Chapter Eighteen: In the Shadow of the Maiden of Pain!

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin Taletreader

As the blessings of the two spell-casters settle over him, Oti felt like his own shadow would have had issues hearing or seeing him. He moved as swiftly and as silently as he could after Kaerri, using all four limbs at times to lighten the weight of his footfalls as he flitted in the Shadowdancer's wake. He moved up with her and, as she spoke to the captives, he reached out to grasp the tiny amulets the tribe all wore. Hopefully they would glow like Nitwit's had done, further reinforcing his comrade's words.
"Come with me if you want to live.", he murmured as he held the amulet up for them to see.

 

[Purr]

Captain Hesperus jaydude Kaerri Tag!

Stealthily (but not invoking her Hide in Plain Sight skill; she's going for silent, not invisible), the shadowdancer approaches the bound kobolds' front.

As Alisa hangs back, Kaerri creeps forward with Otiorin not far behind her. Both rogues are quiet like mice as they skulk along the cold and dusty tunnel floor. Just around the bend are the mirth-filled Storm Lords that tower over all. Whatever is going on, it has their complete attention and they are having to work to keep their groans and escstatic chuckling low.

"Don't scream," she whispers.

"Mmmmmmph!!" scream the two kobolds who can now see Kaerri.

Their leathery ears fly straight up and now they're trembling more than ever. However, they have the good sense to keep their traps shut during their screaming and thus the Storm Lords do not hear them.

Then comes the quick grumbling and annoyed snapping of the third kobld who can neither see nor comprehend what is going on behind him. His quiet tooth-snapping gets the other two kobolds to exchange glances while their ears perk and turn. Then the two kobolds exchange hesitant nods and come to some kind of silent agreement.

All three of them make grunting sounds which seem to be communicating to one another. Then at once, all three of them begin to scoot along their rag-covered butts in a clockwise fashion until the third scrawny kobold is facing Kaerri.

"Mmmmmmmgh!" he exclaims with his eyes as wide as they can be.

This is immediately followed by deep breathing to catch his breath and what sounds like a very low "Whew! Okay." Then the three of them booty-scoot again in a clockwise fashion and return to their original position.

"We're on your side, promise. Nitwit sent us here to rescue you. Your friends back at the village are all safe now. We'll cut your bindings and then we can all sneak out of here to join them, OK?" She looks at Otiorin for assistance.

"Nitwit?!" One murmurs. They look at each other. Then silently, all three of them nod in unison.

He moved up with her and, as she spoke to the captives, he reached out to grasp the tiny amulets the tribe all wore. Hopefully they would glow like Nitwit's had done, further reinforcing his comrade's words.

As Otiorin approaches, three tiny silvery lights softly burst into radiant existence, all from the filthy kobolds' thin chests. Alisa, sheathed in the cool darkness and not far away, can see these lights very clearly. They came to life as Otiorin neared them, his touch unnecessary.

"Come with me if you want to live.", he murmured as he held the amulet up for them to see.

Two out of the trio openly gawk, utterly dumbfounded, as they gaze in awe incarnate at the male half-elf. Like automatons, they nod in unison at his words and their trembling ceases.

Then comes the grumbling from behind the first two again. The snapping follows quickly after. The booty-skooching resumes. Then the third small reptilian gawks in awe incarnate at Otiorin's presence.

"Okay. Gulp 'em!"

At this command, all three kobolds use their long toothy muzzles to snap up the shiny silver pendants into their mouths. Their glow ceases but now the kobolds' mouths look funny. They circle back again and return to their previous position in what can only be called incredible teamwork.

Then they begin to grunt quietly to one another and in what sounds like a quick countdown, all three hop up at the exact same time, and while still bound together, they follow you wherever you lead, shivering, their faces filled with wide-eyed expressions of expectancy.

 

[Kaerri]

Spoiler: Kaerri Rainshadow, Shadowdancer

^{Art by Peritwinkle}
Character sheet
Hit Points: 99/99
Armor Class: 27
Touch Armor Class: 17
Shadow Illusion: 3/3
Shadow Call: 2/2
Shadow Jump distance: 80/80 feet
Defensive Roll: 1/1
Rogue Talent Resiliency: 1/1
Stinger -- uses of Slow remaining: 3/3
Charm of Bastet -- uses of Cat's Grace remaining: 1/1
Action Points: 14

Kaerri tries very hard not to laugh at the repeated shuffling-about of the kobold trio. No sound escapes her, but if anyone can see under her hood, her smile is not quite stifled, and her rainbow-colored eyes are dancing with merriment. "Good call," she whispers, both to Otiorin and to the kobolds, and nods towards Alisa and the cave entrance before leading the way. As they sneak, she bends down and asks them, "You want us to cut those bindings? Or your claws could, prob'ly."

 

[Purr]

Now that the three of you are closer to the trio, you see that their hands are bound up behind them in small leather sacks which effectively prevent the use of their claws.

 

[Purr]

As they sneak, she bends down and asks them, "You want us to cut those bindings? Or your claws could, prob'ly."

"Yes, please," says the first with a weak hush.

"Yesh, pleash..." the second faintly gasps as he stumbles along.

"I for one would like stop having to walk backwards," whispers the staggering third. "The sooner I'm not looking at Storm Lords rear ends, the better!"

In no time, you are around the corner and out of sight of the Storm Lords. If anyone wishes to remove the bonds, the opportunity to do so without discovery has just presented itself.

 

[Kaerri]

Kaerri gives a quick glance over her shoulder as the group rounds the corner. "You got it," she whispers back. Squeezing up next to the kobolds, she grabs the bag holding the hands of the backwards-walking one first. If it looks like something that can be untied swiftly, she does so; if not, she draws her long knife and cuts the kobold free. Then she does the same for the other two.

 

[Purr]

Captain Hesperus Kaerri jaydude Psychie Sherwood Silanon

Kaerri's mithril long knife slices through those tough, dry leather bonds as if they were merely twists of old bread. The bits fall away and the kobolds stare at Kaerri's weapon, partly in awe, and partly in understanding. By their expressions, it could be reasonably ascertained that the thin little fellows know what mithril is and marvel at seeing it in use. The trio follow the colorful half-elf's movements until she quietly puts the Rhumian blade away and then their eyes rest on the sheath for a time.

As you proceed up the tunnel to freedom, the trio prove to have quiet feet but they also have quiet mouths. Their eyes dart about and their ears turn this way and that, but It is as if they are afraid to speak. They hold on to each other not only to help with their quaking fears, but you notice these three are even worse off than the tribe you saw above - this trio also stagger about and don't seem to be able to move any faster than a walk. Malnourished, denied sleep, and living in constant fear of getting squished by a creature six times your size has reduced these poor kobolds into shaking skeletons of what they once were.

It is not long before Alisa, Kaerri, and Otiorin run into Aldrin the Hobbit here in these troubled tunnels. The three taller heroes notice instantly - Aldrin with his cloud-white hair and sturdy breastplate armor stands before you, dwarfed on all sides by old and mighty cavern walls that threaten to echo any careless sound.

Aldrin stands alone.

What do the four of you do?

 

[Kaerri]

Kaerri raises her left hand in a wave, then turns it into a thumbs-up with a nod at the kobolds. Another nod is aimed down the tunnel to the cave's entrance. "Let's go," she mouths silently, with a beckoning gesture to both the waiting Aldrin, and to Alisa, Otiorin, and the kobolds.

 

[jaydude]

Alisa gave Kaerri a nod, and then took after her quietly, thankful that they'd managed to extract the kobolds without having to come to blows. Now they just had to get out of this cave, get back to the Wayward Wagon, and find out what had happened to the rest of their group.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin Taletreader

Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, Otiorin thanks any god that might be paying attention to this most audacious of heists before noting the painfully slow rate of motion the Kobolds are going at. With a frown, he nodded and scooped up the closest one and settled the creature on his back, before setting off at a quicker rate toward the ruined Kobold village and the worrying quiet that dwelt there.

 

[Purr]

Captain Hesperus Kaerri jaydude Silanon

With the Rescue team...

When Otiorin reaches for the first of the trio, all three of the unkempt little fellows gasp as the charms about their necks once again glow with a soft and friendly light. Otiorin quickly learns these kobolds are lighter than hobbits even when they are carrying gear. These three, half-starved and without possessions besides their rags and charms, seem to weigh less than a medium-sized dog.

When Otiorin uses his above-average Strength hefts the first, he instantly realizes he can heft a second without trouble. However, the kobolds come to realize that he can too and before the noble half-elf knows it, he's got a kobold under each arm with the third on his back and they are off and moving much more quickly in no time!

Not that this helps the reptilians notice Aldrin of Highwind when you approach. They miss him completely, but each of you sees him.

* * *​

With the Wayward Wanderers by the entrance to the central tunnel...

Psychie Sherwood

Ever the motherly worrier, Mamapaw paces restlessly with the Maul of the Titans in her paws. While the fresh afternoon air and colorful clouds (compared to the darkness you've just returned from) feels refreshing and clean, it does not prevent you from noticing things that are out of the ordinary.

Spoiler: Psychie!

Psychie is out of the ordinary! She counts!

Er, I mean, Oreleth with her elfish habits and senses soon can't help but feel that something is amiss up where she is. But what is it? The demolished village remains demolished, poor, and utterly hopeless. She, Luna, Sparkle, and Mamapaw can see the edge of the village, but not much else. Oreleth can quickly surmise that if one were to travel about 75 meters away from the mouth of the tunnels, one would have a greater sense of the land and what lies upon it.

Or they could stick to where they are and continue to enjoy the white fluffy clouds and clear blue sky. The choice is yours! =)

 

[Psychie]

Oreleth looks around, her mind racing as she still wonders if she made the right call about leaving the giants they way that they did. There was no way that they could take on the lot of them, but just four? Could they have come out successful and ended the threat of at least a few of the giants that way? Too late now; it is all water under the bridge and a person could drive themselves crazy second-guessing themselves in a situation like this.

Better to move in any direction, even if it is the wrong one, than get run over by the runaway wagon barreling towards you.

She says, "Mamapaw, keep an eye out for the others. I'm going to go over there about 75 yards to get a better look of the surrounding area and be right back. Once everyone is back, we are out of here with a quickness." With that the elf warrior mage sets out at a quiet run, covering the intervening space with a long, steady stride, her eyes and ears straining to pick up anything that might be a hazard before her.

Spoiler

Attacks per Round:
1st - Manyshot (firing two arrows). "To Hit:" +18 (+20 First Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 2d8+12 (+6 Base damage).
2nd - Improved Vital Strike. "To Hit:" +13 (+15 Second Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 3d8+6 (Improved Vital Strike, +6 Base damage).
3rd - Normal Attack. "To Hit:" +8 (+10 Third Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 1d8+6
4th - Rapid Shot Bonus Attack. "To Hit:" +18 (+20 First Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 1d8+6
+1d6 per arrow of either Cold, Fire or Electrical from Arcane Archer class.
-3 to hit/+6 Damage from Deadly Aim

Hit Points: 91 +d10 per level
Action Points: 11 / 11
Bonus Action Point: 1 / 1
Diamond of Fate: 1

Armor Class: 24
CMD: 26
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +13
Will Save: +6 (+11 vs Fear)
Perception: +15

Spells Memorized
Cantrips: Mage Hand, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Message
1: Shield x2, Shocking Grasp x2, Burning Hands
2: Flaming Sphere, Glitterdust x2, Web
3: Fireball x2
+3 damage to Evoker spells.

 

[Kaerri]

Kaerri nods approvingly at Otiorin as he's loaded up with too-light kobolds. She would have taken one herself, but maybe they find his draconic heritage more comforting than her present colorful state. And who can blame them on either account? Still, the sight of him with a kobold under each arm and one on his back makes her grin,. She waves the others ahead to take rearguard herself (unless there's something Aldrin wants to do before he leaves, in which case she waits with him).

 

[Purr]

She says, "Mamapaw, keep an eye out for the others.

Psychie

"You can count on me!"

Mamapaw's ears flick forward as sunset-red eyes gaze down into the tunnel. With the legendary Maul of the Titans in her ready grip, she waits with a patience known by feline hunters across all of Sharseya.

With that the elf warrior mage sets out at a quiet run, covering the intervening space with a long, steady stride, her eyes and ears straining to pick up anything that might be a hazard before her.

As Oreleth ascends the rise, she comes out back where the Wayward Wanderers had started - by the devastated kobold village and where she had last seen her fellow party members who stayed with the Wayward Wagon.

Upon traversing the rise, Oreleth comes upon a series of sudden discoveries! Where there was once a ring of quiet and despair filled kobolds, there is now but an empty clearing and obvious evidence of a mad stampede of many little clawed feet breaking through the drawn lines of their earthy prison! And then nothing! The tracks come to a bottleneck and vanish!

There is also no sign anywhere of Bria nor of Powerpaw nor of even the Wayward Wagon!

Sitting in the spot where the wagon once stood, in stark contrast to the blasted gray dusty remains of the once-happy village, is a small atttactive wooden chair. Oreleth recognizes it. It is one of the small chairs that adorn that Wayward Wagon's library. Sat atop of the chair's single cushion, its reflective surface shining under the pretty sun, is a broad silver mirror whose face is about the length of the wild elf's forearm.

Then, high and off in the distance, soaring lazily between the clouds, Oreleth spies eight huge winged green creatures drawing along a majestic wagon that can only belong to the Wayward Wanderers! It seems to be in a flying pattern between the Sun and where Oreleth now stands.

Once, just once, the daughter of the Forest Eternal catches a glimpse from the front of the wagon that might be the reflection of something bright.

=)

 

[Psychie]

Oreleth smiles at the sight of the chair from the Grand Wagon, knowing that this had to be a message from Bria and Powerpaw, and at a guess, there is something about that mirror that is significant. Reaching out with her Mage Hand spell, she grabs the mirror and pulls it over to her before taking a hold of the object in her non-bow hand. At a guess, this is a means of communicating with the others up on the Wagon. If it is not a magic mirror of some sort, I can use it to reflect sunlight up and signal Bria, Powerpaw and the others up there.

With a quick casting of Detect Magic, the elf tests the mirror to see if it was some magical device, or if she will have to use more mundane means to let the others know they are out of the caves and are ready to be picked up.

Spoiler

Attacks per Round:
1st - Manyshot (firing two arrows). "To Hit:" +18 (+20 First Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 2d8+12 (+6 Base damage).
2nd - Improved Vital Strike. "To Hit:" +13 (+15 Second Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 3d8+6 (Improved Vital Strike, +6 Base damage).
3rd - Normal Attack. "To Hit:" +8 (+10 Third Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 1d8+6
4th - Rapid Shot Bonus Attack. "To Hit:" +18 (+20 First Attack, -2 Rapid Shot). Damage: 1d8+6
+1d6 per arrow of either Cold, Fire or Electrical from Arcane Archer class.
-3 to hit/+6 Damage from Deadly Aim

Hit Points: 91 +d10 per level
Action Points: 11 / 11
Bonus Action Point: 1 / 1
Diamond of Fate: 1

Armor Class: 24
CMD: 26
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +13
Will Save: +6 (+11 vs Fear)
Perception: +15

Spells Memorized
Cantrips: Mage Hand, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Message
1: Shield x2, Shocking Grasp x2, Burning Hands
2: Flaming Sphere, Glitterdust x2, Web
3: Fireball x2
+3 damage to Evoker spells.

 

[Purr]

Psychie

The mirror proves to be without magical qualities with the sole exception that all mirrors share - its delightful ability of reflecting back to Oreleth the sunny image of her own pretty face. =)

 

[Purr]

Captain Hesperus Kaerri jaydude Psychie Sherwood Silanon

"To Make A Long Story Short." =)

On their way back topside to reunite with their party and to get the dickens out of this Very Dangerous Cave, the Wayward Wanderers and friends run into the following little scenes with the three kobolds they stealthily rescued out from under the (very large) noses of the Storm Lords. Those little scenes happened like this:

1. "Mmmm!" The three screamed in alarm with their mouths shut when the Rescue Team met up with the faithful and handsome Aldrin the Hobbit. Not realizing he was an ally, the kobolds, who are a little too used to living in Dangerous Dark Places, the three kobolds immediately mistook him for a threat and, being all over Otiorin as they were, began flinging sharp objects in Aldrin's direction.

They could have done this all day and never once harmed the stout little Oracle, for his Breastplate of Invulnerability may as well have been a castle wall against the hand-crossbow bolts being flung weakly at him. Indeed, Aldrin could have been asleep in that armor and the kobolds could not have harmed him. Not that the kobolds knew this, of course. After the Rescue Team plus Aldrin calmed them down, they set about with apologies and the return of all nine bolts to Otiorin's quiver. The kobolds' heartfelt explanation included the fact they were trying to protect not themselves, but Otiorin, whom they see as the One Hope of the Tribe of the Silver Sun, against any and all dangers. They listened with heads bowed to any advice you gave them.

2. "Mmmmm!!" The three screamed again when you came upon Luna. And who could blame them? Here they were, dirty, underfed, scared out of their lives for who knows how long when they were suddenly freed with the help of the One Creature They Longed to See (that would be Otiorin who makes their silver charms glow, that is, when the kobolds aren't hiding them in their mouths). So when your party came across some strange robed human, both clearly confident and able in her abilities, the kobolds successfully lost their minds all over again. This time, more hand-crossbow bolts were flung and even one of Otiorin's sharp daggers made it about halfway to Luna's feet before it harmlessly struck the dirt of the tunnel floor.

Luna knew without a doubt that they were in no danger from these three; even without her Improved Mage Armor spell up, how much could they have damaged her if they had somehow penetrated that wizardly barrier? There was another talking-to with Otiorin, Alisa, Kaerri, Aldrin, and Luna present. More apologies drifted up from the kobolds along with all of Otiorin's items returned to their proper places. Sparkle, Luna's Pseudo-dragon familiar, who was on Luna's shoulder the entire time, just watched and kind of snickered at the whole thing.

3. "MMMMMM!!"

Yes, you guessed it. Meeting Mamapaw, the eight-foot tall, four-hundred pound Felane with the huge housewrecking maul in her paws broke the final straw of sanity the three little kobolds had left. Shouts of "Omigod!" and "Bahamut help us!" and "Help me wif dis here ballista!" filled the tunnel as - yes, you may have guessed it - all three of the little fellows began pulling at one of Otiorin's brand new Highwindian repeating hand crossbows in an attempt to put it up on the half-elf's shoulder and fire at it at Mamapaw.

Now, if left to their own devices (or Otiorin's, for that matter), the kobolds may well have been able to harm Mamapaw in her magical crimson leather armor. But, for the third time in as many scenes, the Wayward Wanderers and friends were able to stop their defense of Otiorin (which by now they had been told was entirely unnecessary) before any Felane were harmed during the writing of this post.

4. Bonus Scene, Just For You!

So, by the time the Wayward Wanderers left the cavern and got back out into shiny sunlight, pretty clouds, grassy knolls, and the flattened, burned-down remains of what was once the kobolds' happy home, the three little creatures were holding up their equally-little paws against the glare of the sun. So bright was it that they failed to see Oreleth as the party left the caverns and met the Arcane Archer upon the hill she was performing reconnaissance upon.

"MMM-- oh, she's gotta be a goody-goody," said the deflated kobolds as their silver charms popped out of their gasping maws to twinkle and glow in the afternoon sun. They in no way attempted to harm Oreleth, who by this time, had noticed along with the rest of the party of the skyward approach of the Wayward Wagon, pulled through the very air by those eight majestic jade hippogriff-golems. By the time the kobolds saw the great wagon come down to land, they had all of their surprise-energy spent. The three just gazed at the incredible flyiing golems and richly-decorated flying wagon... and collapsed in a heap at Otiorin's feet.

"I've hadda hard day," one managed to croak. =)

* * *​

Friends, you are about to embark upon the Wayward Wagon and leave this place behind. It is presumed that each of you are going to enter the Wayward Wagon where Stewart, reins in hand, is happily waving at you from the driver's bench. If there is anything else you would like to do before you leave, you are welcome to declare this now. Chances seem high that you won't be coming back to this place anytime soon. =)

 

[Sherwood]

Luna does her best to not make any sudden moves around the kobolds to avoid scaring them even more, but she is quite focused on getting the group into the Wagon and get the heck away from these giants as soon as possible. A part of her is disappointed that they didn't engage the giants and eliminate at least the four that the Storm King had chosen to fight them, but the outcome of that fight was uncertain, and the cost of losing was just too great.

With a soft voice and a gentle touch, she helps the poor little guys into the Wagon so that they can all get away before the giants realize that they were not coming back into the cave for a fight. She says, "It's ok, we're friends and we're going to get you out of here and away to safety. But you have to trust us and come quickly! We have to be out of here before your absence is discovered. I'm Luna, by the way, and we are here to help."

Spoiler

Hit Points: 74 +1d6
Action Points: 11 / 10
Diamond of Fate: 1

Armor Class: 18 - 24 Mage Armor II. +2 from Ring of Force Shield
Touch AC: 14 Flat Footed: 22

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +16

Base Attack: +6 / +1
Melee: +4 / -1
Ranged: +8 / +3

Extended Mage Armor II active for the next 26 hours

Spells memorized:
Cantrips (4): Mage Hand, Light, Detect Magic, Read Magic
1 (7): Magic Missile x4, Shield x2, Unseen Servant
2 (7): Web x2, Protection From Arrows x2, Glitterdust x2, Scorching Ray
3 (6): Haste x2, Fireball x2, Slow, Lightning Bolt
4 (5): Empowered Scorching Ray x3, Ball Lightning x2
5 (5): Cone of Cold x2, Empowered Fireball x2
6 (4): Chain Lightning
7 (2): Prismatic Spray, Mage Sword

+7 damage to all Evoker spells

 

[Psychie]

Oreleth breathes a quiet sigh of relief when she sees the last of the Wayward Wanderers exiting the cave with the kobolds. Keeping an arrow knocked, she stands at the side of the door to the Wagon, waiting for everyone to get onboard safely. "Luna is right. We need to be out of here as fast as possible. Quickly! Everyone get inside before our escape attempt is discovered by the giants!"

 

[Kaerri]

Kaerri does her best to reassure the kobolds at each stage while still staying quiet. Keeping an eye on the tunnel behind them, and then on the forest around them, she follows the party to the wagon, noting that all of the kobolds in the village had vanished (hopefully into the wagon). She waves at Stewart. "All the rest inside?" Assuming he answers in the affirmative, she nods and waits for everyone else to get in before hopping up to sit next to Stewart (unless someone else has taken that spot), all the while keeping both eyes on their surroundings.

 

[Silanon]

There's no need to delay the retreat from the caves - with the stealthiness of the others doing a fine job to conceal the rescue, all a spell could do was to attract someone's attention. Thus, the halfling - after living through the volley of harmless objects - simply follows the others as quietly as he can. Wondering how deeply the fear must have struck to forget about their previous night's guest.

Well, it's understandable - at the latest when as he sees the destruction above. Is that the price of civility, hospitality and goodness? If so, the gods were right to direct his steps here. It is where his gifts might indeed be needed. But what for? There was little to be done. Not during that night. Not now. Neither spells not words made a difference, and nothing was saved but the kobolds' hides. Perhaps, that's all that was possible. But what if not? Would a fight against the giants have done more than just create another few corpses? Would have talking to their leader made any difference. Who knows. The wondering is futile, but still just so natural to his mind. For one who explores the different paths of time...

He shakes his head. It does not matter. As long as the kobolds are alive, everything else can eventually be rebuilt. Elsewhere, he reckons - this place is tainted by horrible memories, now. The wagon's arrival is appreciated without a single word - mostly because it leaves the halfling speechless. One can never be truly prepared for the marvels of this world... and yet, he turns his gaze away, back at the village, and mumbles a prayer. "Gods who guide me, guide these kobolds as well. Give them what they deserve for their helpfulness. Let them stay true to their path."

Then, he walks up to wagon, first hesitates, then looks up to the driver. "Aldrin Whitehair's the name. If it's at all possible, could you give me a ride? Anywhere's fine, and I'd be happy to pay - but these legs are shorter than those of giants." He then patiently waits for a response.

 

[Purr]

Captain Hesperus Kaerri jaydude Psychie Sherwood Silanon (because borks be borkin' sometimes). =)

Spoiler: Instrumental Tunes

"1 Hour of Slavic & Viking Music" This is good stuff!

Then, he walks up to wagon, first hesitates, then looks up to the driver. "Aldrin Whitehair's the name. If it's at all possible, could you give me a ride? Anywhere's fine, and I'd be happy to pay - but these legs are shorter than those of giants." He then patiently waits for a response.

The tall, aged man dressed in the colorful finery of the well-to-do replies to Aldrin with a tip of his feathered hat. He points briefly with a proud grin. "My good hobbit, Oreleth is the one you should be asking, for as the leader of the Wayward Wanderers, it is my duty to serve her!"

She waves at Stewart. "All the rest inside?"

Stewart's aged face is touched with lines of stress as his white hair blows in the wind but you see resolve in those steel-hearted eyes. "Everyone is inside - all but you, my dear rogue! What calamity are we fleeing from this time around?"

Seeing the sense of urgency from the adventurers all around him, Stewart wastes no time in snapping the reins. "Ho there! Up, up! Into the sky we go!" At once, all eight of the robust green hippogriffs begin to run forth, their wings spread as the distance between them widens. In moments, instead of being two lines of four hippogriffs closely side-by-side, they widen outward to spread their great wings and as they do, the Wayward Wagon wheels begin to cease to spin as they leave the ground! Something in your brains and guts tells you that you are now airborne! The eight jade golems, their massive wings alternating, take all of you up and into the air and in moments, the distance between you and the grassy grounds beneath you greatens with every wingbeat. You shoot through the wind like some great arrow in flight...

... and just in time!

No great and loud event announces the arrival of the Storm Lords, no quaking of the earth, no massive stomping to wreak fear and havoc, no. Out of the center cavern, they come in ones and twos and now you see them clearly - each armored behemoths with a load of weapons and defensive armaments upon their enormously-muscled frames! Wild tattoos and wilder hair make them seem every bit the barbarians as they race not across the ground, but across the very air itself!

All twelve Storm Lords spread out in three teams of four and look all about. Their faces fall in confusion and dismay as, at first, they see no sign of you and no sign of their carefully-captured kobold tribe! Indeed, they quickly discover they are the only living beings with reach of their power now and they gnash their teeth and roar in anger - all except one.

Thun'drous the True-Tongued, the mighty king of the Storm Lords, his ashen gray hair and beard whipping along his scarred face and ancient shining armor, is the first to look upward and spot the Wayward Wagon as it rises toward Sharseya's heavenly clouds. He sees this, gasps deeply in great surprise... and then bursts out into such loud and boisterous laughter as to make the very air quake around him! His fellow warriors pause and follow his gaze and their faces are priceless!

King Thun'drous's shout could be heard if you three times as high in the sky. "Ha ha haaaa! Who can know the minds of rogues?" he calls out knowing full well you can hear him. "Otiorin Taletreader! Alisa of Mielikki! Kaerri Rainshadow! The wind has told me of the Wayward Wanderers and now I see you for the blasted rascals you are!" He points up at you and you can see his great frosty grin even from here. "Wave! By Marius's bald head, your newest wielder is the most-unknowable yet! This hour is yours, oh Wayward Wanderers, for we cannot catch you in this fair weather! Keep those slaves! You have earned them. But should the fates arise that we meet again, it will be the Storm Lords who will win the day! As sure as the rain comes down! Ha haaaa!"

"Luna is right. We need to be out of here as fast as possible. Quickly! Everyone get inside before our escape attempt is discovered by the giants!"

The kobolds nod weakly to everyone who addresses them. Their faces are filled with a combination of dread and relief as they stare back down to the Storm Lords. With what few pebbles they have on their persons, they hurl them along with spitballs down at the giants. Then the three turn and look to each of you.

"Boy, iz we lucky you rescued us when ya did!"

"Yeah," another sighs. "While you wuz rescuin' us, dey was drawin' stones ta see which of da four of dem were gonna wear us aroun' dere necks when dey came an' fought you all!"

"Sure wuz!" The third gulps. "We heard 'em! Dey wuz sayin' you goody-goodies wouldn't use none'a yer fireballies or explody-booms when you saw us all helpless, trapped an' worn aroun' dere necks! Dey wuz gonna use yer goody-goodiness against youse! Thanks, whole bunches, you guys! C'mon, guys! In we go!"

With that, the trio of dirty and weak reptilian fellows glance once to one another before they hustle toward the only door in or out of the magical and majestic Wayward Wagon. When the door opens, strange purple fumes that smell strangely of lavender float up from inside; the Wayward Wanderers know this to come from the two great bowls just inside the door. It seems no insects or pests ever cross that cloudy barrier. The round-arched portal seems to tower over the three kobolds as they do as asked and vanish inside.

And with that, the Storm Lords recede, King Thund'rous and his mighty folk are farther and farther away by the moment. Stewart looks down at them and then back at you with a gasp and a shudder - even the old Highwindian can tell the Wayward Wanderers had just escaped a very bad situation with all that they could!

Freedom is yours for the moment - your freedom and that of the Kobold Tribe of the Silver Sun!

 

[jaydude]

King Thun'drous's shout could be heard if you three times as high in the sky. "Ha ha haaaa! Who can know the minds of rogues?" he calls out knowing full well you can hear him. "Otiorin Taletreader! Alisa of Mielikki! Kaerri Rainshadow! The wind has told me of the Wayward Wanderers and now I see you for the blasted rascals you are!" He points up at you and you can see his great frosty grin even from here. "Wave! By Marius's bald head, your newest wielder is the most-unknowable yet! This hour is yours, oh Wayward Wanderers, for we cannot catch you in this fair weather! Keep those slaves! You have earned them. But should the fates arise that we meet again, it will be the Storm Lords who will win the day! As sure as the rain comes down! Ha haaaa!"

"Oh, we will be encountering you again, if you're working for Lovitair." Alisa said once the Storm Giants were done speaking. Not that she expected them to be able to hear her, of course. "My only regret is that I didn't get to end at least one of you in those caves..."

 

[Kaerri]

Stewart's aged face is touched with lines of stress as his white hair blows in the wind but you see resolve in those steel-hearted eyes. "Everyone is inside - all but you, my dear rogue! What calamity are we fleeing from this time around?"

Kaerri clings to her seat, resolutely keeping her eyes on the ground around the village as they take off. But she doesn't yet answer.

King Thun'drous's shout could be heard if you three times as high in the sky. "Ha ha haaaa! Who can know the minds of rogues?" he calls out knowing full well you can hear him. "Otiorin Taletreader! Alisa of Mielikki! Kaerri Rainshadow! The wind has told me of the Wayward Wanderers and now I see you for the blasted rascals you are!" He points up at you and you can see his great frosty grin even from here. "Wave! By Marius's bald head, your newest wielder is the most-unknowable yet! This hour is yours, oh Wayward Wanderers, for we cannot catch you in this fair weather! Keep those slaves! You have earned them. But should the fates arise that we meet again, it will be the Storm Lords who will win the day! As sure as the rain comes down! Ha haaaa!"

She can't help herself. Leaning just far enough to be visible, assuming he can see her that far (and Kaerri does assume so), she grins back and gives the giant king a cheeky wave. Then the weight of all those uncountable feet between herself and the ground reasserts itself and she snaps back into place next to Stewart, maybe a little bit closer to him than before. And, naturally, with both hands firmly gripping her seat again.

And with that, the Storm Lords recede, King Thund'rous and his mighty folk are farther and farther away by the moment. Stewart looks down at them and then back at you with a gasp and a shudder - even the old Highwindian can tell the Wayward Wanderers had just escaped a very bad situation with all that they could!

"That is what we're fleeing from this time around," the shadowdancer finally replies. But there's a gleam in her eyes and it's hardly more than a breath before she starts laughing. "Hah! You were right, Wave! But I'm sure glad it's a sunny day today all the same."

 

[Purr]

Captain Hesperus jaydude Kaerri Psychie Sherwood Silanon Tag! You're it! =)

"Everyone is inside - all but you, my dear rogue! What calamity are we fleeing from this time around?"

When Stewart stated that everyone was inside, he means to say everyone but the Wayward Wanderers, Alisa, and Aldrin. You are outside for the moment but this will change very soon.

"Oh, we will be encountering you again, if you're working for Lovitair." Alisa said once the Storm Giants were done speaking. Not that she expected them to be able to hear her, of course. "My only regret is that I didn't get to end at least one of you in those caves..."

Mamapaw's fierce and predatory growl is enough to send shivers up spines.

"Well spoken, Alisa! That goes for two of us! If the golden-hearted Maiden of the Forest has a true foe, it lies in the empty core of cursed Loviatar!" The tall and furry Felane follows this statement with a hissing spit that is every bit worthy of a true great hunting cat - intimidating, remorseless, and altogether hateful.

"That is what we're fleeing from this time around," the shadowdancer finally replies. But there's a gleam in her eyes and it's hardly more than a breath before she starts laughing.

"By the Great Saint! Each one of those brutes looks to be twice the challenge of the Hunderland Hill Giants who dwell not far from here!" Stewart recoils and jokes. "Can't you young people find anything normal to aggravate?"

The old fellow says this with a look of relief that all of you have returned; all of you plus one, he notes the well-mannered hobbit among your company with a grin.

* * *​

In ones and twos, all of you enter through the lavender wall of mist that clouds the portal and into the Wayward Wagon. Once safely inside, the wind ceases, and instead of your having to shout over the noise of the rushing air, now your every movement seems to echo as you enter the cavernous Grand Pool.

Any feelings you may have of tenseness and danger have cause to leave you as you see before you great wooden floors and walls and a towering ceiling that appears to be far too large to fit into the wagon (see the pictures of the Wayward Wagon for details).

The glistening Grand Pool for which the room is named seems to beckon to you, its shining blue waters appear cool and inviting. On the edge of the pool closest to the door you entered, you believe you see the entire Tribe of the Silver Sun. They are shivering, looking about uncertainly, and huddled together like children.

That is, until they spot their three dark and grimy brethren whose limbs look like twigs and their wide open eyes stare about the room as if they cannot trust their own senses.

"Is dis real?" one of the three you rescued says from a daze.

The entire tribe turns and looks at them, their muzzles widening with smiles, their reptilian eyes seeing with joy, but not one says a word and they hardly move at all.

"Hay!" Powerpaw greets you, his muscled arms filled with what looks like three barrels that have been cut in half. He carries towels on what looks like soap inside of them.

To Aldrin, this cat-like creature appears to share some commonalities with the druidess you know as MamaPaw. His fur is black and white. His eyes are blood-red like his mother's. There is something about the way he carries himself that seems to speak of confidence. That is, until he opens his mouth.

His voice does not match his body. It sounds childish, even silly. But his mannerisms, chain mail armor, and weapons are very like those of a battle-honed warrior.

"Welcome back, you'se guys! What happened in da caves? And who's shorty-face?" He nods towards Aldrin.

Mamapaw growls briefly which causes the younger cat's ears to flick upward. "This hobbit, my son, is Aldrin of Highwind. Aldrin? This is my youngest kit, Powerpaw - a gladiator by trade, a son of Beautiful Bastet by blessing!"

"Heya Aldrin-face!" He puts the barrels-become-buckets down in front of the trio of rescued Kobolds who step forward to sniff. They seem to like what they smell.

"What happened in dose caves?" Powerpaw queries.