Turn 78 -- Recovery

Seeing the fleet-footed Ramor speed past him and then the cowardly priest Imrin follow suit, Brother Randor checks his mighty warhammer and begins to follow. He barely gets two steps before the cries of Ras bring him around. As he looks at the frantic halfling over the still form of Kersath, he realizes that he is the only healer among the group with the chance to revive the swiftly departing dark elf. He quickly runs over to his fallen comrade and bends over him, examining his wounds.

Dain once again hides his daggers in the folds of his robes before moving over to comfort Talimar. He assists his blind leader to a seat before checking the bonds securing 'Bob' to make sure he goes nowhere. Kre sighs wearily and nods to Dain, "Excellent work with those blades. I'll help you search the bodies. Hopefully we might find a few potions or magical paraphenalia that we might be able to use, after we clean off the....mess." He says as he points to the shattered skull of Shilak. The mage begins to speak, forgetting about the enchantment preventing him from doing so his lips moving silently. He frowns and points to the form of Druckner as he moves over him. Pulling his pouch out, he quickly begins to bind the wounds of the fallen dwarf using all his skill and knowledge to stop the flow of blood and prolong his comrades fleeting life till the healers can help him.

Fearing the return of their enemies, Dain motions to Kre and the two of them pick up the body of Druckner to carry it into the shack. They struggle with the bulk of the sout dwarf but manage to make it to the shack without opening up his wounds once again. Kicking open the door to the shack, Kre and Dain see before them the one-room abode of the bandits. There are three cots for sleeping in the room, a fireplace with cooking utensils around it, and apparently various other types of supplies (food, ropes, some oil, etc.). Setting Druckner down on one of the cots, the two venture once more out into the cavern.

Bending over the still form of Kersath, Randor completes his prayer of healing to Tyr, releasing the divine energies into the body of the dark elf. Randor shakes his head as he sees no change in the elf, Ras bows his head in prayer himself before bending down to check Kersath's breathing. He is motionless for several agonizing moments before exclaiming, "He's alive! He's breathing! Try again Randor."

Randor leans forward from his knees and places his hands on the body of Kersath once again. Weighing his own situation and exhaustion he knows that another attempt at healing will drain him dangerously low; but not knowing when the spell on Garth and Ortho will run it's course, he cannot take a chance with the life of Kersath. Closing his eyes, he begins the slow chant and prayer to Tyr, once again asking his grace for the power to heal his comrade. Within moments his hands begin to glow an eerie blue as the energy flows through the body of Randor into that of Kersath. As the energy passes through Randor he feels exhilirated. The awesome power of a God flowing through him, every muscle, bone, and cell alive with the energy. The feeling is intoxicating and frightening all at once. With one thought he knows that he could be lost in that feeling for an eternity. Although time is lost to him in that moment of rapture, it is over much too quickly as the healing energy leaves his body.

His head throbbing incredibly, he falls to the cavern floor like a rag doll, his body overcome with exhaustion.

"His pulse is much stronger," proclaims Ras with excitement, "You've done it Randor!"

At the entrance to the cavern, the spell on Ortho, Gnore and Garth finally wears off and the three dwarves fall forward in motion once again. They stumble into one another before regaining their balance and their composure. Gnore instantly begins his usual tirade of curses, angered at the wounding of his comrades as well as his missing out on the balance of the battle. Trying to calm himself, he walks over to the still form of the priestess Shilak and kicks her with all his strength. Turning slowly, he averts his eyes to the ground away from the curious eyes of his fellow dwarves.

"Forgive me, I needed to do that. I will take first guard." Feeling that all has been said, Gnore moves to a position at the narrow entrance to the cave in order to guard the shack and his friends.

Knowing that Kersath and Druckner were gravely wounded, Ortho and Garth each move toward the shack to see if they can be of help. As they reach Ras, Kersath and the exhausted Randor, they pick up Kersath and carry him into the shack as well. Placing the dark elf on one of the cots in the shack, Garth realizes that their friend is not out of the woods yet.

"He still may not live," he confides to the frowning Ortho.

"Aye, see to Druckner and I will administer te Kersath again," he replies. Garth nods and moves over to watch over Druckner.

"Great Moraddin," begins Ortho as he bows his head and begins his prayer of healing, "here lies a dark elf whose heart is not like those of his cursed race. He has proven himself a worthy ally. Let him rise to fight again like one of your Chosen, against Evil and the Dark. For Kersath has been good and faithful, and sacrified himself to save your servant. Aid him, Moraddin." With the prayer completed, the healing energy of Moraddin flows through Ortho and into Kersath again. The form of Kersath shakes for several moments as the power courses through him before settling once again. His breathing begins to return to normal and Ortho feels a much stronger pulse from the dark elf. Satisfied that his friend will live, he moves over to check on Garth and Druckner.

Garth completes his ministrations to Druckner and sets back onto a stool beside his comrades cot, weariness racing into his body after the spell. Ortho grabs a stool and sets down heavily beside his friend.

"How is he?"

"He'll live now," replies Garth, "But will probably be grumpier than e'er we've seen him. I'm afraid this healing has drained the three of us terribly."

"Agreed, 'fraid we won' be much good fer some time."

As Ortho finishes speaking, Brother Randor enters the shack aided by Ras and falls onto the remaining cot; asleep as his head hits the pillow.

Outside the shack, Dain and Kre move about the battlefield collecting the spoils of victory from the forms of Shilak and the other bandits. Near them, Talimar sighs in great relief as his sight gradually returns, thankful that the spell was only temporary. The elf busies himself sheathing his sword and collecting his bow while he regains his composure. Looking down at Bob he says gravely, "Thank you for your help." He is under no illusion that Bob acted out of self interest and not from a desire to help the company but he offers his thanks just the same.

Bob merely nods to Talimar before standing and moving toward the shack.

Seeing the others searching the bodies, Talimar says, "Good idea, while the others are healing and being healed, search these bodies for any information or valuables. Now that I can see again, I shall stand guard with Gnore in case of a counter-attack." He then moves down the passage and takes up a position near Gnore on the other side of the passage, his bow ready and eyes open.

Dain and Kre takes a few moments to collect everything from the dead bandits before moving on towards the shack to view everything. After entering, they see the wounded elf and dwarf sleeping soundly as well as Brother Randor; Ortho and Garth moving about the shack preparing the fire for a meal as well as looking through the contents of the supplies. As they dump the goods, Ortho speaks to those assembled, "We are exhausted and need to rest. This cave is as good as any or we can go back up. I vote we stay here and keep a sharp eye on the narrow entrance."

"I think it be wise that we use this shack here as a defendable shelter," offers Dain. "Perhaps we may even get a nights rest outta this kettle of fish we seem to be swimming in."

"I agree as well," says Ras quietly, "I say we stay here and recover a little."

At this point, Talimar enters the shack to check on the status of the wounded. The others quickly fill him in and bring him up to date on their discussion.

Garth sighs and says, "Aye, after reviewing this sorry lot we do need to rest. The only question is it safe to rest here in the tunnels or should we go back outside. I would hate to be bottled up in here if they have people come in from the entrance. We don't know if they are expecting someone any time soon. At least from the entrance, we have our options open. What say you, Talimar?"

Talimar gives his gravely wounded and exhausted companions a searching look, "You are correct friend Garth, we may not survive another battle in our condition. We have to rest, or at least hole up for a few days. As for where, I dislike the idea of leaving. I believe that we should hole up in the Blue Garl cavern. With the narrow passage in, Ortho can leave some surprises to any visitors and we should be able to mount an effective guard."

The elf looks around at his companions, "Any other ideas?"

"Fine by me," replies Ortho.

"Fine with me as well," responds Garth. "Let's get crackin' before we all get any older..."

Seeing the acquiesence of his comrades, Talimar grabs his bow once again and leaves the shack to return to his watch with Gnore. Once there he informs the dwarf of the party's decision.

"Now you two need to rest as well," says Dain to Ortho and Garth. "Ras and I will take care of the evening meal as well as Kersath and Druckner. You two need the rest as well."

The two dwarves begin to object, each not wanting to be asleep if they are needed but each also aware of the desperate need for resting their bodies. They each nod as they move to prepare a sleeping place on the floor of the cabin. Within moments, Ortho is snoring loudly.

The next few hours are quite tense for Gnore and Talimar at watch as they are unsure of the bandits returning with reinforcements. After a while, nerves settle and like all others, the watch becomes boring. Having finished the meal prepared by Dain, Ras relieves Talimar to return to the shack for some rest. The evening passes without event with Talimar taking another extended turn at watch as well as Dain relieving Ras. Gnore never leaves his post during the evening, only mentioning to the others the debt that he owes to Druckner.

Inside the shack, Druckner and Kersath sleep throughout the evening and into the early morning. The dark elf's sleep was very disturbed throughout the night, shaking from side to side on the small cot, sweating profusely at times and shivering at others and many times crying out strongly in his native Drow. Druckner's sleep on the other hand is quite calm, the dwarf joining his friend Ortho snores midway through the evening. He wakes up briefly to see Dain checking his bandages, "And I was dreaming of Baruk Iron-Thighs! (Sigh!) Good night...."

About mid-morning, Druckner, Kersath, Garth and Ortho all wake briefly, all completely famished. Having anticipated this, Dain begins to feed them a hearty meal prepared from the supplies of the vanquished bandits. The companions devour the meal and mumble thanks to the mage around mouthfulls of food. After finishing, Kersath and Druckner once again return to their cots but Ortho and Garth rise having regained their strength. They then move out of the shack and relieve the tired Gnore and Talimar.

During the afternoon, Ras and Kre venture outside the safety of the cavern and have a look around the immediate area of the mine. After several hours they return with nothing to report. Apparently there is no sign of the fleeing bandits other than that they did return to the surface and out of the caves. Not wanting to get caught without the muscle of the other party members, they did not venture much further into the mines. The usually inquisitive Kre having to restrain the curious halfing.

The party spends another evening in the shack as Kersath and Druckner continue to recover. Not quite sure if it's morning or not, they rise just the same to face another day in the mines. Kersath and Druckner are finally able to get up and move about the cavern. Each a bit sore from the combat, they are glad to report nothing broken and able to fight if needed.

"Well it seems we have another decision to make," begins Talimar. "We've had no sign of the apprentice Jelenneth and Bob has no idea of where she may be. Do we go after Imrin and Ramor or continue to search down here? What say you all?"