~ just a quick note, if anyone is reading this anything like "this" is spoken in common and anything like *this* is spoken in terren. Please R&R!
Ch – 3 Ruins
'The next stop is the town of Hommlet,' Knoff finally told them a few days later. 'You must rid the town of its evil.' Before booking passage to the main land, the jumi talked with Melissana about the options on what they could do with the ship.
"If you leave it with me, I can get a crew and hire it out to people," Melissana suggested.
"That's a great idea," Danielle nodded.
"Yes, that way we'll have an income," Lavitz nodded. They turned to Tolqwist who nodded silently saying he agreed with them. Leaving that to Melissana, they boarded the ship to the main land and spent the month as they have before, mostly avoiding each other aside from polite chit chat. At the capital, where the ship docked, they traveled out to Hommlet and saw that it was a small adventuring community. Apparently that was only a façade, from what Knoff said about having to rid this place of evil. Tired from travel, they looked at the first house they passed wondering how they were suppose to know who was evil and who wasn't.
"How are we suppose to know…" Danielle started then was interrupted.
'Nothing interesting in there,' Clade said, surprising all but Lavitz the most.
"He can sense evil," Lavitz said. "I can feel it." Walking through the town they attracted lots of attention, no other jumi were there.
"We must be the only jumi in town," Danielle said.
"Try not to attract attention," Tolqwist whispered. Both Danielle and Lavitz gave him a, yeah-right look.
"Right," Danielle laughed. "We sparkle, people will notice us." Passing a few more shops no evil was detected until they reached an inn, called the Inn of the Tavern Wench.
'In there,' Clade said. Stepping inside they paused to look around. Even though it was only morning the place was bustling with activity. It was obvious that this was not only an inn, but a place for entertainment. The girls were dressed in short, short skirts and tops that if the girls breathed too deep look like it would pop open.
"Great," Danielle sighed in a tired voice as girls started to approach Lavitz. In Krom she would steer clear of him when ever he had a crowd, mostly so she wouldn't be confused as part of the mix. He dismissed them politely as they all made their way to an empty table in the back. Another girl came up, like the rest wearing very little, and leaned over looking at Lavitz.
"Can I get you anything, food, drink, entertainment?" Lavitz shook his head no and the girl took Tolqwist and Danielle's order. Danielle was going to order a special jumi wine but declined when she found out the price to be one platinum a cup. Instead she settled for table wine. As they surveyed the crowd many came and went, men went upstairs with girls, and saw a two girls go upstairs together.
'There's one,' Clade said as a lone man came down the stairs. He was badly scarred and wore white wrapped around his hands. Most of the girls avoided him until one took his order and brought some food out to him.
"What should we do?" Danielle asked. She was seated on one side, Lavitz in the middle, and Tolqwist on the other side.
"We could start a fight," Tolqwist cracked his knuckles.
"And then get arrested," Lavitz pointed out. "How about we follow him upstairs and then confront him?" Tolqwist nodded and had Danielle and Lavitz get two rooms, while he watched the guy. They returned to the table as the man stood up heading back upstairs.
"Wait here," Tolqwist said as both jumi sat down and watched him start after the man. When Lavitz stood up, both him and Danielle had surprised looks on their faces.
"Lavitz what are you doing?" Danielle asked grabbing his arm.
"I don't know," Lavitz replied as he started to also head up the stairs. Grabbing everyone's bags she followed him to see what was going on.
'There's one,' Clade said as they passed room number one by the stairs. Getting closer to her room, Danielle paused long enough to unlock the door and drop their bags on the floor of number seven and heard Clade speak again.
'Two in there.' The indication was on number nine, the room next to Danielle's room. The guys were across the hall in number six. Lavitz continued down the hall, then his body relaxed.
"Clade took me over," Lavitz growled glaring at his bracers.
"Lets talk," Tolqwist gestured for them all to go in number six, which was across the hall from number nine. "So how should we do this? There's one in room one and two in room nine one being the guy that was downstairs."
"Lucky me," Danielle joked then got serious. "But unless they attack us first we'll go to jail."
"We could go to your room," Lavitz said as Danielle gave him a weird look. "And insult the scarred guy."
"Yeah and I'll challenge his fighting ability," Tolqwist added. "Danielle you have a spell that can keep you safe, right?"
"Yes, it's called sanctuary," Danielle said. "But it's not guaranteed."
"I see," Tolqwist said. "I was thinking that after the two come in, you stay towards the back and close the door, so if the other guy joins, we have a warning."
"I can do that," Danielle nodded.
"Then lets move our stuff and do this," Lavitz said. Once the guys belongings were removed, and Danielle's out of the way, the guys settled by the wall next to number nine, while Danielle was by the door. Soft voices could be heard but not understood. She cast sanctuary on herself while the guys started talking.
"Did you see that man with the scars?" Lavitz said in his loudest most arrogant tone. "He can't be much of a fighter."
"I'd love to take him on, one on one," Tolqwist said loudly. "He probably wouldn't even be much of a challenge." In response there was the sound of footsteps and the door banged open. The scarred man entered followed by a man six feet tall and twice the size of Tolqwist. Going in they paid no attention to Danielle as she partially closed the door behind them. Tolqwist aimed his attack on the big guy while Lavitz cast magic missiles on the scarred man. The big guy swung at Tolqwist throwing his aim too wide. With a swing Tolqwist sliced through the big guy making him go down. Scar face saw this and redirected his attacks on Tolqwist.
Hearing more footsteps, Danielle turned to see the door open and was roughly pushed aside. Catching herself on the wall, she blew a clear hair from her face as she stood back up. Lavitz turned his magic missiles on the new guy while Tolqwist took care of scar face. Turning, Tolqwist beckoned the new man forward then sliced through him as the man advanced. Looking up to the door, which was still open, they saw everyone from downstairs staring.
"I think I'll go trade rooms," Danielle said and edged through the crowd heading downstairs. With everyone staring they couldn't search the bodies, and Tolqwist noticed all the ladies staring at Lavitz again.
"No one sleeps alone tonight," Tolqwist said. "Sorry ladies," Tolqwist said to the girls. "He's taken, married to the female with us." Lavitz gave Tolqwist an amused, oh really look, while the ladies eyes went wide and disappointed aww's filled the room.
*Just go along with it,* Tolqwist said to Lavitz. *Go tell Danielle.* Lavitz squeezed out and headed down the stairs finding Danielle ready to go back up.
"We're staying in one room tonight," Lavitz said and held up the key to the room he was sharing with Tolqwist. "I'll turn this key in."
"Okay," Danielle said. "That's not a bad idea. Lets go move our stuff first." Both went back to number seven edging through the crowd. Danielle hard a lot of murmuring going on and glares and nasty looks cast in her direction. Giving them a weird look, Danielle gathered her things and put them in the new room, number three. Tolqwist was smirking while Lavitz had an amused smile on his face.
"What is it?" Danielle finally demanded after closing the door. "And why are the girls being nasty to me all of a sudden?"
"I had to sort of tell them something," Tolqwist said and looked away.
"What?" Danielle demanded.
"Just that, you're married to Lavitz," Tolqwist said quickly. Danielle's jaw drops as she stood there not speaking.
"It was so they would leave him alone," Tolqwist defended himself. Closing her mouth, Danielle took a breath, took on a peaceful serene look and walked into a small room, reserved as a washroom. Closing the door attached, she turned and started to hit the wall screaming out her frustration. Stopping she felt a little bit better when she heard a knock on the bedroom door.
"You're not getting ambushed again are you?" A guy called.
"No," Lavitz replied. "Just having some fun." Danielle's eyes went wide hearing this.
"Oh, then I'll leave you to your privacy," Footsteps faded away. Stepping out of the washroom, Danielle glared at both of them. Lavitz simply grinned at her while shrugging when Tolqwist started to speak.
"I only…"
"Don't talk to me," Danielle interrupted holding her hand up. "Just don't talk to me." Tolqwist closed his mouth, and rolled over to take a nap. Lavitz stood at the door keeping watch waiting for the crowd to be gone, while Danielle sat at the window, fuming. Once it cleared they were going to search the rooms and hopefully find some clues. It wasn't until a few hours passed before it was clear. Tolqwist was up soon after and they headed out to the rooms.
"Danielle," Tolqwist started.
"I'm over it," She interrupted again. "Just don't talk to me about it." In the first room they found some gold but no clues. Leaving that there they went to the other room and found a small wooden chest, locked. Tolqwist busted it open and found the following: one hundred platinum, two hundred fifty six gold, twenty seven silver a scroll case and an assortment of gems.
"How dare they!" Tolqwist looked at the gems in fury. Seeing him get so upset, Danielle stepped forward putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Easy," She whispered. "This is a common thing unfortunately. It grieves us, but do not let it take over you. It was an insult to jumi to buy and sell gems for riches or use them as decorations, especially since that's where their soul resides in their body. They feel it should be buried like a human body is when it dies. Tolqwist had grown up in the Bejeweled city, while Lavitz left it when he was very young. Danielle was born outside the Bejeweled city, while her parents were traveling with her sister.
"We will bury them," Danielle said. Nodding, they took the chest back to their room. Opening the scroll, they found it read like a diary entry. It explained that the old Moat house, several hours away, is now being used as the main location hideaway, for the minions. General directions of the location was scrawled at the bottom of the page. This was one of the spies from the temple.
"Unless something else happens, we should head there in the morning," Tolqwist said.
"Why don't we explore the rest of the town for now," Lavitz suggested. They headed out and walked by the village hall, some farmhouses, trader and exchange stores when Clade spoke again.
'There's two in there.' A shield and lantern are suspended on chains. The shield is painted to show a sword and cheese. The group walked in and saw this place looked like the general area for villagers and travelers alike to stop and buy any supplies needed. Two men stood inside, both behind the counter talking.
"Good day," Greeted one, who eyed the three. He stood about average height, but like the other guy who was at the inn, was badly scarred. His partner, was average looking about the same height, said nothing as the jumi looked around.
"Can I help you with anything, my name is Rannos," The greeter said walking around the counter.
"I need an explorers outfit," Tolqwist said, looking over Rannos and his partner in the store. Rannos brought out several pair, until Tolqwist picked out one he liked. Danielle bought a composite short bow, trading in the crossbow, and a mace to replace the club.
'Do not take them on now,' Clade spoke to everyone. 'You can not handle them.'
"Thanks for your time," Danielle nodded to the two as they headed out the door. Night was just falling, when they reached the inn. The females swarmed Lavitz, as a few appreciative looks were passed Danielle's way from some guys along with glares from girls. Ordering dinner, they all headed up to rest before heading out in the morning. Tolqwist slept on his bedroll as Lavitz and Danielle each took a bed, there was two in the room.
Morning arrived swiftly, as the group prepared and headed out to buy some light riding horses. It took them three hours to reach the Moat House, which was indeed in ruins as described by people in the town. Walls were crumbling, and an old bridge was stretched over a now dried moat, which could now be described as a canyon.
Once dismounted, each tethered up their horses and carefully crossed the drawbridge making sure it wouldn't crack under their weight. Looking around the inside, there was a tower with a collapsed second level to the left and a pair of doors, to go inside at the upper right. As they approached the tower first a clicking, and a tittering was heard coming from inside.
"Spider?" Tolqwist questioned and drew Knoff looking at the sword. "We have to rid this place of pest?"
'Exterminate all,' was the reply they got. Danielle shook her head as she drew out her bow and took aim. As she pulled the arrow back, the string broke rendering the bow useless.
"Dang it!" Danielle threw down the bow and glared at Lavitz who was snickering. Biting his lip, Tolqwist picked up a rock to throw. Inside the tower it seemed unnaturally dark and it didn't seem a good idea to go inside. Gripping the rock, Tolqwist must have gripped it too hard as it crumpled to dust in his hand. Soon all three were trying to throw rocks in, when one finally hit. A loud screech was heard followed by the spider coming out. It stood about three feet in height and advanced on Tolqwist the nearest. Lavitz and Danielle hung back, not too sure about approaching it and settled for throwing rocks.
"This is pathetic," Danielle sighed as the rocks she threw didn't hit the creature at all.
"What else are we suppose to do," Lavitz asked then smiled seeing that his rock hit. "Ask the spider nicely to keel over?"
"Right," Danielle gave a half laugh. "Maybe you could charm it to death," Danielle returned sarcastically.
"And I would succeed, but I think Tolqwist is doing fine," Lavitz said seeing the spider just keel over. Rolling her eyes they went to the double doors having to walk up some steps to reach them, and silently walked inside past the broken doors. The great hall had destroyed furniture about, tattered banners hung on the wall and heaps of rotting clothing. Beams from above are scattered across the ground, showing that nothing larger than a rat could possibly pass above. They decided to head to the first door by the broken double doors and work their way towards the back.
They passed a stairway which had a collection of rubble at the top not accessible and stopped at the first set of doors. Previously broken it seems that they were recently repaired, and sounds of talking could be heard inside. Tolqwist gave the other two a grin and knocked on the door. The talking stopped instantly and sounds of shuffling could be heard.
"Time to let the party in," Tolqwist slammed on the door, breaking it open, finding around nine brigands around. Gesturing for them to come forward, the brigands attacked, four around Tolqwist and two surrounding Danielle and Lavitz each. With Knoff ready, Tolqwist took two down, as the other two hit with swords. One cut Tolqwist on the arm while the other barely scraped his chest. Spinning around with Knoff, he cut off the head of one brigand and caught the other deeply in the chest.
Danielle attacked with her mace as Lavitz cast his missiles at the brigands around him. The two on Danielle had a mace and a hand ax, which she dodged the ax, but got caught with the mace on her side. Swinging her mace around, Danielle hit the one with the ax, knocking the weapon from his hands, as the one with the mace hit her again. Hearing the one with the mace yelp in pain, Danielle saw the dust settle from a missile and give Lavitz a grateful smile. Seeing that Tolqwist took care of the brigands around him and was heading her way.
"Your turn," Danielle smiled as she stepped back barely missing the mace. The brigand stopped sensing some one behind him and turned to see Tolqwist standing there. Swinging the mace, the brigand was too slow, Knoff had already sliced through finishing him off. Wiping the sword off, Tolqwist gave Danielle a nod as she returned a smile and proceeded with Lavitz to search the bodies. Currently this was the best way they could get currency for a living.
Once everything of value was collected, the three peered into the open door of the next room and saw only rats scurrying around, over crushed stone, and burnt cloth. Inside they found a large broadsword and set that aside to grab on the way out and sell. Going on they found the next room, looks like it was once a bed chamber, to a leader of some type. Now the bed was chopped in pieces, as furniture lay smashed around the room. Closing the door, the next door was lying on the ground. Looking in they saw a giant lizard and a chest towards the back.
"I'm not killing the lizard," Tolqwist said looking at Knoff. There was no reply. Edging in, Tolqwist passes the lizard, which merely looked at him, and opened the chest. Inside was over a hundred gold pieces. Going back he whispered: "We'll have to come back for the chest when we leave. There's over a hundred gold in there."
"Very nice," Danielle nodded along with Lavitz, then looked at Tolqwist. "Are you okay?"
"A little tired, wounded, but I think we can go on," Tolqwist shrugged. Danielle pursed her lips and looked down at herself.
"We should probably rest a night before going on, heal, and that way we can put what we found away in our rooms," Danielle suggested.
"All right, let me grab the chest," Tolqwist went back in as Danielle and Lavitz grabbed the other items strapping them into the horses. Instead of returning to Hommlet they rested outside a little distance away from the ruins and made camp. The night was quiet, and once usual morning rituals were taken care of the three was ready to continue.
Returning to the same area they stopped at and found the following in the remaining rooms: evidence of an old kitchen, old tables and a stove were in tact, A few empty rooms that seemed to have been stripped of their riches seeing how tracing outlines of objects once hung was seen on the wall, and the final room, with many rats, had a set of stairs in the back, looking as if it was cleared of debris. The only thing blocking their path were nine knolls.
Drawing Knoff, Tolqwist looked around, seeing they didn't look very happy. As they charged to attack, he took three down in one fell swoop, leaving three on him, one went to Lavitz and two went to Danielle. Sanctuary was cast on herself as the confused knolls tried but couldn't hit her. Lavitz fired his missiles at the knoll, he was able to keep it at bay from doing him any serious injuries. Once the three in front of Tolqwist was slain, he turned killing the one on Lavitz, then finished off the other two. Danielle stepped forward and did some healing on the two, then looked to the stairs. The three headed down the stairs going slowly to avoid any possible traps.
At the bottom they saw torn sacks, broken barrels and shattered weapons, giving evidence that this was once a storage area. Before moving on, Lavitz noticed that there were two doors hidden behind the rubble. Clearing away the rubble, it took Tolqwist a few minutes to bust down the doors. They were new, with new locks, well oiled. Both rooms were an armory with well-stocked weapons and barrels of salted meats and brandy. There were arrows and bolts but no weapons to go with them. Sighing, Danielle followed the other two as they headed further down the dungeon.
The next area was a cell, and the three see immediately advancing them are twelve zombies! They are surrounded as the zombies attacked. Danielle put her hands forward holding her holy symbol trying to rebuke them, and to her astonishment, it worked! Only one backed off but it still worked! Tolqwist and Lavitz were defending themselves as Danielle tried it again, this time sending two more off. The third time didn't do anything and the zombies close to Danielle knew what she was trying to do and closed in on her. Putting all her effort in this one, three of them, went scurrying off, like the others in the cells, hiding in a corner.
Mage armor was cast on Tolqwist when Lavitz first saw the zombies surround them. While Tolqwist attacked with Knoff, Lavitz fired missiles at them, which made it easier for Tolqwist to finish off. Because of their number, a few hits were given all around, but nothing too serious. They looked around seeing that it was clear and the guys shook their heads with smiles seeing the zombies huddle in the cells. Tolqwist stepped forward, easily killing them off while Danielle checked Lavitz and herself, then Tolqwist when he returned for healing. Seeing her wasn't too badly injured she decided to save her spells for now.
"Shall we move on?" Lavitz suggested. The others nodded and followed Tolqwist lead. The following rooms provided little interest for the group. Many were caved in, had rotting clothing, or just plain filth. A small pantry and kitchen like area was found but no one in them. They paused at one room, which had a natural pool, but decided it wasn't worth entering when they spotted the huge crayfish inside.
The next door they came upon was open, as bear like creatures looked up in surprise. The first one got up, thinking he could take care of this easily and was promptly sliced by Tolqwist. The others jumped up seeing the first taken down so easily and charged the door, only problem they could only fit one through at a time. The next two Tolqwist was able to dispatch, it was at the third one he had a problem. His hands were slick, from blood, and sweat, and as he rose Knoff, the sword flew out of his hands into the wall inside the room. The creature attacked knocking Tolqwist off his feet, and hit the ground hard, as the others poured out. One advanced Tolqwist while the other remaining two advanced Danielle and Lavitz.
Casting sanctuary on herself, Danielle advance to Tolqwist who was bleeding heavily, as the two creatures kept trying to hit her and were getting frustrated at not being able to. She chanted casting her healing on him, letting him wake a few minutes later. Another surprise came when Tolqwist saw Knoff was back in his hands. Shaking the thought off, Tolqwist got up and attacked the two creatures near them as Danielle backed out of the way and looked for Lavitz.
He was defending himself all right, until the creature got in one good hit, slicing his upper chest. His clothes mended but he would keep bleeding until healed. Danielle went over to help him and cast her healing chant on him, as Tolqwist came forward, killing the last of the creatures. All sat down for a moment, tired and winded before getting back up.
"It's been a few hours since we have been in her, we should probably rest again," Danielle suggested, trying to slow her breaths, Lavitz nodded.
"But there's only three more doors, I want to finish this," Tolqwist stated.
"My spells are just about wiped," Lavitz said. "I don't have much more of a defense to put up."
"And nearly all my healing spells are gone," Danielle added. "We need to rest." Letting out a small sigh of frustration, Tolqwist nodded as they quietly headed back out to their camp after checking the knolls. Only item they found of value was a crossbow and bolts, which Danielle could use. The night passed again peacefully putting the three on their guard. In the morning they slowly headed back down, noting that the slain remained where they fell. The one set of doors, were closed but not locked to which the group opened and peered inside. Another storage area, with more food, not much else. The next door they found had several beds, but none of them occupied, arousing suspicions as to who was around. A set of double doors was the last and was most likely where the leader was present.
Taking a breath, they prepared before entering. Lavitz cast mage armor on Tolqwist and himself, while Danielle cast sanctuary so she would be able to heal any that is injured. In lead, Tolqwist pushed the heavy doors open and saw the leader. A beautiful female, in a room lavishly decorated with thick rugs, wall hangings and soft chairs. A brazier burns keeping the room warm and a slight sent of incense was in the air.
"How dare you enter my domain!" She shouted standing. "I will make you pay!" As she stood Danielle could see a statue of the God Ifrit, the god of demons. From her dress, she also knew this was a cleric and could possibly get past her sanctuary spell. The first thing the cleric did was a spell of summon monster, a creature to help her fight the group. Tolqwist didn't know but Danielle and Lavitz recognized the spell. Stepping into action, Lavitz cast mage armor on Danielle, knowing she would need it, as she pulled out her crossbow and attacked. The cleric deflected the arrow easily while Lavitz moved on to his next spell and sent a magic missile at her. Once Tolqwist closed in the distance between him and the evil cleric, he struck with Knoff hitting the cleric the same time the missile did. She screamed in rage, as the monster she summoned arrived, a small demon that went to attack Danielle. Problem was the demon only came up to her waist and had a hard time getting past her armor, resulting in it just scratching at her.
The cleric cast another spell, making Tolqwist body jerk from the effects of it and surprise. In the back, Danielle and Lavitz felt their heart sink, recognizing the spell she cast just blinded Tolqwist. Now not being able to see, the cleric laughed and taunted at him, dodging fatal blows.
"Damn you get off!" Danielle yelled at the demon that was still scratching at her. She pulled out her mace, smacking it away but it only returned.
"Go help Tolqwist," Lavitz stepped up hitting the demon with his staff. "I'll handle him." He had used all of his magic missiles on the leader and was now not able to do much else. It was obvious the leader was playing with Tolqwist, until Danielle tried to hit her with the crossbow again. She once again deflected the arrow but the distraction was enough for Tolqwist to finally hit her, cutting a deep gash in the evil cleric's side.
Just as Lavitz smashed the demon on the head, enough to kill it, he turned and saw the cleric deliver a hard blow to Tolqwist and Danielle rushing forward to heal him. Watching this, Lavitz got an idea and cast another lesser spell. If she wanted to blind Tolqwist, she would see how it feels, Lavitz thought as he cast light in the evil cleric's eyes, blinding her as well. Now she won't be able to hit Tolqwist but unfortunately she could still cast spells. The next spell, staggered Tolqwist almost making him drop to his knees. He was now diseased, with what they didn't know, but he now felt worse than before. Taking in a breath, Tolqwist heaved Knoff up in the direction Danielle was yelling and delivered the fatal blow.
As she crumpled, Tolqwist fell to his knees, thankful this fight was over. He wouldn't have been able to go on much longer. Lavitz stepped forward to assist him while Danielle saw that the armor the cleric was wearing was magical, and would assist Tolqwist greatly once he was well. Once she tugged it off, the two led Tolqwist back to the horses and slumped him over his. Reaching Hommlet, Lavitz and Danielle put Tolqwist in his room first, then Danielle went out seeking the high cleric. Once the cleric knew what ailed him, he cast the appropriate spells and left after being paid so Tolqwist could rest. Danielle spent the evening cleaning the new armor and left it by his bed to find once he woke up.
In the morning, Tolqwist donned the new armor but at the moment chose not to say anything to either Danielle or Lavitz. The time for thanks could come later, there was still business to take care of in town. Heading straight to the trading store, the three entered and watched Tolqwist march right up to Rannos and his partner. The two recognized the armor as their eyes flashed and looked warily at the three.
"You know where this came from," Tolqwist stated. "Your time will come." The two only smirked at him.
"Lareth was merely a pawn," Rannos said.
"Your time will come," Tolqwist said and turned to leave, Danielle and Lavitz following. Spotting a young boy, about ten years or so, Tolqwist waved him over.
"Gather all the messengers and bring them all here," Tolqwist said tossing the child a gold piece. He nodded and ran off quickly returning in a few minutes with eleven others all around his age.
"Do you know the men in that shop?" Tolqwist pointed to where Rannos and the other guy was. All the children nodded. "I'll give you each five gold to watch and see if they try to leave town. If they do the first one to reach me gets an additional five gold." After handling out the promised gold and telling the children where to find them, the group returned to the inn. They were in their room when one child returned later that evening. All sat up alert seeing the child trembling and troubled.
"They sent me here with a message," The child said in a small voice. He was terrified. "Meet them in the woods at midnight, there will be a trail." Tolqwist thanked him and gave him the give gold then the child ran off. The sun was low in the sky, almost dark.
"We should go now," Tolqwist said getting up. Agreeing that this was the best idea, they all headed down to the stables to get their horses and headed out the gates. It wasn't too far out of town where they found the trail. The body of each messenger boy, save the one they saw, was sprawled out, mutilated, in a grotesque trail leading deeper into the woods.
Covering her mouth, Danielle's eyes shined with tears. The guys clenched their fist, suppressing the urges to shout their outrage at the darkening sky. Picking up the pace, they followed the trail to a clearing where Rannos and his scarred friend waited, sadistic smiles on their faces.
"You're early," Rannos said casually leaning against a tree. "Gremag and I were just talking about you."
"Couldn't keep you waiting could we?" Tolqwist said through clenched teeth and dismounted drawing his sword. Gremag, the scarred man only stood observing, not joining the conversation. As Danielle and Lavitz dismounted, Tolqwist attacked. Rannos tried to parry the hit but was only able to soften the blow as Lavitz cast a fire sphere and directed it on him. Hitting Tolqwist and twisting to get away from the fire, Rannos face changed to panic as he realized he didn't have the upper hand in the battle after all. The fire sphere followed him and he saw Danielle healing Tolqwist. Moments later, he perished in the fire sphere.
Gremag merely smirked and said: "Rannos had nothing compared to me." Tolqwist simply beckoned him forward holding Knoff ready. Pulling out two daggers, Gremag's smile broadened even more as he jumped at Tolqwist. Lavitz redirected his fire sphere over to Gremag, while Tolqwist and him parried blows until Gremag cut his side making Tolqwist stagger a moment. Danielle rushed forward to heal him, and though the wound was gone, he still looked pretty bad, almost physically drained. Once again using all his strength, Tolqwist pulled himself up again, but this gave Gremag the opportunity to cut him again. Casting the rest of the fire sphere's he had, Lavitz directed them all onto Gremag, who seemed to easily jumped out of the way of them. As he turned to try and attack Tolqwist once more, he didn't see the sphere come up behind him. Crumpling in a heap, Gremag was done.
"Tolqwist!" Both Danielle and Lavitz rushed forward and helped him to his horse. Checking the bodies, they grabbed the armor, which amazingly didn't burn, while Lavitz claimed the dagger for his own defense.
"Well I can see why Tolqwist is looking so drained," Lavitz said. "This is a dagger of venom, poisons who ever it hits."
"I'm not powerful enough to reverse those effects," Danielle sighed. "We need to get him to the cleric in town again." Returning to town, it was now fully dark out, they went to wake up the cleric.
"Back again?" He questioned shaking his head. While checking Tolqwist over, Danielle and Lavitz explained what happened. Hearing about the children, the cleric had to stop for a moment to absorb the shock. Shaking his head again, he got up to retrieve three potions and gave them to Tolqwist.
"Drink this," the cleric told him. "You will need two and a half weeks rest. No stress, no practice, no exertion." Thanking him, the two helped Tolqwist back to the inn and put him in one of the beds. Once he was settled, Danielle and Lavitz looked at the other bed, then eyed each other.
"I'll be back," Lavitz said and left. He returned a moment later with some of the stronger looking inn girls carrying a bed. Setting it up against the other wall by the foot of the beds, there was barely enough room to get around it. Shooing the girls out, Lavitz gave Danielle a smile, before changing and going to bed.
In the morning, Tolqwist tried to get up, but was scolded by Danielle saying he was not to move, or she'd give him more of a reason to stay bedridden. Once she got downstairs, the girls were still glaring at her, but Danielle paid it no mind and ordered breakfast. It arrived as Lavitz came down and started to walk to Danielle, passing a few girls who were talking. A surprised looked crossed his face and he reached the table before Danielle was able to take a bit.
"Let me taste that for you," Lavitz said loudly while Danielle gave him a questioning look. Before she could question what he was doing, the girls rushed over grabbing the plate from him, muttering an excuse about some thing wasn't right and they would bring out another.
"I heard them say they were going to try and poison you," Lavitz shrugged. "So like the devoted husband I'm supposed to be, I saved you." Lavitz finished with a broad grin. Shaking her head, Danielle took a deep breath. This was going to be a long two weeks.