Teshak was relieved that his friends were able to return from the Monastery of Saint Vardishal before the sun started to set. He had taken up a lookout position shortly after they had left, and during their absence, he noted dust clouds in the distance that were low to the ground. If Teshak had to guess, it meant that the gnolls of Kelmarane were out and about, searching for intruders. They had yet to come close to the Refuge of Nethys but something told the sorcerer that it was only a matter of time before their enemy discovered the shrine or the monastery. The adventurers needed to strike at Kardswann directly and take back Kelmarane while they didn't have to worry about protecting their bases.
As night started to set in, Teshak volunteered to take the first watch. Melkia had argued at first, insisting that she would be able to deal with any potential enemies from afar. However, between the back and forth trips from the shrine to the monastery, Melkia was exhausted along with Zalerian, Belash, and Arguk. Teshak had convinced her to rest in the ruins above ground so that she would be ready for the next watch. The huntress agreed to the plan, and soon, Teshak was left to himself to keep watch of the dark dunes that surrounded the shrine while his companions slept.
However, ensuring that his companions rested wasn't the only reason for why Teshak wanted to take watch. He felt that if there was going to be an ambush, it would be best for him to spot the enemy ahead of time so he could come up with a plan to defend the Refuge of Nethys. The sorcerer knew that his fellow adventurers wouldn't back down from a fight, and while Melkia could thin down potential enemies with a barrage of arrows, there was only so much they could do against a large enough force. There were plenty of gnolls within Kelmarane and sheer numbers alone could be enough for Kardwann's forces to claim victory. Teshak wanted to spot any potential foes ahead of time to decide if it was better to fight on open ground or to go into the shrine, where they could either hide or use the confined corridors to their advantage.
Teshak calmly took Tempest out of its sheath and gazed upon the metal blade. Ever since he claimed the dagger, he could feel that something about him had changed. Although he had a keen mind for books, he never thought of himself as a leader, and even with his family's dagger, he never found himself charging into battle when he had his magic. Now, Teshak assessed each important decision by weighing the benefits and drawbacks for himself and his companions with each choice, ranging from something simple as taking watch to fighting on the battlefield. When it came time for fighting, the sorcerer felt more bold and pushed himself forward to fight on the frontlines when the opportunity presented itself. It was worrisome to fight in close-quarter combat at first, but eventually, he came to accept that whenever he did step up to fight in melee, it was part of a strategy.
At times, it felt that a silent voice was wordlessly pushing him in certain directions at important moments. Teshak wasn't sure if it was his connection to Tempest or something else altogether, but whatever it was, it hasn't led him astray yet.
"The battle with Kardswann grows close," Teshak whispered to Tempest. "We are outnumbered and it will be difficult to breach the battle market's fortifications. Although our hit-and-run strikes have worked so far, I worry that we are not ready, that Kardswann will be too powerful for us. If there is any advice that you can give me so that I can guide my friends to victory, let me know now."
It may be strange to whisper to a blade, but with the connection he felt, Teshak thought that there was more to Tempest than simple magic. If Tempest could communicate with him as he suspected it did, then it stood to reason that he could speak with Tempest as well. So far, there was no way to tell if Teshak's idea was working and that Tempest could hear him, but he wasn't ready to give up.
Teshak looked over his shoulder briefly, making sure no one was watching, and turned back to Tempest. Light gleaned off the blade, and when he looked up, he gasped to see what the cause was.
A group carrying five torches was moving towards the Refuge of Nethys, the burning flames across the open dunes making it impossible for them to sneak up on them. Teshak squinted his eyes, and although it was difficult for him to see, he could make out details as they grew closer. At first, the sorcerer was horrified to realize that the approaching party consisted of gnolls. Then, as he nearly called out an alarm for his companions, he felt compelled to take a second glance at the group of gnolls to be sure. Teshak was certain that they were gnolls but their wicked scimitars were sheathed behind their backs. After some thought, Teshak realized that these gnolls weren't likely to attack unless provoked. The gnolls were moving too slowly for an offensive charge and they had given away the element of surprise with their torches.
Whatever the gnolls had in mind, Teshak thought it best to be prepared for a fight but not to start one if it could be avoided.
"We have company!" Teshak declared as he quickly sheathed Tempest.
He heard a few groans from the companions from the ruins. Teshak made his way over there to see the others getting up from their bedrolls.
"It's too late at night to be fighting…" Belash yawned.
"What are we dealing with, Teshak?" Arguk asked, rubbing Trax's back to wake the hyena up.
"A small group of gnolls, although I don't think they mean to fight us," Teshak told the group.
"Of course they mean to fight us," Melkia said coldly, grabbing her bow and quiver. "Why else would they come here?"
"Why else would they give up the element of surprise by carrying torches?" Teshak pointed out. "Let's be ready in case violence breaks out but I think it may be worth hearing these gnolls out."
"That seems like a wise plan to me," Arguk said.
Emra and Zalerian both nodded in agreement with Belash shrugging, tired and indifferent. The adventurers gathered their weapons but kept them sheathed. The only exception was Melkia, who had her bow out with a nocked arrow. Teshak glanced toward her with a frown, wishing that she would follow the plan. He didn't believe that the gnolls came to fight and could potentially offer a tactical advantage for taking Kelmarane back. If that were the case, violence may drive them away. Unfortunately, Teshak knew there was no reasoning with Melkia's hatred of gnolls and could only hope to intervene before she took drastic action.
When the gnolls arrived, the adventurers were ready to cautiously greet them. There were five of them, each carrying a torch with their weapons sheathed. Teshak eyed them cautiously, and as he opened his mouth, he heard Melkia pull her bowstring back, taking aim at the center gnoll. The sorcerer stepped toward her, but before he could stop her, someone else called out a warning that surprised the adventurers.
"Do not attack them!" Dashki called out, sprinting from behind jagged rocks for cover.
"Dashki?!" Emra gasped.
"These are not the gnolls of Kelmarane!" Dashki said, standing between the gnolls and Melkia's arrow. "They come with a peace offering!"
"Stand down, Melkia," Teshak told the archer. "Let's hear them out."
"You're seriously going to trust Dashki?" Melkia asked, glancing toward Teshak.
With a nod, Teshak crossed his arms and glared at Melkia sternly. With a sigh, Melkia slowly lowered her bow to the ground, no longer pulling on the bowstring but keeping the arrow nocked. Truth be told, Teshak wasn't sure if Dashki could be trusted. The sorcerer had been so focused on the approaching gnolls that he hadn't seen Dashki stalking the shadows. He should have been at the Monastery of Saint Vardishal and he seemed to be familiar with the gnolls that traveled to the Refuge of Nethys. There were too many questions on Teshak's mind and he could only hope that the gnolls would be willing to answer them.
A gnoll stepped forward from the pack, standing alongside Dashki. The gnoll was scruffy and larger than his companions.
"I am Hargk and I bring word from Narg, Chieftain of the Three Jaws Pack!" the gnoll said in Common, his tone feral. "Our brother Dashki says you mean to kill the gnolls of Kelmarane. We come to help."
"Brother?" Melkia repeated, glaring toward Dashki.
"A story for another time," Dashki told Melkia, stepping back with the rest of the
"Why would your chieftain want to kill the gnolls of Kelmarane?" Zalerian questioned. "Are they not your friends?"
Hargk spat on the ground. "We have fought the Kulldis Tribe for many years, and now, they let themselves be ruled by one that is not a gnoll."
"Kardswann," Teshak muttered quietly.
"Their ways disgust us, and we wish to see them driven away from the town," Hargk said. "We will slay their leaders and eat their young together!"
"Let's not eat their young," Belash grimaced.
"How many warriors does the Three Jaws Pack offer to fight alongside us?" Teshak asked.
"I shall fight along with these four," Hargk answered.
"That isn't a lot," Zalerian noted.
"Any help is appreciated though," Arguk said. "From what I've seen of my people outside of civilization, they are not so keen to work with outsiders. I would trust Hargk to keep his word if only because he approached us with this offer to begin with."
"Lady Almah trusts Dashki," Emra added. "I believe him if he says that these gnolls will help us in battle."
"This is the best way to take Kelmarane from the Kulldis Tribe," Dashki told the adventurers. "Even if you do not trust my brothers, remember that the enemy of your enemy is your friend."
The adventurers grew silent. Most were deep in thought over Hargk's offer while Melkia simply glanced toward the others, waiting to see who would speak first. Teshak understood why the huntress was waiting to speak up as he also knew that his companions were thinking of accepting Hargk's alliance. Teshak could tell that the gnolls were honest about fighting against the gnolls of Kelmarane and it was difficult to reject their offer. There were still plenty of gnolls that fought for the Kulldis Tribe along with Kardswann and any servants he may have. The sorcerer didn't take it was wise to turn away any help, especially as the final battle grew near.
"Does anyone have any objections to Hargk's offer?" Teshak asked his friends as he turned to face Melkia.
"I'm not going to fight alongside any gnolls," Melkia snapped.
"It may be too late for that," Arguk pointed out.
"Almah didn't give me the choice to not work with you other than to walk away," Melkia said harshly. "Now that I do have the choice, I say we kill them."
"It may be your last fight," Hargk growled, grabbing his scimitar's pommel.
"Let's stay calm," Teshak told Melkia and Hargk. "Melkia, I understand how you feel about gnolls, but the rest of us don't have any objections."
"It's true," Emra said with Zalerian and Belash nodding in agreement. "Please, Melkia, let's work with the gnolls."
"The gnolls that Dashki led to us," Melkia glared at Dashki. "You've been working with them all along and you expect me to not say anything?"
"Both Lady Almah and the Three Jaws Pack want the same thing," Dashki explained quietly.
"No they don't," Melkia said, narrowing her eyes at Hargk. "She wants control of Kelmarane. If all the Three Jaws Pack wants is to kill other gnolls, they shouldn't have any problem leaving Kelmarane after the fighting, right?"
Teshak saw Hargk blink rapidly as the gnoll hesitated to answer. "Kelmarane shall go to the victor of the battle."
"Say you'll leave Kelmarane after the Kulldis Tribe has been defeated," Melkia demanded.
Once again, Hargk paused for a few seconds before speaking up. "We will leave after Narg commands us to."
"And where is Narg now?" Melkia asked, smirking. "Lying in wait with the rest of your pack to attack us after our alliance is over?"
"Melkia-" Dashki started to speak.
It was too late to talk Melkia down as she raised her bow and fired an arrow toward Hargk, piercing through his neck.
Gnolls and adventurers alike reached for their weapons, pulling them out as Melkia nocked another arrow and took aim at Dashki. Although Dashki tried to jump away, the arrow still struck him in the shoulder. With a painful yelp, he dashed away from the battlefield, leaving the gnolls to cover his retreat. Teshak fired a chilling ray towards one of the gnolls, staying in the back with Melkia as the other adventurers charged into battle. Arguk slashed his scimitar to decapitate one of the gnolls as Belash cleaved another through another goll with ease. Emra slashed at a third gnoll, although not deeply enough to kill the warrior outright. The injured gnoll growled and swung its scimitar deep into Emra's thigh. She screamed out in pain and nearly collapsed down from the ground, bleeding terribly from the wound.
Zalerian rushed over to aid Emra against her foe, giving the remaining gnoll a chance to charge at Melkia. Trax tried to intercept the gnoll but only manage to nip at the warrior's calf with his sharp fangs. The huntress, trying to take aim at Dashki, was forced to back away from the gnoll as he swung his scimitar while dropping her bow to the ground. Teshak reached over to Tempest's hilt but Melkia was quicker than he was as she took out her katar. With a quick jab, the katar's blade pierced through the gnoll's eye to end his life. Melkia grunted in pain as the magical energies from the blade went back to her arm, harming her as well. Teshak turned to face the final gnoll only to find that Zalerian had crushed the warrior's skull with a well-aimed kick.
"Emra needs a healer!" Zalerian called out, dropping down by Emra's side. The ifrit clutched her wound, her face twisting a pained grimace.
"Arguk!" Teshak gestured toward Emra. "Heal her!"
"I'm on it!" Arguk rushed over to Emra, calling upon his magic to heal Emra.
Belash rested his greataxe on the ground, instinctively placing himself between Emra and the wilderness in case of another attack. Teshak trusted Belash to keep watch, leaving him the chance to confront Melkia over her actions. Melkia had taken up her bow again, and although she took aim toward where Dashki fled, she frowned when she realized he was out of her range. She lowered her bow, shaking her head in disappointment. Teshak wasn't sure what to make of Dashki or the fact he was able to escape but that was a problem he would address another time.
"What in the hells were you thinking?!" Teshak asked, not hiding his fury as he advanced on Melkia.
"I was thinking about removing an obvious threat," Melkia said with a shrug as she holstered her bow and sheathed her katar. "Those gnolls were going to stab us in the back after we had taken Kelmarane."
"Be that as it may, you acted for the group without consulting any of us!" Teshak argued, shaking his head. "Emra's injured because of your actions! One of us could have died!"
"We've been fighting gnolls for several days," Melkia pointed out. "None of us were going to get killed, especially after I took out the leader. Calm down, Teshak."
With a sigh, Teshak stepped away and took several deep breaths. Arguk, finished tending to Emra's leg with magic, turned to Melkia with a frown.
"Even though Hargk was plotting against us, he wouldn't have struck tonight," Arguk said. "Teshak had a great point. We should have waited and talked about what to do. We could have planned for their betrayal and had reinforcements to take back Kelmarane."
"And instead of waiting, I chose to act now," Melkia turned to look out at the dark desert. "Dashki got away. He's likely going to warn the rest of the Three Jaws Pack, wherever they may be."
"At least they're not in Kelmarane," Belash said. "I think he ran north."
"Then we go north," Melkia stepped in that direction.
"We aren't going anywhere," Teshak turned back to Melkia, speaking in an authoritative tone. "It's too late at night to track anyone down."
"We might be able to find the way with fire," Emra suggested. The cut across her leg had been closed but she had yet to work the strength to put her full weight on it and wrapped an arm around Zalerian for support.
"You need rest, Emra," Zalerian told her gently. "We can't go after Dashki."
"So that means we have two hostile gnolls coming after us," Melkia sighed. "Fine. You all can deal with the Kulldis gnolls, but at sunrise, I am going after Dashki with or without everyone."
"Maybe we could take a day away from Kelmarane to focus on Dashki," Belash said, glancing in the direction of Kelmarane. "We're going to need everyone to deal with Kardswann."
"That's not an option," Teshak said, shaking his head. "Any sentry in Kelmarnae would have seen Hargk's group from a distance since they carried torches. The Kulldis Tribe will send scouts, and eventually, they will find the Refuge of Nethys. We have to strike at Kardswann tomorrow before he finds us and takes the battle to us."
"Dashki knows not only about us but also Almah and the others at the monastery," Melkia reminded the group, her tone firm. "While we're fighting at Kelsmarane, the Three Jaws Pack may strike at the monastery. If I don't go after Dashki tomorrow, he will find a way to ruin our plans."
"Damn you for putting us in this situation, Melkia," Teshak cursed loudly.
Teshak knew that trying to convince Melkia to leave Dashki alone was a futile gesture. In a way, it would at least make up for creating the problem they found themselves in. Hargk and his gnolls had likely alerted the gnolls in Kelmarane that there was activity in the hills to the east. It was only a matter of time before the Kulldis Tribe discovered the adventurers at the Refuge of Nethys, meaning the time to strike at Kardswann had to be as soon as possible. However, Teshak also knew Melkia was right about the threat the Three Jaws Pack posed with the information Dashki could provide them. He wasn't worried for his companions but the same couldn't be said of the rest of the group at the monastery. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to deal with both problems and splitting up would be dangerous enough for either group.
Even though it was dangerous, Teshak wasn't going to let Melkia go off on her own. Whether it was because she broke the group's trust or he didn't want her to get overwhelmed, the sorcerer wasn't sure.
"I'll handle this," Melkia told the group. "I get that no one's happy with me for starting that fight so I'll take care of this on my own."
"Not alone," Teshak shook his head. "You're going to need help."
"I can handle myself," Melkia crossed her arms. "I keep the Three Jaws gnolls at a distance and shoot them down from afar. That's all there is to it."
"No plan survives contact with the enemy," Teshak said, the words coming to mind immediately. "What happens if the gnolls are able to get to you? What if they lay a trap?"
"I'll survive. I always do."
"Trax and I shall join Melkia," Arguk offered.
"No way," Melkia said, not bothering to hide her disdain. "I'd rather go with anyone else than you."
"Be that as it may, the others are needed at Kelsmarane," Arguk calmly said. "Kardswann will be a great foe to face. Belash is our strongest warrior so he'll have to go and Teshak's sorcery will be useful in the battle as well."
"Then I'll take Zalerian," Melkia said, glancing toward the monk.
"I would advise against separating Zalerian and Emra," Arguk said with a smirk. "They work well together and teamwork will be important in the battle we face at Kelsmarane."
Zalerian and Emra both nodded with Arguk's assessment, turning to look away from one another with red cheeks.
"Arguk volunteered," Belash said, digging the pommel of the greataxe into the sand. "If he's willing to go, I say let him."
"Splitting up isn't great given our situation but we have no choice," Teshak said, his eyes settling on Melkia. "If you are going after the Three Jaws Pack, then Arguk is going to join you. This isn't a decision open for debate."
Melkia glared as she locked eyes with Teshak. The sorcerer was prepared to keep the debate going and held his ground. Instead, Melkia shrugged, turned around, and made her way back to the camp. Teshak tapped his chin in thought, believing that Melkia preferred actions over words. If she didn't want to travel with Arguk, she wouldn't say so, but rather leave him behind when it came time to go after the Three Jaws Pack. He hated how he was fighting with Melkia, a friend that he respected greatly even after she shot Hargk, but her hatred of gnolls was a problem that would need to be addressed one day.
"So, what's the plan?" Belash asked, turning to face Belash.
"It's about time to change watch," Teshak started. "In light of what's happened we're changing the watch order. Belash, you're taking over for second watch and Arguk will take third watch. Arguk, if Melkia leaves the shrine, wake up Zalerian to take over watch for you."
"Of course," Arguk nodded, patting Trax. "We'll find a way to deal with the Three Jaws Pack. I wish you all the best of luck taking Kelmarane."
"Thank you," Teshak said and turned to Emra. "How's your leg?"
"Feeling better," Emra answered with a faint smile. "I have a good feeling that I'll be ready for tomorrow if I can get a full night's rest."
"Right," Teshak sighed in relief. "Zalerian, could I get your help moving the gnolls' corpses away from the shrine? We don't want to lure any predators."
"Of course," Zalerian said. "Just let me help Emra to her bedroll and I'll get started."
"Let's get as much rest as we can," Teshak told the group. "Tomorrow, we're all in for the fight of our lives. As long as the two groups stand together, we should find a way to defeat both the Kulldis Tribe and the Three Jaws Pack."
The other adventurers nodded along with light smiles, and for a moment, Teshak wondered if he had inspired them by taking charge. He felt that, thanks to Tempest, he was growing into his own as a leader and was glad that the others were willing to follow his lead. Even Melkia, who had her own objections, didn't press to continue the argument when she easily could have. While he was proud to have rallied his companions after the setback, coming up with a battle plan was another matter altogether. Teshak would have to wait until he was in Kelmarane to see what Kardswann had prepared before he could truly settle on a plan.
Zalerian helped Emra back toward camp with Arguk and Trax following behind them. Belash walked over to where Teshak previously stood to keep watch of the camp, keeping an eye out on the horizon. Teshak wasn't too worried about an attack but he wouldn't put it past Kardswann to rally a group of raiders to search for intruders, especially if sentries saw the torchlight. For now, all the sorcerer could do was prepare himself for the coming battle. While it was disappointing that Melkia and Arguk were splitting up from the group, Teshak knew that there wasn't anything that could stop him from confronting Kardswann. Facing Kardswann was something that he had to do himself.
A/N: Although this chapter took me a while to write given how busy I am with classes and other writing projects, I expect for the pace to pick up slightly moving forward. I'm very excited for some of the battles ahead which should be a good way to motivate me to write more.
Until next time.