A Quiet Intrusion
Pulling his cloak closer to block the howling wind and driving snow that forever flowed across the frozen tundra. He carefully moved through the shadows of the overhanging ledge. Hidden beneath the chunks of ice and rocks that had fallen too partially block and conceal it was a tunnel. He stooped unmoving, listening for any sounds that would mean this whole sidetrack around the mountain would be for naught if he had to fight his way in.
After moments that passed like hours he cautiously moved closer to the edge of the passageway. Sensing no movement nor sound, he took a few steps inside. He doubted that even with his sight, he could spot heat coming off anything in this gods forsaken place. Knowing that that the coin given to the old drunk for this information was money well spent if he was able to slip into the depths of the keep without being seen.
He wondered how anything could survive in this place so devoid of life giving heat. Mayhaps survival had driven the race of creatures that he now sought to avoid into this place. Groups trying to gain entrance to this ancient and almost forgotten stronghold all ended with the same story. Tales of madmen found half frozen calling out for their fallen comrads. Speaking of giants of ice and their great frozen blades mowing through their ranks like hot blades going through butter.
The rugged mountain folk come to the human city of Qeynos in great caravans during the spring to trade for the years supplies. Trading away equipment they did not need. Equipment found by them at deserted campsites and taken from the huts of the many tribes of goblins that they are constantly at war with. Equipment that more than likely they could not figure how to use. As strong as they were, they lacked much in the thinking department. It was probably the cold that had numbed their brains.
Reaching into his tunic he pulled out a map that in the daylight would show nothing but a square of old cloth torn from the table that he and the old man sat at. In the darkness it revealed what it truly was. A map drawn with a mold that could only be found among the stone lined walls of a gorge many leagues to the south. It gave off faint traces of heat that only his elven eyes could sense in this complete and utter bone chilling darkness. After studying the contours of the passageway drawn upon the cloth that mirrored the one he now traveled through, he gently folded the cloth and placed it back under his cape.
He moved with padded steps towards the end of the hall. Knowing now that if the old man had lied to him about this portion of the map, he would have to retrace his steps and try and gain entrance through the main gate. Then if he made it out alive he would journey back to the tavern. Groaning inside at the thought of that long trek back through the snow for a bit of revenge was not one he was looking forward to. Removing one of his gloves, a chill flashed down his spine as his flesh hit the cold air. Air that had not been disturbed in this tunnel in many decades. Slowly moving his hand towards the wall that was not so much seen but sensed, his eyes widening as he felt it pass through the illusion of rock as if it was only water. He withdrew his hand and smiled. Thinking that the evening entertaining the old miner was not a waste of time. He felt a tad bit of regret as the weight of the old mans coin purse pressed against his chest under his tunic. But that emotion quickly faded as he refocused on the task at hand.
Entering the Keep of Permafrost. Edited by: Gyphon The Rogue at: 3/14/03 12:36:20 am
Chromic2 Registered User
Posts: 13
(10/2/03 4:59 pm)
Re: A Quiet Intrusion
Good start keep going
Chromic
The Rogue
Asatru
omum Registered User lvl1
Posts: 2
(10/8/03 7:49 pm)
...
Do you realize that all your posting comments after these does is screws witht eh story?
There was a little attention monger who couldn't keep his hands off his keyboard, so one day, someone beat the @#%$ out of him.
the end.
Sialata Registered User
Posts: 10
(10/21/03 6:49 pm)
Re: ...
Then you realize you did the same as him/her?
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