Fippy's Odyssey

By Ferrel

Chapter 4 - High Pass Mucktail's

Fippy huffed softly as he and Lisika neared the top of the pass. “Lisika, I think I know why we lost contact with the Mucktail gnolls. They didn't mind coming down, but they didn't want to go back up,” barked Fippy.

Lisika softly laughed and walked around behind Fippy. She pushed him lightly and teased, “Oh, but you're a rough gnoll Commander. You can make it!”

Nodding, the small gnoll puffed out his chest and marched as best he could the rest of the way. Reaching the top of the pass, Fippy looked around. He motioned to a narrow crevice in the mountain face and said, “I guess that is the only way in. I hope they realize we're friendly.”

“Ferrel and I came through here. To be honest, I didn't see any gnolls. We might have gone the wrong way though. There is a human settlement here, but they're rather rude and shady,” counciled Lisika.

With a bright smile, Fippy tapped his head. “Oh they're hidden, and I know where.”

The pair traveled for the rest of the day until they reached the outer gate of High Pass. Instead of going through the gate, Fippy turned and began to climb up the wall.

“What are you doing?” Asked Lisika.

“Start climbing, they're up here. They like to have the high ground.” Remarked the gnoll as he disappeared over a small outcropping.

Shrugging, Lisika climbed up the cliff and pulled herself over the outcropping. She wiped her gloves clean and then noticed Fippy staring at something. “What is it?” She asked.

“The Mucktail gnolls… I think.” gasped Fippy as he pointed.

Lisika's gaze followed the gnoll's outstretched paw. She was surprised to see a group of gnolls sitting under little tents. Many were weaving baskets; some where making rope and others were displaying small trinkets. As though nothing was out of place, humans and adventurers strolled about, inspecting the gnoll's wears. “What the…” She asked, perplexed.

Fippy approached one of the gnolls. He was small and had a headband on. Smiling at Fippy, he asked, “How may I help you? Would you like a basket or perhaps some of our new product…”

“Product?” Questioned Fippy. “No, none of that. I am Commander Fippy Darkpaw. I bring a message for Ro'Vor from Blackburrow. Where can I find him?” Sniffing the air, the gnoll made a face. “And what is that smell!”

Smiling dumbly and laughing, the Mucktail gnoll patted Fippy on the back. “That's our product. Big Ro is up the hill a ways. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you… Commander…” The gnoll burst into a fit of laughs and went back to his tent.

“What was that about?” Asked Lisika.

With a sad shrug, Fippy barked, “I have no idea. He said Ro'Vor was up the hill, lets get going.”

After about an hour of climbing, the pair reached the top of the mountain. A single gnoll sat cross-legged at the summit. He was larger than most gnolls and wore a headband like the others. A pair of smoked glass spectacles rested on his muzzle, hiding his eyes from view. When Fippy and Lisika approached, he steepled his fingers. “Welcome my children. What brings you to the temple of ro?” He asked.

Lisika murmured something about the Temple of Ro being in the Lavastorm Mountains.

Shushing Lisika, Fippy bowed from the waist. “Chief Ro'Vor, I bring you a message from Chief Tranixx and Elgnub.” Digging in his pack, he produced the letter and offered it to Ro'Vor.

Taking the letter, Ro'Vor briefly looked it over. “You, sir, can tell your chief that he will get no help from the Mucktail! We don't believe in war man. We spread only love and quality products.”

Fippy blinked and then growled in anger. “You're just going to sit here and let your own kind die!” He shouted.

“You only die because you attack.” responded the other gnoll.

Fippy opened his muzzle to shout but paused as he felt Lisika's hand on his shoulder. “Don't bother Fippy. There is something wrong here. I wouldn't waste the breath on these gnolls anyway. Lets go.”

With a sigh, Fippy turned and started to walk away. “Bring peace to your clan! Do as we did and make friends with the humans. We've got quite a deal you know…” called Ro'Vor.

“Sell out…” muttered Fippy as he left.

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