Turn 92A -- Another Prisoner

Ortho curses softly once again as he remarks at the incredible ability of his companions to move throughout the caverns without making any sound. His dwarven plate on the other hand, makes enough racket to wake the dead. For the hundredth time, he offers thanks to Moraddin that Kersath is scouting ahead. As if the dark elf were aware of his thoughts, Ortho sees him come to a halt in the passageway about fifty feet ahead of he and his companions. Motioning for the others to halt, the dark elf quietly backtracks and joins them.

"Another chamber ahead that opens up to the left. The main passageway continues southwest for at least another two hundred feet," explains Kersath. "The prisoner is in the first chamber here but I wanted to update you before continuing in."

The others nod to Kersath before fanning out to proceed down the tunnel. Kersath leads with Kre to his right flank and Druckner to his left. Ortho and Snagger follow along slightly behind them, battle and hand axe drawn and ready. Stepping into the chamber quickly, the small contingent spreads out to take in the whole cavern. The natural cave is oblong shaped about eight feet wide at its widest and perhaps a hundred and fifty feet long. First impressions, the group can tell that the chamber has a definite military barracks kind of feel to it. The cavern is much better kept and maintained than any of the others have been. Mounted on the cavern walls are several ceremonial shields and the bedding in the chamber appears to even have been washed occasionally.

Seeing no threat in the chamber, the companions move to the south where the prisoner is kept shackled to the cavern wall. The prisoner is a human male of indeterminate age who looks on the approaching companions with fear and apprehension. His ankles and wrists are shackled to the wall of the chamber, he has several dark bruises on his chest and abdomen and as he cowers away from the party several large whelps can be seen on his back.

"Moraddin's blessing..." mutters Ortho as he takes in the damage to the man from the orcs. Thinking of the torture that must of have been inflicted on Snagger while he was in captivity, the companions quickly develop a deep respect for their new companion as they see how is able to function although this man appears beyond even simply conversation.

"Easy now," says Kre as he cautiously approaches the shaking man. "I'm going to get you out of these shackles now," he explains as he bends down and easily picks the locks of the man's shackles. The man does not move or speak as he appears to be unable to comprehend that he is now free.

Stepping forward and muttering a silent prayer, Ortho places a glowing hand on the forehead of the man, quickly administering a healing to him. There appears to be some hint of life in his eyes as he looks up at Ortho but again, he does not speak.

"Can ye walk?" asks Ortho, hoping that the man can understand him.

A nod is the only answer as the man tries to get to his feet, Ortho quickly offering a hand in support. Helping the man to his feet, the companions slowly walk him out of the chamber that had served as his prison for no telling how long.

"I'll take him back to the others," responds Kre as they reach the main tunnel again. "You guys continue on."

The others nod as Kre and the man slowly make their way back to the north and other members of the Company.

"Well, shall we?" queries Ortho as Kre and his charge disappear from view.

The others silently nod as Kersath takes up his accustomed position at the point, moving out several yards ahead of the others. There is no sign of trouble as the companions silently make their way down the chamber, nerves tight as a bowstring ease somewhat as the group begin to believe that they truly have finished off the orcs in the cavern complex. Finally coming to the end of the tunnel, the group can see that the passageway opens up to an oval chamber of some one hundred eighty feet by two hundred feet. There appear to be no signs of life in the chamber as the group fans out to investigate. The cavern itself is very clean and well cared for, obviously this was the chamber of the chieftain Ogurkek and his priests. There are several pots of fresh water, clean spare cleathing, and a good supply of food in the chamber.

Seeing no enemies or threats in the chamber, the companions relax as they look about the cavern. Over to the west, in a small alcove, Kersath finds a rather large chest among the bedding there. To the south and east, Druckner lets out a signal of warning as he finds a hidden passage behind a rather large boulder that leads to the south down a flight of natural steps. There are no other orcs or prisoners in the chamber or any other evidence to suggest who might be behind the kidnappings.