with the dokkalfr. I wonder what damage did we cause? Will it give them pause? Give
time for reinforcements to reach Scarburg? Is Scarburg still standing? Will it stand
tomorrow’s battle if the enemy presses on?
He knew it would be pointless to send Habrok on another scouting mission. Once the
enemy starts looking for them in earnest, nothing will be able to escape their attentive
eyes. Rumpr appears to be an experienced warrior. And a very powerful being. He tried
hard to hide it but Tyler could sense an immense aura of power from him. Not as
powerful as that of Odin but nearly there. The only equal he could think of was Loki’s power. As to battle skills, he didn’t doubt the being had his own share of fighting in the
past. The way he thought, given the circumstances, gave it away. Even the
configuration of the ditches, the way they were laid out, showed the being’s
competence.
Tyler looked around. He took in the dark surroundings. Their bedraggled and dirty
appearance.
Back home, I would either be playing a game, surfing the net or reading by this time of
the night. Getting ready for bed. Eating and drinking something. I miss Earth food. Junk
food! I wonder how Aunt Emily is doing? I do hope, no, pray, that she’s okay. The only
positive things I can think of by being in this world instead of Earth are I never have to
pay taxes again or worry about credit card bills. Though I think I yet have to see this
world’s butcher’s bill.
They must have been waiting for a while as Tyler saw Habrok stand up and explore
their surroundings. Jorund went back to his battle-ready mode. Even Tyler felt rested
though something awful was itching in his buttocks.
“Hello, ladies! Sorry took me a while. Had to cover your scent and tracks.”
Rumpr dropped into their midst from a tree branch.
“They're scouring the burned forest now. A lot of them. With mages too. Saw one step
into a narrow ditch. Broke his leg I assume,” gleefully reported Rumpr. This miniature
Tarzan must really hate them.
“Now to hide you lot.” Rumpr moved to the stone face of the mountain and placed both
hands on it. A narrow opening appeared. Not enough for them to enter standing.
“Move inside. Sorry about the size but it would be enough for you to crawl in. Yes, you
can use a light spell, mage,” said the being, preempting Tyler’s question.
“Move along. There’s a small cave at the end. I will meet you there. And DON’T
ATTACK ANYTHING! That’s very important!
Tyler created a lamp and passed it on to Habrok. Not too bright an illumination,
otherwise they’ll be blinded while crawling. Habrok fashioned something around the
lamp to make it cast its light forward. With that, the three crawled inside, Tyler again in the middle. Poor Jorund. He gets to smell the pee, though Tyler, a bit embarrassed. He
did notice Jorund keeping some distance behind him.
As they crawled, Jorund whispered that he could see the opening and the crawl space closing as they progressed deeper into the cave. A slight bit of fear amid the
wonderment marked Jorund’s tone. Though Tyler noticed that the floor was smooth. No
buried rocks, stone ridges, or jagged pebbles hindered them. In contrast, the sides felt
roughly made. Though their armor protected them from any cuts and bruises from it.
Eventually, they reached a small cave. With Habrok removing the lamp’s cover, Tyler
could now see that it was more of a hollow than a cave. Enough for five to six men to
stand up straight and walk around in comfort but that’s all. No exits could be seen.
Tyler started to worry about the available air.
After the three explored the hollow, they sat down and waited. Though they started to
clean themselves up as best as they could, removing dried mud and stuck leaves from
their bodies and armor. In a short while, Rumpr appeared from another opening. Tyler
could have sworn there was solid rock there before.
“They haven’t moved across the stream yet, a little birdie told me. So now what’s your
plan?” asked Rumpr, looking at Tyler. The landvaetter had already sat down on his own
rock, fashioned like a tree stump. He noticed the two also looking at him.
“I need to see what the enemy is doing. What damage we have done, their mode of
approach, an idea of their numbers, what siege equipment are left. Only after that can I
have an idea of what to do.” As if I have an idea now. This is really winging it.
“You don’t have that “standing and dying” idea anymore, I hope?”
“As long as an alternative presents itself, Rumpr. I had hoped to disrupt their initial
attack on Scarburg. I believe we have done that. Then damage or destroy as much as
possible their rations, other equipment, and siege weapons to delay or make more
difficult their attempt to take the town. And give time for reinforcements to arrive. I
don’t know how effective our night visitation was. I don’t also know if the aid from
Ahrensburg and other settlements have arrived. But one thing I do know. I need
information about the enemy as they stand now.”
“No plans to attack the twelve to fourteen thousand enemies all by your threesome,
with all that death and glory drivel?”
“Heh. Not if I can help it.”
“Good! Then let’s get you your information! Could you two warriors kindly move over
here?”
The two obeyed and found places to sit beside Tyler. Rumpr moved to the front.
“Now, let’s greet the neighbors. They’re nice. They allowed us here already. Hrun, my friend, please show yourself.”
At that, the wall in front came alive. Three figures stepped out. Golems? No, not
golems. Too tall and too thin. Humanoid form but other than that, no other features
similar to humans. The three looked like mud men, only made of stone. One stepped
forward. Tyler stood up and moved to Rumpr’s side.
“Well, Hrun, this is Havard the mage. A bit young, may have a death-wish, but good
enough for a human. Havard, this is Hrun, the bergbui of this mountain as well as the
one where you had your clearing. His balcony is located well
