pogre
Legend
Episode 15
The Drow Deal
“How civilized,” the drow wizard’s velvet voice was nearly intoxicating as it pulsed from her deep dark lips. “These ropes are not necessary. I recognize I have been defeated. The advantage is yours.”
“It is a reflection of our respect for your power,” Hilde answered. “I am afraid the ropes must stay for now my dear.”
“I understand, but I think we can reach a mutually satisfactory solution to this situation,” the enchantress cooed.
“You are half way to a satisfactory solution,” E’lissar hissed. “Give me a moment with her, I will end this charade.”
“Our people’s conflict is no secret Titan*,” the drow responded. “Now, is not the time for old grudges, but practical solutions. Put aside your hatred and see the opportunity before you.”
“That is exactly what I see – an opportunity,” E’lissar growled.
“Let’s not be hasty. I for one would like to hear her out,” Gerhardt smiled.
“Ah, a voice of reason,” the drow returned Gerhardt’s smile.
Gjord laughed, “Gerhardt as the voice of reason! I always heard you drow were twisted, but by the gods that’s downright sick!”
Hilde could not help from chuckling herself, “Now, now, although the fighter’s lust for flesh is interfering with his judgment, the suggestion is reasonable.”
“Excellent, all I shall require is an oath from the sisters,” the drow stated.
“An oath from us?” Inga smirked. “Not likely, you are in no position to make such a demand.”
“If it were excessive I would quite agree, but all I require is a promise on your faith I will not die by your hands or actions,” the drow gazed with her dark eyes longingly at Gerhardt.
“I can make no such oath,” Hilde responded. “Who is to say we will not be jumped on our way out of the castle by bugbears and all die.”
“By your direct actions,” the drow corrected.
“This is ludicrous!” E’lissar complained. “Exchange an Opherian vow for dark lies. Tell us all you know witch or die by the blade where you sit. Your presumptive tone is outrageous.”
“You have not stated your half of the bargain,” Inga reminded the dark elf.
“I shall give you a complete map of the castle and this lower level. I shall tell you all I know of the fortress’s defenses.”
“That would be handy,” Gerhardt commented.
“And, complete most of our mission here,” Hilde agreed.
“Oh no, wait a minute,” Gerhardt interjected. “We are not leaving this place to let somebody else mop up. This is our baby, the credit, the glory, and the treasure.”
“You cannot trust a drow!” E’lissar interrupted. “It is folly to trust her, she will turn her back on us at the first opportunity.”
“Would you characterize me as disloyal and self-centered?” the drow queried.
“It is the basest of your instincts,” E’lissar scowled.
“Then, that is why you should trust me,” she replied. “Surely, I have more to gain now than in any other bargain I have ever made. All I have to do is betray my employer. Something that as you point out, is second nature.”
“Oooo,” Inga hummed. “She’s good.”
“Duplicity and double-dealing are a drow’s nature. You can never trust them,” E’lissar snapped.
“Except when it is in their self-interest to be honest,” the dark elf wizard corrected him.
The group left the drow in the corner while they conferred in another part of the room.
…..
“We have agreed,” Hilde began. “We shall make the bargain.”
“You are most wise sister,” the drow replied.
“First, we require some information as a show of good faith on your part,” Inga said.
The drow turned and smiled at the muscular sister, “Of course.”
“How many guards are we dealing with and what are their races?” Inga asked.
The drow raised her eyebrows, “You ask much sister, but as you have decided to go forward with our bargain I shall oblige you with an answer. There are a dozen-and-a-half raiders that are hobgoblins. The bandit king is a hobgoblin of no mean combat skill. He is assisted by four lieutenants and a pair of gnolls.”
“Let’s take her to the circle and make the deal,” Gjord stated.
“I have another question,” Gerhardt stated.
“For you able fighter, I must submit,” the drow sighed.
“What is your name?”
Light flickered across her dark eyes, “Viziona, and yours?”
“I am Gerhardt.”
“Enough flirting Gerhardt,” Hilde grinned. “Let’s head out to the west and see if perhaps our other friend will join us at the circle.”
“I will hold her rope,” Gerhardt volunteered.
Gjord snickered, “I would not have it any other way, after all you are the voice of reason.”
The elven ranger Ranin walked silently over to Viziona, “You have not fooled me witch, and I have made no oath. Nor will I.”
“I bet you get all the maidens,” she answered under her breath.
…..
The deer skull was tied to a post in the canyon and the group quickly found the circle.
“When will he come?” Gerhardt asked.
“Hold on. Let me cast summon greater druid,” Inga quipped. “How do I know? He said he would come.”
“Druid?” Viziona whispered to Gerhardt.
Gerhardt pulled her rope roughly to force her body next to his, “Aye, a powerful druid, and he has made no bargain with you.”
Hilde rolled out some parchment and wetted some quills. “It is only powder ink, but it will be sufficient for your service,” she told the dark elf.
“The ropes make that difficult fair sister,” Viziona noted.
Hilde motioned to E’lissar, “Untie the ropes enough so she may employ her writing hand.” E’lissar followed the instructions given to him, but his rough treatment made Viziona spit and hiss like a cat in a bath.
“She can write,” E’lissar reported.
“Very good,” Hilde acknowledged. “Now if you would be so kind my dear.”
“The oath, sister,” Viziona reminded her.
“Viziona, I give you my solemn oath you will not be killed by my hand or actions for one moon if you give me all the information you know of Griffon Rock,” Hilde stated.
“We said nothing of a time limit,” Viziona protested.
“I know dear, but who could blame you for wanting revenge upon us? And I will not be tied by an oath,” Hilde replied.
Viziona smiled and began scratching out an annotated map of the castle and the cellar levels.
…..
“He comes,” Ranin announced.
“Well,” Vostark began, “What have we here?”
“It’s a drow female,” Gerhardt answered.
Gjord snickered.
“Indeed,” Vosark grinned. “And a prisoner by the looks of it.”
“The sisters have given an oath not to kill it,” E’lissar reported.
The druid rubbed his chin, “and in exchange?”
“She tells us everything she knows about Griffon Rock,” Inga answered.
“Equitable,” Vostark acknowledged. “I am a bit surprised she has survived three elves.”
Viziona looked up from her work briefly, “The opposite should be what surprises you.”
Ranin bristled.
“The sisters' vow has made you brave,” Vostark remarked.
“And Vostark has made no such vow,” Gerhardt reminded her.
Vostark turned slightly to acknowledge Gerhardt, “That is true. Tell me dark maiden - have you finished your task?”
“Without interruption it could be finished quickly,” she retorted.
Vostark stamped his staff on the ground. “In that case, those of you who are wounded follow me to the circle.” Once in the circle, Vostark called upon the Old Faith to heal the wounds and the injured were made whole again in seconds.
Ranin whispered to the druid on the way back from the circle, “Surely you must kill it?”
“She is part of the balance, noble Ranin. How else should we know good when we see it?” Vostark replied.
“By remembering the deeds of dead drow,” Ranin offered.
Vostark just shook his head in bemused silence in response.
Vostark continued towards the camp. “Is she finished?”
“Yes,” Hilde replied.
“I should like to have her for a few moments,” Vostark stated.
Hilde stood and brushed off her garments. “Vostark, I did make an oath not to kill her.”
“And I shall honor your pledge,” the druid promised. Gerhardt grabbed the rope around Viziona and gave it to Vostark. Vostark took Viziona on a short walk to the circle there he performed a number of rituals and returned to the camp.
“Should we trust her?” Hilde inquired.
“Never,” Vostark answered. “However, I believe what she has told you is correct.”
“We need to let her go then?” Inga asked.
“That is not the vow as I understand it,” Vostark replied. “I shall take her with me until you have finished with Griffon Rock. I shall require some assistance though. Perhaps the two Rangers and I could compare notes while they help me?”
“Sure, I would be honored,” Gjord answered.
“Ranin?” Vostark asked.
Ranin looked down for a moment and then raised his eyes to look at Viziona. “It is against my nature to protect a drow, but I cannot refuse the request of one so powerful in the realm of nature.”
“Excellent,” Vostark said clapping his palms together lightly. “Oh look, here comes our watch for this night.” Three wolves emerged from the surrounding landscape. Vostark pointed at the drow and the wild canines sniffed at her intensely. “We can all sleep tonight.”
“The drow?” Gerhardt asked.
“They have her scent. If she runs, they will hunt her down,” Vostark said reassuringly. He laid his head down on a pile of moss.
Gjord thought he saw one of the wolves smile at Vostark’s comment.
To be continued…
*Titan – Titus the Elder is consider the great ancestor of the elven race. The rain walker, as Titus is sometimes called, is an ancient sylvan god who is worshipped by many elves. Elves have a deep appreciation for their ancestors and much ceremony is involved in granting them respect. One who is a child or follower of Titus is called a Titan. The drow has complimented E’lissar, while making it clear she no longer considers herself elven in the same sense.
The Drow Deal
“How civilized,” the drow wizard’s velvet voice was nearly intoxicating as it pulsed from her deep dark lips. “These ropes are not necessary. I recognize I have been defeated. The advantage is yours.”
“It is a reflection of our respect for your power,” Hilde answered. “I am afraid the ropes must stay for now my dear.”
“I understand, but I think we can reach a mutually satisfactory solution to this situation,” the enchantress cooed.
“You are half way to a satisfactory solution,” E’lissar hissed. “Give me a moment with her, I will end this charade.”
“Our people’s conflict is no secret Titan*,” the drow responded. “Now, is not the time for old grudges, but practical solutions. Put aside your hatred and see the opportunity before you.”
“That is exactly what I see – an opportunity,” E’lissar growled.
“Let’s not be hasty. I for one would like to hear her out,” Gerhardt smiled.
“Ah, a voice of reason,” the drow returned Gerhardt’s smile.
Gjord laughed, “Gerhardt as the voice of reason! I always heard you drow were twisted, but by the gods that’s downright sick!”
Hilde could not help from chuckling herself, “Now, now, although the fighter’s lust for flesh is interfering with his judgment, the suggestion is reasonable.”
“Excellent, all I shall require is an oath from the sisters,” the drow stated.
“An oath from us?” Inga smirked. “Not likely, you are in no position to make such a demand.”
“If it were excessive I would quite agree, but all I require is a promise on your faith I will not die by your hands or actions,” the drow gazed with her dark eyes longingly at Gerhardt.
“I can make no such oath,” Hilde responded. “Who is to say we will not be jumped on our way out of the castle by bugbears and all die.”
“By your direct actions,” the drow corrected.
“This is ludicrous!” E’lissar complained. “Exchange an Opherian vow for dark lies. Tell us all you know witch or die by the blade where you sit. Your presumptive tone is outrageous.”
“You have not stated your half of the bargain,” Inga reminded the dark elf.
“I shall give you a complete map of the castle and this lower level. I shall tell you all I know of the fortress’s defenses.”
“That would be handy,” Gerhardt commented.
“And, complete most of our mission here,” Hilde agreed.
“Oh no, wait a minute,” Gerhardt interjected. “We are not leaving this place to let somebody else mop up. This is our baby, the credit, the glory, and the treasure.”
“You cannot trust a drow!” E’lissar interrupted. “It is folly to trust her, she will turn her back on us at the first opportunity.”
“Would you characterize me as disloyal and self-centered?” the drow queried.
“It is the basest of your instincts,” E’lissar scowled.
“Then, that is why you should trust me,” she replied. “Surely, I have more to gain now than in any other bargain I have ever made. All I have to do is betray my employer. Something that as you point out, is second nature.”
“Oooo,” Inga hummed. “She’s good.”
“Duplicity and double-dealing are a drow’s nature. You can never trust them,” E’lissar snapped.
“Except when it is in their self-interest to be honest,” the dark elf wizard corrected him.
The group left the drow in the corner while they conferred in another part of the room.
…..
“We have agreed,” Hilde began. “We shall make the bargain.”
“You are most wise sister,” the drow replied.
“First, we require some information as a show of good faith on your part,” Inga said.
The drow turned and smiled at the muscular sister, “Of course.”
“How many guards are we dealing with and what are their races?” Inga asked.
The drow raised her eyebrows, “You ask much sister, but as you have decided to go forward with our bargain I shall oblige you with an answer. There are a dozen-and-a-half raiders that are hobgoblins. The bandit king is a hobgoblin of no mean combat skill. He is assisted by four lieutenants and a pair of gnolls.”
“Let’s take her to the circle and make the deal,” Gjord stated.
“I have another question,” Gerhardt stated.
“For you able fighter, I must submit,” the drow sighed.
“What is your name?”
Light flickered across her dark eyes, “Viziona, and yours?”
“I am Gerhardt.”
“Enough flirting Gerhardt,” Hilde grinned. “Let’s head out to the west and see if perhaps our other friend will join us at the circle.”
“I will hold her rope,” Gerhardt volunteered.
Gjord snickered, “I would not have it any other way, after all you are the voice of reason.”
The elven ranger Ranin walked silently over to Viziona, “You have not fooled me witch, and I have made no oath. Nor will I.”
“I bet you get all the maidens,” she answered under her breath.
…..
The deer skull was tied to a post in the canyon and the group quickly found the circle.
“When will he come?” Gerhardt asked.
“Hold on. Let me cast summon greater druid,” Inga quipped. “How do I know? He said he would come.”
“Druid?” Viziona whispered to Gerhardt.
Gerhardt pulled her rope roughly to force her body next to his, “Aye, a powerful druid, and he has made no bargain with you.”
Hilde rolled out some parchment and wetted some quills. “It is only powder ink, but it will be sufficient for your service,” she told the dark elf.
“The ropes make that difficult fair sister,” Viziona noted.
Hilde motioned to E’lissar, “Untie the ropes enough so she may employ her writing hand.” E’lissar followed the instructions given to him, but his rough treatment made Viziona spit and hiss like a cat in a bath.
“She can write,” E’lissar reported.
“Very good,” Hilde acknowledged. “Now if you would be so kind my dear.”
“The oath, sister,” Viziona reminded her.
“Viziona, I give you my solemn oath you will not be killed by my hand or actions for one moon if you give me all the information you know of Griffon Rock,” Hilde stated.
“We said nothing of a time limit,” Viziona protested.
“I know dear, but who could blame you for wanting revenge upon us? And I will not be tied by an oath,” Hilde replied.
Viziona smiled and began scratching out an annotated map of the castle and the cellar levels.
…..
“He comes,” Ranin announced.
“Well,” Vostark began, “What have we here?”
“It’s a drow female,” Gerhardt answered.
Gjord snickered.
“Indeed,” Vosark grinned. “And a prisoner by the looks of it.”
“The sisters have given an oath not to kill it,” E’lissar reported.
The druid rubbed his chin, “and in exchange?”
“She tells us everything she knows about Griffon Rock,” Inga answered.
“Equitable,” Vostark acknowledged. “I am a bit surprised she has survived three elves.”
Viziona looked up from her work briefly, “The opposite should be what surprises you.”
Ranin bristled.
“The sisters' vow has made you brave,” Vostark remarked.
“And Vostark has made no such vow,” Gerhardt reminded her.
Vostark turned slightly to acknowledge Gerhardt, “That is true. Tell me dark maiden - have you finished your task?”
“Without interruption it could be finished quickly,” she retorted.
Vostark stamped his staff on the ground. “In that case, those of you who are wounded follow me to the circle.” Once in the circle, Vostark called upon the Old Faith to heal the wounds and the injured were made whole again in seconds.
Ranin whispered to the druid on the way back from the circle, “Surely you must kill it?”
“She is part of the balance, noble Ranin. How else should we know good when we see it?” Vostark replied.
“By remembering the deeds of dead drow,” Ranin offered.
Vostark just shook his head in bemused silence in response.
Vostark continued towards the camp. “Is she finished?”
“Yes,” Hilde replied.
“I should like to have her for a few moments,” Vostark stated.
Hilde stood and brushed off her garments. “Vostark, I did make an oath not to kill her.”
“And I shall honor your pledge,” the druid promised. Gerhardt grabbed the rope around Viziona and gave it to Vostark. Vostark took Viziona on a short walk to the circle there he performed a number of rituals and returned to the camp.
“Should we trust her?” Hilde inquired.
“Never,” Vostark answered. “However, I believe what she has told you is correct.”
“We need to let her go then?” Inga asked.
“That is not the vow as I understand it,” Vostark replied. “I shall take her with me until you have finished with Griffon Rock. I shall require some assistance though. Perhaps the two Rangers and I could compare notes while they help me?”
“Sure, I would be honored,” Gjord answered.
“Ranin?” Vostark asked.
Ranin looked down for a moment and then raised his eyes to look at Viziona. “It is against my nature to protect a drow, but I cannot refuse the request of one so powerful in the realm of nature.”
“Excellent,” Vostark said clapping his palms together lightly. “Oh look, here comes our watch for this night.” Three wolves emerged from the surrounding landscape. Vostark pointed at the drow and the wild canines sniffed at her intensely. “We can all sleep tonight.”
“The drow?” Gerhardt asked.
“They have her scent. If she runs, they will hunt her down,” Vostark said reassuringly. He laid his head down on a pile of moss.
Gjord thought he saw one of the wolves smile at Vostark’s comment.
To be continued…
*Titan – Titus the Elder is consider the great ancestor of the elven race. The rain walker, as Titus is sometimes called, is an ancient sylvan god who is worshipped by many elves. Elves have a deep appreciation for their ancestors and much ceremony is involved in granting them respect. One who is a child or follower of Titus is called a Titan. The drow has complimented E’lissar, while making it clear she no longer considers herself elven in the same sense.
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