The Kobolds' Story - Part 2
If you have not read Part 1 of 'The Kobolds' Story' please check it out.
Sweat and Grime. That is the adventurous life. As Sam was walking the trail a cold bitter wind blew from the west chilling him to the bone. It was only midday of their second day from the village and already he was bone weary. Almost as if something was gnawing at his soul, draining the stamina out of him each step.
Grant was in the lead, followed by the keen eye of Don looking for danger at the edges of the trail. The path they had found was well worn, but lacked any upkeep and appeared as though no one had ventured this way in some time.
After too long a silence, Sam finally spoke up to his companions. "The old kobold said the fortress was three days walk to the west. We should make it there tomorrow by sundown. Maybe we can surprise them and find a fancy place to spend our riches in a day or so. What do you guys think?"
Grant replied, "We still don't know how easy this will be, it will be better if we take it slow and not count the chickens before they hatch."
"Stop with the stupid sayings Grant! This will be a breeze." snickers Sam.
In the distance a subtle rumble of lightening can be heard, boiling clouds appear on the horizon. Don looking up at the sky mutters, "I don't like the look of that. We better find a place to hunker down."
Within minutes a cold rain starts to fall, scrambling they find a nearby log and build a quick shelter with sticks to stay somewhat dry.
The night is cold and wet and the small fire that Don is able to build does little to keep them warm. The next day starts off grumpy and mean.
By mid-morning Don notices a small statue off the trail. The figure appears to be a cloaked women with arms raised up to the sky. Concerned he motions to the others and inspects the area.
The statue has a twin nearby and an old cobblestone footpath leads away into the dense woods. Curiosity gets the better of them and they begin clearing some of the growth to move deeper up the path. After an hour of back-breaking swinging with his axe, Grant finally emerges into a small clearing. Tall Evergreen trees appear to fence the glade, in the center of the meadow stands a small structure with a fresh flowing stream of water around it. Red poppies grow in patches around the glade, their sweet ichor mingling with the breeze.
After waiting a few minutes to case the place, Sam slowly closes the distance to the open temple door. Pulling the heavy wooden door open he is accosted by the smell of death.
A dark green oak leaf appears stamped into the door, dried blood splattered on it's face. A small silver bowl sits before a statue of a huge stag, with horns raised in defiance. Next to the stag, face-down in the grass is a bloodied corpse. Adorned in a once fine green velvet gown, the figure is now bloated and stinking. Maggots poking out of the fabric like roots of a willow.
Grant enters the door and quickly runs out, beginning to wretch outside near the poppies.
Don begins an inspection, trying to makes sense of what has happened here. Examining the dead body,it appears to have once been a lovely women. Scratches adorn her face, her stomach appears to have been slashed. A necklace of a silver leaf is discarded at her side as if torn from her in a fight. Don finds tracks and believes them to be of a medium sized wolf. After the attack it appears to of headed north deeper into the forest.
Sam continues to search the place and finds a few personal items and a small bedroll in the corner, this person seems to of lived here alone. "We need to get back on the road and continue to the fortress.", Sam states bluntly.
Don shaking his head, motions to the corpse saying, "We will bury her, This appears to be a temple of the nature god Silvanus. I will not leave the temple desecrated."
Sam walks out of the temple. Don spends the remainder of the day preparing a pyre and cleaning the temple. At dusk the companions light the fire. In the distance they hear a howl. "Howl!, Howl!", the sound trails away. Nervous the boys move into the temple. After awhile, the cicadas shouting in the night, the tension seems to pass.
"Do you think it is the wolf that attacked the priestess?" ask Grant. "Could be", replies Don.
"We can't go out in the night now, I will take first watch" states Sam.
The others quickly prepare their beds and sleep. Don awakens to a bright light, the door is shining with an intense green light. A voice thunders into his mind. "You will be my champion Hunter! You will avenge this desecration. Take this gift and destroy Malar's champion." A determination fills his mind and he fades away to slumber. Sometime later he is awoken by Grant, "Your watch bud." Confused of what he had dreamt he ponders the rest of the night.
At first light, Sam returns from the stream with a leather clad bundle in his arms. Looking to the others, he slowly unrolls the wet package. It contains, a long silver knife. An obsidian hand-axe and four silver arrows. No markings can be found on the weapons. Sam picks up the knife, slashing the air excitedly stating that the balance seems superb.
Don explains his dream to the others. "No." says Sam. "We are already on an adventure, we don't have any more time for a side quest." Don nods, but continues to explain, "I believe it was Silvanus that spoke to me in the dream. Malar is his mortal enemy and they have been waged in war for centuries. I cannot refuse this and live with myself. I will go alone if I must." Grant pats Don on the back firmly and affirms that he will be there for him if he is needed.
Sam remains silent.
To be continued next week...
Grant - Human Age 19 Warrior Favorite weapon: Two handed Battle-axe
Sam - Human Age 17 Thief Favorite weapon: Dagger
Don - Human Age 20 Hunter Favorite weapon: Bow
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Silvanus
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Malar
Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Forest_of_sugi_near_Nanten_Inari_Shrine_in_Nanzoin_Temple_in_Sasaguri,_Kasuya,_Fukuoka.JPG