Artifice

Elizabeth Snow
 Fiona, tilting her head, and resting it on the back of the hard wooden booth settling her

gaze on the cobweb laden light fixture above her. “Fitting for a place smelling of ale and must.”

She thinks to herself. Shuffling footsteps breaking her out of a stare. Lifting her head to find the

barkeep a couple of tables away. Wasting no time with pleasantries as he promptly begins sitting

across from her.

“You’ve been sitting here for a while and haven’t ordered a thing. Is there anything I can get for

you? I could whip up some stew if you’d like.”

Looking at the man across from her and suddenly realizing he was quite a dashing fellow with a

well-groomed beard and kind eyes. “That’s unusual for a barkeep.” She thinks.

“That would be great thanks.” She said meekly.

“Great! How about a cup of ale to go along with it?” The barkeep inquires.

“Ok, sure.” Fiona says.

“Mind if I join you?” asks the barkeep.

“Ok.” Fiona responds. “This is weird but hopefully it helps with the search.” She thinks.

The barkeep immediately got up from the booth and hustles to the back where soon came

methodical tapping.

After some time, he emerges from the back carrying two large bowls of stew and placing

one directly in front of Fiona and the other on the table opposite of her.

“Careful it’s really hot.” He cautions before walking over to the bar. Placing the mugs onto the

counter, each making a deep thud. Then grabbing a bottle from under the counter. Bringing it up

to his ear he shook it back and forth. Immediately reaching back under the counter and retrieving

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a second. The glug, glug glug from the bottles sped up as their angle to the counter was

increasing. Placing the bottle onto the bar top with a clunk and grabbing the mugs. Returning to

the table with a swish swish of his feet.

“I hope you like it.” He says as he was settling in across from her.

“Thank you this looks delicious.” Fiona says with appreciation.

Dipping the spoon into the steaming hot bowl of the chunky stew and bringing a piece of

stringy brown meat up to her mouth. She wasted no time, guzzling down the lukewarm ale and

whipping her chin with her sleeve.

“Wow that was delicious.” She says enthusiastically. Between a rapid secession of bites, she

manages to get out, “so, when does this place start getting busy?”

Looking around at the mostly empty room he settles his gaze on the two gentlemen at the bar,

“Usually in the next few hours. People will start wandering in for a drink after a long day or a

place to sleep for the night. Seeing as we are a good distance from the nearest city their stays are

usually short. A night, maybe two if they have already been traveling for a while. Some nights,

of course, are busier than others. Especially when a couple adventuring parties stop in. Other

nights not even the locales stop in.” He answers. “I just realized we haven’t had a proper

introduction.” He says as he is extending his right hand, “The name is Henry. Henry Dunkeld.”

Fiona grabbing his hand and shaking it said, “Names Fiona Harrell.”

“Nice to meet you, Fiona. Are you new around here?” He asks.

“Not really. I live about two days from here. I am on my way to the Citadel Felbarr.” She says

uncomfortably.

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 At that moment the large wooden door flings open slamming against the rough stone wall

behind it. In walking five boisterous characters.

“Henry my boy, Grog all around!” The gentleman in the front with owl on his shoulder declares.

Henry’s eyes brightening as his smile spread from ear to ear.

“Zieh! As I live and breathe. What’s it been, two years? Fought any crazy beasts lately?” Henry

asks dashing across the room and giving Zieh a pat on the back. As Henry was closing the door

behind the new guests Fiona catching a glimpse of the sun sitting a bit above the horizon.

“…we were just up around Daggerford where we encountered a 19-foot Aboleth it had to have

been around 6,000 pounds.” Zieh brags. Davros’ turning his head towards Ophimae rolling his

eyes. Ophimae letting out an inaudible laugh. “I’m telling you, man the teeth on this thing. It was

like a bunch of tiny, serrated knives. How none of us lost an arm or a leg still surprises me.” Zieh

says.

Fiona leaning slightly to better hear the adventurer’s tales of grandeur. “Surely these folks

will do.” She thinks to herself.

“Really?! You fought a 3 TON creature? Well, that’s amazing.” Fiona says with astonishment.

Slapping himself on the forehead Henry said, “Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. Guys this lovely

young lass is Fiona. She is heading to the Citadel Felbar.”

With a half turn in their seats the party almost in unison say, “Hi, Fiona.”

With a smirk and slight chuckle Fiona simply says, ‘Hi.”

With a bit of singsong tone, “why the journey to the Citadel?” Darona asks.

“I am in need of some assistance, and I am hoping to find a renowned adventuring party.” Fiona

states.

“Renowned? Why renowned?” asks a dark-haired gentleman by the fire.

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“Oh, I just figure they’d be the most qualified for the job.” Fiona says sheepishly. Taking a deep

breathe trying to fight back emerging tears, “I don’t know if I can do this.” She thinks to herself.

“Does it involve fighting?” inquires the short statured man in the corner guzzling down his

second pint of grog.

“Yes, I would think so.” Fiona responds.

“Wait! You think so?” once again presses the darkhaired man.

“Oh no, hopefully this wasn’t the wrong thing to say.” Fiona considers

Pushing the hair behind her ear she responds, “Well you see it’s like this. One of my sheep

recently got out of their pen, and when I went to search for him, I heard bleating coming from

over by these trees but all that was there was a hole in the ground. I grabbed a torch and peered

inside but from what I could see it appeared to be a stone room with one exit, she wasn’t in that

room, so I got to thinking it might be a dungeon.”

With a sharp inhale Darona covers her mouth with her hands and says, “oh no. Your sheep is lost

in a dungeon?” Looking around at the others she proclaims, “Come on guys we can’t leave this

little sheep in a dungeon. Who knows what will eat it. If they haven’t already.”

“Darona we can’t just go chasing after every lost sheep.” The dark haired figured says sternly.

“Why not we help every pretty girl who bats their lashes at Zieh?” Darona asks with an agitated

tone.

“Hey?” Zeih interjects.

Darona throwing up a hand gesturing towards Zeih, “its true. What about that last girl? She

wanted us to help find her boyfriend or husband.”

Pointing at Darona,” That’s not true, it was her brother.” Zeih says.

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Rolling her eyes and letting out a sigh, “Zeih she kissed him for quite a while when she saw

him.” Darona responds.

“Fine. I am in.” Zeih agrees. Darona running over and flinging her arms around Zeih.

“I am always up for good fight.” Asserts the stout man in the corner.

The three turning their eyes to the dark-haired man. “Well, Davros?” asks Darona.

“I don’t know.” Davros responds.

“I could pay you some. It won’t be much” Fiona offers. “Actually, it won’t be anything.” She

considers.

“Well, I suppose its good enough for now. However, if someone with more money or a more

reputable task comes along, we are going to go with them.” Davros proclaims.

Fiona’s hands fly to her chest, replying, “Really? That’d be amazing. Thank you, guys.” That

was surprisingly easy,” she thinks,” perhaps too easy.”

Grabbing their drinks, the party makes their way to Fiona’s booth. One after the other

sliding in and squashing themselves against the former so there was room for all. The group

began chatting about nothing in particular continuing on until the wee hours of the morning.

“Hey Henry, you got any rooms to spare?” asks the blue-eyed blonde haired woman at the back

of the booth.

“Sure thing, Ophimae. I’ll get you all some keys.” Henry replies from behind the bar. “Well, you

all are in luck. It was a light day, so I actually have three rooms available. You’ll have to bunk

up though.” Henry says.

“Well Fiona what do you say?” Darona proposes.

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“Oh, yeah that’d be great.” Fiona agrees. Henry handing out the keys with a charming smile

meant just for Fiona.

“Oooo, I saw that. You’ve got eyes for the new girl?” Darona teases while heading for the stairs.

Giggles and chuckles filling the room as well as echoing back down the stairs.

Fiona stretching her back and bringing her hands up to rub her eyes. Lifting her head just

off the pillow she could see a soft orange glow through the spaces between the wooden blinds.

Lowering her head back onto her pillow, thinking, “how do I do this? How can I do this to these

innocent people?” Misty eyed she rolls over into a fetal position and brings the blankets up over

her head. Suddenly there were footsteps in the room. Pulling the blankets down below her eye’s

barley catching sight of her bunk mate, Darona, walking over before she hops up on Fiona’s bed

and proceeds to jump.

“Good morning, Fiona. Are you ready for breakfast?” Darona sings. Lifting her hand to her face

once again this time pretending, she’s whipping away the sleep before Darona notices it was

actually tears she was whipping away.

With a slight chuckle, “Yeah, let’s get ready. Hopefully, the others are up. “Fiona says.

“If not, they will be.” Darona asserts with a mischievous tone.

In a matter of seconds upon leaving the room Darona was in the midst of a full-fledged

wake up song. Darona skipping and hopping around the hall drumming on each door. Dum dum

dum da da dum dum da… “Wake up, rise, it’s time to soar, for soon we will be leaving through

the door…” Darona belts. By the end of the verse both doors swing open with four groggy eyed

people standing there.

“Darona! Why must you do this every morning?” Davros grumbles.

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“What better way to get you guys up? I let you sleep that one time, and it was almost midday

before we set out. However, every time I have used this method you’ve risen with the birds.”

Darona asserts.

“We’ll meet you guys downstairs. We can go ahead and get breakfast ordered.” Fiona assures

pushing Darona towards the stairs.

Reaching the last step, a Cling, clang, “oh that’s hot, that’s hot.” Henry proclaims coming

into view. Walking across the room and placing a pot onto the handcrafted oak banquet table off

in the dimly lit corner of the tavern. As He turns,” Oh, good morning, ladies. How did you

sleep?” Henry asks.

“It was great” Darona blurts with a perkiness far greater than the time of morning deserves.

“It was great and much needed, actually.” Fiona expresses.

“Hey, so I know you’re a guest and everything, but would you be up for helping me in the

kitchen?” Henry requests.

“Sure, no problem.” Fiona answers. “Oh, my its smaller in here than I thought it would be.” She

acknowledges. “One might find the size cozy. Maybe even romantic, and if things were different,

I might also.” She thinks.

“How are you at making eggs?” Henry inquires.

“Fine I suppose. Haven’t killed anyone yet.” She quips. Both letting out a soft chuckle.

“That’s good. How about you do these, and I will get everything else finished?” Henry suggests

motioning towards the dozen or so blue and brown speckled chicken eggs.

“I can do that.” Fiona consents.

Fiona was placing the dish of scrambled eggs onto the table just as the group was making

their way down the stairs.

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“Henry what’s with the small breakfast. Can’t afford to feed us all?” Zieh jests giving Henry a

pat on the back. The room fills with laughter.

“Let’s eat!!” Vicovar declares. As the group take their seats around the table.

“It looks like you’ve started without us.” Ophimae teases noticing Vicovar’s plate with a

generous portion of some minced meat that’s been stuffed into an animal intestine.

Burp “Ugh, too much food.” Vicovar proclaims after polishing off the last piece of the

spicy sweet sausage on the table.

“I agree.” Darona said looking green around the gills.

A few moments went by in silence in misery digesting the overabundance of food.

“We should be getting on our way.” Zieh declares.

“Well, do you think you guys will be back this way anytime soon?” Henry questions.

“Yeah, unless something comes up, we’ll stop back by in a week or so.” Zieh pledges. Opening

the heavy wooden door Henry says, “Great, see you all then. Fiona, I hope to see you again as

well.”

“It was nice getting to know you as well.” Fiona utters. Well, this made things harder. She thinks

to herself.

“Ok, which way?” Davros asks gesturing to the well-traveled dirt roads.

“It’ll be this way. It’s on the other side of the large forest up ahead.” Fiona informs.

“Well, ladies first.” Zieh jests.

“Ha!” Ophimae blurts giving him a quick punch to the arm.

“Ouch!” Zieh chuckles.

“So, how did you all meet?” Fiona probes.

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“Well, Zieh over there who I just punched, he is my half-brother, we’ve been traveling since we

left the academy. Davros this dark-haired mystery man here is my husband. We met in some

little town Zieh, and I stopped at a few years ago to stock up on supplies. He asked to come with

us. We thought he was interesting enough and by the next town we decided, why not and tied the

knot. Darona, the pink haired one skipping around over there, just started following us one day

about a year ago, and that was basically that. Vicovar, the stout fellow way up there, is kind of an

odd duck. We found him about a month or so ago beating up some tree. He claimed it was alive,

but Zieh wasn’t able to detect any magic. And that is how we came to be this ragtag group you

see before you. Ophimae divulges.

“Have you done many quests to dungeons?” Fiona grills.

“We have been to tons. I am surprised you haven’t heard of us. Zieh and the legendary four.”

Zieh boasts. Ophimae’s head turning towards Davros. Both rolling their eyes.

“Hey, Vicovar wait up!” Zieh shouts as he rushes to catch up.

“Actually, we have only been on a handful of quests and most of them were pretty simple. Such

as fetching things from a neighboring town. From time to time we have been hired to take care of

a wolf that had been eating someone’s chickens. “Davros recalls.

“But I heard Zieh talking about the 3-ton Aboleth you all defeated recently.” Fiona remarks.

Cringing, Ophimae clarifies, “That’s kind of true. There was a young one spotted in a river near

that town, Daggerford. While it wasn’t as hard as a full grown one, Zieh did actually lose a few

fingers. He thought it’d be fun to play with”

“But I saw his hands at breakfast they were all there.” Fiona challenges.

‘That’s because thankfully, it’s a spell that Darona had learned before joining us.” Davros

interjects.

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“Hey Fiona, what about you? Aside from owning a goat, we don’t know anything about you.”

Darona points out.

Caught off guard, “I I am actually married, well was married. His name was Andod. We met

when we were kids. We spent every day together. All day if we could. I loved to hear him laugh.

It’s the little things you miss. The little things are what make a house like a tomb they cease.”

Fiona says begging to tear up.

Ophimae walks over wrapping her arms around Fiona. “I’m so sorry. I can only imagine what

this must be like for you.” She consoles.

The group continues on walking in silence until the sky was an intermixture of pinks,

blues, and oranges.

“The sun will be down soon, and this seems like a good spot to set up camp, I am not detecting

anything.” Zieh affirms. Moving off the dirt path onto a small grassy clearing just within the tree

line. Setting down their packs, each unpacking their nighttime necessities. A tarp, a rope for a

makeshift tent and a woolen blanket to sleep on.

“It is getting cold out. We should gather some wood for a fire.” Ophimae suggests

“Don’t wander too far everyone. We may not be detecting any enemies in this area, but who

knows what’s further out.” Davros cautions. Gathering all the wood into a pile Zieh extends his

hand to cast fire bolt. A flame shoots from his hand engulfing the wood, a campfire roaring to

life.

“Ok everyone let’s get a bite to eat and get some sleep. We have more walking to do tomorrow.”

Davros insists.

“Food!” Vicovar exclaims. Each reaching into their packs and removing their rations of the day.

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 “How about I take first watch?” Zieh asks.

“Sure.” Fiona says.

“That’s fine with me.” Declares Vicovar.

“You better stay awake.” Demands Davros.

Sitting close to the hot crackling fire Zieh begins reading some book he had found in his room at

Henry’s tavern. Stopping every so often and to observe their surroundings. Although the

darkness was thick the fire was allotting for low visibility in a sixty-foot circle around the group.

Rubbing his eyes Zieh was beginning to fight the pull of slumber. Fearing that he might fall

asleep, like last time, he crawls over to Darona. Shaking her from side to side he says, “Darona I

need you to wake up. I am about to fall asleep.” Darona just snores. “Ugh. Why does she sleep

so deep?” Zieh questions. Moving on to the next closest person Vicovar. Leaning in Zieh lifts his

hand off the ground and moves it towards Vic’s shoulder. Before he can do this, bam, Vic rolled

over punching Zieh right in the nose. Zieh falls back cupping his nose with his hands. “Ouch!

What the hell?” He shouts.

“ZIEH!!! Why are you shouting? People are trying to sleep.” Davros snaps.

“Vic just punched me in the nose.” Zieh insists.

Lifting his head to look, “what are you talking about he is sleeping.” Davros challenges.

“Ugh!! Well, now that you’re awake can you take over?” Zieh snarls.

“I might as well.” Davros fumes. Zieh sulks over and lays down on his bed. Wiggling his nose

back and forth with his thumb and forefinger as he passes out.

Rustle! Snap! Crack! Davros jumps to his feet franticly looking for the origin of the

sound. After a few moments with no signs of movement he sits back down. Taking a deep breath

to calm his nerves he looks around the group and finally over at his sleeping wife. He realizes

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she has what he figures are two green ropes on her, “what is that?” he whispers to himself.

Crawling towards her he was notices that they were writhing. He reaches for Ophimae just as

they rip her from her warm bed. “NO!!!” shouts Davros. With the commotion everyone wakes.

“What is it?” Vicovar asks yielding his daggers.

“It has her” Davros says grabbing his bow and quiver and running off into the darkness.

“What? What has who?” Fiona questions.

“She’s over here.” Zieh insists running towards her. Vic dropping his daggers grabs his battle

axe from under his pack and follows. About twenty feet from camp, they gather around Ophimae

who they can now see has been grappled by a large vine bush. Vicovar wasting no time begins

chopping away at the vines that have her. Chop! Chop! Chop!

“Guys are you seeing this? Each time I get one off another takes its place.” Vicovar says.

“What?! Ugh! I’m going to hit it with acid splash.” Zieh declares.

“Are you daft? You might hit her.” Davros predicts. Davros reaching into his quiver draws a

long wooden iron tipped arrow bringing it up and positioning it onto the bow. Releasing it, it

soars straight at the bush and disappears within. “Come on?!” Davros says with exasperation.

“Ok what if I infest it with mites? Mites won’t kill her.” Zieh inquires.

“That might work.” Davros says.

“Anything I can do?” Fiona asks.

“Let’s see if this works first. Hey Darona, can you help me out here?” Zieh asks.

“Can do.” She asserts reaching for her dulcimer and starts playing an inspiring tune. “La la la,

Ophimae could really use some help from Zieh. These vines must die. So, we don’t cry…”

Darona sings. Zieh suddenly flowing with inspiration conjures up a mite infestation focused on

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the main axis of the monstrous green plant. With an otherworldly screech the vines release

Ophimae and they begin swatting at itself. “Thank goodness that worked.” Zieh exclaims.

“Are you hurt?” Davros asks helping Ophimae to her feet.

“No mostly just creeped out.” She informs.

“I’m glad that’s all.” Davros say giving Ophimae a tighter than normal hug and kissing forehead.

“How about we pack up and get on our way?” Zieh suggests.

“Sounds good to me.” Ophimae responds.

“I told you all the trees are alive.” Vicovar quips as he packs his things.

Shaken from the fight and exhausted from a lack of sleep the next day was mostly spent

walking in silence. As the sun was beginning to sit lower in the sky the silence broke with,

‘Fiona. How much further?” Darona questions.

“It’s actually just over that hill over there.” Fiona says.

“That is so good to hear. I could use a nice hot bath filled with bubbles and a long nap. So long

you’ll think I am hibernating, like a bear.” Ophimae joked.

“Me too.” Davros agrees.

“I wish that was an option.” Fiona thinks to herself. “That does sound amazing.” Fiona seconds

with a wide smile.

“Are those the trees?” Darona asks reaching the top of the hill.

“Yes, those are them.” Fiona answers. “Well, It’s now or never. I can’t believe this is my life

now. How did I become this?” She considers. Unable to wait any longer the group begins using

the last of their energy and sprints towards the tree, taking care to not fall into the dreaded hole

themselves.

“How about we not waste any time? What’s the plan?” Davros inquires.

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 Wishing to beat the sun, plans were quickly being put in and just as quickly being thrown

out. Unable to wait any longer Vicovar hustled over to the tree and was tying one end of his 50-

foot rope to it.

“Vicovar what are you doing?” Ophimae asks.

“I’m tired of waiting. First there’s a plan then there’s no plan. So, I make my own plan. I’m

going down and I’ll fight whatever comes.” Vic insists. Tossing the other end of the long rope

down into the darkness Vic begins his decent.

“Vic wait this isn’t how we should do this. Who knows what’s in there?” Davros shouted. Vic

continues down the rope.

“Well, I guess all we can do is go down after him. Vic wait up!” Davros says. The remaining

members of the party begin the decent a bit behind Vic.

“Wait, what should I do?” Fiona asks.

“Make sure nothing comes down.” Darona suggests following the others.

Vicovar reaches the bottom just as the last of the others were about halfway down. He

begins looking around. Hearing a noise down a long corridor he decides to take a look. Reaching

for his battle axe he had placed on his back; he approaches the entrance to what appears to be a

long hallway. Davros, then Ophimae reach the ground. Darona and finally Zieh about a minute

later. Davros begins searching for something to use as a torch. Meanwhile Zieh walks over

towards the entrance with Vic. Fortunately he has dark vision, which allows for him to see in a

bit better in low light. Zieh gasps, and immediately begins backing up. Grabbing onto Vic’s shirt

and forcing him to back up as well. “What the hell is that? Zieh asks with a shaky voice. Unable

to see what was scaring Zieh the rest of the party also backs up towards the wall.

“I’m so sorry. I really really wish it didn’t have to be this way.” Fiona shouts into the hole.

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“What are you talking about Fiona? Sorry for what?” Ophimae grills.

“I twisted the truth. See, this was never about a lost goat or sheep and my husband isn’t gone.

Well not exactly. Some Sorcerer double crossed him and changed him. Guys this is Andod. I

have to find a cure, but in the meantime, he has to eat.” Fiona confesses. At that moment a

gnarled fleshy mound with numerous mouths and eyes came into view. Every so often a sad

distorted human face could be seen amongst the chaos. Finally, it moved into the last bit of light

that entered the hole. “Andod?! I don’t know if you’re in there, but I miss you.” Fiona says as

she drops the end of the long rope into the pit. Unable to watch Fiona begins to run as fast as she

can to escape the screams erupting from the darkness.

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