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Story Hour
The Journey across Midnight (Updated 07SEP03)
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<blockquote data-quote="Tokiwong" data-source="post: 1102596" data-attributes="member: 961"><p><strong>The Archwizard</strong></p><p></p><p><em>I hope I know what I am doing, things could get out of hand quickly if I don’t</em>, Corine dashed through the forest, she could hear the orcs shouting as they bounded after her, but the real threat was the wolf. It was quick, and she would be caught soon, if she didn’t do something drastic. Corine could see the sharp bluff ahead, and doubled her pace; she leapt high into the air, as she reached the edge, her eyes widened as she saw just how far she had to fall.</p><p></p><p>She fell nearly sixty feet through air, curling herself up, as her shoulder crashed into the snow and mud far below, she rolled several feet, her head woozy, and terrible pain aching through her shoulder. She stumbled to her feet, and looked up through blurry eyes, and saw her pursuers had not elected to follow, although one, had drawn an arrow, and let it fly, she instinctively ducked, and started to run, with a hobble in her step. </p><p></p><p><em>I must keep going, I won’t let these orcs take me down without a fight</em>, she stumbled forward mumbling the words to a minor healing spell she had been taught by an elf, during her early days in the resistance. Her hand glowed white with power and she applied it to her should, as she stumbled behind a tree, just as another arrow slammed into its trunk. The curing magic eased the ache in her shoulder, it was a dull throbbing pain, but it felt somewhat better. Another arrow in the tree, jarred her back to the task at hand, and she started to running, a trail of arrows following her through the brush, she did not fear them, the surrounding brush was giving her cover, at least she could take comfort in that. She knew the wilds better then most, and could survive, now she could only hope that the rest had taken this chance, pressed on or her sacrifice would have been all for naught.</p><p></p><p><strong>****************************************</strong></p><p></p><p>Runt grunted, as he lowered his bow, the human insurgent had rushed behind cover, and was gone now from their sight. Vuna scowled, as she stood behind the short orc, “You let her get away,” her voice dripping with venom.</p><p></p><p>Runt turned quickly and bowed his head, “She is hurt Priest Mother, she will not get far, we must find a way down this bluff.”</p><p></p><p>Vuna turned to Garnak, who just leaned against a tree, with that same knowing grin on his face, “She was a decoy.”</p><p></p><p>“What!” Vuna shouted as she stalked towards the orc chieftain, “and you did not say anything?”</p><p></p><p>Garnak stood towering over the smaller woman, “You made it clear your word was law, Priest Mother, I did what I was expected to do, I followed.” He could see the flame of anger burning in the Priest Mother’s eyes, as she turned and stalked back to the gathered orcs, awaiting her next orders. The wolf seeing the Priest Mother’s mood sauntered back to her and sat eyeing the orc chieftain with contempt.</p><p></p><p>Runt cleared his throat, “She is getting away Priest Mother, we must move now to find her,” he bowed his head.</p><p></p><p>Vuna turned, but held her tongue; Runt was useful, he had skills that most other orcs did not possess, and despite speaking out of turn, he was wise, and knew the forest well. Vuna nodded, “Runt, take Ukla and Hamu, follow the woman, hunt her, if you can kill her then do so. May our Lord favor you with his blessing, the rest of you, follow me, we have work to do.”</p><p></p><p>Runt nodded, as the other two orcs stood by him, they were larger then Runt, and bore many scars. The uglier of the two glared down at Runt, it was obvious he was sizing up the smaller the orc. Runt glared back up, his eyes flickering red, the larger orc eventually turned his face and sniffed the air. Runt grinned, “Ukla, Hamu, we go down this way, take it slow, and do not tumble.”</p><p></p><p>The trio of orcs descended down the incline, the ice and moist earth making it much more difficult then it originally looked. But the hunt was on.</p><p></p><p><strong>*****************************************</strong></p><p></p><p>Malstrom was at the point, his greataxe, in hand. It was a comfort to him, as he stalked the cold, icy forest. The rain and ice and had passed but the cold remained. Following Malstrom, Semmarin kept his bow ready, it was strangely quiet, and the silence did not give him ease either. Tuk and Dae followed huddling in the cold, still air. Tuk’s face was creased with worry, he did not like the idea of Corine going off on her own, but the others seemed to think that it was for the best, and that she could handle herself. But he wasn’t so sure, there were many orcs, and if they found her they would surely kill her.</p><p></p><p>The party though trudged on, the sounding of war horns in the distance, forcing their resolve, there would be no rest for their weary bones; they would have to press on. Malstrom pauses as he was the first to break the tree line, and stare out over an open field, in its center was a ruined tower. The walls were crumbling, and it was obvious this tower, for whatever purpose it had served had seen better days.</p><p></p><p>Malstrom glanced over his shoulder to his companions, and it was obvious that a chance to get out of the cold, even if for a moment, would help. Malstrom lead the way across the ice and snow covered grass. It was a quick jaunt, and they reached the wooden gates, hanging in the entranceway, off the hinges. Whatever had occurred here, it had been violent, burn marks scarred the stone and wood. Any corpses that may have lingered were long gone, perhaps picked clean by scavengers, decomposed, or perhaps became the fell.</p><p></p><p>Semmarin scanned the interior from outside the gate, and motioned when he saw movement within the interior of the crumbling walls. He squinted and spotted a squat, spindly goblin wearing, and a long cloak for warmth. Semmarin drew an arrow and effortlessly let the arrow fly; it struck the wretched creature in the leg, and sent it tumbling. The rest of the party moved forward weapons drawn, as the surrounded the creature. </p><p></p><p>The goblin reached for the arrow, but froze as it saw the party surrounding it, weapons at the ready. It was obviously outclassed, and the fear shined brightly in its eyes. Its long crooked nose sniffled from the pain, and gibbered, its breath easily visible in the air.</p><p></p><p>Malstrom knelt down and spoke in orcish pidgin, “What are you doing here?”</p><p></p><p>The goblin squealed, shielding its face, “I am seeking shelter from the cold, I mean ye no harm, I swear it!”</p><p></p><p>Semmarin scowled and looked to Malstrom, “We should kill it quickly, and move on, this place isn’t safe.”</p><p></p><p>Dae nodded, “Finish it Malstrom.”</p><p></p><p>Malstrom nodded, and turned to the creature, “It seems your luck is done, you die now,” he emphasized bringing his axe to bear.</p><p></p><p>The creature cringed in fear, “Please, spare me, I mean nothing, I am worthless!”</p><p></p><p>Malstrom stayed his hand, “Your whining will not save you, stop crying, wretch. As if you would show us mercy, if you stood in a position in strength.”</p><p></p><p>The creature began to laugh, its voice and mannerisms shifting, its very form, growing, and melting into a new shape. Its face elongated and became a handsome male face, with dark brown eyes, and long black hair. The ragged clothes, became a fine robe, and the arrow fell to the ground, leaving not a mark, as the man stood. The party was both in awe, and fearful with suspicion, it was obvious the human before them, was no simple conjurer of petty tricks.</p><p></p><p>Malstrom kept his greataxe ready, “What sorcery is this!”</p><p></p><p>The man bowed his head, his voice condescending and cultured, “My sorcery, dworg, oh please lower your weapon if truly meant you harm, you would be dead now.”</p><p></p><p>Malstrom growled, “Is that a threat?”</p><p></p><p>The man bowed his head, and then stepped back, he began a complex series of movements with his hands, as he murmured arcane words of power, and then breathed a sigh as if it took great effort to complete the spell, “There that should aid everyone in understanding me.”</p><p></p><p>Semmarin was amazed at the casual nature the man had towards his magic, he moved to speak, but held his mouth closed, and decided to just observe for the moment. Tuk watched amazed, any fear replaced by a sense of awe.</p><p></p><p>Dae scowled, “Who are you?”</p><p></p><p>The man bowed with a flourish, “You may call my Vykos, First wizard of the Order of the Black Dragon, and so on and so forth, but I think from now I shall simply be referred to as the Archwizard. I am sure you may have heard of me.”</p><p></p><p>The party looked at each other with looks of bewilderment and confusion. Semmarin finally spoke, “I have no idea who you are, but we really do not have time for this. A war band of orcs is following us, and I would really like to get in out of the cold.”</p><p></p><p>“You shall refer me to as Archwizard,” Vykos replied with a cold smile, “and as far as getting into the tower, I can help you get inside, but I doubt you will have the capability to open the door of the tower and enter.”</p><p></p><p>Malstrom looked to the door, and then returned his gaze back to Vykos, “Why is that <em>Archwizard</em>?”</p><p></p><p>“Because he door is locked, and only I can open it,” Vykos replied as if the answer should have been obvious.</p><p></p><p>Semmarin sighed, “Can you open the door for us then?”</p><p></p><p>“I could but I really do not know what you are doing here, or what your intent is, you did shoot me after all with an arrow,” he glanced to Semmarin, to emphasize his point.</p><p></p><p>“You looked like a goblin,” Malstrom interjected.</p><p></p><p>“So you hate goblins then?” Vykos replied.</p><p></p><p>“We hate the Shadow, and do everything in our power to stop its advances,” Dae replied growing irritated.</p><p></p><p>“Oh you hate the Shadow, you wish to fight the Shadow, the One God with what sword, axe, and arrow? You think you can challenge a god and win? You think there is hope? Hope is forsaken in these lands. You will end up just like anyone else that faces the Shadow, a corpse, in a forgotten field, or worse you will rise to serve the very thing you tried defeat. Such is the fate of heroes,” Vykos replied.</p><p></p><p>A war horn sounded in the distance followed by two more soundings. The orcs were getting closer.</p><p></p><p>Malstrom scowled, “It seems you have made your decision, such a powerful Archwizard, and yet you linger out here in the wilds far from civilization. If you are so powerful then why are you out here?”</p><p></p><p>“Because I am an Archwizard, dworg,” Vykos replied with a roll of his eyes, “the One God despises magic, and those that study its arcane arts are hunted. I for one like to steer clear of those who would do me harm.”</p><p></p><p>“So you are afraid, then?” Semmarin replied with a wry smile.</p><p></p><p>“I call it being pragmatic, how can I ever become the greatest Archwizard Eredane has ever known if I am killed long before my time. It would be a great disservice to this world. I fear to see just what the women would do, if they learned of my untimely demise,” Vykos replied with a grin.</p><p></p><p>Malstrom couldn’t help but smirk, “You’re a pompous fool, stand aside, coward, and we have work to do. If you will not help us, then we are through here.”</p><p></p><p>Vykos chuckled, “So touchy, dworg, I never said I wouldn’t help you, like you I serve the resistance.”</p><p></p><p>“But you said you had no qualm with the One God,” Semmarin replied.</p><p></p><p>“Well on principle alone, I do not have any qualms with the Shadow,” Vykos grinned, “But he does persecute the arcane arts, and that is where I take offense with him. I am an Archwizard after all.”</p><p></p><p>Malstrom rolled his eyes, “Of course you are.”</p><p></p><p>Vykos gestured to the tower, “Shall we retreat inside for a moment, to avoid the orcs, I have a plan, but it requires for you all to be out of sight.”</p><p></p><p><strong>****************************************</strong></p><p></p><p>Runt crouched in the brush, the horrible glowing orb, which burned in the sky, was setting, and the darkness was settling over the icy forest. This human female was proving very clever prey. She knew the land, she could glean its secrets, and she had even killed Hamu, using cover, and hit and run tactics. He did not feel any loss for Hamu, indeed, Ukla and Runt ate well that night, but still it was a loss that he could have gone without.</p><p></p><p>Runt grinned though, she was in hi sights, as he drew his bow, she was getting tired, it was obvious, a mistake was bound to happen. And now he was ready to capitalize on it, all he needed was a more seconds, just a breath, as he focused his aim. The arrow flew straight and true, and pierced the woman’s shoulder. She screamed, and drew her longsword and started running, cursing in the tongue of the Erenland.</p><p></p><p>Runt grinned as he saw Ukla leap after her; he swung his vardatch and the agile Erenlander brought her smaller longsword up in a parry. Steel clashed with steel, as sparks flew, but the melee was joined. Runt stood and slowly drew another arrow, as Ukla try to chop the smaller Erenlander with his vardatch. The blade was nearly as tall as the woman, and the serrated edge had bits dried blood, and gristle clinging to it. The woman ducked left and then feinted right, drawing the orc forward.</p><p></p><p>The woman was quick, as she drove her longsword forward right into Ukla’s gullet, the point of the blade sticking out of his back. Runt scowled, as she ripped the blade from his gullet, spraying hot black blood over the icy ground. His eyes locked with the woman’s as they stared at each, hate boiling between them.</p><p></p><p>A war horn sounded, two quick notes. Runt kept his aim true, as he heard the horn; it was a rare call, the call of retreat. He could take the woman; he could put the arrow right between her eyes with ease. That would be a simple thing, but she was battered and bruised. She still had the will to fight, despite the hunt, and despite her injuries she was not broken. Runt lowered his bow, pointing the arrow to the ground.</p><p></p><p>He motioned with his head for her to run. The woman snarled a curse, but slowly realized that the orc was not going to kill her. She looked confused, but she stumbled away, clutching her wounds, and fled into the darkness.</p><p></p><p>Runt walked over to Ukla, and knelt down, taking his fill for the evening, so that he did not go hungry, and to make sure that he did not return as the fell. Runt glanced up after the retreating woman; he wasn’t sure why he spared her, it just seemed like a good decision. With Ukla and Hamu dead, he could say whatever he liked, and none would be the wiser, and most importantly, he never liked either of them anyway. It would be a simple matter to say that she escaped him when the horn sounded, that would be believable and the truth, as a matter of sorts. As the saying went, <em>The Shadow favors the strong, but he favors the clever even more so</em>.</p><p></p><p><strong>******************************************</strong></p><p></p><p>Corine stumbled through the woods, as a tower came into view. Perhaps she could seek shelter; perhaps she was running out time. She was so tired; she had not even removed the arrow, each step becoming a labor, as her eyes became blurry. She would die in this place, alone. It was not a comforting thought, but then again, she had saved her newfound allies, and perhaps she could take solace in that.</p><p></p><p>She fell.</p><p></p><p>Corine lay on the ground face first in the icy dirt. She tried to stand up, but she had no will left. It was getting hard to breathe. Hard to even think as she struggled to remain alive, were those feet, who was it, an orc? Thoughts raced through her mind, as a rough hand picked her up, she tried to struggle, but she could barely move. All she could do was close her eyes.</p><p></p><p>She awoke.</p><p></p><p>She was lying on a bed of hay, a bandage wrapped around her shoulder. She was alive, as she brushed her dark hair from her face. Sitting at her side was Tuk, though he was dozing. She couldn’t help but smile; the little halfling was loyal at least. There were others, the rest of her companions, and men she did not recognize, but for a moment, she felt hope. She had survived, against all hope and she had survived.</p><p></p><p>Somewhere an Old Man smiled, as he walked down a lonely dark road.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Tokiwong, post: 1102596, member: 961"] [b]The Archwizard[/b] [i]I hope I know what I am doing, things could get out of hand quickly if I don’t[/i], Corine dashed through the forest, she could hear the orcs shouting as they bounded after her, but the real threat was the wolf. It was quick, and she would be caught soon, if she didn’t do something drastic. Corine could see the sharp bluff ahead, and doubled her pace; she leapt high into the air, as she reached the edge, her eyes widened as she saw just how far she had to fall. She fell nearly sixty feet through air, curling herself up, as her shoulder crashed into the snow and mud far below, she rolled several feet, her head woozy, and terrible pain aching through her shoulder. She stumbled to her feet, and looked up through blurry eyes, and saw her pursuers had not elected to follow, although one, had drawn an arrow, and let it fly, she instinctively ducked, and started to run, with a hobble in her step. [i]I must keep going, I won’t let these orcs take me down without a fight[/i], she stumbled forward mumbling the words to a minor healing spell she had been taught by an elf, during her early days in the resistance. Her hand glowed white with power and she applied it to her should, as she stumbled behind a tree, just as another arrow slammed into its trunk. The curing magic eased the ache in her shoulder, it was a dull throbbing pain, but it felt somewhat better. Another arrow in the tree, jarred her back to the task at hand, and she started to running, a trail of arrows following her through the brush, she did not fear them, the surrounding brush was giving her cover, at least she could take comfort in that. She knew the wilds better then most, and could survive, now she could only hope that the rest had taken this chance, pressed on or her sacrifice would have been all for naught. [b]****************************************[/b] Runt grunted, as he lowered his bow, the human insurgent had rushed behind cover, and was gone now from their sight. Vuna scowled, as she stood behind the short orc, “You let her get away,” her voice dripping with venom. Runt turned quickly and bowed his head, “She is hurt Priest Mother, she will not get far, we must find a way down this bluff.” Vuna turned to Garnak, who just leaned against a tree, with that same knowing grin on his face, “She was a decoy.” “What!” Vuna shouted as she stalked towards the orc chieftain, “and you did not say anything?” Garnak stood towering over the smaller woman, “You made it clear your word was law, Priest Mother, I did what I was expected to do, I followed.” He could see the flame of anger burning in the Priest Mother’s eyes, as she turned and stalked back to the gathered orcs, awaiting her next orders. The wolf seeing the Priest Mother’s mood sauntered back to her and sat eyeing the orc chieftain with contempt. Runt cleared his throat, “She is getting away Priest Mother, we must move now to find her,” he bowed his head. Vuna turned, but held her tongue; Runt was useful, he had skills that most other orcs did not possess, and despite speaking out of turn, he was wise, and knew the forest well. Vuna nodded, “Runt, take Ukla and Hamu, follow the woman, hunt her, if you can kill her then do so. May our Lord favor you with his blessing, the rest of you, follow me, we have work to do.” Runt nodded, as the other two orcs stood by him, they were larger then Runt, and bore many scars. The uglier of the two glared down at Runt, it was obvious he was sizing up the smaller the orc. Runt glared back up, his eyes flickering red, the larger orc eventually turned his face and sniffed the air. Runt grinned, “Ukla, Hamu, we go down this way, take it slow, and do not tumble.” The trio of orcs descended down the incline, the ice and moist earth making it much more difficult then it originally looked. But the hunt was on. [b]*****************************************[/b] Malstrom was at the point, his greataxe, in hand. It was a comfort to him, as he stalked the cold, icy forest. The rain and ice and had passed but the cold remained. Following Malstrom, Semmarin kept his bow ready, it was strangely quiet, and the silence did not give him ease either. Tuk and Dae followed huddling in the cold, still air. Tuk’s face was creased with worry, he did not like the idea of Corine going off on her own, but the others seemed to think that it was for the best, and that she could handle herself. But he wasn’t so sure, there were many orcs, and if they found her they would surely kill her. The party though trudged on, the sounding of war horns in the distance, forcing their resolve, there would be no rest for their weary bones; they would have to press on. Malstrom pauses as he was the first to break the tree line, and stare out over an open field, in its center was a ruined tower. The walls were crumbling, and it was obvious this tower, for whatever purpose it had served had seen better days. Malstrom glanced over his shoulder to his companions, and it was obvious that a chance to get out of the cold, even if for a moment, would help. Malstrom lead the way across the ice and snow covered grass. It was a quick jaunt, and they reached the wooden gates, hanging in the entranceway, off the hinges. Whatever had occurred here, it had been violent, burn marks scarred the stone and wood. Any corpses that may have lingered were long gone, perhaps picked clean by scavengers, decomposed, or perhaps became the fell. Semmarin scanned the interior from outside the gate, and motioned when he saw movement within the interior of the crumbling walls. He squinted and spotted a squat, spindly goblin wearing, and a long cloak for warmth. Semmarin drew an arrow and effortlessly let the arrow fly; it struck the wretched creature in the leg, and sent it tumbling. The rest of the party moved forward weapons drawn, as the surrounded the creature. The goblin reached for the arrow, but froze as it saw the party surrounding it, weapons at the ready. It was obviously outclassed, and the fear shined brightly in its eyes. Its long crooked nose sniffled from the pain, and gibbered, its breath easily visible in the air. Malstrom knelt down and spoke in orcish pidgin, “What are you doing here?” The goblin squealed, shielding its face, “I am seeking shelter from the cold, I mean ye no harm, I swear it!” Semmarin scowled and looked to Malstrom, “We should kill it quickly, and move on, this place isn’t safe.” Dae nodded, “Finish it Malstrom.” Malstrom nodded, and turned to the creature, “It seems your luck is done, you die now,” he emphasized bringing his axe to bear. The creature cringed in fear, “Please, spare me, I mean nothing, I am worthless!” Malstrom stayed his hand, “Your whining will not save you, stop crying, wretch. As if you would show us mercy, if you stood in a position in strength.” The creature began to laugh, its voice and mannerisms shifting, its very form, growing, and melting into a new shape. Its face elongated and became a handsome male face, with dark brown eyes, and long black hair. The ragged clothes, became a fine robe, and the arrow fell to the ground, leaving not a mark, as the man stood. The party was both in awe, and fearful with suspicion, it was obvious the human before them, was no simple conjurer of petty tricks. Malstrom kept his greataxe ready, “What sorcery is this!” The man bowed his head, his voice condescending and cultured, “My sorcery, dworg, oh please lower your weapon if truly meant you harm, you would be dead now.” Malstrom growled, “Is that a threat?” The man bowed his head, and then stepped back, he began a complex series of movements with his hands, as he murmured arcane words of power, and then breathed a sigh as if it took great effort to complete the spell, “There that should aid everyone in understanding me.” Semmarin was amazed at the casual nature the man had towards his magic, he moved to speak, but held his mouth closed, and decided to just observe for the moment. Tuk watched amazed, any fear replaced by a sense of awe. Dae scowled, “Who are you?” The man bowed with a flourish, “You may call my Vykos, First wizard of the Order of the Black Dragon, and so on and so forth, but I think from now I shall simply be referred to as the Archwizard. I am sure you may have heard of me.” The party looked at each other with looks of bewilderment and confusion. Semmarin finally spoke, “I have no idea who you are, but we really do not have time for this. A war band of orcs is following us, and I would really like to get in out of the cold.” “You shall refer me to as Archwizard,” Vykos replied with a cold smile, “and as far as getting into the tower, I can help you get inside, but I doubt you will have the capability to open the door of the tower and enter.” Malstrom looked to the door, and then returned his gaze back to Vykos, “Why is that [i]Archwizard[/i]?” “Because he door is locked, and only I can open it,” Vykos replied as if the answer should have been obvious. Semmarin sighed, “Can you open the door for us then?” “I could but I really do not know what you are doing here, or what your intent is, you did shoot me after all with an arrow,” he glanced to Semmarin, to emphasize his point. “You looked like a goblin,” Malstrom interjected. “So you hate goblins then?” Vykos replied. “We hate the Shadow, and do everything in our power to stop its advances,” Dae replied growing irritated. “Oh you hate the Shadow, you wish to fight the Shadow, the One God with what sword, axe, and arrow? You think you can challenge a god and win? You think there is hope? Hope is forsaken in these lands. You will end up just like anyone else that faces the Shadow, a corpse, in a forgotten field, or worse you will rise to serve the very thing you tried defeat. Such is the fate of heroes,” Vykos replied. A war horn sounded in the distance followed by two more soundings. The orcs were getting closer. Malstrom scowled, “It seems you have made your decision, such a powerful Archwizard, and yet you linger out here in the wilds far from civilization. If you are so powerful then why are you out here?” “Because I am an Archwizard, dworg,” Vykos replied with a roll of his eyes, “the One God despises magic, and those that study its arcane arts are hunted. I for one like to steer clear of those who would do me harm.” “So you are afraid, then?” Semmarin replied with a wry smile. “I call it being pragmatic, how can I ever become the greatest Archwizard Eredane has ever known if I am killed long before my time. It would be a great disservice to this world. I fear to see just what the women would do, if they learned of my untimely demise,” Vykos replied with a grin. Malstrom couldn’t help but smirk, “You’re a pompous fool, stand aside, coward, and we have work to do. If you will not help us, then we are through here.” Vykos chuckled, “So touchy, dworg, I never said I wouldn’t help you, like you I serve the resistance.” “But you said you had no qualm with the One God,” Semmarin replied. “Well on principle alone, I do not have any qualms with the Shadow,” Vykos grinned, “But he does persecute the arcane arts, and that is where I take offense with him. I am an Archwizard after all.” Malstrom rolled his eyes, “Of course you are.” Vykos gestured to the tower, “Shall we retreat inside for a moment, to avoid the orcs, I have a plan, but it requires for you all to be out of sight.” [b]****************************************[/b] Runt crouched in the brush, the horrible glowing orb, which burned in the sky, was setting, and the darkness was settling over the icy forest. This human female was proving very clever prey. She knew the land, she could glean its secrets, and she had even killed Hamu, using cover, and hit and run tactics. He did not feel any loss for Hamu, indeed, Ukla and Runt ate well that night, but still it was a loss that he could have gone without. Runt grinned though, she was in hi sights, as he drew his bow, she was getting tired, it was obvious, a mistake was bound to happen. And now he was ready to capitalize on it, all he needed was a more seconds, just a breath, as he focused his aim. The arrow flew straight and true, and pierced the woman’s shoulder. She screamed, and drew her longsword and started running, cursing in the tongue of the Erenland. Runt grinned as he saw Ukla leap after her; he swung his vardatch and the agile Erenlander brought her smaller longsword up in a parry. Steel clashed with steel, as sparks flew, but the melee was joined. Runt stood and slowly drew another arrow, as Ukla try to chop the smaller Erenlander with his vardatch. The blade was nearly as tall as the woman, and the serrated edge had bits dried blood, and gristle clinging to it. The woman ducked left and then feinted right, drawing the orc forward. The woman was quick, as she drove her longsword forward right into Ukla’s gullet, the point of the blade sticking out of his back. Runt scowled, as she ripped the blade from his gullet, spraying hot black blood over the icy ground. His eyes locked with the woman’s as they stared at each, hate boiling between them. A war horn sounded, two quick notes. Runt kept his aim true, as he heard the horn; it was a rare call, the call of retreat. He could take the woman; he could put the arrow right between her eyes with ease. That would be a simple thing, but she was battered and bruised. She still had the will to fight, despite the hunt, and despite her injuries she was not broken. Runt lowered his bow, pointing the arrow to the ground. He motioned with his head for her to run. The woman snarled a curse, but slowly realized that the orc was not going to kill her. She looked confused, but she stumbled away, clutching her wounds, and fled into the darkness. Runt walked over to Ukla, and knelt down, taking his fill for the evening, so that he did not go hungry, and to make sure that he did not return as the fell. Runt glanced up after the retreating woman; he wasn’t sure why he spared her, it just seemed like a good decision. With Ukla and Hamu dead, he could say whatever he liked, and none would be the wiser, and most importantly, he never liked either of them anyway. It would be a simple matter to say that she escaped him when the horn sounded, that would be believable and the truth, as a matter of sorts. As the saying went, [i]The Shadow favors the strong, but he favors the clever even more so[/i]. [b]******************************************[/b] Corine stumbled through the woods, as a tower came into view. Perhaps she could seek shelter; perhaps she was running out time. She was so tired; she had not even removed the arrow, each step becoming a labor, as her eyes became blurry. She would die in this place, alone. It was not a comforting thought, but then again, she had saved her newfound allies, and perhaps she could take solace in that. She fell. Corine lay on the ground face first in the icy dirt. She tried to stand up, but she had no will left. It was getting hard to breathe. Hard to even think as she struggled to remain alive, were those feet, who was it, an orc? Thoughts raced through her mind, as a rough hand picked her up, she tried to struggle, but she could barely move. All she could do was close her eyes. She awoke. She was lying on a bed of hay, a bandage wrapped around her shoulder. She was alive, as she brushed her dark hair from her face. Sitting at her side was Tuk, though he was dozing. She couldn’t help but smile; the little halfling was loyal at least. There were others, the rest of her companions, and men she did not recognize, but for a moment, she felt hope. She had survived, against all hope and she had survived. Somewhere an Old Man smiled, as he walked down a lonely dark road. [/QUOTE]
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The Journey across Midnight (Updated 07SEP03)
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