Dale Journal - Oct 31

 

 

En route to the elven realm the group takes a rest in a small clearing while Celethule goes ahead. While waiting for the elf's return the group is suddenly beset on all sides by large black spiders, some as large as a foot across. The spiders come from all around and above. Balgrim and Strom, along with the dwarves, hold the line at one end while Kansefni, Morgan, Garm and Derek defend the other. The spiders crawl and spring onto the defenders and some manage to bite before they are destroyed. Balgrim and Kansefni both receive bites and the poison that comes with it. Mallion, between the two groups, spots a way out and does so with the rest of the group on his heels. The last to go are Balgrim and Strom as the latter pushes the wounded Balgrim through the escape way while holding off the many-legged tide. Balgrim quickly rights himself and bodily yanks Strom out of the trap. Both of them watch as the spiders scurry all over and around the exit hole but none come through and both Northmen rush to rejoin the group. Meanwhile, up ahead, Mallion leads the way but pauses as he spies something above. With no time to wait he continues forward but is ready as a huge spider, over 2 feet across, falls down upon him. Fortunately Mallion is saved from harm by the timely return of Celethule and the arrow, which the elf plants, into the creature's side, hurling it to the ground.

 

The spiders are left quickly behind as the group moves on but Balgrim falters as the poison in his body finally takes a toll. Strom and Kansefni help him along. Celethule guides the group to the base of a huge tree from which falls a rope. All make the climb up onto a large platform among the tree's branches. The rope is then tied around Balgrim and he is lifted up. Wylis, Khamdar, and others who are able help leech the poison from Balgrim's body but it is Morgan's voice that calms the wounded warrior's mind.

 

Meanwhile, below, Strom hears a call, a challenge. Seeing that Balgrim is in good hands he answers the call. Celethule soon catches up to Strom and attempts to sway the Northman from his path. But the call is not to be denied and Celethule returns to the group as Strom forges ahead and comes upon the one who sent out the challenge. It is a Great Warg with seven of its lesser kin. The foul beast seeks to strike fear into the northman's heart but Strom laughs in the creature's face and it is the beast that fears as the seven darkhounds attack. Strom charges the pack and, planting Trollslayer into the lead one, vaults over the rest as he seeks to reach their leader. But the hounds are quickly upon him from all sides and he is slowed, then stopped, taking and dealing wounds. Like tide crashing onto a rock the darkhounds seek to wear away the warrior's strength but like the rock Strom stands and just as it looks like he may go down Trollslayer sings it's deadly song and Strom is left standing. Then the great Warg attacks and such is the force of its blow that Strom is hurled from his feet with the beast immediately upon him. His left arm injured and his right, still holding the spear, is held between the Great Warg's jaws, Strom looks death in the face. But it is not his time as he summons up his strength and rams his helmeted head into that of the foul creature. It is a mighty blow and the beast is stunned. Strom, throwing aside the pain, strikes a great blow and thrusts Trollslayer through the beast, impaling it on the ground. The beast is unable to free itself but neither is Strom able to finish it, as its mortal shell is destroyed and its black soul is sent back to the realm that spawned it. Strom stands the victor but is finally overcome by the pain of his wounds and falls to the ground, unconscious.