“Watch from here.” She said smiling, hardly able to keep herself from laughing at Grik.
“I’ll not forget this, ya bitch!”
Satana’s mouth dropped open in surprise, still a smile. It amused her; he was so mad! Satana turned to the other chest and opened it. All their coins were still in it. She shut the lid, then sat on the chest. Grik was panting heavily.
“How bad? Tell me the truth.”
“If ya can find the Lady Alyndra, with a spell or two, I’d be softer with me language, regarding my vengeance of your rough handling o’ me situation.” Grik said through labored breaths.
“I’m surprised those little things got the best of you.” Satana chuckled, “I guess you are a little thing too, so maybe, that’s why you’re on even footing?”
“The best?” Grik chuckled, “I was about to give them what for, before you showed yer ugly face.”
Satana slapped his back and laughed.
“Keep a sharp eye, I’m going to open that door, you watch out, make sure nothing comes up behind me, can ya do that?”
“Aye, I got yer back, girl.” Grik answered. Satana stood up, “Girl,” Grik grabbed her wrist, “be quick, I don’t feel right, maybe somethin’ in the tip o’ that thing ya pulled from me leg. But I’m feelin’ a bit hazy.”
Satana knelt next to Grik.
“Steel yourself for me,” She grabbed his hand with both of hers, “and I promise, I’ll do the same for you! Bite down and refuse to go, you have much to accomplish here. After all, I saved you from children, that can’t be your last act?” she smiled.
“No,” He chuckled, “it damn well can’t.”
Satana gave his hand a squeeze then let go and stood up. She gave him a nod he sluggishly returned, then she walked to the door. Satana paused at the door, glancing back at Grik. He gave her a nod and held up the crossbow, then turned his attention to the room to watch her back as promised. Satana reached for the door handle and the door burst open, making her jump back. Katlin took two steps into the room, holding an armful of gold and jewels. He stopped when he saw Satana. His eyes were wide, surprised to see her.
“Uh… hello,” He said, “Um…” Katlin struggled.
“Satana.” she finished for him.
“Yes! Satana! I found our things, and… other… things.” He said glancing down at his armful of treasure.
Satana looked passed Katlin to the room behind him.
“Any weapons in there?”
“Uh… I think?” He answered.
Satana shoved passed him into the room not waiting for an answer. Katlin looked at Grik. “Master Derro? You look… ill.”
Satana scanned the room spotting several weapons, swords and ax’s alike. There were no other doors in the round room.
She turned back and exited the room. Katlin was standing in front of the door still. Satana put her hand in the middle of his back and shoved him out of her way. Gold coins spilled to the floor.
“Hey!”
“Let’s go,” Satana said to Grik, “Can you make it into the room.”
Grik was listless, he couldn’t answer. Katlin walked over, joining the pair.
“He’s been poisoned.”
“Help me get him into this room.” Satana ordered.
Together, they helped Grik into the room Katlin came from. Satana lit the braziers in the room to get a better look at its contents. There were several chests, a few of which had been opened. Katlin was quick to point out that the ones he opened did not have traps but the ones that remained closed did. He went on to explain in great and boring detail how he came to his conclusion about the closed chests. When he finished talking, Satana gave him a long, straight-faced stare.
“You talk a lot without actually saying anything, you know that?” She finally asked just before he could begin talking again.
“I’m merely trying to be informative,” He said offended, “I wouldn’t want you to start rummaging about and get yourself… well.” Katlin said glancing at the sickly dwarf.
“How did you get in here?” Satana asked, changing the subject, although she did continue to look at Grik.
“When that wizard tapped his stick on the ground, I appeared here. I thought it would be best to stay put, get my bearing.” Katlin explained.
“And fill your pockets. What makes you think he’s a wizard?” Satana asked.
Katlin cocked his head at her, surprised at the question.
“The mere fact we are here and not at our lords’ side, was my first inclination.”
“Our lord, is he?” Satana folded her arms over her chest, giving Katlin a glare.
“You may not like this, or me, or any new people, but we are here, all of us, in service to Lord Dracon. As much as you fuss at me, or Rayna, it is his wish that we remain. I imagine you were the same way with him at first,” Katlin pointed at Grik, “But now, here you are, looking after him, and I dare say, he you.” Katlin walked over to one of the open chests, then turned back to Satana, “Did you accept that bugbear easier than Rayna, or this Derro?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Satana said then started searching the room, rummaging through clothes that were in discarded piles.
In some of the piles, there was a variety of armor, not full sets, but pieces that could be put together to create a full set. No one piece had a companion of the same make. She saw a sword rack and spotted her sword among the swords there. Satana ended her searching abruptly and retrieved her sword, tying the belt around her waist once again. It was still attached to the belt she wore to hold it on. While she was putting it on, she examined the other swords in the rack, they appeared dull and poorly made, save for one. She pulled her own sword from her sheath and examined it. Her sword was not as finely crafted as the sword that caught her eye.
“You should take it.” Katlin urged suddenly standing next to her.
“My sword is just fine.”
“May I?” Katlin smirked and stuck his hand out to her. Satana gave him a skeptical look, then handed him her sword. “Impressive blade, I imagine its elvish, given the runes here at the base.” Katlin held the sword closer to read the rune at the base of the blade, “It has your name?” he chuckled. Satana was instantly irritated and reached for her sword. “Wait a moment.” Katlin stepped back, holding the blade just out of her reach.
He peered down the edge of the blade, smirking once again, then grabbed the blade near the hilt. He looked Satana in her eyes, grabbing the blade firmly, then slid his bare hand the length of the blade with a tight grip. When his hand slipped off the tip, he looked at his open palm, then showed it to Satana. There wasn’t even a red mark. Satana snatched it back.
“So what? I’ve been busy!”
“I’m not judging you, I’m just saying, maybe you need a new one? Why don’t you, at the very least, take a peek at that one there?” Katlin urged, yet again.
Satana looked at him thoughtfully, then looked at the finely crafted sword in the rack.
“Go on, girl, take it.” Grik said panting, then coughed, he could hardly remain seated, he was so weak.
Satana took the sword from the rack and held it up, examining it in its scabbard. It was elvish, like hers, but it was obvious more time was put into it than was put into her own blade. She thought to herself that it was made by an elf, for an elf, that’s why the precision and elegance. Not like her own weapon, made for a human by an elf. Her perception had always been that she never received the best quality from elvish sword makers in Ganlin, because she was a human. The new blade in her hand was exquisite, she could feel the perfection of its balance in its weight. She was envious of the sword and tried to think of ways to keep it and save face in front of the others.
“Only because you say so,” Satana said to Grik, not taking her eyes off the sword, “Being, as it is probably your dying wish.”
Grik chuckled then coughed.
“I’ve never met someone so cold to her own friends, is there any warmth
in you, Satana?” Katlin asked.
“No.” Grik coughed an answer.
Satana glanced at Grik, giving him a smirk, then returned her attention to the sword in her hand. She pulled the blade out slowly, admiring every inch of it. It was breathtaking and covered in runes the length of the blade. Satana held it gingerly in her hand, examining the writing on the blade. She could see it was a magical blade, but she was unfamiliar with the elvish dialect that was written upon it. She briefly thought of asking Katlin what it said but opted to wait for Alyndra instead. She replaced the blade in its scabbard then tied it around her waist in place of her dull blade.
“Look around, help me find the rest of our gear, look for his ax’s.” Satana said to Katlin.
“There’s an amulet,” Grik rushed to say, “Same design as on the handle of me ax’s, I’ll be needin’ that too.” Grik laid all the way down on the ground after he spoke. He no longer had the energy to remain seated.
“Keep your eyes open, Grik!” Satana yelled at him as she searched, startling Grik awake.
“I’m going to see to Master Derro, you continue searching, or fumbling about.” Katlin said then went over and knelt beside the dwarf, who eyed him suspiciously.
“I see you found what belongs to you.” Grik said, looking Katlin over.
“Yes, they appeared to have simply tossed my belongings in a pile with the other trash, lucky for me.” Katlin smiled, “I don’t think we’ll be finding the Lady Alyndra any time soon, so I suppose I’ll have to tend to you?” Katlin reached into his bag of holding and produced a small bottle. “Drink this.”
Grik took the bottle and eagerly drank it down.
“What’s that?” Satana asked.
“A healing potion.” Katlin smiled at Grik, “You’ll be up and about in a few seconds, Master Derro.” He gave Grik a nod then stood up.
“You had that this whole time, and you let him wallow there, on the brink of death?”
Satana came across the room at Katlin, she reached out to grab him, his eyes went wide in fear then he vanished before she could reach him. She looked down at Grik who had the same surprised look as she did.
“You’re exaggerating, besides, I only have a limited stock, if we were to find the Lady Alyndra, who no doubt could heal him, I wouldn’t have had to waste one.” Katlin explained. Satana spun to see him on the other side of the room near the door, “There’s no need for anger, I’ve helped him, he’s better, are you not, Master Derro?” Katlin asked, moving to the open doorway.
“Aye, I am, and you can call me Grik, boy, you deserve that much.” Grik answered, “I get your ire, girl, but it’s not the place for it.”
“I don’t see what you’re angry about, really? I may have just saved his life?” Katlin had a smug smile on his face.
“If you couldn’t disappear, I would beat you to a pulp!” Satana threatened.
“I’ll just take my things and go then. I’m sure you can explain to-” A knife came from behind his right side and pressed hard against his throat stifling his words.
Katlin reached for his dagger, but another hand slid between his ribs and left arm, beating him to it. The hand pulled the dagger from Katlin’s waist and flung it toward Satana. It landed on the floor a few feet in front of her, then slid the rest of the way. Satana stepped on it when it reached her, stopping it from continuing passed her.
“You’re not going anywhere!” Rayna snarled in Katlin’s ear.
She walked Katlin into the room, still holding her blade at his throat, keeping his head tilted back. Rayna turned him sideways so she could come into the room, then stepped on the back of Katlin’s knee, forcing him down to both knees. He had his hands out, his eyes were very wide. Satana smiled at him as she bent over to pick up his dagger. Rayna gave Satana a nod, then reached down and yanked Katlin’s bag of holding off his waist, tossing it to Satana as well. Rayna released him with a hard shove, then slid her blade back in her belt.
“This is really uncalled for!” Katlin complained.
“If you think I’m going to let you walk out of here, after protecting you long enough to get your own gear, just so you can abandon us, think again.” Rayna walked over to one of the chests that were still closed and flipped it open, effortlessly.
“Don’t!” Katlin exclaimed with a cringe, expecting something horrible to emerge from within the chest. After a moment of nothing happening, he stood back up. “I had no intention of abandoning anyone, I was simply going to give her some room, so I wouldn’t get cut, or beaten up.”
Rayna pulled items out of the chest and tossed them to the ground while she looked through it. She found her necklace and an amulet she held up, examining it closely.
“That’s mine girl!” Grik marched over aggressively. Rayna recoiled with a look of confused concern on her face. Grik softened his approach, “It’s special to me, is all.”
Rayna held her hand out, letting Grik take the amulet. Which he did, and immediately shoved it down the front of his trousers. Satana burst out laughing and fell back against the wall, overcome with amusement. Grik gave her a glare then held his hands out. Instantly, his two axes flew from the piles of clothes and armor, smacking hard into each hand one after the other. Rayna was surprised and smiled.
“Those are something, Master Derro.” Rayna commented.
“Grik, ya can call me, Grik.” He said with a nod.
“Is that?” Satana said hardly able to stifle her laughter, “Is that?” She tried again to ask her question through her mirth. She took a deep breath, “Is that where you kept that thing when it was stolen?” She erupted in laughter as soon as she finished her question.
Rayna looked from the dwarf to Satana a moment, when it dawned on her what Satana was talking about, then she too erupted in laughter.
“Ya, ya, get it all out now ‘fore those dwellers come back with their leader.” Grik said, angry and embarrassed by the women’s laughter.
Grik walked out to the other room where their chests of coins were. The others followed him out, snickering all the while, except for Katlin who was highly agitated without his dagger in his possession.
“I don’t think they’ll be back, now that there’s more than just one of us.” Rayna caught up to Grik who was grabbing a handle of each chest, preparing to drag them both along with him.
“You don’t have to drag those along with us, Grik, I’m sure we can do without them.” Satana said arriving next to the pair.
“I think he has the right idea; we need to gather as much as we can,” Katlin chimed in, “How will we resupply?”
“We’ll manage.” Satana growled at Katlin who was standing in the doorway to the treasures of the Deep-Dwellers.
“No, he’s right, it was my charge to watch the money and I lost it. It’s up to me to replenish our loss at least two-fold.” Grik said.
“Fine! But don’t expect me to help drag that all over the place.” Satana grumbled.
“Of course not, you’re our fearless leader and protector, your hands should be ever empty, save for your sword.” Katlin walked over to Grik who opened the two chests one at a time. Satana sneered at the thief.
“Go on then, boy ’o, help me fill them with the choicest bits, we don’t have a lot of room.” Grik said, then started back to the room with Katlin.
“Where did you come from?” Satana asked Rayna once they were alone.
“There,” Rayna pointed to the other side of the room, just past the pillar with debris from Satana’s torch still painted on it. There was the start of a hallway Satana hadn’t noticed before, “I think we’re higher up in this place than when we started. That thing sent us up even higher in this tower, or whatever it is we’re in.”
“Or,” Satana offered, “When we walked through the portal it took us up higher in this place.”
Rayna nodded her agreement.
“When it teleported me, I appeared outside, on a balcony. There were stairs that led up to the mountain top and I could see water, wit
h waves crashing against the rock, way down below. I had to come down to get here. The only other passage is further down.”
Satana listened thoughtfully, then held up Katlin’s dagger.
“Thanks, by the way.”
“Sure, he can be useful, but he needs a leash.” Rayna pointed past the pillar, “The way down is over there. Is that where you came from?”
“I climbed up one of those things.” Satana pointed at the tubes near the cave part of the wall.
Satana walked over to the pillar and looked down the hall that Rayna pointed out. Satana could see torches on the wall, similar to the ones they first encountered after discovering the first hallway. She went back to the door to the round room with treasure and retrieved her torch, then pulled her new sword out.
“I’m going to start lighting some of those.” She said to Rayna, “Stand here,” she pointed near the pillar, “So you can see them and me.” Satana did not wait for a reply and started down the hall, lighting torches on either side.
At the end of the hall was a set of stairs, one leading up, the other down. She looked back down the hall where Rayna was leaning against one side with her foot up, relatively relaxed, watching Satana and glancing back at Grik and Katlin as they filled the two chests. Grik appeared where Rayna was standing, so, Satana walked back to join them.
“Well?” Grik asked when Satana arrived.
“Stairs. Are you ready to go now?”
“Aye, we got all that’s worth takin’.” Grik announced then walked back to the chests and lifted one end, placing a folded bit of fabric under each chest.
“What are you doing?” Satana asked.
“Dampening the noise of the drag, seein’ as I’ll be carrying both chests alone.” Grik answered grabbing one handle of each chest, preparing to follow Satana.
“Take up the rear.” She said to Rayna. The group made their way slowly to the stairs, where Satana halted the group, “You two wait here with the chests until we clear the next landing.”
Rayna had already started down the stairs a few steps ahead of Satana. Grik nodded then turned back to Katlin, who was timidly staring back down the hall behind them for any threats.
Dracon and the Edge of the World Page 30
