Chapter 24: Brightstone Keep
Thanks Haven! The characters are all coming into their own at this point. But there's more PC smackdown on the horizon for our poor heroes!
*****
From my first meeting with Duke Devonhilt I had no doubts he was good man. He has the best interests of his people at heart and wears the mantle of Duke as a facade to appease the nobility. Adept with both commoner and aristocrat, Devonhilt has many allies and holds great sway over a vast area.
"I must admit that I am at a loss for words to express how overwhelmed I am at the mere thought of how miraculous this event truly is." The Duke quietly spoke after a long pause.
Lilian, Gabriel, Talon and myself had told him of the story of Shale's return and metamorphosis into Shallahai. Shallahai had remained silent throughout the tale.
"And your vision," He continued, looking at Shallahai, "I fear it is a vision of the past bound to repeat itself."
Talon nodded his head. "We thought as much."
"Malfoy is raising an army as we speak. He has sent out notices and has called for every soldier in the realm to report to Soliel for training. He intends to claim the Wildlands." The Duke announced.
"For what purpose?" I inquired, puzzled and worried.
"Why not?" The Duke responded. "The events at Goldfire Glen involving the goblins and the Orcus cultists gave him just the excuse he needed to raise such an army. Of course his stated purpose is to remove the threat of the humanoids in the Wildlands. But what he really wants is to obtain more land for the Kingdom of Turgos. And no doubt the Curia is supporting this decision, because what it really wants is to purge the “pagans” from the Wildlands and spread Canaanism to all." The Duke's voice got a little louder as he spoke of these things. It was obvious that he did not agree with Malfoy's motives.
"But more importantly, the Curia wants to purge Turgos of Orcus's influence at Rappan'Athuk and it knows that another assault like the one in Shallahai's vision, the one that happened 15 years ago, would be terribly unpopular." The Duke's disgust was apparent.
"Both his supporters--the landed elite--and the Curia want Malfoy to invade the Wildlands. Acceding to their wishes would make Malfoy extremely popular with these two powerful and influential groups. Malfoy knows that he governs Turgos only until the King is of suitable age to reign. Malfoy seeks to horde influence so that he will remain a powerful man after King Reynard the Younger takes control of the throne. That, my friends, is why Malfoy is raising an army to invade the Wildlands." Devonhilt finished his passionate rant against the nobility and church of Turgos matter-of-factly.
Talon and I had heard some of this before when we were in Auros on our way to Soliel to request Lilian be returned to us. The others were stunned.
"Malfoy will not succeed." Shallahai sneered.
"It takes much more than anger and conviction to stop an army,
Shallahai." Talon calmly replied.
I agreed with both of them.
"What can be done?" I asked the Duke.
"Little more than delay, I’m afraid. Perhaps with enough delay the fervor will die down, the events in Goldfire Glen will be forgotten or maybe something else will happen that will catch the kingdom's attention." The Duke offered.
A deep voice spoke from behind us as we heard the sound of soft leather boots padding across the chamber floor and a quiet swish of a robe following each step.
"Kharas'Vhoories."
We turned to look at the source of the voice.
It was Allustan.
“Kharas’Vhoories will provide the distraction.” The mage said with great authority. “It was what this Veshra was trying to do, was it not? Bring back Kharas’Vhoories? And she is still free. It is only logical that she will continue to attempt to bring her master back into Turgos until she is permanently stopped.”
Allustan came around the table and stopped at the Duke. Devonhilt clapped Allustan on the arm and smiled.
“Have a seat.” He motioned to the empty chair beside him. “Everyone, this is Allustan of Diamond Lake, an Arcanist of some reknown, and one of my trusted advisors. Allustan, this is everyone.” The Duke waved his hand across the table indicated to we assembled there.
“Oh yes. I know of this bunch.” The Arcanist smiled politely nodding to us as he took his seat at the table.
“Surely you don’t suggest that Kharas’Vhoories will return, do you?” I asked.
“Well it does at this time seem to be the most likely candidate. But I speak only of possibilities, Priest of Canaan. I have no greater knowledge on the subject than you.” Allustan responded.
But I sensed that he was indeed holding something back, and I sensed fear. I decided to let it go and change the subject.
“Well, I think delay is a good option. Perhaps, this fervor will die down in the coming months.” I said, ending the matter.
“Lord, we came here to Auros to warn you of a humanoid invasion of Brightstone Keep but a week’s journey from Auros on the edge of the Wildlands.” I continued.
Allustan raised an eyebrow.
“Brightstone Keep” the Duke mused. “I know it well. It guarded the old silver mines in the hillside out there in years past. In recent times, we’ve maintained only a small unit of warriors at Brightstone. The silver mines were abandoned decades ago.” He continued.
“Well your warriors have likely been killed, my Lord.” I continued.
“I can’t spare any warriors. With Malfoy’s orders, I’ve had to disperse most of my standing army, sending them to their homes to avoid conscription.” The Duke was clearly distraught.
“Perhaps, My Lord, you could offer The Heroes of Goldfire Glen something in exchange for purging Brightstone Keep.” Allustan advised Devonhilt.
“Yes, but the keep would need to be manned, Allustan.” The Duke protested.
“And the Heroes seem to be well-equipped to handle such a task.” Allustan countered.
“You’re right, Allustan. That’s an excellent idea.” The Duke turned to Lilian.
“Lady Lilian, if you and your friends would investigate the trouble at Brightstone Keep, purge it of the humanoids infesting it, return any captives to their homes and man the Keep, I will deed Brightstone Keep to you.” The Duke proclaimed.
We were speechless.
After a moment, Lilian responded. “I accept this task and its associated boon, provided it does not interfere with my calling.”
“Spoken like a true champion.” The Duke smiled. “Good. I think that solves this most recent crisis. Report back to me your progress.”
“There is one other matter about which I wish to speak with the Heroes of Goldfire Glen.” Allustan added. “Last time you were here,” He looked to me and Talon, “I mentioned that I had a task for you. Do you remember?” Allustan asked.
“Yes.” I said. Talon nodded.
“Good. As you know I am an Arcanist. My special interest lies in the eternal struggle between Law and Chaos and an ancient civilization known as the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. I believe a tomb of one of the greatest Wind Duke generals exists near Brightstone Keep. While my interest in such a find is without words to describe, I fear that others have an interest in it as well. I would task you to search the environs of Brightstone Keep for the tomb of this general and bring back any artifacts you find within it before others find it.” Allustan concluded.
I must admit that learning of an ancient civilization was intriguing, but measured against the importance of recent events, this seemed unimportant.
“Please forgive my ignorance, Allustan. But such a task seems, while having great potential to advance scholarly pursuits, quite low in priority.” I risked angering the Arcanist.
“It would.” Allustan responded. “But you must trust me on this. I have a hunch that needs to be confirmed. A hunch that could impact recent events or our response to them.” He finished.
“We will do what we can, Allustan.” Lilian responded for the rest of us.
We continued talking into the evening and retired for bed later that night. The Duke promised to have his High Priest, Shammas MacTinder, look at Gabriel’s leg in the morning to see whether he could do anything for it. We said our goodnights.
In the morning, Bishop MacTinder looked at Gabriel’s leg.
“No. Sorry, my son. Only an Archbishop or the Voice and Will can do anything for that.” He responded, his fat red checks and red nose bunched up in a smile.
After our visit with MacTinder, we provisioned up and rode to Brightstone Keep. The journey was uneventful. But when we arrived, we learned just how overrun the Keep had become.
* * * *
Years ago, Brightstone Keep was used as a guard post for the Silver Mines that began just inside the hillside outside of which Brightstone Keep stood on a small precipice up a steep cliff from the land below. Its five guard towers and thick stone walls complete with crenellated battlements proved a formidable defense against would-be bandits. A long steep and narrow stone incline provided the only access from the surface below the cliff walls supporting the Keep to the precipice on which the Keep stood, allowing archers manning the battlements to fire several rounds of arrows at an invading humanoid or bandit army before such foes could even approach the Keep itself.
The precipice ended at another cliff wall that rose another one hundred feet to an additional precipice and above that was only the steep sides of hills and low mountains, perhaps negotiable for a well-trained scout, but impassable for a large army. Situated thusly, Brightstone Keep was in a very defensible position.
Several decades ago, the Silver Mines were abandoned. Rumor had it that they had become haunted. An eerie voice could be heard on an ethereal wind running through the mines. Miners started to disappear. That’s when Duke Devonhilt ordered that the mines be closed and only a token force be left to man the battlements at Brightstone Keep.
* * * *
Lucky for us, Orcs sleep during the day, for it was daytime when we climbed the narrow incline to Brightstone Keep’s precipice. Talon scouted ahead and reported back to us.
“It looks like some humanoids are walking along the battlements. Very few, perhaps three of them. They don’t appear to be paying any heed to the approach way. And several huge holes have been made in the walls themselves.” He reported.
Talon indicated that we should follow him. When we arrived at the top of the precipice, Talon indicated to the open portcullis about 10 yards away that provided ingress to and egress from the central courtyard of Brightstone Keep. It was closed.
We approached warily, not wanting to attract the attention of the lax Orcs on patrol.
Lilian arrived first and noticing a winch inside the portcullis next to a sleeping Orc, she indicated to it and motioned for the rest of us to stop. Shallahai put his hand on her shoulder and, through a series of gestures, indicated to the others to ready their ranged weapons to attack the Orc on his command.
Stepping up to the portcullis, He spoke in a soft, verdant voice:
At that moment, the air became much brighter and the stone began to seep around the metal bars, releasing the portcullis from its moorings. It began to fall forward toward Shallahai, making a terrible screeching noise.
Gabriel rushed up and kept the portcullis from falling to the ground by holding it above his head.
The Orc stirred. Just then, shouts rang out from above us on the battlements. So much for stealth.
Lilian engaged the awakened Orc as he stood, cutting it down. She entered the tunnel that lead to the courtyard.
Javelins rained down on us, but at this angle, the Orcs couldn’t manage to score a hit. I called on the power of Canaan to bless us in this battle.
Gabriel threw down the portcullis and together with Talon, began throwing the javelins back at the Orcs.
The air around Shallahai thickened as he intoned a spell:
The druid’s skin turned brown and appeared to thicken into a bark-like substance.
As Lilian entered the courtyard, five Orcs entered the tunnel through a side door. They engaged Talon and I, blocking off Lilian from the rest of us.
That’s when Lilian called for help. “Giants!” She called out.
Gabriel stopped throwing javelins at the Orcs and ran down the length of the keep’s wall to an area of crumbled stone where the wall had been breached. I followed quickly after as did Shallahai. Talon continued to the battle the Orcs harrowing him in the tunnel leading to the courtyard.
On climbing through the breach, I saw what Lilian had referred to as giants. They were humanoids, perhaps nine or ten feet tall with green thick skin and long, carrot-like noses, with black claws and hunched backs. There were two of them. Each wore a ring and wielded a giant spiked club.
Just as I saw them, one of them hit Lilian square in the chest with its giant club. It made a crunching sound as it impacted with Lilian’s armor. She was clearly injured. As the creature dislodged its club from Lilian’s armor, blood spurted out of the holes it had made in her armor.
Gabriel engaged the other creature. As he closed, using its superior reach, the creature slammed its club into Gabriel’s side, injuring him badly.
I prayed to Canaan to grant me a weapon with which to fight these foes. Canaan’s holy blade appeared next to the creature harrying Lilian; it was a longsword, a spiritual weapon sheathed in white fire. The blade bit deep into the creature, distracting it while Lilian called for aid.
“Damian! Come to my aid!” She called out.
Shallahai whispered:
And a small ball of flame appeared in his hand. He threw it at the creature attacking Lilian. His aim was true, but the fire did not appear to harm the creature.
Gabriel managed to punch the other creature several times to little effect, trying to merely get its attention so it stayed away from his sister.
Damian arrived, erupting out of a circle of golden light that flashed to the right of Canaan’s Champion. Lilian mounted him and rode off toward the tunnel. The creature attacking the paladin swiped at her and missed. As she rode away, the creature lumbered after her.
Canaan’s spiritual weapon continued to slash at the giant creature.
Back in the tunnel, Talon was having some success at besting the Orcs, but his progress was slow.
Shallahai focused his concentration and cawed, seeming to call out to something.
Gabriel was taking a brutal beating from the other creature, while the remaining Orcs on the battlements continued to barrage us with javelins, albeit ineffectively.
Gabriel was in bad shape. I called on Canaan to grant me sanctuary as I ran out to Gabriel in hopes of aiding him.
Seconds later, answering Shallahai’s call, three giant eagles soared in the sky above the creature attacking Gabriel and began to dive at it.
I heard a low hum coming from Shallahai over by the breach in the wall. He was calling more of nature’s creatures to aid us.
The creature chasing Lilian could not fit into the tunnel, but Lilian and Damien were free to attack it from inside the tunnel.
“Canaan, grant me your shield!” Lilian called out, while Damien pummeled the creature with its hooves and bite. And Canaan’s spiritual weapon bit deep into its back. A white glow pulsed in front of Canaan’s champion in the form of a divine shield and faded into her, bolstering her defense against her massive foe.
Gabriel swung at the other creature and missed as it swung again at Gabriel, connecting with its giant spiked club. Just as I arrived at Gabriel’s side, he collapsed, unconscious.
That’s when the thoqqua arrived, called by Shallahai, to waylay the beast. I used the opportunity created by the joint attacks of the giant eagles and the thoqqua to heal Gabriel with Canaan’s grace.
The brawler-turned-priest’s eyes opened and he got up as the thoqqua bull rushed the creature into the giant eagles’ attack path. The eagles raked the creature to little effect. But this tactic gave Gabriel and I time to get up.
Seeing us, the giant again swung out at Gabriel, again knocking him out.
Just then, Lilian, Damien and Canaan’s spiritual weapon managed to fell the other creature and Talon managed to finish the Orcs that had been blocking the entrance into the tunnel from outside the keep.
Lilian rode Damien over the fallen creature into the courtyard to engage the other giant, when I saw the unconscious creature stir and begin to rise, its wounds closing fast.
“Look out, Lilian!” I yelled.
But it was too late. Lilian turned just as the creature took a swing at her with its club, badly wounding her. She spurred Damien on toward us in the center of the courtyard.
“We must flee!” She yelled. “Place Gabriel on Damien!” She galloped in front us, putting her and Damien between us and the creature that had been attacking us. The other creature was lumbering over toward us.
But Talon was right behind it, kicking and punching it with all of his martial skills. Talon’s tactic worked. The creature was distracted and focused on Talon. The monk’s intense studying of martial techniques made it quite difficult for the lumbering giant humanoid to land a blow on him.
I managed to get Gabriel up on Damien’s saddle as Lilian, the giant eagles and the thoqqua continued to attack the other creature.
“Go Now! Retreat!” Lilian commanded me as she took another hit from the creature she was protecting me from.
I ran.
Lilian called on Canaan’s healing grace to heal her wounds and spurred Damien on.
Shallahai had already run out of the courtyard back through the breach.
Lilian grabbed me as Damien galloped by and jumped the breach, with Gabriel’s unconscious form on his back.
We escaped at top speed, running until we were exhausted.
Some time later when we were able to rest I healed Gabriel’s wounds and we spoke about our harried encounter.
“What were those creatures?” Lilian asked to nobody in particular.
“I do not know.” Shallahai responded. “But they were not giants. They were clearly humanoids of some sort.”
“We need help.” I said. I didn’t want to say what I was thinking. I suppose I just didn’t want to believe it. But I had no choice.
“We need Hu Li.” I couldn’t believe I said it.
The others nodded, in silent, if reluctant agreement. Talon merely looked at me.
“Perhaps Balian can tell us what those creatures are so we can better prepare ourselves against them.” Lilian added.
“I think they are immune to fire.” Shallahai added.
That evening I prayed to Canaan that I had suggested the wise course of action. Hu Li is as dangerous as he is helpful. And I still hadn’t forgiven him for what he did to the others in Harpy Ruins.
In the morning, we traveled to Balian’s tower to obtain information and collect Hu Li.
Thanks Haven! The characters are all coming into their own at this point. But there's more PC smackdown on the horizon for our poor heroes!
*****
From my first meeting with Duke Devonhilt I had no doubts he was good man. He has the best interests of his people at heart and wears the mantle of Duke as a facade to appease the nobility. Adept with both commoner and aristocrat, Devonhilt has many allies and holds great sway over a vast area.
"I must admit that I am at a loss for words to express how overwhelmed I am at the mere thought of how miraculous this event truly is." The Duke quietly spoke after a long pause.
Lilian, Gabriel, Talon and myself had told him of the story of Shale's return and metamorphosis into Shallahai. Shallahai had remained silent throughout the tale.
"And your vision," He continued, looking at Shallahai, "I fear it is a vision of the past bound to repeat itself."
Talon nodded his head. "We thought as much."
"Malfoy is raising an army as we speak. He has sent out notices and has called for every soldier in the realm to report to Soliel for training. He intends to claim the Wildlands." The Duke announced.
"For what purpose?" I inquired, puzzled and worried.
"Why not?" The Duke responded. "The events at Goldfire Glen involving the goblins and the Orcus cultists gave him just the excuse he needed to raise such an army. Of course his stated purpose is to remove the threat of the humanoids in the Wildlands. But what he really wants is to obtain more land for the Kingdom of Turgos. And no doubt the Curia is supporting this decision, because what it really wants is to purge the “pagans” from the Wildlands and spread Canaanism to all." The Duke's voice got a little louder as he spoke of these things. It was obvious that he did not agree with Malfoy's motives.
"But more importantly, the Curia wants to purge Turgos of Orcus's influence at Rappan'Athuk and it knows that another assault like the one in Shallahai's vision, the one that happened 15 years ago, would be terribly unpopular." The Duke's disgust was apparent.
"Both his supporters--the landed elite--and the Curia want Malfoy to invade the Wildlands. Acceding to their wishes would make Malfoy extremely popular with these two powerful and influential groups. Malfoy knows that he governs Turgos only until the King is of suitable age to reign. Malfoy seeks to horde influence so that he will remain a powerful man after King Reynard the Younger takes control of the throne. That, my friends, is why Malfoy is raising an army to invade the Wildlands." Devonhilt finished his passionate rant against the nobility and church of Turgos matter-of-factly.
Talon and I had heard some of this before when we were in Auros on our way to Soliel to request Lilian be returned to us. The others were stunned.
"Malfoy will not succeed." Shallahai sneered.
"It takes much more than anger and conviction to stop an army,
Shallahai." Talon calmly replied.
I agreed with both of them.
"What can be done?" I asked the Duke.
"Little more than delay, I’m afraid. Perhaps with enough delay the fervor will die down, the events in Goldfire Glen will be forgotten or maybe something else will happen that will catch the kingdom's attention." The Duke offered.
A deep voice spoke from behind us as we heard the sound of soft leather boots padding across the chamber floor and a quiet swish of a robe following each step.
"Kharas'Vhoories."
We turned to look at the source of the voice.
It was Allustan.
“Kharas’Vhoories will provide the distraction.” The mage said with great authority. “It was what this Veshra was trying to do, was it not? Bring back Kharas’Vhoories? And she is still free. It is only logical that she will continue to attempt to bring her master back into Turgos until she is permanently stopped.”
Allustan came around the table and stopped at the Duke. Devonhilt clapped Allustan on the arm and smiled.
“Have a seat.” He motioned to the empty chair beside him. “Everyone, this is Allustan of Diamond Lake, an Arcanist of some reknown, and one of my trusted advisors. Allustan, this is everyone.” The Duke waved his hand across the table indicated to we assembled there.
“Oh yes. I know of this bunch.” The Arcanist smiled politely nodding to us as he took his seat at the table.
“Surely you don’t suggest that Kharas’Vhoories will return, do you?” I asked.
“Well it does at this time seem to be the most likely candidate. But I speak only of possibilities, Priest of Canaan. I have no greater knowledge on the subject than you.” Allustan responded.
But I sensed that he was indeed holding something back, and I sensed fear. I decided to let it go and change the subject.
“Well, I think delay is a good option. Perhaps, this fervor will die down in the coming months.” I said, ending the matter.
“Lord, we came here to Auros to warn you of a humanoid invasion of Brightstone Keep but a week’s journey from Auros on the edge of the Wildlands.” I continued.
Allustan raised an eyebrow.
“Brightstone Keep” the Duke mused. “I know it well. It guarded the old silver mines in the hillside out there in years past. In recent times, we’ve maintained only a small unit of warriors at Brightstone. The silver mines were abandoned decades ago.” He continued.
“Well your warriors have likely been killed, my Lord.” I continued.
“I can’t spare any warriors. With Malfoy’s orders, I’ve had to disperse most of my standing army, sending them to their homes to avoid conscription.” The Duke was clearly distraught.
“Perhaps, My Lord, you could offer The Heroes of Goldfire Glen something in exchange for purging Brightstone Keep.” Allustan advised Devonhilt.
“Yes, but the keep would need to be manned, Allustan.” The Duke protested.
“And the Heroes seem to be well-equipped to handle such a task.” Allustan countered.
“You’re right, Allustan. That’s an excellent idea.” The Duke turned to Lilian.
“Lady Lilian, if you and your friends would investigate the trouble at Brightstone Keep, purge it of the humanoids infesting it, return any captives to their homes and man the Keep, I will deed Brightstone Keep to you.” The Duke proclaimed.
We were speechless.
After a moment, Lilian responded. “I accept this task and its associated boon, provided it does not interfere with my calling.”
“Spoken like a true champion.” The Duke smiled. “Good. I think that solves this most recent crisis. Report back to me your progress.”
“There is one other matter about which I wish to speak with the Heroes of Goldfire Glen.” Allustan added. “Last time you were here,” He looked to me and Talon, “I mentioned that I had a task for you. Do you remember?” Allustan asked.
“Yes.” I said. Talon nodded.
“Good. As you know I am an Arcanist. My special interest lies in the eternal struggle between Law and Chaos and an ancient civilization known as the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. I believe a tomb of one of the greatest Wind Duke generals exists near Brightstone Keep. While my interest in such a find is without words to describe, I fear that others have an interest in it as well. I would task you to search the environs of Brightstone Keep for the tomb of this general and bring back any artifacts you find within it before others find it.” Allustan concluded.
I must admit that learning of an ancient civilization was intriguing, but measured against the importance of recent events, this seemed unimportant.
“Please forgive my ignorance, Allustan. But such a task seems, while having great potential to advance scholarly pursuits, quite low in priority.” I risked angering the Arcanist.
“It would.” Allustan responded. “But you must trust me on this. I have a hunch that needs to be confirmed. A hunch that could impact recent events or our response to them.” He finished.
“We will do what we can, Allustan.” Lilian responded for the rest of us.
We continued talking into the evening and retired for bed later that night. The Duke promised to have his High Priest, Shammas MacTinder, look at Gabriel’s leg in the morning to see whether he could do anything for it. We said our goodnights.
In the morning, Bishop MacTinder looked at Gabriel’s leg.
“No. Sorry, my son. Only an Archbishop or the Voice and Will can do anything for that.” He responded, his fat red checks and red nose bunched up in a smile.
After our visit with MacTinder, we provisioned up and rode to Brightstone Keep. The journey was uneventful. But when we arrived, we learned just how overrun the Keep had become.
* * * *
Years ago, Brightstone Keep was used as a guard post for the Silver Mines that began just inside the hillside outside of which Brightstone Keep stood on a small precipice up a steep cliff from the land below. Its five guard towers and thick stone walls complete with crenellated battlements proved a formidable defense against would-be bandits. A long steep and narrow stone incline provided the only access from the surface below the cliff walls supporting the Keep to the precipice on which the Keep stood, allowing archers manning the battlements to fire several rounds of arrows at an invading humanoid or bandit army before such foes could even approach the Keep itself.
The precipice ended at another cliff wall that rose another one hundred feet to an additional precipice and above that was only the steep sides of hills and low mountains, perhaps negotiable for a well-trained scout, but impassable for a large army. Situated thusly, Brightstone Keep was in a very defensible position.
Several decades ago, the Silver Mines were abandoned. Rumor had it that they had become haunted. An eerie voice could be heard on an ethereal wind running through the mines. Miners started to disappear. That’s when Duke Devonhilt ordered that the mines be closed and only a token force be left to man the battlements at Brightstone Keep.
* * * *
Lucky for us, Orcs sleep during the day, for it was daytime when we climbed the narrow incline to Brightstone Keep’s precipice. Talon scouted ahead and reported back to us.
“It looks like some humanoids are walking along the battlements. Very few, perhaps three of them. They don’t appear to be paying any heed to the approach way. And several huge holes have been made in the walls themselves.” He reported.
Talon indicated that we should follow him. When we arrived at the top of the precipice, Talon indicated to the open portcullis about 10 yards away that provided ingress to and egress from the central courtyard of Brightstone Keep. It was closed.
We approached warily, not wanting to attract the attention of the lax Orcs on patrol.
Lilian arrived first and noticing a winch inside the portcullis next to a sleeping Orc, she indicated to it and motioned for the rest of us to stop. Shallahai put his hand on her shoulder and, through a series of gestures, indicated to the others to ready their ranged weapons to attack the Orc on his command.
Stepping up to the portcullis, He spoke in a soft, verdant voice:
Undeniable, unyielding stone, I beseech thee
Release your eternal hold
Run like your sister, in rivulets and gorges
Around these iron bars now mold.
Release your eternal hold
Run like your sister, in rivulets and gorges
Around these iron bars now mold.
At that moment, the air became much brighter and the stone began to seep around the metal bars, releasing the portcullis from its moorings. It began to fall forward toward Shallahai, making a terrible screeching noise.
Gabriel rushed up and kept the portcullis from falling to the ground by holding it above his head.
The Orc stirred. Just then, shouts rang out from above us on the battlements. So much for stealth.
Lilian engaged the awakened Orc as he stood, cutting it down. She entered the tunnel that lead to the courtyard.
Javelins rained down on us, but at this angle, the Orcs couldn’t manage to score a hit. I called on the power of Canaan to bless us in this battle.
Gabriel threw down the portcullis and together with Talon, began throwing the javelins back at the Orcs.
The air around Shallahai thickened as he intoned a spell:
Root in earth,
give skin girth,
nature’s mark,
thick as bark!
give skin girth,
nature’s mark,
thick as bark!
The druid’s skin turned brown and appeared to thicken into a bark-like substance.
As Lilian entered the courtyard, five Orcs entered the tunnel through a side door. They engaged Talon and I, blocking off Lilian from the rest of us.
That’s when Lilian called for help. “Giants!” She called out.
Gabriel stopped throwing javelins at the Orcs and ran down the length of the keep’s wall to an area of crumbled stone where the wall had been breached. I followed quickly after as did Shallahai. Talon continued to the battle the Orcs harrowing him in the tunnel leading to the courtyard.
On climbing through the breach, I saw what Lilian had referred to as giants. They were humanoids, perhaps nine or ten feet tall with green thick skin and long, carrot-like noses, with black claws and hunched backs. There were two of them. Each wore a ring and wielded a giant spiked club.
Just as I saw them, one of them hit Lilian square in the chest with its giant club. It made a crunching sound as it impacted with Lilian’s armor. She was clearly injured. As the creature dislodged its club from Lilian’s armor, blood spurted out of the holes it had made in her armor.
Gabriel engaged the other creature. As he closed, using its superior reach, the creature slammed its club into Gabriel’s side, injuring him badly.
I prayed to Canaan to grant me a weapon with which to fight these foes. Canaan’s holy blade appeared next to the creature harrying Lilian; it was a longsword, a spiritual weapon sheathed in white fire. The blade bit deep into the creature, distracting it while Lilian called for aid.
“Damian! Come to my aid!” She called out.
Shallahai whispered:
“Gift of Nature
burning bright,
ball of flame,
elemental might!”
burning bright,
ball of flame,
elemental might!”
And a small ball of flame appeared in his hand. He threw it at the creature attacking Lilian. His aim was true, but the fire did not appear to harm the creature.
Gabriel managed to punch the other creature several times to little effect, trying to merely get its attention so it stayed away from his sister.
Damian arrived, erupting out of a circle of golden light that flashed to the right of Canaan’s Champion. Lilian mounted him and rode off toward the tunnel. The creature attacking the paladin swiped at her and missed. As she rode away, the creature lumbered after her.
Canaan’s spiritual weapon continued to slash at the giant creature.
Back in the tunnel, Talon was having some success at besting the Orcs, but his progress was slow.
Shallahai focused his concentration and cawed, seeming to call out to something.
Gabriel was taking a brutal beating from the other creature, while the remaining Orcs on the battlements continued to barrage us with javelins, albeit ineffectively.
Gabriel was in bad shape. I called on Canaan to grant me sanctuary as I ran out to Gabriel in hopes of aiding him.
Seconds later, answering Shallahai’s call, three giant eagles soared in the sky above the creature attacking Gabriel and began to dive at it.
I heard a low hum coming from Shallahai over by the breach in the wall. He was calling more of nature’s creatures to aid us.
The creature chasing Lilian could not fit into the tunnel, but Lilian and Damien were free to attack it from inside the tunnel.
“Canaan, grant me your shield!” Lilian called out, while Damien pummeled the creature with its hooves and bite. And Canaan’s spiritual weapon bit deep into its back. A white glow pulsed in front of Canaan’s champion in the form of a divine shield and faded into her, bolstering her defense against her massive foe.
Gabriel swung at the other creature and missed as it swung again at Gabriel, connecting with its giant spiked club. Just as I arrived at Gabriel’s side, he collapsed, unconscious.
That’s when the thoqqua arrived, called by Shallahai, to waylay the beast. I used the opportunity created by the joint attacks of the giant eagles and the thoqqua to heal Gabriel with Canaan’s grace.
The brawler-turned-priest’s eyes opened and he got up as the thoqqua bull rushed the creature into the giant eagles’ attack path. The eagles raked the creature to little effect. But this tactic gave Gabriel and I time to get up.
Seeing us, the giant again swung out at Gabriel, again knocking him out.
Just then, Lilian, Damien and Canaan’s spiritual weapon managed to fell the other creature and Talon managed to finish the Orcs that had been blocking the entrance into the tunnel from outside the keep.
Lilian rode Damien over the fallen creature into the courtyard to engage the other giant, when I saw the unconscious creature stir and begin to rise, its wounds closing fast.
“Look out, Lilian!” I yelled.
But it was too late. Lilian turned just as the creature took a swing at her with its club, badly wounding her. She spurred Damien on toward us in the center of the courtyard.
“We must flee!” She yelled. “Place Gabriel on Damien!” She galloped in front us, putting her and Damien between us and the creature that had been attacking us. The other creature was lumbering over toward us.
But Talon was right behind it, kicking and punching it with all of his martial skills. Talon’s tactic worked. The creature was distracted and focused on Talon. The monk’s intense studying of martial techniques made it quite difficult for the lumbering giant humanoid to land a blow on him.
I managed to get Gabriel up on Damien’s saddle as Lilian, the giant eagles and the thoqqua continued to attack the other creature.
“Go Now! Retreat!” Lilian commanded me as she took another hit from the creature she was protecting me from.
I ran.
Lilian called on Canaan’s healing grace to heal her wounds and spurred Damien on.
Shallahai had already run out of the courtyard back through the breach.
Lilian grabbed me as Damien galloped by and jumped the breach, with Gabriel’s unconscious form on his back.
We escaped at top speed, running until we were exhausted.
Some time later when we were able to rest I healed Gabriel’s wounds and we spoke about our harried encounter.
“What were those creatures?” Lilian asked to nobody in particular.
“I do not know.” Shallahai responded. “But they were not giants. They were clearly humanoids of some sort.”
“We need help.” I said. I didn’t want to say what I was thinking. I suppose I just didn’t want to believe it. But I had no choice.
“We need Hu Li.” I couldn’t believe I said it.
The others nodded, in silent, if reluctant agreement. Talon merely looked at me.
“Perhaps Balian can tell us what those creatures are so we can better prepare ourselves against them.” Lilian added.
“I think they are immune to fire.” Shallahai added.
That evening I prayed to Canaan that I had suggested the wise course of action. Hu Li is as dangerous as he is helpful. And I still hadn’t forgiven him for what he did to the others in Harpy Ruins.
In the morning, we traveled to Balian’s tower to obtain information and collect Hu Li.
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