Sewer Holders
Journal Entry....
M'lady Bryne dispatched me upon a quest to defeat the Beholders in the Sewers
alone. I was very proud to receive this quest for I well remember the day I
submitted my application to become a page of KORT, I asked my old friend Sir
Eagle what kinds of things might be expected of me... He told me about his
squire, Lady Bryne, and how he had once sent her to defeat the Sewer Holders
alone. I had never met her at that time... yet I had an image of her as a
determined and brave person from all that Sir Eagle told me of her. Although I
was not yet even a page, I immediately made my way to the Sewer Holders and
began trying them. I was gated many times. And each time I struck the gate, I
thought of this unknown lady squire and how she had fought the Holders 21 times
without giving up... Eventually I was able to defeat them but I had the help of
another adventurer who entered near the end of the battle. Time constraints
kept me from trying again that day... and later my duties as page prevented me
from returning for some time. Eventually, I confess, I just forgot about the
Sewer Holders, so I never was able to complete the quest I had assigned to
myself...
Now, I am at last a squire to Lady Bryne. And I can say with confidence that she is every bit as skilled, determined, and brave as I imagined her to be. It is a great honor to me to be her first squire, as she was Eagle's... and I believe Eagle may have been Lord Windgrey's first as well...? In any case, I feel such a sense of the continuity and destiny of KORT... And so, it seems appropriate that I should receive the very quest which led me to first hear of Bryne.
First Attempt: As I was standing outside the entrance to the room where the Holders lurk, I was approached by a stranger. His name was Valshion. I had not seen him before and was not aware of whether he had any guild affiliation. He looked me over in a rather aggressive manner and greeted me with, "Hail, Wench." I responded as politely as possible, "Greetings." He proceeded into the room and I waited to see if he would succeed. As I waited, it occured to me that Valshion had cast no prep spells and that puzzled me. A few moments later, he disappeared from my view. I cast my prep spells and entered the room. I had a brief sight of Valshion waiting on the other side as I was attacked by the Holders, Iron Golems, and Banshees. Of course he entered my battle and began casting upon me. His job was not difficult as I had already succumbed to a fear spell. Yet after he entered, my saves were so good that he even he was forced to comment... "You must be close with your god." Although I was losing health quickly, I smiled as I responded, "Of course I am. I am of KORT." And then he explained, "That is why you must die." WOH Mag1 entered the battle to assist Valshion by fighting the Iron Golem that was distracting him. Although I knew I was about to be gated, I counted myself lucky that it appeared I would not be feebleminded. I heard Valshion mutter something about losing his weapon and smiled to think that he had been right, Tyr was with me. When the last of my health was taken, Valshion, perhaps thinking I was already at the gate, exclaimed... "That's one tough broad!!" What else could I do? I thanked him.
Second Attempt: On my second try, I was fortunate enough to enter the battle in a better location. I ran to a spot away from the Golems and Banshees, but close enough to dance with two of the Holders. I was able to kill the two I could reach rather quickly... but then I was disintegrated by the third Holder who waited far below me.
Third Attempt: Again, I entered in a fairly safe spot. However, realizing that I would not be able to run to a good location for fighting all three Holders at once, I used Dimension Door to place myself in a space close to the lowest one... the one that had disintegrated me before. This turned out to be a better move than I had even expected, as the other Holders rushed down to surround me and I had them all in range. In order to engage them all in my dance I had to move in a kind of 4-cornered pattern. Although this strange movement worked well with the Holders, it also attracted the attention of the Golems and Banshees. They ran down, hooting, hollering, and giggling as they surrounded me, smacking me about while I square-danced. By the time I had destroyed the three Holders, I was down to less than half of my health, and I had no amulet with me, having recently used one up and given another away. A blow from a Golem suddenly took half of my remaining health. I resigned myself to the expectation that I would have to return to try again. But then, remembering the determination of Lady Bryne who had fought this battle 21 times without losing faith, I was filled with energy to continue. I struck at each of the Golems and Banshees, taking my time and aiming carefully, feeling no fear or anger, only a methodical determination. When the last one died, I stood victorious, with only 7 health points remaining. I thrust my sword into the air and shouted "Yes!!"
Before this day, I had rarely travelled in the Sewers and always found them intimidating. Defeating the Holders alone seemed to exorcise my fear. I remained in the Sewers for hours, exploring and learning, feeling invigorated by each new battle. When I received a request for help, I brought my charge to the Sewers with me and smiled as he spoke with excitement, "This is my first trip here!" He and I became separated and he indadvertently ended up in the gate crashing battle with a number of others who sought experience. I requested permission to enter and took a spot where I could protect my charge while fighting. I felt full of pride and confidence as we completed the battle and the young man exclaimed happily at the experience he received.
When my companion was forced to leave, I returned to Camelot to reflect upon my quest. Not only had I learned and gained confidence... I had so much fun!! I am more sure than ever now... with the grace of Tyr, the guidance of M'lady Bryne, and the love of my family... someday, I will be crashing that gate as a Knight.
Jo Darron KORT!!!! ... so proud to be first Squire to Lady Bryne Protected by Sir Vinman