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Reke and Zigny
clasped forearms, then Zigny ordered all the gnomes gathered to follow
him. Reke waited for the return of the last gnomes. Soon they arrived
with the still unresponsive half-goblin and several wounded, but
walking goblins. After securing these prisoners with the others, Reke
set the switches for the tunnel traps. He hoped Zigny and the other
force had made it to the side tunnels by then, he wished to trap any
fleeing drow, not slay the Master. Then, they march out the Doorway and
into the night at a quick pace.
Soon, they arrived at the hidden portal and slip into the
town. They could hear the raw sound of battle coming from the Cavern
defenses and hurried to lend assistance. Reke stopped short as he
entered the Cavern Hall, where the defenses were manned and saw the
gnomes fighting hand to hand with drow warriors. Reke and his men
rushed to battle, over-coming the attackers quickly. Reke spotted
C'Mander Derviskopal in the fight and made his way to him.
"Is Zigny with you?" the C'Mander asked before Reke can
report. At the Lieutenant's head shake, Derv' looked a bit more
subdued. There were several large breaches in the Cavern wall, from one
of them Reke could see strange insects with huge mandibles tearing at
the stone widening the breaks, driven by drow carrying long glowing
rods. His attention snapped back to the C'Mander as the old man spoke
in a low and thoughtful voice. He sounded as if musing, but still his
voice held the strength of steel.
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"Take your men
through the One-Way Gate and reinforce Zigny. Tell him he must get to
the alcove above the attackers. You must lead your men against those
creatures. We will hold this wall to the last gnome." C'Mander
Derviskopal was not his normal grumpy self, he was all business.
"Yes, sir," replied Reke and he took his men to the hole
in the south eastern wall known as the One-Way Gate. It was a small
tunnel carved to slide warriors or refugees out into the hidden side
passages where Zigny and his men were getting into position. By now
Zigny was aware of the assault and had changed his plans accordingly.
Reke went first followed by his men. They popped out near
the crossroad where the paths to the southern gate and the eastern wall
met. They could hear the gnomes speaking quietly. They were waiting for
the command to attack. Reke called softly to alert them to his return
and hurried to Zigny.
"The C'Mander asked you to take a strike force into the
alcove. I am ordered to lead the majority of our force against the
insects," reported Reke.
"Inverts," said Zigny almost absently.
"What?"
"The insects are called inverts, they are bred by the drow
to mine. They eat stone and digest all but ores and gems. The things
are both diggers and refineries in one. They can climb any surface and
tear through any stone, and they are nearly impenetrable from
underneath," explained Zigny.
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