Part II: The Meeting 'Relax, my boy! It's me, Crack!' A deep voice boomed. I stared at the pig-headed creature, and relaxed, keeping my sword. Crack was an old friend of mine. He was an ogier, a race unknown to mankind. Huge with long tufted ears and broad snout-like noses, he looked very much like a pig. Yet, ogiers were known for their great building skills and capabilities to mend wounds. So great were their skills in healing that they themselves were resistant to poison and diseases. Many admired the strength and powess of the ogier, but little did they know that these slow-moving creatures were exceptionally vulnerable to lightning. Nevertheless, ogiers were perfect healers. Crack himself was a cleric, except that he was dedicated to the Darkside. Both of us had been fighting side by side in a couple of wars. In fact, he had saved me many times. He was, after all, a much more experienced soldier than me. 'Crack! Fancy seeing you here! Why, I thought you're in your guild practising your skills!' I cried out as I gave the ogier a big bearhug. 'Easy, boy, easy! Can't I come for a mug of ale? I need rest too!' Crack replied humorously. 'And you! You should be in the north fighting the resistance forces! Why are you here?' Crack's face was stern. I laughed. It was a rare sight to find Crack so serious. The ogier's face softened and followed. 'Lord Toban gave me leave to strengthen myself so as to serve our Lord better. I went to visit Keil when Gord the Rogue tried to steal some gold from my pocket. I slew him, but I guess I alerted the guards. So, I fled here.' I answered. 'With your skills, the effeminate guards in New Thalos can't harm you. Why bother to flee?' 'There are numbers of them, but one of me. How long can I last? Besides, I have no time for those weaklings. I'm in search of...' 'HUSH!!!' Crack silenced me as his gaze fell onto a figure sitting in a corner of the inn. I followed his gaze. The figure had risen and was walking towards us! I gripped my sword tightly, all set to draw it again. As the figure approached us, light fell upon it. I then realised that it was a giant lady warrior, clad in a chainmail armor. She was smiling at us, a tiny smile which would render many of her kind to fall for her charms. After all, she was a beauty. I wondered her purpose of approaching us. 'Hello, my name is Ramona, a warrior as you can see. I have heard of a place inhabited by huge rock toads. I believe that if we group together and try killing them, we'll gain a lot of experience from there. Interested?' Her green almond-shaped eyes went to both of us, the charming smile still wearing on her pretty face. I looked at Crack who was obviously startled by the lady's directness. 'Why us? Judging from your equipment, I can see that you are a follower of Good. Why not approach people of your kind? Instead, you come to us?' I questioned suspiciously. I could feel Crack shift uneasily. My heart pounded quickly. One look at Ramona was enough that she was far more powerful than both Crack and me. Especially now that Crack was rather exhausted from his training, he was unable to cast any powerful spells. The peaceful state had deprived me of many spells too. Provoking her and resulting a fight of arms would mean suicidal to both of us. 'I know you folks are followers of the Darkside. But, the offer here is too good to refuse. Followers of the Good have gone to destroy the trolls near there. It won't be soon for them to return. I can't possibly wait here. Besides, I don't mind grouping with evil people.' Ramona explained. I frowned upon the final statement. 'What's wrong being on the Darkside??? And we're not EVIL!!!' I retorted heatedly. If it was not Crack who held me fast, I would have pounced onto the lady warrior. 'Relax, Gil. We can't beat her, not at this moment. Cool down, young one! Look at the din you've raised!' Crack soothed. I look around. Everybody was looking at us, all prepared to call in the guards should a fight start. I sat heavily as Crack turned to Ramona. 'Lady, how do we know that you are not leading us to a trap laid by your people in order to capture us?' 'Oh, you needn't worry about that! Firstly, I do not know you. You may be a small fry in the Evil army. Why should I want to capture a small fry? Secondly, we, followers of the Brightside do not resort to such devious means. I can swear upon the code of my guild.' 'Very well, then. We'll go with you, but not now. We'll go the next morning, once I've recovered from my fatigue. Is that agreeable?' Crack asked. 'Fine with me. I need your healing skills anyway, healer one. By the way, what are your names? It's not nice not to know one another when we're partners.' Ramona claimed. Crack sighed. 'I'm Crack and he's Gil.' The answer was short and hostile. The jet-black-haired girl sighed. It was obvious that both of us did not want to talk. 'We'll meet here at 6 o'clock tomorrow then. Rest well, Crack. We'll need all your healing skills tomorrow.' With that, the warrior left the inn, leaving sighs of relief from the patrons of the inn.
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