Chapter 8: Into the Deep Continued
Third update today....D@mn I'm good
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A mighty clang rang out as Motega’s steel sword was blocked by the chief’s stone blade. The two faced off, both growling over their crossed weapons each trying to gain the advantage. Motega knew this brute probably had more strength and was holding on for just the right moment. The steel squealed in delight as it slid against the stone, the chief edging Motega backward toward his clan.
One step then two Motega allowed himself to edge backward then he thrust with all his might. The chief had anticipated the move however, his muscles bulging as he forced his weapon at Motega.
He hadn’t anticipated the Rornman’s technique though. Motega fell sideways to the ground allowing the brute to stumble forward over him. The chief kicked the Rorn hard in the ribs but Motega’s sword danced in the air, slicing an inch deep into the thigh and up through his buttocks.
The chief fell forward and landed with a thud in the dirt. All the cheers from the clan raised by Motega’s fall were awkwardly silenced. Motega stood, a jagged stabbing pain in his chest. He took a step to allow the chief to stand.
Scowling, the brute climbed to his knees. Motega swept in and swiftly kicked him in the rear, again planting the chief’s face in the dirt of the deep. A roar of hissing arose from the chief’s clan. Motega bowed and took four steps away to allow the chief the chance to stand.
The chief spun on his stomach to face the Rornman before standing. He slowly stood, drops of his blood splattering the dusty floor. Motega roared as he rushed at the chieftain. The chief brought up his left hand, flinging a handful of dirt into Motega’s eyes.
Motega’s attack went wide; the brute dodged and brought his stone blade down on the Rorn’s arm. He rolled with the blow as well as he could but the wound had already begun to soak the studded leather armor. Deftly, his sword swiped upward to block a killing blow and Motega spun toward the chief, unleashing a furious kick in the groin.
The brute stumbled backward to absorb the blow but found Motega raining blow after blow upon him. His back quickly found the wall while the steel sword quickly and continually found soft gray flesh to pierce. Motega leapt back allowing the brute to come forward into his killing blow.
The chief lashed out one final time. Motega ducked, bringing his sword in after the beast nearly slicing its arm off. The blade continued downward and turned, hitting a vital artery in the creature’s thigh. Motega grabbed the hilt with both hands and slammed the blade through the chief’s chest.
The chief’s face went slack even as he dropped his stone blade. A slick sound accompanied the departing steel blade. The brute fell to the floor. Motega immediately stooped downward and removed the chief’s member. Then he strung it onto his necklace.
Silence had fallen in the tunnel. The remaining members of the clan sensed the fall of their chieftain. After Motega walked away, two of the other creatures came forward to drag the body back toward the circular chamber. One of the creatures was screaming something at the old man.
“They say, you’re free to go.” The old man had a longing look in his eyes.
“Well you tell them that we aren’t leaving without you,” Tobias retorted his sword still drawn. The old man translated and the beast standing beside him looked furious. It raised its stone axe and severed the old slave’s foot. The man collapsed into a bloody heap on the floor.
Tobias charged toward the evil humanoids. Fitz’s hands weren’t quick enough to stop him. Magnus’ hands did touch but not to stop. As the mage’s hands touched, the muscles in Tobias’ body swelled. Motega and Fitz quickly chased after the paladin.
Tobias’ greatsword found the gut of the beast that had severed the man’s foot. It dove in and twisted with his great strength, turning the creature’s intestines into a puddle of gore. One of its brothers stepped up next to Tobias but the sword easily tore through that one too.
More of the creatures rushed and Tobias was under a multitude of attacks. Motega stepped beside him, diverting much of the attention while Fitz slid behind the massive fighter. He slid a wand out of his pack and tapped the paladin. Tobias felt another magical warmth spread through his body as his wounds began to close.
His sword rose again and again, decimating the beasts in front of him. Several tried to step past the youth to get at the Rornman only to find Tobias’ blade change direction and sever them clean in half. With every hit that opened a wound on his body, Fitz’s wand snapped in to heal the damage.
For minutes that seemed like years, the beasts kept charging and dying. And then all of a sudden there were no more. Digging through the pile of corpses, the paladin pulled the wounded slave up.
"Most useful thing I’ve ever bought,” Fitz murmured as he slid the wand back into his pouch.
“Let’s get back to the surface,” Tobias said, a tired expression on his face. “I can sense more of them not far back. We have to get this man to the surface.” He turned, the slave in his arms and started the rush back toward the well.