The Adventures of Grundy and Conrad

Episode 4: Into the Pit

 

The Bifrost's lifeboat set down easily outside the entrance to the mine. The doors opened and out stepped the handpicked crew for this suicide mission, Grundy leading the way with Con just a step behind. Shaun-taun, Ingred, Dr. Slss Tragul, Garret Cort, and 3 junior officers finished off the group.

"Well my boy, are you ready to discover if there is an afterlife?" Grundy said patting Con on his shoulder.

"Sir, there is a chance of success, isn't there?"

"Cheer up lad, there is always a chance of success, as there is always a chance of failure. I for one prefer the success, how else do you make a profit?" Grundy smiled.

Con eased noticeably *he is good, just a quick joke and he puts everyone and ease*

Con spoke with a whisper, "Sir, wouldn't it be better if she stayed on the ship?" he indicated towards Ingred. She was wearing a tight jumpsuit which caused Con's pulse to race every time he looked in her direction.

"I don't think so. She was the only one in the drive room when the Thor's Hammer disappeared and we haven't had any chance for Dr. Tragul to check her out. I have a strong feeling she is a key to the mission, not just this excursion, but the whole mission to get home. Besides, do you want to be the one to tell her she can't go?" they both glanced at Ingred. She was strategically placing sharp dangerous daggers of various styles around her person and the three evident holsters containing unknown guns were evident.

Shaking his head with a slight grin, "No thank you sir." Grundy clapped him on the back, "I didn't think so."

Con glanced at the rest of the crew. The rest of the rest of the senior officers were outfitted similar to Ingred. Shaun-taun and Cort both appeared to be wearing breastplates of sorts. Shaun-taun was armed with a whip like weapon and two wicked looking serrated swords and a side arm. Cort had two battle axes strapped to his back, a bow slung over one shoulder, and a large halberd style pole arm. Dr. Tragul carried two side arms, and a long knife at his belt. The three junior officers each carried two side arms and a short sword as well as most of other gear the group was likely to need. Grundy carried only his war hammer but Con knew even without the weapon, Grundy was never "unarmed".

"Well folks, we ready to go? We don't have much time if we want to get back home." looking directly at Shaun-taun but speaking to the entire group, "No one takes any of the gold, it won't do you any good if you get killed by the dragon and you won't be able to spend it if we don't get home. I repeat, no one," his gaze fell directly on Shaun-taun and everyone knew that the last statement was repeated for him alone. Almost as an after thought, Grundy hopped back into the ship and came out with an object wrapped in cloth.

He turned to Con, "This, my boy, is for you," he held out the wrapped object. It was approximately three and a half feet long. Con took the object and began unwrapping the object. Slowly, as the wrappings were pulled away, a well conditioned hilt was revealed, then a blade. Con slowly examined the the exquisitely crafted sword. The handle and hilt were wrapped in silver wire, the sides of the hilt held intricate designs embedded by finely cut gems. Deep black etchings were engraved the length of the blade, he looked inquiringly to the dwarfs face.

"You needed a weapon, for protection at least."

"But sir, it is too finely crafted a weapon for me. This thing could probably be traded for a small star ship."

"Small planet is closer," Grundy responded with almost a look of pride on his face.

"Why give it to me then, I could make do with any of the other swords in the armory?"

"Well for starters, it is a way I can thank you for saving my ship. Without you discovering the Klafarians' weakness, they would have taken us," Grundy held up his hand preventing Con from being modest, "Secondly, this is a dangerous mission and I don't want anybody in this group to have equipment that doesn't meet minimal standards. Besides, if you get killed who will I be able to practice fencing with?" smiling again lightening the mood, "Now lets get going, we have a date with a Draco Sol. Come we don't want to keep it waiting."

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

They entered the mine, the sunlight showing the glitter of gold along the passage. "Litran, you take point, with your night sight you will be able to give us fair warning of any danger," Grundy said to one of the junior officers, he stood approximately 5'2" and appeared human except for the slight glow from his eyes. His dark skin and white hair vanished as he went forward into the darkness.

"Lar' ta' lan, break out some glow globes so the rest of us aren't left in the dark," he said to the other junior officer. He was a humanoid feline with sandy colored fur. "Let's go."

They walked on for several minutes, slowly descending further and further down into the heart of the planet. Con couldn't help beginning to feel a little claustrophobic as they descended, his mind was so distracted with the thoughts of billions of tons of rock falling on him that he hadn't noticed Ingred's close proximity until they bumped each other. He smiled an apology and was greeted by one in exchange.

His heart soared as he looked into her deep blue eyes. Flecks of light from the glow globes sparkled in her eyes. *I could lose myself in those eyes* he thought to himself. Her eyes began to glaze over, then a look of horror came over her face.

"No!!!" Ingred screamed and leapt forward into the tunnel pulling one of her side arms as she went.

Startled, the rest of the group regained their composure and ran behind her. Con screaming at her, "Ingred, wait for us! Did I do something wrong?!"

They heard a simultaneous human scream and a inhuman screech. Dread instantly filled Con's heart until he realized it wasn't a woman's scream. The group raced around a bend in the passage coming upon a horrid sight.

There in the passageway was Litran caught in a large web, struggling to free himself. Large, black shapes moved slowly towards him. One such creature lay squirming against the wall with a short handled knife affixing it to the wall. Ingred was there already taking aim at another creature with her sidearm.

Without hesitation the rest of the group rushed in, weapons drawn. "Grave spiders," Garret Cort called out.. Con found himself running to Ingred's side, sword drawn. She turned towards him and fired. Con stopped in horror, the blast striking just inches over his head.. *She's shooting at me, she's trying to kill me. If she had time to aim she would have hit me* he thought to himself, his heart sinking, until a black shape fell to the ground in front of him smoking from the large gaping wound the gun had made.

Realizing she hadn't shot at him he looked at her with a wave of relief. His elation left quickly as he spied several of the dark shapes closing on Ingred. "No!!!" he shouted and leapt, sword pointed at the center of one of the shapes. He flew across the distance, almost pulled along by the sword itself. The point of the sword penetrated the spider and the body was consumed by fire. Con landed hard but rolled to his feet swinging at another spider. It too burst into flames as the sword swung through its body.

Glancing around for the third spider he had spied, he found it with a long knife piercing it to the ground. Ingred standing over it pointing her gun at it to finish it off. He saw that the others were faring just as well, with dead spiders littering the ground.

With a piercing scream, the group turned and saw as two spiders bit deeply into the shoulders of Litran, still secure in the web. With a scream of rage, Grundy threw his war hammer at them. It flew through the air, striking the first solidly. With a blinding flash the spiders body was consumed by a blue glow then vanished in a burst of white light. The war hammer continued on cutting a swath through the web. It suddenly turned 180 degrees and flew back cutting through the web some more and striking the second spider causing it to also burst into light.

Freed of the webbing, Litran fell to the floor. Dr. Tragul rushed to his side as Grundy caught his hammer. Con and Ingred moved closer to the doctor and their fallen comrade offering what little protection they could offer. The others continued to slay their foes, Grundy in almost a state of blind rage leapt to the center of the largest grouping and swung fiercely. Within seconds the only spiders left were the corpses that weren't consumed entirely buy the power of Grundy's hammer.

Regaining his composure, Grundy rushed to the doctor and Litran, "How's he doing?"

"He'll survive, luckily I had an antitoxin that was close enough to prevent any serious problems. He won't be able to continue though. He'll need at least a week in the med. bay before he is able to do much more than moan in pain."

"Damn, we can't leave him here, we're not sure if we got all the spiders. Besides we don't know what else may be down here." Grundy looked around quickly and spied Shaun-taun staring at the glittering of the cavern. *This is just too much of a temptation for him. I need to get him out of here.* "We've got to get him back to the ship, Shaun-taun, you and Lar' ta' lan carry Litran back to the ship."

"But Captain, you'll need me here," Shaun-taun replied almost too emphatically.

"Dammit man, Litran needs you more. Don't worry, we can do without your swords this time, they won't do much good against the dragon any ways. Get our men back to the ship and look after them. If we don't succeed, you will be in command. Do your best to keep moral up until we get back and if we don't... well try to strike a deal with the Klafarians until the storm reappears next year." And with almost an afterthought, "Remember, no souvenirs."

"Aye, Captain," Shaun-taun replied with anger in his eyes. After a second of thought a quick, barely noticeable smile crossed his face, "Aye, Captain, come on Lar' ta' lan, we best be going." With sarcasm almost dripping from his voice, 'Good luck Captain."

Shaun-taun and Lar' ta' lan picked up the unconscience body of Litran and started down the corridor back to the ship.

Having noticed the exchange between Grundy and Shaun-taun, Con whispered to grundy, "You don't trust him, do you?"

"In some regards, I trust him more than myself."

"Huh, what's that supposed to mean?" Con asked with confusion in his voice.

"Well, Shaun-taun is predictable. He is in this business for the wealth and power, nothing more. I trust him to get back to the ship, because if we don't make it back it will be his. I trust him not to take any gold back because the Klafarians would destroy the ship and he would lose any chance at wealth and power. That is about as far as I trust him, but I know he will try his hardest to protect that ship and his chance for wealth."

Grundy turned to the whole group, "Come on people, we best get moving, times wasting. I'll take point." He started down the corridor.

The rest of the group followed. Ingred fell into step next to Con and said, "Thanks for watching my back." She quickly gave him a peck on the cheek and walked a little quicker in to the front of the group.

Con realized he was watching her tightly clad backside as she walked away he blushed, "Anytime." Still watching her walk, *I love watching your back,* he thought to himself with a warm glow in his stomach and his cheeks.

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

The cavern widened revealing an obstacle the group had not counted on. A large crevasse split the passage perpendicular to their intended travel.

"By Ishtar, how are we going to cross this?" Con exclaimed looking at the 10 yard wide chasm.

"Captain, couldn't you just fly us over with a spell?" Dr Tragul asked.

"I could, if you don't mind me broadcasting our position to the dragon."

"Well sir, I could attempt to throw the lightest of you over," Garret Cort began glancing at Con, "with a rope tied to them then they could secure it and we could climb over?"

"Nice thought," Grundy said patting the big man on the shoulder, "But that would be a little hard on the volunteer. Besides, look over there, there isn't a single thing to secure the rope to."

"I have a grapnel in my pack, we could shoot a line into that outcropping over the crevasse and swing over one at a time?" Ingred offered with a grin that caused Con's pulse to quicken.

Grundy's brow furrowed as he thought, "That's an excellent idea, my dear. Just one problem. The outcropping as well as most of this mine is composed of gold. You would have to be able to penetrate at least 3 feet otherwise it would just pull through when some of us healthier," he patted his stomach, "individuals attempted the crossing."

Looking downcast, Ingred replied, "The grapnel wouldn't be able to go that far in. Well there goes that idea."

"Don't fret. The idea has merit. We just need the right equipment, and I just happen to have something that can do the job," everybody looked at Grundy as he pulled his war hammer from his belt.

"What do you plan to do with that, sir?" Con asked.

"Well my boy, not everything is how it seems. This little mallet has a few secrets," Grundy answered as he stepped forward a few steps. He held the hammer by the handle and raised it over his head aiming at the outcropping of rock. Suddenly with a whoosh that surprise not only Con but the rest of the party, the head of the war hammer launched itself into the rock. The head penetrated the rock as a hot knife through butter. A thin cord could be seen connecting between the head and the handle of the mallet.

"By Ishtar, that's amazing," Con voiced, "but how will we get across, that line couldn't support me let alone you or Cort?"

"Like I said boy, not everything is how it seems. This cord will be able to support your weight without a problem. It's test strength is nearly 20 tons, now I know I've put a few pounds on over the years but I don't think I've quite reached that heavy," Grundy answered with a grin, "Now I suggest Cort goes first and checks out the other side. We wouldn't want any surprises as we cross, after all it is a long ways down."

Without hesitation, Garret Cort took the handle from the dwarf, took a few steps, then swung over. He landed easily on the other side, swung the handle back across and started checking out the area to make sure it was secure.

"All's clear here, sir. Send the others over," Cort yelled back across.

"Okay Con your next, then Ingred, then the Doc. and I'll be last," Grundy told them as he handed the handle to Con. Con swung across and landed smoothly swinging the handle back across.

Grundy caught the handle and handed it to Ingred, "Your turn little lady."

She started to swing over Con watching on nervously glancing down the deep crevasse. As she approached the midpoint of the swing she slipped. Con's heart stopped then restarted again as her hands regained their grip just a few inches lower on the handle. As she started to land on the other side, Con's hands grabbed her around the waist helping her.

"Must have had some of the ichor from those spiders still on my hands," she called out as she swung the handle back across, "I'm fine now, thank you," she said as Con realized he still had his hands circling her waist.

"Sorry, I mean, your welcome," he stammered as he removed his hands from her person.

Doctor Slss Tragul swung across without any problems. Grundy followed, also with out a problem. "How are you going to get the head of your hammer back?" Con queried of the dwarf.

"That's simple, but it will prevent anyone else from using this method again. Cort, take the others a few paces further down the mine. I'll catch up."

Cort led the party several paces down the shaft. Then they all heard a loud rumble then a crash. Con started to run back towards the sound but only got two steps before the little dwarf appeared walking their direction brushing dust from his beard. "A little messier than I would have liked but couldn't be helped," Grundy stated as he pat his hammer strung back at his waist.

"Sounded like you brought the entire roof down," Cort stated.

"Naw, just the overhang."

"But how will we get back out then?" Con asked worriedly.

"Well on the way out we won't have to worry about alerting the dragon, so I will just fly us out. Don't worry so much my boy, you'll grow old before your time," with that Grundy took a long pull from his wineskin and led the way further down the mine shaft.

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

The group continued their descent. After what seemed like hours, Con began to feel a small vibration in his feet. "Sir, do you feel that?" Con queried of Grundy.

"That, my boy, is the sound of a dragon snoring."

"Snoring? I didn't know dragons snored."

"How many dragons have you met?" Grundy asked.

"Well, none."

"Well, I've met hundreds. Even had to bunk with a couple back at the university when I was young... and yes boy I was young once," Grundy said with a smile, "I'll tell you one thing, this one isn't nearly as bad as the ones at the university."

Con stared at the dwarf with a look of awe and befuddlement. He had heard that dragons inhabited several of the planets in the New Asgard empire but had figured they had communities apart from the rest of the citizens. "Sir, is it really true that dragons live side by side the other sentients in New Asgard?"

"Sure is kid. As a matter of fact, most of the dragons are actual citizens, shoot there is even an Asgardian Dragon on the Council of Elders," Grundy paused, then whispered, "we're getting close, don't say anything unless it is of the utmost importance."

Grundy led the way further down, the vibrations continuing stronger becoming audible as well as felt. The passage opened up into a large chamber. There lying curled in the center of the floor was the object of their mission. The large serpentine body lay entwined upon itself. Its large scales glistened in the light, reflecting colors ranging from the blackest black, seeming to absorb the light itself, to brightest white, almost seeming to glow of its own power, with the entire range of the rainbow showing brightly. Its large bat like wings were folded along its massive body, large razor sharp talons appearing at their ends every time the massive chest expanded during each nerve shattering snore. Large, powerful legs curled under the body ending in dangerous looking talons. Foot long spikes extended the length of the spine becoming smaller towards the tail. Three long curved spikes extended equidistantly spaced from the end of the thick muscular tale. Large sharp horns extended back from the crocodile like head. Its nostrils expanding and contracting during every breath were set mere inches above a mouth filled with razor sharp saber shaped teeth. A long black forked tongue flicked out during each snore, looking like a birthday blow toy.

Con stopped in awe and fright at the sight of this magnificent beast. *This thing can destroy entire star ships by itself, what the hell am I doing here* he thought to himself slowly reaching for his sword. He heard the gasps from his companions as they took in the scene. Grundy seemed to be nonplused by the scene and slowly pulled his hammer from its place at his waist.

The massive head of the dragon stirred and the thunderous snoring in Con's ears was replaced by the rapid staccato of his heart beating. He glanced over at his companions and saw Ingred, Cort, and Dr Tragul all standing transfixed on the visage before them. He saw as Grundy slowly stepped forward. He heard in amazement as Grundy greeted this terrifying beast.

"Fare tidings, Ancient one."

"Politenesssss from a being sssuch asss youssself? Tisss a rarity in thisss universsse. Why do you intrude on me in my lair?"

"We come to ask that you leave this area of space. The sentients of this region are fearful of your presence and you disrupt their lives."

"What you asssk I cannot do. Leave thisss place or I will be forced to dessstroy you."

"I cannot allow you to stay. I have given my word, and the word of Grundy Broadsholders is as binding as the interaction of Reality and the Void. If I... we must, we will fight you though it may end in the death of my companions and I or in your great self."

"Then ssso be it," the dragon stated as his tail struck whip like at Grundy. The blow would have finished the dwarf instantly if not for the sudden shove from Ingred at the exact right moment. The blow smashed into the ground sending shards of gold into the air. A large piece struck Ingred in the left calf sending her sprawling to the ground with a squeal of pain. Con instantly ran to her side cradling her in his arms, tears running from his eyes as Doctor Tragul examined her.

Meanwhile, Grundy rolled to his feet after the fortuitous shove of Ingred. That was close. That's twice now she reacted at the right moment before a deadly encounter, or is that thrice,* he recalled the quick shot she made at the spider ready to leap on Conrad. He dodged another swing of the tail, *I've got to keep my mind on this fight. At best it will be a standstill unless I use...* his thought interrupted as he felt the tingle on the back of his neck of magic being channeled. He quickly through up his war hammer as a shield, blocking a massive bolt energy from the dragon.

Cort circled the dragon his pole arm discarded for his two battle axes, one in each hand. *This is more dangerous than any of the gladiatorial fights I had in the K'tan empire. Must take on the fighting style of my foe to be able to defeat him. Quick fluid movements. Rapid devastating attacks,* as he thought his fighting style slowly switched to that of the dragon.

He glided swiftly across the ground until he was within striking distance then swiftly and powerfully swung his two axes in unison at the neck of the dragon. The strike would have been devastating to virtually any other creature in the universe but his axes were deflected by one of the sharp spines. A small nick could be seen in the spine, nothing more.

Grundy quickly regained himself and sent a cascade of energy at the dragon. The dragon easily dispelling it. Seeing that his action was futile he switched tactics. He swung his hammer rapidly over his head then flung it at the dragon. The dragon, surprised by this action, was unable to block the blow. The hammer smashed into the side of the dragon's chest with a loud smash. Shimmering blue lightning spread from the impact. The dragon roared in pain and anger as the force knocked him back. *I don't know if that was such a good idea,* Grundy thought as he caught his returning hammer.

The dragon in frustration, anger and pain flung out its wings smashing Grundy smartly in the chest. Grundy rolled to his feet feeling the sharp pain of one of his ribs grating against another. The buffet of wind knocked Ingred and her two protectors back into the main shaft. Cort seeing his opening rushed in smashing at the wing joint with his axes. His aim was true and cut through the thinner scales of the joint. The dragon howled in pain as black blood slowly poured from the wound. The dragon lashed out in retaliation with its tail striking cort squarely in the chest. His armor was the only thing that protected him from be sliced sharply in twain. He landed on his back, his breath knocked from him and his head striking the ground dazing him.

Grundy seeing his companions success channeled a lightning bolt though his hammer aiming at the open wound of dragon. The bolt struck accurately and caused the wound to smolder slightly before the dragon was able to dispel it.

The fighting continued for several minutes. Neither side showing any advantage while both sides received blow after blow of punishment. *I am getting tired. This rib is slowly sapping my strength. I am going to have to finish this quickly if we are to survive,* Grundy thought as he steeled himself for a final attack dodging another blow from the dragon's tail.

Meanwhile in the hall, "How is she Doctor?" Con asked worriedly.

"It isn't too serious. She's lost a lot of blood but the shard missed any arteries."

"Can't you do anything for her?"

"Yes I can, but I may need my strength to fight the dragon. It doesn't sound like it is going well in there," Dr. Tragul said nodding in the direction of the cavern.

Quickly standing and pulling his sword from his sheath he said, "You take care of her, I'll help the others," he then ran into the chamber

Looking down at the half conscience girl, Dr. Tragul thought, *I wonder if you know how he feels about you, my dear?* he then lay his hands on her leg and began mumbling.

Back in the cavern the fight continued. Neither side gave ground. Cort lay unconscience off to one side out of the battle. Grundy continued dodging the dragon's tail strikes slowly building the last of his remaining strength for one last blow when Con came running back in howling like a banshee.

The dragon heard the howl but knew if he was distracted from the dwarf it could be fatal. He shifted one of his eyes in the direction of the sound and saw the mad dash of Conrad. his sword raised over his head, light glinting from the blade. The dragon's eyes widened as it read the glyphs along the blade *Draco Slayer*. In that instant it knew who its real enemy was and quickly lunged with its gaping mouth at Conrad.

Conrad saw the dragon opening it's wide maw and lunging at him. He realized the folly of his mad charge. His momentum was too great for him to dodge out of the way. His own charge was sending him directly to his death. As he flew into the dragon's mouth a last minute thought struck him.

Grundy, startled by Conrad's entrance, watched in horror as his companion, his friend, ran straight into the dragon's open mouth. His heart stopped as the dragon started to close his mouth until he realized that he had stopped. The dragon's mouth was slightly agape and Grundy began to laugh in spite of himself. There in the deathly trap of the dragon's mouth stood Conrad, his sword held vertically aimed directly at the brain case of the dragon. Grundy laughed because he realized the predicament this caused. The dragon couldn't close his mouth because that would force the sword into his brain. Conrad couldn't stab the dragon for this would cause the mouth to slam shut killing him. And he couldn't attack for fear of the dragon closing its mouth killing Conrad.

Slowly, Grundy approached the very still dragon head. "Well now, we seem to be at a stalemate of sorts. What say you to a truce?"

The dragon responded sounding like he was speaking with marbles in his mouth (which wasn't far from the truth with Conrad occupying the creatures oral cavity), "I caw't awwow it. I am hownor bound to wemain."

"Think on this, Ancient One. I could kill you right now though it would also kill my companion. Of course he could survive with only a serious wound or two. But your fate would be sealed. So what say you, a truce?"

"Kill me then. Unwill my death I am bound by howner to remain. I would wather die than break my oath."

"Conrad, my boy, I am sorry. I have sworn to remove this dragon and I must do it. I will travel to your family and tell them of your courage and honor. I will personally erect a statue in your honor at all of my regular trading destinations. Perhaps chance will smile on you and you will not be slain and only be grievously injured. In such a case I will use all my resources to return you to full health. May the fates smile on you," a tear slowly slid down the dwarfs cheek as he slowly began concentrating all his energy into his war hammer.

Suddenly Grundy's concentration was broken when from within the dragon's mouth he heard "Wait! Why does this battle have to end in death?" *Especially mine,* he thought, *He really is going to let me die, but if he doesn't the rest of his crew and maybe the Klafarians will die.

"There must be a wictor," the dragon said, his speak improving slowly getting used to the visitor in his mouth.

"Yes, but does death have to be the only way of choosing a victor? You are both honorable sentients, couldn't we agree on a contest to decide who wins? That way no one would have to be killed," Con said hope filling his voice.

"That is acceptable to me," the dragon responded.

"Sorry my boy, there is one flaw with your reasoning. If I lose the contest my ship and crew will be killed. As it stands, I could kill the dragon and suffer only your possible lose, no matter how much it may bereave me."

"Wait. Dragon, if you win would you agree to leave this area for a short time, allowing us to get to our ship and leave this area? After all, with my suggestion you have a chance at victory."

"I will agree to such terms. How about you brave warrior?"

"I agree, I would rather smudge my honor slightly with a small lie than to lose a friend. After all lying isn't all that dishonorable for a merchant," the dwarf said with a grin. *The boy has some intelligence. Now let's see if he thought this completely through or if he was just saving his ass.* "What shall the contest be? I suggest that the boy here decide on the contest and since he is the one who caused the stalemate, I believe he should be the one to represent our side."

"Agreed," the dragon said slowly opening his mouth for Conrad to vacate.

Stepping slowly out of the dragon's mouth he turned to Grundy, "Me?! Why me?!"

"Because my boy, you suggested it," Grundy answered slapping the boy on the back and releasing a heartfelt laugh.