Greetings again this month,
PH like my contribution so much last month, he asked me to continue my Adventure Guide for a while. This is Limbreth by the way, sharing more about what I learned on a dangerous quest. Here’s my next point without delay.
Do not assume that you can rest peacefully, even with a vigilant gaze over your encampment. At night, anything – I do mean anything – is possible as you lay in slumber. Despite the sentries standing guard, the unpredictable may rear its head. Trolls have assailed us under the cloak of darkness on the forest paths, within the walls of a humble inn, and beneath the stony heights of a dwarven keep. However, dread fills my heart at the mention of the Bane, for its presence brings a darkness unlike any other.
The touch of a cold hand drew Limbreth out of the depths of slumber. Her watch already? But her eyes only fluttered open and shut. Hastra said nothing. That touch—it was far colder than the weather. It crept deep into her sluggish thoughts and along her spine.
Limbreth groaned and turned her head. Her eyes flared wide at the sight of a black hand. It grasped her arm. Her jaw worked, but she uttered not a sound. Her heart slammed in her throat, and her chest heaved. The Bane dragged her toward the door where Gweld squatted.
The figure of the Bane swallowed all the light in the small space even though the fire still burned well. Limbreth found some strength and flopped as the Bane pulled her to the door’s threshold and then ducked out.
Limbreth’s lungs strained to utter any noise. It was a spell! She fought for a sound and croaked a whimper. The Bane pulled her right arm out the door.
Why wouldn’t Gweld do anything?
Limbreth fumbled with her free hand and snagged the rock edge of the doorway. The Bane yanked at her arm. Her breath came in gasps but made no viable sound.
She drew the deepest of breaths and mustered all her strength, which passed her lips in a feeble whisper: “Help.” Not enough to wake anyone. You’re on your own. Gweld never moved.
The Bane yanked her torso into the blizzard outside. Her hand grasped the doorway fast and her left arm locked in pain. A groan escaped her lips.
That was a frightening moment, one I never considered before I joined an adventure. The unexpected taught me many lessons, one of which was my Death Grip was not such a bad thing after all. It proved helpful more than once. That’s all I have this month. Return next time if you can and I’ll share more wisdom gathered from a trek on the path of adventure.
Until next time, may you fare well on your adventures!
