Den of Thieves

Completing a long bend in the river three more Orcs are seen. On the opposite bank two are hung up in a downed tree. One is stopped on a shallow point on Carr’s side. Their bodies pierced with arrows. Though some of the flights have broken off, they seem from the same archer.

Stopping Carr hops down to check out the body. Covered in wet leather armor the Orc seems to be a few years older than the young rogue. The body has several cuts, one puncture high on the abdomen indicates the fatal blow.

On its’ belt two empty scabbards, one big enough for a bastard-sword, the other a short-sword. Checking the body for tattoos only finds a small pouch hanging around the neck. Inside the pouch several copper coins, which Carr leaves.

Wanting a second arrow he tries to pluck out the only whole one but it breaks apart as soon as he grips it.

Looking at Ebony Carr queries, “where did these Orcs come from?”

The horse shakes her head about.

Carr smiles, “you don’t now either eh?” Patting her side he climbs back into the saddle, “I suppose you don’t know who killed them.”

Snorting Ebony shakes her head some more.

“Sorry I was just asking.” Carr laughs amusing himself as they continue following the river. Mind whirring with thoughts on what must have happened keeps coming back to an unsettling thought; If a single female can successfully take on four Orcs, what does she need with him. Even with concerns it all could be a trap he pushes on.

Late in the afternoon they come across footprints on the rivers edge.

Dismounting to examine the prints notices four different sets of boot prints and one set of small humanoid footprints. The footprints seem to be exactly like the ones he saw at the Great Swamp.

Leading Ebony, Carr follows the prints along a path into trees.

Not traveling far, the path cuts across a clearing. Encircling the clearing a collapsing rock wall. Contained within the clearing are three, vine covered stone buildings in slow decay. The largest to the south is a long church, complete with a front bell tower. To the north a fair-sized round building with no roof or signs of windows. A few paces past it, sits an old decrepit hut. The beams that once made up its’ roof are strewn about. Its’ small windows are covered by vines and cobwebs.

Speaking to his horse, “well this must be the place.” Keeping bow and arrow at the ready, Carr cautiously enters the clearing. Only chirping and singing birds are noticed.

Walking over to a well that sits centre of the clearing he looks down it. The well’s water line is barely visible.

Scanning the area Carr calls out, “hello!” Getting no response tries it in a few different languages.

Casing out the northern buildings peers in the doorways. The structures are vacant of any large beings. Without a few days of hard work no one would be able to live inside.

Crossing over to the church he spots boot prints in the soil along with drying patches of blood. It’s apparent to Carr that a fight took place here yesterday.

Inspecting the church’s tower, no door is left in the main entranceway. Rusty fragments of metal nailed into the framework are all that remains of hinges. The square stone floor of the steeple is covered in dirt. Old logs embedded into stonework make up an ascending stairway to the top.

Leaving Ebony outside to graze Carr steps in. Looking up the tower notices the stairs are covered in a white moss. Several of the spiraling steps are missing along with sections of the upper floor. The roof of the tower seems to be intact. There even seems to be a beam to hang a bell from.

Directly across from the main doorway is a larger arched opening to the church hall. Under the archway Carr calls out again only to hear his echoing voice.

The hall is void of any furnishings. The vines that cover the building’s exterior are making their way in; through several windows that line both sides; as well as the many holes in the roof.

The muddy stone floor has several dirty puddles under the roof’s holes. He can see many different animal tracks but no traces of any humanoids.

Walking to the far end of the hall Carr reaches a narrow corridor. The limited mobility within the confined space makes him nervous.

On both sides of the corridor there are three small rooms, each with a tiny open window. The rooms only contain debris, insects and plant life.

At the end of the corridor a room resembles a possible kitchen. A long-fixed stone table is built into the far wall. The south wall contains a large fireplace. A doorway leading outside is to the right of the fireplace. Looking up the chimney he sees the stonework has collapsed in on its’ self, blocking the flue. Preferring to walk around the building he exits out the backdoor.

Finding the old ruins peaceful he decides to spend the night in the church. Even bringing Ebony into the hall.

Wanting to use the tower, as it would be a great vantage point, Carr just doesn’t trust the old steps. Out of the saddlebags retrieves a rope and grappling hook.

Making a dozen attempts Carr catches the hook on the tower’s bell beam. Placing his full weight on the rope the beam creaks but holds.

Tying his equipment including his bow and arrows to the end first. Ready the young rogue easily scales up the hemp rope.

Testing the old tower floor it sags and creaks. Holding onto the rope for safety Carr jumps. Lots of dust and loose debris fall to the floor below. Nodding with approval pulls his equipment up.

Settling in Carr watches the wildlife in the area through the large windows. He can’t see too far as most of the surrounding trees in the forest are too tall. The south view is the furthest as the landscape goes downhill. Around the tops of the Akemi and Ildihom mountain ranges stand out over the trees. East between the trees he can glimpse small parts of the Cirran River.

The cloud filled sky obscures the sunset and darkens the area quickly. Sitting down a cold breeze rushes into the tower causing shivers.

Retrieving a blanket wraps him self up. I guess the warm weather couldn’t last forever. Hopefully I didn’t miss, who ever I’m to meet. Maybe I’ll find out in the morning what this is all about.

As he nods off cold northern winds carry across the land. The steeple roof begins creak and moan dropping dirt on Carr. Unable to stay asleep he watches the clouds push by, allowing the almost full moon to occasionally peek through.

After awhile wonders if he’d ever sat and watched the night sky this long.

Looking to the south he spies a large owl circling on the winds. Owls don’t soar in the sky like that. Do they? He focuses on the tiny flying silhouette. Oh, it’s really far away … I wonder what it is? Kryston maybe?

The creature is flying in vast circles moving closer to the ruins. Not being able to judge its’ size Carr can’t tell how far away it is.

Observing it flying closer sees something dangling from it. A lizard tail? Straining to see, gulps, whispering under his breath, “a Wyvern.”

It continues searching the landscape below for food, getting closer.

Dropping his blanket makes for the shadows of the stonework. Taking up the bow and arrows he keeps a vigilant eye on it.

A shaft of moonlight defines the creature, bat like wings a long snaking neck with matching tail. Carr tries to stay calm, “it’s a Wyvern.”

The next searching circle is going to bring the winged beast over the compound. Carr leans back against the stonework holding his breath waiting for it to pass over.

Time seems to slow, the blowing wind and rustling trees become deafening.

As it glides over the ruins Carr catches a good glimpse of it. Realizing it’s no Wyvern Carr closes his eyes to pretend it’s not there. Ebony notices it and nervously whinnies pacing about.

Praying to him self. Be still Ebony, be still. I’m not ready for a Dragon, that big.

Opening his eyes doesn’t see the beast. Keeping perfectly still watches out the tower’s openings in search of the massive winged creature.

Not seeing it he eases towards the closest opening for a better look. Carr is almost knocked back by wind created by the huge Dragon, as it gently drops itself in front of the church’s main entrance.

Scared, Ebony races around the large hall, the rear corridor too narrow for her to get down.

Mustering up some courage Carr peeks out the opening. Partial moonlight illuminates the Dragon’s metallic yellowy brown scales. The beast is almost as long as the church. Its’ wings are folded back and the lengthy tail flicks about like an angry cat ready to pounce. The Dragon pokes its snout into the main doorway. A chill runs down Carr’s spine hearing it sniffing noisily underneath him.

If the Dragon raised its’ head, he could pet it. Concerned for the horse Carr shakily readies the bow, praying to his Goddess. Chislev help me get out of this night alive. And please do what you can for Ebony.

Watching the horse intently the Dragon’s forked tongue flicks out licking its snout. Terrified Ebony rears up whinnying. She isn’t about to wait around for any Gods to help.

Unable to see much he’s sure his new horse is about to become a meal. Panicked Ebony races in a circle. With bow drawn Carr leans out the window. Having never taken on a Dragon he isn’t sure where best to aim.

Obviously having hunted here before the Dragon seems to be waiting patiently, knowing the horse can’t go far.

The desire to live drives Ebony to try an impossible escape, attempting to jump through one of the hall windows. Fortunately for Ebony the old stonework gives way, allowing the horse to smash her way out.

Carr hears the crashing stones and sees the Dragon jerk its’ horn tipped head from the entrance. As the Dragon rears its’ head back it becomes eye level with Carr. With wide eyes Carr inhales deeply at the ominous sight.

Managing to clear the building Ebony stays upright. The Dragon’s jaw opens wide revealing its’ many large pointed teeth, four in the front are bigger than Carr’s legs.

Trembling Carr tries to find a spot to release the arrow.

Ebony builds speed heading for the river.

Snapping its’ head forward the Dragon produces a blue lighting bolt from its’ throat.

In awe Carr freezes viewing the silent lighting bolt strike Ebony. The horse stiffens in mid stride, collapsing into a skidding heap.

Accidentally Carr cries out, “noooo!”

Sharply turning its’ huge head, the Dragon stares at Carr. The beast’s foul breath blows back Carr’s long black hair.

He quivers with the bow still drawn. The Dragon’s eyes squint, making the creature look even more menacing. Quickly raising a claw tipped hand the Dragon’s about to remove the top of the tower.