"The one the wetlander prophecies call the Dragon walks in our world as well, and if the Wheel of Time has reached the point where the Dark One must be confronted in one world, I imagine it must be the same for all others. I do not know how this man though, a man who is not even of this world could possibly be the one prophesied in yours. Nevertheless, Tarmon'Gaiden approaches, and the time is nigh, so quit wasting it and show us how to reach your friends."
BLood and Ashes! Hearing about this stuff and stories, and then seeing them in person are two different things. How did you all react when you first witnessed the Dark Ones touch upon the world? I am sure that it wasnt all Oh, here i am picking out a dress at this dressmaker, all is well. Oh, what is that? A strange moving fog that devours the life force of people, but alas, i bear it no mind because i am at a dressmaker getting a dress. I am sure it was a lot more frantic and shocking than that. Matt shouts loudly, his voice echoing through the valley and down the mountain sides.
Throwing his hands up, he turns and stalks up the side of the mountain. Useless woman. Should have left her behind. he mutters, loud enough for everyone to hear, but not directed at anyone.
As he walks, he moves in the direction that he pointed to earlier.
Come on. let's go.
Moving up and into the hills, he leads you upon a path that grows narrow, very narrow. At times, the path is no more than a ledge that is just side enough for you to walk on, and others its half that size. Matt seems to take it in stride, not bothering to check his steps, indeed, for as often as you slip and loose your footing, almost tumbling down the rocky scree to your death below, he seems to be almost enjoying the firmest of footing.
After the twentieth time that you almost fall, you come upon a wide flat ledge, large enough for 4 of you to stand upon. Matt, already there, lays flat upon the surface, staring into the mountain through a long narrow crack that barely rises over a foot in height.
here is the narrow opening i told you about. matt says, directing his voice down the crack. we crawl through here and within minutes we are in the underdark of the mountains.
rolling over, he looks at everyone and then asks Can anyone make a noise similar to a Thunderclap? I think i hear bats inside, and i do not wish to have to crawl through them.
I could send a fireball or a flash of light down in there, but I do not think I have anything that would serve for your thunderclap.
The land, it rejected you. You stood upon the rock, and then it crumbled to dust. It was as if the stone refused to support you. You.. you are touched by the Dark One himself. Matt says, still backing away, his voice rising in pitch and volume, and irrational hysterical tone coming to light. The prophecy...it is true. A Guardian shall come, one of not of the land. He shall be forsaken, from himself, his fellow man, and nature shall abhor his existence. Behold! He is the fell messenger, the harbinger of the Last Battle. His existence signifies the end grows near. .. the rest of the prophecy is lost to time.
Kodo shakes his head."No. A rock crumbles, and a prophecy is fulfilled? No," he repeats. "The end maybe coming, but then, when you live in the Borderlands, the end is always coming. Besides, your Dragon is already born - surely that tipped you off about Tarmon Gai'don more than a scrap of amateur verse hinting at a rock-slaying Guardian?"
He shakes his head again. "No. Whoever you think I am, you're wrong. I'm no longer a... Guardian."
During the trip through the hills, Kodokura is silent, his eyes alert and his hand near his weapon. When they reach the cave, he sighs. "I could have scared your bats, before." he says leadenly, responding to Mat's question. "Although, if you like, I could go first, and guard you from them."
That may work. We need to get them out of there, lest they interfere with our progress. Matt says, standing up, allowing kodokura to step up.
Upon hearing Kodo's comment, he harrumphs. It's not the bats the worry me. Its the creatures that roam the tunnels. Sometimes they lurk about an opening, waiting. If someone comes through, the bats alert the creature by flapping and making noise, making it difficult to hear the creature. Id hate to see you loose your head guarding me.Matt says with a mild smirk.
"I cannot make your thunderclap either. I suppose that is because I am useless, yes?" Alathea scowls at Matrim, and her scowl only becomes more angry upon hearing his comment about Kodokura guarding him. She says nothing more, but stays close to Kodokura, intending on following him into the cave.
Rhoekk draws one of his arrows from his quiver and sets it to the string.
"This seems to draw lightning wherever the arrows strike. If you like, I can bring the thunderclap and scare away the bats."
If the others agree he motions them back from the cave opening and fires an arrow into a rock somewhere near the opening, but not so close that the lightning strike might risk caving in the entrance.
Rhoekk lays upon his side, facing the opening of the narrow cave. Breathing slowly, he stretches out his arm, bracing the bow as he draws the string and arrow back to his check. Breathing out slowly, he pauses, centering his aim to the exact middle of the opening, the releases the arrow.
Even as it leaves his grasp, he sees the arrow begin to circulate with a strange blue aura. The hair on his head and arms rise up as the arrow clears the bow.
The arrow passes through the center of the opening, and flies into the darkness. A moment later, a bright flash of light is emitted from within. A moment later, a thunderous clap of sound bellows forth from the opening, followed by the sound of leather rasping upon itself, and a dull roar.
Seconds later, bats begin to pour out, screeching and crooning, flapping as they try to flee the thunderous noise and bright white light.
Another roar is heard, but seems to be distant, as it whatever was within the cave is now retreating...
"That roar was... less than encouraging. Your beast, Matrim Cauthon?"
Kodo shifts to stand between Alathea and the opening as Rhoekk fires his bow. At the sound of the roar he looks at Alathea, an eyebrow raised. "I've not heard such a sound before, even from the Blight..." Rolling his shoulders, he draws his Power-wrought blade in preparation for entering the cave.
Fiallain's lips press into a thin line as the strange roar fades. Not encouraging in the least.. Rhoekk? We may not be able to avoid these beasts in there and I would prefer to face them with more than my bare hands. We should also present as much steel as we can bring to bear. Can you spare me one of your spears until we are through these caves?
Alathea shakes her head. "No, I do not like the sound of what's in there at all." Pointedly not asking Matrim whether or not it is advisable, she surrenders herself to saidar.
Aye. One of many that haunt these tunnels. Once we enter, we cannot stop. We cannot camp, we cannot sleep. We have about 36 hours worth of walking ahead of us. These things do not sleep, they do not slumber, nor hibernate. They are always awake, and hunting. Matt says as he shifts his trousers higher up his waist.
Lets get in before the beast comes back He says as he lays down and begins to crawl into the tunnel.
shoving yourself into the tunnel, you struggle to slide forward, attempting to avoid getting cut upon the sharp rocks that litter the entrance floor. As the stones cut into your body, each intake of breath is filled with a minor fire, as if some of the air itself is tainted.
Finally, you push through that last resistance of tunnel and lower your body to the cavern floor from the small ledge where you exit from. Matt coughs deeply, before standing up and wrapping a kerchif around his head, covering his mouth. moments later a fire is started upon a torch head, its light casting relief upon the cavern and its walls and floor.
Upon the floor, you see several dozen dead bats, blackened, charred. The stench fills the room similar to that of a badly cooked goose or chicken, causing you to blanch. Your gaze is drawn upwards, to the shadows above, and you cannot help but gasp in startlement.
There, up above you, are drawings. Large swathes of white paint have been applied to the walls, and simplistic drawings cover them. strange stick figures running with 4 legged creatures chasing other 4 legs. the distance is too great to pick out the detail, but a feeling of antiquity falls upon you, as you slowly realize that these pictures are incredibly old.
Matt, seeing your gazes, looks up. Oh, those. This cave system is littered with caverns with these pictures drawn upon the walls.
As he moves towards the entrance to the caves below, he suddenly stops, and kicks at a large rock. Rather, the rock rolls over with ease for one of its size, and yet, you suddenly see that it isnt a rock, but something else. Something deadly, twisted, gigantic in nature.
This is what we must avoid. matt says as he lowers the torch to the body.
A creature, large, stocky, well muscled, lays upon its back. Its skin is the same coloring as the darkened walls; blue, black, grey, and green. Scales form an overlapping pattern upon its body, protecting it from attack, similar to that of scalemail. One of its forelimbs, for the thing has two, lays open, revealing massive talons that end in razor sharp points. Its arms are well muscled, large forearms. Its legs are muscled as well, and yet hinged differently than that of a human. two legs sweep forward and back, the others sweep side to side. again, large talons protrude from the feet.
As you examine, you see a faint silver outline within its head. Looking closer, you see it as the nock for the arrow that Rhoekk shot.
"Sightblinder's luck... So is it dead now, or are there more? It looks almost like the creature on the Car'a'carn's banner."
Rhoekk looks around the head and neck of the thing, searching for the mane of hair that covers the ruff of the creature depicted on that totem; as well as in other places that are not spoken of.
We should probably keep moving... Fia mutters quietly, even as she ignores her own advice and crouches down beside Rhoekk to examine the strange creature. And luck or no, that was a good shot."
blood and ashes it was. But, it makes me wonder more about the second one. Matt says, standing up and taking point, heading out into the tunnels.
Your torch light blazes forth, lighting up the tunnel with its light. As you walk, you see a multitude of raw gems embedded within the tunnel, refracting the light further down into a dizzying array of colors and swirls.
Be ready, they will find us before we spot them. matt says in a low whisper. As if in reply, a low guttural roar issues forth from the darkness beyond, the roar sounding from the tunnel, and vibrating the walls of the tunnel.
you wind your way through the shaft, your ears straining to hear anything out beyond the light, ready to react at a moments notice. Further ahead, you see an opening.
You walk out into another vast cavern, a high dome ceiling, and a large crevasse that separates you from 3 other ledges at various heights opposite you. One ledge juts out from the wall 20 feet below you. Another sits at the same height as you, but a spears throw away from you on your left. the final one directly above you, 30 feet high. a large ledge providing ample room for a large party to stand upon and be hidden from those below it.
Looking down into the crevass, you see darkness, and hear and feel a roar from one of those creatures below.
i have heard that these creatures make their nests, or dens, from crevasses like this. We must be careful, lest we disturb them. matt whispers, his voice so low that he has to put his mouth next to your ear to be heard.
If i remember correctly, we have to get to the top ledge to continue on. he says, pointing.
Stealth:
"And how did you get up there last time?" Kodo asks patiently, keeping the torch back a little from the edge of the crevasse.
ive never come this way. another person did after escaping from cairhein a couple years ago. so i have first hand knowledge, but nothing personal about this route. Matt says looking up.
Fia searches the area to see if she can find anything else that may give clue as to how this person may have crossed. As she works, she also turns to Alathea. We may be able to harden the air and make a path straight to the top. I can use the orb to make it visible to everyone."
Alathea takes a deep breath and draws upon the One Power to weave thick strands of Air between the ground she stands on and their destination. Drawing saidar through her newly-found sa'angreal, the weaves are effortless despite their great size. "It is done. Fiallain and I will guide those who cannot see the weaves."
As Alathea finishes channeling the air bridge, the cavern below errupts with the noise of dozens of growls, roars, and moans. each lending to an overall roar that shakes the cavern, causing sifts of dirt to fall from the ceiling.
Matt snaps his fingers. I bloody remember. those things are attracted to chann...el...ing...? he trails off as he stairs out at the solidified bridge of air.
the sound of talons scraping into rock can be heard from below, as the creatures begin to surge up towards the ledge you all stand upon.
"It seems that this would have been very useful information to have 2 minutes ago."
"MOVE!"
Rhoekk will get everyone hustling across the bridge as quickly as they can safely go, himself standing as rear guard.
Alathea shoots Matrim an annoyed glare, but takes Kodokura's hand and leads him across her bridge of Air as quickly as she can safely manage.
Fia makes her away over the bridge, leading the way across.
Ryland charges forward, trying to pass Fia at the first possible chance.
Kodo follows Alathea's lead, trusting her fully, and looks around hurriedly as they cross/climb the bridge. Not sure if he should be protecting Alathea from the front or the rear, he strains his ears and eyes to stay aware of their surroundings and the impending approach of creatures , his Power-wrought blade at the ready.
leaping into action, everyone rushes across the air bridge, careful to not fall from the vertigo inducing sight below them.
From the darkness way below, flashes of light appear. Moments later the light impacts the underside of the bridge, explosions shaking the cavern, flames leaping out and scorching the sides of the walls.
I had no idea they could do that!Matt yells to anyone listening.
scrambling up, you all dive into the cave entrance as another volley of those fireballs impact the ledge area and bridge. Dirt and rock begin to fall from the ceiling as the impacts shake the rock and cracks begin to form within the cave walls.
Rhoekk barely pauses a second to make sure everyone is on their feet and gets them moving. Again he trails last.
Fia continues to run, though she does allow Ryland to catch up to her. So dark in these tunnels. He may be able to catch their scent before I see one.
As soon as all her companions have cleared her bridge of Air, Alathea releases the weaves holding it, but maintains her grasp on saidar. Despite the darkness, she does not weave a light for herself, trusting instead to the torches of her companions. Pulling at Kodokura's hand, she runs as fast as she safely can into the darkened twisting tunnels.
Pushing Matt into the tunnel, Rhoekk himself pushes in, pausing to check the rear. As he does so, he sees one of those things scramble up over the edge of the ledge where they stood upon, and begin to sniff at the air. A moment later it opens its mouth wide and a strange looking tongue snakes out. It moves from side to side, as if tasting the air. As it sweeps back, it suddenly stops and the creature quivers. The tip of the tongue opens wide, splitting into 5 seperate appendages. Glistening with saliva, these appendages quiver, and seem to grasp at something hanging in mid air. A moment later a sucking sound is made. The creature quivers again, and begins to search again.
Moments later, another creature lets its tongue out, this time not even resting upon the ledge. It's tongue spread wide, brushes against the air bridge. Quivering, and beginning to glow a blue color, the tongue splits wide and smacks loudly upon the hardened air. Immediately the bridge appears to have grown weaker, opaque in color. The bridge begins to glow slightly, and large individual cables of power appear, showing off a lattice work of support. As each moment passes, the cables diminish, until finally only one strand remains, running from each ledge. Like drinking water through a reed, the final strand is sucked up by the creature.
It feeds on the power? Just Great!
"Listen, they are feeding on the remnants of the bridge! They feed on the power!"
Kodo hurries Alathea down the tunnel with a hand on her elbow. "Quick! These things feed on the Power!" He keeps an eye back, to make sure Rhoekk is following.
"Burn me! Why does this always happen to us?" The Wolflord presses forward attempting to take the lead.
"Just lucky I guess." Fia snorts, slowing just enough to allow Ryland to take the lead.
Pushing on down the tunnel, the light from your torch casts back reflections of light. Glittering along the tunnel, they seem to call to you, urging you on.
As you move deeper, you stumble upon an oddity, for that is the only way that you can describe this sight.
The tunnel, once roughly formed, natural from run off, has changed into man made. A floor lined in tile, walls made of carved rock, a ceiling with an intricate lace and knot pattern carved within. Strangeness of all, these globes that hang upon the wall at an even interval. Further down, you see a faint reflection of light. No, its not a reflection, its glowing. A small glowing object, too far to see a shape, but its dull.
Looking about her, Alathea shivers. For such a place to have been carved by intelligent hands means that it once served a purpose. But what purpose could a tunnel through a mountain guarded by fire-breathing beasts serve? "What is this place?" she asks wonderingly.
"What is that light up ahead" Fia also eyes the room with a mixture of curiosity, suspicion, and wariness. "A thing of the power left here?
Our resident gleeman, Jasin Nateal, says that its possible that this tunnel may have been part of a city at one time, prior to the breaking. He says that it would be possible for something forged of the one power to not be destroyed, or may take an extremly long time to do so. Matt says, his hands stretching out and touching the formed wall.
His hand brushes over a carving in the wall, a strange symbol of two wavy lines carved up and down. Suddenly several of these globes begin to glow brightly, brighter than the torch held in your hand. The brightness is sudden, and forces you to squint.
Snatching his hand away, matt stammers What the?
"Forged of the Power, as you said," Kodo growls, looking around warily. "If we had a choice, we could move slowly, carefully. But we don't," he says, nodding back the way the group has come. "We must keep moving."
Alathea nods in agreement with Kodokura. "You have said that this place is dangerous, yes? And if you are indeed surprised," she says, narrowing her eyes, "I would think that continuing on is even more urgent."