The Path of the Adventurer

Chapter 26

"You know, Huffey. We would've been much closer now if you hadn't drank that tea." Remarked Tikana, as the company explored through the icicle-filled cavern.

"I thought it was hot chocolate, lassie!" Laughed Huffey. "You should've warned me when ye' had the chance!"

"Oh, come on. It was completely obvious that it wasn't hot chocolate."

"I think he enjoyed a little too much of my hot chocolate machine back in the cottage." Chuckled Frostine. "But I can't blame the poor guy."

"Oh, Tikana." Erion said, with a grin on his face.

"Yeah?"

"Imagine what would happen if we gave that to King Bhalthran!"

Tikana tittered. "Hoo boy. We would've surely won if we'd done that."

"But it wouldn't be possible. Bhalthran banned tea ever since he began his reign." Huffey explained. "But even if you did, it definitely wouldn't be as grand as the time when one his guards let one out right in his face!" Huffey laughed jollily.

"Okay, now's about time we change the subject." Said Magon. "Huffey, what spells do you have prepared?"

"Vulnera Sanat, Sanctum, Auxilium, Sanctum Gladio, Scutum Fiedi - everything I've used so far."

"I've got together all of my combat spells, such as Ikulka or Lyn." Said Magon. "And what about you, Frostine? What kind of spells do you have ready?"

"Despite my profession as an magical craftswoman, I do use a little bit of ice elemental magic - although they're all just managrasps. I use it in tandem with my magical inventions, although I don't have a staff or wand to cast more powerful spells."

"What items have you brought?"

"I've brought my Storage Beads, my Light Stick, my ice gloves, and several high potions."

"Sounds like we're in luck. Doesn't it, Erion?" Asked Huffey.

Erion did not reply and stood quietly.

"Erion?"

"Guys, we better take our weapons out!" Said Erion. "I hear some growls from far away!"

Tikana, Huffey, and Norder drew their weapons.

"Frostine, are you sure you'll be ok?" Asked Erion.

"I don't think I've told you about yet..." Frostine said.

"About what?"

"I never really wanted strangers to know about this, so I kept it from you for a while. But now I must confess to you," Frostine turned around. "That I've been fighting the orcs in this cave for quite some time now!"

The entire company bore shocked expressions. "Wait... what?" A befuddled Norder reacted.

"Sorry I didn't tell you this sooner, but you're in for quite the show!"

"So are we gonna keep going or what?" Asked Tikana impatiently.

"Just wait. We'll give the orcs the ass kicking of a lifetime!" Frostine walked up to Erion and handed over her glowing wand. "Here. Hold my wand for me, okay?"

"Got it!"

Nothing could be seen in the pitch-black darkness of the cave, save for a faint firelight in the faraway distance. Running from this light were two figures with glowing armor on a similar manner to Thazardan's gauntlets.

"Figure 1 is currently wearing enchanted splint mail and wielding a lightning-elemental greatsword." Frostine said. "Figure 2 has an ice-resistant breastplate with a flame lance and speed boots. They're both equal in physical strength."