The Tomb of Coritonius

Miss. Brighteyes really wasn't the sort of person that liked to be kept waiting. I'd noticed this almost instantly after meeting her and Mr. Knight in my office. She now one's again inquired how long she'd have to wait. "Heh, Soon my dear. Very soon. See that hill? The site is just beyond it." I pointed at a large hill in the distance.

As I was about to lower my hand I became startled to say the least! I heard a tell-tale noise, and when I spunn around to see from where it had been comming I could see a long, black arrow that had apparently periced through the wooden seat right next to me. Luckily, no one was hurt! From the way the arrow was facing, I assumed that it had come from the hill I had just pointed out. Quickly I removed my monocle and squinted. I could just make out a dark figure who was quickly running down from the top towards the other side of the hill. Within a few seconds, It was gone. Looking at Mr Knight, I could see that his much younger and keener eye's had also spotted the mysterious would be assassin. There we sat, the three of us where all looking at the arrow which could have been what sent one of us out of this world.

After recovering from the shock I just managed to pull the arrow out of the wooden seat. It took some effort, as it had a very wide arrow-head designed to cause a lot of damage. Nothing like what you'd find on an arrow designed for hunting. I had spent many years on war related dig sites and one of the most common things we uneathed where arrow-heads. I'd become somewhat of an unwilling expert on them over the years. I could see that this was definitely an arrow of elven design. But the black wood it was made of puzzled me. However, there was no time to waste. If the dark figure which had atempted to take one of our lives was running in the direction I thought he or she was, then the excavators at the site could very well be in danger! I told Mr. Knight and Miss. Brighteye's the thoughts which had just run through my head. We then atempted to pick up the pace. the horses would have to rest one's we where at the site. If the site was still intact that is...

[OOC]
I desided to make things go a little faster. For poor Ferret's sake. I hope its ok.
[/OOC]

 

I jumped as an arrow thudded into the seat next to Proffessor Smythe. I was glad that we were at the site, but I suddenly had a nagging fear. I glanced around, seeing a small figure running off. Smythe yanked the arrow out of the seat, and examined it. He told us that it couldn't be a hunting arrow, but that it was obviously elvish in design. The fear in my gut intensified. Something was really wrong. We started to urge the horses up the hill faster, and I knew that when we got to the top, nothing good would await us...

[OOC]I think it's good for you to pick up the pace. I couldn't really think of what to write, so I just spewed up some stuff. Sorry.[/OOC]

 

The figure was too far off for me to catch up to, so I moved up closer to Honor and Smythe. I dismounted and drew my sword and began to scan our surroundings. Even on the plains, the ridges that appeared far off could be much nearer than you realize and hide your enemy until you are almost upon them.

 

As the cart came to a stop behind some large rocks we made ourselves ready for whatever was to come. If there was some from of trouble at the dig site we where not about to walk right in to it, On this we all agreed.

We all got of the cart as quietly as possible and made sure that no one knew of our exact location. It seemed quiet enough, And after not being over-run for 5 minutes we concluded that we where in a safe enough location.

Hiding behind some rough shrubs, I looked to see what we could expect to face. The dig site loomed in the distance. It was one's again getting dark and we could see that several torches had been lit. While this would indicate to someone less knowledgeable that everything was in order, I knew that the museum had shipped several electric lights to the site a few months ago. That the excavators where not using them could mean two things. Either they where out of order, or someone who would not want to use them was now in control. I looked again at the arrow which I still held in my hand. Things where starting to add up...

Miss. Brighteye's and Mr. Knight both watched the site from behind another shrub. We all saw several dark individuals that where walking around, acting somewhat peculiar. They seemed to be looking for something. They ransacked the tents and temporary structures, turning over barrels and breaking up crates of supplies.

From our location we where able to hear some of their speech, Much thanks to there being almost no wind and overall very still weather this early evening. After listening for a minute or two I was able to conclude that it was indeed some from of elvish, altho the dialect was a very odd one which I found hard to understand.

I moved over to where the two youngsters where hiding as quietly as possible. One's I was there, I looked over to make sure that none of the strange elves at the site had heard me. They had not. The sound of crates being busted open and collapsing tents had kept the ears of the otherwise so watchful elves busy enough.

I whispered as quietly as I could:
"Oh my, It seems that things are worse then I thought... Do you two have any suggestions? A direct assault would seem foolhardy..."

 

With a quiet laugh, I said in a whisper, "Heh, no kiddin. Well, I say we sleep for now, taking turns with one person on guard at a time. Then, about an hour before dawn when most of them will be asleep and the guards will be the least attentive- they would be approaching the end of their shift most likely- I can sneak in and take out several of them silently. I'm a good deal quieter than I look. Umm, are either of you very stealthy?"

 

While Mr. Knight's idea was a valid one, I was quick to point out a few flaws in his plan. I leaned over to my two companions and whispered:

"That is all fine and good Mr. Knight. But please, My colleagues might not last that long. I can only assume that they have been taken prisoner..." I stopped for a moment. Thoughts of people that I had spent many years working together with being tortured and murdered sped through my mind. I shaked my head slightly to make the horrible images go away. I then cuntinued. "Yes, They're probably being held captive. But who knows for how long these elves might see fit to keep them alive? Might I suggest a diversionary tactc? As in one of us acting as a decoy to lure these thugs away from the site long enough for the other two to sneak in?" I was about to volunteer myself when I remembered my wounded leg... "I am sorry, But I'm afraid I would be as useful in that department as a lame Kite. With this bad leg of mine the elves would catch up with me in a matter of seconds. I'm afraid it stands between you two... That is, unless you have any better ideas?"

 

I listened intently as Talon explained his plans. I thought about it for a second, but before I replied, Smythe chimed up. "That is all fine and good Mr. Knight. But please, My colleagues might not last that long. I can only assume that they have been taken prisoner..."

He fell quiet for a moment, lost in thought. Then he continued, "Yes, They're probably being held captive. But who knows for how long these elves might see fit to keep them alive? Might I suggest a diversionary tactc? As in one of us acting as a decoy to lure these thugs away from the site long enough for the other two to sneak in?I am sorry, But I'm afraid I would be as useful in that department as a lame Kite. With this bad leg of mine the elves would catch up with me in a matter of seconds. I'm afraid it stands between you two... That is, unless you have any better ideas?"

I replied, "I'll do the distracting. I'm not that strong, but I am quick. If you all tell me what to do, I'll do it." I tossed some of my hair over my shoulder, out of my face. I was excited despite the danger. This was so much more than I could have ever imagined.

 

"Splendid!" I said, almost forgetting to keep my voice down. I looked over but luckily none of the elves at the dig site had noticed my outburst.

Making sure to keep a more subtle tone, I pointed out a few good hiding places and shortcuts that might come in handy for Miss. Brighteye's. I had been here several times before and knew my way around the wilderness surrounding the site quite well. She seemed eager to go but before letting her leave I gently grabbed her by the arm and looked in to her eyes. "Be careful girl. These elves looks like they mean buissness." I whispered, before letting her sneak away and disappear in to the darkness.

Mr. Knight and I then returned to our previous position waiting and watching to see what would unfold as Miss. Brighteye's would get to work...

 

Grabbing Snow's arm, I said "If they are closin in on ya, find a hiding spot and hunker down. I'll be sure to keep an eye open for them, and if they head back, I can get the professor and get out of there. Please be careful."