Authors Note: Sorry it took so long to get this out. I have the beginning and the end fleshed out in my head. As for the middle…nada. So I'm working on that.
As for the question regarding the elvish, I found an elven dictionary on the internet and use a guide to form sentences.
Aribeth looked down at Port Llast calmly. Her eyes slowly scanned the harbor town and the surrounding country side. It was early morning and the people were just now waking up to begin their morning tasks.
"So this is the town they have been frequenting, eh?"
Aribeth turned and watched Caldor as he walked up next to her on the cliff and knelt down near the edge.
"Yes, why they would have an interest in this area is beyond me."
"Hmm, I think it is mostly the surrounding areas that have drawn their attention. Nevertheless, we will find out soon enough."
Aribeth nodded at him.
"Come on you two! We need to get to the barracks as soon as possible!" Sharwyn called to them from the head of the caravan.
Caldor nodded and stood up. "Let's go, m'lady."
Aribeth turned and mounted her horse and continued after the others with Caldor behind.
….
They had all soon gathered around the barracks and began unloading their supplies while Aribeth met with Aarin Gend.
Caldor and Sharwyn took up the reigns and soon had all of their supplies moved into the barracks. The oxen and horses were moved into a nearby stable.
The mercenaries moved into the building quickly to arrange themselves then clumped into small groups to chat.
Caldor watched them all with little interest and chanced a glance at Aribeth. She looked tired and it did not appear that she was wholly interested in what the Gend character had to say.
I wouldn't either, honestly.
He turned and walked over to where Sharwyn was standing. With her was the halfling rogue Tomi Undergallows, the elven cleric Linu La'neral and half-orc barbarian Daelan Red Tiger.
"Ah, an' 'ere comes the man of tha hour 'imself." Tomi said loudly with a smirk.
Caldor raised an eyebrow at the halfling, "And?"
"Nuthin'." Tomi said innocently.
Caldor watched him a moment then turned to Sharwyn. She smiled at him and shook her head. He stared at her curiously for a moment.
"You know, I don't really care what you all were talking about." He said with a smile.
"I know." Sharwyn told him.
He sighed and smiled at the group, "Fine, now to be serious for a moment. What do you all plan to do to help in this search?"
"Well, follow your lead of course." Linu said quietly.
"I see."
"Aye, I wanna see if you're as good a leader as they say you are." Tomi said.
"I'm curious as well." Daelan said calmly, "Besides, Nasher told us that you were the one to answer to other than the Lady Aribeth herself."
"Well, that's good then. As soon as I find out what to do from Lady Aribeth, we will get underway."
The three nodded and continued chatting with each other. Linu occasionally glanced at Tomi warily. The halfling knew she was watching him but did nothing in response. This latest time, however, he jumped at her, making her fall backwards into a pile of crates.
Tomi laughed hard, slapping his knees and pointing at the elf. He soon got a smack to the back of the head and a stern frown from Daelan.
Caldor smiled at them and shook his head. He took Sharwyn's hands in his own and swung them lazily. "This should turn out to be a lot more interesting than I originally thought.
"Yes, those three are quite entertaining to watch." She said with a smile, "But what about the other two, Boddyknock and Grimgnaw?"
"Aribeth said she had something planned for those two." Caldor said with a shrug.
"Oh. Wonder what makes them so special." Sharwyn said thoughtfully.
"No clue." He yawned and looked over in Aribeth's direction. She beckoned him over as soon as she noticed he was paying attention.
"What are your orders m'lady?" Caldor asked as he walked up to her, bowing slightly.
"As you already know, we are here to find the cult members seen here in this town and in the surrounding areas. Lord Nasher commands that we unearth their headquarters and find out their plans…and to stop them at any cost." Aribeth paused a moment then continued.
"Aarin Gend, Lord Nasher's spymaster, is here with us to assist in this endeavor. He has provided many reports of strange activities throughout the northern lands. It is possible that agents of this…cult are behind these activities. Your assistance in these matters are invaluable, Caldor. With you here...I…we will get the answers we seek."
Caldor placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly, gently stroking the edge of her jaw with his thumb. "I will do everything in my power to find these bastards. I swear this to you m'lady." He told her in a low voice.
Aribeth smiled lightly, "I know you will Caldor. All of my faith is in you."
"I will be sure not to disappoint you then." He smiled and let his hand fall to his side.
"And I'll be there making sure nothing stands in his way." Sharwyn smiled at them both as she walked up.
"Thank you." Aribeth nodded her head slightly.
Caldor watched her a moment then shifted his weight onto his right leg and crossed his arms over his chest. "Aribeth, what are you going to be doing while I'm out running about the countryside?
Aribeth stared at the floor a little then looked up at him. "I am here the make sure Lord Nasher's orders are carried out." She paused. "My role seems quite small compared to yours, no? I suppose Lord Nasher just wants someone he trusts in this role…or perhaps he just wants me away from my memories of Fenthick…"
Caldor's expression darkened considerably. Sharwyn frowned a little, hoping that he wouldn't say something to get himself into trouble.
"I…see," It seemed to take great effort to keep himself from saying anything further. He squeezed the bridge of his nose a little and shook his head.
"You should go speak to Aarin now. He has some information for you that will no doubt be quite useful." Aribeth told him.
Caldor nodded then turned to walk towards Gend then stopped. "Aribeth."
She turned and looked up at him.
He knelt down next to her ear, "I want you to rest okay. Since there is a Temple of Tyr here I want you to visit it often and pray to him. Speak to the priests there as well. It may help. Promise me this."
Aribeth smiled and nodded, "Promise."
He smiled and walked around her towards Gend.
Aribeth sighed and retreated to one of the side rooms. Caldor noticed her leave and frowned a little. I hope she is alright.
Sharwyn squeezed his arm reassuringly and followed him to Gend.
The dark skinned man nodded at him as he approached and held himself proudly. He looked every bit like a master spy. The well made leather armor hugged his slim, muscular form. No doubt it kept him well armored and allowed a full range of movement.
The scars on his arms and hands gave little doubt to his battle experience.
The Aarin smiled at him as he drew near followed closely by Sharwyn, "Hail, friend! You were instrumental in ridding Neverwinter of the Wailing Death, I understand. I would like to congratulate you on a job well done."
Caldor sighed, "Yes I suppose, though of course all I did was kill everything that moved. Besides, everyone seems adamant to forget that I had help." His tone was one of boredom laced with slight irritation.
Gend raised his eyebrows at him. "You don't seem to think of yourself as much of a hero."
"No, not really," Caldor said flatly.
"I see. Well you have proven yourself to be quite courageous and resourceful. That is good; these qualities will be needed if you are to complete this latest mission. But that is not how we should begin. I am known as Aarin Gend, and I have served our Lord-"
"Your lord," Caldor said calmly.
"Excuse me?"
"He is not my Lord but continue what you were saying." Caldor said with a wave of his hand.
Gend's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, "I have served Lord Nasher for some time. Hopefully I may be of similar use to you now."
"I sure hope so."
Aarin sighed, "Are you going to be difficult to work with?"
"Not if I don't choose to be."
The Spymaster rolled his eyes then shifted his attention to Sharwyn who was merely smiling at Caldor. "And who might this lovely lady be?"
"I'm Sharwyn, pleased to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine m'lady." He said with a smirk.
Caldor watched him irritably, waiting quietly for him to put his eyes back in his head and continue.
"So you are the bard that has been assisting Sir Erion then?"
"One in the same," She told him.
"Ah."
Caldor's patience was running thin and he tapped his boot against the ground irritably in an attempt to get his attention. Gend was no longer paying any attention to him.
"Gend."
"Yes?"
"Would you like to have children one day?"
"Um…I suppose. Why do you ask?" Aarin asked curiously.
"Well, if you do not stop staring at her I will render you impotent."
Aarin stared at him in shock as Sharwyn shook her head at Caldor. The spymaster smirked at the paladin and stood upright. "Well now that I have your full attention, maybe now we can get to work."
Caldor glared at the man then chuckled, "Very funny sir. Seriously though, please tell me what you have come up with so I can begin the search."
"It is vital that the cult's exact location be found, and that we are certain any leads we discover are not attempts at deception. Aribeth has informed me that she wants at least two separate leads that point to the same place. That is your task."
"I see…so where should I begin?"
"I would advise that you begin your search in the caves that lie north of Port Llast. There has been some strange news about increased activity there. Some investigation on your part might turn up some information regarding the cult. Also there is the city of Luskan to the north, Neverwinter Wood to the east and the wild lands of the South Road."
Caldor nodded, "Anything you can tell me about these caves?"
"Yes, the caves are in the hills to the north of Port Llast, near the Green Griffon Inn. They have long been used by humanoid tribes of orcs, bugbears and the like. Usually they are of no concern. In recent months, however, I have received word that these various creatures have been raiding the roads south of Luskan. This would not be very notable except that the creatures now seem very organized and, I hear, are being led by humans. This leads me to believe that the cult may be involved…but that's for you to determine. In any case you must remember that Aribeth will want two firm leads on the cult's location before she decides to act on it."
"Thank you. I will get to work right away." Caldor bowed slightly before Aarin then led Sharwyn back to where Daelan, Linu and Tomi were standing.
"So…what do we do now?" Linu asked as they approached.
"We're heading to some caves south of Luskan. Supposedly some orcs and such are causing a bit of trouble. There's a rumor that they're being led by a human or two. So Gend wants me to look into it."
"Ah! Well let's head out then! Don't want to keep our precious orcs waitin'." Tomi said enthusiastically.
Caldor smirked and picked up his bag and turned towards the door. Sharwyn and the others followed him outside.
"Let's head to the tavern first and see if we can find out anything else." Caldor told the others as headed toward the nearby Inn.
The tavern was busy with many people chatting loudly and playing card games.
"Tomi, try not to rob anyone while we're here. Linu, you might want to find a seat somewhere. There are a lot of cats running around in here."
"Thank you dear. I think I'll do that." The elf sat down at the nearest table soon joined by Daelan and Tomi."
"Wow, they told me you had a fine face but…gosh you're the hero of Neverwinter that much is sure."
Caldor looked around curiously then looked at Sharwyn, "What was that?"
"Down here big man."
Caldor looked down at a thin halfling male decked out in red. "Who's they?"
"Uh…the people around the inn, that's all I meant." The halfling said quickly.
"Uh huh, so what do you want exactly?"
"Err... well, I suppose I should know for sure that you are who I think you are. I don't want to make a mistake, after all."
"I am Caldor. Why do you want to know?"
"Really! You are actually Caldor Erion, then, yes?"
"Aye." Caldor replied calmly. He was quickly growing impatient with the man.
"So... you are the Caldor Erion from Neverwinter, yes? The hero who saved the city? You do look the part, but I must be sure!"
"Yes dammit! I'm the only Caldor Erion in this room!" Sharwyn smacked Caldor's arm disapprovingly. He looked at her with a slight pout then centered his attention on the halfling again.
"I'm sorry, I... just wanted to make sure it was really you. I want to thank you. I've family in Neverwinter, and you saved their lives when you cured the plague. I wanted to give you this ring as a token of my gratitude." The halfling said.
"No, keep your ring lad. Your thanks is enough." Caldor said calmly.
"But, uh... it is a very nice ring! Please take it! That's why I wanted to find you, after all, to give it to you for all you've done!" The halfling pressed.
"Fine. Thank you." Caldor took the ring and inspected it.
"I don't know if it is magical, but it's always brought me luck. I hope it brings you luck, too. Thank you again, Caldor… and farewell!" The halfling quickly disappeared into the crowd.
Caldor sighed and dropped the ring on the ground and crushed it under his boot.
"Caldor! What did you do that for?" Sharwyn asked him in shock.
"I don't trust that halfling as far as I could throw him. And I could throw him pretty far. He has no family in Neverwinter."
"And how do you know that exactly?" She asked sternly.
"Because he is a terrible liar, anyone with half a brain could tell. You would have seen it as well if you weren't paying so much attention to the bard in the corner. Something about him interesting to you, love?"
Sharwyn's cheeks colored a bit. "No…"
"Caldor nodded his head and grinned. "If you say so."
"So what's the scoop?" Tomi asked as the pair joined them at the table. He pushed two pints of ale in their direction as they sat down.
"Obviously the cult knows we're here. That halfling has to be one of their agents." Caldor told them.
"Why do you think he is part of the Cult Caldor?" Sharwyn asked.
"Once again, had you been paying attention you would know. He was real keen on making sure I was the person he was looking for. It would look rather bad on his part if he tailed the wrong person don't you think?"
Sharwyn nodded at him, ashamed that she had missed such obvious signs.
"The ring I destroyed was most likely a tracking device. So now that it is gone, the halfling will have to trail us to see what we are up to. So keep your eyes out. Don't attack him though. We'll let him make the first move."
"And why exactly do you want us to do that?" Daelan asked as he drank his ale.
"Because he could be wrong." Linu told.
"Exactly, but I doubt I'm wrong about him. We'll see what he has planned eventually." Caldor said.
"Oy! You there... you're from Neverwinter, ain't ye? Working for Aribeth?"
"Aye, I'm working for the Lady Aribeth. Who wants to know?" Caldor asked as he turned in his seat.
"I thought so, you 'ad the cure for Wailing all sewed up! Sure, I should have expected you! Name's Darktongue. Darktongue Breakbone. I've been out here since you cured the Wailing, looking for signs a' where it came from."
"Really? So what have you found out?"
"I know about as much as you mate but…I've been thinking the cult is based somewhere up North from here. On the North road there's a system of caves full of orcs an' such. I went there to check meself and ran into a squad of goblins. That's how I got me knee hurt." Darktongue pointed to the offending limb.
"So what makes you think the cult is behind it?" Caldor looked at him curiously.
"Two reasons. First, the beasts started to gather just when the plague hit Neverwinter. Second, there was a man leading the goblins who attacked me. That ain't a typical thing. Maybe the man was a cultist. Maybe not. Either way, my gut is tellin' me that the picture ain't right."
"I see. Well I'm headed that way anyway so I'll look into it myself." Caldor said thoughtfully.
"Listen, then. If you find anything, you tell me. Two heads are better than one and all that. We adventurers need to stick together to find those bastards and punish 'em! Best o' luck to you! I wish my knee was healed up so I could come with!"
"Aye." Caldor nodded.
The dwarf hobbled back to the table he was sitting at and Caldor looked at the others. "Good thing we came here. At least we know what we're walking into when we get to the caves."
The others nodded at him as they finished their drinks. "Well let's go. We don't have all day." Caldor left some gold on the table and led the group outside.
The group trotted in the direction of the gates leading to the northern road.
Once they were through the gate Caldor took a deep breath and smiled, "Finally free from civilization!"
Sharwyn chuckled, "Happy to be back in the natural world again, hm?"
"You bet your pretty rear end I am." He sighed and continued walking down the road.
Once they were a good mile away from the town Caldor held back so that Sharwyn caught up to him then grabbed her arm so that they lagged behind the other three a bit. "So…why were you looking at that bard? Were you thinking about him?"
Sharwyn looked at ground and frowned a little. "Yes…"
Caldor blinked and eyed her, "And?"
"And what Cal?" she asked sternly.
"Why were you thinking about him all of a sudden?"
"Because I can." She whispered loudly, obviously irritated with his prodding.
"What's wrong? You don't think I'm jealous do you?" he said with a slight laugh.
Sharwyn glared at him and he cleared his throat, "I mean…uh do you want to talk about it? Is there something I can do to help?"
She sighed and squeezed his hand a little, "I was just thinking…well wondering if he was still with that…woman."
"Are you worried about him?" Caldor asked quietly.
"Yea, it's not like he is with her by choice. I think I told you that she was a charm cast on him."
Caldor nodded.
"Another thing I was doing in Neverwinter was looking up a way to break the spell. You side tracked me of course." She smiled at him and he grinned.
"Did you find out what you needed though?"
"Yes I did," she sighed slightly, "But I'm not going to worry about it. I have you after all." She shrugged and looked up at the sky. In the distance she could see dark clouds, occasionally broken by the sharp white bolts of lightning. I wonder if it's moving this way.
Caldor watched her silently and clutched her hand tightly. The noon sun brightened her blood red hair giving it a warm glow. The warmth contrasted greatly with bluish grey hue that her normally ocean blue eyes had taken. It was obvious to him that she was saddened by the thoughts of her lost love. Gods…even when she is sad she is breathtaking.
"You want to finish what you started don't you?" Sharwyn looked up at Caldor curiously.
He smiled at her, "He saved you from a life of boring nobility. Your first love. Your best friend. Your teacher. I understand if you would want to save him from that witch and I would gladly help you. All you have to do is ask me, my love…I am yours to command."
Sharwyn smiled at him and hugged his arm affectionately. "Thank you Cal. I love you."
"I love you too princess."
"If I was one of those grouchy types I would've lost me lunch all over the back of the half-orc's boots right about now." Tomi remarked impudently.
Caldor glared at the rogue. "Is that cheek I hear dear halfling?"
"Ya damn right that's cheek ole sport. Now before you two start lockin' lips back there ya best remember what we are out here for." Tomi looked back at the paladin and grinned.
"You are really asking for it." Daelan said with a grin.
'I'm going to pretend you didn't say anything just now. Now is not the time for punting half pints."
"Oh ho! Just cause ye are 12 damn feet tall doesn't give ye the right to…to wahahaha! You know what, I'm jus' gonna shut me trap." Tomi guffawed.
"A fine idea if I ever heard one." Sharwyn told him.
Linu chuckled quietly and eyed the halfling with momentary respect.
Caldor noticed the look and smiled a little. He turned his attention back to the road ahead and squinted a bit. In the distance he could see a single farmhouse. An older looking human stood in front of the house and looked around uncomfortably as he worked.
"Hail friend! What seems to be the trouble?" Caldor asked him as he trotted up to him. The others circled around the Paladin and watched the man curiously.
"Huh? Were you sent by my son?" The man asked curiously.
"No, we just noticed you as we were passing through. Looks like you are in some sort of trouble. Is there anything we can do to help?" Sharwyn asked him.
The man's expression lightened a little, "Yes, I am in need of help. Thank you. My name is Gerrol. The hills around this area are home to creatures of all sorts…goblins, bugbears and the like. They have become quite brave as of late since the Luskan guards stopped patrolling. The bastards have attacked the farm a couple times and with their latest raid have made off with my wife, Leah. I've been thinking that the ogre Dergiab is behind it. Blast him!"
"Who is this Dergiab?" Caldor asked.
"Dergiab is a rather cunning ogre mage who has decided that he's just the right fella to lead all these critters. How he got it into his head is beyond me, but all I know is that he is building himself an army. That worries me a bit. I sent a warning to my friend Aarin Gend but haven't heard from him."
"You know Gend? Well he is the one that sent us to investigate this area." Caldor informed him.
"He did? Well that's some good news!" Gerrol said excitedly.
"I suppose, well we'll head up there and see what is going on with this Dergiab. I'll keep an eye out for your wife."
"Many thanks kind sir." Gerrol said as he shook Caldor's hand heartily.
"Right. Come on you lot. We have some goblins to smack around."
"Right-O there boss. Let's hop to it!" Tomi flipped his kukri enthusiastically as they quickly made their way up the hills.
"Keep your voice down a bit Tomi. Don't want anything jumping onto our heads." Sharwyn told him as she knelt down next to Caldor who was inspecting some tracks on the ground.
"Oh aye, sorry 'bout that."
"They're up this way." Caldor said.
He crawled up the side of hill on all fours and watched the goblins patrolling the entrance of a nearby cave.
"How many goblins are up there?" Daelan asked as he gripped his double axe tightly.
"There is about 10 goblins; 6 fighters, 2 archers and a couple Shaman. We should be able to take them out easily enough." Caldor said as he unsheathed his sword.
"Alright Daelan and Tomi, you two go around that way. Sharwyn and I will go around this way. Linu you come in once we have engaged them. Go!" He whispered.
The others nodded and moved per their directions, jumping at the goblins quickly. One fighter and a shaman were taken out before the goblins realized what was happening.
A strong looking goblin, that was obviously the leader, began barking out orders to those still alive. Three of the warriors went to attack Daelan and Tomi while the remaining three went after Caldor and Sharwyn.
The goblins were pretty decent fighters and used their height to their advantage. Caldor hit the goblin leader hard in the gut as he approached then turned and dealt the second goblin a heavy blow to the head as it attacked Sharwyn.
The archer's chose Daelan and Caldor as their targets and shot off arrows quickly. The remaining shaman choose the Paladin as her target and starting firing spells at him from behind a rock. Caldor deflected the arrows and occasional spells as he fought the leader.
Once Linu came into the fray, Sharwyn backed up to where she was standing and began firing off spells. More of her spells were directed at the lone shaman.
Daelan and Tomi's goblins were having trouble. While trying to dodge the heavy blows from Daelan's axe, they had to also avoid Tomi's sneak attacks. One goblin quickly fell from the onslaught.
Another goblin quickly dodged a swing from Daelan only to fall back onto Tomi's kukri.
Daelan grabbed the remaining goblin and tossed him towards the archers before dodging a spell from the remaining shaman. As the archers and warrior picked themselves up Caldor and Daelan pounced on them, finishing them off quickly. Seeing that she was the only one left, the shaman made a dash for the cave entrance. Tomi caught sight of her and quickly threw a dart at her. The dart found its mark in the goblin's neck. The shaman fell over and twitched a little before finally dying.
"Nice job everyone." Caldor said as he cleaned off his blade, "Prepare yourselves, we don't know how strong in numbers they are in that cave."
The others nodded and checked their supplies.
"Hey Erion, I think you should stop looking into this cult business…"
Caldor smirked and turned around, "Well, well. Our little cult friend has returned."
The others stopped what they were doing and watched the halfling.
The halfling glared at the Paladin, "You're in way over your head Caldor, consider yourself warned 'hero'." The halfling said with a sneer before he disappeared.
Caldor glanced at the others and smiled, "Well let's get going. We don't have all day."
The group picked up their gear and followed Caldor into the cave.
The cave was dimly light and smelled heavily of orc and goblin. Constant drips could be heard all around them and salt residue covered the cave walls. Humid gusts of air came at them from all directions.
Caldor searched the area they had entered and noticed two paths going in opposite directions.
"Hmm, we'll have to split up here crew. Sharwyn and I will take the right path and the rest of you go to the left."
Linu glanced at Tomi and frowned.
Caldor looked at her, waiting for her to say something.
"I don't want to be teamed up with the rogue."
"Ah, I'm hurt!" Tomi said dramatically as he threw his hand to his forehead.
"Yes, I am aware of that but, Tomi and Daelan will need your healing more than Sharwyn and I. Besides, if Tomi tries to make your life miserable I'm sure Daelan would be happy to bust his kneecaps."
"Oi, that's a bit harsh eh?" Tomi winced.
"If Tomi causes trouble I will take care of it Linu." Daelan said with a nod.
"Oh, alright I'll go with them then."
"Good, now let's split up and if you find a door or anything with a staircase just hold there until we show up. If a good couple hours and we don't show up give a sharp whistle. We'll do the same. Deal?" Caldor asked them.
All three nodded and headed down the left path.
"Let's go m'lady." Caldor said as he walked down the path to the right.
Caldor and Sharwyn walked down the corridor quietly, listening for any sounds of goblins or orcs.
"So do you think they are all down here?" Sharwyn asked quietly.
"I have no idea. For all we know, there could be multiple levels and they could be scattered all throughout. We shall see as we go further." Caldor replied as he peeked around a turn. He ducked back quickly and looked up at the ceiling and walls.
"What is it?" Sharwyn asked.
"There is a group of orcs heading our way; about seven of them." He noticed a shallow ledge two feet above him and jumped up to it. It was deep enough for a thin person to crawl along and looked to stretch around the turn and ended about where the orcs had just passed.
He jumped down and beckoned Sharwyn to him. "Here, get up on this ledge and crawl around behind them." Caldor helped her up then drew his sword.
"What about you? You can't take them all." She whispered.
"I know that, just get going."
Once Sharwyn had crawled out of sight, he sheathed his sword and took out a pair of silver kukris. He grinned as he stared at himself in the highly polished metal.
The orcs came around the corner to an empty corridor. One of the scouts paused and sniffed at the air. "Sho kar?"
The others looked at him curiously.
"De sinome amadaea!"
Caldor dropped down onto them taking out two with a couple swift slashes. He kicked a nearby orc in the head followed by two slashes across the face. He jabbed another in the stomach twice and kicked him away then spun around and slit another orc's throat. The orc with the two slashes across the face came up behind, raising his club angrily.
Caldor ducked as the orc swung at his head and kicked his feet out from under him before stabbing him in the heart. The last two stared at him dumbly before they slumped forward, an arrow in each of their backs.
Sharwyn lowered her bow and smirked at him. "You always have some new tricks up your sleeves, don't you?" She asked with an amused tone.
"Of course." He cleaned off the blades and was about to put them back in his bag when Sharwyn took them from his hands. "These slick blades are made of pure silver aren't they?" She asked as she turned them over in her hands.
"Not exactly. The blades are actually steel with a thin silver coating. The handles…" Caldor took one of the kukris and showed her the handle. "Carved ivory shaped into a water dragon with black pearls inlaid into the eyes."
"They are beautiful…"
"They're yours then." Caldor said as he handed the kukri back to her.
"But Caldor, these are yours." Sharwyn protested.
"I know, but don't beautiful weapons belong in the hands of such a beautiful woman?" He asked.
She smiled at him and looked the weapons over again.
"Besides…I can always make new ones later." He told her as he dug a leather belt out of his bag.
"It's sweet of you to give them to me, but I do not know how to use kukris." She told him.
"Well then, I will have to teach you." He said.
Caldor looped the belt behind her and pulled her toward him as he buckled it. "Is that alright?"
Sharwyn smiled at him and nodded. "Good." He said with a smirk. "We will begin your lessons once we get back to town."
Caldor picked up his bag and continued down the corridor, "Now let's see if we can find this ogre."
…
"Awoo! This is fun!" Tomi chirped.
"Quiet down halfling! Do you want all the orcs in this cavern to come crashing into us?" Daelan hissed.
"Ah, don't get ya undies in a bunch. We can 'andle any ole orc that thinks he's tough enough to take us. Ain't that right Miss Linu?"
Linu eyed the halfling warily and sighed, "No. Daelan is right. Quiet down. If we don't move along, Caldor will surely come looking for us…and he won't be happy to see that we are wasting time."
"Eh, you've got a point there. Well let's get movin' then. Don't want our fearless leader to start crackin' skulls eh?" Tomi flipped his kukri and strolled fearlessly ahead of the other two.
Linu rolled her eyes and followed behind with Daelan watching their rear. They walked down the corridor cautiously for a good 20 ft before they stopped at a door to their right.
Inside was a squad of six goblins in heavy rusting armor surrounding a crude stone throne. Sitting in the throne was a larger goblin in a better maintained set of dark brown armor. No doubt he was the leader.
"It's finally time for some action!" Tomi whispered excitedly.
Daelan nodded and surveyed the inside of the room.
"Tomi, sneak in there behind the throne and wait there until I charge the leader. Once I engage him, kill his cronies."
Tomi nodded and slithered into the room and out of sight.
Linu looked up at the half-orc. "You trust him enough that you believe he won't just let them all kill you?"
"He may be a rogue, but that doesn't mean he is a heartless, selfish bastard." Daelan said calmly as he looked at the elf. "Just like I am not a barbaric monster like most half-orcs, he will not leave you to die to save his own skin. You need to learn not to be so quick to judge someone based on their appearance or chosen profession."
Daelan hefted his axe and watched the goblins a moment. Linu watched him then averted her eyes to the ground. Well it was a foolish thing for me to say. But I can't help it…I just don't like rogues.
"I know it must be hard to trust him," The half-orc looked down at her, "Considering what had happened. My advice to you would be to think of the positives of the person. You might find you really like them." He smiled at her.
She smiled back and nodded, "You're right. Well…I'm ready when you are."
Daelan nodded then charged into the room, bowling over two of the goblins as he crashed into the goblin chieftain. The runts squeaked in dismay and scrambled about a moment before their chieftain started barking out orders to them as he deflected the barbarian's attacks.
They only had a moment to right themselves before two fell to quick backstabs. The remaining four gawked at Tomi before they charged at him.
"Ha ha! Come an' get me!" Tomi shouted as he dodged and jabbed at the goblins.
The goblins growled as they stabbed and slashed at the nimble halfling. Tomi flipped backwards as he dodged a quick swipe from one of the guards. As he flipped, he caught the guard in the chin with his foot, knocking the goblin off his feet. Tomi rolled up off the ground onto his hands as a second goblin swung an axe into the ground where he was lying before. Tomi ducked down as he landed and slashed at the goblin's stomach, cutting a deep wound in the guard's stomach. The goblin hastily grabbed at the wound as he fell to his knees, finally keeling over.
Another goblin jumped onto Tomi's back and pulled a dagger from his boot, preparing to bury it between the halfling's shoulder blades. The remaining two jumped at the rogues feet but Tomi tilted away from them and rolled over onto his back and back to his feet. He swung at the goblin on his back, jabbing him in the side. The goblin snarled at him and snapped at Tomi's neck. The rogue grabbed the arm wrapped around his neck and threw the goblin to the ground, burying a dagger into the pest's skull. He rolled forward and kicked the feet out from the remaining goblin's and flourished a pair of daggers before shoving them into the pair's necks.
Tomi stood up, shaking with excitement as he turned to check on Daelan. The barbarian and the pint sized captain were going at it fiercely.
"Looks like that l'il runt is givin' Daelan a good ole run for 'is money, he is." He laughed as he grinned at Linu.
The cleric smiled back at him weakly and nodded. "Indeed he is."
"C'mon big D! Stomp that l'il bastid."
Daelan swung the gigantic axe around him as he crouched low, keeping the goblin back. The goblin growled at him as he circled the barbarian. Daelan glared at the goblin as he moved in a circle, still swinging the axe. The small fighter watched his movements carefully, looking for an opening. Daelan watched him as he did this then dropped the axe, whipped out a small hand axe and lunged at the goblin.
The goblin yelled in anger and held up his arms as Daelan swung the axe, burying it in his chest.
"Took ya long enuff!" Tomi grumbled playfully.
Daelan picked up his axe and eyed Tomi. "Hmph, the runts barely reach my knees. It can be a hassle to attack them."
Tomi smirked at him and tossed him a rag to clean off his axe. "I know mate, I meant nothing by it."
The barbarian smiled and led the group out of the small cave.
"Well look what've we got 'ere. I jus' found us some wonderful goblin goodies." Tomi chirped as he started shoving the items that were hidden under the throne into a bag.
"Yes, yes. That's lovely Tomi. Keep up now." Linu said quietly as she followed Daelan deeper into the cave.
"Oh aye, I'm right behind ya Miss Linu. No worries." Tomi said with a smile as he slung the bag onto his shoulder and dashed out of the cave to join the others.
…
Sharwyn searched through her pack, carefully taking any bottles out to make sure they were corked well. She watched Caldor out of the corner of her eyes. He was pacing in front of the crude aperture impatiently, occasionally glancing down the shoddily cut steps.
"Where are they…we've been here for over an hour now." He grumbled.
"We don't know what they could have run into and for all we know they could be injured."
"Meh, they have Linu with them. She may be clumsy but I trust her healing abilities. They must have run into more orcs or goblins then us. It's the only explanation for their tardiness."
"Oi, lighten up eh. We're here." Tomi said as the trio walked up to Caldor and Sharwyn.
"Finally, we don't want to be in this cave too long."
"Aye, our quarry might realize that we are here." Daelan said.
Caldor hefted his pack and led the way down the staircase. The group came down into a crudely lit hall that continued to the left. They continued forward quietly, peering into the darkness. Tomi spotted a rusting metal door up ahead and drew everyone's attention to it before creeping up to it. He pressed his ear against the door then backed away toward the group.
"It sounds like low gruntin' in there boss." He told Caldor.
Daelan sniffed at the air. "Smells like bugbears." He said quietly.
Caldor nodded then moved to the other side of the door and motioned for Daelan to stand at opposite him at the door. He looked at Tomi then motioned for him to open the door quickly. "Make sure you move out of sight fast." He whispered to him as he walked up to him.
Tomi nodded then kicked the door open quickly and moved out of view. The bugbear chieftain grunted loudly as the door swung inward. "Gar! Ohk ma no dah!" The two guards closest to the door nodded and walked outside slowly. Caldor nodded at Daelan as they came closer and both men grabbed the bugbears and snapped their necks.
"Gah! Nath kan mook!" The chief yelled as the group charged into the room.
Daelan and Tomi charged at the two remaining guards as Caldor brought his sword down on the chieftain. The bugbear blocked the attack with his axe and punched at Caldor. The paladin jumped back then drove his shoulder into bugbear's chest, knocking him backward. The chieftain fell back into his throne then rolled out of it quickly as Caldor brought his sword down on it. He turned and slashed at the paladin's side, slicing a deep wound in his side.
Caldor flinched and stomped on the bugbear's knee, breaking it instantly. The beast howled in anger as it limped away from Caldor. Tomi finished off his bugbear and turned towards the chieftain. He shook his head, chuckling silently as he buried a dagger in the beast's spinal column.
"That was just plain mean boss." Tomi said with a broad grin.
Caldor simply grunted in reply as Linu inspected the cut in his side.
Tomi and Sharwyn grabbed what valuable items there were in the nearby chests before the group headed back out into the hall. They walked down to the end of the hall where Caldor stopped them abruptly.
"Hand me your bow Sharwyn." She gave him the short bow quietly and handed him an arrow. He notched the arrow and drew it back as far as possible as he peeked around the corner. Caldor aimed at the single bugbear's head and let it loose.
The beast looked up at the arrow curiously. It almost looked as if it had just grown out of his forehead. He didn't think about it long as he fell backward.
Caldor motioned for another arrow and took out the second bugbear farther down the hall. He handed the bow back to Sharwyn and led them down the hall to a gated entrance.
"Heh, heh. This gonna hurt!" said a gruff voice from the other side of the gate.
"No! No! AAAGGGH!" screamed another voice. There were scuffling noises as the second voice fought the first one.
Caldor looked at the others a moment then crashed through the door finding two bugbears going at it.
The smaller bugbear saw him enter and yelped, "Save me please! I help you!"
The larger one turned and growled at Caldor, "You not supposed to be here! Die!" The bugbear charged at him, swinging his double axe at him menacingly.
The paladin sidestepped allowing Daelan to block the attack with his own weapon. He pushed the bugbear back forcefully then swung at him expertly, knocking him off his feet.
Daelan pushed the bugbear's head back with the blade of double axe. "Sit still." He said quietly.
The smaller bugbear shuffled forward and nodded at Caldor. "Most thankful I am. You saved poor I from torture."
"Why was he torturing you?" Caldor asked.
The bugbear glanced at his kin on the ground that looked back at Caldor. "The chieftain imprisoned I. The master ordered 'cause I speaks against him."
"Who is this 'master' you speak of?"
"He huge creature, giant methinks. Comes to the tribes of the caves and takes the strongest away, me not knows why." The bugbear fidgets a little.
"Where can I find this master? Is he in this cave system?"
"Be following this tunnel out of cell to north. It go a little east, then back south to tunnel down to temple. Master live down there. I not know more than that."
Caldor looked at the others and nodded, "Okay thank you. You may go."
The bugbear nodded, "Yes I leaves this hills far behind. Thank you." The beast shuffled past the group then scurried out of the prison.
"Kill that one." Daelan nods and decapitates the bugbear torturer.
"Is…is someone out there! Hello!" The group looked ahead of them to see a pale dirty arm waving at them from between some rested metal bars.
"Are you Leah?" Sharwyn asks as she walks up to the cell.
"Yes I am. Did Gerrol send you?" Leah asked.
"Pretty much, we were heading this way when we saw him working."
"Oh thank you! Thank you! I just want to leave here and go home to my family."
"Can we ask you some quick questions first before you go?"
"Yes, of course."
"Do you know anything about these caves?" Caldor asked.
"Not much, the beasts only let me out of this cell to cook and sew. But I did hear them mention a 'master'. It sounded like they feared him though. Their strongest were sent to do his bidding."
"Nothing else you can tell us?" Sharwyn asked.
Leah shook her head and rubbed her right arm anxiously.
"Alright, Tomi…please escort Leah to the entrance then hurry back here."
The rogue saluted and beckoned Leah to follow him as he ran out of the prison.
"Looks like another doorway in that cavern down there." Caldor said as he motioned for the bow again and took out the bugbear at the end of the corridor.
Once Tomi had returned they continued quietly towards the doorway. They stopped where the corridor opened out into a large cavern and looked around. It was fairly quiet except for the constant dripping from a nearby spring and the gently lapping of the water against the stone banks. A large group of bats flew past their heads as they made their way out of the caves for the nights hunt. Rats could also be seen scurrying across the ground in their endless search for food.
"Be on your guard everyone." Caldor said as he led the way into the cavern. Sudden grunts and falling rock alerts everyone immediately as the bugbears stumble forward, officially failing at ambushes.
Caldor shakes his head at them as the four bugbears charge forward, brandishing their weapons threateningly. He ducks as one jumps at him, turning quickly to cut a deep gash in the beast's inner thigh. The bugbear rolled back onto his feet, clutching at his wound as he threw an axe at Caldor. The paladin dodged it and the axe was caught by Daelan who in turn threw it back at the bugbear, lodging it into the beast's skull.
Sharwyn jabbed at a bugbear that was coming at Linu who was casting a quick healing spell onto Tomi. The rogue rolled between the legs of his attacker and split the bugbear along the spinal column then kicked his feet from under him, quickly finishing him off.
The bugbear attacking Sharwyn swung his flail wildly and caught her on the cheek, knocking her off balance. Daelan saw him and grabbed the bugbear by the scruff of his neck and slammed him face first into the ground.
Caldor grabbed the remaining bugbear from behind and snapped his neck. He looked at the others who stared back at him, all breathing hard.
"Well, they put up quite a fight." Linu said.
"Aye, tha' they did. Big lugs neva stood a chance though." Tomi grinned and cleaned off his kukri before sheathing it again.
"Is your cheek alright?" Caldor asked as he centered his attention on the bard.
She rubbed it absentmindedly and nodded, "Yes, I'm alright."
"Well let's keep going." Caldor led them down the stairway.
They came down into a small cavern with a small water fall to their left. Daelan sniffed at the air and walked forward and stopped at an old iron gate. Caldor walked forward and looked into the cell.
"I don't recognize you. Have you come to finish what Dergiab started? Nah, you don't look like you belong here…" A greenish tinged half orc male emerged from out of the shadows and eyed them through the gate.
"Who is this Dergiab you mention?" Caldor asked.
The half orc snorted, "I would have assumed the denizens would have filled you in already. The 'master' is all they babble on about! Dergiab – or the 'master', if you prefer, is an ogre mage of some power. He was my former partner until that cultist showed up."
"He was your partner eh?"
"Yea, he was before he came back with that cultist. We were building an army together." The half-orc spit to the side obviously displeased with the past incident.
"What was the army for?"
"Hmph. For what else? For power of course. We wanted to do the same thing as Sythsillis in Amn! Maybe even raid Luskan…" The half orc trailed off for a moment, "There aren't many soldiers yet. I was insistent on only recruiting the best bugbears, orcs and goblins. In these caves, unfortunately, there's pretty slim pickings."
"Tell me more about this cult he fell into."
"I don't know much. On one of Dergiab's outings he came back with that cultist. Told me there had been a change of plans. Dergiab only listened to the cultist after that. Said he was preparing the army for something greater. I objected, naturally, and here I am." He gestured to the cell.
"What do you know about this cultist?"
"His name is Ganon. He's an assassin or rogue. Something like that. I never spoke to him much so there isn't much I can tell you."
"Do you know for what purpose the cult wants this army?"
"Nah, Dergiab would only tell me they were needed for the 'Return'. Whatever that is. Ganon wouldn't elaborate either, at least not to me. That's all I can tell you."
Caldor nodded and gestured for Tomi to pick the lock. "You're free to go."
The half orc nodded at him and walked out. Daelan put his hand on his shoulder to stop. "This life is never the best for our kind. You should look into a different career."
The half orc smirked and nodded, "You're right about that. I've always wanted to be a sailor…might look into that. Thanks." Daelan removed his hand and watched as the half orc ran up the stairs.
Caldor smiled at the barbarian and led them further into the cave. The group fought there way through the small packs as they looked for their leaders. After a good 45 minutes of searching, Tomi spotted them in a large cave near the back.
"It looks like they are chatting about somethin' over some maps." He whispered to the group.
"Well let's go in and say hello." Caldor hefted his sword and brashly entered the cavern.
Ganon gawked at him and seemed to shake with rage. "Destroy the intruders! The Return must not be stopped!"
"With pleasure." Dergiab growled as he began charging a spell. Millions of whitish blue missiles shot towards Caldor. The paladin raised his arm and whirled it in a circle, drawing the missiles into his bracer. The milky blue ogre gawked at him as the last of the missiles disappeared and Caldor charged toward him, his great sword raised high. Dergiab blocked the attack with his double axe and jumped backwards before swinging the axe in an upward arc towards Caldor's chest.
The others charged into the room and centered their attention on Ganon. The human drew his weapon and charged at them, shouting a hopeless war cry as he ran. Sharwyn and Tomi stepped aside as the human ran into Daelan. The barbarian grabbed Ganon by his collar and hefted him up as he disarmed him. "Check him." He said to Sharwyn who immediately patted him down to see what clues he may have on him. "Nothing."
"So human…what are you doing here and who sent you?" He asked calmly.
"I will tell you nothing worm! You and your ilk shall not disturb the Return! You will die just like the rest!" Ganon shouted madly.
Daelan sighed at the man and snapped his neck, throwing him aside like a rag doll. "Check that chest over there." He barked at Tomi.
The halfling smirked and threw up a lopsided salute before ducking under the fighting paladin and ogre as he made his way to the chest.
Caldor kicked the ogre in the stomach, sending him crashing through one of the shoddily built huts. The paladin jumped in after him and was soon sent out of the hole again as a fireball barely missed the top of his head. He scrambled to his feet and kicked one of the wooden stilts out from under the hut, making it topple forward. Dergiab jumped out through the broken wall as the hut crashed to the ground. He brought his axe down hard onto Caldor, who ducked to the side and rammed the hilt of his sword into the ogre's side.
Dergiab twisted away as he rubbed the spot that the hilt hit him and swung the axe towards Caldor like a club. Caldor ducked and smirked as Daelan grabbed the ogre mage from behind and pinned him to the ground.
Tomi tossed the book he found in the chest to Caldor. The paladin looked the book over and read a particularly interesting passage out loud.
'I find I've grown fond of the monsters in these caves.
They are savage, violent, and easily whipped into a frenzy
by my puppet ogre mage Dergiab. Not entirely unlike the
rest of us who have turned following Maugrim into a
religion... He the puppeteer, we his willing puppets.
And to think he sent me here to search for some ancient
artifact as he sent my brothers to Charwood and the
Neverwinter Wood. It isn't in this place. It would have
left some tell-tale sign. It would want to be found.
It would call me to it. Perhaps they have had better
luck in the two Woods. So, instead of being a
puppet, I have become the puppeteer.
Not so grand as Maugrim but, even so, look how
Dergiab struts and schemes at my bidding...'
"So this Maugrim guy is the one we are looking for. Ancient artifacts…I wonder what they are. Whatever the case, we better get this back to Aribeth. There is nothing else to be found here." Caldor told the group as he put the journal in his pack.
"What should we do with this one?" Daelan motioned to the ogre on the ground.
"Kill him. We need his head too."
"Caldor."
The paladin turned and looked at Sharwyn curiously, "Yes?"
"Why don't we take him back with us for questioning?" She asks him.
"I see no need to. The person we needed alive is unfortunately already dead." Caldor looked at Daelan and glared at him playfully.
The half-orc shrugged, "Didn't think we would get anything useful out of him. Seeing as he was raving like a damn lunatic."
Caldor shook his head and grinned, "Tsk, tsk my treasured friend. You don't seem to understand the power of a good beating. It matters not, we have his journal and that is all we need."
The rest of the group followed Caldor to a rusting iron door at the back of the cave. Tomi quickly unlocked the door to reveal a shimmering yellow portal. Daelan came up behind them, still stuffing the ogre head into a sack.
"I'm guessing this goes to the surface?" Linu said as she walked up to it.
"Only one way to find out." Caldor walked through, quickly followed by the others.
The group found themselves outside the caves, standing at the side of the road. They began walking back towards Port Llast but were soon stopped by a familiar face.
"Back again I see halfling…here to warn us once again?" Caldor said with a smirk. The red halfling was flanked by two others this time. Most likely his guards.
"I already warned you once 'Hero' but you are stupider than you look!" The halflings unsheathed their weapons and calmly walked toward the group.
"We'll end your snooping here." The red halfling stopped and eyed the group. "Where is that rogue?"
Caldor looked up at the low hanging branch that Tomi had been standing on then looked back down at the halflings with a slight smirk.
The rogue had circled behind the group and climbed up the tree. He waited for the halfings to make their move before he made his. Tomi spun in the air gracefully as he beheaded the leader then dispatched his cronies with elegant twists of his wrists. He looked up from his kneeling position and winked.
"He was really irkin' me ya know. Makin' us 'alflings look bad." The rogue quickly cleaned off his blades and continued towards Port Llast. The group grinned at each other and followed the pint sized rogue back to town.
"Nice moves there rogue." Daelan said aloud.
"Many thanks chum. That fool wasn't payin' proper attention to 'is surroundings. 'Twas easy to make short work of 'im and 'is goons.
"Well for that performance I think I owe you a drink little man." Caldor said with a grin.
Tomi looked back at the paladin with a broad grin. "Now tha's what I'm talkin' 'bout. A man after me own heart he is. Very glad to be workin' unda ya Cal."
Caldor waved him away. "It is an honor for me to be working with such a fine crew such as yourselves."
"Well thank you good sir." Linu smiled at him warmly.
Sharwyn jabbed Caldor hard in the side and took off toward the Port. "Last one to town gets to buy dinner!"
"Hey! No fair." Caldor yelled as he chased after her.
The remaining three made faces of mock horror at each other as they chased after the other two.
"I'm not paying for dinner!" The sentence echoed throughout the countryside as the group laughed all the way back to town.