| A Fight Beneath The Sea |
| Talbott how nice to see you |
The morning was brisk and the walk to Walkers Key was quiet. The Key was empty due to the early hour so our progress wasnt hindered by anyone interfering with us. We were getting close to one of the maps markings when Gim said he saw a path leaving the trail. I couldnt see it but I have learned not to doubt Gims skill in the woods. I should try to learn from him in this it may be useful in the future. Gims path ended at a small set of ruins.
The ruins themselves were empty but Tenedos kept saying he saw something and felt a wind blowing. I think the book is doing some strange things to him. We may have to seperate them when this is over. The only clue we had to go on was the talismans that Groehl has been collecting. When I took one I saw what was bothering Tenedos.
There was a sort of glimmer in the air like a tear. Im not exactly excited to jump into some magic passage that was built by my enemies but I was eager to find them so I didnt think twice. I grabbed Gim as I stepped through in case one had to be touching a talisman or at least someone holding one. It was a strange sensation that lasted barely a moment. And then darkness.
As a dwarf I was fine I can see without the aid of light but little Gim was shocked by the sudden darkness and grabbed onto me. As for Groehl Lochlan and me this no problem but everyone else was blind as a bat. I drew Uthrens Charge and its blue flame cast enough light for the others to see. I dont know how deep we were exactly but we were beneath at least a few hundred feet of water. The cave was a rough cut room with four pillars carved to resemble aboliths. I guess we are in the right place.
Our only path was down a set of stair at one end of the room. I didnt want to have to drop my sword in an emergency so I struck a torch and sheathed my blade. The stairs led to a sloped landing followed by a large pit. Cant these creatures just make stairs its not that hard. I walked to the edge to look over Groehl held back he didnt want to risk slipping for no reason. Plate armor makes it a little difficult to keep ones footing in these situations.
Beams reached from side to side in the pit rotating in a spiral downwards. Claw marks on their surfaces showed the pass of Skum. We had to figure out a better way to climb down because some of us are not quite as agile as others. Well after a few minutes we rigged a rope to assist us and Groehl used his wand of Bulls Strength to help himself and others. To make a long story short we all made it except for one mishap. Groehl had almost made it all the way down but slipped right at the end. He didnt suffer any real injury but his armor acted as a gong making a ringing clang that had to alert anything down here that we had arrived.
The passage ahead of us was a little small and I was concerned about traps so I lead the way. This I would regret. Twenty or thirty feet later I had found no traps but the entrance to a cavernous room. It was so long that I couldnt see the other side in the light. What I could see was the tunnel opened out on to a small strip of rock that connected to a large raised platform of rock there a few other smaller platforms in the room as well as a shallow level of water at the bottom of all. Bones and tunnels littered the waters rock bottom most likely a dwelling place for Skum but it looks like there are none here at the moment. At the end of area I could see was Arcelia sitting on a small platform. She was tied up but looked dazed. I was cauteous with my first few steps but when I didnt see anything I moved forward quickly. That was a mistake.
That bastard Talbott had used a potion of invisibility and was standing only a few feet in front of me as I stepped forward. He used his edge of surprise to make me pay dearly. He wielded that evil blade and with two swings nearly ended me. I can only say that had it not been for that feast Atrios prepared for us I would have been dead right there. Even with my wounds I was able to roll past him and jumped to one of the smaller platforms. I resorted to using my short bow at this point which I have to say is not my strongest skill.
Talbott would have been died sooner had it not been for his ample supply of potions. But even with those he couldnt last. Finally he has paid for his betrayal. Groehl kicked the sword over the edge so that it wasnt near enough for anyone to pick up. I jumped across to Arcelia and Tenedos followed. He said she had some kind of magic on here but couldnt tell what it was exactly. I figured Groehl should have a look at her but it would be better if we took her back to the main platform rather than Groehl attempt to jump to here.
I put Arcelia over my shoulder and made the jump easily. Others wanted to try and hand here across but I felt this was safer. Even Groehl was unable to help her. Now we had to figure out what to do with her. I would have rather tied her up and put her back were she was. The creature didnt seem to eager to harm her. I bet they were waiting for Attazar to arrive for that. Everyone was pretty much against this idea. Oh well someone else will have to carry here. At the far end of the cavern was an enormous set of double doors that appeared to slide into the wall rather than swing open. I have to admit I was distracted while the others managed to open them.
Now to face our enemy. |
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| Associated Regions: Baratroia |
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| From the journal of Rorrin |
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Contributor: Mark Hughes |
