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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
The northern edge of the hill ended in a sudden drop, a sheer
cliff that fell off into a deep ravine. Harald walked along the edge
then climbed the outcropping of rock to the east. It overhung
the slope below, like the lip to a mug of ale.
"No way down." Harald shook his head. He followed the eastern
edge, checking the overhang and the slope below. Toward the center
the peak began to rise and just beyond its crest he found a crevice
in the rocks, a chimney of stone. Harald began a slow descent bracing his
back and legs against the walls of the chimney. It took him down thirty
feet or somewhat more, he sat below the overhang, at his feet, the steep
slope of the hill at the end of a short drop.
"This will be a hard path down," he said to himself, "or a quick
one." Harald eyed the slope, this far up the hill it was all scrub
brush and jagged rocks. Lower down he could see a line of bushes, thick
and clinging to the boles of fir trees, their lower branches brown,
strangled by the climbing vines.
With effort Harald made his way back up the crevice using his back
and legs to climb the chimney in the same way he came down. He pulled
himself up over the edge and lay on his back for a few moments, sweating
heavily in the bright sun though the day was cool.
* * *
"Where is our ranger?" Telenstil asked the returning pair.
"He has gone ahead to scout." Ivo called out as he approached
the camp.
"He took off as soon as we found a hiding place." said
Talberth.
"That is good," said Telenstil, "we are all ready here, but I
left it for Talberth to wake the orcs."
"So they are my pups now," Talberth shook his head, "I could do
without the honor."
"They fear you Talberth." Telenstil patted the mages shoulder.
"That display you put on in Nosnra's dungeon was quite something, it
has made a lasting impression on these orcs. Besides they would not
like to be commanded by an elf, while humans often have orcs to
serve them."
"Evil scum." Talberth said distastefully. "Harold might be used
to dealing with such, but I..."
"It is no reflection on you my friend," said Telenstil, "but
only necessity."
"I will go wake our sleeping charges." Talberth held up both hands
palms out. "But orcs, this quest of ours has created a strange alliance.
I do not like it."
Talberth left them to wake the orcs walking over to where they
slept. He passed both Gytha and Ghibelline who carried the meager
supplies they had taken from the steading.
"He is right." said Ghibelline. "We cannot trust those orcs."
"You have good ears Goblinkiller." laughed Ivo.
"Goblinkiller, Ivo what do you mean?" asked Gytha.
"Why it is his name." Ivo looked surprised. "Gytha I thought
you knew something of the elven tongue."
"Why yes," Gytha thought for a moment, "it is very much like the
old tongue. Ghibelline, yes I see it now."
"A respectable name for a warrior." said Telenstil.
"I have always strived to be worthy of it." Ghibelline said
quietly.
"I just wish you were called giant slayer." Ivo laughed again.
* * *
(To Be Continued)