Chapter 4 Part 17

The rest period had lasted for about three quarters of an hour. There was some quiet talking while food and drink had been taken from one pack. Others, not knowing when the chance may present itself again, had elected to take the time to snooze.

Keeneye was taking inventory of the remains of his quiver, when a noise from a dark tunnel ahead and to the right distracted him. He nudged Samson with the toe of his boot. "We have company," he said softly.

Samson alerted Ultrecht and Norwind who in turn passed the warning back. Then on signal, Samson shoved his light crystal under his tunic for a full three seconds and then pulled it back out. In that brief moment of twilight with the only light source to his back, Keeneye used his elven vision to count two man-sized warm bodies. He then turned to the others. "Two heat sources," he said. "Four and four, Norwind takes the light."

Everyone understood his meaning. There were two warm-blooded enemies ahead in the dark. Keeneye had seen them with his elven vision. Since they were warm-blooded, they could not be undead. The 'four and four' phrase meant for four of them to attack and the other four to set a defensive fortification in case it was a trap.

Like a well rehearsed play, Samson tossed the light crystal to Norwind and drew his sword. As Libra slid free of the scabbard, it emitted a bloodthirsty buzz sounding like a swarm of bees. Keeneye likewise drew a slim rapier and charged into the darkness with Samson at his side. Immediately behind them, Norwind paused long enough to catch the light crystal and then sprint after the warriors. Ultrecht delayed momentarily to grab his spell pouch and then cautiously followed in case there was a magic battle to be fought.


Armegon drew his saber and stood in front of the others protectively. He saw the light receding to an uncomfortable distance and began to get worried. They were too neatly divided.

About fifty meters away, a battle was engaged. Armegon was certain of its favorable outcome, but never saw it. For just as the battle was commencing, the roof began to cave in, cutting off the battle from his sight.

"We are cut off," he yelled over his shoulder. As if in response, pebbles dropped from the ceiling above his head. "Hurry! The left passage is still open!" Sheathing his saber with the grace of a weapon's master, he grabbed his pack in one hand and helped Marlena to her feet with the other. They ran quickly to the left.

Avery grabbed the other four packs and dove into the clear passage just as the roof gave way. He landed on his stomach, bruising an elbow in the process. The passage closed behind him.

"Where is Tyson?" Marlena asked as she looked around.

"He must have been cut off as well," Avery said, "or he got caught in the cave-in."

Armegon cursed. "Well, let's start digging. The others can take care of themselves, but it won't do to leave Tyson alone with no one to talk to except Seymore."

"Especially with his big mouth," added Avery as he began to dig.