“Perhaps I can shed a little light on the situation,” responded Oakleaf. ”We are still some distance from the Blue Stone excavation, and Master James may benefit from better seeing our surroundings.”
Oakleaf Gilderwood extended his ornate scythe blade staff and softly chanted rhythmic words of power. The large emerald at the top of the staff began to glow, first with green light and then a pure white light that cast illumination throughout the cavern. Stalagmites and stalactites from ancient mineralized water seepage populated the upper end of the cave, and a narrow exit was visible. Onwards, ever upwards. The group was climbing the mountain, from the inside.
Oakleaf dimmed his light and the minimal glows from the red rock crystals returned to the fore. “We should continue our way up the mountain, Erik. My thinking is that we have an hour or two of climbing left within us at most. After that a campsite for resting and meal preparation will be required.”
The group continued with their ascent. James no longer smelled the disturbing scent, but assumed the impurities in the air within the mountain remained present. Oakleaf’s spell was protecting the adventurers. Nonetheless, the exertions were becoming extreme. Progress was slow with Erik having to wait constantly for the others to negotiate difficult sections. On two occasions the Dwarf deployed a hemp rope to provide a secure set of handholds for the climbers. Finally, and not a moment too soon for James’s state of exhaustion, Erik announced the presence of another widening in the passageway. “Stop where’s ya are! Thar be a cave ahead whatch may suit Mr. Gilderwood’s purposes. Bot it is also the vary sort of spot those bloody Waagerssons would lay a trap fer us! Let me invastagate, and don yas move a mussel fer I tell yas to.”
With that the group became silent, and cast their attention forward to the sounds of Erik’s hammer and excavating tools. Meticulously, the Dwarf made his way up the widening passage, and around the corner, out of the vision of his comrades, Minutes passed, Surely, thought James, he will give the all clear at any moment,
“Damn those Waagerssons to hell!” and with those words came a thunderous rumbling noise down the passageway, and an exclamation, “Aaaargh!!!”
James instantly thought the worst and fully expected the mountain to fall on top of them all, but the noise mostly subsided and Erik called out to them, “Up, now, all a yees! Move it. Come now, as fast a yee can! Move it!” shouted the Dwarf.
With that, each group member grabbed their belongings and hurried towards the commotion. As he rounded the bend James could see Erik straining to support a wide flat rock slab holding back an avalanche of loose stones. Tons of boulders threatened to fill the passageway with only the immense strength of the Dwarf, holding back the inevitable rock slide. One after another the adventurers pushed past Erik Blarneysson’s overtaxed body. James was the last one through, and only a second later, the avalanche thundered into the passageway, sealing it for good.
“Mother of God! If I ever git my hands on those Waagersson boys ile rend them limb from limb! A triple hidden footplate trap! Wot in the blazes wud ever git inta those boys ta set a triple damn hidden footplate!” With that the Dwarf threw his hands in the air and lamented, “Wall, thars nuthin left in it but ta go forwards now. No backin down fer us. That Gloamanswine knows we’re comin now, with all that racket. Ay joost sat off their burglar alarm, that’s fer sure.”
Despite the near catastrophe, all five companions had their lives and possessions intact. It could have been so much worse but for the timely strength of Erik Blarneysson. How was it possible for him to hold back tons of stones? How strong was a Dwarf?
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As James calmed down he noticed that the cavern they had entered had several unique features. The floor of the enclosure was relatively level and large enough for all five to lay down. As the dust from the avalanche of boulders settled, he noticed a small pool of water, off to the side of the main passageway. Oakleaf Gilderwood raised a light for a few moments with his staff and also seemed to approve of the space once he had completed his inspection.
“This will be an adequate camp location for our needs. Once we have eaten, we will need to post a guard, while the others rest,” explained Sir Gilderwood. “I would say that our quest has so far been fortunate, in this journey. Many further trials await. Each of you should do your best to prepare for tomorrow’s exertions.”
With that Elena began preparation of the evening meal. Celeste seemed distracted with performing some sort of ritual at the far end of the cavern, so James offered to assist Elana. This offer was well received.
“What is your assessment of our current situation, Sir James?” inquired Elana, as she chopped the potatoes into the cooking pot.
“I’ve never been in a situation like this before in my life, Elana. Where I come from the most stressful events usually involve preparation for a final mathematics examination. Truthfully, I am completely overwhelmed by what is going on.
Erik and Sir Gilderwood seemed in control, but that trap that the Chaos Dwarfs set for us almost did us in. My only hope is that we exit this mountain alive,” answered James.
“It is my belief that Mage Gilderwood seeks to directly challenge The One Who Cannot be Slain,” stated Elana directly. “The followers of Chaos depend absolutely on the iron strength of their Lords. Sir Gilderwood seeks to destroy the leadership of this incursion by directly challenging Gloamanthal. I fear for our Patriarch’s life.”
“Why is he called the ‘One Who Cannot be Slain’?” inquired James.
“It is said that no living being is capable of defeating Gloamanthal. No one has ever survived an altercation with the Chaos Lord,” stated Elana grimly, as she peeled carrots, and handed James the garlic press and corms, then continued, “Mage Gilderwood summoned you in order to tip the balance of this confrontation in his favour.”
James considered this news thoughtfully and carefully reviewed in his mind the magical equipment with which he had been provided. Elana’s cloak and the ring were all that he could imagine employing in these circumstances. With those he could sneak around and bring a single dead person back to life. Whom could James resurrect? Erik Blarneysson might have been a recent candidate, were it not for his quick thinking and unfathomable strength. Other than that the only thing that James had to offer was his tiny short sword, and utter lack of combat experience.
“I am having trouble imagining just how I might be useful in a fight against demons,” replied James.
“Indeed,” explained Elana. The role of Emerald magic is usually more profound after the battle, when healing of the fallen is required. Even during an engagement, the spells of the Emerald Path usually provide support or strength to fellow combatants. Gloamanthal is the world’s most feared warrior. He is accompanied by Chaos Chosen soldiers who are unequaled in their combat efficiency. Even the Dwarf miners represent a considerable fighting force. Woe is us,” she finished sadly, as she stirred the vegetable stew and added last minute herbs and spices.
Elana sampled the results with a wooden spoon and instructed James, “You may inform the others that the meal is ready.”
With that all five gathered beside a stone slab and shared a warm meal.
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The ‘night’ passed without incident, though truth be told James had no idea if it was morning, noon or night. Celeste and Erik had spelled each other off during the night as night watchman, so as to allow James, Elana and Sir Gilderwood the maximum recovery time. Gathering their belongings and donning their pack sacks, the group set off up the passageway, which became a steep incline, immediately upon exiting the cavern.
More climbing and several pitches which required Erik acting as a leader to set up rope assists. Surely, the group was approaching the summit of Mount Issabella. The temperature had fallen enough for James to believe the journey was approaching its endpoint, for good or for ill.
“Thees is far enuf fer now,” commanded Erik. “The Blue Stone wurks are nearby, and ay weel have ter scout ahead. Stay put here until ay return. God hisself knows what ay weel find. No doubt a bloody Blue Stone mine and who knows whot else to boot?” Erik shook his head in disgust. “An keep ete quiet while I does my wurk! Ayel be back soon as ay can.” With that Erik rounded a corner of dolomitic rock, leaving his rucksack with the remainder of the group.