The Riches of Xulthar by Joe Vasicek

Author:Joe Vasicek [Vasicek, Joe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, sword & sorcery, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, for adults, heroic fantasy, magic, near death experiences, AI-assisted writing
Publisher: Joe Vasicek
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Roderick

The air hung heavy with the stench of decay, and the darkness of the catacombs clawed at Roderick’s very soul. He knew that every step might lead them into an ambush, but the inhuman screeching of their pursuers drove him forward, like rats fleeing a pack of hungry dogs.

Roderick hoped that the tunnels would diverge more widely as they ventured deeper, forcing the enemy to disperse. If they came to a dead end and were forced to turn and fight, at least he would not have to face the entire horde.

But what unknown horrors lurked in the forgotten depths of these accursed catacombs?

Every now and then, they passed a glowing gemstone, much like the ones in the crypt. The light they cast was dim, but there were just enough of them that he and Laria were never left in complete darkness for very long. Roderick did not know what sort of magic infused the stones, but their eerie glow set him ill at ease. If the lights were already lit, what else might be using them?

“This place is evil,” Laria whispered anxiously behind him.

Roderick was inclined to agree, but they had to press on until they found some way up to the surface. He stole along as swiftly and silently as he could, hoping not to awaken whatever fell creatures lurked in these depths. Laria followed close behind, trembling with fear.

The tunnels wound in a confusing maze, and the fleeing pair soon left their pursuers far behind. In the eerie calm that followed, Roderick’s thoughts dwelt the eldritch priest who guarded the black altar and what he had told them.

There was no doubt in Roderick’s mind that the Dark King was ultimately responsible for the downfall of his house and the disgrace his family had suffered. But it would not be enough to merely defeat him. Vanquishing the evil infesting Xulthar would not restore his name, his position, his wealth, or his honor. No, to truly right the wrongs he had suffered, he would seize the king’s riches for himself.

No sooner had the thought entered his heart than the gemstones in the walls began to pulsate and throb.

“Roderick!” Laria gasped. “The lights—”

“I see them,” he muttered, guiding her by the hand. The air grew even mustier, and the darkness seemed to close in on them like a living thing. He could hear the faint echo of footsteps in the dark, but he could not tell whether it was their pursuers or something far worse.

Up ahead, he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be sunlight, shining down through a distant shaft. Hope leapt in his heart.

“This way,” he said, urging Laria forward. “We—”

Without warning, three skeletal warriors lunged from the shadows ahead, their hollow skulls glowing with malevolent energy. Roderick slashed downward, shattering the first’s skull and collapsing it into a heap of bones. With a mighty shout, he surged forward and forced the other two back. He moved with the skill and ferocity of a seasoned veteran, his mighty thews rippling with every swing of his sword.

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