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"Swords and axes can only go so far. One of the most feared creatures in the Labyrinth is the clawbug, since its thick shell can deflect sword, axe and arrow. Despite its name, however, the clawbug is more crab than insect. As any chef will tell you, the best way to cook a crab is to throw it alive and fresh into the fire. This is where Alchemists come in handy. Having mastered the magical elements of fire, ice, and volt, an Alchemist can exploit the weakness of just about any creature. Ashki is one of the most well-known Alchemists in Etria. She is renowned for her powerful fire spells, but she's even more famous for her special Baked Clawbug--one of the few edible entrees to come out of the Labyrinth."
--Eulixes
The three of us have spent a good part of the day wandering through the Labyrinth looking for the gigantic amorous treerat that William Stillspeare keeps on talking about. We've found some treerats but they were no larger than a dinner plate and hardly anywhere near the size of the one that William described. Mizonu had no trouble dispatching the furry little things but he wasn't satisfied with the small fangs and soft hides gathered from them. Shilleka doesn't offer much money for these fairly common items.As we continued our search we stumbled upon a passage that descended downwards; apparently there are multiple levels to the Labyrinth. I became wary and hesitant as we examined the new discovery, the entrance looked foreboding: the passage was a large, dark hole carved into the side of the gigantic tree, the tunnel leading downward seemed to have been torn and ripped out by huge, sharp claws.
I had a bad feeling about this, but the Ronin was curious and his enthusiasm was fueled by the frustration of finding little that would pad our coin purses back in town. "We've found nearly nothing today," Mizonu said. "Finding out what and where this downward passage leads to could actually make this expedition worth while. We won't have to go back to town nearly empty handed."
"The passage could lead to something that could kill us," I replied. "We should report this to the Explorers Guild and come back with more help and support."
The little Hexer girl jumped into the conversation to back up the Ronin. "But then we'd lose our claim over any important discoveries!" Layn said. "Who knows what valuable things we could find down there. If we go back to town with what little we've found so far, I don't think I'd be able to afford the night at the Rooster Inn."
Layn dropped her gaze and for a moment I saw a look of worry on her face. She must have been thinking about sleeping without a roof over her head. When she looked at me again, the worry was gone from her face. "Besides, Ashki, you and your fire spells could take down anything. When Mizonu had trouble with that clawbug you took it out with a single blast. We'll be able to handle anything that's down there with you."
Hmmph. Little Hexer girl, save your flattery for some one else. I'd rather pity you losing your bed than your life.
It didn't look as if the argument concluded in my favor however since Mizonu and Layn began to walk down the dark passage. I realized I had no choice but to follow. We were far from the entrance to the Labyrinth and I couldn't make it out of the Labyrinth alive if I went alone. One or two treerats I can handle, but every single one from here to the Labyrinth's entrance. I had to stick with the party. I stepped into the dark passage and followed the other two.
The passage went downwards at a gentle slope but the darkness made me cautious of where my steps fell. When we finally emerged from the dark passage, we found ourselves surrounded by the usual trees and plants. We continued to explore this new level, making our way through the maze of trees and shrubbery.
It had been quite some time since we arrived at this level of the Labyrinth when I realized we hadn't yet encountered any creatures. I was about to raise the issue with the other two when we entered a large clearing. In the center of the clearing was a large box which looked somewhat like a treasure chest. I could see the smiles appear on my fellow party members' faces. I couldn't help but grin a little myself.
The three of us ran towards the box but stopped short of actually touching it. Now that we were closer it clearly was a treasure chest made of aged wood and decorated with gem studs and silver trimmings. The handle appeared to me made out of gold. Layn was about to touch it when Mizonu held out a hand and stopped her. Layn gave him a confused look but Mizonu was scanning the edges of the clearing with his eyes.
I also turned my eyes towards the trees and bushes bordering the clearing and realized that many sets of eyes were watching us. I heard Layn gasp in reaction to a creature suddenly appearing from the bushes. Mizonu unsheathed his katana as many more of the creatures followed the first and stepped forth into the clearing.
All of us forgot about the treasure chest in the center of the clearing as the large creatures encircled us. They looked like hares, except much more menacing. Their fur was a sickly yellow and their eyes red. As the hares bared their teeth and claws at us, I saw that they were stained with blood. The three of us quickly moved close together and put our backs to one another.
As the monstrous hares began to close in on us, I looked at Layn and Mizonu. "I told you so."
