Zenkoh's Adventure

Chapter 15

After they had all woken up Maria had pulled out the map. After looking at it Maria informed the others of where they were going.

Maria: This forest is pretty big. It's going to take us about two days of travel to reach the other side where Stoneholde is.

Zenkoh: Then we better get going. Irya do you remember anything in particular about this forest?

Irya: No, can't say that I do.

Maria: I had been wondering, what exactly did you do when you were working for Kenzo?

Irya: I guess I would have been considered a specialist, which is just a way of saying I did a little bit of everything. My best skill set is fighting of course! Although I was never given orders to kill anyone.

Maria: Seems like kind of a waste to have someone who is good at fighting and not use them to take out important targets.

As they were traveling through the forest they came upon a path that seemed to lead off in another direction.

Zenkoh: I wonder where that leads?

Irya: I mean...there's only one way to find out.

Zenkoh: Let's go check it out!

As Zenkoh, Maria, and Irya followed the path they could see the ruins of an old castle in the distance. As they drew closer to the castle ruins the weather began to change, it started to rain.

Maria: Let's get inside the ruins, it will keep us out of the weather.

As they enter the ruins the first thing they see is the destroyed entranceway, what is left of sconces on the walls.

Maria: We should be able to set up here.

As Zenkoh puts together a makeshift fire pit and sets the pot up on top of it. Once she has the pot where she wants it she lights the kindling.

Zenkoh: Looks like we are going to have to make do with a soup made using dried rations this time.

Irya: Any food is good enough for me!

Zenkoh: I'm curious Irya, what is the strangest thing you have ever eaten before?

Irya: Hmm...that would probably have to be tree bark!

Both Zenkoh and Maria gave her a confused look.

Irya: Oh, I guess you must not know, kobolds can eat just about anything. This includes tree bark as well as things like egg shells.

Maria: Would never have guessed something like that, can't even really imagine what tree bark tastes like.

Irya: Bad, that's how.

As Kenzo had been sorting through more reports he was becoming more and more agitated. If he couldn't figure something out soon those three would be at the fort in a day or two. He needed something or someone that could hold their own fighting with them. If worse comes to worse he would retreat into the ruins, either he would find what he wanted or he would die.

Just then a 6' female viper with black scales enters his office.

Kenzo: I see that you finally have come back from your previous assignment Onyx.

Onyx: Yes, and I have to say that I hope you have something a little more entertaining than guard duty this time.

Kenzo: I think you will be more than happy with your new assignment. You are going to be staying here, we are expecting to be attacked in the next day or two.

Onyx: Oh? Now I have to hear this one!

Zenkoh was the first to wake up in the morning, she went about a small patrol to make sure that Kenzo hadn't found them. If he knew where they were it could make attacking the fort difficult. The other major question was if Kenzo had any more vipers working under him, if he did they had to be extra careful. As much as Zenkoh hated that she lost control when Alma almost killed Irya she had come to the conclusion that for Irya to be saved it had to happen, she still felt ashamed that she enjoyed the sound and feeling of snapping Alma's spine in half.

When she had made it back to the camp Zenkoh saw that it had already been packed up and that Maria and Irya were ready to go.

Zenkoh: Irya, do you know if there are any other vipers working under Kenzo?

Irya thought quietly for a moment before giving an answer.

Irya: I want to say that at least once I had seen a black scaled viper. I believe her name was...Onyx I think.

Maria: Great, just the answer I didn't want. That means we have to be careful since it only takes getting bit once for viper venom to become a serious problem.

Irya: Last time I remember seeing her was when she was assigned to Graywatch. So unless she was recalled she should still be there.

After they finish packing up they are back on the forest path on their way to Stoneholde. It was a relatively unused path it seemed, very few tracks and seemingly no one traveling it very often. Which was odd since one would think the main path would be used to transport supplies to and from the fort at the very least.

As the three of them continue down the forest path they finally see it in the distance, Fort Stoneholde.

Maria: We have to be ready for anything he might try. Someone who is desperate will do anything.

Kenzo had just received word from one of his scouts, they had made it through the forest. He had to figure something out, perhaps the reinforcements from Graywatch might be what he needs. Kenzo manages to track Onyx as well as the two others that came with her from Graywatch.

Kenzo: Onyx I need you and the two that came with you to set up somewhere in the fort and be ready to ambush them when they reach you. This is our last chance to deal with them before they possibly compromise the entire plan regarding the ruins.

Onyx: Sure thing Kenzo, I have nothing better to do.

As Onyx left the room Kenzo was in he did the same and Kenzo made his way back to his office. As he started to sift through more papers he saw the sheets describing the two that were sent with Onyx. Ruby was a red scaled 5' female kobold that was trained in using a rapier and the other was a 7' black furred female bearfolk named Rosha, who was trained in using greatswords. If these three couldn't prove to be enough then he would have to make a strategic retreat to the ruins and hope for the best.

As Zenkoh slowly made her way closer to the fort she readied her shield, she would protect them on the way up so that they could get this over with quickly. Maria readied one of her throwing daggers, she was ready this time. Irya had already drawn her rapier, she was ready for whatever this place threw at them.