Captain Longbeard Nineteen-names ordered the group to move forward, but a group of kobolds charged from the road leading to Dry Creek. At the same two other groups came out of the woods to the left and right. A fourth group came up behind the thirteen riders. Men on horseback blocked both the road to Dry Creek and the road back to the mine.
Longbeard said, “We can’t outrun them, we can’t ride through them, and I can’t fight on this horse. Dismount! Form a tight circle. Mayard, Rhiann, and Iyaca in the center. We’re going to need your help to get out of this jam, Mayard. I’d suggest you get started.”
p-Mayard nudged Rhiann and said, “Let ‘em have it, Boss!”
The thirteen riders dismounted, the Gnomes drew weapons, and the group moved together. The Kobolds to the east and north held their ground whilst the other groups menacingly edged toward the cluster of Gnomes. The group moved closer together and retreated to an area between the four kobold lances. P-Mayard, Rhiann, and Iyaca stood about five feet from one of the lances.
Longbeard said, “About now would be a good time for a spell, Mayard!”
p-Mayard did not respond to the Gnomish Captain’s plea. p-Mayard opened his mouth to speak but produced no sound. In fact, the entire area between the four spears was silent. Rhiann stood by Mayard. The young sorcerer reached for the sword in his bag of holding and grabbed Exeter’s hilt.
“Imminent threat! Imminent threat! Imminent threat! Lethal danger! Enemy is at fifteen paces east and twelve paces south of you!” Exeter’s warning ripped silently through Rhiann’s mind.
Rhiann looked, opened his mouth, uttered, “Nobody’s there!” but only the spirit of the sword heard.
“Danger! Danger! Danger!” Exeter warned.
Rhiann stared in the direction indicated by the warning and instinctively pointed the blade toward the spot. Movement! In less than a heartbeat a projectile appeared in midair and streaked toward p-Mayard and Rhiann. A Kobold brandishing a longbow appeared at the arrow’s point of origin. His offensive action cost him his invisibility
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