Role

Chapter 3

Cries superimposed over gurgling echoed throughout the darkness. Koellang's eyes
glowed fiery red as he guided us further into the abyss. As I stared downward,
a soft glow of light became increasingly visible. The clash of weapons and the shout
or militia intensified as we approached the lowest level of Cragstone. With a sharp
jerk and loud rumble, we arrived at our destination. Koellang gave me a wink and
advised: "Be careful down here Jumbel, and may the Golden Wit guide you."
"Golden Wit?" I thought to myself, what a strange thing to say. I stepped down off
the lift and began to carefully sneak through this subterranean cavern.

The area was darker than I'd imagined - likely a result of the barely
illuminated crystal veins. Keeping my head down, and in an effort to avoid
the militia's attention, I walked quickly through the cave - searching for the
great stone's energy source. Unfamiliar with the area, I followed the sound
of dripping water and arrived at a rich mineral cache. Emeralds, rubies and
sapphires, the likes of which I'd never seen, exuded brilliance. I studied
them carefully, looking for one to pry from the cold and damp cave wall. One
emerald, exceptionally large in size, hummed softly. It was the thirteenth gem
from the top and was barely fastened to the wall. With a skillful pull, I
yanked the gem loose, and tossed it into my gem-encrusted rucksack.

As I turned from the cache, giddy with glee, my face was met by the swift blow of a
mace. The blow shattered the bridge of my nose causing my eyes to welt up and blood
to pour into my mouth. I fell to the floor in agonizing pain - passing out.

"I hope your silly little trinket was worth it Jumbel!" My father cracked his whip
searing his twelfth lashing into my trapezius. As the blood poured down my back,
my mother handed me another stone rose, promising me the cruelty would come to an
end. She whispered: "You're lucky the guards got to you in time, the vile elves
nearly ended you my son". I looked up at her and replied: "Do you think the lady
svirfs will love my shattered nose?". She snickered and said: "Do you ever take
anything seriously?". Truth is, I didn't...