The Curse of Calamus

[Quiet_Cool]

A confrontation?

He sees the dwarf lean back, yielding his axe at something that seems to be coming down the fireplace. Immediately, Pennindar thinks of the Nimbles.
He stands, pointing toward the fireplace. "Quickly, danger is at hand," he proclaims, speaking not forcefully, but informatively.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

Luckily for Richard, the dwarf did the worst thing you can do in this particular situation. He got his axe out to do battle. As if killing him would help him. Richard planted his feet against one wall, bracing his back against the other, which freed his hands.

Grabbing his Fang, he struck metal on metal, moving the axe against the wall and reaching down, grabbing the handle. He shouted down, into the room, loud enough so all could here. "Hey, some help needed here! Jeez, I keep the orcs away and this is what I get? Keep this tunneldweller from killing me!"

As he screamed, he play tug-of-war with the dwarf over his axe, his other hand trying to get a clean shot with his Fang. Snarling under his breath a more private conversation, meant only for the dwarf's ears. "C'mon, dwarf! That the best you got? I'll still slit you're foul throat!"

 

[poohlive]

In one swift motion he picked the dwarf up, letting him dangle a few feet in the air. His eyes stared between the two, one in the air, and the other in the fireplace.
He bared his teeth at both of them, "We fight evil, not each other."
The words came out like a growl, sharp and difinitive. There would be no quarrels here. Fighting was all about protecting and saving things, not because of pretty differences.
Dropping the small dwarf, he still stood between them, his size neither protecting nor hurting one or the other. In this he showed no sizes.
"Let it go."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Yes, a confrontation, but one resolved

Good god, he thought, now they're trying to kill one another, and we're supposed to be on the same side.
"Enough," he was shouting now, trying to gain control, moving toward the scene with haste. "Enough, already. We'll have none of this. Too much is at hand as it is..."
It had ocured to him that there was a reason for this dispute, and the fact that the two thieves were the ones going at it had far from gone unnoticed as well. Greed was at stake here. But greed over what? That was a question that would need answering.
Before he could respond in any real way, the giant had the situation under control. Good. This giant was proving resourceful indeed. Now, to the bottom of things.

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He climbed out of the fireplace, and hid his Fang away in his cloak. He walked to the old table, and took his hat off, laying it down. His scarf followed, and then he turned to the others.

"Okay, four things. One: I managed to turn the first wave of orcs with fear, looks like they took the others. I heard them say something about talking to a witch and coming back tomorrow. Two: I saw that tunneldweller snatch something that appears to have come from under a brick in the fireplace. Three: I'm hungry. And finally, four: I think I earned myself a good nights sleep, what with protecting us from tons of angry, ugly, stupid orcs with my magical silver tongue."

He settled down on the floor, yawning and stretching as he looked around. "Well? Do I have to cook myself? I think I've done enough for one night, what with protecting us from going the way of our soldier friends buried outside."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

A brick? In the fireplace?

"Yes," the old man said, having overheard the words spoken by Richard the thief. "The brick. Very good young man, that's where it is...the brick..."
Pennindar looked form the mumbling old man to the dwarf. He's said that the "little man" might have heard him, and it seemed only too coincidental that a little man in thier company had suddenly come across something in the very place these things were hidden.
"Uwef," he scolded. "What have you found? And must we speak again of the incredible importance of what's going on here? Of what is at stake? hand the items over,a nd let's see what we have to work with."
He held his hand out for the dwarf to reciprocate, then noticed the skewed meats the Kyleen had been preparing.
"Oh," he said, turning to the fireplace. "Allow me."
He tossed a few pieces of wood inside from the small pile nearby and rubbed his fingers lightly together. A flame grew in mere seconds, lighting the tip of his index finger as though it were a candle. He held it beneath the wood for a moment, then pulled his hand away, shaking his finger to put out the flame. Fire slowly grew, catching to the wood very quickly considering.
"Now, back to the matter of those items, Uwef..."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

"Arrr," I try to make excuses on the spot, "Iy thaht he was anorc." With that, I pull the small items out of the large pocket with my covered arm. I move the cloak out of the way and hand the items over to the firemaker. "Iyad just foundem." Then, I take my leave of the group, trying to find an isolated corner of the house to complain to about losing my treasures.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Under the hill
Avidity and Hanker:

Avidity looks at the new man then at his cousin. "Hanker," he whispers, "I think he said something."

"Human," Hanker whispers loudly, "are you talking to us?"

"Hanker, do be quiet or they won't feed you."

"..." Hanker replies to his cousin quietly. The dumbfound expression on Avidity's face makes him repeat himself, "I'm sorry, I'll stay quiet."

Both dwarfs turn their heads toward the human and with puzzled expressions, mouth the words, Are you talking to us?

 

[Angelus]

Nathan

Nathan took a seat near the door and watched as Pennidar started a fire. He suddenly realized that he was hungry and that like the others hadn't eaten for the whole day. He looked over at the food and wondered what that would taste like totally uncooked but then he shook his head and got rid of that thought. It had to be cooked and he knew it.

He then watched the dwarf hand something over to Pennidar and wondered what it was. He knew that it had to be something magical and something that could destroy or harm the witch that Richard had talked about. He then wondered if that is what the orcs had been after in the first place and he knew that they would be back.

 

[Jazzi]

Chroi

Chroi woke up with a start at the clanging of metal. She blinked in confusion until she realized where she was. With a gasp, the small elf jumped to her feet and looked out the window. She had slept through the night apparently.

Chroi watched with mild amusement as the giant broke the fight between Richard and the dwarf before quietly making her way over to the old man. She knelt next to him and smiled winsomely. She was glad he survived the night.

 

[Firesprite]

Kyleen

Setting the skewered meats to cook over the fire that the wizard helpfully lit, Kyleen watched the small confrontation with amusement, sure that males think with the hair on their chests rather than the brains in their heads.

"Little man." She said, "you need to learn to share."

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He tossed his head, causing his braid to slid off is head. It fell over his shoulder, and danged before the mass of black that covered his body. He grinned in satisfaction as the dwarf handed over what he had. Of course, no one showed any interest in him. He gave a shrug and closed his eyes.

He drifted off into a half-sleep. Senses awake to changes in his environment, but his body and mind rested. It was what he was used to, and what he would do until he could be fed. It was not his problem if the others were not impressed. He didn't care.

They didn't have his skills. They were warriors or healers or wizards, with the exception of one covetous dwarf that made his nose curl up and want to die. Even theives had honor. Having never met dwarves before, he wanted to stay openminded, but the entire species wasn't looking that good right now.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

The items at last

He took them from the dwarf's hands and looked at the box they were kept in. Almost eight inches in length and four wide. He carefully opened the box, expecting the rotted old thing to crumble in hsi hands. Instead, the hinges let loose with little more than a slight creak. Inside the items lay. One, a map, folded tightly and old, but appearing unharmed. And two, oddly, a long, golden scale of what appeared to be dragon armor.
He lifted the latter and eyed it curiosly., THen placed it back in the box again, unsure what it was for.
He debated looking over the map, then decided against it. That could wait for now, but the situation at hand perhaps could not.
He closed the box.
"Uwef," he began, "I'm aware that in your trade this type of deed is common, but I ask you to consider the truth in that this journey is above and beyond any of our trades, or our natures, or our differences. Please, donot withhold from the rest of us. The result may be truly disastrous."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

Unsure of the old man, but wary of crossing him, I reply, "Arrr, ya kan ave anytin Iy find. Wen this jurny ens, Iy want par tov tha loot."

Surely, the man would belive me--he seems the type. Then again, those shiny scales could bring in some food or clothing if I could find the right vendor. Perhaps, if the old wizard doesn't need them, I will take them from him while he sleeps.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Barriste, in the dungeon

Not really, he thinks, but they'll do.
"Yes," he whisperes, then glances back t see the orcs still arguing, over something more trivial this time.
"We've got to leave, to get out of here," He replied, trying not to whisper any louder than he had to but unsure if they could see his own lip movements in the dim light, especially considering they were deeper in the room than he, and the light came from the opposite direction, possibly leaving many, if not all of his features in shadow.
"I have something I must finish, something very important. And I must leave as soon as possible. Can you help me?"

 

[Darklord]

Jurax, Barbarian for hire..

He had been there for many days now. Occasionally the orcs would throw him something to eat, but they never got close, they had learned that lesson. Then they had brought some old guy in, who kept whispering to him. He didn't understand, he wasn't bright afterall, and besides, if he played possum a little longer, maybe the orcs would close again, and there would be one more of them dead.

Then the dwarfs by him started to talk to the man, and they seemed to be coming up with a plan. Looking at the man he mumbled loud enough for them to hear, but not the orcs. "I go if ya help me be free, Ise thinks we waitum till they feed... umm... umm.. us, that be word, and then I POP, take care of orcs. Youm keep orcs... busy."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

Avidity looks at his cousin and they both begin to churn their small brains. Then, the ogre of a man interrupts their thought process. "Master Barbarian," the learned Hanker begins, "do try to understand: We are attempting a plan to save this man."

"Hey Hanker, I've got a plan. How about if we get those damnable orcs to come over here and the mucled man here repeats his performance."

"What a spectacular idea, Avidity; but, I had already thought of that. How ever will we get the orcs to come over here?"

Suddenly, the newcomer interrupts them.

"Well Master Whomever," Hanker tries to sound calm, "since you're so keen on escaping, and since you cannot seem to wait much longer, what magnificent idea would you have?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Richard

He slowly opened an eye, laughing to himself as he looked at the wizard. Finally, he pulled his head up. It seemed he wouldn't get any sleep for a little longer this night. Perhaps a true sleep after food. The thought was very appealing. "Trade? His greedy covetous hands are not a trade. They are a trait. You would do better to let me slit his throat, lift what provisions he has, and leave him here. He takes whatever he can get his hands on, whether it be well guarded or discarded. His type bring about trouble from all sides. Kill him now, or let him bring death unto himself, with most of your possessions lining his pockets. Some people do not like having their things taken, and will reward him with a painful death and sell everything he has on him for enough coin to make it worth it."

He looked around at everyone, and drew his cloak around him. He had the feeling they were looking down upon him. He wasn't used to it. He was a thief, true, but he wasn't grteedy. He did what he did for survival and because he was good at it. He rerached up, grabbing his hat and scarf from the table. He tucked his scarf away in a pocket of his cloak, and put his hat on, leaning his chin against his chest so he was simply a pile of black in the room.

"But, whatever, do as you will. I only suggest you keep close tabs on your pockets, and an inventory of anything worth while. I wouldn't trust him, but then again, you have no reason to trust me, either. Except maybe my sincere desire for sleep."

He closed his eyes again, and sighed. He had a feeling there would be more of this, especially if they were to abolish the darkening. He resolved himself to stay neutral. This was not his battle, it was theirs. They were joined in a cause, and he went with them only to fulfill his own needs. Or maybe, there was another reason. His mind drifted towards the elf, and he shifted uncomfortably. He sighed again, silently, as he banished such thoughts from his head. They all looked at him like he was something vile, with the possibility of the dwarf. Perhaps it would be better to leave in the morning when he had a chance. He was better on his own.

 

[Darklord]

Pleasant thoughts...

Jurax sighed as the noisy little midget type men argued among themselves.. All this talk, especially the amount he had done hurt his brain. Then Avidity reminded Hanker of the last time the orcs had gotten close. At that Jurax began to chuckle, remembering the orcs surprised face as he crushed it's skull between his legs..

"Heh.. heh.. heh... I 'member its like it was umm.. umm.. like many moons ago, that be it. Orc.. heh heh heh... orc look real surprish at me legs making sku.. umm... hed look like.. squis.. squash... crushed grape... heh heh heh..." was his comment to the world in general.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Uwef:

I absolutely must find an opportunity to slice this thief's throat. The thought is the last that fills my mind as I fall into a pleasant sleep. Never does it occur to me that he may be thinking the same.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

"Right, right, Master Brute, you did a fine job making wine of that orc's grape-shaped head." Hanker has a plan and slowly whispers it to the others, "Okay, Master Brute, do be quiet and feign sleep. And, my dear cousin, perchance you could become sick now.

"Guards! Guards!" Hanker calls to the pair of squabbling orcs. "Come quickly! My cousin has become quite ill." Under his breath, he merely jokes, "maybe it's the food?"

Avidity begins to shake violently as if caught in some seizure. With that, he begins to foam at the mouth and moan audibly. The guards rush over to him and begin to work at the ropes. Just within range of the barbarian, they stand an armslength from death. I look at the barbarian, "Master Brute, feel free!"

 

[Darklord]

Fun Fun in the Dungeon

As he watched, the other dwarf starts to foam at the mouth like a rabid beast. Just then the foolish orcs rush over as Jurax looked like he was sleeping, a sleeping bear maybe, but sleeping...

When Hanker yelled "Master Brute! Feel free." Jurax let out a very throaty laugh and howled "Me be happy!" and with that he PULLED..... and with a audible SNAP! the chains ripped from the wall and grinning like a wolf seeing a lone chicken in a corner unable to escape he seized the just turning orcs and rumbled "Me tink.... me tink, you tink better with.. he... sku... heds TOGETHER! " and with that he brought theirs together with a very loud CRUNCH! Then did it again, but it made a much less satisfying SQUISH! to the barbarians ears. Dropping the bodies he moved over to the two dwarves and reaching for the chains, his scarred biceps bulging he tore them from the wall also. Standing there he smiled, and said happily "Littl mens bees free."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Avidity and Hanker:

"Why thank you, Sir Brute," Hanker grins.

"Indeed much thanks Master Stonghand," Avidity seconds.

"Perhaps, my good man, you should help our companion from his ropes." Hanker suggests that the barbarian should free the newcomer. Jurax, he notes--I think his name is Jurax.

With that, the two dwarves watch as the stronghanded brute of a barbarian latches onto the ropes.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

The thieves...what a predicament

So the scuffle ended with both easing off to sleep. Odd, the evening was becoming. Their initial danger had passed with Richard's escapade on the roof, then, when things should have been at peace, the two of them begin to quarrel. Not quite the threat the orcs would have been, but still a bad situation. Pennindar looked between two, then scanned his other companions for what must have been the hundredth time in two days.
Perhaps this was a failed cause from the beginning. It seemed that perhaps a group consisting of entirely warriors, from the Royal Guard perhaps, might have been best.
Oh, well. They were already moving. Better to wait it out and see what became of it.
For the moment, however, they had what they needed. The map and the...well, whatever the scale was used for he was certain it would come in handy. He tucked the items into his bag, telling Talbot to keep an eye on them, then turned to the others.
"We should tak turns on the watch, then we'll move at daybreak."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

In the dungeon

Once freed, Barriste turne dto his new friends and held a finger to his lips, gesturing for them to shush. He quickly stripped the orcs of their weapons, one holding a mace and the other one of their nearly worthless heavy swords. He chose to keep the mace, kowing he could maneuver it well, then handed the sword to the large barbarian, hoping that his skill with the sword with better that with the tongue.
He crept out of the room in the hall beyond, peering both ways before continuing. Nothing in either direction. The orcs were apparently out somewhere, but they would be back by daybreak, wanting to remain hidden from the humans until dark fell, not wanting to give away their hide-out.
He crept down the hall, peering in one room after another to see similar situations as the one he'd just left. Prisoners bound to walls by chains and ropes, but with orcs facing them or brutalizing them instead of arguing over senseless topics. He crept past each room, knowing that stirring the other prisoners wouldn't help anything. It would jsut stir the orcs as well, and alert them to what was happening.
At nearly the end of the hall, to one side, instead of a room, there was another hall. He turned down it, moving just as carefully. At the end of this hall, two more waited, one heading right and one left.
A maze, he thought. Just what he needed.