S3E9 - The Guardian

Forest sounds of a hill path. birds and wind... leaves under foot.
benedict
(to himself) 50 paces north from the grinning skull of stone.
Nar - Keldor
Benedict walked a shallow forest path just past the foothills of the garnet mountains. He was heading roughly north anyways it seemed with the morning sun striking his right shoulder softly between the sparse leaves of the aspen trees. 3 days ago they had parted ways with Keldor And Elloveve. They agreed they would gather up the militia of revolutionaries for an assault at the front along the long stone bridge. Benedict and the others would infiltrate the keep through an old smugglers path. A path once used to sneak illegal or stolen goods into the keep Boric knew about. Benedict was now holding the old smugglers map and feeling they were getting close.
zorin
(calling out) hows that old smuggler's map treating you?
benedict
(sigh) fine.
Zorin
(snicker) Does it feel good?
(beat) Like... Righteous?
benedict
(laughing) there's sometimes I wonder if I really did miss you Zorin.
Zorin
(laughing) well for what its worth I missed you. (looks up and takes in a deep breath) Ahhh... so those old "maps" are more like scrambled directions. Whats next again?
benedict
(confused) something about a skull of grinning stone.
Zorin
I'll help you look.
Nar - Keldor
The two friends walked side by side up the path leading them deeper into the gentle murmur of the forest. After an hour Zorin's eyes widened.
zorin
Hey... Look at this. (trots a few steps) in here where the path seems to branch.
benedict
(slight pant from the jog) eh.. oh wow.
Nar - Keldor
Inside a short grove of trees was an alcove with a small pond rippling gently. The sound of a gentle cascading waterfall pouring into it from above. The forest floor here was covered in a thick carpet of lush lemony smelling moss, and the occasional scarlet berry was seen on rose hips along the bank. The path continued to the left along the wall to the waterfall itself. As Benedict stepped forward along the path he ran a single gauntlet-ed hand along the rock wall. he felt it round slightly.
benedict
Oh hey. Look at that.
Nar - Keldor
Carved in the rock was the rounded forehead of an ancient grinning skull.
Zorin
Well north of that is... The waterfall. Lets check it out.
Nar - Keldor
The group continued along the path and approaching the waterfall from its eastern side now saw a 5 foot gap in the cascading water to a cave hidden behind.
waterfall fades fumbling with a torch sound
cordelia
(stumbles a bit in the dark) oof!.. wow... watch that rock!
sophie
Man its dark in here. I'll get the torches.
skotmir
Sounds good. I'll scout up ahead while you get ready.
Nar - Keldor
Skotmir came to a huge cavern. The stalactites hung 40 feet in the air and this was easily a hundred yards across. The wet stones of a single stream of water lapped from one side to the other. The musty smell of stagnant water and something slightly rancid came to his nose. Nothing dangerous.
skotmir
(calling back) All clear!
benedict
Sounds good!
SFX Random PARTY Chatter
zorin
so as I was saying it really comes down to...
red guardian
(growling) Is it?... Is it all clear Dwarf?
Nar - Keldor
Everyone froze as from behind a broken pillar came a man in scarlet armor. His head had sparse patches of wispy white hair that hung framing a rotten maw of a face. The jaw was bare showing the lower teeth and eyes black as coals burned with a hidden fire.
benedict
I am Benedict Shieldheart son of...
red guardian
(Angrily) Hold your tongue boy! I care not who you are, only that you trespass.
(beat) Seize him!
Nar - Keldor
Two 10 foot forms charged into the light. Fetid and bulbous bodies revealed cloudy vacant eyes above rotten teeth.
Lorvana
(shouting) Ogres!
cordelia
(readying for battle) Worse! Zombie Ogres!
SFX Needed - CORDELIA - spell attacks, jump.
SOPHIE - Battlecry, 3 Attacks, 1 hit knocking you on the ground. SKOTMIR - Battle cry Bererker rage, 6 attacks. LORVANA - 1 attack, Jump. BENEDICT - battlecry, 6 attacks, 2 combos, hit take a gut punch. ZORIN - 3 attacks with your bow, 2 miss. 1 double dagger strike slaying the ogre. RESTLESS DEAD - Strikes, Groans of pain and death gurgles.
Nar - Keldor
Sophie met one colossal figure head on as Skotmir charged to meet the other. Benedict slung his sword to the right as he ran towards the Red Guardian.
red guardian
(yelling) Die child!
(Surprised shout in pain) GYAHHH!!!!
Nar - Keldor
Raising the mace above its wide eyed head the guardian shouted at its adversary as 3 blue bolts of energy slammed into its side from the outstretched arms of Cordelia.
cordelia
(Shouting) Benedict! Now!
Nar - Keldor
Benedict gripped the sword but at the last second dropped his shoulder into the red guardians chest sending him sprawling backwards. Sophie slashed at the belly of the huge ogre as it swung at the side of her head with the remains of an old tree stump. She ducked back swiftly only to catch their flailing foot into the chest knocking her backwards the wind lifting from her lungs swiftly. Skotmir hacked at his quarry relentlessly ducking easily under the frantic swings of its arms. Eralin seeing the opportunity began sending flight after flight of swift arrows into its rancid body.
benedict
(panting) Again I have come to seek passage here.
red guardian
(Battlecry) GYAHHH!!! (then cruel laughter) Ahahahaahhaha!!
(strike with the mace in your hand) GYAH!
And again slowly. Laughing and striking a
total of 3 times.
Nar - Keldor
Benedict walked toward his foe but was met with a bright blue green light that flashed from the palm of his hand.
benedict
(blinded) GYAHH!
(you are blinded stumbling backwards 3-4 steps getting hit 3 times slowly.) Ugh! ... no.. I ... Ugh!... wh..where?... Ugh!
Nar - Keldor
Blinded... Benedict took a step back stumbling. The red guardian took the opportunity to cruelly assault his body with his rusted mace. Crushing his left shoulder, then what felt like the arm itself, and his left leg. He slowed his vision now blurry he swung with his right hand into the red body before him
red guardian
(angry) GYAHH!!
Nar - Keldor
Lorvana and Cordelia saw Benedict falling backwards a pit forming in their stomach.
cordelia
Lorvana! You can use healing?
Lorvana
(hesitant) well I..
cordelia
(shouting) Answer me!
Lorvana
(sternly) Yes!
cordelia
(sincerely) Then hold my hand.
(spell casting) Bee-Gah!
Nar - Keldor
Cordelia imagined the space next to Benedict, as she grabbed Lorvana's hand and said the words. In an instant Lorvana saw her appear next to Benedict and a Very scary individual
red guardian
(suprised) What?! Who are?!
Lorvana
Uh... Hi?
cordelia
(shouting) Lorvana!
Lorvana
(hastily) oh yes!
Nar - Keldor
Lorvana touched Benedict's shoulder. Radiating energy warming the pain out of his system refreshing his spirit and clearing his eyes.
Lorvana
Bye!
Nar - Keldor
Cordelia imagined the spot they had left about 40 feet away and teleporting them both back to safety. Sophie deftly danced around the slow moving Zombie Ogre now. Anger swelling in her heart after what she regarded as a clumsy mistake in the beginning. She struck deep into his chest as Zorin leaped from the darkness behind the Zombie Ogre driving two daggers into the base of his skull dropping him to the ground. Eralin and Skotmir's foe was now falling in a heap as well. Benedict was driving the red guardian back with blow after blow. His sword driving downward in steady swings less like a sword and more like a blacksmith's hammer.
benedict
(panting) This... Is... My...
(yelling) HOOOOME!
SFX final blow and silence washes. Peace.
red guardian
(calmly) Of course... Master...
Nar - Keldor
The red guardian faded into the misty cavern floor... leaving a gleaming two-handed greatsword pointed into the ground, where he once stood.
transition
Zorin
(grunting) This is it. Benedict give me a hand. (final grunt swinging a trap door open)
Benedict
(grunt)
Nar - Keldor
The heavy trap door swung outward revealing an afternoon sky heading towards dusk. The red orange clouds were a welcome sight after the last few hours in the caverns below. The air was rich with pine and fresh mountain water. As they carefully emerged they found thier backs to a high stone wall 30 feet high made of a deep grey hematite that had ribbons of deep red orange Jasper. Before them was a massive mountain lake. The crystal clear waters cut the sunlight to illuminate the numerous fish darting between the stones. And as the water darkened with its depth further out those fish broke the surface feeding on the flies at dusk. At the other side of the lake was a 60 ft cascade of water tumbling from another set of these hanging lakes higher into the mountain range.
Skotmir
(quietly remarking) mmm... bet that's a trout right there. A little butter, maybe some wild garlic
zorin
(shushing sound)
SFX ZORIN - Just some sneaking around lines to sprinkle in here. "Come on" "Hey" "Watch it" Mind your step" SFX SOPHIE "OK" "Got it"
Nar - Keldor
Zorin brought a single finger up to his lips looking back at the group. They all nodded in understanding as he pointed to the faint shadow moving above along the top of the outer wall of Garnet Keep. They made their way along the wall to a stair case lifting 10 feet to an opening in the wall. Zorin slowly ascended... carefully. He peered around the corner and discovered this was the elevated skirt of what was to be the ground floor of the keep's courtyard.
zorin
(hushed) Hold up. (beat) A sentry.
nar - keldor
The short guard walked around the corner as it took its path through the corridor leading around the mead hall. The sounds of merriment echoed from the hall as what sounded like the gruff voices of orcs cheered at some game inside. Stale beer and filth permeated the air now. Once gleaming stones had fallen into disrepair and the banners that had hung were replaced by skulls of beasts on spikes bound in leather and crowned in jagged rusty iron to seem more nightmarish. He peered around the corner and motioned for everyone to follow. Quietly. one by one. He darted down the empty corridor to an opening on the left. Peering his head back around the corner he motioned for Benedict. Benedict walked as quietly as the heavy plate mail would allow him though he was thankful he refused to wear the steel sabatons from the knighthood. The heavy armor that covered his boots lended some control in the gritty cobblestone at least. He was safe. Zorin looked again. He motioned for Dabria. She creeped out and walked along the wall as the others prior.
sharptooth
(suprised) M... Mistress?
dabria
(slight gasp in suprise)
Nar - Keldor
Dabria instantly froze as she recognized the voice. Without turning she spoke.
dabria
(commanding but not too loud) Sharptooth.
Sharptooth
(questioning) Why. Why are you here?
Nar - Keldor
Dabrias mind raced this could jeopardize everything.... then a spark crossed her mind. A spark of realization. She turned and drew herself up into her former glory. Sharptooth responded with her eyes that it was working.
dabria
I was going to ask you the same. Aren't you supposed to be with the army? Or did you...
sharptooth
(panicked) No! I... I mean we... (groveling)Oh no mistress Dabria... I am so sorry.
Nar - Keldor
It worked better than she hoped. Sharptooth had deserted... She was in just as much risk as she was. Dabria thought deeply on this. Sharptooth had always been trustworthy to her. But shouldn't know everything.
dabria
(Calmly) Sharptooth. You need to leave here immediately. And go home. Go back to Enruk.
Sharptooth
(a bit happier but still scared) Of... Of course.
dabria
But...
Nar - Keldor
Dabria knew they would torture sharptooth. Deserters were always used as examples to the rest of the troops. She would be no exception regardless of the years of service or the countless skirmishes the Kobold had survived with her shield brothers and sisters. Fire coursed through Dabria's heart at the thought of that cruelty. Death is one thing. Death was no stranger to Dabria and she welcomed it... but she couldn't allow this.
dabria
But take those that you trust only... and don't go back to the army... Promise me.
Sharptooth
(hesitant) I... I promise. We won't.
(beat) Th..thank you
Nar - Keldor
Dabria held up a hand. She disliked being thanked. It felt like there was something owed. Sharptooth scampered off into the dark corridor allowing the rest of the party to all catch up before continuing.
transition
Orc1
Hmmm. (snort) ugh what a day.
Nar - Keldor
They krept up the stairs to the landing of the long wall surrounding the keep. To the left was a ballista perched towards the long stone bridge leading to the keep. To the right Zorin saw the Orc Sentry 40 feet away looking mindlessly over the side to the lake below. He turned to Eralin.
Zorin
(hushed) Ok I'll take him out... but cover me just in case. (panting slightly as he jogs up)
Nar - Keldor
Eralin shrugged and drew his bow calmly. Zorin drew the 2 daggers from his belt and swiftly closed the distance 30, 20, 10 and...
SFX - Arrow Shots
zorin
(panting then the shots whiz by still hushed) Woah!.. jeez!.. ow!
Nar - Keldor
The first arrows sunk into the Orc silencing him before he had a chance to alarm anyone. The last one though sunk through the padded shoulder of Zorins faded purple tunic. He spun around and felt the arrows pointed end above his shoulder, missing his body by only a hair he imagined as he could easily feel the shaft against his skin... Looking back he saw Eralin simply shrug nonchalantly and shoulder his bow...
benedict
(hushed suprise) What the...?
Nar - Keldor
Benedict stared at Eralin's remorseless action with a blend of wonder and disgust for a moment before turning to Dabria.
benedict
(hushed) Dabria, Una, Lorvana and... Skotmir... the 4 of you make your way to the Ballista at the northern wall. They are over the gatehouse...
Skotmir
(hushed) You got it.
benedict
When you hear any, and I mean Any action from the south keep where the rest of us are going... that is
when you set them alight and fire them to the northeast as high as you can elevate them.
una
(hushed but wistfully)As high as we can... Birds of flame of death's wings close behind.
benedict
Seriously Una. Please...
(sigh) This will signal the Militia for their assault. Then free the gatehouse to make way for them.
Nar - Keldor
They nodded in affirmation before turning to dart back down the wall towards the north entrance. Skotmir's heart froze upon reaching the first mounted Ballista. Looking over the side revealed they were thousands of feet above the river below. The waters of the lake spilling from either side of the keep feeding it and narrowing the only entrance into the keep to the 200 yard stone bridge. This bridge connected the keep to the mountain villages and glen valley downhill... the Keep was a one way stop. Designed to protect and harbor the local people in times of need. He stood proud.
skotmir
(proudly hushed) now that. Is the work of dwarves.
transition
Nar - Keldor
The wall to the south led into a worn and broken stairway within the main keep. Over years walls had been broken down. The smell of animals pens and dirt filled these once great halls. They entered the great meeting hall. One room with a broken door sat to their right as they entered the dim torchlight. Eralin became curious wandering towards it ignoring the 3 figures at the other end of the room.
benedict
(surprised and hushed) What the?..
zorin
(sighing and whispering) whatever... Lets see what they are up to.
fade in voices from heavy hipass as they
emerge from a muffle
karag
Its true. The message comes from my kin in the dark army. Now is the time for us to join. They grow stronger every day it seems. We can join with more orcs and have more than just this castle.
spilge
(haughty) Ha! Is it not good here, Karag? Do you not love the wine and celebration? And the raiding? hahaha! Why do we need more than this?
Nar - Keldor
2 orcs argued standing with their backs to the adventurers blocking the view of a third. Karag on the left wore ceremonial furs and was topped with a crudely forged Iron Crown. His moss colored face was painted in a jagged mask that outlined his eyes and tusk filled mouth. A brutal Ax swung in a single meaty hand. He was the head of the serpent Benedict was sure but the other seemed as much if not more of a threat. For one he seemed even larger dressed in a ragged dark green cloak. He clutched a staff covered with beads, feathers and a few human and dwarf skulls. they both appeared cruel and Benedict could feel the evil emanating from them.
karag
(frustrated) We need to leave this place. It is time. Spilge, You know there is nothing here to keep us. She knows that. Look at her.
spilge
(pause then chuckle) Ha! she says nothing because she knows we need to stay here. She says we stay. Look.
Nar - Keldor
Meanwhile Eralin had made his way into the small room and looked around. It reeked of dirt and unnameable smells. The odor of ammonia and hay was powerful to his untrained nose. In the corner of the stone room was a pile of hay that had a single dirty fur lain across it. An elk he imagined. Next to it was a wooden basket with long legs. The paint had peeled from heat in blackened spots and there were several soft grey and white rabbit furs draped at the side of it.
Karag
(angry shouting) AKTUK SAY!! (beat) NEE-HESHA FO TOE-
KNEE!
spilge
(angry shout) FEE-HUSHA TICK-SOE FAH! (beat) TICK-SOE FAH GOE-DEWAH VEE-NEE!
benedict
(battle cry) GYAHHH!!!
Nar - Keldor
Benedict, Sophie and Zorin moved in perfect synchronization with their explosive attack. Zorin let loose Arrow after arrow into the 2 hulking bodies as Benedict drove the great sword downward into his his foes shoulder. His hands illuminated and he felt energy pour through him into the Orc King Karag.
karag
(cries for help in pain) GYAHHH!!! Help me Bright Oak!
elona
(crazed shrieking battle cry) GYAHHHHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Nar - Keldor
From between the two orcs a crescent shaped blade on a long pole struck out barely missing Benedict's thigh as he squirmed out of the way. As they fell to either side an agile and athletic form leaped in an arc over them flipping and twisting in the air to land behind Benedict.
Elona
(Long gut wrenching scream like a banshee. Or like Candace Kucsulain from Walls of Jericho.)
SFX Need a series of 5 strikes by ELONA before getting locked up in a hold. Benedict needs to parry twice get struck twice then lockup grunting under the strain
Nar - Keldor
Benedict was stunned. The creature was slightly taller than him and smaller than the orcs. Their muscles were tight and sinewy beneath a patchwork of neglected armor. armor loosely covering green moss and mud. The cream colored warpaint outlining crazed eyes. grey vacant eyes... They lunged with their wicked pole-arm again in a flurry of strikes. moving
like being carried on a gale-force wind itself tearing into his armor when it slipped by his guard. Finally he locked them into a hold barring their weapons from attacking.
eralin
(curious) hello... what are you.
Nar - Keldor
Eralin neared the basket and saw the there was a small form under the furs no bigger than a cabbage or melon. Drawing back the furs he saw the tattered and stained muslin wrappings lovingly wound around the still form of the doll topped with a crude apple carved into the face of a baby. (SFX shriek) Hearing the shrieks outside he drew his bow and entered the fray.
elona
(Screaming) DECIEVER!
Nar - Keldor
Benedict saw her grey vacant crazed eyes lock on the sword. The facade began to melt from her as he saw the moss and mud were just that. Her once blonde hair matted into muddy locks. Her jaw was trembling now not from strain but from the sight of that sword.
elona
(strained but calmer. Trembling from fear.) Why do YOU carry that sword? I KNOW that sword...
Nar - Keldor
Her eyes began to clear. A long forgotten haze cast over them drifted as the one known as Spilge took a blade across the throat from Sophie. The fire illuminating his fingertips fading as he slumped to the floor. Her eyes drew in color from the sky itself. Sky blue... he drew in a breath shocked and couldn't help himself speak aloud...
benedict
(strained and surprised but clear) Zane...?
Nar - Keldor
Her eyes widened. She screamed throwing her weight against him pushing him dangerously backward. She was in control now.
elona
(clear and strong as she strains to hold power) First you carry... my husband's sword. And now you dare speak the name of my dead son? Who are...
benedict
(panicked but commanding as he realized the impossible is possible) I am Benedict Shieldheart son of Lucilius.
Nar - Keldor
At the sound of his fathers name the blade glowed orange with power illuminating runes up the blade spelling out
benedict
(surprised) Kettlebane.
elona
(warcry)
Nar - Keldor
She spun to stand back to back with the source of 20 years worth of her hopes and dreams. They struck down with swift blows, the glaive in her hand igniting with blue power as Benedict drove his fathers blade into the Fell King. They looked at each other and smiled before falling into each others arms in a firm embrace. Elona pulled away quickly when she heard the noise from outside. Outside the building the distant shouts of the liberating force were drawing closer.
elona
(turning to Benedict. Strong but overcome with joy) hahaha...
(beat) My... My son...
(smiling) ah! and are those sounds more friends of yours?
benedict
Keldor and Elloveve
elona
(laughing with tears) HAHAHA! ...oh... oh Sweet Maiden's grace! Of course...
(beat) Well let's not keep them waiting!
Nar - Keldor
Elona and Benedict charged out of the room to meet the retreating Horde by the great tree. The tree she had cared for so many years ago. Eralin and Zorin ran up the stairs where they could use their bows more effectively. And Sophie followed. Until a familiar voice stopped her.
zane
(strong curioiusity) Sophie! Wait. Look in there please?
Nar - Keldor
Sophie stepped into the room Eralin had been in and saw the crib. Memory flooded zane's memory... a long ago fire... and as she approached it could feel the heat on his arms all over again. Instinctively she wiped her forearms of the phantoms that invisibly licked them. She saw the doll resting in its swaddled blanket but was driven to look past it at the letters in the blackened headboard. Still faintly making out a single name: (beat)
Sophie
(clear realization) Benedict.