Episode 51 – After The Crypt of Finn Thrommel
| The Assassins |
Azareth - Wizard 4th Level LE (PC) Creighton - Fighter 4th Level LE (PC) Keldirk - Rogue 5th level NE (PC) |
| Locale | In a cave, fifty or so yards into the rift canyon. |
| Date | 8th Flocktime 582 CY |
| Time | Morning |
Creighton felt useless.
Azareth's breathing was frightfully shallow and the big warrior had no idea what to do next. Creighton had watched Azareth dress and bind wounds often enough to be able to administer rudimentary healing but, as he sat and watched his comatose friend, he became increasingly frustrated at just how little he could remember of Azareth's curative techniques. The big warrior swore that he would pay more attention to Azareth's healing skills in the future. Assuming, of course, Azareth had a future.
| Keldirk | (chewing on an iron ration) Will he live? |
| Creighton | I don't know. The wound is still seeping. No matter how often I replace the bandages they always become wet with blood. (shakes his head sadly) The little fella has lost a helluva lot of blood. If he lives it'll be a miracle. |
| Keldirk | Maybe you shouldn't replace the bandages. |
| Creighton | Huh? |
| Keldirk | Give the wound a chance to heal naturally. Have scabs formed? |
| Creighton | No. |
| Keldirk | Then I suggest you leave him alone tonight. Make sure he is warm then sit back and see what happens. If he lives, he lives. |
| Creighton | (sighs) Perhaps you're right. |
| Keldirk | I'll take first watch. You get some sleep. |
| Creighton | (nods) |
Creighton tossed and turned, desperate for a few hours sleep. Whichever way the exhausted warrior turned to try to get comfortable sleep eluded him and the events of the previous night played over and over inside his mind.
Craven's attack on Azareth was as sudden as it was brutal. After the mage's spell had gone awry, the maddened warrior had struck Azareth down in a display of brutal revenge.
As soon as Azareth crumbled to the floor, Creighton had rushed to his friend's side to staunch the flow of blood. If he hadn't immediately applied pressure to Azareth's grievous chest wound then his closest friend would most certainly be dead. But despite this, Creighton could only take slight comfort in the knowledge that his quick action saved Azareth's life. What Creighton desperately wanted to do was bury his blade in Craven's skull.
As soon as Azareth had been stabilised, Creighton scrambled to his feet intent on following the crazed duellist and exacting vengeance on Azareth's behalf. But before he could take the first few steps toward the exit, he looked down at Azareth's prone form and realised that if he left Azareth now then the mage would surely die.
Keldirk, frustratingly, had refused to act at all. Instead the brash young assassin had distanced himself from the incident and withdrawn to the shadows.
It was an hour before Creighton felt that it was safe for Azareth to be moved. Cradling the mage's limp body in his arms, Creighton departed the chamber - Keldirk trailing a short distance behind. The journey down the path was difficult but, in the end, the trio returned to the cave without further incident. But what they discovered in the cave would haunt Creighton forever.
Propped up against the cave wall was the guide's desiccated body. With mouth agape and unseeing eyes wide, the grisly corpse stared at them in a vision of gruesome death. The corpse's head was cocked at an unnatural angle and revealed a shocking neck wound. Llyam's fingers were splayed in a macabre rictus that decried his agonised final moments.
Keldirk, swords drawn and wary, was the first to approach. There was no mistaking what had happened. The horrible wounds on Llyam's neck left no doubt as to the identity of his killer; after cutting down Azareth, Craven had returned to the cave to feed.
Creighton gently laid Azareth down and drew his own weapons. No words passed between he and Keldirk; there was nothing that needed to be said. Craven had succumbed to his urges and drunk of Llyam's blood. The two assassins searched the cave warily and discovered, with a great sense of relief, that they were alone. Craven's equipment and bedroll were missing, only the sack containing his rations remained.
| Creighton | What should we do about that? (indicates the corpse) |
| Keldirk | I don't know. Throw it outside, I suppose. |
| Creighton | But won't it come back as a vampire? |
| Keldirk | I don't know. (scratches his head) We better play it safe. Cut its head and limbs off and scatter them around the canyon. The sun will be up soon. |
| Creighton | (nods and begins the grisly work) Where do you think he's gone? |
| Keldirk | I don't know. Far away I hope. We'd better keep our eyes open until morning. |
Keldirk stood near the mouth of the cave and watched as Creighton tossed and turned. He couldn't understand the genuine concern Creighton displayed over the plight of the mage. Sure, Azareth's death would be inconvenient but the Family would undoubtedly send a replacement. As Keldirk saw it, worrying about the mage served no purpose.
Keldirk took a few steps out of the cave and allowed the sunlight to warm him. For the first time since Craven's attack last night, Keldirk felt safe. He knew that during the daylight hours he wouldn't have to worry about his former companion. But that was only small consolation; soon the sun would set and they would be vulnerable. The thought of Craven out there - a trained killer, well armed and more than a little dangerous - preyed on Keldirk's mind.
They had to get away from here.
Without Llyam the trio would have to make their own way back to Del Mord. And that would be no easy task considering neither he nor Creighton were familiar with the countryside. Keldirk knew that if Azareth did live it would be days before he recovered enough to travel. The young assassin toyed with the idea of returning to Del Mord alone, leaving Creighton and Azareth behind, but the baying of wolves in the distance dissuaded him from that course of action. If he was to get out of this area alive Keldirk knew that he would be reliant on Creighton's muscle. And, annoyingly, there was no way Creighton would ever leave the cave while Azareth lived.
Keldirk stretched and tried to look on the bright side of things; at least there was plenty of food. In the sacks at the rear of the cave they had a large stash of iron rations, their own as well as those that once belonged to Craven and Llyam. It was only minor comfort to the pragmatic assassin; at least he wouldn't starve.
The hours idled by and soon the shadows of the canyon grew long. The young assassin knew each sunset marked the beginning of another long, nervous night. Keldirk chuckled despite himself, at least it couldn't get much worse.
| Clenched Fist Company |
Avery - Human Ranger 2nd Level LE (NPC) Broden - Human Fighter 3rd Level LE (NPC) Grifter - Human Fighter 3rd Level NE (NPC) Gundar - Human Fighter 2nd Level LN (NPC) Kalmire Kriss - Human Fighter 5th Level NE - Captain (NPC) Slug - Half Orc Rogue 4th Level LE - Lieutenant (NPC) |
| Locale | The hill country south of the Rift Canyon |
| Date | 11th Flocktime 582 CY |
| Time | Sunset |
Kalmire watched the sun drop below the horizon while Avery and Broden set up the night's camp. As usual, Slug had left to scout the surrounding area but would return soon enough to inform the others of any potential threats. Grifter, as always, was left in charge of food preparations. The large barrel chested man loved to cook and refused to yield this duty to the others which, incidentally, suited them all just fine. Gundar, the newest member of the Clenched Fist Company, stood idly by while the routine of the camp took place around him. Kalmire wasn't entirely sure if the young man was suited to this life, but Gundar was good with a blade and where they were headed those skills would serve the group well. With a shrug the Captain returned his attention to watching the last rays of light disappear before walking into the newly prepared camp.
Rank had its privileges.
Slug returned just as Grifter announced that dinner was ready; the last of the venison from the deer the group had killed a day ago. From tomorrow it would be back to trail rations again and the group intended to make this meal one that they would savour. The dour half-orc took up a plate and helped himself to the meat before reporting to Kalmire. An obvious sign that nothing was amiss.
| Slug | (taking a large mouthful of food) I found signs that others have passed through here recently. |
| Kalmire | (nods) Perhaps the other group. How old are the signs? |
| Slug | Around a week old. |
| Kalmire | Hmm, how far from the Crypt are we? |
| Slug | We're close. If the map is accurate we should reach the rift-canyon sometime tomorrow morning. It should be simple enough to track them once we get there. |
| Kalmire | (smiles) Excellent. |
| Broden | How are we going to deal with this other group? |
| Kalmire | I've already given that some thought. We can't know if the crypt is guarded or not so I don't want to risk them getting the sword before us. The six of us should be able to handle them so I think we should find their camp or follow them inside and take them. We have the advantage in that they don't know we're after them and they could be injured, or worse, already. The only risk is that we don't know much about them so it's going to be Slug's job to get that information before I can finalise my strategy. |
| Slug | (shrugs and continues to eat) Fine by me. |
| Kalmire | (to Slug) Tomorrow, take Avery and see if you can locate the other group. We'll remain here until you return with the information. |
The rest of the evening was spent devouring the venison, draining a small barrel of Keolish whiskey and discussing their plans in the Great Kingdom. A few hours before midnight they retired to their bedrolls. Kalmire took the first watch and continued to mull the situation over in his mind. Once Finn Thrommel's sword was his, the Clenched Fist Company would begin to make their mark. No longer would they be a small time band hired to protect merchant caravans or serve as skirmishers for some petty baron in the Bandit Kingdoms. As far as Kalmire was concerned, the future never looked better.
The following day Slug and Avery left on their mission just after dawn. They returned less than four hours later, much to Kalmire's surprise.
| Kalmire | Why are you back so soon? |
| Avery | We found them... at least what's left of them. |
| Kalmire | What do you mean? |
| Slug | They're holed up in a cave just inside the rift. I only saw three of them and one of those appears unconscious. I doubt they will pose much of a threat. |
| Kalmire | Are you sure it's the same group? |
| Slug | (nods) I got close enough to hear them talking, one called the other "Creighton". |
| Kalmire | Excellent. (smiles) Let's break camp and pay these guys a visit. |
| The Vampire |
Craven - Fighter / Rogue 3rd / 3rd CE (LE suppressed) (PC) |
| Locale | The hill country south of the Rift Canyon |
| Date | 12th Flocktime 582 CY |
| Time | Just after sunset |
Craven crawled out of the narrow fissure and stepped into the chill night air. Immediately three wolves bounded toward him, nipping and yapping excitedly. He rubbed their heads with calm familiarity and called for One-Ear with his mind.
Within minutes the massive one-eared, silver-backed leader of the pack arrived at Craven's side. The great wolf nuzzled against the duellist's leg and wagged its tail lazily.
| One-ear | We hunt? |
| Craven | Yes. |
| One-ear | Scent of kudu nearby. |
| Craven | No. I need more. |
| One-ear | We scent many kudu |
| Craven | We hunt human tonight. |
| One-ear | Human? Much danger. |
| Craven | (shakes his head) No danger. I am with you. |
One-ear roused his pack into action, and together with Craven the hunt commenced. Craven's hunger was strong this evening and he somehow sensed that ordinary game would not sate his thirst. He knew with a calm detachment that tonight he would taste human blood again.
His conscience warned him that he was desperately close to abandoning the last vestige of his humanity. He sensed that he was about to take a step from which there was no turning back - but he no longer cared. Craven knew that he was now more beast than man and any petty emotional concerns were driven away as he rejoiced in his new found primal strength.
Tonight, he would feed on those he once called friend.
The pack loped easily across the grassy hills. Some of the eager young wolves bounded ahead only to return and bark their annoyance at Craven's slower pace. One-ear kept pace with Craven. The massive wolf had not left Craven's side since the duellist had called for him five days ago. Each day, as Craven slept in the dark, rock fissure, One-ear sat vigil. And each night he hunted alongside the vampire- assassin in a symbiotic harmony made in hell. As the great wolf looked up at the man at his side he felt genuine awe and respect. One-ear would hunt for him, fight for him and even die for him. Craven was pack.
It was nearly midnight when Craven and the fifteen wolves entered the rift canyon. Almost immediately One-ear stopped, raised his head into the air and sniffed.
| One-ear | Many humans! |
| Craven | There should only be two. |
| One-ear | Many more. Many humans! Flee? |
| Craven | (rubs his chin thoughtfully) No. We scout |
One-ear loped away at an easy gait, his paws barely touching the ground. Silently the great wolf moved along, nose to the earth.
Craven waited patiently alongside the other wolves. He gave his weapons a cursory check then sat down to savour the sweet intoxication of promised conflict. His need to kill rivalled his longing for blood.
Before long One-ear returned and pushed through the pack to reach Craven.
| One-ear | Many humans hide near cave. One scouts. |
| Craven | How many humans? |
| One-ear | Less than pack. But humans are dangerous. We should flee. |
Slug inched back toward Kalmire and the rest of his group. The half-orc was at home amongst the shadows and had no difficulty completing his mission undetected. The red glow of his companions' shuttered lanterns was a beacon to his infravision and he easily navigated his way back.
| Kalmire | (quietly) Report. |
| Slug | Three humans. Two are awake and the third is asleep. From the look of things the sleeping one is wounded. The two are on guard, as though they are expecting an attack. |
| Kalmire | Hmm. Anything else? |
| Slug | No. We will not be able to approach undetected; they are keeping careful watch at the mouth of the cave. |
| Kalmire | (smiles evilly) Then we will approach them directly. |
The Clenched Fist Company broke ranks and strode towards the cave. Slug and Grifter loaded their crossbows, Avery nocked an arrow to his shortbow and the others drew their blades and fanned out.
| Keldirk | Hey? |
| Creighton | Hey, what? |
| Keldirk | Did you hear something? |
| Creighton | No. What? |
| Keldirk | (peers out of the cave before pulling back quickly) Men approach! (draws two knives) |
| Creighton | (draws his longswords) How many? |
| Keldirk | At least four. |
| Creighton | Shit. What do we do? |
| Keldirk | (tightens his grip) Leave all the talking to me, that's what. |
| Creighton | Okay. (looks to Azareth, concern in his eyes) I'd feel more comfortable with Azareth up and about. |
| Keldirk | Well it's just you and me now. Get a grip. I need you focussed. |
Suddenly the area surrounding the mouth of cave was bathed in lantern light. Keldirk and Creighton withdrew reflexively and blinked in the sudden illumination. They ducked behind a rocky outcropping and peered out. Even as Keldirk was about to speak a deep, commanding voice broke the silence.
| voice | Lower your weapons and step outside. |
| Keldirk | Get stuffed. Piss off! |
| Creighton | (quietly) Very diplomatic, Keldirk. |
| Keldirk | (to Creighton) Get stuffed. |
| Creighton | (rolls his eyes) I'm in hell. |
| voice | My name is Kalmire Kriss and I wish to have words with you. |
| Keldirk | I'm listening. |
| Kalmire | First things first. What is your name? |
| Keldirk | You can call me Llyam, for what its worth. |
| Kalmire | Step out where I can see you. |
| Keldirk | (scoffs) You've got to be joking. I've seen the crossbows. |
| Kalmire | Do exactly what I say and there's a chance you will get out of here alive. Disobey me and die. |
| Keldirk | What do you want? |
| Kalmire | The same thing as you: Finn Thrommel's sword. |
| Keldirk | Well we don't have it. So piss off. |
| Creighton | You'll find the crypt a mile or two further along. You're welcome to it. |
| Kalmire | Unfortunately I cannot take your word for it. I must see that you do not already possess the sword. |
| Keldirk | Then I'll let you, and only you, approach so I can prove it. We did go into the crypt but things didn't work out. We've been resting here ever since. |
| Kalmire | Not feeling too well, eh? |
| Keldirk | No. We're fine thankyou. |
| Creighton | Never felt better. |
| Kalmire | And what of your companion laid up at the rear of the cave, hmm? He doesn't look particularly healthy. |
| Keldirk | Damn, they've been watching us |
| Creighton | Leave him out of this! |
| Keldirk | Well, are you coming in or not? |
| Kalmire | I said step outside. |
| Keldirk | We both know that isn't going to happen. |
| Kalmire | Things will not go well for you if you refuse me. |
| Keldirk | We'll see. |
| Creighton | (quietly to Keldirk) What should we do? |
| Keldirk | If we walk out there, we're dead. |
| Creighton | We can't wait in here forever. |
| Keldirk | This Kalmire fellow doesn't strike me as a very patient man. They'll come in and then at least we'll stand a fighting chance. If we go out there we're history. |
| Creighton | (nods) |
| Kalmire | Lay down your weapons, we're coming inside. If you resist us you will die. |
| Keldirk | (peers around the corner and identifies Kalmire) If anyone of your thugs step inside this cave I'll kill them. |
| Kalmire | I very much doubt that, Keldirk. Or is it Creighton? |
| Creighton | (quietly to Keldirk) How do they know our names? |
| Keldirk | I don't know. Maybe they've been watching us for a while. |
| Creighton | (grumbles) Now what? |
| Keldirk | We wait. |
They did not have to wait long. A volley of missiles heralded the attack of Clenched Fist Company. The two assassins cringed behind their rocky shelter as the bolts and arrows shattered and ricocheted against the stone. Unwilling to abandon their cover lest they fall victim to a second volley, the two listened intently and waited for the enemy to close.
A second volley of missiles whistled into the cave followed almost immediately by two of the antagonists. Creighton lashed out - but his blades flew harmlessly over the heads of his attackers as they dexterously tumbled into the cave, coming to their feet some eight feet behind the two assassins.
Keldirk swore and flung both knives at one assailant even as three more men hurried into the cave, shields held before them.
The ensuing combat was fast and furious. Creighton laid about him with his twin longswords but was soon overwhelmed by three skilled, shield-bearing opponents. Keldirk lashed out with his two shortswords but was unable to land any telling blows against his two fleet-footed adversaries.
Kalmire remained at the mouth of the cave and waited for his charges to call for assistance or announce the end of the fray. He had seen his men fight on numerous occasions and had faith that they would make a good account of themselves against two injured foes. There was no need to get bloody unnecessarily.
With his shield held before him, Slug forced Creighton back against the cave wall. The half-orc had the large form of Grifter to his left and lithe Avery to his right. With a sharp command the lieutenant ushered his men forward to press Creighton further. If they could crowd the large warrior Slug was certain that they would prevail.
Creighton realised the half-orc's ploy and concentrated his efforts on the smallest of the three men. He felt confident that if he could force that one back and break through their arc he would have more room to move. But as soon as Creighton made his move he realised that he would be unable to sufficiently protect his flank from the powerful human on the left. Reluctantly the big warrior discarded his plan and stepped back in the face of his opponents' aggressive advance. Creighton was already bleeding from numerous wounds and knew that his time was running out.
Keldirk could only concentrate on defence. He never enjoyed toe-to-toe combat and engaging two trained warriors in melee was the stuff of nightmare for the young assassin. He parried valiantly but his two opponents were more than a match for him. In a matter of moments Keldirk bled from several cuts, one of which made him less sure of his footing. Keldirk's opponents were skilled swordsmen and their attacks weakened him with each passing minute. His thoughts of escape were dashed when he spied the muscular form of Kalmire blocking the entrance to the cave.
Then, suddenly, Kalmire blew upon a whistle and the combat stopped.
The five antagonists stepped back from the harried assassins, their swords held low. Creighton and Keldirk breathed heavily, grateful for the respite. Keldirk took the opportunity to tear a strip from his sleeve and bind the particularly nasty gash on his leg.
| Kalmire | I trust you will now be more accommodating? |
| Keldirk | Look around, we don't have the sword. We only managed to reach the first room of the crypt. Just piss off and leave us alone! |
| Kalmire | Check their equipment, Slug. Take anything we can use or sell. |
Slug sheathed his sword and moved towards Azareth and the pile of equipment. Creighton looked on intently, ready to launch into attack should the half-orc make any move against his wounded friend. After several tense minutes the half-orc whistled in surprise and rose to his feet, Azareth's spellbook in his hands.
| Slug | This should be worth a few gold, Captain. |
| Kalmire | What is it? |
| Slug | A spellbook, sir. |
| Kalmire | Excellent. |
| Creighton | (flatly) There's no way you'll walk out of here alive carrying that. |
| Keldirk | No, no, no. By all means, take the book. Consider it a parting gift. |
| Kalmire | (ignores the assassins) Any sign of the sword? |
| Slug | No. |
| Kalmire | Damn. Perhaps they were telling the truth after all. Oh well, take the book and let's go. |
| Creighton | I said you're not taking the book. |
| Slug | (shrugs and looks inquiringly at his Captain) |
| Kalmire | Is the mage alive? |
| Slug | (kicks Azareth) Yeah, but he's pretty beat up. |
| Creighton | (angrily) Kick him again and it'll be the last thing you do. |
| Slug | (laughs and kicks Azareth again) |
Azareth was alive!
Oddly the knowledge that Azareth still lived filled Craven with an inexplicable sense of joy and relief. Several minutes earlier the swordsman had silently approached the mouth of the cave intent on murder. But, after overhearing the threats against his former companions, his bloodlust found new focus. Somewhere in the depths of his conscience Craven realised that he had to help Azareth and the others. He knew that while Azareth lived there was still hope for redemption. What began as a way of severing ties with his past had become a chance for a fresh start.
Craven mentally searched for One-ear and the pack. He had previously instructed the wolves to keep their distance but now called them in. Azareth and the others were in trouble and Craven knew just how to help them.
In moments One-ear padded beside Craven.
| One-ear | (hesitantly, almost fearful) We attack? |
| Craven | Yes. Not all humans are prey. |
| One-ear | I do not understand. |
| Craven | Three humans are to be left alone. |
| One-ear | Show me. |
Craven projected images of Creighton, Keldirk and Azareth to the great wolf. After a few seconds the pack leader snuffed in comprehension and passed the instructions to the rest of the pack. Craven smiled and revelled in the bond he had established with the powerful wolf. He pondered the situation from the wolf's perspective; to One-ear the pack was everything and despite all that had happened, Azareth, Creighton and Keldirk were still pack to Craven.
Craven grinned as he rubbed One-Ear's head; realisation came at the strangest times.
Inside the cave Keldirk was nervous. He knew that his life hung in the balance and what happened in the next few moments was critical. He sensed that Kalmire would be content to take Azareth's spellbook and leave without further bloodshed. And while Keldirk was more than prepared to let that happen the young assassin realised that Creighton would never agree. The spellbook meant everything to Azareth and Keldirk knew that Creighton would defend the tome with the same misguided attachment as the mage.
The odds were against them and Keldirk knew that if it came to a fight he would die. They all would.
| Creighton | Step aside, half-orc! I'm warning you. |
| Slug | (chuckles) |
| Kalmire | So what's it to be? |
| Keldirk | It seems pretty clear to me, take the book and leave us alone. |
| Creighton | No! (with steely resolve) If you don't put that book down right now, it's going to get ugly. Real ugly. (raises his swords and glares at Slug) |
| Kalmire | (snorts) You've got balls, I'll give you that. If we'd met under different circumstances there might've been a place for you in "The Fist". (shrugs) But if it's a fight you want it's a fight you'll get. (turns to Keldirk) Make you're choice; live or die? |
| Keldirk | Take the damned book and get out of here. |
| Creighton | (points one sword at Slug) I said drop the book. Last chance! |
| Kalmire | Have it your way. Boys, kill them! |
Before Kalmire could draw his next breath a large dark figure leapt upon his back and knocked him to the ground. One-ear immediately locked his jaws upon the muscular warrior's neck and shook violently. The rest of the pack bounded in to the cave and soon the five mercenaries were fighting for their lives against a pack of savage wolves.
Creighton all but ignored the arrival of the beasts and focussed his aggression on the half-orc that stood beside Azareth. But before Creighton could close, two wolves leapt passed and pinned Slug to the ground. Creighton winced as they began to tear mercilessly at the half-orc's flesh. In moments a veritable fountain of blood sprayed into the air.
Keldirk was not one to miss so golden an opportunity. Inexplicably no wolves had attacked him and the young assassin quickly scampered out of the cave. It didn't matter that he was leaving Creighton and Azareth for dead, what possible help would he be against so many wolves anyway? Better he live than to die unnecessarily.
But Keldirk's exultation was short lived. The moment he left the cave his sense of freedom turned to fear as he came face-to-face with Craven.
| Keldirk | (spits) You! |
| Craven | Going somewhere? |
| Keldirk | (launches a disembowelling cut at Craven) |
| Craven | (easily parries the blow) |
| Keldirk | (steps back fearfully, his leg wound bleeding freely) |
| Craven | I'm here to help. The wolves are mine. Step aside. |
Keldirk looked on dumbfounded as Craven strode into the cave. He watched with a strange mixture of fascination and horror as his former companion approached the fallen figure of Kalmire. As Craven neared the writhing mass of fur and steel the wolves parted. Craven stepped in and stabbed Kalmire through the throat with clinical efficiency.
As soon as Craven walked inside the cave he could see that the battle had been won. With a thought he called the wolves back and surveyed the carnage. Five of the six mercenaries were clearly dead, the sixth clinging to life by a thread. Overcome with a sudden, insatiable thirst Craven leapt upon the dying man to feed.
Creighton stood protectively over Azareth his swords held at the ready. He watched on with untrusting eyes as the wolves milled about the cave lapping at the growing pools of blood and tearing at the flesh of his fallen enemies. But, try as he might, he could not tear his eyes from the horrific scene of Craven feeding on the blood of one poor unfortunate. He recoiled in terror as the dying man looked at him pleadingly, as if begging Creighton to end his torment.
Azareth sat with his back against the wall and clutched his spellbook protectively. As the minutes rolled by the wolves drifted out of the cave in groups of two and three. With Creighton's help, Azareth rose to his feet and together they joined Keldirk outside the cave. The three assassins huddled together for several minutes, wary of the wolves milling about the canyon. They discussed their options hastily but in the end decided they could do naught but wait. Should they flee the fifteen or so wolves would invariably find them. One thing was certain; if Craven wanted them dead they would already be dead.
An hour later, Craven emerged from the cave. He was drenched in blood and looked more animal than man. His hair was matted with congealed blood and his normally pale skin practically glowed but, most disconcerting of all, Craven's eyes burned with a preternatural fire.
The swordsman stretched languidly and approached the trio, the massive one-eared wolf at his side.
| Craven | We need to talk. |
| Normal Text | Character's words or descriptive text if part of a paragraph |
| Italic Text | Character's thoughts or actions if surrounded by parenthesis |
| Bold Text | Character is shouting. |