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Forgotten Lore (Updated M-W-F)
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<blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7603337" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>Chapter 292</p><p></p><p>When Kurok felt a soft pressure on his arm he woke instantly. It was utterly dark in the vault; the light from Bredan’s sword had faded. He could see Drekkath kneeling over him, but he had gotten so used to hiding his darkvision that he whispered reflexively, “Who’s there?”</p><p></p><p>Drekkath’s lips twisted in a smile. “It’s okay, Bredan is sleeping deeply. Come.”</p><p></p><p>Kurok rose silently, leaving his mace where it lay. It was again reflex to refresh the illusion that concealed his features. They made their way to a spot over by one of the pillars, where they could still see the alcove but were unlikely to wake the slumbering warrior.</p><p></p><p>“How long was I asleep?” Kurok asked. His mind felt sluggish and it felt as if he’d only just laid his head down a few minutes ago, but he was well used to ignoring his body’s demands for rest.</p><p></p><p>“About an hour,” Drekkath said. “I judged that you could use the time.”</p><p></p><p><em>But </em>you<em> didn’t</em>, Kurok thought. The creature never seemed to sleep, at least where Kurok could see. The doppelganger remained a cypher, mysterious in its behavior and motivations. When they were alone it did not bother to conceal its disdain for the warlock, and there had been more than one occasion when Kurok had nearly blasted the thing, their mission be damned.</p><p></p><p>“Do you think that this complex connects to where the book is located?” he asked.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps,” Drekkath said. “But the question that preoccupies me is whether now is the time to put an end to him.”</p><p></p><p>Kurok looked over at the alcove and the still-slumbering figure. “That would be a mistake. We need him. He has already demonstrated useful instincts with regard to this place, and his fighting skills cannot be discounted. We are likely to encounter more than just ancient traps before we get to the book.”</p><p></p><p>Drekkath studied him for a long moment. “I wonder if you are not beginning to feel empathy for him,” it finally said. “I hope that you have not forgotten why we are here.”</p><p></p><p>Kurok’s expression twisted into a fury. “You…” Realizing that he was being loud, he leaned in close and hissed, “You dare to question <em>my</em> motives? You were there when we traveled through the human lands, through their lush kingdom, surrounded by wealth and food and prosperity. I did not truly understand the depths of my people’s poverty until I saw Severon, or Li Syval. You do not know me, creature, or understand the life that I have lived. So be careful when issuing judgments.”</p><p></p><p>Drekkath made a slight bow, and Kurok got the decided impression that he was being mocked. “Forgive my presumption,” it said. “I would have known better, had you not prohibited me from scanning your mind.”</p><p></p><p>Kurok definitely doubted that was true, but he kept silent. Instead, he pointed toward Bredan and said, “We need to find the…”</p><p></p><p>He trailed off, for as he glanced over he saw that something had changed. Bredan was still there, a slumped outline against the wall, but directly above him, oozing out of the hole of the wall, was a bulging orb of glistening black substance. It was already twice the size of the sleeping man’s head, and as the two conspirators watched it distended and extended a gooey tendril toward him.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 7603337, member: 143"] Chapter 292 When Kurok felt a soft pressure on his arm he woke instantly. It was utterly dark in the vault; the light from Bredan’s sword had faded. He could see Drekkath kneeling over him, but he had gotten so used to hiding his darkvision that he whispered reflexively, “Who’s there?” Drekkath’s lips twisted in a smile. “It’s okay, Bredan is sleeping deeply. Come.” Kurok rose silently, leaving his mace where it lay. It was again reflex to refresh the illusion that concealed his features. They made their way to a spot over by one of the pillars, where they could still see the alcove but were unlikely to wake the slumbering warrior. “How long was I asleep?” Kurok asked. His mind felt sluggish and it felt as if he’d only just laid his head down a few minutes ago, but he was well used to ignoring his body’s demands for rest. “About an hour,” Drekkath said. “I judged that you could use the time.” [i]But [/i]you[i] didn’t[/i], Kurok thought. The creature never seemed to sleep, at least where Kurok could see. The doppelganger remained a cypher, mysterious in its behavior and motivations. When they were alone it did not bother to conceal its disdain for the warlock, and there had been more than one occasion when Kurok had nearly blasted the thing, their mission be damned. “Do you think that this complex connects to where the book is located?” he asked. “Perhaps,” Drekkath said. “But the question that preoccupies me is whether now is the time to put an end to him.” Kurok looked over at the alcove and the still-slumbering figure. “That would be a mistake. We need him. He has already demonstrated useful instincts with regard to this place, and his fighting skills cannot be discounted. We are likely to encounter more than just ancient traps before we get to the book.” Drekkath studied him for a long moment. “I wonder if you are not beginning to feel empathy for him,” it finally said. “I hope that you have not forgotten why we are here.” Kurok’s expression twisted into a fury. “You…” Realizing that he was being loud, he leaned in close and hissed, “You dare to question [i]my[/i] motives? You were there when we traveled through the human lands, through their lush kingdom, surrounded by wealth and food and prosperity. I did not truly understand the depths of my people’s poverty until I saw Severon, or Li Syval. You do not know me, creature, or understand the life that I have lived. So be careful when issuing judgments.” Drekkath made a slight bow, and Kurok got the decided impression that he was being mocked. “Forgive my presumption,” it said. “I would have known better, had you not prohibited me from scanning your mind.” Kurok definitely doubted that was true, but he kept silent. Instead, he pointed toward Bredan and said, “We need to find the…” He trailed off, for as he glanced over he saw that something had changed. Bredan was still there, a slumped outline against the wall, but directly above him, oozing out of the hole of the wall, was a bulging orb of glistening black substance. It was already twice the size of the sleeping man’s head, and as the two conspirators watched it distended and extended a gooey tendril toward him. [/QUOTE]
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