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Back to Empire on the HPe3000
... and ...
"Manticores!" Harald said looking at the spikes which pierced his
halfling friend through leg and arm. "That pelt was not just decoration."
"Harold, Harold," Gytha gave the halfling a shake. "Harold, do not
sleep. I will heal you, but you must make a pledge to mend your ways."
"Ohh... not a pledge. Don't you just have a potion handy," Harold
moaned. " How about a donation? I can pay in gold!"
Gytha laughed, "Saint I ask for your healing strength. Heal this
misguided soul who's spirit is akin to your own." Gytha pulled the spikes
from Harolds arm and legs, as she did a golden glow suffused each wound
and closed it with only a small dark scar to show that it had ever been.
* * *
Nosnra lifted Engenulf in his arms. The witan was light, more than
just blood had been drained from his body, some spark or vital force was
gone. It felt as if the very bones had been scraped hollow.
"Thegn," Engenulf said in a weak voice. "Thegn, their powers were
to great, they have vanquished me."
"Old friend, you have defeated them." Nosnra told Engenulf. "Their
hiding place has become their tomb."
"No, no, they are not dead. My eyes now look beyond this veil and
into the spirit land. " Engenulf stared up into the starry sky. "They have
not crossed from this Oerthly plane. Look to our home, these ones have
flown, but they have not done with us, though they have done with me."
"You talk nonsense." said Nosnra, "I have seen you bleed more
upon fishing hook."
"No." the witan said and raised his voice. "My time is past. I
will not rest, you must set me within the hall. Place my body upon the
tower. You will need no other guard and I will never drink or rest."
"I will do so." Nosnra said. "And I will have my vengeance on
this mixed pack of puny swine. They will face me, and they will have no
easy death, I swear, my friend, this I swear."
Engenulf gave a gasp and a creaking breath escaped his lungs.
His body shuddered and his head rose one last time.
"Do not forget, do not be proud." the witans voice spokes as if
from far away. "Your kindred, summon them. Corb, Corb will heed your call"
"Yes my friend. I have no more pride. I will call for help."
Nosnra closed the witans eyes.
* * *
Ivo stood atop the stairway and looked down its curving length.
Below some clumping noise steadily sounded, someone was climbing up the
stairs. "Tell our elven mage that someone comes." He said to Derue.
The scout looked at his brother who gave a nod before he left the
room. Henri the Pholtite stood beside the gnome and peered down as well.
"They are not in sight, but I hear the thiefs voice."
"You're ears are very keen." said Ivo.
"I will go to the other room." Henri said and walked away.
"They may need help." said Talberth. The lanky wizard dropped down
the stairs. "They may need more than mine. Come on." he called to Edouard.
The mercenary shrugged and followed after.
"I'll just stand here then, shall I." Ivo said to the empty room.
* * *
(To Be Continued)