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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 3870889" data-attributes="member: 3285">Hand of the Master - Part 2b: Shadows in the NightThe tunnels may very well once have been grand.  Or perhaps they were always as dank.  “These tunnels are rarely used,” said Beldin. “They are relics from a bygone era when Encali and Solanos Mor lived in peace.”Despite their worn nature, the tunnels were free of vermin and filth that often congregated in such places.  Their trip, while far from pleasant, was not disgusting.Beldin lit a torch and moved quickly, forcing the rest to hurry to keep up.  Tunnels branched out in many directions, but Beldin seemed to know exactly where he was headed.Eventually, Beldin slowed and then stopped, motioning for the others to do the same.  The tunnels provided a strange acoustic effect, allowing them to hear voices as if they were very close.Elabac’s voice said, “Jarel…is late.  I do hope…nothing…went wrong.”“I am sure he is fine,” replied Alsef’s voice.  “He is very capable.”They resumed walking, only to hear a set of heavy footsteps followed by Jarel’s deep voice.  “Elabac!  Well met, my brother.”“Well met…Jarel. Thank you…for offering this…gift.  May I…see it?”“You would be able to,” Jarel began, his voice turning sinister, ”if it existed.”Beldin gasped.  “My worst fears are realized.  We must help them!”As they moved forward, they heard Elabac’s demand.  “What is…the meaning…of this…Jarel?”“It is simple, dear Elabac,” said Jarel.  “Tonight I take my revenge, both on my rival and on those who wronged me.”They turned the bend in the passage to see a frightened Alsef standing next to an angry Elabac.  Armed dwarves burst from tunnels around them, quickly surrounding the two.  The dwarves had long black bears twisted into two forks, each capped with a golden crown like Jarel’s.Elabac was furious.  “Encali!  What treachery…is this…that the Encali…would accost me?”As the Encali dwarves cut off all avenues for Elabac to escape, one turned to Jarel.  “Good work.  This will be a great victory for the Encali.”Jarel looked white as a sheet and shocked.  “What is the meaning of this?  This was not part of the plan!”“Plans have changed,” the Encali dwarf said with a chuckle.  “Kill the apprentice, take the master.”Alsef let out a yelp and ran back down the tunnels.  “I must get help!” he shouted.  “I must warn Solanos Mor!”The noise he made caused the ring of dwarves to focus on Beldin and his companions. “Interlopers,” said the leader.  “You will not get past the Encali.  Take the Master.  Kill the rest.”The line of dwarves separating them from Elabac, Alsef, and Jarel turned towards them, weapons drawn.</blockquote>

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