1.23

After being shown the way by Bandor, the group slowly trudged their way through the thick swamp. Intermittently, Bodwyn would check he still had all his jewellery.

“Surely it can’t be that much further?” asked Bodwyn. Bodwyn had stepped into a dip and found himself chin-deep in muck.

“Any advice on fighting this thing?” Fenrick asked as he and Sharampf helped Bodwyn out.

“Watch for its putrid breath. Can leave you feeling bad for days,” said Kamaya.

“Ah, just like with that spider” said Bodwyn.

“What?” asked Kamaya. Her annoyance was noticed by all except Bodwyn.

“Oh a few days ago in a fo-”

“A story for another time. Please, any insight on the ogre would be helpful,” said Fenrick.

“Ranged attacks are generally safest, but they can be wicked fast if you’re not careful.” Kamaya nodded at her bow. Bodwyn twirled his hand crossbow and gave a thumbs up.

“Their hide is thick. And they have an aversion to actually taking damage. Magical weaponry is best.”

“This arm is infused with magic. Another use for my invention.” Sharampf’s mechanical arm gave a thumbs up and the orc inventor smiled with confidence. The group looked to Fenrick.

“Is your weapon magical?” Kamaya asked.

“No.” Fenrick twirled his sword and gave Tad an almost mournful look.

“Well, I’m afraid you may not be of much use to us in the fight.” The sharpness in Kamaya’s tone was well intended for all to hear. Fenrick didn’t flinch at her words.

“He’ll be more than helpful, whether his weapon will prove much use or not,” snapped Sharampf.

“He’ll just get in the way when he tries to attack,” Kamaya rebutted.

“He’s the best fighter I’ve ever seen. He won’t get in the way. It’s not like my weapon has magic,” said Bodwyn. He looked again at his hand crossbow. “I mean, I have a way to make it so. But I can’t do it very much at all. I tend to leave that so I can do some of my other magic. The stuff that helps keep me alive.” Bodwyn shot an apologetic look at Fenrick.

One thing that really irked Fenrick, was when people talked about him as though he wasn’t there. With a quiet huff, Fenrick broke ahead of the group with a stride of determination.

“You asked us for help, you don’t get to disrespect any of us,” snarled Sharampf. She hurried her pace to catch up.

“Yeah. He’ll probably end up saving your life anyways.” Bodwyn too sped up to catch the others.

“What did I say?” Kamaya asked. She shook her head and caught up to the rest of the group.

A throttling chill washed over the group as the air around them changed. A fetid stench worked its way through their noses. Pungent rot churned their stomachs.

“We must be getting close to the thing,” said Bodwyn. Bodwyn’s ears hung down behind his head now. A slow burning anxiety bubbled in his stomach.

“Everyone, keep an eye out,” said Kamaya. Her bow was now pointed at the ready as she scanned the marshes all around them.

Every step they took was a fight against their will to flee. They were surrounded by death, hundreds of small animals. The stench was blinding.

Without warning, the foul beast exploded from the marsh. It slowly rose to its full height of ten feet. Its pale purple-grey flesh was covered in pustules that oozed thick, black ichor. Maggots streamed from its protruding belly like a tap.

A random assortment of rusted, scrap metal was worn as armour. A tree trunk still with roots was its weapon. Bodwyn’s jaw dropped at the sight of the monster.

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The ogre stared at them with baleful, yellow eyes. It bellowed a ferocious roar. Spittle and maggots flew from its mouth.

“Hope you’re all ready,” Kamaya called. The arrow on her bow glowed with blinding power and shot straight for the ogre’s stomach.

White hot energy burst from the wound on impact and everyone, but Kamaya shielded their eyes. They watched as thousands of maggots and black tar oozed from the fresh wound. The flesh had started to heal over, but stopped short around the arrow.

Fenrick looked to Kamaya and saw the beads of sweat that trickled from her forehead. He wondered if one attack was so taxing, how long could she last?

The ogre roared and charged. The group immediately scattered. The ogre changed directions and went for Sharampf.

Fenrick looked back and saw where the monster was headed. He snapped back in the direction he’d come. His foot stuck in the muck, he ripped it free and closed in on the ogre.

As she realised the creature approached her, Sharampf stopped and readied her mechanical weapon. It rotated like a buzzsaw.

With a leap and a swing of its club, the ogre closed the gap. Sharampf’s mechanism shot up and blocked the attack. Her invention was immediately decimated. And although it was now practically useless, Sharampf’s mind raced with excitement as she thought of upgrades.

“Get out of there Sharampf!” Sharampf snapped back to attention and took off. Bodwyn was amazed her invention took the hit.

Bodwyn readied his crossbow and spoke the incantation needed to empower the bolt with magical energy. Though it didn’t glow with the blinding yellow of Kamaya’s weapon. Instead, it crackled with hues of violet and black.

“Please hit,” whispered Bodwyn. The bolt flew for the ogre’s back.

The beast had heard the advancing gnome and spun to meet him. At that moment, Bodwyn’s crossbow bolt buried deep into its flesh. The skin closed over the wound but then exploded as the magic from the bolt blew apart.

The beast spun to meet the incoming Fenrick. It was at that moment, Bodwyn’s bolt buried itself in the monster’s chest. The flesh creeped over the wound, but blew out as the magic exploded.

Filth and maggots showered over Fenrick. The ogre swung its mighty weapon. Fenrick leaped up the arm and thrust a clenched fist deep down the ogre’s throat. He crushed the bauble.

Hot flames spewed forth and engulfed the ogre’s head and Fenrick’s whole body.

“Fenrick!” everyone cried in unison. They watched in horror as Fenrick’s smoking body fell to the ground.

The monster roared as it violently thrashed about. It rocketed its fist at Fenrick.

Monstrous fist connected with petals. The ogre looked at its fist for a moment and tried the attack again. Fenrick seized the pause and sprung backward like a flea.

Bodwyn peppered the ogre with bolts, though some missed as his arm shook with a mix of rage and fear.

Kamaya readied her bow again and poured everything she had into the blessed magical energy. She waited for the opportune moment to strike.

Sharampf made a wide circle and joined Fenrick’s side.

“You had us all worried for a moment there.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes. That doesn’t look too good.” Fenrick pointed at Sharampf’s invention.

“It should be an easy fix. Just wish it lasted better.” Sharampf grimaced in frustration.

The monster came for them once again. It brought its club down from above its head. Sharampf and Fenrick pounced in opposite directions. Enraged, the ogre turned to Fenrick and released a green and black cloud of filth.

Fenrick held his breath a little too late. As he leapt from the cloud, he noticed his vision started to black around the edges and his legs grew weak.

“Here, this’ll help.” Bodwyn was by Fenrick’s side in a flash. He offered Fenrick a small, plump, purple berry.

Bodwyn felt his chest go tight as he watched the ogre close in on Sharampf. Her feet had gotten stuck in the mud.

Fenrick’s strength and vision returned, and he too saw the ogre close in on Sharampf. Bodwyn and Fenrick launched themselves into action.

For the first time in her life, Sharampf felt true fear take over her body. She held her breath as the cloud of gas engulfed her.

Petals shot out at Sharampf, but Fenrick knew they wouldn’t block the attack in time.

It was at that moment; Kamaya released her divine arrow. The radiant explosion failed to slow the ogre.

The crushing blow caused Sharampf to cry out in pain and her feet were now free of the mud.

Bodwyn’s heart leapt into his throat as he watched his friend fly through the air.

“Go to her,” Fenrick shouted. He looked back and watched Kamaya collapse to the ground.

Bodwyn broke from Fenrick and darted to his fallen friend. He slid on his knees and lifted her head out of the muck and onto his thigh.

“Tell me you’re okay,” he whispered angrily. Sharampf’s eyes fluttered but remained closed. Only a mere groan escaped her lips. Bodwyn shook with an eruption of anger he had never felt before.

Bodwyn prepared another crossbow bolt. Though he had already exhausted his magic, Bodwyn still took aim.

“Give me one more. I beg you.” Bodwyn yelled through gritted teeth.

“What more can you give; I already have everything you can offer?” the deep voice boomed from within Bodwyn. It broke into uproarious laughter and Bodwyn felt the presence go away.

Bodwyn dug deep within himself and felt an essence of something stir within. He willed the feeling to rise and watched in amazement as his crossbow bolt glowed with faint white light.

Bodwyn let the crossbow bolt fly and watched as it sank into the monster’s throat.

Thick black sludge poured from the ogre’s mouth. The violent, black fire disappeared from its eyes as it stared at Fenrick.

The ogre collapsed to the ground, and Bodwyn slumped over Sharampf.

Fenrick stood in awe as the body of the ogre glowed with eerie blue light. The souls flew up and disappeared.

Fenrick’s ever faithful companion approached his side and nudged his thigh. He gave a gentle pat on her head.

“Not just yet.” Fenrick pushed the hilt of a glowing blue sword further down into his packs.