about the things they love .
“ Even if that person is one of us working , that validation is important .”
››› EPILOGUE
As the ragtag group of archers cheer for their dragonborn champion , the necromancer observes the group ’ s body language and guesses that most of them are not trained warriors but are more likely regular workers who are simply ready to defend their territory . He also observes from their behavior that challenges of this kind might not be uncommon in their culture .
“ We ’ re greatly outnumbered , and their leader , or whoever he is , has chosen her as his opponent , so it ’ s important that we not do anything that can be seen as aggressive ,” he advises his fellow adventurers . “ We have to let her handle this on her own .”
As the dragonborn continues to glare and snarl at the half-elf warrior , she rolls her shoulders , and walks toward him , drawing both of her short swords .
They exchange blows , and it isn ’ t long before the dragonborn starts to falter and appears to be getting winded . Also , after seeing him up close , the warrior notices wrinkles on her opponent ’ s face and reasons that he could be somewhat advanced in age .
However , despite being physically outmatched , the dragonborn seems determined to keep fighting , and breathes a noxious vapor into the half-elf ’ s face , nearly causing her to pass out .
“ Come on . You ’ ve got this ,” the bard shouts to the warrior in her magically inspirational voice .
As the bard ’ s words reach the warrior ’ s ears , she feels her urge to faint subside , and she strikes two thunderous blows to her opponent ’ s shield , knocking him on his back .
Suddenly , from out of the crowd , the members of the party hear a voice shouting pleadingly in Elfish . They turn to see another dragonborn approaching them as he continues talking to the half-elf in the same desperate tone .
“ He told me to stop , and that this is his father , and that their village is in need of help ,” she says , translating for the rest of her party . “ But he , being the man that he is , believes in the old ways and he challenged me to see if we ’ re strong enough to help them .” At this , the party sighs in collective relief . After all the excitement , the only thing the adventurers can think about is taking a long rest to ready themselves for whatever is plaguing this village .
To be continued ...
WINTER 2022 Greenville Life 27