Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

As the fight finally ends I sag in relief. "Thank Brynhild that ended quickly... but at the cost of more lives than is right, for any battle." I say aloud. I look up at the roof and mutter just loud enough for the others to hear, "if we had not been able to overcome the drow so quickly I may have resorted to collapsing the place. I fact after we are all out I may still do so. The dwarves, wherever they have gone, do not deserve to come back to a place tainted by such evil."

I walk toward the altar, aiming to scoop up the body of the child to carry her out. I tuck her head close to my chest and wrap her in my cloak securely.

Batos

I step away as Cadell reaches down to pick up Nissa, then growl in shock as the blade vibrates between my teeth.

Keeping still, I close my eyes and focus all of my senses on the object between my teeth. I can taste her blood. The blade. It reeks of evil. But before I decide to put it down something bright flashes across my consciousness -a feeble, fragile light grasping for some meaning. I can only assume it is the child's soul, trapped inside, and a high-pitched whine escapes as my ears go flat to my head.

We must get those trapped within out. Desperate, I bound over toward Cadell and lightly head-butt his leg, careful to keep the blade away from his body but not allowing anyone else to touch it yet. Nissa needs to wake up. Soon. The light inside the dagger that I sensed may as well have been that very child screaming in my ears.

A shudder passes down my body as I look back at the altar and the thin, small body upon it before Keitsumah takes it in her arms. If i could, I would bring that witch back just so i could tear her to pieces a thousand times over.

A deep, menacing growl throbs in my chest, but then quickly breaks back into a whine again when I sense it again. I head-butt Cadell's leg once more, hoping in an almost silly way that by jerking her around Nissa will wake up faster.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look down at Batos as he butts my leg a few times, alternately whining and growling. He has the spider-drow's knife in his teeth; can it be he senses something about the blade, but can't properly communicate what it is?

"What is it?" I ask, realizing as I do so that I can hardly expect a clear answer. Biting my lip, I look around for Keit. "Keit? Can you help me figure out what Batos is trying to say? It has something to do with that knife, I'm sure of it."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I watch Batos and Cadell. Is Batos trying to get Nissa? I wish she'd wake up and check on that knife. If that witch was right…

I turn to Liadan. She already has her arrow ready. I can't help but love her enthusiasm. "Of course I want your help. You know I don't believe in fighting fair."

To Tarlack I say, "There are two ways we can go about this: one is that Skivver or another kobold who is wise to you can tell the others so they're ready for your command. The other is we don't warn then, since a kobold wandering into the area unsupervised might make them suspicious. In that case, I'd expect archers shoot and we follow their arrows into the battle—I charge, you ride. Which is best for your people?"

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

I look up in surprise and walk over to where Cadell and Batos are standing, then kneel beside Tarlack and my wolf companion. A brief smile touches my lips as i realize how little control Tarlack really has over where the wolf goes, but it quickly vanishes. This is serious.

The knife. Okay. It has something to do with the knife.

"Batos... was the witch right? Do you think a soul, if not more than one soul, is trapped inside?"

Batos

Sitting up straighter I bob my head up and down in a distinct nodding motion. Keitsumah's eyes widen just a bit at how human the movement was. Then the dagger vibrates again and I whine, turning in a small circle. I want to put it down but I also feel like the souls trapped inside can feel my presence too, and I'd be damaging them in some way if i let them feel any more alone than they are now.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"He can sense them, so..." I look at Nissa. "C'mon, Nissa. Time to do your valkyrie stuff. Lots of innocents in need of a guide, uh..." I stop myself from reaching out to her.

"Cadell, can you... I don't know how, but, wake her up? She's my boss. I don't want to touch her with all this brain juice on my fingers."

It's starting to dry. Somehow that grosses me out more, like if it's wet it could just drip off. Maybe Masama can teach me some less messy kill strikes.

 

[Philster401]

"I could try and shake her awake if that's fine with you, because my hands are mostly clean," He states.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Okay, just be gent... wait. What am I saying? She's an agent of my goddess, not a baby. Yeah, do what you must to snap her out of this sleep. Please.

"Oh, and the wings--" I clam up.

I'll just shut up and trust him to be careful.

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos

I give everyone a look as if they are stupid and hold out the dagger towards Keit, which she takes with a slight look of concern on her face. Shaking a sleepy person awake can work, but there's only one thing I've done that guarantees a person wakes up quickly and I've done it to Keit a thousand times. Just not around the others....

Hopefully Tarlack can hang on. I rise up on my hind-legs a bit, jut high enough to reach Nissa's face, and give her a slobbery lick on the cheek:

((Okay i did roll on rolz but i rolled too quickly and didn't do it in the room ack! But i rolled a 13 ^^'))

Done, I drop back to the floor and take the knife from Keit's hand. If anyone dares look at me funny after this I'll bite their ear off.

 

[Steerpike]

After the sorceress and remaining drow are dead, the room smells of death - both that of the drow and the one child the managed to kill. As Baldhart releases the sorceress' corpse, she notices a ring on the dead woman's finger. A dark, thin band, almost unnoticeable because its color matches the color of the drow's skin.

Aliron begins searching the room and the clothed drow bodies. There is a small drawer set into the stone of the crude altar in the center of the room, unnoticed during the chaos of battle but readily visible to those near the altar now. The top of the altar is littered with gore and flesh. Keitsumah wraps the dead child in her cloak and lifts her from the stone. The body is light, driving home how little this particular girl was.

Masama uses a cloak from one of the dead drow to clean his axe. After wiping the blade it fastens it securely to its place on his back. He says to Baldhart, "Before I joined my order I fought with this axe many times. When I bound myself by my oath to Asra I pledged to put aside sharp blades. They make a mockery of the life Asra has given the world, tearing flesh and cleaving bone." He shrugs. "I acted out of instinct when I threw it. Even as I let it go I wondered whether I had displeased Asra with my action. And yet the blade flew so true, I almost wonder..." He trails off, then shakes his head. "A matter for another time. There are still enemies in these tunnels."

Tarlack goes around the room wherever Batos goes, the kobold having no control over the wolf's will. He seems reluctant to dismount, caught up in his status as a fierce warrior of his clan. He eyes the drow blood congealed on the end of his spear and nods approvingly. When Baldhart comes over to talk to him, Tarlack cranes his neck, trying to keep his eyes on Baldhart as Batos moves around.

"Skivver go. Drow warriors think we less than dogs. Not care that they see one kobold. They drow, we kobolds. What we do to them?" He looks at his spear again and gives a barking laugh. "That what they think!"

The two kobolds who ran off with the children are still in the room, and so are the children. Instead of heading into the tunnels, they merely hid in the upper audience section of the amphitheater. Now that the battle is over, four little head (two human and two kobold) pop up over the stone wall and look down into the amphitheater.

Nissa remains sleeping initially, the drow poison seeming to have hit her hard. Between Zoran shaking her, Batos licking her, and Cadell's healing spell, she comes out of it. Her memory is a bit fuzzy. She remembers the battle, and being hit, and then nothing until she felt Cadell and Zoran's hands on her and got a warm, wet lick from Batos. When she wakes, Cadell is still holding her.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I reply to Masama, "I know nothing of your goddess but what you told me, but somehow... I think you had Her blessing when you tossed the axe."

Tarlack chooses to send Skivver. I say to Skivver, "It's as Tarlack says, the elves won't think anything of your presence. Maybe you can hang out, take one of your people aside, and quietly tell him his true leader will arrive soon."



Nissa

I find myself cradled in Cadell's arms. "Are you my knight in shining armor?" I look at Batos. "Is his armor shiny from your drool?"

I notice my speech is slurred. I sit up.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what I was saying."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I laugh in relief as Nissa wakes up and speaks. "Welcome back, little one. How do you feel?" I'm not sure whether I should set her down or not; I'll wait until she feels fit to stand.

I glance toward Batos. "When you feel up to it, Nissa, we need you to examine the knife the drow woman was using. I think she was not bluffing about there being children's souls trapped inside. If any of us can free them, I hope it's you."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I fly from Cadell's arms.

"I'm ready."

I land near the knife and kneel.

Brynhild, if there truly are innocent souls in here…

…I will not fail them!

"There's an evil aura. I can feel it." And I haven't even touched the damned thing yet. "It's old. I mean older than me." I turn to Zoran. "My 800th birthday's coming soon." Turning my focus back to the knife, I go on, "But this thing was made during the Great War. Or before. Nothing like this could have been forged in the years I was watching over the world."

I pick up the blade and keep searching, trusting in Brynhild that even as a mortal, I am still a valkyrie. But the evil aura masks the souls. Or something else.

I ask Baldhart how we can be sure the witch was not bluffing. Baldhart tells of her last words. "Did I screw up?" she asks.

"No," I tell her. "There is some kind of life energy within this blade. I don't sense souls, but it could be the aura. But the life energy is like that of life magic. The witch… she was badly wounded when she made this deal, but did not ask for healing?"

Baldy says she was bleeding profusely, and only asked for freedom.

"This knife was her one chance to heal. Likely, she'd have cast her worst spell and run."

I feel a vibration within the knife.

"I can't release the power from this knife, and… I don't yet know if I should. I honestly don't believe an innocent soul can be taken by force. Kiet, I want to sit with the girl's body and the knife. I need some time alone with them. But first…"

I fly up to get a better look at the boys.

"Children, I am sorry we could not save her, but I will see her soul is safe—which may already be the case. Gunnar and Abbi are safe, and you should see them and then have the kobolds bring everyone back to this room. Before you go, I would like to know your names, and the name of the one we failed to save. Her full name, or as much as you know."

I hover by the boys, awaiting their reply, adding, "Oh, and I am Nissa van Donk." I make a bow. "Servant of Brynhild."

 

[Philster401]

Are there any noticeable markings on the blade, the blacksmith might have put a signature on blade somewhere?" I ask.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"Blacksmith? Um… why do you ask? Is there something you know about this knife, or this smith?"



Baldhart

I quietly approach Masama, and say, "I guess we're giving Skivver a bit of a head start so he can warn the other kobolds. While we're waiting, I want to tell you… you mentioned your order. Well as for mine, I'm it. I mean, Nissa knows of no other nun—or monk—for my goddess.

"I learned to fight with my hands from a monk, Master Rubi, who followed an eastern goddess. He was training a girl my age, and she made three vows. I made them with her… and for the past seven years I kept 'em, but I wasn't ready to make the third as she did. I wasn't about to swear off weapons and armor.

"Hanako—that's my friend—said when I made that third vow, I'd be a true nun like her. I just had to swear it; my goddess would hear, she said. So when I lost my sword in Arendal, or rather, was forced to drop it, I made the vow. And my friend wasn't kidding. I felt the touch of my goddess in that moment. And now I'm finally making use of all that training, and I'm wondering why I ever bought the sword in the first place!

"But, I lack the discipline of a monk." I show Masama my hands. "I was being messy on purpose to strike fear into the enemy. I don't know if they truly took souls or sapped some kind of life energy through their murders, but… a child-killer is an enemy I'll gladly tear apart. That said, if you can teach me a less messy way to finish my fallen opponents, I'm willing to learn."

I also share my thoughts on the axe, since he asked, and I've had time to think on it.

"I can't tell you what Asra thinks of you throwing the axe, but I see you as a true monk. I think your reason for not using weapons is because they cleave natural creations. You didn't do that, though. You cleaved an abomination—the witch was the one who rejected her natural form to become a giant flying spider. You always say Asra wills this and that, and is seems Asra didn't have a problem with you keeping the axe you wouldn't use. Maybe She knew it would someday serve a purpose. Next time you meditate, decide if you keep the axe only to strike abominations or for chopping wood. I think you did no wrong, but you know your goddess better than I do."

 

[Steerpike]

Skivver stands next to Batos, talking to Tarlack in the kobold tongue. They appear to be discussing some sort of strategy, because Tarlack keeps gesturing toward the northern door, which leads to the entrance where the remaining drow are located.

The other kobolds start rifling through the bodies on the floor, but Aliron beat them to it and they come up empty-handed. One of them pulls out the drawer set in the stone altar. There is a clink of glass, and the creature removes a vial from the drawer, passing it off to another kobold standing next to him. Next, the kobold takes out a small, leather-bound volume, turns it over in his hands, and then also hands this off to another kobold. The kobold searching the drawer removes a small, draw-stringed pouch and his eyes light up at the sound of clinking coins within. The kobold turns and chatters something excitedly to the others.

Masama listens solemnly to Baldhart. When she finishes, he says: "I am not as well-versed in Asra's teachings as some of my order. I have been taught that Asra wills also. She wills the very turning of the world. Nothing happens, but that she wishes it. At the same time, she wishes her creations to have free will, and her will for us to act on the potential good in us also allows us to act for evil. But when it comes to innocents..." Masama points to Keitsumah and the small corpse she carries. "That child's spirit should be with Asra. Perhaps Asra called her to the spirit world for a purpose, and while her death is evil in this world she may serve a greater purpose at Asra's side. But if she is trapped in that knife, that is true evil."

The big man shrugs again, silent a moment, then white teeth show in a large smile. "But these are heavy thoughts when the battle remains to be won. You are right, Baldhart. I must believe Asra would be pleased at my use of the axe. Her hand must have guided it. When this is over I will meditate on it, but for now let us finish these drow."

The knife has no markings. The blade is smooth and unblemished. The hilt is formed in a coiling pattern with gold set into the steel. It is a strangely beautiful knife, despite the evil that emanates from it. A single, unknown rune is stamped into the pommel.

After Tarlack and Skivver are done talking, Tarlack tries to nudge Batos over to Baldhart, but ends up just calling to the woman from where he sits on Batos' back. "We think maybe Skivver tell drow the witch want them. When drow come, we ready for them. Then Skivver tell other kobolds we fight. Drow run into us, other kobolds fight drow from behind. They trapped between us. That work?"

 

[Steerpike]

The two boys are somewhat awestruck by the entire party, but particularly by Nissa. They introduce themselves as Audun and Geir. Geir steps forward and tries to say more, but tears trickle down his cheeks. "We was supposed to take care of each other. That's what Miss Liv always said, 'cause no one wanted us and she brought us out here." He makes a sideways glance at Keitsumah, holding the dead girl. "We was supposed to watch the little ones. Our sister couldn't do nothing to stop them bad men. She couldn't hardly tie her boots without 'em coming undone, so I'd always have to fix 'em for her when we was outside..." His voice catches in his throat. "When they took her out the cage, we couldn't do nothing. We tried to get out. Audun tried to bite one of 'em. But they just took her, and..."

"What about the rest of 'em?" Audun asks. "Miss Liv and them? Are they OK? We seen them set fire to the place when they drug us up here. Them!" Audun points at the group of kobolds standing around the altar.

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitsumah

I clutch the body closer to me and eye the altar. "Yes, I do not think that they could trap her soul inside. Nobody would acknowledge that is possible... but we must assume the worst in this situation. Life is short, even for elves. Eternity is..." is shrug and walk away from the altar. "It is eternity. And I do not like the idea of letting her lay on that block of stone again. I will lay her on the floor over here for you to sit next to Nissa. Hopefully you can discern just what is in that blade."

Batos

Fight over with for the most part and now that Nissa has the blade, I decide to let Tarlack direct me for the time being. Hmm... maybe I can challenge a wolf pack near here and become the Alpha, then he can have the wolves he needs? I consider it, padding around wherever he directs. But i glance at Keit and the body of the girl from time to time.

 

[Steerpike]

Tarlack pats Batos and looks over at Keitsumah. "When this over you sell wolf? Tarlack have gold."

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos

Tarlack lands on the floor not within two seconds after saying that and I give him a look, one ear back and one ear cocked forward. I definetly need to put more of a point across that I am not the animal everyone thinks I am, but how do I go about doing it?

Snorting, I pad over toward Keitsumah. Maybe if Tarlack apologizes I'll think about helping him get his own wolf, but this wolf ain't his!

Keitsumah

"Umm...That isn't exactly something I can do anyways." I laugh, embarassed for Tarlack as Batos stalks away from him. "I am bound with Batos through magic. But maybe I can help you out after we get aboveground. In fact the longer we have been companions, the more I realize I have little control over him but for my suggestions and his will to protect me." I pause for a second and tap my chin. "I'm sure I can locate other wolves for you and your people to tame. Or at least Batos can..."

My wolf glares at me in annoyance and I smile before rubbing his ears. He quickly melts under my hand however and is soon wagging his tail.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I see the kobolds looting the area, but I will not concern myself too much. I simply reply to Tarlack about the tactics. "That works for me. Would the drow normally walk ahead of your people? I want them to enter first." I look back at the naked corpse, her jaw slack, crooked, and toothless. "They'll see their witch alright, right before I grab whoever's still standing after the arrows fly through the door."


Nissa

I say to the children, "I make no excuse for the kobolds' part in what happened. They were enslaved, but still, some have died by our hands. However, we stopped killing them when we learned their leader Tarlack was jailed because he refused to harm Miss Liv or any of you. It was hard to believe, but we took a chance that the kobold who came to take my goddess' twelve-year-old follower spoke the truth.

"He did. Then Baldhart, my goddess' only nun, made an oath to Brynhild to spare Tarlack's people under the condition that they help free you. I know this is hard to accept, but if not for the kobolds, we would not have been successful sneaking in. Bear in mind that it was the kobolds who opened your cage. If they were not on our side, it still may have been kobolds opening your cage, but for another reason."

I let that thought sink in.

"I hold every dark elf accountable. I'm sorry to tell you that Miss Liv and two older boys... I found them dead. We followed your footprints and entered this place to rescue and kill. I can't go against my goddess' servant and harm the kobolds, whether they deserve it or not. What I can do, if you want, is lend you a weapon." I point to Baldhart. "That big nun works for me. If I tell her to bring a dark elf alive and hold him steady for you, she'll do it.

"Normally, I would not recommend such a thing to a boy your age. But I know how it feels to be robbed of a peaceful life and powerless to stop it. I know what it's like to be killed by someone much bigger than you. And I know that, once you see a loved one's life senselessly wasted, there is nothing left to fear."