The Creeps

   "And the coldcrew will march through the Vantage and attack at the rear," said Reke, finishing Zigny's sentence for him. He hoped they had enough might to claim victory, but only fifty svirfneblin against nearly two hundred goblinoids was a great disadvantage. The factor of surprise should help considerably, however, once the initial shock had worn off, the goblins would easily overrun the small contingent and take the tunnels all the way to Southreach Hold, where at least the garrison would keep them from reaching the town and the gnomes.
   "You will lead the coldcrew. When the battle begins you will know. Attack quickly, but leave no one behind you. Do not get cut off from your own retreat, while keeping them from being able to fall back. Most of them will be gathered in the Cavern of Spikes, many more will join the fight once it commences. Don't worry about us until the topside exits are secure and the remaining goblinoids are eliminated. We will hold the tunnel until you can reinforce us. One more thing, if reinforcements arrive send them to our location. Now go, before we are too late," ordered Zigny. Though the younger officer had the knowledge and training, Zigny had the experience and command. His orders and plan were all that mattered. Within those confines anything the sergeant wanted to do was allowed, but adherance to those orders was paramount.
   Reke hurried off a side tunnel to meet his men at the Vantage, while Zigny followed the Fifth Rank to Spike Seat.
   Reke reached his men quickly and surveyed the Door. He asked the Mand'r of the First Rank for a report. The youthful Mand'r told him the goblins had apparently moved their treasure and the leader's belongings into the large chambers connected to the Door, but that had already been completed. Something seemed odd, but the sound of a runner's heavy step coming up the passage from the guardhouse drew his attention. He turned to see one of the two runners sent to the Hold returning.
   Something was very wrong. The young gnome had light gait and was a incredibly fast runner. Now the poor youth barely hobbled into the arms of the closest warrior and collapsed. Reke dashed to the young svirf's side as he was slowly eased to the ground. A long bleeding wound across his chest was obviously the cause of his ragged breath and pale features. The warrior tore the runner's cloak to bind the wound as Reke gently shook his shoulders to rouse him.

   "What happened, Hasoospeir?" asked Reke. He knew the young svirf from the town, they had grown up together and joined the Svirfguard together. The ragged breath slowed for a moment, then with a wet cough the youth gained semi-conciousness.
   "Dofiduros is dead. I barely escaped. They had me bound and under guard, but left my belt on me. Stupid elves," answered Hasoospeir, seeming unable to recognize his surroundings. His eyes settled on Reke and recognition flooded into him. He sat up too quickly and fell back moaning in pain.
   "Lay back. What happened? What elves?" asked Reke again, even more confused. A sense of dread gripped his heart. No reinforcements were coming. They were doomed.
   "Reke, you must return to the Hold. Your father is in danger. The town is under attack. The Hold is under siege. Drow have taken our tunnel and even now batter at the gates of the Hold," replied Hasoospeir. He had spoken too quickly and expended too much energy. With another wet cough he fell back into unconsiousness.
   Reke turned to his men. He pointed to his own runner and called him forward.
   "Did you hear what he said?" Reke asked the shaken youth. The young runner just nodded while staring at Hasoospeir's dying form.
   "Answer," ordered Reke. The sharp tone in Reke's voice caused the runner to snap out of his trance, straighten his back, and make himself stand at attention.
   "Yes, sir," answered the runner, forcing some strength into his voice.
   "Good. Hurry to Spike Seat and inform Master Zigny. Move. Now." Before the runner could even disappear around the corner, the unmistakable sound of steel on stone rang through the tunnels. The attack was ill fated. A frontal assault would only work if his men had cut off any support from the others. He made a command decision and threw the switch that opened the Door. The entire rough wall at the end of the tunnel swung out the way allowing the coldwatch to pour into the cave complex with Sergeant Reke at their head. They stopped short as they rounded the corner to find the passage blocked by stones piled and packed. The boulders were surrounded by smaller rocks and tiny stones, filling the passage so well even light couldn't seep through. Breaking through would alert the leader and perhaps the entire tribe.