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Back to Empire on the HPe3000
... and ...
The wolves all howled. Nosnra walked slowly back to the steading
with Engenulf's lifeless body in his arms. Behind him the subdued warriors
made no sound. They did not rush, but marched home in silent respect. The
quickest two of Nosnra's clan had been sent out, running at a steady
pace for Corb's land, Nosnra's cousin who had a hall further up into the
hills.
Nosnra's mind was blank, he felt as if the ground beneath his feet
had dropped away and now he walked upon a cloud. The land had changed
as well, these fields which he had run and played upon in his youth,
Engenulf always at his side, this land no longer felt the same.
* * *
"I say send the map away." Ivo spoke up first. "I will stay.
These giants are the enemies of my kind. I will collect a debt that's
owed before I leave."
"Yes, that's the spirit." Harold said and clapped the gnome upon
his back. Ivo rolled his eyes.
"Stay." the ranger said. "I came to fight these giants, not run
away."
"If the map is delivered safe my duke will be pleased, but I will
not abandon those who are my companions." Gytha looked at all those
gathered round. "I will stay if any others stay. Send the map back safe,
most certainly, but let us do as master Ivo says. I would deal with them
as they have dealt with mine."
"Talberth, what of you?" asked Telenstil.
The tall wizard remained silent, he stared at his shoes and only
after a moments thought did he look up. "Stay, yes stay. But I did not
think they could find the cave, I do not know how simple hiding here will
be."
"Edouard, Derue, what do you wish to do." Telenstil turned to the
silent pair.
"We go or stay as our employer commands." said Edouard. "Good
Master Henri, we have sworn to serve."
"Where is Henri?" asked Harold looking around.
"I am here." Henri said in a strident tone. "These giants have
done as you have said." He spoke to Telenstil, ignoring all the rest
who stood nearby. "They have desecrated that place which I had blessed
in the True God's name. The map does not interest me, but my superior so
commands that any information found should be returned quickly and safe.
These giants are beyond the True God's grace, I will smite them down."
He nearly yelled, his voice shook with anger and contempt. "They are not
fit to walk the oerth, I will cast them into the outer dark."
Harold would have cheered, he was happy to have the whole group
stay but the haughty clerics angry words did not encourage mirth or
glad replies.
"Then let us fetch the map and be on our way." said Talberth.
"That iron wall keeps out the smoke and flames but it will bring the
giants down upon this room."
"Talberth, can you ascend and collect the packs, I will bring the
map down and send it to my queen." Telenstil did not wait for a reply but
went to the chimney and lowered the rolled map down. It drifted slow for
about half the length then twenty feet above the ground the magic faded
fast, the bundle dropped and sent out a dark choking cloud of soot.
* * *
(To Be Continued)