[The Barrow-Wight]

* * * * * Rhûn Nation * * * * *

The great bear-like creature reared over Kasteni’s head, drool splashing from its ravening maw. The tall man lashed out with his sword, stabbing the beast high on its left shoulder. He pushed his weight inward and the blade sunk deep, but the creature swiped him away with one giant clawed paw, and he was throw back onto the ground where he rolled down an embankment and landed in a clump of high grass. The were-bear pounced down at him, the sword still wavering in its flesh.

Kasteni reach inside his shirt and removed a talisman that hung on a chain around his neck. It was made of a dark, shiny metal and was shaped in the likeness of a cat-like, lidless eye – the Eye of Sauron. As the monster jumped toward him he grabbed the ‘eye’ and shouted: búrz ghâsh durbul! Búrz ghâsh jarkul skai! The icon in his hand flashed red suddenly, and the springing beast burst suddenly into flame, caught in midair. Another of the creatures, quick behind the first, dodged around the burning figure, but it too ignited as it spang on the Advisor. A third monster stopped and looked at its two dying fellows and turned away from the deadly flames in search of easier prey.

Kasteni fell to the ground and beat his burning hands in the dirt at his feet. The moment he had spoke the last word he had know something was wrong with his spell, for the fire that had shot outward had also reflected back into his hands. His left hand had been only singed, but the flesh of his right had immediately blistered from the heat, and the sleeves of his robes had ignited. He quickly smothered the fire on his clothing, but the pain in his hand he could not so easily douse.

Fool! I should have known! The artifacts of Sauron are no longer safe to use. With the Dark Lord gone, the evil forces of nature will always demand a high price for their use.

With no thought of monsters or his companions he dug deep in is inner pocket for a vial of salve he kept for wounds. Oblivious to the shouts of his guard and the howls of the were-bears, he smeared his right hand with the thick fluid and sighed as the burning sensation immediately ceased. He ripped a piece of material from his now ruined sleeve and wrapped the wounded hand tightly. Finally, his attention returned to the chaotic scene on the road above.

The creatures had been frightened by his fireworks and now menaced the riders who fought hard but desperately to keep them at bay. One of the guards had fallen and lay motionless at the lip of the road above, but the fighting had moved about 50 feet away. Kasteni pulled his sword from the smouldering were-bear that had attacked him and crawled up to the wreckage of his chariot. It lay on its side with one wheel completely shattered. His horse had broken free and was nowhere to be seen. Petrij, I hope you yet live, for I will need your strength.

The contents of the chariot had spilled along the highway, but he quickly found what he was looking for: his bow and quiver of steel-tipped arrows. He slung the quiver over his shoulder, put an arrow to the string, and drew it back slowly. Then he silently strode forward toward the battle.

[ October 01, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[ October 01, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]