The Chronicles of Zaor Dreharice

Part 3: Dahlrim

            Once the gnomes figured out that I could see them, they welcomed me with open arms. I strolled about until I saw a building called " The Brass Yeti". I had to duck to enter but once I did, I immediately noticed how much warmer it was in there than it was out there. The coals on the furnace burning brightly giving off a homely feel. A rather large gnome stood nearby the heated blade, tempering it.

              He wore what was once a tunic which was now nothing more than dirty pieces of fabric barely held together, hung from his shoulders like a discarded old towel. Both of the sides were torn and worn out, leaving much of him exposed to the elements. He was wearing a ripped jacket over his tunic. It was too small, dirty and it smelled, but at least it helped him stay relatively dry, even if only for a little.

              His pants were a mess as well. Rips and tears had turned these pants into a dirt stained mess of shreds. But at least he had shoes to protect his feet. Although they're grimy, way too big and the heel of the left shoe is worn far more than the right. He wore a cloth around his neck and has it wrapped around his face to just below the nose. It's ragged and stained, but at least it wasn't smelly. He barely noticed me until I greeted him. He was slightly startled when I did so. However he was very friendly and inquired about my needs. I simply replied " I need a blade to protect myself with." He asked what kind of blade. I wanted a sword. So I asked for a sword in my size. He went to the back of the shop, and return with a sword. A very short, broad, smooth blade made of steel was held by a grip wrapped in dull, deep orange salmon leather. The razor-sharp point made this weapon a perfect choice if you wished to puncture your enemies to death with ruthless speed and precision.

             The blade had a spiked, warped cross-guard, adding weight to the blade for a better weight balance, as well as offering hand protection during battle. The cross-guard had a simple orb on each side, a sign of mass production. A small pommel was marked with the symbol of the house this sword belonged to, a symbol some might be embarrassed of.

               The silver blade itself was simple. No decorations of any sorts were on it. Engravings were too costly and time consuming for an ordinary weapon. He asked for 20 Hyria. I saw this as a deal that was a little too costly. So I asked what your lowest price. He said 10. I slowly walked up to him. I said in my most persuading voice " I could just take this piece off your hands, it wouldn't be of any worth to you." he replied in a trance-like state, " Yes, Master." and handed me the blade. I swiftly left the shop and the little town of Dahlrim would never see me again. I then ventured across a lake. I had heard of this lake, it was called Sytokx Basin. It was infamous for something but I couldn't remember what for. The lake was eerily quiet. I single boat was docked. I thought that everyone was on the other side so I pushed off. When I got to about the middle of the lake, I realised that this was a dire mistake. A grotesque head rose from the water.

             Furious amber eyes sat sunken within the serpent's long, scaled skull, which gave the creature a look of ravenous hunger. One central horn sat atop its head, just above its large, dog-like ears. Several rows of small crystal growths ran down the sides of each of its jaw lines. Its nose was thick and had two wide, oval nostrils and there were small horns on its chin. Several huge teeth poked out from the side of its mouth and revealed only a fraction of the terror hiding inside. I was it's prey, or so it thought. I knew my small amount of magical knowledge would come in handy here. I had first attempted to use a spell which would distract the beast. It didn't help at all. The beast snapped at me. I dodged it by a mile. I then jumped upon the creature's slimy neck. I climbed faster than I ever had. The next thing I knew I was in the water. I was near the boat and vaulted myself onto it. The serpent snapped at me with enormous strength. I was slightly cut. As it was bent over I stabbed it through the back of the skull. Crimson spilled onto the boat and into the murky water. I rowed away exhausted. When I got to the other side I was immediately put onto the back of a horse. I heard something about Karthmere Keep. I blacked out.