by Dean Henegar
“Foolish mutts, you’ve signed your death warrants! The Ikbose clan will see you and your families killed for this insult. How dare you raise a hand to your betters!” the elf shouted as they charged toward the party.
As the groups of melee fighters crashed together, Yendys saw Jacoby activate his Shield Bash and Ty activate the Cleaving Strike ability. The mouthy elf went down to Jacoby’s new and improved Shield Bash. A smile covered Jacoby’s face as he glanced at his new shield. Yendys knew they all had Query to thank for their latest equipment upgrades. The elf squirmed in pain on the ground as he tried to gain his feet.
Ty’s attack was even more impressive. His cleave ability sliced into the three other elves, taking all their health down to half and crippling them with a bleeding wound. One of the elves stood to face Ty, wincing in pain at the effort of standing. The other two charged off around Ty, trying to get at the ogres. Ty deflected the elf’s counterattack, knocking the scimitar away. With his other hand, the elf punched a dagger into Ty’s side and Yendys could see him grunt in pain. She changed up her next spell and cast her weak Nature’s Mending on Ty.
Ty was already swinging a counterstrike at the elf. The elf’s scimitar flashed up to block but was shattered by the axe’s momentum, metal shards raining down on both of them. The axe continued its path unimpeded by the scimitar to land a savage blow in the elf’s neck. The elf gasped, dropping the dagger and trying to grab the gaping wound in his neck. Unable to stem the blood pumping from the massive gash, the elf slumped to the ground dead.
Ty turned, seeking the next threat while Yendys watched Jacoby easily finishing off his foe. She refocused, casting Nature’s Wrath at the two archers who were now both nearly down, damaged by Yendys’ spell and receiving hit after hit from Nitor’s crossbow. The archers did get off their last few shots and dealt enough damage to kill the old ogre guarding the children. The two remaining, wounded elves then tried to attack the children.
“Great job, Crunch Crunch!” Yendys cheered as she watched one of the elves get snatched up in the beetle’s mandibles, the last of his life soon squeezed out by her brave Crunchy. The other elf also fell dead, his head pulped by Smashem’s hammer.
Ty launched a throwing axe to finish off the last archer and Yendys smiled at the experience gain they received. Her smile was wiped off her face when she saw the wounded ogre children crying over the corpses of the adult ogres.
Kathala approached the ogre children talking to them in a soothing voice.
“We’re not going to hurt you. I’ll try to heal your wounds if you will let me,” Kathala advised.
The ogre children looked at her and then replied between sobs.
“Can’t you help mommy and grandpa? They’re hurt really bad,” one of the ogres said. Yendys was shocked that the ogres could speak common so well. Her experience was that ogres were nearly mindless, only speaking a few slurred or jumbled words. They usually attacked anything that could be food and were known for their cruelty. These ogres were intelligent and thoughtful, not at all like their simpleton kin.
“I’m sorry, children, they have passed on and are beyond my help. Here, let me help with your wounds.” Kathala cast directed healing spells on the ogre children. Their wounds closed a bit and the arrows sticking out of them were pushed out by the healing, but there was still so much damage; the healing spells Kathala cast would not heal the wounds completely.
Yendys tried to help as the visibly exhausted Kathala sat next to the children. Yendys cast her Nature’s Mending, but it did no more than Kathala was able to. From her combat logs, it looked like the ogres had some degree of innate magic resistance that was preventing their healing magic from doing its work. Taking some traditional bandages from his bag Ty expertly bound their wounds.
“I hope that feels better?” Kathala asked and the children nodded. “Do you have names or something we should call you?” Kathala asked.
“I am Akloka and this is my twin brother Tehbog. Grandpa and mom were taking us to gather herbs as part of our training when the cruel ones attacked us,” Akloka told the party.
“Where do you live? Can we take you somewhere safe to be with your people?” Kathala asked as Yendys noted the two ogre siblings did look very similar.
“That is our home,” Akloka said, pointing to the mountain. “We’re of the Goreaxe tribe. Can you take us home?” she asked.
“Of course, little ones, we’ll make sure you get home right away.” Kathala paused before continuing. “I apologize that I don’t know much about your people, would you like us to help bury your family or do you have some other way to honor your dead,” Kathala asked.
“The clan will send warriors to collect them. When a Goreaxe dies in honorable battle we burn them on a pyre, allowing their noble spirits to ascend to our ancestors,” Tehbog bravely stated, drying his tear streaked face and trying to put on a confident air.
“Very well. We’ll leave them here and get you home straightaway,” Kathala said, gently grabbing the children’s hands and leading them back to the road.
“Let me gather whatever drops there are. I say we give them to the children as it may help them start anew,” Nitor said as he looted the fallen. Ty nodded in agreement and the party continued down the road. The path would take them very near the Goreaxe Peak where the children indicated they lived.
The party made good time and Yendys was pleased to see the children were fascinated by Crunchy; they both finally smiled when the beetle kept bumping into Smashem, nearly knocking him over. Smashem finally got the hint and passed some rations over to the beetle, offering some to the children as well. The kids accepted the food and ate the dried meat quickly. Realizing their charges were hungry, the party began to offer what they had, and even though they were children, the ogres left a dent in their food supplies.
“Kind of wishing we had taken more time to stock up in Holdfast,” Smashem said, looking in has pack at the rapidly depleting rations. Yendys was lower on food than she would like as well but knew none of them begrudged having to use it to feed the twins.
“It’s fine. I can hunt for us on the road if we run too low. Besides, we should be at the transition point soon and can resupply in Bharga once we get there. While we’re at it, I think we should plan a bit on what to do once we’re there. This Darkfallow clown knows most of us from the fight in the tavern we had with him. I don’t know if he would recognize us, but we should use caution,” Ty said.
“It’s probably best if I just take Smashem and only the two of us move into the town to look for Darkfallow. The rest of you can camp outside the town and wait to hear what we find,” Nitor offered.
“Sounds good, we’ll go with that. Once we get close to Bharga, the rest of us will peel off and find a place to camp . . . by the way folks . . . we’re being watched. Keep your hands away from your weapons and don’t make any threatening moves,” Ty advised. Yendys saw the notification from his surveillance ability granted by the imperium scout class notify him of a dozen targets watching the group. She didn’t know who it was yet, but felt there was a good chance it was the ogres.
Just then, several large ogres rose up from the side of the road where they had been hiding in various dug-out spaces, confirming her suspicions. It would make sense that the ogres would watch this road regularly and have an ambush prepared for any foes that may travel by. After seeing the actions of the elves, Yendys very much approved of their tactics. The ogres were armed with javelins the size of ballista bolts and stone hammers. Unlike normal ogres that typically wore rags of clothing, these wore well-crafted chain shirts as well as reinforced leather pants and boots. It was a far cry from what she expected from the normally dim-witted ogres.
The ogres grunted and hefted their weapons, but before a fight could break out the twins ran forward and spoke to the ogres in their own grunting language. The ogre who seemed to be in charge listened and ordered the rest to halt their attack while the twins spoke. Eventually, the ogres lowered their weapon
s and the twins were surrounded by protective ogres who led them back toward Goreaxe Peak.
“You can proceed to your destination. Stay on the road and none of my people will harm you. Do not approach our home or you will be killed,” the ogre said as he joined the twins, walking back toward the nearby mountain.
Chapter 24
“So, what gives with the ogres? You would think they would be happy we saved the twins. They’re not attacking, but I can tell we’re still being watched,” Ty said. Nitor had a glazed look over his eyes as he used his Echoes of the Past ability to try and find information.
“I didn’t get a lot of info from my ability, but what I was able to glean tells me the ogres were not always like they are today. Apparently, they were once a thriving nation, as intelligent and technologically advanced as the Imperium. They fell into barbarism through some disaster, becoming the drooling and hungry idiots we usually hear about in-game. Perhaps these Goreaxe ogres are some small remnant of the more advanced ogres that have somehow kept their tiny part of the original civilization intact,” Nitor surmised, always happy when his extensive non-combat-oriented abilities were useful.
“As long as they’re not trying to eat us, I’m happy,” Jacoby added.
“I’m just glad we were able to save the kids. I hope they’re not too traumatized by the experience,” Kathala said.
The road was quiet, and they weren’t disturbed by any wildlife or other dangers as they approached the transition point. Yendys assumed the ogres were scary enough to keep this section of the roadway clear of any threats as it was probably part of their territory. The transition point eventually revealed itself in the distance right where the road ended. A familiar glowing blue swirl stood right before the impenetrable eastern mountain ranges. The transition point looked rarely used, and they could see the ruins of some old wooden buildings nearby.
“Looks like old Imperium-style defensive structures and barracks. These were abandoned long ago,” Nitor said examining the ruins.
“Not abandoned . . . destroyed,” Ty added, holding up a large stone that had been imbedded in a log; it was the type of stone hurled by siege equipment.
“This must have happened a long time ago. Best we keep on task,” Jacoby advised. Nodding, the group stepped into the transition point. A list of destinations appeared before their eyes, showing every transition point they’d already visited. The option for the adjacent zone, “Bharga’s Crossing,” illuminated as a new option. As the group leader, Jacoby selected Bharga’s Crossing and the group transitioned to their destination.
The glow of the transition point faded, and they found themselves on the other side of the mountain range they had been facing. A road continued to the west as grassy hills gave way to forests on either side of them. Directly in front of the party stood ten npc guards.
Bharga Guardsmen, Level 10 (9)
Sergeant of the Guard, Level 10 (1)
The guards looked startled that someone had come through the transition point. After a moment, the sergeant gave the other guards a harsh look and addressed the party.
“Halt, state your business in the zone,” the sergeant barked as the other guards readied weapons.
“We’re here to visit the main town to do some trade as well as look for any quests that anyone might need help with,” Jacoby said in a friendly voice. The party all noticed the grim sigil on the guards’ uniforms: a black tower imposed on red field. The symbol had an ominous feel to it. The guard looked them over for a bit before responding.
“That’s permitted. Stay on the main road for a few miles and you will reach a crossroad. The road is patrolled and is safe for the most part with only the occasional forest predator attacking lone travelers. At the crossroads take the northern fork to reach Bharga. There are some mines and smaller villages to the east as well though you won’t find much in the way of adventures there. Do not take the southern trail at the crossroads. That leads to the town of Haven that we’re currently at war with. The evil rulers of Haven have been known to dupe adventurers into assisting them so if you head that way the guards at the crossroads will assume you have answered the villains’ call for help and will attack,” the sergeant advised.
“Thank you for the information and the warning. We’re heading to Bharga, not to fight in a war,” Jacoby assured the sergeant as they followed the road east.
“So, does anyone else get the feeling that the town of Haven just might not be evil ones in this fight?” Yendys asked once they were out of earshot.
“Yeah, those guys guarding the transition point weren’t hostile, but I was definitely getting a villain vibe from them,” Nitor added.
The trip to the crossroad was peaceful and the crossroad area itself was guarded the same as the transition point. The guards at the crossroads held up their hands indicating the party should halt as a large group of warriors wearing the same symbol as the guards headed south on the road. Yendys examined the warriors as they passed.
Reavers, Level 11 (50)
Executioners, Level 11 (10)
The reavers were equipped with axes and shields. They were armored in leather and looked like some extras from a Viking movie. The executioners were a different story, covered in blackened chainmail armor and holding large two-handed axes over their shoulders. Iron helms covered the executioners’ heads and their eyes glowed with an eerie red light as they examined the group. Yendys couldn’t help comparing the warband to the soldiers she and grandpa Raytak fought alongside. The reavers would be easily defeated by an equal force of soldiers, but the executioners might be a different story. The warband soon cleared the crossroads and headed south to what Yendys assumed was the battle for that Haven place. The guards motioned them on once the crossroads was cleared, and the party turned north toward the village of Bharga.
The party had to move off the road twice more to make way for troops heading south towards the conflict. Each time, the scores of reavers moved passed them quickly and without comment. Despite the delays the party soon saw the blackened log walls of Bharga in the distance. The town sat alongside the coast in a large natural valley with farms surrounding the town. Ships slid in and out of the harbor and the party was able to see the ocean for the first time in-game. A pleasant breeze brought cool ocean air with a hint of woodsmoke from the town itself.
“We should separate now. Nitor and Smashem can scope out the taverns and try to track down Darkfallow. We’ll be just inside the tree line to the west once you have any information,” Jacoby said as Ty led the rest of the party into the forest where they would stay hidden.
***
Nitor led Smashem into the town, and they were stopped by a guard as they tried to enter.
“Halt and state your business in town,” the guard said in a bored manner.
“Good day, sir. We’re looking to visit the shops as well as any taverns you may have in town. Are there any establishments you can recommend to a thirsty traveler? Nitor asked in a friendly manner.
“Most of shops are on the eastern side of town, and as far as taverns, there are only two. The Jolly Basilisk is near the shops in the merchant quarter on the east side of town. The Broken Cat is near the docks. It has an . . . eclectic mix of patrons but serves the best ale. The Jolly Basilisk is better if you need a meal or a room, but the Cat is better if you’re looking for a little excitement,” The guardsman offered.
“Thank you for the tip, friend. Sounds like a trip to The Broken Cat for us. Here, next time you head to the tavern, the drinks are on me,” Nitor said and handed the guard a few silver coins.
“Thank you, traveler. If there’s anything else you need, just come see me and I’ll steer you right,” the guard offered as Nitor led Smashem into the town. Abruptly, Nitor turned back to the guard.
“Oh, there was one other thing, friend. We have an old adventuring companion who is supposed to live here in Bharga. Have you heard of Darkfallow? We were hoping to share a drink and some stories of our old adventures togethe
r.”
“Aye, heard of that one. Serves the overlord himself. You’ll likely find him in the Cat when he’s not off doing whatever it is he does, so you’re headed in the right direction,” the guard added.
“Thanks again, friend. Stay safe!” Nitor said with a wave.
“Easy as goblin pie, Smashem. You just need to be nice, grease their palm a bit, and most folks will tell you what you need to know. Sometimes a kind voice and few coins will open more doors than smashing things with a hammer, my friend,” Nitor said to Smashem, pleased with finding the information on Darkfallow so easily. Smashem just grunted; Nitor knew his friend preferred hitting things with a hammer to talking.
The city of Bharga had a dark and depressing feel to match the evil overlord who ruled it. Despite that, the town appeared to be reasonably prosperous. The pair spent a few minutes perusing the wares in the merchant quarter, Smashem picking up various rations for the party and Nitor buying a few potions. The docks area was bustling in the late afternoon as ships, crews, and laborers tried to finish their work before sunset. They easily identified The Broken Cat from the amount of traffic going into and out of it. The tavern sign depicted a cat gruesomely torn in half, the entrails leaking into a frothy mug below.
“Not very appetizing,” Nitor said, looking up at the sign, “but I guess they must be doing something right based on all the customers going in.” With a quick glance between the two, they entered the crowded tavern.
The place smelled of smoke and stale beer. The interior was dark, only a few lanterns hanging here and there shed a dim light through their dirty glass. The center of the room held tables of various sizes and states of repair, while a long bar staffed by several workers stretched across the back. Servers moved about the room, taking orders and delivering drinks. Along the edges of the tavern, small alcoves were placed where more private tables were found. Curtains could be drawn over the openings of the alcoves for those inside to conduct their business in a discrete manner.