Grüshnag awoke in a dark room. Moisture soaking through his clothes and rot filled the air.
The hell is this? Grüshnag thought, fog still clouding out any real reason.
A strong breeze cut through, a loud creak and a slam. Candle light filled in the small room he was in, wooden walls reflecting precious little light. The outline of a small room became apparent, old blood stained walls and and old brackets for torches were all that was visible. More questions piled up when he heard some low voices.
“How much you think we ‘an make off a famous one of ‘em beasts?” Said one man.
“I reckon the boss has a good plan for it. He hasn’t let any of us down yet. A good boss he is.” Said another man.
A bowl of some mysterious liquid slapped through an opening crudely cut in the bottom of the door. Grüshnag left the bowl alone, nothing making sense right away. The men’s voices trailed off followed by a loud slam.
Grushnag's eyes slowly started to adjust to the dim lighting. Grüshnag settled himself. These men were as ruthless as any he’d know before. He must figure out what their plans are. He grabbed the bowl of food, checking it carefully for any adulteration. Satisfied, he ate it slowly. He realized he must gather his strength and his wits before proceeding.
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The Gathering complete, Sarkon moved off to the side of the impromptu encampment. It was settled. The main group of civilians would March on to Nardth. A small group, 3-4 guards would go with them, with the rest gathering up before going to meet the bandits head on.
Sarkon leaned against a large tree, the injured arm now fully in pain and telling him to rest. If only he could rest. More than anything, Sarkon knew the biggest problem they faced was the remaining 20-30 bandits. They were too well organized, well armed, and more than anything, fierce fighters to go down to his small band of men.
“Sarkon, the men are ready.” Darvin said.
“Alright, what are we working with? Any injured or…?” Sarkon began.
“Yes, 2 are more severe but I can’t get them to turn back. They are thirsty for some payback for that ambush. The 3 others I assigned to the group headed in. Now we have a total of 10 men, including us, to take this fight… Do you think we have a chance?” Darvin seemed concerned and rightfully so. They were all still in shock from the whole ordeal.
“We just might pull it off. I have a plan. And with a little help from the divine ones and a lot of luck, we may just all go home making the world a little safer. Come, I’ll explain along the way.” Sarkon explained his basic plan, going back to the ambush site, scouting the area and slowly, methodically overwhelming 2 or 3 of the cutthroats at a time, with arrows or daggers. Once the site was secured, they push out to try and get their bearings on the main encampment. As he said, a little divine intervention and a lot of luck, it was as good a plan as any. They gathered up all the supplies, found the path for the main caravan to head to Nardth and the group of men set out back to the ambush site.
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After a time since finishing his meal, Grüshnag sat in his cell waiting and preparing. Not one man had ventured in since, though occasionally some muffled sounds came through the walls. He was almost ready to try his hand the next time he had a chance. He had brute strength and now found a few small pieces of wood he could use to do some damage. He also gazed down to his long, thick fingernails. Good enough for hurting soft man-flesh. Grüshnag stood and began to slowly pace his cell. Stretching out, get ready for a good scrap with the next unfortunate soul to visit. Many minutes passed before the sound of the door opening and light filtering in let Grüshnag know, it was time. He sat down in his cell and waited for the chance.
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