Disclaimers: Same thing that everyone else says applies here. Language, Violence, Naughty Bits, blah blah blah.
Chapter 2
Crimson blood dripped off my rapier and made a wet slash on the dirt as I knelt to clean it off on the dead orc at my feet. "Next time Captain Brelaina sends you out to the middle of no where, can she at least make sure our targets have some coin? When we find this emissary, he had better pay us well!" I heard a voice whine at me.
Looking over my shoulder as Neeshka efficiently stripped the dead, her tail lashing in annoyance as she found nothing other than rags and rusty weapons on the bodies of the orcs strewn around us. Pitching my voice high, I looked at her sternly. "Neeshka, this is not about coin, this is about the good of all the creatures of this world."
The demon girl made a gagging noise before snickering. "Oh Gods, you sound just like her. By the way, have I mentioned yet how happy I am that we left her back at the inn? I swear, one more high and mighty comment from her and I was going to stick a dagger in her ribs!"
Smothering my own snicker I nodded. "Come now Neeshka. I'm sure she would have been useful out here with us."
"Yeah, for catching arrows," she retorted with an evil glee in her eyes.
As much as I didn't want to, I couldn't help but agree with her. There was something about that druid that made me want to feed her to the next beastie we came across. Of course with my luck, it would be a friend of hers. I wonder if druids have much contact with basilisks...
I was pulled from my musings by a loud grunt and a steady stream of dwarven curses. It appeared that Khelgar had finally freed his axe from the skull of the orc he last buried it in and had fallen on his rear for his efforts.
Getting up from the dirt with a disgusted growl, he looked around at the bodies surrounding them. The annoyed look on his face quickly changed to one of delight. "Well, that was entertaining. Looks like we caught them by surprise for a change." Hearing a noise behind him, we all glanced up to see another wave of orcs bearing down on us. A gleeful smile stretched over his face. "Just like orcs - they don't know when to quit."
Khelgar hoisted his axe and ran full bore to the orc closest to him. Before he could get a chance to swing, the green beast dropped to the ground, an arrow sticking out of its skull. When he shot an angry glance at me, I held up my blades briefly before returning to the fray. Glancing around we saw a band of fighters rushing into battle on the opposite side of us. "Wh-? Hey! Those are our orcs!" Khelgar shouted, annoyed that someone was cutting in on his fun.
Between our two groups we quickly dispatched the remaining orcs and as we each cleaned our weapons and eyed each other warily, a man who radiated leadership closed the distance between us. Looking down at Khelgar, he spoke calmly. "The Sword Mountains are a dangerous place. More now than ever, with the orc tribes gathered behind Logram's banner."
Oh, now I was pissed. Why is it men automatically assume it's the male leading the group? "I had things under control." Ha, how about a dose of ice with your reality sir?
He glanced at me, realization and amusement flicking over his face. "So I noticed. I thank you then for allowing us to take part in the battle."
Khelgar grunted rudely. "We were doing just fine without you, thanks"
Ignoring the dwarf now that he discovered who the leader was, he kept his eyes trained on me. "I am Casavir, and my men and I have been hunting this group of orcs for days."
"So you're the one that's been harassing the orcs?" Well, Callum will be happy to know that at least.
"Yes, we've been hunting the orcs here for many months. Recently, we have stepped up attacks, however. When Neverwinter finally moved to retake Old Owl Well, we redoubled our efforts - with the orcs being attacked from two fronts, it prevents them from massing to retake the Well."
Still irritated, I shot a dismissive glace over at his small band. "This is all the men that you have? Not much of a force"
He either ignored my annoyance or didn't hear it. "These are many of the farmers and veterans of the Luskan War who have tried to make Old Owl Well their home - and been denied by the orcs. Their knowledge of Old Owl Well and its hidden paths have proven valuable. Those not out on the hunt are back at our main camp. I'm curious. Why have you ventured into the mountains? Surely you understood the risk in coming here." Hmm, he seems like to much of a do-gooder to be just a mercenary. Uh oh, my paladin senses are tingling!
Even though I figured if he was a paladin he wouldn't be here to harm us, I still wanted to mess with him for his little oopsie earlier. "How do I know I can trust you?" I asked, my face a mask of distrust, even as a smirk fought to slide across my lips.
He shot yet another amused glance at me. "I sided with you against the orcs - and am now talking with you, despite your suspicions." Be still my heart, does the paladin actually have a sense of humor? "My scouts have reported on your progress through the Sword Mountains. You have survived much. Why are you here?" Or not…
Quickly deciding with the less critical of our two missions I matched my tone to his. "We're searching for the orc chieftain, Logram Eyegouger."
A small smile quirked over his lips, making him look suddenly younger than I originally thought. "Then we share the same goal. His lair is difficult to find, and the approach is no doubt well-defended. Killing Logram would certainly throw the orcs into disarray. However, I'm guessing that you have another purpose for being here as well."
"Why would you say that?"
"Well, anyone looking to slay the orc tribe chieftain would normally bring along a larger force. No matter. As our goals are the same, your reasons are none of my concern." Well, at least he isn't stupid.
"Tell me where that path is, and I'll take care of the orcs." Although he seemed capable enough, I really didn't want to deal with another high and mighty person. Elanee was more than enough. Besides, as I glanced back at Neeshka, I noticed she was rubbing her arms as though they itched. Comprehension dawned. Paladin + Half Demon = Bad Mix.
"Our soldiers know the mountain well, but even they would have missed it if not by chance. If you intend to enter the stronghold of Logram, it is to the north. I can lead the way," he offered, clearly not intending to let us go alone.
"I can find the way myself."
"You probably could... but by then it could be too late. I can get you there faster." Was he patronizing me?!
An attractive woman in full plate stepped forward, holding her sword as though she actually knew how to use it. "We have lost some men, but I will assemble who I can and join you on the assault."
"No, Katriona - we have already lost too many, and a massed attack on Logram will only cost us more - I will be going on alone."
"Casavir... sir... we kept you from this once. I think it's best if..." Uh oh, me thinks I detect a bit more than respect in her tone.
He turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Please, it is important that you do as I ask. Take the survivors, and fall back to the Greycloaks camp. Do what you can to help them and keep the pressure on the orcs. If we cannot defeat Logram, then he will come after them in full force, and the Greycloaks must be warned." A sense of doom laced through his words even though his voice was firm.
Katriona's eyes widen incredulously, "So after all this time avoiding the Neverwinter forces, now you want me to stride right into their camp? Look... Casavir... let me go with you. There is no need to keep doing this alone - let us help you."
"Why aren't we bringing the others?" Khelgar piped up.
"A smaller group will move quicker and attract less attention. The trail to Logram's lair is narrow - more swords will not aid us there."
"I've seen that trail. If you go up there, you will be nothing more than easy targets. Gods know what guards or defenses they have... you'll be killed." Yep, the girl definitely has a thing for him. While he is attractive enough, somehow I doubt he is one to keep you warm at night…Seems kinda cold to me.
"You have your orders, Katriona. We'll meet you back at the Greycloaks camp after we have dealt with Logram."
"Very well. Good luck, sir." While her words were that of a good solider, her tone wasn't. Anger was clear, but it seemed as though the paladin couldn't sense it.
Casavir watched as Katriona and the rest of the men disappeared into the mountains. Turning back to me, he hefted his warhammer over his shoulder. "Are you ready to take on Logram and his clan? I can guide you to the path to his lair."
Let the bloodshed begin, I thought with a sigh, preparing my own weapons for battle.