It has long been assumed among Amazons and those who accompany them on their journeys that the Valkyries which they are enabled to summon at will are somewhat, well, feebleminded. Easily distracted from the most chaotic of battles, Valkyries are often found, after the dust has settled, admiring interesting architectural constructions, contemplating rocks, pacing determinedly between dead trees, or quite simply lost in thought in a far corner.
After a while, the accomplished Amazon will barely notice her Valkyrie's wayward behaviour, and will merely gather her in tow as she moves on to the next challenge.
This is, or so I believe from recent observations, the moment for which the Valkyrie has been waiting. For that fluff-brained act of hers is just that—a pose she assumes as cover for her more nefarious purposes.
For the Valkyries of the Amazons are not what they seem. They are in reality heavily disguised minions of Red Vex and Black Jade, sent to sabotage the Amazons' every move!
Recall, if you will, the many times a Valkyrie in the company of an Amazon known to you has not merely forsaken the battle, but has gone forth to find and bring back yet more of the enemy to overwhelm her supposed mistress and her companions. Recall how this dastardly behaviour often occurs just prior to level-up in Hell difficulty, resulting in excruciatingly frustrating set-backs to the gains of, not just the Amazon herself, but that of her entire party!
How many of you have said, when gathering the naked and broken remains of your corpses, "Valkyries! Damned empty-headed wenches!" Damned they may be, but empty-headed? No.
When was the last time you saw a Valkyrie actually kill a monster? Not a Trapped Soul or a Baby Maggot, mind you, but a real and true and experience-begetting Minion of Diablo? Nay, against these last they merely grunt and wave their spears, awaiting the most opportune moment to throw themselves on the weapons of their erstwhile foes—the very second when their Amazon mistresses are much too occupied to recast!
I became aware of the true nature of Valkyries some evenings ago, when pericat, while conversing with Larzuk, suddenly spied a tell-tale golden glow emanating from beyond the Harrogath town wall. Her Valkyrie, to whom she had entrusted her very life, was out there consorting with the enemy!
You have been warned. Be on your guard.
Oh, for heavens' sake. I was just admiring the stonework. It's a very old town, you know. Architecture is one of our hobbies. Let's do some more cow runs in Hell, get you to that next experience level in no time, want to?