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<blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 1024758" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>Chapter 13</p><p></p><p>“Blast you blasted sneaks!” the dwarf cried out, as the pair of enemies flanking him stabbed at him. The dwarf, caught off guard, was fortunate in that the first thrust glanced off of the layered scales of armor that covered his torso. Even as he turned in that direction, though, the second attacker slipped its rapier into a gap in the armor under his arm, penetrating the thick leather there and driving several inches of the slender steel into the dwarf’s side. Arun grunted and jerked back, and his foe’s blade came away with its tip sheathed in bright red. </p><p></p><p>The ambushers—revealed as skulks, as the bright golden glow of the light on the floor shimmered on their color-shifting skin—did not stay to follow up on their assault. Even as Arun abandoned his effort to unlimber his shield and hefted his warhammer with both hands, the two skulks darted away, each toward one of two round tunnels that apparently had been bored through the walls of the room. The creatures were fast, certainly moreso than the armored dwarf, and they had nearly reached the two exits by the time Arun had readied his weapon. </p><p></p><p>Mole, however, was quicker to respond, and she leaned around the dwarf enough to get a clear bead on one of the creatures. Her crossbow snapped, and the skulk staggered as her bolt caught it high in the back of one shoulder. It recovered and would have likely escaped a moment later, but Arun tossed his heavy hammer to the floor, and with a single smooth motion drew and hurled one of the light hammers from his belt. The second missile caught the creature solidly in the base of its skull as it crouched to dart into the tunnel, and it crumpled in a heap in the rubble-strewn opening. The second creature had already vanished through the second tunnel. </p><p></p><p>Mole quickly reloaded her crossbow, and moved into the room, looking for signs of any more of the creatures. Arun recovered his warhammer and readjusted his shield, while behind them Zenna and Ruphos came warily into the room. </p><p></p><p>Mole took a look at the fallen skulk, confirming that it was dead, and scanning the tunnel to make sure no other danger lurked from that direction. The two tunnels were rough-hewn and compact, each a little less than five feet in diameter. Arun crossed to the center of the room, and the source of the light—a sunrod, its golden head shining with brilliant light. </p><p></p><p>Zenna came up behind the dwarf. “You’re hurt,” she said, noting the streak of blood where the skulk had scored with his rapier. “Ruphos...” The cleric was already coming over, but Arun forestalled him with a raised hand. </p><p></p><p>“Save your healing,” the dwarf rumbled. “I’m fine.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, just like a man,” Mole said, joining them. “Pretend it doesn’t hurt, and maybe it will go away. Look, we need you to be at one hundred percent... the next skulks might not decide to run away so quickly.”</p><p></p><p>“You remind me of my brother’s wife,” the dwarf returned. “There was no peace for any man when that woman was about!” But he did not protest as Ruphos came over and took a look at the injury, and called upon the healing power of Helm to aid him. </p><p></p><p>“One got away,” Mole said, indicating the tunnel in the wall to the side. “Might be back with friends.”</p><p></p><p>“Should we retreat?” Ruphos asked, but by the look on his face, he knew the answer even before Arun turned on him. </p><p></p><p>“Retreat? After a little tussle like that? Wasn’t even a proper battle!”</p><p></p><p>“Which way, then?” Mole said, returning to the passage where the dead skulk lay. She was the only one of them short enough to move freely within the tunnel without bending over, and leaned inside, wrinking her nose as she glanced down at the dead skulk. </p><p></p><p>“Careful, Mole,” Zenna warned. “There may be others in ambush, waiting for us.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, I’m sure there are,” the gnome said distractedly. She’d taken Ghelve’s map from her pouch, and held it up to catch the light from the sunrod on the floor. “These tunnels aren’t on the map,” she reported. “This one forks after a ways, and I can see another light from somewhere ahead.”</p><p></p><p>“Let us go this way,” Arun said. “I do not think that we will catch that one that fled before he warns his comrades, but we may yet catch some in this direction unawares.”</p><p></p><p>“Okay,” Mole said, but even as she started down the narrow tunnel, Arun forestalled her. </p><p></p><p>“Let me take the lead,” he said. </p><p></p><p>The gnome frowned. “I can handle myself, and I’m a lot quieter than you are in all that metal.”</p><p></p><p>“I have no doubt of that,” Arun said. “But I have extensive experience in underground areas and tunnels like this one, and we’ll be traveling close together, and with our own light, so whoever’s down there will detect us coming anyway.”</p><p></p><p>“He’s got a point,” Zenna said. </p><p></p><p>“Let’s just get going,” Ruphos said, eyeing the other tunnel where the second skulk had escaped. </p><p></p><p>Wary of another ambush, the companions pressed on, stepping over one slain foe and creeping into the confines of the rough tunnel. </p><p></p><p>The tunnel was just under five feet in diameter, forcing even the squat—but wide—Arun to scrunch himself a bit to avoid scraping his shield or armored elbow against the uneven walls. The corridor appeared to have been rough-hewn from the solid stone of the volcano, although the dwarf remarked that the work was unusual, and that he couldn’t quite identify the method used for the excavation. With that mystery added to the total tally presented by Jzadirune, the companions pressed on. </p><p></p><p>After just a short distance the tunnel branched to the left and right. To the right the tunnel split again after about ten feet, with a side passage jutting left. The light that Mole had seen seemed to come from that direction, so Arun led them that way, with the others close behind. The dwarf held his heavy hammer at the ready, with Mole and Zenna with their crossbows loaded and ready to shoot, while Ruphos brought up the rear nervously with his mace held tightly in one hand, the lamp in the other. Every few steps the cleric shot a wary glance backward, peering into the dark length of the tunnel for any signs of pursuit. As the tallest member of the company, he had the most difficulty in the confines of the tunnel, bending low and frequently scraping his head on the rugged ceiling. </p><p></p><p>“And she complains about <em>me</em> making noise,” the dwarf grumbled to himself as they reached the second fork and headed toward the light. </p><p></p><p>After the turning the tunnel continued for only another ten feet or so before it emerged into a copious, vaulted chamber. The light came from a series of flickering globes that hung in the air, floating idly back and forth. The place was the largest open space they’d yet encountered in the complex, easily a hundred feet in length from where they stood to the far wall, where a fountain of sorts could be seen. Twin rows of pillars stretched down the length of the chamber, flanking a central isle a good twenty feet across. Several more mundane passages than the tunnel by which they’d arrived were visible along the side walls, and a few of the round rune-doors were visible in their familiar stone lintels. </p><p></p><p>The companions left the confines of the tunnel and cautiously moved forward into the room. Clearly this had been a gathering place of sorts, and the gnomes had put a great deal of effort into improvements. Faded murals covered the walls, and the thick pillars had been carved into the forms of gnomes standing upon the shoulders of their comrades, all the way to the ceiling high above. </p><p></p><p>“Lots of shadows,” Mole commented. “Lots of places to hide.” The others nodded, recognizing what the gnome had; while the magical dancing flames provided enough light to illuminate the entire chamber, their flickers and movements made that illumination very conducive to the sneaking of the treacherous skulks. </p><p></p><p>“By the fountain,” Arun said, gesturing with his hammer. They could see that to one side of the fountain, at the far end of the chamber, several piles of loose rubble were scattered near another tunnel entrance. The four adventurers started in that direction. </p><p></p><p>As they passed one of the glowing globes, Mole reached up and touched it, smiling as her hand passed through the flickering light. </p><p></p><p>“Careful, Mole!” Zenna hissed in warning. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, it’s just another illusion,” Mole said. “It’s not like I haven’t seen this sort of thing, you know.”</p><p></p><p>Zenna turned, frowning. She knew, and it was yet another reminder of the life she’d chosen to leave behind. </p><p></p><p>They were nearing the center of the room, having passed by several of the side corridors that exited the hall, when suddenly Mole stiffened. </p><p></p><p>“What is it?” Zenna whispered.</p><p></p><p>“I thought I heard something,” she replied, scanning the darkness. </p><p></p><p>“I didn’t hear anything,” Ruphos murmured. But they all heard the next sound, a few moments later, the familiar twang of crossbows being fired.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 1024758, member: 143"] Chapter 13 “Blast you blasted sneaks!” the dwarf cried out, as the pair of enemies flanking him stabbed at him. The dwarf, caught off guard, was fortunate in that the first thrust glanced off of the layered scales of armor that covered his torso. Even as he turned in that direction, though, the second attacker slipped its rapier into a gap in the armor under his arm, penetrating the thick leather there and driving several inches of the slender steel into the dwarf’s side. Arun grunted and jerked back, and his foe’s blade came away with its tip sheathed in bright red. The ambushers—revealed as skulks, as the bright golden glow of the light on the floor shimmered on their color-shifting skin—did not stay to follow up on their assault. Even as Arun abandoned his effort to unlimber his shield and hefted his warhammer with both hands, the two skulks darted away, each toward one of two round tunnels that apparently had been bored through the walls of the room. The creatures were fast, certainly moreso than the armored dwarf, and they had nearly reached the two exits by the time Arun had readied his weapon. Mole, however, was quicker to respond, and she leaned around the dwarf enough to get a clear bead on one of the creatures. Her crossbow snapped, and the skulk staggered as her bolt caught it high in the back of one shoulder. It recovered and would have likely escaped a moment later, but Arun tossed his heavy hammer to the floor, and with a single smooth motion drew and hurled one of the light hammers from his belt. The second missile caught the creature solidly in the base of its skull as it crouched to dart into the tunnel, and it crumpled in a heap in the rubble-strewn opening. The second creature had already vanished through the second tunnel. Mole quickly reloaded her crossbow, and moved into the room, looking for signs of any more of the creatures. Arun recovered his warhammer and readjusted his shield, while behind them Zenna and Ruphos came warily into the room. Mole took a look at the fallen skulk, confirming that it was dead, and scanning the tunnel to make sure no other danger lurked from that direction. The two tunnels were rough-hewn and compact, each a little less than five feet in diameter. Arun crossed to the center of the room, and the source of the light—a sunrod, its golden head shining with brilliant light. Zenna came up behind the dwarf. “You’re hurt,” she said, noting the streak of blood where the skulk had scored with his rapier. “Ruphos...” The cleric was already coming over, but Arun forestalled him with a raised hand. “Save your healing,” the dwarf rumbled. “I’m fine.” “Ah, just like a man,” Mole said, joining them. “Pretend it doesn’t hurt, and maybe it will go away. Look, we need you to be at one hundred percent... the next skulks might not decide to run away so quickly.” “You remind me of my brother’s wife,” the dwarf returned. “There was no peace for any man when that woman was about!” But he did not protest as Ruphos came over and took a look at the injury, and called upon the healing power of Helm to aid him. “One got away,” Mole said, indicating the tunnel in the wall to the side. “Might be back with friends.” “Should we retreat?” Ruphos asked, but by the look on his face, he knew the answer even before Arun turned on him. “Retreat? After a little tussle like that? Wasn’t even a proper battle!” “Which way, then?” Mole said, returning to the passage where the dead skulk lay. She was the only one of them short enough to move freely within the tunnel without bending over, and leaned inside, wrinking her nose as she glanced down at the dead skulk. “Careful, Mole,” Zenna warned. “There may be others in ambush, waiting for us.” “Oh, I’m sure there are,” the gnome said distractedly. She’d taken Ghelve’s map from her pouch, and held it up to catch the light from the sunrod on the floor. “These tunnels aren’t on the map,” she reported. “This one forks after a ways, and I can see another light from somewhere ahead.” “Let us go this way,” Arun said. “I do not think that we will catch that one that fled before he warns his comrades, but we may yet catch some in this direction unawares.” “Okay,” Mole said, but even as she started down the narrow tunnel, Arun forestalled her. “Let me take the lead,” he said. The gnome frowned. “I can handle myself, and I’m a lot quieter than you are in all that metal.” “I have no doubt of that,” Arun said. “But I have extensive experience in underground areas and tunnels like this one, and we’ll be traveling close together, and with our own light, so whoever’s down there will detect us coming anyway.” “He’s got a point,” Zenna said. “Let’s just get going,” Ruphos said, eyeing the other tunnel where the second skulk had escaped. Wary of another ambush, the companions pressed on, stepping over one slain foe and creeping into the confines of the rough tunnel. The tunnel was just under five feet in diameter, forcing even the squat—but wide—Arun to scrunch himself a bit to avoid scraping his shield or armored elbow against the uneven walls. The corridor appeared to have been rough-hewn from the solid stone of the volcano, although the dwarf remarked that the work was unusual, and that he couldn’t quite identify the method used for the excavation. With that mystery added to the total tally presented by Jzadirune, the companions pressed on. After just a short distance the tunnel branched to the left and right. To the right the tunnel split again after about ten feet, with a side passage jutting left. The light that Mole had seen seemed to come from that direction, so Arun led them that way, with the others close behind. The dwarf held his heavy hammer at the ready, with Mole and Zenna with their crossbows loaded and ready to shoot, while Ruphos brought up the rear nervously with his mace held tightly in one hand, the lamp in the other. Every few steps the cleric shot a wary glance backward, peering into the dark length of the tunnel for any signs of pursuit. As the tallest member of the company, he had the most difficulty in the confines of the tunnel, bending low and frequently scraping his head on the rugged ceiling. “And she complains about [I]me[/I] making noise,” the dwarf grumbled to himself as they reached the second fork and headed toward the light. After the turning the tunnel continued for only another ten feet or so before it emerged into a copious, vaulted chamber. The light came from a series of flickering globes that hung in the air, floating idly back and forth. The place was the largest open space they’d yet encountered in the complex, easily a hundred feet in length from where they stood to the far wall, where a fountain of sorts could be seen. Twin rows of pillars stretched down the length of the chamber, flanking a central isle a good twenty feet across. Several more mundane passages than the tunnel by which they’d arrived were visible along the side walls, and a few of the round rune-doors were visible in their familiar stone lintels. The companions left the confines of the tunnel and cautiously moved forward into the room. Clearly this had been a gathering place of sorts, and the gnomes had put a great deal of effort into improvements. Faded murals covered the walls, and the thick pillars had been carved into the forms of gnomes standing upon the shoulders of their comrades, all the way to the ceiling high above. “Lots of shadows,” Mole commented. “Lots of places to hide.” The others nodded, recognizing what the gnome had; while the magical dancing flames provided enough light to illuminate the entire chamber, their flickers and movements made that illumination very conducive to the sneaking of the treacherous skulks. “By the fountain,” Arun said, gesturing with his hammer. They could see that to one side of the fountain, at the far end of the chamber, several piles of loose rubble were scattered near another tunnel entrance. The four adventurers started in that direction. As they passed one of the glowing globes, Mole reached up and touched it, smiling as her hand passed through the flickering light. “Careful, Mole!” Zenna hissed in warning. “Oh, it’s just another illusion,” Mole said. “It’s not like I haven’t seen this sort of thing, you know.” Zenna turned, frowning. She knew, and it was yet another reminder of the life she’d chosen to leave behind. They were nearing the center of the room, having passed by several of the side corridors that exited the hall, when suddenly Mole stiffened. “What is it?” Zenna whispered. “I thought I heard something,” she replied, scanning the darkness. “I didn’t hear anything,” Ruphos murmured. But they all heard the next sound, a few moments later, the familiar twang of crossbows being fired. [/QUOTE]
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