Song of the Immortal Sky - Part 9
Know that it is brave to face danger when your friends have fallen.
Know that it is wise to counter betrayal with much more sudden betrayal.
Know that this day, Temur of the Monkhiin-Tenger was both brave, and wise.
A Human Warrior, who had given up on life and retired to become a manager of diggers, did hire brave Adepts to drive Ogres from his hole in the ground. Ogres had scared away his people and laid claim to the quarry. For help, he turned to Langren Beast-Calmer, Azurea Hurler of Shadows, Nez Littleclaw, and Temur.
Together they rode toward this mine. As they made camp for the last night before they arrived at their destination, the night sent terrors to harry them, to test them.
Know that Moon Moths (Editor's Note: The moths referred to are actually Death Moths. Please take care to note the differences.) are horrible, silent, festering things that will stab you with their bellies. Do not believe tiny beastmasters who claim they are peaceful. Know that Gate Hounds are both ugly dogs, and also ferociously dangerous ones. They will suck the magic out of your blood and chew your bones to dust. Know that these Moths will lay eggs in your belly and make you forget you ever fought them. Know that Barsaive is still full of strange and wondrous terrors.
Langren, the Shaman, was caught between hellish jaws, the hound slavering as it devoured all magic. His bones cracked, his breath rattled, and he fell, all but dead. Then Nez, pierced by a moth's poisoned ovipositor. Paralyzed. Fallen to the ground, watching with silent horror. Azurea battled bravely, felling one moth before the hounds had her. None could withstand their crushing maw.
Against Moon (Editor: Death) Moth and Gate Hound stood Temur Tengurkhan. He fought with the fullness of ability. He charged the hounds, and wheeled and rode as if dancing. Ayanga was swift and sure as her name, which means thunder and also lightning. He and Ayanga moved as one that they might find the secret places from which to pierce the beasts' defenses. Wounded, desperate, but loyal to the end, they fought.
And victory was theirs! The beasts were driven off, friends and allies recovered. Even Langren, who might surely have breathed his last were it not for the blood charm that saved his life.
Know that when the shaman served them a Heroes' Feast, they felt they had finally earned this greatest of all meals. They had faced death and had thrown their brave laughter against its cold teeth. Hoow-ah!
The Adepts did come to this quarry of the Rockfoot. The quarry taken by Ogres. The Ogres, for their part, were willing to parley - at least for show.
Know that these Ogres were led by one Steelhaft, who is of the twinned variety. Know that he tricked the heroes into clearing the mine of poisonous vermin for him in exchange for the ersatz promise of partnership.
Know that the Adepts did face centipedes most Dread and Bonecracking children, tiny newborn scorpions a mere five feet in length. (Editor: Wait, what?!). Venom dripped from every pincer and mandible. Muscles seized and hearts palpitated.
Know that Temur and Azurea, Langren and Nez, did persevere and emerge victorious. Know that they encountered Ironhaft, another twin, and also brother of Steelhaft. Know that two ogre twins makes four ogres. Know that this is math.
Ironhaft explained the betrayal that Steelhaft planned for the Adepts. And so the Adepts answered in kind. They charged out of the cave mouth like a storm striking a valley. Steelhaft stood no chance at all, and swiftly, the day was theirs.
Know that this story has ended. Know that this story continues.Statistics:Posted by bronzemountain — Thu Jun 25, 2020 4:44 am
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