i could relate to a lot of thigns in this story, because i play the game (duh)

maybe you should give off that feeling more? maybe the next adventure can be through the temple with council, or meph? iono, something liek that. just have him do the acts one by one? :D, that would be really neat.

characters like ormus enrich the story; maybe you could have some other characters too, like natalya? your choice, =)

[Project_Xii]

Thanks for the kind words and all, and for reading the story :). But...

maybe you should give off that feeling more? maybe the next adventure can be through the temple with council, or meph? iono, something liek that. just have him do the acts one by one? :D, that would be really neat.

That's actually heavily frowned upon. If you read the fan fiction guidelines for this site, they tell you to try and avoid doing that, cause it's all been done before and can be boring.
I prefer to break out of the games boundaries, and explore the unexplored potential of the Diablo 2 world. There's alot of places on the map that could make for interesting story locations. Like Mephisto glass temple, where the battle between him and Izaul took place. Or even the Amazon Isles, or Duncraig or Scosglen.
Anyways, so yeah, if i do write another story about Gideon and Ormus, it definately won't be along the games path.
However, using other characters, such as Natalya, did cross my mind. After all, Natalya does have her eye on Ormus; she's a hunter of Mages who've used their powers for evil...

[mashimaroinc]

yeah, i have no idea about the rules/regulations here. sorry bout the suggestion

the mephisto temple you just suggested sounds like a good place, =)

[Gdog4evr]

Loved the story; I havn't been on the boards much latly, so that's why I didn't respond while it was in production. It was my favorite DII genre: Action tinged with comedy :)

EDIT: One thing to note though; It seems Ormus' accent is a bit different. IE, he talks more like a normal human than he does in the game, although this could have been done for creative reasons.