Fippy's Odyssey

By Ferrel

Chapter 6 - Journey to Velious

Seeing Lisika approach, Fippy smiled and hopped off his perch on a rock. Collecting her cloak, he asked, “Did you see some friends?”

“Yes, do you remember my sister Ferrel? This is her army apparently.” she replied.

The gnoll blinked and offered the cloak to Lisika. “How could I forget? She tended my wounds. Why does a cleric have an army?” he asked.

Scratching her temple and accepting the cloak, the rogue shrugged. “Political I guess. I was never a big fan of all that. Anyway, I found out there is a tunnel through these mountains and an ocean beyond that. Ferrel says that will take us to the ice land. She called it Velious.”

“Velious? Alright then, lets get moving.” remarked the gnoll.

The odd pair spent the rest of the afternoon wandering along the base of the nearby mountain range. At dusk, they found the tunnel and settled at the entrance.“That sure is a lot of people…” said Fippy as he looked over the Elven army. “I hope we find that many gnolls in Velious.”

Lisika sighed and stretched out. “Me too…” was her reply.

“Do you think we will?” the gnoll asked. “I mean really?”

Rocking up on an elbow towards Fippy, Lisika gestured towards the army, “That is a lot of elves. They're an old and established race, and that army isn't even a portion of them. I think we'll find some gnolls, but not that many.” Nodding slowly, the gnoll closed his eyes and lay back to go to sleep.

Groggily, Fippy awoke as Lisika prodded his shoulder. “Come on sleepy gnoll, we've got a boat to catch.” With a light whimper, the gnoll stood and wondered why he had to wake up before the sun did.

After a trek through the tunnel, the rogue pointed to shafts of light that were ahead. As the pair approached them, they had to shield their eyes from the piercing rays of sunlight. At the end of the tunnel, they stared out at the bleached, barren desert of Ro.

“How horrible.” said the gnoll. “No trees or grass anywhere.”

“I was told this used to be a forest. I'm not so sure I believe that though.” the rogue remarked.

Fippy folded his arms. “Not to doubt your sister, but I don't think we'll find Velious in this desert. Or an ocean for that matter.”

“Let me get a look around before we judge.” called Lisika as she walked ahead towards a giant rock spire. “I'll climb this and get a good view.” she added.

Shortly after, Lisika dropped soundlessly to the ground behind Fippy. Dusting off her hands, she smiled. “There is a large body of water to the east. I think we should head there.”

Fippy jumped, caught off guard. “Must you be so roguish?” he barked.

Lisika simply shrugged and started off across the dunes. She fanned herself lightly, her black chain and burgundy cloak not doing much to keep her cool.

At noon, the gnoll and rogue sat in the shadow of an old ruin. Both panted heavily and were drenched in sweat. Lisika began to pull her chain mail off and pack it away in a bag. Chewing his lip lightly, Fippy took a sip from his canteen. He snorted as nothing came out. “I think we should wait till it is dark to move. We're out of water and walking in the sun seems pointless.”

“You won't get an argument from me.” said Lisika as she leaned back against the tower for a well-earned rest.

As the sun set, the pair was on the move again. By midnight, the two weary travelers spotted the ocean and a small dock on it. As they reached it, they found themselves staring down at a gnome with an eye patch. “Ahoymematties, whatbringsyouhere?" The gnome asked.

Fippy stared at the tiny creature and barked, “Huh?”

Laughing quietly, Lisika motioned to the ocean, “We're looking to go to Velious. Can you help us?”

“AyelassIcanhelpyoufindVelious! Meshipwillbeheresoontopickusup. Justwaithere.” squeaked the gnome.

The gnoll tugged on Lisika's sleeve, “What is he saying? You can understand?”

Nodding, Lisika smiled, “Consider it an innate skill, either you understand or you don't. You'll pick it up eventually.”

The following morning, the companions were awakened by the sound of gears whirling, gnomes shouting and several explosions. Fippy shivered as he saw the monstrosity the gnomes had created. “We're going to ride on that?” he asked Lisika.

“Yup! Just don't touch anything. Chances are, it will explode.” she said as she ran down the dock and hopped on board.

The gnome pirate pointed at Fippy and motioned at the ship, “Getonboardyouseadog!” Fippy blinked and hurried after Lisika.

After a harrowing, death defying, explosive, corrosive, implosive, and slow journey, Fippy and Lisika found themselves on the docks in a foreign land. The two stared out into the vast areas of snow and pondered where they would go. Tugging his cloak tight around him Fippy made a move towards the white wasteland. “Well… let's get cracking… we should…” He paused as he saw Lisika's expression. She looked troubled. “What?” he asked.

“Fippy, there is something I've been meaning to tell you. I've just been putting it off. Now is as good a time as any, I guess.” she began. Taking a seat on the dock, Lisika sighed. “You never once asked me why I came to Qeynos. I think it is time I told you.”

The gnoll scratched his head and took a seat. “Oh, alright.” he said, somewhat confused.

Lisika continued, “You see, there is a treasure in Qeynos. It is an ancient amulet that provides protection and wealth to the wearer. The leader of the Knights of Thunder is its guardian, so it would not be easy to get."

Fippy listened, not really seeing the point yet.

“Fippy, I was going to steal it on my own, but then I met you. I swear to you, it was not premeditated. We met and you simply offered me an opportunity that was easier. So, I just went along with you…”

The little gnoll's eyes lit up with understanding. “So, you never really cared about my problem? You were just helping us win so you could claim the trinket? How could you?”

Lisika winced lightly and hurried to add, “We weren't friends then and that is the only reason how I could! I swear Fippy. The more I got to know you, the more I cared. I was trapped then though. Little half-truths turned into lies and then I had to tell more lies to cover the other ones so you wouldn't hate me. Now it has gotten out of control and it is tearing my soul. I didn't want to hurt you Fippy. I really do care, but I had to tell you or guilt would have eaten me alive.”

Fippy shivered with rage and barked, “You misrepresented yourself to me and all the others just to get what you wanted! How could you?” He turned his back, anger, rage, sorrow and pain in his eyes. His paws clenched and he shut his eyes, trying to keep out the pain, willing it to go away.

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