We set out at night. The darkness would better hide our passing across the snow covered terrain. The goliaths would lead us to the secret cave entrance and we would attempt to free their people before confronting the dragon. It looked like we may just make it there without detection. Unfortunately that was not to be the case.
As we walked Sargent spotted the dragon flying across the moon and warned Rurik and the rest of us. The goliaths suggested we hide but this would be pointless, so we convinced them we needed to keep moving. Soon after we quickened our pace I heard something above us. I spun to see a giant bird diving down upon us. I shouted a warning while drawing my axe, but the bird was upon us before everyone could ready themselves.
Its wings easily stretched a hundred feet and its vicious beak looked like it could tear a dwarf to pieces. As its talon reached for Groehl I swung my axe dealing a minor wound and its claws siezed my brother, carrying him into the sky. Without hesitation I drew out my Rod of Ropes and launched the grappling hook at the beasts legs. It hooked onto the opposite leg that was holding Groehl and I was carried into the air.
Groehl had to concentrate on healing himself for the birds claws were digging into him. I fought with one hand while holding on with the other. The beast flew back and forth through the air trying to get at me with its beak. I took many wounds as I fought trying to free my brother. I must have angered the bird, for it dropped Groehl and began to reach for me. Moments after Groehl dropped flames raked across its wings and missile of pure force flew by my head. I was haning onto a giant bird in flight and magical attacks were flying all around me, this combined with my loss of blood made the choice to let go of the bird an easy one. I pressed the release button on the rod and fell to the snow, trying to roll to lessen the fall.
I hit the ground in a roll and came to my feet for a split second before the pain and blood loss made me collapse. I laid in the snow staring up at the giant form above me. I must have fallen right next to Groehl for I felt a hand grab my arm and my wound instantly healed. As I felt my strength return a small face loomed over me. Great first a giant bird and now a goblin.
The goblin was gibbering something about his lawn and his rules. I cannot believe this goblin was looking for treasure while a giant bird flew over head. I stood quickly, the goblin had turned invisible and I wasnt going to stay put with both he and the bird. The bird dove twice more. The second time siezing Rurik, but Sargent put an end to the beast before it could carry him off. Sargents sword went deep opeing the birds chest and stomach as it flew over head. Its body crashed into the snow leaving a bloody stretch behind it.
As soon as it was dead we turned to try and find the goblin. We heard the goblin speak again, and a sparkling dust coat everything. We all blinked it away quickly and saw the outlined form of the goblin and his wolf moving away. Rurik and I rushed him, Rurik attempting to sieze him and me cutting him off. Groehl told us to stop and the goblin reappeared. He said he had no need of such things and threw my aberration bane dagger to the ground. I quickly grabbed it and even though I was not happy about him stealing it I have to admit I was impressed. Not everyone can pick my pocket. |
