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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
Ghibelline cut a branch free with his sword, he used the leaves
to sweep dirt over the blood and obscure the trail. The bodies of the
wolves were dragged away, the orcs had just run behind the trees when
the sound of many feet came drumming from the far side of the trail.
From where he lay within the underbrush, Harald could see the
top of a giant's head rising into sight. It was a youth, twice the height
of a tall man and thin as a pole. This lanky giant held a wooden staff,
the bole of a tree stripped down, big enough to hold up a peasants
roof. He put his hand to his mouth and called out to the wolves who had
run ahead, but received no reply. He shook his head, shouted something
to those behind him and waved back toward the way he'd come.
Another head appeared, this one was wide and brown, a pair of
horns wider than Harald's outstretched arms was on the set to either
side. The giants raised up beef, but an ancient breed of bull and cow,
larger than any that man would think to tame. As they watched from the
southern edge a small herd of these cattle were prodded down the trail.
There were at least two dozen of the beasts, and three more giants
moving them along, though these were not so young, each was old enough to
be the father of the boy, the last greybeard might be his father's
father. Each bore a staff of wood such as the youth possessed and used
them to guide the cattle, but the herd was calm and walked at a steady and
unhurried pace.
The boy called out again as he passed the bottom of the slope. He
stopped and stared up at the southern edge, Harald felt the searching
eyes pass through him and move on. One of the older giants gave the boy a
shout and jabbed him with his wooden staff. The youth turned and yelled
back and shook his fist, the giant struck again this time a strong stab
to the gut and the boy was doubled over. A huge foot swung up and none to
gently rolled him aside, the boy fell into the bushes.
"Told ya not to bring the fleabags." the giant laughed and the
other two joined in. "When you've got yer wind back you can run after us
or run home."
Harald crawled backward till he was out of sight and edged over to
where Telenstil crouched beside a tree.
"Do we take them or let them pass?" asked Harald.
"I would let them go," said Telenstil, "but when they find the
bodies of those other two, Nosnra's messengers, they will either alert
Nosnra or their own chief and maybe both."
"Good." Harald smiled, a cruel unfamiliar look came over his face.
"I will enjoy cutting these monsters down."
Telenstil grabbed the ranger's arm. "Now I wish we could let them
pass. Harald, do not enjoy this, that is how these giants think. That
is why they are monsters, and why we are here."
The smile passed from Harald. "I will keep what you say in mind,
but my heart crys out for vengeance."
"Did you hate those wolves?" asked Telenstil.
"No, you are right." said Harald. "No use hating wolves or giants,
it's like hating time for making you old, or a rock for tripping you while
you walk. They are near, what is your plan?"
"We are well dispersed." Telenstil looked over his shoulder to
check on the others in the group but most were hidden even from his sight.
"I will throw fire into their midst, it should at least scatter the herd,
we will only close after our magic is spent. If they should charge, then
you and the others will hold them off or bring them down."
"Do the others know this plan?" asked Harald.
"Yes, Talberth commands the orcs, " said Telenstil, "Gytha and
Ghibelline are prepared as well."
Harald was watching the trail as they spoke, his hand tightened
on his swords hilt as they giants approached. "Here they come." he warned.
Telenstil stood and cast his spell, "Pall-Ot-Ull" he said and
flung a small brown-yellow glob. It began to burn, flying through the
air fast as an arrow, straight into the center of the herd, it exploded
into flame, a huge sphere of yellow-red burning hot as a blacksmiths forge.
* * *
(To Be Continued)