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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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<blockquote data-quote="EternalNewbie" data-source="post: 6049682" data-attributes="member: 6489"><p>As the last of the tentacles withdrew, Azarek gathered himself up for a charge, sword held back over his shoulder. He took a half dozen steps forward as a figure emerged from the tunnel. Seeing Azarek bearing down on him, the man yelled, “Hold! Hold! Allies!” and tried to duck Azarek. Pulling his blow at the last second, the blade whistled past his head while Azarek staggered past, carried forward by the moment and crashing into the ranger coming behind.</p><p></p><p>“'Bout damn time,” Gorak growled as more rangers crowded into the room. “I'm up to my arse in roast Orc down here. Word was quickly passed back along the tunnel, and the press near the door subsided. A few men entered the room, helping Azarek to lift the unconscious Geoff from atop the the altar. Khalid fought down his desperate need to leave the suffocating room that had almost been his tomb, to allow Geoff to be carried out. Moving to follow, he caught sight of Gorak through the haze, kneeling down near the remains of the Orcish priest. He brushed aside the pile of ash and charred bone, uncovering the twisted black staff. Before Khalid could say anything, he reached down and picked it up. A shudder rippled over his body and his eyes widened, then he shook his head and grinned slightly. </p><p></p><p>Khalid, a worried frown on his face glanced about to see if anyone else had noticed. Somewhat unsettled by the sight of the powerful weapon, he reached out to Gorak. <em>It would perhaps be best, if you do not emerge carrying that. The villagers are already on edge and to see it in the hands of an Orc....</em> He left the rest of the thought unfinished.</p><p></p><p>Gorak scowled at him, then nodded grudging and dropped it into the magical haversack. Khalid breathed a sigh of relief, the hurried to follow the others out of the room. From down the hallway on the right, a thick stream of green Orcish blood flowed past their feet. The dim light made worse by the smoke in the air, Khalid kept his hand on Shayla's shoulder. Following the others, Khalid stumbled over an Orc with his leg torn off, the lower half caught in a wickedly concealed trap and the rest of his body a trampled mess from the crush of the frenzied mob. Peering around his friends, Khalid could see the stairs, packed full of dead bodies. Orcs fleeing the room had encountered those fleeing from above, resulting in terrible carnage when the rangers attacked from the rear. Azarek shifted his grip on Geoff, hooking him under the arms and walking backwards up the stairs. Shayla, seemingly in no rush, waited for him to turn the corner, finally allowing Khalid out of the tunnel. Blinking in the light, strong hands grabbed his arms and pulled up the last few steps.</p><p></p><p>Two men were carefully shoring up the the sagging roof with a large beam. Through the shattered remains of the door, he could see Gorak standing the square, talking to Erik. “...the attack in the South was a feint. As soon as they realized that, they started shifting back north, and we linked up with them two streets over, by the forge. We'd bled them for every inch of the square and counterattacked as soon as we had the strength. We drove a wedge through their reinforcements coming in from the North, by that time, mostly cripples and cowards straggling in. We turned 'em back into the alleys and ground the rest up against the cabin. They were so eager to get the relic, they were jammed up tight, with barely enough room to swing a weapon.”</p><p></p><p>“You cut it pretty close,” Gorak growled. “Another minute and we were broke.”</p><p></p><p>“I can't imagine,” Erik replied. “What you did for us...”</p><p></p><p>“Most of it was yer man Geoff. Without him, it all woulda went for shyte. Khalid will fill you in. I'm gonna go check on the worst of the wounded. Might be I can do one or two of 'em a good turn.” He turned and walked after the two men who'd taken Geoff from him, toward the barracks.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid took a moment to process the terrible cost of the battle. Heaped around him were the bodies of dead and dying Orcs. Those that hadn't been killed outright were shown no mercy. Groups of young boys moved among them with drawn swords, aiding them on their way. Women searched the faces of the dead, calling for stretcher bearers for wounded men, some dropping to their knees in grief at the discovery of a loved one. Wails of sorrow mixed with laughter and sobs of relief, as people began to emerge from hiding. Behind him, two men were shoring up the sagging corner of the building with timbers pulled from the shattered defences.</p><p></p><p>Turning his attention to Erik, Khalid related the events of the battle with flawless accuracy. His grim satisfaction turned to reverent awe as Khalid described Geoff's heroic actions. Several other rangers had gathered around, after overhearing the conversation. After he finished, he could hear the whispers swirling through the dark, filtering throughout the village. Reluctant to be badgered into empty speculation about something he was wholly unprepared to discuss, before any of the villagers around him could speak, he asked Erik,“Is there, ah, someplace, perhaps that I could take my rest?”</p><p></p><p>Azarek at his side, he followed a villager through the darkening streets to a small, unassuming cabin. Having lost track of Shayla in all of the chaos, he instructed the villager to find both her and Gorak and tell them where to find him. Opening the door, he found a tidy and serviceable room. Although it was adequately furnished, Khalid knew that there was only one place he would find an untroubled night's sleep, and opened a portal. Shaking with exhaustion, he dragged himself through the opening and collapsed on the ground. He was vaguely aware of Azarek joining him, before falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.</p><p></p><p>He awoke several hours later and grabbed a few biscuits from the magical haversack, to sate a raging hunger. Not anticipating any further trouble in the village, he decided to let Azarek sleep and dropped out of the shelter. Pausing briefly to mutter a few words and strip the soil and sweat of combat from his body, he set out in search of Gorak or Shayla, neither of whom had apparently sought him out during the night. Stepping out into the sunlight, he judged it around noon the following day. Not really knowing where else to look for his companions, he headed back to the main square.</p><p></p><p>The industrious villagers wasted no time in erasing the scars of battle. The square was bustling with activity. He needn't have worried about food, as several tables had been set up, laden with food for the taking. Men worked, shoring up building and hauling away bodies. Those of friends and family were covered in makeshift shrouds and carted away to the cemetery; those of the enemy hurled on a raging fire. He caught sight of Erik across the square, talking to Gorak and Shayla, and about a half dozen men wearing armour and heavily armed. Approaching the group, Khalid was surprised to see that some of them were young men who he was sure weren't dressed that way two days ago.</p><p> </p><p>“...to the East, follow the creek bed and check that camp over at Heron's pond. Circle back along the ridge if you don't find anything and head back here.” The men dispersed, gathering up rations and supplies.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, you're going out there?” Khalid asked, somewhat surprised.</p><p></p><p>“We slaughtered them. Less than one in ten are left I wager and the worst hit were the fanatics from the forest tribes. We've counted their dead, and I think we might have wiped two clans out, to a man. The stragglers will be from the hills or the plains and they don't know this forest like we do. We've got a real chance to end the Orcish threat in these woods for generations to come. And I mean to take it.”</p><p></p><p>Gorak nodded in agreement. “Good luck with that. I'm going to need a few more days with the wounded. Still a few that are touch and go here.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, how's Geoff?” Khalid asked.</p><p></p><p>“Better,” Gorak grunted. “Or at least smaller. I figure that's gotta be a good thing. He hasn't woke up yet and that's probably for the best.”</p><p></p><p>They spent the next few days recuperating in the village. On the third day, it was clear that both Shayla and Azarek were bored, and not likely to become better company because of it. Having recovered physically, if not entirely emotionally, from the battle, Khalid sought out Gorak to discuss their next move. He found him among the wounded, most of whom were well on their way to recovery thanks to his extraordinary skills. There was no question that the casualties would have been significantly higher, if not for his help and all thoughts of distrust had long since vanished from the village. Seeing him approach, Gorak grunted a greeting.</p><p></p><p>“How fare the wounded?” Khalid asked.</p><p></p><p>“Well enough,” Gorak rumbled. “Their healers can manage from here.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, and Geoff?”</p><p></p><p>Gorak sighed. “Nothing physically wrong with him. The lights is on, but ain't nobody home. Nothing more I can do for him now.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, well, then as much as I do not wish to venture out into the wilderness again, it is perhaps time to resume our trek home.”</p><p></p><p>“Ya,” Gorak grunted. “This place ain't gonna be safe forever. Best not to get too comfy.”</p><p></p><p>The chatted for a few minutes longer, before Khalid took his leave. Turning over an idea in his mind, he sought out Azarek and bid him follow as he returned to the rangers barracks. Walking to the back of the long room filled with cots, he opened the door to room where Geoff lay. Approaching quietly, he knelt down at the side of his bed and studied him carefully. He had to agree with Gorak; there seemed to be nothing physically wrong with him. A fresh, pink scar was visible below his right arm, where he had been stabbed, but his stomach had returned to his normal size. His face was peaceful, and his breathing deep and even. He looked like nothing more than a man in a deep sleep.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, I'm going to attempt something and I do not know what the results may be,” Khalid said quietly. “Stand guard, and watch. It is likely that nothing will come of this.”</p><p></p><p>Placing his hand gently on Geoff's forehead, he closed his eyes. Reciting a mantra to clear the mind, he slowly shut off his senses, one by one, and extended his consciousness. <em>Geoff. Can you hear me? It's Khalid. Receiving no hint of awareness, he tried again. The battle has been won. You're safe and the village has been saved.</em></p><p></p><p>It was the smell that reached him first. Thick, and loamy; the forest just after the rains. He opened his eyes to see trees all around. Birds and other animals chattered and conversed, filling the air. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, illuminating the hollows and casting dim shadows all around. A flicker of motion caught his eye and again he reached out. “Geoff!” The shocking harshness of his voice shattered the harmony, causing birds all around him to take flight. Khalid was no fool; he had long ago developed the confidence to trust his instincts. This was no dream. </p><p></p><p>The thought gave him little comfort.</p><p></p><p><em>He cannot not hear you</em>, replied a voice carried on the wind. Or perhaps the voice was the wind, rustling the trees. Khalid couldn't tell.</p><p></p><p>“Who are you?” Khalid asked, searching the trees. Again the briefest glimpse of a form, walking alone along the treeline. </p><p></p><p><em>You know who I am.</em> He did. He relaxed only a little, still a little wary at how easily he had been overwhelmed and inherently cautious around a being of such incredible power; power that other men might call a goddess. “Is Geoff okay?” he asked.</p><p></p><p><em>He is safe.</em></p><p></p><p>“When will he return?”</p><p></p><p><em>He is not ready. His body is healed but his spirit is damaged. In time, he will be whole again and he will rejoin his brethren.</em></p><p></p><p>Satisfied. Khalid quickly considered his next question. Talking to a being of such power was an opportunity he did not intend to waste. “What is...”</p><p></p><p>The pain was unbelievable. A thousand stars burst before his eyes and he felt an extreme sense of vertigo, like he was falling without end. Grasping at his head, it was all he could do to retain his sanity as his reality changed in a split second. Reeling in confusion, he struggled to raise his defences before the next onslaught, but the words wouldn't come. Only in the presence of a devil had Khalid felt as helpless as he did now.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="EternalNewbie, post: 6049682, member: 6489"] As the last of the tentacles withdrew, Azarek gathered himself up for a charge, sword held back over his shoulder. He took a half dozen steps forward as a figure emerged from the tunnel. Seeing Azarek bearing down on him, the man yelled, “Hold! Hold! Allies!” and tried to duck Azarek. Pulling his blow at the last second, the blade whistled past his head while Azarek staggered past, carried forward by the moment and crashing into the ranger coming behind. “'Bout damn time,” Gorak growled as more rangers crowded into the room. “I'm up to my arse in roast Orc down here. Word was quickly passed back along the tunnel, and the press near the door subsided. A few men entered the room, helping Azarek to lift the unconscious Geoff from atop the the altar. Khalid fought down his desperate need to leave the suffocating room that had almost been his tomb, to allow Geoff to be carried out. Moving to follow, he caught sight of Gorak through the haze, kneeling down near the remains of the Orcish priest. He brushed aside the pile of ash and charred bone, uncovering the twisted black staff. Before Khalid could say anything, he reached down and picked it up. A shudder rippled over his body and his eyes widened, then he shook his head and grinned slightly. Khalid, a worried frown on his face glanced about to see if anyone else had noticed. Somewhat unsettled by the sight of the powerful weapon, he reached out to Gorak. [I]It would perhaps be best, if you do not emerge carrying that. The villagers are already on edge and to see it in the hands of an Orc....[/I] He left the rest of the thought unfinished. Gorak scowled at him, then nodded grudging and dropped it into the magical haversack. Khalid breathed a sigh of relief, the hurried to follow the others out of the room. From down the hallway on the right, a thick stream of green Orcish blood flowed past their feet. The dim light made worse by the smoke in the air, Khalid kept his hand on Shayla's shoulder. Following the others, Khalid stumbled over an Orc with his leg torn off, the lower half caught in a wickedly concealed trap and the rest of his body a trampled mess from the crush of the frenzied mob. Peering around his friends, Khalid could see the stairs, packed full of dead bodies. Orcs fleeing the room had encountered those fleeing from above, resulting in terrible carnage when the rangers attacked from the rear. Azarek shifted his grip on Geoff, hooking him under the arms and walking backwards up the stairs. Shayla, seemingly in no rush, waited for him to turn the corner, finally allowing Khalid out of the tunnel. Blinking in the light, strong hands grabbed his arms and pulled up the last few steps. Two men were carefully shoring up the the sagging roof with a large beam. Through the shattered remains of the door, he could see Gorak standing the square, talking to Erik. “...the attack in the South was a feint. As soon as they realized that, they started shifting back north, and we linked up with them two streets over, by the forge. We'd bled them for every inch of the square and counterattacked as soon as we had the strength. We drove a wedge through their reinforcements coming in from the North, by that time, mostly cripples and cowards straggling in. We turned 'em back into the alleys and ground the rest up against the cabin. They were so eager to get the relic, they were jammed up tight, with barely enough room to swing a weapon.” “You cut it pretty close,” Gorak growled. “Another minute and we were broke.” “I can't imagine,” Erik replied. “What you did for us...” “Most of it was yer man Geoff. Without him, it all woulda went for shyte. Khalid will fill you in. I'm gonna go check on the worst of the wounded. Might be I can do one or two of 'em a good turn.” He turned and walked after the two men who'd taken Geoff from him, toward the barracks.” Khalid took a moment to process the terrible cost of the battle. Heaped around him were the bodies of dead and dying Orcs. Those that hadn't been killed outright were shown no mercy. Groups of young boys moved among them with drawn swords, aiding them on their way. Women searched the faces of the dead, calling for stretcher bearers for wounded men, some dropping to their knees in grief at the discovery of a loved one. Wails of sorrow mixed with laughter and sobs of relief, as people began to emerge from hiding. Behind him, two men were shoring up the sagging corner of the building with timbers pulled from the shattered defences. Turning his attention to Erik, Khalid related the events of the battle with flawless accuracy. His grim satisfaction turned to reverent awe as Khalid described Geoff's heroic actions. Several other rangers had gathered around, after overhearing the conversation. After he finished, he could hear the whispers swirling through the dark, filtering throughout the village. Reluctant to be badgered into empty speculation about something he was wholly unprepared to discuss, before any of the villagers around him could speak, he asked Erik,“Is there, ah, someplace, perhaps that I could take my rest?” Azarek at his side, he followed a villager through the darkening streets to a small, unassuming cabin. Having lost track of Shayla in all of the chaos, he instructed the villager to find both her and Gorak and tell them where to find him. Opening the door, he found a tidy and serviceable room. Although it was adequately furnished, Khalid knew that there was only one place he would find an untroubled night's sleep, and opened a portal. Shaking with exhaustion, he dragged himself through the opening and collapsed on the ground. He was vaguely aware of Azarek joining him, before falling into a deep, dreamless sleep. He awoke several hours later and grabbed a few biscuits from the magical haversack, to sate a raging hunger. Not anticipating any further trouble in the village, he decided to let Azarek sleep and dropped out of the shelter. Pausing briefly to mutter a few words and strip the soil and sweat of combat from his body, he set out in search of Gorak or Shayla, neither of whom had apparently sought him out during the night. Stepping out into the sunlight, he judged it around noon the following day. Not really knowing where else to look for his companions, he headed back to the main square. The industrious villagers wasted no time in erasing the scars of battle. The square was bustling with activity. He needn't have worried about food, as several tables had been set up, laden with food for the taking. Men worked, shoring up building and hauling away bodies. Those of friends and family were covered in makeshift shrouds and carted away to the cemetery; those of the enemy hurled on a raging fire. He caught sight of Erik across the square, talking to Gorak and Shayla, and about a half dozen men wearing armour and heavily armed. Approaching the group, Khalid was surprised to see that some of them were young men who he was sure weren't dressed that way two days ago. “...to the East, follow the creek bed and check that camp over at Heron's pond. Circle back along the ridge if you don't find anything and head back here.” The men dispersed, gathering up rations and supplies. “Ah, you're going out there?” Khalid asked, somewhat surprised. “We slaughtered them. Less than one in ten are left I wager and the worst hit were the fanatics from the forest tribes. We've counted their dead, and I think we might have wiped two clans out, to a man. The stragglers will be from the hills or the plains and they don't know this forest like we do. We've got a real chance to end the Orcish threat in these woods for generations to come. And I mean to take it.” Gorak nodded in agreement. “Good luck with that. I'm going to need a few more days with the wounded. Still a few that are touch and go here.” “Ah, how's Geoff?” Khalid asked. “Better,” Gorak grunted. “Or at least smaller. I figure that's gotta be a good thing. He hasn't woke up yet and that's probably for the best.” They spent the next few days recuperating in the village. On the third day, it was clear that both Shayla and Azarek were bored, and not likely to become better company because of it. Having recovered physically, if not entirely emotionally, from the battle, Khalid sought out Gorak to discuss their next move. He found him among the wounded, most of whom were well on their way to recovery thanks to his extraordinary skills. There was no question that the casualties would have been significantly higher, if not for his help and all thoughts of distrust had long since vanished from the village. Seeing him approach, Gorak grunted a greeting. “How fare the wounded?” Khalid asked. “Well enough,” Gorak rumbled. “Their healers can manage from here.” “Ah, and Geoff?” Gorak sighed. “Nothing physically wrong with him. The lights is on, but ain't nobody home. Nothing more I can do for him now.” “Ah, yes, well, then as much as I do not wish to venture out into the wilderness again, it is perhaps time to resume our trek home.” “Ya,” Gorak grunted. “This place ain't gonna be safe forever. Best not to get too comfy.” The chatted for a few minutes longer, before Khalid took his leave. Turning over an idea in his mind, he sought out Azarek and bid him follow as he returned to the rangers barracks. Walking to the back of the long room filled with cots, he opened the door to room where Geoff lay. Approaching quietly, he knelt down at the side of his bed and studied him carefully. He had to agree with Gorak; there seemed to be nothing physically wrong with him. A fresh, pink scar was visible below his right arm, where he had been stabbed, but his stomach had returned to his normal size. His face was peaceful, and his breathing deep and even. He looked like nothing more than a man in a deep sleep. “Ah, I'm going to attempt something and I do not know what the results may be,” Khalid said quietly. “Stand guard, and watch. It is likely that nothing will come of this.” Placing his hand gently on Geoff's forehead, he closed his eyes. Reciting a mantra to clear the mind, he slowly shut off his senses, one by one, and extended his consciousness. [I]Geoff. Can you hear me? It's Khalid. Receiving no hint of awareness, he tried again. The battle has been won. You're safe and the village has been saved.[/I] It was the smell that reached him first. Thick, and loamy; the forest just after the rains. He opened his eyes to see trees all around. Birds and other animals chattered and conversed, filling the air. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, illuminating the hollows and casting dim shadows all around. A flicker of motion caught his eye and again he reached out. “Geoff!” The shocking harshness of his voice shattered the harmony, causing birds all around him to take flight. Khalid was no fool; he had long ago developed the confidence to trust his instincts. This was no dream. The thought gave him little comfort. [I]He cannot not hear you[/I], replied a voice carried on the wind. Or perhaps the voice was the wind, rustling the trees. Khalid couldn't tell. “Who are you?” Khalid asked, searching the trees. Again the briefest glimpse of a form, walking alone along the treeline. [I]You know who I am.[/I] He did. He relaxed only a little, still a little wary at how easily he had been overwhelmed and inherently cautious around a being of such incredible power; power that other men might call a goddess. “Is Geoff okay?” he asked. [I]He is safe.[/I] “When will he return?” [I]He is not ready. His body is healed but his spirit is damaged. In time, he will be whole again and he will rejoin his brethren.[/I] Satisfied. Khalid quickly considered his next question. Talking to a being of such power was an opportunity he did not intend to waste. “What is...” The pain was unbelievable. A thousand stars burst before his eyes and he felt an extreme sense of vertigo, like he was falling without end. Grasping at his head, it was all he could do to retain his sanity as his reality changed in a split second. Reeling in confusion, he struggled to raise his defences before the next onslaught, but the words wouldn't come. Only in the presence of a devil had Khalid felt as helpless as he did now. [/QUOTE]
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