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SotD1: Trap of the Necromancer

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Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"He left, obviously," sneered Syroce. Raylin shrugged, and turned to head towards the nearest door. There were two, one to the north and one to the east. He clasped the handle of the eastern door and tugged. It was stuck. Not locked, just sticking, he noted, as it gave a little. He pulled harder, and the door broke free. He stumbled back, colliding with Katelynn.
"Sorry," he apologized, <cen> blushing.
<cen>"It's fine. May I join you?" she replied, tossing her blond hair over her shoulder. Raylin nodded, and the two set off through the door.
The next room was larger. A small, rickety table stood in one corner. The air was heavy and musty. A low groan jerked Raylin's head up, and he gaped as a zombie emerged from the tattered sacks and piles of straw. Tugging his steel gauntlets tight, he drew his blade. Yet as he charged, two arrows fired into the body, it pitched forward.
Raylin stumbled into it with a grunt and clumsily beheaded it. He turned back to his companion. "Nice shot." He grinned and she smiled back as she affixed her bow onto her back once more.
***
Daniel threaded his way down the long passage. The dank flagstones were slippery, and once or twice he lost his balance. He shivered as something scuttled across his foot, unseen in the dim light. Running a hand through his hair, he told himself it would be all right.
***
Arvenous glanced over at the door that Katelynn and Raylin had vanished through. "Good riddance..." he muttered to himself. He would do this alone. He didn't need anyone, and besides, he wanted the money for himself.
It suddenly occurred to him that if it came down to two people, together, who would win? Shaking the thoughts from his head, he chided himself gently. It didn't matter to him, after all.

31-Oct-2010 16:00:40

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
His eyes caught the door that faced north, next to the other door. It was open. So that was the way Daniel had gone. Grinning, he sidled over and into the corridor, shivering slightly in the dim light.
***
Syroce watched Arvenous go. He considered his options. He didn't want to follow anyone, but people had already left through both doors. He sighed, and waited, fingering his whip. He would wait, and let other people get a head start. It didn't matter, he would win in the end.
***
Daniel hurried down the hall. his heart sunk as he reached the end of a corridor. A dead end. He let out a long breath. He would get lost soon. He needed some way to keep track of his path. Something he could spread on the walls, anything.
He glanced around, his eyes alighting on a sticky substance that looked similar to the one Roan had slipped in. Fighting down bile in his throat, he spun on his heel and made his way back to the junction.
***
Raylin examined the large room they were now in. There was an archway that led to another corridor to the north, and one to the south as well. There was also a door to the south, and a door to the east.
"Which way?" He gestured. Katelynn shrugged.
"I don't know." She sighed. "Let’s go...that way," she decided randomly as she pointed to a door. Raylin strode towards it.
"Sounds good," he replied with a shrug, opening the door. It screeched in protest across the stones, and they were in another small corridor. A thick, iron-cast door stood at the other end, daunting and daring them to pa<c>ss. Cobwebs slathered the ceiling, and Katelynn quivered.
"It's all right," Raylin assured her, touching her arm. it took everything he had to feign the confidence he didn't feel.

31-Oct-2010 16:01:17

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
***
Ellya watched some of the others go, and debated her options. Finally, she decided to tread the path Raylin and Katelynn had taken. She slipped through the open east door, into the large chamber.
She struggled not to vomit as she saw the decapitated zombie in a pool of black blood on the floor and shuddered. Looking around, she decided to head north. She ducked through the archway and down the long, dim corridor.
Suddenly, she heard the heavy footfalls of booted feet behind her. She stopped, heart pounding. Slowly, she turned, twirling her halberd in front of her.
<cen>"It's just me," Neo laughed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Ellya replied, smiling warmly.
***
Seth looked around, seeing many of their companions vanish through both of the doors. He surveyed the room, seeing Syroce comfortably leaning on the wall.
"Let’s go that way," he said to Krystal, gesturing towards the east door. She nodded mutely and led the way into the room. The zombie lay on the floor in a pool of blood, flies buzzing aimlessly around its separated head. Krystal paled, and Seth wondered vaguely where the flies had come from.
***
Neo hurried up the corridor. His heart pounded a furious rhythm in his chest, and sweat trickled down past his temples. "Ellya! A door!" he said excitedly. His voice echoed eerily off the walls, and he thought he heard an odd cackling mixed in. Shaking his head, he examined the door as Ellya trotted up. The door was thick, cast iron.
Neo timidly prodded the door, seeing if it would swing open. Nothing happened. One sallow hand grasped the cool handle and he turned it. The door swung open. Suddenly, there was a green flash of light, and Neo cried out in agony. Two shallow gashes appeared from nowhere, shredding his shirt. The gashes formed an "X" on his chest.

31-Oct-2010 16:01:48

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
A low whine rang in Neo's ears as an unseen breeze whistled through the air. He sunk to his knees, gasping in pain. Blood seeped through the remaining rags of his shirt and spattered onto the floor. Ellya stepped up behind him.
"Let me see," she murmured. She was glad he couldn't see the horror in her eyes.
He turned slowly, wincing. Ellya reached out one hand, touching the gashes.
"Ooh..." Neo let out a whoosh of air.
"Are you all right?" She asked. "Let me bind it." Neo pulled off his ragged shirt and handed it to her. She shredded it into strips and bound the wound around his chest. Her hands were cool, soothing the burning of the wound. When she finished, he grasped her hands.
"Thank you," he said gratefully, catching her gaze. They stared at each other for a moment, then Ellya tore her gaze away.
"We should continue," she murmured, examining the room. There was a large table in one corner. A wall went halfway down the middle, little more than a crumbled line of stones. A wooden door faced north. She led the way towards it. Timidly, she prodded it. This, unlike the trapped door, swung open with a loud screech, and the pair stepped into the hallway.
***
Raylin examined the door, turning the handle. Nothing happened. He jiggled it, and it refused to open. He pressed his shoulder to it, heaving with all his might. Sweat trickled down his neck, and not just from the effort. He grunted loudly, and finally turned away.
"I think it’s locked," he announced. Katelynn laughed softly.
"It took you that long?" She smirked playfully and stepped forward, gently pushing him out of her way. She dug into her pack, finally digging out the picklock she had placed there the previous night. Chuckling, she bent and examined the lock. Raylin sighed loudly.
Katelynn fumbled with the lock for a moment, and then it swung open with a screech. She turned, glancing back with satisfaction at the stunned look on Raylin's face.

31-Oct-2010 16:02:15

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"I have some training as a thief," she explained, blushing. Raylin nodded mutely and stepped into the room. Suddenly, there was a low growl. Katelynn let out a high-pitched shriek as a small pack of menacing wolves, scrawny and bony from lack of food, advanced slowly.
"Quick!" Raylin blurted, drawing his blade with a hiss. He stepped in front of Katelynn, shielding her while she drew her bow. One of the wolves growled angrily and lunged for him. He raised his blade and fended it off, sending it skidding across the slippery stones.
"Duck!" Katelynn cried. Raylin threw himself to the stones just in time to hear arrows whizzing over his head. Rolling onto his back, he scrambled to his knees and began a running crouch towards another of the wolves. His blade sliced through its thick fur, and blood spattered across the floor.
Suddenly, burning, fiery pain lanced through his shoulder, and he screamed in pain. He felt icy claws sink into his neck, and the world began to spin. Patches of black flashed before his eyes.
Feebly he struck backwards with his sword, and whatever clung to him fell limply. He felt something hot and sticky dripping down his arm, but he dove for the remaining three wolves, gritting his teeth against the pain.
Katelynn cried out as she saw the blood streaming from Raylin's shoulder. Her hands flew as she noc*ed her bow, fired, noc*ed, and fired. Raylin managed to stab the final one. Eight wolves lay dead on the ground, each in their own growing pool of blood. It seeped across the stones and sunk in between them. Katelynn shivered and stumbled to Raylin's side. He lay on the ground, immobile and pale.
"Raylin?" she asked softly. He moaned. She gaped at the wounds in his shoulder and neck. Gently, she shredded the hem of her skirt to bind the wounds. Then she turned him over onto his back, gazing into his clear gray eyes.

31-Oct-2010 16:03:50

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"You -- saved me..." he managed. "Thank you. You...didn't have to you, you know...I mean-- <cen> this competition...you have be the last one <cen> alive..."
"I couldn't let you die, Raylin," she replied quietly.
"We're together in this, then?" he panted.
"As long as you're here, I'll be with you," Katelynn replied loyally. Timidly, she bent down towards him. Their lips met in a passionate kiss.
When she finally pulled away, Raylin'* eyes were shining. His pain had vanished. He felt that he was almost bubbling with joy. Love was a beautiful thing. For he was sure he loved this wonderful girl. Despite the deep gashes in his shoulder, he felt as though he could take on the most frightening monster alive and leave it dead in a matter of seconds. He was on top of the world. As he gazed at Katelynn, he stared into the blue ocean of her eyes. Lost in them, he felt at peace with the world.
"And as long as you're here, I'll be with you," he murmured.

31-Oct-2010 16:04:16

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Chapter 3

Daniel threaded his way through the narrow corridor. Suddenly, he heard an echoing sound of footfalls. He turned the corner, and Arvenous stood before him.
"Hi..." Arvenous shifted uncomfortably.
"Well." Daniel shrugged. "Nice to see you, Arvenous."
"Ah...<cen> do you know what's ahead?" Arvenous asked timidly.
"Nope. Care to check it out?" Daniel replied, grinning slightly.
"I..." Arvenous frowned, debating. "Fine." he said finally. Daniel nodded, and the two hurried forward.
***
Ellya meandered down the corridor, examining her surroundings. Suddenly, she saw a wooden door ahead. She skipped back eagerly to Neo, who staggered painfully along.
"There's a door ahead," she said brightly. He nodded.
"Let's check it out, then," he replied. Ellya lead him to the door, tossing her blond hair over her shoulders. Neo paused to catch his breath, admiring her beauty.
"Come on," she urged, shoving the door open. <cen> Inside, <c> no monsters jumped out like in previous times. There was an anvil in one corner. There was also a thick, broad bloodstain across the floor. Ellya shuddered.
***
Krystal looked around the room, seeing the open door to the east.
"This way?" She gestured, catching Seth's attention.
"Sure, why not?" He shrugged, and the two strode to the door. They stepped through, and were in a narrow, short corridor. The iron door ahead of them swung on its hinges, creaking softly.
Krystal peeked her head inside, seeing Raylin and Katelynn lying on the floor.
"Oh.." she murmured, withdrawing. She was pressed close against Seth in the confining quarters. She could feel the heat from his body, hear his ragged breath and feel it on her face.
"What?"

06-Dec-2010 18:33:34

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Ah...Katelynn and Raylin..." She flushed. He made his way around her and glanced into the room.
"I see..." he trailed off, blushing as well. "We'll just wait, then." Krystal nodded mutely, trying to quell the pounding of her heart. She stifled a grin, feeling the furious rhythm of Seth's heart against her arm.
Finally, Krystal took a deep breath and peered inside once more. "It's okay now," she whispered to Seth, and stepped inside. The occupants of the room were huddled in a corner, Raylin lying against the wall. Krystal could see the blood seeping through his torn shirt.
"What happened to him?" she asked softly. Katelynn turned, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She gestured wordlessly to the wolves on the ground.
"Oh..." Krystal nodded sympathetically.
"Go on ahead. We'll be awhile, I think," Katelynn said quietly. Krystal nodded, and hurried toward the east door.
***
Roan opened his eyes slowly. The dungeon swam before his eyes, rippling and spinning. He moaned softly. A snide chuckle rang in his ears, and he tenderly opened his eyes again.
"Wha...?" he mumbled. Syroce bent over him with a thin smile parting his lips.
"I see you've returned to the land of the living. You've some catching up to do..." he drawled.
"And why are you still here?" Roan replied shortly.
"Letting the others go ahead. I'll do this my own way," Syroce said curtly.
"I see..." Roan replied, frowning. He rose shakily, rubbing the back of his head. "Well then. I'm off, I guess." Syroce snorted.
"Good riddance, fool," he sneered as Roan vanished through the east door.
***
Krystal tugged the door open and stepped into the hallway. The corridor was long and twisting. A fleeting breeze ruffled her hair, whining as it fluttered through the dungeon. She shivered, and Seth placed a hand on her arm. He led her forward, ducking through an archway into the next room.

06-Dec-2010 18:34:11

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Krystal paled as she saw it, vaguely wondering who could have started weaving it. There was also a well. When she glanced into it, all she could see was endless black depths. She shivered again.
"I need...a break..." she choked out. Fear welled deep inside her.
"Sure. I suppose it's nearly night anyway," Seth replied, settling himself down at the rickety table that sat near the loom. Krystal took a deep breath and sat opposite him.
"No way to tell...night and day..." she sighed. Her skin felt clammy, and yet sweat poured down her face. Seth dug around in his pack, producing two slices of travel bread. He handed one to her.
"You don't have to..."
"My treat," he smiled and grabbed her hand, squeezing it briefly. Krystal grinned weakly.
***
Daniel threaded his way up the corridor. It twisted left and right. Something scuttled over his feet, and he shuddered. He ran one hand shakily through his blond hair and glanced back at Arvenous. His companion had his bow clutched tightly in pale hands.
"Look! A door!" he blurted out excitedly, gesturing to the broad wooden door ahead. He trotted towards it and placed on hand on its handle, tugging it open. As soon as Daniel opened the door, he felt heat. His skin prickled and sweat began to trickle down his neck. He looked up, but was blinded by a gout of fire as it sprayed forward. His vision cleared for a moment to display a towering black dragon.
He stumbled back, slamming the door. Arvenous caught his arm.
***
Syroce hummed softly to himself, stroking his chin. He had waited long enough. Straightening, he fingered his whip, considering his options. He slipped quietly out of the northern door and into the corridor. It branched out in multiple directions. Taking a deep breath, he turned right, then right again. He stood before a simple wooden door.

06-Dec-2010 18:34:55

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