Hastening from the Crystaline cavern, the Band sets off at a fast trot, the Umber Hulks in the lead, though one moves at the rear.
As this last leaves the cavern, an overwhelming Note of shrill Intensity sounds, and the last Umber Hulk and Rider disappear in a spray of Blood. Valrack and Midnight Fang glimpse a massive Crystaline form slam into the Umber Hulk,turning it to mush, then they are off at a run, following the others.
An hour goes by, then a second, with only brief rests to catch your breaths.
At last, you reach a long and cool tunnel, this large and rounded, and big enough for all to use without stooping. The Goblin Chief whispers Big Worm make tunnel, big Purple one, good tunnel.Worm dead now, we find body last week, dead near Crystal Cavern.Good eats,good and plenty.'
Another hour passes, and the Umber Hulks stop. The Riders confer for a moment, pointing here and there along the walls and ceiling. Finally, two of them move to a wall and begin tunneling.
Hurgar moves to the Ogre and says
'Edge of Forest now, between Swamp and Goblin town, as you asked. We go now,Ogre of Zuregath. Take this if you come this way again.It call to the Hulks.Put it into ground,cover with dirt.We come, aid Zuregath.You tell Zuregath that Hulk-Riders of Clan Rugraga help him, help Zuregath?We good allies, good and Loyal allies against Aruth.' The Goblin tosses down a small crystal, then motions for the other Hulk-Riders to follow. All of the Hulks move to the newly created tunnel and add their efforts to those of the two who had gone before.Minutes later, the Hulks return, and Hurgar points to the tunnel leading out and up to the surface. Then, the Hulks move off, digging down into the Earth. In monets, they are gone and the tunnel awaits.
The tunnel leads a few hundred yards up and to the North. At the end can be seen an opening,this covered with vines and creepers. The tunnel looks out from a hillside, facing North. In the distance, North and East, can be seen many lights, as if a great force is camped, though these are many miles away. To the West, seen through the night air, can be noted a gloomy patch that can only be Swamp or Marsh. The smells carried on the Night Air confirms this.
The forest is behind you for the most part, though there are enough trees to take a bit of cover while you ascertain your plans.
