At last they came. Two elves stepping gracefully and without fear across the slick seaweed coated rocks. I had called to three, but to be honest I am surprised that this worked at all so I am happy to have even two companions. It does seem odd to me that it was elves that came. In my mind’s eye I had imagined Dwarves. No matter. At least we can all see in the dark.
They seem a little surprised to find a Dwarf at the end of their path as well and begin speaking quietly together in elven. Apparently they also do not know what we will find behind the door. I match their hushed tones and switch to elven as we speak, a bit smug at their surprised glances. My years with Salion allowed me to learn both Druidic and elvish from him and I enjoy any chance to practice either.
We make quick work of the door but take a moment before descending. I grumble quietly to Eros and Yaevinn “I can’t believe we have to go underground like some Thorbardin rats”. Then we are over the threshold and heading into the cold dripping dark.
After some exploring, we find several amulets tucked away – each in a different part of the caves. They feel … strong. Powerful. I reach out to pick one up and freeze in place as a wave of recognition hits me. Chislev. I can feel Chislev’s power. It is right here. But how do I use it?
There is no time to learn. The sounds of booted feet come to us, echoing off the walls of the cavern. In horror, we look up and see grotesque mockeries of men. Somehow they have been crossed with lizards. Apparently that pissed them off because they are mad about something and run screaming at us with weapons raised. One of the elves moves to higher ground and casts a spell. I feel it going by. This is not just magic. It is Divine magic! How in the hells did he learn to do that so fast? The other, a ranger I think, Yaevinn? Yes, that was it. Yaevinn jumps forward into battle and I step forward to join him. Clutching my new amulet in my shield hand I pray to Chislev for power as I swing my club… and miss. Not quite right. It isn’t working.
We battle back and forth, taking a few hits and I reorient to get one between me and Yaevinn. Calling out again to Chislev, I swing with more confidence… and miss. Still, though, I felt something that time. Reaching into my mind I find it. A thin strain of something that wasn’t there before. Power like I have never known before. Hopefully not too late I think as Yaevinn takes another hit and the battle begins to look grim. In the nick of time, Eros casts a healing spell. Real healing. Not like the charlatan’s. It is amazing and I wonder if I can also do that.
One of the uglies hits me with an elemental attack. I call to Chislev and feel the power answer as the elemental energy is absorbed into me. This time when I swing my club it glows slightly and I hit one of the ugly lizard guys hard enough to knock him completely off his feet. Taking the strikes of the others on my shield, I see one reel back from another of Eros' spells smashing into him. A second later, my club smashes in as well and he drops to the ground. In moments, the battle turns from seemingly hopeless for us to outright carnage on them. I’m beginning to appreciate elves.
We mop up the stragglers and stand together, breathing hard from the exertion of battle. “Let’s get the hells out of here before more of them show up. Besides, I have a funeral to attend and don’t want to be late.” With new found friends, we continue on to Vogler…