Ch. 27
Pitch Black
"What do we do now?"
Tahlkora's soft voice broke the silence as it echoed in the gloom of the cave, the sound wavering as it bounced off of the watery floor. For several minutes no one answered as they stared at the massive obstacle that barred their only way back to the surface. Kydar lifted his light higher and cupped his hands around the flame, focusing its broad circle of illumination as he panned it across the face of the landslide. From floor to ceiling, the slide had completely filled the passage chamber, with far more rock and earth than they could hope to dig through. Rakiv clicked her tongue as she considered the unfortunate turn of events and stepped forward to carve out a handful of dirt from the wall. The dry, dusty sand spilled through her fingers as she rubbed her gloved digits together and then cast the handful of soil away. There was no questioning the facts. They were effectively trapped.
"Guys?" Tahlkora spoke up again when no one answered her, "What do we do now?"
"That… that was our only way back, wasn't it?" Anicara asked carefully.
"It can't be," Koss said, "If living underground for the last several months has taught me anything, it's that there's always another tunnel or cave that leads back up. We just have to find a way around this thing."
"Whoa, wait a second," Kydar spoke up as he lifted his light above the heads of the group, "We can't just go back. We've still got a mission to complete. A big one. Who else is gonna warn the Princes in time if we give up now?"
Rakiv turned away from the group as the discussion of their predicament continued. A low croak in the darkness had drawn her attention and the ranger sloshed through the shallows in the direction of her crocodile companion's call. The shallow water gave way to moist sand and the red headed huntress clambered onto a small beach. In the dark Butter gave another croak and she could hear the smack of his tail on the sand as she approached. Her progress halted when she stepped on something that crunched, and she paused to lean down and examine the ground at her feet. Her gloved fingers closed around brittle bits of charcoal and blacked wood from a fire. Her brow furrowed as she looked up and peered through the gloom before drawing an arrow from her quiver and swiping it across the strip on the back of her glove. Her kindled arrow was no torch, but it provided enough illumination for her to see Butter… and the grim find he had discovered.
The ranger stood before the bodies of five men dressed in the red robes of the Order of Whispers. While means of their deaths had been varied it was clear they had been caught unawares. The guildmistress stepped past a man riddled with arrows and knelt to turn over another who had been stabbed through the chest. Numerous, more shallow cuts to his torso told her that the man had put up a decent fight before being run through. The archeress paused to remove the man's hood and looked down into his face, before drawing her fingers over his eyelids to gently push them shut. From the looks of things he had fared the best as most of his companions had not even had time to rise from the ground before they were slain. Rakiv ran a hand through her hair and blew out a slow sigh as Butter waddled up to her and gave her a mournful snort. The ranger nodded to him in reply and doused her arrow in the sand before returning it to her sheath and rising to her feet.
"And how are we supposed to get there?" Koss was saying, his voice echoing through the cave, "Do you know the way! How are we gonna find our way under the mountains without a guide? It's pitch black down here!"
"Wait, what of the Whispers?" Melonni suddenly put in as she turned to the men, "They are still down here aren't they? Perhaps they are simply further in and we -"
"The Whispers are of no more use to us," Rakiv announced as she strode back to the group.
"What do you mean, guildmistress?" Anorah spoke up.
"I found them," Rakiv said as she held aloft the red hood she'd taken from the corpse, "Five of them. Dead near their campsite. Looks like the Kournans got the jump on them."
"Great… just great," Koss grumbled darkly.
"Look guys," Alendra finally spoke up as well, "This isn't as bad as it looks. Like Koss said, these caves are never just one way. We've lived underground for a quarter of a year, surely we can find a way back up."
"Puttin' the mission aside fer a bit," Margrid chimed in, "I'm thinkin' that ain' so good an idea either, shipmate."
"Why not?" Koss demanded, "We find a way back up, and then start over once we're up on the surface. There has to be another way into Vabbi and…"
"It's a bad idea fer the same reason 'tis a bad idea ta press forward," Margrid responded, "Yew lot heard what the Disciple said. Dark things be lurkin' in these here deeps, an' there's the Elon to worry 'bout too. We go wanderin' the wrong way back and we end up jus' as dead as if'n we pressed on in the wrong direction."
"So what, we just sit here?" Koss asked, "That's a great idea Marg!"
"Everyone calm down!" Rakiv snapped forcefully, "I want a minute of silence, starting now!"
All discussion was quelled in the face of the guildmistress' order and the group fell silent as they turned their eyes to the surrounding darkness. Beyond the reach of Kydar's light there was little that could be seen of their surroundings. Large stalagmites stood quietly in the water that lapped at their bases, while the steady noise of falling water continued to echo from somewhere else in the deeps. With little else to look at, all eyes finally turned back to Rakiv as she stood rubbing her chin, deep in thought. A clearing of a throat turned their attention away from the guildmistress though and the group's collective gaze came to rest on the Apprentice of Whispers.
"Now that our time out is up," the Apprentice spoke, "Might I offer a suggestion, guildmistress?"
"Speak," Rakiv replied curtly.
"I said that my knowledge is quite extensive," the Apprentice said with a small nod, "I know all that the Whispers know and a great deal more. I have also walked in many a strange place in this world, places of both darkness and light and have learned many of their secrets."
"Bottom line it, Apprentice," Rakiv demanded.
"Guildmistress I believe I can lead you through these caves," the woman said, "I have been through the Bahdok crossing once, and I am fairly certain that I can do it again. Allow me to lead and I am quite certain that we can reach the other side of the mountains safe and sound."
Silence again settled over the group as all present continued to stare at the tall woman. The Apprentice surveyed their faces before giving a small smile and a nod of reassurance. Finally Kydar gave a sigh and shook his head as he turned back to Rakiv.
"Raki I don't think that's a good idea," the scribe said.
"I'm not too keen on followin' tall dark n' mysterious through these caves neither," Margrid muttered under her breath.
"Your reasons, First Officer?" Rakiv asked.
"Well…" Kydar began before giving a sigh and a shrug, "I don't trust her, plain and simple."
At this the Apprentice arched a thin eyebrow at the man but said nothing. Rakiv nodded slowly and then tilted her head.
"Why?" the ranger asked.
"I… thought I told you why," Kydar blinked, "If it had been up to me we wouldn't have even brought her. She did little more than mess with my group synergy just two days ago. And truth be told, we still don't even really know who or what she is."
The scribe turned and stared at the tall woman, who stared back with pale eyes that seemed to glow in the firelight. If the woman was offended she made no show of it and Kydar studied her skeptically as he held her gaze.
"Whatever she is, she's not a Whisper," Kydar said, "She's never once even claimed to be an actual member of their order. And apparently the Master of Whispers doesn't trust her either. I mean he had to do that weird… spell thing to bind her to Ani so we could keep control of her. That doesn't sound like someone who we can trust."
"She also kept hanging around Anorah's tent yesterday…" Alendra put in, glaring lightly at the much taller woman, "And everytime I saw her she just gave me this creepy little smile."
The Apprentice turned to stare at the pretty paragon, who stared back resolutely. For a moment the women held each other's gaze, before the corners of the Apprentice's mouth turned up ever so slightly and Alendra jumped and pointed at the necromancer.
"See!" the paragon exclaimed, "She's doing it now!"
At this the Apprentice broke out into laughter, a sound that was surprisingly melodious. The rest of the group remained silent and Rakiv fixed the necromancer with a critical stare until the woman had finished laughing.
"My apologies," the necromancer giggled lightly, "Ah, truly I do not mean to make light of your concerns. It's simply that I've heard little proof that I am, indeed, untrustworthy. Please, First Officer Raelesin, tell me. Was I truly of no use to you when we made our way up the river Elon? Would you have been able to slay either the Droughtling or the Drought itself without me?"
Kydar did not answer as he stared at the woman skeptically, but she only smiled in return, her pale eyes glinting like otherworldly lamps in the gloom.
"And have I not been forthcoming when asked any direct question?" the Apprentice continued, "Ask me about the Order of Whispers and I will tell you all I know. Ask me of the demons and I will continue to share my knowledge. Indeed we have known each other but a short time, but in that time Scribe Raelesin, I believe that I have spoken honestly with you at every juncture. Can you disagree?"
Again Kydar did not answer, other than to let a small grumble roll in his throat. The necromancer smiled sweetly at him before turning her attention to the guildmistress.
"Guildmistress Maelstrom I assure you," the necromancer said, "I have no interest in leading you astray. From a purely logical standpoint, I will need your muscle in the event that there are more Kournan soldiers down here. And it also stands to reason that should I lead you to an unkind fate, it is unlikely that I will escape unscathed is it not? I speak the truth guildmistress when I say that I have traveled here before, and I do believe I can lead us through. But if you would rather wallow in darkness rather than trust me… by all means, begin your wallowing."
The group was quiet again as Rakiv stared at the necromancer and then turned her gaze towards Kydar. The scribe could only stare back helplessly, but his opinion remained clear. Finally Rakiv gave a small sigh and an accompanying nod as she straightened up and turned her eyes to the darkness ahead of them.
"We follow the Apprentice," she decreed, "Whatever happens, we have to get to Vabbi , and we have to get there soon. We don't have time to try and find a way back and start over."
"But guildmistress..!" Alendra began.
"This is our only shot," Rakiv said firmly, "And the Apprentice is our only chance. Now unless any of you here can give me hard evidence that this woman is not to be trusted…?"
Rakiv turned back and panned her eyes across the group, searching the eyes of her companions. One by one they each looked away, until Rakiv's violet gaze came to rest upon the brilliant golds of Anorah Basilisk. The dervish held her guildmistress' eyes, and opened her mouth lightly as if to speak before she shut it once more.
"Adept Basilisk?" the ranger inquired, "You have something to say?"
"No…" the dervish said slowly with a small shake of her head as she too averted her eyes, "No guildmistress."
"Then we press on, and the Apprentice leads the way," Rakiv ordered as she turned to the necromancer, "So then Apprentice. How do we proceed?"
"With light," the necromancer said, "As much light as you can muster. You said you found the bodies of the Whispers?"
"Right over there," Rakiv pointed.
"Search them, they are likely to have torches," the Apprentice said, "Salvage them if you can. I will explain while we prepare."
The necromancer led the way as the group strode up onto the small beach where the corpses of the Whispers lay. Kydar's fireball provided ample illumination, but soon the cave was splashed in greater light as the guildsmen retrieved what torches they could find and set fire to them. Satisfied that they held enough light the Apprentice gave a slow nod and then turned to face the darkness ahead.
"I advise that you listen carefully," the Apprentice warned, "We've a treacherous road ahead. The Disciple spoke of the things that live here, creatures of the darkness. They shun the light if they can, and thus the light is our refuge. If at all possible, stay in the light."
The necromancer's heels crunched on the sand as she strode down off the beach and splashed once more into the shallow water. Pale eyes scanned the dark cave ahead as the group gathered behind her, holding their lights high as they too peered into the blackness. Abruptly she spun back to face them and fixed them with a firm stare from under her furrowed brow.
"There will be one speed," she warned, "Mine. Keep up or you will be left behind. This road will not reward foolishness or heroics. At many points the road will be open for a brief window and when that happens we must move without hesitation. Follow me and do not stray. Am I understood?"
The party gave several murmurs of affirmation and the Apprentice nodded with satisfaction.
"Good," she said, "In closing, keep the light out of my eyes. I can see in this darkness but not if you blind me. Do as I say and we may all make it through. I would be… most disappointed if we happened to lose anyone along the way."
The small smile that twitched at the corners of her mouth did nothing to ease the guild's fears but there was little to be done or said now. The Apprentice turned away again and strode into the darkness as she beckoned for them to follow.
"Stay close mortals," the Apprentice advised, "Here we go."
The road ahead proved to be a long one, longer than some present had expected. For hours they sloshed through darkness and water, braving deepening pools and sudden currents that threatened to wash them away more than once. From time to time the Apprentice warned them away from the eddies and flows that stirred the shallow water, explaining that they were the warning signs of a sudden drop off or powerful rapids. The path they walked proved to be a narrow one, a water logged highway that led them through the bowels of the earth.
As they proceeded the entire group felt an odd sense of dread settle over them. More than once, rapid pitter patters or small scuttling reached their ears, though the sounds were faint and so swift that they were immediately washed away by the constant sound of roaring water that echoed through the caverns. Kydar held his light higher, the flickering blue glow roving over the rocks and sand that surrounded them. The walls of the mountain depths offered no clues, no signs that might indicate from whence the noises came… and yet the scribe was certain that he had heard them. His unease was only exacerbated when the Apprentice slowed as she approached a tall rock face, split open by a long crevice that offered just enough room to slide through one at a time. The necromancer paused to peer through the hole before turning and giving them an affirming nod as she slipped through the hole. Rakiv watched the tall woman disappear and gave a sigh as she stepped forward, just as Kydar caught her shoulder.
"Can I talk to you?" he whispered.
The ranger blinked up at him and then gave a slow nod before she turned to her group.
"One at a time," she ordered them, "Koss, you go first."
"Yes, guildmistress!" the warrior said as he reached to his shoulder and drew his machete, "Mel hand me that torch. I'll flash once I'm through to the other side."
The dervish nodded in agreement and handed the warrior her flaming beacon. Koss brandished torch and blade in either hand as he took a deep breath and sidled his way into the fissure. Rakiv stepped away to join Kydar a couple yards away, and the swish of water behind her told her that Butter followed as well.
"What's the problem?" she asked.
"Look, not to second guess you or anything but…" Kydar said as he lowered his light as much as he dared, "I don't like this."
"I thought as much," Rakiv nodded.
"I still say we can't trust her Raki," the scribe grumbled lightly, "She's hiding something… a lot of something. Why did you even agree to bring her along?"
"Honestly? Cause I'm hoping that if I bring the Master his Apprentice back, it might put us on better terms," the ranger chuckled lightly, "We weren't exactly friendly when we saw him last, and we might actually need him once we're on the other side of these mountains."
"Mmm…" Kydar nodded in understanding before he shook his head, "I guess that's a good point…"
"Listen, Kydar," the ranger said as she laid a hand on his shoulder, "I get your concerns. I haven't forgotten what you told me about the things she said to Ani. But right now we have to just get through this. She's proving useful and hasn't led us astray yet, even if she could have just let us all get swept away down some dark tunnel."
"We've a ways to go yet it seems," Kydar muttered, "She might just be biding her time."
"Look I'm just as slow to trust as the next girl," Rakiv chuckled lightly, "But I know a thing or two about surviving. And I'm pretty sure you do too. We may not like her, but right now we need her. I promise you, first wrong move she makes I'll put an arrow in her eye myself. Sound good?"
The scribe chuckled lightly and shook his head as he looked down at her. The ranger smiled weakly in return, a gaze that said she shared his misgivings but was doing what she had to do. Finally Kydar nodded again, and then blinked a little as he cast a glance to the hand on his shoulder and the very brief distance between them. With a small clearing of his throat the scribe took a small step backwards and the ranger let her hand fall away from him. For a moment neither of them spoke, and then Kydar furrowed his brow.
"By the way," he said, "Does this seem like it's taking a long time to you? I was under the impression that the Whispers way was faster than this."
"Well it isn't like a stroll through the Jahai fort," Rakiv chuckled lightly, "We are going under the full width of an entire mountain down here."
"Yeah but… I dunno… it seems like we're taking the long way," Kydar said, "As if she's intentionally avoiding the simpler path."
Rakiv opened her mouth to respond when a call echoed to them from across the cave. Alendra stood at the fissure mouth, holding her torch aloft and waving it high as she shouted to them.
"Hey guys! I'm the last one," she called, "You two better hurry and…"
The paragon was cut off as something shrieked in the darkness and a large black shape whizzed out of the shadows. Alendra's torch was immediately extinguished and she screamed as something sprang upon her. Rakiv and Kydar bolted as Butter gave a loud angry hiss and dove into the shallows. Kydar raised his blue fireball and fired it towards the ceiling, resulting in a brilliant burst of light that illuminated the cave. Alendra rolled in the shallow water, shouting and screaming as a massive insectoid monster grappled with her. The beast resembled a Mandragor in many ways, from its numerous legs to its thick chitinous hide. Rakiv however, noted that the creature was far larger than any Mandragor she had ever seen on the surface, and its hide was covered in a thick black ooze that seemed to flow from beneath its armored plates.
A whoosh of flame rushed past her as Kydar launched a volley of flares into the creature's back, causing it to release a keen of displeasure as it turned its head to face the approaching humans. A dozen compound eyes stared at them with ravenous hunger and its mandibles clicked ominously. The beast turned its attention back to its prey, the castellan pinned to the ground beneath it. Alendra had succeeded in keeping her shield between her and the beast, and she shouted challenges up at the monster as its razor sharp limbs and mandibles scraped against her defense. Several legs caught the edge of her shield and managed to wrench it from her arm. The monster shrieked in triumph as it raised its legs to strike. Alendra shut her eyes and braced for the blow, a blow that never fell.
The powerful weight of a full grown freshwater crocodile hit the monster hard from the side. Butter hissed loudly as his jaws clamped down onto several of the creature's limbs and he dragged the insect off of the paragon. Croc and monster rolled on the ground and Butter came up the winner, immediately throwing himself into a vicious deathroll that tore several of the monster's limbs from its body. The monster screamed in pain and struck at the crocodile with its mandibles as Butter hissed and snapped in return. A shout sounded above the struggling beasts and a snap of steel accompanied the cry. Rakiv came sailing out of the darkness, her scythe held high as she swung it over her head and brought it down into the monster's abdomen. Another shriek of pain came from the creature as the ranger yanked hard on her scythe snathe, tearing open the creature's belly.
Heavily wounded and blind with pain the creature thrashed and writhed, before it finally managed to right itself. Its remaining limbs braced against the sand and it pushed off into a powerful leap that sent it flying up into the darkness of the cavern's ceiling. Kydar shot off another volley of flares, the strobing lights illuminating the darkness as the creature fled. As the creature crawled into a fissure in the rocks, it gave a final scream of pain and defiance… a scream that was immediately answered. From all directions a keening cry went up, a terrible wailing sound that echoed through the deeps. Kydar brought blue flame to both his palms and held the beacons high, waiting for another assault. But soon the noise died away and the silence returned, broken only by the background noise of the Elon's rushing waters.
"What was…" Alendra whispered a little shakily as she tried to pick herself up, "What was that…?"
"I… don't know…" Kydar replied tensely as he remained alert.
"Everyone through the crack," Rakiv ordered as she held her scythe brandished, "Butter, Alendra, hurry!"
The crocodile pushed the paragon with his nose as she clambered to her feet and collected her fallen shield. Without waiting to be told twice Alendra scrambled into the fissure and edged her way through. Butter followed with a wriggle of his tail as Rakiv and Kydar slowly backed to the fissure as well.
"Go," the scribe said, "I've got the light."
"You better be right behind me," she snapped at him, "I mean it."
"I will be, go!" he replied quickly.
Rakiv chewed her lip as she looked up at him hesitantly. The scribe had a penchant for foolish heroics, that had more than once almost gotten him killed. But for the moment the ranger knew she had no time to argue with him, and snapped her scythe shut as she shoved it over her shoulder back into its holster. The huntress pushed herself into the crevice and began to edge her way through. The crevice had been formed in a slab of slick limestone, made slicker still by the water that coursed down over it. The going was not difficult, though it did inspire a hint of claustrophobia.
At points the crevice seemed to narrow so much that Rakiv was sure that further progress would only lead to her being stuck or crushed. Though the ranger tried her best to banish thoughts of the mountain suddenly shifting and the crevice snapping shut on her, she could not quite rid herself of the image of being crushed flat by the stone that surrounded her. Finally when she felt that she just might succumb to the growing paranoia, torchlight reached her eyes and she broke through to the other side. She gasped a little as she stumbled out onto dry sand and blinked up at her guildsmen. A sturdy pair of hands caught her as she nearly tripped and several voices reassured her that she was alright.
"Is… is everyone here?" the guildmistress asked, "Is everyone alright?"
"We're all fine on this side," Anicara spoke up, "The Apprentice told us to stay put though."
"The Apprentice… where is she?" Rakiv asked quickly.
"She went ahead," Melonni explained, "When that… scream happened, she said something under her breath and told us to stay here… then she disappeared."
"We need to move fast!" Rakiv said urgently, "We have to… oh crap, Kydar!"
The ranger turned back to the fissure and peered into it for any sign of the scribe. She called his name into the crack but received no answer. Again she called… and then suddenly a flare of blue light illuminated the crevice.
"Can I get a hand here?" the scribe called with a slightly sheepish chuckle, "I think I'm a little stuck."
Koss and Anorah stepped up to the crevice and reached through, feeling about inside until Koss caught hold of the elementalist's arm.
"I've got him," the warrior announced, "Pull!"
Anorah grunted as she too grabed hold of the scribe's arm and began to tug.
"Ow, ow. ow… ow!" the scribe shouted, "Not so hard!"
"Well help us help you!" Koss replied, "Push or something!"
"I'm trying!" Kydar snapped in return, "There's this rock and it's… ow!"
"No pain, no gain," Anorah said calmly as she continued to pull.
After several more exclamations of pain from the trapped scribe, something finally gave way and Kydar was pulled free of the crevice. The elementalist gave an unhappy grumble as he rubbed at his scrapes and bruises but thanked his guildmates for the assistance. Tahlkora offered him healing but the scribe refused, explaining that it was 'merely a flesh wound'. The party milled about, checking one another and ensuring that no one was seriously hurt until a silken smooth voice echoed to them out of the darkness.
"I told you to stay close," the Apprentice said calmly as she sauntered out of the black, "Now they know we are here. We will have to be far more careful from here on out."
"What was that thing!" Alendra exclaimed.
"Here they are called Deeplings," the Apprentice replied, "Similar to the Mandragor of the surface, but as you may have noticed… these are far, far larger."
"No kidding," Kydar replied.
"It goes without saying," the Apprentice continued, "That they are quite hungry. There is little to eat here, and when they are desperate they will devour each other. Now they have the scent of fresh meat… and they will not stop hunting us so long as we are down here."
"Then we need to move, fast," Rakiv said, "We've been meandering for awhile Apprentice. I may not know the path but I am a tracker. You've been deliberately avoiding straighter paths that would make this journey shorter."
"Of course I have, guildmistress," the Apprentice nodded, "I was attempting to keep us out of harm's way. Roads less traveled are not so closely watched. Were we with the Whispers, this whole affair would be far easier."
"Why?" Kydar demanded, "I thought you said you knew everything the Whispers know."
"I do, First Officer," the Apprentice responded with a smile, "But that does not mean I have their resources at my disposal. When the Whispers walk these paths, they carry with them an incense that produces a sickly sweet scent when it burns. As much as these monsters cannot stand the light, the scent of the incense is more terrible to them still. I had hoped that we would find this substance on the corpses of our guides. Sadly, it seems the Kournans' work was quite thorough."
"So what are you saying?" Melonni asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"I am saying that I can still lead you on the straighter paths," the Apprentice said as she turned and began to stride into the shadow, "But we do so at our own peril. Look here and I will show you."
Kydar turned his gaze down to Rakiv, who chewed her lip thoughtfully before she strode after the tall woman. The rest of the party fell in behind their guildmistress, keeping their torches high to provide as much light as possible. The shadowy silhouette flitted ahead of them in the half-light at the edge of their sight, and finally came to a stop at the edge of another underground pool. Rakiv folded her arms impassively as the Apprentice turned to them and gestured with her hands.
"We stand at a crossroads of sorts," the necromancer explained, "To my left, a high road that will carry us through the upper caverns, an underground highway if you will. To my right, we return to our slog through the Elon's waters, where the darkness is deeper still."
"And why not take the high road?" Koss asked as he looked up, "If we move faster, a little danger is worth it."
"Guildmistress," the Apprentice said as she bowed lightly, "I will say only that I advise against the highway. But the decision is yours."
Rakiv unfolded her arms as she stepped past the Apprentice and strode to the water's edge. The water here was as shallow as it was in the caves they had left, simply a stony basin that collected the Elon's flood waters. Rakiv peered into the blackness ahead, her nose twitching lightly as she inhaled the subterranean air. The scent was laden with water, and her ears pricked as she noted that the sound of the waterfall was louder here. Her eyes turned downward as she watched a beetle clamber out of the sandy shore and splash into the water as he swam out into the darkness. Finally the ranger turned away from the shore and moved to inspect the other fork in the road.
The path that went up was a large tunnel, hedged in closely by thick rock walls. The ranger laid a hand against the stone and leaned forward to listen closely. No sounds came from the tunnel, no echo of scuttling or movement of even tiny things could be heard. All within the tunnel was completely quiet and still, as though nothing within dared to move. Her nose twitched as she smelt a stale waft of air flow from the tunnel entrance and she knelt down to inspect the dirt at her feet. Her fingers brushed at the sand to reveal the stone underneath and her eyes narrowed lightly. Finally she rose to her feet and turned to the Apprentice.
"We go down," the ranger ordered.
"Wait… what?" Tahlkora asked.
"Yew sure that be a good idea red?" Margrid spoke up, "I'm all fer gettin' outta these caves quick as quick can. I ain' partial to bein' this close ta Grenth's doorstep, if'n ya know what I mean."
"You know it's a myth that you can actually dig to the Underworld, right?" Kydar replied to the pirate.
"I ain' in no mood ta find out the hard way, college boy," Margrid responded, "Jus' wanna get out of here and see me some good ole fashioned sunlight again."
"Guildmistress, I really must protest…" Melonni began.
"We go down," Rakiv said again, "The Apprentice is right. Going up is likely a death sentence, for several reasons. The first being that the quarters are too close. If something hit us it could take us out one by one and there's no way we could move fast enough to escape. For two, even the wildlife here knows better than to go into that tunnel. Just look at Butter."
The ranger pointed to her crocodile companion, who sat a fair distance from the tunnel entrance. As all eyes turned to him the croc gave a disapproving hiss and shuffled further away from the tunnel mouth.
"Finally, the earth here tells a cautionary tale," Rakiv said, "There are tracks here, but they only lead inward. There are none to show that anything ever leaves this tunnel. I don't know why it's a one way trip, but I'm not volunteering to find out. So we go down."
There was no further argument, though there were more than a few grumbles at their failing fortunes. Since entering the caves things had only continued to go from bad to worse, and none present were looking forward to another long, wet trek in the dark. With the decision made the Apprentice gave a graceful bow and turned to step into the shallow water.
"Let's all try to stay together this time, shall we?" she smiled at them, "Come, come. The hour grows later whilst we dally, and I'm rather certain that our multi-legged friends will only become more active once night falls upon the surface. We will want to be clear of these caves before sundown."
"Any idea when that is?" Anicara chimed in a little mournfully, "It feels like we've been walking for forever down here."
"Never fret little one," the Apprentice smiled, "Noon has only just arrived, but we've far to go yet, and these detours do not make our journey swifter. We will have to move quickly to make up the time. Come, and do not fall behind."
With that the Apprentice turned and took off, leaving the rest of the party to buckle their equipment tightly as they slogged into the shallow water of the underground river. Fortunately the water here seemed calmer than along the previous leg of their trek, though it was indeed deeper. The pools here rose nearly to their waists, and the water only impeded their progress. As they went the roar of water became louder still and the waters began to stir, causing their light to reflect and flash across the high ceiling and far walls of the cavern. It was clear that the waterfall was perhaps only yards away as the water became frothy and the roar grew to nigh deafening decibels.
"Where are we!" Tahlkora finally cried out in exhaustion, "There must be a beach somewhere! The falls are hurting my…"
A hand suddenly clamped over her mouth and the monk's eyes went wide as she looked up at the burly form of Koss, who lifted his other hand to his lips and pointed forward. At the head of the party Rakiv held her hands up for silence as she pointed out to either side of the group. Though the waters were clear, dark shapes could be seen swimming beneath the frothy waves. The submerged figures glided lithely and swiftly in circles around the group, leaving trails of black brackish sludge in their wake. The young monk gave a slightly frightened whimper as she stepped closer to the brawny warrior, who removed his hand from her mouth and patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"Oh dear…" the Apprentice spoke up rather suddenly, "This is rather… inopportune."
"What is it?" Rakiv whispered to the woman.
"Lights," the Apprentice said, "Up and to the left, the jagged rocks atop the rise. You see?"
Rakiv squinted and then her violet eyes widened. The Apprentice had spoken truly, a flicker of orange light cast its illumination from behind a ridge of rocks that sat at the top of an earthen mound that led to a cave mouth in the cavern wall. The ranger tilted her head, as she considered the possibility that the light could be a beacon, left behind to light the way for smugglers. Until the light moved.
"Aw hell…" the red-head grumbled, "Kournans?" she asked.
"More than likely," the Apprentice said as she tilted her head, "It is difficult to tell."
"Alright then," Rakiv said as she reached for her scythe handle, "Weapons up, we'll take them when they leave the tunnel."
"Ah, allow me to stay your blade, guildmistress," the Apprentice whispered, "I'm certain that you have not forgotten that we are still surrounded by other enemies."
The necromancer cast a glance towards one of the black trails of ooze that darkened the water. Rakiv halted as well as she considered their position. With the Deeplings surrounding them, it was all too likely that in the midst of a struggle with the Kournans the monsters would jump at the opportunity to feed. The ranger was not about to take the risk that one of her own would end up as part of that meal.
"Then what do you suggest?" the archeress muttered as she ground her teeth in frustration, "We can't just sit here. They can still pick us off with bows from up there!"
"The falls," the Apprentice advised, "We hide in the deeper, faster moving waters."
"What about our lights?" Rakiv hissed, "The falls will put is in the dark!"
"Douse the torches, we will make do with whatever our scribe can produce," the Apprentice muttered, "But we must move now."
Rakiv gave the necromancer a nod and turned to her group, motioning for them to huddle up. The party quickly gathered, though all were careful to keep an eye on the dark shapes that swam through the waters. Butter's scaly snout surfaced in their midst and the crocodile gave a snort as he looked up at Rakiv.
"Okay," the ranger said, "Here's the deal. By Butter's count, we're surrounded by a whole swarm of these Deepling things. Worse is, we've got Kournans coming down on us. Lights in the tunnel up ahead."
Several eyes peered up at the rocky ridge as the illumination drew closer, flickering more vividly as it approached.
"So I want all torches doused, now," the ranger said, "Kydar, lower your light but keep us lit. We're moving to the falls."
"What about the Deeplings?" Alendra hissed lowly, "Without enough light…"
"If Kydar can keep us lit they may still avoid us," Rakiv replied, "But if we stay bright like this, the Kournans will rain arrows down on us. Lights down, now."
The order was followed immediately, and a hiss of steam and smoke rose among them as several torches were plunged into the water. Rakiv gave a quick motion of her hand to order her guild to move, as she looked up towards the rocks. The light was drawing closer still, the flicker of torchlight now clearly visible as it exited the cave. The guildsmen sloshed through the murky water as they made for the roar of water and squinted against the misty spray. The Apprentice slipped completely beneath the waves as the others began to tread water, keeping their eyes trained on both the Deepling swarm and the approaching torches. Kydar struggled to keep his flame alive, the tongue flickering and sputtering in his palms as it flared against the constant mist. Rakiv raised a fist in the air, demanding absolute silence, as the torches exited the cave mouth and the figures of men emerged into the waterfall cavern.
"… should have been back hours ago," a voice drifted to them from the cave mouth as the men began to make their way down the rocky slope, "It's just like Bohseda not to even check in."
"Guess when you command one of the best strike units in the 3rd legion, you don't have to play by all the rules," someone else snorted as he skid on the rocks.
"It's downright inconsiderate!" another voice spoke up, "If he finished the job, the least he could do is report back so that we can get out of these Dwayna forsaken caves."
"Oi, keep talk like that off your tongue soldier," a gruff voice snapped, "You all well know that speaking of the Five is heresy now. I hear another invocation like that and I take the tongue of the man who said it. Am I clear?"
"Sir, yes sir!" several voices answered as the unit splashed down into the water.
Rakiv silently counted their numbers, a brigade of twelve soldiers, at least four of which carried bows and arrows at their backs. They traveled with a great deal of light, bearing torches in their hands and lanterns at their belt, obviously well aware of the dangers in the dark. The ranger's nose twitched as a sickly sweet scent drifted to her nostrils, and her eyes narrowed on the men. The Whispers' incense burned in Kournan torches… an incense they would need. Her hand drifted through the water to press to Butter's spines, as she prepared a plan in her head. She only needed one torch, and if she moved quickly and quietly enough she could pick off a straggler. Butter's tail swished under the water, signaling that he was prepared to lead her and was awaiting her signal. The ranger slowly drew in a deep breath and prepared to dive, just as one of the soldiers stopped in his tracks.
"Hold a moment," the spotter called, "What's that?"
The brigade stopped and a deep tension fell over the cavern. Every hair of the guildsmen stood on end as the spotter stared straight in their direction, his eyes fixed on the small light that Kydar kept alive.
"Grenth take it…" Anicara muttered under her breath.
Rakiv turned to Kydar and lifted her hand lightly as she motioned for him to lower his light. The elementalist shook his head, his eyes wide as he tried to convey that he already risked losing the flame as it was. The ranger grimaced as she turned back to see the spotter pointing and shouting to his fellows. The soldiers gathered near the man and peered into the darkness together, trying to make out the small point of illumination in the darkness.
"It's a torch or something," the spotter was saying, "Someone else is down here!"
"Do you think one of ours ran afoul of the falls?" a Kournan warrior theorized.
"Not with his torch still lit," another said.
"It's a whisp, nothing more," someone else waved it off, "I've seen all sorts of strange things since we've been down here. Just the other day I could have sworn I saw a pile of gold coins in a cave, but it was nothing more than a trick of the light."
"Issad," the Kournan commander said, "Check it out. I want to be sure."
"Yes sir," the spotter said as he lifted his torch, "Keep some arrows at my back. If it's trouble, I'll need cover."
The commander nodded and the unit's archers notched arrows to their bows and took aim as the spotter slogged out into the darkness. He tread carefully, pausing several times as dark shapes swam past him. The torch in his grip sputtered as he drew closer to the falls, but the incense within kept it burning bright. The spotter's eyes squinted as he stared through the dark fog, trying to make out the source of the light.
"There's somethin' here Commander!" the spotter shouted, "There's somethin' in the water!"
The guild's eyes turned frantically to Rakiv, who's hand reached back to curl around the haft of her scythe. Several other fits curled around weapons, prepared for the fight that was about to descend upon them. Only Kydar did not reach for his wands, and instead turned to his mentee.
"Ani," Kydar whispered, "Their torches!"
"What?" the girl asked, turning wide blue eyes to him.
"Their torches!" the older elementalist hissed, "Douse their torches! Quick!"
The hydromancer frowned in mild confusion, before the revelation washed over her. The girl drew in a deep breath, as she raised her staff above the water and gave a light twirl of its crystal head.
"Ye blustery zephyrs of the frozen north, bind my foe with thy winter chill!" Anicara whispered before she raised her head and cried out loudly, "Freezing Gust!"
"They're here Commander!" the spotter shouted as he saw Anicara rise for her cast, "They're…!"
Even as he spoke a powerful gust of super cooled wind blew through the cave, a gale force strong enough that it nearly knocked the soldiers off their feet. Against the frigid blast the torches sputtered and flickered, and then finally failed. The lanterns flashed and winked out as their flames were overcome, and the cavern was plunged into darkness.
"Kydar, light!' Rakiv shouted.
"What in Abaddon's name… to arms men!" the Kournan commander shouted in the dark, "To…"
The commander never finished his command, as an ominous clicking and a deadly shriek split the air. In a spray of water the Deeplings attacked, screaming hungrily as they emerged from the waters and sprang upon the soldiers. The Kournans howled and cried out in terror and pain as the swarm pounced upon them. Steel clashed with chitin and bone as blood and black ooze filled the water. Kydar rose up out of the water, lifting his flame high and focusing it into a brilliant blue beacon once more. The lone spotter stumbled as the light blinded him and he spun about in confusion as he listened to the anguished cries of his companions. Just as it dawned upon him that his only option was to run, another form emerged from the water at his feet. Rivulets streamed from the voluptuous curvature of the Apprentice of whispers, her snowy hair slicked back over her scalp as she emerged before the man. The woman arched as she rose before him, and for a moment the soldier was transfixed by this mahogany skinned siren of the deeps.
The necromancer opened pale eyes that regarded him with mocking amusement for a moment, before she opened her mouth and her jaw unhinged. The man's awe at her beauty changed to sheer terror in a flash as the woman fell upon him, her fangs locking onto his throat as her hand caught his torch-bearing arm. The spotter could not even scream as his throat was torn out and the necromancer gave a throaty groan of satisfaction as she drank him dry. The man's dark skin slowly paled as he quailed in her grip, but found that as he grew weaker she grew stronger. For only a few short moments the necromancer held him fast, as she drank his lifeblood and then kicked him away, allowing his dry corpse to splash into the water. With a small sigh of fulfillment the woman raised the torch she had taken from him and pointed it to Kydar.
"Light," she demanded.
Still staring in a mixture of horror and awe at the woman, Kydar immediately obeyed and put his fireball to the head of her torch. The brazier caught fire immediately and the sickly sweet scent of the incense wafted about them. The Apprentice held the beacon aloft and immediately started forward, slogging through the water as quickly as she could as she made for the rocky mound that led to the cave mouth.
"Move!" she ordered, "Now!"
The guild followed immediately, hurrying to the rocky mound and scrambling up the rise. Behind them they could hear the screams of the Kournan patrol as the Deeplings feasted upon them. Rips of flesh and cracks of bone echoed through the cavern, followed by a triumphant shriek as the monsters gorged themselves. The Apprentice only picked up the pace as they crested the rise and dashed into the tunnels, her long legs carrying her with surprising swiftness on high heels. Panting and draining water in their wake, the guild clambered after her, sprinting to keep pace with the tall necromancer. Even once the sound of the falls and the howls of men and monsters had faded in the distance the Apprentice continued to run, leading them forward through the wide tunnel until they finally broke out into a new cavern. The necromancer finally slowed to a halt, barely appearing to pant as she held her torch high and examined their surroundings. Behind her the guild nearly collapsed as they trotted to a halt, gasping and gulping for breath. The Apprentice paid them no heed as she waved the torch about, filling the air with the scent of incense before she turned and planted the torch in the sand and raised a hand to the guild.
"Stay," she ordered, "I will return in a moment."
None present had the breath to argue and the necromancer trotted out into the darkness, her black leathers causing her to meld with the shadows and she quickly melted out of sight. Rakiv flopped down with an exhausted sigh, and the others began to sit as well, attempting to catch their breaths after the long run.
"Backs to the torch," Rakiv ordered a bit breathlessly, "Don't want… anything… sneaking up on us."
The guild did as instructed and Kydar took the opportunity to lower his light. Melonni leaned over to the elementalist as she produced a dry torch and held it to his flame.
"Here," the dervish offered, "I imagine keeping that thing burning is wearing you out."
The elementalist only gave her a breathless nod as he set fire to her torch and then extinguished the flame in his palm. For a time the cavern was filled only with the heavy breathing of the guildsmen. Tahlkora set to trying to dry her torch, and soon others followed suit while Rakiv kept an eye on the darkness around them. For several moments the group only sat and recovered, until finally Margrid spoke up.
"So… be I the only one what saw our creepy friend bite a man's throat out?" the corsair captain asked, "Were it jus'me?"
"No… I saw it too," Koss grunted as he discarded the useless bindings of his torch and set to oiling a fresh cloth, "Never seen anything like that before either… her mouth popped open like a cobra!"
"She drank that man dry…" Anicara murmured lightly, "How does… how does someone even do that?"
"I've never seen it done before… but if I had to guess," Kydar said slowly, "I'd guess that it was the Vampiric Bite. A little used spell by necromancers… but a powerful one."
"You know of it?" Anorah suddenly inquired, turning her golden eyes to Kydar.
"A little," Kydar replied as he turned to look at the dervish, "And I also know that it's part of a line of study that we specifically do not teach at the Academy."
"And why's that 'xactly?" Margrid questioned.
The scribe began to respond, before the crunch of heels on sand alerted them to the return of the Apprentice. The necromancer sauntered out of the darkness, looking none the worse for wear from their little jog, though her hair still hung in dripping waves that obscured one of her pale eyes. Kydar couldn't help but notice that the look was, in fact, rather fetching… though it only further disturbed him how changeless the woman's appearance truly was. The Apprentice stared down at them and then turned her gaze away and stared westward.
"I fear we have escaped the frying pan, and have succeeded only in landing in the fire," the necromancer spoke, "We are quite literally in the midst of a large detachment of the 3rd Kournan legion."
"Where?" Rakiv asked as she pushed herself to her feet.
"The bulk of their camps lay to the west of us," the tall woman pointed, "And they occupy the main path that would lead us through to the other side of these caverns. I have found a weak point in their blockade, but we will have to move quickly and quietly."
"So we can sneak past them," Rakiv surmised.
"If we follow the eastern wall of this cavern and keep low," the Apprentice nodded, "We can remain safely out of sight. There were a couple of spotters on the rise, but I… dealt with them. The way should be clear, for now at least. We will have to leave immediately if we wish to take advantage of this opportunity."
"Fine, then let's get moving," the ranger said, "The sooner we're beyond the Kournans the better."
"That's it?" Melonni interjected, "We're just… moving on? Nobody wants to talk about the… biting, thing?"
There were a few murmurs from the group as all eyes turned to the Apprentice, who arched a thin brow beneath the pale veil of her hair. Rakiv gave a sigh as she turned to the necromancer and fixed her with a curious gaze.
"It looks like you've managed to upset my team again," the ranger said.
"Have I?" the Apprentice said, "Pity. And just when we were all starting to get along."
"I don't think it's too much to ask," Koss put in, "That we find out what exactly we're traveling with. From the looks of it, you're just as lethal as these Deepling things."
"Given your body count, Commander Dejarin," the Apprentice quipped, "I could say the same of you."
"I don't tear men's jugulars out with my teeth!" Koss retorted hotly.
"We may not have time to discuss this now," Kydar put in slowly, "I share the group's concerns, but… we need to be moving."
"No, no Scribe Raelesin," the Apprentice said as she stepped forward to stare down at the burly warrior, "Allow me to answer my accusers. Tell me, Commander, have I led you astray thus far?"
"No…" Koss grumbled.
"Have I slain anything other than your sworn enemies since we've been down here?" the Apprentice asked, "Have I done anything to truly place you or your companions in any danger that was greater than could be helped?"
Koss turned to glance at Melonni, who gave a helpless shrug and a shake of her head. The warrior sighed and turned to look back up at the tall woman.
"It seems I'll have to say no to that too," the warrior responded.
"Then, Commander Dejarin," the Apprentice said, her gaze hardening upon the man, "I would think that by now you would cease your incessant mistrust of me, and instead begin to thank whichever god you please that I appear to be on your side. Now would you like to further waste our precious time with untimely accusations, or are you prepared to accept the lesser of two evils?"
Koss gave a snarl as his fingers curled into a fist. The Apprentice stared down at him impassively and then finally turned away as she plucked the torch out of the sand and held it aloft.
"Then follow me, little man," she said, "We now have exactly no time to waste. Guildmistress, shall we proceed."
"Lead the way Apprentice," Rakiv said, "All of you, fall in. No more stops until we are out of these gods forsaken caves."
There were no further arguments and the guildsmen moved to follow the order. The Apprentice led the way forward, her torch burning with fragrant smoke that drifted in their wake. More than once Kydar was certain he saw a the chitinous head of a Deepling peering out of the high stone walls, but the creatures quickly gave the party a wide berth as the smoking torch filled the cavern with its sickly sweet scent. The party hugged the eastern wall, edging their way across rocky ground to avoid the stony ridge that lay to the west. The going was slower now as the Apprentice kept them at an easy march across the cavern floor. In time the cave wall began to curve eastward as the ceiling dropped and the path turned towards the north.
The Apprentice raised a fist to call them to a halt and then directed them behind a large pile of fallen rocks. The boulders stood silently near the cave wall, casting deep shadows in the light of the torches. The party scurried into cover and crouched down as the Apprentice peered from behind the boulder. Rakiv stepped up next to her and stared out across a subterranean field of sandy earth. Ahead of them a large cliff barred their way, split only by a narrow path that led to higher ground. At the mouth of the path a pair of Kournan spotters lounged lazily against the rocks, conversing easily as they waited for the end of their shift.
"All I'm saying is…" one of them was saying, "Grenth could totally kick Balthazar's ass. I mean, he's got two thins going for him. First, he's the god of ice and snow, so he can summon a blizzard or something and put out Balth's fire. Second, he's the god of death! Everything that Balthazar has ever done only makes Grenth stronger! I'll bet the Underworld Army is like… three times the size of the Eternal Army."
"But Balthazar is the war god!" the other responded, "He's the god of kicking-ass and taking names! Just cause Grenth controls death doesn't mean he can beat Balthazar in a fight! Also fire melts ice, so then all Grenth would be left with is water."
"And water puts out fire!" the first spotter exclaimed, "I rest my case."
"Balthazar is still the god of ass-kicking though!" the other said, "Grenth would get his frigid butt handed to him on a smoking platter if he ever fought Balthazar!"
The conversation continued as each argued their point and Rakiv shook her head. She couldn't count how many of her victories could be attributed to lazy or inattentive guardsmen, and she thanked whatever powers had put them in her path. The Apprentice narrowed her eyes and then ducked back behind the rock as she turned her eyes to Rakiv.
"Those spotters must be dealt with," the necromancer said, "Once that is done we can move through the pass. There are two camps on either side, but if we are quick and quiet we will pass through unnoticed. If those men are not dealt with however, they will alert the camps, and we will have half the 3rd Legion raining down on our heads."
"Fine, then we'll take them down," Rakiv said as she turned to her team, "Alright, everyone form up. Here's the game plan."
The guildsmen gathered round as Rakiv knelt in the sand and began to trace a diagram with her finger.
"These two points are our targets, the two spotters over there," she explained, "One on either side of that pass. Margrid, you take up position here in the east, I'll be over here in the west. Hit them in the legs, I don't want them running anywhere. As soon as we fire, Koss, Anorah, Alendra and Melonni, you four have to be on them immediately. We can't let them send up the alarm. To my casters, just hang back. The flashes from your spells will just give away our position. We have to make this quick people. Move out!"
"Yes, guildmistress!" the group responded with quiet salutes.
Margrid turned and sprinted off toward the east while Rakiv made her way in the opposite direction. Koss motioned for Melonni to follow him while Alendra fell in behind Anorah. The four scrambled out across the field, taking cover behind the many boulders that littered the underground expanse. Rakiv found a perch in a cleft on the wall and clambered up into it, bracing her feet against the stone as she drew her bow and notched an arrow to her string. A moment later her emblem squawked as Alendra whispered to her.
"Gold Eagle to Lone Ranger," Alendra hissed, "Grim Reaper and I are in position. Waiting for your shot."
"Mother Earth to Lone Ranger," Melonni's voice followed, "Myself and uh… Big Daddy are standing by."
"Why am I Big Daddy?" Koss asked as he activated his own emblem, "I'm not even a father… so far as I know."
"Ooo, then I guess this is a bad time to tell you…" Margrid's voice came over the emblem.
For a moment there was dead silence over the comm., before Koss picked up his once more.
"Wait… seriously?" the warrior asked, the terror evident in his voice.
Margrid's laughter returned over the comm. though she said nothing more to assuage the warrior's fears.
"Cut the chatter and get ready!" Rakiv snapped into the emblem, "We're wasting time!"
"Jolly Roger, are you ready?" Alendra asked.
"Oh, is that me?" Margrid asked, still giggling a little, "Yup. One pirate captain standing by. Got the man in my sights."
"Firing on my mark," Rakiv spoke quietly , "Three… two… one… mark."
Bowstrings twanged in unison and a warning whistle echoed through the cavern. Before either spotter could pause to wonder at the noise, the arrows struck them and both yelped in pain. One hissed in agony at the arrow that had pinned his hand to the sandstone upon which he sat, while the other began to limp as he tried to free the arrow from his calf.
"We're under attack!" one exclaimed, "Raise the alarm! Warn the camps!"
"Look out!" the other cried as he limped into the narrow pass.
With a clatter of arms the warrior, paragon and dervishes broke from cover and sprinted across the field. Alendra sprang forward and let fly with a javelin, the spear giving a deadly whistle as it flew through the air.
"Go!" the first spotter shouted as he threw himself off the boulder, narrowly avoiding the incoming javelin, "I'll hold them off! Just go!"
"We've got a runner!" Alendra called into her emblem as she brandished another javelin, "He's making his way into the pass!"
"I can't see him," Rakiv exclaimed, "Jolly Roger, do you have a shot?"
"I see his ass," Margrid said, "Where you goin' buddy boy, party jus' be startin'."
The corsair ranger let fly with another arrow, this one striking the man through his shoulder and causing him to stumble. The first spotter drew his sword and met the guildsmen's charge as Melonni and Koss descended upon him. Even while wounded the spotter proved to be a solid combatant and he dodged and parried the incoming blows from the two fighters. Anorah sprang past him and brandished her scythe as she rushed up the narrow passage.
"To arms!" the spotter was crying desperately as he limped up the pass, "Soldiers to aaarms!"
A deadly song of wood and steel sounded behind him and the man's cry was cut short as the scythe blade flashed through his neck. The soldier fell to his knees and then tumbled forward, never to rise again. Anorah turned to her guildmates, just in time to see Koss run the other spotter through with his sword and then kick the man off of his blade. The man choked and gurgled in pain, and Melonni raised her scythe to relieve him of his pain. The deed was done and all present stood in silence as Anorah listened carefully. Ahead she heard no sounds, no clatter of arms or tromping of boots. It seemed the spotter's cry had not reached his companions, and so the dervish raised her emblem to her lips.
"Grim Reaper reporting," the woman said evenly, "All clear. Move up."
"All units, into the pass," Rakiv ordered, "Quietly," she added.
The party moved up, carefully making their way to the narrow passage and peering up at Anorah. The dervish crept ahead, holding her scythe at the ready as she reached the top of the ramp and peered into the darkness. On either side of her she could see the flicker of campfires that pushed the darkness away from the encampments. Ahead of her was a narrow swath of darkness where the light did not reach and she turned to her fellows to motion them forward.
"No lights," the Apprentice hissed as she capped her torch to extinguish it, "Not until we are on the other side."
"Is that wise?" Kydar asked.
"No, but neither is sneaking through an enemy camp," the Apprentice responded, "But it is our only chance. We must go now."
"Lights out," Rakiv ordered, "Get ready. Move quick but quiet. On my mark… ready… go!"
As quietly as they could, the group rapidly tip-toed out of the pass. The darkness that divided the two camps proved to be enough to shield them from the eyes that milled about on either side. Soldiers worked in the camps, sharpening swords, greasing bows or polishing armor. The Apprentice led the way as the guild moved in groups of two, taking refuge in the shadows behind tents and boulders. More than once they were nearly discovered, once when a group of soldiers decided to cross from one camp to another, and again when a guard stepped on the end of Anicara's skirt and stopped to stand at his post. Anicara had sat wide eyed in shock as the man stood with his back to her, unaware of the guildswoman he had accidently caught. A great deal of frantic waving followed as Rakiv motioned for the young hydromancer to remain still and quiet, and Anicara motioned back to relay her growing panic. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the man strode away to continue his patrol and a few quiet sighs of relief were breathed. The guild rendezvoused on the opposite side of the camp, hunkering down in the shadow of several large stalagmites that grew in an orderly row across the northern end of the cave.
"How much longer can we risk darkness?" Kydar hissed to the Apprentice.
"Not long," she said as her pale eyes scanned the darkness, "We are being followed, but we are close enough to the camps that they are not yet attacking."
"How far before we can light up again?" Kydar asked.
"Make for that rockslide," she responded, pointing towards a mound of fallen earth that had tumbled out of the cave wall long ago, "Soon as we reach it, light my torch."
"Move out," Rakiv commanded, "Stay close!"
The party snuck away from the enemy camp, leaving behind Kournan soldiers who remained oblivious to the terrorists who had slipped through their very midst. Their progress soon gained more speed and less silence as they drew away from the camp, and the rapid scuttling of approaching Deeplings reached their ears.
"Apprentice…" Rakiv muttered as the acrid smell of the black ooze began to reach her nose.
"Wait…" the necromancer said as she ran on.
The scuttling grew closer, moving on the walls around them, the ceiling above them and soon beginning to circle them. Koss's grip tightened on his sword as Margrid snatched a handful of arrows from her quiver.
"Apprentice…" Rakiv said again.
"A bit further!" the necromancer said as she cast a backward glance at the fading light of the Kournan campfires.
The scuttling drew closer now, accompanied by the clicking of hungry mandibles. The foul stench of the black ooze filled the air and the rapid pitter-patter of hundreds of legs moved across the rocky ground.
"Apprentice!" Rakiv hissed.
"Light me!" the tall woman cried as she spun round to face Kydar.
The elementalist barely waited for her to finish the order as he blasted a flare into the iron brazier. The torch flared to life with a chuff of smoke and the Apprentice raised it high, sending a flash of light up to illuminate the cavern. Anguished shrieks sounded all around them as the Deeplings were suddenly caught in the light and smoke, and the group skid to a halt as they held their weapons at the ready. The Deeplings surrounded them, scratching at the earth and keening wickedly as they danced at the edge of the torchlight.
"Grenth's grasp…"Anicara whispered in horror.
"Steady men!" Rakiv ordered, "More light!"
Several more torches were lit and Kydar summoned his blue fireball, throwing light out over the cave. With the flash of brilliant blue light the entire cavern suddenly moved like a living thing, as dozens of Deeplings shrieked in pain at being so suddenly illuminated. Many retreated into the darkness of their holes, but more of them stayed, keeping their distance but snapping hungrily at the guildsmen. The humans held their ground as they kept their weapons trained, ready to strike anything that became bold enough to try them.
"Keep moving forward," The Apprentice said as she held her torch high, "We cannot stop or they will surround us completely. Move."
Keeping their eyes on the surrounding monsters, the guild moved as a single unit, stepping carefully backwards and sideways as Rakiv strode forward. The ranger held her bowstring taut and an arrow notched and ready as she stared at the few monsters that barred her path. One particularly obstinate Deepling refused to move and raised its insectoid claws at the woman. The gesture earned the monster an arrow into its head, and as it wailed in pain it was suddenly borne to the ground as Butter sprang upon it. The crocodile proved to be stronger than the wounded monster, and his jaws ravaged it until it moved no more. The display of ferocity caused the remaining Deeplings to move away from the path and the guild progressed forward. The Apprentice waved her torch, keeping them well shrouded with as much smoke as her brazier offered. Though the guild strode onward, the Deeplings did not give up. The crowd of evil creatures skittered after them, crawling on the walls and hopping across stalactites as they clicked at the fleeing humans.
"Persistent little buggers," Kydar observed.
"They have to give up sometime right?" Anicara asked as she looked up at the monsters that hung from the ceiling and stared down at her with ravenous compound eyes, "They can't follow us forever, can they?"
"It seems they do not intend to," Anorah spoke up.
The group turned their gaze towards the monsters as they began to peel off, slowing their crawling and finally halting behind them. Rakiv called the guild to a halt as she turned back to stare at the insectoid horde. The creatures had stopped in a perfect line, barring passage back through the cavern but also refusing to move forward. Many of them milled back and forth as they watched the humans carefully, but not a single one advanced further.
"Why did they stop?" Tahlkora spoke up, "Are we out of their territory?"
"No…" Rakiv said slowly as she looked at the monsters, "They're… afraid."
The observation was met with curious glances, but the ranger continued to stare at the beasts. As the creatures scuttled back and forth, one of their number was accidently forced across their imaginary line. With a horrified shriek the monster leapt back at his companions, forcing them aside as it flung itself back across the invisible barrier.
"Something's down here…" Rakiv said as she turned her eyes to the road ahead of them, "Something that scares them… a lot."
"What could be so bad that they're actually afraid of it…?" Melonni asked quietly.
"What indeed," the Apprentice of Whispers offered cryptically, "Come, we must keep moving. If my memory is correct, we are nearly there."
The tall necromancer strode forward and the guild followed slowly, staring back at the monsters that did not follow. Thousands of eyes watched as the humans departed, before the swarm finally dispersed, crawling back into their holes as their prey escaped beyond their reach. As they walked there were no words spoke between them, and they trudged forward hoping to soon leave the deep caves behind. The terrain curved downward and the Apprentice led them down an easy slope before she looked up and pointed with triumph. Ahead of them lay a wide open cavern, at one end of which stood a sturdy wooden bridge that forged a path over a wide, water filled creek.
"Ah, and there it is," she said as she pointed ahead, "That bridge marks the end of the road. Wehan Terraces is just beyond the next tunnel."
"Wait a moment," Alendra interrupted, "Listen."
The party came to a halt and turned their ears up. The cave was silent, except for the soft babble of water as a small brook of the Elon leaked through the cavern. The water flowed by almost silently, making its way through the self-made moat that surrounded a large islet in the center of the cavern.
"I don't hear anything," Anicara frowned.
"Yeah, I know," Alendra said, "Just like that 'highway' that we didn't take awhile back."
"What are you saying, tactician?" Rakiv asked, though her senses also prickled with suspicion.
"Big wide expanse, only one way forward," she said as he looked around, "Plenty of high ground and cover to boot? I don't know… it just feels like the perfect place for an ambush."
No sooner than the words had left his lips, a loud clap reached their ears. Everyone tensed as the sound was followed by another clap, and then another, until it became evident that someone was offering slow, mocking applause. A white flame broke the darkness ahead and a tall, broad figure stood atop a large stone arch. The armor of a Kournan general glittered under the flame as the light reflected off the scale mail of his hauberk. The white fire burned over his fist as the man stared down at the assembled guildsmen and then raised his light higher, revealing the ever present scowl of the commanding General of the 3rd Kournan Legion.
"An astute deduction Sunspear," the man spoke clearly, his gravely tones filling the cavern, "Pity for you that it comes too late."
"Bayel…" Rakiv growled as she reached for an arrow, "It's been too long."
"Indeed it has, Red Huntress," General Bayel said as he stared down at her, "Longer for you than for me. The last I saw of you, you were escaping my bombards in the Sunward Marches."
"And taking out two of your best," Kydar added, "My regards to the Acolytes of Dwyana and Lyssa."
"Hrmph, so that was your handiwork," the general scowled at him, "I have heard of you, Kydar Raelesin. You are the Academy's official war correspondent here. I am under orders from the Warmarshal to offer you a place in her court. The tale of this war must be told, there's no need to wallow with these miscreants to do so. You will be well compensated and given lands in Kourna. We ask only that you become the official Academy scribe of the Warmarshal's court."
"You want me to record this from your point of view," the scribe arched an eyebrow, "Tell your side of the story?"
"Tell the right side of the story!" the General snapped at him, "The Academy speaks now only of 'atrocities' and 'torture', due to your one-sided records. You were sent here to perform a job, to ensure that history knows what really happened here in Elona! Join our court and tell the true story of this war!"
Kydar was silent for a moment, and clicked his tongue in contemplation. Rakiv turned her eyes up to the scribe who did not return her gaze and instead continued to stare at the general. Finally the scribe took a step forward and strode away from the group. Various frowns darkened the countenances of the guild as confusion settled over them. Rakiv too tilted her head as the scribe strode forward, and then a small smile crossed her lips as she felt the warm prickle of his magic fill the air.
"That's a real pretty offer General," the scribe said.
With a sudden sweep of his wands the scribe turned his face upwards at the Kournan General, and his forehead jewel flashed brilliantly. A spear of flame illuminated the cavern and Bayel gave a roar of surprise as the Mind Burn caught him square between the eyes. The general was borne backwards by the blow, flying off the stone arch and crashing to the dusty ground of the islet below. Kydar gave a shake of his head as his jewel smoked and his eyes began to glow.
"But I disrespectfully decline," the elementalist snapped.
"Nrrrn… foolish," the general grunted as he pushed himself to his feet, "Very foolish."
The thunder of many approaching boots reached their ears and the guildsmen looked up as a battery of Kournan archers rushed out of the shadows to take up positions on the stone archway above them. Koss and Alendra quickly shifted to the front of the party and raised their shields high as a dozen Kournan arrows were drawn and trained at the guildsmen.
"Really? That's all you brought?" Rakiv almost laughed, "You've been watching us long enough to know that twelve archers isn't going to stop us."
"No," a deep grumble filled the cavern, "But I will!"
From the high vaulted ceiling something dropped, something brown,, dense and large. It landed with a thunderous crash behind General Bayel, who only smirked as the shockwave sent a cloud of dust billowing past him. The mass uncurled behind him and a massive boar-like demon snarled before giving a deafening roar of challenge. Its three mandibles clicked around its cavernous mouth as its hefty tail slapped the ground.
"Oh dear…" the Apprentice said quietly.
"It has indeed been too long Sunspears," the demon snarled, "Too long since I have feasted on your blasphemous flesh! Too long since I have felt your heathen bones crunch between my teeth. I have fed only on weaklings and failures, those who deserved no place in the High Prophet's kingdom. I am hungry humans… and I will feast on your bones!"
"The Hunger!" Alendra gasped in alarm, "Here!"
"Oh this is not good…" Anicara whispered, her eyes growing wide with fright, "This is so very not good."
"The Hunger?" Kydar spoke aloud as he turned his glowing eyes up towards the demon and he tilted his head, "I think I killed your friend a couple days ago."
"You survived the Drought," the Hunger snapped angrily, "A demon of Lord Abaddon cannot fall to human hands!"
"Really?" Kydar chuckled, "Cause after I melted his hide, he kinda went out like a bitch."
"Enough," Bayel broke in, "You will not be swayed Scribe Raelesin, and so you are no better than the rest of these blasphemers. If you wish to stand with them, then you will die with them."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Kydar said as he skipped backwards to join ranks with the guild.
"Hmph, indeed," Bayel snorted, "Archers! Fire at will."
"Eles, hit 'em hard!" Rakiv ordered.
Swirls of blue and red flashed as the rapid twang of bowstrings filled the cave. A deadly rain whistled down upon them and Koss and Alendra held their shields high to deflect the incoming arrows. Margrid immediately returned fire as Kydar and Anicara shouted their casts.
"Hold!" Rakiv shouted as they crouched behind the shields, "Wait for the bombardment to lift!"
The ranger notched an arrow to her bow and let fly, sending the shaft spiraling directly into the eye of a Kournan archer. The man fell without a sound from his perch, even as a cascade of jagged ice overwhelmed his comrades. Flames hissed as they pelted the archers, setting them aflame and causing them to scream as they leapt to their deaths. With the archers' ranks broken Rakiv sheathed her bow and reached for her scythe, the weapon giving an almost hungry snap as she brandished the blade.
"Forwaaaaaard!" the ranger cried as she broke into a sprint.
"Rrrraaaoooooargh!" the Hunger answered in reply as it sprang forward and thundered across the dusty earth.
The murmurs of dervish prayers filled Rakiv's ears as Anorah and Melonni flanked her, holding their scythes ready as arrows and javelins whistled overhead. The missiles glanced harmlessly off of the Hunger's thick hide, and the demon met the melee charge with a crash of steel against its armored skin. Anorah was immediately knocked aside by a flailing mandible and Melonni dove out of the way, managing to score the creature's shoulder with a quick swing of her scythe. Koss attempted to meet the charge head on and his shield clashed against the cavernous teeth of the demon's maw. The Hunger opened its mouth wide, intending to consume the man in a single bite, before a well aimed javelin sailed straight down its throat. The demon choked and spat out the offending implement before a powerful blow of a blade slashed across its face. Rakiv attacked with a vicious assault, spinning her scythe with rediscovered skill and ease. The demon counter attacked, forcing Rakiv to spring backwards to avoid a swipe of its claw, before one of its mandibles knocked her scythe from her grip. The loss of the weapon did not even give Rakiv pause as she rushed the creature with a savage snarl.
"Spirits of sky, imbue me with the Harrier's Grasp," the ranger invoked as a spiral of pale blue light flashed around her fists.
The Hunger roared in anger as the ranger sprang upon him and it thrashed as Rakiv caught hold of one of its mandibles. The beast raised a heavy claw and swatted at its own face , causing Rakiv to roll across its snout as she narrowly avoided having her feet bitten off by the demon's snapping teeth. She caught hold of another mandible in her opposite hand and braced her soles against the demon's nose as she gripped its appendages and stared down at it with wrathful yellow eyes.
"This is for Kormir!" she shouted as her pupils shifted to slits.
The woman pushed off hard with her feet and gave a savage cry as she ripped the mandibles out of the demon's head. The Hunger roared in pain and anguish as black blood spewed from the wounds and the ranger tossed the mandibles aside. The ranger unsheathed her scythe once more as she stared up at the crippled beast that howled and shook with pain. As Rakiv raised her scythe to resume her attack, a flash of white washed over the demon and the beast gave a groan as its wounds were cauterized and healed. Behind the Hunger, General Bayel gave a superior smirk as he brandished a wand in one hand and white fire in his opposite fist.
"You will fall here, Maelstrom!" the General cried, "Abaddon will feast upon your eyes!"
The pale skinned man gave a groan as he brought the white fire to his chest and closed his eyes. The fire shifted colors, darkening until it burned a baleful dark purple, and soon the general was immolated with the purple flame. The fire licked over him, flaying away his skin and revealing energized flesh beneath. Massive armor plates formed over his body, gleaming as though made of some fell black metal. The man began to float up from the ground as a quartet of purple holes opened on his forehead, and Bayel roared as he rose from the earth transformed. The General levitated as he glared at them with six hateful eyes and raised his fist as he summoned a handful of the evil purple flame.
"Destroy them Hunger!" the general's voice boomed wickedly, "In Abaddon's name!"
The Hunger gave another ravenous roar as it charged forward, thundering across the ground and bore down upon Rakiv. The ranger moved just fast enough to shove her scythe between its teeth, bracing its mouth open even as it forced her to the ground. The guildmistress shouted angrily in return, her muscles cording and veins expanding as her own teeth began to sharpen into fangs. The Hunger struggled over her, intent upon devouring the offending woman, until Rakiv suddenly switched her tactics. A throaty bark issued from her throat as she gripped the Hunger by its fangs and with a mighty heave twisted its head. The demon gave a surprised yelp as it was forced to roll off of her and Rakiv dealt it a swift kick that send her sliding across the dusty earth. The Hunger gave another mournful roar of pain as Rakiv held up the fang she had taken with her and tossed it aside as well. A blast of purple flame immolated the demon, and again it was healed. The monster roared with renewed strength, until a volley of red fire struck its flank. The Hunger turned its attention to the rest of the guild and then gave a growl of frustration as it found that its feet had suddenly been frozen to the floor. Anicara blew out a cloud of frost as her Deep Freeze took hold, sending ice climbing up over the demon's form. Koss and Anorah rejoined the fray, raising their blades as they shouted and charged the mighty demon.
"Rakiv!" Kydar shouted, "Bayel!"
The woman turned her bright yellow slitted eyes to the scribe, her brow furrowed in rage and confusion as the elementalist pointed frantically even as he began to cast again.
"We can't kill this thing with Bayel healing it!" the scribe shouted, "Kill Bayel!"
"Murky waters of stygian bile," the Apprentice began to whisper, "Cast thy eternal pain upon my enemies. Well of Suffering!"
From the fallen corpses of the Kournan archers, a thick greenish fog issued forth, rolling across the islet and choking the demon and the transformed general. Rakiv turned her attention towards Bayel as he raised his hands and began to cast his baneful healing upon himself and the demon he commanded. Brandishing her scythe the ranger took off at a run, snarling like a feral beast as her boots pounded the earth. The Hunger gave a roar of its own as it shook mightily and broke free of the frozen bonds that Anicara sought to entrap it with. As Rakiv rushed past it snapped at her with massive teeth, a blow that was averted when Melonni intervened with a fervent prayer, entangling the monster's head in sharpened brambles. The creature roared and raised its claw at Rakiv, seeking to swat the ranger aside. Koss barreled past the ranger and raised his shield to block, giving a grunt as he took the brunt of the blow.
"Go!" he shouted as he strained against the massive claw.
Rakiv never slowed, her focus indomitable as the demon thrashed and roared angrily. The creature's mighty tail swept at the ranger and at the last possible moment, Rakiv sprang over it. Her legs splayed wide as she sailed over the sweep and her free hand caught hold of one of the large spines on the demon's tail. Her grip closed around the spine and the demon swung its tail back, taking the ranger with it. The Hunger thrashed and bucked, kicking its hind legs like an enraged Dolyak in an attempt to dislodge the huntress from its tail. Finally it gave a powerful flick that destroyed Rakiv's grip, sending her flying high towards the ceiling of the cave. The ranger tumbled through the air, spinning end over end as she ascended. Upon reaching the apex of her flight the woman's gloved fingers tightened around the haft and snathe of her scythe and she spun in mid air as she began to plummet back to earth. Rakiv sped downwards, her yellow eyes wide with wrath and her slitted pupils narrowed as she focused on her target. Bayel's six eyes rose upwards and widened as the ranger fell towards him, and he raised his wand preparing to cast against her.
"Spirits of the beyond!" Rakiv roared through her fang filled mouth, "Empower my blade!"
Spirals of spirit power gathered to the ranger as she became a speeding bullet that blazed a wispy trail toward the earth. With a flash of steel the ranger swung her blade and shot straight into the general. The Reaper's Sweep cleaved the demon empowered man in twain, and Rakiv landed at his feet as her scythe blade struck the ground with a ring of steel on stone. Bayel's body trembled where it floated before her as fissures spread through its form. The Kournan General gave a cry of shock and pain as evil light shone through the cracks in his corpse, and his extremities began to quake violently. With a loud scream of anguish he was suddenly blown apart, and Rakiv shielded her eyes against the ensuing explosion. The corpse shattered with a blast of purple light that enveloped Rakiv, and for a moment she was suddenly swathed in the evil energy.
For Rakiv it seemed as though the General's destruction had blown the world away, leaving behind nothing but a purple haze and a black mist that floated in an endless void. The ranger's brow furrowed as she recognized the phenomenon, the same that had occurred when she slew General Kahyet. She turned in the mist, casting her glance this way and that, until finally the gravely tones of the slain general spoke to her.
"And so I am defeated," Bayel spoke from behind her, "I capitulate to you Red Huntress. It seems you are the superior commander."
Rakiv spun to face the man, who now stood devoid of his demonic transformation. The burly Ascalonian stared at her with hard, dark brown eyes and Rakiv's yellow fierce yellows returned the gaze as she stepped toward him.
"As is my cause General," she snarled at him, "Are you even aware of what you've done? The suffering you've caused? The Generals of Kourna were once the envy of Elona, honorable men and women. Every marshal on the continent courted your service. Do you even see how far you've fallen?"
"Speak not to me of falls, blasphemer," Bayel responded impassively, "I am not like your precious guild. I too remember you and what you once were. I know why you have the strength to match the Hunger, and I know why you stare at me with the eyes of a Beast. We each caused great suffering to gain great power. Such is power's price."
"No!" Rakiv exclaimed, "I didn't want this! I did not choose this! This is my curse, my punishment! You chose madness, chose Torment and chose to bring it to our world!"
"Nay Guildmistress," the general replied, "I chose to follow my Warmarshal, to honor the oaths I swore to her. I am not the bringer of darkness or the harbinger of Night. I am but a man, playing my part… as are we all."
"Kahyet said the same," Rakiv responded flatly, her brow slightly furrowed, "So what is the next part to be played? The conquest of Vabbi? The taking of Istan? What does Varesh want next?"
"Varesh wants to fulfill her purpose," Bayel responded, "As I sought to fulfill mine. Some of us still remember what it means to have purpose, Rakiv. Some of us remain true to the ties that bind us. Fight if you must Huntress, but you cannot stop what happens next."
"I will kill Varesh," Rakiv snarled at him, "Be certain of that."
The general gave a slow sigh and turned to stare off into the darkness. He closed his eyes and trembled for a moment, as though anticipating great pain before he turned his gaze back to the ranger. Rakiv stared at him with enduring wrath and Bayel finally gave her a slow nod.
"Perhaps you will, perhaps killing is your purpose," Bayel acquiesced, "But know that you cannot slay that which you do not understand. Even the High Prophet Ossa is but one woman, playing her part. In the midst of your self-righteous wrath and misguided zeal, know that though you may slay the Warmarshal, her crusade cannot be stopped. For Abaddon is strong… and Nightfall is coming."
With a grumble of dark thunder the misty clouds converged upon the pale skinned commanders, and Rakiv was thrust from the world of evil night. The purple haze melted away and began to give way to flashing lights and the sounds of ringing steel. Someone called her name and she turned her head as her vision cleared and she became aware of the underground cavern and the ongoing battle once more. Another shout of her name reached her ears and she looked up just in time to see Kydar throw himself at her. The elementalist wrapped his arms around the ranger and rolled aside, pulling her out of the way just as The Hunger came crashing down towards them.
The beast's maw snapped futilely as Rakiv and Kydar rolled aside and the boar-demon crashed and tumbled across the earth. In trice the monster was back on its feet and gave an angry roar as it pawed the earth and charged forward again. Kydar and Rakiv split apart, diving in opposite directions as the Hunger thundered past, howling ravenously as its teeth chomped and snapped in search of flesh or bone. A blast of frost struck the demon in the face and it roared as its shook its head against its blurry vision. Anorah and Melonni rushed in, chanting prayers loudly as their scythes whistled and sang, slicing at the demon's thick hide in a desperate attempt to bring it down.
"We can't even scratch this thing!" Kydar exclaimed, "It shrugs off everything!"
"Can't you do anything Apprentice!" a frightened Tahlkora squeaked as she began preparing another fervent prayer.
"I cannot," the Apprentice replied, her voice for once betraying her tension, "The relic had but a single charge I was able to coax from it. We did not expect to have to face two such demons within days of each other. The death of the Drought was supposed to buy us time!"
"Then how do we stop that thing!" Koss shouted, grunting as healing light from Tahlkora's prayer washed over him, "This my first big time demon you know. I'm new at this!"
"I can kill it…" Rakiv suddenly spoke up.
All eyes turned to her and several brows were raised. Rakiv turned to look at them, bright eyes impassive, and gave a firm nod of confirmation.
"I can kill it," she repeated, "Just get me an opening. I need to hit something vital."
"If we can successfully overturn it," the Apprentice theorized, "Force it onto its back, would that suffice?"
"It would," Rakiv said as she took a couple quick steps backwards, "Get to it, I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?" Kydar exclaimed as the ranger loped away.
"To get my scythe back!" she shouted as she dashed across the dusty islet.
"Guys, I hate to interrupt but…" Anicara called from across the cavern, "Heeeeeelp!"
The young hydromancer shrieked as she sprinted in retreat from the rampaging boar-demon that did battle with Melonni and Anorah. Infuriated by the constant binds and impairments that the elementalist harried it with, the Hunger turned its attention to the young caster and roared ravenously as it thundered after her.
"Come to me little one," it snarled as it gave chase, "I will flay your flesh from your bones!"
"That doesn't make me want to stop running!" Anicara shrieked as she dashed for cover.
The Hunger thundered after her, slamming through a thicket of stalagmites and sending a spray of shattered stone in all directions. The twang of a bowstring reached Anicara's ears and she immediately ducked and clamped her hands over her head. An arrow whistled through the flying debris, its path a testament to the aim of its archer, before it struck the demon's foreclaw and pinned the limb to the earth. Even as his claw was pinned, the Hunger's momentum carried him forward and the beast gave a yowl as it tripped and flipped over onto its side. Margrid gave a whoop of triumph at her shot, and notched another arrow to her bow.
"It's down!" she cried, "Hit it hard!"
"Feeble weakling tremble before me, and quail beneath my punishing stare," the necromancer snarled as she raised her totem and turned her pale eyes towards the fallen demon, "Oppressive Gaze!"
The woman's eyes flared a bright green as pentacles inscribed themselves over her milky irises. A green flash issued forth from her eyes and the Hunger gave a groan as the curse took hold of its demonic blood, weakening its limbs and impeding its efforts to rise.
"Stay back!" Kydar warned, "Anicara hold him!"
"Ye arctic frosts of endless winter, bind my foe with thy glacial chains," Anicara hissed as her forehead jewel flashed, "Icy Shackles!"
The spell raised mighty crystals of ice that locked over the demon's claws, binding its left foreleg and hind leg to the frozen earth. In wrath it shook and thrashed, its tail slapping the earth and then sweeping powerfully to send a cloud of shrapnel flying at the guildsmen. Alendra and Koss ducked behind their shields while their companions dove for shelter from the onslaught.
"You cannot defeat me humans!" the Hunger roared, "I will sunder your flesh! I will feast on your souls!"
In an attempt to free itself the demon rolled over its back, snarling as it pulled against the icy bonds that held its limbs trapped.
"Now!" Kydar shouted as he raised his wands and blasted the demon with a bolt of fire from his glowing gaze.
The heat energy immolated the demon and it roared as the flames licked over its flesh. Anorah and Melonni pounced immediately. Their scythe blades hooked the monster's free foreclaw and dragged it to the ground to hold the demon pinned. Koss flung himself upon the monster's hind claw, his burly arms struggling against the beast's incredible strength as it flailed and struggled. With a mighty cry Alendra sprang at the monster's tail and drove her spear through the demon's appendage, pinning it to the ground as she held it fast.
"Rakiv now!" Kydar shouted.
The Hunger snarled and shook against the puny creatures that struggled against its demonic strength. The ice around its claws was beginning to give, and in moments it would be free. At Kydar's shout however it turned its attention upward and gave a wrathful snarl of defiance. Rakiv stood atop the stone arch that had once been Bayel's perch, and her hands tightly gripped her scythe.
"Spirits of the Mists," she invoked as she stepped forward, "Grant me thy Pious Fury!"
With a savage snarl the ranger leapt from her perch and raised her scythe high over her head. Yellow, beastial eyes narrowed upon the Hunger as she fell towards it and landed squarely on its gluttonous belly. With a powerful shout the ranger brought her scythe down, the blade biting deep into the monster's flesh and impaling it on the weapon. The Hunger howled in agony and it shook against the humans binds, and its cry was renewed as Rakiv finished her work. Gripping her scythe by the snathe, Rakiv dragged the scythe blade down the length of the demon's torso, opening its belly and releasing a torrent of black blood that issued from a multitude of ruptured intestines. With a final cry of might the ranger ripped her scythe from the demon's flesh, leaving the monster split open from throat to tail.
"That's it!" Kydar exclaimed, "Everyone get back! Get back!"
Heeding the elementalist's words the guildsmen retreated from the Hunger as it howled and thrashed in pain, breaking free of its icy chains as its limbs pounded the ground. Its death throes shook the cavern and stalactites rained from the ceiling, causing the guildsmen to duck and dodge the sharpened stones. In a final burst of rage and hate the Hunger threw itself into a massive stone pillar, its bleeding body crashing through the rock and shattering it violently. The dying demon shook its head and howled as it threw itself a second time, slamming its body into a wall with a heavy thud that made the entire cave shake.
"What the hell is it doing!" Alendra exclaimed, "It should be dead!"
"It's the final throes," Kydar said as his eyes widened and he looked up as dust and debris began to fall from the ceiling, "It's going to bring this cave down on top of us. We have to get out of…"
The scribe was interrupted as the Hunger gave a final toss of its body, this time smashing through the great stone arch and destroying the surrounding foundations that supported the cave walls. As the cavern began to tremble and groan, a thunderous rip sounded throughout the underground expanse and a mighty crack opened the roof of the cave.
"Madness for the Mad Goooooood!" the Hunger roared in anguish, before a cascade of stone slabs silenced it forever.
The cavern groaned again, and streams of dirt and sand began to pour from on high. The guildsmen struggled to keep their footing as the earth shook beneath them and a massive boulder crashed into the moat. Rakiv turned to give an order before a high pitched scream of grinding slate obscured all noise but its own, and the guildsmen watched in terror as the roof opened up above them. A giant spire of displaced granite descended from on high, as gravity tugged it free of the stony supports that had held it up for ages. The spire slid at a diagonal as it descended across the cavern and slammed into the great wall from which the brook of the Elon flowed. For a moment it seemed as though the wall would halt the spire's progress, but soon it too gave way with a thunderous crunch of rock and a mighty roar of water released. With the wall compromised the Elon began to push, and fissures opened along the cave wall as spouts of water sprayed through. Kydar blinked against the mist as Margrid sprinted to them and skid to a stop.
"Hate ta break the awe at the ongoin' spectacle, but if'n I might make a suggestion," the pirate captain panted, "Perhaps we should flee!"
"Go!" Rakiv barked, "Everyone over the bridge! Now!"
Without further hesitation the party broke into a run as rock and sand poured down around them. A boulder crashed to the earth to their left, narrowly missing Melonni and causing her to stumble. Koss was with her in an instant, hauling the woman to her feet and dragging her along as they made for the sturdy wooden bridge. Rakiv stopped at the wooden ramp and urged her party onward, watching as each member ran ahead of her. The wall of the cavern groaned as more water poured through and a powerful spout pushed its way past the thick barrier, spraying mud across the subterranean islet. A hand grabbed her arm and Rakiv looked up as Kydar caught her wrist and dragged her with him.
"C'mon!" the elementalist shouted as he hauled her across the bridge.
Behind them the wall suddenly burst and with a triumphant roar the Elon surged through the breach. The cavern behind them dissolved into a twisting maelstrom of muddy destruction as the chamber quickly began to flood. Kydar and Rakiv sprinted along the bridge and leapt from the wooden planks, just as a mighty wave washed over the structure and destroyed it in an explosion of chips, mist and splinters. Kydar stumbled as they landed on solid ground and Rakiv hesitated before the scribe scrambled to his feet and shouted at her.
"Go! Keep going!" he cried over the din.
Rakiv ran, her breath coming in heavy pants as adrenaline pumped through her veins. The pace of Kydar's boots behind her reassured her that the elementalist still followed as they raced into the tunnel and began a steep upward climb. Behind them the Elon roared in warning as it swallowed up the cavern and the underground passage began to rapidly fill. Over rock and stone the ranger and elementalist ran, scrambling and climbing as they raced to outrun the quickly rising waters. Rakiv paused only once to ensure Kydar still followed and the scribe urged her onward.
"I'm right behind you! Keep running," he called to her.
The huntress ran on, until the terrain evened out and she felt fresh air on her face. The end of the tunnel lay ahead and the ranger broke into a dead sprint for the open air. Again the Elon roared as it surged upwards and rivulets of water raced past her feet. Rakiv panted heavily, her bright yellow eyes wide as she splashed through the mud and then gave a shout of alarm as the tunnel abruptly ended. The tunnel mouth ended in an unexpected drop off, that caused the ranger to skid to a stop at the edge. Rakiv gasped as she looked down and cast about to either side of the cave mouth. The distance to the earth below was certainly sufficient to break several bones if she jumped, but she could see no other way down. Kydar's voice called from behind her, but his words were lost as the rising water forced a rush of air ahead of it, causing her hair to billow as the cave mouth howled around her.
"What!" Rakiv exclaimed.
"I said jump!" Kydar cried.
The elementalist fairly tackled her as he jumped forward and caught the red-haired huntress around the waist with one arm. Rakiv shrieked as the tall scribe's momentum lifted her off the ground and carried them out of the cave mouth. Her scream seemed to echo in her ears as they flew through the air, until the roar of the Elon drowned her out. A spout of water blew out of the cave mouth, blasting just over their heads and showering them with mist and rain. Kydar's free hand thrust out beneath them, his fingers splayed as he frantically shouted his cast.
"O spirit of seething fire, be as a radiant beacon that burns in my soul!" the elementalist shouted, "Flame Djinn's Haste!"
The elementalist's body erupted in a conflagration of brilliant flame that lapped in warm tongues around both scribe and ranger. Rakiv's eyes widened in wonder as she watched a pair of mighty flaming wings blossom from the elementalist's back, and felt soothing flares lick over his arms and legs. The elementalist's vest fanned out wide as they descended and his wings beat the air to slow their descent. Rakiv clutched at him as they fell in a torrent of fire, and struck the earth with a burst of flame. The guildmistress stared up into the scribes' glowing eyes as the Kydar grinned and chuckled as he landed with her in his arms. She tilted her head in curiosity, before her attention was drawn once more to the water spout above them that was quickly loosing pressure.
"Kydar watch out…!" she warned, as the torrent of water descended upon them.
The elementalist's arms drew her into his chest and his blazing wings closed over them as the water struck. A mighty hiss sounded all around them as the water beat against the protective wreath of fire and was immediately evaporated. Eventually the torrent ceased as the subterranean flood waters receded and the spout from the cave mouth slowed to a steady waterfall. A burst of flame blew the wings and tongue of fire away, and Kydar blinked as the glow faded from his eyes. Rakiv raised her head from his chest and stepped away as she looked around to find that they stood in a ring of burst stone, surrounded by hissing and boiling water.
"Whoo…" Kydar chuckled as he shook his head in an attempt to clear the post casting daze, "I been saving that one. Guess I should have practiced it first. That is one hell of a heat migraine," he laughed lightly as he pinched his nose bridge.
"That… was… awesome!" Alendra's voice came to them.
Kydar looked up and chuckled as their guild mates assembled, striding to them from out of the shadows and into the moonlight. The group stood beneath a broad rock shelf that sheltered a small beach on the edge of an Elon tributary. Beyond the stream stood the tall, proud buildings of the Wehan Terraces, and above the wealthy dwellings a mighty golden statue of Dwayna raised its wings to the sky. The vault of heaven had been darkened by the coming of night, and a glowing crescent moon shone down upon them, accompanied by a multitude of stars that twinkled in the night.
"Okay you have to teach that to me," Anicara exclaimed as the guild gathered, "Please, please, please teach that to me!"
"Gotta admit, thought yew two were gonners there fer a minute," Margrid chuckled, "Good on ya mate. Always got another trick up yer sleeve dontcha?"
"It pays to be prepared eh Marg?" Kydar grinned at the corsair.
"Ain' that the truth," the pirate captain laughed.
"Right well, while we're all standin' here congratulating each other," Koss chuckled, "I've got a hankerin' for a bath, a meal and a bed. Anyone else?"
"I'll vote for that," Melonni sighed a bit wearily.
"Then perhaps we should head into the Terraces," the Apprentice suggested smoothly, "That we might find respite for the night."
"First thing you've said today that I agree with," Koss chuckled, "Follow me everyone!"
The warrior struck out for the small foot bridge that spanned the stream and clomped into the village of Wehan Terraces. The rest followed suit and Kydar chuckled as he moved to fall in as well. He was stopped as a hand caught his vest and the scribe blinked in surprise as turned to face his captor. He found himself staring down into bright yellow eyes that were slowly shifting back to their more natural violet, as Rakiv held him by the collar of his vest.
"Guildmistress?" the scribe blinked at her in confusion.
Rakiv did not answer as she looked up at him, her cheeks still flushed from the heat of the flames and scorched earth around them. She watched rivulets of steam rise from his mostly bare torso, where the water that had touched him continued to evaporate. The ranger stepped closer to him and Kydar blinked once more, before his eyes widened as he suddenly realized her intent.
"Rakiv I…" he began.
"Shut up," she whispered.
A hand slid up around the scribe's neck as she drew him down to her, and without hesitation or preamble Rakiv crushed her lips to his.
