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Events of the 21st of Limestone
The monster's perception of time was clearly skewed by its timelessness, and it held its position for hours rather than moments.
More than enough time to prepare a resistance.
The heroes of Nist Akath stood together, Captain Ironblood and Bomrek the Captain of the Guard at their lead.
There stood Nok, Bullion, Erendor, Nagash II, Doren, Adalore, Vanon, Moogel, Kast and Viktoria.
Within the fortress itself stood the seasoned guards, just in case.
The mood was grim as the monster advanced, its thundering voice shouting "Very well, foolish mortals. I shall take your fortress by force. Your blood shall stain the hallways, a mark of your shame! Your broken bodies will be laid low, crushed husks a mere echo of their former strength!"
Its taunts caused a few flinches amongst the line of dwarves, bringing anger to bear against the terror mounting in their hearts and the great creature thundered towards them. Its muscles shone bronze and strong in the sunlight.
It merely stepped over the carefully laid traps that had slain or captured so many creatures before it, chuckling as it did so.
Dwarves ran screaming from the fort, which stood nearby, abandoning their labors for the shelter of the deepest parts of the fortress.
Archibess remained at Captain Ironblood's side, hoping to have a word about her recent personal problems.
"Woman, do you mind!?" he shouted at her.
"But... I have issues!" she cried back.
"You'll have issues if that horrible monster catches you! Why do you think we're all so armored? We're not going to a fancy dress party, you know!"
"But... why are you the only one not wearing proper armor?" she asked.
"More fun this way. Didn't you hear about the time I fought a bear bare handed?" muttered the Captain, "I could tell it a thousand times..."
"I... er... better go inside..." interrupted Archibess.
"You do that." replied the Captain, gruffly, turning his attemption back to the monster approaching.
It closed the ground between them, and young Darktongue was the first to break rank and charge the creature, shouting curses at it that would turn his mother's ears red.
The others, left with little choice, charged after him.
The crossbowdwarves Nagash II and Erendor fired their first bolts of the battle against the monster, the bone bolts merely shattering against its hide.
It swatted aside Darktongue as it marched on the main body of troops.
Darktongue was sent sprawling, stunned but otherwise unhurt. A miracle given he had been struck in the head.
It turned, as an afterthought, and smashed him in the left leg, pain shooting up through his body. Gasping, Darktongue found himself unable to move.
Instead he was forced to look up into the impassive bronze face of his enemy.
He was forced to watch as Bullion stepped over him, thrusting forth a spear that no doubt prevented Darktongue's untimely death.
His next strike missed the colossus entirely, and it utilized the opportunity to grab hold of Darktongue by the armor still cladding his broken leg.
Bomrek charged in and was promptly knocked off her feet as the Colossus swung around to face her.
It was Captain Ironblood whose blow against the monster's grip freed Darktongue, but he lost his own footing in the process.
He grabbed the young warrior and dragged him away from the battle while it was distracted.
"Stay here, boy!" he commanded, as he regained his footing to rejoin the battle.
