(note to the reader: please forgive my mixing of several different systems and worlds, including, but not exclusively, AD&D, Morrowind, Lord of the Ring, and Everquest. This is my world, and I made it as I saw fit. All references to specific trademarks are not meant to infringe on any copyright status. Think of this as a labor of love.)

Chapter 1.

The Hunter

            "That Damned Elf!"

            The red-scaled Argonian that called himself Serpentyne knocked over his stool as he stood to pace the room for what may have been the fiftieth time that evening.

            "That tree-sap wood elf told me that the prey would be here tonight. We've been waiting for...what time is it?"

            "Three. Grarg think it three," The orc sitting at the head of the small card table said, then resumed his card game with the other two orcs.

            "THREE! We've been waiting for nearly four hours! FOUR! When I get my talons on that tree-hugging tree-sap, I swear, I shall string his innards up around my home; I will tear his eyes out with a spoon! I..."

            The head orc cut Serpentyne off, "Calm Boss. Boss need calm. Drow be here. Boss need faith too."

            "FAITH?! CALM??!! I'LL GIVE YOU CALM, WHY I'LL..." He cut himself off as he sniffed at the air, "Do you smell that?"

            "It not me," said another orc, "I always tell."

            "No, I became immune to your stench hours ago, this is different," Serpentyne bolted back over to the window, and peered out. The streets of Balmora were dark, almost too dark to see. Only the occasional iron lamp provided dim flickering light. The lizard-people of the south however, did not need sight to locate the prey. Argonians, accustomed to living in the caves and tunnels of the world relied on senses far more highly attuned than mere sight. The scent was coming from a small man wearing a dark cloak, slowly making his way up the hill, towards the Galloping Stag inn. The scent was unmistakable; it was the prey. Serpentyne whirled around on his heel, and passed the card table saying, "He's here, come with me."

            The head orc said, "Once game done. We nearly finished."

            Serpentyne stopped dead in his tracks, and slowly turned to face the three orc thugs hed hired. He snarled, "You dare defy me?!" He then rushed at the table and upended it, spilling grog, poker chips and playing cards everywhere. "Games over, now MOVE!"

            The three orcs exchanged glances then stood to follow the fuming Argonian down the stairs.

Home / Next ~>