ENTANGLED AFFAIR
Hebron grabbed the paladin by the shoulder Splendor dragged Gailwind to the eastern trees as Leah stepped out of the western forest yelling in her stern, girlish voice "Entwine!" Grumbled voices were suddenly heard before a tall, orckish figure stepped out of the grove unmolested by the groping foliage. The humanoid stared up at the unhidden, remaining fellowship with a black bow cocked towards the ground. The creature's angular features twisted with anger and sadness as it surveyed the scene.
Salimen joined Aramil who wrapped thin strips of cloth, ripped from his cloak, to bind Teflar's bleeding wounds.
Fumbling in the ranger's backpack, the poet produced a mintyll elixir and poured it into Teflar's open mouth.
" Nerendil, " prompted the cleric " Let's get to the other side. We should at least find out who is begging for our assistance from that monster." With haste, the dwarf pushed the paladin down the slope. The archer led Leah and Torynth around the right side of the pond to unite and stand before the now-silent bush.
" It might be a trap." stated Hebron while flexing his carved bow " Then again, your mouths have been pretty chattering in Tolx." He nodded to the hacked path of the beast " If the orc comes out, I'll kill him. If you decide to go in, draw him into the open here; don't get into an undergrowth melee."
Teflar came alive within the trees to the joyful exclamation of Salimen. Nevertheless, the weakened half of the fellowship would sit this latest dreadful encounter out within the safety of the woods.
" It's likely the beast's mate! Heal Teflar if you can, but get in the forest quickly!"
Nerendil and Salimen joined the kneeling wizard beside the fallen ranger as the bushes on the northern forestline continued to rustle.
Hebron pointed to the monk and cleric who stood nearby " I will cover your escape and slow the beast down. I will join up with you as soon as I can. GO!!!"
With a disappointed expression at this renewed urgency, the cleric cast a glance at the cave opening and then gathered Gulius's belongings in a quick rummage through his garments.
Slender fingers pointed across the pond to the northern woods where the bushes suddenly snapped alive and twisted violently within.
The ranger was carried past the druidess as she stood stark and apprehensive at her results.
The archer cocked his bow eyeing the scene with curt expression while Torynth made sure the troll was burning well.
A strained voice called from somewhere behind the lone creature.
" Raven...help me!!"
The figure then drew its' scimitar and promptly returned back into the woods towards the voice while hacking away at the slithering plants where they impeded progress.
At once, the monk directed orders for the healing of the injured companions as he stared upon the orc fading into the brush.