The path was long and winding and they were tested several times more as they ventured into the depths. Each time, the monsters were beaten back at minimal cost, the torches holding the foes at bay even as each force increased in number. Vasilya in particular, proved instrumental in their success, conjuring walls of flame to repel the attackers. Still, every encounter took its toll and the fire wall became less potent with every assault as her power waned.
It was Vasilya that was the first to fall. Just as, after what seemed an interminable succession of chambers and passageways in the depths, the path began to ascend. Half way up a mighty set of steps seemingly carved into the very walls, they took her.
From darkened alcoves they sprang, leaping onto the mage and the mage alone. Her screams faded and then halted abruptly as she fell from the steps and plunged into the depths. Though the remaining constructs were swiftly dispatched by the remainder of the company there was no sign of Vasilya amongst the twisted and crumpled forms at the bottom of the shaft. A brief search was conducted but they found no trace of the young mage, and returned to their original path. Yarlae had wanted to expand the search for Vasilya but Wulf wished not to tarry any longer and said as much. No one argued with Wulf. They abandoned the mage and continued.
After a long and perturbingly eventless ascent Wulf judged that they were at around ground level once more. Still they ascended, with no way to leave the winding upward procession of steps and passageways, till finally the path levelled off. Ahead stretched another short corridor, lined once again with tapestries and hangings leading to another exterior door. Once outside, it became apparent that they were on the opposite side of the courtyard, atop the far side of the walls they had gained entry by. Yarlae’s keen eyes could see the barred gate in the gloom some distance away. She could also see a door leading to the Tower, invisible before, hidden behind a rising parapet. She communicated this information to the group before checking the outside of the wall. A sheer drop greeted her. Even her enhanced visual acuity could not detect anything below. There was to be no escape there. She returned to the group;
Wulf was silent, deep in thought, weighing up the options. They had already lost one of their number and he was greatly perturbed by the exactness of the enemy's strike. They had purposely targeted and eliminated the company's strongest defensive asset, suggesting a tactical acumen far beyond that of mindless monsters. He ruminated, resting on his Warhammer, running one hand through his beard whilst his eyes continued to monitor vigilantly for threats.
“Bugger this for a fool's errand” Markas snarled. He hurled his burning torch into the courtyard. It fell to the ground, still ablaze, the light betraying no sign of activity, triggering no response. It was a drop of about two dozen feet, far from impossible but not without risk of injury.
“I’ll get that gate unbarred, let’s get out of here. Yarlae, cover me just in case”. He had the grace to look at Wulf, who paused a moment before assenting with a grim nod, Without another word Markas went over the edge. Hanging onto the wall and bracing himself he leapt away, tucking himself into a roll to mitigate the impact. Nonetheless he landed awkwardly, gingerly getting to his feet before retrieving the torch. He drew his sword and moved off toward the gate unsteadily.
He took perhaps a dozen steps.
They erupted from the ground, seizing him on all sides. He screamed and struck out with both brand and blade but they were swiftly knocked from his grasp and he was overwhelmed in moments. He disappeared under a mound of monstrous forms and was dragged into the shadows, his cries fading into the gloom.
Yarlae lowered her bow. She had not even had time to loose an arrow.
Nor did they have time to process. The door behind them burst open, a horde of abominations spilling out, grasping and clawing.
Yarlae recoiled in horror; she bought her bow back up and fired an arrow almost point blank through the eye of one of the constructs. Wulf roared and swung his warhammer one handed, best as he could, the other brandishing the torch, waving the flame in front of them to try to keep the horde at bay.
With no other recourse, they fell back, inexorably, along the wall towards the tower.
“We’re being herded!” Yarlae realised.
“Aye” Wulf shouted back “dark forces are at work here child. Still, we have no other choice. “
At pace, they retreated along the wall, falling back towards the tower. Pressed by the horde. The door looked sturdy but the key at Wulf’s belt performed it’s promised purpose and they hurriedly made to bolt and bar the door behind them. Within moments, however, the door started to shake and rock on its hinges as monstrous bodies slammed against it.
“That’ll not hold long. We need to move” Wulf said. “Come, this way”
The only way was up.
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