Hearth Fire

Bauru used his knife to draw the campsite. The river ran south to north, and the gnoll the camp was built in a half circle against the river. A worn footpath cut through the camp paralleling the river. Bauru informed the party that there was a ramshackle barrier made from broken carts, wagons, boxes and other garbage acted like a ramshackle barrier. A large fire pit was in the center of the camp and seemed to be always lit. He marked the map with where he remembered seeing the troll and magic wielding gnoll. The prisoners controlled by the spell caster worked around the camp mostly ignored by the other gnolls. The humans not controlled by magic were stored in cages alongside the river.

“I don’t know much ‘bout magic, but it seems the spell caster can only trance so many humans at once.” Bauru said finishing his crude map.

“Oh? What makes ye think that?” Stronric asked.

“Well, why not just mind control all of the humans and be done with it?” Bauru said sheathing his dagger.

Armand raised an eyebrow, his voice carrying the distinct French accent as he responded, "Ah, oui, I 'ave encountered ze spellcasters before, though magic is not my domain of expertise. Zese mind-controlling spells, they are indeed... how do you say? Draining, as you mention. I prefer ze steel of a sword in my 'and, but I understand ze danger zey pose."

Armand paused, a serious look crossing his face. "But magic… it can be unpredictable, non? I 'ave seen what it does to ze minds of ze weak. You must be careful when dealing with such powers."

Stronric pulled at his beard as he thought, “So why not attack the camp right after he cast his spell on the human?”

Bauru and Armand nodded in union. Rugiel shook her head, her voice calm but firm. "What of the humans, though? Even if the gnoll is out of mana, what happens if he commands them to attack us? We already face a horde of gnolls, a troll, and the caster himself. If those humans are turned against us as well, nearly forty of them, this battle will become far too one-sided."

Armand frowns, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he listend to Rugiel. “Ah, you are right, milady. Ze gnoll caster may 'ave no mana left, but ze damage is already done if 'is commands still hold sway over ze humans. Zey will be little more zan weapons against us, and with ze gnolls, ze troll, and zat caster... oui, zat is a lot to face.”

He shifts his grip on his sword, the steel glinting slightly. “We must be smart, non? A direct attack would be suicide. If we could find a way to break ze spell or… distract ze gnolls long enough to deal with ze troll and ze caster, we may 'ave a chance. Do you 'ave any thoughts on 'ow to break ze humans from ze gnoll's control?”

Armand gazed at Rugiel expectantly, knowing her wisdom might guide them through the grim situation.

Rugiel shook her head, "I am not well-versed in the ways of spellcasting. My days were never spent in the company of wizards or warlocks," Rugiel said, her tone carrying a hint of refined distance.

The thought struck Stronric like a bolt of lightning, “What in this word…” Rugiel eye widened and she quickly shook her head telling Stronric to shut up. Stronric coughed, “Sorry throat was dry, my new ability allows me to boost the mental power of my allies. Geoffrey said that we were allies of Millstone, do you think that it will work on them?”

The group all looked at Stronric shocked, "Ah, monsieur, you 'ave an ability to enhance ze group, oui?" Armand asked.

Rugiel was rubbing her forehead in frustration again. She looked through her fingers and gave Stronric a death stare. Stronric felt his face flush, He was getting sick of this tip toeing around the manlings of this land. The dwarves agreed to keep their classes and their new abilities secret from others. At first this seemed a simple task, but now a small ache was starting to build behind his eyes.

Stronric merely nodded. Before Armand could press further, Rugiel gracefully intervened. "Naturally, a Thane would possess the means to strengthen his clansmen and his hold. In the lands of men, your lords may concern themselves more with their own power, but that is not how we dwarves safeguard our homes. Our strength lies in unity, a kinship that binds us together, ever focused on the greater whole."

Armand narrowed his eyes slightly, the suspicion evident in his voice as he replied, “Ah, oui, I see. Quite admirable, zis unity among ze dwarves. But... one wonders, milady, if zere is something more to zis strength of yours. Perhaps something you are not sharing with us?” His gaze flickered from Rugiel to Stronric, his tone polite but laced with doubt. “After all, even among allies, it is wise to understand ze full extent of ze power at play, non?”

Rugiel offered Armand a poised smile, her words measured and graceful. "Oh, Sir Armand, power takes many forms, and how we choose to wield it is often just as important as the strength itself. Dwarves, as you know, value tradition and unity above all else. Our ways may seem unfamiliar to you, but I assure you, they have served us well for countless generations."

She glanced briefly at Stronric, then back to Armand, her tone remaining pleasant but evasive. "In time, you will come to understand more. For now, let us focus on the task at hand, yes? There is much to be done if we are to face the challenges ahead."

Armand narrowed his eyes in suspicion, his gaze lingering on Stronric and slowly nodded. Stronric met Armand’s gaze when he saw a slight movement behind Armand’s shoulder. Bauru had raised Predator and was aiming at Armand. Bauru met Stronric eyes and when Stronric gave him a subtle shake of his head, and Bauru lowered the weapon.

Bauru broke the tension with a cough and used the distraction to gather the party together. “Right listen up, all o' ye. We got a fight ahead, an' we ain't got time for any mistakes. Stronric,” he nodded to the Thane, “Ye'll take the river. Swim it quiet-like, hidden from sight. Once ye get behind 'em, ye'll make yer move. Keep 'em busy, aye?”

Bauru then turned to Rugiel and Armand. “Rugiel, ye’ll back up Armand from the south road. Keep him covered, make sure them gnolls don’t get any closer than they should. Armand, ye know what to do.”

Finally, Bauru tapped his heavy crossbow. “Me? I'll be movin' where I'm needed most, takin' shots when I can. Predator’ll do the heavy liftin'. That big ol’ troll won't be too tough once I put a bolt in 'is ugly hide.” He looked around the group, his sharp eyes full of confidence. “Stay sharp, lads and lass. This is our land, and we ain't lettin' any gnolls or trolls take it.”

Armand glanced at Rugiel, his brow furrowed slightly as he asked, “Will it be a problem, milady, if I am mounted? I prefer to fight from ‘orseback when ze opportunity allows. If we are attacking ze campsite 'ead on, I would be of better use on my ‘orse.”

His voice carried a hint of pride, clearly confident in his skills as a mounted knight, but respectful of Bauru’s plan. Rugiel nodded, looking from Stronric and then to Indomitable. Gromli finished going through the bags on the back of Indomitable. He pulled a large cast iron pot free.

Stronric crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Rugiel. His voice was gruff but steady as he spoke, "Yer want to ride Indomitable into battle? Ye don't know the first thing about ridin' a ram, lass. Ye’ll only end up hurtin' yerself. Indomitable’s not just any beast, he’s a force o’ nature, and ye’ve got to earn his respect first."

With a nod toward the massive ram, Stronric added, "Best leave the ridin’ to those who know what they’re doin’." Stronric’s stern expression softened slightly as Rugiel look embarrassed at not knowing how to ride a dwarven animal like a ram.

Rugiel offered a calm, measured response, her tone as refined as ever. "I simply wish to ride him to follow Armand to the campsite and then dismount. I can hardly keep pace with him when he's on his horse." She gave Stronric a graceful nod. "It’s purely for practicality’s sake. I’ve no intention of attempting to ride into battle."

Stronric let out a deep breath, “Ah, so ye only want to ride Indomitable to the campsite, eh? Then dismount after?” He stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to the massive ram. “Well, I suppose that’s a different matter. If ye can handle him on the way, it might be alright. But mind yerself, Rugiel he’s not like ridin' a pony. Indomitable’s got a will of his own.”

He gave her a measured look, as if weighing her determination. "If ye think ye can handle it, then so be it. But once ye get there, dismount quick. I’ll not be patchin' ye up if things go wrong."

Their conversation was interrupted by Gromli striking a flint and steel. Gromli was on his hands and knees blowing on the freshly lit timber shavings. They all started at the mad lil cook.

Bauru was the first to leap to his feet, his face flushed with frustration. "Gromli, ye daft fool! That fire’s as good as a beacon to the gnolls, lettin’ ‘em know there’s folk in the woods! Ye might as well be wavin’ a flag and shoutin’, ‘Come and kill us!’ Now, put out that flame immediately before ye spoil everything!"

Gromli just grinning and remained completely calm. Gromli waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, relax, Bauru! No need to get so worked up. This fire isn’t going to send any signals. I promise, there won’t be any smoke. Trust me, I’ve got it all handled. Just trust ol’ Gromli, aye?"

Gromli gave the fire a quick wink. The flames stayed perfectly steady and contained. Not a puff of smoke rose as Bauru had feared. The group eyes widened in surprise.

“Ye can control fire Gromli?” Stronric asked, walking over to inspect the fire.

Gromli chuckled as he responded, his tone light and cheerful. "Not too much, just enough for a campfire or a few stoves. I can handle bigger flames, but the effect's a bit reduced. Still, it's perfect for baking a cake—no soggy middles like those country bumpkin cooks tend to make."

He grinned proudly, clearly confident in his unique cooking skills. “Continue your plan of attack, my battle has already started! No kinsman of mine go into battle hungry. Oh, and human friends.”

The party spent the next hour preparing their battle plan. They made small adjustments mostly stayed with their original plan. The group decided once the campsite was busy with the attackers Stronric would try and use his ability to free the humans from the mind control spell. Rugiel would take on the troll, her ability to summon the forge fire would prevent it from healing. Bauru was to hunt the wizard, and Armand would slay the gnoll and back up the others once the fight was started.

Gromli served the group lunch. He prepared a meaty soup with a broth to put hair on your chest and served it with a tankard of ale. Gromli cleaned the dishes and packed up the camp as the others stripped down their gear and equipment to the bare minimum. They would use the groove as their base and leave behind Gromli and their gear.

Stronric decided he would keep his heavy pauldrons on while he swam down the river. If the fight turned against them, Stronric wanted to be as ready as possible. Gromli was to stay behind in the groove and would watch over their gear. The dwarves came together and took a moment to say a prayer. Rugiel spoke to Morgal, Stronric to Thoranthana, and Bauru prayed to the unknown. Armand bowed his own head, likely saying his own prayer. The group then stood and walked into the forest ready for war. war.

The group then stood and walked to the mounts. Stronric got onto Indomitable holding out a hand to Rugiel. Rugiel took his hand and climbed up, sitting in front of Stronric. Armand got onto his war horse and turned to the others. Bauru declined a ride behind Armand and instead nodded to the party and jogged into the forest. Stronric snorted a laugh, it seems even these dwarves hate the idea of horses as much as I do. As the party rode to where Stronric would dismount and enter the river, Stronric instructed Rugiel on the basic of riding and controlling the Ram. The arrived at Stronric’s drop site and when he dismounted, he made Rugiel promise not to try and fight mounted on the ram’s back. Fighting from a mount looked easy, but Stronric had seen many dwarves cut down their own mounts when fighting. Beatrice would not be happy if her lover was crippled by a hammer. Rugiel shuddered at the idea of Beatrice’s anger and once again promised to not try it.

Stronric clasps forearms with Rugiel and looked at Armand. “Take care of her, if she falls with a blade in her back, I will hunt ye down. No manling hold save yer from me.”

Armand looked affronted at Stronric’s words, his pride clearly wounded, though Stronric could see the subtle shudder of fear he tried to mask. “Of course, I will try my best to defend Lady Rugiel. I am a knight, and I give you my oath. No harm will come to her from me,” he said, his voice firm, but the underlying tension unmistakable.

Stronric nodded, “May Thoranthana guide both of yer arms and may Morgal strengthen yer weapons.”

Armand raised an eyebrow at Stronric’s words, but Stronric just walked into the river. Stronric continued into the water until the water was chest high and sat down. He then allowed

The cool water was pleasant on Stronric’s skin on the warm day. After leaving the shade of the forest, the temperature rose to a warm almost hot day. Floating down the river Stronric looked for dangers. The campsite was a small distance away, but he didn’t want to get spotted. Down the river a little bit he found a log caught on some underbrush. He freed the log and used it to cover his approach.

The river was moving at a steady pace. It wasn’t exactly slow, but it also didn’t compare to the rapids found in the underground caverns of his home world. He swam like a frog, moving quickly kicking up muck from the bottom. A cloud of muddy brown water swirled around him and flowed down the river. Stronric knew he needed to keep a steady pace, if he went too fast than he’d arrive before the rest of the group. He could also be seen, alerting the gnoll’s guard of an attack.

Stronric came around the last bend and saw the camp for the first time. It was just as Bauru had explained, ramshackle walls, guards sleeping on post, and humans tending to task with blank stares. The mind-controlled humans could be seen fishing, building, maintaining gear and other mundane chores around camp. Several humans tended to a massive cauldron in the center of the camp. Crates were stacked precariously upward to give the humans the ability to dump things into the pot. Three humans stirred the massive bowl. The troll sat near the bowl dozing off in the heat. The troll’s massive head kept bobbing up and down as it dozed in and out of sleep.

Stronric focused on trying to find where the wizard was, but the gnoll remained out of sight. Bauru was supposed to take the shot to kill him. Legends in his old world had taught him that soddenly were magic users so easy to kill. They usually had trinkets and such to protect them from ambushes. Spell casters knew they were fragile when it came down to a fight, so they hid behind others and were known to be cautious.

Stronric was puzzled. I wonder if the dwarves of this land are like are like those back in my homeland. Not only can we not use magic, but we are resistant to magic as well. The father gifted us with the power of runes, there was never a need for us to pursue magic. If we had a rune smith, he would be able to counter the wizard, making this easier for us. I hope that Rugiel and Bauru are blessed, and the caster effects will be lessened. Magic can still kill us, but we aren’t as fragile as the manlings and other races. Elves, Stronric spit in the water out of habit, use the cursed magic freely. Once man and elf taste magic the power goes to their head. Necromancers, blood mages and worse are out there. Control by demons they swear they have power over.

The bank of the river where the camp was set up sloped down to the riverside and was easy access to for the locals. Making sure not to kick up more mud, Stronric swam closer to the edge and lodged his log on the bank. Keeping behind the log Stronric waited. He needed to wait for the camp to react to the attack before he tried leaving the river's edge. In his mind he pulled up the ability he was going to use.

Summon the Horn of Thoranthana: Level 1

Ability: Unleash the legendary Horn of Thoranthana to ignite the spirits of those around you. This powerful aura channels the essence of The Hearth, boosting the base stats of all nearby allies by 10% for a limited time. Allies gain increased resistance to fear and mental manipulation, enhancing their willpower and fortitude. The effects are significantly amplified when used on dwarves, empowering their strength and resolve to legendary levels.

He focused on the ability to bring up more information.

???

Stronric was puzzled, he tried again.

???

Why wasn’t it doing what Rugiel said it would do.

Stronric was about to try for a third when he heard a war cry. The screams of a gnoll and the tearing of flesh and a loud horse’s neigh. Stronric smiled and let go of his log. Drawing his axe in his left hand he waited for the camp to be distracted by the intruders. The confusion of a random single human and dwarf must have been quite effective. It took far longer than it should have for the gnolls to react. Stronric could hear Armand claim several more lives. Then suddenly the thudding steps and yells of the troll sounded out across the river and camp.

Not yet, hold just a little longer.

Stronric crawled to the top of the slope and looked at the chaos. Armand was on top of his war mount in the middle of the southern entry to the camp. Four gnolls laid dead to the hooves of Armand mighty steed. The horse reared up and brought its front hooves down on a gnoll whos spear was batted aside by Armand longsword. Bones crunched and flesh tore as the steed smashed down. Three more gnolls came with spears to try and dismount the knight. Rugiel came around the garbage heap and lashed out with her hammer. The gnolls head exploded and it dropped heavily to the ground. Her war dress unfurling as she spun backwards, cutting the pursuing the gnolls and knocking them off balance. She spun her weight and smashed the gnoll across the face covering the walls with blood and gore.

Bauru was not seen, but Stronric knew he was out there watching and waiting for his moment to Strike. The troll was not as big as the last troll Stronric fought in the cave by The Hold. The ugly creature charged forward raising a massive tree trunk as a weapon.

Stronric activated his ability. A silver horn appeared in his hand. Matching gold cornucopias sat on each side and gold lined the opening and the mouthpiece. It was weightless and the craftsmanship was far beyond anything Stronric had ever seen. A sling, made from some celestial animal, was attached from the top to the bottom of the horn.

Stronric lifted the horn to his lips, said a prayer to Thoranthana and blew the horn.