Chapter 6: Return to Castle Llyndofare
When Tobias awoke the next morning, the interrogation was almost complete. Not much information was to be gained from the bandit that had survived the attack. He had been a member of a group of bandits from Andorric’s Steps. They had fled southward to Llyndofare and met resistance from a creature, a scorpiot. Many of their group had died leaving only the three that had foolishly attacked the Heroes the prior night.
The noisy bandit, Torren, had apologized for the attack. Blaming the mage, Galum, for the hostility, he swore he would do anything if not put out of his misery. So, for the moment, the Heroes just bound his hands and headed for Llyndofare.
The remaining journey was quiet and uneventful. Time passed quickly and before they were aware, the edge of the forest dashed toward them leading them into the shadow of the plateau Castle Llyndofare crouched upon.
Motega stopped to check tracks but aside from the minor marks left from the three remaining bandits, none were to be found. He shook his head and the party began strategy discussion.
“We could just barge in through the front again,” Magnus suggested. “It worked the first time. Why not make it habit?” He grinned at the last word, daring the gods to act against the Heroes of Marchford.
“No. Back door,” was all Motega grunted.
Funeris picked up the slack in conversation, “While I like the idea of barging through the front door, if they’re waiting for us and are aware of our route last time, Mo’ might be right. Perhaps its time to use the back door.”
“It was trapped.” Magnus reminded.
“I can handle it,” Motega reassured the party. “Simple trap. No problems.”
“Fine,” conceded Magnus. “Let’s go then.” As the party left the mouth of the forest, Magnus glanced backward to see Fitz talking to the bandit.
“Are you coming, priest?”
“I’m sure you’ll be alright. I’m going to convert….I mean talk to our new friend, Toren.” Fitz’s eyes were alight with happiness.
“Suit yourself, priest.” Magnus turned and caught up with the remainder of the group.
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Motega had scouted ahead, per the norm. He stopped at the back door, which was no longer trapped. As he peered under the heavy wood door, he could make out what appeared to be a human in leather armor. Another bandit he assumed and waved the rest of the Heroes forward.
The group quietly entered the rear courtyard of Castle Llyndofare. This was the place where Nimrodel, the barbaric elf, had nearly fallen. As they noted details, a door that had previously been closed and secured had since been opened.
They headed toward the door, listening intently for sounds of life on the other side. Not a peep was heard, nor a stir of the breeze. Motega stealthily shut the door.
“Upstairs. We’ll use the catwalks to look----“ as he was finishing the statement, the doors slammed open, knocking him across the courtyard. He landed splayed out but was only down for a half second. As he leapt back onto his feet, drawing his bow, he searched out the cause of his embarrassment.
Standing in the doorway for the unknown courtyard, was another of the monstrous scorpiots. Its mandibles clicked and clacked as its dark eyes measured up its new dinner.
Slowly, its arachnid tail snapped back and forth, preparing for a strike.
Tobias loosed an arrow as Motega charged with his sword drawn. Calyx also rushed in for melee. But neither Motega nor Calyx could pierce the thick hide of the beast. Tobias’ arrows bounced harmlessly off of its exoskeleton as well.
The scorpiot ducked a blow from Motega and came up after an attack from its tail, delivering two devastating claw attacks as well as a bite on Motega. The Rorn fell back a few paces, fighting a quick poison that flowed within his veins, sapping his strength.
Calyx stepped in to cut the creature off as Magnus rushed into battle, daggers drawn. Tobias, still from a safe distance, loosed several more arrows. One arrow dug slightly into the beast, several others all deflected.
But the beast was not phased by Tobias’ arrow. Its clickety clacking increased in rapidity, and it dove in for the kill on Calyx. She narrowly avoided the poisonous tail but was hit hard by the claws and bite.
Magnus uttered, “Ceria, where is your priest?” He stepped forward to distract the beast from Calyx, who was now on the ground.
Tobias, have faith in me. Have faith in yourself. A voice sounded in Tobias’ head and the compulsion led him to drop the bow and draw his sword. Strike true, my paladin.
As Tobias reached the battle, Motega was again on his feet, taking more swings at the primitive humanoid. The beast vacillated on which it wanted to kill first, Magnus or Motega. It struck Motega again with the poison and landed a serrated claw attack on Magnus.
Tobias stepped up and brought the great sword down hard across the beast’s exoskeleton. It stumbled back and responded with the same attack that had forced Motega back. The burning in Tobias’ veins didn’t take hold. And the young paladin screamed in rage. His great sword came down again and again, smiting the beast.
The scorpiot gurgled black bile as its carapace hit the ground. Motega took his sword and cut the poisonous stinger off of the tail. Then strung it onto a chain that he wore around his throat. Standing, Motega and Tobias looked around at the damage.
Magnus whimpered, “Cleric…”
