Forest Aflame
Or, the Benefits of a Good Burn
Dorsha Mennanir, my first mentor in the Elementalist Discipline, came to me with urgent need. Her cousin Edvird had sent a scout of some fame, Sivilee Blackhawk, to reconnoiter the mines in the Marrek Valley. She had, through a magical item, reported her success - but also that she was wounded and needed help. Of course, I immediately offered my assistance, and that of those friends who were available. Perhaps it was rude to speak on their behalf, but I am confident in their character and they would certainly have jumped at the chance to help.
We had the good fortune to catch a ride on a visiting Travar merchantman, which carried us through the air across the Throal mountains and deposited us at the northern mouth of the valley, saving us at least a week's hard travel. I am reminded to commence work upon my Next Great Project as soon as I am able.
We were immediately assaulted by the smell of wood smoke in the distance. Things seemed dire, and we rushed forward, only to encounter the - well, I won't say strangest, but they were very strange indeed. As if someone had drunkenly told a ribald tale of a drunken Ork and a much more drunken Horse who lived each other very much and shared a special hug and made a baby together. Except that the tale came true and there, facing us, were beings with the lower bodies of a horse and the upper bodies of Orks. So that's a thing that exists. Way to go, Barsaive.
On top of everything, they were decidedly unfriendly, shooing us off. Which was fine, as we were only passing through anyhow. Of COURSE they followed us, and then ranged ahead to set up an ambush. Of COURSE they had some kind of six-legged bone-chain-tailed tiger abominations as pets.
Of course, I had William and Karl. Ambush. Hah!
I would like to say that we made swift work of them but, in truth, it was quite a brutal fight. The skeorxen were quickly put down but not before they did grievous harm to William, forcing him to relive a previous traumatic incident. The centaurs were tough as, well, Orks and horses put together. So, pretty damn tough. Fast, too, and furious in the attack.
We rested after defeating them, and then continued onward. The smell of smoke grew thicker and soon we were covered in flakes of soft ash, as if we were in some sort of very hot blizzard. The forest was charred and blackened. As we had journeyed, Dubhan had commented that Astral space was tainted. I had a suspicion that the fire might be a cleansing force, and as I examined the Pattern of the place, I discovered I had guessed correctly. This Elemental burn was scouring away the Astral taint. So apparently a burning taint isn't all bad. Tell your friends.
The source of the blaze, at least in our locale, turned out to be a set of belligerent and quite violent fire spirits of the Ignis variety. I tried to engage in speech with one but it was having none of it. Fortunately, I had thought to cast the very first spell I learned - Resist Fire. The spirits were easily dealt with.
Rather more strange was the enormous tortoise (yes, that's not a mistake) who was cavorting with them. This tortoise seemed to relish the fire, lounging in it indolently and spraying super-heated steam upon any who ventured close. Eventually, we drove the creature off, though Karl was sad that it did not warm to his efforts to befriend it.
William gesticulated with an Air Elemental he had summoned through the mysteries of his Discipline, and, at my suggestion, asked where a Windling might seek safety from the conflagration. As a being of Air, the Elemental was quite pleased to help and knowledgeable in this regard. We ventured up a mountain, only to discover that it was, in fact, a volcano - of the sort where lava flows languidly out of a blister on its side, rather than spewing ferociously from its top.
A very civilized sort of volcano. I wholeheartedly approve. Rest of nature, please take notes.
Again, Karl's keen eyes spotted what we couldn't see - a glint of sunlight off metal. Rushing forward, we found a helm, which William and Karl were then able to follow, with their magic, till we found Sivilee huddled in a cave, grievously wounded. Note to adventurers: Archers and Scouts are invaluable. Never leave home without one. Warriors and Wizards are also invaluable. So, really, just make as many good friends as you possibly can.
Sivilee and her War Hawk companion were both badly burned and dehydrated near to death. We nursed them back, away from the brink of death, and brought them back to Throal. Sivilee still has much to do, and it would be a tragedy to lose her early.
Edvird confirmed that the volcano was, in fact, a True Fire mine, and rewarded us with coin, kernels, and fair trade.Statistics:Posted by bronzemountain — Sun Jul 05, 2020 1:58 am
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