Narg and the Necromancer

Serime again.

Shogun and Gorgus met Narg as he limped towards their rendezvous.

“Narg!” said Gorgus as he spotted his wounds. “What befell you?”

“Touch of night fever,” said Narg, sitting heavily on a nearby fallen trunk. He briefly told the others about his encounter as Gorgus uttered some healing cantrips on him.

“You were lucky it was daylight, they’re stronger at night,” said Shogun.

“Aye, I know. I want to explore the cave further, there’s a tunnel at the back, which may lead into the fort. Though we need to do it now, before nightfall or they miss the late Lord Raiden.”

Once Gorgus finished patching up Narg they headed back towards the entrance. Stepping around the charred corpse of the dead Elf, they entered the cavern, lighting torches once they were inside.

Cautiously they ventured deeper into the hillside, down the tunnel and around twisting passages. They encountered no one, though the walls became smooth and the floor level.

“I think we’re under the fort,” whispered Shogun as they came to a fork in the passage. “Shhh! What was that?”

“What did you hear wizard?” asked Gorgus.

“Someone speaking I think.” He c****d his head to one side and listened. “Came from that way,” he pointed at the passage to the left.

“Let’s go and see who is home shall we?” said Narg grimly and set off down the passageway.

A short walk later and they came to a stout wooden door. Indeterminate noises could be heard coming from the other side, and occasional muffled talking.

“Ready your spells Wizard. Cleric, cover him. I will take the fore.” Narg waited until the other two were ready before kicking the door open and rushing in, Bloodletter held high.

The other side of the door held but a single large chamber, filled with t*****e devices of various kinds. Facing away from them a single dark Elf, dressed not in the traditional black, but robes of dark red. He was busy working on the rack when the trio entered, wielding a whip on some poor unfortunate.

When the door crashed open the Black spun around to see Narg, Bloodletter held ready to swing, bearing down upon him. He leapt to one side, lashing out with the whip he was holding at the same time. Narg ignored the lash and kicked out at the handle, causing the Elf to drop it as he attempted to back away and simultaneously reach for a dagger at his belt. A thought that this was no coward flashed through Narg’s mind as he prepared to strike…

“Narg no!” came an indistinct, but urgent call. Narg stayed his sword, though Bloodletter protested.

“Who calls my name?” He looked around keeping Bloodletter, who was visibly straining to reach the Elf, at the ready.

“It is I, Serime!” came the muffled reply.

“Serime?” Narg lowered his sword and, leaving Gorgus to cover the elf, moved towards her voice. “What are you doing here?” He approached the rack and found Serime stretched out upon it, sans clothing, with her arms and feet tied and pulled taught. She had light whip marks over her body, though nothing serious, and had various clamps strategically attached to certain sensitive points. A ball gag in her mouth was the cause of her muffled voice. Narg gave a low whistle and paused a moment to admire the scene.

“Get this gag out!” she said and he approached and started loosening the various fastenings.

“What are you doing here?” he repeated, “and why don’t you want me to finish this scum off?” he gestured at the Black.

“He’s my brother.” Replied Serime, rubbing at her wrists.

“What!?” But he’s a…”

“Black Elf, I know.” Serime looked at Narg’s expression. “Very well, he’s my half-brother. Does that explain things to thee?”

“Not clearly. How about this?” He gestured at the rack.

Serime blushed. “Oh well, you know. Just a little fun.” She winked at Narg. “If you are a bad boy we can play some later.”

Narg spluttered a bit, “well, arrr...” He looked around to make sure no one else was in hearing distance. “Maybe later. Ahem.”

“Verily hot stuff.” Serime winked and started to don her clothing, which was in pile at the base of the rack.

“What shall we do with him?” asked Shogun, pointing to the elf. He held a flame in his open palm, obviously ready to cast a spell.

“We should not allow such as he to live,” said Gorgus grimly, waving his mace in the Elves face.

“Do your worst Cleric,” the elf said. “I, Laroth Redblade fear not your kind,” and he spat at Gorgus.

“Hold!” shouted Serime as Gorgus prepared to use his club. “Laroth is my kin, even if not a direct one. I would be honour bound to avenge his death.” She strode up to the black Elf and stroked his hair in a somehow disturbing manner. “Beside, I’ve always been fond him. He always had a talent for inflicting pain.” She sighed. “Such flair.”

“Bah, I say we use some of these instruments upon him,” said Gorgus, obviously not convinced. “They are alike as two rotting dwarves these two.”

“He may have information we could use,” offered Shogun. “What do you think Narg?”

Laroth, Serime and his two companions looked at Narg expectantly as he walked over to Laroth and shoved Bloodletter up to his throat. “I have put paid to one of your kind already today, it wouldn’t be any bother to add another to the list.”

Serime inhaled deeply.

“However, I am kind of partial to your half-sister. Hence,” he lowered Bloodletter slightly, “out of deference to her feelings, but mainly because she has a nice rack,” he paused as a thought crossed his mind, “and I am not talking about t*****e equipment here, I’m going to let you live.” He watched Loroth exhale and then added: “As long as you answer a few simple questions.”

“I will answer as long as it’s in my power and doesn’t betray my kin,” said Laroth.

“Okay then. It is quite simple really.” Narg paused and then pushed his face up against the Black: “What the f**k is going on?”

Laroth shook his head to try and dispel the ringing in his ears. “I am assuming you mean the whole Necromancer deal.”

“Everything,” said Narg. “Start with how she,” he gestured at Serime, “ended up here playing torturers and victims.” He stepped back and leaned upon the door of an Iron Maiden. Laroth grimaced slightly as it closed under Narg’s weight, a slight whimper escaped from inside before the device clicked shut.

“Well, actually I don’t know about Serime. Some creature barged through our defences and dumped her here before taking off again. We couldn’t touch it, though it looked human.”

Serime nodded in confirmation. “That thing just carried me all the way here.”

Narg scratched his head, then indicated Laroth should carry on.

“As for the Necromancer, I don’t know much about him. He arrived here about six months ago, set up in the old tower in the Deadlands and started raising dead like there was no tomorrow. However, I do know what he is looking for.”

Narg and the others leaned forward. “Go on,” said Shogun.

Laroth smiled. “The Eyes of God.”

“What?”

“The Eyes of God,” repeated Laroth. “They’re what the Necromancer is after.”

“Okay, so what are the Eyes of God, apart from what they sound like?” asked Narg.

Gorgus answered. “They are a legend. The Eyes of God are supposed to be the eyes of The Creator, or maybe one of his close servants, the scrolls are unclear on this point. There are allegedly three of them. The first is black, the second is white, but the third has never been seen. They are artefacts of enormous power.”

“What do they do?” asked Shogun, his interest piqued.

“Well, I’m not sure of the details. There’s a tale that with the Black Eye you can see your enemies, or any threats to you. The White Eye is supposed to show things that could be beneficial to you, but they are just the better known abilities. The two eyes together are supposed to have immense power, but once again, I don’t know the details.”

“What about all three Eyes?” Shogun said.

“All three eyes brought together would bring the Creator, or his servant, to reclaim them. Or so the stories go,” said Gorgus.

“Interesting,” said Narg. “I’m assuming the eyes are around here somewhere then?”

“The Necromancer has one already, so I am informed,” said Laroth. “He’s had his undead searching the area for the other, which is supposedly around here somewhere. Of course, this has attracted the attention of various groups. Us for one, and my sister’s employers for another.”

Narg turned to Serime and raised an eyebrow. She sighed. “My employer is a resident of Un. He sent me here to find out what was going on in the region. There’s been a lot of activity recently. I thought Laroth would know, so I was looking for him when we first met.”

Narg leaned on Bloodletter. “And what is ‘Un’?”

Gorgus laughed. “She’s telling stories again. Such a place doesn’t exist, it is a children’s tale. A mythical city where fabulous creatures live.”

“Still, you cannot deny the results. The Eyes of God are in the area, and various interested parties are looking for them. I also know,” Serime looked at Narg slyly, “that a certain other party from the town was following a trail that supposedly led to one of the Eyes.”

“Ezal’s daughter!” said Shogun, “the group we’ve been tracking!”

Narg stood straight. “Which leaves us better informed, but nothing has changed as far as I am concerned. We were tasked to kill the Necromancer, so that is what we’ll do.” He turned to Serime. “You’re welcome to join us Elf, but if you hold back again…” he left the threat hanging.

“May I suggest thee leave?” said Laroth. “The other Black are out on patrol, but they will return with nightfall. I will say naught about this, it has been rather embarrassing for me.”

Narg grunted and sheathed Bloodletter. “Let’s go.” He turned and walked out of the t*****e chamber without a backward glance. Shogun and Gorgus left as well. Serime gave Laroth a long lingering kiss and then rushed to catch up with them.