Send a spelling or grammar correction to: Tracy Johnson
This site sponsored by Agenda Games LLC
Back to Empire on the HPe3000
... and ...
This is a first draft of a story set in the world of Greyhawk.
It is based on a home campaign so some of the people, places and things
may be different. Any helpful comments or suggestions are very welcome.
Thanks
Jason Zavoda
The Hill Giant Chief - Nosnra's Saga Part LXXX
Derue pulled the cell door aside, it swung out with a squeal
and a shower of rust rained from its bars. He rushed inside and bent down
to his brother's still form. Edouard lived, his chest rose and fell, but
with a gurgling irregular heave. There were bruises all about his face,
his nose was broken, bent to the side and swollen, the eyes were the same,
black and puffy with a crust of blood where the swelling had burst.
"He is badly injured." Jalal spoke up quietly.
"We must get him away from here." Derue said without looking up
at Jalal. "Come help me carry him."
"No, don't move him. His ribs are broken, I think he might bleed
inside, he might die if we move him, at the very least he will suffer
greatly." Jalal replied
Derue could hear the concern in the man's voice and settled his
brother's head back down atop the dirty straw. "Are you a healer?" he
asked.
"I am a builder, but I have seen many men injured over the years."
said Jalal.
"You will stay here with my brother, protect him with your life,
I will go find help." Derue rose.
"There is an elven warrior in the next cell, he can help me
protect your brother while you are gone, please." Jalal asked.
"Alright, but I have no time to waste. I will release him," said
Derue, "blockade the outer door when I have gone and do not open it for
anyone but me."
"It will be done. You have my thanks." said Jalal.
"Make sure my brother lives." warned Derue.
Outside the cell the orcs were loud and joyful. They had found the
bugbears keg of ale, it had made the two guards groggy, they'd missed the
sounds of fighting from outside and woke only when the orcs had pulled
open the heavy door.
"You!" Derue yelled at the orc who had spoken for the others.
"Open this other cell!" he pointed toward the third one from the door.
The orc stopped his drinking in mid-glug. He handed the
half-empty keg to the orc beside him and wiped his mouth with the back of
his grimy hand. A defiant look crossed his face, but only for a moment.
One glance into Derue's eyes and another at the burning sword which had
slain both ogres and the giant keeper, was more than enough for the orc
to think better of crossing either the man or his blade.
"Meatstealer!" the orc called to another. "Open the cell! Now!"
"Yes boss!" the orc answered back. Meatstealer wore the ring at
his belt, they shook in his hands and scraped across the lock as he tried
to open the cell door
"You drunken sott." the boss pushed him out of the way and tore the
keys from his shaking grasp. "Here now." he said and the key went home,
then with a turn clicked it open and the door swung free.
"What have we here?" the boss gave a laugh as he looked into the
cell. "A pointy-ear tree lover! Looks like we..."
"I'll take those keys." said Derue. "And you and the others gather
up the weapons and wait for me outside."
"We just want some fun." the orc said disconsolately like a child
who has been told to come in from play.
"Get out! Leave now, I will be leading you or I will leave you
behind." Derue yelled at them.
None wished to be left behind, they scrambled to leave the room,
but did not forget to bring the keg along.
* * *
(To Be Continued)