*
But little did they know, they were currently being spied on, the figure smirking slightly to himself.Base habits, strongly associated with the distasteful practices of the Opposition - but on this occasion, Hordriss cannot resist. [ModNote: Hordriss was previously seen in
Young And Old and
Retrofit.] He only planned on undertaking a little rock collecting in the mines - part of his research into the influence of technomagic and how to combat it - but he has stumbled upon the lair of some long-standing adversaries. There is a score to be settled, a creeping, slithering loose end to be tied up; and with the element of surprise on his side, Hordriss is at an advantage. This is just too fortuitous.
There is, of course, a risk to Hordriss. As ever, his powers are limited by his proximity to Mount Fear, and neutralising the Serpent Men will dangerously weaken those powers. But a modest emergency plan that he arranged before his expedition should ensure his escape from these fetid, doomed caverns.*
Say, Goodnight, Jack!*Hordriss prepares himself. Having spied and smirked, he may as well give himself over to that other Opposition foible: openly gloating. After all, if he succeeds in thwarting the serpents, then he need feel no shame over a mere lapse in dignity.
Hordriss steps out from his hiding place, and looks down on Hydrass and Karn.*
So! Is it now so unsatisfying to the Serpent Men to slither along the ground that they must sink beneath it? One seems to recall banishing your kind to oblivion, but evidently you have both cheated your fate. Be quite clear that you shall not elude this one.
One knows not what your present scheme is, but imagines it is dastardly enough to put you, the kidnappers of my daughter, even further beyond my mercy. And now, lest you think one would allow you time to defy your doom, it is at hand. SPELUNCUM CAEDUM!
*The cavern is now shaking: a violent cave-in is in progress. Stalactites plummet like thunderbolts of a maddened god, followed by ever-bigger chunks of rock. It is so rapid that there is simply no time to retaliate or to run away.*
Who's a pretty boy, then?*Hordriss has collapsed to his knees. Casting the powerful cave-in spell against the ambient technomagic has drained his magical reserves, and he doesn't have it in him to teleport himself out. He waits: the seconds stretch out, peril increasing with every one. He looks for the Serpent Men, but his view down into the cavern is obscured by fallen rocks. He clings to wall, as a fatal fall becomes a growing possibility. Where is his aid? It should have come by now.
He looks up. He stares. A large rock is heading for him, fast, and will smash the life out of him. This is it. No. Yes. He summons his final thought, and holds it.
I am Hordriss.
Far away, a large bird, with a more colourful and chequered past that its black feathers would ever suggest, opens its beak.*
Talking Bird: Say, Splendour! Splendour! Splendour!
*And Hordriss vanishes.
Mere moments later, the cavern, suffocated by fallen rocks and risen dust, is still and silent.
Somewhere else entirely, a bird is peering at a dissipating puff of smoke. Hordriss remains prostrate on the floor of his study for several minutes, regaining his breath, savouring the magical vim that is returning to his veins, welcoming life back. Then he gets up, dusting down his robes and standing tall. He addresses the Talking Bird.*
One is most glad that one taught you one's calling name before departing, and that one's timing spell induced you to speak it before - just before - it was too late. You have proved a most worthwhile acquisition. My thanks.
*The Talking Bird is impassive. Hordriss places his knapsack of rock samples on his desk.*
The Caverns of Gore have certainly re-earned their name. From anguine to sanguine. Faced with the worst of serpents, one succeeded in tipping the scales. *Pause* But then, one supposes that you do not appreciate such erudite wordplay, do you?
Talking Bird: Say, Ghastly Goblins!
Yes, one thought as much.
[OOC: So, why this post? The Serpent Men plot, once a major storyline, had completely stalled, and I felt it should be rounded off, rather than simply left. By killing off Karn and Hydrass, the cave-in allows for an end to the Serpent Men saga, meaning that attention can be given to other more active characters instead; but equally, if Hydrass and/or Karn wish to return to the plot at a later date, it can be said that one or both of the Serpent Men survived. As for the smirking spy: although I revealed him to be Hordriss, I'm told that he was originally intended to be Anthony Delgado; and likewise, it's open as to whether Delgado was in fact present, and if so, whether or not he survived.
I discussed this post with Hydrass before making it, but admit that I didn't run the idea past Karn (he's not been active on Surrounds for a fair while). If he reads it and raises any objections, I'll address them, removing the post if necessary.
- YG, borrowing Hordriss' account again, as per an established arrangement.
Hordriss is next seen in
Niece To See You.]
