Escape from Undermountain - Mark Anthony [37]
"What is this stuff?" he said in hoarse amazement as the others came to a halt behind him.
Beckla drew in a sharp breath, staring upward. "I think I know."
The strange whispering grew to a maddening din. The threads hanging from the ceiling stirred. Ghostly shapes scuttled down the glowing strands.
"Webs," Corin gasped. "They're spiderwebs!"
As they watched in horror, half a dozen bloated forms dropped down from the tangle of webs above, while several more scurried from the opening through which they had entered the chamber. They were spiders, but like none Artek had ever seen. They were huge, each the size of a dog. Their bulging bodies, as pale and waxy as corpses, were eerily translucent, and their long gray legs trailed off into dim tendrils of gray mist. Dark saliva bubbled from their vague pincer mouths, and their multifaceted eyes shone malevolently, like flame reflected off black jewels. Whatever these things were, it was clear they were not truly alive, but wraiths, in hideous spider form. As they drew near, Artek realized the nature of the white shapes littering the chamber's floor. They were bones.
Together, the three backed toward the web-covered doorway.
"So, are you having fun yet, Silvertor?" Artek said darkly.
"Actually, this is a little more fun than I had anticipated," the lord answered with a gulp.
"Mystra save us," Beckla breathed.
The spiders advanced on their misty legs.
Artek drew the curved saber Melthis had given him. The hilt tingled in his hand-it was the first time he had drawn it in combat. Warm energy flowed up his arms as red fire glimmered along the edge of the blade. A wraith spider lunged forward, and Artek swung the saber. The creature let out a mind-piercing shriek as two of its legs fell to the floor. For a moment, they twitched of their own volition, then evaporated into wisps of fog. The spider lurched backward.
Beckla uttered an arcane incantation. Blue energy crackled from her fingertips. It struck two of the wraith spiders, but passed through their ghostly bodies. They continued to scurry forward.
"My magic has no effect on them!" the wizard shouted in terror.
"Nor does my rapier!" Corin cried as he thrust without result at one of the creatures. He retreated hastily.
"Then work on freeing the door!" Artek gritted through clenched teeth. "I'll try to hold the spiders back as long as I can."
He swung the saber in whistling arcs, and a dozen more many-jointed legs fell to the floor, turning to mist. The spiders advanced more slowly now, wary of Artek's crimson sword. The plan was working for the moment, but there were too many of the wraiths. It was only a matter of time until one got through.
"I don't want to tell you your job," he growled, "but you might want to hurry, Beckla."
"Quiet!" the wizard snapped. "I'm thinking." She studied the webs that crisscrossed the door. After a moment she nodded. "All right, if my magic won't work on these things, let's see what some good, old-fashioned, mundane fire will do."
Beckla uttered a command, and the end of her wooden staff burst into scarlet flame. She thrust the blazing brand at the webs. Instantly the sticky strands ignited, engulfed by brilliant fire. In seconds they were burned to fine ashes, clearing the doorway.
"It worked!" Corin cried excitedly.
"Come on, Artek!" Beckla shouted. "Let's go!"
Artek started to back away from the spiders, toward the now-open door. Then he suddenly froze. The saber in bis hands jerked violently. As if imbued with a life of its own, the blade danced forward, pulling Artek roughly with it. He tried to release the sword, but his hands were suddenly glued to the hilt. Seemingly of its own will, the saber swung at one of the wraith spiders. Artek stumbled wildly trying to keep his balance as he was carried along by the blade.
"What are you doing, Ar'talen?" Beckla demanded frantically. "The door's open. We've got to go!"
"I can't let go of the sword!" he gasped. "It won't let me retreat!" He lurched as the sword thrust itself at a spider,