Hearth Fire

Bauru flashed forward spinning his daggers into a reverse grip. The closest gnoll yelled a war cry, lifting its weapon as Bauru slid between its legs and slashing both thighs as he passed. Bauru popped back up onto his feet and jumped. Stronric watched as Bauru Bauru seemed to take flight, soaring nearly fifteen feet into the air. Letting out a laugh, Stronric charged two gnolls who were watching Bauru spin through the air. With his axe, Stronric cut both gnolls down and threw his axe into the chest of a third oncoming gnoll. A fourth gnoll saw Stronric’s thrown axe and stepped between it and the dwarf. Stronric pushed forward keeping his momentum and lowering his shoulder. Just before impact, Stronric activated an ability and became an iron dwarf, trampling and crushing the gnoll beneath his feet

Bauru spun in the air, swiftly sheathing his daggers and drawing his crossbow Predator, in one fluid motion. Bauru targeted a gnoll ahead, who stood pulling back on its bow, arrow aimed at one of the humans in the advancing spear wall. The gnoll never stood a chance. With a quick squeeze of the trigger, the bolt flew from Predator with lethal accuracy. Before the gnoll even hit the ground, Bauru used the momentum to flip Predator back onto his sling, where it swung neatly to rest on his back. In the same breath, he unsheathed his daggers, eyes locking onto another gnoll still gaping at the sight of the wiry dwarf. Bauru's lips curled into a smirk as he aimed the blades with deadly precision. Bauru landed with a crunch, flattening the gnoll and ripping the daggers out of the creature’s shoulders, he flicked the blood away.

Stronric continued his charge to the wizard, lifting his axe free as he ran past the dead gnoll. He saw the wizard preparing another spell, reaching into its component pouch. The wizard saw Stronric charging towards him and began to shout, pointing in his direction to the gnoll around him. Several more gnolls stepped into his path, willing to face death to protect their spell caster. Stronric parried the first blow with his axe, knocking open the guard of the first gnoll he swung down. Sweeping his axe with the dead body still on the axe he used the body as a shield. He caught two of the incoming attacks, the creature's weapons sinking deeply within the body. He pushed forward toppling the two gnolls who weapons were stuck in the corpse. Stronric freed his own axe, gracefully turning to face two more oncoming gnolls. Their mistake, a second hesitation seeing their packmates trapped beneath another, cost them their lives. Stronric did not hesitated and slashed out, disemboweling both in one mighty arc.

Quickly ending the two trapped gnolls Stronric let out another war cry and charged the wizard. The wizard had finished his spell and unleashed another bolt of lightning at Stronric. Stronric screamed as the lightning struck him. His metal skin glowed red from the heat and Stronric slowed to a walk. His muscles twitched and jerk irregularly and the gnarled gnoll laughed at Stronric pain. When the lightning struck Bauru changed course, disengaging from the gnolls he was fighting and unslung his crossbow. The gnolls pursued Bauru, causing him to continually dodge their wild slashed. Bauru needed a few seconds to reload his crossbow, but with the onslaught of attacks he was unable to do so. The gnolls knew if Bauru reloaded a bolt, death would soon follow, so they continued their attacks. Bauru dodged under one attack and was forced to use his crossbow to block another slash. Seeing his precious weapon used so barbarically caused Bauru let out a roar of frustration. He lowered his head and charge forward.

Bauru’s horns were not as large as Indomitable's but they were still horns, and horns were made for ramming. The gnoll’s eyes went from mocking to surprise as Bauru slammed into his chest. The force of Bauru’s charge lifted the gnoll who had forced him to parry with his Predator. Bauru yelled and kept running until he felt an impact and the loud crunching from the gnoll’s chest. Bauru stepped back saw the gnoll twitching on the ground. He quickly used his heavy pull to draw back the steel string. Bauru heard the footsteps of the group of gnolls and he had to jump to the side as weapon landed where he just was. Bauru slammed a bolt into the weapon and ran.

Bauru raced towards Stronric, whose iron hide was still crackling with electricity. Stronric continued to trudge forward, his skin was alight with heat and designs starting to form on his metal skin. Bauru was surprised to see the designs were not just random but instead were Stronric’s tattoos. Each tattoo was outlined in a weak blue hue similar to Morgal’s flames but lacking the intensity and power of the mad god’s forge flames

Stronric felt the lighting surging through his body, and he let out another yell of pain. He could feel every bit of his body’s reaction to the foreign and foul magic. Pain was the overriding feeling, thrashing and smashing down trying to get free, but underneath that he could feel a small tug inward, like some part of his being wanted to consume it. As Stronric fought for each step physically, internally he tugged on the small current, pulling it towards his chest he accepted the pain to draw it in. He felt like a man finding an oasis in a dry hot desert, drinking in the magic deeply. The surge of raw power mixed with his pain threatened to overwhelm him causing his mind to studder. He could smell his hair burning and cooking of his flesh, as he greedily tugged harder on the chaotic crackle of magic, calming it into a thin delicate stream.

Then suddenly it was gone, and he was sprinting forward again. The wizard jumped back as Stronric burst forward, closing the gap between them. Stronric swung his axe, but the old wizard was faster than he looked. The gnoll managed to raise his staff and block most of Stronric’s blow. Blood began to bead on the corner of Stronric’s axe where it bit into the side of the gnoll. Stronric’s raw rage burst out, mixed with the consumed power and exploded, sending the wizard toppling back twenty feet. Stronric let out another snarl of annoyance as the wizard climbed back to his feet. The wizard lifted his staff, instead of pointing it at Stronric he lifted the tip into the air and red flare shot out into the sky.

The battle came to to a standstill as loud shriek sounded out and the flare floated delicately across the sky. The sound was so loud and foreign it forced some of the humans to drop their spears and hold their hands over their ears. Howls and cries came from the forest, signaling the countless unseen gnolls hidden in their depths. Stronric Spit on the ground and shook his head.

How many more of them can there be? We have slain so many.

The gnolls fighting Bauru and the humans started to retreat toward the wizard. The humans who had not been shocked into inaction made the gnolls pay a heavy price for their unorganized retreat. Rugiel ordered the humans forward to take advantage of the unorganized retreat. Bauru killed several gnolls, slowing and maiming others for the humans behind him to finish off. Less than ten gnolls surrounded the wizard now, they formed a bubble of protection as they backed out of the camp. Stronric swung his axe backwards and killed a gnoll trying to run past him. The remaining gnolls dropped onto all fours and ran, their speed quickly out paced the humans and dwarves.

“Came back ye cowards!” Stronric screamed as he charged towards the wizard.

The evil gnoll wizard, wounded and furious, snarls as he stumbles backward, clutching his staff. His glowing eyes narrow with hatred as he spits out through clenched , "You may have won today, but thisss is far from over, dwarf! I will return, sssstronger, and I will make you all kneel before me! Run while you sssstill can, for next time, your screamssss will echo through the night!"

With a sharp gesture, the wizard summoned a swirling cloud of dark magic, disappearing into the shadows with a final, hate-filled glare.

Stronric yelled with frustration as his prey escaped him. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Bauru back to his normal dwarven shape.

“Come, let’s see to the others. That flare likely will be leading gnoll reinforcements straight here.”

Stronric sheathed his axe and followed Bauru. His hands clenched and twitch as he muttered under his breath. Rugiel leaned on her war hammer catching her breath as the two approached.

“What now?” Rugiel said through her exhaustion.

“Seems we are trapped. Did you not hear those howls?” Bauru said as he supported his sister.

“Hmm… we should regroup in the camp here. It’s the only area around with any fortification. There are too many humans to attempt to sneak through the forest.”

“Even though I feel if we stay, we are likely dead too, but Armand wont survive a race through the forest.” Rugiel said.

“The humans may not be good for a fight but, give them a short rest and something to eat then have them start piling the dead at open entry point. Armand will need to be tended too, with what ever we have and Gromli can start making food to help us recover…” Stronric replied.

All three dwarves looked at each other and shouted, “Gromli!”

“Shite, okay Bauru yer with me. Rugiel stay here, get Armand inside of the camp. Organize guard shifts and see if any human knows any healing and search the camp for anything useful. We'll get the ram and Gromli and return as fast as we can."Stronric said as drank deep from one of his water skins.

“Be safe you two.” Rugiel said as he looked into her brother eye. Bauru held her gaze and nodded.

Stronric was already walking towards the camp opening, “Of course ye know me, as safe as can be.”

Rugiel shook her head and let out a small laugh. She turned and began to shout, while Bauru and Stronric slipped into the forest. Once in the forest, Bauru dropped to one knee and laid his head onto the ground and closed his one good eye to concentrate. Stronric squatted, leaning his back against a tree. He noticed that he had several notifications on the edge of his vision.

Oh I must have gotten these while fighting and ignored them. Hmm I do have a moment.

Weapon Proficiency (Axe) Level 1.

Weapon Proficiency (Axe) level 2.

Weapon Proficiency (axe) Level 3.

Level up! Level twenty six.

Title gained

Magic Resistance Level 1.

Stronric whistled, Bauru looked at him annoyed. Stronric mouthed “Sorry” and turned his gaze back to his screens.

Hmm, well I guess I better start with the level up.

Age:73

Race: Dwarf (E)

Class: Herald Of the Ancestors

Level:26

Strength: 21.5

Dexterity: 13

Agility: 16

Vitality: 18

Endurance: 19

Wisdom: 10

Intelligence: 10

Charisma: 10

Allocatable points: 12

Stronric eyes widened seeing the large amount of points he had to level up with. Rugiel said the amount of points gained depends on the class you chose. I guess supporting the group during that fight and increasing my axe proficiency multiplied the points I gained for each level. Before I classed, I was only gaining 3 points per level now I gained 12! No wonder everyone wants to get high tiered classes. I know my class has a focus on Strength and Wisdom, so I wonder…

Stronric put one point into Strength.

Age:73

Race: Dwarf (E)

Class: Herald Of the Ancestors

Level:26

Strength: 21.7

Dexterity: 13

Agility: 16

Vitality: 18

Endurance: 19

Wisdom: 10

Intelligence: 10

Charisma: 10

Allocatable points: 11

Stronric whistled again and Bauru looked at him, “Do ye mind, it aint like this is easy.”

Stronric held his hands together like he was praying and mouthed “Sorry” again. Bauru mumbled under his breath and shook his head.

My strength increased by 0.2 for the price of 1 point! So, points invested into the stats my class is focused in, allows me to gain more than what I put in! I can see why Rugiel warned how easy it is for a person to become a one-sided warrior by only investing into to class stats. After that shock today I am going to surely invest a few points into wisdom. I also need to become more durable with my mind and my body. I don’t really have an issue with my strength and if the war continues like this, I’ll have plenty of time to get my strength up.

Stronric spent the remainder of his points and pulled up his stat sheet when he was done.

Age:73

Race: Dwarf (E)

Class: Herald Of the Ancestors

Level:26

Strength: 21.7

Dexterity: 13

Agility: 16

Vitality: 18

Endurance: 19.6

Wisdom: 11

Intelligence: 10

Charisma: 10

Allocatable points: 0

He looked over the sheet and nodded to himself. Now what are these proficiencies? I understand what being proficient in something means but like the rest of this world there must be another meaning to it. Hmm if only Rugiel was here, I could really use some help!

A mono toned voice filled Stronric head, and a text box appeared.

Help request detected. What questions might I help you with?

Stronric jaw dropped open. I could have just asked for help and it would be given?! Why didn’t Rugiel tell me about this?! Seems like something that would have been very useful! Unless she didn’t know of this function, but why wouldn’t she know? Wait, is this because I am realm walker?

Umm help thingy, how am I able to use ye?

Question processing… Answer acquired: The Help function is provided to every creature when first being integrated into the multi-verse. Assisting newly integrated personal is the job of the custodians.

Why wasn’t I offered help before?!

Because you did not ask for help, so none was provided. All newly integrated citizens are told upon their world joining the multi-verse.

What is a multi-verse and I was never told?

Question processing… Answer acquired: Error no answer.

Stronric pulled on his beard in thought. Stronric was shocked out of his intro septation when he felt Bauru’s hand touch his shoulder.

“Come on, there are a few patrols, but we should be able to get by most if we are quick.” Bauru said pulling Predator off his back and loading a bolt. Stronric nodded and followed Bauru deciding to worry about the multi-verse and the custodians after they get Gromli.

Stronric and Bauru made their way through the forest occasionally stopping and waiting for patrols to pass by. They opted for stealth over brute forces, they would need the remainder of their strength for what’s to come. They moved much slower than Stronric wanted too. He was about to scold Bauru to pick up the pace before he noticed just how exhausted the beardling was. Every quick run for cover or dash to wait for a patrol to pass, left Bauru panting and drinking heavily from his flask. Stronric could see every step was a struggle for Bauru. His soul energy is likely low, changing into that goat hybrid drained him. Stronric also felt the soul deep mental exhaustion from using his own powers, even after he felt his body recover. He knew the hunger deep in his chest and knew he needed to replenish it.

Stronric thought about the power he somehow managed to form and use. The magic hurt as it coursed through him, but it also left him craving more. He craved more power to fill some unknown void within him or maybe to fuel some unknow source? Dwarves were not known for magic; they never wielded it back in his home world. He heard tales of magic, wielded by other races powering mighty empires. But dwarves relied on stone and their engineering. They found ways to channel power or magic into devices such as a teleportation array. He heard of major holds having underground trains and zeppelins that could be used to transport large numbers of dwarves and goods all through the mountains. Dwarves used runes and the power of words and science. Stronric now felt his body crave magic, true magic.

Two hours later they found the groove and made their way inside. Indomitable and Gromli were sitting at the stone table, and both looked bored. Gromli saw the two and got up to greet them. His Joly smile faded as he saw how exhausted they were.

“Where are the other two? Has something happened?” Gromli asked as he waved them over to take a seat at the table.

Bauru sat heavily but Stronric stayed standing. “Well, the attack did not go as planned, the camp is slowly being encircled by gnolls. We have come to get you before the gnolls cut you off from us. The gnolls are already swarming the forest and we expect it to get worse. Hurry, collect your things pack Indomitable we must go.” Stronric replied.

Gromli just stared at the two and then suddenly he ran for his cooking pot. He poured two bowls of food and handed it to the two of them.

“No, we don’t have time to eat!” Stronric said trying to hand the bowl back.

“You are dead on your feet Stronric.” Gromli said gently, pushing the bowl back towards Stronric. “You both look terrible. Just look at Bauru, Stronric. You might be strong enough to go back now, but the boy needs to rest and to eat.”

Stronric looked to Bauru. Bauru tried to stand and argue that he was able to go on but faltered as he stood sitting back down heavily.

“I just need a moment to catch my breath is all. I’ll be good as new in just a moment.” Bauru argued weakly, looking pale and exhausted.

Stronric nodded and took the bowl and sat next to Bauru. Bauru waited for Stronric to take the first bite before he began to eat himself. The two were ravenous and Stronric could feel that mental weariness start to fade as they ate Gromli’s cooking. The fat dwarf knew what he was doing when it came to making a meal. The two dwarves ended up eating three bowls of soup. Gromli only stopped packing Indomitable to fetch the others more food.

Gromli made good time packing their gear back onto Indomitable’s back. The mighty ram could sense something was amiss and insisted on checking on Stronric and Bauru. With nose scratches and some words of comfort the ram stopped fussing enough for Gromli to finish his work. Bauru had fallen asleep with his spoon still in his hand. Gromli took the spoon from Bauru and gently lowered Bauru’s head onto the table, using a bed roll for a pillow. Turning to Stronric Gromli held a finger up to his lip and shushed Stronric. Stronric shook his head and smiled, sitting down on the ground Stronric breathed in a deep breath and tried to sleep as well.

Sleep did not come to Stronric, he was tired but hardly in a physical way. The fatigue he felt was like something missing from his soul. Similar to drinking water when the body wanted ale, you’d never fulfill that need, even with gallons of water. Stronric fell into a deep meditation. He focused on each breath, a steady breath in, then a full breathing out. With each breath, his body began to relax.

I wish we brought some spider meat with us! That would scratch this itch and satiate my deep hunger. Why is it the creature of this world can feed on the energy around them. Being able to drink in soul energy would be very nice, ye’d be able to drink mid fight. Breathing the stuff in would be even easier than drinking it. Imagine a deep breath between axe swings replenishing what was lost and restoring your energy. I could fight without becoming tired at all!

Stronric’s eye snapped open. Stronric’s eye snapped open. I am a genius!