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Curse of Darkness VI - The Valley of the Sun
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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5926933" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The funeral pyre for the fallen Druid did little to warm or light the bitterly cold night, but it was a fitting tribute to a fallen comrade. It had taken some time to gather the wood, but the result was appropriate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The remaining members of the group stood in silence as it burned. The mountain winds howled as they fanned the flames, adding the hiss of wet snow to the crackle and roar of the fire itself. It took over an hour to burn down, but none moved until the last tongue of flame had flickered away.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Then, abruptly, there was a secondary flash of flame, and the companions' numbers doubled. Nedel, Marcus and Cassius were suddenly there.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">And for all present, a voice echoed in their minds: " </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>The Sacrifice is accepted.</em>"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn began to curse, broadly and loudly, which confused the recently missing members even more than their abrupt appearance.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Don't you guys know better than to startle us like that?", Euphemia asked, hiding away the blade that had suddenly sprung to her fingers. "Where have you been?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Marcus looked around, trying to get his bearings. "We were in the tunnel below the old temple, and the Plutonians said they were going to send us to another temple north of there. But this doesn't look like a temple."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"It isn't. Where have you been for the last two days?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Marcus and Cassius looked at each other blankly, while Nedel said he had no explanation.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">But the new arrivals were quickly brought up to date. It was midnight before everyone got settled in to their new campsite, and the rest of the night passed uneventfully.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Morning was a cold gray thing, and snow was beginning to fall as they set out. From their vantage point they could now see that the mountain they had scaled was in fact one of the lower peaks. The Alps of Germania continued to rise above them to the north. Their road, however, now lead more to the east, and they made good time despite the terrain.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">By mid day the snowfall had grown heavier, and several of them were beginning to suffer the effects of exposure. Penn walked with his cloak wrapped tight and a thick blanket wrapped over that, and still he shivered. Nedel's lips were slowly turning blue, and the only sensation remaining in his fingers was frigid pain.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Didn't you guys bring any cold weather gear?", Cassius asked in surprise.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"It's on my horse.", Penn replied. "Outside of Rome, remember? I wasn't expecting snow down in that tunnel."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Hold up, everyone.", Sylus called. "There's a bridge ahead, and it doesn't look too good."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The bridge in question was obviously of local manufacture. A proper Roman bridge would have been of stone, and solid enough to carry Legions easily. This one was narrow timber, and looked neither solid nor safe.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Euphemia stepped out onto it first, taking a few careful steps then bouncing up and down on her toes. The entire structure swayed in time with her movements.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Okay, we'll want a safety line, in case someone slips, and we'll cross one at a time. I don't think this thing will take everyone's weight at once."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Euphemia made it across safely, as did Nedel, but when Marcus tried his feet slipped on the ice, and he crashed through a weak spot. Only the rope kept him from falling into the gorge below. He strained and struggled to climb back up, but slipped again and was barely able to keep a grip. For a moment it looked as if he had slipped and fallen, but his fingernails must have caught on something. Then he steadied himself, said a small prayer, and simply finished his crossing hand over hand along the rope.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The others crossed without incident, but a sudden cascade of snow from the rock face above slid down and took the already weak underpinnings out from under the structure, and it fell.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"At least the riders behind us won't be catching up any time soon.", someone commented. And they pressed on.</span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I'm worried.", Euphemia said, as they made their way up the icy trail. "How are we going to get back down this mountain? We have enemies behind us, the bridge is out, and because of the Plutonian transport ritual, we aren't even sure which road to take?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Oh don't worry about that.", Penn replied in a dark humor. "We'll probably be dead long before that becomes an issue."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"You promise?", chuckled the Halfling.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The snow was falling harder and the temperatures were dropping as evening approached. If the companions didn't find some kind of shelter, they might not last the night.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"There's something in the road ahead.", called Sylus from his scouting position. He held his ground and let the group close the distance.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Hmm. Yes, you're right, there is a head in the road.", Penn observed. The head, in this case, was almost two cubits in diameter and made of white granite. It had apparently come from a statue off to the side of the road. There was a mile marker next to it, with the measure marked in Latin, but an inscription in another tongue below.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn looked at the angular writing and recognized it. "We've entered Dwarven country,", he informed the others. "This announces that the estates of Wilhelm Craghorn are ahead, and that travelers are welcome."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I could use a hot bath.", Nedel said, as he struggled not to shake with the cold.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I could use a hot anything.", Penn laughed in agreement. His laughter didn't last long however, for it became readily apparent that the Craghorn estates had fallen upon ruin. Statues lay toppled and broken, and the gate from the road sagged in place.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We'd better be careful.", said Euphemia. "Give me a minute, and I'll scout ahead." Then she began to dig into her small pack, sorting through several cloaks.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"What are you looking for?", Penn asked.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Trying to decide which cloak will blend in the best."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Try the light blue one. I'll help.", came the suggestion. A few words were uttered, and the pale blue cloak was suddenly splotched with white as the magic took hold.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Not bad. I think I need to learn that trick.", Euphemia said in approval. Then she wrapped up tight, dropped down until she was almost on all fours, and began to creep forward.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Ahead she could see the dancing yellow light of a fire, and she headed for it. The snow landed softly on her cloak, helping her blend in even further, and the only sound she heard was her own heartbeat, and the occasional squeak of her feet in the snow.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">There were outbuildings to either side of the main way, a stable, a storehouse, a low building dug into the earth that was probably an icehouse, and various quarters for servants or guards. But there were no foot prints anywhere to be seen. Looking back she saw that her own tracks were quickly being smoothed over by the blowing snow.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The figures around the fire resolved themselves into humanoid shapes, large and hairy, more than half a dozen of them.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Then, stepping around the corners from hidden positions two more appeared, closer, and looking straight at the stealthy Halfling.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Hey, look.", one of them called. "A snack."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Euphemia stood up and shook herself off before replying. "You want the full meal? It's right behind me."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The two hairy warriors laughed, then ran out into the snow, confident of a short chase.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The little Rogue hadn't managed to live as long as she had by being slow, however, and was off in a quick-paced sprint across the snow, leading her pursuers straight back to her companions.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Looking for someone more your own size?", asked Cassius with a smile, as he sped out to meet the foe.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The monsters made a mistake at this point. One pressed the pursuit of Euphemia and the other diverted to face Cassius. The warrior met the weight of the charge easily, then side stepped to let his adversary stumble past him on the icy courtyard stones. He slashed the Bugbear across the midsection as he passed, then carried the motion into a broad sweep that ended just above the belt line of the second warrior. Both fell.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">His cry of triumph was cut short however as three javelin flew from the darkness ahead, scoring deeply into his leg, side and arm. Three more arced through the snow, two of them impaling Euphemia's tiny form, while the third skittered away across the stones.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Then, magically, all six of the javelin withdrew themselves and flew back to their owners.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We may have a problem here.", Cassius said, struggling to stay upright.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Then we kill them all!", Marcus declared. " </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Titan's Stature!</em>", he cried, and Cassius suddenly towered above the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"You need another kind of help.", Penn declared, stepping forward with the healing wand. The blood flow slowed, but didn't stop, but Cassius wasn't about to let that stop him. He charged.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Quarrel Accuras!</em>", invoked Nedel, and magical energy darted from his hand, drawing a howl of protest from one of the Bugbears.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Quarrel Accuras!</em>", came the reply from within, sending a matching bolt back at Nedel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Mad music danced on the night air as the Bugbears met Cassius halfway, their huge clubs ready to crush bone. They never had the chance. The titanic blade cut completely through the first pair in a single swing, causing the next in line to hesitate for a moment.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Then a pair of javelin lanced into the giant form, and Cassius sagged to the ground, his leg folding beneath him.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Oh no!", cried Marcus, as he raced forward. His hands glowed with magical energy, and as soon as he touched his fallen friend, life and strength flowed into him once more. He raised his huge head and glared at the ones who had hurt him, causing them to take pause.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">But the pair who were right there saw their opportunity, and it was all Cassius could do to parry their blows. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Nedel and the Shaman within were exchanging spells, and the Shaman seemed to be getting the better of the trade. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Here!", Sylus offered, touching Cassius with the second wand, giving him the strength to rise fully to his feet again.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">And then it was all but over. As fast as the Bugbears could charge at him, he cut them down. The Shaman within called out something in a dark tongue, and two of the fallen rose again, only to be slashed and shattered a second time by the power and fury of the southland man's assault. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">And by the fire, a Shaman and his apprentice made a decision. They ran, as fast as they could, in two different directions.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"You should be more careful.", Euphemia declared as she tied off the last bandage. "You need to wait for someone to heal you before you go charging in like that."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"He needs to heal me before he makes me the biggest target on the field.", Cassius countered, glowering at Marcus. The Jovian cleric lowered his head in shame, for he had gotten caught up in the heat of the fight, when a cool head was needed.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Well, we made it this time.", Nedel said in a mollifiying tone as he unwrapped his frozen feet. "And the Bugbears do know how to build a good fire."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn carefully examined the haunch of meat on the spit, determined that it was a game animal, and smiled. He'd been afraid it might have been the property's former owner.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"The roast boar is almost done.", he advised, setting down his pack. "They burned a bit of it, and didn't even spare a drop of wine for the basting, but it's better than nothing." Then he looked around. "Where's Sylus?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"He went after the Bugbears.", Nedel said, unconcerned. "I doubt that he'll find them in this storm, but if there's anyone who can, it's him."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I'm not so sure. There's just one of him, and two of them, and they might be going for help."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Well, there's not much we can do about that.", Penn laughed. "It's not a fair fight, but if there's only two of them, then two will have to do."</span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The companions sat in the ruin of the estate house listening to the crackle of the fire, and enjoying the hot meal the Bugbears had so thoughtfully left. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Frozen foot wrappings had been thawed out to sodden foot wrappings, and showed signs that they might even become dry foot wrappings before the morning, and the mood was generally good.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Hush!", Euphemia called, cutting off the idle music that drifted from the Bard's lyre. "I heard something."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Sharp eyes peered into the darkness, hoping for Sylus' return, but the sound came from the sky, not the woods. Diving through two errant holes in the slate roof came a pair of large birds, each easily the size of a small child. They fluttered in small circles for a moment, then dove at Marcus.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Cassius was on his feet in an instant, blade in hand, ready to defend the Cleric with his life.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Look out!, Euphemia cried. "Those things turn people to stone!"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Wha?", asked the warrior, suddenly confused. He hadn't seen the collection of statues they had passed below. Still, he warded off the first dive, deftly holding it at bay.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"They do what?", asked Marcus, also in shock at the revelation. His curiosity was satisfied a moment later, however, when the second bird pecked him in the back of the head, and he was petrified. The bird made a show of rapping its beak against his throat, evoking a hollow echo from his open mouth. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Where is Sylus when you really need him?", asked Nedel as he scrambled to his feet, launching a bolt of magical energy at the winged terror.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Probably a statue in the woods.", Penn replied rhetorically as he took up his own bow. He fired even as he retreated, drawing a squawk but very little blood.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Somebody do something, fast!", cried Euphemia as blades flew from her hands. These also drew blood, but not enough to fell her target.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Cassius faced off against the male of the pair, and they circled each other like wrestlers in the ring. The bird would dart forward, seeking an opening, only to be driven back again when it faced cold steel.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">A quick flutter of wings and a cry of triumph marked Euphemia's end, and the bird began to peck at her stony skin.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Get off of her!", Nedel cried, again launching arcane bolts at the creature, and driving it away. It now circled, seeking the source of its annoyance.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn's arrows were on target, but seemed ineffectual, scoring wingfeathers more than meat. Cassius blade, on the other hand, was proving its worth. His foe bled from a dozen places, each one marking a failed attempt to close with the warrior, and those wounds were taking their toll. One wing drooped down now, and bloody foam lined its beak. Still, it seemed determined to kill him, and pressed the attack relentlessly.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The hen, on the other hand, was flying freely in broad circles, selecting its next target. Then it darted in, magic flared against feathers, and Nedel was no more. Again, the bird pecked at the petrified remains of the man.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We're losing this fight!", Penn swore. "I have no idea how to help a statue."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Right now, worry about surviving. You'll figure out something later.", Cassius hissed. Then his foe feinted to one side and darted in under his blade. Iron and beak met, and then there was only one.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Got the bastard!", the warrior crowed, then looked around. "Penn? Where are you?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Back here!", called the Bard from beyond the firelight as he sent another arrow whistling into the remaining fowl. "Distance is an archer's best friend."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"You've been listening to Sylus again, haven't you?", bantered Cassius as he now faced off with the remaining bird. Again, they met face to face, eye to eye,</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Kill now, talk later!", advised Penn, angling to get a shot at the stalking bird.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Might not be a later.", joked the warrior in uncharacteristic manner.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The bird lunged in the moment the southland man turned his head towards Penn, and the sword point dropped to meet it. And the fight was over. The last of the birds had skewered itself on Cassius' blade.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5926933, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Arial]*** The funeral pyre for the fallen Druid did little to warm or light the bitterly cold night, but it was a fitting tribute to a fallen comrade. It had taken some time to gather the wood, but the result was appropriate. The remaining members of the group stood in silence as it burned. The mountain winds howled as they fanned the flames, adding the hiss of wet snow to the crackle and roar of the fire itself. It took over an hour to burn down, but none moved until the last tongue of flame had flickered away.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Then, abruptly, there was a secondary flash of flame, and the companions' numbers doubled. Nedel, Marcus and Cassius were suddenly there.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] And for all present, a voice echoed in their minds: " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]The Sacrifice is accepted.[/I]" Penn began to curse, broadly and loudly, which confused the recently missing members even more than their abrupt appearance.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Don't you guys know better than to startle us like that?", Euphemia asked, hiding away the blade that had suddenly sprung to her fingers. "Where have you been?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Marcus looked around, trying to get his bearings. "We were in the tunnel below the old temple, and the Plutonians said they were going to send us to another temple north of there. But this doesn't look like a temple."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "It isn't. Where have you been for the last two days?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Marcus and Cassius looked at each other blankly, while Nedel said he had no explanation.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] But the new arrivals were quickly brought up to date. It was midnight before everyone got settled in to their new campsite, and the rest of the night passed uneventfully.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Morning was a cold gray thing, and snow was beginning to fall as they set out. From their vantage point they could now see that the mountain they had scaled was in fact one of the lower peaks. The Alps of Germania continued to rise above them to the north. Their road, however, now lead more to the east, and they made good time despite the terrain.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] By mid day the snowfall had grown heavier, and several of them were beginning to suffer the effects of exposure. Penn walked with his cloak wrapped tight and a thick blanket wrapped over that, and still he shivered. Nedel's lips were slowly turning blue, and the only sensation remaining in his fingers was frigid pain.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Didn't you guys bring any cold weather gear?", Cassius asked in surprise.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "It's on my horse.", Penn replied. "Outside of Rome, remember? I wasn't expecting snow down in that tunnel."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Hold up, everyone.", Sylus called. "There's a bridge ahead, and it doesn't look too good."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The bridge in question was obviously of local manufacture. A proper Roman bridge would have been of stone, and solid enough to carry Legions easily. This one was narrow timber, and looked neither solid nor safe.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Euphemia stepped out onto it first, taking a few careful steps then bouncing up and down on her toes. The entire structure swayed in time with her movements.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Okay, we'll want a safety line, in case someone slips, and we'll cross one at a time. I don't think this thing will take everyone's weight at once."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Euphemia made it across safely, as did Nedel, but when Marcus tried his feet slipped on the ice, and he crashed through a weak spot. Only the rope kept him from falling into the gorge below. He strained and struggled to climb back up, but slipped again and was barely able to keep a grip. For a moment it looked as if he had slipped and fallen, but his fingernails must have caught on something. Then he steadied himself, said a small prayer, and simply finished his crossing hand over hand along the rope.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The others crossed without incident, but a sudden cascade of snow from the rock face above slid down and took the already weak underpinnings out from under the structure, and it fell.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "At least the riders behind us won't be catching up any time soon.", someone commented. And they pressed on.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]*** "I'm worried.", Euphemia said, as they made their way up the icy trail. "How are we going to get back down this mountain? We have enemies behind us, the bridge is out, and because of the Plutonian transport ritual, we aren't even sure which road to take?" "Oh don't worry about that.", Penn replied in a dark humor. "We'll probably be dead long before that becomes an issue."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "You promise?", chuckled the Halfling.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The snow was falling harder and the temperatures were dropping as evening approached. If the companions didn't find some kind of shelter, they might not last the night. "There's something in the road ahead.", called Sylus from his scouting position. He held his ground and let the group close the distance.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Hmm. Yes, you're right, there is a head in the road.", Penn observed. The head, in this case, was almost two cubits in diameter and made of white granite. It had apparently come from a statue off to the side of the road. There was a mile marker next to it, with the measure marked in Latin, but an inscription in another tongue below.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn looked at the angular writing and recognized it. "We've entered Dwarven country,", he informed the others. "This announces that the estates of Wilhelm Craghorn are ahead, and that travelers are welcome."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I could use a hot bath.", Nedel said, as he struggled not to shake with the cold.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I could use a hot anything.", Penn laughed in agreement. His laughter didn't last long however, for it became readily apparent that the Craghorn estates had fallen upon ruin. Statues lay toppled and broken, and the gate from the road sagged in place.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We'd better be careful.", said Euphemia. "Give me a minute, and I'll scout ahead." Then she began to dig into her small pack, sorting through several cloaks.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "What are you looking for?", Penn asked.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Trying to decide which cloak will blend in the best."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Try the light blue one. I'll help.", came the suggestion. A few words were uttered, and the pale blue cloak was suddenly splotched with white as the magic took hold.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Not bad. I think I need to learn that trick.", Euphemia said in approval. Then she wrapped up tight, dropped down until she was almost on all fours, and began to creep forward.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Ahead she could see the dancing yellow light of a fire, and she headed for it. The snow landed softly on her cloak, helping her blend in even further, and the only sound she heard was her own heartbeat, and the occasional squeak of her feet in the snow.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] There were outbuildings to either side of the main way, a stable, a storehouse, a low building dug into the earth that was probably an icehouse, and various quarters for servants or guards. But there were no foot prints anywhere to be seen. Looking back she saw that her own tracks were quickly being smoothed over by the blowing snow.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The figures around the fire resolved themselves into humanoid shapes, large and hairy, more than half a dozen of them.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Then, stepping around the corners from hidden positions two more appeared, closer, and looking straight at the stealthy Halfling.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Hey, look.", one of them called. "A snack."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Euphemia stood up and shook herself off before replying. "You want the full meal? It's right behind me."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The two hairy warriors laughed, then ran out into the snow, confident of a short chase.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The little Rogue hadn't managed to live as long as she had by being slow, however, and was off in a quick-paced sprint across the snow, leading her pursuers straight back to her companions.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Looking for someone more your own size?", asked Cassius with a smile, as he sped out to meet the foe.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The monsters made a mistake at this point. One pressed the pursuit of Euphemia and the other diverted to face Cassius. The warrior met the weight of the charge easily, then side stepped to let his adversary stumble past him on the icy courtyard stones. He slashed the Bugbear across the midsection as he passed, then carried the motion into a broad sweep that ended just above the belt line of the second warrior. Both fell.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] His cry of triumph was cut short however as three javelin flew from the darkness ahead, scoring deeply into his leg, side and arm. Three more arced through the snow, two of them impaling Euphemia's tiny form, while the third skittered away across the stones.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Then, magically, all six of the javelin withdrew themselves and flew back to their owners.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We may have a problem here.", Cassius said, struggling to stay upright.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Then we kill them all!", Marcus declared. " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Titan's Stature![/I]", he cried, and Cassius suddenly towered above the field. "You need another kind of help.", Penn declared, stepping forward with the healing wand. The blood flow slowed, but didn't stop, but Cassius wasn't about to let that stop him. He charged.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Quarrel Accuras![/I]", invoked Nedel, and magical energy darted from his hand, drawing a howl of protest from one of the Bugbears. " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Quarrel Accuras![/I]", came the reply from within, sending a matching bolt back at Nedel. Mad music danced on the night air as the Bugbears met Cassius halfway, their huge clubs ready to crush bone. They never had the chance. The titanic blade cut completely through the first pair in a single swing, causing the next in line to hesitate for a moment.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Then a pair of javelin lanced into the giant form, and Cassius sagged to the ground, his leg folding beneath him.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Oh no!", cried Marcus, as he raced forward. His hands glowed with magical energy, and as soon as he touched his fallen friend, life and strength flowed into him once more. He raised his huge head and glared at the ones who had hurt him, causing them to take pause.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] But the pair who were right there saw their opportunity, and it was all Cassius could do to parry their blows. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Nedel and the Shaman within were exchanging spells, and the Shaman seemed to be getting the better of the trade. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Here!", Sylus offered, touching Cassius with the second wand, giving him the strength to rise fully to his feet again.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] And then it was all but over. As fast as the Bugbears could charge at him, he cut them down. The Shaman within called out something in a dark tongue, and two of the fallen rose again, only to be slashed and shattered a second time by the power and fury of the southland man's assault. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] And by the fire, a Shaman and his apprentice made a decision. They ran, as fast as they could, in two different directions.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** "You should be more careful.", Euphemia declared as she tied off the last bandage. "You need to wait for someone to heal you before you go charging in like that." "He needs to heal me before he makes me the biggest target on the field.", Cassius countered, glowering at Marcus. The Jovian cleric lowered his head in shame, for he had gotten caught up in the heat of the fight, when a cool head was needed.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Well, we made it this time.", Nedel said in a mollifiying tone as he unwrapped his frozen feet. "And the Bugbears do know how to build a good fire."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn carefully examined the haunch of meat on the spit, determined that it was a game animal, and smiled. He'd been afraid it might have been the property's former owner.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "The roast boar is almost done.", he advised, setting down his pack. "They burned a bit of it, and didn't even spare a drop of wine for the basting, but it's better than nothing." Then he looked around. "Where's Sylus?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "He went after the Bugbears.", Nedel said, unconcerned. "I doubt that he'll find them in this storm, but if there's anyone who can, it's him."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I'm not so sure. There's just one of him, and two of them, and they might be going for help."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Well, there's not much we can do about that.", Penn laughed. "It's not a fair fight, but if there's only two of them, then two will have to do."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]*** The companions sat in the ruin of the estate house listening to the crackle of the fire, and enjoying the hot meal the Bugbears had so thoughtfully left. Frozen foot wrappings had been thawed out to sodden foot wrappings, and showed signs that they might even become dry foot wrappings before the morning, and the mood was generally good.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Hush!", Euphemia called, cutting off the idle music that drifted from the Bard's lyre. "I heard something."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Sharp eyes peered into the darkness, hoping for Sylus' return, but the sound came from the sky, not the woods. Diving through two errant holes in the slate roof came a pair of large birds, each easily the size of a small child. They fluttered in small circles for a moment, then dove at Marcus.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Cassius was on his feet in an instant, blade in hand, ready to defend the Cleric with his life.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Look out!, Euphemia cried. "Those things turn people to stone!"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Wha?", asked the warrior, suddenly confused. He hadn't seen the collection of statues they had passed below. Still, he warded off the first dive, deftly holding it at bay.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "They do what?", asked Marcus, also in shock at the revelation. His curiosity was satisfied a moment later, however, when the second bird pecked him in the back of the head, and he was petrified. The bird made a show of rapping its beak against his throat, evoking a hollow echo from his open mouth. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Where is Sylus when you really need him?", asked Nedel as he scrambled to his feet, launching a bolt of magical energy at the winged terror.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Probably a statue in the woods.", Penn replied rhetorically as he took up his own bow. He fired even as he retreated, drawing a squawk but very little blood.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Somebody do something, fast!", cried Euphemia as blades flew from her hands. These also drew blood, but not enough to fell her target.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Cassius faced off against the male of the pair, and they circled each other like wrestlers in the ring. The bird would dart forward, seeking an opening, only to be driven back again when it faced cold steel.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] A quick flutter of wings and a cry of triumph marked Euphemia's end, and the bird began to peck at her stony skin.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Get off of her!", Nedel cried, again launching arcane bolts at the creature, and driving it away. It now circled, seeking the source of its annoyance.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn's arrows were on target, but seemed ineffectual, scoring wingfeathers more than meat. Cassius blade, on the other hand, was proving its worth. His foe bled from a dozen places, each one marking a failed attempt to close with the warrior, and those wounds were taking their toll. One wing drooped down now, and bloody foam lined its beak. Still, it seemed determined to kill him, and pressed the attack relentlessly.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The hen, on the other hand, was flying freely in broad circles, selecting its next target. Then it darted in, magic flared against feathers, and Nedel was no more. Again, the bird pecked at the petrified remains of the man.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We're losing this fight!", Penn swore. "I have no idea how to help a statue."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Right now, worry about surviving. You'll figure out something later.", Cassius hissed. Then his foe feinted to one side and darted in under his blade. Iron and beak met, and then there was only one.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Got the bastard!", the warrior crowed, then looked around. "Penn? Where are you?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Back here!", called the Bard from beyond the firelight as he sent another arrow whistling into the remaining fowl. "Distance is an archer's best friend."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "You've been listening to Sylus again, haven't you?", bantered Cassius as he now faced off with the remaining bird. Again, they met face to face, eye to eye,[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Kill now, talk later!", advised Penn, angling to get a shot at the stalking bird.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Might not be a later.", joked the warrior in uncharacteristic manner.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The bird lunged in the moment the southland man turned his head towards Penn, and the sword point dropped to meet it. And the fight was over. The last of the birds had skewered itself on Cassius' blade.[/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Curse of Darkness VI - The Valley of the Sun
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