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"While we
watched, the Hands of the Pool awoke and reached for several of the
unsuspecting greenskins. Hands took three to the bottom of the pool
while the other water-arms flailed wildly among the goblins. The Fear
of the Pool dealt with the entire group except for one of them. It lay
unconsious behind some stones knocked from the rough wall by the Hands
unnoticed. The Mand'r ordered Quois to sneak into the cavern and
retrieve it before the others were missed. Quois covered his face and
head in grease then pulled his cloak and dropped into the pool without
creating a ripple," after a deep breath the youth continued.
"In moments, he popped out on the shore and quickly dashed
to the fallen goblin. He gave the signal that the evil thing wasn't
badly injured, then the cavern opening was full of jabbering goblins
and lizardskinned kobolds. They saw the waterskins and wet walls and
glancing around the chamber saw no sign of their comrades or their
fate. Quois had pulled his cloak over himself and the sleeping
greenskin, they blended perfectly into the stone, his wet cloak
covering their heat. The goblins sent a few messengers to report the
missing, I guess. The rest stared out into the water expecting to see
the others or the thing that took them. They must have thought better
of being so close to the pool, because almost as one they retreated to
the entranceway. Quois couldn't take the prisoner, nor get himself back
to the post. Enchrysoberyl told me to grease my head and face and
proceded to do the same. He told me to get Quois and the greenskin back
to you, then dove into the pool.
The goblins heard the splash and came close to
investigate. They saw the Mand'r flailing wildly in the water and began
laughing, loading slings and throwing spears. I watched Quois punch the
awakening creature then heave him onto his shoulder. He was behind the
taunting greenskins, so he could move freely but slowly. Then I
realized the Mand'r's plan, when the Hands of the Pool re-emerged and
took him to the bottom, while it thrashed the gathered throng. I dove
in while Quois slipped into the pool. We slowly pulled the floating
goblin across the water while we looked to the bottom to see the
Mand'r. Quois and I got him into the post before the third group of
greenskins came into the chamber to find both previous groups had
vanished into the water. Now the goblin sits with Quois and the Fifth
rank. The Mand'r still hasn't been seen," finished the youth, with
obvious failure in his posture and voice. He was in such a hurry to get
his story out he nearly failed to take a breath throughout. Reke felt
sorry for the youth and wished there was something he could do to
lessen the pain of losing his Mand'r, he knew that feeling.
Zigny's smile was out of place in the solemn gathering,
but was shared by one other. He was a fourth year soldier and had also
known Enchrysoberyl for his entire four year term.
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"You need not
fear for your Mand'r, he and the Fear of the Pool have faced each other
more than once. I'm glad to see his rather curious talent found a use
other than as a pratical joke. He cannot be drowned. He will be fine,
he knew what he was doing," said Master Zigny comfortingly. He intended
to severely reprimand Mand'r Enchrysoberyl, not only for scaring the
runner, but he knew he was to await orders before taking any action.
His quick action had gained them a captive, though it had nearly cost
them three svirf. Mand'r Enchrysoberyl was a good enough commander to
understand his mistake. That is why he had been forced to allow himself
to be dragged to the bottom until the Fear returned to it's sleep. He
would not avoid punishment with his self-sacrifice.
The youth was led away with the other runners to get some
hot food and dry out. He looked incredibly relieved to know
Enchrysoberyl would be fine and have his message finally relayed. Again
the look of exitement crept into the eyes of Reke, at a nod from Zigny,
he took off to Drippool. Zigny stepped before the still waiting
coldcrew.
"We know some few have been dealt with by the Fear of the
Pool, we can no longer drive them there as we have with others. When
the moment is at hand you will be ready. To the Vantage. March." With
that Zigny jogged off to Mid-Tunnel, closest of the posts.
At the lookout hole, the Mand'r of the Fourth Rank was
watching passing goblinoids while his men stood around him listening.
Mand'r Scaris Citrinegle, leader of the Fourth Rank, the leading band
of the Warmwatch, stepped out of Zigny's way as the Master reached the
post. He poked his head into the hole and looked out at the tunnel.
Every few seconds a goblin or two would walk past, some were rolling
rocks, others carried loose stones from the upper chambers.
"It's the same on the opposite side, the upper path is
held by urd. We can retrieve them, but not without raising an alarm,"
said Mand'r Scaris. Zigny pulled his head out of the hole and nodded to
his Mand'r.
"You will remain here. When the attack is begun, get them
out of there through the upper path. Then meet the main force in the
Door Tunnel. If anyone discovers them, get them out any way possible,
even if it starts the fight early," replied Zigny to Mand'r Citrinegle.
Zigny nodded to his men, then turned and left, heading for Spike Seat.
Spike Seat was actually a hollowed stalagmite reached from
the chamber below. Mand'r Aridkirtils Dirjade, leader of the Sixth Rank
and his seconds had replaced the svirfguard in the Seat. One of his
gnomes opened the trapdoor and told him Master Zigny was coming up the
tunnel. When Zigny reached the post, Mand'r Dirjade was in the tunnel
waiting for him, looking very disturbed.
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