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<blockquote data-quote="EternalNewbie" data-source="post: 3997363" data-attributes="member: 6489"><p>“Alright, here's how it's gonna go,” Gorak began before he was interrupted by Khalid's casting. With a sheepish grin, Khalid tossed a tiny strip of leather into the air as golden bands of magical armor wrapped around him.</p><p> </p><p>“Okay,” Gorak growled with a pointed look at Khalid. “So I checked this place out and it's pretty much like we expected. It's cut into the side of the mountain up ahead, about fifteen feet off the ground. There's a ledge out front, maybe twenty feet across. I didn't get too close, but it looked ta me like one big room, with a wide entrance. Didn't see nobody moving around either.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, so getting up there is going to be an issue?” Khalid suggested.</p><p></p><p>“Yup, that's pretty much it. We all gotta get up there real fast, before this guy figures out what's going on.”</p><p></p><p>“Nothing we haven't done before,” Shayla noted.</p><p></p><p>“Ya, but it takes a lot outta me, and we got one more this time.” Gorak jerked his thumb at the goblin.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, quite,” Khalid agreed. “I have something that will certainly, yes, certainly help. A new formula that I believe is ready.”</p><p></p><p>Gorak frowned and was about to say something when Shayla spoke up. “Well, is it ready or not?” she asked impatiently.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, well, under these conditions, testing it has been, ah, difficult,” Khalid stammered defensively, “and yes, I'd hoped to improve upon the duration somewhat. It's really quite limited.” He sighed regretfully.</p><p></p><p>“And what's it do?” Gorak grunted.</p><p></p><p>“Grants a measure, yes, a measure of flight, directed by will alone. It's fast, but as I said, last only a few minutes. Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>“Can you take care of yerself and Shayla wit that?” Gorak asked. When Khalid nodded, Gorak continued, “Good, then I'll take care of me and the goblin.” He turned to look at the little goblin, who was studiously examining his sword blade for flaws. “Since those two are gonna be buzzing around, yer only job is to keep whatever comes outta that cave off me for as long as possible.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, I'd suggest staying clear, yes, clear of the cave. It's going to be very, ah, unpleasant in there.” Khalid said with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>Since there was really no need to discuss Shayla's role, they hurriedly finished packing up their belongings, and dropped out of the magical shelter into the early morning sunlight. As they headed towards the cave, Khalid walked beside Shayla, instructing her on the use of the spell. “Ah, you will have near flawless control of your movement, and orientation does not matter so much. However, stabilizing yourself can be a challenge.” He paused for a second as Gorak waved them back and scouted the path ahead. Watching Gorak vanish around a bend, he continued in a low whisper, “Unfortunately, along with the limited duration of only, ah few minutes, the spell exerts a constant force.” When Shayla raised an eyebrow, he explained, “Ah, that means that the weight of the earth will hold you back, when you try to gain, yes, gain altitude. If you are descending however, you will pick up speed quickly.”</p><p></p><p>“How will I know when it's gonna run out? It's not just going to drop me is it?” Shayla asked.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, no, as the spell unravels the force will dissipate slowly. It permits you some time to reach the ground, but not more than a few seconds. If you concentrate, yes, concentrate on the magic, like we practiced, you will gain a feel for the strength of the weave, and the time until it fails.”</p><p></p><p>Gorak returned and crouched down on his haunches, sketching out the path in the snow. “We're close now,” he growled. “Real close. I'm gonna get our little friend here ready, then go take a look, see if they've caught a whiff of us yet. Gimme a minute or so, then if nothings wrong, kit up and join me up front.”</p><p></p><p>“What's the signal if something's wrong?” Shayla asked.</p><p></p><p>“If'n you see me come running down this path, you probably wanna follow, otherwise, I'll see ya up there.” He spat out a litany of enchantments, fortifying himself and the goblin. His spellcasting complete, Gorak tipped over Sousee's wicker basket, then closed his eyes and concentrated. Slowly his arms and legs melded into his torso and his black skin took on a scaly, emerald sheen. His features melted away as his nose lengthened. Dropping into a thick coil, Gorak slithered away down the path with Sousee following closely behind him.</p><p> </p><p>Khalid counted to one hundred and, hearing nothing from down the path, began to cast spells in rapid succession. The goblin hurried down the path, with Shayla following close behind. Khalid finished his spell and felt a peculiar tension around his body as his feet slowly lifted off the ground. Skimming low over the path, he quickly passed Shayla and the goblin and joined Gorak.</p><p></p><p>Gorak and Sousee darted out into the clearing as Khalid surveyed the area. The path, up until this point, had been nothing more than a thin fracture in the mountain. Here, it widened out into a huge basin, more than fifty feet across. Directly opposite where they were standing was the ledge and just above it, Khalid could barely see the opening to the cave. The goblin rushed past him, moving quickly to cross the open ground. Khalid held Shayla back for a second, not wanting to reach the cliff before Gorak and the goblin. When he judged them close enough, he shot out of hiding, flying parallel to the ground, only inches from the surface with Shayla close on his heels. They all reached the ledge at the same time, and hesitated for a split second, listening for any sound of alarm from above.</p><p></p><p>Hearing nothing, Khalid willed himself to rise up off the ground while the goblin placed his hands on the rock and began to climb effortlessly up the side. Gorak and Sousee rose up out of the snow and found crevices in the ice, their thick muscles propelling them easily up the cliff.</p><p></p><p>Khalid reached the top first and saw instantly the that layout of the cave was perfect for what he had in mind. The angle of the sun made the interior of the cave hard to see clearly, but through the gloom he could barely make out two shadowy forms at the back of the cavern. Without exposing more than his head over the edge of the plateau, Khalid launched into a spell, opening a portal as far back as he could see. Instantly, noxious fumes poured out of the magical gate, filling the cave and spilling out onto the plateau. The area was concealed by the rust coloured smoke but Khalid could hear the sound of violent retching from within.</p><p></p><p>Gorak slid over the lip of the plateau and shimmered back into his own form as the goblin clambered up and moved into position in front of him. When Gorak began to cast, Sousee slithered around his feet and away from the goblin.</p><p></p><p>Khalid turned to tell Shayla that the coast was clear but the words caught in his throat as a huge monstrosity materialized out of the smoke. The terrible abomination offended Khalid in an almost spiritual way. It was composed of various body parts, nailed, bolted and stitched together in a hideous parody of life. Its torso appeared to be mostly hill giant, mounted on the squat, powerful legs of an ogre. Dozens of patches of stark white goblin flesh had been stitched across vulnerable joints and gear work, giving the creature a scabrous, diseased appearance. A huge fur-covered arm from a yeti, with thick steel spikes driven into the fingers in place of claws, dragged along the ground as the beast lurched towards them with surprising speed. The thing's left hand, human but grossly elongated somehow, lashed out like a whip and wrapped around the goblin's hastily raised shield. Dragging it aside easily, the yeti arm swept around, driving the steel hooks through the goblin's metal helm and deep into his skull. The reptilian head, swiveling atop the massive torso searching for more prey to feed its mindless rage, would have been almost comical if not for the expression of hideous agony etched upon its features. Shaking aside the body, the creature's milk white eyes turned to focus on Gorak.</p><p></p><p>Shayla, needing no encouragement from Khalid to make an entrance, flew up and away from the ledge. The mountain wind whipped her auburn curls about wildly but it had no effect on her aim as she hovered over the ledge and called on the fury of her magic. She smiled slightly as the jet of searing flame streaked out, striking the creature dead center in chest. The smile faded as the flames washed over the abomination without even singeing the dead goblin flesh. “It didn't do anything,” Shayla cried. “I don't think I can hurt it”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, no wait!” Khalid yelled. Although it appeared unhurt, the thing began to shake and shudder violently while jets of steam burst out from vents along its spine. “I think it's overheating!”</p><p></p><p>Gorak, ignoring the monstrosity standing only a few feet away from him, finished his spell and summoned a huge wolf, three times the size of a goblin worg, behind the construct. Even before it fully coalesced, it lunged forward and sank its huge jaws into the abominations hip. There was a protesting squeal of metal and the crunch of bone as the wolf bit deep and sparks flew from the ground as the metal spikes on the creature's feet scrabbled against the icy surface. Shaking its powerful neck and shoulders viciously, the wolf swept the feet out from under the golem and sent it crashing to the ground.</p><p></p><p>Khalid, uncertain as to which of his spells would affect the magical beast, hesitated while Gorak launched into another spell. Sousee lashed out, biting ineffectually at the creature's head while Shayla began casting again, this time chanting furiously and for far longer than Khalid had ever seen. At the culmination of her spell, a thick stream of viscous acid sprayed out from her fingers, soaking the downed creature but like the flame, had no visible effect.</p><p></p><p>The abomination, flailing and struggling while steam continued to jet from its body, tried to get to its feet, but once again the wolf darted in and knocked it over. As the wolf pulled away, it tore free a huge strip of flesh from the beast's chest, exposing metal ribs beneath.</p><p></p><p>Gorak, finishing his spell, raised his hands into the air and called down a bolt of lightening, striking the creature full on. Sparks danced around the exposed bolts and wiring, and steam stopped jetting out of the thing's back. It's motions became more fluid and less hectic, but it still wasn't able to dodge away from the dire wolf's fearsome attack.</p><p></p><p>Shayla and Khalid, having no options, waited for the chance to do something. The creature, moving again with unnatural grace, curled its feet underneath it, and leapt up and away from the wolf's gnashing teeth. Landing upright, the huge yeti arm swung in a wide arc, flaying the skin from the dire wolf and sending it tumbling away.</p><p></p><p>“Don't hit it with lightning again!” Khalid cried out.</p><p></p><p>“Don't worry about that,” Gorak roared as he ducked out of the way of the golem's arm.</p><p></p><p>“Shayla! Hit it with fire again! Overheat it!”</p><p></p><p>Shayla started casting and once more bathed the golem with fire, causing steam and smoke to shoot out of its ruptured joints. The wolf barreled back into the fight and hamstrung the creature, sending it tumbling to the ground once more. Gorak, taking advantage of the off-balance golem, brought his cudgel crashing down, destroying several of the gears on the human arm.</p><p></p><p>Abandoning its futile attempts to stand, the golem lashed out at the wolf from the ground. Catching the animal before it could shy away, the powerful blow tore out one of its eyes and shattered several teeth. Gorak and the wolf continued to take turns punishing the creature. As the golem raised its hands to fend off Gorak's wicked strike, the wolf dove forward, savaging at the creature's armored stomach. Digging in its heels, the wolf sunk its teeth deep into the golems flesh, and tore out a huge mawful of gore and copper tubing. The golem continued to flail, but now its legs seemed to be working against it, twitching and kicking at nothing.</p><p></p><p>Khalid, still seeing little opportunity to help, was watching the fight anxiously as a cowled figure stumbled out of the noxious smoke. It was impossible to determine the creature's race or gender, so alien were its twisted features. Its black robes were stained and filthy, in no small part due to Khalid's spell. The creature fell to its knees and gasped for air, clutching at its stomach as another spasm wracked its body. Uncertain of how long the wizard would be incapacitated, Khalid cast another spell and coated the retching mage in a shroud of glittering yellow dust.</p><p></p><p> Gorak easily ducked under the golem's last feeble effort and pinned its human arm to the ground, beneath his foot. Drawing back his cudgel, he brought it down with a sharp crack, crushing the golem's skull as the wolf leapt in one final time and tore one of the thing's legs completely off. An instant later the wolf vanished, and the twisted leg clattering to the rock. With a terrible squeal of metal on metal and one final shudder, the golem collapsed, sending a wave of steaming fluid washing over the plateau.</p><p></p><p>Gorak quickly checked the downed the goblin but stood up again without casting a spell. Shayla and Khalid landed on the ledge, on either side of the incapacitated wizard, waiting for Gorak to join them. He stepped up between them, his cudgel held low at his waist. Looking at Khalid and then Shayla, he grunted, “Well, this is what we came here for.” He leaned down close the the wizard, who was crawling away on his hands and knees. “Maybe next time, if yer nicer, this sort of thing won't happen.” he growled as he brought his cudgel down across the back of the creatures neck, driving it to the ground. Gorak struck out again, for good measure, rendering the wizard unconscious but not killing it outright.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, maybe there is no need,” Khalid started to say when a voice that was not his own echoed in his mind.</p><p></p><p><em>Please...finish him...quickly</em></p><p></p><p>“Ah, what?” Khalid blurted aloud, startled. He realized that both Gorak and Shayla were looking at him oddly.</p><p></p><p><em>Hurry...do not...let him back into my...head</em> </p><p></p><p>Waves of loathing and terror washed over Khalid. Shame and hate almost overwhelmed him, as memories that were not his own triggered primal emotions. With a gasp, Khalid jerked a knife from its sheath on his belt, and plunged it into the wizard's crumpled form.</p><p></p><p>“Uh,” Gorak grunted as stared hard at Khalid. “Right, why don't you just take care of that then.”</p><p></p><p>“Not me,” Khalid said as he stood up somewhat unsteadily. “The voice, yes, voice told me to do that.”</p><p></p><p>“Um, maybe you shouldn't be listening to the voices in your head any more Khalid,” Shayla said carefully.</p><p></p><p>Regaining some of his self control, Khalid frowned and replied. “Ah, no, I'm not crazy. It was him, yes, him.” He pointed into the gloom of the cave. With the portal closed there was nothing to sustain the foul smoke and the last of the mist was blowing away on the wind. Barely visible at the back of the cave was a damaged and bloody figure, bound tightly to a wooden rack.</p><p></p><p>Gorak moved swiftly to the bound figure and began to cut him free. Muttering a spell under his breath, he placed a powerful hand on the man's chest and pressed him down upon the table as his most potent healing magic coursed through his body.</p><p></p><p>The man thrashed at Gorak's touch, but was too weak to push him away. As the wounds began to close, sense returned to his eyes and he calmed down. When Gorak moved his hand away, the man sat up on the table, and slid off the edge gingerly, slowly testing his weight on unsteady legs.</p><p></p><p>Khalid opened a portal with a word and a gesture and they helped weary prisoner up into the safety of the magical dimension. He accepted only a mouthful of water before falling into a deep sleep. Although Khalid feared he would not live the night, his breathing seemed steady and deep. Late that night, when they were forced to wake him and depart the collapsing dimension, he seemed much more alert and healthy. Gorak took the opportunity to cast a few more healing spells before the man again dropped into a heavy slumber in the safety of the magical shelter.</p><p></p><p>They took turns watching over him as he slept well into the afternoon of the following day. He woke on his own, long enough for Khalid to reinforce the magical portal and wolf down a substantial amount of food. On the second day, he awoke, seemingly completely mended both physically and mentally from his torment. He was oblivious to the trio's curious stares as he ate in silence, finally sighing heavily and tossing half of hard unleavened biscuit back into rations bag.</p><p></p><p>“My apologies, my new friends, for my lack of composure until now. Suffering under such wretched enslavement had greatly weakened me, as you can imagine. I am eternally greatful for your courage and heroism in rescuing me from that demon and I owe you a great debt. Your will is my command.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid frowned at that curious phrase and was suddenly struck by how this man reminded him of Jalaal, only...more so. Healed of his wounds by Gorak's magic, his body was fit and strong, tanned a dark metallic bronze. He wore little in the way of clothing, but seemed bothered little by cold. His smile was quick and broad, and his teeth even and flashed brighter than the icy snow. Gold hoops and rings adorned both ears, and his earlobes had been stretched out, pulled down by gleaming golden weights. Even after all he had been through, his delicately oiled mustache was perfectly smooth, with not a hair out of place.</p><p></p><p>“Ya,” Gorak grunted, “we'll you'll get a chance ta work off that debt right soon, don't worry. You're going to show us through these mountains.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course,” the man said quickly. “Whatever you wish.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes,” Khalid interjected carefully, motioning Gorak back. “Time enough to discuss that later. Tell us, yes, tell us my friend, what is your name?”</p><p></p><p>“Ruwayd of the Seven Hills tribe, from the great northern oasis, at your service.” He said, with a low bow over his hands and a flash of his brilliant smile.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes,” Khalid nodded, then narrowed his eyes shrewdly. “And so there are no misunderstandings, what, exactly are you?”</p><p></p><p>The smile didn't waver as the man bowed low again. “Janni my friend, the Seven Hills tribe are janni.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, quite, that would explain it.”</p><p></p><p>“What's all this about?” Shayla asked curiously.</p><p></p><p>“He is a wind walker.” Khalid said slowly, as the Janni Ruwayd nodded. “The spirit of air rushes through his blood. His people are not from this world, but well suited to it.” Receiving only a blank stare from Shayla, he sighed. “He is, kin to the creatures of fabled desert lore, the djinn and the efreet. Genie.”</p><p></p><p>“So you grant wishes?” Shayla asked pointedly.</p><p></p><p>The man laughed uproariously at the suggestion, “No, my lady, unless it is your wish to always be bathed within the light of my smile.”</p><p></p><p>“Charmer, this one,” Shayla said with a toss of her curls. “Well, that tells me everything I need to know. Are we about ready to move on?”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, we should perhaps attend to his friend,” Khalid said, delicately.</p><p></p><p>“Friend,” Ruwayd asked, with a confused look.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, in truth we did not rescue you of our own accord, we were led here, yes, led here by another. A goblin.”</p><p></p><p>“How remarkable. And since he is not here among us, I assume he has paid for my freedom with his life?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>“Another debt to repay,” the Janni half-whispered. Then he spoke aloud, “I would see to my friend's rest, before we set upon our journey.”</p><p></p><p>“Whatever,” Gorak grunted. “I guess he deserves that much. He weren't half bad, fer a goblin.”</p><p></p><p>They gathered up their belongings and prepared the goblin's tomb. To his surprise, Ruwayd suggested that they build a small cairn within the wizard's cave. “All things will avoid this place for many years to come, I think,” he pointed out. “He should enjoy his rest undisturbed.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid took the opportunity to filch a few choice tomes from the wizard's library, while the janni bowed his head and whispered a few words in a floating, airy language. The goblin properly interred. They set out down the path, with the Janni leading the way.</p><p></p><p>They hadn't gone very far, when the Janni turned and called back over his shoulders. “What I say now, is not an attempt to relieve myself of my obligation to you, but I think you should know that the way ahead is quite difficult.” </p><p></p><p>“Don't worry about that,” Gorak grunted. “We got ways to take care of all that.”</p><p></p><p>“I had assumed as much, since you have made it this far and bested that fiend on your own merit. I just thought I should prepare you for the journey.”</p><p></p><p>As they traveled along, Khalid wracked his mind for anything he could recall about Janni. He knew they were possessed of several extraordinary powers by virtue of their heritage, but he could remember little of the specifics. He did know that they tended to be tribal and fiercely loyal to their friends, which did much to set Khalid at ease around him. Watching the Janni carefully confirmed one of his suspicions however. Like Gorak, the Janni appeared to walk normally, but his feet barely disturbed the snow on the path.</p><p></p><p>They spent several torturous days climbing over frozen bridges of ice between two peaks and then struggled further up the side of another mountain. By the morning of the forth day, the had reached a small plateau and were faced with a short climb over a ridge before descending in the the valley below. Ruwayd, seemingly never wearied by the climb, motioned for them to rest while he easily scaled the rock face.</p><p></p><p>He disappeared from sight briefly and then leaned over the edge. “I had feared as much. You had best join me up here, quickly.”</p><p></p><p>They scrambled to their feet and climbed up the cliff to join Ruwayd on a broad ledge. The view before them was breathtaking, as the mountain fell away into a deep valley, covered with thick pine trees and buried in snow. As Khalid took in the scenic panorama, the Janni whispered, “You said that you had methods to deal with the dangerous parts?” When Gorak grunted, the Janni continued. “Then prepare yourselves, for this is one of those places.” He pointed across the valley, mid-way up the side of a mountain. At first, Khalid could see nothing. Then a distant shriek, unlike anything Khalid had heard before, split through the air. </p><p></p><p>“Impossible,” he gasped. From a small perch on the cliff face, a beast leapt away from the rock and spread its wings. Sunlight glittered off of the bluish green scales as the beast quickly gained altitude. With another shriek, the dragon rolled over in the air and plunged down into the forest below.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="EternalNewbie, post: 3997363, member: 6489"] “Alright, here's how it's gonna go,” Gorak began before he was interrupted by Khalid's casting. With a sheepish grin, Khalid tossed a tiny strip of leather into the air as golden bands of magical armor wrapped around him. “Okay,” Gorak growled with a pointed look at Khalid. “So I checked this place out and it's pretty much like we expected. It's cut into the side of the mountain up ahead, about fifteen feet off the ground. There's a ledge out front, maybe twenty feet across. I didn't get too close, but it looked ta me like one big room, with a wide entrance. Didn't see nobody moving around either.” “Ah, so getting up there is going to be an issue?” Khalid suggested. “Yup, that's pretty much it. We all gotta get up there real fast, before this guy figures out what's going on.” “Nothing we haven't done before,” Shayla noted. “Ya, but it takes a lot outta me, and we got one more this time.” Gorak jerked his thumb at the goblin. “Yes, quite,” Khalid agreed. “I have something that will certainly, yes, certainly help. A new formula that I believe is ready.” Gorak frowned and was about to say something when Shayla spoke up. “Well, is it ready or not?” she asked impatiently. “Ah, well, under these conditions, testing it has been, ah, difficult,” Khalid stammered defensively, “and yes, I'd hoped to improve upon the duration somewhat. It's really quite limited.” He sighed regretfully. “And what's it do?” Gorak grunted. “Grants a measure, yes, a measure of flight, directed by will alone. It's fast, but as I said, last only a few minutes. Yes, quite.” “Can you take care of yerself and Shayla wit that?” Gorak asked. When Khalid nodded, Gorak continued, “Good, then I'll take care of me and the goblin.” He turned to look at the little goblin, who was studiously examining his sword blade for flaws. “Since those two are gonna be buzzing around, yer only job is to keep whatever comes outta that cave off me for as long as possible.” “Ah, yes, I'd suggest staying clear, yes, clear of the cave. It's going to be very, ah, unpleasant in there.” Khalid said with a smirk. Since there was really no need to discuss Shayla's role, they hurriedly finished packing up their belongings, and dropped out of the magical shelter into the early morning sunlight. As they headed towards the cave, Khalid walked beside Shayla, instructing her on the use of the spell. “Ah, you will have near flawless control of your movement, and orientation does not matter so much. However, stabilizing yourself can be a challenge.” He paused for a second as Gorak waved them back and scouted the path ahead. Watching Gorak vanish around a bend, he continued in a low whisper, “Unfortunately, along with the limited duration of only, ah few minutes, the spell exerts a constant force.” When Shayla raised an eyebrow, he explained, “Ah, that means that the weight of the earth will hold you back, when you try to gain, yes, gain altitude. If you are descending however, you will pick up speed quickly.” “How will I know when it's gonna run out? It's not just going to drop me is it?” Shayla asked. “Ah, no, as the spell unravels the force will dissipate slowly. It permits you some time to reach the ground, but not more than a few seconds. If you concentrate, yes, concentrate on the magic, like we practiced, you will gain a feel for the strength of the weave, and the time until it fails.” Gorak returned and crouched down on his haunches, sketching out the path in the snow. “We're close now,” he growled. “Real close. I'm gonna get our little friend here ready, then go take a look, see if they've caught a whiff of us yet. Gimme a minute or so, then if nothings wrong, kit up and join me up front.” “What's the signal if something's wrong?” Shayla asked. “If'n you see me come running down this path, you probably wanna follow, otherwise, I'll see ya up there.” He spat out a litany of enchantments, fortifying himself and the goblin. His spellcasting complete, Gorak tipped over Sousee's wicker basket, then closed his eyes and concentrated. Slowly his arms and legs melded into his torso and his black skin took on a scaly, emerald sheen. His features melted away as his nose lengthened. Dropping into a thick coil, Gorak slithered away down the path with Sousee following closely behind him. Khalid counted to one hundred and, hearing nothing from down the path, began to cast spells in rapid succession. The goblin hurried down the path, with Shayla following close behind. Khalid finished his spell and felt a peculiar tension around his body as his feet slowly lifted off the ground. Skimming low over the path, he quickly passed Shayla and the goblin and joined Gorak. Gorak and Sousee darted out into the clearing as Khalid surveyed the area. The path, up until this point, had been nothing more than a thin fracture in the mountain. Here, it widened out into a huge basin, more than fifty feet across. Directly opposite where they were standing was the ledge and just above it, Khalid could barely see the opening to the cave. The goblin rushed past him, moving quickly to cross the open ground. Khalid held Shayla back for a second, not wanting to reach the cliff before Gorak and the goblin. When he judged them close enough, he shot out of hiding, flying parallel to the ground, only inches from the surface with Shayla close on his heels. They all reached the ledge at the same time, and hesitated for a split second, listening for any sound of alarm from above. Hearing nothing, Khalid willed himself to rise up off the ground while the goblin placed his hands on the rock and began to climb effortlessly up the side. Gorak and Sousee rose up out of the snow and found crevices in the ice, their thick muscles propelling them easily up the cliff. Khalid reached the top first and saw instantly the that layout of the cave was perfect for what he had in mind. The angle of the sun made the interior of the cave hard to see clearly, but through the gloom he could barely make out two shadowy forms at the back of the cavern. Without exposing more than his head over the edge of the plateau, Khalid launched into a spell, opening a portal as far back as he could see. Instantly, noxious fumes poured out of the magical gate, filling the cave and spilling out onto the plateau. The area was concealed by the rust coloured smoke but Khalid could hear the sound of violent retching from within. Gorak slid over the lip of the plateau and shimmered back into his own form as the goblin clambered up and moved into position in front of him. When Gorak began to cast, Sousee slithered around his feet and away from the goblin. Khalid turned to tell Shayla that the coast was clear but the words caught in his throat as a huge monstrosity materialized out of the smoke. The terrible abomination offended Khalid in an almost spiritual way. It was composed of various body parts, nailed, bolted and stitched together in a hideous parody of life. Its torso appeared to be mostly hill giant, mounted on the squat, powerful legs of an ogre. Dozens of patches of stark white goblin flesh had been stitched across vulnerable joints and gear work, giving the creature a scabrous, diseased appearance. A huge fur-covered arm from a yeti, with thick steel spikes driven into the fingers in place of claws, dragged along the ground as the beast lurched towards them with surprising speed. The thing's left hand, human but grossly elongated somehow, lashed out like a whip and wrapped around the goblin's hastily raised shield. Dragging it aside easily, the yeti arm swept around, driving the steel hooks through the goblin's metal helm and deep into his skull. The reptilian head, swiveling atop the massive torso searching for more prey to feed its mindless rage, would have been almost comical if not for the expression of hideous agony etched upon its features. Shaking aside the body, the creature's milk white eyes turned to focus on Gorak. Shayla, needing no encouragement from Khalid to make an entrance, flew up and away from the ledge. The mountain wind whipped her auburn curls about wildly but it had no effect on her aim as she hovered over the ledge and called on the fury of her magic. She smiled slightly as the jet of searing flame streaked out, striking the creature dead center in chest. The smile faded as the flames washed over the abomination without even singeing the dead goblin flesh. “It didn't do anything,” Shayla cried. “I don't think I can hurt it” “Ah, no wait!” Khalid yelled. Although it appeared unhurt, the thing began to shake and shudder violently while jets of steam burst out from vents along its spine. “I think it's overheating!” Gorak, ignoring the monstrosity standing only a few feet away from him, finished his spell and summoned a huge wolf, three times the size of a goblin worg, behind the construct. Even before it fully coalesced, it lunged forward and sank its huge jaws into the abominations hip. There was a protesting squeal of metal and the crunch of bone as the wolf bit deep and sparks flew from the ground as the metal spikes on the creature's feet scrabbled against the icy surface. Shaking its powerful neck and shoulders viciously, the wolf swept the feet out from under the golem and sent it crashing to the ground. Khalid, uncertain as to which of his spells would affect the magical beast, hesitated while Gorak launched into another spell. Sousee lashed out, biting ineffectually at the creature's head while Shayla began casting again, this time chanting furiously and for far longer than Khalid had ever seen. At the culmination of her spell, a thick stream of viscous acid sprayed out from her fingers, soaking the downed creature but like the flame, had no visible effect. The abomination, flailing and struggling while steam continued to jet from its body, tried to get to its feet, but once again the wolf darted in and knocked it over. As the wolf pulled away, it tore free a huge strip of flesh from the beast's chest, exposing metal ribs beneath. Gorak, finishing his spell, raised his hands into the air and called down a bolt of lightening, striking the creature full on. Sparks danced around the exposed bolts and wiring, and steam stopped jetting out of the thing's back. It's motions became more fluid and less hectic, but it still wasn't able to dodge away from the dire wolf's fearsome attack. Shayla and Khalid, having no options, waited for the chance to do something. The creature, moving again with unnatural grace, curled its feet underneath it, and leapt up and away from the wolf's gnashing teeth. Landing upright, the huge yeti arm swung in a wide arc, flaying the skin from the dire wolf and sending it tumbling away. “Don't hit it with lightning again!” Khalid cried out. “Don't worry about that,” Gorak roared as he ducked out of the way of the golem's arm. “Shayla! Hit it with fire again! Overheat it!” Shayla started casting and once more bathed the golem with fire, causing steam and smoke to shoot out of its ruptured joints. The wolf barreled back into the fight and hamstrung the creature, sending it tumbling to the ground once more. Gorak, taking advantage of the off-balance golem, brought his cudgel crashing down, destroying several of the gears on the human arm. Abandoning its futile attempts to stand, the golem lashed out at the wolf from the ground. Catching the animal before it could shy away, the powerful blow tore out one of its eyes and shattered several teeth. Gorak and the wolf continued to take turns punishing the creature. As the golem raised its hands to fend off Gorak's wicked strike, the wolf dove forward, savaging at the creature's armored stomach. Digging in its heels, the wolf sunk its teeth deep into the golems flesh, and tore out a huge mawful of gore and copper tubing. The golem continued to flail, but now its legs seemed to be working against it, twitching and kicking at nothing. Khalid, still seeing little opportunity to help, was watching the fight anxiously as a cowled figure stumbled out of the noxious smoke. It was impossible to determine the creature's race or gender, so alien were its twisted features. Its black robes were stained and filthy, in no small part due to Khalid's spell. The creature fell to its knees and gasped for air, clutching at its stomach as another spasm wracked its body. Uncertain of how long the wizard would be incapacitated, Khalid cast another spell and coated the retching mage in a shroud of glittering yellow dust. Gorak easily ducked under the golem's last feeble effort and pinned its human arm to the ground, beneath his foot. Drawing back his cudgel, he brought it down with a sharp crack, crushing the golem's skull as the wolf leapt in one final time and tore one of the thing's legs completely off. An instant later the wolf vanished, and the twisted leg clattering to the rock. With a terrible squeal of metal on metal and one final shudder, the golem collapsed, sending a wave of steaming fluid washing over the plateau. Gorak quickly checked the downed the goblin but stood up again without casting a spell. Shayla and Khalid landed on the ledge, on either side of the incapacitated wizard, waiting for Gorak to join them. He stepped up between them, his cudgel held low at his waist. Looking at Khalid and then Shayla, he grunted, “Well, this is what we came here for.” He leaned down close the the wizard, who was crawling away on his hands and knees. “Maybe next time, if yer nicer, this sort of thing won't happen.” he growled as he brought his cudgel down across the back of the creatures neck, driving it to the ground. Gorak struck out again, for good measure, rendering the wizard unconscious but not killing it outright. “Ah, maybe there is no need,” Khalid started to say when a voice that was not his own echoed in his mind. [I]Please...finish him...quickly[/I] “Ah, what?” Khalid blurted aloud, startled. He realized that both Gorak and Shayla were looking at him oddly. [I]Hurry...do not...let him back into my...head[/I] Waves of loathing and terror washed over Khalid. Shame and hate almost overwhelmed him, as memories that were not his own triggered primal emotions. With a gasp, Khalid jerked a knife from its sheath on his belt, and plunged it into the wizard's crumpled form. “Uh,” Gorak grunted as stared hard at Khalid. “Right, why don't you just take care of that then.” “Not me,” Khalid said as he stood up somewhat unsteadily. “The voice, yes, voice told me to do that.” “Um, maybe you shouldn't be listening to the voices in your head any more Khalid,” Shayla said carefully. Regaining some of his self control, Khalid frowned and replied. “Ah, no, I'm not crazy. It was him, yes, him.” He pointed into the gloom of the cave. With the portal closed there was nothing to sustain the foul smoke and the last of the mist was blowing away on the wind. Barely visible at the back of the cave was a damaged and bloody figure, bound tightly to a wooden rack. Gorak moved swiftly to the bound figure and began to cut him free. Muttering a spell under his breath, he placed a powerful hand on the man's chest and pressed him down upon the table as his most potent healing magic coursed through his body. The man thrashed at Gorak's touch, but was too weak to push him away. As the wounds began to close, sense returned to his eyes and he calmed down. When Gorak moved his hand away, the man sat up on the table, and slid off the edge gingerly, slowly testing his weight on unsteady legs. Khalid opened a portal with a word and a gesture and they helped weary prisoner up into the safety of the magical dimension. He accepted only a mouthful of water before falling into a deep sleep. Although Khalid feared he would not live the night, his breathing seemed steady and deep. Late that night, when they were forced to wake him and depart the collapsing dimension, he seemed much more alert and healthy. Gorak took the opportunity to cast a few more healing spells before the man again dropped into a heavy slumber in the safety of the magical shelter. They took turns watching over him as he slept well into the afternoon of the following day. He woke on his own, long enough for Khalid to reinforce the magical portal and wolf down a substantial amount of food. On the second day, he awoke, seemingly completely mended both physically and mentally from his torment. He was oblivious to the trio's curious stares as he ate in silence, finally sighing heavily and tossing half of hard unleavened biscuit back into rations bag. “My apologies, my new friends, for my lack of composure until now. Suffering under such wretched enslavement had greatly weakened me, as you can imagine. I am eternally greatful for your courage and heroism in rescuing me from that demon and I owe you a great debt. Your will is my command.” Khalid frowned at that curious phrase and was suddenly struck by how this man reminded him of Jalaal, only...more so. Healed of his wounds by Gorak's magic, his body was fit and strong, tanned a dark metallic bronze. He wore little in the way of clothing, but seemed bothered little by cold. His smile was quick and broad, and his teeth even and flashed brighter than the icy snow. Gold hoops and rings adorned both ears, and his earlobes had been stretched out, pulled down by gleaming golden weights. Even after all he had been through, his delicately oiled mustache was perfectly smooth, with not a hair out of place. “Ya,” Gorak grunted, “we'll you'll get a chance ta work off that debt right soon, don't worry. You're going to show us through these mountains.” “Of course,” the man said quickly. “Whatever you wish.” “Ah, yes,” Khalid interjected carefully, motioning Gorak back. “Time enough to discuss that later. Tell us, yes, tell us my friend, what is your name?” “Ruwayd of the Seven Hills tribe, from the great northern oasis, at your service.” He said, with a low bow over his hands and a flash of his brilliant smile. “Ah, yes,” Khalid nodded, then narrowed his eyes shrewdly. “And so there are no misunderstandings, what, exactly are you?” The smile didn't waver as the man bowed low again. “Janni my friend, the Seven Hills tribe are janni.” “Yes, quite, that would explain it.” “What's all this about?” Shayla asked curiously. “He is a wind walker.” Khalid said slowly, as the Janni Ruwayd nodded. “The spirit of air rushes through his blood. His people are not from this world, but well suited to it.” Receiving only a blank stare from Shayla, he sighed. “He is, kin to the creatures of fabled desert lore, the djinn and the efreet. Genie.” “So you grant wishes?” Shayla asked pointedly. The man laughed uproariously at the suggestion, “No, my lady, unless it is your wish to always be bathed within the light of my smile.” “Charmer, this one,” Shayla said with a toss of her curls. “Well, that tells me everything I need to know. Are we about ready to move on?” “Ah, we should perhaps attend to his friend,” Khalid said, delicately. “Friend,” Ruwayd asked, with a confused look. “Yes, in truth we did not rescue you of our own accord, we were led here, yes, led here by another. A goblin.” “How remarkable. And since he is not here among us, I assume he has paid for my freedom with his life?” “Yes, quite.” “Another debt to repay,” the Janni half-whispered. Then he spoke aloud, “I would see to my friend's rest, before we set upon our journey.” “Whatever,” Gorak grunted. “I guess he deserves that much. He weren't half bad, fer a goblin.” They gathered up their belongings and prepared the goblin's tomb. To his surprise, Ruwayd suggested that they build a small cairn within the wizard's cave. “All things will avoid this place for many years to come, I think,” he pointed out. “He should enjoy his rest undisturbed.” Khalid took the opportunity to filch a few choice tomes from the wizard's library, while the janni bowed his head and whispered a few words in a floating, airy language. The goblin properly interred. They set out down the path, with the Janni leading the way. They hadn't gone very far, when the Janni turned and called back over his shoulders. “What I say now, is not an attempt to relieve myself of my obligation to you, but I think you should know that the way ahead is quite difficult.” “Don't worry about that,” Gorak grunted. “We got ways to take care of all that.” “I had assumed as much, since you have made it this far and bested that fiend on your own merit. I just thought I should prepare you for the journey.” As they traveled along, Khalid wracked his mind for anything he could recall about Janni. He knew they were possessed of several extraordinary powers by virtue of their heritage, but he could remember little of the specifics. He did know that they tended to be tribal and fiercely loyal to their friends, which did much to set Khalid at ease around him. Watching the Janni carefully confirmed one of his suspicions however. Like Gorak, the Janni appeared to walk normally, but his feet barely disturbed the snow on the path. They spent several torturous days climbing over frozen bridges of ice between two peaks and then struggled further up the side of another mountain. By the morning of the forth day, the had reached a small plateau and were faced with a short climb over a ridge before descending in the the valley below. Ruwayd, seemingly never wearied by the climb, motioned for them to rest while he easily scaled the rock face. He disappeared from sight briefly and then leaned over the edge. “I had feared as much. You had best join me up here, quickly.” They scrambled to their feet and climbed up the cliff to join Ruwayd on a broad ledge. The view before them was breathtaking, as the mountain fell away into a deep valley, covered with thick pine trees and buried in snow. As Khalid took in the scenic panorama, the Janni whispered, “You said that you had methods to deal with the dangerous parts?” When Gorak grunted, the Janni continued. “Then prepare yourselves, for this is one of those places.” He pointed across the valley, mid-way up the side of a mountain. At first, Khalid could see nothing. Then a distant shriek, unlike anything Khalid had heard before, split through the air. “Impossible,” he gasped. From a small perch on the cliff face, a beast leapt away from the rock and spread its wings. Sunlight glittered off of the bluish green scales as the beast quickly gained altitude. With another shriek, the dragon rolled over in the air and plunged down into the forest below. [/QUOTE]
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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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