《D&D Adventure Story : Hoard of the Dragon Queen》


 Prologue: A Queer Team

    It was a warm spring afternoon as a caravan of merchants worked their horses down the road. The journey from Baldur''s Gate had been a long one down the southern end of the Sword Coast.


    A harried old gentleman sat at the front of the moving caravan. He was their elected leader for this trip and he was hoping to reach home soon. The nights spent on the road were easier now that they were finally in the grasslands. This countryside had been his home for many seasons and it always brought a smile to see a familiar tree or boulder on the side of the road. Trees and large boulders dotted the landscape in front of him. He was eager for more familiar sights as he cast his gaze back to the line he was leading. His eyes lingering on a particular group. He shook his head.


    Among the adventurer¡¯s he¡¯s seen in his travels, in all his years. This¡­ team. Was the most farfetched he had ever laid his eyes upon. He had picked them up as a last-minute contract out of Baldur¡¯s Gate. It seemed like they only had a smattering of combat experience between them, so he got a good price for the extra help on the road. If anything, the tall, dark eyed man seemed to have the strength of a monster made human.


    It was made obvious after the man had lifted a boulder the size of an oxen and casually hurled it out of the path of the wagons. All the men behind him gawked at his strength. The tan skinned man was sun kissed and dressed simply, his attire was made for movement. A solid piece of chainmail was laid upon his shoulders and waist. The links were dull, and some were tarnished. At his back was a three-pronged spear with a wooden haft and a great double-edged axe. On his side was a small hand axe and what appeared to be a folded net, easily within reach. The man was well armed and impressively so. He wore no helm and his head was shaven.


    The gentleman felt comfortable with this man, it was his other companions whom the rest of the caravan gave looks to.


    It was at this moment when one of them spoke to him.


    ¡°Worry not good employer!¡± A voice spoke to him from close to the ground. The voice carried across his ears with confidence and certainty.


    Looking down he gazed into the soft brown eyes of a dog. Well¡­ If a dog were to be seen standing on two legs like a man.


    ¡°I am not worried.¡± Said the gentleman with a strained smile. ¡°It has only been a long time since I¡¯ve seen home, and I cannot await to be asleep in my own bed and not in a ditch.¡±


    Of course, he was stretching the truth, being the chosen leader of this caravan affronted him certain privileges. Like sleeping in the back of a wagon as opposed to the ground.


    The small animal nodded to him while easily keeping pace with the wagon. After being in company for a week, the gentleman finally asked the question he, and the rest of the teams have been wondering all this time.


    ¡°Sir, Fluffington.¡± He fumbled with his words a bit. It was a bit awkward to address the dog as so without a smile. ¡°What land did you say you hailed from again?¡±


    A pair of eyes sparkled with remembrance, ¡°I hail from the Corgish Faewilds, my most honorable employer.¡± Spoke Sir Fluffington. ¡°My most notable family has served our goddess, Titania, for countless generations. Through acts of valor and honor, my brothers and sisters set out to be a beacon for the people and draw their attention to our goddess for she protects and provides for all in her grace.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± The gentleman remarked quietly.


    Among the beasts and men that dotted the landscape of the Sword Coast. It was known to all that the Faewilds existed and many magical beings call it home. It was also rumored that it was nigh impossible to find without someone native to their lands.


    The corgi¡¯s infectious smile bloomed on his small face.


    ¡°Fear not noble employer, for we are few but strong and we¡¯ll ensure your safety to Greenest.¡±


    Giving Sir Fluffington a polite nod, he then looked at the last one in their team. Hanging far back and off to the side of the road, walked one of the Lizard Folk.


    Sticking out in sharp contrast to the surrounding land. A red Lizardman with orange spots walked in the grass, never the road, his spear doubling as a staff. Green hide and leathers were strapped to his person forming his armor. He also carried what appeared to be a large bone club on his side. Blue bands of color wrapped around his wrists while the frills around his neck swayed with the wind. However, what was unnerving, were his eyes. Even from this distance the gentleman could see his eyes moving in separate directions. Always looking and scanning his surroundings.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Thinking about it would only give the man a headache. ¡°Sir Fluffington.¡± he called out. ¡°This will be the last night we camp on these plains, let me pass along a good word to my cousin who runs the inn at Greenest and tomorrow you¡¯ll eat like a king.¡±


    A soft rush of grass was now disturbed by an eager tail.


    ¡°Everyone!¡± the gentleman¡¯s voice carried over the horses and wagons. ¡°Time to break camp, out with the rest of the rations and eat your fill. I don¡¯t want to carry anymore home than I have to.¡± he called out, as a small chorus of joy rippled down the line.


    Sir Fluffington turned from the lead wagon and began to walk back down the line. His destination was the mountain of a man he was teamed up with, along with the Red Lizardman who already waiting.


    The group knew what was expected of them. They began to break soil, erect tents and help where extra hands were needed.


    <hr>


    Dawn arrived and with it, a small stirring of people. Most of the camp were lethargic and lazy from the nights feast. A full belly with a warm bed made everyone slow to start spite the warm sun beginning to beat down on them.


    The large man, with his great axe in hand, was already up and exercising. Swinging the massive blade in slow, controlled arcs. Most of the caravanner¡¯s were used to this by now. They had seen him every morning, awake before anyone else. He was silent except the soft shuffle of his feet as he moved.


    The Woodsman Chop, he brought the axe across his side with slow deliberate movements. Guillotine Cut, an overhead attack that focused power and emphasized one''s strength. Finally, the Rising Star. A strong recovery from the Guillotine Cut, bringing the weapon back up in front of him. With his gaze still forward the man spoke.


    ¡°Unless you intend to join me, leave.¡± he spoke with a firm and steady voice. Obviously in contrast to his straining muscles as he slowly began to repeat his forms.


    A reptilian voice responded ¡°Retiarius, I am not your equal in combat. I wish¡± he paused. ¡°...to merely observe.¡±


    Retiarius paused and turned to the speaker.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen you fight Tec, but you will be no-man¡¯s equal if you do not practice.¡±


    Tec merely shrugged as he brought out a hand full of seed pods from his belt.


    ¡°It is only one aspect of life and besides.¡± he paused ¡°You are right that I am no man.¡± Tec began to move his claws over the pods and one by one they began to open. Plucking a single seed from the pod, Tec looked at the seed in his two claws and muttered to it [Good Berry]. Soon began to glow a faint crimson before returning to its seedly appearance.


    ¡°Obviously.¡± Retiarius responded flatly.


    Tec then threw the seed at Retiarius, He caught it effortlessly with one hand before Tec turned away from him. ¡°Now that breakfast is done...¡± He trailed off as he walked away.


    Looking at the seed in his hand, Retiarius paused before popping it in his mouth.


    You have recovered 2HP


    You are now Full and do not require additional sustenance for the next 12 hours.


    Retiarius didn''t smile.


    He turned back to his weapon and picked up where he left off, swinging his great axe with focused precision.


    <hr>


    Sir Fluffington woke when the sun broke the early horizon. A small seed was already laying in front of his muzzle when it quickly it vanished into his mouth. It smelled of flowers and tasted like magic. Not that he could describe what magic tasted like.


    After taking care of the required necessities of the morning, he gathered his gear and donned his armor. A set of custom chainmail armor tailored to his stumpy form. A Traditional Warhammer almost as tall as himself, laid up ended, standing with the handle straight up. A shield covered most of his back, covering his travel pack and lastly, a small knife protruded from his belt.


    His tail was wagging.


    ¡°Today is going to be the bestest of days!¡± he cheerfully remarked as he looked out across the still asleep camp.


    They had been protecting this caravan for just over a week now and soon the job would come to an end.


    ¡°My goddess, Titania.¡± The corgi spoke, ¡°Please let this one bring you honor and glory again this day.¡± He was rubbing his paws across his chest, tracing the symbol of his goddess.


    Your prayers have been answered.


    All spells have been restored for the next 24 hours.


    You have the favor of goddess Titania.


    A smile split Sir Fluffington¡¯s face, ¡°I¡¯m a good boy.¡± he beamed.


    He then proceeded to trot over to where Retiarius was. He knew the big man would be exercising as usual. However, a breeze crossed his path and he stopped. Sir Fluffington cast his gaze around the camp once again, brown eyes searching. The wind had brought him a mix of different smells and scents.


    Leather, metal, sweat¡­. men, women and monsters.


    But they were not here. The wind had come from the east. Almost as if it was expelled from the now rising sun.


    Sir Fluffington whispered another quiet prayer to his goddess for protection and fortune before moving again. He was going to train with that monster of a man. He wanted to be ready for anything today. They were not done yet and it was said that most disasters happen within a troll¡¯s fart from home.

 Chapter 1

    The wagons were not long in packing up and soon, the assorted caravan teams were once again ushering the horses onward. The gentleman at the front could be heard shouting warnings of potholes and ditches as they moved forward along the road.


    Morning had passed quickly with the late start. Everyone had elected to have cold lunch on the road as opposed to stopping to warm anything up. It would have taken too long to start the fires necessary and you could feel everyone¡¯s excitement to be home.


    ¡°My wife¡¯s pie is the best, I cannot wait.¡±


    ¡°My daughter will love what I got her.¡±


    ¡°Wait till they see this...¡±


    Murmurs and happy discussions were everywhere as the caravan moved forward over the rolling landscape.


    Tec was the first to notice that there was a problem. His eyes were looking at both sides of the road as he plodded forward. His feet clawing the soft earth as he walked. Something was wrong. Not that anyone else had noticed, they seemed blissful in their ignorance. Tec couldn¡¯t blame them. He had noticed the problem due to his profession. He was a [Druid] and because of such, he was attuned to the natural way the world. And right now, something was telling him, screaming at him, that there was no animal life for miles. Tec scanned the rolling grasslands. The birds were gone, most of the bugs too. All animal and beasts seemed to be¡­. gone.


    Adjusting his stride, he soon came upon his stumpy leader.


    ¡°We should be extra vigilant, Sir Fluffington¡± He spoke with no preamble.


    The corgi¡¯s ears twitched a moment before he spoke. ¡°Just call me Stubbs, there is no rank between comrades.¡±


    Tec considered this and before nodding.


    ¡°Stubbs then, there seems to be a distinct lack life in the surroundings, I sense no living creatures at all.¡±


    Stubbs heaved a heavy breath, taking in all the smells and scents around him. His nose filtering and categorizing them with amazing accuracy. Tec was right. There were faint traces of the local wildlife, but nothing recent. Stubbs nose was every bit as good as a bloodhound, maybe even better with his Fae heritage.


    ¡°You¡¯re right Tec, however, I do not smell anything abnormal though.¡±


    Tec¡¯s face didn''t change, or, maybe it did. Sir Stubbs found trouble reading the Lizard Folk. His expressions all looked the same.


    Bringing himself up and puffing out his chest he declared ¡°Worry not, for I, Sir Stubbs Fluffington the seventh, blessed of Titania, will be ever vigilant!¡±


    Tec turned his head away from the boisterous animal before rolling one of his eyes. Tec had learned quickly that Sir Stubbs Fluffington was a fan of the dramatic and would always take the chance to turn some heads if possible.


    A few of the other caravan drivers gave credit to this, when they glanced at the duo briefly before turning focus back to the road ahead.


    <hr>


    The sun moved across the sky in its usual pattern and soon had begun to make its descent into the horizon. The air was warm and the stars we¡¯re beginning to pierce the veil of twilight, dotting the clear sky. The caravan moved forward along the road making steady progress until a shout came from their leader in the front.


    It was a call to halt.


    Confused, the other drivers stopped their wagons and made their way forward on foot. They were followed by the trio of adventures. When they got to the front of the line, they looked at what was before them.


    Over the hills, just beyond their sight, smoke rose into the sky. However, this was not the clean white smoke of hearth fires. Not the smoke that brought warm thoughts of a good meal and safe bed. Thin black fingers of smoke were reaching into the sky, clawing at the veil with their fading tips.


    Looking at each other, the three ran to the crest of the hill. They looked down for the first time, into the village of Greenest.


    Greenest had looked to be a small village. The buildings were graciously spaced apart from each other and it was clear that because there was no wall surrounding the village to keep people clustered, the residents had spread out. Almost all of the structures were built of timber and thatch, a few of the buildings could be seen with fire blooming from their tops, giving sauce for the black claws of smoke. A small river wound its way around the southern part of the village below a small hill. On either side of the river, copses of trees could be easily seen. The waterway looked to be relatively shallow as a few areas could be seen to allow travel or foot traffic across it. On top of the hill sat a Keep. the only stone structure currently visible from their vantage. Humanoid and other figures could be seen moving all over Greenest. It looked like someone had kicked a ant hill. However, it was not the village that captured the attention of Tec, Retiarius and Stubbs.


    Looking to the sky, a massive presence demanded their attention.


    Soaring over the Keep, a giant blue body hovered aloft with powerful scaled wings. A gout of lightning spewed from the monsters elongated maw as the energy dispersed into the twilight sky.


    You have resisted [Dragon Fear]


    Retiarius turned his head as footsteps announced the arrival of more onlookers. The caravan leader was there with a few other men in tow. The gentleman stood ridged and pale faced as he too, took in the sight. A few of the other men collapsed, stricken and gaping.


    The fear seized them. Cries and shouts could be heard as the fear began to spread.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    The dragon took to the clouds after it¡¯s fantastical display. It began to fly in deliberate circles overhead, letting the fear radiate from its form.


    ¡°Ah, so that was the cause.¡± Tec¡¯s deadpan reptilian voice broke in among the cries of the men and women around him.


    ¡°What?¡± Gruffed Retiarius, never letting his eyes leave the monstrosity in the sky.


    ¡°The reason our travels have sported less beasts and monsters than normal. I was concerned that something might have greatly disrupted the balance.¡± Tec shook his head, the red frills around his head shaking. ¡°It was the [Dragon Fear]. Every beast within several leagues has fled.¡±


    ¡°s¡­s-Sir Fluffington¡­.¡± A strangled croak came out of the caravan¡¯s leader throat.


    Stubbs broke his gaze away from the scene before him. His soft brown eyes then looked at the gentleman, all life seemed to have been forcefully drained from his face.


    ¡°Please,..¡± He quietly spoke to the armored corgi. ¡°Please help us....¡±


    Sir Fluffington gave him a nod.


    ¡°By Titania¡¯s will, we will do what we can.¡±


    Sir Fluffington began moving off the hill, running as fast as his stumpy legs could carry him, towards the village of Greenest. His companions were right behind him.


    <hr>


    The twilight had faded to darkness as the three arrived at the outskirts of Greenest. The moon, Selune, hung early in the night¡¯s sky. It promised a clear night for what was to come. Sir Fluffington¡¯s ears could be seen twitching and turning, this way and that, as he ran. Shouts and cries could be heard faintly by him across the village. But as the trio ran between the first few building on the village outskirts. Two human children and a human male could be seen rounding one of the corners of a nearby building, behind them a woman''s voice could be heard.


    ¡°Back you monsters!¡±


    A high-pitched guttural scream followed the battle cry.


    One of the children, crying and exhausted, stumbled and fell onto the dirt road. Then she was there, bolting around the corner was the woman. She held a broken spear in one hand, the top of it shattered. The would-be weapon was nothing more than a long stick. In her other hand she clumsy held onto a wooden buckler. She rushed to the two kids and the man who was trying to urge the child to their feet again.


    ¡°Get up!¡± she barked. ¡°You have to keep running!¡±


    At this moment she noticed an additional three pairs of eyes watching them. A dog in armor holding onto a Warhammer in his paws. One of the Lizard Folk, with a spear in hand. His eyes looking both to the right and left at the same time, scanning the area. Lastly a giant of a man who was holding an oddly forked spear and what appeared to be a net in the other hand.


    There was only a moment of confusion, before fear flashed across their faces as the humans took stock of their new opponents. Behind the humans, a troop of Kobolds emerged from the darkness. Wielding crude iron daggers and a few holding onto slings. They were rugged in their hand patched armor. Their dark scales reflected no light, but a simple intelligence could be seen behind their silted eyes.


    The Kobolds spotting their prey. They hissed at them through their fanged teeth and beady eyes.


    ¡°Givee it up Humansss! Theree isss no escapee!¡± it slurred, having trouble with a few of the words in common.


    Taking a glance at the three new unexpected arrivals the kobolds only paused for a second before they shouted.


    ¡°You threesss¡­ catch them!¡± One of the other kobolds hissed.


    The troop of Kobolds waited for their reinforcements to make their move before stepping forward.


    ¡°FOR TITANIA!¡±


    Sir Fluffington barked as he ran full force into nearest Kobold, swinging across his chest with the Warhammer in both paws.


    You hit a Kobold for 4 blunt damage.


    The Kobolds only had a moment after the attack to realize that this was not their reinforcements. These were adventurers.


    The Kobold cried out as he was knocked off his feet by the blow. Lashing out, the other Kobolds were quick to strike at the strange animal in armor.


    You¡¯ve taken 6 slashing damage.


    Sir Fluffington yipped as he caught one of the blades.


    Roots suddenly sprouted from the ground as a word of magic fell from Tec¡¯s lips [Entangle]. Lashing out only for a moment, the earthy tendrils quickly began to wind and wrap themselves around the Kobolds. Desperate, they began thrashing and biting the roots, trying to free themselves. Unfortunately, they were too close together and bound too tightly to escape.


    A hiss and a gurgle came from one of the restrained Kobolds as he was impaled by a three-pronged spear.


    You hit a Kobold for 6 piercing damage.


    Retiarius easily pulled his weapon from the now dead Kobold with a grunt.


    The humans watched the slaughter take place. They were frozen in place as the adventurers systematically killed the Kobolds that were bound and restrained.


    You hit a Kobold for 8 blunt damage.


    You hit a Kobold for 7 piercing damage.


    You hit a Kobold for 5 piercing damage.


    You hit a Kobold for 3 blunt damage.


    Slowly the tension of battle waned as the last Kobold died. The Humans eventually found their voices again. The children began to softly cry as the woman took a few cautious steps toward the group.


    ¡°T-Thank you...¡± She hesitantly spoke to Retiarius. He was about to reply when a cheerful voice spoke from beside her.


    ¡°Fear not Mam! For I, Sir Stubbs Fluffington, Blessed [Paladin] of Titania, would never let evil go unpunished!¡± Declared Stubbs in full bravado.


    Grimacing at the small Paladin, the woman dropped her now useless spear and spoke in an aggressive whisper ¡°Quiet!... there are more about!¡± She scanned her surroundings momentarily before speaking again.


    ¡°Forgive me, but we must either flee the village or make it to the Keep.¡±


    ¡°The one on the hill?¡± Tec interrupted.


    ¡°Yes, Governor Nighthill and the guards blew the horn just moments after the attack began. We were on our way to the Keep before we were ambushed by these scaled bastards.¡±


    ¡°Pray tell, if you¡¯re here to help us, could you escort me and mine to the Keep?¡± The woman looked pleadingly at the stout Paladin.


    Stubbs took a quick glance at his teammates, Tec gave him a small nod and Retiarius ¡­ Retiarius seemed to be disinterested, looking inward to the village. Stubbs took his silence as acceptance.


    ¡°We will escort you m¡¯lady.¡± He said in a more quieted tone as he turned back to her.


    ¡°My name is Linan.¡± Said the woman, visibly relaxing and introducing her children and husband.


    Moving quietly, ushering the children between them, the group moved eastward on the wide dirt road. There was a tree line to the north, just on the other side of the snaking stream they saw previously. This was the shortest route they could remember to the Keep. Shouts and cries could be heard in the distance as well as the occasional roar as lightning brightened the sky. Crossing a patch of grass, the group was about to cross the water, when another piercing scream could be heard behind them.


    Raising his head and sniffing the air, Sir Stubbs looked back to the road, ¡°There¡¯s more people over there.¡± Sir Stubbs directed with his nose. He had caught the mixed scent on the wind. ¡°There might be more villagers.¡± He said almost as an afterthought.


    Linan looked uncomfortable for a moment before asking. ¡°Are you going to save them?¡± She was huddled around her family looking at the trio. Sir Stubbs didn''t even look at his companions before answering her.


    ¡°We can try.¡±

 Chapter 2

    In the middle of a trio of houses a gathering of was taking place. A mixed group of six men and women in dark robes could been seen. Their attention was on a group of villagers in their center. Their outfits were simple but each of them carried a torch and a curved blade at the ready. The group of villagers were huddled together looking fearful at the drawn blades. They were not trying to draw any additional attention from their captors.


    Another crash of lighting split the sky and a few of the villagers cried out, overcome by the [Dragon Fear]. The robed ones just laughed at their plight and a few of them could be seen next to a pile of packs that appeared to be almost full to bursting.


    ¡°Where are those blasted Kobolds!¡± One of the men grumbled, not caring who heard him. ¡°Those little fuckers better get back here soon.¡± he spat. ¡°I¡¯m not going to carry those.¡± He gestured towards the bags on the ground.


    From the darkness three sets of eyes were on the group. Hidden in the darkness they slowly got into position.


    Retiarius was considering his next opponents. He appeared to be lost in thought about which weapon to use next, when Sir Stubbs turned and looked at him. ¡°How strong are you?¡± he asked bluntly.


    Retiarius thought about it for only a second before responding. ¡°Very.¡± He was sure that he could best almost any man or monster in a contest of strength. He knew from his previous experience that only something like a giant or ogre could give him pause. He had been pitted against many beasts in the past. It was not that long ago that he was a slave, fighting in the arena. There, only the victors lived, and he had come out on top.


    ¡°Good, I want you to throw me at them.¡± Sir Stubbs broke Retiarius¡¯s line of thought while removing his shield from his back.


    Tec spoke before Retiarius could gather his own words. ¡°Do you think that is wise?¡± The small Paladin shrugged. ¡°Why not? A surprise attack is the best attack and besides, you¡¯ll be right behind me.¡±


    For the first time the team could remember, Retiarius smiled. The plan was insane, but sometimes, it was that insanity that could bring you glory.


    Gingerly, Retiarius picked up Sir Fluffington. The small animal was about 135lb, fully armored and geared. The weight was nothing to Retiarius as he took careful aim with the Corgi. Somehow managing a solid grip, he reeled back and without preamble, launched the beast.


    The robed group was unprepared as an armored Fae Corgi came hurtling out of the darkness, his shield was raised as he collided with one Man? Woman?... Paste. They were now paste.


    You deal 28 bludgeoning damage.


    You receive 2 bludgeoning damage.


    With grace only befitting the Fae, the Paladin landed upright on his hind legs, shield bloody, but poised and ready for combat.


    ¡°W-What the fuck?!¡± Exclaimed a robed woman staring dumbfoundedly at Sir Stubbs


    Retiarius took this moment and charged forward, bringing his axe down on another robed individual. Cleaving the poor bastard in half. As two halves of a whole fell to the ground with a wet, meaty thud.


    You deal 16 slashing damage. (Critical hit)


    Your god favors your brutality.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!!!¡± The woman shouted again. Only this time springing into action. She stepped forward and slashed at Sir Stubbs, only catching air on the blade.


    Sir Stubbs then turned his attention to her, with a swift stroke he brought his weapon to the back of her knee. Collapsing with a cry she only had a moment before Sir Stubbs bashed her face with his shield, knocking her unconscious.


    You deal 4 bludgeoning damage.


    You deal 2 bludgeoning damage.


    ¡°Retiarius! Behind!¡± Sir Stubbs barked before deflecting an incoming strike off his shield.


    The two remaining robed figures had flanked the large man and were in the process of trying to stick him with the point of their blades. A glancing blow caught Retiarius on his arm while he tried to fend off his attackers.


    You have taken 4 slashing damage.


    Tec decided to declare his presence by throwing his weapon at one of Retiarius¡¯s attackers, catching them unaware as her chest bloomed with the tip of a bone spear,


    You deal 5 piercing damage.


    The last remaining robed man was late in noticing his companions¡¯ demise as Sir Stubbs came upon him from behind, again striking at the legs.


    You deal 4 bludgeoning damage.


    The man buckled to the ground with a grunt before Retiarius gave him a solid kick, compacting the man¡¯s chest.


    You deal 3 bludgeoning damage.


    The surprise attack was over, and it went remarkably well in Sir Stubb¡¯s opinion. Sir Stubbs then walked up to the Villagers who were still huddled together, and with an expression full of a child innocence. ¡°You¡¯re safe now. Quickly, gather each other. We make our way to the Keep.¡± They were hesitant to follow before Linan came out from the darkness where her and her family had been hidden. She called familiar names and spoke reassuring words to the very shaken people as they slowly gathered themselves.


    While the villagers were taking a moment to sort themselves out. Sir Stubbs went to inspect the wound on Retiarius. Tec recovered his spear while walking over to the unconscious robed woman. He had noticed that Sir Stubbs had not dealt the final blow before assisting Retiarius.


    ¡°What should we do with her.¡± He called out to Sir Stubbs.


    Sir Stubbs was enveloped in an outline of soft white light. He had laid his fore paw on Retiarius¡¯s wound and a river of warmth followed between the two, it eased the pain. The injury quickly closed upon itself and the blood that was staining the area around it flaked away, revealing unblemished skin, made whole once again. As the light slowly dimmed and died, Sir Stubbs turned to Tec.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    You have been healed for 4 HP.


    ¡°We should ask her what is going on. Why they are here and why they are attacking Greenest.¡± he paused. ¡°At the very least we should bring her with us.¡±


    Tec nodded before he started fishing out rope from his pack to bind the woman.


    ¡°What about these?¡± Retiarius hefted one of the bags off the ground with one hand. It clanked, clattered and jingled. It seemed to be filled with numerous items just from the sounds alone.


    ¡°T-hose be our belongings sir.¡± said one of the villagers. ¡°They were looting e-everything that was not n-nailed down. They sat us all o-outside while they tore our homes a-apart and shoved everything in those b-bags.¡± The man was stumbling over his words a bit. His eyes were wide and fearful.


    Another thunderous roar broke in the night sky as once again, [Dragon Fear] washed over everyone. The man''s eyes went wild as he quickly followed up ¡°K-keep IT! Keeep it! Just save us, a reward! Just save me.¡± He was starting to become hysterical.


    Tec calmly looked over at Sir Stubbs, obviously overcoming the wave of fear. ¡°Why does the dragon not attack?¡± he asked.


    Sir Stubbs did not know but it was Retiarius who spoke up. ¡°The fear makes them cowards¡± he gestured at the villagers. It seemed a few more of them had broken down and started crying again. More than one of the villagers looked to be strong healthy men and women. People of the land who did all sorts of manual labor. A rather manly man with a thick beard and mustache could be seen in the bosom of his wife or sister, tears and snot running down his face.


    Sir Stubbs agreed ¡°We must reach the keep before it decides to attack and not just scare everyone.¡±


    The adventures agreed to move quickly. Retiarius carrying the bags with ease and Tec shepherding villagers, Sir Stubbs lead everyone back to the small river that wound its way through Greenest. The river turned slightly north and they soon could see the keep though the darkness. Light of torches and braziers could be seen atop the ramparts and shouts could be heard in the distance. Sir Stubbs came to a halt as he sniffed the air. He could smell more kobolds, his nose told them that they were¡­ Everywhere. Signaling everyone else to hold back, Sir Stubbs dropped to all fours and moved forward up the hill towards the Keep. Keeping as quiet as he could, Sir Stubbs only traveled part way when he stopped. A large gathering of Kobolds and more robed figures seemed to be camped outside the Keep. Occasionally someone threw a spell or an arrow at the defenders on the walls. They seemed content just sitting there, just out of reach of the Keeps defenses. Sir Stubbs silently turned back and regrouped with the villagers and companions.


    ¡°There is a large army in front of the Keep, going in that way is impossible.¡± Sir Stubbs commented as he explained what he just seen.


    A several of the villagers shifted nervously at hearing that there was an army in the middle of their village.


    Linan stepped forward. ¡°There should be a sewer tunnel that runs from the Keep to the river, we might be able to get inside through there.¡± she pointed further upstream.


    Nodding, Sir Stubbs resumed leading the way. The group moved as silently as possible up the river until they came across a small grate that was at the base of the hill, under the fort. Pointing at the grate with a claw, Tec asked. ¡°What are we going to do about that?¡±


    Sir Stubbs looked at the grate across the water. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s unlocked?¡±


    Everyone¡¯s expectations were high as they waded across the water. The entrance to the tunnel was only about a meter in diameter. It looked like they were going to have to crawl or hunch over to get inside. Still shivering from the cold, the villagers watched expectantly as Retiarius set down the bags he was carrying and reach out with both hands, giving the metal grate a small tug.


    It didn''t budge. A rusted keyhole could be seen on the front of the grate.


    One of the villagers watching made an audible groan while others murmured that it was locked. Retiarius did not say anything or remove his hands from the bars. Grunting, his muscles swelled, becoming veiny and strained. Everyone winced as a loud CRACK was heard as the rusted metal hinges snapped under the strain. Retiarius calmly removed the grate from the opening and set it gingerly to the side as not to make any more noise.


    Looking into the now open tunnel Retiarius was about to signal for everyone to follow behind him when a slight scratching from within the hole caught Sir Stubb¡¯s attention. His ears were twitching and turning as the noise was quickly becoming louder and louder as more scratching and scritching could be heard.


    ¡°We have incoming.¡± Sir Stubbs said while raising his shield and taking a defensive pose between himself and the villagers.


    It was a few moments before Retiarius could also hear the noise from the tunnel. As he peered inside, numerous red eyes could be seen surging forward en mass. Squeaks and shrieks could be heard as a torrent of rats flooded from the opening.


    They bit and clawed past Retiarius as he stood at the front of the tunnel. Retiarius tried to swing his arms and kick his feet. Failing to retaliate against the moving mass of rats that were swarming past him. His movements did little to hurt or kill, but it did send them scattering as they were widely dispersed with his grand movements.


    After the last of the rats scurried out and away, Retiarius was left standing there with a numerous scratches and a few bite marks. Not too terrible Sir Stubbs thought. If it was him standing there, he would have been carried off by the rodents. Sir Stubb¡¯s moved over to Retiarius. ¡°Let me see what I can do about all that.¡± He stated as he set a paw on Retiarius¡¯s leg. Retiarius looked down at Sir Stubb¡¯s as a dim light glowed around the Corgi as the bites and scratches faded away.


    You have been healed for 5 HP.


    As the glow faded from Sir Stubbs, Retiarius nodded to the Paladin ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll go first in case of that happening again.¡± Picking up the trampled and scattered bags, Retiarius had to shuffle into almost a crab walk pose to get into the tunnel. Retiarius took a few cautious steps forward as best he could while avoiding the filth and awful that started to steadily flow now that the apparent blockage was gone. After Retiarius was inside the group moved to follow him.


    The tunnel was straight for the most part with a minor incline, smaller pipes and holes could be seen as from the ceiling. Only after a minor bend, Retiarius could see light at the other end, behind another grate. Moving up to the opening, muffled noise could be heard above. The room beyond the grate looked to be a storage room, boxes and crates were stacked about and there didn¡¯t seem to be anyone in the room. A small stone staircase could be seen on the far side of the room. This barrier looked to be better maintained than the one previously encountered. Retiarius turned back and looked for Sir Stubbs.


    ¡°What would you like for me to do?¡±


    He asked indicating towards the grate that barred their way. He did not bother to keep his voice low. Sir Stubbs pushed his way to the front where Retiarius was. His small figure was able to easily pass the mass of villagers that were in front of him looking at the wrought iron grate, Sir Stubbs considered a moment before he just looked to Retiarius.


    ¡°Same as last time.¡±


    Retiarius placed both hands on the grate in a casual movement. The muscles on his arms began to swell again. His strength was too much for even the well-maintained grate and a sharp SNAP of the metal hinges could be heard. It was much louder this time than before as everyone winced, some covering their ears at the ear-splitting sound. Retiarius picked up and moved forward with the grate, side stepping into the room allowing everyone else to begin funneling in. Tec followed the last villager into the basement of the Keep, all while still dragging the bound and unconscious woman. She was now completely covered in mud and filth. Retiarius finished placing the grate back over the opening when a door could be heard being thrown open from the top of the staircase. Several marching footsteps followed as everyone turned to look as several armed and armored men could be seen trotting down the stairs, a mix of swords and spears at the ready. They halted before they reached the bottom, the lead man was bearing a torch and the light was cast around the small room. The men were ready to fend off more attackers and were slightly stunned when they encountered their fellow kin¡¯s men and women, but the shock quickly wore off one of the men turned and shouted up the stairs.


    ¡°Call the Castilian! We have refugees down here!¡±