Bardass! Quest 28 – Blood for the Forge

Strangely, I feel like I didn’t write enough for this chapter.  Then I looked through and found I had written several more pages than I planned on writing.  I’m not sure what that says.  Maybe that I should stop aiming for less than 10 pages per chapter, because this really could have been longer.  I probably could do 2-3 chapters in a week if I kept this pace up, but things.  I feel like I’d get more accomplished if I didn’t stretch myself thin doing this, Millennium Match, and Vamoe Guardian Lucia, in addition to spending 3-4 hours a day on Guild Wars 2.  So glad I have the free time to do this though.  That awkward time when I really want that job offer to come through, but also REALLY like being able to slack off like this.

Anyway, I got a lot done this chapter.  I finally get to pull the trigger on an important subplot!  I wanted to get more flashbacks and some coverage of the Sakar and Hayle subplots in, but I felt there was enough going on as it is.

Quest 28 – Blood for the Forge

Heat Wraiths: A type of undead creature.  Although their bodies have long since turned to dust, the figures of fallen adventurers suddenly reappear, somehow resurrected by the power of the Magma Dragon.  They retain the same appearance they had at the times of their deaths, but this is rarely perceived due to the intense flames that constantly surround them.  Heat Wraiths are distinct not just due to their flaming appearance, but also their incessant screams – the memories of being burned alive forever etched in their very souls.

Below the smokey purple twilight before dawn, Brier, Coleen, and Avery stood with the scores of other fighters standing ready between Harl and Mt. Harligg.  Flames swarmed out from the base of the mountain and spread out as they approached Harl.

Coleen: It’s as if the mountain is erupting from the bottom…  Those are all Heat Wraiths?
Brier: Yes.  Each of those flames is a life that was taken 25 years ago in the last Dragon Hunt.  That is how many are going to die today, and that’s how many will return and kill their own kind 25 years from now.  That’s why I told you this wasn’t our fight.
Coleen: And yet here we are.  Why ARE we here, anyway?  Shouldn’t we all be intercepting the Heat Wraiths before they get too close?
Brier: Heat Wraiths aren’t organized.  They’ll fan out from the mountain and spread themselves thin.  The more of them there are in one place, the stronger they become.  Bottleneck tactics will have the opposite effect.  Stopping the initial wave of Heat Wraiths is where half the battle lies.  After successfully defending Harl, about 90% of the forces here will march forward to Mt. Harligg while the rest stay behind to defend against straggling Heat Wraiths.
Avery: Hm, it seems our allies have started to engage.
Brier: They will die quickly.

–25 Years Ago–
–Harl–

Balken: Hmph, didn’t the Harlians ever hear of magic?  Oh, Spirits of Water, hear my call and torture those before me… Torrential Torment!

Torrential Torment: A high level water spell.  Streams of water shoot up from the ground, and, like fingers, they curl around their targets as if grasping them.

Balken’s water spell destroyed one Heat Wraith, but it also caught several more and pushed them away into other Heat Wraiths.  The flaming bodies swirled together, and their flames grew taller.

Balken: W-water doesn’t work?!
Silvia: Nice one, Balken.  What did we even bring you for?
Balken: Says the archer.  Your arrows will burn up before they even hit their targets.
Silvia: Not paying attention, are we?  The arrows I brought have iron shafts.  They’ll hit their marks and won’t make our enemies stronger, thanks.
Jegan: Water works just as well as any other element.  It just depends on how you use your spells.  You have to think beyond type advantages.  Not every enemy is as they seem.  These flames are like illusions, but also very real.  Learn to perceive the truth before you strike.

–Present Day–
–Harl–

Brier: Oh, that’s right… I forgot to mention…
Avery: They’re almost upon us!
Coleen: Brier, thanks for the advice, but it’s time for the real thing.  Oh, Spirits of Earth, hear my call and bury these abominations!  Ground Collapse!

Ground Collapse: A high level earth spell.  The very ground breaks apart, causing the target to stumble and fall.  The broken terrain then is tossed on top of the fallen target, burying it.

Avery: It worked?  I would have thought you would try water magic.
Coleen: Earth magic can put a halt to their advance while keeping them separated.  From what Brier told us, those flames are stronger than real flames, but this works against them.  By heating the earth around them, they merely strengthen their tombs.  Water magic probably wouldn’t have been effective against those flames, and even if it were, I couldn’t chance accidentally knocking them into each other.  Was that the gist of what you were going to tell me, Brier?
Brier: Um… Yeah, more or less…

–Wynn, Dragon’s Tail–

Karen: Meg, what are you doing?
Nutmeg: I was just wondering about that stage…

In her quest to meet up with Brier, Nutmeg traveled to Wynn, where she learned that the Dragon Hunt lured adventurers to Harl.  Nutmeg decided to wait for Brier in Wynn for news of Brier’s next move rather than join in the chaos.  In order to pay for her living expenses, she sought employment in Dragon’s Tail.

Karen: Oh, that?  That’s for… well, entertainment, I suppose.  But we haven’t had an act in months.
Nutmeg: An act?  You mean a singer or a dancer?
Karen: Yeah, something like that.  That was how I got started here.
Nutmeg: You were a singer?
Karen: A dancer.
Nutmeg: Ehh?  Really?  So why don’t you dance anymore?
Karen: Dancing was just something I did for money.  I haven’t had the heart for it since before I even arrived in Wynn.  Besides, I’m a bit too old for it.
Nutmeg: You’re not much older than me.  I doubt your bones are that fragile.
Karen: Oh, I could pull off the moves if I have to.  It’s just…
Nutmeg: Just…?
Karen: The act I performed was a bit… sensual.  If I danced like that again, I’d probably die of embarrassment.
Nutmeg: It can’t be that embarrassing.
Karen: Hmph.  Well, if you’re so interested in dancing, how about I teach you?
Nutmeg: Huh?
Karen: I made a lot of gold dancing.  You could earn a lot of tips.
Nutmeg: And you’ll be alright with that?  I might just show you up.  I’m no slouch.
Karen: Hey, whatever brings in the business.

–Harl–

Avery: Brier, one’s heading your way.
Brier: I’ve got it.

Brier had the Heat Wraith in his sights and let go of his bow’s drawstring.  Although he lacked the strength of even novice archers, he had trained in the art before.  His aim was perfect, but only in an effective range of about 6 meters.  It was enough.

Brier’s curse caused any edged weapons to shatter upon contact with any target, be it living or dead.  Much to Brier’s disappointment, this included arrows.  However, this worked to his advantage against Heat Wraiths.  Brier had his arrows enchanted by a Monk, as Monk enchantments are especially effective against the undead.  Normally, an arrow would burn up before dealing any damage at all to a Heat Wraith.  Brier’s arrow shattered into splinters before striking the Heat Wraith’s main body, but the splinters continued their forward momentum.  Thus, the scattered splinters affected a much wider area of effect than a normal arrow would.  The wooden splinters burned up instantly, turning into an enchanted incense that purified the Heat Wraith from the inside.  It took 5 seconds after impact before the Heat Wraith actually succumbed to it, but the initial impact was enough to stop its movement, safely out of close range.

Coleen: That’s an interesting trick.  Who taught you that one?
Brier: I thought it up on the fly.  Didn’t think it would actually work.  Glad it does.
Avery: Why didn’t we enchant my bolts like your arrows?
Brier: Because your bolts are too small and wouldn’t spread like mine.  The trick might just work, but it wouldn’t have the same stopping power as my arrows, and it would probably require more than one bolt to take down one Heat Wraith.  Stick to alchemy.
Avery: I see.

Avery’s arsenal was much more varied than Brier’s and Coleen’s.  Half of his inventory consisted of health potions, which he was to use up in this battle, both to ensure more allies accompany them in the rush towards Mt. Harligg, and to lighten his load, as maneuverability was paramount to survival in the Dragon fight.  The rest of his inventory consisted of alchemic bombs and sinking potions.  After seeing Coleen’s success with earth magic, Avery considered using his potions, but chose to stick to Brier’s plan.

Coleen: Avery, do you think Brier’s acting… strangely?
Avery: I have noticed that Brier is more knowledgeable than he appears, perhaps even hiding his true capabilities from us.  And yet, it surprised me still that he knew so much about the Dragon Hunt.
Coleen: No, it’s not that.  I mean, yeah, that too, but… Doesn’t he seem more… concerned for our safety than usual?
Avery: Oh, that.  I suspect it’s because he needs us for his own survival later on.
Coleen: That goes without saying.
Avery: Well, he always has been the sort to guide us in reaction to changes in battle.  It’s possible he always had the ability to plan to this extent but never spoke his mind.  To let us know all we need to know to survive this battle must be because he planned on leaving us five minutes ago.
Coleen: Huh?  H-hey, where did Brier go?!
Avery: I saw him sneak away with a detachment that decided to break off and run for Mt. Harligg early.
Coleen: Didn’t he tell us to stay our ground?
Avery: Indeed.  And he’s not the sort to rush to danger in pursuit of glory.  Whatever he’s after must be important to him.  If we value our lives, we will hold our ground until the timing is right.
Coleen: Brier… What are you up to?

Brier did not plan on leaving his group so soon, but he acted as soon as he saw his target.  The same Harlian soldier that took his Obsidian Lute rushed forward early along with a group of foreign mercenaries.  They didn’t fight under torch light, and their black clothing and armor further made it more difficult to spot them, but Brier recognized that face and pursued using a stealth song.

The group avoided all combat and traveled to the northeast side of Mt. Harligg.  The Heat Wraiths generally moved from Mt. Harligg southwest to Harl, so the northeast entrances would be easier to infiltrate.  This is not a popular tactic, as the Harlian defense relies on a majority of the attackers to slow the flow of Heat Wraiths coming out of the mountain.  However, this group was not interested in attacking the Magma Dragon.

Mt. Harligg: An inactive volcano located northeast of Harl.  It was the site of a battle between Harligg, the first Magma Dragon, and the warriors who would go on to found Harl.  Mt. Harligg is also a mine that has its resources replenished by the death of the Dragon during the Dragon Hunt.  The lowest level of the Harligg mines contain the most valuable resources, including Obsidian, which can only be found in Mt. Harligg.  After the Dragon’s death, the lower levels are filled with ore, and all but the surface level filled with toxic gases that take 5 years to clear.  Thus, the day of the Dragon Hunt is the last time Obsidian can be mined for at least 15 years.

Dragon Forge: Following the Dragon’s death, the pool of lava in the center of Mt. Harligg becomes magically charged by the Dragon’s blood, turning it into a magical forge that can create alloys not normally possible, as well as smelt in an hour what normally takes days.

Brier followed the group to the lowest level of Mt. Harligg.  The Harlian soldier he was tracking was their leader, and he cleared the path of any Heat Wraiths in their way.  Outside of his leather padding armor set, he also had Obsidian mail and gauntlets.  Since Obsidian reflects magic, it took little effort for him to tear through Heat Wraiths; their flames parted away from his fist, allowing him to safely bust a hole directly into the Heat Wraith’s brittle body.

Harlian Soldier: Okay, men.  You can take whatever you want, but I want one chestful of Obsidian from each of you.  The Chief says we’ve run dry, but that’s just a coverup.  He didn’t want anyone else getting ahold of this.

–Harl–

Coleen: Avery, how’s your inventory?
Avery: I still have three potions.
Coleen: Hand me one of them.  It looks like we’re about to charge in.
Avery: Understood.  How do you want to approach this?
Coleen: Go with the flow.  Don’t do anything that will make us stand out.
Avery: Which group do we go with?
Coleen: Southwest.
Avery: The most dangerous one?
Coleen: The most direct one.

–Wynn–

Nutmeg: N-no way… You want me to do that?
Karen: It’s not up to me.  It’s up to you.
Nutmeg: You’ve still got the moves.  Why did you even stop?  And don’t say it’s because you got old.
Karen: The woman who used to own this bar… before me… She told me to stop.
Nutmeg: Why’d you let that stop you?  I mean, other than the fact that she ran the bar… Okay, stupid question.
Karen: Not at all.  Like you, I wandered into this bar one day looking for a job.  I was good at dancing, so I did that.  And… I was really popular.
Nutmeg: With that dance, I’ll bet.
Karen: Got the Dragon’s Tail a lot of new business.  Everybody loved me, or so I heard.  But I didn’t care one bit for them.  Kate was the only one who could see it in me.  One night, she pulled me aside, and she told me she couldn’t bare to watch me dance anymore.  She said it broke her heart.  That my dancing was pretty to look at, but it had no soul.  She was right.
Nutmeg: What do you mean it had no soul?
Karen: I don’t know if you remember the time before the Seven Heroes.
Nutmeg: The Balken Wars, right?  I didn’t live through it, but I’ve heard enough stories about it.
Karen: That was when I lost it.  There was a certain someone…
Nutmeg: Did you lose him in the wars?
Karen: Not quite.  I… ran away from him.
Nutmeg: Huh?
Karen: Someone took something very precious to me.  Something that made me who I was.  Something that couldn’t be replaced.  I couldn’t bear to look… No, I couldn’t bear to have him look at me after that.
Nutmeg: If that something is what I think it is, I think I can relate.
Karen: I’m almost certain we’re not thinking of the same thing.  The worst part was that I ran when he needed me the most.  It’s not as if I was helpless.  I could have helped him, maybe even saved him.  And if not, at least we could have been together in the end…
Nutmeg: . . .
Karen: That’s why my dancing has no soul.  The only thing these legs are good for are keeping me alive.  Meg, if it’s not you, then it’ll be the next girl, but… I think Dragon’s Tail deserves a real dancer.
Nutmeg: But I’m a Monk.
Karen: Even for just one night.
Nutmeg: . . . Well, soul or no soul, I don’t know if I can pull off half of those moves.  And is the fire-breathing thing really necessary?
Karen: Are you kidding?  That’s the big finale!  You’ve GOT to have it!

–Mt. Harligg–

The southwest entrance was the most dangerous – yet most important – path to take into Mt. Harligg.  To defeat the Dragon hiding in the heart of Mt. Harligg, siege engines must be moved into the mountain.  Transporting siege safely from Harl to the northwest and southeast entrances of the mountain takes an extra three hours, and transporting siege to the safe northeast entrance isn’t worth the time.

Avery: It appears throwing most of the bodies we have through the southwest entrance isn’t working in our favor.
Coleen: Unfortunately, it seems reckless is the way to go.  We have to push forward if we don’t want our path to get blocked by our own corpses.
Heat Wraiths: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!
Coleen: I never get used to that screeching.
Avery: I think it’s time I used one of my mixtures.  Sinking Potion #1, let’s go!

Sinking Potion: An alchemic potion that is thrown on the ground below an enemy.  It temporarily gives that area properties similar to quicksand, then re-solidifies.

Avery’s Sinking Potion caused the attacking Heat Wraiths to sink into the ground, allowing a group of Harlians to safely plow over them with warhammers.

Harlian Soldier: Forward, to glory!
Harlian Soldier: No mere Heat Wraiths can withstand our might!
Coleen: It looks like they’re getting credit for your efforts.
Avery: What credit can dead men earn?
Harlian Soldiers: Hahaha, look at them run!  Meet your fate with honor, demons!
Avery: Hm?  Running a… Hey, didn’t Brier say all Heat Wraiths have that death wail?
Coleen: Isn’t it obvious?  I swear, after we’re done here, it’s my ears more than anything that I’ll need to have treated.
Avery: That group of Heat Wraiths not only weren’t heading to Harl, but they weren’t screaming.
Coleen: Are you sure?
Harlian Soldiers: GWAAAAAAAH!

A loud booming was heard in the shaft, and dust blew past Coleen and Avery, as well as the fighters behind them.  The two ran forward and found the path in front of them blocked by rocks.

Coleen: A cave-in?  Now?
Avery: No… This is tactics.
Coleen: Tactics?  From Heat Wraiths?
Avery: No time for our own tactics.  Our goal is to move forward, and we can’t do that with these rocks in our way.

Avery threw a Sinking Potion at the rock barricade, causing much of it to melt into the ground – but not all of it.

Avery: That wasn’t quite as effective as I had hoped.
???: What’s the hold-up here, eh?
Avery: Hm?
Coleen: Th-that’s…

The source of the voice was a burly man entirely equipped in black armor, wielding two enormous lances.  It was Chief Arbel of Harl, one of the Seven Heroes.

Arbel: A cave-in?  Ha!  I don’t even have to go Berserker to tear through something like this!

Unexpectedly, Arbel gave the barricade a mighty kick, causing it to topple over.  Beyond the barricade was a group of Heat Wraiths – much larger than the group earlier encountered.  Beyond that group was yet another rock barricade.

Coleen: Those weapons…
Avery: They isolated the vanguard and turned them into Heat Wraiths!
Arbel: Those were some of my best men, you screaming FREAKS!

With one swing from each of his lances, Arbel tore through his own men and the tactical Heat Wraiths.  He then dropped his lances and grabbed another Heat Wraith, crushing it between his arms in a bear hug.

Arbel: Is this what you did?  Did you try to smother them with your flames?  I’M RIGHT HERE, AND I DON’T FEEL ANYTHING FROM YOU!

The final Heat Wraith was extinguished in Arbel’s arms.  Arbel dusted his armor off and started punching at the second barricade.

Arbel: We’re almost at the heart of Mt. Harligg!  Send the word out to the rear guard to detach and escort the supply carts heading to the two side entrances!
Avery: Supply carts?  What is he planning?

–Mt. Harligg, Mines B5–

Harlian Soldier: Okay, that should be enough.  Start wrapping it up, and we’ll start camping near the Dragon Forge.
Brier: So, that’s your plan.

Brier revealed himself to the group.  Two thieves immediately set up on him.  Brier guarded himself, but the attackers disappeared.

Brier: What?
Thieves: Behind you!
Brier: Oh, no…

The Thieves immediately started sinking.  Brier had dropped a Sinking Potion behind him before revealing himself.

Brier: I can’t believe you went for such an obvious attack.

Brier armed his bow and aimed it at his would-be attackers.

Brier: So disappointing.

He then pulled an alchemic bomb out and threw it at the ceiling, causing an explosion that made rocks fall upon most of the remaining group.  From beneath the rubble, the Harlian soldier emerged.  Brier immediately aimed at arrow at him.

Harlian Soldier: I hate weaklings like you.  Too weak to fight like a true warrior.  Well, go ahead!  Fire that arrow straight at my heart.  I’m wearing Obsidian armor.  See how far that arrow penetrates.
Brier: Did you melt my lute to make that armor?
Harlian Soldier: So that’s what this is about?  You’re that Bard from before… Are you stupid?  Obsidian doesn’t melt fast enough for me to have turned that toy into something useful.
Brier: Where is it?
Harlian Soldier: Why don’t you beat the answer out of me?
Brier: Fine.

Brier let go of the drawstring, and his arrow hit the mark, immediately exploding into dust.

Harlian Soldier: Ha!  This armor’s stronger than I… gggh…

The soldier fell to the floor.

Harlian Soldier: W-what was that?  I lost all strength in my legs…
Brier: Something I learned a long time ago.  Armor, even Obsidian armor, can’t defend against air-based poisons.  Don’t worry, though.  It’s not lethal.
Harlian Soldier: What poison?
Brier: The shaft of that arrow was made out of the toxic bark of a tree that grows in the Rhean wilderness.  I managed to score some cheap since Heat Wraiths aren’t affected by poison.  This toxin makes you lose control of your own muscles, but keeps you conscious.
Harlian Soldier: Hrrrg…
Brier: Now, if you want an antidote, I’ve got one.  Just tell me what you did with my lute.
Harlian Soldier: It’s… probably on a supply cart heading for Mt. Harligg.
Brier:  Arbel’s gathering all this Obsidian… and he’s pilfering Astorian Iron, too.  What for?
Harlian Soldier: Heh heh… so you know about that?
Brier: What is it for?  Because if he hasn’t melted all of it down by now, then it’s definitely not for the Dragon Hunt.
Harlian Soldier: The Obsidian Knights.
Brier: Who in the depths are the Obsidain Knights?
Harlian Soldier: I’ve already answered more than I agreed to.
Brier: Fine.  I can figure that out on my own.  Open your mouth.

Brier opened a vial of antidote and poured its contents into the soldier’s mouth.

Harlian Soldier: Hmph.  Didn’t think you were the type of fool to actually follow through with your word.
Brier: I felt generous.  Especially since I have all the obsidian and gems you mined.
Harlian Soldier: As if I’d let you… H-hey, why isn’t this working?  Did you finish me off?
Brier: Oh, no, that antidote works.  You see, that toxin normally lasts for 2 days.  People affected by it usually die of starvation or attacks by wild animals.  That antidote takes about 20 minutes to kick in.
Harlian Soldier: Heh.  Plenty of time for you to make your getaway.  But I will hunt you down, boy.
Brier: Oh, that’s right… It takes 20 minutes to kick in with a full dosage.  I only gave you a half dosage.
Harlian Soldier: So 40 minutes.
Brier: Nope.  More like 4 hours.  Strange how those dosages work, huh?
Harlian Soldier: W-what?  But what if the Dragon gets killed by then?
Brier: If that happens?  Well then you’ll either die of toxic gases or being buried alive.  But I don’t suspect the Dragon will be defeated that quickly.  But I’ll be sure to create plenty of barricades so it’s more of a challenge for you.
Harlian Soldier: You rat bastard!
Brier: Good luck!

–Mt. Harligg, The Heart–

The “heart” of Mt. Harligg is the area directly beneath its mouth.  In its center is a pool of lava surrounded by rock ledges.  This is also known as the battleground of the Dragon Hunt.  High above this battleground are hundreds of chains constructed to prevent the Dragon from flying out the mouth.

Arbel was the first to arrive in the Heart, and thus, the first to witness their enemy: the Magma Dragon.

Magma Dragon: Kssssshhh….
Arbel: So, this is the new Magma Dragon.  Why don’t you speak?  Tell me your name!
Magma Dragon: Kssshhaaaaaaaaooooo!
Arbel: SPEAK YOUR NAME!
Magma Dragon: KSSSHHHAAAAAAAAOOOOO!!!!
Avery: Nngh…
Coleen: That howl… It’s echoing in my skull!

–Mt. Harligg, Mines B4–

“KSSSHHHAAAAAAAOOOOOO!!!!!”

The Dragon’s howl echoed throughout the entire mountain and froze Brier in his tracks.

Arco: Maaao!
Brier: “Valast…”
Arco: Raauuuu!
Brier: We need to get up there quickly.
Arco: MAO!
Brier: Wha-?

Brier wasn’t able to avoid it.  He looked down and saw a shaft of pure flame lodged into his chest.

Brier: GAAAAAAAAAAGH!!
Arco: Maoo….
Brier: A Heat Wraith?!

Brier looked at the flaming figure that attacked him.  It appeared to be holding a bow in its hand.  He looked back at the flame in his chest and saw that it was in fact an arrow.

Heat Wraith: Do you wield that to mock me, Balken?
Brier: No… It can’t be you…

Beyond the flames, he saw a familiar face who paid no mind to the fire surrounding her.

Brier: …Silvia…
Silvia: You should have died.
Brier: You died in Astoria… I’m hallucinating.  You can’t be a Heat Wraith.
Arco: Raaaaaoooo!
Silvia: Arco.  You would bear your fangs at the one who named you?

–Wynn, Dragon’s Tail–

Karen: AAAAAGHH~!
Nutmeg: Karen!

Karen suddenly collapsed from behind the bar.  The Dragon’s Tail patrons all crowded around with a look of concern.  Nutmeg rushed to her side.

Nutmeg: What happened?  Should we get a Cleric?
Karen: No!  No, Clerics!
Nutmeg: Why not?
Barfly: She hates Clerics.
Nutmeg: Hates Clerics?  What for?
Barfly: She just does!  Call an Alchemist or a Monk instead!
Nutmeg: I AM a Monk!  Karen, where does it hurt?
Karen: My chest… it’s… burning…
Nutmeg: That’s new… You sure you haven’t been poisoned.

Karen laughed behind her tears of agony.  Nutmeg placed her hand on Karen’s chest and immediately pulled it back.

Nutmeg: Oww!  You weren’t kidding… Where is that heat coming from?!
Barfly: Well, do something Monk Girl!
Nutmeg: I’ve never heard of anything like this… Someone give me a hand.  Clear a table and make some room to place her on top!

–Mt. Harligg, The Heart–

A massive sphere of flame shot out of Valast’s mouth toward a siege engine.  With inexplicable speed for a man his size wearing armor, Arbel ran in front and extended his arms to take on the full brunt of the attack.

Arbel: Your fire is like nothing to me, Dragon!  I am truly invincible!  Catapults, continue barrage!

Valast swayed in the air to avoid the catapult fire, but it was eventually struck and fell to the ground.

Arbel: It’s about time!

Arbel threw one of his Obsidian heavy lances at the Dragon, striking it dead center.

Valast: GRRAAAAAAAAAAOOOO!!!
Avery: Such strength!
Coleen: Is… is that it?
Arbel: WEAKLING!  We didn’t even need to wait for the Dreadspire!

Arbel raised his remaining lance into the air and led his men to a raucous cheer.  The celebration was short-lived, however, as Valast stood upright once more.

Arbel: So, you’re not dead yet.  But a wound like that is not one you can recover well from.

With another roar, Valast seemed to explode.  The Obsidian lance and its scales and what appeared to be hardened skin flew out of its body, revealing the true form of Valast.

Arbel: What?
Avery: That massive body was… It was entirely armor?!
Coleen: More importantly, why aren’t those scales falling?  They’re… floating in the air!

The scales suddenly flew in all directions, seemingly at random – however, each individual scale flew straight at a specific target.  Hundreds were crushed or maimed from the sudden attack.  Some lucky few managed to successfully evade the giant scales.  Arbel was not one of them; he saw the attack coming and chose to take it head-on.  Though he was not seriously hurt, he was surprised that the attack had enough force to move “The Immovable” back.

Arbel: That’s more like it.  So, you’re like a Berserker, is that it?  But now you have no armor.
Avery: Those scales… They’re starting to glow!
Coleen: Back into the mine shaft!

Avery and Coleen retreated into the mine shaft.  The Dragon’s attack was indeed not finished.  The scales exploded, and the unsuspecting soldiers who managed to avoid the initial attack were caught in the blasts.  Anyone who died from the fiery explosions immediately became Heat Wraiths and started attacking what few survivors remained.

Arbel: I like your style, Dragon.  This is what true Harlians strive for!  These losses were about what I expected for the vanguard!  Bring on the second wave!

In the next chapter of Bardass!  The true power of the Magma Dragon, Valast, strikes fear into the Dragon Hunters, but Arbel seems to have something planned.  Avery retreats to support the reinforcements and escort the new siege engines, but an unexpected wave of Heat Wraiths continue to complicate matters, and Coleen stays in the heart of the mountain to challenge Valast.  And what are the secrets behind the sudden reappearance of Brier’s old comrade as a Heat Wraith and Karen’s sudden illness?  The Dragon Hunt continues in Quest 29 – Red Dragon Blues!

4 thoughts on “Bardass! Quest 28 – Blood for the Forge”

  1. I kind of see what you mean about feeling that you didn’t write enough. I’m anxious to read the continuation.

    Although it looks like Karen is Silvia’s semi/soulless body, the specifics will be interesting to learn. I guess that ties into her having Ranka’s blood. Also, I’m wondering about the significance of the dragon’s name.

    “Nutmeg: It can’t be that embarrassing.”

    Yeah, I was immediately like “Oh lord~!”

    “Thus, the scattered splinters affected a much wider area of effect than a normal arrow would.”

    SHOTGUN ARROWS.

    1. Shotgun arrows was the intention, but they don’t make as wonderful a sound.

      I don’t know what to feel about that theory…

      Also, some time this week I’m going to run through my old fiction posts so the formats match the one I’m using currently. It’s weird how copy & paste is reacted to so differently depending on which version of WordPress I’m using and what source I’m copying from. I definitely don’t miss the “all text is tiiiiiiiiny” era.

      1. “I don’t know what to feel about that theory…”

        I enjoy it when my expectations are defied, but this seems so perfect to me!

  2. Just as a general Bardass! update I don’t want to waste a post on, the reformatting of previous chapters is complete.

    Fun fact: I thought for sure I had Nutmeg arriving in Wynn and meeting Karen prior to this chapter. Didn’t take long to do a search and find out, no, I hadn’t gotten around to having that happen yet. So I had to put a bit more focus on that subplot this chapter than I was planning to.

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