Poor Wraithvine, the trauma of trying to train, and protect, a young chosen one by the name of Kevin, and his strong-headed mother while Kevin was training, still fresh in his mind, and now yet another young one, this time even stronger, and even MORE reluctant, to leave his home. Destiny isn't kind though, not by a long shot. If it was, then why are those rather pissed off looking purists trying to raid the village and get rid of "monsters"? And why is their leader a very strong mage who tries to target Amatu? And why was their leader carrying a map to the home base where such cruel zealots not only trained, but recruited and brainwashed the young into thinking ones like Amatu were vicious demons?
@internutter/challenge-03091-h183-pause-button-broken -- Anon Guest
[AN: There's also this one to contend with. Once again, I steal thunder]
Delay is the enemy of all plans. So too is first contact with the enemy. In Wraithvine's case, that enemy was -however temporarily- the entire town of Merrivale gathering for farewell gifts, extra food[1], and heartfelt advice. Given Amatu's influence on the place, there was a lengthy queue. Most of the cart was taken up by the cage and its occupant, Slithery Sam. The additional supplies, therefore, were starting to be stacked on the roof of it.
Pondermoore, just as worried as Wraithvine, had strolled up the road to scout the path towards Waterdeep. It was when she came running back that was a clear indicator that everything had gone pants. "Trouble," shouted Pondermoore. "To arms! Raiders!" A generic half of Merrivale gently put down their gifts somewhere safe and picked up a rock. Some reached for the more serious farming tools[2], and took strategic positions.
Wraithvine groaned, "I knew we were taking too long. This is Kevin and his Mum all over again..." Ze took a post on the wagon and primed one of hir flashier spells. Waiting.
Pondermoore waited until some of them crested the hill before picking up one of the more significant rocks and taking meaningful aim. "You stop now," she bellowed.
Their leader made the mistake of stepping out in front of the group. At which point, it was clear that he was the only older person in a crowd of younger adults and kids. "Good people of Merrivale, we only want the monsters. Once the beast is defeated, and you are freed, we will depart in peace."
This did not receive the welcome joy he clearly anticipated. There were boos and hisses. Some of the citizens present picked up sharper rocks. Some started jeering. Wraithvine ramped hir spell up a level or two.
Dellaise Baumkyn leaped up onto one of the horses and hollered, "You keep your dirty hands off of my son!" And neatly clobbered him square in the forehead with a thrown sandal.
The leader went down in a heap. Half his followers scattered. The less wise of the crowd attempted to proceed with their plan to conquer.
At this point Amatu yelled, "Sorry everybody," and swung his tongueless bell at full force.
Wraithvine's spell went off as ze went down from the sound only ze could hear. Lightning went through every enemy still standing and knocked them all out.
Pondermoore was only a little upset that she didn't get to throw her rock.
The resultant mess would take a lot of untangling, but Amatu knew who could handle it. He used some of his blooming power to revive Wraithvine, who always had a plan.
"Do you see? Do you see it yet? The longer a Destined One stays at home, the bigger the problems get! You're a trouble magnet and we need to aim you in the right direction now before more people suffer. This is an army of children. The next idiot might have an army of spiders. Undead. Dragons!"
Dellaise the unflappable was already going through the leaders' pockets. "Yeah, it is kind of suspicious how this rotskull had all his plans on him and a map to his secret base as well."
Amatu sighed. "I get it. We have to get going."
And with that ignominious farewell, the real adventure could commence.
[1] Halflings are renowned for their hospitality and gourmet dishes.
[2] Peasants with pitchforks is the stereotype, but you really want to watch out for the ones with threshers or scythes.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / macbrianmun]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!
Send me a prompt [60 remaining prompts!]
