A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 53: The Steaming Summit
After a lengthy journey, we arrived at the nearest village to the mountain we'd be directed to. In the distance, I could see our goal, a lone summit, steam rising from the peak. My companions stocked up, and we set out towards the mountain. Alonf the way, they discussed what they heard in town.
"There's a lot of old legends about that mountain," said Charles, "the locals long believed the peak was a lair for demons or devils,, something reinforced by disappearences of people who wandered too close to the mountain. That said, no one's seen anything of the sort near that mountain".
"I heard tell that many years ago a wizard disappeared near the mountain," said Narcrath, "not much more to tell there".
It was a five mile journey through forests onto the dismal moors surronding the peak. It was roughly conical and stood about 800 feet tall, and about 1000 yards across at the base. At regular intervals, a blast of steam shot from the summit, only to the carried away by the winds.
We looped around the mountain, and found an entrance on the southern slope. As we approached a vloud of steam flowed out of the cavern, only to be pulled back in, giving the illusion that the mountain was breathing. The air flowing through the cavern created a constant whisling noise. The steamy, humid air was no problem for me, but I could see the temperature was making my companions uncomfortable. As we continued inside, Krisyra found a trapdoor hidden in the cave's floor. With a bit of effort, the door came upone allowing us entry.
Inside, we found ourselves at the top of a spiral staircase. It was badly rusted, bur seemed sturdy enough. The air inside this passageway was warm, humid, and smelled of mildew. At the bottom, we stepped off into the foot deep layer of water on the floor. Through the rock, I could feel the constant, low rumbing of the geyser.
We made our as east down the passaged, then followed it as it turned north. The walls were spotted with algae and fungi, but none seemed harmful. Soon, we came to a place where the passage split in three. There was a magical barrier preventing progress, and sitting where the passages met was a mangy, bedraggled sphinx.
"Visitors," said the sphinx, "answer my riddle and you may pass".
"Very well," said Narcrath.
"Round she is, yet flat as a board," said the sphinx, "Altar of the Lupine Lords/ Jewel on black velvet, pearl in the sea/ Unchanged but e'erchanging, eternally".
I though about if for a moment, and then replied.
"The Moon," I said.
The sphinx smiled, and the barrier vanished.
"Correct," said the sphinx, "you may pass at your choice".
I looked her over again. He really didn't look healthy.
"How… how long have you been down here?" I asked.
"I know not," said the sphinx, "It has been long since I have witnessed the sun or moon. But to be in this place is my task, and one I intend to carry out".
I knew there was little else we could do here, but at least we'd avoided conflict with this powerful creature. Before us were three possible paths. We chose path the the right first. As we went down the passage, I smelled something off.
"Wait," I said, "there's something under the water".
I cautiously took a step forwards, only to reel back at the sear of acid.
"Green slime, from the looks of it," I said.
"I have an idea," said Krisyra.
She called on her druidic power, and froze the area where the slime was.
"Let's hurry across," said Krisyra, "we'll probably have to freeze it again on the way back".
We continued down the passage, and it soon turned east and split. One path went north, the other continued east. We decided to head east first. This path soon turned to the south and led to a heavy oaken door, swollen with water. Charles managed to pull the door open and we went inside. Immediately afterwards, the door slammed shut and locked itself.
Above us were nine glass globes, each containing various items. I could spot the shape of a key in each.
"Now what?" asked Lydratir.
"I bet the keys in one of those globes," I said, "no way to tell wich one, though".
"And I'm better there are traps on some of the others we should be ready for anything," said Narcrath, "Do you want to start trying?"
I raised my claws, and smashed one of the globes. A key fell out, as did a potion bottle. Narcrath grabbed the times, and tried the key. It didn't fit. Charles went next, breaking a globe and releasing a scroll and another key. This one didn't work either. Krisyra sent next, releasing another scroll and a key. This one was also wrong. Narcrath chose another globe, releasing a key, sme fine jewelry… and an angry air elemental.
Krisyra reacted the quickest, summoning a small flame and launching it at the elemental. It struck, burning at its cloudly form. Lydratir drew his rapier, and struck the elemental twice and getting in some good blows. Narcrath pulled one of the stars from the collar of his robe, and lauched it at our foe. It split into seven darts on energy, and struck the elemental, weakening it further. The elemental struck back, aiming its attacks at Lydratir and hitting him hard. Charles move up to help Lydratir. His greatsword made contact, but seemed to slip though the elemental with little resistance. I moved up and struck at the elemental with my claws. My first swipe weakened it further, and with a sudden surge of strength I took it down.
With this issue resolved, we got back on task of looking of the key. Lydratir tried his luck, and knocked down a globe containing another key and a ring. Lydratir stared at the ring for a moment, before discarding it.
"Leave that thing here," said Lydratir, "it's charmed to try and convince whoever finds it to betray their allies. Its also claiming to have powers no artifact legitimately could".
We tried the key Lydrait had recovered, and the door opened, allowing us to continue deeper into these tunnels.
A/N: And there we go! Next time, our heroes delve deeper. See you then!