We Must....

Discussion in 'The Salty Dog Tavern' started by Oni Neaufire, Apr 19, 2015.

  1. Oni Neaufire

    Oni Neaufire Well-Known Member

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    It never fails.
    You all know the feeling.
    You have just settled into to a comfortable chair with a good book.
    Everything is in place.
    The lighting is perfect..

    Oni Neaufire_4-19_07.35.jpg
    "Lady Oni, Can you come down here, quickly?"
    Athelwyn's voice rang out anxiously in the tower.

    "RRRRH!" I sorta mumbled to myself, hoping no one heard me.
    "What now."
    I hurriedly closed my book, hastily departed the tower library and headed down the stairs to the first level.
    There were several panic-stricken villagers gathered round Athelwyn all trying to tell her of their plight.

    Athelwyn Wintre_4-19_07.41.jpg
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    "Oh! Lady Oni," she exclaimed with relief beginning to show on her face.
    I could see she was quite distraught and feeling overwhelmed.
    Everyone turned to look at me.
    Athelwyn used the disturbance of my entry to inform me of their harrowing escape.
    "These poor people have been ran out of their homes to the south.
    A marauding troll party has destroyed their homes, crops and livestock."

    The group was quite disheveled and bloodied.
    They had literally fled with the clothes on their backs.
    A few carried some badly damaged weapons.
    "We were no match for them," spoke out Tyee.
    "They swarmed in rapidly, smashing and looting and took some of ours captive."

    He seemed to be their leader.
    Or at least the only one able to speak.

    "Few are a match for a troll raiding party," I concurred.
    "You are most fortunate to have escaped."

    As I talked, Athelwyn busied herself with getting our frightened guests some food and drink and a place to sit and rest.
    "When you are through there, Athelwyn, could you find Alesha and Sarreffe?"
    "I will momentarily," she replied.
    "Very good," I said as I again turned my attention to the refugees.

    They were finally calming down and regaining composure after the flight north.
    "You just rest and take comfort.
    We will surely help you recover your lands and those dear to you."
    At that moment, Alesha and Athelwyn stepped through the tower doors.
    The High Paladin quickly approached the small group and spoke:

    "I have heard of your misfortune.
    We will muster the warriors and rid the land of this menace.
    We must make this land safe to live - for everyone."
    She then turned her attention to me.

    "Oni, I have sent Sarreffe to scout ahead and find the main camp.
    He should be back shortly.
    Come with me to the War Room."
    We left the weary travelers and headed upstairs.
    Athelwyn stayed to give them some more minor aid and comfort.

    In the War Room, Alesha and I began to plan our plans to eliminate the trolls.
    "I don't think we will be able to catch this band before they get away and home," I commented.
    "I concur, " replied Alesha.
    "But we will find them and bring battle to their doorstep nonetheless."
    "You know what that means," I stated emphatically.
    "Yes," she spoke tersely.
    "It means braving the troll lair.'
    "And the Troll Lord," I finished the statement for her.
    "Aye."
    "He will be hard to draw out.
    His minions will fight hard and long," I stated.
    "That I know also.
    We will overcome them.
    We must...

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    She was cut off in mid-sentence by the War Room door swinging wildly open.
    It was Sarreffe - He never enters an area quietly unless he is tracking prey.
    And of course he was with his now ever-present white bear.
    It will not leave his side no matter what.

    Sarreffe_4-19_08.30.jpg

    "No doubt about it.
    Lousy trolls with ogres and ettins have smashed the area south of the Realm," he stated brusquely.
    "I caught a few of them as they still looted the area.
    They will loot no longer."

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    "Are they still above ground?" asked Alesha.
    "Nay, scum made it back to their lair.
    Blind man could follow them, though.
    Most of 'em made a straight path back to the Troll Cave."

    "Are all the villagers accounted for," he asked, changing the subject.
    "No they are not," I broke in. "We were just planning an incursion to get them back."​

    A frown creased the ranger's brow.

    "You know what that means?
    "Aye," Alesha and I spoke together.

    "What are we waiting for then," Sarreffe spoke gruffly. "Let's go!
    Sun is better to ride under than the moon.
    Besides, we will be seeing little of it for quite sometime."
    The die had been cast.
    The Knights would be going subterranean.
    As Alesha had said, We must...
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2015
  2. pinky_

    pinky_ Active Member

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    Perfect!
    Vlar likes this.
  3. Oni Neaufire

    Oni Neaufire Well-Known Member

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    You are most kind.:)

    Thank You!
    Xander the Scribe likes this.
  4. newme

    newme Well-Known Member

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    The image inspired by talk of the Troll Lair, made me shudder.

    Thanks for this account, well spoken , friend


    Westra/Marjo

    Governess of WispFelt
    Oni Neaufire likes this.
  5. Oni Neaufire

    Oni Neaufire Well-Known Member

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    You are most gracious in your words.
    And for that, I truly thank you.
    Xander the Scribe likes this.

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