[h1]Dragons Cradle[/h1]

The time for festivity and celebration had passed and the dwarves had returned to a grave and straightforward attitude. Roric stood pleading with the smith Taurich, [color=f26522]"Sir, his highness will understand if you end the expedition early. Obsidian can be gathered another time! Your talents cannot."[/color] the aged smith hadn't even looked up from his work.[color=9e0b0f]"Roric, you worry far too much for an old dwarf. You and five dwarves will not equal my doom. Make haste toKral Deresh."[/color] the younger captain sighed in defeat. With his party assembled he turned towards Ein and her colossal guardian. [color=f26522]"Are you ready lass? I would get one last fresh breath, it's a four day trip by tunnel long time without the sun."[/color].

[center]***[/center]

If any of the dwarves had seen the small bat that had flown into the cave they would have shot it immediately. It had happened however that such vermin had managed to find a secluded vantage and had listened and observed the dwarves leave the outpost. It took wing and returned to its master deeper into the tunnels. It's lord heard his pet approach. He had never seen his bat or anything for that matter. He never would he was born without eyes like the rest of his people. 

Xalos stroked his pet and listened to its report. His voice was quieter that a drop of rain, and cold and hallow as wind down the winding tunnels of a cave. [color=003471]"Tell the Khan's raiders the smith has lost men. Then tell my sirelings an elf travels the tunnels. Whoever drains her has earned my favor."[/color]. As his pet flew off, Xalos returned to his meal. The dwarf merchant had passed out from blood loss long before the cave vampire had had his fill. Yet Xalos was old and greedy.

[@Mr Rage]