Back in the Game Pt. 8

Some time ago

"Hey, Maisey. Did you come to watch me kick your boyfriend's ass?" The heavy-set man in the sparring gear called as the small group entered the studio.

"Sure, Mitch," Maisey called back. "You do whatever you want with his ass. Just leave his face alone. He's no good to me if he's not pretty." Her voice was stronger than one would have thought, considering her frail-looking body. She was pushed in by Kya in a juvenile-sized wheelchair.

Mitch groaned while the rest of the assembled participants laughed at the jab, at both Mitch and Jason. "You call that pretty?" a tall, dark-skinned man called.  

"Prettier than you, Den," Maisey shot back with a grin. "Poor bastard. You're no good for anybody."

"Hey! I can give you a list of girls that would prove you wrong!" countered Dennis.

"Cousins don't count," said Maisey. "Neither do sheep."

Dennis laughed despite the barb. "Oh, you come to watch me kick your boyfriend's ass too."

"Hell yeah. Why do you *think I came along?" returned Maisy with a broad grin.

"That's my girl," sighed Jason. He bent to give her a peck on the forehead. "Try not to enjoy my pain too much."

"No, we'll save that for later," Maisey stage whispered, provoking another round of chuckles from the gallery.

"Right," Jason grinned. "I'll go get changed. He nodded once to Kya and headed for the locker room.

"Hey, you ladies mind if I sit with you between matches?" A tall lean girl had wandered over to the pair. "I get along with these guys all right, but sometimes more civilized company is nice."

"Course, Ronnie," said Maisey. "Just don't ask to sit on my lap. Only room for one in this thing."

"You were saying about more civilized company?" sighed Kya.

"Yeah," laughed Ronnie. "That was the most civil thing I heard since I got here."

*

"You shouldn't let Mitch push you around so much." As they rolled back toward Kya's car, Maisey's voice was quieter, less effusive, and had a slight wheeze to it.

"He's a big dude," Jason steered the chair around a pothole in the lot. "If I let him in close, he'll tear me apart. Got to keep moving. Anyway, it worked. I wore him out."

"And Denny beat the shit out of you."

"Yeah he did," laughed Jason. "He's good, and those long legs are a pain. Also, someone motivated him."

"Who, I wonder," Maisey deadpanned. "Back seat."  She was quiet as her chair was rolled up to the driver's side. She reached up and used Jason's arm to haul herself to her feet. She opened the back door for herself, trying not to roll her eyes, as he hovered until she was seated. "You're riding back here too."

"Yes Ma'am," Jason agreed, starting to fold the chair for storage in the back.

"Ice cream?" questioned Kya, sliding into the driver's seat.  

"None for me, but I'll buy for you two. Thanks for driving, K."

"Worth the trip just to see Jase get punched," Kya replied with a grin.

"Heard that!" said Jason through the back hatch.

"Meant you to."

Jason finished stowing the chair and slid into the backseat. Maisey waited until he was settled and slid next to him before buckling her seat belt. "Ronnie says she likes sparring you." She said, leaning against him. "She says you don't go easy on her, but she's not worried you'll take her head off."

"That is the point," said Jason, slipping an arm around his girlfriend.

"She likes you," Maisey continued. "That's why she's so nice to me."

"She's nice to you 'cause you're awesome," countered Jason.

"Sure." Maisey paused. "You ever think about asking her out? I mean her tits aren't that big, but I bet her nipples are huge."

"Your tits aren't that big," put in Kya, starting to back the car out of their spot.

"They used to be pretty nice," sighed Maisey.

"I like them," added Jason, catching Kya's eye in the rearview. "Anyway, no. I currently have a girlfriend."

"Won't last forever though," argued Maisey. "Some days it feels like it might not last the weekend. You should be thinking ahead."

"I actively avoid doing that," replied Jason. "I said I 'currently' have a girlfriend, and will act accordingly until I don't."

"God," Maisey sighed, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm really lucky you're so dense."

* * *

"Uff," grunted Kya, finally popping the lock on Velmi's ankle shackle free. The first of many. "These guys *really wanted you to stay put."

"She may have... vigorously protested... their treatment of me," said Lady Renna. "For which I am grateful. But she did pay dearly for her resistance. Should you not release her hands first?"

"Nope," replied Kya. "I've done this... a time or two, and her wrists being around the pillar is holding her up. I pop those and maybe her ankles trip her up if they're still locked. I'll want that collar off too, or at least unhooked so she doesn't hang herself. Then we'll get her wrists and the gag."

"Mmph," grunted Velmi.

"So, uh, what will you do with us?" Lady Renna asked. "Now that you know my father arranged this?"

"Shouldn't change anything," grumbled Maisy. "The council hired us to get you back."

"It does though," argued Kya. "We're going to have to bring them back to demonstrate we actually have them if we actually want to get paid. And the council, complicit or not, will want to send her back to Daddy. Which I assume is out of the question?" She glanced to the Lady for confirmation.

"I will not place myself, or Velmi back in his grasp," said Lady Renna.

"Mmph," grunted her guardian in probable agreement.

"So we're not gonna get paid?" groaned Caitlyn. She stood nearby with the five other former residents of the cell, checking their health.

"No, probably not," said Maisey with a scowl. "Even better, we can't just leave these two wandering the countryside. And what are *they gonna pay us with? A pair of loincloths?"

She turned, letting her eyes drift over the still immobilized bodyguard. "Guess that wouldn't be *so bad..."

"Mmph!" Velmi protested.

"Speaking of which!" Kya interjected. She rolled her eyes but was fighting a grin. "Do you have anything for Lady Renna to wear? We shouldn't just leave her with her, uh, modesty... unprotected..."

"I got a shirt and some pants," grumbled Maisey. "She's more *you're size though. My stuff will fit 'Bodyguard' better. There's probably a barracks around here somewhere. We could dig up some more. Gonna have to dress some of those others, too."

"Ugh, you're right," grumbled Kya. She was still struggling with Velmi's other ankle. "Fine. But I'm doing this, and there are still thugs kicking around. We'll go have a look when she's free. As a group."

"I am... anxious to re-clothe myself," admitted Lady Renna. "But take your time."

Kya grunted in agreement. "Since we have a moment, Lady Renna," Kya said. "What do you plan to do? If you can't go home, where are you going to go?"

"Oh hells, I don't know..." The Lady sighed. "I have a few friends at the Capitol who might shelter us for a time."

Kya paused her work to share a look with Maisey. She knew her companion wouldn't abandon people who needed help. And it was the right thing to do. "Looks like we're headed to the Capitol then."

"Ugh," Caitlyn grumbled. "Escorting two fugitives through a dense population? For free? Can't wait."

"I thank you," said Lady Renna.

"Mmph." agreed Velmi.

* * *

"So I'm trying to figure out what to do with my level four perk," Sasha said. They were loading the truck for a weekend fishing excursion. "I can get a stat bump or a... feat it's called?"

"Correct," agreed Jason, arranging the fishing poles.

"Caity says I should boost my stats," said Sasha. "What do you think?"

"She wants a second opinion," smirked Caitlyn. She was present, but not really helping. She was just seeing her partner off.

"Nothing wrong with being informed," said Jason. "And she's not wrong. Stats are useful. As a barbarian, your constitution affects hit points and armor. Strength for damage, and everything affects saves. Feats are more specialized, though there are a few really good ones. There's one, for example, that will give you extra hit points every level. Perfect for a tank like you."

"But con would do that too, right?" Sasha asked.

"Yes, at a slower pace," said Jason. "There are pros and cons. There's one that gives you an unarmed damage boost *and a stat bump. I can show you a few to consider. Up to you."

"All right," Sasha paused. "Also, we were going to ask. Would you mind if Caity came fishing once in a while?"

"Oh no, not Caity," Jason replied in a sarcastic deadpan. "Of course she can come. She was up there a few times with Maise. Didn't think she liked fishing though."

"She didn't," agreed Caitlyn. "She would not be fishing. She would be going for a weekend with her girlfriend."

"Fair enough," said Jason. "Room in the truck. And the tent. Might have to arrange a third sleeping bag. And we would have to make, uh, privacy arrangements if you two want to mess around in the tent. Which, knowing Caity, you would."

"There is another thing," Caitlyn said with a frown. "That is the best place to go, uh, swimming and.. You're going to have to, uh, make yourself scarce for that too." She paused. "If I can even bring myself to do it."

"I'm not going to force you," said Sasha.

"I know," sighed Caitlyn. "But you're trying the bondage toys for me... It's only fair..."

"Ah. 'Swimming,'" nodded Jason. "I assume we're talking about without a suit."

"Yeah, and she's a little freaked out," said Sasha.

"Understandable," agreed Jason.

"But me tying her up freaks Sasha out a little too," protested Caitlyn. "I should be willing to reciprocate. But it's a little... scary. I know it is for her too, but..."

"Ah, I see," said Jason. "Well, do like she did. Start slow. Like for your first experiments, I didn't bring the locks. Baby steps."

"How do you do baby steps for.." Caitlyn checked her volume, glancing around a little before continuing at a lower tone. "Being naked outside?"

"She's got you there," sighed Sasha. "It is kind of an all-or-nothing thing."

"Is it?" replied Jason. "Try this. First time: bikini bottoms and a white T-shirt. If you're really nervous, Xs of tape over your nipples."

"A white t-shirt?" scoffed Caitlyn. "If I swim in that, it'll be..! Oh. I see. A baby step. I won't be naked, but it won't exactly be modest either. I guess that could work..."

"Right?" said Jason. "Do it that way a few times. Then try it without the t-shirt, or without the bottoms. Have a towel close by. Take your time and have fun."

"Okay." Caitlyn still didn't sound entirely convinced, but she was a little steadier anyway. She let out a breath and smirked. "You're still not going to get to watch."

"I will try to live with the disappointment," Jason grinned.

* * *

Caitlyn gripped Sasha's arm as they looked down into the enclosed pit. She had known what a drider was, of course, but it didn't prepare her for the reality. Even the large spiders they'd previously faced were the furry kind. This creature's lower body was more akin to a black widow. Which Caitlyn found a little more terrifying.

Then there was the stark contrast of her upper body. It was that of an attractive female drow. Her long white hair was a little wild. And her breasts seemed on the large side for an elf. It also reassured Caitlyn that the beautiful drow's arms seemed pinned behind her back and there was a panel of some kind fixed over her lower face.

"Mmrrgh!" The drider growled.

"Well, Soph," grumbled Vosna. "There it is. Now what?"

"She," pressed Farrah. "There *she is."

"Ugh, fine," conceded Vosna. "I can see two big reasons not to argue. Question stands though."

"I'd like to talk to her," sighed Sophie. "See what she's going to do. If she's going to cooperate. We'll have to get that gag off."

"Hold on," said Caitlyn. "I'm going to try something." She cast a short spell and raised her voice. "Hey, Drider. Hold still and I'll try to get your gag off, okay?"

"Mrrgh," the creature replied.

"What are you going to do?" asked Sophie.

"Mage hand," replied Caitlyn, raising her hands. "Assuming it's not too complicated or locked, I should be able to manage. Without actually going into the spider pit."

"Yeah, let's not fuckin' do that," mumbled Sasha.

Caitlyn carefully moved to the edge of the barred pit, peering down into the dim space below. Her darkvision allowed her better perception than most of the others. Still, it was a fair distance, and the spell wasn't exactly tactilely sensitive. "Ugh," she grunted. "Gimme a minute."

Vosna crept up beside the tiefling, looking down as well. "I'm gonna guess her hands are tied," said the Gnome. "Also, I think *she's..." Vosna emphasized the word, nodding to Farrah, "chained to the wall so she's stuck down there. Teleport works by touch, right Soph? Think we're going to have to go down there to get her." 

"Yeah, I got a plan," replied Sophie. "But we got another problem. The scroll can 'port me and three others. But looking at her now, she's... bigger than I thought and will probably count as two..."

"So you can't take both me and Backus," finished Vosna. "You're going to have to choose, and you're fucking him. I see how it is."

"That's not..." Sophie began. "Fine. That's exactly how it is. I don't *want to leave either of you, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to."

"Mn," grumbled Vosna. "Gods damned magic. I'll be fine. These guys aren't so bad. And they might need help wrangling the prisoners over there. Do what you got to."

"Yeah, we'll take care of your girl," agreed Sasha.

At this point, Backus strolled back from speaking to the celled prisoners. "Farrah. Kya requests your presence at the cells. I think she'd like you to use your healing spell. Many of those, uh, people... are not in great shape." He turned to Sophie. "How we doing?" He craned his neck, looking down into the pit. "That's the target?" He shuddered at the sight.

"She responded to her name," replied Sophie. "And Dark's. Tiefling's trying to get the gag off for further confirmation."

"Good," said Backus. "Does she speak common? Or does anyone speak Drow?"

"Dark thought she did," sighed Sophie. "Worst case, I got a Tongues potion I can burn."

"Almost... got it," grunted Caitlyn, suddenly. "It's coming loose..." There was a jingle from the pit, and several of the gag's straps fell loose. The panel, however, clung stubbornly to the creature's face. "I'll get it! Just hold still!" Caitlyn shouted.

The Drider, though, was having none of it. She thrashed wildly, jerking on the chain anchored somewhere in the darkness. Her arms flexed, but refused to come apart behind her back. Her myriad legs marched to an irregular beat. Finally, the gag flew free of her face, releasing a burst of green mist.

"Venomous," repeated Sophie.

The Drider paused, breathing heavily, and glaring up through the bars at her watchers. After a moment, she spoke. "Ssso, you sssay my sssister sssent you, eh?" Her voice was deep and throaty, almost a growl, and had a similar accent to Dark herself. And she had a sibilant lisp, though it did not make her sound snake-like. It had more of a rattle to it, and was deeply unnerving. "To what end? Are you here to... execute me? To... redeem the family'sss name?"

"Not that she's told us," replied Backus. "Our job is to teleport you to Lady-- uh, Adoni's club. Tell you the truth, once you're there, what she does with you is none of our business."

"Mmmm, that doesss sssound like her," admitted the Drider. "But sshhould I believe you? Perhaps you sssimply mean to move me to a new cage."

"Looks like we'll need proof," sighed Backus. "Sophie?"

"One moment," Sophie gripped the smooth stone she'd taken from Backus and closed her eyes for a moment. As she concentrated, she opened her pack and handed Backus the platter with the ring gate bolted to it.

"Uh," Sasha elbowed Caitlyn. "What's happening?" 

"Remember that gate thing?" replied Caitlyn. "I assume Dark's going to stick her head through and talk to her sister."

"Bingo," agreed Vosna. "And the rock is a sending stone. I imagine Soph is telling her to go poke her head through." Vosna paused. "So it sounds like these two arseholes are going to have to leave me. Am I good to head back to the club with you guys? Might be a few weeks..."

"Yeah, of course," agreed Saha immediately.

"No problem," replied Caitlyn. "And I bet Farrah agrees too. Kya shouldn't mind, but now she's outvoted anyway."

"All right," Vosna sighed. "Thanks. Didn't mean to spring it on you, but they sprung it on me so..."

"Not sure it's going to be a fun trip," said Caitlyn, "Some of those people Kya's talking to look to be in rough shape. We're going to have to get them to a town anyway."

"Yeah," agreed Vosna. "Yeah, I'll be happy to help with--"

"Where!?" Lady Dark's head burst from the platter in Backus's hands. "Mirelle!" She sounded a little frantic before Backus aimed her at the pit, and the contained drider within. Spying the creature, she let out a breath and began rapidly speaking a language that sounded like metal scraping on stone.

"What's she saying?" whispered Sasha.

"Something in Drow-ish," Vosna whispered back.

"Right," Sasha sighed. "Family matter I suppose. None of our business."

"Except that we're standing here," grumbled Vosna.

The imprisoned spider creature shot back a reply in the same language. It was difficult to get a read on so alien a being, and one from so different a culture, but she did not sound happy. It was an odd scene to be sure; the naked half-spider arguing with a disembodied head. They did, however, seem to come to an accord quickly.

"She will cooperate with the transport." Dark spoke in common though her odd angle made her conversational target difficult to determine. "I will await you in the prepared room."

"It'll be a few minutes," We're going to have to get close enough to touch her. Her cage is a mess but I think I can break her chain so she can come to us. We're going to, uh, have to leave Vos behind. The scroll won't handle all three of us *and her."

"Mn," grumbled Lady Dark. "Apologies. I was in a rush. She will be compensated upon her return. I assume she can make her way?"

"What?" said Bacus. He glanced at his two companions who waved it off. "Yeah. Damnit. She'll be fine. Sorry, Vos."

"Whatever," the Gnome countered. "Just try to stay out of trouble 'til I get back."

"No promises," snorted Backus. "Okay, Dark. Guess we got this sorted. See you in a few."

The drow gave an awkward nod and retracted her head through the portal.

"Okay then," said Sophie. "First thing, we got to get her close enough to touch." She picked up a pebble, lit it with a spell (causing one of Sasha's shoulder lights to wink out), and tossed it into the corner where it seemed the drider was anchored. "Pull your chain tight. I got a spell that should break it."

With light actually in the pit, the totality of the drider was even more horrifying. Still, she complied, stretching the chain taut with a clink.

"Perfect," Sophie cast a short spell. There was a ringing sound and a glass-like shattering noise as one of the links exploded. "Shatter," informed Sophie.

The drider was still restrained but no longer tethered to the floor. In a heartbeat, she skittered up the wall to the ceiling of her cage and was within easy reach of her rescuers. Her hands were still bound, and her head wouldn't fit through the bars for a bite, but she was too close for comfort. Several of her legs protruded through the bars.

"Eep!" Caitlyn jerked back, stumbling and falling on her butt.

"Fucking hells!" Both Vosna and Sasha shifted their stance and raised their weapons.

"Oh, I'm sssorry," Mirelle cooed. "Did I ssstartle you?"

"Gods damnit," Vosna cursed, taking a step back. "Get this fucking thing out of here, Back!" 

"Ugh!" Kya strolled up, with Farrah in tow. "That's a drider all right. Everything all right over here?"

"Yes," grumbled Backus. "We're getting ready to take her away. We're... (sigh) going to have to leave Vosna behind. Take good care of her, will you?"

"Already said we would," confirmed Sasha.

"Okay," agreed Kya. "We got her."

"Yes," said Farrah.

"That makes it unanimous," added Caitlyn. "Unless Brutus has a problem. What do you say, Bud?"

The dog panted and leaned on Farrah.

"Think that means he won't try to eat me," said Vosna. "Unless he's hungry." She walked over to Backus, offering her hand. "Careful with this one. Don't let your guard down."

Backus accepted the extended hand, enveloping the Gnome's entire forearm in his grip. Travel safe, and..." He reached back and plucked the sending stone out of Sophie's grasp. "Keep in touch."

"Ha! Dark's not gonna like that," replied Vosna, accepting the stone.

"She should have gotten us a better scroll," countered Backus. He nodded to the rest of the party. And the rest of you be safe too. Hope to see you soon. We ready, Soph?"

"Wait," the Drider interrupted. "Releassse me from these bindings first." She pulled uselessly at her pinned arms."

"No way we're letting anyone else get that close," countered Sophie. "I'll just teleport you out of them when we go." She knelt next to the bars, dangerously close to the creature and visibly trembling. "Hand on my shoulder, Back. See you soon everyone." Then, gripping a scroll in her left hand, she reached through the bars with her right to the Drider's bare shoulder. And with a flash and pop of rushing air, all three were gone.

* * *

"This hit point one *is good," agreed Sasha. "And with my damage resistance, you could beat me like a piñata, and I'd be all right." She paused, glancing across the fire. "What would you take?"

"Me?"  Jason replied. "I'd take a con bump. Or dex. But I have an armor fetish. Might not be the best choice. I've never tanked before. At higher levels, I think armor becomes superfluous. At your level, though, might be worth it. Think about it. You got a few days."

"All right," said Sasha. Then she smirked. "Armor fetish, huh? Among others." She sat in shorts and a T-shirt in her camp chair. It wasn't exactly summer yet, but it was a nice night, and this close to the fire, she was fine.

"Couple," Jason mumbled. "Got to speedrun a few. They weren't all winners."

"Yeah, I'm kind of getting that too," replied Sasha. "With Caity."

"I think she felt like she had a little catching up to do," Jason said. "Might have felt like there was a high bar to clear." 

"Right," grinned Sasha. "She had role models." She paused, letting the grin fade. "So, um, can I ask you something? It might be a little touchy... Just tell me to shut up if..." She looked up to meet his eyes and let out a breath. "Did Cait and.. Maisey ever..?"

"Oh," Jason looked back to the fire. "No idea. I never asked. Under the circumstances, I wouldn't have had a problem. I imagine if things had gone differently, there would have been a... fling. Eventually. We'll never know, I guess."

"Ah. I was just... morbidly curious I guess," sighed Sasha. She paused, before fumbling forward. "So, uh, on a related note, thanks for, uh, your idea with Caity. I honestly don't care if she skinny dips with me or not. I mean, it'd be awesome, no lie, but I'm *not going to twist her arm."

"Excellent way to look at it."

"I thought so," said Sasha. "And since I brought it up, I don't want to go tonight. Last time was awesome, but I'll wait 'til it warms up to try again. That said, we going for a run in the morning?"

"I'd like to," replied Jason.

"Sweet," Sasha grinned. "All I'm wearing is shoes and socks if that's cool."

"I'm sure it will be very cool," smirked Jason. 'We'll have to keep a good pace so you stay warm.

* * *

There was a rattle and clang from the drider's cage as whatever had been pinning her arms was suddenly unsupported. Sophie must have, indeed, teleported the creature out of her bonds. It must have also been where her chain was attached, as that crashed to the floor too.

"Wherever they are, she's loose," said Vosna. "Hope they're all right."

"They gave you the sending stone," Kya pointed out. "You can ask."

"I'm not their Ma," returned Vosna. "They're big kids. They'll let me know. Let's take care of these others then. What's their story?"

"It is awful," said Farrah.

"That's a good word for it," agreed Kya. She turned and began heading back to the cells. "They knew the drider was there and agreed to stay put until she was dealt with. Now we got to get them out of those cages. They were test subjects for whoever ran this place. There are eight survivors. Most of them are in bad shape. A few missing limbs. Not pretty. Farrah thinks we should camp her tonight."

"Yes," agreed Farrah. "It is nearly dark. We will not make it back to the village tonight."

"Right, so here's the plan," Kya announced. "Farrah, take Cait and Sasha and see what you can find for supplies. We'll need to feed these people. Also if you can find a cart or wagon, that'd be great. Vos? I'm going to ask you to cover me while I try to open these doors. I don't think the prisoners will give me any trouble, but who knows what *else is lurking around here."

"Yeah, Boss," replied Vosna. "I'm working for you guys 'til I get home. Just tell me what you need."

"Got it," agreed Sasha. "Food and a cart. We'll see what we can do."

The trio peeled off and headed out the ragged entrance tunnel. Kya and Vosna continued to the cells.

"Is it dead?" one woman asked as they approached. She was tall and lean. Her body still appeared relatively fit, though hunger was starting to show. Her hair had been chopped down to blond stubble, and there was a fresh, badly stitched scar over her left eye.

"Gone anyway," replied Kya. "Several hundred miles from here. Not our problem for the moment. Vosna, this is Rika. Her family was snatched from their farm in the middle of the night."

"And I'm the last one left," Rika shook her head. "Don't be too sorry. My father and brother were arseholes. They didn't deserve how they died, but I won't miss 'em." She raised her shackled wrists as high as she could. "So someone else wanted a monster spider lady?"

"Spider lady's family wanted her back," replied Vosna. "We're just in it for the money."

"I can appreciate that," Rika frowned. "Except I got nothing to pay you for getting me out of this."

"Yeah, I'm a mercenary, not an arsehole," replied Vosna.

"We're going to help," agreed Kya. "No strings. Could you tell us what was going on here, though?" She pulled out some tools and stuck them in Rika's cell door.

"Yeah, some crazy wizard was kidnapping people and chopping them up," said Rika. "Oh, he tried to put them back together. Sometimes. Didn't with me. Cut out my eye just to see, he said. Cut off my brother's arm and tried to stick a different one on. Didn't work. At least once since I been here, I saw him try to swap two heads. That didn't work either. At least that was quick."

"Mn," grumbled Vosna., turning back to the room. "And where is the sick bastard now?"

"Teleported out, sounds like," answered Kya. "They say he poofed after letting big ugly out. Apparently, some pricks killing all of his gnolls made him nervous."

"I only got six," complained Vosna.

"Yeah? I didn't get any," countered Kya. She gave the lock a twist and it clicked open.

"Ugh, thank you," Rika hobbled out of her cell. A chain connected her wrist shackles to a similar pair on her ankles. "Don't worry about these. Been stuck in 'em for a while. Get the others out first."

Now that there was no lurking drider to worry about, Kya worked quickly down the row of barred doors. The occupants were a mixed bag. One large farmer was missing his left arm. Another man had lost both his legs from the hip down. A pair of halflings hadn't been touched, having just come in. Of all the prisoners, only Rika was restrained beyond a locked door.

"I gave leaving my all a few times," Rika confided to Vosna.

"We got to get out of here," the one-armed farmer shouted as his cell opened.

"It's getting dark," countered Kya. "We're going to camp here tonight. We'll take you all to Rockfall in the morning, It's the closest settlement we know of."

"To Hells with that!" raged the man. "I want out of here now!"

"There's the door," replied Vosna. "Good luck to ya. I...*think we got all the gnolls."

"Guess she's got a point," added Kya with a shrug. "You're free now. Do what you want. You wait until tomorrow though, and we can all go together. With any luck, we'll even find a wagon you can ride in."

Any answer the frightened, angry man had given was forgotten as Sasha strolled back into the chamber with most of a side of what looked like beef over her shoulder. "We found the larder or whatever. Not a lot of food in there, but more than enough for tonight." She paused, looking around at the new faces. "Yeah. Should be..." she went on, perhaps a little disturbed by the state of the people looking back at her. "I'll drop this off and head back. To get the rest. Farrah thinks she can cook it if someone can chop it up."

"Bastards got this lying around and they're feeding us gruel," grumbled Rika.

"Yeah, pricks," agreed Sasha. "There's a case of wine back there too. We'll be back in a bit. Farrah thinks there's a stable in here somewhere and she wants to check it. I'll bring the wine. Hey, Kya? Does my light need a refresh?"

"Couldn't hurt," The half-elf tapped her shoulder, renewing the light. "Don't want you stumbling around in the dark. You guys, be careful."

"Yeah, Caity's got her fire spell on a hair trigger," grinned Sasha. "I'm going to sing when I go back so she knows it's me."

Sasha turned and left the lab area again. As she did she tried not to dwell on the wretched state of most of the prisoners. It might be a long day tomorrow. The larder hadn't been far from the main chamber. She wasn't stealthy at the best of times, but Sasha did her best to be extra noisy, finally shouting as she approached. "Hey, Caity! Don't roast me, okay?"

"You're big and slow and your mother dresses you funny," came the reply.  

"I'm faster than you," Sasha returned, stepping around the corner.

Brutus immediately intercepted her for a brief security check.

"It's just me," Sasha sighed, running a hand over his head. "Kya's got the cells open. We'll definitely need to find a cart. The one guy's got no legs at all."

"Yes," agreed Farrah. "And if there are animals in the stable, we should release them if we do not take them with us."

"Yeah," said Caitlyn. "Have to see what they have. Might be rough going for the average horse around here. But it will be a pain dragging a herd behind us." She returned her attention to Sasha. "All set to find the stable now? Farrah was going to go without you, but I talked her out of it. Not because I don't think she and Brutus can't handle themselves, but I'd have been her all alone."

"I appreciate your patience," grinned Sasha. "Kya topped off my light. Ready when you guys are."

"Okay then, Farrah," said Caitlyn. "Where is this stable we're looking for?"

"I feel as though there is one," replied Farrah. "But I am not sure where. It would be on this floor. Or perhaps one lower. We will have to-- Oh! I have an idea!" She bowed her head for a moment, her eyes flashing briefly. Then her eyes focused on her dog. "Brutus. I would have you use your nose to find horses."

Brutus cocked his head. "Ruff?"

"Oh," Farrah answered. "They are the large animals people sometimes ride."

"Ruff?"

"Yes," Farrah grinned. "With the hard feet. Can you smell any?"

Rather than answer, the big dog just put his nose down and began searching. He looped the room, stopping, of course, at the door. "Ruff!"

"Yes, we will follow."

"Ruff?"

"Yes, you are a good boy."

Satisfied, the dog turned, put his nose to the ground, and made his way out the door.

"I understand you were talking to Brutus," said Sasha, falling into step beside Farrah. "But was he... talking back? It sounded like you understood him."

"I have a spell that lets us speak," replied Farrah. "It is quite useful for training. but he does not know many people words yet. He is learning."

Sasha cocked her own head. "Wait! I think I can do that! Because of my totem path! I can talk to Brutus too!" She thought for a moment. "It will take me a while. I think it's one of those long cast spells."

"Ritual," said Caitlyn. "Sounds like we have to teach you a few people words too."

"I can think of a few to say to you," replied Sasha with a smirk.

Caitlyn laughed as they crept off into the darkened keep. "Aw, come on. Talk nice to me and I'll tell you you're a good girl!"

* * *

Sasha assumed she knew who was at the door, but checked the peephole anyway, confirming it was indeed Farrah and Kya. "Hey guys," she greeted, opening the portal to admit them.

They responded in kind as they trooped in, headed for the table where Jason and Caitlyn were already seated. "Kya. Farrah," Caitlyn greeted. Then her eyes dipped. "That's a nice skirt, Farrah. Looks good on you."

The petite woman's eyes flicked down to the pleated skirt that fell just shy of her knees. "Oh, uh, th-thank you Caitlyn," she stammered. "It is new."

"Oh, I didn't notice," added Sasha, locking the door behind them. She let a smirk creep onto her face."It does suit you. It does make me wonder... but it would be impolite to ask."

"Eep," Farrah squeaked, her cheeks coloring. "Ah, im-impolite perhaps, b-but I would not say anyway."

"Atta girl," grinned Sasha.

Jason looked back and forth between them for a moment. "Ah, right," he said with a grin of his own (causing Farrah's cheeks to brighten another shade). "So, everyone get leveled? I know Sasha took Tough. Any other feats?"

"Charisma." Kya and Caitlyn replied in near unison.

"I have raised my dexterity," added Farrah.

"Very good," replied Jason. "Very efficient. So when we last left our intrepid heroes, they had found the drider and--"

"Jason," interrupted Farrah.

"Yes, Farrah,"

Farrah paused, the color in her cheeks not fading. "I... would like to, if I could, try to get a natural twenty."

"Oh." Jason tilted his head. "You mean like Sosh and Caity did a while back? I guess, sure. Might not be a lot of combat today, but you can use it for skills too." He picked up his phone and set a timer for fifteen minutes. "You're a first timer, so I'll start easy. Where do you want to put your hands?"

In answer, Farrah laced her fingers behind her head, exactly as Sasha and Caitlyn had done the last time.

"Okay. You understand that if you move your hands at all before the timer runs out, I get to give you a nat one, right?"

"Yes," Farrah replied.

"Okay," Jason tapped the phone and started the timer. "You're locked in now. Good luck. Who's going to roll your dice?"

"Uh," Farrah stammered.

"I got you, Babe," said Sasha. "I owe you one." Then she grinned Although... now that you're tied up, I'm double-curious about whether you wore underwear today..."

"I d-do not know what you are t-talking about..." squeaked Farrah.

* * *

"Back and Sophie are *not spider food," Vosna announced, stowing the sending stone. "Drider girl stayed calm and reunited with her sister. On a related note, Dark's not going to set up a new portal for us. It was a one way thing. We get to hike back."

"Yeah, we kind of assumed that," replied Kya. "We might be able to hitch a ride down the river. That'll save us a quarter of the trip. Now, I want a watch set. I think we're safe, but we're going to make sure."

They had set up a camp around the cell block. With the door locks disabled, it seemed the most defensible position, outside of dragging the former prisoners through the keep. There had been plenty of supplies to get them through the night, and even enough for breakfast the next day. They'd found a well, and were set for water, and there were several carts with horses to pull them. Assuming they could get through the night, the trek to the nearest village should not be hard.

"I require less sleep," said Farrah. "I will be able to watch half of the night."

"And you have the sharpest senses too," agreed Kya. "I still want watches doubled up. And no, Brutus doesn't count." She addressed the dog who'd turned at his name. "No offense, big guy. You're just fixated on your person."

"Yeah, good idea," agreed Vosna. "I'll take first. Who's with me?"

"Cait, you go," said Kya. "I'll go second with Sosh, since she'll need a light. Then I'll stay up with Farrah for a while." 

"I can help watch," put in Rika. "I won't be much good in a fight, but I can pay attention." She stretched her now freed limbs again. "Help keep an, uh, eye... out?"

"We will happily accept any help," replied Kya. "If nothing else you can kick someone else awake." She knew better than to just dismiss people. The legless man turned out to be an able butcher and happily chopped up the side of beef. "But if you need a rest, we can make do."

"I've been resting for a while," replied Rika. "Put me to work."

Farrah also had logistical concerns for the trek the next day. Not for the people. They'd just ride in the carts. "There are five horses and two oxen," she explained, mostly for the benefit of Vosna and Kya. Oh, and one cat. The oxen will hitch to the larger wagon. It is a big cage, but we cannot be choosers. The smaller cart only has room for one animal, so we will have to transport four horses. I will do my best but..."

"I can help," replied Vosna. "I can sort of talk to animals. Sometimes."

"What? You too?" grumbled Sasha.

"I think I can take that spell too," said Kya. 'I usually don't, but I guess it could come in handy tomorrow."

"Aw, Hells," grumbled Sasha. "I just remember I can do it, and now everyone can."

"I can't," countered Caitlyn. "Now I feel left out. The horses could be making fun of me and I'd never know."

"If anything, they'd be jealous of your tail," offered Vosna. "You should watch out for the ox. They might see your horns as a threat." 

"Really?" Kya asked. "Who'd have thought... Maybe we'll have Caity drive the ox cart so she's behind them." She grimaced. "Then again, I still have nightmares about the last time we let her drive."

"What happened last time?" questioned Vosna.

"Oh! Kya and Sosh got stuck to a magic cart," Caitlyn happily explained. "They had to pull it, so me and Farrah rode. But it turns out it was controlled by code words. I said 'giddy up' to be funny and suddenly they couldn't stop. Things got a little hairy, but the funniest part was--"

"I'm going to do something funny if you don't shut up," growled Kya. "She doesn't need to hear about that."

"Oh, now it sounds like she does," grinned Vosna.  

"Might as well tell her," put in Sasha, not embarrassed in the least. "Our hands were stuck to the pull bar, so we were kinda helpless. They took off our pants for, uh, convenience... while we traveled."

"So you two were pulling a cart with your cheeks out?" chuckled Vosna. "That would be funnier if I wasn't literally stuck in a puppy costume when we met."

"That was pretty adorable," sighed Kya. "Fair enough." She tried to change the subject however. "So Cait will take the ox cart. Somebody will have to drive the other wagon. That leaves a free horse. Should be manageable to lead if none of the survivors want to ride."

"I can drive the cart," volunteered Rika. "I can handle a cart horse. One of my jobs on the old farm."

"Perfect," said Kya. "Now all we'll have to do is sort out who gets to ride in the cage wagon."

"We'll tie the doors open," said Caitlyn. "Shouldn't be too bad. Worst case, the other cart is crowded." 

"Okay, you're right," Kya stood and began unfastening her bedroll. "I'm going to sleep so I'm good for late watches. Wake me when it's my turn."

Sasha sighed. "Guess I'll sleep too, if I can. I'm still a little keyed up, though. Two dozen gnolls, the ogre thing, and a well-endowed spider." She paused. "That thing gave off mixed signals... I wasn't sure where to look."

"The venomous part," said Vosna. "Always watch the venomous part." Then she paused, looking pensive. "But I think those things have a stinger too? They're trouble on both ends."

"Ugh, how am I not going to dream about that," groaned Sasha.

"Just shut your eyes," sighed Sasha. "With any luck, the night will pass uneventfully."