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A Dark Dungeon. (Closed)


ShadowWalking18

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To all Mercenaries, mages and soldiers for hire. An opportunity for payment is offered.

All hired shall receive no more or less then 8,000 bits upon completion of the desired task.

Food, lodging and other expenses shall be provided for.

 

*Beneath the few words lay instructions on how to arrive to a manor house, near Rockwington a few miles into the mountains and hills near by*

 

 

 

Razor sighed, as thunder boomed outside. The heavy storm rain battered viciously against the wide window of the study as he sat at the desk. He looked over his missive, one he had sent out several days ago now. He hoped the offered payment would attract somegriffon or pony who could handle the task he had need of aid for.

 

Otherwise.....otherwise...

 

"Don't think about it." He grunted, lifting the bottle of cider to his beak and took a big gulp. He shook his head and ruffled the feathers upon his head with a  haggard sigh.

 

If any would come, they would arrive by the road that lead up to his home. The road should be safe, even despite the vicious storm that roared outside. Though, that had been a....different time.

 

Now.....now he wasn't so sure.

 

-----------------------------

 

The road leading up to the house, had long been carved ages ago, yet still bore the signs of use. It wound up through mountain and hill, giving any who traveled a wide view out into open sky and a drop to a forest below. A high place to build a home, yet in the distance could be seen Rockwington, its buildings nothing more then dark shapes momentarily made clear when thunder and lightning boomed over head.

 

The mountains seem like teeth in this storm. Teeth of a great beast that waited to bite down on any foolish enough to travel the road during this night.

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Aranak stared at the paper he had found, advertising a job for anyone that would take it. Well, for eight thousand bits, he could at least go see what he would need to do. If it came down to it, he could likely just take the money and leave. He read over the directions to the meeting place until he memorized them, sighing slightly before stepping out into the rain as he set out for the mountains. Normally, he would fly, but he didn't want to risk it with the storm raging. 

 

At least he hadn't been too far from the mountain, and he was soon making his way up the road towards the house on top, keeping an eye out for anything dangerous or useful. He was being careful with his footing because of the rain, but he was still making good time up the slope, soon reaching the building itself. He walked straight up to the door and knocked loudly, the large dragon waiting impatiently for the door to open so he could get out of the rain.

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Slim Chance smiled from beneath her hood as the house came into view.  Not that a walk in the rain would deter her any, but her cloak was doing a mediocre job of keeping the rain out.  It wasn't it's fault she begrudgingly supposed, as it wasn't made for rain this heavy, but that didn't stop it from being annoying.  And even if it were a beautiful, sunny day, she'd still be eager to get going.  She was looking forward to this adventure, and truth be told she needed the bits too.  The last expedition turned out to be a bust, and then there was the incident with the professor's bag...suffice to say, she had a few things to replace and not that much money with which to do so.

 

Fortunately for her, the journey back had taken her group through Rockwington.  That it itself wasn't especially helpful, but it turned out there was somepony- or more likely, some griffon, in need of a few skilled hooves for some mysterious purpose.  That the paper, which 'Chance had nabbed and stored in her saddlebag, didn't mention anything about just what the task was only sweetened the deal.  She wasn't sure she could have resisted even if she hadn't needed the money.  As it was, she could tell herself she needed this, all while solving mysteries, defeating foes and generally making a grand mess.  She grinned wider just thinking about it, unable to fully contain herself.

 

As she approach the house, the yellow mare discovered she wasn't the first one here.  She heard the dragon before she saw it through the rain, the booms of claws pounding on the door audible even through the storm.  “Heh,” 'Chance muttered to herself as she closed the distance, “dragons and their gold, I guess.”

Reaching the door itself, 'Chance squeezed past the dragon, to she end up under the slight overhang above the door.  It wasn't much help, but every little bit counted in this weather, even if she was already fairly soaked.  She offered a polite, “Evening,” to the dragon when he took a break between knocks, and mused to herself.  Dragons weren't that common a sight in Equestria, doubly so in the so-called civilized areas, so he could only be here for the same reason she was.

 

Oh yeah, this was gonna be good.

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A black coated griffon studied the finished pommel as she slowly turned it in her hand. It took her seven tries, but this was it! "Perfect", she cooed. There would be time for detailing and decoration once she was finished with the entire project. She turned away from her forge as her name was called out. "Hey Zelda!" This came from an a unicorn mare decked out in an brown jacket and cap. Several packages magically floated behind her as she entered the griffon's personal workshop. Once the packages were set down and signed for, the mare started to head back out but stopped, "Oh, saw this on our peg board, so I made a copy.", the delivery pony hoofed over a small wanted notice. "See you next week!", she added with a wink before trotting off.
 
Zelda glanced at the paper before she started to crumble it up, but stopped. The address! "Wait a second.", she growled as she reread the advert once again. "Rockwington..Manor...address...Celestia's baggy underwear! That's Razor's family home! Wonder what that little schlimazel is up to?!" Worrying that her old friend was in trouble, she tossed the pommel aside and quickly made her way towards a large chest. What was going on with the little bird? Was he in trouble? Maybe something happened to his parents? Oh maybe even Glimmer! After removing her oil tanned blacksmith apron, the griffon took out a pair of boots, which she slid over her feet. The next was pair of light weight, griffon steel armor that she made for herself a few years go. This slid nearly over her trusty overalls. After grabbing 'Mister Bonk', her traveling hammer, Zelda quickly found her pack, filled it with essential goodies and headed off to the train station. Her workload could wait! Her little buddy needed help!
 
 
After getting off at the Rockwington station, the griffon took to the skies. She had flown to the Ironclaw Manor a few times during her lifetime, and could find the place even during the darkest of nights, which thanks to the rain, it was. "Ah nutbunnies.", she grumbled to herself as the rain started to fall. Thankfully, she managed to arrive on prosperity before the weather got even worse. She noticed two strangers were already waiting by the entrance. She started to reach for her hammer, but realized these were probably just there for the job. The cute little yellow mare was probably the 'mage' and the dragon was the 'mercenary' or the ' soldiers for hire'? Oh wait, weren't those two the same?"
 
She scooted towards the door with the others, "Heya.", she nodded at the pair before taking it out on Razor's door. "Hey Pencil-Beak! Open the door! We're freezing our tuches off over here!" She was more than annoyed he did not outright ask for her help. Razor had more than a few friends who were brave and would eagerly jump to his aid if called. But instead he was relying on strangers for aid!
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Thunder boomed once more as you travel up the road to the manor. When the great building comes into your sights, it seems more a fort then a house. The walks are made from strong, tough stone, and cornered with four great towers. Each with a ballistae at the top. And before that is a stone wall, the gates though open allowing access to the house, surrounded its perimeter. Whoever lived here, obviously believed they would be attacked at anytime and took security very seriously.

 

Or maybe they were just overly paranoid.

 

As you knock, the sound of locks unlocking and the sound of something big and heavy being moved comes from within. Then one of the double doors opens, and bright light floods out to greet you, momentarily blinding you in the change in light, and stands before you a single griffon. A sharp pointed blade of a sword pointed at you.

 

-----------------

 

Razor heard the knocking immediately, and staggered his way down from the study to the door. He flew up to the top of the great double door and began going down, removing the locks. Reaching the bottom, he then slowly drew his sword at his side as he opened the door and thrust it foreward so that it was between him and whoever....

 

...or whatever, was outside.

 

"Ah....you are-Zelda?" Razor said, then noticing his griffonness friend.

 

Razor, did not look a pretty sight. Bandages were wrapped around his chest and body tightly. Over his left eye was another tightly bound bandage and while he held a blade in one claw, in his other he held a half finished bottle of cider. It was quiet apparent he had been drinking heavily for sometime as he staggered backwards slightly. One of his wings was also tightly wrapped and even his feathers and fur looked burnt and haggard.

 

And his eye, at leas the one not covered by a bandage, was heavy with dark rings. As if he had not been sleeping well.

 

"What are you....no. Wait. Let me guess, you are answering my missive as these two are." Razor said to Zelda, looking at the dragon and unicorn.

 

A dragon! Yes that may be useful. Strong and powerful. They would need such strength. And a unicorn, magic may be a saving light.

 

But he had not expected someone he knew.....this would be.....complicated now.

 

"Enter. Into the light. Welcome good compatriots to Manor Iron. Of the Ironclaw clan. I am Razor, for those of you who do not know me. Current patron of this house. You are my guests, and so my house is yours."

 

Razor allowed the mercs to enter before shutting the door. Then he proceeded to begin relocking the doors, even a large wooden beam that barred the door. He huffed, as if exhausted but turned to meet the newcomers.

 

"The weather must have made your trip weary. Come, for now relax and recover. The baths are below down there."  He said, pointing to a hall that seemed to lead to a basement, "Rooms have been prepared upstairs and our cooks prepared a fair meal still hot before they left for their homes. The armory is on the right there. Leave your weapons there for now."

 

The entire house was big on the inside, and despite its Spartan exterior, was very homey and lovely inside. Portraits of famous battles decorated the walls, as did a few vases upon tables. Pink curtains and flowers decorated the windows and the vases. And all the halls were lined with torch stands; all of which supported a burning torch that it filled every crack and cranny with light.

 

"And, accept these as signs of trust and friendship." Razor said, pulling three sheathed daggers from a pack at his side. The sheathes were decorated with an emblem of a steel colored talon, the palm lined with an old griffon saying for "By Iron we live. By Iron we die." "This shows I trust you to walk armed with something in my home. But I will still hold the greater weapon should you break that trust."  He motioned to his blade.

 

Well, maybe the dragons fire was better...but it was all symbolism.

 

Razour coughed, then pulled back on the bottle downing the rest of the cider, "Right. Cemermony symbolism done. Now, refresh yourselves. We eat in an hour."  Razor went to walk off, but he staggered and fell flat on his face.

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Well, someone was asking for a beating. He glared down at the pony that had pushed her way past him, a short growl escaping his throat, though he said nothing else. He would remember that later. For now, a griffon had joined them, making the dragon the only male in the small group, not that he really minded. Soon after that, he could hear the door being unlocked, and it opened to reveal a male griffon pointing a sword at the three. He really looked to have seen better days, with his heavily bandaged form. He also seemed to know the female griffon, revealing her name to be Zelda before he ushered them all inside.

 

Aranak moved inside with the others, gazing around at the inside of the building as the male spoke, talking about where things were in his house that needed mentioning. The male, Razor, if he had heard right, then gave the three of them one dagger each. He took his, looking at it until Razor threatened them by saying he had the better blade. Aranak gave the male an even gaze, holding it even as Razor finished his drink. He gave a snort as the griffon walked away and fell flat on his face. Walking up next to the prone griffon, Aranak looked down at him before speaking.

 

"It would be a trivial matter to finish you in your current state. Luckily for you, I have no desire to do that. Word of advice though, don't make threats you can't back up." He said simply before continuing on and walking to the rooms, claiming the best one he could find that was available. It would likely be easier to fight with his bare claws, but still, he strapped the knife onto his otherwise bare body, save his necklace, placing it so it would be easy to draw if he needed it. He would stay, for now. At least until the point that he knew what this job entailed.

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The dragon didn't take kindly to Slim Chance pushing past him, glaring daggers at her as she sat under the awning.  A sensitive one, him, if a little pony pushing him a bit was enough to both him.  'Chance took a moment to get a closer look at him.  Dragons were always impressive beasts, all spikes, muscle, and armoured scales, and this one was no exception.  If she agitated him too much and he got aggressive, well, the chances of a lone unicorn being able to take on a dragon were very slim.  Heh.  Slim Chance smiled when he looked the other way.

Still, it wouldn't help anything to antagonize him just now and it would probably be the better idea to avoid bothering the dragon where possible, so she held her tongue for the moment.

 

After a few moments waiting the two of them were joined by a third, bringing the party up to a dragon, a unicorn and a griffon.  They made an odd group.  'Chance had to wonder just what you'd need a group like this for.  The newcomer also seemed to know the guy hiring help.  Slim Chance didn't have long to ponder it however, as a series of clacking noises from the door shortly preceded its opening.  'Chance paused, looked down the path one more time and wondering if anyone else would be joining them, before following the other two inside.

 

The griffon who met them at the door, presumably their client, was quite a sight.  Razor, as he'd introduced himself, pointing a sword at the group and wavering a bit.  Not that those of those were surprising, he was far enough out of town that caution might be the right approach, and she could imagine a pony or griffon turning to drink if they were cooped up in a house like this too long.  No, it was that he was covered head-to-claw in bandages.  Whatever was happening to him, it seemed to have happened already, though 'Chance supposed it might come back to finish the job.  That in itself didn't explain a lot though, as she could attest there were one thousand and one ways to injure yourself, and though it might be harder to earn the 'full mummy look' the bandages also somewhat concealed just what sort of wounds they were.

Razor's mannerisms weren't helping things.  Something about it seemed overly dramatic, and Slim Chance couldn't tell if he was putting on a show of sorts, for whatever reason, or if he just talked that way all the time.  She supposed she'd have to wait to find out, though she was getting kinda tired of all the things she needed to wait to find out.  At least she recognized the passing out of daggers for what it was, a ritual of sorts.  Nothing really sinister or magical there though, just a roundabout way of telling a pony they were welcome in your home, with some restrictions as they weren't that trusted yet.  Completely understandable, in her eyes.

 

Apparently the dragon didn't get it, and immediately turned around and almost-threatened their client, saying he could hurt the griffon if he so chose, dagger or no.  Slim Chance finally failed to contain herself.  “Oh cripes-IT'S A RITUAL!  You don't need to prove anything, that's just how he's letting us into his home!”  Come on!  It was not she was any less capable.  She hadn't needed to bring any weapons to be dangerous, the dagger was technically an upgrade, but you didn't see her going on about it!

Slim Chance sighed.  One way or another, so much for getting along with her new teammates.  Her patience already thin, she turned to Razor.  Though she had to wait a moment, as he'd faceplanted.  She gave him a moment to get up and collect his thoughts before talking at him.  “Alright, what's this about?  None of us can help you if we don't have a clue what's going on.”  As something of a thrill-seeker, she was all for a little danger.  But it was one thing to live dangerously, jumping into a pit blindfolded was something else entirely.  She wanted to know what she was getting into, and so far had only been teased by a distinct lack of answers.

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“Yeah, of course it’s me. Stop being such a silly er..”, the black griffon couldn’t help but let out an gasp as she finally got a good look at her friend. He apparently got into a fight with an steamroller and lost. She started to open her beak, but clammed up when he spoke. Once he was finished, she continued, “No, I'm answering your missive...Missive? Is that even a thing?", she quickly shook her head, "Sorry, I'm answering your advert because you're my friend and I was worried about you. I mean, seriously what the heck happened to you?", she managed to fight off the urge to hug the little guy, knowing he generally felt uncomfortable with such a thing, and considering she was wearing armor and he was like that, it would have made things worse.

 

"I would have brought Fire Walker and some of her R.E.A buddies, but the gal just vanished. After Sir Swift Squall passed during the Crystal Empire invasion, she had to leave Equestria. Not permanently of course."  The blacksmith turned sculptor had just finished working on a full sized statue of her friend's former fiancé before getting the call from Razor. The statue would soon be installed in an park which honored the young philanthropist. "And while I'm more than happy to accept the warmth of your home and even a nibble, I'm not taking a single bit from you. Not now, not never."

 

She left her hammer at the armory as there was no reason she needed to drag it around the house. She glanced at the assorted weapons and armor, curious to see if she had made any of it. "Er, thanks?", why in the world was he passing out daggers? She could never use a weapon such as this, and as she was about to hand it back, she noticed the griffon's family crest which marked the blade. She overheard her two new companions as they spoke. Razor probably should watch his beak. While pony-folk tended to be even-tempered, quick to befriend and hard to anger, the little griffon should mind his manners when speaking to a dragon! She would probably want to speak to the pair alone. "Yeah, she's right as I'd sure like to know...oh."

 

As quick as the griffon was, Zelda was not fast enough to catch her friend before he nearly drove his beak into the floor. "Oh Sweet Celestia.", she helped her friend up, "Let me help my old pal up. Get him somewhere comfortable, and then when it's time to eat, HE WILL tell us everything." this sounded more like an order than a suggestion. Knowing he still had some pride left in him, she did not lift the smaller bird, but helped him up, "Where can I put you? Bed? Couch? You need to stay off your feet for the moment. Relax.", she continued in a whisper, "Do your parents know what's going on? How about Glimmer?", she hoped to the high heavens his sister did not see him this way. She worshiped the ground he walked, and the air he flew, and to see him like this, would have broken her itty bitty heart.
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The wind whistled on the janky road Dunder was trotting along. He would have preferred to fly, but he saw other pegasi forming clouds in the area. He decided not to interfere with their work and just trot on the ground to his location. He paused a moment in his trot to pull the flyer out of one of his pouches. Somehow a job for Rockwington found its way to Cloudsdale. Whoever needed help must have been desperate. He mostly hoped the job would be exciting, the address was for a manor, and he was getting tired of security work.

As soon as Dunder caught sight of his target location, the sky decided it would be time to begin the weather. Dunder pulled his hat down a little more snugly on his head as he trotted. There was no rush anyway, not like the manor would disappear.

Even the rain couldn't wash away some of the tracks that led up to the manor. It seemed that he was gonna be late to the party, but the tracks were fresh enough. Maybe these new visitors wouldn't be too ahead of him.

When Dunder reached the door of the manor, he could hear some talking and shuffling inside. Close to the door too, maybe he wasn't as late as he thought. Just to be sure, though, he pulled out his dagger hidden under his saddlebag and held it behind his hindleg before knocking three times hard. His hoof behind his hindleg held down his furred cloak that covered him from flapping too violently in the wind. The only thing on him that could be seen beside his head coming out of his cloak was his wide brimmed hat with a deep red feather sticking up off the side with a couple pink flowers attached over the base of the feather.

"I am here for the job! Open up before I become a popsicle!"

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Razor groaned, as he lay there on the ground. He nodded at the dragons words, if just because in his condition he was probably less threatening looking then normal. In fact....the floor felt kinda nice. Of course, he didn't have long to enjoy it before he felt himself being lifted up. His head lulled a bit to the side, and he saw that Zelda was helping him up.

 

Normally he would have freaked, but his head was just so....fuzzy right now. So he leaned himself against her for support as he walked on shakey legs to a couch set near one of the windows by the door.

 

"I'll...tell you...all at....dinner." Razor said, sitting down on the couch. And if he didn't, Zelda would probably force him to spill the beans.

 

And that would probably be worse then.......then....

 

'worse then them.' He thought, a shiver of fear running across his body as he covered his head with his talons.

 

 

 

 "Do your parents know what's going on? How about Glimmer?"

 

 

Razor froze, his talons slowly sliding off his head and he lifted his head to stare out the window. Eyes wide and focused.

 

"She's....she's safe. Mom too. I....I sent them away.....sent them away to my brothers in Talonopolis.....They'll be safe there.....maybe." He started shaking a bit, and his breathing came in short breathes...

 

"My...my father.....my father....is safe to. He is safe." Despite his words, Razor covered his head with his talons again, moaning slightly, and shook his head side to side. Finally he snarled and slammed his talon into the wall, and he looked back and Zelda and Slim with near wild eyes.

 

"Safe....they're all safe. They will be safe!" His eyes seem to burn with conviction to those words, before the drink reasserted itself and he let his body fall limp on the couch again. He just laid there, shaking.

 

Then came a knock at the door.

 

Razor looked to the door, his talons gripping his sword tightly as he tried to rise once more to answer it. But he swayed and leaned onto the couch once more.

 

"Please....get....the door." Razor muttered, pointing to the door with a shaky talon.

 

 

 

 

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Hmm... That pony... He would have to keep an eye on that one. Actually, he would be keeping an eye on all of them, as he didn't trust any of them as of yet. He really didn't have anything to do in this room, and he did not want to simply sit around waiting for dinner to be ready, so the dragon stood up and exited the room, heading back into the main room where the other three were still standing around. Well, their host had been helped to a couch, it seemed, but that appeared to be the only change.

 

Aranak had arrived just in time to hear Razor's request that one of them get the door, and the dragon shrugged to himself before heading over to answer the door. He undid all the locks again before opening the door, looking down at the stallion for a couple seconds before speaking.

 

"You here for the job? If so, get in here and talk to the griffon on the couch. Otherwise, leave. He's definitely not in any shape to be entertaining random guests." He said simply, leaving a path open for the pony to enter through. Well, that would be two males and two females, assuming this pegasus was here for the job and Razor wasn't going to be coming along. Even if that griffon did come along, he would be more trouble than help, especially if they were to be going against anything dangerous.

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Slim Chance like a good mystery as much as the next mare, maybe more so, but this was just getting silly.  Given his appearance it was obvious that something was bothering Razor, and given that he'd taken to drinking that thing wasn't happening at the moment.  This would be the perfect time to explain, to talk about it so maybe something could be done, but noooOOOOooo, he had to be all cryptic about it.  In other circumstances 'Chance might think it was something embarrassing, but for the life of her she couldn't imagine how 'embarrassing thing' and 'hiring heavily armed mercenaries'.

The other griffon, whose name was Zelda if their client remembered right, assured them that answers would be given at dinner one way or another, before turning back to helping her friend.  Then Zelda started to ask about the state of Razor's family, which Slim Chance quickly tuned out.  Not that she didn't care, but it already seemed clear to her that the rest of the family wasn't here, which meant the specifics of it were lost on her.

 

A knock at the door proved a pleasing distraction for a moment.  Well look at that, it seemed there was another pony coming after all!  Being closer to the door, the dragon, made it there before Slim Chance could.  His words to the newcomer, a grey pegasus wearing a cloak, were probably a lot more aggressive than they needed to be.  But hay, it got the job done.  And the dragon had graduated from threatening their client, to threatening random passersby in defence of their client, that was an improvement right?

Still, Slim Chance took a moment to wave and smile at the newcomer from behind the dragon, hoping to show that they weren't all quite so prickly.

 

And now, there was little left to do but wait.  Slim Chance couldn't push Razor in his current condition, which left her with...not much.  According to the plan, she'd be getting her answers in an hour's time.  So now she just needed a way to kill an hour.  Looking around, the first thing she noted was the size and style of the manor.  If nothing else, she could always go explore the house for a bit, it was bound to at least have a good portrait or two.

A thought hit her.  Right!  One of this band of 'mercenaries' actually seemed to be a friend of Razors- Zelda was her name, if 'Chance remembered right.  While it seemed pretty obvious that the other griffon didn't know what was going on any more than she did, Zelda was the most likely to have some clues.

Once their client looked to be settled, or at least as much as he could be in his current state, Slim Chance casually walked over to the black griffon.  “So, I don't suppose this sort of thing happens often?”  If it had, Zelda would likely know how to deal with it.  If not, hopefully there were still some clues to be found here.

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As her old friend spoke, the black griffon quickly gave the little bird’s bandages a good lookover, making sure they were set properly and did not need to be changed.  She noted that Razor mentioned that his mother and sister were sent away. What about the old general, his father? While he was hardly the most affectionate of sires, she knew if Ironclaw found whoever did this to his youngest of sons, the perpetrator might as well check himself into the nearest graveyard. “Just remember this, please be honest and open when you discuss the ‘job’ with the others. You don’t need to give them your life story, and you don’t need to be grumpy and brooding, because you want these guys to want to help you, and hopefully not just see you as a claw holding a bag of bits to their faces. I would also be very careful when dealing with the dragon. Do not assume he is a fool. His species is a complete mystery to me. The guy could be our age, or he could be hundreds of years old. Size has nothing to do with age for them.”, she whispered, “I’ve worked with his kind before. They can be a little rough around the edges, but when treated well, they can be allies without equal.”
 
“Will do.”, she nodded her head as she was asked to check the door, “Just relax and remember what I told yah.”
 
As the black griffon made her way back towards the entrance of the house, she noticed that the dragon was already in the process of dealing with whoever was at the door. This would be a good test already. If the guy behind the door was up to no good, or not the type to be going on such an mission, he or she would have probably fled on spot once they got a good look at the large reptile. Thankfully, the pretty mare made her way over to have a few words with her. The black bird always enjoyed interacting with pony-kind. They were brave, resourceful, clever and generally made incredibly loyal friends. The road of history was littered with the bones of fools and villains who underestimated their kind.
 
“No..”, she shrugged her shoulders as she spoke, “Out of all of my friends, Razor probably has the most ‘normal’ of lives that I know of.” The voice behind the door sounded slightly familiar. Who could it be? “He has a rather interesting family, most of them are in the military, and the bird himself can be a little punchy at times, but I seriously doubt he has any enemies. Just hope he did not get himself mixed up in anything crazy...Oh wait..I know that voice..Please excuse me.”, she smiled ever so politely before making her way towards the door, which the dragon kept open.
 
“HEY DUNDER-BUTT!”, she quickly made her way towards her friend and wrapped her front legs around the brown pony and covered his fuzzy face with swift beaky kisses, “I haven’t seen you in like four or five evers! Get your cute hinder indoor and meet the crew.”, she lead the sword-pony indoors and quickly shut and locked the door behind them. “Razor...eh..”, she lost her smile, “Is going to go into details about our little job..Er, you do know that this involved him right?”, she just assumed he knew where the bird lived, “He just needs to rest for a moment, and we’ll have a nice little meal while we do so.”
 
“Oh, and meet the gang. This is..er..”, looks like they already had forgotten something. “We never introduced ourselves, did we?”, she had been too wrapped up with Razor to meet the two original members of the team. “Let’s start this over. I’m Zelda..And you are..”
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Dunder was greeted by a hulking figure that opened the door. A dragon no less. He began speaking, not even giving Dunder a chance to respond and being rude the whole time. The stallion didn't even grace the rude overgrown-lizard with a response as he trotted inside. Though, he spotted a mare around the dragon who was nice enough to give Dunder a smile and a wave. He returned the smile and wave. It was good to see that there were others in the manor that were nic--

Suddenly griffon out of nowhere, all over his face and all over his neck. He could recognize that voice and those kisses anywhere. "ZELDA!" After her flurry of kisses, he returned a few, making sure one kiss was especially sweet for her. "And you got a tattoo?" He asked as he examined her foreleg and the light blue design on it. Of course, afterwards she was too excited to just let him go. He was dragged a few pony lengths into the house. Metal audibly clanked under his cloak, but of course the strong griffoness still dragged him like he was nothing. Mid drag he caught glimpse of a bandage covered griffon on the couch. Eugh. No wonder he was asking for help. And at the mention of food everything became so much better.

"Oh~ Dinner and everything. And I don't have to pay this time." He said, followed by a chuckle.

After Zelda suggested introductions, Dunder nodded and looked at the others, "I am Dunder Blust."

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Razor nodded his head, though if it was in response to Zelda's words or just part of his shaking was difficult to tell. He looked over as the door was opened and a Pegasus entered. He seemed familiar, but his memory was especially fuzzy tonight.

 

He pushed himself slowly off the couch, and took a few hesitant steps onto the floor. His legs shook, but he kept himself standing.

 

"Dunder." He nodded, and said no more as he walked toward a door.

 

Razor looked back at the group and said, "Introduce yourselves to each other.....then...come in and eat. And I will.....tell you everything." He pushed open the door, stumbling into the room.

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Aranak gave a little snort as the pony trotted in without a word. He hadn't really been expecting any, that's why he had given the two options in the first place. The dragon closed the door again and locked it before turning to the others. It seemed the stallion knew the female griffin already, and now they were starting introductions.

He listened as the identity of the two was revealed, leaving the only one he didn't know to be the mare. The dragon looked at them for a moment before speaking as well.

"My name is Aranak." He said, waiting for the mare to speak before he moved off towards the room Razor had disappeared into, as he had said to join him for dinner when they were done.

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Slim Chance's little talk with Zelda was informative, but not in the way she'd like.  By the sound of things, Razor had just enough danger and adventure in his blood that something like this could happen, but he wasn't the sort of griffon to attract it or seek it out.  So, it wasn't common enough to make sense, and it wasn't unlikely enough for that to be noteworthy either.  Bah.  Yet again, she was halted in her tracks until the eventual dinner conversation.

Apparently the Zelda knew the newcomer, another friend of Razor's come to help out if the conversation was anything to go by.  The black griffon ran off to greet him, leaving 'Chance alone with her thoughts.  Just as well really, the unicorn had a different idea about how to kill time, and who was she to butt into their reunion anyways?

 

She was about to head off into the bowels of the mansion when the gang all started to introduce themselves, partially at Razor's behest. The griffon also suggested that they might come in to eat after that.  Slim Chance was hopeful that should wouldn't have to wait the full hour, though she curbed her excitement.  Razor wasn't in the best shape to make judgments of time, and in his current state he might just be thinking things out of order.  Still, as she'd thought before, no reason to be rude.

 

Slim Chance rejoined the group just as they started.  She had already picked up Zelda's name, but the other two she heard for the first time.  The newcomer, a pegasus, introduced himself as Dunder Blust, and dragon went by Aranak.  Of course, they all made a silly mistake: the ones that already knew each other didn't need the introduction, and if they didn't already know each other what good was a name?  Aside from just a way to point out a pony (or griffon, or dragon).

Slim Chance would lead by example.  “Slim Chance at your service,” she said with a little bow and flourish of a hoof, “Adventurer, amateur archaeologist and all-around troublemaker,” she added with a sly grin.  Yeah, she was hamming it up a bit.  But hey!  That was half the fun of these sorts of things, right?

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“Oh..heh.”, the black griffon blushed a little as she realized she was doing more than ‘leading’ the stallion into Razor’s home, but actually dragging him along as well. It was safe to assume she missed her old friend. Once she released Dunder, Zelda then ‘properly’ lead her friend into the house. “Oh, this?”, she glanced at her new markings which started near her right elbow and flowed into one of her claws. “Got this at a little tattoo parlor during a business trip in Manehatten. I rather like it. Didn't go crazy like some ponies and get one on my face, but it turned out rather nicely. You should have met the tattoo-pony. He reminded me about you in a few ways."
 
Her mood quickly changed as she noticed Razor had already his 'nap'. "Wish he wouldn't do that.", she let out a dramatic sigh, "Whoever did that to my lit..er, pal is gonna get that times one hundred! Come on and meet the others.."
 
 
PyroBlaze, on 10 May 2015 - 1:56 PM, said:
"My name is Aranak." He said, waiting for the mare to speak before he moved off towards the room Razor had disappeared into, as he had said to join him for dinner when they were done.
 
"He's not what you'd call, a chatty fellow, doncha think?", the griffon added before the mare made her presence known.
 
 
DerpRavener, on 12 May 2015 - 5:56 PM, said:
Slim Chance would lead by example.  “Slim Chance at your service,” she said with a little bow and flourish of a hoof, “Adventurer, amateur archaeologist and all-around troublemaker,” she added with a sly grin.  Yeah, she was hamming it up a bit.  But hey!  That was half the fun of these sorts of things, right?
 
The griffon's sourness quickly vanished in a wake of pure mare adorableness. Her eyes curled up into pure happiness as the mare spoke. She loved these guys! Ponies were the best! She loved their squishy hooves and their cute behinds and everything else about them, including their names! Generally, just hearing one's name would give one a good idea what sort of pony you would be dealing with. Although 'Dunder' was a bit odd. Maybe he should have been called 'Pokey'.
 
Once the names had been passed around, Zelda started to make her way to the dining room. "Come on Dunder-boy and Miss Slim." Hopefully Razor had something in his kitchen suitable for dragons and ponies.
 
 
 
 
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The tattoo artist reminded the griffon of the pegasus. "Hmmm.... I met one tattoo artist. A grey stallion with blue mane and tail. Chains, piercings, and tats everywhere. He was nothing like me though." Dunder said, as he explained his gaze drifted to Razor who was obviously in no condition to be walking around. "Yeah, we'll make sure that his attackers have paid by the end of this." Dunder didn't know Razor that well, but the griffon seemed familiar. And if Dunder didn't remember him instantly, he must not have wronged the stallion. Anyway, Zelda seemed very defensive of the little griffon.

And then they began introductions. The dragon was obviously choosing to keep his introduction closed and short. And the mare made her intoduction longer. She was the bubblier type and the dragon was the confrontational type. This should be fun.

Dunder planned on sticking with Zelda for the most part though, it was easier that way.

And now as off to eat, "I wonder if the chefs have made griffon food, it has been a while since I've eaten that stuff." Dunder said as he trotted in next to Zelda. "Maybe tomorrow I will cook. I hardly get to cook for my friends anymore."

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The dining hall was a large and lavish room. A large and long oak table of golden fringe and silver entice works decorated the center of the room. The table could seat a group of at least thirty ponies, and upon it sat a feast of proportions. A mixture of foods, from cooked meats and fish, to vegetables and fruits. Sauces and pies and soups and glasses of wine and cider. At the table were set plates and utensils for all that sat down.

 

On the far side of the room sat a huge glass window, and outside the storm still rained down hard. But in the distance, was the sight of a cliff side and the dark outline of buildings shape.

----------------

 

 

Razor sat at the head of the table, slouched slightly in his chair, he stood straight and offered all who entered a nod.

 

"Welcome. Behold our feast. King crab. Sword fish. Scalloped potatoes. Roasted turkey and delicious cooked ham for our predatory friends. And for my pony guests, I offere succulent grapes and tropical fruit. Salads lined with the freshest of rose petals and soups. As well as a fine aged wine and the finest of ciders from Sweet Apple Acres. Sit and eat. Fill your bellies...." Razor paused as he began to set himself his own plate with food.

 

"eat....for it may be the last meal any of us take." He finished as he decided he had taken a hefty sum and set it down by his chair and began to eat.

 

he waited till all were seated and eating, and allowed himself to tear with a vicious savagery at a nice hunk of pork. He paused somewhat during his meal and looked to the others.

 

"I suppose...now you all wish to know what you are to do?" Razor asked, as he looked to each one gathered.

 

He poured himself some cider, but did not drink yet, "Look out the window...and see the great castle of my family." He turned his head, as the lightning roared and flared to give the briefest sight of an old castle built into the side of the cliff.

 

"THat...is Castle Iron. The ancestral home of my family...and where your job will lead you. Led us all." Razor looked back at all, and paused to eat some more.

 

"This....does not tell you though the true reason for your being here....so listen well for this tale is true...and I will test your hearts in its words to see if you are up for the task I require of you." Razor glared at all with an iron look. A look that was waiting to judge and decide upon their souls.

 

"Seven days ago....my father and I were within the castle's halls. They stretch far and down into the cliff and event the earth below for the many generations of my family have built upon the original foundations and halls of our families home. Many of those halls have not seen any life in nearly four thousand years and more. Some since the first founding of our clan."

 

Razor sipped his cider, shook his head as he continued, "During our searches in the older tunnels....seeking old documents of our family and artifacts that strengthen our position amongst the many other houses of Aquila....we stumbled upon a forgotten cavern. We ventured forth, to see what secrets lay within."

 

"As we moved, we learned that the cavern was but one of a large complex that went far deeper then any of the family halls and we began to hire workers to aid in the clearing of these old caves, thinking we would discover something lost and old that would be of great value. How I wish we never had done so..." 

 

Razor covered his face with his claw, and dug his talons into his skin as his body shook and he took a shivered breath, "We worked hard...until we discovered.....that....that....that cursed portal. That temple of antidilluvian horror!"

 

"Something....waiting in the dark.....something old...and hungry....in our workings....we woke it up. And cursed ourselves!" Razor started to shiver and he hugged himself now as he rocked back and forth as he began remembering.

 

"From out of those ancient halls and caves, soon came upon us in hordes....twisted creatures of darkest nightmare. Horrors of the mind made flesh and given weapons to rend flesh!" Razor began to hyperventilate, as he spoke now.

 

"The workers died first. The bodies torn and mangled first before we even knew to defend ourselves. As the dying screamed and the monsters struck, my father and I attempted to flee. But the terrible creatures persued us still into the halls. We fought as we could, retreating as we did....but they were so many...and we just two."

 

Razor placed a claw to his bandages, "As we fled, my father and I were separated and though I tried to reach him, I could not face those horrors alone least I die.....and the shadows spoke and whispered horrors. The death screams howling in the night and I could not bear it....and so I continued....fleeing."

 

"I fled, laughing and wailing as my mind seemed to break under the torments of the darkness...until my consciousness failed me." Razor said, starting to laugh now and hold his head, which then became sobs.

 

It took him a few moments to recover himself, but finally he went on, "When I awoke....those messages were already on their way out. I could do nothing else but wait, and tend to my wounds. And now you are here....I now ask you this. Help me."

 

Razor looked at all gathered, and his eyes seemed to plead, "Please....I ask you. Aid me! Help me reclaim my families ancient home. Help me find and save my father and delivery this land from this terrible darkness that seeks to devour everything in sight."

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Well, he supposed it was good to know his teammates' names. He headed into the dining room, returning Razor's nod before taking a seat near the head of the table. He grabbed a plate filled with meat, beginning to eat his way through the pile as the griffon began speaking, telling them his story and why he had called for help. The dragon paused as the story reached the point that it was revealed they had found something during their search of their castle. Nightmare monsters? What exactly was going on here?

 

"Hmm... I suppose I can help you out with your little problem" He said, pouring himself a glass of the cider and taking a large swig of the liquid. He then placed the glass down on the table before eating more of the meat in front of him. "This sounds like an interesting little problem. It wouldn't be good for anyone if those monsters got out of that castle."

 

Honestly, he didn't fully believe this story, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Usually he didn't care much for the troubles of others, but this could become a problem for him later on, so it may as well be dealt with now while he would have help from these others. He calmly ate his food, his mind going through what kind of things he might have to go up against in that old castle.

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There was an impressive spread that had been laid out for them in the dining room, which accommodated both the herbivores and the carnivores among them.  Slim chance had to admit to a slight unease at the sight of the meats.  Although she had done a fair amount of travelled, she hadn't quite gotten comfortable with the idea of someone eating flesh, even disguised as it was.

But she didn't let it show.  It's not like griffons and dragons chose their physiologies.  It wasn't their fault that meat was a part of their diet.  Razor had gone out of his way to accommodate her type as well, so even if a little unnerving this was just another aspect of him being a good host.  And besides, though not often she'd seen much more disturbing.

Slim Chance snatched up a few of her favourite fruits that she spotted, along with some salad, and after a moment's thought reached over and took a few of the potatoes.  She couldn't quite bring herself to try any of the meats themselves, but she didn't often get to try Aquellan cooking and she wasn't about to pass this up completely.

 

"I suppose...now you all wish to know what you are to do?"

 

Once they'd all gotten themselves settled, the moment Slim Chance had been waiting for finally arrived.  The story began innocently enough, with Razor and his father familiarizing themselves with the castle belonging to the family.  Slim Chance's eyes lit up at the mention of secret tunnels.  As well as being a common adventure theme, they were often contained a treasure trove of valuable history, providing shelter against the elements, and grave robbers and their ilk.  She hesitated though.  Razor wouldn't be left in his current state from a little exploration alone.

It didn't take long for 'Chance to be proven right.  A decrepit castle, a portal containing an ancient evil, and father vanishing into the darkness, to say nothing of the unfortunate workers.  Slim Chance could swear she'd read this book before.  Only thing was, she hated this genre.  The good ponies were never allowed to win.  She supposed she got it on some level, it wouldn't be proper horror if the day was saved, but for the life of her she could never figure out why anypony would want to read something like that.

 

This was no book though.  While Slim Chance doubted Razor had given a completely factual account given his state of mind, for the same reason she was certain that it wasn't entirely false either.  This was no cowardice, this was a griffon who had seen something so horrible it had shaken him to his core.  Slim Chance said the first thing that came to her mind.  “I'll help in any way I can.”

That said, one thing was still bugging her about this whole affair.  The dragon clearly didn't care about a little thing like harm, and Zelda and Dunder might be too close to Razor for it to come to them, which left her.  “I gotta ask though.  Any reason you haven't talked to say,” the yellow unicorn casually waved a hoof, “the army?  I'm either the REA or the Aquellan military would be VERY interested in something like this springing up on their doorstep.  And not that I don't think we can do it, but this might be more than a four-person job.”

 

She paused for a moment, thinking to herself as she gave the others time to process the question.  “I'm gonna need to send a letter before we head out.”  Not only could this be the find of the century, but the Historical Society might also have some ideas or texts on what to do about this portal, should the group find it.

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"Yep, that sounds like Inkbrand to me.", the griffon whispered to her friend as they made their way through the home. "He's snarky, handsome, feisty and the girls couldn't get enough of him.", she added, "Sure reminds me of a certain brown Pegasus pony I know so well. Tell you the truth, I probably might have caused a riot during my little stay at his show. Too many gals, and only one stallion..Well, there was a kid there, along with Razor, so they didn't count..", she found herself running her claws though Dunder's wild mane as she spoke. "You probably don't know Razor as well as I do. We knew each other back in the old country. Well, this country. And Fire Walker and her kid sister Wind met them not that long ago. Windy is very good friends with Razor's little sister, Glimmer."
 
She gave her friend an odd look when he mentioned food, "Of course they'll have food for griffons, considering Razor is one, and he probably assumed there would be at least one of our kind popping over to help..Considering where we're at.", she felt almost sorry for her friend as he mentioned that he hardly got to cook for friends anymore. Was the poor guy lonely? "Aw Dunder, you can cook for me anytime. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner.", she added with a wink.
 
Once they were at the table, the griffon quickly scanned the area to see what goodies they had to eat. TURKEY? She had never had that before. Would that be sort of cannibalism, or at least partway? And pork was a big no-no! Thankfully the sword-fish looked awesome, along with the wine, which was a bottle of Dry Rosé, a perfect match for her fish. This was just too darn good!
 
She listened to the male griffon while she sliced up a serving of the fish. And while her eyes wanted to roll during Razor's little dramatic show, she managed to keep a straight face during the whole thing.  Ho-boy, he was really laying it thick. Zelda felt like this was some rather elaborate prank. Like her friend was just going to toss off the bandages and wish someone a happy birthday. It was true test of her constitution. She wanted to fall out of her chair and burst into laughter. Thankfully, he eventually got into why he asked for help. Secret and very spooky underground cavers and tunnels! All the cool old homes had them! When they were in high school, she and Fire Walker would sneak down into the old caverns with several of their classmates, under the mare's old Canterlot estate for a night of smooches.
 
Her slowly formed smile quickly vanished as the griffon said, 'antidilluvian horror'. Oh come on! That is so made up! From what he said, there was a good chance they just woke up a bunch of angry raccoons. Maybe with rabies.
 
Then he mentions the death. And his father RUNNING from something? What would cause the old bird to want to flee? She was tough bird, but anything that would scare the Old General would be far than anything she could handle! "I agree with Miss Slim. You should at least alert the R.E.A or Griffon Guard, heck maybe both! They could at least contain the outside of the castle while we search for your father. Maybe even supply a few spellcasters to watch our backs."
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Dunder listened to Zelda, he couldn't figure what she was saying, Dunder was nothing like the tattoo artist. But her claws exploring his messy mane under his floppy hat made the pony let out a small whinny of pleasure, "Oh, you give way better head-rubs with those claws. And I'm not snarky..." Dunder rolled the thought around his head as Zelda spoke of how she caused a riot. "Oh, Zelda. I didn't take you as the rioter type. How many windows did you smash?" He chuckled, especially at the remark about Razor. "He doesn't count? He seems masculine and strong. And of course you know him better, you seem ready to claw somepony's face off just 'cause he is hurt. I'm not sure if I'd be even able to walk 'n talk if I was in his condition." Dunder said to his feathery friend.

Dunder noted the confused expression of Zelda as he mentioned the griffon food. Her look made him feel a tad self-concious, "Oh. you know, just thinking out loud. Though I'd love to cook for you sometime. Airdrop your food through a window at your work." He smiled and chuckled as he ran a hoof over the smooth feathers of her head, revealing the pink shirt under his cloak. "I hope you like tacos, I can pump those babies out like nopony's business."

As they all entered the dining hall, the pony instantly felt smaller. Such a high ceiling and such a large table covered in food. Way too much to feed the two ponies and two griffons. Maybe enough to feed the dragon, but didn't dragons eat gems? Apparently not, the dragon was piling on enough to feed a family of diamond dogs. The smell was becoming unbearable, and the vibrant colors of the food only worsened it.

Dunder took a seat, naturally next to the black griffon. His stomach took control as he started to grab anything from the table and set it on the metal plate in front of him. He grabbed a bowl of soup and set it on his plate, then worked on securing some fruits and even a bottle of dry red wine. The pony uncorked the bottle and poured some of the contents into a goblet before slamming half of it down.

He almost forgot to listen up to Razor, so he tuned in while he started to silently drink the vegetable broth of the soup. He watched the griffon spiral into something short of total madness. He actually stopped eating just to watch and make sure Razor wasn't going to jump on the table and try to hold them all up with a butter knife.

And the story itself was a whole other beast. Dark horrors armed to the teeth that slaughtered workers? So far Dunder was skeptical, but the griffon looked legitimately scared. Why would he send out flyers advertising for mercenaries just to make them trot through some oversized basement?

Then again, Dunder should know that there are some things in Equestria that were hidden away for a reason.

Dunder took a deep breath, listening to what the others had to say about it. Might as well treat what Razor said as the truth. Either way the stallion trots away with a full purse.

"You say your father is trapped inside of your castle's basement? We should send a letter at least to the R.E.A., make sure it has your family crest, wax seal and all. Make it look real important so it gets where it needs to go fast. Even with that, there's no saying how quick either government will react, just us should move inside right now. There are lives that could be extinguished because we sat here for too long." He looked around the table at all of them. "Just send out the letters and then we should move. I don't know about you all, but my will is already written." Dunder grabbed the goblet and threw his head back as he finished the wine inside. "And if you don't see this course of action fit I'll go by myself if need be."

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Razor dropped the turkey leg he was eating onto his plate as he heard the idea of telling the army, of either Aquilla or Equestria. He slammed his talons to the table and stared at Zelda and Slim with eyes filled with horror as he shouted, "No! No one else must hear of this! No one else must know of this!"

 

Razor opened his mouth to shout more, but caught himself and with a snarl leaned back and took a breath to steady himself.

 

"Forgive me....I....I just....please....do not speak with anyone else outside this group. Not right now. Not ever if you can. I will pay double....triple...if you please just vow to keep your silence until....until I say so." He said, trying to keep calm.

 

"Please...just trust me. I...I can't let this get more notice then it already has. My family does not need this sort of thing on our name. Please, just be silent to all others on this matter."He said, sighing and praying to Faust that they would understand. If needed he would pay they six times as much. Though he would rather not go over triple.

 

"In any case....I...I have already taken precautions in informing the proper authorities in the military if things....do not go well. But that is only if things do not go well and I am dead. But while I breath, no one is to speak of this to anyone else. All we need to do is focus on finding my father and killing anything that gets in the way. Once he is safe and out of the castle, he can take care of the rest of this foul business."

 

Razor sighed and hoped he had managed to convince them all. He was such a jumble of nerves that he was finding it hard to even think straight. He looked at his talon to see it shaking.

 

"Faust I'm a mess." He muttered to himself as he reached for his turkey leg again. For such a small griffon he was eating quiet a bit.

 

For a time, the meal continued peaceful, till it was nearly done. But as the meal seemed to reach its end, and all those gathered were full did the sounds of a low beat began to grow closer.

 

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

 

A rhythmic sound of a drum perhaps, that seemed to grow closer and closer.

 

Razor went stiff and began looking around, his body shaking all over as he began to breath rapidly.

 

"No....not here....not here.....Oh Faust please not here. Not again." He moaned, a small and terrified sound as the drumming grew louder and closer and the sounds of squeals joined the chorus

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