Chapter 4 : The Green Voyage.
Well if you have read this so far, you should know by now that are adventures have had a really rough start on their way. They bumped into each other in a town called Seaside, met a defiance force of Merfolk and almost got killed by them. Then they entered a very nice little town. But one of them got put in jail with an odd bunch of convicts. And was thrown out of the brig by a hugely powerful, yet friendly troll.
And then they met a new part of there their party. An odd looking mercenary. And now they began to set up camp along a forest trill east of Nerva town where they were just at. And with the relative peace of the forest, Era and Blackfire try and get some rest. Leaving Dracorex and the mercenary to watch the camp while they get some sleep.
Dracorex: Well then. Darnoth, would you be a good boy and scout for any enemies.
Darnoth: Caw?
Dracorex: The Elf and the Halfling may need yes to protect the camp as they slumber. That's why.
Darnoth: Caw, caw caw?
Dracorex: Just because I haven't slept in some time…doesn't mean that I'm losing it. It just means that I need to keep my wits about me.
Darnoth: Cooo? Caw caw caw?
Dracorex: That…was different. I had no idea what was in that sack. And besides that, I couldn't had known how that officer was going to react. Alright?
Darnoth: Caw…
Dracorex: Excellent then, its agreed. Now, would you please scout the area?
Darnoth: Caw.
Dracorex: Thank you.
With the sound of feathered wing beets, Darnoth tuck to the darkened dusk sky. He soared over the forest, as the silver moon began to materialize from the purplish red
haze of sundown. He surveyed the area for possible threats, then landed on the peck of
the tallest tree he could find, and perched there to stand guard over the night. All the
will, Dracorex watched him from below. With his arms crossed, and his faces pointed toward the calming feel of the heavens. Dracorex's body was finally calming down
from the events back in town, and he almost felt like falling over. Yet, his mind was
far from ready to rest. So he turned his attention to the new unknown member of the team.
Dracorex: Oh, how rude of me. I don't think I've introduced myself quit yet.
Mercenary: Hmm, no. No you haven't.
Dracorex: Well, my name is Dracorex. The dark sorcerer from the northern continent.
And you are?
Mercenary: It is a pleasure to get to know you sir Dracorex. My name is Agic. I am a warrior and explorer from across the seas to the west of here.
Dracorex: Hmmm, an explorer you say? So…where have you been to sir Agic?
Agic: Well, I have been to many places. I have visited an island to the west of here. And there, I helped a tribe of Kobolds agent a invasion of Mind Flayers. I have even seen an island to the south, that I covered in solid ice.
Dracorex: Hmmm…very interesting. Have you ever been to any of the land masses in the north?
Agic: No, no I can't say that I have.
Dracorex: Hmmm, well then. So how far away are these islands you speck of?
The seemingly kind human explorer pulled a peace of very old paper out from a little satchel on his right side. Then he laid it out on top of a farley flat stone, and punted his index finger at it. Dracorex moved closer, but couldn't see it very well. The light was to pore to make much out.
Dracorex: By the ancients, what is this? I can barley make any of it out.
Agic: It is a map of the known world.
Dracorex: You have a world map? That is extremely wonderful. Now we can plan ore travels much more accurately. Say, you wouldn't happen to know how far the nearest town is would you?
Agic: It should only be a few hours from here. But there is more then just one town.
Dracorex: Aww, so we well have to choose a path from two then. I see.
Agic: Yes, but sir. Are you sure that you should still be awake? You seem very weak after your time in prison.
Dracorex: Nonsense, I'm just fine. All I really need is something to eat, that's all. Now…why did you join our group anyway?
Agic: Well, I wanted to explore the places of the world again. But I didn't have a crew to
help me on my travels. And since you all need someone that knows the way, I offered my assistance.
Dracorex: Hmmm, I see. Well then, I thank you. We do need a traveler such as yourself to show us the way. And now, if you would excuse me. My stomach is roaring like an angry dragon.
Agic: No, go right on ahead and eat. I'm just going to go through some of my things.
Dracorex walks near by to a large blackish blue stone, jumps up to the top of it and sits down. He searches through his things, and pulls out a green apple from his items bag. He rubs it with his left fist, then he closes his eyes and starts to eat it. He opens his eyes again and looks back up at the slowly dimming sky. And sees birds flying through the air and trees as winged shadows, singing as the day came to an end.
The night had past like a wisp of fog. Dracorex and Agic where still awake, so they shared stories on battles as they sat by the worn of the campfire. But the light from the morning sun began to shine down on the peaceful pine forest, braking the dark grasp of night. And as the sun rose, the tents began to stir, as the elf and Blackfire awoke from their sleep and started to pack their supplies. Agic stood up and spoke when he saw the tents move.
Agic: Well, well. It would seem that we are no longer alone.
Dracorex: Hmmm, it would appear that you are correct sir. So…I suppose that we should prepare to head out.
The elf stepped out of his tent, stood by the campfire and wiped his eyes. Dracorex got up and called Darnoth to come over to him. Darnoth woke up to Dracorex's summon and flew down from his perch to land on Dracorex's left shoulder. Agic looked at the elf and said.
Agic: So, you sleep well?
Era: Yeah, I did. But I with I didn't really have to. Sleep just gets in the way of things.
Agic: Ehh…its all fine. Well anyway…so now that you two are awake, what do you what to do?
Era: Well…
Dracorex: Sorry to interrupt you two. But may I suggest that we try to locate some place where we can get a ship. We may eventually need to cross the vast oceans of this would to get to our destinations.
Era: Hmmm…maybe.
Agic: Well I agree with you sir. But we really should wait for the Halfling girl before we just decide amongst ourselves.
Dracorex: Very well then.
Then as the sun rose high enough in the sky to see it through the trees. Blackfire came out from her tent with all her things, (besides her tent) packed up and strapped to her back. Dracorex turned his face from looking at Darnoth and looked at her with a curious smile.
Dracorex: Aw, just the Halfling we wanted to see. Sleep well?
Blackfire: What? Oh…yeah I did...
Dracorex: Excellent then. And now perhaps you can assist us in our decision…?
Darnoth: Caw, caw.
Dracorex: I was just going to get to that. So don't interrupt me.
Agic: Just ask for her opinion on the mater at hand.
Dracorex: Well I would if you two would just let me do so.
Era: Aggaa! I say that we just go get the damn ship!
Darnoth: Caw, caw, caw!
Era: Make your bird be quiet! I can't understand anything that comes out of his mouth!
Blackfire: Hey every one! I have made my decision.
Every one stops arguing and stares at her with a curious look on all their faces.
Agic: But, we didn't ask you the question yet?
Blackfire: I know guys…but I'm getting kind of home sick. And I think it would be best if I took off back to my homeland…on my own.
Agic: So…your not coming with us then miss?
Blackfire: Ummm, well…
Dracorex: Well if that's the case, maybe we should…
Era: I don't really care if she's coming with us or not. Lets just go get the damn ship before the Merfolk get to us.
Dracorex: Oh…I almost forgot about them.
Blackfire: Then I guess I'll just go with you guys tell we get to the next fork in the road. The I'll go my way.
Agic: Alright, that sounds like a good idea. Wouldn't you say you two?
Dracorex: Sounds fin to me.
Era: Blah, blah, blah. Lets just go!
So they all then get on their little way, venturing off toward the east. And after some time, they all come to a stop. Because they have come to a fork in the road. One way leading south to an unknown land, will the other one leads north to a shipping town. Agic and Dracorex start to ask each other witch way would be the best to tack. But as they came to a decision, Blackfire interrupted them.
Blackfire: Well, like I said guys, I shall be heading off now.
Dracorex: Well, I hope the best to you miss Blackfire.
Agic: Me as well miss, tack care.
Darnoth: Caw, caw.
Era: Ehhh…
Blackfire: Thanks guys. You look after yourselves now.
Then she waves goodbye and so do Agic, Dracorex, Era and even Darnoth. Then so it is now just the three adventures off once again. So all of them but Blackfire head off northeast to the shipping town. And after some time, they start to come across this big build that seems to lead the way to the entrance to the town up ahead. Then as they walk closer to the big wall, a Bug Bear security guard comes out to patrol the area. Then all three of the adventures come to a sudden stop.
Dracorex: Hmmm, maybe we should ask and see if this guard is a threat.
Agic: Ummm?
Era: What? Alright, go right ahead and do that.
So then Dracorex walked over to the guard and asked him questions. While Agic and Era seemed to just watch them talk to each other for a while.
Dracorex: Excuse me sir, but is this a shipping town?
Bug Bear Guard: Ya man, that it is.
Dracorex: Excellent then. Because me and my friends over there are looking for a nice place we can purchase a fine shop.
Bug Bear Guard: Well then, good for you. And no need to be so suspicious there man.
This town is safe.
Dracorex: Very good then, and thank you.
Then after Dracorex was done talking with the Bug Bear guard, he and Darnoth looked around for Agic and Era. Then they noticed that they had went inside the guard house without them. So Dracorex went inside, and he saw Agic and Era whispering to each together in the middle of the room. Then Darnoth noticed that there was a greenish looking elf, that nether of he or Dracorex knew. The elf sat in a chair at one end of the room, and it seemed that he was waiting for the security guards to check him out.
Dracorex and Darnoth pass by the odd looking green elf, but are then confronted by a little orange fox pup. And then the fox says something in fox tongue that catches Darnoth's attention and gets him upset. So Darnoth and the fox start to argue about something and it gets both the green elf and Dracorex to pay attention.
Dracorex: What in the name of the ancients are you arguing with that mongrel about my feathered friend?!
Darnoth: Caw! Caw…caw caw!
Dracorex: He called you a what?!
Darnoth: Caw caw! Caw caw!
Dracorex: Oh…oh no he didn't!
Darnoth: Cawwww!
Dracorex: Oh, then maybe we need to show this mongrel what happens when you mess with us…don't we Darnoth?!
Darnoth: Caw!
Dracorex gives the fox a cold look and Darnoth opens his mouth, snapping his black beak at the little orange fox. The fox gets a bit scared, starts to shack and backs up a little. But then the green elf walks in and stands over the fox, looking Dracorex dead in the eye.
Green Elf: What did you just say about my fox?
Dracorex: Well your fox just insulted my friend here.
Green Elf: No he didn't.
Darnoth: Caw?! Caw caw caw…cawww!
Dracorex: Well he says something quit different.
Fox: Bark…bark bark!
Green Elf: Well then maybe my fox is right about him.
Dracorex: Oh?! Oh really?!
Green Elf: Yeah!
Fox: Bark bark bark!
Darnoth: Caw caw caw!
Dracorex, Darnoth, the fox and the green elf, all start to argue and shout loudly. Agic and Era take off again with out Dracorex, leaving him behind to continue arguing with the freakish new elf. But then, he notices them leaving and tries to end the argument by making his voice louder and showing off his staff. But then, the weed looking elf just gests angrier and starts to shakes his fists around like a mad man.
Dracorex: Aright look you weed, I've got to go. So if you want to follow me then fine. But I'm not staying around just to argue about how much of a cure you are.
Green Elf: I'm not a weed, my name is Black Dragon! And I'm not done with you yet!
Dracorex: Well Black Dragon…I'm quite done with you. So…goodbye.
Black Dragon: You get back here! You…you…human!
Fox: Bark…bark bark!
Dracorex: Blah blah blah! Shut the hell up already!
Darnoth: Caw!
So Dracorex marches out the door of the guard house, with Darnoth on his left shoulder. And as he exit's the guard house, he sees the shipping yard and Era and Agic just ahead of him. So he runs to try and get close enough to call for them. But then he notices that the annoying green elf Black Dragon, was still trying to talk to him and was fallowing him. So Dracorex just ran faster.
Dracorex: Hey guys! Wait up for me and Darnoth!
Then Era and Agic stopped, looked back at Dracorex running from Black Dragon and started to laugh as they waited for Dracorex to ketch up with them. After running like hell, Dracorex got to them and sighed. Era and Agic kept laughing, but then they stopped and asked Dracorex silly questions.
Era: Well, what's been taking you so long to catch up with us? Did you have to weed your garden or something?
Agic: Yeah? I don't you just ask him to…leaf you alone?
Dracorex: Are you two mocking me?!
Era: I'm not mocking you. I'm mocking that stupid looking elf that can't stop arguing with you. I mean come on, its green. Elves aren't green.
Black Dragon: I heard that! I'll…I'll kill you for that!
Era: Oh yeah, I'd like to see you try plant boy!
Black Dragon: Then…just…just wait…right there! I can't run that fast.
Dracorex: Well yeah…anyway. He's been fallowing me around for some reason. And even tough I said he could come if he wanted to…I didn't mean it. I was just trying to catch up with
you two guys.
Era: Well wouldn't he have to make a deal with you…like the rest of us did?
Dracorex: Hmmm…indeed he would. Good point then…let me think of one.
Dracorex put his right hand to his face, stood there and tried thinking of a deal he could make with the odd, weed looking elf. But then, the elf got there and started to gasp as he stood hunched over. Era gave him an odd look, will Dracorex and Agic just stared at him and raised their eyebrows as he panted like a dog. And trying to catch his breath.
Era points his Arrow at the weed looking elf.
Era: So…yeah…you were saying something about killing me? Well I beg to differ, because unless the wizard says other wise…I'll show you right now who's boss…plant boy!
Black Dragon: Yeah, well I'd love to see you try…elf…person…thing.
Dracorex: Its sorcerer…I'm a sorcerer…
Era: Well, well, I guess I will then weed.
Era grabs his long bow and pulls back an arrow. But he just hold it and waits for Dracorex's word to fire. The green elf grabs his wooden staff and gets into a mediocre battle, while Dracorex pondered a deal he could make with the odd elf. Then he got an idea and shouted.
Dracorex: Wait! I think I've got it!
Era: Okay boss man, just say it. Come on, you know you want me to kill him…and I'll do it too.
Darnoth: Caw, caw, caw, caw, caw…!
Agic: He will too, he's not kidding.
Fox: Bark bark!
Black Dragon: Yeah, then lets go.
Dracorex: Ummm…right. Let's all just calm done. And Darnoth, would you stop shouting the "K" word in my ear, pleas.
Darnoth: Caw caww.
Dracorex: Thank you.
Era: Well why do I have to calm down? I don't want to.
Black Dragon: Yeah, I'm not backing down either.
Dracorex: Alright look, what the hell do you even want?! I mean…we just walked past you, and your damn fox gets all…!
Black Dragon: Stop talking about Dragon like that!
Era: Dragon? What kind of dumb name is that for a fox?
Black Dragon: Its an awesome name for a fox! You just can't understand it…because you don't know him like I do.
A small white cloud moves overhead and the morning sun is shortly blocked from view. And as the cloud floats across the sky. The wily elf Era looks at both Dracorex and Agic, Dracorex shrugs and Agic just stands there and shakes his head. Then Era raises an eyebrow as he turns his face to look at Black Dragon.
Era: Yeah, you're an idiot!
Black Dragon: I'm not an idiot!
Fox: Bark…bark bark!
Agic: What the hell?
Dracorex: Alright, that's enough! You…green thing…right now! Tell me what the bloody hell you want?! Or your dead!
Everyone suddenly stops arguing and looked at Dracorex with shocked and confused faces. The small could passed over them and the sunlight shown down on them. And Black Dragon's knees shuck as he tried to answer the question asked by the angered
dark sorcerer.
Black Dragon: I…I want to explore new places…and see new kinds of creatures.
Dracorex: Hmmm…fine then, its done.
Black Dragon: What?
Era: What?! *whispers to self* not again.
Dracorex: You'll get your new creatures. But…only if you help us.
Black Dragon: Well…hmmm…alright. What would I have to do?
Dracorex: Just, stick with us. And be quiet.
So then they all walked off and looked around for the shipping yard. And then they saw that there were three ships, dead ahead of them. The sea was wild and rocked all the ships in the port. Waves splashed against the walls of the harbor, as sea spray hit the decks and trickled down the sides. The adventurers then came to a stop and glanced at the three fine looking vessels. One was a war ship, with heavy armor plating and cannons. An other was a fishing boat. And the last one was a medium sized vessel, with lighter armor plating. So after surveying the vessels, they walked a short distance away from the shipping yard and tried to decide on what they all wanted to do next.
Agic: Alright, well guys, if you want I'm going to go see about getting us a ship. So what about all of you?
Dracorex: Well I think we should all decide on one together…except for the new guy.
Black Dragon: Hey, what?!
Era: Hmmm, well if we're all deciding on a ship. Hmmm…I'd like the big one.
Black Dragon: Oh yeah, me too. I want the big one too.
Dracorex: Well I really like the medium sized one. It looks like a sea dragon.
Agic: Look…do any of you guys even know how much these are going to cost us? Sure,
we could possibly get the medium sized one. But that huge one looks way to expensive.
Era: Well all I know, is that I don't think we want that fishing boat. It looks to dinky.
Black Dragon: Hmmm…way to dinky.
Dracorex: Alright look. Agic, see if you can't try and get us the medium sized one then.
It seems like all we really need anyway.
Agic: I'll see what I can do.
Dracorex: Now…I think I'm going to go to the blacksmith's shop and see what they got. I'll meet back up with you guys here later. Oh, unless you would like to come along elf?
Black Dragon: Well I guess I'll go with you. You seem to be the leader so yeah…
Era: Hey plant thing, shut up! He wasn't talking to you! I'm the elf around here, got it?! You're like this…green, weed looking thing. But yeah, I'll go with you to the shop.
Black Dragon: I'm not a weed!
Dracorex: Oh be quiet and come on then!
So as Agic goes to try and get the team a ship from the dealer. Dracorex, Era, the two pets and Black Dragon, all head toward the smithy's shop to try and find themselves some new weapons. As they interred the establishment, they heard the sounds of metal clanging and fire blazing. Shining silver weaponry dominated the show room and cluttered up the tables and walls. They began to look around for anything interesting that they might of wanted to get. Era stopped to look at some of the brilliant weapons on display, whilst Dracorex and Black Dragon worked there way to the counter. At the counter was a man, the owner of the flashy little shop.
Shop Keeper: Hello, how may I help you two?
Dracorex: Well, we're looking for some nice scythes or staves pleas.
Black Dragon: Yeah, I need something better then this little stupid wooden staff.
Shop Keeper: Hmmm…I don't think we have any scythes sir. But we do have some very lovely staffs.
Dracorex: Wooden or iron?
Shop Keeper: We have both styles sir.
Dracorex: Very good then. How much for your finest iron staff?
Shop Keeper: Oh, I'd say 25 gold.
Dracorex: 25 gold? Oh, alright I'll tack it.
Shop Keeper: Thank you for buying sir. And what about you green one?
Black Dragon: I guess I'll trade this staff in for a stronger one if you've got it?
Shop Keeper: Hmmm…we have two that are stronger then that. One is a oak staff and the other is a grand elder staff. But the grand elder staff would cost you 10 gold plus.
Black Dragon: 10 gold plus?!
Dracorex: Yeah…I'm not spotting you.
Black Dragon: Oh…oh alright. I'll trade it in for the grand elder staff.
Shop Keeper: Very well then sir. It has been a pleasure doing business with you two.
Dracorex: Like wise. Oh…wait. Elf, have you found anything worth buying?
Era: Ehhh, not really.
Dracorex: Alright, then we'll be leaving. Come on you two, lets go.
So all of the adventurers exited the smithy's shop and headed back to the shipping yard to see Agic. They got up to a small cart that the ship seller was managing and saw Agic finishing up his talk with the keeper. Era, Dracorex, Black Dragon and their pets, walked up to Agic and asked about the vessel.
Dracorex: Alright sir Agic, what did you find out for us.
Agic: Well… good news is, we got the medium sized ship you wanted. So you don't worry about that part.
Dracorex: Excellent, very excellent indeed.
Agic: But, here's what I do know. The vessel cost us 10,000 gold. But its okay, because I was able to buy it. But…like anyway, its left me with only 130 gold left. So if you don't
mind, we might need to get some more money in the future from my home land. And besides, I need to see if I cant ask my father for more gold.
Black Dragon: Holy crap…where did you get all that money?!
Era: Agic, don't waste your breath on this green boy. I'll tell him for you. He's royalty you green freak…so deal with it! And his father is a king!
Agic: Yeah… So Era you want to tell him any more…or how you even know that?
Era: Uh… Ummm…well we wont go into that yet. And Agic, you keep your mouth shut or you know what I'll do. Got it…?
Agic: Yeah, yeah!
Dracorex: Ummm…alright, so anyway. That's good and yes, we'll do that when we can Agic. So I say we head out and explore this world further.
Era: Yeah, to the boat away!
Then they took off to their new ship. They all got onto the fine sea vessel and then
Agic and Black Dragon pulled up the anchor and then they set sail on the vast ocean,
off to there next destination. But now we must ask, how dose Era know all that stuff about Agic and what's the deal with the green elf? We'll find out next time on Hazard Quest chapter 5.