Oi, really. This place never goes a day without someone vanishing or getting killed by cultists, does it? I'll take a gander, on it, maybe there's still enough time.
Snatching the paper off the quest board, the adventurer ran off.
*****
Now, Vicious' tracking skills had never been the best; dubious at worst. She used to be able to track down people hiding in the most unlikeliest of spots for...business. Still could, but for some reason there was an irritating urge to go off course. She ended up wasting precious minutes going off track and steering herself back.
Thankfully, the abductors were about as careful as rhinos, leaving rather obvious markings to where they were headed. Despite the delay, Vicious made such good time that she nearly ran into the back of the group. Stifling a gasp and ducking behind a tree, she looked on as the rather unfamiliar convoy continued onwards. Especially towards the beast that was carrying a cage on it's back with the abducted girl inside.
That's a Drapnir! Why do they have one of these?! The cost of getting one is practically astronomical...no, there's no way. Their equipment look shabby even from a distance, so...backing? Someone rich is backing these guys? Ugh, last thing I need on a morning.
As she looked at the convoy, Vicious weighted her options. She could attempt a rescue now, or wait until they've reached their base before attempting subterfuge. Honestly speaking, it would be more likely for her to get the victim out if she acted now. The two guards weren't the problem.
The problem was the Drapnir. Like it or not, the thing was hulking and moved on all fours, but could stand and fight on two legs if needed. Think crocodile, but with longer limbs and a more draconian snout---courtesy of their dragon ancestors. It was also actually smart. That made it a little difficult to risk a rescue.
I can see some kind of collar around it's neck, and if I'm not mistaken, that's the same kind of collar seen on slaves. Perhaps I can make use of that...
*****
The path led up the mountain, then into a naturally formed cavern. The men unloaded their captive, left the Drapnir at the entrance, and headed in.
Here goes nothing.
Slowly inching her way towards the beast, which was starting to settle in for a nap, Vicious attempted to stay as quiet as she possibly could. She'd gotten within two metres when the thing opened one eye---and stared right at her.
Oh, f***. Act natural! Act like you belong here!
Trying her absolute best to avoid acknowledging the stiffness in her legs, Vicious walked right up to the beast, who was still staring at her.
Nice and easy, big boy. Nice...and easy...
Slowly, she reached out to touch the face, and when the beast did not object, she slowly moved her hand to it's neck.
*
Click*
The collar fell off and landed on the ground with a soft thud. The Drapnir shook it's head, satisfied, before using it's snout to nudge her. It was like a big dog.
"That...nearly gave me a heart attack. Hey, big boy. Could I ask for a favour? I need a diversion to rescue the---"
*
Eeeeeeeei!*
Huh?
The Drapnir had already gone inside even before she had finished talking, and judging by the screaming, it must have had quite the bone to pick with it's former masters.
Well, that's one hell of a diversion.
*****
It took a while to find the room the captive was being held in. The ominous chanting and spooky red glowing helped quite a bit.
I swear, it this is yet another ritual going on...
As she entered the room, much to her regret, it was as she expected. At the other end was some kind of altar with the abducted girl, and standing over her was a cultist holding up a knife.
*
BOOM!*
The barrel smoked as her last round splattered the cultist's brains all over the wall. Vicious kept an eye out for more as she rushed over to the girl, but no others came rushing in.
Perhaps they're busying dying at the hands of the big boy...oh no.
She wasted no time wrapping the girl's entire abdomen in bandage, before scooping her up and making a run for the exit. The Drapnir looked up as she passed, casually treading a man's head into the dirt.
"Big boy! Can you run? The girl needs to get a city doctor, and fast! Please!"
