CHAPTER 2
You scout over the hills that overlook the encampment. "This is the fortress where Gnar-Mangle of the Eater clan, a red-haired scum, aye. From here he threatens the lower east." you say
"This fortress, it is made out of battered clay. Is it true that, what you have said about the gold?" says the dog
"I thought you didn't care for gold"
"I care about it only as long as it feed me, brother. That tidy sum will be split amongst us. Imagine how many nights we can spend, eating meat and drinking wine?"
"I would like that"
"Then you agree, that after this, we should go south to Merlinbrad?"
The shadow of the hills overlook the fortress; And from where you are standing you can see, from this ledge, that the bulbuous, hastly made fortress is not wholly complete. There is a window where, with a rope, one could climb inside the dome of clay. That small hole is perhaps the refuse window, but you are not entirely sure.
Descending, you see now that the clay is not wet but hard as rock. Knocking, you hear the echo of a much larger opening inside.
You climb. And you see now the rising smoke coming from the tip of the dome. Now, you wonder, if this is not a kiln for giants. Inside, the interior, you finally see, is indeed hollow; a giant bonfire. Standing upon the inner edge of the dome, on a platform, you see then that the barbarians are having a party.
"Then they have not seen us" you say
"Carnage Hearts! One-eyes! Scythe-bearers! Haerkenmen! And Thunder-tamers! Aye, brothers of Eaterclan! Rejoice, for the weapon that will shatter the clansmen city of Metamor is here!" those seem to all describe them, you see now, as you hear the clamoring of the chief; his throne upon a pedestal overlooking the fire.
"All shall bear witness to the Ogre!"
He lifts his arms to the sky. He is very close, just a level under. An arrow could end all this, suggests the dog. You grab the small axe from your belt; and you hold it next to your head.
"What is that?"
Just now a shade appears crawling from the crowd; from his billowing cloak he lifts up high a most evil prophecy; A sapient blade! With it, the crowd erupts into cheers; the sword, a gleaming sadness.
"This is the weapon of a fool misguided!" says the shade "Tricked by the lich Cynoggar, king of the Heart-of-Ice! The fool iceman ventured upon quest, but I, the Shadow-of-Ravens, ambushed him! Aye, in this trickery, without honor, I have brought the gift that shall undo the West!"
"Shoot, now! Knock your arrow!" you say, as you aim and throw the ax at the shade's hand.
The sword falls with a sour clang.