The Taking of Kobold Hall part 3

Part 3 of the backstory to Dremelor's Troop...

Kobold Hall
The next morning they all rose early. There was an excitement in the air and a small portion of apprehension as they met up with Gerin outside the Nentir Inn and headed north west towards the Kobold Hall.

“Travel this path often,” Mal asked Gerin as the group approached. Gerin had a small wagon that they all piled into.

“Often enough,” he replied as he helped Dane up to sit next to him, “it’s just on the outskirts of the Cloak Wood, I’ve travelled the Kings Road enough to have seen it peering through the trees, the spires that are left anyways.”

“Very good, lead on then.” Dane was noticeably excited to get under way.

They started on the Kings Road and headed west into the foothills. Mal and Shanna were both looking for any hint of trouble, but nothing had stood out yet. Shanna was unshaken in her feeling so she stayed vigilant as they rode through the hill country. Every so often Mal and Shanna would hold for eye contact with each other to see if either of them had noticed anything. Severace sat stoically facing the rear of the wagon with his back against the bench and Mal and Shanna took spots on the sides. Severace was focusing his arcane powers in his mind, he hadn’t faced such uncertain peril before and he wanted to be ready. Mal and Shanna were so focused on not being ambushed that the silence in the rear of the wagon was lost on both of them. Dane sat up with Gerin and also sat without much in the way of small talk. On occasion he would spot something that he would inquire to Gerin about, a lone farmhouse seemingly in the middle of nowhere, a particular rock formation, a cave entrance, Dane was still getting used to life outside the mountain and this trip to the countryside was opening his eyes more than he had expected.

After a few hours, Shanna started to feel her gut tense up, and the wooded thicket ahead of the wagon train was particularly interesting to her for some reason.

“Boss,” she said as she stood not breaking her stare from the thicket.

Mal looked at her quickly, then looked to where she had set her gaze but he saw nothing. Shanna hadn’t positively seen anything either but she was sure. Gerin looked back at her a couple times and Mal did notice that. He was now nervously driving and looking about as well.

“Something wrong Gerin,” Mal asked the driver.

“No, nothing wrong, it’s not long from here.” He was quite obviously lying.

“Nothing?” Mal questioned with almost a laugh, “Yes Sprout, this is it.” Mal got up from his seated position and got to one knee. It was then the wagon began to slow, “Dane ready your axe, Severace eyes ahead!” Mal shouted. Dane was taken off guard, and Severace was roused from his trance.

“What is it,” Severace said as he wheeled around.

“Ambush,” Mal said as he kept his eyes forward.

As the wagon slowed more, Shanna leapt off and followed at a hurried pace. Gerin leapt off and ran for the thicket.

“What’s the meaning of this,” Dane said as he watched the action unfold.

“Over there,” Mal said as he pointed to their left. There were now a group of men coming out of the underbrush. Dane grabbed the reins and brought the wagon to a halt.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">On sight of them Shanna bolted forward.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Sprout!,” Mal yelled out, but she had made up her mind, “lets follow Dane,” Mal hopped over the side, “Severace you can work from here I assume.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Yes,” was his reply.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Shanna brought the fight to the men and Dane and Mal were close behind. As she bolted forward, she calculated her surroundings. There were five men and they too were now running at her. She saw her opening as she figured where they would clash. Assuming the lead man would slash at her, she decided to use it against him. She caught sight of a branch that would work just nicely. As Shanna reached the first one, she anticipated his move. She stuck her dagger in her teeth and leapt as he swung. Shocked the man stopped in his tracks and followed her flight through the air. Shanna did a front flip and then headed feet first into the branch. Using the recoil of the branch, Shanna then flung at the front man, she grabbed her dagger, with her off hand flat against the pommel, and launched into him. As a side benefit the branch smacked one of the man’s companions and knocked him to the ground in a daze. The commotion gave Mal and Dane enough time to engage them. Shanna’s strike was true and the first man dropped. Mal quickly grabbed her from the ground and stood her up.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Stay close now,” he said as they turned to face the enemies. Dane led with a full swing of his mighty axe and though a glancing blow it knocked the man to the ground. Mal barked out orders as he and Shanna took on the remaining two with a close eye on the one that the tree had hit. Mal made a wide slash that held them both back, “Now!” he yelled. Shanna flipped off Mal’s off shoulder and lunged into one of the men. Mal broke off onto the other and stayed back to back with Shanna still keeping an eye on the fifth man and Dane.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane was holding his own quite well. He blocked and parried every knife slash, and picked his spots to chop at him, till finally he saw an opening and shouted, “by Iron Mountains might!” He wound up and struck a devastating blow just below the man’s shoulder. As he struck a blue-white bolt of lightning flashed from Severace’s staff, through the fight, hitting true in the chest of the fifth man as he finally got to his feet after shaking off his daze. The bolt caught Mal’s combatant’s eye and Mal used it to dispatch him, he then spun and flanked Shanna’s man who had been trading swings with her. They were at a standstill but as Mal bared down on the man, Shanna quickly used his broken focus to hit with a barrage of quick jabs leaving him lifeless. Dane admired Shanna and Mal’s work, but then was startled as a bolt of lightning from Severace’s staff again lit up behind him. It was Gerin who froze contorted from the shock, then fell at Dane’s feet as he spun to see what was going on behind him.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal surveyed the scene and Shanna quickly was about the bodies searching things out.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“We’re not scavenger’s girl,” Dane said as he looked down his nose at Shanna.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well I don’t think this dagger is gonna cut it,” she said as she barely broke from what she was doing. It was the man who had been hit by the magic missile that held her prize. Her eyes widened as she held his weapon aloft.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“This is something special,” she said under her breathe. Mal walked over and grabbed the sword she held over her head.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Indeed,” Mal said as he looked down the length of the blade to check its straightness. A couple quick slashes and he returned it to her, “it does have some special properties,” he said as he flipped it to offer her the handle. Shanna merely winked back as she had already surmised its properties.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Severace joined the group to look over the scene. “This wasn’t very well thought out by these chaps.” As he shook his head, are we off now then?

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">It was then that a slow clap came from the trees above and a lone figure nimbly dropped down, doing his best to impress with acrobatics from branch to branch as he descended. “Well done my friends.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Friends?” Dane puffed out his chest and made his way to the forefront, “I am not sure we know you fey child.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Birel is my name, I am a traveler in this land with quite a case of wanderlust.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Itchy feet, I know of that,” Shanna said from the back of the group.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I see you carry a great bow, we may have need of such a thing if you are as the elven archers I have seen in my time.” Mal stepped out ahead of Dane and extended his arm to the elf.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“No we don’t,” Dane grasped onto Mal’s arm as he extended it, though Mal pulled right through it and disregarded Dane for the moment.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Are you certain.” Birel said with a smile as he saw Danes apprehension.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Quite,” Mal assured, “we are headed to Kobold Hall, if you know the way we would have further use of your service, it carries the payment of equal share in what we find there.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Be it riches or death I assume is the bargain,” Birel said as he pondered. It didn’t take him long and the two shook on the proposition.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Equal share boss?” Shanna caught up to Mal as he made his way back to the cart.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Yes equal share, we all agreed to it.” Mal knew what Shanna was going to get at, but played coy.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“But,” she continued, “there were fewer halves then.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well put,” Dane caught up to the two of them and added his opinion.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I am quite sure we have all our bases covered now, there won’t be any others.” Mal climbed up to take over driving duties.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Unless we happen to run across anyone else I take it,” Dane was not too accepting of Mal’s reasoning.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Look,” Mal kept a light hearted tone, “I am not sure what we are marching into here, we have also been attacked by our guide so a new one will work quite nicely.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“We weren’t paying the last one though,” Dane wouldn’t let it go.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I don’t think this guide is going to lead us to an ambush however.” Mal waived the others back as they still milled about the scene of the ambush.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I think he has you there,” Shanna chimed in as she hopped up. Dane followed and Severace made his way over.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I’ll stay on foot if you don’t mind,” Birel said as he headed down the path ahead of the wagon.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">They travelled a bit further, Shanna would catch glimpses of Birel from time to time weaving in and out of the overgrowth. It wasn’t too long before a crumbling spire peaked out over the tops of the trees ahead.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“To arms,” Mal instructed. He wasn’t at all sure what was in or around the hall so he wanted to be prepared. He made sure his own blade could be easily unsheathed as he drove, and gave the horse an extra whip as he was in a bit of a hurry now. As they approached, the manor house was all but flattened. A single northern tower was all that stood, and that looked ready to topple at any moment. Everyone climbed out of the cart to check things over. Birel joined them and began to poke through the rubble a bit with his bow.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Not much left, is this what you are here to vanquish?” Birel’s sarcastic tone immediately rubbed Dane the wrong way.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Not quite,” Dane rumbled as surveyed the area.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Over here,” Shanna excitedly reported. They all looked to see her pulling open a door at the base of the ruined tower. “There’s light down here.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal was on his way as he had checked his notes for the entrance, but as she had promised Shanna remembered.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Excellent work sprout,” he looked down the hole to discover a staircase down into the earth and light from the bottom of the stairs, Mal crouched and paused a moment then stood quickly, “there are voices as well.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Alright,” Mal thought things out a bit, “Shanna, you and Birel will go down first. Your stealth may afford us some sort of advantage. Dane and I will be right behind in case you need our blades. Severace you will take the rear and support in case of trouble, easy enough?”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Severace nodded in agreement and Shanna began to head for the stairs. The party headed down slowly giving Shanna and Birel enough of a head start to use their stealth. The stairs were old, but stone and sturdy, the smell from the room was formidable, but they continued after only a slight hesitation. Mal actually lost sight of Shanna, and Birel stopped and waived Mal down as he reached back and knocked an arrow. Mal headed down and spotted the small, reptilian figure of a kobold across the room. He wasn’t sure if it knew of their presence, but he wasn’t ready to wait and find out either.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“At your ready, let loose,” Mal quietly instructed. Birel didn’t hesitate and hit the kobold square in the chest and the beast wailed, “intruders! intruders!”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“That will certainly bring them out,” Mal said as he finished descending into the room so that Dane could follow. Sure enough two kobolds poured out of the doorway behind Birel’s target. Mal looked over the room, there was a large pit in the center that separated him from the kobolds. “Dane to the left, Birel at will!” Mal sprinted into action to take on the kobolds. Dane did the same as they took opposite paths around the pit. Birel let loose with two arrows, each hitting one of the entering kobolds. As Mal turned the corner, he was surprised to see another kobold charging out at him. He stopped dead in his tracks to take on this new combatant, but Shanna leapt from the shadows and sunk her new sword deep into the kobolds back.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“There’s one more coming boss, but I got him too.” She spun around quickly and sure enough a second was coming at her spinning a sling. It let loose with a sling pot and hit Mal before Shanna could react. Mal found it difficult to moves as he was covered in a brown substance he couldn’t easily scrape off.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane found himself charging three kobolds as they all saw Mal was occupied with their other compatriots. It didn’t hinder him a bit however as he yelled out and swung mightily at the reptilian humanoids. He hit one with a slice and then cleaved into an adjacent with a strong chop. They both were certainly hurt, but remained upright. The third kobold swung his spear around and slashed Danes across the side. There was little damage, still Dane was surprised to be bleeding. It was then that Severace met the attacking kobold with a glowing blue bolt of lightning that sent the beast into the wall of the room, never to get up again. The two kobolds Dane had just hit recovered as they could, one took a half hearted lunge at Dane with his spear and the other jumped back and slung a pot across the pit at Birel. The pot missed and splattered brown goo on the stone floor.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Shanna engaged the kobold before her, keeping herself between it and Mal. Then a smile came to her face as a thought came to her.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I can’t move Sprout, are you all right?” Mal tried hard as he could to free himself.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“No, you stay right there,” she said as she danced in front of the kobold who now had drawn a dagger. The kobold had no time for games and lunged forward to stab at Shanna who had him right where she wanted him. With a slick spin she dodged the strike, cut into the kobold, and gave it a nudge with her elbow moving him in-between her and Mal. Mal followed with a sharp blow to the off balance kobold and finished it.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well done Sprout, now to Dane, I will free myself.” Mal was nearly free of the goo. Shanna bolted away toward Dane, but Dane had things well in hand, another wide strike hit the two remaining kobolds. The first nearly split in two and the second stumbled back to be hit by an arrow from Birel’s bow and slump to the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“That’s all of them then?” Dane looked around proudly.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“In here at least,” Birel said as he made his way to retrieve his arrows. The room held little except for the stench of the large pit in the center of the room that was half filled with a glowing pale green sludge.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Let’s keep on.” Mal cleaned his blade on the cloak of one of the fallen kobolds, “that ruckus was sure to alert any others.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Yes lets continue,” Dane was quite excited. He charged ahead down a corridor that led under a portcullis, then took a sharp right turn and a descending staircase.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Let's not get ahead of the group,” Mal and the others caught up to Dane who had stopped at the top of the stairs. “Let’s venture about halfway down.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I hear commotion at the bottom,” Shanna added as they started. Ahead of them was a dimly lit room that opened after a short set of stone stairs. Shanna crept all the way to the bottom and Birel stood at the ready with an arrow knocked from the midpoint of the steps. Shanna peaked quickly, then turned back. She held up three fingers and then motioned that they hadn’t seen her yet. She then waived the rest down.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“They’re at the back of the room,” Shanna whispered to Mal, “it seems to be a tomb of some sort.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I figured it would be as much,” Mal nodded as he patted Shanna’s head – he had surmised as much from looking over the plans, “three you said.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Yup, they’re back of the room, they haven’t seen me yet – or at least that’s how it looks.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well then let me at them!” Dane pushed through to the bottom of the steps.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“That’s not the best ploy here friend,” Mal looked about inside the room, he caught a glimpse of some stone coffins and a suit of armor set up against the wall. “I think if we set up with bows behind those coffins we’ll have the best chance and we’ll have cover as well.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“You do that, I’m heading in!” And with that Dane burst in.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Hug the wall!!” Shanna shouted as she followed towards the stone coffins.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Wait!” Mal was instantly furious. Not being able to do much else, he waived to Birel and the two drew their bows and followed Shanna.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">She quickly was in cover and the kobolds were completely occupied with Dane who was charging at them. Mal and Birel let loose with arrows as soon as they had shots and then continued on for cover.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Dane wait!” Shanna had a nervous look about her as she got a better look at the room.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“What is it Sprout?” Mal could see her apprehension.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Traps! Those suits!” She no sooner said it, that Dane felt the quick sting of a dart hitting him high on the shoulder from the side.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Aargh!” He shouted as he reached for the wound.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“The floor, get back against the wall!” Shanna shouted at the top of her lungs. Dane, however, was stuck where he stood.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal and Birel let loose again, Birel firing two arrows. He hit the kobold he had hit with his first shot and killed him. Mal took his time a bit more and made up for his previous miss with a powerful shot to a second kobolds chest. Severace stepped out into the room and fired his lightning as the remaining kobold began to charge toward Dane. It sparked and flashed, but the beast continued unimpeded at Dane with its spear stretching forward. Shanna sprung up atop one of the stone coffins and leapt to a second before leaping off, landing between Dane and the kobold. She made a quick swipe at the kobold, but missed. The kobold returned a blow of his own slicing across Shanna’s sword arm with his spear. The second kobold, that Mal had hit gathered himself and slung a stone at Shanna finding its mark up near her hip.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I am coming Sprout!” Mal dropped his bow and drew his sword as he bolted towards her.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“The floor Boss! That’s the trigger!” Shanna took a defensive stance as she absorbed the kobolds blows. Mal quickly looked down, he noticed a raised tile just a few steps in front of him and much like Shanna jumped up on the second stone coffin and then off it into the fray. Mal was able to position himself with Shanna and Dane within arm’s reach and took a swing at the kobold. He felt strengthened by his allies position behind him and swung a mighty strike the hit true and chopped through the staff the kobold raised to block and deep into the kobold who slumped to the floor instantly. Shanna and Dane were able to take a moment, bind up their wounds and catch their breath. Birel took care of the remaining Kobold who looked set to run away.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Dane can you move?” Mal’s concern instantly turned to his friend as he saw the last kobold drop.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“It’s coming back,” he said as he worked to get his feeling back, “Hey!” He then exclaimed abruptly as Shanna pulled a small dart from his shoulder.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Poison?” Severace asked as he approached.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Shanna held up her hand for Severace to stop as she took a whiff of the dart, “Nope, not exactly anyway – but mind your step if you don’t mind.” Shanna then pointed down to the tile Dane had stepped on where Severace was about to step. “I’ll disable the traps, just mind the tiles, it’s in line with these suits of armor.” Shanna then did as she had said.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">The others headed over to a small platform in the far corner where the kobolds had been congregating. “Tiamat!,” Severace burst out as he surveyed the table.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“An alter then?” Mal asked as he looked it over as well.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Crude, but yes,” Severace said as he picked up the small carved totem the kobolds had constructed.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“They won’t need this,” Shanna swooped in and grabbed a small sack that sat before the statue. The jingle of coins brought a smile to her face as she tucked it into her belt.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Everything doesn’t belong to you, you know.” Dane said gruffly as he slammed down his axe handle and leaned on the head.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“You all had your chance, I suppose you want a cut for confirming that there was a trap by stepping in it, I mean I already knew you just wouldn’t listen.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane instantly fumed as he prepared to burst out something at her, but Mal jumped in quickly. “Yes, from this point, lets agree to a course of action before we rush in.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“You’re all against me,” Dane barked as he turned away from them both.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“No Dane, if I were against you I’d let you charge headlong into every encounter.” Mal laughed at himself a bit and the others, even Dane, shared a chuckle, “now let’s continue.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">They headed for another staircase heading down. As they descended, they could all hear a crashing up ahead. It was sporadic in occurrence, but regular enough just the same.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“What is it,” Birel asked as they went down the stairs.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Couldn’t say,” Severace piped up quickly.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I’ll see,” Shanna said as she snaked her way to the front again and crept to the bottom step. The rest stopped as she looked for quite a while and then returned.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“It’s kobolds playing skull-skull,” she said as she returned to the group who looked at her with a look that told Shanna they didn’t know what she was talking about, “it’s a stupid goblin game.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well I’ll break that up,” Dane trudged through the crowd to make his way at the kobolds. Mal grabbed him by the shoulder as he barreled by.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Not this time,” Mal said as he pulled in front of Dane, “I’ll have a look and devise a plan.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal slinked down as best he could and had a look. As quickly as his horned head pierced the dim light of the chamber a stone grazed his shoulder and he quickly darted back against the wall.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Now can I go,” Dane gruffly trumpeted as he began to march down the stairs.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“No Dane, that sling stone would have been directly at your head, I doubt you would have looked first.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane stopped short and looked at Mal aghast, then scrunched his face in disgust.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“It seems this slinger has talent,” Birel started down and pulled two arrows from his quiver, “we can’t have that now can we.” Birel made his way to the bottom and stood next to Mal, “on my mark make a feint, then make your way for that coffin,” Birel pointed to one of the far stone coffins in the chamber, “I’ll have your back.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Birel sidestepped away from Mal, notched two arrows and drew his bow string back as he kept the bow pointed downward. He paused a moment and then looked up to Mal, “Now!”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">With that, Mal shot out quickly and pulled back just as fast, sure enough and sling pot shot by into the wall where its stinky brown contents splashed, without hesitation Birel raised up his bow and slid out, letting loose as Mal launched around him toward the coffin. Birel’s two arrows found their mark in the kobold sharpshooter’s chest and he fell backward leaving his feet from the force.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal surveyed the room, he calculated quickly and surmised the kobolds position. They were on platforms at the far end of the room. There was a door that separated two platforms, each platform had three kobolds. They were indeed playing some sort of game with a large stone attached to a rope and a pile of bones that was built up upon two of the four stone coffins that laid in the room. There was also another large sludge pit in this room. The smell of the sludge told Mal it was much like the pit he had encountered in the first room of the hall. He also noticed the rocks the kobolds had tied to the ropes were covered in the sludge as well.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">While Mal looked about Severace made his way into the room and clapped his hands and held tightly against his staff. He held it with all the force he could the muster as he concentrated, then quickly pointed the staff towards the kobolds as a fierce burst of fire sprang forth at the kobolds on the platform to the right. The three kobolds were all engulfed in flame and dropped to the floor. As Severace held the fire on them, the other kobolds reacted and swung their large stone smashing into Severances’ side sending him to the ground. Shanna took the opportunity of Severances’ attack to dart over to cover behind the front coffin. She held tight to the sarcophagus as the sludge pit edge was right at her feet. Shanna didn’t think she had been detected, but had to assume she was. She pulled a shuriken from her belt and rolled between the stone coffins, then sprung up and let fly with her weapon. It’s mark was true into the last standing kobold slinger. She then continued her roll to the nearest cover and again held tight against the stone. From the doorway Dane could see that the attack had drawn the full attention of the kobolds and he nudged Birel as he loaded his bow.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“She’ll be a sitting duck,” Dane made another quick look at Shanna’s position. Dane then leaned out and let loose with an arrow, Birel followed with two arrows of his own as he and Dane showered the three kobolds Severace had electrocuted with arrows. Two of the three found their mark and two Kobolds crumpled leaving only the slinger that Shanna had struck with her shuriken. The slinger had taken a knee and ducked the arrow as he readied another sling pot. He launched the pot in Shanna’s general direction and as it shattered just above her, covering her in its horribly sticky contents. Mal instantly shot out of cover toward her and raced to Shanna. The kobolds again swung the stone and this time at Mal. He was able to deflect it with his shield as he leapt over the corner of the sludge pit. He landed right by Shanna and raised his shield to cover them both. As Mal looked back he could see Severace incanting from the ground, his eyes closed in concentration as he muttered something too low for Mal to understand. Mal then turned to see the effect and what he saw was truly puzzling to him. The two kobolds on the left platform went at each other with ferocity and landed blows against each other, one fell from the platform to his doom and the other was certainly hurt. Mal used to opportunity to rush the kobold as it looked over the edge at its fallen comrade with a befuddled look. Mal gave a glance to the slinger who couldn’t load his sling fast enough and Mal grabbed the kobold and brought him down off the platform. The lone slinger on the platform saw that all his allies had fallen and ran to the back of the platform and down a staircase.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane and Birel rushed to Mal, and Severace got to his feet and followed.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Did you confuse them?” Mal asked Severace as he approached.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Indeed, their minds are not very strong, suggestion is an easy thing to accomplish with such creatures.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Impressive,” Mal smiled, “magic escapes me, anyone who has mastery of any sort is a truly impressive individual to me.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Watch your back!” Shanna shouted as she was running towards the assembled heroes. They all wheeled around to see the door swing open and two drakes rush into the room. The green reptilian beasts moved quickly on all fours and the kobold slinger was right behind them swinging his sling. He lashed at Shanna who was the first he saw, but she saw him just as well and was able to tumble away into the shadows. The others were quickly back to arms and the drakes were headed directly for them.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal gave Severace a push back as he stepped in front of him, “Dane don’t let them by!” Mal barked orders as they all fell into position instantly. Birel quickly launched an arrow into the drake, but it didn’t deviate his advance. It headed right at Dane with its teeth covered in saliva as it suddenly craved dwarven flesh. Dane readied and swung mightily. He connected to the side of the beast, but left himself wide open and the drake clamped down on his leg and they entangled with each other. Birel dropped his bow and instantly drew a blade and approached the beast. He slashed as he could but the quick jaws of the drake kept him at bay. Luckily it was enough diversion for Dane to get to his feet and the elf and dwarf now had the drake flanked. The beast kept both at a distance for a bit and a stalemate was brewing. Dane had, had quite enough, however, and all but leapt at the drake and struck the back of the monster delivering a crushing blow to its spine. Birel followed with a powerful jab that sent him headlong into the drake. Birel ended up on top of the beast pushing his blade as far as it could possibly go. The life force left the reptile and Birel let out long exhale as he hadn’t dealt with anything so terrifying before. Dane gripped the bite on his leg as he was willing to now allow himself to feel the pain.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal had seen drakes before, but hadn’t faced one by himself. He thought quickly and focused on his magical blade. A pale golden lightning sparkled and surged about the blade as Mal attempted to absorb the drakes charge with his shield then followed with a powerful blow that covered the drake in momentary lightning as it sunk into the beast stunning it for a moment. Severace followed with lightning of his own further slowing the beast. Mal returned to a readied stance as Severace completed his spell.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Rise Galdane,” He grumbled, “rise and ignore your wounds to finish this fight.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane instantly hopped up and spun his axe as he advanced. Severances’ lightning subsided and the drake instantly leapt at the spell caster. Mal’s only reaction was to swing wildly in an attempt to divert its path, but there was no slowing it. The drake clamped down hard on Severace who let out a guttural wail as he was bitten. It was then Mal was struck with a sling pot of the most sticky sludge imaginable. Mal instantly burned with anger, mostly at himself, but he focused it on the kobold slinger. His eyes burned red and the fire that dwelled deep within his tiefling soul showed itself as the kobold found himself burning in fiery pain. Shanna had stealthily been making her way to the slinger and though she was upset to have allowed him to get off another shot, she still struck true to the unsuspecting kobolds back and rode him to the floor. Unable to move to where Severace was now wrestling with the drake he shouted orders instead to Dane who was more than willing to learn from the tactical mind of his friend as he was able to show him things his eyes were not experienced enough to see. Dane struck well and true and quickly had the drake where he wanted him. Dane’s deftness had gotten the beasts full attention and Severace was able to get to a safe casting area. The drake snapped and clawed at Dane but each step was well planned and left Dane with quick and effective counterstrikes. Birel gathered his bow and fired into the drake over Dane’s shoulder and Severace let loose with more lightning to finally finish off the reptilian nightmare.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I never want to see a lizard again,” Birel quipped as he retrieved his arrows.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I have seen enough of these glue pots myself,” Mal retorted.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well I am having the time of my life!” Dane looked over his kills as he leaned on the head of his axe.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal smiled, but instead of egging Dane on he changed the subject, “is everyone alright? I can look at your wounds should you need it.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I should be fine,” Severace said as he tied a loose piece of cloth around his wound.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well Dane I will have a look at that leg.” Dane tried to waive Mal off, but Mal would have none of it. “Sprout check the hallway…Shanna?” Mal looked up from Danes wound as Shanna didn’t respond, but she was nowhere to be found.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I’m on it boss,” Shanna shouted from up on the platforms where the kobolds had been playing their game from. She was shining up a fairly nice ruby she found and tossed it in her pack to go with the two garnets she had already snagged as the others had been talking. On top of the gems she managed to grab a few glue pots just in case. She hopped down and jogged through the doorway giving Mal a wink as she past.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I’ll back her up,” Birel readied an arrow and kept a safe distance behind Shanna as he followed her.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">They vanished into the darkness without a sound as the others cleaned their wounds and gave themselves a good once over to make sure there weren’t any holes that they hadn’t accounted for.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Are we ready then,” Dane hefted his axe over his shoulder.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I am,” Mal pulled himself up off one knee and straightened his armor. Severace smacked his staff on the ground and met Dane at the mouth of the corridor. The three headed down and it wasn’t long before there was an entry way to the room before them.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Shhh,” Shanna appeared from the shadows just behind Dane, “there’s more of’em in there I can hear’em.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Where?” Dane trumpeted up as he readied his axe.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Shhh,” Shanna was a bit more forceful with it this time. Then she made her way through and waived the others to follow.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“What have you got Sprout,” Mal whispered.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“They’re beyond this wall,” Shanna pointed to a ten foot wall that stood about fifteen feet before them. The ceiling to the room seemed to be twice as high as the wall and the wall ended before it reached the side walls of the room.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Some sort of fortification?” Mal though aloud. He scanned the room as best he could and cracked a half smile as he saw Birel had already made his way to the edge of the wall. Birel looked back at the group and help up three fingers.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Three of them,” Shanna said immediately.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Three what,” Dane again was as loud as could be.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">It was then there was a loud crash. The entire corridor began to shake and rubble and dust poured down from the ceiling and also from the walls. Mal and Shanna both looked all about for a clue as to what was happening. Dane stepped out into the corridor.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Let’s get around and see what’s what.” Dane then froze as he turned to see a giant boulder crashing its way around the far corner and now tumbling toward him.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Dane!” Mal shouted, “Birel!”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Birel instantly was climbing the wall and atop it in no time. Dane still stood frozen.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Shanna screamed as she leapt out toward Dane and tugged him towards the doorway. Dane shook off his shock and tumbled out of the way. Shanna was now caught and wasn’t sure she could make it back so she too headed to the wall and scaled it as quickly as she could. The boulder was right on top of her as she barely got a hand hold on the top and swung her legs up. She was hanging on the side with her fingers tightly grasping the top and her toes holding fast as well. The boulder crashed on and she was safe. She was about to drop back down when Birel suddenly fell from the top of the wall. He hit the floor hard and Shanna could see he had taken heavy damage from what she assumed was a sling bolt. Instead of falling she rolled up and laid flat on the top. She could now see that there was a small room encased by the low center wall. In the chamber were two kobolds who had not noticed her yet. They were about to make their way up a ladder to the top of the wall so Shanna knew she needed to use her current advantage to good use quick. The kobolds were too concerned with keeping the ladder straight as the giant boulder continued to crash around and into the chamber walls. She reached across and pulled out her sword as well as one of the glue pot’s she had grabbed. She then sprung to her feet and made a quick sprint into a beautiful summersault in the air landing her just before the kobold steadying the ladder. In horror the reptilian adversary turned only to feel the cold steel of Shanna’s sword in its side. Without pulling it out she then threw the glue pot as hard as she could and broke it on the armor of the kobold that was climbing the ladder. All stuck and unable to climb a quick jostle from the boulder sent him to the floor. Shanna then withdrew her sword and finished off the other kobold.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">While this was going on Birel had fallen hard to the ground. Mal ran to him and as best he could dragged the elf to safety. As he was about half way back the boulder again crashed around the corner and rumbled toward Mal and Birel.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Dane!” Mal shouted as he saw the boulder crash around the corner. Dane quickly dropped his axe and ran for Mal and Birel. Between the two of them they were just able to get to safety. Mal quickly looked over his wounds.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Quickly let me set these wounds before the boulder comes again, I have a plan.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Perhaps we don’t need to wait, how far would you say they are,” Severace too had a plan.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Maybe fifty feet,” Birel sputtered out as he winced in pain.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I can manage that,” Severace grinned. He then began to mutter arcane language in a low rumbling tone. Mal so wanted to watch the magic user work, but he stayed focused on Birel.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal worked quickly and restored the elf in but a few moments.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Feels good,” Birel said as he sat up.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Excellent,” Mal helped him to his feet.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">It was then Severace let loose with a crackling orb of lightning that drifted up over the wall and exploded on the three unwitting kobolds on the other end of the room. The light filled the dim chamber and the kobolds shrieked in pain as they felt the stinging embrace of the shocking orb. About this time the boulder again crashed by.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Now,” Mal shouted, “follow me!” Birel and Dane felt a boost as the three rushed behind the boulder, Mal’s command was simple, but oddly stirring. As they turned the corner Mal noticed a small corridor, but quickly filed it in his memory as they were now face to face with the kobolds who were picking themselves up off the floor. The kobolds were up on a ten foot platform safe from the boulder. There were two armored dragonshield warriors and a wyrmpriest who wore a bone mask and held a gnarled staff. It was then that the wyrmpriest shouted something in draconic that no one understood but the other kobolds, the dragonshields were quick to their feet and looked ready. Mal, Birel and Dane began to advance and Mal instantly could see the dragonshields plan was to keep them off the platform and let the boulder do their dirty work.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Dane hold that last step!” Mal shouted to his friend who had taken the lead as they turned the corner. Dane did not slow his pace as he saw the kobolds, he squinted a bit and let out a growl as he raced ahead and beat the kobold to the final step up the platform. He took a wild sing to assure he kept them at bay. Mal and Birel followed suit and tucked in to the tiny stairway alcove just as the boulder bounded by once more. The lead dragonshield charged Dane, but the stout, sturdy dwarf stood his ground and absorbed the blow as the kobold tried to push him back into the boulders path. Birel fired two arrows at the other dragonshield who was waiting for his spot to charge and was caught unaware. He turned his attention to Birel and charged for the edge, leaping at the elf. It was a long way down for the reptilian, but Birel cushioned his fall as the elf tried desperately to block the kobolds blade. Mal was able to get a slice in as the kobold flew by, but it was only a grazing blow.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“By Iron Mountains might!” Dane reared back and came down on the dragonshield that had charged him with great force. His dwarven feet left the ground as he leapt up and hammered down on the kobold. The kobold was crushed by the blow and Dane stomped on him as he headed up the stairs toward the wyrmpriest.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Mind yourself Dane!” Mal warned as he kept one eye on Dane and another on the kobold that stood before him. Dane didn’t hesitate as he had his target in sight.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">The wyrmpriest could see Dane coming, as well as the crushing blow he had just delivered, and took in a huge breath. As he did he shouted arcane draconic and then blew out an icy cold blast from his mouth that engulfed the alcove and all who were in it. The icy cold felt especially biting to Mal who returned with a fire attack from the very depths of the fire burning in his soul. Mal wanted so badly to help Dane with the wyrmpriest, but couldn’t give up the flanking position he and Birel held on the dragonshield. Birel smacked the kobold with the end of his bow and Mal followed with a deep cutting slash. The dragonshield wasn’t quite sure where to turn to attack. Mal calculated quickly and heard the rumble of the boulder getting louder. He grabbed the confused kobold and flung him backward into the path of the boulder which crashed around and flattened the unwitting reptile.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">As the boulder rumbled past again, Severace followed with his lightning crackling at the wyrmpriest. The kobold froze and contorted in pain. Dane continued his advance, but as he swung the kobold was able to shift away. He defiantly shouted his arcane draconic and held aloft his war staff. From the staff formed an orb of energy that rocketed at Severace. Severace was able to avoid the orb and the wyrmpriest shouted at him viciously, then his eye caught something else. Mal saw the kobold notice something and followed his eyes up to see that Shanna was in mid tumble and that she had let loose a shuriken barrage that tore into the wyrmpriest. Shanna hit the ground and rolled into the alcove next to Mal who watched the whole thing unfold.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Howdy boss.” Mal just smiled.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Seeing he was surrounded now, the wyrmpriest darted for the one opening he saw and ran down the passage. He jumped off just as Dane had spun around to finish him off.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Birel,” Mal said calmly as he watched the priest frantically run away.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Way ahead of you,” the elf let loose with a single arrow that struck true in the kobolds head taking him off his feet and into the side of the wall.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Severace it is coming!” Mal was ever conscious of the crashing boulders approach. Severace rushed up onto the platform. The boulder bounded by and flattened the lifeless wyrmpriest. As it rolled over him, a glisten caught Shanna’s eye.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Be right back,” she said as she rushed toward the wyrmpriest. She held up a silver key with great pride. Her smile quickly changed however as a small reptilian beast flew by and snatched it from her hand.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Hey!” she couldn’t get to her blade fast enough.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“It’s a spiraltop drake, pretty harmless.” Birel readied an arrow but lowered it as he saw what it was.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“We may want that key however,” Severace interjected as he let loose with his lightning and shocked the drake. The reptilian dropped the key, but was able to fly off. Shanna rushed to grab it, then realized the boulder would be past before she could get back to the platform. She again headed up the wall to the top of the inner chamber and watched for the drake. She tucked the key so it couldn’t snatch it and waited for the boulder to go by. After it did she hopped down and gave the flattened wyrmpriest a good once over. She then ran back and up on the platform as the others waited to see what she had absconded with. Shanna dropped a small collection of things on the platform. The priests staff, the bone mask which he wore, the silver key and a piece of parchment she found in his belt pouch.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal grabbed the parchment just as Severace was about to bend down for it. Mal offered it to the wizard, but he held up his hand and shook his head. Mal looked it over and saw it was a rough sketch of the room and there was a drawing of the key in the small corridor that led away on the north wall. Mal had noticed the hallway earlier, and now remembered it.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“There’s a small corridor we past as we ran in, it looks as though we need this key to travel down it. As the boulder passes we will go for the hallway.” The others all readied as they waited for the crash to get louder. It wasn’t long before the stone rolled past and they all ran for the exit. Severace grabbed the staff and key and Dane attached the bone mask to his helmet as a trophy.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">It was a small corridor that didn’t go very far. To the groups surprise however it ended in a wall not a door.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Wait a tick,” Shanna said as her surprise quickly faded, “let me have a look.” She took off her gloves and felt the walls inspecting it closely.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Is she alright?” Dane asked as he watched.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“As a dwarf I am surprised you wouldn’t think this stonework could be more than just a wall.” Severace was well aware of what Shanna was up to.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Got it!” She exclaimed as she held a spot with her finger, “key!”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Severace had collected the key and handed it to her. With a slight jostle she got the key in and turned it. The stone shook a bit and a small door pushed open. There was an unnaturally cold blast that blew out of the room as the door opened. The hero’s all looked at each other with puzzled looks then decided to look in past the door. It was pitch black, Dane grabbed a pair of sunrods from his pack and tossed them in. The rods rolled down as the corridor continued downward deep into ground.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Shall we,” he asked as he watched them roll down.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“After you,” Severace muttered as he too watched the rods descend.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Stay at the ready,” Mal cautioned as he checked his notebook, “from here we are off Grundelmar’s mapping.” Shanna began to go forward, but Mal grabbed her shoulder and pulled he back close to him. “Dane take the lead, shield first.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Dane nodded and headed in. Birel followed, then Severace and Shanna with Mal guarding the rear. The cold air made everyone uneasy as they went downward. With a quick incantation, Severace lit up his staff as they walked and illuminated their way. When the path finished descending it took an immediate left turn. They continued on and could see that the corridor again turned up ahead.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I’ll check it out, stay here,” Shanna said in a low tone as she darted forward. Mal went to grab her again, but stopped himself. She skulked up and laid down as she looked around the next corner. Then she rushed back as quiet as she could.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“It opens up around the corner,” she reported, “I couldn’t see anything, but I can tell there’s something big.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“How can you tell,” Dane looked down towards the corner.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I can hear it breathing.” Shanna said as she looked to Mal with a bit of fear.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“We should be safe with numbers.” Mal comforted her, though it was disconcerting to him that Shanna would show any fear.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“But it must be big,” Birel added.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well what are we waiting for,” Dane fully turned to head forward.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well let me up front,” Mal moved in behind Dane, “better to have two shields up front. Whatever we face here Birel and Severace keep your distance, Shanna to the shadows and Dane and I will stand up to it till we have a full idea of what is ahead.” Everyone nodded in agreement as there was trepidation in the air that none had felt before.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">The end of the corridor opened up into a huge, dark cavern. Mal and Dane stepped cautiously as the hewn walls gave way to the rough walls and floor of the natural cavern. There was a large shallow pool before them on the cavern floor and two large stone pillars that flanked the pool of water. The air was still very cold and there was a quiet in the room that was unsettling to say the least. Mal made his way to the left of the pool while Dane ventured through the water. Shanna trailed behind with Birel who walked with his bow at the ready. Severace stood just inside the room, his eyes looking all about the room cautiously. Mal tried to look around the monolith as he skulked across the cavern, and stopped and focused as he thought he caught a glimpse of something. Shanna saw this and made her way to the shadows as quickly as she could. No one said a thing as they surveyed the area, and Dane continued his advance regardless of what was going on around him.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">It was then that it happened.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">From behind the large monolith before Mal and Dane, there was the sudden sound of something very large and a blast of cold air rushed in their faces. Before any of them had time to react a huge white dragon flapped its wings and now landed directly before them. The wyrm was young, but still the largest monster any of the group had encountered before. It slammed into the pool of water and instantly unleashed it’s fearsome breath upon the heroes. The breath was bitter, icy cold and Dane caught the full brunt of it. The pool of water froze instantly and Dane was trapped in the ice. Birel lost his bow as he fell backward to the ground and Severace was pushed back, but was able to keep his footing. Mal found himself out of the full force of the blast and as the dragon realized, it turned to Mal, but only a small burst ricocheted off Mal’s shield. Mal backpedaled quickly to get among the ranks of his crew.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Stick close to each other.” Mal shouted as he stopped between Dane and Birel.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“So he can have us all in one place,” Severace snapped as he brushed off the ice that covered his robe.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal fought the urge to have words with Severace, but was too intent to not let the dragon out of his sight.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Silence fools!” The dragon spoke with a deep guttural tone that seemed to shake the entire cavern. “I am lord of this realm, you have met your doom this day and its name is Szartharrax!” The dragon stood on its hind legs and spread its wings wide as its presence had all of the hero’s awestruck. Birel and Severace were frozen in fear as they gazed upon the great white wyrm. Mal could feel the fear in his companions and was unsettled to not know where Shanna had gotten off to.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Beast, you are no lord, you are one who orders the weak with words and little else.” Mal wasn’t sure how smart inciting the dragon was, but there was little else he could think of.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“A strong willed one,” the dragon lowered its head to get a better look at Mal, “what do you seek man-devil?”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“This day I seek your hide it would seem, there’s no other course now that you have attacked us.” Mal was trying to stall while his companions stood helpless, only Dane seemed focused, worked hard to free himself from the ice.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“If it’s a fight you wish,” the dragon withdrew its head, “it will be your last!” and with that he snapped quickly at Mal who avoided the jaws of the beast, but was sent flying to the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Birel!” Mal screamed as he hit the floor. The elf just stood in a stupor, as did Severace. Dane took the best swing he could at the beast, though his ice trapped boots didn’t help at all. He connected, but with minimal power. The dragon pulled his fierce claw up as it looked down at Dane, then crashed down on the dwarf. Birel let out a huge scream as he was suddenly advancing, he let two arrows fly at the white dragon, Severace followed with a huge flaming pillar that erupted from the ground, the searing flame spun like a top as scorched the wyrm ferociously. Szartharrax was annoyed at best and took to the air as his huge wings flapped thunderously. There was only room for the beast to hover a few feet off the ground, but its beating wings made it difficult for everyone to move, on top of the icy floor they now had to traverse to get to the young dragon.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal got back to his feet and rushed the beast as best he could. It was slick, but the tiefling was quite determined to get to the dragon.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Taste my steel Szartharrax!” Mal took to the air himself whirling wildly until he finally connected with a mighty slash to the dragon. It was then Mal noticed Shanna, she had scaled the pillar and was about to pounce on the beast.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Sprout!” Mal shouted in fear.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">It was little use as the halfling girl had taken flight and landed sword first into the neck of the dragon. The surprise of the attack sent Szartharrax crashing to the ground. Severace’s fiery pillar was still churning, and again scorched the reeling dragon. Mal looked for Shanna, but she had already scampered into the dark again. The crash set Dane free of the ice and as Mal searched for Shanna, Dane ran past screaming as he went. The dwarf connected soundly with the beast as it sat a bit disoriented.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“You are mine now wyrm,” Dane shouted as he cut into the beast. Szartharrax collected itself and looked about. Birel continued to assault it with arrows as quickly as he could. The dragon had paid little mind at first, but it was beginning to notice now. The mighty wyrm whipped around and lashed out with both claws at Birel slashing the elf and trapping him on the floor between its claws. He also thrust his razor sharp teeth at Severace who was quite caught off guard. He was slashed by the dragons jaws and fell limp to the floor. The Wyrm wasn’t finished however, it smashed its tail against the pillar right behind it and as it pulled it away Shanna fell lifeless to the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Watching his allies fall quickly, Mal charged Szartharrax in an open flank and through the power of the bestial magic within his suit of armor struck two powerful shots that hit true.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">The wyrm shrieked as Mal struck with all he had. The dragon crashed back into the pillar causing rock and debris to fly everywhere. Mal shielded above his head, but stayed at the ready. He set to charge again when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. The white wyrm reared back its head and it’s cheeks swelled as a frosty mist began to escape. He unloaded the full force of his breath on Mal who blocked what he could, but was unable to withstand the force of the mighty dragon. Luckily while Szartharrax was busy with Mal, Dane got to his feet and charged the low outstretched neck of the dragon as it let loose all of its fury.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“By Iron Mountains might!” The dwarf’s roar caught Mal’s ear as he tried his best to withstand the icy blast. Dane chopped down with all his might on the young dragon. The dragons head slammed into the ground and Dane followed with a flurry of strikes that all struck true to the dragon. The beast now laid as most of the hero’s nearly dead on the ground. Dane climbed up onto the head of the beast and with as mighty a chop as he could muster sunk his axe deep into the dragons skull.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">The already lethargic wyrm went limp as it slouched down on the ground. Dane dropped to one knee as he had literally given all he had against the beast. Mal slowly regained enough strength to get to his feet and while still wary of the dragon, he made his was to Shanna’s lifeless body.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">The halfling girl was barely breathing as Mal propped her up on his shoulder as he dropped to his knees. Mal muttered a Tiefling prayer in the ear of the halfling rogue and his words were enough to bring strength back to her body. She sat up holding her head, then her shoulder as her consciousness brought all the pain in her body to the forefront.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Don’t move Sprout,” Mal got up and set her against the pillar. He made his way to Birel and Severace. Severace had already regained much of his strength and after a bit of patchwork Birel just needed a bit of time to get back. Mal gave Birel water and pulled a small loaf of stonebread from his pack.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Allow me to break it,” Mal cracked the loaf for Birel. Stonebread has an incredibly hard outer crust that allows the bread inside to last much longer than regular loafs.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“I thought I made it clear I had seen enough of lizards for the day” Birel smiled as best he could as he spoke.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Indeed, I’ve met my limit as well.” Mal returned the smile and cracked the bread.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Birel quickly ate and drank, Mal then offered to Severace as well and he also took to refreshment. Mal then made his way to Dane who still stood atop the dragon’s head.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“You have done very well Galdane,” Mal said with pride, “you’ve saved the lot of us here.” Mal smacked the dwarfs back and Dane turned to his friend. They both were exhausted and it was very evident on their faces.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“So this is the life of a sell sword then.” Dane smiled.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“So it seems,” Mal nodded and shared in the smile.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Well it can’t get much worse, so I think we’re alright Mal.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal looked down and chuckled a bit to himself, “Indeed.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">They all caught their breath for a while and took in all they had just been through. No sooner was Shanna on her feet again, she had found the dragons small, but adequate treasure horde. The horde was held in a locked wooden chest, which Shanna picked easily. Inside she found a beautiful pearl that she stowed in with the gems she had come across earlier and a blade that once she had handled it a bit she realized it’s enchantment exceeded the sword she had previously found. She replaced hers with the new one and left her previous sword in the chest.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">She then brought the others over to the chest where they found the green dragon hide that they had been hired to recover as well as a few pouches of gold. Mal picked up the sword that Shanna had left and shot her an inquisitive look, but said nothing. The green hide they recovered gave Dane a rather keen idea as he studied the dead carcass of Szartharrax. It wasn’t long before he was busy skinning the wyrm with designs on a suit of armor for himself. It was unanimously agreed that, should Teldorthan agree, a suit of armor from the white dragon for Dane was worth any payment they were due. After all Dane had certainly delivered the blows that kept the young dragon from finishing the party of adventurers.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">They made sure their exploration was complete, then returned to Fallcrest. The entered the city beaten and bruised and knew most of the townsfolk did not know what a service they had done for the city. Most only saw the ragged warriors that carried themselves to a well deserved rest. They again took residence at the Nentir Inn and it wasn’t long before Dane delivered the dragon hides to Teldorthan Ironhews. Teldorthan was so overjoyed by the return of the hide that he readily crafted a fine suit of armor for Dane from Szartharrax icy cold hide, and still paid the rest of his mates as promised. That night, when Dane returned with their payment Mal gathered them together.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Friends, we have won this day. The people of this city owe us a great debt, though they are quite unaware. I have come to realize that isn’t something I am interested in seeking. Fame and renown is fine, but knowing an evil was vanquished is all the satisfaction I desire. To that end the taste of fighting evil has left a sweet savor in my mouth and I do hunger for more. I see that I serve no good to be driven by revenge, better to prevent the spread of evil for others to maintain that scales be tipped to the side of good and right.”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">“Here, here,” Dane trumpeted.

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">Mal cracked a quick smile then continued, “I tell you this because I hope each of you will accompany me on the course I am setting for myself. To be the sword of those who can’t wield it for themselves. I am asking you to be the bow, the axe, the sneak and the spell caster to those who are in need of such things. I ask you to join me, what say you?”

<p style="text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in">With little time at all, the entire group raised their flagons of ale in agreement with all Mal had said. Shanna rushed to Mal and gave as warm a hug as she had ever given. Mal smiled wide as he knew he may not have found a homeland, but he had certainly found a purpose and fellow countrymen to share in it.