“More than likely its trehun delvaheem, tree devils, enslaved by Creed,” added Sarel. “There’s no society in the sewers to sustain a population of cave devils”. Sarel was referring to the parasitic nature of the delvaheem surviving for thousands of years on the periphery of society like rats. Although scavengers by nature, they were also vicious, opportunistic predators driven by hunger. They had been known to snatch young from their cribs and attack the injured and dying. When standing straight on their short powerful legs, they reached heights of no more than three feet; but delvaheem preferred to walk and run hunched over using their long spindly arms like front legs. Their hairless bodies varied in color; tree devils usually took on the greenish brown of the trees while cave devils were often black. Evolving in a time when the earth was ruled by the rhexauradon, a predatory bi-pedal race of reptilian origins, the delvaheem developed thick skin and acidic blood so as not to be eaten by the reptile men. They lived in small packs or tribes, and their long pointed ears and pointed teeth gave these creatures a decidedly sinister appearance although they shouldn’t pose a threat to three armed warriors. Like roaches, where there’s one, there are certainly others.

“Rats,” spat Khaz, “two legged rats.”

“Rats possessed of guile and cunning,” warned Kimba. “Let’s not underestimate them or their master; we should proceed with caution even though it appears we are being led by our host.”

Weapons bared Sarel and Khaz flanked the druid searching the shadows for danger. The slight breeze felt by all three carried the scent of incense and grew stronger as they approached the bend in the tunnel which turned out to be a severe “S” turn.

“Defensible positions,” remarked Khaz. “Each turn’s more easily defended against invasion than one straight corridor even when engineerin piss an scat ways dwarves are thinkin' defense,” he finished with a nervous chuckle.

As they rounded the last bend, the end came in sight. Large double doors which stood open the way was blocked by what looked like heavy tapestries flapping slightly in the light incense laden breeze which now carried the scent of wax from the candles flickering within.

Kimba passed her hand in front of her palm open and turned out. “Although I sense much oppressive dark magic all around, there are no deterrents I can detect.”

“I’ll enter first,” volunteered the frost elf switching his sword to his left hand while unsheathing a throwing dagger with his right. “I will go to my left. Khaz, you come right behind and move to the right.” Sarel looked Kimba in the eye mouthing instructions silently so as not to be overheard by the wizard or his spies, magical or otherwise. The druidess could see the determination in his ice blue eyes as she nodded her understanding and agreement.

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