A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 69: Trekking to the Dragon River
Our trail took us into the depths of the forest, Verrax directing us towards the general area we sought. Before long, we came upon a clear pool of water, near which a trio of deer were were sleeping quietly. We did our best not to disturb them, and my companions topped off their waterskins. However, as they were finishing up, the deer suddenly awoke and bolted away. The reason soon revealed itself in the form of five dire wolves. They snarled at us, and readied to attack.
One of the wolves charged forwards, and immediately charged forwards, and tried to bite Verrax, but he deftly flew out of the way. Verrax channeled his magic, and six tiny comets of energy appeared, orbiting around him. He pointed at the wolf, and two of these comets streaked towards it. The first one struck solidly, but the second one looked like it was going to miss, until the wolf dodged right into its path. The next wolf moved towards Narcrath, its jaws snapping down of his arm, leaving him to shake himself free. Krisyra unleashed a beam of frigid energy at the wounded wolf, slowing its movements. Lydratir took aim with his bow, and fired an arrow into the wounded wolf, taking it down. He swiftly adjusted him aim, firing upon and wounding another wolf. Charles moved up to assist Narcrath, and with two mighty stikes of his greatsword took down another of the wolves. One of the remaining wolves came after Krisyra, but she dodged the attack. I went to assist Krisyra, tearing at the wolf near her with claw and fang, wounding it. Narcrath pulled one of the stars off the collar of his robe, and seven bolts of energy flew towards our foes, taking out the wolf I'd attacked and further wounding the one Lydratir had shot. One of the remaining wolves charged forwards, attacking Lydratir and biting his arm. The last of the wolves went after Verrax, but again he evaded its attack with ease.
Verrax snapped his claws together, and the sound of a baleful bell filled the air. The wolf near seemed to reel from the sound, and then crumpled to the ground. Krisyra launched a flame at the last of the wolves, leaving it in bad shape. Lydratir drew his rapier, and finished off the wolf.
We recollected ourselves and continued deeper into the forest. Further on, we came upon a strange sight. It was old tree, larger than those around it. some time in the past, someone had carved a wizened face into the trunk. Verrax examined it closer.
"Strange, I don't see anything particularly special about this tree," said Verrax, "could be an old trail marker, or a symbol I don't recognize".
A short time later as we were trekking through the depths of the forest, our journey was interrupted by the arrival of four creatures moving through, foarging for a meal: Owlbears.
The largely caught us off guard, and managed get the first strike. The first owlbear went after Verrax, but he continued his streak of evasiveness, dodging both its beak and claws. the second Owlbear came after me, and I had less luck, feeling both the beak and claws tearing at me. The third of the Owlbears came after me as well, and I snarled as tore into me with its beak, but felt its claws glance off my scales this time. I focused through the pain of my wounds, inhalded deeply, and unleahed my fire. The two Owlbears near me and a third further back were blasted by the flame. Narcrath called upon his magic, and a windstorm kicked up in the area in front of me, battering the three owlbears I'd burned Owlbears. A bolt of lightning arced out of the storm, striking the owlbear near Verrax. Krisyra summoned an icy wind, chilling the Owlbear further back from the rest. Lydratir took aim at one of the owlbears near me, and with a single well placed shot took it down. He changed focus, aiming the the owlbear near Verrax, hitting and wounding it. Verrax snapped his claws, and that same dolorous bell chimed, and the Owlbear near him seemed put off by it. While it was distracted, he lashed out with his tail, stinging and poisoning the Owlbear. He then flew higher, easily evanding its counterattack. The fourth Owlbear charged forwards, wounded and enraged. The wind buffeted it, but it made its way to Narcrath. He evaded the Owlbears snapping beak, but was caught by its claws. Charles moved over to assist Verrax, finishing off the Owlbear near him. He then moved over to me, and assisted me as well, cutting this owlbear deeply… but it remained standing.
The badly wounded owlbear near me went to attack again, but it was on its last legs, and missed both attacks. I bit down on the owlbear's neck, finishing it off. Narcrath called lightning to his claws and unleashed it into the owlbear taking it out as well.
As the dust settled, we caught our breath and patched up our wounds, and then continued on. It was getting late into the afternoon by this point, and we entered a small clearing, being met by at first glance appeared to be a band of travelers of horseback. However, a closer look revealed them to actually be herd of eight centaurs. The eyed us warily as we approached. Soon, one broke off and came closer to us. at the same time, Verrax flew closer to me.
"This may seem like a random question, but do you speak Elvish?" asked Varrax.
"No, I don't" I said, "why?"
"I could assist you with that, and temporarily grant you the ability speak and be understood in any language," said Verrax, "I ask because most centaurs don't speak Common".
"Sounds like a good idea," I said, "I would appreciate it".
Verrax cast his spell, and I felt it settle over me. The centaur came to a stop, and began speaking. It was odd, I could hear the words it spoke, and knew that were a different language, but I could comprehend it.
"Travelers," said the centaur, "what is your purpose in this place?"
"We are simply passing through," said Krisyra, "we are headed deeper into the forest, to what is knwn as the Dragon River. What of your tribe?"
"Our road is long, our destination, eternal," said the centaur. "You are far from your home, daughter of the High Forest, and travel with strange company".
"You can say that again," said Krisyra, "but they are fine companions, and wouldn't have made it as far as I have without them".
"Your trail takes you into danger once more," said the centaur, "but in the place you seek you will find allies trapped and awaiting rescue. They are a varied lot, but if you choose wisely, you will find a great boon".
The centaur looked closer at me, and nodded.
"Your path is not an easy one, but stay ture to your path and you will prevail," said the centaur, "ahead is one who will serve to show your true nature to the world. You will know when you see them".
The centaur then turned and began moving back to its companions. After a short time, they continued the way they'd been going, leaving us to do the same. A short time later we found a safe enough spot and set up camp for the night.
A/N: And there we go! Wizards are so much fun to have in your party. Anyway, next time, our heroes arrive at the Dragon's Maw Falls, and explores what lies within. See you then.