Flint and the Northman charged, I on the other hand groaned. I outstretched my hands and looked at the options, while my hands were empty I could see the icons for the spells that I knew. I had studied some magic when I was younger and I had also picked up a few additional spells since my exile. I knew Charged Bolt, Magic Darts, Suggestion, Disabling Cloud, Conjure Element, Messenger, Shape Element, and Kinetic Boost. Charged Bolt, Magic Darts, Suggestion, Messenger, and Kinetic Boost were all one-handed spells, meaning that I could cast them as long as I had one hand free. I had been studying with an old beggar many years ago who began teaching me a way to conceal the hand gestures, which is what I had done when I was casting Suggestion on the guards of Roslicay, making them look like nervous jittering instead of the typically large grand gestures that were required of those who used Magi Talents.
I stretched out my hands and activated Disabling Cloud, not trying to conceal the gestures so that the spell would cast faster since concealing them added to the casting time, and with Flint and the Northman charging the five Ghorim, time was of the essence. My fingers began to move in the familiar patterns and I saw the familiar threads of The Weave forming the pattern of the spell that would be locked into form by the correct word of power. As the pattern completed I shouted the word of power and the spell was released. There was a sudden sound at the center of the Ghorim, something akin to the sound of air being released from something accompanied by a low hiss. From the center of the spell’s targetted area, a sickly greenish gray cloud began to billow out to encompass the five Ghorim. The large Ghorim looked around furiously as his four fellows began choking, gagging, and falling to the ground unconscious.
I got a PIP notification along with another one that claimed that the center Ghorim was unaffected. I didn’t figure that the big one would be affected, but by knocking out the additional four the fight would hopefully be a little more even and balanced. The Northman was the first to arrive, outpacing Flint just barely. The Ghorim raised a forearm to block the wild swing that the Northman threw at him, and then struck the man in the chest with one huge fist. The Northman grunted loudly and I could hear a cracking sound as the Northman flew back several feet before landing in a heap on the ground. The Northman just laid there trying to take in air with a pained expression on his face.
Flint had stopped his charge upon seeing that and began to approach more slowly. As he did I saw the other Battle Priest walking towards the fight with a glowing shield of his own in one hand and an even more ornate solid steel Warhammer in his other hand. When he got nearby the two priests began circling the massive Ghorim but the beast just stood there with a vicious smile growing across his pig-like face.
"Flint, you arrived just in time," the older priest exclaimed as he and Flint circled the massive Ghorim leader. The old priest sprang forward with a burst of speed, his movements graceful and precise as he attempted to distract the towering beast. With a deafening thwack, the Ghorim easily caught the head of the priest's hammer in one hand, halting its powerful side swing.
As the older priest's eyes widened in shock, Flint stepped in to join the attack. He swung his hammer with all his might, aiming for the Ghorim's blind spot, but once again, the mighty leader effortlessly seized his weapon with his free hand. A deep growl rumbled from within the Ghorim's chest, a warning to these humans who dared challenge him.
With a sudden surge of strength, the Ghorim slammed his hands together in front of him, causing the two priests to lose their footing and crash into each other. The sound of their collision was drowned out by the Ghorim's mocking laughter as he towered over them, triumphant in his display of dominance.
“This is all your god has to offer? Two feeble old priests?” the Ghorim sneered at the two priests standing before him. He shoved them back with a powerful force, causing them to stumble and fall in a heap on the ground. I crouched behind the corner of a nearby building, my hands frantically weaving through intricate gestures as I cast my Magic Darts spell. With bated breath, I watched the timer on my UI slowly count down, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Just as the last second ticked away, I stepped out from my cover and launched four vibrant green darts towards the massive leader. They flew true, guided by my skilled aim, and struck the beast in his broad back with a sharp sizzle. Quickly ducking back behind the corner, I waited for any sign of reaction from my formidable opponent.
“Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your Tier 1 Magic Darts Spell! Hit! You hit the Ghorim Leader for 16 Body Damage! You need 10 more PIPs before you can raise your Magic Darts Spell to Tier 2!”
”Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your level 5 Casting skill! You need 6 more PIPs before you can raise your Casting Skill to level 6!”
”Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your level 4 Stealth skill! You need 6 more PIPs before you can raise your Stealth Skill to level 5!”
One good thing about these stupid boxes is that at least I know when something was successful. I looked at my UI and saw that my Stamina had lowered by another four points. I could feel myself getting tired and drained as my resources began to run low. I only had two Stamina left, enough for a Kinetic Boost.
KINETIC BOOST
Cost: 2 Stamina
Activation/Duration: Instant/1 Action
Range/Area of Effect: Self/Self
Concentration Required: No
Description: Kinetic Boost increases your Kinetic Energy for a short time. This doubles your movement speed and increases damage that you do for one single action. Doubles Movement Speed (Movement Speed = Vigilance in feet / movement action) and adds +4 Damage to one single attack.
I watched Flint and the older priest get up and square off again as the leader looked around for whoever cast the spell that caused so much damage. I mean, makes sense, looking at my screen I only had a whopping 6 Body, that spell would have outright killed me. I stayed hiding behind the corner, peeping out carefully as Flint and the other priest looked at each other and Flint glancing briefly in my direction. They nodded at each other and moved, circling around the leader to turn his back towards me. I could see where the four Magic Darts had struck and there were four burnt craters in the Ghorims large wide back seeping blood. I pulled my wolf’s head long knife and watched until they had him turned and then I cast Kinetic Boost. I instantly felt an electric surge run through my body and it was like the entire world went into slow motion. I came around the corner and ran straight towards the back of Ghorim leader, leaping at the last moment to fly silently through the air, my knife spearing down into the creatures neck.
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“Right-hand attack, Backstab. Critical Hit! You hit the Ghorim Raider for 16 Body Damage!”
”Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your level 4 Stealth Skill! You need 4 more PIPs before you can raise your Stealth Skill to level 5!”
”Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your level 4 Melee Weapons Skill! You need 4 more PIPs before you can raise your Medium Weapons Skill to level 5!”
”Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your level 5 Casting Skill! You need 4 more PIPs before you can raise your Melee Weapons Skill to level 5!”
“Congratulations! You have gained two PIPs in your Tier 1 Kinetic Boost Spell! Hit! You need 14 more PIPs before you can raise your Magic Darts Spell to Tier 2!”
“Congratulations, you have successfully killed the Ghorim Leader!”
I hung there for a few seconds while the thick skulled Ghorim leader rocked slightly, his very tiny brain not having registered that I had just severed his spine. I dangled from the long knife buried in the leader’s neck until he finally toppled backwards like a falling tree. backwards, right on to me. I let out a gasp as the wind was forced out of me and I felt my ribs strain.
“You have taken 3 Body Damage from the Ghorim Leader Corpse!”
Of course I did. I frantically wriggled and twisted in an attempt to escape the crushing weight of the behemoth on top of me, but it was no use - I was securely pinned down. The sound of heavy footsteps sloshing through the mud grew closer and my heart raced with fear until a loud, booming laughter echoed through the mostly silent night air. Suddenly, a sharp slap broke through the tension and Flint's voice rang out clearly above the chaos.
“Quit laughing, help us get him out from under this thing.” Flint said, his tone serious as usual.
“Sorry friend, it is funny. The dirty man is funny!”
The Northman's voice rang out, a deep rumble that was both commanding and weary. He grunted as the three of them hefted the leader off of me, their muscles straining with the effort. They slowly carried the monstrous figure a few feet away and dropped it unceremoniously to the ground with a thud. I lay there in my makeshift dent in the ground, trying to catch my breath and regain my bearings after the brutal attack.
As I pulled my hood back over my face, Flint was at my side in an instant, his strong hand held out towards me. His stormy gray eyes were filled with concern and relief as he helped me up, a gentle smile gracing his lips. Together, he and the Northman supported me on either side, their sturdy arms keeping me steady as we made our way towards the ancient temple. My body ached and my heart raced with adrenaline, but I was grateful just to have survived the intense battle. As we approached the temple, we saw the older priest struggling to stay on his feet, his wrinkled face contorted in pain. Flint's gaze flickered to me for a brief moment, silently asking if I was alright. With a small nod, I reassured him that I would be fine. The Northman could easily carry me under one arm, so Flint wasn’t exactly needed, but it felt comforting to have him by my side. Flint ran over to the older priest and gently helped him to a sitting position, quickly assessing his injuries. Pulling off the old man’s breastplate, he revealed a large bruise that covered the entire right side of his torso and a deep gash in his side that continued to seep blood.
With great effort, the old priest pushes Flint away with a force that belies his frail appearance. He struggles to stand, his eyes filled with pain and determination as he looks at the three of us. "You must go, all of you. Get to Leattie Chapel as quickly as possible. Make sure the temple is safe and spread word of what has befallen us here," he pleads urgently. Despite his age and evident suffering, the old man stands with an imposing presence that commands our attention. Flint hesitates, but the priest's authoritative tone leaves no room for debate. "Gather your things and leave now," he orders sternly, his face etched with concern.
“Flint, I can see the protest in your eyes. As your superior, I am ordering you to gather your things and be off as soon as you can.” the old priest stand firm his eyes locked with Flint’s.
“Yes, sire. I will do as you bid.” With a bow of his head, Flint acknowledged the orders from his superior and turned to survey the scene before him. A field of destruction and chaos lay at his feet, the bodies of fallen enemies scattered among the debris. His eyes caught sight of me, calmly finishing off the incapacitated Ghorim soldiers and searching their bodies for valuable items - particularly the leader who held an air of importance. As he "looked over" my actions, his gaze settled on the tall, broad-shouldered Northman who stood with a relaxed posture, a smile playing on his lips.
Flint's piercing gaze settled on the Northman, his voice booming and demanding. "What is your name, Northman?" The words echoed through the air, laced with authority and a hint of suspicion.
“Jurgen Ice-Bear, first shield of the mighty Ice Warden of Parandor Peak, son of Yori, grandson of-” the Northman declares with a deep rumble in his voice. He takes a moment to catch his breath and continue, but Flint interrupts him with an imperious wave of his hand.
“Yes, Jurgen it is.” Flint said quickly interrupting the Northman before he could continue. "Are you well enough to take care of yourself? My companion and I must depart immediately, but I am honor bound to ensure your safety before we do." As he spoke, Flint's gaze scanned over Jurgen's appearance, searching for any signs of injury or weakness. A cool breeze rustled the trees above them, adding tension to the already charged atmosphere.
"Allow me to accompany you," he declared, his chest swelling with bravery. "I have no attachments to this place and was only brought here by the Ghorim." The firelight caught in his eyes, making them sparkle like jewels as he gallantly offered himself as a companion on the journey.
“I’m sorry but, I don’t have a spare horse that can carry you. Though Nibingul’s mule isn’t the most swift creature on foot. You would have to walk if you are serious about joining us. I’m not opposed to having more company as dangerous as these roads have become.” Flint said as he walked towards Jurgen.
“That is fine. Northmen are excellent at walking. We are also quick on our feet.” the large man said confidently.
“Very well, my name is Flint and that filthy man there is Nibingul. I’m hoping he will be done soon. Please come with me and we will get our things and then be off.” Flint said, his voice a little strained and unusually firm.