Microsoft Zone Archive/Player Chronicles/Rebel Yell
Original Link (now dead) - http://zone.msn.com/asheronscall/ASHErebelyell.asp
Rebel Yell
In the foul tunnels of the tiny nest, an Olthoi soldier patrolled along with a retinue of several workers. Today something was not right; the fleshy slave-creatures seemed to be gone, but their scents hung in the air as clearly as ever. As it stalked into the farm chambers -- where the soft things could almost always be found stirring the pools of delicious sludge that fed the colony -- it was dismayed. There were no slaves in this room either, though the entire nest stank of their presence. Finally, the soldier's party came to the chest that held the new slaves' belongings. Slowly and carefully, it hunkered down to gently probe the chest and its immediate surroundings with huge, barbed claws.
Aware of sudden movement behind, the insectoid beast turned just in time to present a perfect target for the barely visible lance of force that raced from Brethym's outstretched hands.
The soldier's torso detonated in a shower of putrid green ichors. Its hulking form lurched heavily, tripped over the open chest, and lay still. Screeching in rage -- and also to alert the rest of the colony -- the workers lunged after the retreating mage. Brethym sprinted along the murky corridor, racing feverishly to warn his fellow escapees of what was coming their way.
It was then that Li Yao and the mob of other humans yelped in terror as Brethym literally dove into their midst. Questions began flying as he fought for breath.
“Brethym! Are you all right?”
“What happened? Did you kill them?”
The petite Sho hurriedly shushed them.
“Be silent! We need not give ourselves away so quickly.” She turned to address Brethym. “Now, my friend, what is happening?”
The wizard gasped a reply. “I took one soldier, but I count about half a dozen workers bearing down on us, and from the racket they're making, I'd say we have little time to get these people out of here!”
As if to punctuate his statement, several dark shadows loomed against the tunnel wall not twenty yards from their hidden alcove, and the Olthoi's horrid clicks and rasps floated eerily past them. Li cursed under her breath, then addressed the tall, dark-haired figure next to her.
“It looks as though we are going to have to do more fighting than you bargained for, Aluvian.”
Berserker, clad in midnight-black steel, rammed his helmet into place and tightened his grip on a mighty, double-edged sword.
“Suits me. These creatures have had it coming for a long time.” His voice dripped acid, and a weird red tint began stealing onto the edges of his eyes. “I will enjoy this.”
Brethym's urgent whisper snapped their heads around.
“They come!”
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