Somnium Online

Abandoned Temple

As the sun rose so did the adventurers. Jorvik was barking orders as always, and everyone did their best to follow them. Eric always marveled at how the Bearded Axes worked like a well-oiled machine.

The caravan continued its journey through the mountain pass and by midday they had reached their destination.

The abandoned temple was situated atop a lonely windswept peak. The temple itself was quite large and was modeled after a small castle and keep. However, it had fallen into disrepair. The ceiling of the jeep was partially carved in and the walls were partially collapsed.

"Right!" Jorvik bellowed. "Since we aven't the foggiest clue as to whether or not this here temple is safe, I say we send some men in to take a look. Any volunteers?"

Always up for an adventure, Eric raised his hand. So did Anne, the twins, and a few Bearded Axes.

"Good!" Jorvik continued, making Eric wonder if bellowing was the man's default volume. "In ye go!"

The scouting party assembled and prepared to enter through the front gates. The monks were busily unpacking building materials and cleaning supplies.

The Bearded Axes led, with Eric and Anne behind them and the twins bringing up the rear.

"So how old is this place anyway?" Anne asked.

Reagan adjusted her glasses. "According to manuscripts and local legend this temple was abandoned for close to two centuries on and off."

"Then we should be careful," Abby warned. "There's no telling what might have moved in."

They continued exploring the ruined temple, stepping over small piles of debris, and checking empty rooms. After an hour or so they reached what must have been the main chapel.

The altar was still intact, but the stone pews were mostly broken and shoved into the corners. The once majestic stained glass windows were stained and cracked. In the center of the room, a giant nest fashioned of tree branches, assorted pieces of scrap wood, and a few wagon wheels dominated the area.

Eric peeked over the ledge and saw three oversized eggs. They were white with streaks of vibrant blue, red, and green. He recognized those colors from when he studied the fame manual.

"Guys..." he said dropping back to the ground and backing away. "We really need to get out of here."

"What?" Anne asked stepping forward to take a look for herself. "What is it?"

There was a horrible screech from above and a shadow descended upon the adventurers.

"Run!" Eric yelled but it was too late.

A massive bird with a body the size of a mobile home and wings that rivaled the blades of wind turbines crashed into the chapel.

"That!" Eric yelled. "Is one big chicken!"

"Actually," Reagan adjusted her glasses. "It's called a Roc."

The Roc screeched and flapped its wings sending gusts of wind spiraling through the chapel.

Eric dug in his heels as he felt himself skidding backward. The Roc whipped it's head towards Anne and tried to bite her.

Anne blocked the Roc's beak with the flat of her blade. Abby unleashed a barrage of fire, but the Roc blew it out with a flap of its wings.

The two members of Bearded Axe rushed the giant bird, but it blocked one with its talons and used it's powerful beak to pick up and toss the other straight through the wall

"Hey N!" Eric whispered, "Now would be a really good time to make use of those strength boosting programs you mentioned earlier."

"Hmm? Oh, yikes this does look pretty bad doesn't it."