--- (3rd Person POV – First Group Dungeon of Azizos)

“It’s dark,” sniffed Glowda, feeling forward with a black and white striped furred foot.

“Allowss me thenss.”

A torch bursts into flame, revealing cone-shaped pillars nearby, their thin layer of moisture reflecting the torchlight.

“I believe you have announced our presence to everything and anyone?” said Ronan, the Dog Kin clattering forward, the interlocking steel of his plate armour declaring his presence while positioning himself to receive any assault and striving to peer beyond the limit of flickering light.

“The little one requested light … am I not to … um … help?” Ashryn was given implicit instruction by Alasse on the meaning of ‘help’. Assisting without the benefit of profit being the best explanation and while abhorrent, Alasse’s words carried the weight of their Matriarch and therefore absolute. After all the profit may be hidden from some, including Ashryn. Also, every Snake Kin encamped gossiped and concluded Alasse exuded the absolute confidence of one secured by some immense power and/or keeper of a great secret and to contest her authority absolute folly given the many other ways to fall; why add an unknown way. In summary, Alasse cast her own unquestionable will upon the camp not requiring the authority of their Matriarch to implicitly enforce it.

A muted gruff-like growl answered her question.

The Lion Kin, sizing up the situation, is quick to pounce on the opportunity and voice an obvious solution. “Soaring Eagle suggests we elect a leader and places his name forward given Son of Swift Spear holds the privilege in his Quest Group.”

From above the four a fifth voice answers. “No.”

Glowda raises the lit torch slightly above her head to reveal the owner of the short reply, a Bear Kin. Brown fur bristling, ears forward and two massive paws resting upon the handle of his huge maul standing at attention before him. The Badger Kin squeaked, the raw strength on display intimidating. Nevertheless, the Lion Kin rose with feline grace, chest out, in a not-so-subtle challenge.

“There is no prof … erm … success if we quarrel amongst ourselves.”

A muted chuckle-bark drew their eyes upon Ronan. “Our Snake Kin of all Kin has the truth of it, although I am heartened by the fact she still thinks first in terms of profit before trying normal words.”

Ashryn drew herself up balancing upon the coils of snake torso, towering over the disrespectful Dog Kin, her eyes almost level with the Bear Kin and she suddenly woke up to herself. The lessor Kin didn’t deserve her ire, they needed to be manipulated not dominated and promptly deviated from her original intent. “I taste no others nearby, perhaps we should at least explore as our escape is prevented.”

Soaring Eagle quick to agree, padded away between the stalagmites the darkness beyond the limit of the torch light swallowing him. None thought to prevent or recall him.

The Snake Kin reflected upon the Lion Kin obeying her suggestion; didn’t the lessor Kin realise her soft scales placed her low in the eyes of other Snake Kin, to be eaten if the House required food?

“Take up your stance Warrior Ronan, I wish to sweep my maul above you.”

The Dog Kin glanced behind him, the Bear Kin balancing his huge maul in two paws – dead serious!

A small paw on a well-muscled arm interrupted Evermud’s preparation, causing him to look down.

“Are you certain this is best?” asked Glowda.

“No. I’m not certain, which is why I test now and not in battle when perhaps our stalwart warrior is beset by many foes and I know not how to help.”

Ronan ambled up to face a taller than him stalagmite, taking his stance, the sword resting upon shield rim, his eyes able to peer over while trying to ignore the sense of foolishness calling to him to desist and yet the Bear Kin talked plain.

The top of the stalagmite cracked free, hammered by a jab from the head of the Bear Kin maul. Ronan relaxed and then a breeze alerted him as the sweeping maul completed an arc shattering the remaining topmost portion of the stalagmite, well clear of his helm, the warrior noted with relief.

“Satisfactory, perhaps one more practice. When I yell down, you take a step back and crouch.”

Ronan didn’t believe for a single moment the Bear Kin spoke of suggestion and therefore prepared himself.

“Down.”

Ronan backed up one step and shielded his face, the crushed debris of the stalagmite thumped and bounced about him.

“Yes … most satisfactory,” rumbled Evermud.

“And you, my dear, your skills?” A slight quiver leaked into Glowda’s words.

--- Ashryn POV

I look down the length of my scaled muzzle. Nothing or no one. The question is repeated, and I bend my neck, the Badger Kin. Inquisitive little Beast Kin, did I need to answer her question? Ronan and Evermud face me then neither having sheathed their weapons, although they haven’t taken up a fighting stance.

“I am somewhat skilled at invoking fire, although I am best at …”

They hold their breath, waiting for my big announcement, my foe killer and yet like my House I will be judged a disappointment, my initial inclusion by Alasse a mystery and not popular. Luckily, Snake Kin leadership isn’t determined by popularity, only strength and the Matriarch must’ve consented.

“… manipulation of air.”

Their maws remained open for several heartbeats and I knew at that moment, that they like my House doubted. The Badger Kin patted my hand and made herself busy pretending to spy after Soaring Eagle. Ronan, jostled his jowls, slowly closing his maw and making himself busy sheathing his sword and hitching his shield to his back, shortly after turning away to inspect the destroyed stalagmite.

Evermud though folds his arms upon his chest and I swear his eyes attempt to see right through me and I flinch when he finally speaks.

“Interesting, demonstrate please,” rumbles Evermud, his huge open paw swinging past me and then returning.

My mind forms and weaves the Sorcery Spell [Form/Set Air], and I manipulate the casting utilising the skills [Empower] and [Duration] draining the necessary magic from my soul to feed the incantation waving my arms about in complicated patterns to “sell the show” and bend the air to my will. A bubble of air pushes against the torch causing the flame to grow. I hollow out the bubble of air, denying the burning process and the flame wilts, restoring normality before we plunge into darkness.

“Take my air from me.”

His request almost causes me to lose my concentration. “Why?”

“Have you done this before?” asks Evermud.

His question confuses me and challenges me, why haven’t I? I shake my head unable to speak, too busy bemoaning my lack of imagination. I push my bubble of air about his head and he breathes in deeply, showing teeth – a smile? I then form the hollow. He steps back. My head twists and I hiss.

“An enemy wouldn’t stay still, and we need your magic to survive, therefore think greater thoughts.”

“I will,” I answer, my voice low. I don’t wish to be in debt to this lessor Kin, House Burning Fang would disown me if my companions told tales of saving my life or worse my failure to help and them saving me.

He nods, turns away and practices his swings, duplicating the swing height and arcs and I assume imagining Ronan still in place.

--- Soaring Eagle POV

I pretend the damp pillars are trees and stay within their shadow, the flickering light of the torch far behind me and an eerie glow providing the sliver of light my eyes require. Their guttural words and clashing weapons warn me well in advance and I can manoeuvre unseen to observe. They are muscular beasts without fur or feather, well armoured as if going to war, wielding spears, and daggers in sheaths upon their hips. I sniff to recognise their scent and almost gag, distracting myself by concentrating on their footwear. Not many Beast Kin enclosed their feet, while these beasts lumber about in large leather and iron boots.

Their numbers are too many, how will we prevail? I backtrack along my marked path, the avoidance of the pit traps almost routine and as I dismiss them, my mentor’s words haunt me, when you consider survival easy is the most dangerous and I remain vigilant. I overhear Glowda and Ronan before I see them, and I am disappointed.

I hurry to intercept.

--- (3rd Person POV – First Group Dungeon of Azizos)

“What if something has befallen him?” asked Glowda.

“Hush those thoughts little one, we will find him,” replied Ronan, while patting her head.

The Badger Kin halts mid-stride, stamping down her foot. “I am not a pet or chaperone to be placated, my concern is real and if we are to survive this Dungeon we need to work together and respect each other and our respective skills.” Glowda huffs and then once again strides forward, head raised.

Ronan glances up at Evermud who shrugs in reply. Ashryn hurries after the Badger Kin, finding her greeting Soaring Eagle.

“We must retreat to lure the prey into a favourable position.” With that said the Lion Kin jogged past Glowda and Ashryn, leaving both, maws wide open. Caught with less than a moment to protest, they fall in behind rushing to catch up.

---

“We must retreat a way and prepare. The number waiting for us will overwhelm us if we don’t.”

“Frontal assault I say, surprise them and make ‘em wet their pants!” growled Ronan.

Soaring Eagle lent on his bow and inspected his companion. “I don’t doubt your tactic Dog Kin brother, your steel armour a wonder as is your sword and yet I believe your sword arm will grow weary long before they are all slain.”

Ronan shook his maw nevertheless holding back any further comment.

“What do you suggest young one?” asked Evermud.

Soaring Eagle flicked his head, his short mane shifting slightly and reminding him of his age. As much as being called young galled him, the honest fact couldn’t be refuted, and he accepted the slight.

“When hunting prey, you draw or chase them into a killing zone. I am sure these will chase whoever annoys them, like enraged bees. So, we need to prepare ground of our choosing.”

--- Soaring Eagle POV

I lay into the shadow, my bow is drawn back. Five of the beasts play a game of some sort and when they win, they stand and punch each other. The moment arrives and I release. I ease away and begin my retreat. The arrow will claim one through the neck, possibly two if lucky. Their howls of indignation, are music to my ears, and I show the brutes glimpses of myself as I break into a sprint. I need them to follow in haste, thinking revenge and quickly grabbing weapons. They don’t have bows themselves so while I don’t fear any return arrows, they could still fling daggers.

Slowing to ensure at least one spies me, I leap across the hidden trap assisted by inconspicuous stones which mark the width. Deliberately pulling away I leap over the next trap unseen by the chase. I howl in pretend pain and wait. The lead three chasers slow down as they circle a large pillar, expecting the trap to be sprung and not wishing to fall themselves. I release and the first beast drops forward, pushed by the two behind not expecting his sudden stop. While looking about for me, I release again and a second drops and I am racing away.

The remaining chaser doesn’t howl, he screams out his guttural language. Sweat gathers in my fur as the thrill of the hunt grows in my heart. A tromping of boots heralds the gathering numbers, the echo in the cavern amplifying their promise of doom. I suck in a deep breath, the final trap. I show myself and these new pursuers are eager and full of chase. I leap the trap under their gaze, although this one is special as I wait with Ashryn in a shadow without greeting. Their thrilling howls shortly transform into painful shrieks, Ashryn retreats while I lean out of the shadow and resume my sniping.

We triggered the trap using Glowda as bait on the end of a rope. Once triggered the trap would reset after a short time, which didn’t suit our purpose. Evermud solved the problem by dropping the top of a pillar onto a spike at the bottom of the pit, one on each side, to prevent the doors from resetting. After much practice, Ashryn floated a heavy dust cloud over the pit trap opening. A frail illusion at best, which required our prey to chase and trust in their knowledge of the Dungeon instead of detecting the difference.

Once certain of Ashryn’s safety, two hundred heartbeats, I slink away and follow. Our prey is more cautious and perhaps taking alternative paths to outflank now. I chose this field of pillars due to the numbers, many joined forming varying height walls and yet my knowledge is not as complete as the residents and now enough survive to learn and distrust their assumptions.

---

We wait. A hushed discussion between us concludes they have leadership now, otherwise they would rush us with their remaining numbers. In the silence I flick my ears and glance at Ronan, both detecting a squelch and turning. We stare at Ashryn. She raises her hands, questioning, her tongue darting out rapidly and suddenly her body sways to one side as a pointed pillar crashes into the Cavern floor. The pillar moves, leaning one way and then the other trying to extract itself. While Ronan and I continue to study the impossible, a huge maul smashes down upon the strange thing. There isn’t a shattering of stone or dirt, instead, a splattering of tough flesh from top to bottom. Evermud grunts and nods, heaving his maul back into a ready position over his shoulder.

Ashryn hisses and we follow her eyes. Another pillar falls from the Cavern roof, although this one favours a curving path until targeting our open pit trap, a slight after breeze fans us. The Snake Kin lightly claps her hands as the pillar is spiked at the bottom of the pit trap.

---

Ronan grunts. The signal our prey approach. His hearing is several times better than mine and I forewarn him to listen for their heavy boots. Evermud stands behind him as they hold one position flanked on either side by pillars. Our ground is roughly a triangle and I wait beyond the open trap. Our hope is they will retreat as I can pick them off and they are helpless to retaliate without bows or slings. Ashryn guards the third avenue of attack while Glowda holds the middle ready to heal.

They are attempting to mass out of our line of sight, I am certain they don’t realise both Ronan and I can hear them, and we wait, me leaning against my bow, Ronan sitting, helm on his lap.

There are several pathways between pillars in front of Ashryn and they attack there first. Her invisible full-height air wall captures the charging lead monsters their screams and shouts dispersing in the eddies and whirls as they labour forward.

I wait, checking the pit trap and then turn in time as a beast finally breaks his torso free of the air wall, his eyes lighting up as they lock upon the Snake Kin before him. My arrow pierces his ogling eye from fifteen paces, his head whipping back. Blood and brain matter swirl within the wall of air as his body tumbles and crashes into others. His blood now reveals the barrier, painting those who still strive forward. Undeterred the brutes stumble forward, black blood more often than not blocking their sight making them easy targets and adding their body and blood to the chaos of Ashryn’s wall. New arrivals pulling out their dead to make room.

A yip from Glowda warns me and I greet one of the beasts on the edge of the pit trap with an arrow impaling his chest, the body falling back until those behind instinctively shove it forward and into the pit. I pick off another and Ashryn hisses to signal her need.

This turnabout duty empties my quiver to almost the last arrow, fortunately, no monsters retreat from beyond the pit and Ashryn can dispel her Wall of Air. Multiple bodies splat to the floor in a bloody heap. I drop to my haunches and spare a look towards Ronan and Evermud. Before them, is a wall of corpses, Ronan’s armour in particular black from their blood.

Ashryn loots the fallen foe, immune it seems to bloodshed where profit is to be made. I, sadly, recover very few arrows and my light quiver is a concern. Glowda fusses over Ronan and under protest he agrees to remove his helm only allowing a quick wash to clear away their black blood. She then places her hands upon his face and a glow spreads from them, his flesh absorbing the warm light. He shakes his head, lips curling back to reveal smiling teeth. He removes his gauntlets and allows Glowda to repeat her healing.

Evermud, maul balancing on one shoulder, his free paw scratching his chin sneaks a look at me.

“Good plan,” he utters.

I nod. “A plan is nothing unless each plays their part knowing their role.”

Our success draws us together, this feeling is similar when bonding after a successful hunt. The meat is important yet secondary to the joy singing in our hearts. I wanted to leap and punch my paw into the air and yet I don’t, uncertain if my companions would understand. Not Lion Kin. A shiver scurries down my spine, a hunt with Kin seems as rewarding as a hunt with Lion Kin. I briefly study each of them finally accepting this truth.

Ashryn drops coins off to each of us, pausing when before the Bear Kin. “I thank you Evermud the Astute your words have improved my Elemental Skill by demanding better from me.” The Snake Kin lowers her head in humility, surprising me and perhaps all, except Evermud.

He drops his maul and reaches down to hug and lift her, tail flailing about skimming across the Cavern floor. “There is no profit in us not surviving.” He rumbles out a deep laugh as he places her gently down, her facial scales take on a deep blue.

Once free, her hands hold her shaking head in complete denial. She then fusses about pretending to be busy, amusing us all.

“We must go,” she finally says. We can only nod in agreement, speechless ourselves.

Our advance through the pillar field is cautious with me scouting ahead, marking traps, and listening for boots. Once through the field, a huge bowl-like depression stretches out before us. One side ends at the wall of the Cavern, there is no way around it. The other end disappears behind a blind of boulders, the pile high and if loose, treacherous to climb. One boulder slip could cause an avalanche.

“A huge trap,” Ronan states the obvious for our benefit.

“A bowl can hold fluid, water perhaps?” offers Ashryn.

I notice Evermud studying the distant boulders. “There are tall creatures in the Mountains, they throw boulders.”

We await further explanation and he takes the silence as a hint.

“Many a Bear Kin seeking their name tries to earn it in the foothills of the Mountains by warring against creatures who call themselves Ogres.”

“Throw me out there.”

Glowda has our attention, somewhat wilting under our collective gazes.

“Tie a rope around me to pull me back quickly, I can heal myself if injured and maybe the trap will be revealed.”

Evermud shakes his head. “No healing will save you if a boulder crushes you, no matter how brave.”

Glowda places paws upon hips and sighs. “I am the lightest to pull and the smallest target to hit. We can’t stop here. Can we?”

I admire her bravery, stepping forward to tie a rope around her upper chest, under her arms. “Once the trap is sprung, lie back and we will pull you face up so you can still see and have your arms free to cast your healing magic.”

Glowda hugs the Bear Kin and upon release says, “My life is in your hands Evermud.”

With an assist from Ronan, his paws intertwining to form a platform Glowda climbs onto the lip of the huge bowl-like depression. One last look back and she strides out.

--- Glowda POV

Mother forgive me for my foolishness. After several steps, the pads on my paws grip the pitted surface and encourage me forward, descending the smooth curve of the bowl. The tension within my body relaxes, the slope manageable given the sure footing. The torchlight following me a further comfort.

The rope rises from the floor as I am almost at the limit and yet no sign of a trap … I am on my derriere in an instant. To my shame I yelp, the ultra-smooth bowl surface taking me by surprise. Need to recover, can’t look back, no point looking towards the Cavern Wall, which leaves behind the rock barrier. I gulp.

Monsters, with huge muscular arms, and legs as tall, perhaps taller than Evermud. Boulders arc towards me and large pots? The tug on my rope breaks my thoughts, a quick snap – clearing the smooth surface quickly and then dragging as my leather jerkin catches on the rough outer surface of the bowl. With a jerking stop, my eyes fly open, a boulder growing larger, no, homing in about to crush me. I swallow, my eyes transfixed, and I can’t act. Roll, I command myself and yet nothing.

My fur flies about, whipping and tugging. The boulder’s arc stretches out, adjusting somehow, my eyes following the boulder as my death glides past. Smashing pottery wakes me and a fluid approaches like a low ripple. The taunt rope around my chest hauls me away and yet the fluid closes in.

My fur flies about, whipping and tugging. Again. Of course, Ashryn and her wall of air. An invisible hand pushes the fluid away from me, catching pots and deflecting boulders, a miracle!

Two huge paws, one under each armpit drag me from the bowl and as I escape the pots drop and shatter spilling their contents.

--- Ashryn POV

I dispel my Wall of Air, as Glowda is now safe.

A burning arrow arches over the bowl rim and upon landing bursts into flame, the fire seeking out more fuel.

“Ashryn, blow the flames towards the blind.” Evermud’s deep voice startles me into action.

I command my new air wall to rapidly press against the flowing enflamed fluid, in the middle first, then each edge. The flames roar to life thriving on the abundant air consuming the fluid. I have increased the intensity, sacrificing duration. The fluid droplets of flame spit towards the boulder blind. The inferno follows the remaining fluid up the curve of the bowl. Howls of agony echo about the Cavern.

“With me, my warrior brother,” shouts Evermud as he climbs up and over the bowl rim.

Ronan looks up bemused and then a huge paw reaches down. The Dog Kin smiles, teeth on show, eyes afire with the promise of battle. Both charge along the top edge of the bowl rim.

“Boost me Soaring Eagle, the fools may require healing.”

Shortly after the Badger Kin waddles at pace trying to catch them, both now out of view behind the boulder blind.

“Do you wish to join us?” Soaring Eagle looks down from the rim of the bowl. An agile Beast Kin and I envy him, my lower snake body not suitable to climb up steep walls and yet he holds both paws toward me.

I doubt and yet his whiskers flick, an acceptance of the challenge? I grab his upper arms with my hands, his locking my upper arms. He snarls while standing, his thigh muscles bulging before my eyes. As my torso clears the rim, I fling my serpentine tail up and drag my body over.

We join our three companions in time to witness the last Ogre slain, the Bear Kin and Dog Kin firmly brothers in arms, cheering their victory with growls. Behind the slain bodies a stone door slams open, an obvious invitation and perhaps challenge to continue.

{Conditions met; Group suitable to form a Questor Group.}

--- Azizos POV

My Ogres toss down the oil jars and then follow with boulders. The Badger Kin slips and slides as the boulders fly and I await her bloodied death. This is my Dungeon and yet the Intruders cause the boulders to veer off target. No, I shout in silence. The Bear Kin hauls the Badger Kin to safety, then chaos, oil is flung back, flames erupt, and I watch with morbid curiosity as the inferno reaches for my Ogres still bemused by the oil which covers them. Shortly they are busy patting themselves down to extinguish the flames, not aware the Bear Kin and Dog Kin charge towards them.

A new sensation grows within me, I wish for arms to reach out and squeeze each of the Intruders until their heads pop. My Ogres wailed, unable to decide between extinguishing the flames or throwing boulders. Before their minds are made up the Bear Kin and Dog Kin are upon them. The flames burnt away any oil allowing the two Beast Kin to charge their position. A first, ever. Other groups have put the oil to flame, of course, needing to wait for the flames to die down before charging, by which time more oil is thrown down followed by a boulder barrage smashing the slip-sliding Intruders.

These Intruders assemble before the Rock Room door and yet, a mystery. They don’t enter. They instead hug and jump, alternatively growling, hissing and yipping. They backtrack and exit via the Golden Key passage and leave me to my thoughts of vengeance.

{Questor Group Evermud the Astute has exited Quest Dungeon Azizos.}

My mind rests. Intruders enter and a Questor Group leaves. The ordeal forging them perhaps or maybe a glimpse of the Quest Dungeon proper. Could they require both?