97 Chapter 25 - Land Down Under (1/2)
”I've never been here before, I don't know the way to the exit,” Ellie murmured, turning to Kenji with the look of alarm in her eyes.
”If this dungeon was designed, it's possible we triggered something by coming in such a large group. Everyone on alert, let's take this slow while we work out way towards that castle. Be aware, one of the eighteen targets of the Thunberad Crusade are very likely to be hiding here.”
How else could he explain that Australian flag? Or these eucalyptus trees, or the damned koalas?
”G'day mate!” shouted one of the koalas with a thick Australian accent and who took its time strolling over on little furred feet. ”What's got your knickers in a twist, lost are ya?”
”Stop!” Kenji said, Bloodhorn lowering their bows while Sundrake snuffed out their flaring magic.
The koala placed a gum leaf in its mouth and slowly chewed, ”your all pretty weird alright, anything I can do for you lads?”
”That castle, is one of the 18 evil souls there?” Kenji said breathlessly, a cold sweat dripping down his back.
”Yeah, nah.”
”Is that a yes or a no?” Kenji's brows were stitched together as his frustrating grew as the full eyed koala continued to chew.
”It means that's my mate's Barry's house. Oi, Jezza, was Barry's barbeque today?” Turning sharply the koala addressed his companion, who slowly opened his eyes.
”Struth mate, I think your right Mazza. We better be going!”
”Good to meet you mate, come drop by Barry's place later today for the shindig. The Sheila's are welcome too,” the koala winked at Ellie, then turned around and began to saunter off.
Too late did Kenji notice the Bloodhorn act, their ebony horned leader having thrown his spear at the koala with blinding speed, a cord of blazing black turning the spear into what looked a bolt of black lightning.
”Watch out-”
The koala turned almost lazily and plucked the spear from the air mere moments from being skewered. With two claws he held the flaming spearhead, sniffed it, then looked at the Bloodhorn leader with his little black eyes.
”Crikey that was close! Word of warning mate, the boys and girls in the hidden room are some of the very strongest in the dungeon, the Roamers even stronger than that. And Barry? Well, don't piss off Barry.”
With two claws the koala flung the spear into the air, flying over a tree and out of sight. Gritting his teeth, the Bloodhorn leader watched his favoured weapon fly away.
”Everyone, we're following them!” Ellie announced, Kenji staring at her with disbelief.
”Have you lost your mind? One of the evil 18! This isn't a joke, we need to gather information and put an end to their plots before it grows out of hand.”
”Great Guildmaster, all due respect but if they wanted us dead we'd already be in the ground. We can't retreat either, the subterranean path always vanishes after use,” turning Ellie pointed at where they had come, now just blue-tinted stone in a blue rockface. ”lastly, you were the one you taught me to look for the rules of a dungeon. Well, this floor is insanely powerful, but everyone respects this 'Barry' guy and without those koalas introducing us I think our chances of gaining his favour would be much harder.”
Won over, Kenji soon joined the rest in chasing after the pair of koalas. Ellie begged their forgiveness, but the koalas waved all that aside.
”Water under the bridge mate, don't worry about it,” Mazza said and peered anxiously up at Barry's house. ”Just hope we get there in time, I'd rather eat a shit sandwich.”
Kenji wanted to point out if they increased their pace past that of a beetles crawl they'd get there in no time. But biting his lip he continued to let Ellie take charge, who rapidly crushed any whining that emerged from her ranks.
Soon they had sound their way to the fortress gates, thrown open and filled with several empty barbeques and broken ping pong tables. Within was a man with an unbuttoned bright red Hawaiian shirt , blue flipflops and a wide-brimmed leather hat.
”Mazza! Jezza! Well, how they bloody hell are ya?” Barry said with a great grin, and sauntered over, ”and you brought guests? Well, as me mum used to say, more the merrier!”
”Thank you for having us, Mr Barry,” Ellie said, Barry waving away her words as he laughed.