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| Covenant of the Druids - The Statue |
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| The trip through the night was a short and uneventful one. Despite his claims that the druids never involved themselves with the outside world, Snicker was sure Jonass had spent a lot of time above the surface. The druid led them unerringly along the many small paths that criss-crossed Bloodwood Forest, and beyond into the Forest of Death. He seemed to sense when danger was nearby, and often stopped their journey for a brief moment as shadowy imps passed within inches of them. So it was then, that they arrived deep to the south east of the Forest of Death, without incident. When Jonass indicated they had arrived at their destination, two figures stepped out of the shadows. The pale moonlight shone on their solemn bearded faces, revealing them to be druids. They didn’t speak, but nodded once at Jonass. |
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| Jonass pointed at a large bush, to the south. "Beyond that bush lies the thief’s camp. A small cave is hidden there. He is in there right now. I cannot accompany you any further. Good luck." |
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| Snicker nodded, and then moved off. When he reached the bush, he had to squeeze himself around it. He tried not to make any noise but couldn’t help rustling the leaves of the bushes as he passed through. On the other side of the bushes was a small clearing. At the south end of the clearing was a cliff wall. Set within the cliff face, almost hidden by the trees and bushes that grew at its base was a small cave entrance. Snicker paused a moment, remaining out of sight while he examined the area. He detected no movement. No sign of life. Cautiously he left the cover of the forest and stepped out into the open. He had barely taken two steps when he felt a tugging at his gold pouch, which was fastened securely to his belt. Whirling around he was just in time to see a shadowy figure crashing through the bushes nearby. Snicker gave chase. He didn’t have to chase for long. |
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| A loud roar, followed by a scream cut through the silence of the night like a lightning bolt. Pulling himself up short on the other side of the bushes, he stared in horror at the scene before him. The thief had run recklessly into the path of an ogre. The ogre was huge, and would tower over an ordinary man, but to Snicker he was gigantic. It’s bestial face seemed almost gleeful as it dropped the dead body of the thief at it’s feet. Then it looked at Snicker. Rage penetrated its tiny mind, and it thumped its huge club on the ground in challenge. Drawing his sword of power, Snicker advance cautiously towards the creature. The ogre raised its club and prepared to squash the tiny warrior into the hard, forest floor. It may have been strong, but it was slow. Very slow. Before its club had even come close to where the warrior was standing, Snicker had darted in, and dealt two painful blows to the creature chest. Howling with pain it began to swing its club madly about like a drunk, failing to connect each time. Snicker didn’t even slow, but kept dodging and slashing, until at last the ogre howled for the final time before crashing to the ground in a lifeless heap. |
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| Once he was certain the creature was dead, Snicker examined the thief. As suspected, the thief was dead. The ogre had practically torn the man apart. Snicker doubted even the healing powers of the druids would be able to bring him back. Gingerly he loosened the many pouches the thief had tied to his belt and examined their contents. Many of them contained gold and gems, but in one of them he found what he sought. A small gold statue, fashioned in the likeness of a cat. Carefully he placed the statue back into the pouch and rose in time to see the druids approaching. One of them examined the dead thief for a brief moment, before muttering what seemed to be a prayer.
"Did you get the statue?" Jonass asked, his face eager. |
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| Snicker nodded. "I did...but I would like to return it to your leader myself." Snicker wasn’t exactly sure why he said this, but an idea had begun forming in his mind. |
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| Jonass scowled briefly, obviously displeased. "Very well. You have proven yourself and honourable man til now. I hope my faith in you was not misplaced." |
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| Snicker smiled reassuringly. "It was not. But I would like to speak to the head of your order before it is returned." |
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| Jonass nodded, still suspicious, before leading the way once more, back the way they had come. |
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| Page 4 of 5 |
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