BSF - more choices coming
Zandyrium
Episode 33
At Bison Cave a day’s ride from Zandyrium –
Silcrass the Aranea fawned over his mate, Neolepta as he waited for Heinrich’s response to his
sending requesting an audience. He was certain the cleric would come and finally, Silcrass could reward him for the magnificent gifts they had bestowed upon him. First, they had saved his precious Neolepta, and now, they had delivered a formidable spellbook to him via one of the most powerful wizards in the northern world.
Heinrich returned the sending:
“Coming your way within the hour.”
Silcrass folded his arms in satisfaction.
It was good to have friends, he thought.
*****
Meanwhile, back in Thray –
“What about Captain Disod?” Wassabe complained.
“He is retired we will hire another,” Mercutio answered.
“I don’t think ye’ understand desert-foot, this is a grade-A captain with an eye fer’ merchandise. They don’t grow on trees,” Wassabe protested.
“Look Wassabe, I understand. I am loathe to give up on Captain Disod as well. However, we have other pressing matters and the captain does have a right to retire,” Heinrich said.
“Yer cookin’ the golden goose ‘ere mates. What could possibly be more important than our trading ventures?”
“We’re going to Bison Cave and then to Zandyrium,” Mercutio stated. “You’re welcome to come or go.”
“Ye’ know I’m coming. It’s just a shame that’s all.” Wassabe muttered something more under his breath, but ceased his discernable audible objections.
“It will take me a couple of trips,” Mercutio announced.
“Let’s get going then,” Thoren said.
*****
Bison’s Cave –
“Wow Silcrass! This place is amazing!” Ginny exclaimed. A massive complex of web screens, tunnels, chambers, and sacks covered the entirety of the massive cavern complex.
“Thank you,” the Aranea replied modestly. He no longer bothered to change form in front of his friends. They seemed comfortable with his alien-arachnid appearance.
“You have been busy,” Mercutio agreed.
“How is your mate, Neolepta?” Justinius asked.
“She has completely recovered thanks to your help. She will be joining us shortly.” The Aranea waved a limb haphazardly towards a corner of the room. “She continues to work on the deeper chambers.”
“You are preparing to have children then,” Wassabe surmised.
“Err, yes,” Silcrass answered. “Neolepta is most excited at the prospect. Although the hormones are playing hell with her demeanor.”
{Note to readers: Two of us at the table were dealing with pregnant wives at the time and were intimately familiar with such mood swings. Justinius's (Hairy Minotaur) wife has given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Emily this past week.}
“I heard that,” Neolepta’s feminine voice drifted down from above. Neolepta had assumed the form of a beautiful fey in a sweeping gown.
Silcrass chuckled.
“My friend, we would love to stay and visit, but you said you had pressing news?” Heinrich said.
“It’s true,” Silcrass confirmed. “A fortnight ago, a friend of yours by the name of Rothlor came to my lair. He said it was critical that he contact you and asked if I knew where you were at that moment. I admitted that I did not, but offered to make a
sending. He refused; apparently concerned it might be intercepted. He mentioned a fear of a diabolical influence in the emperor’s government.”
“What sort of influence?” Justinius asked.
“He would not say,” Silcrass answered. “He was most interested in passing information along to you. He felt sure he was going to be sent off on a wild goose chase to get him out of the way.”
“That explains the
sending from your temple,” Ginny suggested.
“Not necessarily,” Heinrich retorted.
“I fear your friend may be in serious trouble,” Silcrass said.
“I agree, which is why I must go to my temple immediately,” Heinrich declared.
“Why do I feel like a fish in a net?” Wassabe whispered to Thoren.
To be continued…