DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH
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The combined army of Vallsynk, Issurk and Thirel forces took a ride across the swamplands for two straight days, until they finally reached the western bank of river Vaang. Cold, mountain water helped soldiers refresh and recuperate, before they sought to rest in a nearby, small grove, at the edge of the swamp. Thorin ordered the erection of the encampment, on the spot where the river forked. Before soldiers even sat to eat, several scouts rushed towards the hills of Nual-Deu. This close to the enemy, captain Lutir wanted to make sure of their current whereabouts, potential scouting patrols and lookouts. He had to make sure that they would remain undetected, strictly forbidding lighting of fires. After he arranged his marksmen at the edge of the forest, Thorin could finally take the rest himself.
“Want
some, captain?” Gelian said, offering a piece of cured meat and bread.
“You go
ahead, I’m not hungry.” Captain Lutir waved his hand “Did every soldier got
their share?”
Scout
nodded, sitting by the captain. He was appreciative of his kind gesture, but
felt it could have been, because Thorin was worrying about something else.
“What kept
Bagtur?” Gelian asked between two bites.
“I ask
myself sometimes, can you actually read minds?” the captain sighed “I just hope
he’ll use his head before his…”
Sudden
return of the few scouts interrupted Thorin. Panting, and out of breath, with
their faces bright red, it was obvious they ran fast, and for a very long time.
Gelian offered them some water, which they immediately took.
“We
couldn’t find any entrance, on the south side of the hills.” the scout recited
“There were no signs of goblins there.”
“Two
scouting parties are circling from the north, but I doubt they will return
soon.” another one said.
“Fine job
lads, grab a meal, and get some rest.” Thorin nodded.
“And now
we wait.” Gelian said.
“That we
do.” Thorin answered.
“What if
they all report the same?” Gelian asked.
“Until we
found the entrance, I won’t risk sending the troops.” Thorn reasoned, “We’ll
camp here, until then.”
Gelian
agreed nodding, albeit the thought of being here wasn’t sitting well with him.
Close encounter with the swamp lizards, just a couple of days ago, was still
fresh in his mind. Besides that, he knew of many more dangerous creatures that
lurked in this swamp. Fortunately, the rest of the scouts returned soon enough,
bringing some good news.
“We found
the way in.” one of the scouts said.
Thorin
patted his back, delighted. And with that, they all knew, the attack on goblins
was imminent. There were still a few hours left before the end of the day. And
captain Lutir let his men rest some more. They seemed eager to move, counting
the seconds away. They were so close. And they all knew, there was no turning
back now.
And with
the first sunset, Thorin ordered his soldiers to bring down the camp. Led by
him, the army carefully moved towards the northern slopes, where scouts said
they found the cave entrance. Bright sky eased the movement, as they found
themselves in front of the canyon, just a few hours later. Steep, sharp rocks,
surrounding them, provided the ideal place for an ambush. And Thorin knew that
very well. They were most vulnerable now. This close to the goblin city, only a
huge dose of luck could help them pass undetected.
The
tension was rising, with every new step of the way, leading them deeper into
the hills. Treacherous shadows of stone boulders, and jagged rocks, would in a
moment resemble that of an ambushing goblin, playing with the nerves of the
soldiers. Thorin stopped the army, as they reached a large plateau in front of
the cave. Couple of goblin guards stood at the entrance, gathered around the
fire. They were merrily chatting, unaware of the danger. Somewhat relaxed by
the warmth of the flames, they neglected their guarding duties.
Thorin
waved his hand for the marksmen, pointing towards the goblins. They were ready
in an instant. Twenty bolts flew through the air, and towards the goblin
guards. Before they could even hear the deadly whiz, goblins were lying dead on
the stone ground.
“Let’s
move boys.” Thorin growled, as he charged towards the cave “Be brave, and good
luck.”
It looked,
as if soldiers could barely wait, for the order to arrive. They jumped as a
pack of hunting dogs, eager for the kill. Many of them didn’t even pretend to
hide the excitement of the nearing battle.
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