Theric brandished his Dragon’s Edge. “I say we slay the bea—”

Xaveon placed his hand on Theric’s chest. “No, it would be safer for all of us for me to sneak to the imprisoned druid. I’ll signal for you all to follow when he is rescued.”

“Good luck, Xeveon,” Aeslin offered.

Xeveon nodded to the two and crept along the small path that led behind the bubbling pond. The foul odor of the stagnant water and the sludgy green algae that rested on its surface ran up Xaveon’s nostrils. He held his mouth tight not to gag and kept away from the water’s edge.

The druid was held bound by the strange golden chains to the cavern wall. He rolled his eyes to meet Xaveon’s gaze. “Hurry, hero, the beast will wake!”

“Keep your voice low,” hissed Xaveon. He snapped his head to the sounds of stirring in the water. He slid out a dagger and pushed himself up against the wall. However the beast continued to slumber. Xaveon let out a long sigh of relief.

“Forgive me, hero,” whispered the druid.

“I was sent here by Alandra to rescue you and the others. Where is Loredyn?” asked Xaveon. He was sure to mind his volume as he conjured his Mage Hand Sword.

“I know not where Loredyn lies, but I am sure as the moon rises each night, the Serpent Witch Loredyn has him. Follow the path further to the bottom of the cavern, at the Naonis shrine, you will find her.”

Xaveon commanded his arcane blade to chop the chains in half and within an instant the druid was free. Xaveon thanked him for the information and watched as he transformed into a salamander and dashed away.

Xaveon double checked the pond for any raising concerns before signaling for his two companions to hug the outside wall to the next corridor.

***

Theric led the way down the long and narrow pathway. He had his Ice Armor active and his enchanted blade ready. Behind him Xaveon reported what the freed druid told him.

“Aeslin, you study magic,” Theric started, “What might you know of this Serpent Witch?”

Aeslin hefted her large sword onto her shoulder. “Not much, I’m afraid. As you can see, she commands the snakes of the Spirit Cave. I assume she may be fluent in verdant magic such as poisons. She is a witch, perhaps she can afflict curses. I can only guess, but sadly I do not have the information you seek.”

Theric turned to Xaveon. “What about you? You are related to the vampire—”

Xaveon shot Theric an angry glare. “You assume that I invite werewolves and witches to large balls and dance with black cats underneath the blood moon?”

“I-I am sorry, forgive my ignorance.” Theric focused back to the path and lowered his head in embarrassment.

The party held silent until the path opened into a dead end. Xaveon inspected the walls. Rocks and boulders jutted along the walls forming footholds to climb leading to an opening in the ceiling.

“What have you found, Xaveon,” asked Aeslin.

Xaveon stared at the new obstacle checking how much Agility and Test of Mettle would be needed to pass on. “A hole in the ceiling. We will need to climb the wall and shimmy up the hole. A tight fit, I’d imagine.

He looked at his hand and two stats apporatied in his sight

Agility: 15

Test of Mettle: 10

Xaveon looked at the wall

8 Test of Mettle Required

He then looked at the hole

10 Agility Required

Xaveon nodded with a smirk and grabbed the rocks and climbed to the hole and wriggled himself through until he reached a ledged and lugged himself up.

Aelsin followed and grunted as Xaveon pulled her over the high ledge.

Theric looked at his stats and frowned

Agility: 5

Test of Mettle: 10

He called up to the two. “I can climb the wall, that is not the problem, but I’ll get stuck in the hole.

Xaveon dropped back down. “Try. I'll push you from the bottom and Aeslin will pull you from the top.”

Aeslin popped her head over the ledge and flashed a wide grin. “I am very strong.”

Theric nodded and climbed up the wall to the hole and promptly got himself jammed. He growled and clenched his teeth as he scraped his arm along the wall and grabbed Aeslin’s hand. Below Xaveon grunted as he shoved Theric through the tight tunnel. With their concerted effort the trio finally reached the new cavern above.

Although wider than the past tunnels, the new cavern had less headroom and led to an immediate decline.

Theric adjusted his tunic and rubbed the fresh scratches on his arm. “She caved in the tunnel,” he said.

Xaveon looked back to Theric. “Come again?”

“That dead end wasn’t supposed to be there, I’m sure of it!” Theric exclaimed.

“I think you’re right, Theric. And I think she is close,” added Aeslin.

Xaveon gingerly made his way down the loose gravel path. “There is only one druid left. If the witch is close, then Loredyn might be as well.”

Theric and Aeslin followed Xaveon down the tunnel until they came to another body of water. Although the cavern was lit by bioluminescent fungus and creatures, a dim golden light pulsed far down in the depths of the water.

Theric carefully trekked ahead to find a cliff and a gaping chasm below it. A treacherous rope bridge connected the two cliffs. On the far end Theric spotted the familiar glow of a chained druid who was guarded by two snake-like naga warriors.

Theric ran back to his party members. “The druid is this way.” he pointed down the path he scouted out.

Aelsin brushed her lip. “Then what hides in the water?”

It could be a treasure? Something that could help us against the Serpent Witch.

“It could be a trap. We don’t know what lurks down there,” argued Theric.

Aeslin looked at both of them. “All the more reason it may be a treasure if something guards it.”

“Then what is the plan of action?” asked Theric.

Continue onwards to the druid?

Explore the water?

Which should our heroes do? Answer the poll or put your answer in the comments!