Aeslin pointed to the white petal. “We shall take the healing spell.”

Alandra closed her hand with the white petal and crushed it into a golden dust. She blew it into Aeslin’s face. The Silver Mage giggled as the magic tickled her skin. An emerald aura enveloped her and then her sword flashed white.

>Nurture: Touch a wounded ally, healing them for 1d.10 +2 hp

Aeslin inspected herself

Lv: 3

HP: 30/ 30

Natural: 5

Wisdom: 8

Agility: 10

Test of Mettle: 15

Ether: 15

Flare Fire: Fire damage. High critical chance

Flare Wind: Wind damage. High Crowd Control

2 Hander Proficiency: Can attack with 2 handed weapons

Nurture: Touch a wounded ally, healing them for 1d.10 +2 hp

The elf grinned. “I have the healing spell, what’s next?”

Alandra looked at Aeslin with a meek smile. “Now I bring you to the Spirit Cave and you save my friends.”

***

The Spirit Cave reeked of stale water and musk. A strange fog bellowed from the cave’s mouth.

“In there you will find 3 druids and Loredyn. But beware, The cave is cursed with fiendish magic. Whoever captured them might still be there. Make haste and godspeed, friends.” Alandra said. She stepped away from the cave, shivering with fear.

Theric drew his Dragon Edge and stepped forth. “I shall take the lead.” Theric’s chest froze over and shimmered in the soft glow of the cave’s magic Ice Armor: +3 Magic Armor

Xaveon followed, forming a large arcane sword with his Mage Hand Weapon. Aelsin trailed behind with her claymore at the ready

The three trekked cautiously through the cavern. The mist gathered around their feet with each step. Growling and hissing could be heard in the near distance. Xaveon vanished into the shadows and made his way further down the tunnel. He reappeared moments later to report his findings.

“A group of large snakes are up ahead. They guard the crossroads of two tunnels. I could not pass them to scout the tunnels. We must slay them to move on,” Xeveon said.

Theric nodded and sprinted to the snakes down the path. Xaveon spoke true, for three snakes, the size of wolves coiled and slithered before two paths. One heading north, the other continuing forward towards the east. Xaveon and Aeslin caught up to Theric.

“I say we split the work. Each to their own serpent,” Theric said.

Xaveon smiled. “Fine with me.” With that he dashed forward and sent his arcane sword to slash at the middle snake. (7 dmg). He spun his sword and slashed once more.Cutting the snake’s head clean off (11 dmg). “Ha! Too easy!” he cried in victory.

Theric stepped forth, but was taken by surprise as the snake slid around him and sunk its fangs into his shoulder (-4 dmg). He winced and grabbed the serpent by the head. A surge of frost froze the snake solid. Theric ripped the jaws from him and slammed the snake onto the ground. The ice broke apart, but the snake remained. (8 dmg)

Theric lunged at the snake and thrusted down his Dragon’s Edge (11 dmg) slaying the beast.

Aeslin parried a strike from her snake, and countered with a slash of her own. A blaze of fire struck down the snake and as it hissed in anguish. (13 dmg). Before the snake could recover, Aeslin swung her sword in a heavy upper cut, slicing the snake’s head clear in half (8 dmg).

Aelsin turned to Theric. “Are you hurt? Do you need mending?”

Theric rotated his shoulder and inspected himself

Lv: 3

HP: 31/ 35

Natural: 8

Wisdom: 8

Agility: 5

Test of Mettle: 8

Ether: 8

Freeze: Can temporarily freeze enemies and objects in place

Ice Guard: Can grant self Ice Armor

Dragon Edge: Can use special dragon sword

“No, I am fine. Preserve your mana,” he said.

Xeveon vanished into the shadows once more. Theric and Aeslin waited patiently for him to return. However, instead, the Spell Shroud called to them from the northern tunnel. Together the two rushed over to Xaveon. There he stood before the body of a druid. He was an elf, much like Aeslin. A glowing shackle chained him to the wall.

Aeslin used Nurture on the druid’s form. (+9 HP).

The druid groggily woke from his stupor. “I thank you young elf. Please, can any of you break my bounds?”

Theric raised his Dragon’s Edge. “The blade of Scion is made of no mere metal. It can slice through all types of magic.” With a hefty strike, the blade cut through the chain and destroyed the spell.

The druid thanked the three graciously. “I must return to my druidic circle at once.”

“Wait!” Xaveon tried, but the druid had already transformed into a mouse and escaped into the mists.

“He was helpful,” Theric muttered sarcastically.

“Could have at least granted us a boon,” Aeslin said with disappointment written on her face.

“Come, there are still two more druids and Loredyn to save,” Xaveon said walking away.

The three continued to explore the large Spirit Cave until they came to a large opening that turned into a bend on the other end. However, what caught their attention was a large body of water. A trail curved around the water, although small. They would need to follow it single file. However at the end lay another wounded druid. The large pound bubbled and growled as if something slumbered within it.

Xaveon swiped his thumb across his nose. “I could try to sneak my way to the druid and hopefully my Mage Blade can break his enchanted bounds”

Theric rubbed his chin in thought. “Should we take the chance? Maybe We should fight the beast in the water?”

What should our heroes do?

Stealth to the druid or fight the monster?

Tell me your choice in the comments below!!!