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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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<blockquote data-quote="EternalNewbie" data-source="post: 5198622" data-attributes="member: 6489"><p>Khalid recognized the beast from his studies at the White Tower, although he could scarcely believe his eyes. Huge webbed wings, like those of a bat, propelled the feline body through the air with uncanny speed. The black mane that surrounded the feral, lion like head was mangy and tattered. A long, sinuous tail, studded with needle sharp quills of varying sizes arched high over the creatures back, as it wheeled in the air, turning for another pass. Oddly, a swirling cloud of ravens trailed in its wake, descending out of the clouds in large numbers.</p><p></p><p>With Shayla mortally wounded, Khalid saw little possibility of victory. Given the ease with which the creature had felled her, trying to drive it away without her considerable power would be next to impossible. His options for dealing with a flying opponent were severely limited and while Azarek had his bow, it would take incredible skill and accuracy to pierce the creature's thick hide as it raced past. Even if Gorak could manage to occupy it, there was little chance they could protect Shayla from another pass, out here on the open plain.</p><p></p><p><em>Azarek! Grab Shayla. Gorak, we've got to get away from this thing. Without Shayla we cannot hope to defeat it.</em> Uncoiling the length of rope wrapped around his waist, he tossed it to the ground while he hastily went through the complex formula that opened their sanctuary. Azarek, sweeping the shield off his back, held it high over his head and ran to Shayla's crumpled form. Seizing her by the front of her tunic, he picked her up with one hand and threw her over his shoulder. Staggering back to Khalid, he flexed his legs and hurled her upwards through the magical portal.</p><p></p><p>The creature roared in anger when it saw its prey escaping into thin air. It swooped low toward Gorak, who was turning to rejoin the others. The long segmented tail whipped down, sending a cloud of spikes buzzing through the air. Barely able to raise his shield in time, Gorak grunted and staggered, falling to his knees. The largest of the spines were driven deep into his darkwood shield, but several more landed true, sinking into the thick muscles of his legs and abdomen.</p><p></p><p>Khalid grabbed hold of the rope as Azarek's boot disappeared above him. He stopped, looking back over his shoulder at Gorak, who was still several dozen yards away.</p><p></p><p>Seeing him hesitate, Gorak roared, “Go damn you! Don't wait for me!” </p><p></p><p>The creature banked hard above them, gaining altitude and position for another pass. Khalid's heart hammered in his chest and he saw the resignation in Gorak's face. Both of them knew there was no way he would make it to the portal before the creature attacked again. Dropping to the ground, he turtled under his shield. “Go!” he roared again, as the beast closed on him. Seizing the rope with his other hand, Khalid reluctantly heeded the command and climbed up.</p><p></p><p>Inside, Azarek was futilely trying to stem the flow of blood from Shayla's wounds. “She's still alive,” he rasped, pressing a tattered strip of cloth around the wound in her stomach. “Barely. But if Gorak don't get in 'ere right quick, he's gonna need to fetch her outta the underworld agin.” Khalid breathed a sigh of relief, fumbling around at his waist for a healing potion. Before he could administer it, Gorak's head appeared through the gateway.</p><p></p><p>“Little help?” he growled, clutching at the edge of the portal. Azarek leaned over and seized his arm, dragging him through the entrance, then pulled the rope up behind. Oozing blood from countless wounds, he dragged himself over to Shayla. “Sit her up,” he directed Azarek.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, can't you just heal her?” Khalid said anxiously.</p><p>“Ain't no magic of mine gonna fix her with that spike lodged in her guts.” He looked at Azarek. “We can't pull it out, the barbs will rip her apart. We're gonna have to time this real good. It ain't digging into anything too vital, so you're gonna have to drive it right through her at the same time I mend her up.”</p><p></p><p>Placing one arm around her shoulders, Azarek propped Shayla up and grabbed the spine in her abdomen with his other hand. “Khalid,” he rasped. “Yer gonna have to steady her. I'ma gonna need both hands fer this.” Moving to his side, Khalid helped hold her upright. Azarek took a deep breath, then, with a look at Gorak, nodded his head.</p><p></p><p>Gorak closed his eyes and gathered his focus. Sweat dropped down his face as he began to chant, his deep voice rumbling in his chest. Opening his eyes, he held his hand above the wound. “Now,” he barked.</p><p></p><p>Shayla's eyes flew open and she gasped in pain as Azarek drove the spike into her stomach, seizing it on the other side and pulling it clear through. Gorak plunged his hand into the wound, and completed the spell. Drawing it out, covered in blood and bile, he left behind a smooth patch of unbroken skin.</p><p></p><p>With a shuddering groan, Shayla leaned heavily into Khalid. “Why,” she muttered weakly, “does that always happen to me?” </p><p></p><p>Khalid held her close for a moment, until she stopped shaking. Turning to Gorak, he asked, “Ah, how did you escape the beast?”</p><p></p><p>“Bitch must have run outta ammo,” he grunted. “Gave me one more good dusting, but couldn't finished the job before I got in here.” He pulled his waterskin off his belt and held it out to Azarek. “Ya mind?” As Azarek unscrewed the top, Khalid realized that Gorak hadn't yet let go of his shield. Taking a long pull, he tossed the empty flask to Khalid. “My turn now,” he growled. Holding up his shield arm, Khalid could see half a dozen spikes buried in the wood. The largest, in the middle, had passed clear through, piercing the thick muscles of his forearm and protruding from the other side. Examining him closely, Khalid realized that Gorak was covered in wounds. Dozens of spikes, ranging from several inches to almost a foot long covered the length of his body, buried deep in his legs and shoulder.</p><p></p><p>“Drive 'er through or yank 'er out?” Azarek asked.</p><p></p><p>“Yank it out,” Gorak growled. “You'd have to pound on that bastard for an hour to get it through the darkwood and its thicker at the base then the tip. Gonna have to clip the barbs off first, and then cut the straps of my shield.</p><p></p><p>“Better bite down on sumthin'” Azarek growled, taking off his helm and setting it on the floor. “This is gonna hurt.”</p><p></p><p>“Don't I know it,” Gorak growled. “Jus get on wit it.” Leaning over, Gorak rested the barbed tip on the top of Azarek's helm.</p><p></p><p>Azarek pulled out the magical dagger from its sheath, he cut the leather straps that held the shield in place on Gorak's arm, then placed the edge against the spine. Raising the Dwerro hammer over his head, he brought it down on the edge of the knife without so much as a warning. Gorak grunted in pain as the tip snapped off.</p><p></p><p>“That wasn't so bad,” he growled with a shaky grin. “Now for the fun part.” He rolled over on his stomach and stretched out his arm. “Make the first pull a good one, cause I sure don't wanna do this twice.</p><p></p><p>Azarek stood up, placing one foot on Gorak's hand and the other on his shoulder. Bending over, he grabbed he shield with both and pulled, yanking it free. Gorak sat up, clamping his other hand over the wound. “Now take that knife and cut the one outta my shoulder, and maybe that big one in my leg too.”</p><p></p><p>Never squeamish, Azarek obliged him. By the time he was finished, Gorak's skin had turned ashen grey, and his breathing was uneven. Blood streamed over his skin, collecting in pools around him. “That oughta do 'er,” he grumbled. Muttering a few words under his breath, he directed his healing magic inward. The small spines clattered to the ground as his injuries mended. Looking at Khalid, he asked, “So jus what in the nine hells was that thing?”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, I've read about creatures such as that. It's called a manticore. It is the bastard offspring of cursed magic. Parts of various beasts fused, yes, fused together by a crazed magi. Supposedly, a pair of them maganed to escape, and breed, evidently. However, they have not been seen in centuries. I had thought them only legends.” He offered them a wry grin. “Ah, but then again, I probably would have said the same about dragons, a year ago. Yes, quite.” Falling silent for a moment, he replayed the encounter in his mind. “What did you make of the crows that trailed the monster?”</p><p></p><p>“Dunno,” Gorak grunted. “Seemed a bit off, eh? Crows is smart though. Maybe they're just opportunists. Too small to be a meal and lots of carrion left over. Anyhow, it ain't them we gotta be worried about. That thing won't get the drop on us twice.”</p><p></p><p>The took the day to recovered from the ambush. In the morning, Gorak cautiously dropped out of the portal and had a look around. Signalling the all clear after a few minutes of scouting, the others joined him and they resumed their trek.</p><p></p><p>Mid afternoon found them atop a small ridge, looking down over a shallow lake basin. A small cluster of houses surrounded the bank, spanning the single river that cut the valley.</p><p></p><p>“So we going in there, or what?” Shayla asked.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, well, we've been on the road for some time now. A hot meal and a decent place to sleep would be a welcome, yes, welcome change.” Khalid offered.</p><p></p><p>“Sure,” Gorak grunted. “There can't be Dwerro this far north already.”</p><p></p><p>Decided, they rode toward the tiny hamlet. As they neared, a sense of unease began to weigh upon Khalid, although he couldn't place it's source. Finally, he figured out what was bothering him. “Ah, it might be only early afternoon, but wouldn't you expect at least a few of the chimneys to be smoking? Surely, yes, surely someone in town should have a fire lit.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah,” Gorak growled in agreement. “I ain't seen anybody moving around down there since we came over that hill. Better get ready.”</p><p></p><p>Azarek settled his helm and strapped on his shield. Unsheathing his sword, he nudged his horse into the lead. Nearing the town, Khalid noticed that the fields had been tilled but not planted, although it was well into summer. Weeds and grasses had taken root among the rows and the wildflowers hummed with the sounds of bees, but there little sign of any habitation. Turning, they moved onto the dirt track that passed as the main street of the town and headed toward the harbour. A lone crow watched them from the eave of a squat log house, cocking its head to the side as they passed. With a shrill cry, it took to wing, and vanished into the clouds overhead.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, that's ominous,” Khalid commented.</p><p></p><p>“There,” Gorak barked, pointing at one of the houses. “I just saw that shutter move. Maybe there's still somebody around here after all. Hang back a bit, I'm gonna go check it out.”</p><p></p><p>Staying close enough to help if need be, they watched him approach the small house. Abandoning all pretence of stealth, he hammered on the door. “Open up. I know yer in there,” he growled.</p><p></p><p>There was a faint sound of movement from within, then a querulous voice replied, “Go away! There's nothing here for likes of you but death. Leave now while you're still able!”</p><p></p><p>Gorak looked back over his shoulder and shrugged, at a loss for a course of action. Receiving nothing in the way of a helpful suggestion from the others, he pounded on the door again. “We're ain't going nowhere until you tell us what's going on. Now open up this door before I kick it down.”</p><p></p><p>The voice inside didn't respond to his challenge. Gorak dismounted and was preparing to carry through on his threat when the door on a house a few feet away opened with a bang. A wizened old man stuck his head out and called, “He ain't gonna open that door. None of 'em are.” </p><p></p><p>Khalid studied the old man for a second before responding. Tufts of white hair surrounded his bald crown, and his peasant garb was stained and dirty, hanging off his slight frame. His rheumy eyes were narrowed in a permanent squint, staring out from hollow cheeks. “Ah, then perhaps you can tell us what's going on here, why your fields lie fallow and the people hide in fear. Is it the Dwerro?”</p><p></p><p>“Dwerro? No, there ain't no Dwerro around here,” The old man replied. He was about to continue, when a shrill voice rang out from inside. </p><p></p><p>“What are you doing, you old fool! Send them on their way before you bring down doom on all of us!”</p><p></p><p>“Quiet woman!” he barked. “What doom could we suffer that's worse than this? Come winter, we're all gonna starve anyhow. And you heard the big fella. If we don't let him in, he's just gonna open the door with his foot, and I reckon a sore leg ain't gonna improve his mood none.” He waved them over. “You best get outta the street. It ain't safe.”</p><p></p><p>The followed the old man into his tiny house. The furnishings were sparse but the interior was tidy. A simple table and set of chairs adorned the room, which appeared to serve as both the kitchen and main living area. As they entered, the single door leading off the room slammed shut.</p><p></p><p>“Don't mind her,” the old man instructed. “She's always mad at me for some reason or another. Might as well be a good one.”</p><p></p><p>Cutting through the pleasantries with his usual tact, Gorak asked, “So you wanna tell us what's going on around here?”</p><p></p><p>“This town is cursed,” the old man replied simply.</p><p></p><p>Snapping his fingers, Khalid interrupted. “Ah, the monster yes? The flying beast? It is what keeps you trapped within your homes?”</p><p></p><p>“So you've seen it then?” The old man seemed surprised. “And you got away?”</p><p></p><p>“Obviously,” Shayla muttered.</p><p></p><p>“Well, don't that beat all. Usually when that thing shows up, somebody dies.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, that thing is called a manticore. It's an aberration, born of fell magics.” Khalid instructed, speaking slowly so as not to confuse the old man.</p><p></p><p>“Might as well call it death,” the old man replied, with a resigned shrug. “That's what it is. To this town anyhow. But it ain't no more then we deserve.”</p><p></p><p>“Maybe you'd better start from the beginning,” Gorak growled.</p><p></p><p>“I'm trying, but you all keep interrupting,” the old man grumbled. “It started showing up a few months back, after Edgar and Beowin and their boy were driven outta town.”</p><p></p><p>“I think I know where this is going,” Shayla muttered.</p><p></p><p>“Well, ain't you a clever one then. The boy always was a bit off, if you know what I mean, but not so much as to get everybody all stirred up. Had a bit of a reputation for being nearby when there was strange goings on. But his folks was well liked, so nobody really paid it too much mind.”</p><p></p><p>“Until?” Gorak grunted.</p><p></p><p>“Until all the pigs turned up dead and the cows milk went sour,” the old man replied. “After that, people weren't so forgivin'.”</p><p></p><p>“Always with the sour milk,” Shayla muttered bitterly. “That could have just been a coincidence.” Khalid glanced at her, somewhat surprised by the anger in her voice. “I couldn't sour milk if my life depended on it,” she muttered under her breath, scowling. </p><p></p><p>The old man nodded. “Maybe so, but when people's livelihoods is on the line, well, they don't think none to clearly. They drove the boy and his folks out of town. Now, Edgar and Beowin, they were begging and pleading with folks they'd known their whole life, not to do it but the boy, he just got real quiet like. With the whole village standing their at the edge of town, murder in their eyes, he just turnt around, calm like it were just another day on the farm, and levels a look cold enough to freeze water in high summer. In a voice like thunder, he tells them all their gonna regret what they done, and see their lives ruined the same way. Folks didn't pay no mind to him and just went back to their daily business. But the boy, well, he sure showed them.”</p><p>“And where were you during all this?” Shayla asked.</p><p></p><p>“Listen little girl,” the old man replied, bristling at the implication. “I ain't got but a few more years to make my peace with the gods, but I ain't in no rush ta get on with it. The boy din't kill none of my livestock, but if I'd put up a hollar, those pitchforks woulda been jabbin inta my behind just as quick.”</p><p></p><p>“So what are you gonna do now?” Gorak asked.</p><p></p><p>“Wither up and die, I suspect,” the old man replied in a hopeless tone. “The granary's bare and every time we try to go out and plant, a huge flock of ravens shows up and drives everybody out of the fields. People are too frightened to leave their houses.”</p><p></p><p>“Sounds like it's high time to pack it in and leave,” Gorak suggested.</p><p></p><p>“ Some folks tried to make a run fer it a while back, but that manteeker or whatever you call it dropped their bodies right there in the town square, to show us all how far that'd get us.” The old man sighed. “No sir. I think we're all done fer.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, there are perhaps a few things we need to discuss,” Khalid said, motioning at Shayla for their magical pack. Digging out a cloth wrapped bundle of rations, he handed to the old man. “If you would perhaps adjourn to the other room, so that we make speak privately. Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>“Young fella, right now I'd just about sell you my house for that food. Take all the time you need.” The old man scooped up the package and left the room, closing the door behind.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, well, are we going to involve ourselves in this?” Khalid asked.</p><p></p><p>“I don't see why we should,” Shayla snapped. “These people brought this mess on themselves, and I'd rather not have a repeat of yesterday. Once was enough.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, quite,” Khalid agreed. “But nevertheless, we may have cause to return to the east in the future. With the Dwerro firmly in control of the south, we might come to rely on these remote villages. And it is in place such as this that rebellion might form.”</p><p></p><p>“Hah,” Shayla scoffed. “These peasants aren't exactly the guerrilla warrior types.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, but still,” Khalid responded, looking at Gorak, “the value of supplies and sanctuary cannot be overestimated. What are your thoughts on the matter?”</p><p></p><p>“Seems like its got a lot of possibility of getting messy,” Gorak growled. “But I'm not sure we've got a choice. We can make a run for it. I can maybe get us clear before that thing finds us but if the weather holds, it's gonna be hard to avoid being spotted. If we risk it and get caught, we're gonna be easy pickings out on the plains. We already ducked it once but I'm guessing he ain't the sort to just let that go. Maybe its best if we pick the spot to settle it.”</p><p></p><p>“We are agreed then?” Khalid asked, looking back to Shayla.</p><p></p><p>“Fine,” she relented. “But my power isn't what it used to be. We're gonna have to pull it in damn close.”</p><p></p><p>“And the ravens will have to be addressed,” Khalid added.</p><p></p><p>“Right,” Gorak grunted. “I'm gonna go take a look around town, see what kinda options we got. You three stay put.” He raised his voice. “Old man.” The door opened and the old man stuck his head into the room. “Where's this granary?”</p><p></p><p>“Up the street, near the center of town.”</p><p></p><p>“Alright. We're gonna see if we can't fix your little problem here.” He pulled open the door, shifted form and flew out into the street.</p><p></p><p>The old man watched him go with a look of surprise on his face. “Watch out for them birds, it's how he keeps tabs on us,” he called out after him. Turning to the others, he said, “If he hadn't just done that, I'd have laughed out loud. But maybe you can at that. My thanks.”</p><p></p><p>“Don't thank us yet,” Shayla replied. While they waited for Gorak to return, they prepared themselves for the coming battle, knowing that the beast could descend upon them without warning. </p><p></p><p>Half an hour later, Gorak returned. “This might just work out,” he growled. “The granary should give us cover. It's solid, with lots of room for the three of us and the door is big enough for it to squeeze through.”</p><p></p><p>“That's not good,” Shayla commented with a frown.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, on the contrary,” Khalid said, recognizing Gorak's intentions. “We might be able to goad him into your range if he thinks he can finish us off.”</p><p></p><p>“Whut about them birds?” Azarek asked.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, if I take up a position near the front I should be able to deal with the vast majority of them,” Khalid replied.</p><p></p><p>“I got a few things that might help but if there's magic controlling them, we'll have to get rid of them the hard way.” Gorak added.</p><p></p><p>“So how we gonna get it down here? Azarek rasped. Gorak just looked at him, with an evil grin.</p><p></p><p>“Glad I asked,” Azarek muttered. He glanced at Khalid, who was looking at him hopefully. “Fine,” he growled. “I'll be the bait. When?”</p><p></p><p>“Tomorrow, if he don't come for us sooner,” Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>They spent a tense evening within the dubious shelter of the old man's home, taking advantage of his hospitality though he had little to offer them. Early in the morning, shortly after Gorak had finished communing, they made their way quickly to the center of town. Throwing up the latch, Gorak swung the two heavy wooden doors open and walked inside. Khalid and Shayla followed him into the two story brick building. Taking up a position by the door, Khalid kept a close eye on Azarek while Shayla moved further back. At Gorak's signal, Azarek slipped of his shield and flipped it around, holding up the hammered steel back. Turning it slightly, he caught the rays of the early morning sun, causing it to flash into the sky.</p><p></p><p>The temperature inside the granary rose with the sun, and Khalid began to sweat heavily. Despite the heat, a shiver ran through him when Azarek finally put his shield back on and drew his sword. “Get ready,” he growled. “Here it comes.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="EternalNewbie, post: 5198622, member: 6489"] Khalid recognized the beast from his studies at the White Tower, although he could scarcely believe his eyes. Huge webbed wings, like those of a bat, propelled the feline body through the air with uncanny speed. The black mane that surrounded the feral, lion like head was mangy and tattered. A long, sinuous tail, studded with needle sharp quills of varying sizes arched high over the creatures back, as it wheeled in the air, turning for another pass. Oddly, a swirling cloud of ravens trailed in its wake, descending out of the clouds in large numbers. With Shayla mortally wounded, Khalid saw little possibility of victory. Given the ease with which the creature had felled her, trying to drive it away without her considerable power would be next to impossible. His options for dealing with a flying opponent were severely limited and while Azarek had his bow, it would take incredible skill and accuracy to pierce the creature's thick hide as it raced past. Even if Gorak could manage to occupy it, there was little chance they could protect Shayla from another pass, out here on the open plain. [I]Azarek! Grab Shayla. Gorak, we've got to get away from this thing. Without Shayla we cannot hope to defeat it.[/I] Uncoiling the length of rope wrapped around his waist, he tossed it to the ground while he hastily went through the complex formula that opened their sanctuary. Azarek, sweeping the shield off his back, held it high over his head and ran to Shayla's crumpled form. Seizing her by the front of her tunic, he picked her up with one hand and threw her over his shoulder. Staggering back to Khalid, he flexed his legs and hurled her upwards through the magical portal. The creature roared in anger when it saw its prey escaping into thin air. It swooped low toward Gorak, who was turning to rejoin the others. The long segmented tail whipped down, sending a cloud of spikes buzzing through the air. Barely able to raise his shield in time, Gorak grunted and staggered, falling to his knees. The largest of the spines were driven deep into his darkwood shield, but several more landed true, sinking into the thick muscles of his legs and abdomen. Khalid grabbed hold of the rope as Azarek's boot disappeared above him. He stopped, looking back over his shoulder at Gorak, who was still several dozen yards away. Seeing him hesitate, Gorak roared, “Go damn you! Don't wait for me!” The creature banked hard above them, gaining altitude and position for another pass. Khalid's heart hammered in his chest and he saw the resignation in Gorak's face. Both of them knew there was no way he would make it to the portal before the creature attacked again. Dropping to the ground, he turtled under his shield. “Go!” he roared again, as the beast closed on him. Seizing the rope with his other hand, Khalid reluctantly heeded the command and climbed up. Inside, Azarek was futilely trying to stem the flow of blood from Shayla's wounds. “She's still alive,” he rasped, pressing a tattered strip of cloth around the wound in her stomach. “Barely. But if Gorak don't get in 'ere right quick, he's gonna need to fetch her outta the underworld agin.” Khalid breathed a sigh of relief, fumbling around at his waist for a healing potion. Before he could administer it, Gorak's head appeared through the gateway. “Little help?” he growled, clutching at the edge of the portal. Azarek leaned over and seized his arm, dragging him through the entrance, then pulled the rope up behind. Oozing blood from countless wounds, he dragged himself over to Shayla. “Sit her up,” he directed Azarek. “Ah, can't you just heal her?” Khalid said anxiously. “Ain't no magic of mine gonna fix her with that spike lodged in her guts.” He looked at Azarek. “We can't pull it out, the barbs will rip her apart. We're gonna have to time this real good. It ain't digging into anything too vital, so you're gonna have to drive it right through her at the same time I mend her up.” Placing one arm around her shoulders, Azarek propped Shayla up and grabbed the spine in her abdomen with his other hand. “Khalid,” he rasped. “Yer gonna have to steady her. I'ma gonna need both hands fer this.” Moving to his side, Khalid helped hold her upright. Azarek took a deep breath, then, with a look at Gorak, nodded his head. Gorak closed his eyes and gathered his focus. Sweat dropped down his face as he began to chant, his deep voice rumbling in his chest. Opening his eyes, he held his hand above the wound. “Now,” he barked. Shayla's eyes flew open and she gasped in pain as Azarek drove the spike into her stomach, seizing it on the other side and pulling it clear through. Gorak plunged his hand into the wound, and completed the spell. Drawing it out, covered in blood and bile, he left behind a smooth patch of unbroken skin. With a shuddering groan, Shayla leaned heavily into Khalid. “Why,” she muttered weakly, “does that always happen to me?” Khalid held her close for a moment, until she stopped shaking. Turning to Gorak, he asked, “Ah, how did you escape the beast?” “Bitch must have run outta ammo,” he grunted. “Gave me one more good dusting, but couldn't finished the job before I got in here.” He pulled his waterskin off his belt and held it out to Azarek. “Ya mind?” As Azarek unscrewed the top, Khalid realized that Gorak hadn't yet let go of his shield. Taking a long pull, he tossed the empty flask to Khalid. “My turn now,” he growled. Holding up his shield arm, Khalid could see half a dozen spikes buried in the wood. The largest, in the middle, had passed clear through, piercing the thick muscles of his forearm and protruding from the other side. Examining him closely, Khalid realized that Gorak was covered in wounds. Dozens of spikes, ranging from several inches to almost a foot long covered the length of his body, buried deep in his legs and shoulder. “Drive 'er through or yank 'er out?” Azarek asked. “Yank it out,” Gorak growled. “You'd have to pound on that bastard for an hour to get it through the darkwood and its thicker at the base then the tip. Gonna have to clip the barbs off first, and then cut the straps of my shield. “Better bite down on sumthin'” Azarek growled, taking off his helm and setting it on the floor. “This is gonna hurt.” “Don't I know it,” Gorak growled. “Jus get on wit it.” Leaning over, Gorak rested the barbed tip on the top of Azarek's helm. Azarek pulled out the magical dagger from its sheath, he cut the leather straps that held the shield in place on Gorak's arm, then placed the edge against the spine. Raising the Dwerro hammer over his head, he brought it down on the edge of the knife without so much as a warning. Gorak grunted in pain as the tip snapped off. “That wasn't so bad,” he growled with a shaky grin. “Now for the fun part.” He rolled over on his stomach and stretched out his arm. “Make the first pull a good one, cause I sure don't wanna do this twice. Azarek stood up, placing one foot on Gorak's hand and the other on his shoulder. Bending over, he grabbed he shield with both and pulled, yanking it free. Gorak sat up, clamping his other hand over the wound. “Now take that knife and cut the one outta my shoulder, and maybe that big one in my leg too.” Never squeamish, Azarek obliged him. By the time he was finished, Gorak's skin had turned ashen grey, and his breathing was uneven. Blood streamed over his skin, collecting in pools around him. “That oughta do 'er,” he grumbled. Muttering a few words under his breath, he directed his healing magic inward. The small spines clattered to the ground as his injuries mended. Looking at Khalid, he asked, “So jus what in the nine hells was that thing?” “Ah, I've read about creatures such as that. It's called a manticore. It is the bastard offspring of cursed magic. Parts of various beasts fused, yes, fused together by a crazed magi. Supposedly, a pair of them maganed to escape, and breed, evidently. However, they have not been seen in centuries. I had thought them only legends.” He offered them a wry grin. “Ah, but then again, I probably would have said the same about dragons, a year ago. Yes, quite.” Falling silent for a moment, he replayed the encounter in his mind. “What did you make of the crows that trailed the monster?” “Dunno,” Gorak grunted. “Seemed a bit off, eh? Crows is smart though. Maybe they're just opportunists. Too small to be a meal and lots of carrion left over. Anyhow, it ain't them we gotta be worried about. That thing won't get the drop on us twice.” The took the day to recovered from the ambush. In the morning, Gorak cautiously dropped out of the portal and had a look around. Signalling the all clear after a few minutes of scouting, the others joined him and they resumed their trek. Mid afternoon found them atop a small ridge, looking down over a shallow lake basin. A small cluster of houses surrounded the bank, spanning the single river that cut the valley. “So we going in there, or what?” Shayla asked. “Ah, well, we've been on the road for some time now. A hot meal and a decent place to sleep would be a welcome, yes, welcome change.” Khalid offered. “Sure,” Gorak grunted. “There can't be Dwerro this far north already.” Decided, they rode toward the tiny hamlet. As they neared, a sense of unease began to weigh upon Khalid, although he couldn't place it's source. Finally, he figured out what was bothering him. “Ah, it might be only early afternoon, but wouldn't you expect at least a few of the chimneys to be smoking? Surely, yes, surely someone in town should have a fire lit.” “Yeah,” Gorak growled in agreement. “I ain't seen anybody moving around down there since we came over that hill. Better get ready.” Azarek settled his helm and strapped on his shield. Unsheathing his sword, he nudged his horse into the lead. Nearing the town, Khalid noticed that the fields had been tilled but not planted, although it was well into summer. Weeds and grasses had taken root among the rows and the wildflowers hummed with the sounds of bees, but there little sign of any habitation. Turning, they moved onto the dirt track that passed as the main street of the town and headed toward the harbour. A lone crow watched them from the eave of a squat log house, cocking its head to the side as they passed. With a shrill cry, it took to wing, and vanished into the clouds overhead. “Ah, that's ominous,” Khalid commented. “There,” Gorak barked, pointing at one of the houses. “I just saw that shutter move. Maybe there's still somebody around here after all. Hang back a bit, I'm gonna go check it out.” Staying close enough to help if need be, they watched him approach the small house. Abandoning all pretence of stealth, he hammered on the door. “Open up. I know yer in there,” he growled. There was a faint sound of movement from within, then a querulous voice replied, “Go away! There's nothing here for likes of you but death. Leave now while you're still able!” Gorak looked back over his shoulder and shrugged, at a loss for a course of action. Receiving nothing in the way of a helpful suggestion from the others, he pounded on the door again. “We're ain't going nowhere until you tell us what's going on. Now open up this door before I kick it down.” The voice inside didn't respond to his challenge. Gorak dismounted and was preparing to carry through on his threat when the door on a house a few feet away opened with a bang. A wizened old man stuck his head out and called, “He ain't gonna open that door. None of 'em are.” Khalid studied the old man for a second before responding. Tufts of white hair surrounded his bald crown, and his peasant garb was stained and dirty, hanging off his slight frame. His rheumy eyes were narrowed in a permanent squint, staring out from hollow cheeks. “Ah, then perhaps you can tell us what's going on here, why your fields lie fallow and the people hide in fear. Is it the Dwerro?” “Dwerro? No, there ain't no Dwerro around here,” The old man replied. He was about to continue, when a shrill voice rang out from inside. “What are you doing, you old fool! Send them on their way before you bring down doom on all of us!” “Quiet woman!” he barked. “What doom could we suffer that's worse than this? Come winter, we're all gonna starve anyhow. And you heard the big fella. If we don't let him in, he's just gonna open the door with his foot, and I reckon a sore leg ain't gonna improve his mood none.” He waved them over. “You best get outta the street. It ain't safe.” The followed the old man into his tiny house. The furnishings were sparse but the interior was tidy. A simple table and set of chairs adorned the room, which appeared to serve as both the kitchen and main living area. As they entered, the single door leading off the room slammed shut. “Don't mind her,” the old man instructed. “She's always mad at me for some reason or another. Might as well be a good one.” Cutting through the pleasantries with his usual tact, Gorak asked, “So you wanna tell us what's going on around here?” “This town is cursed,” the old man replied simply. Snapping his fingers, Khalid interrupted. “Ah, the monster yes? The flying beast? It is what keeps you trapped within your homes?” “So you've seen it then?” The old man seemed surprised. “And you got away?” “Obviously,” Shayla muttered. “Well, don't that beat all. Usually when that thing shows up, somebody dies.” “Ah, yes, that thing is called a manticore. It's an aberration, born of fell magics.” Khalid instructed, speaking slowly so as not to confuse the old man. “Might as well call it death,” the old man replied, with a resigned shrug. “That's what it is. To this town anyhow. But it ain't no more then we deserve.” “Maybe you'd better start from the beginning,” Gorak growled. “I'm trying, but you all keep interrupting,” the old man grumbled. “It started showing up a few months back, after Edgar and Beowin and their boy were driven outta town.” “I think I know where this is going,” Shayla muttered. “Well, ain't you a clever one then. The boy always was a bit off, if you know what I mean, but not so much as to get everybody all stirred up. Had a bit of a reputation for being nearby when there was strange goings on. But his folks was well liked, so nobody really paid it too much mind.” “Until?” Gorak grunted. “Until all the pigs turned up dead and the cows milk went sour,” the old man replied. “After that, people weren't so forgivin'.” “Always with the sour milk,” Shayla muttered bitterly. “That could have just been a coincidence.” Khalid glanced at her, somewhat surprised by the anger in her voice. “I couldn't sour milk if my life depended on it,” she muttered under her breath, scowling. The old man nodded. “Maybe so, but when people's livelihoods is on the line, well, they don't think none to clearly. They drove the boy and his folks out of town. Now, Edgar and Beowin, they were begging and pleading with folks they'd known their whole life, not to do it but the boy, he just got real quiet like. With the whole village standing their at the edge of town, murder in their eyes, he just turnt around, calm like it were just another day on the farm, and levels a look cold enough to freeze water in high summer. In a voice like thunder, he tells them all their gonna regret what they done, and see their lives ruined the same way. Folks didn't pay no mind to him and just went back to their daily business. But the boy, well, he sure showed them.” “And where were you during all this?” Shayla asked. “Listen little girl,” the old man replied, bristling at the implication. “I ain't got but a few more years to make my peace with the gods, but I ain't in no rush ta get on with it. The boy din't kill none of my livestock, but if I'd put up a hollar, those pitchforks woulda been jabbin inta my behind just as quick.” “So what are you gonna do now?” Gorak asked. “Wither up and die, I suspect,” the old man replied in a hopeless tone. “The granary's bare and every time we try to go out and plant, a huge flock of ravens shows up and drives everybody out of the fields. People are too frightened to leave their houses.” “Sounds like it's high time to pack it in and leave,” Gorak suggested. “ Some folks tried to make a run fer it a while back, but that manteeker or whatever you call it dropped their bodies right there in the town square, to show us all how far that'd get us.” The old man sighed. “No sir. I think we're all done fer.” “Ah, there are perhaps a few things we need to discuss,” Khalid said, motioning at Shayla for their magical pack. Digging out a cloth wrapped bundle of rations, he handed to the old man. “If you would perhaps adjourn to the other room, so that we make speak privately. Yes, quite.” “Young fella, right now I'd just about sell you my house for that food. Take all the time you need.” The old man scooped up the package and left the room, closing the door behind. “Ah, yes, well, are we going to involve ourselves in this?” Khalid asked. “I don't see why we should,” Shayla snapped. “These people brought this mess on themselves, and I'd rather not have a repeat of yesterday. Once was enough.” “Yes, quite,” Khalid agreed. “But nevertheless, we may have cause to return to the east in the future. With the Dwerro firmly in control of the south, we might come to rely on these remote villages. And it is in place such as this that rebellion might form.” “Hah,” Shayla scoffed. “These peasants aren't exactly the guerrilla warrior types.” “Yes, but still,” Khalid responded, looking at Gorak, “the value of supplies and sanctuary cannot be overestimated. What are your thoughts on the matter?” “Seems like its got a lot of possibility of getting messy,” Gorak growled. “But I'm not sure we've got a choice. We can make a run for it. I can maybe get us clear before that thing finds us but if the weather holds, it's gonna be hard to avoid being spotted. If we risk it and get caught, we're gonna be easy pickings out on the plains. We already ducked it once but I'm guessing he ain't the sort to just let that go. Maybe its best if we pick the spot to settle it.” “We are agreed then?” Khalid asked, looking back to Shayla. “Fine,” she relented. “But my power isn't what it used to be. We're gonna have to pull it in damn close.” “And the ravens will have to be addressed,” Khalid added. “Right,” Gorak grunted. “I'm gonna go take a look around town, see what kinda options we got. You three stay put.” He raised his voice. “Old man.” The door opened and the old man stuck his head into the room. “Where's this granary?” “Up the street, near the center of town.” “Alright. We're gonna see if we can't fix your little problem here.” He pulled open the door, shifted form and flew out into the street. The old man watched him go with a look of surprise on his face. “Watch out for them birds, it's how he keeps tabs on us,” he called out after him. Turning to the others, he said, “If he hadn't just done that, I'd have laughed out loud. But maybe you can at that. My thanks.” “Don't thank us yet,” Shayla replied. While they waited for Gorak to return, they prepared themselves for the coming battle, knowing that the beast could descend upon them without warning. Half an hour later, Gorak returned. “This might just work out,” he growled. “The granary should give us cover. It's solid, with lots of room for the three of us and the door is big enough for it to squeeze through.” “That's not good,” Shayla commented with a frown. “Ah, yes, on the contrary,” Khalid said, recognizing Gorak's intentions. “We might be able to goad him into your range if he thinks he can finish us off.” “Whut about them birds?” Azarek asked. “Ah, yes, if I take up a position near the front I should be able to deal with the vast majority of them,” Khalid replied. “I got a few things that might help but if there's magic controlling them, we'll have to get rid of them the hard way.” Gorak added. “So how we gonna get it down here? Azarek rasped. Gorak just looked at him, with an evil grin. “Glad I asked,” Azarek muttered. He glanced at Khalid, who was looking at him hopefully. “Fine,” he growled. “I'll be the bait. When?” “Tomorrow, if he don't come for us sooner,” Gorak rumbled. They spent a tense evening within the dubious shelter of the old man's home, taking advantage of his hospitality though he had little to offer them. Early in the morning, shortly after Gorak had finished communing, they made their way quickly to the center of town. Throwing up the latch, Gorak swung the two heavy wooden doors open and walked inside. Khalid and Shayla followed him into the two story brick building. Taking up a position by the door, Khalid kept a close eye on Azarek while Shayla moved further back. At Gorak's signal, Azarek slipped of his shield and flipped it around, holding up the hammered steel back. Turning it slightly, he caught the rays of the early morning sun, causing it to flash into the sky. The temperature inside the granary rose with the sun, and Khalid began to sweat heavily. Despite the heat, a shiver ran through him when Azarek finally put his shield back on and drew his sword. “Get ready,” he growled. “Here it comes.” [/QUOTE]
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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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