iwatt
First Post
For my 200'th post:
Rise of an Enemy, Part I
The cold wind swept through the ravine, chilling the group of riders with the promise of snow to come. Most people avoided the pass this late in winter, when the danger of being caught by an unsuspected storm was quite real. But the clear sky indicated that, for the moment at least, the travelers were in no danger of been snowed in.
To an untrained eye, the horsemen would appear no different than the countless others who traveled through the Trade Way. But a more observant watcher would easily notice that the colorful cloaks worn by these riders were not woven from sheep wool, but from some coarser animal material unknown in these lands. The designs also, seemed strange, indicating impossible birds, animals, and plants. The bronzed skin tones implied that these travelers had recently been in quite a warmer climate, which wouldn’t be remarkable except that they were traveling south, and for the last couple of months the sun had only shown it’s face a few times each month throughout most of the northern lands. The riders traveled in companionable silence, as those who’ve spent enough time on the road together usually do.
The rider at the head of the party couldn’t be more than 5 feet tall. He rode with the easy grace that most of his race possessed. He let his horse set the pace, while his eyes roamed, and his tufted ears listened with the natural alertness that outdoorsmen possess. His composite longbow rode easily in his saddle, while a full quiver lay on his back.
The second horse had the high spirits of most warhorses, and its rider continuously calmed him with the ease of a competent horseman. At first glance, many people would dismiss the bald and stocky horseman, but a second look would show what a veritable armory he was. Controlling the horse mostly with his legs, one hand was occupied holding his lance upright. The second was free, while continuously stroking the hilt of the scimitar at his waist in the unconscious gesture of a master swordsman. A second scimitar hung from a sheath on his back, while a mace rested lightly on his hip. A bow and quiver hung haphazardly from his saddle as well.
The tall man riding behind him shared his saddle with a young boy. The man appeared completely enmeshed in his thoughts, paying only slight attention to his surroundings. Although about 15 years separated the boy and man, the resemblance was clear. But while the rider’s eyes indicated a lively intellect at work, the lad’s visage was empty of expression, and he barely reacted to the jolting canter of the gelding.
The second to last of the travelers rode with the effortlessness of one born to the saddle. Unlike his companions, the hulking red-haired, 7 foot figure would stand out in any crowd, unable to hide his commanding presence. He bore his light chain armor in the manner of one used to a much heavier load, with a bastard sword strapped loosely to his back. A flaming sword on a blood red field shone brightly from his shield, matching the design on his cloak. He appeared completely unaffected by the chill which had his companions tightly wrapped in their clothes.
Trailing the rest of the party, the last figure rode with all the awkwardness of the city bred. His long hair almost completely covered the tips of his ears, but the elven heritage in his visage was clear. The shimmering black cloak on his back was clearly of a different make than those of his companions, hinting of arcane origins. His quick hands continuously wrapped the cloak around him, in a futile attempt to ward off the cold.
The pass was wide enough for two riders abreast, but the party preferred to ride in single file, a wise precaution taking into account the steep slopes littered with loose rocks that flanked the pass. The ravine was probably formed by a mountain stream that had cut through the softer rock during eons of erosion, but whose source has somehow dried up.
******************************************************
This seems like a great place for bandits to lay an ambush, was the first thing to come to Davon´s mind when he looked up to Haldir at the lead. Brushing a red lock from his eyes, he adjusted the shield on his saddle. Glancing into the air, the tall human appeared to be looking for somebody. Well, neither Kershak nor Emel are giving warning. Not much get’s past both those birds. The elven ranger appeared quite calm as well, so his worries about an attack diminished.
“It’s colder than Auril’s nipples” said a morose voice from behind Davon. “We should have stayed in Alkathla in a warm inn until the winter passed. Why are we freezing are arses out here?”
“We’ve had this discussion enough times Alekos. I don’t feel like going through it all over again. You weren’t able to convince Wencit before, what makes you think he’ll come around now? Besides only a soft southerner like you would find this weather cold. Back in The Ride, this would be a crisp spring day.”
The roguish half-elf was about to snap back, but Davon’s unpleasant look shut him up. Long days in the saddle led to very short tempers.
In all honesty, this weather had been extremely cold for these southern lands. It already promised to be one of the bitterest winters in memory according to the innkeeper in the last town. Truth be told, I’d have no problem with warming my legs by a blazing fire with a drink in one hand and a willing wench in the other. Suddenly Davon burst in a harsh chuckle. Those years overseas must have really softened me if this chill makes me wish for a hearth.
“What are you laughing at, Davon?”
Startled by the voice in front of him, Davon almost reined in his horse. But it was only Wencit talking. “I was just thinking that tomorrow I’m trading places with Tenaka.”
“You know we can’t have those two riding together if we’re going to get help for my brother anytime soon. They’ll probably get bored, start horsing around and one of them will start smacking the other around. Then you’ll get angry at them and do something hasty. Since -”.
“Quiet, something’s happening”, interrupted the softspoken elf from ahead.
Haldir had reined in, and was pointing towards the northern slope. Suddenly, a small slide of rock and pebbles tumbled down from that side. Unslinging his bow, the elf peered from were the landslide had begun. Nothing could have hidden from his view, yet something had caused the rocks to slide. Suddenly, Tenaka spurred his mount forward some 300 paces. Tying up his bow, the fighter lowered his lance and readied himself for an attack.
What’s he doing, it’s just a land slide. Still, might as well prepare. While these thought’s crossed his mind, Davon turned his mount around in order to better confront a threat from the rear. This would be a perfect spot for an ambush. The path tightens up, cutting down our mobilty. But there’s nothing around us!
In the next instant, twin blasts of cold assaulted the party from the front and rear. Tenaka was the only one not affected, although Alekos and Haldir were able to avoid the worst. But both Davon and Wencit’s horses took the full brunt of the attack, and collapsed to the ground.
Garagos take me! What the hell is happening? Wondered Davon as he instinctively rolled off his horse. Muttering a prayer to Tempus while laying hands on his horse, the large human was able to breathe some life back to his mount. Nobody touches my horse!
Looking up from his kneeling position, Davon spied Alekos leaping from his horse while sweeping his dark cloak open. Thick strands of spider web spewed forth, anchoring themselves to both sides of the ravine. The large figure in the middle easily avoided the sticky substance, stepping forward towards Alekos. As the web finished coalescing, two other smaller figures appeared caught in the center of the web.
Ambushed by ogres? But the one in the lead is much larger than those caught in the web. Well, he’ll die just as easily! Few people would call Davon graceful, but he moved surprisingly fast for a man of his size. Leaping to his feet, while unsheathing his sword, Davon moved to interpose himself between the large ogre and his lightly armored companion.
“Take care of the ones in the web Alekos. I’ll deal with this big one.” Davon shouted brashly. The steady snap of a bowstring coming from behind him meant that Haldir had his hands full with something else. Arcane mumbling was soon followed by a blast of heat. Peeking over his shoulder, Davon was able to catch sight of the remains of two of the smaller ogres burnt to a crisp, while another large one unsheathed a huge greatsword, advancing towards Wencit. The wizard appeared slightly off balance after casting the spell. The thundering rumble of a charging warhorse was signal enough that Tenaka was desperate to join the fray.
“No problem” shouted Alekos, as he suddenly darted a quick strike to the creature which his web had been unable to capture. “Just let me say goodbye to our new friend.” As quick as a viper, his long sword nicked the ogre in an unprotected area while the half-elf tumbled away into the web. The strands that completely secured the other ogres barely slowed him as he sped towards his next victim. The ogre facing Davon seemed unconcerned with the red-haired human facing him. With a couple of quick bounds, he sped towards the fallen figure of Wencit’s brother.
“It ain’t that easy getting rid of me” muttered Davon as he charged towards the boy as well. The swing lacked grace, but only the very thickest armor could have turned that blow. The ogre screamed in pain. From this new perspective though, Davon had a clear view of the other large ogre swinging his sword at Wencit, cutting the unprotected mage in two. A shriek from above indicated that the owl had sensed his master’s death pangs as well. As the thundering sound of a warhorse charging reached a crescendo, the ogre twisted around to face Tenaka’s lance. Tempus bless me, that lance point rode clear through an eye! I don’t think that ogre is getting back up.
The ogre standing by the fallen child suddenly began to turn misty and dissipate. Faced with this uncanny development, Davon dropped his sword and struck powerfully with the heavy war hammer at his hip. I haven’t found that many things that can stand to this hammer! The weapon began to slide through the misty creature, but finally hammered as if into something solid. The ogre grunted sourly as he felt the blow course through its misty body. I told you you weren’t getting away!
Seeing his target felled by his friend’s charge, Haldir slung his bow while leaping to the side of the misty form facing Davon. While the elf turned to face his new enemy, Tenaka leapt from his horse towards Wencit’s body. A closer inspection was enough to show that the wizard had left the realm of the living.
The ogre in gaseous form began to reshape into solid form, while turning towards Haldir and looking straight into the elf’s eyes and mumbling something to him. Suddenly, the elf stepped to a side while unslinging his bow. Two arrows sped towards Davon’s chest, who stared uncomprehendingly towards his ally.
His mind is been controlled! Tempus, help me snap him back. Muttering a prayer to his God, Davon stepped back. A flash of red light blinked around the elven ranger, but apparently wasn’t enough to undo the mind control. Damn, that didn’t work. “Tenaka, let’s tie down Haldir, he’s been possessed!”
The fighter got to his feet, but the interposing horses made it difficult to reach his friends. “Ok, I’ll do it, you take care of the last ogre.”
But as soon as Davon had disengaged in order to cast his spell, the ogre had begun to shimmer. Suddenly a giant eagle stood in place of the spell-using ogre. Reaching down to the unconscious form of the boy, it leapt into the air.
Watching his target speed away and struck twice more by the elf’s arrows, Davon twisted behind a horse while muttering another prayer to Tempus. Damn I’m hurt worse than I thought. That bloody elf doesn’t miss a single shot! The hands he laid upon himself helped repair some of the frostbite damage the waves of cold had caused.
Suddenly Tenaka reached forwards and grabbed the elf, pinning him with some difficulty. “Come and help me Davon, he’s squirming too much”. The elf tried to release himself from his friend’s grasp, but once Davon arrived to help as well, the elf was soon trussed up. As Haldir was finally subdued, a last scream was heard from the web. Stepping from the tangled mass of strands, Alekos carefully wiped his blade before sheathing it. “Well, that was easy enough. Where’s Dalen?”
“That thrice damned spellcasting freak of an ogre flew away with him. Let’s wait for Haldir to calm down before hunting him down” was the bitter response from Davon’s lips. “Nobody tries to kill my horse, and nobody kills my mage.” Damn, and just when that damn wizard was starting to be useful.
Rise of an Enemy, Part I
The cold wind swept through the ravine, chilling the group of riders with the promise of snow to come. Most people avoided the pass this late in winter, when the danger of being caught by an unsuspected storm was quite real. But the clear sky indicated that, for the moment at least, the travelers were in no danger of been snowed in.
To an untrained eye, the horsemen would appear no different than the countless others who traveled through the Trade Way. But a more observant watcher would easily notice that the colorful cloaks worn by these riders were not woven from sheep wool, but from some coarser animal material unknown in these lands. The designs also, seemed strange, indicating impossible birds, animals, and plants. The bronzed skin tones implied that these travelers had recently been in quite a warmer climate, which wouldn’t be remarkable except that they were traveling south, and for the last couple of months the sun had only shown it’s face a few times each month throughout most of the northern lands. The riders traveled in companionable silence, as those who’ve spent enough time on the road together usually do.
The rider at the head of the party couldn’t be more than 5 feet tall. He rode with the easy grace that most of his race possessed. He let his horse set the pace, while his eyes roamed, and his tufted ears listened with the natural alertness that outdoorsmen possess. His composite longbow rode easily in his saddle, while a full quiver lay on his back.
The second horse had the high spirits of most warhorses, and its rider continuously calmed him with the ease of a competent horseman. At first glance, many people would dismiss the bald and stocky horseman, but a second look would show what a veritable armory he was. Controlling the horse mostly with his legs, one hand was occupied holding his lance upright. The second was free, while continuously stroking the hilt of the scimitar at his waist in the unconscious gesture of a master swordsman. A second scimitar hung from a sheath on his back, while a mace rested lightly on his hip. A bow and quiver hung haphazardly from his saddle as well.
The tall man riding behind him shared his saddle with a young boy. The man appeared completely enmeshed in his thoughts, paying only slight attention to his surroundings. Although about 15 years separated the boy and man, the resemblance was clear. But while the rider’s eyes indicated a lively intellect at work, the lad’s visage was empty of expression, and he barely reacted to the jolting canter of the gelding.
The second to last of the travelers rode with the effortlessness of one born to the saddle. Unlike his companions, the hulking red-haired, 7 foot figure would stand out in any crowd, unable to hide his commanding presence. He bore his light chain armor in the manner of one used to a much heavier load, with a bastard sword strapped loosely to his back. A flaming sword on a blood red field shone brightly from his shield, matching the design on his cloak. He appeared completely unaffected by the chill which had his companions tightly wrapped in their clothes.
Trailing the rest of the party, the last figure rode with all the awkwardness of the city bred. His long hair almost completely covered the tips of his ears, but the elven heritage in his visage was clear. The shimmering black cloak on his back was clearly of a different make than those of his companions, hinting of arcane origins. His quick hands continuously wrapped the cloak around him, in a futile attempt to ward off the cold.
The pass was wide enough for two riders abreast, but the party preferred to ride in single file, a wise precaution taking into account the steep slopes littered with loose rocks that flanked the pass. The ravine was probably formed by a mountain stream that had cut through the softer rock during eons of erosion, but whose source has somehow dried up.
******************************************************
This seems like a great place for bandits to lay an ambush, was the first thing to come to Davon´s mind when he looked up to Haldir at the lead. Brushing a red lock from his eyes, he adjusted the shield on his saddle. Glancing into the air, the tall human appeared to be looking for somebody. Well, neither Kershak nor Emel are giving warning. Not much get’s past both those birds. The elven ranger appeared quite calm as well, so his worries about an attack diminished.
“It’s colder than Auril’s nipples” said a morose voice from behind Davon. “We should have stayed in Alkathla in a warm inn until the winter passed. Why are we freezing are arses out here?”
“We’ve had this discussion enough times Alekos. I don’t feel like going through it all over again. You weren’t able to convince Wencit before, what makes you think he’ll come around now? Besides only a soft southerner like you would find this weather cold. Back in The Ride, this would be a crisp spring day.”
The roguish half-elf was about to snap back, but Davon’s unpleasant look shut him up. Long days in the saddle led to very short tempers.
In all honesty, this weather had been extremely cold for these southern lands. It already promised to be one of the bitterest winters in memory according to the innkeeper in the last town. Truth be told, I’d have no problem with warming my legs by a blazing fire with a drink in one hand and a willing wench in the other. Suddenly Davon burst in a harsh chuckle. Those years overseas must have really softened me if this chill makes me wish for a hearth.
“What are you laughing at, Davon?”
Startled by the voice in front of him, Davon almost reined in his horse. But it was only Wencit talking. “I was just thinking that tomorrow I’m trading places with Tenaka.”
“You know we can’t have those two riding together if we’re going to get help for my brother anytime soon. They’ll probably get bored, start horsing around and one of them will start smacking the other around. Then you’ll get angry at them and do something hasty. Since -”.
“Quiet, something’s happening”, interrupted the softspoken elf from ahead.
Haldir had reined in, and was pointing towards the northern slope. Suddenly, a small slide of rock and pebbles tumbled down from that side. Unslinging his bow, the elf peered from were the landslide had begun. Nothing could have hidden from his view, yet something had caused the rocks to slide. Suddenly, Tenaka spurred his mount forward some 300 paces. Tying up his bow, the fighter lowered his lance and readied himself for an attack.
What’s he doing, it’s just a land slide. Still, might as well prepare. While these thought’s crossed his mind, Davon turned his mount around in order to better confront a threat from the rear. This would be a perfect spot for an ambush. The path tightens up, cutting down our mobilty. But there’s nothing around us!
In the next instant, twin blasts of cold assaulted the party from the front and rear. Tenaka was the only one not affected, although Alekos and Haldir were able to avoid the worst. But both Davon and Wencit’s horses took the full brunt of the attack, and collapsed to the ground.
Garagos take me! What the hell is happening? Wondered Davon as he instinctively rolled off his horse. Muttering a prayer to Tempus while laying hands on his horse, the large human was able to breathe some life back to his mount. Nobody touches my horse!
Looking up from his kneeling position, Davon spied Alekos leaping from his horse while sweeping his dark cloak open. Thick strands of spider web spewed forth, anchoring themselves to both sides of the ravine. The large figure in the middle easily avoided the sticky substance, stepping forward towards Alekos. As the web finished coalescing, two other smaller figures appeared caught in the center of the web.
Ambushed by ogres? But the one in the lead is much larger than those caught in the web. Well, he’ll die just as easily! Few people would call Davon graceful, but he moved surprisingly fast for a man of his size. Leaping to his feet, while unsheathing his sword, Davon moved to interpose himself between the large ogre and his lightly armored companion.
“Take care of the ones in the web Alekos. I’ll deal with this big one.” Davon shouted brashly. The steady snap of a bowstring coming from behind him meant that Haldir had his hands full with something else. Arcane mumbling was soon followed by a blast of heat. Peeking over his shoulder, Davon was able to catch sight of the remains of two of the smaller ogres burnt to a crisp, while another large one unsheathed a huge greatsword, advancing towards Wencit. The wizard appeared slightly off balance after casting the spell. The thundering rumble of a charging warhorse was signal enough that Tenaka was desperate to join the fray.
“No problem” shouted Alekos, as he suddenly darted a quick strike to the creature which his web had been unable to capture. “Just let me say goodbye to our new friend.” As quick as a viper, his long sword nicked the ogre in an unprotected area while the half-elf tumbled away into the web. The strands that completely secured the other ogres barely slowed him as he sped towards his next victim. The ogre facing Davon seemed unconcerned with the red-haired human facing him. With a couple of quick bounds, he sped towards the fallen figure of Wencit’s brother.
“It ain’t that easy getting rid of me” muttered Davon as he charged towards the boy as well. The swing lacked grace, but only the very thickest armor could have turned that blow. The ogre screamed in pain. From this new perspective though, Davon had a clear view of the other large ogre swinging his sword at Wencit, cutting the unprotected mage in two. A shriek from above indicated that the owl had sensed his master’s death pangs as well. As the thundering sound of a warhorse charging reached a crescendo, the ogre twisted around to face Tenaka’s lance. Tempus bless me, that lance point rode clear through an eye! I don’t think that ogre is getting back up.
The ogre standing by the fallen child suddenly began to turn misty and dissipate. Faced with this uncanny development, Davon dropped his sword and struck powerfully with the heavy war hammer at his hip. I haven’t found that many things that can stand to this hammer! The weapon began to slide through the misty creature, but finally hammered as if into something solid. The ogre grunted sourly as he felt the blow course through its misty body. I told you you weren’t getting away!
Seeing his target felled by his friend’s charge, Haldir slung his bow while leaping to the side of the misty form facing Davon. While the elf turned to face his new enemy, Tenaka leapt from his horse towards Wencit’s body. A closer inspection was enough to show that the wizard had left the realm of the living.
The ogre in gaseous form began to reshape into solid form, while turning towards Haldir and looking straight into the elf’s eyes and mumbling something to him. Suddenly, the elf stepped to a side while unslinging his bow. Two arrows sped towards Davon’s chest, who stared uncomprehendingly towards his ally.
His mind is been controlled! Tempus, help me snap him back. Muttering a prayer to his God, Davon stepped back. A flash of red light blinked around the elven ranger, but apparently wasn’t enough to undo the mind control. Damn, that didn’t work. “Tenaka, let’s tie down Haldir, he’s been possessed!”
The fighter got to his feet, but the interposing horses made it difficult to reach his friends. “Ok, I’ll do it, you take care of the last ogre.”
But as soon as Davon had disengaged in order to cast his spell, the ogre had begun to shimmer. Suddenly a giant eagle stood in place of the spell-using ogre. Reaching down to the unconscious form of the boy, it leapt into the air.
Watching his target speed away and struck twice more by the elf’s arrows, Davon twisted behind a horse while muttering another prayer to Tempus. Damn I’m hurt worse than I thought. That bloody elf doesn’t miss a single shot! The hands he laid upon himself helped repair some of the frostbite damage the waves of cold had caused.
Suddenly Tenaka reached forwards and grabbed the elf, pinning him with some difficulty. “Come and help me Davon, he’s squirming too much”. The elf tried to release himself from his friend’s grasp, but once Davon arrived to help as well, the elf was soon trussed up. As Haldir was finally subdued, a last scream was heard from the web. Stepping from the tangled mass of strands, Alekos carefully wiped his blade before sheathing it. “Well, that was easy enough. Where’s Dalen?”
“That thrice damned spellcasting freak of an ogre flew away with him. Let’s wait for Haldir to calm down before hunting him down” was the bitter response from Davon’s lips. “Nobody tries to kill my horse, and nobody kills my mage.” Damn, and just when that damn wizard was starting to be useful.
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