Chapter 4 - Carabas and How Things Got Ugly, Very Fast
Alas, though a puissant fighter in his own right, Wynn seemed far outmatched by the Silflae’s grace and skill. So, then, Wynn spoke words of studied cruelty themself, calling the general an oathbreaker. The general then pieced their own breast on Wynn’s, and claimed Wynn owed them a debt, commanding them to attack Rowan!
But enough of all that side show. You want to know what I was doing during all of this!
I knew Wynn and Virens were best placed to take on the General, and Rowan had, of course, volunteered that he could easily handle the brigands (I had my doubts, but tried to take the Harbinger at his word).
That left me to take on Ecki, and so rob the general of their key ally. Yes, yes, my kitlings, a dire and dangerous task, but none too great for the steely blade and silver tongue of Carabas!
I drew close to him, then, as he watched the General and Wynn and Rowan, and whilst fumbling awkwardly for something in his satchel, This turned out to be a large, flat crystal, emerald-cut. An attractive bauble, but my consideration was only on what manner of eldritch weapon he might be about to turn on my comrades!
At that moment, he sighted me, and was on his guard, taking my measure in a wary look, smiling with embarrassment for not having seen me long before.
“Hold, friend!” I cried. “For I would extend this moment of glory. I must tell you, I never thought I would have the honor of facing the renowned Ecki of Bornaer. My fellow, Rowan, talks of you all the time …!”
For you see my cleverness here, kitlings, knowing that Ecki was as in love with praise for his martial skill as he was deserving of it, and so I could learn more of him through flattery and guile. He smiled, and said, “Well met, Sir Catling. Your words do me honor as well, as does facing off against a doughty foe such as you!”
I smiled in some pleasure at his words, but also that he was speaking them rather than attacking. For, before I dispatched him (or taught him the many reasons for respecting the Catlings), there were things I wanted from him. Information in the very least.
Engaging him in brief but helpful conversation, I learned that he and the General seemed responsible for the destruction of Redvalley’s magical defenses, but that this was but a test – akin, it seemed, to what had laid low the Sky Island – before the enormity of the Overlord’s plot would be realized.
Rather than expressing my righteous outrage at these thoughtless deeds, I nodded, agreed, leaned in, made appreciative noises, substituted the crystal with my pocketwatch, nodded some more, expressed my admiration, leaned back …
… and danced back, as he glanced down at his hand, and realized he no longer had his gem. The smile vanished from his face, and he stared at me in wonderment, appreciative amusement at his own foolishness, and apparent admiration for what wonder I would perform next!
cf. Chapter 04: The Fellowship and How Things Got Ugly, Very Fast