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"Finally! I can stand!" Amiri exclaims. She stretches her arms over her head and growls.
Looking at Mr. Ice she says, "You want to stay here for the night?" She crosses her arms, but eventually nods. "I need to buy a tent. And a decent meal would do me some good. Fine."
She walks down the road and looks around.
After a moment she looks back at the others.
"Anyone know where the market is?"
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Enzo notices a market a few streets away from the docks where there are all kinds of goods for sale. He also recalls hearing about an inn and restaurant in the centre of the city called the Imp's Pride that is used to dealing with nobility and eccentrics. It's quite accommodating to large, unusual animals and the whims of its varied guests.
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The market is filled with wagons and carts, each piled up with goods recently unloaded from the ships in port. Nearby, there's a scruffy looking rabbitfolk dressed in billowing clothes with a pom-pom hat selling travelling and survival gear. There's a few tents for sale on his cart.
As you approach he waves his hands wildly. "Come one, come all!" he exclaims in a fast, squeaky voice. "Purchase the best goods in Korvosa! Quality tents! Quality backpacks! Bags! Waterskins! Everything you need to survive Varisia!"
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The Imp's Pride is a grand three storey stone building with multiple blue tiled towers and bridges expanding outward. Stairs lead up into the building's wide double doors, which are opened by a pair of workers dressed in red and gold clothes.
"Welcome to Imp's Pride! The jewel of Korvosa!" They announce as you approach. They open the doors, welcoming you inside.
Inside, there's an entry room, followed by a large restaurant. The floors are covered in plush black carpets, the walls are painted a rich, deep red, and the tables and chairs are all dark wood polished to a bright, glossy, shine. Gold chandeliers and sconces hang from the walls, magically enchanted to glitter and shine with light. Paintings in gilded frames hang from the walls, showcasing landscapes of Korvosa and the surrounding countryside. Quite a few patrons are sitting in the restaurant, eating meals and socializing. All of them appear well-dressed, and quite wealthy. Exotic looking servers dressed in fine clothes work as waiters and waitresses in the restaurant.
A man with white skin and hair, large curved horns, and red marking across his face approaches you. "Welcome to the Imp's Pride!" He announces with a smile. "Are you here for a meal, or to stay the night?"
Eyeing Paras and Amiri with his bright blue eyes, he smiles and asks, "Staying the night...?"
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Mr. Ice smiles at the rabbitfolk who talks a lot. He looks at the gear for sale. He ends up buying some bird seed, extra rations, and 20 extra arrows.
"Thank you!"
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Mr. Ice looks up at the fancy inn. "It's beautiful! Do you think they have fireplaces?"
He goes inside and tells the workers who held the door open "Thank you."
He looks around and smiles at the man with long hair. "I thought you were a g-g-girl!" He exclaims. "You're right! We're here to spend the n-n-night! How did you know th-th-that?!"
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Bunny Paras follows Enzo to the market. She smiles and waves hello to the rabbitfolk.
"Hello, rabbit! What is for sale?"
Bunny Paras does not need a tent or anything. But she does see some beautiful hats. She buys herself a sunhat and then another one for Paras!
"I am Bunny Paras! What's your name? How much will the hats cost?"
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Bunny Paras walks under the arch bridges and laughs. "This place is so fancy!"
She says thank you to the workers who open the doors.
When the man says hello, Bunny Paras smiles. "Hi! I'm Bunny Paras! And this is Paras! Yes, we're here to spend the night! How did you know?"
"This place is very nice! Does the restaurant sell vegetarian meals?"
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The rabbitfolk nods as he sells Enzo and Amiri tents. "A pleasure doing business with you! And you, Furry? Ah, yes! Arrows, birdseed, yes, yes! You're ready now! "
He smiles up at Bunny Paras. "Pretty hats for the pretty pair? Matching sun hats, with yellow ribbons! Perfect for you two! Only one gold each! It's a steal of a deal!"
As the group finishes paying, the rabbitfolk waves goodbye. "The name's Mahekpreet! Come see me anytime!"
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The pale man laughs. "A girl? Oh, of course not! Long hair is positively fashionable right now! All the stylish gentlemen in Korovosa are growing it out this season!" He smiles and gives a bow to the group. "I am Carter Delcroix, owner of the marvellous establishment! And as to how I know..." He smiles mischievously, as if keeping a secret. Then he spreads his arms wide and exclaims, "Darling, it's my business!" He laughs, then beckons you to follow him. As he walks, he answers your other questions.
"Oh, of course we can serve vegetarian! We can meet any dietary restrictions and preferences you might have! You and your pets."
He leads you to a comfy looking waiting room, with black leather bar stools arranged around a polished wooden table. He gestures for you to sit, then begins to write in a thick book with a fine black quill.
"Now, how many rooms would you like? And for how many nights? Will you require stabling for your pets, or will they be staying with you? And names! Who shall I register your rooms under?"
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Once the group has checked into the inn, Carter leads them through the halls to a series of very fancy rooms. The beds are big and comfy, and covered with warm, white blankets. The floor is covered in plush black carpets, and the walls are a deep red colour. Gold curtains hide the windows, and a fancy black lamp rests on the bedside table. There's a fireplace in each room, as well as a small table, a leather chair, a washbasin, and a large glass mirror set in a fancy gold frame. Out the window you can see the city of Korvosa, leading up the hill. The castle is visible in the distance, perched atop the black pyramid.
Carter gives you each a key for your rooms, and bids you farewell.
"Taaa, Darlings! They'll be a table waiting for you in the restaurant when you're ready."
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Amiri shoves her tent into her backpack and then leaves, not even bothering to wait for the others.
Of course, she has no idea where you're going, so after a bit of walking she's forced to stop and wait for Enzo to lead the way...
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As the fancy man goes on about long hair and fashion, Amiri scowls and crosses her arms.
Idiot.
She grumbles during the entire process.
"I'll take my own room." she informs Carter. "Put it under Amiri." Then she points at Bunny Paras. "She's paying."
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Amiri stalks into her room, tosses her backpack onto the floor, snatches the key from Carter and locks and leaves her room. "I'm starving."
She heads downstairs to go eat.
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"Oh, I w-w-would, but we are just tourists. I don't know if I can. If I ever come back I will look for you!" Mr. Ice says. He likes the rabbitfolk.
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Mr. Ice follows Carter into the waiting room. "Uh... I want my own room. With a fireplace! One night, by what I know. My bird will stay with me. Oh! Of course! My name is Senton, but you can call me Mr. Ice. Most people do."
He shivers with cold.
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When he sees his nice room he tosses a whole bunch of wood into the fireplace and sits down in front of the fire.
"Brrr, it's cold!"
Then he heads downstairs to go eat. He sits with his friends and orders bowl after bowl of hot, hot, burning soup. He drinks a lot of hot tea.
After he is finally full he goes upstairs and cuddles up in his blankets by the fireplace. He goes to bed not quite as freezing as he normally feels.
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"Oh, such beautiful hats! I'll take them! Here you go!" Bunny Paras and Paras put on their hats. "What a nice name you have. I hope I see you again!"
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"Your hair does look lovely." Bunny Paras says. She follows him to the comfy room. "Paras and I will share a room. We do not need stabling. She always stays with me. We will stay one night, and leave in the morning after breakfast. My room can be put under the name, Bunny Paras and Paras. That's me. And that's her!"
Bunny Paras is very happy.
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Bunny Paras unpacks her things and and Paras' things. She gets cleaned up and puts on her fancy dress for dinner. It is pink and goofy, and has pictures of she and Paras and rabbits on it. Paras puts on her pink, fluffy tutu, and her bow. Once they look fabulous, they go downstairs to eat.
The sit at a table with their friends, and order the tastiest vegetarian food. Yellow pepper salad, and for deserts: berries.
"Yum, yum!"
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After dinner they go to their room and read a storybook. After they have read they get in their pajamas and go to sleep.
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"Wonderful! Enjoy your stay!" Carter replies happily. "It's a pleasure to have all of you!"
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During dinner, Mr. Ice finally has time to ask around about the Amazing Jaster. Unfortunately, Jaster is currently travelling Varisia with his wife, Alinza, and their young children. He is not in Korvosa.
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"Jaster? THE Jaster?" Mahekpreet exclaims. "Why everyone knows him, of course! He is a great hero who liberated Korvosa from the grips of a psychotic queen! Mad with power, she was! And evil forces, if the tales are to be believed! I'm not sure if he's in town, truth be told. He travels by magical wagon, I hear, and doesn't hang around the docks much."
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"What's good?" Carter asks incredulously. "Darling, everything's good! I wouldn't sell it if it wasn't!" With a sly smile he adds, "But, if you'd like me personal preference, I'd order our stuffed reefclaw. Broiled, then stuffed with pine nuts, celery, fennel, parsley, druid apricots, fresh baked and cubed brioche, and topped with a sprig of rosemary," he places his fingers to his lips and makes a kissing motion. "Mwah! To die for! Yes? After that you will see why we pay top dollar for the finest chefs in town!"
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"Oh, yes, King Kadrix is in town. And his wife, Queen Gloriana. I'm afraid you won't get to see them, though. There's a long wait to meet their majesties. You can't just walk up to them and say hello!"
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With good food in their bellies, the Pathfinders each eventually head to their rooms. In comfortable beds for the first time in weeks (or longer), sleep comes easily and everyone awakes refreshed. After another delicious meal in the restaurant, the Pathfinders pack up their things and head out into Korvosa to continue their journey.
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The journey to Harse takes a two days along a well-travelled road. The going is easy, and the scenery quite lovely. You pass by rolling hills and lush fields dotted with wildflowers and trees. Finding a place to set up your tents each night is easy, and the group quickly falls into a travelling routine.
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As you approach Harse not long after breakfast on the third day, the terrain begins to change. Lush fields become dusty and barren, and the rolling hills become rocky and uneven. The weather grows dry and hot. Although the road is still well-travelled, walking anywhere off the road would slow down your travel time considerably. There is very little greenery, water or plants in sight.
Harse is a tiny town centred around a single main street. You can see a chapel, general store, herbalist, and restaurant nearby. Dozens of ranches brach out from this main street, surrounding the town and all the land around it with homesteads, pastures and cattle. They seem to raise horses, aurochs, and rams.
As you enter town, the nearby villagers all stop in their tracks and stare.
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Amiri is up early every day, practising drills with her massive sword before sitting down to eat a massive amount of meat jerky for breakfast. She travels near the front of the group, keeping an eye out for danger and a hand on the pommel of her sword, even in the safety of Korvosa's farmlands.
"I'll die of boredom if I don't get to gut something soon," she complains on the trip. "I'd give anything for herd of mammoths to stampede across the fields. Or to wrestle a dire bear!" She laughs loudly.
Apparently, Amiri is a little crazy...
As the group settles down at the end of each day, Amiri pitches her tent and then heads out hunting.
Each night she brings home enough small game to feed herself, and for the others to have a few bites. She guts the little animals -- usually little birds and gophers -- and roasts them on a spit over the fire. As they cook she sharpens her massive sword. When everyone turns in for the night she stays up late, gnawing on animal bones, or eating some more jerky while she keeps watch over the camp.
When they finally arrive in Harse, Amiri stares right back at the villagers with a snarl.
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In the morning Bunny Paras goes to the market and buys two bunny stuffies! Then she is ready to go.
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Bunny Paras and Paras get up early each morning to find some edible plants. They pick mushrooms, dandelions and berries of all kinds. Little wild vegetables and herbs. Once they even find an apple tree!
They walk in the middle of the group, holding hands. Sometimes Paras plays some good walking music and they dance. When they set up camp at the end of each day, Bunny Paras and Paras go right to bed in their big tent. They eat in there, too.
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When they arrive in Harse Bunny Paras looks confused. "Where are all the plants? It will be tricky to find food here!"
When everyone stares at them, Bunny Paras squeaks "Eeek!" and hides behind Enzo. Paras hides behind her.
She does not want to stop here to explore. She wants to keep moving right through Harse.
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Before leaving, Mr. Ice goes for a walk to the beautiful palace on top of the pyramid. He waits in a long line, and signs up for an appointment with the King and Queen. It is a long wait. A few weeks. Hopefully, he will be back in Korvosa on the way home when it is his turn.
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When Amiri complains about fighting bears and probably getting herself killed, Mr. Ice spends the walk looking for good sticks, twigs, logs and grass. That evening he makes her a few training dummies to fight against. He tries to make it so that it is good at trapping her sword and hands.
He is very proud of himself.
"Here you go! Enj-j-j-j-joy!"
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On the rest of the trip, Mr. Ice leads the way. He is the only one who knows where we're going. Each night he makes a big fire and sleeps as close to it as he can. His tent is filled with warm furs. lots of them! He makes tea in the morning and tea at night. He helps keep watch. He also makes sure Amiri doesn't kill too many animals. He also takes all the leftover animal parts, dries them out, and keeps them, so he can make some useful things out of them later. Mr. Ice believes its important to use every part of an animal. Especially the fur and skin!
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In Harse, Mr. Ice says, "H-h-h-h-h-hiii, g-g-g-guys!" He tries to smile and make friends with them, but he is so cold!
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Urged on by a nervous Bunny Paras, the group hurries through the tiny town of Harse and continues down the road to Kaer Maga. A few brave children wave goodbye to the shivering Mr. Ice, while some other children point and stare at Paras.
You spend the next week travelling through dry, dusty, plains with the occasional patch of grass or scraggly little tree. Amiri and Bunny Paras both have a harder time finding food, so everyone relies on the trail rations that Drandle Dreng provided you for the journey. After a week you reach the banks of a little river filled with deep, cold water. Fish are plentiful, although it also seems to have plenty of garbage in it, as if someone upriver were just tossing their refuse into the water.
After another few days travelling along the river bank you come to a massive cliff, over a thousand feet tall! At the top of the cliff is a strange structure. It looks like a wall with massive stone heads carved into it. From the mouths of the heads pours cascades of water, which fall off the edge of the cliff and come crashing down to the ground in a waterfall. This is the source of the river you've been travelling along.
The road leads right up to the base of the cliff and ends at a gigantic stone door. This door is guarded by men wearing practical leather armour and carrying sharpened, but well used weapons. They look comfortable with their gear, as if they've seen plenty of battle in the course of their duties. The road is filled with a long line of people and wagons all waiting to pass through the gate.
Finally, you have arrived at the entrance to Kaer Maga!
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Bunny Paras hides Paras from the pointing people protectively.
"It's okay, Paras, stay close! I'll keep you safe."
She is happy to leave Harse.
On the trip she is sad that there is not much fresh food and she has to eat dried rations. So is Paras!
When she sees the river she is happy! She and Paras hop right in and play with the fish! It is so much fun. The whole time that they are beside the river she and Paras swim in it instead of walking on the road.
When they reach Kaer Maga, they climb up out of the river and look UP at the cliff. They get right in line even though they are wet. Then they wait. While they wait Paras plays some music and Bunny Paras dances.
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"W-w-w-hhyyy don't we have time to t-t-t-talk?" Mr. Ice chatters.
Mr. Ice looks at the water very angrily. "Why is there garbage in there?! Someone has to clean it up!"
He looks at the water. It is very wet. Wet and cold.
"Oh no..."
He pulls of his furs until he is only wearing his underwear. He packs everything up into his backpack and gives it to Amiri. "C-c-c-c-c-car-r-r-r-ry thi-s-s-s-s-s!" he says chattering like crazy!
Then he hops into the river and swims along. He is shaking with cold, but he swims anyway. He picks out every piece of garbage he finds and puts it in a bag. he will throw it out later.
When they reach the line up, Mr. ice climbs out of the river. He looks up at the cliff. "That's where all the garbage is coming from! Kaer Maga!"
He does not look happy! But he also is FREEZING! He quickly dries off and puts on his warmest fur clothes. Then he gets in line, shivering and shaking, his teeth chattering loudly.
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As the group gets in line it soon becomes apparent that the wait is going to take even longer than expected. Groups only enter the tunnels once an hour, and when they do, the groups are around ten people large. Most of the groups also consist of a good number of wagons and livestock.
The time passes slowly, but the group does creep closer to the cliff.
In front of you in line is a well dressed woman in a long black skirt, and white blouse with a high neckline. She wears a fine gold necklace set with a large red piece of glass around her neck. Her hair is short and brown, but styled very neatly. Beside her is a cart filled with fabrics of every colour pulled by an old, grey donkey that she pats fondly. She flinches at the sound of Paras' songs, and looks quite nervous and scared. After about an hour, she waves a hand at you. "I'm sorry, but that's quite loud. Could you quiet down a bit? I can barely hear myself think!"
Behind you in line is a half-elven man with long blonde hair. He wears flamboyant clothes that show off his chest. At first it appears that he's wearing long black gloves on his hands, but after a while you realize only one is a glove. The other is his hand. It's long, black, and twisted, with a few weird grey protrusions sticking out of it. His fingers end in sharp black nails that look very strong. When he notices you looking at him he grins and waves at you with his monstrous hand.
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The half-elf man laughs. "Why thank you for noticing! My name is... Uh... Ekard!"
He holds out his monster hand to Mr. Ice for a handshake. "Nice to meet you!"
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The woman with the cart narrows her eyes at Bunny Paras. Then she covers her ears, glares at Paras and turns around. You have clearly made her angry.
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Ekard lets out a laugh. "I was born this awesome, pal. Who're you?"[/b
Hours pass in the hot sun... The people around you shift and shuffle with impatience. As midday arrives you finally reach the front of the line and a gruff looking Duskwarden dressed in brown-and-gray uniform, the right breast bearing a badge with their symbol: a golden arch on a midnight blue background, approaches you. [b]"Travel fee."
Bunny Paras pays the man a heavy bag full of coin, which was entrusted to her by Drandle Dreng for exactly this purpose, and they are included in the next group to enter the Halflight Path. Ekard is in your group, as well. As is the angry woman with the donkey, and a five other merchants ahead of her in line who you have yet to meet, each of whom has a cart and pony.
A different Duskwarden, this one just as gruff as the first, calls out instructions to the group.
"Stay close and stay quiet. You make noise you make trouble, and trouble can get someone killed. understand?"
The assembled merchant nods in the affirmative, while Ekard lets out an enthusiastic "Yes!" which causes him to be shushed by the other merchants. He smiles back at them and winks.
After another ten minutes, the Twisted Door opens and the Duskwardens usher you into the Halflight Path. Behind you, the doors are sealed. The two gruff looking Duskwardens lead the group into the tunnels, while two others, a blonde woman and a blonde man, take up the rear to ensure no one gets left behind.
The Halflight Path it lit by flickering torches, which cast a red light down the corridors. Pools of shadow lay between them, and an ominous, echoing silence fills the tunnels. The journey takes hours of slowly trudging up the myriad stairs, tunnels, cliffside paths, and underground ruins that make up the famous Halflight Path. Along the way you pass branching tunnels, caves and hallways, all of which are bricked up or otherwise sealed. Many of them have strange markings written on them in charcoal.
Every hour or so there are loud sounds that echo down the tunnels or through the walls, which cause the Duskwardens to call a halt. Everyone waits in tense silence.... Until the sounds recede and the Duskwardens allow the group to continue on its way.
Four hours into your journey there is a sudden 'CRACK!' and a massive chunk of masonry on the right side of the passage collapses! From behind it boil dozens of yowling, barking, and yipping creatures carrying swords and snarling viciously—goblins!
There's another loud 'CRACK!' and more of the walls around you collapse! One lands behind you, blocking Ekard and the rear Duskwardens from sight! Another tumbles down from the ceiling and lands right on top of the fabric filled cart, crushing it completely and sealing off the tunnel ahead!
The Pathfinders find themselves alone in a cramped tunnel with three goblins who gnash their teeth and hold rusty blades. Behind them is a newly opened side cavern where the goblins clearly were waiting to spring their trap! Inside you can hear the sounds of more goblins cackling madly!
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Mr. Ice is up first! Although there is enough light in the tunnel you are in, it is dark in the side cavern! You will need a light source to see inside.
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"I'm Senton, but people call me Mr. Ice because I'm always cold! I think I was born that way."
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When they ask if he understands the rules, Mr. Ice nods his head seriously.
Mr. Ice seems unaffected by his surroundings. He shivers with cold like always, and tries to chatter quietly.
"LOOK OUT!" Mr. Ice shouts! He draws his short swords.
"Don't attack, or I'll chop your head off! Here's an example!"
Mr. Ice attacks the blue goblin.
"You're lucky!" Mr. ice growls when he misses. "Next time I'll hit you and you'll be dead! That's a promise!"
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Mr. Ice threatens the goblins and then lunges at the one in the blue rags, trying to skewer the little runt, but he misses completely, stabbing only air! The goblins laugh and chatter at one another in their shrieking tongue.
The three goblins turn on Mr. Ice and stab at him, swinging their rusty little swords wildly. The goblins in the red and yellow hats each cut into one of Mr. Ice's knees, while the blue one misses!
From deep in the depths of the dark cave you can hear the twang of a bow being fired! An arrow flies right past Bunny Paras and strikes the stone wall behind her, while a second arrow plunges into Amiri's thigh!
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