Rise of the Blade - Charles Moffat [60]
"I'm afraid you'll find that my leather is also magical and stronger than steel. I've known men who have broken their hands trying to punch it. Are you so certain your fancy blades will make much difference?"
"Only one way to find out, isn't there?" Pierce grinned and stopped three yards from Chev.
The warrior stepped away from the wall, blades at ready. "What are you waiting for?"
Pierce smiled and continued to delve past the blur of Chev's confusing thoughts. There had to be a reason why the warrior had come… "The vault!" he blurted out loud.
Chev's eyes went wide for only a moment and then he became a flash of muscle and steel as he charged Pierce's blades and the two were locked into battle. Steel flashed in the dim light as the two warriors danced between their blades and their weapons bounced harmlessly off each other. Chev's understanding of Pierce's ability had come to full and he was actively shutting Pierce out of his mind through sheer stubbornness.
"Get to the vault!" Pierce shouted above the clash of blades as he backed his way towards the dome. Under the onslaught of Chev's fury, the veteran decided his best chance at survival would be to lead the warrior into the dome where the open area and better lighting would make it easier when help finally arrived.
Chev wasn't about to be lead about so easily however and he waited until the guards had left the corridor before dodging past Pierce and running towards the dome. Pierce's thrown saber nearly tripped him but he kept going. Through the wide archway, he vaulted the stone balcony, knowing full well that Pierce in his heavy armour wouldn't be able to follow so quickly.
Landing on the wooden pews below, he ran across them to the bronze doors leading to the south wing. Jumping off the last pew he barrelled his two hundred pounds of muscle into the door with his shoulder and broke the hinges off it. Landing in a dusty heap, Chev hoped he was moving fast enough.
Rolling to his feet and running past a side corridor, he heard the sound of running guards and knew he had plenty of time. Perhaps the only question left in his mind was whether he had given Valeska enough time.
Rounding a corner, Chev nearly tripped over the crouched bard. "We don't have much time left! How much more time do you need?"
Wide-eyed Valeska looked around as if for the first time in years. "There's just one trap left, but if I spring it I'll likely get poisoned-"
Chev pushed her out of the way and kneeled down to take a quick look inside the lock. "Is it that U-shaped piece to the left?"
Rubbing her bruised side and tempted to kick Chev in the head, Valeska growled, "Yes, but that will take-"
Chev shoved his little finger into the keyhole and pushed the U-shaped mechanism. He heard a sharp thunk sound and a poisoned needle bounced harmlessly off his leather gloves.
Standing, Valeska took care to close her gawking mouth as Chev removed his unharmed gloves and watched as the warrior kissed his little finger in thanks. With an air of extravagance, she threw aside her lock picks and put her shoulder to work as the two pushed the extra thick bronze doors open.
Only a large crack was needed and Chev forced his shoulder through to stand within the vault. Valeska followed, bumping into the warrior. Unsheathing his sword so it shed some blue-white light, the warrior glanced at her and back to mounds of coins before them.
The drow bard took a deep breath and was tempted to do a quick dance on the coins were she not so afraid for her life. Looking around the vault she saw that it was at least twenty yards wide and twice that as long. The floor was sloped so the majority of coins and wealth were at the opposite end. Penetrating the darkness with her infravision, the half-drow ran forward and started scooping up gems into a magical pocket.
Chev surveyed the room quickly, swinging his magical sword back and forth so that he could see more. Finally he saw what