Haunting Dreams

The Tunnels
May 10, 1889
Early morning hours

Cronk’s sleep was not peaceful. The entire night (Or was it day? Cronk couldn’t tell.) Cronk was cursed with dreams.

At first, Cronk dreamed of the night he had met Quinn. Cronk had had a disagreement with his father, who argued that he knew deep down, Cronk had a good soul, but Cronk’s love of whiskey, women and weapons would destroy him. His father wanted Cronk to look deep inside himself. It only took a second for Cronk to walk out of the house and head to The Artic Fox, Cronk’s normal drinking spot.

There, Cronk sat drinking, a female orc upon his lap, when Quinn walked into the establishment. Quinn was searching for some muscle to enforce Quinn’s will in his business. Seeing Cronk, he knew he had found his man.

Quinn spent the night getting to know Cronk. He saw Cronk’s three passions and promised those and so much more. Irish whiskey was the best. The women there pleased their men. And, although Cronk’s most used weapons were his fists, Quinn could provide Cronk with more.

That very night, Cronk left with Quinn for Ireland. Quinn to the youngster under his wing. He taught Cronk everything he would need to know to do his duty.

Then, the scene switched to Quinn dying in Cronk’s arms, saying he was like a son to Quinn. Cronk became restless at this point of the dream. He felt himself vowing in his heart that Quinn would be avenged. He’d find this evil doctor and tear him limb from limb.

Cronk awoke with a start. He didn’t need the reminder that he had failed his duty to Quinn. The anger and frustration showed upon the Orc’s face.

Cronk didn’t know how long he slept. He was hungry and thirsty, not taking anything in since before Quinn and he had met with the evil doctor. His fancy new clothing was in tatters from the labor of burying Quinn inside of a boulder tomb.

Cronk stood up and placed a hand upon the boulders of the tomb of his former boss. Cronk, in his own way, swore he would never again hesitate to act. He would smash, then talk and state his objections. After making the promise to the deceased Quinn, Cronk began to search for the doctor once more.