The Shipment
Jack. Shepard
You walk into an old bar, a mist floated along the ceiling and the floor seeming to be somewhat sticky. You scan the room seeing only a few parsons sitting about at the many tables, but one in particular catches your eye an old dark elf seated at the bar. Not wanting to drink alone you walks over and sit down next to the old elf. He glances over at you and monitions for the bartender to bring you a drink. "Thanks for drinking with me." He says as the bartender brings over your drink. You sit down next to him and pick up your drink. "Care to hear a story to help pass the time" he says smiling at you. You nod your head and as he begins you slowly sip at your drink. "Good I got a good one for you." He says smiling back and finishing his drink.
We were a rowdy bunch of sell swords, close nit band of friends, a team brought together from all the ends of Miriea. Among our ranks were 2 dark elves, Juggernaght the Shadow Knight, Leibelec a Shadow Knight Like her brother, a wood elf Dapark The ranger, and of course me Jraxle a rogue by profession and Dark Elf by nature. We were normally hired by the richest of merchants to protect their cargo.
Juggernaght was short for his age and wasn't the strongest of his kin, but in a pinch he could bring up a long dead warrior to help his cause, Useful thing to have around. Especially with his harm touch the ability to do massive damage to any living thing in an instant.
We had just come from Burnt mountains, and now sat in our favorite pub in Commonport, awaiting our next job. When a rich wizard walked in tapping his fingers on an arrow stuck in his belt. The pub went quiet as the wizard walked over to the barkeep and sat down. They talked for a while, then the barkeep pointed to me, and the wizard walked over pulling a parchment from his pocket and dropping it on our table "I'm looking for an escort. Seems the militia won't give me the extra men I need. Bunch of rogues they are." He said sitting down in a chair at our table. Everyone at the table laughed and I snickered. He looked around shifting uneasily. "At ease friend, where are we headed? How much you paying? And what is the cargo?" I asked swiping the parchment and standing motioning for the door. The merchant pushed me back into my chair and pulled the arrow from his belt. "This is your cargo, these are magically heated arrows. Can go through any of the materials man could use to defend himself. You are headed to the Great Spires in North Badlands you will take it to the moon were you will meet my buyer. Your payment is three quivers full of these arrows for each of your group." He said walking towards the door "The parchment tells you where the departure point is and what time to be there." He finished walking out the door and disappearing into the crowd
The rest of us sat for a moment and finished our ale then got up to leave. Dapark swiped the arrow as we were walking out the door. We wondered about town for a while before we arrived at an old run down shack we stepped inside and were meted by an old man.
"Jraxle tis' good to see you again." He said patting me on the back. I smiled and took the pat and sat down in a chair near the rear wall. The rest of the band sat down along the walls and the old man followed me to the back.
"We need a few supplies." I said tossing him the parchment "I need you to deliver 'The Dagger' to that place as well as the supplies we will need for a trek to Farport." I tossed him a bag of platinum coins. He nodded as he caught them and dropped them into one of his many pockets. I stood as well as my band and we left for the tavern. We needed our sleep that night we had a big day ahead of us.
I awoke early the next morning at the noise of someone entering my room. I looked up and Dapark was standing over me with the arrow, still glowing, in his hand. I sat up and stared at him for a moment. "What is it boy? Out with it." I snapped, waving my hand in front of his face. He didn't blink and I just shook my head lying back down. Then he spoke and I jerked back up to a sitting position.
"It is true." He said holding the arrow out as if it should answer my question.
"What's true? Have you lost it? Hello, Dapark, Your brain home?" I yelled not understanding what he was getting at.
"The arrow, it still glows." He said holding it up again then picked up his Mithril boot and handed it to me. It had a fairly large hole in it. The metal around it was bubbled and still glowed with a dark red hue. I shook my head and lay back down.
"You and your arrows now get some sleep" I said lying back down. He quickly left my room and returned to his room. I stared at the wall trying to figure out how hot something would have to be to melt mithril, and what metal could be heated in such a way, and survive. Anyways I needed my sleep so I drifted off and quickly had found it.
Dapark is a wood elf whose eyes could spot an Orc hiding in it's hollow about 40 paces away, and combined with his bow he could place an arrow between the Orcs eyes. Nuts about arrows and bows and such, but is also dangerous in close combat.
I had gotten little sleep when I was awoken again. Leibelec was standing at the door holding a bread roll in one hand and a glass have filled with some murky liquid. I stood from my bed Put on my armor and followed her out the door and down into the common room of the tavern. Our table was covered in some of the finest food I had ever seen. Everyone was there. I sat at the table across from Jugger as he nodded to me and Leibelec sat down next to him.
The pub was clean by the standards of Miriea, the parsons rarely fought and the ale never ran out. The bar was off in the corner and the tables were scattered about the room. Our table was in the back corner well away from the door.
Leibelec was just like her brother in every way she was only a few years older and about a foot taller then him. She wasn't well bit but her strength is greater then it works. She too has the ability to summon an undead warrior as well as the harm touch. Neither her nor her brother was the ones you would want on your side.
"Good eating for such a small tavern isn't it?" Leibelec said taking a bite out of a roasted rat leg. I nodded to her and looked around the tavern
"Who's paying for it?" I asked honestly and checked to make sure they hadn't swiped my coin purse again. It still hung from my belt, were it always was.
"That wizard came back telling us we shouldn't have to eat poorly the day we were to be working for him." Jugger said taking a swig of his ale and finishing his bread roll. I looked about the table and noticed someone else was gone.
"Where's Dapark?" I asked standing to my feet and turning about to better view the tavern. As if on cue Dapark limped out of an alcove by the door and hobbled over to me grinning as he patted me on the back. "It's time to be going good friend," he said turning for the door and hobbling along. I looked at his foot wondering why he was hobbling and noticed he had it bandaged in one of his old shirts. I looked about the gathering for an explanation. "The arrow, He dropped it on his foot last night it bur." Leibelec began but I cut her off ".I know it burnt through his mithril boot is he all right?" I interjected "don't need someone who can't walk holding us back," the table laughed again and we followed him out the door.
About an hour latter we were outside Commonport standing next to the merchants' caravan, it consisted of 3 wagons drawn by skeletal horses, and 12 armed guards. All of which were of the Commonport Militia. The merchant sat atop the first wagon talking to the captain of the guard. They nodded and bickered clearly trying to work out the price for the men. I shook my head and approached them. As I did the guard seemed to shift uneasily and this only made my grin grow. "We are here kind wizard. Thank you for the wonderful food this morning. Was well. eaten." I said trying to make them both cheer up some. The merchant flashed me a smile. "Now if you don't mind we would like to get this underway." "That we will as soon as the rest arrive" The wizard answered, and I turned an icy glare on him. "I hired a small band as well as your own." He answered my unasked question. I looked towards the gates of the city just as a small band of mercenaries came running around the corning. In a few seconds they were standing among us. The merchant laughed as he finished the business with the guard and walked off. The other band looked us over cringing at the sight of dark elves. I grinned and approached the leader of the band extending my hand to her. "I am Jraxle, the leader of this band." I said as she took my hand and shook it. Her grip was that of strength and it took all my willpower not to pull away "I am Celebiel; the short one are is Hsabcm..." She said pointing to a dwarfs standing near the back. ".And the wood elf over there is Cairenna." The elf just nodded and went back to staring off into the distance "Well I guess you want to know mine." I said pointing towards my group. "We have Juggernaght; we call him Jugger, Leibelec, his sister." the two stood bowed then sat back down continuing their conversation. ".The Elf Dapark." I pointed to the elf that was tending his foot. The wizard said his goodbyes as the caravan started off. The wagons were to big to fit through the pass farther down. So we would have to go the long way. We worked out our formations before we even reached the common lands my band was leading while the guards marched along the sides and Celebiel groups took up the rear. Dapark sat on the lead wagon scanning the forest picking off any Orcs who stuck their heads out from the stones. The commons were like a large forest with rolling hills and Inns thrown all about. The main path would take us to the Plagued forest but that wasn't were we wanted to go.
Once we were out of the common lands we moved on into the desert of Ro it was tough going with the blowing sands and we had to stop moving completely at times to wait for the sand to stop. By the end of the day we had set up a small camp near an oasis. We sat around a fire Dapark had gotten started and chatted. "It's the Oasis of Marr." One of the guards said taking a swig of his ale. "Deadly place this is should have asked for more money." I shook my head and decided to do a patrol about the camp. I was just staring off into the distance when someone put a sword to my throat. I swallowed and the sword drew a small line of blood across my neck. "You even touch any of my mercenaries and I'll kill you blue boy," The women said grabbing my hair and pulling my head back and exposing my neck. I smiled and spun out of it and taking her arm around her back and locking it in place. "So I'm a blue boy huh?" I asked jokingly. She brought her foot up and I blocked it before it contacted "Not bad but you need to be faster." I said smiling. She broke lose of my grip and spun about-facing me with an evil glare locked on me. Her delicate features locked in such a glare it seemed unnatural. Her blonde hair whipping about her face and her sword rose up in front of her aggressively. "See you in the camp" I laughed walking back into the camp and curling up in my sleeping tent.
The next morning we were up as soon as the sun came up and we headed out. The whole time whispers were being passed about behind us. I glanced up at Dapark and he nodded back. " They're talking about you. One of them thinks you're a jerk. One is attacked to you and the dwarf thinks you're an odd sort." He side out the corner of his mouth. I nodded back and continued along our way. Soon we were out of the desert and were standing on the edge of the swamp. "Dismiss the horses and remove the wheels we'll be carrying the wagons across." The head guard said as he unlatched the horses from the reigns. The swamp stank like troll. The only being I cared very little for and never wanted to meet in person. The guard positioned Dapark and Cairenna atop the wagons as the rest of us took a wheel from the wagon and strapped them on. We all took hold of a post and lifted all at once. I was on the last wagon standing next to Jugger Leibelec was standing next to Hsabcm who stood on the outside. We were but a few strides into the swamp when Celebiel dropped her peg and jumped up screaming about something slithering across her foot. The poor guard standing next to her collapsed under the weight and was dropped into the mud. His scream lasted for about a second until a grotesque arm ripped out of the water and wrapped around his neck pulling him under, and then there were 11.
The troll jumped up from out of the water as well did 4 of his kin surrounding the Rear wagon. The guards went to work charging to their friends' aid. Another 4 reared up near the front wagon taking out a guard in the process, and then there were 10. Dapark and Cairenna were going to work drilling the trolls with arrows. "They not working digit." Dapark screamed as he put another arrow in the chest of a near by troll. It sank back into the mud and never reappeared. Cairenna broke open one of the near by crates and began to fire the enchanted arrows into the trolls each one catching a troll ablaze. Soon all the trolls were routed 2 of the guards were dead and 4 were hurt. One of them would never walk again, Hsabcm sat him atop one of the wagons and we threw him a bow, while the other 3 took up posts. Dapark took up one of the pegs as well as Cairenna. Hsabcm took up one peg all by himself and trudged on through the murky water.
The calls of the trolls quickly faded as we attached the wheels to the wagon once again. We continued on into the dark forest, our going was rather easy up until we reached the bridge we were met by 4 ogre guards waiting for us. The battle started as soon as we saw them the ogres charging on in a pure fury. We engaged them as they came charging on Leibelec and Jugger summoned up their Warriors. Soon it was 5 on 4 and the ogres were still pushing us back. Dapark and Cairenna were raining down arrows as the guards charged on. One guard was caught in a rather unlucky spot as he took a troll axe in the hip that threw him into the water. The fish tasting the blood in the water quickly pulled him under, and then there were 9.
The battle quickly ended and the ogres were pushed into the river. We were soon out of the forest, I walked into the mountains of Rathe and I knew the hard stuff had just started. The guards were packed together and the horses were pushed as hard as we could push them. None of us were on foot we all rode along on the wagons. We all kept watch didn't want a giant to blindside us, but the militia just kept watch. On their cards and because of it a well thrown bolder took out two of the poor saps sitting in the back.
The giants came charging on and we just charged on at full strength watching as the two guards recovered just in tome to be flattened by a giants' club, and then there were 7. The horses charged on and the wagons bumped over every little bump one bump knocked the crippled guard off the side and he landed with a thud and yelled for help. Dapark jumped off the wagon bringing a yell up from all of the party he ran back as fast as he could his feet pumping as fast as I had ever to seen him run, but one of the giants running in full stride just stepped on the crippled guard. And then there were 6. Dapark turned on a dime and started sprinting back towards the wagon but he tripped and rolled around on the ground his ankle sprained and tearing open the wound in his foot. "SLOW THEM DOWN DANGIT I WANT MY MAN BACK" I yell at the top of my lungs towards the driver. He shook his head and pushed the horses harder.
Cairenna shook her head and stripped of her heavy armor going down to her leather leggings and an old cloth shirt. She said a little prayer as she jumped off the back of the wagon and charged back to help Dapark to his feet. She picked him up and they both started to run back, but out of no were came the biggest giant I had ever seen he was gaining on the rangers and I looked about for something to help me. My eyes landed on Cairennas' bow and I quickly grabbed it and an arrow. The road was bumpy and it was very likely I would miss but I had to try. I let the arrow fly and it nailed the giant in the eye causing him to trip up and fall forward. "Dive Cairenna dive" Celebiel yelled as the giants started to fall towards them they could not out run his momentum and soon they were both lost under the corpse of the great giant. All of us dropped our heads and mourned the death of our loved ones.
The wagons bumped on as we slowly out passed the giants and I searched our possessions and came across 'The Dagger' It was a mithril blade with the strongest poison forever imbedded in its steel. It was mystically light in any ones hand and had a bit that would kill any who felt it. I swung me legs over and was just about to jump to the ground when Jugger threw me back onto the wagon "you're nuts man you're just plain nuts. Dapark is gone we don't need to lose you too." He said holding me down "we still need you" I just laid there as we pulled out of the mountain pass and came along the great lake of Rathe. We set up camp as the guards made a big raft with which to float across the lake in.
That night wads dull and uneventful we had no mirth floating about the camp. We all just sat and stared at the fire. The night hung low about us and none of the stars came out. It was if nature itself was mourning Daparks death. I looked about the camp to the grim features of all who were present. Juggernaght and Leibelec sat next to each other leaning on each other for support. The dwarf sat alone leaning up against one of the wagons and his helmet pulled down over his big nose.
The paladin stood off to the side of the encampment staring off into the night. I stood and walked up next to her, she shifted some but did not walk away. The night was quiet except for the din made by the guards and the lap of the lake on the shore. "It's quiet to night. Is it now?" I asked making my way to the lake and looking into the water. A small fish, salmon maybe, stared back at me. " Not really ones heart makes to much noise to gain any peace." She said softly, sitting down on a log near by. I nodded my head and sat down next to the water. The fish swam off and I looked up over the lake. A small campfire was barely visible across the lake. "I'm going to miss her." She rambled on. "She was like a sister to me. We grew up together and now she is gone." She said before she began to sob. I stood up and walked over to stand before her. "It's all right she's in a better place now. as well as Dapark." I said dropping a hand onto her shoulder. She shook her head and sighed heavily. I sat down next to her and draped an arm over her shoulder. She didn't pull away but instead she excepted the hug and curled up in my arms.
By the next morning the guards and constructed the three rafts and we were moving the carts onto it when a horn blew off in the distance. We all shrugged it off as nothing more then a signal horn but then none of us noticed that the water stopped washing ashore. All went quiet and the water just sat as we floated across the lake. We had to split what soldiers we had left. The rafts started to drift apart we shrugged it off as just the current but when the driver couldn't turn the raft was when we all went into the water to investigate. We were swimming towards the raft as fast as we could and the 3 guards on the raft pushed with all their might against the current. Then it went under in an instant taking the 3 guards with it as if it had just vanished, and then their were 4. A blue head popped up above the water as is well as 2 others. " Aqua Goblins!" I yelled turning and swimming for the boat the other people turned for the rafts were Leibelec, Hsabcm and 3 guards sat I looked over my shoulder towards the coming goblins they just sat back in the water watching. "Sharks watch for sharks." One of the guards yelled seeing a dorsal fin crest the water. We swam harder, Jugs reaching the raft first and extending his hand back to Celebiel she took it and was soon out of the water. I heard a scream behind me and saw the guard disappear under the water. I started back towards him but when one of arms came back to the surface, missing the rest of his body, and then their were 3. I just swam back and was soon pulled onto the raft. "Not being paid enough for this." Hsabcm said as we drifted off again.
We were soon on the shore and headed out into the Badlands with 2 carts left. The horses pulled on as if not needing a reason to walk. Then it began a Huge down pour that was hard to see through. I looked around in every direction and I couldn't see the horizon my vision just stopped as if there was nothing there beyond the fog. Our first sign of trouble was that the Aviaks weren't about their houses hung beautifully hung from the trees above. Were in flames. We moved on through the rising smoke and steam, Our eyes straining to see any signs of the attack. Then we came across a gnoll that was near death. It wheezed and laughed as we approached, sitting up against a shield that was propped up near by. " Torn Ear will get you." It laughed madly it's head lolling back and the last of it's life draining from it's eyes.
He all looked about at each other trying to understand what it meant. " Torn Ear is the clan of gnolls that plagues split paw." I answered pulling 'The Dagger' from my belt and bringing up my lucky dagger. " We should be on our way they are close by." I finished stalking off into the fog, and another horn blew. We all stood up and looked about, an arrow zipped out of the fog trailing a tail of flame as I flew. It thudded into the chest of one of the guards and set him ablaze, and then there were 3. he fell back onto the wagon behind him and the flames spread. The wagon went up in flames as the gnolls charged on. Celebiel pulled whatever arrows she could off the last wagon and went in to join the battle. We fought side by side not letting up on either of our Opponents. The gnolls retreat after a few minuets of fighting and we fell back to ten to our wounded. Hsabcm ran about healing those who needed it. Jugger and Leibelec stood off to the sides looking out into the fog. The last 3 guards and Celebiel went to work putting the wagon out. Then an arrow cut through the fog and thumped into Leibelecs' chest. We all stared wide-eyed at it for it had went through her armor and now stuck out the middle of her back. She fell to her knees and stared at the arrow denying her death. Jugger caught her as she fell and gently laid her back against the wagon. She let out her last breath staring into Juggs eyes. "Kill them. All of them." Jugger said rising to his feet still staring at his dead sister. "Let none of them live." He said with such a grim tone it sent shivers running down my body.
The gnolls pressed on then and the guards gave up on the wagon and joined the fight. I was fighting against one of the higher-ranking ones. He brandished a short sword lucky dagger to cut a gash across his chest. I smiled at the gnoll realizing his flaws. I feinted with my lucky dagger on his left side which brought the short sword out wide to block it. I laughed madly as I brought 'The Dagger' around and jammed it in his throat. I moved on to my next kill a gnoll with a pole arm. I through his weapon out wide and plumped my dagger into his chest.
I spun about to see the last wagon ablaze. I ran over to help one of the guards who was on his back fending off 2 gnolls but he was caught off guard and was promptly out, and then there was 2. Hsabcm was backed against a tree fending off a gnolls duel whips with his club. I ran to help him but was cut off by another gnoll. " Will this ever end?" I asked myself as I put the gnoll out of his misery. I looked up to Hsabcm and saw it was to late for him the gnoll hand his club and his hand caught in one of his whips and the other was wrapped around the dwarfs' neck. With a viscous tug of the whip Hsabcm sunk to his knees staring at me wide eyed.
I looked around and saw Jugger full in his blood rage cutting down gnolls as he ran on moving father and father away from the wagon. Soon he wore himself out and was caught between three gnolls he killed two before the third but his short sword in Juggers back ending the blood rage instantly. Jugger fell to the ground crying out for another chance. I shook my head and saw another guard go down to a well aimed arrow, and then their was 1. The last of the group were in a tight corner trapped between the burning wagons and the press of the gnolls. I watch in horror as the gnolls pushed on throwing their kin in front of them as shields. As one fell two replaced it the gnolls had plenty of fodder to throw against them until they wore out and made a mistake. I charged in pressing at the back of the gnolls trying to cut through the throng. Then the guard made a mistake fell for a feint that put his sword on the ground. The gnoll took the advantage and quickly lopped off his head, and then their was none.
I charged on trying to save Celebiel cutting through the throngs. I was held back by two gnolls who were bent on holding me back. I fought as hard as I could taking every opening there was and looking up at Celebiel when I could. I looked up after taking out one of the gnolls and saw Celebeil standing still. Propped up on the end of a spear that was sticking from her chest. The gnoll had snuck around her and through the flames, and now he held a fine trophy at the end of his spear. I screamed in rage and went into a rampage cutting down every gnoll that dared to stand before me. The gnolls began the retreat but I managed to catch one. I pinned it to the ground my sword at it's throat. "Who sent you why did you attack us?" I said running my sword across his neck lightly "Me. m... merchant. from moon pay torn ear to attack wagons." It stuttered through its fear. I stood up and planted my boot on it's throat. "Why did this merchant have you attack us?" I said pushing my boot against its throat. " He says to expensive to buy." The gnoll said the last things it said as I crushed it's throat with the heel of my boot and marched off. The rain let off and the fire steamed. I started to walk off but something glowing caught me eye, the last arrow of the cargo. I picked it up and started off towards the bridge. Only then did I relies I was bleeding from a gash on my arm. I came to the bridge and the guards charged out demanding whom I was and why I was coming to the Badlands. I pulled the parchment from my belt and tossed it to him. I walked past him and towards the great spires. The guard nodded and asked me were the wagons were. I pointed to the steam rising off in the distance and stood inside the spires. It was time to collect a debt.
The End
Jack. Shepard
You walk into an old bar, a mist floated along the ceiling and the floor seeming to be somewhat sticky. You scan the room seeing only a few parsons sitting about at the many tables, but one in particular catches your eye an old dark elf seated at the bar. Not wanting to drink alone you walks over and sit down next to the old elf. He glances over at you and monitions for the bartender to bring you a drink. "Thanks for drinking with me." He says as the bartender brings over your drink. You sit down next to him and pick up your drink. "Care to hear a story to help pass the time" he says smiling at you. You nod your head and as he begins you slowly sip at your drink. "Good I got a good one for you." He says smiling back and finishing his drink.
We were a rowdy bunch of sell swords, close nit band of friends, a team brought together from all the ends of Miriea. Among our ranks were 2 dark elves, Juggernaght the Shadow Knight, Leibelec a Shadow Knight Like her brother, a wood elf Dapark The ranger, and of course me Jraxle a rogue by profession and Dark Elf by nature. We were normally hired by the richest of merchants to protect their cargo.
Juggernaght was short for his age and wasn't the strongest of his kin, but in a pinch he could bring up a long dead warrior to help his cause, Useful thing to have around. Especially with his harm touch the ability to do massive damage to any living thing in an instant.
We had just come from Burnt mountains, and now sat in our favorite pub in Commonport, awaiting our next job. When a rich wizard walked in tapping his fingers on an arrow stuck in his belt. The pub went quiet as the wizard walked over to the barkeep and sat down. They talked for a while, then the barkeep pointed to me, and the wizard walked over pulling a parchment from his pocket and dropping it on our table "I'm looking for an escort. Seems the militia won't give me the extra men I need. Bunch of rogues they are." He said sitting down in a chair at our table. Everyone at the table laughed and I snickered. He looked around shifting uneasily. "At ease friend, where are we headed? How much you paying? And what is the cargo?" I asked swiping the parchment and standing motioning for the door. The merchant pushed me back into my chair and pulled the arrow from his belt. "This is your cargo, these are magically heated arrows. Can go through any of the materials man could use to defend himself. You are headed to the Great Spires in North Badlands you will take it to the moon were you will meet my buyer. Your payment is three quivers full of these arrows for each of your group." He said walking towards the door "The parchment tells you where the departure point is and what time to be there." He finished walking out the door and disappearing into the crowd
The rest of us sat for a moment and finished our ale then got up to leave. Dapark swiped the arrow as we were walking out the door. We wondered about town for a while before we arrived at an old run down shack we stepped inside and were meted by an old man.
"Jraxle tis' good to see you again." He said patting me on the back. I smiled and took the pat and sat down in a chair near the rear wall. The rest of the band sat down along the walls and the old man followed me to the back.
"We need a few supplies." I said tossing him the parchment "I need you to deliver 'The Dagger' to that place as well as the supplies we will need for a trek to Farport." I tossed him a bag of platinum coins. He nodded as he caught them and dropped them into one of his many pockets. I stood as well as my band and we left for the tavern. We needed our sleep that night we had a big day ahead of us.
I awoke early the next morning at the noise of someone entering my room. I looked up and Dapark was standing over me with the arrow, still glowing, in his hand. I sat up and stared at him for a moment. "What is it boy? Out with it." I snapped, waving my hand in front of his face. He didn't blink and I just shook my head lying back down. Then he spoke and I jerked back up to a sitting position.
"It is true." He said holding the arrow out as if it should answer my question.
"What's true? Have you lost it? Hello, Dapark, Your brain home?" I yelled not understanding what he was getting at.
"The arrow, it still glows." He said holding it up again then picked up his Mithril boot and handed it to me. It had a fairly large hole in it. The metal around it was bubbled and still glowed with a dark red hue. I shook my head and lay back down.
"You and your arrows now get some sleep" I said lying back down. He quickly left my room and returned to his room. I stared at the wall trying to figure out how hot something would have to be to melt mithril, and what metal could be heated in such a way, and survive. Anyways I needed my sleep so I drifted off and quickly had found it.
Dapark is a wood elf whose eyes could spot an Orc hiding in it's hollow about 40 paces away, and combined with his bow he could place an arrow between the Orcs eyes. Nuts about arrows and bows and such, but is also dangerous in close combat.
I had gotten little sleep when I was awoken again. Leibelec was standing at the door holding a bread roll in one hand and a glass have filled with some murky liquid. I stood from my bed Put on my armor and followed her out the door and down into the common room of the tavern. Our table was covered in some of the finest food I had ever seen. Everyone was there. I sat at the table across from Jugger as he nodded to me and Leibelec sat down next to him.
The pub was clean by the standards of Miriea, the parsons rarely fought and the ale never ran out. The bar was off in the corner and the tables were scattered about the room. Our table was in the back corner well away from the door.
Leibelec was just like her brother in every way she was only a few years older and about a foot taller then him. She wasn't well bit but her strength is greater then it works. She too has the ability to summon an undead warrior as well as the harm touch. Neither her nor her brother was the ones you would want on your side.
"Good eating for such a small tavern isn't it?" Leibelec said taking a bite out of a roasted rat leg. I nodded to her and looked around the tavern
"Who's paying for it?" I asked honestly and checked to make sure they hadn't swiped my coin purse again. It still hung from my belt, were it always was.
"That wizard came back telling us we shouldn't have to eat poorly the day we were to be working for him." Jugger said taking a swig of his ale and finishing his bread roll. I looked about the table and noticed someone else was gone.
"Where's Dapark?" I asked standing to my feet and turning about to better view the tavern. As if on cue Dapark limped out of an alcove by the door and hobbled over to me grinning as he patted me on the back. "It's time to be going good friend," he said turning for the door and hobbling along. I looked at his foot wondering why he was hobbling and noticed he had it bandaged in one of his old shirts. I looked about the gathering for an explanation. "The arrow, He dropped it on his foot last night it bur." Leibelec began but I cut her off ".I know it burnt through his mithril boot is he all right?" I interjected "don't need someone who can't walk holding us back," the table laughed again and we followed him out the door.
About an hour latter we were outside Commonport standing next to the merchants' caravan, it consisted of 3 wagons drawn by skeletal horses, and 12 armed guards. All of which were of the Commonport Militia. The merchant sat atop the first wagon talking to the captain of the guard. They nodded and bickered clearly trying to work out the price for the men. I shook my head and approached them. As I did the guard seemed to shift uneasily and this only made my grin grow. "We are here kind wizard. Thank you for the wonderful food this morning. Was well. eaten." I said trying to make them both cheer up some. The merchant flashed me a smile. "Now if you don't mind we would like to get this underway." "That we will as soon as the rest arrive" The wizard answered, and I turned an icy glare on him. "I hired a small band as well as your own." He answered my unasked question. I looked towards the gates of the city just as a small band of mercenaries came running around the corning. In a few seconds they were standing among us. The merchant laughed as he finished the business with the guard and walked off. The other band looked us over cringing at the sight of dark elves. I grinned and approached the leader of the band extending my hand to her. "I am Jraxle, the leader of this band." I said as she took my hand and shook it. Her grip was that of strength and it took all my willpower not to pull away "I am Celebiel; the short one are is Hsabcm..." She said pointing to a dwarfs standing near the back. ".And the wood elf over there is Cairenna." The elf just nodded and went back to staring off into the distance "Well I guess you want to know mine." I said pointing towards my group. "We have Juggernaght; we call him Jugger, Leibelec, his sister." the two stood bowed then sat back down continuing their conversation. ".The Elf Dapark." I pointed to the elf that was tending his foot. The wizard said his goodbyes as the caravan started off. The wagons were to big to fit through the pass farther down. So we would have to go the long way. We worked out our formations before we even reached the common lands my band was leading while the guards marched along the sides and Celebiel groups took up the rear. Dapark sat on the lead wagon scanning the forest picking off any Orcs who stuck their heads out from the stones. The commons were like a large forest with rolling hills and Inns thrown all about. The main path would take us to the Plagued forest but that wasn't were we wanted to go.
Once we were out of the common lands we moved on into the desert of Ro it was tough going with the blowing sands and we had to stop moving completely at times to wait for the sand to stop. By the end of the day we had set up a small camp near an oasis. We sat around a fire Dapark had gotten started and chatted. "It's the Oasis of Marr." One of the guards said taking a swig of his ale. "Deadly place this is should have asked for more money." I shook my head and decided to do a patrol about the camp. I was just staring off into the distance when someone put a sword to my throat. I swallowed and the sword drew a small line of blood across my neck. "You even touch any of my mercenaries and I'll kill you blue boy," The women said grabbing my hair and pulling my head back and exposing my neck. I smiled and spun out of it and taking her arm around her back and locking it in place. "So I'm a blue boy huh?" I asked jokingly. She brought her foot up and I blocked it before it contacted "Not bad but you need to be faster." I said smiling. She broke lose of my grip and spun about-facing me with an evil glare locked on me. Her delicate features locked in such a glare it seemed unnatural. Her blonde hair whipping about her face and her sword rose up in front of her aggressively. "See you in the camp" I laughed walking back into the camp and curling up in my sleeping tent.
The next morning we were up as soon as the sun came up and we headed out. The whole time whispers were being passed about behind us. I glanced up at Dapark and he nodded back. " They're talking about you. One of them thinks you're a jerk. One is attacked to you and the dwarf thinks you're an odd sort." He side out the corner of his mouth. I nodded back and continued along our way. Soon we were out of the desert and were standing on the edge of the swamp. "Dismiss the horses and remove the wheels we'll be carrying the wagons across." The head guard said as he unlatched the horses from the reigns. The swamp stank like troll. The only being I cared very little for and never wanted to meet in person. The guard positioned Dapark and Cairenna atop the wagons as the rest of us took a wheel from the wagon and strapped them on. We all took hold of a post and lifted all at once. I was on the last wagon standing next to Jugger Leibelec was standing next to Hsabcm who stood on the outside. We were but a few strides into the swamp when Celebiel dropped her peg and jumped up screaming about something slithering across her foot. The poor guard standing next to her collapsed under the weight and was dropped into the mud. His scream lasted for about a second until a grotesque arm ripped out of the water and wrapped around his neck pulling him under, and then there were 11.
The troll jumped up from out of the water as well did 4 of his kin surrounding the Rear wagon. The guards went to work charging to their friends' aid. Another 4 reared up near the front wagon taking out a guard in the process, and then there were 10. Dapark and Cairenna were going to work drilling the trolls with arrows. "They not working digit." Dapark screamed as he put another arrow in the chest of a near by troll. It sank back into the mud and never reappeared. Cairenna broke open one of the near by crates and began to fire the enchanted arrows into the trolls each one catching a troll ablaze. Soon all the trolls were routed 2 of the guards were dead and 4 were hurt. One of them would never walk again, Hsabcm sat him atop one of the wagons and we threw him a bow, while the other 3 took up posts. Dapark took up one of the pegs as well as Cairenna. Hsabcm took up one peg all by himself and trudged on through the murky water.
The calls of the trolls quickly faded as we attached the wheels to the wagon once again. We continued on into the dark forest, our going was rather easy up until we reached the bridge we were met by 4 ogre guards waiting for us. The battle started as soon as we saw them the ogres charging on in a pure fury. We engaged them as they came charging on Leibelec and Jugger summoned up their Warriors. Soon it was 5 on 4 and the ogres were still pushing us back. Dapark and Cairenna were raining down arrows as the guards charged on. One guard was caught in a rather unlucky spot as he took a troll axe in the hip that threw him into the water. The fish tasting the blood in the water quickly pulled him under, and then there were 9.
The battle quickly ended and the ogres were pushed into the river. We were soon out of the forest, I walked into the mountains of Rathe and I knew the hard stuff had just started. The guards were packed together and the horses were pushed as hard as we could push them. None of us were on foot we all rode along on the wagons. We all kept watch didn't want a giant to blindside us, but the militia just kept watch. On their cards and because of it a well thrown bolder took out two of the poor saps sitting in the back.
The giants came charging on and we just charged on at full strength watching as the two guards recovered just in tome to be flattened by a giants' club, and then there were 7. The horses charged on and the wagons bumped over every little bump one bump knocked the crippled guard off the side and he landed with a thud and yelled for help. Dapark jumped off the wagon bringing a yell up from all of the party he ran back as fast as he could his feet pumping as fast as I had ever to seen him run, but one of the giants running in full stride just stepped on the crippled guard. And then there were 6. Dapark turned on a dime and started sprinting back towards the wagon but he tripped and rolled around on the ground his ankle sprained and tearing open the wound in his foot. "SLOW THEM DOWN DANGIT I WANT MY MAN BACK" I yell at the top of my lungs towards the driver. He shook his head and pushed the horses harder.
Cairenna shook her head and stripped of her heavy armor going down to her leather leggings and an old cloth shirt. She said a little prayer as she jumped off the back of the wagon and charged back to help Dapark to his feet. She picked him up and they both started to run back, but out of no were came the biggest giant I had ever seen he was gaining on the rangers and I looked about for something to help me. My eyes landed on Cairennas' bow and I quickly grabbed it and an arrow. The road was bumpy and it was very likely I would miss but I had to try. I let the arrow fly and it nailed the giant in the eye causing him to trip up and fall forward. "Dive Cairenna dive" Celebiel yelled as the giants started to fall towards them they could not out run his momentum and soon they were both lost under the corpse of the great giant. All of us dropped our heads and mourned the death of our loved ones.
The wagons bumped on as we slowly out passed the giants and I searched our possessions and came across 'The Dagger' It was a mithril blade with the strongest poison forever imbedded in its steel. It was mystically light in any ones hand and had a bit that would kill any who felt it. I swung me legs over and was just about to jump to the ground when Jugger threw me back onto the wagon "you're nuts man you're just plain nuts. Dapark is gone we don't need to lose you too." He said holding me down "we still need you" I just laid there as we pulled out of the mountain pass and came along the great lake of Rathe. We set up camp as the guards made a big raft with which to float across the lake in.
That night wads dull and uneventful we had no mirth floating about the camp. We all just sat and stared at the fire. The night hung low about us and none of the stars came out. It was if nature itself was mourning Daparks death. I looked about the camp to the grim features of all who were present. Juggernaght and Leibelec sat next to each other leaning on each other for support. The dwarf sat alone leaning up against one of the wagons and his helmet pulled down over his big nose.
The paladin stood off to the side of the encampment staring off into the night. I stood and walked up next to her, she shifted some but did not walk away. The night was quiet except for the din made by the guards and the lap of the lake on the shore. "It's quiet to night. Is it now?" I asked making my way to the lake and looking into the water. A small fish, salmon maybe, stared back at me. " Not really ones heart makes to much noise to gain any peace." She said softly, sitting down on a log near by. I nodded my head and sat down next to the water. The fish swam off and I looked up over the lake. A small campfire was barely visible across the lake. "I'm going to miss her." She rambled on. "She was like a sister to me. We grew up together and now she is gone." She said before she began to sob. I stood up and walked over to stand before her. "It's all right she's in a better place now. as well as Dapark." I said dropping a hand onto her shoulder. She shook her head and sighed heavily. I sat down next to her and draped an arm over her shoulder. She didn't pull away but instead she excepted the hug and curled up in my arms.
By the next morning the guards and constructed the three rafts and we were moving the carts onto it when a horn blew off in the distance. We all shrugged it off as nothing more then a signal horn but then none of us noticed that the water stopped washing ashore. All went quiet and the water just sat as we floated across the lake. We had to split what soldiers we had left. The rafts started to drift apart we shrugged it off as just the current but when the driver couldn't turn the raft was when we all went into the water to investigate. We were swimming towards the raft as fast as we could and the 3 guards on the raft pushed with all their might against the current. Then it went under in an instant taking the 3 guards with it as if it had just vanished, and then their were 4. A blue head popped up above the water as is well as 2 others. " Aqua Goblins!" I yelled turning and swimming for the boat the other people turned for the rafts were Leibelec, Hsabcm and 3 guards sat I looked over my shoulder towards the coming goblins they just sat back in the water watching. "Sharks watch for sharks." One of the guards yelled seeing a dorsal fin crest the water. We swam harder, Jugs reaching the raft first and extending his hand back to Celebiel she took it and was soon out of the water. I heard a scream behind me and saw the guard disappear under the water. I started back towards him but when one of arms came back to the surface, missing the rest of his body, and then their were 3. I just swam back and was soon pulled onto the raft. "Not being paid enough for this." Hsabcm said as we drifted off again.
We were soon on the shore and headed out into the Badlands with 2 carts left. The horses pulled on as if not needing a reason to walk. Then it began a Huge down pour that was hard to see through. I looked around in every direction and I couldn't see the horizon my vision just stopped as if there was nothing there beyond the fog. Our first sign of trouble was that the Aviaks weren't about their houses hung beautifully hung from the trees above. Were in flames. We moved on through the rising smoke and steam, Our eyes straining to see any signs of the attack. Then we came across a gnoll that was near death. It wheezed and laughed as we approached, sitting up against a shield that was propped up near by. " Torn Ear will get you." It laughed madly it's head lolling back and the last of it's life draining from it's eyes.
He all looked about at each other trying to understand what it meant. " Torn Ear is the clan of gnolls that plagues split paw." I answered pulling 'The Dagger' from my belt and bringing up my lucky dagger. " We should be on our way they are close by." I finished stalking off into the fog, and another horn blew. We all stood up and looked about, an arrow zipped out of the fog trailing a tail of flame as I flew. It thudded into the chest of one of the guards and set him ablaze, and then there were 3. he fell back onto the wagon behind him and the flames spread. The wagon went up in flames as the gnolls charged on. Celebiel pulled whatever arrows she could off the last wagon and went in to join the battle. We fought side by side not letting up on either of our Opponents. The gnolls retreat after a few minuets of fighting and we fell back to ten to our wounded. Hsabcm ran about healing those who needed it. Jugger and Leibelec stood off to the sides looking out into the fog. The last 3 guards and Celebiel went to work putting the wagon out. Then an arrow cut through the fog and thumped into Leibelecs' chest. We all stared wide-eyed at it for it had went through her armor and now stuck out the middle of her back. She fell to her knees and stared at the arrow denying her death. Jugger caught her as she fell and gently laid her back against the wagon. She let out her last breath staring into Juggs eyes. "Kill them. All of them." Jugger said rising to his feet still staring at his dead sister. "Let none of them live." He said with such a grim tone it sent shivers running down my body.
The gnolls pressed on then and the guards gave up on the wagon and joined the fight. I was fighting against one of the higher-ranking ones. He brandished a short sword lucky dagger to cut a gash across his chest. I smiled at the gnoll realizing his flaws. I feinted with my lucky dagger on his left side which brought the short sword out wide to block it. I laughed madly as I brought 'The Dagger' around and jammed it in his throat. I moved on to my next kill a gnoll with a pole arm. I through his weapon out wide and plumped my dagger into his chest.
I spun about to see the last wagon ablaze. I ran over to help one of the guards who was on his back fending off 2 gnolls but he was caught off guard and was promptly out, and then there was 2. Hsabcm was backed against a tree fending off a gnolls duel whips with his club. I ran to help him but was cut off by another gnoll. " Will this ever end?" I asked myself as I put the gnoll out of his misery. I looked up to Hsabcm and saw it was to late for him the gnoll hand his club and his hand caught in one of his whips and the other was wrapped around the dwarfs' neck. With a viscous tug of the whip Hsabcm sunk to his knees staring at me wide eyed.
I looked around and saw Jugger full in his blood rage cutting down gnolls as he ran on moving father and father away from the wagon. Soon he wore himself out and was caught between three gnolls he killed two before the third but his short sword in Juggers back ending the blood rage instantly. Jugger fell to the ground crying out for another chance. I shook my head and saw another guard go down to a well aimed arrow, and then their was 1. The last of the group were in a tight corner trapped between the burning wagons and the press of the gnolls. I watch in horror as the gnolls pushed on throwing their kin in front of them as shields. As one fell two replaced it the gnolls had plenty of fodder to throw against them until they wore out and made a mistake. I charged in pressing at the back of the gnolls trying to cut through the throng. Then the guard made a mistake fell for a feint that put his sword on the ground. The gnoll took the advantage and quickly lopped off his head, and then their was none.
I charged on trying to save Celebiel cutting through the throngs. I was held back by two gnolls who were bent on holding me back. I fought as hard as I could taking every opening there was and looking up at Celebiel when I could. I looked up after taking out one of the gnolls and saw Celebeil standing still. Propped up on the end of a spear that was sticking from her chest. The gnoll had snuck around her and through the flames, and now he held a fine trophy at the end of his spear. I screamed in rage and went into a rampage cutting down every gnoll that dared to stand before me. The gnolls began the retreat but I managed to catch one. I pinned it to the ground my sword at it's throat. "Who sent you why did you attack us?" I said running my sword across his neck lightly "Me. m... merchant. from moon pay torn ear to attack wagons." It stuttered through its fear. I stood up and planted my boot on it's throat. "Why did this merchant have you attack us?" I said pushing my boot against its throat. " He says to expensive to buy." The gnoll said the last things it said as I crushed it's throat with the heel of my boot and marched off. The rain let off and the fire steamed. I started to walk off but something glowing caught me eye, the last arrow of the cargo. I picked it up and started off towards the bridge. Only then did I relies I was bleeding from a gash on my arm. I came to the bridge and the guards charged out demanding whom I was and why I was coming to the Badlands. I pulled the parchment from my belt and tossed it to him. I walked past him and towards the great spires. The guard nodded and asked me were the wagons were. I pointed to the steam rising off in the distance and stood inside the spires. It was time to collect a debt.
The End