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Part 9: Rescue??
Chapters 36, 37, 38
Burk moves over to the orcs and says, “Nale ve mun. Sete illusion fe lunana haba chewepus”. His announcement is met with shocked looks and frowning faces from the orcs. The reason is evident a moment later when he faces the party and says, “Fear not for the orc, as he was merely an illusion used to lure some of the creatures away.”
Magnus looks around and says, “I believe what our companion has proposed is a good idea”, nodding toward the little man, “With him and the orc as scouts they can ferret out the monster stalactites and the rest of the group can follow at a safe distance and dispatch the fallen creatures where they lay.”
Pendran looks at the little man, “I will have to agree that is a most sensible plan. Though I for one am not going to be going underground for a while after this if I can help it.” He smiles ruefully.
Dayal mutters just loud enough to be over heard. “Okay so anyone can be wrong....”
Sivad putting his cloak between his arm and shield says, “No more experiments, moving against the cave wall would be the safest route, and for those who have shields, use them to your best ability.”
This doesn’t even have to be translated to the orcs who are shifting around their shields with just that idea in mind.
The little man and the orc move toward the left side of the cavern.
The orc has his black cloak wrapped around his waist and is wearing a rather bright yellow scarf on his head. Taking the lead they move against the wall glancing up every few steps.
Sivad moves in right behind them holding his shield above his head.
Poj and several orcs move in next. Some sending dirty looks in the direction of Burk as they pass by. The ogre moves next to the wall followed quickly by Voruth, Mordred and Magnus carrying an unconscious Gwydeon. They are followed by three more orcs and the orc mage. Directly behind him are the silent mage, Burk, and the old man. Pendran, Dayal, Zraxin, Je and the rest of the orcs bring up the rear.
The wall turns outward away from the light for a time. The rough surface pitted with tiny claw marks that lead upward. After a few minutes the line stops. The little man and the orc have stopped and are talking and pointing up. Above the path is a pair of stalactites. One of which seems to actually be moving toward the party!
The little man pulls out his dagger and the orc places his yellow scarf on it. Swinging it in wide circles above their heads, they dash under the stalactites and are rewarded when a low rumbling sound is heard from the roof. They quickly stop and reverse direction as the cone-shaped creatures begin to drop.
Within seconds they slam into the ground where the pair would have been.
Suddenly the ogre says, “We don’t have time to kill them all!” He moves past the others and shoves his staff in mouth of one of the creatures and with a mighty heave he pushes the creature away. The staff bends and flexes and looks like it will shatter at any moment, but never does.
Zraxin looks up and points, as everyone follows his gesture they see several stalactites moving toward the party from various points in the cavern!
The little man and the orc shoot forward quickly passing the ogre who has cleared the way. Everyone else always increases their speed. The group quickly leaves behind most of the stalactites and nears the entrance. As they move along the wall towards the exit the light from the entrance is suddenly eclipsed by a large shape moving past it.
As the party gets closer to the entrance the light is shining through there seems to be no hint of any other creatures. But a quick scan of the roof shows three stalactites actually crawling down the wall above the entrance!
Two of the creatures reach the ground and advance toward the party, the third is stopped above the way out. The two creatures moving toward the group stand about 6ft tall from base to point. Near their base are bands of bright colors and the light from outside bounces off of their hides making them sparkle. Covering sides of the cone are small mouths with teeth opening and closing creating a low grinding sound that gets louder as they approach.
The grinding sound is loud enough to wake Gwydeon.
Gwydeon wakes up to a bright light and feels as if he has rocks in your head. As he moves, it sounds like he got rocks in his head.
After a moment his memory comes back and he remembers being under that cave fisher. He also realizes that the sound of moving rocks is not in his head. In a panic he leaps to his feet ready to confront danger. And is promptly rewarded by a momentary blurring of vision which steadies quickly.
As his vision clears he sees a horrifying vision of two large cone-shaped rocks moving toward them. Each rock is covered with lots of mouths filled with sharp teeth and that is where the sound of the moving rocks comes from.
Everyone prepares for a fight. The ogre and Voruth get into a fighting stance side by side. Sivad un-slings his mace and puts his shield in a defensive position, “It looks like we have no choice my friends. Let us surround them and keep and eye out for the others.”
Pendran wielding his hammer and Sivad begin to circle the creatures on opposite sides.
Burk moves back a few feet as he pulls his cloak around him.
The orcs array themselves in a semi-circle on either side of the ogre and Voruth.
Dayal shouts, “Those with bludgeoning weapons will probably do more damage and should lead the attack. The rest of us will try to harry them. Aim for their mouths.”
With a flick of his wrist, a wand appears in Magnus’ hand. He aims the wand at the creature above the opening. A bright orangish red glow appears at the tip of the wand. The glow shoots forward and slams into the creature with a little splash. A piercing screech comes from the creature, as it starts moving back up the wall.
Burk speaks a rune and a greenish glow appears in front of him. The glow breaks into two glowing arrows, which slam into the left creature.
The orc mage also speaks a rune and a bluish white glow appears in front of him. The glow also breaks into two glowing arrows which streak off slamming into the right creature.
As the creatures are surrounded, everyone slashes at the creatures’ sides, trying to avoid the various mouths. Most of the swords bounce harmlessly off of the sides. The only ones who seem to have any luck affecting the creatures are Sivad, Pendran, and two orcs with maces. As the creatures continue to move forward, the party gives ground to keep from getting caught.
Another orangish red glow from Magnus’ wand slams into the creature above the entrance. This time it seems to dissolve a portion of the creature.
The little man and the orc pull back as their weapons seem ineffective. The ogre simply slams his staff into an open maw and pushes the creatures back as they get too close. Otherwise they seem unaffected by his weapon.
Pendran trying a slightly different technique this time brings the hammer over his head and tries to smash the creatures. His first two tries miss, but this third try the hammer catches the creature about midsection and gouges a hole from the midsection to the ground. The creature screams in agony and Mordred shoves his sword down one of the screaming throats. Gwydeon follows his example, as do two other orcs. The creature turns violently, throwing all off of their feet and wrenching the swords from their hands. The creature runs toward the entrance pursued by the orcs. It gets several feet then stops moving and is silent.
Meanwhile Sivad and two other orcs are pounding at the creatures’ side the sound of crushing rock echoing from each blow. Seeing the success of the other group, one of the orcs sticks his sword in an open maw and is rewarded by a scream. A third orc who tries this technique is not as lucky as the creature suddenly lurches in his direction and snaps up his arm as well as the sword. The creature only holds the arm for a second or two, but as he releases it the orcs arm is burned and bruised. The orc runs screaming in pain toward the rear.
Yet a third orange-red glow slams into the now retreating third creature and with the latest splash, the creature falls screaming constantly. The creature hits the ground with a loud crash. Its screams turn to a pathetic meowing.
With a heroic effort, Sivad swings his mace in an arc and removes the top portion of the creatures’ body. It too decides to run, unfortunately though, it is surrounded. Every time it moves in a direction there is someone sticking a sword in an open maw or a mace crushing into its sides. After a few moments it also stops moving, its mouths close and it is silent, looking more like a defaced rock than a moving creature.
A shout from the rear brings everyone’s attention around. Magnus points towards the roof where several stalactites are moving toward the group and are almost over head.
The party of one mind recovers their weapons and dashes forward toward the entrance. They give wide berth to the now silent third creature that seems to be liberally dotted with some kind of steaming acrid liquid that seems to be eating away at it. The creature also seems to be lying in a small pool of that same liquid.
As the party exits the cavern, the light intensifies until no one can see anything.
As the light clears you find yourself in yet another cavern.
Mordred, Gwydeon, Magnus, the ogre, Dayal, Voruth, Pendran, the old man, Burk, the silent mage, Je, Sivad, Zraxin, the little man and the small orc all look around. Most seem puzzled, Je and Zraxin seem very disappointed. The cavern seems to be about thirty feet by twenty. It has only one opening at the far end and a tapestry of strange design covers that.
Magnus gives a start of recognition as he sees the tapestry and he looks around in surprise.
As everyone gets their bearings, Burk moves closer to the tapestry. He studies it from a distance as if trying to discern something.
Gwydeon looks around and says, “Magnus, you know where we are? Were we teleported?”
Voruth says, “Oh Gaea, where are we now?” He pulls out a small bottle pulls out the cap and takes a sip before replacing it.
Je, the little man and the small orc talk for a moment, but it is clear that none of them know where they are or recognize the tapestry.
Dayal checks his things, then looks around, “The walls are glowing...”
Gwydeon says, “You guys think this is a safe place to catch a snooze? The entrance is easily guardable, I think. What do you all say? I am tired and still dizzy from my head injury.” With a faint smile, he sets down on the hard rock.
Magnus speaks up, “I know where we are. We are safe for the meantime and should rest here and wait for the inhabitants of the cavern to approach us so that we can get safe passage up to the surface.”
The old man looks at him appraisingly and says, “Magnus you seem to be a well-spring of surprises. I also know where we are, but I would not have expected you to know these people as well. In a way that is good, as you can verify what I say is true in the next few minutes.”
The others seem to be willing to follow the direction of the magi.
Pendran slings his hammer and sits with his back to the far wall.
Dayal sits next to him, but with his sword across his lap. The others all take up positions away from the tapestry.
They don’t have long to wait as the tapestry is pulled aside and two elves walk through, dressed in what seems to be a sleeveless purple robe, banded at the waist by a gold band. Each elf is wearing identical gold bracers with a single purple gem inset in the bracer. The group looks at them in shock. Though they are clearly elves, they both have pure white hair that seems to flow down to their shoulders. The also seem to have skin darker than normal elves. They take up positions on either side of the inside of the door. One holds the tapestry open and a third elf, taller than the rest walks in.
The third elf is dressed similar to the first two with the exception that adorning his head is a gold circlet with the single largest gemstone any of them have ever seen. He also has gold bands on his upper arm and his robe is tinged in gold. His eyes seem to reflect the feeble light given off by the surrounding glow and his manner is haughty without being arrogant.
As he enters the old man walks up and stands next to him and they converse for a moment in a language no one but Magnus seems to understand. The old man gestures to the group grandly and smiles.
The elf looks around at the party, examining each in detail. He frowns slightly when he spots the two orcs. The old man says something quickly and the elf moves on to the next person.
Finally the elf talks to Magnus for a moment. The old man clucks like he has discovered a secret.
Magnus immediately recognizes the third elf as the Warlord.
After talking with the elf, Magnus pulls out a necklace. On the end is a medallion of a great black cat. Cupping this in both hands, he concentrates for a moment...
“I trust they can understand me now”, says the elf. The momentary look of surprise on some of the faces apparently answers his question.
“Greetings. No doubt you have had a long strenuous day, so I will be brief. I have asked my friend”, he gestures to the old man, “to bring me some adventurers who will carry out a certain task that needs to be done. He has informed me that through unforeseen circumstances his plans have gone awry. He contacted me and asked for assistance. I offer my apologies in taking so long as we had some trouble locating you. Twice before we thought we had you, but arrived only to find the scene of a battle long past. In our third try we decided not to come to you, but to bring you to us. While, you may not have been what we had in mind for this mission, it seems you have done well and proven yourselves in battle several times over. If you wish, I would like you to take on this mission. You may of course choose not to, in which case after you have rested one of my people will show you to the surface.”
“In the meantime, I suggest you rest. Two escorts will show you to more comfortable quarters.” He turns and gazes at each member of the group, his gaze lingering upon the orcs and the ogre a little longer than the rest. He then turns around and leaves. The two elves that came in with him leave as well. A moment passes and the tapestry opens again. Two more elves, one male one female, each dressed in a green robes banded at the waist with a blue sash, enter.
“Please follow us, we will show you to your rooms”, says the male in a hard, but friendly tone. The woman leaves first while the man holds open the tapestry. The old man quickly follows the woman. The man gestures and Magnus also follows, relaxing his grip on the figurine. One by one the others also follow. The man takes the rear.
They pass through a series of tunnels unlike those from before. These are decorated in with tapestries showing the elves battling strange creatures. The roof seems to be lined with a glowing moss-like material that gives out fairly good light. The stone has been rubbed smooth on the walls and floor and almost seems to reflect the light making it even brighter. As the group enters a large chamber, they see what seems to be a training hall where the elves are seem shooting at unusually small targets and the trainers are teaching them to fight with two weapons, much like they have seen Zraxin do.
Entering another tunnel and moving through a series of twists and turns, they enter a cavern much like the first one in size, but this one has stone ledges spaced around the walls. On the ledges are blankets made of a material that almost looks like wool, except that it seems to reflect the light along certain lines.
The woman says something to Magnus and leaves.
As the woman leaves, Zraxin lays down and says, “I hope this adventure that they want us to go on is out in the forests. I think I would agree to go just to get out of these underground areas.”
Je nods in agreement, “I have heard of our people having a fight with the elves below the ground, but I had not thought to meet one. Let alone be asked for help. I cannot condone any mission which will affect the battle between my people and these.”
The old man looks around and says, “Time to relax. I have some serious thinking to do. Something about Latok’s trap and our escape isn’t right.”
Voruth moves over to one of the ledges and sits down. He lets out a surprised whistle and says, “This is more comfortable than the one I had at home!” He promptly sets his gear down and relaxes.
“It seems a letter asking if we would assist would have been much easier than all the stuff we had gone through”, jokes Sivad.
The ogre moves to the center of the room and looks around, “So where are we Magnus? And who are our...hosts?”
Pendran moves close to Magnus, “Can we really trust these people, who are they? They seem to know you and the old man by name.”
Dayal moves over to the old man, “Well, he explained how we got here. What I really want to know is why and what is this mission you were recruiting for? Pendran and me were looking for some action. Just so long as we don’t have to go back to where we were.”
The little man and the small orc each move to take ledges near each other.
Magnus takes a deep breath as he looks around. He seems glad to be back. He holds up his hand to forestall questions and says, “We are now safe, so relax and breathe easy. I’m glad to have traveled with all of you and I look forward to further adventures, for you are all brave companions.” The mage looks around and smiles, “Enjoy the period of rest we have in this haven and I ask that you all listen to what the Warlord has to say before deciding whether to part company or not. I must go now and take care of some private matters, but will return as soon as I can.” He turns and leaves the room.
The remaining party members each seek out a comfortable ledge, but few if any relax. The old man sits on his ledge with a frown on his face staring into the darkness.
After a while several elves enter carrying food and drink. As they enter, the smell of roasted meat permeates the room making several stomachs growl. Behind those carrying food and drink are several more elves carrying bundles, which they place in the center of the room, about ten feet from each other. Upon closer examination, these bundles prove to be mushrooms of unheard of size. They place on these bundles a long piece of curiously colored plant that seems to be sturdy, yet slightly flexible. Two large plates of steaming roasted meat are placed in the center. Around the rest of the table are placed plates of fruit and what look like giant mushrooms also of extremely large size. Cutting implements are also left upon the table as well as extra plates.
Voruth moves near the table and examines one of several containers of liquid. After looking at it for a long moment, he takes a long smell, moving the jug back and forth beneath his nose. He frowns, “I can’t even guess as to what this is made of. I guess there is just one way to find out.” Pulling a cup from the table he pours a drink. The liquid seems almost clear, with a slightly reddish tint. Again he goes through the ritual of staring, and smelling the liquid. Finally he takes a small sip. “Mmmm.... quite good, has a sharp bite to it.... a bit tangy, but quite good. I still can’t figure out what it is made up of.” With that he swallows the whole cup. He nods and seems to be saying to himself, “No kick, but still quite nice...”
Mordred takes a good look at the food on the table, examining it curiously, “Dunno about you guys, but I’m starving. Let’s have some food first, and talk after that. Lets eat. It may be awhile before we get another decent meal.”
“The food does smell quite good”, rumbles the ogre, “And I doubt they would go through all this trouble just to kill us off with poison...” He moves toward the table.
This seems to mirror Gwydeon’s thoughts exactly as he quickly moves to the center of the table. He grabs a plate and starts taking samples of all the food at the table.
This seems to decide it for the rest as they one by one come to the table and begin to get some food. The smell seems to have brought even the old man out of his deep thoughts as he quickly slices up several pieces of meat for his plate.
As everyone settles down with their plates, the little man looks suspiciously from side to side. He whispers a few words the little orc and after a few minutes says, “Well I’m not exactly sure what has been going on, but I’m sure one of you guys will tell me.” He looks around hopefully.
Gwydeon says to Mordred, “I wonder if they could teach me to fight like I saw in the arena. Using 2 weapons is more advantageous and flipping the shield on the back is better than holding it in battle.” After a moments thought, he turns to the old man and says, “Sir, can you ask our hosts if they could give me a lesson or two in the two handed fighting. I would be very grateful to learn their tactics and I will pay, if payment is necessary.”
The ogre says, “I wonder what their music is like. I have heard the music of the elves above ground, but it seems to me that perhaps these people have not been above ground much. Perhaps their music is very different. I have traveled to many different places trying to hear the many different styles of music. Although my hands are too clumsy to play a delicate instrument, I can still fully appreciate the sounds.”
“Perhaps the dwarves have heard of these people?”, asks Dayal.
“Unlikely, they don’t seem to be the kind who has many friendly neighbors.” Pendran replies, “Have you noticed the only ones not armed are the servants. I’ll bet they have a dagger or two hidden as well. Besides, even if they dwarves did know about them, do you think they would tell anyone without demanding a high price? You know how dwarves are...”
“A KICK! IT SHAS AS KICK!!!” yells Voruth as he stumbles forward a few feet dropping an empty jug next to the other at his feet. He gives the group a drunken smile as he stands perfectly still for a moment, then passes out cold.
“And the cycle repeats...” says the old man looking at the unconscious Voruth, “Do you remember that just before all this started, Voruth and his deceased companion collapsed just like this in the bar...” He shakes his head and smiles, “Only this time I am sure, the previous events won’t repeat themselves.” He takes another bite out of his food.
While eating his food, and looking quite amused at Voruth, Mordred says, “You are absolutely right about the fighting with two weapons, it does seem to have more advantages than disadvantages, but I think that I will stick to my sword and shield.”
Realizing that Gwydeon was talking to him, the old man says, “I’m sure I can get them to let you practice, but I suggest you watch them practice on each other first. They are hard teachers, with little tolerance for those who can’t learn as fast as they teach. Last time I was here I saw several of their pupils. They look like they had been through a meat grinder, with all the cuts and wounds on them. I thought there was a battle, but that was only practice.”
“As far as payment...you know, except for the Warlord, I don’t ever recall any of them ever having any money. I know I have never had to pay for anything here, just ask and it comes.” He looks thoughtful for a moment, “A society without money...would make my research a hell of a lot cheaper.”
“When exactly did you learn our language?” the little man asks his orc counterpart.
With a strange accent the little orc replies, “From a prisoner we had from a village raid. An unarmed caravan of my people was traveling though the forest when human and dwarven attackers set them upon. I was part of that caravan. I was only a child at the time and I foolishly tried to protect myself and my mother with only a little dagger. The man approached us and when he looked around, instead of attacking he told us to leave while we had a chance. We took it and fled. Very few people survived that raid, but they all had the same story. Years later when I was a warrior and had taken up the double chained mace, we raided a village for supplies and slave labor. One of those captured was the man whom I had recognized. Despite being human he had not changed at all in appearance, I believe that is an unusual trait in you humans, correct?” After the little man nods he continues, “I claimed him as my slave and took him into my house. Over the next year, he taught me your language. It was strange, because it almost seems like many languages instead of one. During that time I got to know him and found out why he was so kind to the others and me those many years ago. After two years, by orc custom, I had to either give him to a new master or release him. So one night, myself and several other warriors whom he had previously shown kindness to, took him out of our village and well into the forest towards your lands. I gave him a map, some money and food, as well as my mace. There we parted ways and he returned home I hope. After that night, I took up the dagger and learned the skills of the hidden and sly ones, the pickpockets and thieves. I learned to appear out of nothing and disappear just as quickly. And I found it was more satisfying to horrify your opponent with your unknown entrance and exit, than it was to bash him down face to face.” With that he looks around quickly and puts his head back down and concentrates on eating his food.
Finishing his meal, Gwydeon puts his plate on the table and starts to clean his sword. He turns to the little man and says, “My name is Gwydeon. This is Mordred.” He points to him and then to the others, “That is Sivad, the unconscious one is Voruth. Over there is Pendran and Dayal, Zraxin and Je, and Burk. I’m afraid I don’t know your names.” He motions to the old man, the ogre and the silent mage.
After finishing his meal, Sivad moves over to a quiet corner and begins murmuring prayers.
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