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Part II—Focus in the Troll Canyon

Chapter I—The Old Camp

It had been a while since I had been within the rotting wood walls of the Old Camp. The last time I had been in this 'diggers hell' was after my little raid on the Ork Cemetery when I came to visit Diego. Unfortunately,
he had been absent inside the Ore Baron's house and I hadn't felt like giving Gomez and his top-notch boys a visit. The fact was that I couldn't stand Gomez anymore. He was taking this Ore business within the Barrier too far, and he'd enslaved literally hundreds into his unjust cause of delivering Ore to the King, who enslaved us within these magical walls in the first place!
We were guilty of numerous crimes, it was true. But what I had done...wasn't all that bad. I didn't deserve to be locked up in the Colony for eternity. No one did—except maybe Gomez...and possibly Raven.
Also, the King could never have defeated the Ork clans in the first place. So now Rhobar II has Orks and angry convicts against him...that is he will if the Magicians of Water really do detonate the Barrier.

I looked at the ground and kicked dirt into the dying fire just outside Diego's hut. A glint from the castle gates caught my eye, and I looked up to see Thorus making his way across the Courtyard toward his daily post. I wanted so badly to talk to my first and best friend within the Colony. I would have given him a beer or two, then when he was good and drunk, seen if he would've come with me up to Troll Canyon for the Focus. It was sort of ripping him off, but hey—I'm sure, in some way, Diego deserves it.
I smiled at the thought and looked back up at Thorus who was looking around at the Diggers who were slowly rising from their depressing huts and wandering around, eating and working. I saw a small band of diggers suddenly come
through the gate. They were led by several Shadows. I saw the Leader Shadow approach Fletcher, who was also coming from the castle. They exchanged words and the Shadow waved to the diggers. Hopping with joy, the diggers ran into the camp and took over other diggers' huts. The Shadows went around and tallied all the diggers who were kicked from their huts, then they lined those diggers up and marched them toward the Old Mine.

'Man...' I thought, 'I'm glad I never was a digger. I joined the New Camp as soon as I could!'
I looked down at my Medium Mercenary's Armor. Then I looked up at Thorus. I had done a good deed for Thorus. Maybe he would tell me where Diego was in exchange.
I approached the Heavy Guard and prepared to talk.
Thorus spoke first. "I don't talk to New Campers. Go away before I have you kicked from this camp for good."
"Hey, Thorus. It's me, remember?" I asked as politely as I could. Even though Thorus worked for Gomez, he was one of the few Old Campers I could trust and respect.
"Who are you?" Thorus asked, frowning.
"My name is—" I started.
Thorus cut me off. "Hold on, I remember who you are! You took care of that idiot Rogue from the New Camp. I guess you can be trusted. What do you want, Mercenary?"
"I was wondering where my good friend Diego is." I said, emphasizing 'good' and 'Diego', hoping Thorus would notice.
Thorus shook his head. "Nope, haven't seen him. The last people who saw him were the bridge guards outside of the camp. They might know more."
I nodded. "Yeah, well, thanks anyway."
"No problem, kid." Thorus said. "Whenever a trustworthy man like you comes along, I trust 'em for good."

I turned from Thorus and walked toward the Old Camp gates. I was walking quietly when a digger with a familiar face stopped me. "Hey, you're the kid from the New Camp who's friends with Diego, right?"
I stood about three inches taller then the digger, who seemed to be fairly calm for a guy only armed with a club. I looked over at Bloodwyn, expecting to see him watching us with his eyes alert. But he was only talking with some Sect Loony.
Apparently, this digger could be trusted...
"Yes, that's me." I said casually, resting a hand on the hilt of my shiny new Blood Blade.
"Great. I'm Graham, the cartographer. Diego left you a message," Graham said smoothly.
I immediately stood erect. "What? A message from Diego? Give it to me!"
Graham handed me a piece of paper, then strode off back toward his hut. I immediately unfolded it and in my excitement, I nearly read it aloud:

Dear Anonymous,

I have heard of your quest from a valuable friend and am ready to support your mission in the Troll Canyon. Meet me there tonight. Note: Beware of Snappers! I had a hell of a time finding a path through them without killing myself. Graham was brave enough to come with me and back. Please come tonight or as soon as you get this letter!

Sincerely,
Diego

Chapter 2—Eight Snappers

I grasped the hilt of my sword as I jogged out the entrance to the Old Camp and toward the Troll Canyon. The sun was barely up and rising as I made my way past the garbage that was strewn along the banks of the river. I crossed
the bridge with ease and made my way north, away from the camp. Two paths split off, one heading west and one heading north. I was about to take the western road when I glanced up the northern road and spotted Ratford and
Drax. I suddenly remembered how kind theyhad been to me at the start of my adventure. I decided to pay them a visit before heading north up the ridge to the Troll Canyon and Diego.

The jog up to them was a light, easy one. As soon as I reached the two men, I spoke.
"How are you two doing?"
They both turned from their conversation to look at me. Ratford spoke first.
"Hey, kid. How's it goin' now?" he said in a pleasant tone.
"I'm heading north to the Troll Canyon, to find one of the Four Focus stones." I said. "What 'bout you? Catching the early hunt, as usual?"
Drax spoke up. "If you're heading north to the Troll Canyon, you'll need our help."
Ratford turned to Drax and frowned. "Drax, this kid can't go up to Troll Canyon and live at the same time!"
Drax stopped rumbling through his knapsack and looked up. "Troll Canyon 'eh? And your lookin' for the Focus Stone, the ones the Mage's of Water are lookin' for?"
"Yes and yes." I said. "According to recent info, I'll encounter Snappers, which I'm not looking forward to." I grimaced as I remembered my first Snapper 'incident'.

Drax looked at Ratford. "Come on, Rats, we can at least take down these 'Snappers' for the kid."
Ratford looked, shocked, at Drax. "Huh? You wanna help this kid, go ahead."
Drax looked at Ratford, then back at me. "I think I will. I enjoy a challenge."
As the two of us set out north up the hill, it wasn't long before Ratford came calling. "Wait for me, you idiots!"
Drax and I turned around to see Ratford hustling to catch up. "Remember Draxy. You got me into—"
Drax cut Ratford off. "Shhh! Shut up Rats!" Drax hissed as he equipped his longbow.
Ratford look ahead to see the small pair of Snappers nudging each other.
"Crap!" he said as he reached for his bone bow. It was a little different for me, as I was completely calm from seeing
these beasts. I equipped my Horn Bow and readied a standard arrow I had sharpened a little. I placed the arrow on my thumb and pulled back on the string a little more then I had before.

Ratford and Drax quickly followed, both ready to shoot. Our bows and arrows rattled as our arms shacked from the immense strength it took to hold an arrow back.
"Aim for the stomach or any exposed body parts." I whispered. "And pull back a little more."
They both did as I commanded, as we all aimed for the same Snapper.
"Ready?" I whispered.
"Yes." They both said, seeming numb.
"Fire!" I said, and our arrows flew. Whizzing through the air, they all struck flesh. My arrow struck the first Snapper's stomach. Ratford's arrow hit the second one's head, penetrating the brain. That Snapper fell down instantly. Drax's arrow pierced the heart of the third one, it also collapsing on impact. The Snapper I had shot shrieked in pain, rousing the others from their slumber. Immediately, five other Snappers jumped from their perches on the trees farther ahead and charged at us. All three of us New Campers fired two more shots, mine missing one by inches. Ratford,
again, struck one this time in the neck. It flailed around a bit before dying of suffocation. Drax scored a hit on another monster, hitting it in the forehead, it going down within seconds.

Three Snappers were upon us as I dropped my bow and unsheathed my sword.
"They're upon us!" I hollered at the other two as I engaged the first Snapper. "Use your swords!"
Ratford pulled a Shortsword from it's sheath and Drax pulled a shiny new Victory Sword from its sheath. All three of us took on a different Snapper.
I, however, being the most experienced hand-to-hand fighter among us, I quickly ducked under the Snapper's powerful bite and swung my sword, chopping both its legs off. Then, from one knee, I dealt it a killing blow, swiftly beheading the beast.
As for Drax... while I was busy killing one snapper, another leapt right for the hunter who pointed his sword at the oncoming beast's stomach. Bingo! His sword plunged into the Snapper's belly. It screamed in fright as it landed on top of Drax who quickly shoved it off his body. However, as Drax stood up to deal the killing blow, another Snapper's head smacked him in the face.
"Sorry, Drax!" I said as the Snapper head I had just cut off hit the poor hunter.
We both turned to see Ratford scream. The Snapper was on top of him, furiously snapping at him. I ran at the infuriated beast and quickly severed its connection to its brain.
Ratford whimpered as a head rolled off his belly. He quickly stood and shakily threw the beast's head into the forest.
"I don't want any more!" he screamed as he chucked the rest of the dead carcass into a tree.
"Rats, calm down!" Drax said.
Ratford moaned. "Just getting a little emotional."

* * *

As Ratford and Drax scoured what little meat was on the scattered carcasses, I scouted up north a little further to find the Snapper I had struck in the stomach. It was on its side, and barely breathing. For some unexplainable reason, I felt sadness strike my heart as I pulled the arrow from its chest. The Snapper howled in pain as I did so, but it didn't seem angry with me. I glimpsed a white mark on the Snapper's forehead, and I leaned in for a closer look. It was the mark of one of the gods. I could barely make it out. Nevertheless, one thing was for sure: it was a sign from the gods.

A sudden image entered my head, and a great voice rang in my ears. 'Help me stranger. I am wounded. I meant no harm, please! Help me—"
Drax's hand shook me out of my daze. My eyes focused again to the sight of Ratford raising his weapon. My action was pure instinct.
"No! DON'T!" I yelled at him as I snatched his sword from his hands. Ratford glared at me.
"Why the hell not?!" he said angrily.
I pointed to the beast's forehead, toward the white mark.
"That white mark," I said as the two hunters leaned in for a closer look. "It's a sign from the gods."
I turned to Drax. "Before you woke me, I had a vision, and this beast spoke to me."
The three of us looked closer at the barely moving Snapper.

Drax reached into his knapsack. Ratford turned to him. "What are you doing?" he demanded.
' "I'm saving a god." He came up with three healing spells, and gave one to each of us. "If we all use them at the same time, maybe this beast will be cured."
Ratford scowled. "If it comes back and eats all of us till were dead, I'll kill you Drax."
Drax turned to his lifetime friend. "Kill me and I'll kill you."
"Oh, shut up!" I said angrily.

Chapter 3—The Troll's Fist

After we used the healing spells on the beast, it ran off into the woods and disappeared. Ratford glared at us.
"Now ya see what you've done Draxy?"
Drax turned to Ratford. "Shut your damn mouth!" And Ratford was quiet.
I turned to face the north, up the hill. I saw a lone figure in heavy shadow's armor dozing away against a rock. I pointed towards Diego.
"Look!" I said. "It's my friend. I don't need you guys' help anymore." I turned to
them. Drax picked up my bow and tossed it to me.
"It's been fun," he said.
Ratford turned to leave. "If you see our friend Snapper, tell him to get new friends." The two men turned and left the site, six Snapper bodies lay in a heap and a head lay mounted on the top. I smiled as I heard the faint
chatter of the two hunters as they quarreled along their way back. Then I turned to Diego and ran up the hill toward him.

As I approached, he suddenly cocked his head toward me and opened his eyes. I smiled as I approached him, but something about the present situation made me stop: some sort of feeling.
Diego stood completely and ran up to me. We were at the top of the hill now, and to the North, the hill led on to a strange wooden tower and to our left, or west, the hill was stooped and led into a small canyon.
Inside the canyon, to my great dismay, I glimpsed a dozen or more Goblins.
"Crap," I said as Diego arrived. "How are we going to get past those things?"
"First of all," Diego said, "I'd like to congratulate you on a mission well-done with Milten. I'm glad the two of you are getting along."
I waved it off. "Oh, no, no. I needed the help, and Milten was there."
"Second of all," Diego grimaced, "I was informed that you were dead. Apparently, some informants cannot be trusted."
I smiled. "Sometimes, I too, thought I was dead."
"Well, lets get right down to business. We have plenty of Goblins to, ahem, take care of, and then another, big problem."
"How big?" I asked.
"To be precise, it's three tons of a problem. Follow me, and you'll know why in a few moments."

I followed Diego as he turned around and equipped his bow and arrow. I did the same as we ran along the base of the canyon. It was not long before we ran into the first party of Green Goblins. They didn't seem tough at first, with mere clubs in their hands, and the two of us stopped and pulled back on our strings. Our arrows pierced the two closest Goblins as no more then ten of them charged. We quickly reloaded and fired, taking down four, six, then
eight. When the last two arrived, we resorted to our blades as I hacked through the first one's club, completely slicing it into two with one blow.
Diego merely threw a small pocket knife into the last one's forehead.
Diego turned to me. "Hurry! The King Troll is over there."
I nearly dropped my sword in shock. "King Troll?!"
"Don't worry!" Diego said, pulling his sword from it's sheath. "I'll distract it while you find some way to kill it!"
I grabbed the bow-master by the arm. "Diego..." I said.
He smiled foolishly. "I like a challenge." He ran straight for the huge troll that guarded the entrance to the Platform which the focus rested on.
"Find some way!" He yelled as he ran toward the monster, who saw him immediately and roared into the air.
All of the sudden, another wave of a dozen or more Green Goblins came running from a small cove to the right. They all headed straight for Diego.
"Hey!" I called as I drew my Blood Blade and ran for them. "Hey!" I called maybe a little too loud. Half of them turned for me. "Whoa?"

My sword flew from left to right, down and up as I parried all the little Gobbos' attacks. One by one, I sliced through the scaled skin of the little warriors. It was not long before six little heads were rolling down toward the base of the hill with Snappers running after them. I turned my attention toward Diego and the Goblins. I ran toward them and swung my sword, beheading two Gobbos at once, then I parried another attack and crushed the Goblin with the flat of my blade, throwing it into the canyon wall. I was doing excellently well until the Troll turned its attention to me, which
was not delightful.
The troll's fist struck the ground right next to my body, throwing my balance off. A Goblin club struck me on the head, and I fell to the ground.
The troll raised its fist and I raised my weapon as my only defense—foolish, yes I know. The fist came down quickly, striking the tip of my sword and shattering all but the base of it. The shards fell on my face, distracting me. It was not long after I had removed the shards the another club struck me in the face, and I fell flat on the ground. Hearing the sharp breath from the troll triggered a sudden surge of adrenaline. I rolled to the left, away from the swinging clubs and just out of teh troll's reachl. I jumped to my feet and quickly glanced around for anything.

I saw a small sheet of paper, and at the same time, saw a large fist heading for me. I ducked away from the fist, temporarily throwing the troll's balance off. I then dove for the sheet and went over it quickly:

Shrink Monster Spell

Was I dreaming?
I leapt to my feet and directed my attention to the troll. I then chanted the words and directed the magic with my hands. Slowly but surely, the beast shrank.

Chapter 4—Harpy Madness

Diego and I surveyed the damage as we looked at the mass of Green Goblins and one tiny dead troll. Diego turned to me.
"You'd better go get that focus. I'll wait down here, so that nothing can intervene, you know?"
"Yup. It's a good thing you were able to fix that winch. I wouldn't have ever been able to get it;" I said thankfully.
"Hey! A good friend deserves good deeds doesn't he?"
I nodded. "I suppose you're right, Diego." I turned and ran up to the small cavern that lead to the platform. I ran up it and past the now open gates, then straight to the platform. It was an open room, overlooking the mass of dead bodies and Diego. On the platform was the focus. I looked at it carefully and saw the familiar crystal-blue liquid inside. I reached my hand out to get it...
...and put it inside my knapsack.

I suddenly got the feeling that I was not alone in the room. A distant flutter of strange wings, and the scampering of clawed feet were drawing closer. I looked around all the corners of the room, and saw bleak eyes staring right into mine.
Terrified, I drew my sword.
Four...things...suddenly jumped out at me, kicking and screaming at me and flying all at the same time. Surprised, I took a step back. A long step back, maybe too far. My foot slipped, and I fell from the top of the pedestal. I fell and fell for what seemed forever. Time seemed to stop and the world around me was spinning.
Was this the end?

Diego caught me in his arms as he yelled. "Harpies! Lets get out of here."
I got up from his arms and the two of us scrambled from the vicinity. We ran down the side of the mountain, past the canyon and down to the base of the hill.
Ratford and Drax were waiting at the base of the hill.
"We heard all the fightin'." Ratford said. "But never knew if you were dead, so we didn't want to help."
"Actually, you didn't want to help." Drax said, crossing his arms. "I wanted to help them the whole time."
Ratford rolled his eyes.
I ignored them, and raised the Focus from the Troll Canyon. All three of the others looked at it in awe.
"The focus..." I said, looking at each one of them, "is now in the possession of the Magicians of Water." I reached
into my knapsack and drew out the teleportation scroll that lead straight to the Mages' chamber.
I put the focus in my pack and put a hand on Diego. "Thank you my friend. I've never met a better man in the colony."
Diego nodded, then turned back toward the Old Camp.
I turned to Ratford and Drax. "Maybe you two could come back with me to the New Camp."
Ratford held out a hand. "Not for us, no!"
"You see," Drax said, "we've been havin' trouble back at the New Camp, so we've been hangin' around 'ere for a reason."
I sighed. "Okay. See ya later."
I raised the scroll and chanted the words. Once again, the blue shield covered my entire body. Ratford and Drax watched in awe.

Once I was zapped into the chamber of the magicians, I talked to Saturas, who seemed very
grateful.

You might ask if I was done writing this story, I'd answer: heck no!

To be comtinued

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