-----"Many?" the huntress echoes.
-----Raven smiles as he stands and says, "Many, but I can't really tell if the prints are of the troop or humanoids."
-----By this time, Sol has reached the far doors. Sarah stands beside him looking as if the young mage will spring and rip apart whatever is beyond.
-----The young warrior finds that this pair of doors, like the last set, is unlocked. Just as Raven moves into position behind him, Sol pulls them open.
-----For a moment, nothing seems to greet them there on the threshold save darkness. Those in front get a sense of a large room beyond although there is no source of light within. The air that drifts out to meet them seems a bit steamy and holds a strong earthy smell. Just a few feet across the threshold, the red light behind them shines on a small metal piece.
-----"Garrison, Lovan; Torches." Sol orders without turning from the open portal. Keeping a wary eye ahead, Sol crosses the threshold and bends down to inspect the small metal piece.
-----Sarah keeps her eyes alert and stands just back of Sol, remembering something, she takes a wand from her sash and mutters "Desta." Soon glowing small stars dance around her slim young body, providing a small amount of illumination. Sarah watches the piece of metal carefully, but also keeps an eye out for anything about to jump out at the man she loves.
-----Quickly the two torches are lit, though the flames don't burn as brightly in the air of this new room. Rinda frowns as she tries to discern what lies ahead of them, but then stares as Sarah's magic wand takes effect.
-----Garrison smiles at Lovan and says, "Shall we explore a bit?"
-----The storm priest returns a frown before giving a suspicious look at the dark room and the swirling small stars.
-----Raven draws his swords and urges Garrison with him. "Come on," the hunter says. As he passes Sol, he asks quickly, "What did you find there?"
-----"Rich. We're rich beyond our wildest dreams!" Sol replies with sarcastic humour. He flicks the bent copper coin to Sarah, before he gestures to Lovan, "Come on, we'll take this side. Rinda, Romney, keep yerselves an' Mirian between th' two groups."
-----Sarah deftly catches the copper coin in her milky white hand. "No wonder I love you." She says, breaking her angry mood for a moment, but she soon remembers why she is so angry, pockets the coin, after glancing it over briefly and sticks close to Sol as they advance.
-----Garrison and Raven move on into the room upon a ruined stained narrow carpet that once must have been of a fine red material. As they move toward the center of the room, which must be about 50 feet in length, the carpeting suddenly turns toward the wall on the right. Just ahead of them, their torchlight picks up a long table in the room.
-----Rinda, Romney and Mirian follow them with Sol, Sarah and the storm priest behind them. By this time, the torches have dimmed somewhat in the steamy air. Off to one side of the carpeting by Sarah's foot, a small puddle of water is seen probably due to some kind of condensation.
-----Suddenly a disgusting smell is borne about in the mist. Garrison seems to jerk to attention and whispers, "Wait! I know that smell!" Turning toward his right where the carpet leads off to where the torchlight fails to reach, he quickly adds as a conclusion, "Trogs!"
-----From that direction, three man-sized forms loom out of the dark. The dim torchlight reflects off of leathery scales and cruel lizard-like heads. They heft primitive spears similar to javelins.
-----"More information, Garrison! Are these creatures likely t'attack?" Sol calls, faint tones of urgency notable. The warrior's blade is lowered, as if waiting for certain prerequisite information or actions to be introduced.
-----The answer to Sol's urgent questioning is two-fold and unexpected. Romney and Lovan suddenly stagger as if tired. Though they remain on their feet and draw their weapons, they appear to concentrate more on steadying themselves.
-----The young mage standing beside him clearly looks revolted by the creatures. Even though her face seems to pale in the torchlight, she fights to concentrate for her spell casting.
-----Up ahead, Raven draws his two swords and growls though sweat seems to break out on his forehead. Garrison lifts his battleaxe and blurts out a quick "Yeah!" as the woodsman struggles with his own strength.