Out Of The Chamber, Back Into The Pit

Stephan desperately fought to make a guarded retreat. Blood stung the corner of his eye where the jackal that had leaped on his face left that and many more lacerations across his countenance.

But as he fought to join Hasan in relative safety, he strained to see his own, smaller, jackal carving. And there it was!

His glance, however, cost him dearly. Two more jackals found there way to the few places his skin was exposed and proceeded to inflict damage like a weasel in a chicken coop. Tiny, vicious, knives of tooth and claw sent sparkles of pain ricocheting through his body. Nonetheless, he tried to kick his little statue, now beneath his feet, toward Hasan.

The relentless attack of the vermin was too much. He couldn’t be sure his boot even connected with the statue. And again, his effort of saving the little carving cost him. The jackals continued a hate-filled attack; one of them seemingly burrowing into the back of Stephan’s neck.

Flinging himself against the wall, Stephan was able to knock the most offending devil from his back but two others still clung to him. Plaster and some sort of decaying artwork cascaded to the floor from his impact. The shredded tapestry caught up his boots, tripping Stephan to his knees. More jackals leaped to attack somehow sensing a kill was near.

The priest leapt past Stephan. He jammed the edge of his shield into a grasping fiend sending it skittering angrily across the room. “Back off a second.” He looped the chain of his flail around the second and dislodged it enough to release its grip. Wedging the struggling creature against the wall he urged Stephan away.
The warrior gave space and Maruc ducked back into the tunnel and ran to the exit.
“Time to leave everyone!” he called.

Miklos scrabbled for the exit. This was no place for an unarmoured man. The floor had difficult footing but thankfully his natural clumsiness did not creep up on him as he threaded his way through the melee and the dubious safety of the tunnel. He made his way back to the midden and checked the rope. It was still secure. They couldn’t be caught down here and someone needed to guard it so hand over hand he scaled the rope with the lightstone gripped between his teeth.

With his battle axe too slow and cumbersome to effectively deal with these foes, Feldard tucked his axe between his armour and his pack for easy retrieval later then turned to using brute strength.

Feldard made his way towards the tunnel that the elf, then the humans made their escape down. Only Hernane and himself remained within the chamber and Feldard was going to ensure Hernane made it out before him.

Ignoring the ear piercing scratchings of talon and teeth on metal, and the occasional laceration that came along with having over half a dozen of the statuettes clambering over him, Feldard trudged his way to Hernane and with his gloved hands tore the creatures from her with a vengeance and flung them against the far wall. With the last of them off her, Feldard shoved her out through the tunnel and then barred the way past with his armoured body as he turned his attention to the ones that were swarming him.

But it seemed for every one Feldard managed to tear from him armour and beard, two more would take it’s place. The dwarfs only saving grace was that his armour protected him fairly well, only a small number of their attacks made it through and those were mostly minor but cumulatively they would wear him down if he could not manage somehow to get them off him to retreat.

Feldard stepped back into the tunnel, arms raised to protect his eyes as he peered at the tunnel around him to see if there were any structurally weak areas that he could exploit. If he could cause a tunnel cave-in much like the other side of the chamber that might keep the little devils contained.

So intent was Feldard in his study of the tunnels structure that he didn’t notice right away that the weight on his back and shoulders had lightened and that the tiny scramblings had ceased. But when he did, he looked back to the chamber.. and there they were standing once more around the chamber.. perfect little statuettes unmoving… just waiting. He gave a shudder then warily backed his way towards the midden pit, just in case the little devils changed their minds.

Hernane after being pushed through the tunnel by Feldard waited at the bottom of the rope she yelled “come on Feldard, its time to leave”! She then clambered up the rope and stood at the top gasping for breath looking down anxiously for Feldard. Turning to the others she queried them, “what was that all about, this place is cursed”.

Hasan offered a hand to the bulky dwarf as he stumbled from the room, but the dwarf passed him by. The elf turned to look back at what they had encountered. The statuary was so still and there amidst the newly-stirred dust clouds lay their tiny echo. Hasan stole back into the room and held his breath. Nothing moved, though his magic sight showed the fierce glimmering outlines around the statues all the while. The elf retrieved the charm. Stephan’s keepsake did not glow with the light of magic, but it was an interesting little bauble nonetheless. He walked out without a backwards glance.

Soon all of the party were out of the room safely. The statuary resumed their still poses in the alcoves of the old chamber.

Meanwhile, Miklos pulled himself over the pit lip and scanned the room above, just in time to hear the approach of a party of orcs.

A Dozen Diminutive Devils

Miklos cried out in alarm. He threw out his arm in a dismissive gesture and threw the first spell that came to mind. Web. He tried to encompass as many of the statues as he could.

The closest vile jackal-creature reached toward Miklos as he backed away flinging enchanted web strands that coated the creature slowing its shining claws but inches from his face. Miklos grinned weakly. The magic caught, the arm snapped back. He caught the little devil and one of his brothers in the web. Unfortunately, with their tiny size and sharp teeth the webbing would not keep them stuck for long.

Maruc looked up. Looked down. Dropped the skull and brought the shield up as the first statue launched himself at him. His flail sung though the air and connected with the snarling beast. “Back to the tunnel! Their numbers will count little there!”

Fighting a desperate retreat ,he hoped he’d buy enough time for the others. He was waiting for Feldard and Stephan to block the tunnel.
Stephan snapped out of his apoplectic state, readying his sword and shield. Part of his mind pierced a concern into the large portion now devoted to melee.

My statue! — was the concern. He had tried to secure it but the small stone carving was fumbled between his and Miklos’ hands as the battle broke out. It fell, he knew not where.

But the little devils were on the loose and two were leaping right at Sukiskyn’s face…

Hernane using the combat training that all Dwarf maidens were trained in, retreated back towards the tunnel striking at any of the silver jackal-creatures that came within striking distance. In the melee she looked desperately to see where Feldard was to see if he was ok.

At Miklos’ alarmed cry, Feldard turned away from the collapsed tunnel, just in time to see two of the foot tall jackal-headed statues charge towards him. He raised his axe just in time to block their first attacks.

He followed that with an attack of his own, pressing his opponents back further into the room. He needed to get to the entrance and help protect Hernane and the others as they made their escape.

But it was easier planned than done. Despite their diminutive size the statues, like the golem from another adventure, were resistant to his attacks. But Feldard was not one to give up.

“Fall back, fall back!” Hasan echoed the cleric’s sentiments. He thrust his spellbook deeply into his backpack, dodging a silvered slashing claw as he stuttered backwards. There was no hope for him here, book in hand or hand deep in his pack. The elf fled as swiftly as he could. One of the little jackal-men jumped on his back and sunk its teeth into his shoulder. The elf knocked the statuette off with a sharp backhand as he made it out of the chamber. The statuettes that had been hot on his trail turned away as he exited and diverted its attention to those still in the room.

Jackal-Headed Statues

Miklos stared in awe around the room. The wall paintings almost rivaled that of the Temple on Grey Mountain and were about in the same condition. He spent some time seeing if they depicted anything relevant.

Here and there amongst the cracked and flaking fresco, he could make out the shapes of more jackal-headed men engaged in various activities. Casting magical spells, praying at altars, creating artworks, etc.

Stephan inhaled sharply in shock. The others turned to see if he was choking on webbing or something.

“Merciful, Halav,” he genuflected as he spoke. Seemingly paralyzed for a moment, it was several seconds before Stephan clumsily fumbled at his neck pouch — which had to be hoisted out of the armor covering his chest — trying to extract something. Someone put a light on his hands and then everyone stepped closer to see the small object he held. It was a perfect replica of the larger, but still diminutive, statues that lined the walls.

Stephan found his voice again. “I’ve no idea what this is but have carried it since my youth.” He turned the statue for all to see. Then rotated it so his companions could see the bottom. “There are strange marks on the bottom.”

Hernane, squinted in the gloom of the glow stones at the tiny scratching on Stephen’s keepsake. She did not recognize them and could not tell what they might mean.

Hasan pulled his spellbook from his battered pack. He turned quickly through the familiar pages.

Maruc followed Feldard as he glanced over the taller statues for a moment before turning back to Stephen. “So what does it mean?” he questioned.

Maruc thought for a moment. “Well they don’t look too friendly.” he said. Feldard grunted and turned his attention to the caved in exit. Perhaps there was a way to clear it. This at least was something he understood.

The priest shrugged and went over to the corpses. He checked them over to see what they had died from. He picked up a skull. No damage, it didn’t tell him much. He looked over at the collapsed entrance. Probably caught here and unaware of the secret exit and starved to death in the dark. He hoped they hadn’t suffered too much. But the statues might be worth a new hospice in Specularum and the Mages Guild might pay handsomely for them. He turned to query Miklos but he was nose deep in an ancient book and talking to Stephan.

Feldard ran his hands over the rock of the cave in. “Hmm, they tried to clear it and brought fresh rock down, would be my guess.”

Maruc returned to the bones to see if there was anything about them to identify their age and identity. Ancient Priests? Thieves? Trapped scholars? Nay, they were orcs. Not of the Black Web tribe. Or perhaps, they were, but from a time before they had turned into a spider-cult.

He then turned his attention of the statues and noticed Stephan fumbling in his tunic and had produced a small statuette. They put Miklos in mind of Eastern tradition animal-gods worshiped by the nomadic desert tribes he’d studied.

Stefan had inverted his charm and indicated the glyphs on the bottom. Miklos craned over to see. “Interesting. May I?” Miklos held out his hand and Stephan passed it to him. There was something familiar about the markings. A bit like familiar symbols used to write a foreign language.

He delved into his pack and produced the Book of the Sons of Night. holding a lightstone between his teeth the statue upended on one hand the leafed through the pages of the Book trying to see if anything looked similar.

Hasan read slowly from the pages of his spellbook and then exhaled deliberately. The others then saw his brow furrow and his hands spasm between fists and full extension three times. And then he sighed in relief and was done.

Hasan gazed about the room with magicsight. He immediately saw that every statuette in the room glowed with arcane light.

Hernane leaned in closer to one of the statues. She wondered how much they might be worth in Rockhome. Curious to see how heavy they were and if they were solid silver, she put her hands on one of the silver statues to try to lift it up. The thing instantly came alive, bore its teeth and tried to bite her in the face!

Instinctively, Hernane pushed it back, putting some distance between her and the jackal-faced statuette. The other eleven statues also sprung into action, racing toward the nearest intruder.

Ancient Chamber

“Hello. What do we have here?”said the mage as he traced the edge of the door. “Feldard, come down here and see what you make of this. I think its some sort of concealed door. I think its worth a look.”

Whilst the dwarf descended Miklos carefully checked for any noise and to see if there was a opening mechanism.

Maruc looked around and played out the rope then secured it to a close staligmite. He then lowered himself down the rope after the dwarf.

“Hernane, come on!” shouted Hasan, as he followed the humans down the rope ladder.

Stephan followed the others down the rope. “Hopefully this rope will remain for our exit.” He used his lightstone to inspect the midden paying special attention to the door edge Miklos discovered.

Hernane, upon hearing Hasan’s command, left her position of rear guard and follows the other group members down the rope.

It took some prompting to get Feldard attached to the rope and into the midden pit. Once down, he went straight for the opening, checking it out, ensuring it was stable enough to traverse through.

Satisfied, he glanced over the assembled group. “Lets make this quick before the orcs see that rope and toss it back down.”
With axe in hand, the dwarf set off down the opening.”

The small opening led to a dank but once-fine chamber. Dripping water and mold have smeared the wall-paintings and the plaster of the ceiling has flaked away, mixing with the bones of three humanoid creatures on the floor. Lined up on stone benches to either side, and apparently untouched by the decay around them, were a dozen silver statuettes, each about a foot high.

The statues depicted robed men with jackal-like heads. Stephan drew out the tiny statue he had found atop Mount Mt’a Ihkhara many years ago during his youth. The sculptures in the room were larger versions of his good luck charm.

A cave collapse has sealed off the only other exit from the chamber.

In The Spider’s Midden

“Aha!” Miklos exclaimed the light from the stone glining off the bones. “Some sort of spider midden. This looks hopeful, perhaps some hapless victim has left something down there. There seems to be little alternative and we cannot hang about. Maruc have you your rope handy still?”

“Of course…somewhere.” replied the priest rummaging about in his pack untill he located his rope. “Here!” he said triumphantly pulling out the cord. “Whats your plan?”

“Simply this.” he said, “As it is my idea to return I shall volunteer to descend into the midden, also I am the least weighty upon a rope. Tie the rope about my waist. Lower me but five feet. I shall use my staff to ensure nothing surprising hides within the corpses by poking around. If I call or someone comes unexpectedly, draw me up. If I instruct you to complete the descent please lower and I shall perform a thorough examination of the refuse.”

Stephan watched carefully as Mikos tied the bowline. He gave a slight grunt and nod at seeing the knot well tied. He moved to the side, holding his light stone up to provide extra light. “I wonder if I could affix this to my helm,” he muttered half to himself.

Without further ado the mage removed his packs and had tied the rope in a loop about himself. He tested the bowline knot he’d used. And his lecturers said that his dalliance with punting about Specularum was a waste of time! Miklos smiled, the knot was secure. Collecting the staff he bade the priest to lower him slowly in. Maruc shed his own pack and looped the rope over his shoulder and braced himself against the weight.

Half way he said, “OK. That will do.” Somewhat awkwardly he poked the the refuse with his staff. and waited a few seconds, shining his light down. he poked again for good measure but nothing untoward happened. “It seems safe enough, lower me down please.”

The priest gently paid out the rope until it went slack. Using his own lightstone he observed the mage’s progress from above. He gathered the slack in case he needed a swift evacuation.

Watching the human descend was sheer boredom, Hasan thought, and to have gone back into the caves worse. He nearly jumped in himself, just to have something to do, but the only way they were headed back into the forestland was if they got through this quickly. So the elf nocked the arrow instead.

Hernane, glanced at Hasan and could tell he was unimpressed at this excursion back into the caves. Having little else to do she retreated 20 paces back up into the tunnel so she could listen and watch for any return of the orcs without the noise and might of the group interfering with her infravision. The sooner they were on their way the better she whispered to herself, the orcs will return soon and no doubt in greater numbers. Kneeling down against the tunnel wall, she held her axe tightly, listening intently for any sign of the black web clan.

Feldard was unfortunately the one to be left with Maruc, hauling the mage up and down. He personally thought this sidetrekking for gain was a little beneath them but perhaps the mage had a point. Maybe this would further their quest but he doubted it.

With his attention focused on the mage below, Feldard hadn’t noticed Hernane’s leaving the group.

Miklos carefully investigated the area with his staff at first then with his hands the contents of the midden. Amongst the refuse of bones and debris. He didn’t find anything of particular note. Apparently the orcs had stripped their sacrifices of any valuables before sending them to their deaths.

Next, the mage looked about in case there is a secret way on. He saw a small opening at the base of the cave wall to his left.

Back Into The Caves

“Indeed, of course you are right, Miklos,” Hasan acknowledged with a grin. “We should finish our exploration of the caves. I am afraid I don’t share your optimism about the one hour tour, however. We’ll have to see where those orcs came from.”

Feldard glanced first towards Stephan, who was all ready for setting out into the forest, then he looked to Miklos and Maruc – prepping for exploring the mine caves. The dwarf wished the humans would make up their minds which way they wanted to go. In or out!? Bah, he had travelled with the duo of mage and cleric for quite some time now, he should be used to their oddities. Ah and now the elf joined the ranks. That settled the matter.

Feldard hefted his axe with a grunt. “No sense dividing the group now. Lets get this done quick.” He moved to the forefront of the party.

Obviously nonplussed at the turn of decision, and nearly cranially crippled with the nuanced manifestation of group think, Stephan, shrugged and joined the others making their way back into the mine. His lot had been cast with these errant adventures and, despite the looming, stoically judgmental precedent of his ancestors, he found himself enjoying this new haphazard approach to life.

“Maruc,” hissed Hasan as he trooped toward the mine again, resentful of every step but sure his human companions’ instincts were right. “What of the goblin? I would not bring him into danger, deep in the caves. He must be our guide to the lair of the Wolftribe. But dare we leave this prize with Takaryon? What if he slipped his bonds? Dare we risk this fellow’s life as warden?”

The elf stared at the gnome with the same affection all shared, at the industry and generosity and bravery of this small creature who had resolved to stay on and honor his brethren’s legacy in the mine, despite the clear danger. Tekaryon, oblivious, had already turned away from the party and was working away with clear delight at the smashed machinery of the dam. The gnome’s bright stocking cap ducked behind wall of ruined machinery and earthenworks.

“No, I do not know what to do,” Hasan turned away and continued to address Maruc. “That dear boy could not possibly defend himself, but he may not pay the closest watch. And he so lacks appreciation for other beings, it seems impossible … ”

Boom! Water, stone, sticks, steel, and one small gnomebody erupted from the dam. The gnome lay crumpled on the ground.

Hernane ran to her fallen gnome friend and sobbed, clutching the soggy, bloody shoulder, the shock of the last 24 hours finally overcoming even her sturdy dwarven nature. Hasan’s face fell, knowing his quest for Elyas’s knowledge was not worth the death of a friend, even one of duration as short as his with Tekaryon.

“I knew it, a simple clog, the easiest of solutions, really, did you see how that worked, magician?” burst out a familiar, unassailable voice from the pile of rumpled rags and sooty skin Hernane clutched. The assembled adverturers saw the 8 foot wheel strain and begin to gently inch forward.

“A mix my brothers used before, but only deep in the mine, though I told them it would work in fresh air too, it’s simple really, carcoal, brimstone, Salt of Peter, ground and mixed. We thought maybe the heavy air below was better, but you can see it worked just fine in fresh air.” The circular motion of the wooden slats accelerated.

“Wonderful, wonderful. A discovery, not quite of my own, but wonderful still. Let’s call it blasting powder, no? Because that was quite a blast!”

“It is unseemly, Takaryon. Truly, you must stop yourself. I can teach you the simplest forms of energy. This tinkering is a menace to us all,” Hasan turned away, relieved and disgusted all at once. The elf addressed the cleric yet again, pointing at the goblin, which had twisted cowering into the hollow among the roots of the stubby pines the guarded the pathway to the mine. “I cannot leave this poor soul with this gnome. You must decide his fate: with us back into the mine, where he will surely be no help, or luncheon and perhaps a nap with Tekaryon!”

The priest climbed back over the the remains of the rocky cave-in that they’d pulled apart on their inward journey. He was listening with mounting alarm to the elf’s words. He paused letting the surly dwarf move ahead then turned to Hasan when he joined him.

“A ‘goblin’ a poor soul? I’d keep that opinion far from Feldard’s ears.” Maruc said with quiet feeling, ”Goblins and their like are a murderous bunch, as we have seen. Your concern is admirable if somewhat misplaced. Do you think that they for a moment would have thought of our safety were the tables turned? I know that to compromise our principles we’d be no better than them, but if he wanted a quite life he’d have stayed behind and grown crops or hunted food. He made his own bed when he chose to raid, he must accept the consequences. Mighty Halav who guides us is not unjust, but equally He is not a soft fool.”

“My dear Hasan,” grinned Maruc, “Are you suggesting that a walk some 150 yards into a recently explored cave system, spending quarter of an hour or so hunting about then returning constitutes abandoning a prisoner? Not all goblins have the self discipline to be escape artists. And you are not showing much faith that Tekaryon can guard a well trussed goblin. He is not ‘that’ foolish.”

“Perhaps just a little unlucky?” added the priest. He then turned to follow the dwarf. The corpse of the spider lay across the tunnel and Maruc heaved it to one side with his metal gloved hands. The main chamber came into view ahead.

Lightstone in hand Feldard awaited them.

Miklos didn’t get the feeling that the others appreciated his suggestion. But he felt they were missing something. Something, it was hard to describe, something intangible. He was never one for Fate. Perhaps he’d been around the priest too long. He also chambered over the rocks and followed the snaking path back to the spider chamber.

“Is Hasan right?” he muttered to himself, “Is this just a fools errand? I have seen precious little evidence that the goblins have anything to do with the Sons of Night. And what was it that Nicolai had said about his mother? He was steeped in contacts of the seedier side of society perhaps it was more than some homeward plea? And we have been lead astray by…Feldard? No, ridiculous it was brigands and goblins. Easy to hire with enough money. But that suggested that they needed to kill us or at least keep us busy.”

“I need more facts. Somewhere there must be something…” he said aloud. “We’re like blind men searching for illumination.”

Hernane followed the others into the caverns, she was uneasy about leaving Tekaryon alone with the prisoner, but it was quite well trussed up but she hoped her friend would remain safe. Truth be told she was also uneasy about the Orcs, they would be back once their courage returned this she knew they would not take there defeat easily. She wished she had some better armour and weapons, for she anticipated some more combat ahead.

* * * * *

The group carefully made their way back to the spider’s lair. There was no sign of the orcs just yet. At the rear of the chamber, a ten-foot ledge dropped down into a new cavern where piles of bones and remnants of clothing, equipment and other debris were littered the floor.

Anyone Else Coming?

Feldard soured at the idea of taking gold that Hernane had helped mine. He refused payment from the gnome and kept to watching the mine tunnel.

Hernane’s attempt last night at making peace did little to make him view the situation any better. Yet despite his anger, Feldard couldn’t help but strain to hear her response to the gnome. Maybe if she didn’t go back right away there might be chance to have her see reason and the soundness of their parents plans.

“Thank you, Tekaryon. This is most generous.”

Hasan thanked the gnome Tekaryon for his generosity. “Be well, master gnome, but our paths must separate now.”

The elf then turned to his companions. “We have lost much time against the goblins. There is little choice now, but to head as quickly as possible into the heart of the forest. Let us be off.”

Stephan nodded enthusiastically at Hasan’s goading to be underway. He readied his belongings, checked his boots and hefted his shield to the back.

“Yes, let’s be off.”

Turning to the group Hernane says “I would like to travel with you a while longer if you would have me. Thank you Tekaryon for your offer, but I think I will take my share of the gold. My days here at the mine are over, I have some responsibilities to face up too at home. I will travel with Feldard and his companions until we are closer to Rockhome, and then I will make my way back home. Thank you for all that you have done. (She hugs him). Please come and visit me one day soon”.

Maruc looked at Miklos. “Looks like everyone prefers goblin tracking to pot holing.”

“So know one wants to see if that terrible creature we just slew had anything we might find useful against the goblins?” Miklos asked. “It wouldn’t be too dangerous now and I for one am curious. I’m sure it wouldn’t take too long.”

“Well I’m easy.” said Maruc “I’m no tracker so I can’t judge if another hour or so will make much difference. We know pretty much where they are headed anyway.”

“Look if its that important to you. Give me a lightstone and I’ll dive in there and hunt around the web for stuff.”

Miklos handed him a lightstone and he pulled one out for himself.

“Anyone else coming?” the priest asked.

Holing Up For The Night

Maruc smiled genuinely as Hernane recovered. He helped her out of the caves into the light of the late evening as it closed over the mountains creating long shadows. He took her to a quite hollow and spoke in low tones, “I don’t know what has passed between you and Master Feldard. I don’t wish to know. But unless you resolve this, he will do something rash. Perhaps something I cannot save him from,” concern flushed across the priest’s face. “He has been reckless in his search for you. He is driven, an obsessive.”

He paused wondering how far to push it. A life was at stake, he had no choice.

“I fear that he will kill himself in some reckless act. I don’t know how to explain this to you in such a way that places some of the responsibility with you, but can you do anything? I can’t lie to you but I’ve seen his recklessness with my own eyes. Help him if you can.”

Maruc wondered at his own conviction. It must be some deep connection with the simplistic image of the world the dwarf presented, something Maruc wanted to capture and hold bah… too hard to understand. All he knew was Feldard needed help and this was the best he could offer. No magic he knew could solve this. He hoped it was enough to save the surly dwarf.

But he doubted himself.

Relieved to be outside in the fresh air Miklos wondered if the spider-cult orcs would seek swift and brutal revenge on them as they slept. “Before we settle out here would it be easier to defend one of the miners chambers with the door just inside the entrance hall?” the Mage felt his stomach rumble and he was quite thirsty, “I need to meditate properly, amongst other things, and I’d rather do it undisturbed.”

Maruc, thanks for your kindness and well meaning words. I would wish no harm to fall upon Feldard, he is always been in my life and we have many fond memories together. He values his pride highly and his duty to his clan he values more than life itself.

I too fear for him, my choice not to wed him has hurt him badly. I will do what I can to sooth his feelings but I fear he will not listen to me, but he had to know the truth for I could not live with myself if he were to fall protecting me out of some misguided sense of duty based on an arrangement between our fathers. I refuse to be treated as commodity. Also he has to grow up and soon he will realisize that he did not love me either and both our lives will be richer and happier because of the events of today. Give him time Maruc, look after him; he needs his comrades now more than ever.

Like Miklos, and indeed everyone save the dwarves who didn’t seem to notice much difference, Stephan breathed deeply of the fresh air.

It was a bit ominous, however, to emerge at dusk. The need to secure “lodgings” for the night was pressing.

“Hurmmm,” Stephan half grunted at Miklos’s suggestion of returning to the mine to stay the night. “The thought does not appeal to me. I’d rather make tracks before night fall and find some place to camp.”

He turned and eyed the setting sun. Then the mine entrance.

“Well, I think you’re right, Miklos. Our safest course is holing up for the night. We can stack some stones to serve as a barrier in the entrance.

“Ugh. That stinking spider won’t be pleasant through the night.”

Feldard guarded the rear of the party as it emerged out into the open. He was grateful for the clerics overseeing of Hernane as they traveled through the mine. After her announcement earlier, Feldard was loath to be even in her company, much less assist her.

He kept watch on the tunnel they just left as the humans talked of resting the night in a miners chamber. He snorted. Humans!

“I’ll take first watch.” And with that said, Feldard moved on back further into the tunnel to keep an eye alert for orcs or more goblins. He’d wait until he was sure SHE was asleep before returning.

Hernane, finding she could not sleep, got up and approached Feldard while he was on watch. She spoke to him in the language of the Rockborn “I think it is about time we talked openly and honestly. I know you are hurt by my announcement; however I have tried before to tell you how I feel and my decision to leave Rockhome I thought would have made my feelings for our arranged marriage quite clear. I am sorry if I have hurt you. That was not what I intended and in time I am sure you will see this. I could see that in time we would both be unhappy in this arranged deal between our families, so even though now you are hurt and yes I know angry with me, I believe that you will feel differently in the future. I shall speak very highly of your bravery to your clan when I return to Rockhome, so that all shall see that this situation is not of your making and fault, I shall tell them how you tracked me down and rescued me, there will be no disgrace on you or your honour I hope in time you will find it in your heart to forgive me Feldard. I know you will make a wonderful brother-in-law”.

Feldard said nothing and Hernane, having said her peace went back to seek sleep.

The night passed uneventfully. Apparently, the orcs had enough of combat and decided to leave well enough alone. Or perhaps they might yet attack at any moment. There was no way of knowing with such a race. In any event, the group was now prepared to resume their mission, to find the lair of the Wolfskull and destroy them. Hopefully, they could find some clue as to the purpose of the attacks on the human settlements. There definitely seemed to be some greater forces at play here that they had yet to understand. This hobgoblin called Vlaak seemed to be their most likely source of information. Now, they just needed to find him.

As they weighed their next move, they heard a loud clank noise from a side cavern, followed by the sound of stone scraping on stone. Where had that gnome gone off to?

Tekaryon had unlocked a secret cache that he and his brother had built in one of the cave’s near the entrance. It had been hidden behind a natural looking wall and was unlocked through a complicated system of rock twisting, tapping and bending. Like most gnome inventions it was overly complicated. In the cache was a store of gold ingots that he and his crew had unearthed. After all that had happened, Hernane had almost forgotten about the gold. She had always wondered where the gnomes were keeping their take.

”Reward for your troubles,” offered Tekaryon, presenting the group a generous portion of his treasure. “I’ll need the rest to hire some new miners and clear out whatever is left of these rotten, hog-faced spider-worshippers.”

“And Hernane, you’re welcome to stay on, of course,” offered the Gnome. “You sound like you might be in a rush to return to your homeland, but if ya’d like to earn some more travel money, I’d like you to be my right hand.”

Axes versus Arachnid

Upon seeing the spider, Stephan cursed himself for not having a flame ready. He directed his lightstone at the creature.

The priest sidestepped as sticky strands filled the air.

“What’s it doing with its…” was all the fighter was able to vocalize before being engulfed in the numbing webs. He collapsed to the floor, his lightstone still clutched in his left hand; sword in the right. The stone glowed through some webbing that had clotted up around his hand. He feebly struggled, trying to use his sword to cut the bonds. But his struggles soon waned and Stephan lay still on the damp floor.

“Come on now, then,” urged the elf. “We have it now.”. Hasan quickly summoned a magical missile and released it, sighing with satisfaction as it buried itself in the arachnid’s skeletal surface.

Miklos wondered momentarily why the creature hadn’t tried this attack before when surrounded earlier. Everyone seemed to rush past him. There was no room so he grabbed the stricken woodsman and set about pulling the strands from the bound warrior clearing his face, neck and arms. “Come on Stephan, don’t give up. I can’t do this on my own you know.” he urged.

The stuff was hardening as he pulled at the strands and making the sort of sound that cloth makes when you tear it. “There we go! that’s one hand free at least.”

Hernane – as emotionally drained as she was, suddenly felt the fire of righteous anger course through her veins – bellowing out a dwarven battle cry she rushed past Feldard and Stephen and charged the spider determined to finish off the beast once and for all. She thrashed out her frustration and anger onto the creature as her axe rose and bit deep into the spiders thick hide. Hernane felt that if this creature which had caused so much suffering died then some of her problems would die with it. She refused to be seen by Feldard as some poor damsel requiring rescue when she was every bit as capable as he was. “Go for the eyes” she grunted more to herself than to anyone who might be listening “blind it—then decapitate it”.

Feldard was grateful for his quick dwarven reflexes at avoiding the spiders webbing but they weren’t quick enough to grab Hernane from her headlong rush towards the beast that had felled her twice. Did the woman not think? Perhaps she deserved his younger brother – he too was an addle-minded fool with oafish notions. With a deeper scowl than usual, Feldard grunted and moved in to finish off the beast before Hernane could get bit again.

While Hernane went for the eyes, Feldard headed for the side, and swung underhand going for the softer and more vulnerable underbelly of the beast. He unleashed his fury on the creature, again and again. Each strike, each dying shriek of the spider, dissipating some of his anger and tension.

Hernane had been gripped by some dwarven battle lust, and Maruc was not about to interfere. He could tell Feldard was alarmed, if not more angry than usual. If that where possible in the priest’s experience. He’d be too busy to overhear any of their conversations but whatever had gone between them had obviously not gone well.

Still, thought Maruc, its hasn’t dampened their aggressive spirits…. every cloud so they say.

The arachnid was cornered, its was hard to help amongst the churning blades of the dwarven battle axes. But he did his best, whilst avoiding its dripping fangs.

The battle went quickly and predictably. For the third time, Hernane was paralyzed by the spider. The dwarf and cleric benefited from the protection afforded by their armour and put the beastie down. As in the past, after several minutes, both spider victims recovered from the paralysis.

Squirt!

Miklos clapped with delight. “I see, I see. An interesting argument you pose, Hasan. And worthy of study. But for now…ahh Master Feldard is moving at last. Good. Good. Well I think its time we went our way eh? Excellent, Hernane are you well? Good.”

Maruc turned to Stephan. “Aye, it is pointless and foolish to venture further into the caves with no knowledge of what lies beyond and with no hope of a safe and swift exit. As I believe I have mentioned whilst we investigated the dungeons of Sevastian and Hasan’s Temple. Never leave an enemy behind you. Well that’s my opinion, and stop fussing old chap I’m not about to collapse!”

Miklos collected the lightstones that the Gnome hadn’t used. “Very well we must exit and brave the spider. Maruc is quite right, we must look to our own safety first and investigate second. This is going to sound a touch mercenary, but there may be some value in searching the tunnels later. We cannot live off nothing and Vlaak can wait half a day at least whilst we discover if the mighty spider has any treasure. Because I have no doubt we shall meet it soon.”

It was a relief finally be able to move once more. Feldard’s muscles were stiff and slow to respond at first but after a few good stretches and a bit of time, he was ready to continue on.

While the dwarven warrior wanted to delve deeper into the cavern tunnels following where the orcs had come from, he had Hernane to think of. “I agree with our priest, we should turn back. Head to High Forge and rethink our strategy. Chasing after the goblins hasn’t brought us nearer to solving this mystery. And Hernane and Tekaryon must be brought to safety before we continue.” Did he really just say that? It was a surprise to even himself that he would wish to continue on with this madness of a quest even though he’d just found his betrothed.

Hernane, with her muscles finally reponding slowly gathered herself together. She looked over at Feldard as she searched amongst the Orcs disgared equipment for some adhoc armour and weapons arming herself as best she could. She was not happy about returning to where the beasts was last seen and would rather continue on however she knew Feldards mind was already made up and knew he would not shift his view because of her. Observing that Feldard was relatively unhurt, she approached him “Feldard we need to talk, about us—our future. You deserve to know the truth, I have decided that I will not marry you, for my heart belongs to another. You have risked much and placed yourself in danger too many times for me to stay silent. My heart belongs to Grofnar and it is him that I will marry. I am sorry that your duty has placed in you in this position—I would wish it otherwise. Upon reaching safety, I will return to Rockhome—alone to meet with your family and mine. I release you from this arranged marridge”.

Everyone was uncomfortable at Hernane’s words to Feldard. Stephan watched the male dwarf for his reaction but decided to not let the strange feelings linger.

“Well, I’m glad we’re all on our feet now. I believe this is the way out. But perhaps, Feldard, you can take lead? You’re better in this realm of dark rock. That is only if you can move well enough after those webs. Since we know that spider is ahead, I can follow you up. Hasan, let me know if you’d like me to take over dragging that thing. We should still watch our back too.”

Feldard stood ominously quiet as Hernane shamed both of them with her open admission. His brother, Grofnar!? How long had this been going on? He ached to bellow out his fury at her but this was a family matter and was should not have been brought up in front of others.

He was grateful for the timely intervention by Stephan. Feldard brusquely nodded, grabbed up his axe and strode off to take the lead, without a word said to Hernane.

Hernane quickly wiped away some ‘grit’ in her eyes and then went over to check on Tekaryon to see if he was ok. She looked about the chamber for a weapon more his size, but could not find one amongst the orcs discards.

Hasan had bound the orcs to the spider cave’s teeth. There was nothing to do but leave them behind. He wasn’t happy doing it, as it seemed a likely death sentence, but who in this wilderness could guard a prisoner? Better to leave the orc here, where at least some small chance of rescue by his tribe remains, than to drag it kicking and screaming into the forest, where it would surely perish. The goblin was smaller, weaker, and more willing to be led out of the spider cave, however.

Stephan shone his lightstone about the chambre one last time to be sure they were taking all needed items. And that nothing untoward sought to trail them…Hasan looped the rope around the filthy bonds of the last orc and followed the party out the room.

The group carefully plotted their course back out of the mine. Apparently between the damage inflicted upon the spider and the casualties amassed by the orcs, the Black Web clan decided to leave them well enough alone. Still, there was the matter of the spider. As they navigated through the passages, their eyes darted around, looking for the glowing eyes of the shroud spider.

When they came to the spot where the route had been blocked, just before the exit, they found the thing trying to get through the hole. Cornered and wounded, it immediately turned to the group, squirting out a web.

Feldard short stature was of benefit to him, for he was able to duck out of the way. Unfortunately for Stephan, he caught the stream of webs full on, dropping him to the ground