Navigation
  
Game Fiction

· Fiction Index
 - Diablo
 - Warcraft Universe
·
Character Concepts
 - Diablo
 - Diablo II
 - Warcraft
· Fiction Forums
 - Diablo II
 - World of Warcraft

 
Non-Game Fiction
  Tuesday, August 26, 2003 10:30 PM
 
Random Story
Annundos' Relic Story by: Demon_son
Legends speaks of an enchanted orb, Ter' Gan wants to make this legend true.

Main | Add Story | Recent Stories | Help |
Diablo >>

Bane - Hero of the North - Part IX by Bane




Part IX - Dark Rider


Bane repeated the hand signal again, his movements fluid but slow enough so his new companions could learn the art of Kentu, the hand-code used by the barbarians during the hunt. Bane had gone through it with Kabana, Balkin and Chiana for several days before hand, explaining each hunting symbol that could be made using the hands.


Kabana and Chiana had caught on quickly; Balkin however had been a whole different story. He had gotten angry at the hand-code and chose not to learn it. Now on the hunt the group's silence was necessary so the game was not startled. Balkin kept reverting to speech, his voice chasing the game away. Bane was not happy.


The deer left his view, springing off into the cover of the woods. Bane lowered his hand, relaxing the grip on his throwing axe and turned towards his small companion behind him, a disappointed look across his face. Balkin simply shrugged.


Bane had been looking forward to the hunt for the past week and now it was in danger of becoming ruined. Bane had planned the trip well several days ago, bored of life spent drinking in taverns all day for the past two weeks spending the gold Travin gave him for the last hoist Bane had participated in.


Bane had voiced his idea of the hunt that was received well and Kabana knew that the surrounding forests of Galmnor held much game. The group made preparations; Chiana bought a short bow that she claimed she could use and well while Bane had bought a selection of well made and well balanced throwing axes preferring them to the bow. He had never liked the bow; in fact he had shunned it almost totally.


Bane's keen instincts heard a soft patter in front that meant the deer was still close, perhaps the hunt was not ruined after all. Bane turned towards Kabana's position to his left, the man was deadly still, resting one hand against a tall oak, the rest of his body submerged in the undergrowth. He gave Bane a nod. Kabana was a natural at hunting Bane thought; the man seemed to have the instincts of the barbarian yet the politeness of the civilised world a strange combination yet a useful one.


Suddenly a howl of pain shot out before them. Bane could hear the deer slump to the ground and guessed it was Chiana's arrow that had downed the creature. Bane stood up and could see Chiana smiling. Bane shook his head and smiled also.


"Good shot girl!" Bane exclaimed as he began a stride towards the moaning creature.


"Lets collect the deer." He said, throwing his axe into the deer before him with deadly accuracy, putting it out of its pain. Bane stood before it and wrenched his axe clear of the deer's head and gave its body a nod out of respect. Bane whispered a few words to it before the others arrived.


"You were a noble beast my friend…"


***


The closest town to the group of hunters was a small one called Drelar. The hunt had taken longer than Bane had expected, and night dawned slowly upon them. The deer they had killed was skinned by Bane and cooked. Its meat was enough to fill their stomachs. However their thirsts were not. Bane had mentioned the town, more importantly the tavern he had seen sitting there. The town was one that no one knew well; indeed all but Balkin had only rode past it a few times before. Balkin had recalled its name, and said he had been there once or twice before over the last year.


Bane led the way towards the town, his eyes alert. The surrounding forests felt as they were brooding, hiding some dark creature from him. His skin crawled and his mind began to create monsters hiding within the darkness of the woods for tonight was a fabled day in the civilised kingdoms calendar, The Night of Souls. It was a night that was haunted, where the dead and other evil spirits rose from the ground to walk once more among the living, or was suppose to. Bane had thought of it only as a myth, a tale told to children to scare them and give them some kind of imaginative spark, stories of ghosts, skeletons and zombies, vampires and ghouls.


He looked to his companions who seemed ill at ease; eyes wide open staring at shadows. Talk had been little after they had eaten and had decided to go to the town to spend the night and have a few drinks. At first, when Bane had mounted his steed, the group had appeared easy, laughter loud in the air. The atmosphere had changed now, each individual sensing something was wrong in the cool night breeze.


It was then he could hear the faintest of sounds in front of him, over the wind it was difficult to tell exactly what it was but it had a constant rhythm, like that of a horse galloping. Bane turned to his left, towards Balkin. The man seemed uncomfortable on his horse and looked sleepy. Bane knew Balkin had not heard the sound. He looked towards Chiana and Kabana but the two were apparently oblivious to the surroundings, caught up in their own thoughts.


Bane kept his eyes on the road ahead, listening out for the sound. A light rain had begun to fall, a pleasant one that seemed to ease the companions. Bane however had heard the horse again, and could spot the owner of it.


In front, about a mile off and coming over the hill was a horseman. A strange white glow emanated around the horsemen as he galloped towards them. The figure was tall, he could see that from this distance, and the way he rode made him appear confident yet desperate to get somewhere quickly. The horse seemed to move with a great speed, a speed that seemed impossible. Bane stopped his horse before the dip of the road and turned his steed to face his weary companions.


"You see the rider ahead of us?" He asked the group.


"Yes, just about." Replied Balkin, holding his hand horizontal across his brow to block out the rain so he could see the rider. Bane's face was grim.


"I do not like the look of him." Balkin shrugged and slumped forward onto his horse, his eyes watched the horsemen intensly.


"What is wrong Bane?" Asked Kabana, leading his horse forwards slowly. Bane turned towards the horsemen coming towards them. The glow was brighter and the man was nearing them.


"Let us take cover in the trees. The rider is a bad omen." Kabana nodded his head.


"What is that light?" He asked.


"I do not know my friend but we shall take cover and watch him closely." It was then a gasp came out of Balkin's large mouth.


"The Dark Rider…we must flee before he sees us!" Balkin led his horse quickly into the foliage to his left, a ghostly expression drawn across his face. The Dark Rider? Who was he and why was Balkin so terrified of the horsemen coming towards them?


"Lets do the same." Kabana whispered and turned his horse towards the cover of the trees. Bane led his horse slowly away, interested in the rider.


"Lets go Bane!" Called Chiana who had already got off of her horse and notched an arrow, ready to release it in an instant if necessary.


Bane led his horse to where the others had dismounted. It was a small clearing, the trees made a dome above their heads, preventing the rain from striking them. Bane leapt from his horse quickly and tied his mount to a branch that almost caught him as he hit the ground.


Light-footed he made his way to the front of the dense forest, so that he could watch the road and more importantly the rider. To his left was Kabana; the man was behind a clump of trees on his knees. Kabana watched the road with as much interest as Bane. The barbarian began to look for his other two companions but the horse could be heard close now. His head whipped back round to the road and Bane could see why Balkin had been afraid. As soon as the dark rider hit the path they were moments ago he stopped his horse. With slow and jerky movements the beast led his horse around in circles, the rider peering into the darkness of the woods as if it were searching for Bane and his companions.


The Dark Rider was a towering creature; even its horse was larger than any he had previously seen, black as the night itself. The Dark Rider was dressed in Black mail. Spikes were found on its shoulders just like the sets of armour in the house of Horthis he had seen in his dreams. The rider wore no boots or helmet however, and those two areas were the most shocking.


The beast did not have a human head or feet. Instead it looked to be that of a horned goat, with sparkling dark red eyes that stared hauntingly towards him. Its feet were cloven, like that of an animal. Bane had never seen such a being before.


A cold flush ran through his body and something told Bane to run. He ignored his urges and took a hold of his sword hilt. Should he attack the creature or stay hidden in the bush like a scared child? Banes instincts took hold and the thought of survival crossed his mind. Why attack such a creature, it did not even appear normal with the white glow about him that strangely enough failed to light up the area more than one yard from the rider. Perhaps it was best left alone, allowed to continue on to its destination wherever that may be.


The rider grunted and looked towards Bane, its eyes widening as it did so. Its gaze fell onto Bane's, who in reply withdrew his sword quickly and silently ready to defend himself in a heartbeat. The beast appeared to smile and it roared suddenly before galloping off the way it had come, back towards the town.


It was not for several minutes did anyone move or talk. Bane was the first to stand and walk back to his horse. Quickly he untied it from the branch and led it back out into the rain, which had begun to fall harder and quicker and onto the road. Bane stared out into the darkness and could see the feint glow of the rider still making its way from them.


Why had it ridden this way only to turn back the way it came? Was it looking for them? Bane shook his head, a goat! The creature was half man and half goat! What evil had spawned such a thing? His hand wavered over his sword hilt as if expecting the goat-man would bring his allies to try and find them. Bane could hear the loud shuffle of Balkin from behind leading his horse out of the thick vegetation. Bane swung on him a volley of questions let loose.


"Who was that and how do you know of it?" Balkin swallowed his saliva and spoke quietly, as if afraid someone would hear him.


"It's the Dark Rider!" Bane nodded his head expecting more from the man. Nothing came. He just stood on the road holding onto his horse's reins like a lost child.


"Explain." Bane said, nearing in on the man, ready to crush the life out of him if he did not speak up.


"It is a demon, a being who has plagued man-kind for centuries, particularly this area," Balkin continued, recounting the story and the myth behind the Dark Rider.


"He was once a man and a leader of men lad, I am not sure of the details but he was supposed to have been a great warrior. Unfortunately he was manipulated by demons and fought alongside them afterwards. He has been roaming this world ever since, coming to steal children during the Night of Souls. It is said he rides a tall black horse and wears black mail. It is all a myth, something I was told by my father when I was a child and his before that. I had never believed it until now." The story reminded Bane of some tales he had heard while growing up in the mountains. He smiled; perhaps civilised men and barbarians were not so different after all.


"What are you smiling about man? There's a devil riding these parts. We must return home or get to safety soon." Balkin was sweating; Bane had never seen the man so afraid. He simply nodded and the group returned to their horses and as they re-entered the road they began a nervous quiet ride through light rain to Drelar, Bane's keen eyes ready to spot the Dark Rider.


The small town of Drelar was a strange place Bane thought, his cold eyes scanning the surrounding area carefully as the group rode slowly through the main street. Bane could see no man, women or child and every door, window and opening was barred shut. Shop signs swung in the night's breeze, the pitter-patter of rain surrounding them.


The town's main street was becoming muddy, and Bane had direct his horse away areas that looked completely drenched, avoiding them as if they were quicksand.


The group had become drenched in the rain, not that it was a downpour; the ride to the town had taken longer than expected, especially since the sighting of the Dark Rider twice more on the plains. Bane had halted the group and met the Dark Riders gaze for a brief moment. It sent no shiver down his spine; Bane felt an urge to confront the beast in battle but had held his barbarian instincts back.


Bane felt the wind pick up and rush harder and faster against his face. He wanted nothing more then to drink the remainder of the night away and sleep until morning. The sight of the large tavern ahead was a relief, something he found quite odd. He had never needed such luxuries in the wild barbarian lands of Kamidia. Had he become soft amongst these weaker people?


It did not matter though, he knew he was strong; his combat skills had been tested regularly since his arrival in Entsteig. He had killed men and beast, bloodied his hands with the blood of his enemies. He had been victorious in every encounter, a source of pride swelled within him at the very reminder of his actions over the past few months in the civilised lands.


"There is not a living thing out here?" Kabana's voice was muffled by the strong wind. Bane's keen hearing could hear the words and Bane slowed his horse's trot so that he could speak with Kabana.


"It's the Night of Souls, only idiots would remain outside after dark man." Balkin's voice filtered roughly through the wild onslaught of air, a hint of wonderment and fear on his voice.


"Let us get to the tavern, stable our horses and relax." Bane said spurring his horse towards the tavern.


The tavern was bordered up the same as any other building in the town the party had seen. Light filtered out from cracks of the wooden walls, which meant that the tavern was occupied, perhaps even open despite the closed and barred door. Bane stepped down from his horse, handing the reins over to Chiana who had also dismounted.


Bane stepped forward swiftly and raised his hand to the door. He could hear voices from within the tavern, quiet voices that silenced as soon as Bane banged hard on the door. No answer. Bane banged once more but harder this time and followed the action up with raised voice.


"Open up in there, its raining hard out here!" There was still no answer. Bane shook his head and turned towards his companions, a look of frustration crossed his features. Once more he banged. No answer. It was as if the taverns occupants had disappeared. All noise had seized. Bane was angry now for he knew there were people sitting in the warm. His sword came out and his fist once again banged at the door. Then the hilt of the sword was used.


"Open up in there damn it, before I break your door down!"


"Ok, hold on there stranger. I will open the door." Bane did not relax his grip on the broadsword while he heard someone slide the wooden bar on the other side of the door across. He did this twice, which told Bane that the man within was very scared. Was it the Dark Rider who had the town in a grip of fear?


The door opened slowly, the light from within momentarily hurt the barbarian's eyes. After his eyes were used to the light, a heartbeat was enough for the transaction Bane could see the man who had answered the door and some people crowded around a large table, standing over their drinks, nervous eyes taking him in. The barkeeper's brow was sweaty, the light from the lanterns within making it shine as if it were a piece or well polished armour. The man was small and dressed in simple green clothes. His eyes told Bane all he needed to know about the man. He seemed honest but terrified for some reason.


"We need our horses tended too barkeep, then some ale." Bane stepped through, sheathing his sword quickly. The barkeeper stood by the door holding a dirty apron in his hands. He nodded and turned to a couple of young men standing by the bar, the look of fear written across their pale features. His nervous voice broke the silence that had once more took over the night's atmosphere


"Tend to their horses lads, but be quick." They nodded and quickly ran outside to tend to the horses. Bane walked over to a small table located in a corner, away from the large table and the gathered townspeople. He pulled back the stool under the table and sat.


Bane took that moment to careful check his surroundings. The tavern was not a bad place, a nice little meeting point for the townsfolk. The tables were well polished, the room bigger than he had expected, a raging warm fire next to the bar.


The bar was long and simple, a middle-aged woman with short brown hair stood behind the bar, tears filling her blue eyes. He then turned his attention over to the crowd, who had not taken their eyes of him or his companions when they had entered and sat around the small table. His eyes met theirs and they seemed to panic, turning their attention away from him and back to their drinks. The big table was silent for a moment, but whispers told Bane they were talking about his group.


"Can we have drinks barkeeper!" Shouted out Balkin, sitting back on his chair, leaning his axe against the table leg. The barkeeper nodded and hurried the woman behind the bar. Bane noticed the tender way the little man treated the woman; perhaps they were husband and wife?


"I do not like this place Bane, these people here are treating us as if we were criminals." Bane smiled and leant towards Kabana.


"Perhaps they have seen the Dark Rider my friend, if so that would explain their fright. None amongst them look like warriors." The barkeeper rushed over to them, his heavy footsteps ringing out in the room. He laid the tray he carried onto the table and turned to Bane.


"I apologise for taking so long in opening the door barbarian. Forgive me but we are very untrusting during this night."


"It is only the Night of Souls, most of it is merely tales told to children to scare them into going to bed early." Bane's words did not seem to penetrate the barkeepers scared mind. Instead the man leant closer to Bane and whispered into his ear.


"You do not know the half of it boy, most of it aye, all of it isn't. This area is haunted…" The barkeeper raised his head and looked about as if afraid someone was listening. "It has been like this since I was a boy, longer in fact."


"Do you refer to the Dark Rider?" The words seemed to send the barkeeper into a panic.


"He has come already, to this town, that's what people have said. I am worried for my own son has not returned tonight." Bane raised one eyebrow.


"Your son is missing and you lock yourself up in a tavern like scared children!" Bane could not keep his words quiet, and the table of gathered townsfolk turned towards him, startled by his words.


"Please, keep your voice down." Bane nodded, his face still red with anger however.


"If it were so I would but I can not for I have to look after my wife as well." He turned towards the woman behind the bar.


"My son has disappeared before, on this very night but I fear for him this time. I only hope he is old enough to be ignored by the 'Demon on the Horse', for it only takes children from our town. My wife however is worried, for it is our only child."


"Do you know where your son goes?" The barkeeper shook his head. "I went to see him earlier on, at the wood house on the hill. He was cutting wood for the fire there, or had been doing so. When I arrived I found him gone, his axe on the floor besides the woodpile he had carefully stacked. It was what was on this that has worried me. The axe was coated in thick black blood, my son has been taken I am sure of it!"


"It is possible, but that demon is not all that roams these forests, Fallen and Devil Kin live in their burrows. I encountered them before my arrival at Galmnor." The barkeeper shook his head.


"Fallen do not come here, there has not been a sighting of one for more than forty years. It is the Dark Rider." The barkeeper wiped his sweaty brow and stepped back from the table. He looked at Bane, and then the others that sat around the table.


"Perhaps you can help me?" Kabana leant forward and replied.


"I will offer my help, though I do not know where to start looking." The barkeeper stood up and nodded. He walked at a quick pace over to the table where the townsfolk sat and addressed a small thin man, with tired eyes, a bushy beard covered his features making it hard to determine the mans age. The two conversed for a few moments; the small thin man seemed agitated.


"Why did you offer our help, they will pay little?" Asked Bane, knocking back his ale. Kabana smiled.


"I only offered my help, the rest of you may choose what you do. The Dark Rider has been a thorn in mankind's side for more years than any of us can think of. Perhaps its time someone faced it." Bane nodded and sat back.


Submit a review or rate this story

Current Reader Reviews



User Info


   

   

   

 
Search
 
   Latest Stories