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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
Telenstil inhaled, he took several deep breaths before he tried to
stand. "Well." he said. "That was an interesting experience. Gytha, we
had best go to aid our injured companion."
"Be careful," said Ivo. "We don't want to lose you two."
"Ivo, can you take Harold's watch? Then have him trail us, but
only to these stairs that Derue has mentioned." asked Telenstil.
"Certainly Telenstil." the gnome replied and jogged off to
where the halfling watched the outer hall.
"What is this?" asked Talberth. "Telenstil where are you going?"
"Our scout Edouard is injured, we are going to his aid, but
Talberth you must stay here and help Harald draw up our good priest
Henri."
"Hah, Telenstil you must be joking!" Talberth exclaimed.
"I am not, and we had best be leaving." said Telenstil. "Talberth,
you must stay here."
The mage could hear the seriousness in his old masters tone, the
elf was never one to rule with a heavy hand, but he expected his commands
to be obeyed.
"I will, but this is madness." Talberth answered.
"Harald, are you drawing up Henri?" asked Telenstil, walking to
the rangers side.
"Nothing yet, I have received no signal." answered Harald.
"Give him five minutes, then leave the rope and follow us," said
Telenstil. "make sure it is a full five minutes."
"Why not wait?" asked Talberth.
"I have already made Derue wait, perhaps Edouard has died." said
Telenstil. "I will take the risk and give them at least that five
minutes."
"Telenstil, let's go." Gytha grabbed her pack and waited for the
mage. She had found a metal rod that the giants had used to sift the ashes
in their fire grate and held it in both hands like a metal quarterstaff.
The pair left their companions behind, Harald still waiting for
the priest to signal from below. The little thief followed them, not
trying to hide, just staying back and away from Derue and the orc.
"Come on, this way!" Derue called to them as soon as he saw the
mage and cleric approach. He stood at the northern edge of the huge room,
around the corner where the hall turned east. Telenstil and Gytha
began to run, they soon caught up with the orc, who trailed Derue by
several paces.
The room opened up and extended to the north again, but to the
south there were a pair of doors, Derue slid through the righthand one.
The huge wooden portal was open only a crack, but wide enough for any
of them to pass through with ease. Inside they were in a pantry of giant
size and at its back there was a set of stairs, Edouard and Derue had
descended them before, though only Derue returned.
"Down here, this way." Derue called to them as he hopped from step
to step, each wide and deep, cut for the tread of giants feet. The orc,
did not hesitate, but Telenstil and Gytha descended carefully. Telenstil
turned back and eyed the thief who followed him. Harold nodded back and
crouched at the top the stairs, keeping watch on them as they dropped down
and out of sight.
* * *
(To Be Continued)