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Stepping around the corner, Aristo called out a greetings, giving the
two guards a friendly wave as he placed his spell upon one of them. The
guard who fell under Ari's spell cheerfully returned the greeting, while
his partner scowled suspiciously at this unfamiliar elf, tightening his
grip upon his short sword.
"Halt! Who goes there?" demanded the uncharmed gnome in his native
tongue.
"A traveller," returned Aristo in flawless gnomish, not bothering to
halt, "looking for a spot of civility in these chaos spawned caverns. I
thought that as gnomes you might be a change from the others I have met
down here."
"Identify yourself, elf!" commanded the gnome, splitting his
attention between Aristo and the tunnel behind the elf, wary that the elf
might be a distraction from a coming assault.
"I am known as Aristobulus." He finally paused, just out of reach of
the gnomes' weapons. "I don't suppose you could spare some of your
gnomish hospitality on a lone traveller?"
"But of course!" cheerfully assented the gnome under Aristo's spell.
"I'm certain we can find a place for an honorable elf."
"Are ye daft, Gnymar?" contended the other gnome. "He could be in
league with our enemies. We've no idea who he is or where he's from."
"Oh come now, surely I am no threat to a pair of warriors such as
yourselves."
"Where are your manners, Larnx?" admonished Gnymar, the charmed
gnome. "A lone wayfarer deserves better in the way of treatment from us.
Just because we know him not means not that we should mistrust him."
Ignoring his fellow's protestations, Gnymar pounded on the great
wooden door. When the peephole set in the door snapped open, Gnymar
informed the gnome beyond that they had a visitor. After several bolts
had clicked open, the door swung inwards on well-oiled hinges, admitting
Gnymar and his charge.
Larnx was surprised at the behavior of his fellow guard. Gnymar had
always been a solid, suspicion guard who never put any faith in anyone he
did not know -- particularly when that someone was not a gnome. Larnx
shook his head doubtfully, uncertain of what had come over Gnymar. He
could only figure that his friend had made a raid on the ale storeroom
before they came on duty. It was unlike Gnymar to do such a thing -- or
at least, to do so and not invite Larnx along for a couple of belts to get
them through another boring turn at guard duty. Larnx returned his
attention to his duty as another gnome came to take Gnymar's place and the
great wooden door swung shut once more.
Aristobulus was enjoying a spot of pleasure at how easily his spell
had bought the gnome's trust. He was beginning to like this enchantment.
He only wished that he had found a copy of it long ago. It would have
come in handy on many an occasion when he had been playing with the minds
of fools, either when he did so for his own ends, or when he was simply
looking for some distraction to alleviate his expansive boredom.
The elf was taking in his new surroundings as the gnome was leading
him past a couple of large guard rooms filled with off-duty gnomish guards
whiling away their time on various little things that might interest only
a bored gnome. Curious as to what lay ahead down the corridor Gnymar was
leading him along, Aristo queried his guide as to their destination.
Thrown off balance by the inquiry, Gnymar was uncertain about what he
was doing, questioning himself as to why he was leading this strange elf
into their stronghold. Why was he doing this? He had never met this elf
before, why was it that he was so trusting of this elf? He should be
taking the elf to see Captain Svintek -- shouldn't he? Gnymar said as
much to his charge.
Reading the doubt in Gnymar's eyes and his sudden indecision, Aristo
began to have reservations as to the effectiveness of his enchantment.
Either it was beginning to wear off of the gnome already, or he was
leading the gnome into a conflict of duties. As gnomes were said to have
an exceptional resistance to magicks, either was a good possibility.
When Gnymar confusedly stuttered something about how he probably
ought to take Aristo to meet a Captain Svintek, Aristo agreed, saying he
would be more than happy to meet Svintek, although in fact he was not.
"So, tell me, Gnymar," put forth Aristo, trying to strike up some
idle banter that would gain him some information, "what is it that you
folks do down here?"
"We're just an outpost for our city. We keep an eye on nearby
tunnels and make sure that no one sneaks through and reaches out city
without our knowing. There are an awful lot of wretches hereabouts who
would be happy to kill innocent gnomes."
"With that I can agree. I've had the misfortune of running into a
few of them in my journeys down here."
Intrigued by the gnome's comments about a city, Ari prompted, "But
you say that you are guards for a city. I find it fascinating that you
have built a city underground. What is it like?"
"I think not that it is like any city you have ever before seen,
since there are no buildings such as are on the surface. Down here we
build our cities from great chambers carved from the living rock itself,
interconnecting them with tunnels and wide corridors. Not at all like the
cities and buildings of you surface dwellers."
That depressed Aristo a little more. The gnome's description had
crushed Ari's dreams of magnificent cities constructed in massive caverns
that stretched so far overhead that they almost formed a second sky. But
Ari was not overly disappointed: he had learned long ago that his dreams
were little more than that -- fantastic flights of fantasy which had
little to do with reality. It was only another reason for him to hate
reality and every connotation that word carried with it.
Curious over this mention of the world above, Gnymar looked up at the
tall elf -- being a gnome, he was little more than three feet tall, as
compared to Aristo's towering elven height of well over five feet -- and
asked, "What is an elf doing down in these tunnels, Aristobulus? I've
seen very few of your kind down here. I'd always understood that elves
hated being underground."
"Call me Ari, all of my friends do." As though there were a great
many of them. But then, he did need to impress this gnome with his
feigned friendliness. "I heard about this fascinating world buried
beneath the earth, and decided to have a look at it for myself. It was
such a droll concept, and I just had to find out what it was like first
hand."
Gnymar snorted under his breath. "Can't say that it is so much
better than the world above. Most of those who live down here do so
because they are so evil that they cannot bear the light of the sun.
There is many a beautiful sight to be seen down here, and we love to shape
the stone around us with our hands, but many of our neighbors would only
be too happy to test the edge of their swords on your hide, as you say
you've already discovered."
"Verily...," Aristo muttered to himself, reflecting on the countless
malicious individuals who had heretofore tried to help him put an end to
his miserable existence. "This Captain Svintek we're going to see, what
sort of chap is he?"
A proud mien appeared on Gnymar's face. "A good one he is. He's
done more than his share at protecting our people, and many an orc and
hobgoblin have received their just rewards on the blade of his sword."
Though Gnymar's words were slightly poetic, they told Aristo very
little concerning Svintek. The elf was about to prompt the gnome for some
more information when Gnymar stopped in an alcove and rapped his knuckles
on the door.
When they passed through the door, it brought them into a small
office where an older gnome sat looking over some letters. This was
Captain Svintek, a middle-aged, gnarled veteran of many a battle. As
gnomes went, he was no doubt of exceptional appearance, with his
unbelievably long nose -- even for a gnome -- and hard face, softened only
slightly as a trace of the inherent gnomish pranksterism glinted in his
steel-grey eyes.
But the playfulness faded from Svintek's eyes as they came to rest
upon Aristobulus. "And who might this be?"
Gnymar was once again thrown off balance by the effects of the
enchantment Aristo had cast upon him. His own questions about this elf
came to him afresh as Gnymar attempted to figure out why he had brought
this elf to see his Captain.
Noting the return of gnome's disconcertment, Aristo gave the gnome
Captain a slight bow, offering, "Aristobulus, at your service. I was
passing by and noticed your outpost, so I decided to pop in and see if you
chaps could put up a wayfarer for a few days."
"Ach, did ye now? And what would bring an elf such as yourself into
these tunnels?"
Ah, the typical militaristic mind-set: cut straight to the point.
Aristo repeated to Svintek what he had told to Gnymar. That was the heart
of good lying -- keep it simple and do not contradict yourself. Of
course, Aristo had not actually lied to the gnomes yet. However, he had
no doubts that he would have to do so eventually, if only about his
motives for being here.
From Svintek, Aristobulus could gauge no reaction, so skilled was the
older gnome at concealing his thoughts. Aristo could only hope that the
gnome would believe his words. In truth, Svintek knew not what to think
of this elf. He recognized from the way Aristo acted that the elf was
less than trustworthy, but then he had never known an elf to act in a way
he would deem trustworthy. Aristobulus was not a dark elf, as was evident
to see since he lacked the pitch-black skin, and Svintek realized that all
elves -- with the glaring exception of the dark elves -- were a decent
enough, if strange and flighty, lot.
Svintek knew little of elves first hand, having never met many of
them. But Gnymar seemed to accept Aristobulus well enough. And though
that meant little, it gave Svintek enough of a reason to accept the elf
for the nonce. The gnomish captain chose to allow the elf to move freely
amongst his garrison, but he was going to have an eye kept on the elf. He
did not yet fully trust Aristobulus. And Svintek had not survived as long
as he had by being a simpleton.
The mess hall maintained a fairly even, if rather loud level of noise
on account of the detail that the gnomes therein only paused in their
recounting of bawdy tales and comical jests to choke down some stew or
bread or a chug of ale, if not choke on it as someone nearby told a
particularly humorous joke.
Trying to turn a deaf ear to the noise, Aristobulus recounted to
himself that this was yet another reason why he hated large groups of
people. He preferred small groups or simply being by himself. Then he
did not have to bother with the appearances he now had to maintain for the
benefit of these gnomes.
Aristo realized that the gnomes did not fully trust him -- nor he
they -- though one might never have noticed it from the way they were
acting. They appeared to be their normal gnomish selves. Aristo figured
that they were only putting on a show for him, being even more bawdy than
usual for his sake. But he could still see that there were a number of
gnomes who were keeping an eye on him, making a note of all he said and
did. A lifetime of being paranoid had sensitized Aristo to such things,
so that when they actually occurred, they were all too apparent to him.
Aristobulus listened to the banal conversations with one ear, only
paying sufficient attention that he might distinguish anything which could
possibly be useful to him. That the gnomes would not suspect too much of
him, he even recounted a few jokes he had heard somewhere before -- the
sort of jokes that have the best effect when delivered with a straight
face, which was easy enough for Ari since he did not find them the
slightest bit humorous. Very few jokes were to him.
Fortunately for Aristobulus, he was seated next to Gnymar, who like
many of his kind knew not when to be silent. With his incessant banter
and jokes, Gnymar was able to cover up most of Aristo's silence, as the
elf bore the resemblance of one attentively listening to those around him.
And to raptly listen to a gnome is one of the greatest compliments one can
pay their kind.
"I hear that ye be searchin' these here dungeons fer strange
features," commented a gnome at one point during the meal. "Would that
mean ye be searchin' fer some ancient relics as well?" There was a
twinkle in the gnome's eyes that bespoke of a joke working its way through
his mind.
"I have nothing against them, should I happen to stumble upon any,"
responded Aristobulus ambiguously. He had no plans for revealing any more
than was necessary.
"Ach, a hearty adventurer out to find great riches and conquer the
world!" barked out the gnome, rising a round of laughter from nearby
gnomes.
"Nothing of the sort," returned Aristo. He knew of the way
adventurers were treated by most folk. Adventurers were viewed as being
in search of fame, glory, and riches. Ari had no desire for fame or
glory, and the only riches he sought were the riches of wisdom, assuming
such was not the oxymoron it appeared to be. "I merely seek the
fascinating places said to exist down here."
Ari's response was met with more laughter as the gnome commented,
"Ye hide the truth poorly, elf. If what ye say be true, then why would ye
be aseekin' items of mighty magic and tomes of archaic lore?"
"Like all of my race, I have an unquenchable passion for such
things." Despite the fact that Aristobulus loathed making any comparison
between himself and any of his brethren, this was one of the very few
things he had in common with his fellow elves. It was one of the points
for which elves were well known. Rare was the elf who could resist things
of magic and the inexplicable. "I have heard of many strange items and
forces which are said to be found in this vast underground realm. I have
no intention of avoiding them, should they actually prove to exist."
"Oi, then ye would be a wantin' to find the Gloves of Laerk," said
one gnome. "It is said he who wears them can control fire and cold."
"And then there be the Lost Stones of the Wizard Priest Me'narakil,"
piped up a different gnome. "They can make their owner into an invincible
wizard."
Aristobulus's pointed ears perked up at the mention of these items.
If there was any truth to these items, they could prove most useful to him
in his quest. However, the gnomes continued to rattle off tales of more
magical items, their descriptions growing more outlandish and their
powers more unbelievable by the minute. Aristo's glimmer of enthusiasm
faded as quickly as it had appeared, for it was readily evident that the
gnomes were using his interest in such things as an excuse to enter a tale
spinning contest to see who could come up with the most far-fetched and
impossible fabrication. Ari forced himself to retain control and not
teach these gnomes better manners.
Instead, Ari turned to Gnymar and inquired as to which of these lies
had any shred of truth to them.
"Pay them no heed," advised Gnymar, "they are but having a spot of
fun at your expense. We do it all the time. They don't mean anything by
it."
"I know that. I've had dealings with gnomes before. It is just that
I am curious as to whether or not any of their tales have any measure of
truth to them."
"Most of what they are saying is malarkey," Gnymar confided in his
elven acquaintance. "But there is some truth to a few of their yarns.
There is some chap who has been seen hereabouts and carries a magic wand
that allows him to control stone itself. I shouldn't mind getting my
hands on that myself." Next to dwarves, gnomes were best known for their
skill at working wood and stone. Such an enchanted wand would be greatly
prized by one of Gnymar's stout race.
"And then there is a community of dark creepers," continued the
gnome. "Their leader has some talisman which gives him the power to
summon up and control undead shadows. And I know of a strange race of
albino humanoids whose leader is said to be able to call upon the
knowledge and powers of dark otherworldly beings. A fell race they are,
indeed."
This last caught Aristo's ears. Being able to call upon the
knowledge of otherworldly beings? Now that could be definitely useful.
Having the knowledge of supernatural powers at his command, or even just
having access to them, could be quite useful in his quest. He queried
Gnymar further upon this tale.
"Of them I know little. They keep to themselves, and those who dare
to enter their area are never heard from again. Those with any wits about
them stay clear of those mysterious creatures. And since they have the
powers of demonic beings behind them, none are so foolish as to attempt to
learn any more of them."
"Then tell me," prompted Aristobulus, "if none ever return from their
tunnels, then how came you to know so much of them?"
"Because there have been a few unfortunate wights who have managed to
return. However, their minds were unbalanced and they died or disappeared
soon thereafter. Always by the strangest of means.
"Besides," boasted the gnome, "it is our purpose to keep an eye on
all of the more dangerous beings and races hereabouts, that we might be
better prepared to defend our people against those self-same creatures.
So our scouts are certain to keep track of all important events in these
tunnels, including those strange albino humanoids. We may know little of
them, but we know more of them than anyone else... Except for themselves,
of course."
"Then what else do you know of them?" pressed Aristo, eager for
anything else the gnome might be able to contribute about these humanoids.
If what Gnymar said of them was true, it looked to Aristo as if he would
be paying them a visit in the very near future.
Catching on to the elf's intentions, Gnymar said, "Surely ye are not
thinking of going anywhere near them, are ye? They are dangerous! I
would certainly not want to see ye meet some evil fate at the hands of
that accursed lot."
"Not to worry, I can keep my own." And of what concern is it to you?
Aristo thought to himself. What happens to me does not bloody well matter
to you. Ari could see that this charm spell had its downfalls. Whereas
it gave him a great deal of influence over the minds of those subject to
it, they would view him as a close friend as a result.
To think that others would only make a show of caring for him when
they had their minds subjugated by an enchantment. It was such an irony
on the truth of life. Aristo could see how nothing could be more fitting:
to appear to care for another only when it suited your purposes or your
mind was altered by magic. An accurate description on the way his life
had always been.
Aristobulus returned his attention to Gnymar, who is still rambling
on about something or other. Ari cared not what. He knew that he must
think and lay some plans. He needed only one more things from Gnymar.
He interrupted the gnome, asking where these albino humanoids were to be
found.
"But surely you cannot be thinking of going near them?" repeated
Gnymar.
This was truly wearing upon Aristo's nerves. He was of a mind to
release the charm upon the gnome. But now was not the time to do so. He
was not in the mood to have the entire garrison at his throat if they were
to figure what he had actually done. This was not a time for such
chances. Not when his prospects were looking so good now that he had
learned of these humanoids with their access to otherworldly insight.
"I am and I will. I doubt they can threaten me. Your concern is
appreciated" -- indeed it was not -- "but this is a thing I must do."
After Gnymar finally gave him some directions to the general area of
these albino humanoids, Aristobulus said, "Now, if you will excuse me I am
weary from my travels and would seek rest."
At this, Gnymar showed some concern for his friend. But Aristo
assuaged the gnome's worry with a friendly grin, heading off to the room
that had been set aside for him. The sooner he was away from these
tedious gnomes and their endless jokes and laughter, the more delighted he
would be.