AN UN NAMED STORY
Chapter 1 to 9 |
Chapter 10 to 19 |
Chapter 20 to 29
|
Chapter 30 to 39 |
Chapter one
“Changing of the Guard” …Some paths diverge, some come to an abrupt end…
Some nights, I lay awake and wonder about things that could have been, or even should have been, but never came to fruition. Some would blame fate, others the gods, and others would blame men. After all of my experiences I would say that it is a unique blending of all three that cause things to be or in some cases, not to be. It is unimaginable that I have no companions left from the original party that left Vargas on a fool’s errand, but here I lay, among newer companions with everyone that I’ve bled with long gone. Some of them I miss dearly, others it is with a pang of regret that the bonds of brotherhood never took to root properly. Still… surrounded by newer members so often I wonder if perhaps I am meant to the sole survivor or if it’s fated that I too will one day leave the brotherhood. But in the hands of who? It is fortunate that I still have much to do, but I do envision a future where I can wield the magic at my disposal in creation, rather than the rampant destruction that all too often flows from my fingertips. What would I do to have Armadeous by my side once more…
We were touring outside the temple with Cliara with her showing us the entrance when Hanso and Thundare began trading snide remarks at each other. Typical mercenary behavior no one thought anything of it, until in a fit of rage Thundar punched an unsuspecting Hanzo in the back of the head. The blow shattered the quiet of the evening with a deafening crack of bone and bending metal. Hanzo’s helm was dented in as he crumpled to the floor in a pool of blood.
Perhaps Hanso is akin to a cat, for surely he should have perished on the cobblestones outside the temple. His skull was cracked and at first I feared there would be no life in his vessel, but praise be to Adoy, who grants me the powers to heal such injuries. His skull mended under my spell, as I felt the bones reshaping into their proper form, I’m certain that Hanso has lost some faculty of the brain, as such injuries are beyond me to repair. If he believes in a god, he should be offering every worldly possession that owns to honor such a gift, as that would should have proven fatal.
Needless to say Cliara was unimpressed. They ordered us out of the city, but with some conditions put upon us, and with us having to now oversee the security of the Dwarven wedding we would still have an opportunity to prove ourselves as something more than a blood-thirsty gang of ruffians. Efficient but too savage was their way of thinking, and after witnessing that episode I don’t completely disagree with her assessment of our group.
Once Hanso appeared that he would live, Ano’dil turned away, made an obscene gesture in our direction and left into the crowd. He never returned, and his bunk and gear were gone from our room at the inn. Our one time leader is gone, and I find that the void left behind feels more like an open sore than something that will heal. His departure I hope is a turning point for us, or we will find very few places of solace in the future. I hope that he is doing well, away from the chaos of battle and politics. His road has been difficult for any man, much less a beastmaster who prefers the company of his wolves to people. Perhaps our paths with cross again, but if they don’t… then I wish well.
We were discussing how we were going to work on the wedding security when there was a knock at the door. We answered it in hopes that Ano’dil would be there, but alas another elf stood in the dimly lit doorway. The tall elf had a scar across his face, and it was easy to see one who had seen many skirmishes in his young life. His attire and weapons gave him the look of a ranger so when he presented himself as Taelyn Valdaris the ranger I was unsurprised. What caught me off-guard was the fact that the Archdruid had sent him with a piece of the Eliandel! His motives were clear and straightforward. He was tasked to bring the Eliandel to the Archdruid, and we were the ones who could do that. He’s now a member of the brotherhood, but what happens if our motives and those of the Archdruid don’t align?.. That is a thought for another day.
Had that been all that happened that day, I would say that it was eventful, but another knock on our door had another visitor barge into our world. The Human was dressed in soft leathers, darkened with the look of use about them. He identified himself as Draken, and as I have many acquaintances that practice the subtle arts of the thief or even assassin, this man with the guarded demeanor is almost certainly one of them. His story about why he found us is certainly a lie, and I wouldn’t trust the shifty rogue with my life, but it looks as though I may have too in the near future… that thought galls me to no end. He knows of us, and someone is trying to kill him, which makes me believe that we can’t just turn him away. So for now he will travel with us and aid us to the best of his capabilities but his story needs to be worked out… one way or another.
They say that there is no rest for the wicked… well the visitors continued well into the night with another Human noble lady visiting our room. Lady Sigrieda who is a noble on the city council and to my estimation and her confirmation a user of the magical arts. She offered us aid in the trials to come and hoped that we would be able to ensure the safety of the wedding. She and Gwynlah seemed to have some kind of connection, but it seemed harmless. She left with much a noble flair of one who is command of herself and those around her.
Gwynlah departed not soon after which is nothing unusual as the little rascal is always off doing things that none of us know they reason for. She too keeps her secrets well-guarded from the rest of us, and it saddens me that she has yet to fully open up to us. Later that night she would tell us that Sigrieda told her about the Light of Ludina which is a green stone that has the power to summon monsters. The Crystal of Medina is much like the light of Ludina in that it also needs the same conditions to function, but what she uncovered was that there were six different crystals that each could do different things. After the wedding we planned to speak with Sigrieda more on the magical stones, as my mission from the Tower is connected to them.
Thundare walks up to the fireplace. He looks at the window and the parties belongings that are scattered all over the room. Thundare looks deep in thought, sighs with a deep breath and speaks addressing everyone.
"Everyone please Listen. Its obvious we are being hunted or stalked. We have something that many powerful entities want. We have to be of one mind on this or we will not survive. It is for this reason I wish to tell you some truths that I have been withholding. I have something important to say and you may not all like it." Thundare pauses to get visual or vocal acknowledgement from everyone knowing that the collectives utmost attention is needed.
Damaruk turns his attention toward Thundare and Solarion arches an eyebrow at him. "Having a secret is nothing new amongst us."
"And that is my point Solarion. We need to try harder or trusting each other. " Thundare looks ashamed.
"Ano'dil took one piece of the medallion while we were in Farun's run. He took this from you Solarion. He convinced me that the Eliandel should never fall in your hands. I now have his piece and wish to let the whole party know. I also have my piece placed in a safe place. I want to know everyone's thoughts on this and how it effects them. Say this out in the open for all of us the hear."
"Damaruk says we have three pieces of Eliandel now and we can move on to next step: we find where it leads us. We learn from past mistake and not do again same, and we don't linger on these." Turns toward Thundare: "Where is safety place you say you had?"
Thundare looks at the two newest members of the brotherhood of bastards. "Taelyn...Draken. perhaps your fresh eyes can add something?"
A dark cloud settles upon Solarion's visage, he takes a second to gather his thoughts. "Thundare spare me your empty, deceitful words of brotherhood or secrets. Of every member of the Brotherhood that has ever been, you are perhaps the last person I expected something like this from..." Solarion breathes a deep sigh, his anger dissipating, his voice now soft he continues, "The order teaches us to prepare against our blind spots and I now understand such wisdom. I've a temper, perhaps worse than Damaruk's when angered, but I've paid more for my sins than you'll ever understand." Solarion pulls open his robes revealing the horrible burn like scaring that covers his entire body (although they only see the chest and neck). "If Adoy commanded it, I would burn the entire world to the ground. Yet... that's not the plan he has for me. As my friend, you should have known that... but that was my error. I understand now that we were never friends, you needed me for my skills, but have always viewed me like a wild dog on a very delicate leash." Solarion gets up and shakes his head in disappointment. "Keep your secrets to yourself Thundare, because I would not want to be considered your friend or brother..." Solarion walks past Thundare and leaves the room.
As Solarion walks out of the Room, Thundare follows.
"Unless you wish to strike me as you did Hanso, leave me be. There is nothing to say between us." Solarion keeps walking towards the common room.
"Listen Solarian. By the time Ano'dil told me the deed was already done. My wrong was not telling you, but there was a point you went a bit to far and we feared you. This you cannot deny. I was never going to keep this from you. I was just trying to find the right time to tell you. You know I view you as a brother in arms and would follow you all the way to the gates of hell. You must agree that at one point in your life you thought the end..justified the means. Ano'dil heard you say that only after you got to play with the Eliandel that you would CONSIDER returning it. Anodil said you seemed mad with power and that Obron was concerned and tasked him to look out for you....that we would have to protect you..even if that meant protecting you from yourself. You see, after traveling with you this long I no longer think what they told me is the truth. You are a trustworthy friend and I say the hell with there warnings. With that Thundare extends his arm to be able to grasp Solarion's forearm in a warriors salute with one hand. And in the other offers the piece of the medallion to him.
Solarion shakes his head in frustration. "I wasn't lying when I said that I would look at the Eliandriel first before handing it over. Have you ever wondered what happened to the Ano'dil's cursed sword? No. No one cares. I had to brought to the tower for safe keeping. It won't be destroyed, only studied and regarded as an artifact. The same applies to the Eliandel. My order has had great power for countless time, but you don't hear legends of half-elves rampaging with their magic across the world do you? How am I to trust a druid, who knows scant little of arcane magic with an artifact that shakes the very world? They believe in balance, which means, should good be far too ahead, then perhaps the precious little bauble falls into a lich's hand to balance the tide?." Solarion pokes Thundare in the chest. "People always fear what they don't understand, and all of you have no idea what you're dealing with. I'm trained to kill, much like your god would want you to do. Only I'm also trained to heal those in need. I will always be a destroyer and creator. That is the duality that binds my soul. I revel in my magic, as much as I sometime fear the very power that courses through my veins. But the one thing you failed to realize was that not once, have I ever harmed another of the brotherhood. I've been shot, stabbed and hacked at by those who would call me brother, and yet I'm the one to fear or distrust? I've moved the very heavens to our side to bring back people and creatures from the dead to aid us... and I am to be feared?" Solarion chuckles a laugh without any happiness in it, "Hanso plans to take it to his master, a being we know nothing about. The new ranger wishes to bring it to a druid who dealt with a man under the power of an evil sword and hid that from us. And a thief who is most likely some kind of assassin with his own agenda... and I'm the one who you chose to distrust. Yes... we're a merry little fellowship aren't we? Keep the amulet piece. I was shamed for losing it, and no longer care to carry it. You pretend to be a man of honor, a man who faithfully carries out the will of his god... how does your precious god view see this? You've turned your closest ally into... into.." Solarion stops talking and turns from Thundare walking down the hallway, he whispers, "I don't know what we are now.."
"No you don't get to walk away! paint me as the sole villain! You don't know what I've seen. How I've seen the most heroic turn cruel with power. ...I had to make a choice once before and I choose right.i killed him damn it! My best friend because he was going to destroy the world. But with you Solarion choose wrong. I should have trusted you from the start. I am asking your forgiveness because I made a grave mistake. I believe what we do with the Eliandel should be your domain. My friend ... do not abandon me of this. Not now.
Solarion turns angrily, "No you're right. I'm the villain remember! Oh... I am stuck in the mess. My god ask... no demands that I walk the righteous path, and so I will. So the Eliandel must be brought somewhere that it doesn't cause harm. Don't ask for more than that!"
Then where do we take it?
"That is a problem for another day. We don't even have it yet. Now leave me be Thundare..." Solarion looks at the Whirling with something akin to remorse, and begins to walk down the hallway.
Some nights, I lay awake and wonder about things that could have been, or even should have been, but never came to fruition. Some would blame fate, others the gods, and others would blame men. After all of my experiences I would say that it is a unique blending of all three that cause things to be or in some cases, not to be. It is unimaginable that I have no companions left from the original party that left Vargas on a fool’s errand, but here I lay, among newer companions with everyone that I’ve bled with long gone. Some of them I miss dearly, others it is with a pang of regret that the bonds of brotherhood never took to root properly. Still… surrounded by newer members so often I wonder if perhaps I am meant to the sole survivor or if it’s fated that I too will one day leave the brotherhood. But in the hands of who? It is fortunate that I still have much to do, but I do envision a future where I can wield the magic at my disposal in creation, rather than the rampant destruction that all too often flows from my fingertips. What would I do to have Armadeous by my side once more…
We were touring outside the temple with Cliara with her showing us the entrance when Hanso and Thundare began trading snide remarks at each other. Typical mercenary behavior no one thought anything of it, until in a fit of rage Thundar punched an unsuspecting Hanzo in the back of the head. The blow shattered the quiet of the evening with a deafening crack of bone and bending metal. Hanzo’s helm was dented in as he crumpled to the floor in a pool of blood.
Perhaps Hanso is akin to a cat, for surely he should have perished on the cobblestones outside the temple. His skull was cracked and at first I feared there would be no life in his vessel, but praise be to Adoy, who grants me the powers to heal such injuries. His skull mended under my spell, as I felt the bones reshaping into their proper form, I’m certain that Hanso has lost some faculty of the brain, as such injuries are beyond me to repair. If he believes in a god, he should be offering every worldly possession that owns to honor such a gift, as that would should have proven fatal.
Needless to say Cliara was unimpressed. They ordered us out of the city, but with some conditions put upon us, and with us having to now oversee the security of the Dwarven wedding we would still have an opportunity to prove ourselves as something more than a blood-thirsty gang of ruffians. Efficient but too savage was their way of thinking, and after witnessing that episode I don’t completely disagree with her assessment of our group.
Once Hanso appeared that he would live, Ano’dil turned away, made an obscene gesture in our direction and left into the crowd. He never returned, and his bunk and gear were gone from our room at the inn. Our one time leader is gone, and I find that the void left behind feels more like an open sore than something that will heal. His departure I hope is a turning point for us, or we will find very few places of solace in the future. I hope that he is doing well, away from the chaos of battle and politics. His road has been difficult for any man, much less a beastmaster who prefers the company of his wolves to people. Perhaps our paths with cross again, but if they don’t… then I wish well.
We were discussing how we were going to work on the wedding security when there was a knock at the door. We answered it in hopes that Ano’dil would be there, but alas another elf stood in the dimly lit doorway. The tall elf had a scar across his face, and it was easy to see one who had seen many skirmishes in his young life. His attire and weapons gave him the look of a ranger so when he presented himself as Taelyn Valdaris the ranger I was unsurprised. What caught me off-guard was the fact that the Archdruid had sent him with a piece of the Eliandel! His motives were clear and straightforward. He was tasked to bring the Eliandel to the Archdruid, and we were the ones who could do that. He’s now a member of the brotherhood, but what happens if our motives and those of the Archdruid don’t align?.. That is a thought for another day.
Had that been all that happened that day, I would say that it was eventful, but another knock on our door had another visitor barge into our world. The Human was dressed in soft leathers, darkened with the look of use about them. He identified himself as Draken, and as I have many acquaintances that practice the subtle arts of the thief or even assassin, this man with the guarded demeanor is almost certainly one of them. His story about why he found us is certainly a lie, and I wouldn’t trust the shifty rogue with my life, but it looks as though I may have too in the near future… that thought galls me to no end. He knows of us, and someone is trying to kill him, which makes me believe that we can’t just turn him away. So for now he will travel with us and aid us to the best of his capabilities but his story needs to be worked out… one way or another.
They say that there is no rest for the wicked… well the visitors continued well into the night with another Human noble lady visiting our room. Lady Sigrieda who is a noble on the city council and to my estimation and her confirmation a user of the magical arts. She offered us aid in the trials to come and hoped that we would be able to ensure the safety of the wedding. She and Gwynlah seemed to have some kind of connection, but it seemed harmless. She left with much a noble flair of one who is command of herself and those around her.
Gwynlah departed not soon after which is nothing unusual as the little rascal is always off doing things that none of us know they reason for. She too keeps her secrets well-guarded from the rest of us, and it saddens me that she has yet to fully open up to us. Later that night she would tell us that Sigrieda told her about the Light of Ludina which is a green stone that has the power to summon monsters. The Crystal of Medina is much like the light of Ludina in that it also needs the same conditions to function, but what she uncovered was that there were six different crystals that each could do different things. After the wedding we planned to speak with Sigrieda more on the magical stones, as my mission from the Tower is connected to them.
Thundare walks up to the fireplace. He looks at the window and the parties belongings that are scattered all over the room. Thundare looks deep in thought, sighs with a deep breath and speaks addressing everyone.
"Everyone please Listen. Its obvious we are being hunted or stalked. We have something that many powerful entities want. We have to be of one mind on this or we will not survive. It is for this reason I wish to tell you some truths that I have been withholding. I have something important to say and you may not all like it." Thundare pauses to get visual or vocal acknowledgement from everyone knowing that the collectives utmost attention is needed.
Damaruk turns his attention toward Thundare and Solarion arches an eyebrow at him. "Having a secret is nothing new amongst us."
"And that is my point Solarion. We need to try harder or trusting each other. " Thundare looks ashamed.
"Ano'dil took one piece of the medallion while we were in Farun's run. He took this from you Solarion. He convinced me that the Eliandel should never fall in your hands. I now have his piece and wish to let the whole party know. I also have my piece placed in a safe place. I want to know everyone's thoughts on this and how it effects them. Say this out in the open for all of us the hear."
"Damaruk says we have three pieces of Eliandel now and we can move on to next step: we find where it leads us. We learn from past mistake and not do again same, and we don't linger on these." Turns toward Thundare: "Where is safety place you say you had?"
Thundare looks at the two newest members of the brotherhood of bastards. "Taelyn...Draken. perhaps your fresh eyes can add something?"
A dark cloud settles upon Solarion's visage, he takes a second to gather his thoughts. "Thundare spare me your empty, deceitful words of brotherhood or secrets. Of every member of the Brotherhood that has ever been, you are perhaps the last person I expected something like this from..." Solarion breathes a deep sigh, his anger dissipating, his voice now soft he continues, "The order teaches us to prepare against our blind spots and I now understand such wisdom. I've a temper, perhaps worse than Damaruk's when angered, but I've paid more for my sins than you'll ever understand." Solarion pulls open his robes revealing the horrible burn like scaring that covers his entire body (although they only see the chest and neck). "If Adoy commanded it, I would burn the entire world to the ground. Yet... that's not the plan he has for me. As my friend, you should have known that... but that was my error. I understand now that we were never friends, you needed me for my skills, but have always viewed me like a wild dog on a very delicate leash." Solarion gets up and shakes his head in disappointment. "Keep your secrets to yourself Thundare, because I would not want to be considered your friend or brother..." Solarion walks past Thundare and leaves the room.
As Solarion walks out of the Room, Thundare follows.
"Unless you wish to strike me as you did Hanso, leave me be. There is nothing to say between us." Solarion keeps walking towards the common room.
"Listen Solarian. By the time Ano'dil told me the deed was already done. My wrong was not telling you, but there was a point you went a bit to far and we feared you. This you cannot deny. I was never going to keep this from you. I was just trying to find the right time to tell you. You know I view you as a brother in arms and would follow you all the way to the gates of hell. You must agree that at one point in your life you thought the end..justified the means. Ano'dil heard you say that only after you got to play with the Eliandel that you would CONSIDER returning it. Anodil said you seemed mad with power and that Obron was concerned and tasked him to look out for you....that we would have to protect you..even if that meant protecting you from yourself. You see, after traveling with you this long I no longer think what they told me is the truth. You are a trustworthy friend and I say the hell with there warnings. With that Thundare extends his arm to be able to grasp Solarion's forearm in a warriors salute with one hand. And in the other offers the piece of the medallion to him.
Solarion shakes his head in frustration. "I wasn't lying when I said that I would look at the Eliandriel first before handing it over. Have you ever wondered what happened to the Ano'dil's cursed sword? No. No one cares. I had to brought to the tower for safe keeping. It won't be destroyed, only studied and regarded as an artifact. The same applies to the Eliandel. My order has had great power for countless time, but you don't hear legends of half-elves rampaging with their magic across the world do you? How am I to trust a druid, who knows scant little of arcane magic with an artifact that shakes the very world? They believe in balance, which means, should good be far too ahead, then perhaps the precious little bauble falls into a lich's hand to balance the tide?." Solarion pokes Thundare in the chest. "People always fear what they don't understand, and all of you have no idea what you're dealing with. I'm trained to kill, much like your god would want you to do. Only I'm also trained to heal those in need. I will always be a destroyer and creator. That is the duality that binds my soul. I revel in my magic, as much as I sometime fear the very power that courses through my veins. But the one thing you failed to realize was that not once, have I ever harmed another of the brotherhood. I've been shot, stabbed and hacked at by those who would call me brother, and yet I'm the one to fear or distrust? I've moved the very heavens to our side to bring back people and creatures from the dead to aid us... and I am to be feared?" Solarion chuckles a laugh without any happiness in it, "Hanso plans to take it to his master, a being we know nothing about. The new ranger wishes to bring it to a druid who dealt with a man under the power of an evil sword and hid that from us. And a thief who is most likely some kind of assassin with his own agenda... and I'm the one who you chose to distrust. Yes... we're a merry little fellowship aren't we? Keep the amulet piece. I was shamed for losing it, and no longer care to carry it. You pretend to be a man of honor, a man who faithfully carries out the will of his god... how does your precious god view see this? You've turned your closest ally into... into.." Solarion stops talking and turns from Thundare walking down the hallway, he whispers, "I don't know what we are now.."
"No you don't get to walk away! paint me as the sole villain! You don't know what I've seen. How I've seen the most heroic turn cruel with power. ...I had to make a choice once before and I choose right.i killed him damn it! My best friend because he was going to destroy the world. But with you Solarion choose wrong. I should have trusted you from the start. I am asking your forgiveness because I made a grave mistake. I believe what we do with the Eliandel should be your domain. My friend ... do not abandon me of this. Not now.
Solarion turns angrily, "No you're right. I'm the villain remember! Oh... I am stuck in the mess. My god ask... no demands that I walk the righteous path, and so I will. So the Eliandel must be brought somewhere that it doesn't cause harm. Don't ask for more than that!"
Then where do we take it?
"That is a problem for another day. We don't even have it yet. Now leave me be Thundare..." Solarion looks at the Whirling with something akin to remorse, and begins to walk down the hallway.
Chapter two
“Here come the bride” …Relationships are hard, especially when they are explosive…
In the wake of Thundare’s betrayal, it is hard for me to properly reflect on what happened. I have always been able to focus when in pain, but perhaps my subconscious is not as well trained as I would have thought. In the wake of the wedding I’m left feeling that I didn’t act accordingly to my soul, which was conflicted and maybe that was the difference in the outcome. I pray that I am wrong, and that nothing I could have done would have changed the outcome, but doubts cling to me as shadows swirl around my heart… the duality of my nature is at war, one fighting to take control of the situation, while the other is begging to be left alone. The Dwarves think that they have it tough, their enemy is an external force, something to combat, someone that will eventually bleed for their sins. Where does that leave me?..
The wedding brought all of the Dwarves to the temple in their finest battle regalia, which I still find odd, but glorious at the same time. Everything was polished to a sheen, their weapons like ours tied to their sides with a peace-bond. Everything seemed normal. Everyone was where they should be, on the sides, at the back, invisible on the balconies, we were alert and we were all scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.
The high priestess, Ardinna began the ceremony by talking about the senseless feud and how this marriage would finally bridge the gap between the two clans, as their respective leaders would have done if not for their advanced age. The marriage ceremony was almost flawless, until the groom lifted the bride’s armor veil, and instead of a young lass of a Dwarf there was an enlarged, bulbous faced goblin staring the young groom dumbfounded in her place! There was a collective gasp from the entire congregation and as we were recovering from our shock the groom punched his mailed fist into the goblin’s face. That was when everything went to bloody hell…
Durrl the groom took a crossbow bolt to the head, staggering him as his blow fell, and when its face was splitting from the force of the impact, the goblin exploded from the trap that had been concealed on it. The explosion caused the goblin’s armor to act like shrapnel and tear through poor Durrl, killing the young enraged Dwarf and most of the wedding party. Those we were there to protect were already dead, and the fight had just begun!
Crossbow bolts began being fired from the balconies, and a few more of those explosive grenade were dropped onto the unwitting people below. Most of the dignitaries were wiped out in the first blasts, including Sigrieda as she was not fast enough to cast any of her magic to protect herself. To her credit, she never saw it coming… none of us did.
With Taelyn acquitted himself well, stopping another Dwarf from dropping more grenades on the crowd below, and many survived thanks to his quick work, but four Dwarves on his balcony weren’t so lucky when the grenade fell amongst them instead of the crowed below. Unfortunate casualties, but better to have lost four than twenty more.
I was still in shock, and my first thought was to avoid being hit by the explosive eggs, and I quickly cast improved invisibility on myself. I am not ashamed of protecting myself first, but even my own explanation to myself rings hollow in my ears… I then tried to protect the two Dwarven leaders in a hemisphere of ice, but my spell failed as I was not quick enough to enact it, and the attackers made it to them.
Gwynlah attacked a Dwarf, backstabbing the unsuspecting fellow, but when he didn’t turn to a pile of snow I saw her eyes tinge with sadness at the loss. It was impossible to tell friend from foe in the midst of the chaos, and as my companions tried to fight a battle without knowing who was on their side, the losses began to mount for the Dwarves. Sure there were piles of snow, but too few...
Once the chaos had subsided and the two Dwarven leaders had been brought to safety by their surviving entourages, I looked upon the fallen groom. Durrl was too young for the grave, and he had been robbed of his very bride on the day of his wedding! The injustice brought me to action. I carry many trinkets that are priceless to me, for their lore is unique, and the Egg of Restof was one such treasure. I bought it from an old woman peddler who just wanted to make her money back on the supposed magical item. It had an odd story, but was said to have the power to bring someone back from the dead if shoved down their throat. I was fascinated and paid a small fortune for it. Having nothing else, and no prayers powerful enough to bring the Dwarf back from the dead, I used the egg.
At first nothing happened, and I looked like a crazy wizard, but then a light shone in his throat and slowly made its way down to his belly. Soon after his chest began beating again, and his pulse returned albeit faintly. My companions cursed me for using such a precious item on someone other than us, but what choice did I truly have? How can I call myself a disciple of Adoy, if I won’t use such a wonderful gift of magic on someone in their hour of deepest need? No, I don’t regret the action, if anything Adoy’s will was spread more in that act of compassion than any further actions that I may do in my lifetime. He was touched for a second by powerful magic, and that came at the hand of one of Adoy’s faithful. Perhaps his children will one day wish to devout themselves to Adoy, or at least grant his followers food and shelter. I know not, but what is done, is done.
To say that Cliara is grateful is foolish. Her son is alive, and he is her heart. Oddly enough I need no thanks from her, as the action was natural and given freely. Still if we never gain access to the mines, I still think that I may again pass through these parts without worry that I have no friends.
In the wake of Thundare’s betrayal, it is hard for me to properly reflect on what happened. I have always been able to focus when in pain, but perhaps my subconscious is not as well trained as I would have thought. In the wake of the wedding I’m left feeling that I didn’t act accordingly to my soul, which was conflicted and maybe that was the difference in the outcome. I pray that I am wrong, and that nothing I could have done would have changed the outcome, but doubts cling to me as shadows swirl around my heart… the duality of my nature is at war, one fighting to take control of the situation, while the other is begging to be left alone. The Dwarves think that they have it tough, their enemy is an external force, something to combat, someone that will eventually bleed for their sins. Where does that leave me?..
The wedding brought all of the Dwarves to the temple in their finest battle regalia, which I still find odd, but glorious at the same time. Everything was polished to a sheen, their weapons like ours tied to their sides with a peace-bond. Everything seemed normal. Everyone was where they should be, on the sides, at the back, invisible on the balconies, we were alert and we were all scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.
The high priestess, Ardinna began the ceremony by talking about the senseless feud and how this marriage would finally bridge the gap between the two clans, as their respective leaders would have done if not for their advanced age. The marriage ceremony was almost flawless, until the groom lifted the bride’s armor veil, and instead of a young lass of a Dwarf there was an enlarged, bulbous faced goblin staring the young groom dumbfounded in her place! There was a collective gasp from the entire congregation and as we were recovering from our shock the groom punched his mailed fist into the goblin’s face. That was when everything went to bloody hell…
Durrl the groom took a crossbow bolt to the head, staggering him as his blow fell, and when its face was splitting from the force of the impact, the goblin exploded from the trap that had been concealed on it. The explosion caused the goblin’s armor to act like shrapnel and tear through poor Durrl, killing the young enraged Dwarf and most of the wedding party. Those we were there to protect were already dead, and the fight had just begun!
Crossbow bolts began being fired from the balconies, and a few more of those explosive grenade were dropped onto the unwitting people below. Most of the dignitaries were wiped out in the first blasts, including Sigrieda as she was not fast enough to cast any of her magic to protect herself. To her credit, she never saw it coming… none of us did.
With Taelyn acquitted himself well, stopping another Dwarf from dropping more grenades on the crowd below, and many survived thanks to his quick work, but four Dwarves on his balcony weren’t so lucky when the grenade fell amongst them instead of the crowed below. Unfortunate casualties, but better to have lost four than twenty more.
I was still in shock, and my first thought was to avoid being hit by the explosive eggs, and I quickly cast improved invisibility on myself. I am not ashamed of protecting myself first, but even my own explanation to myself rings hollow in my ears… I then tried to protect the two Dwarven leaders in a hemisphere of ice, but my spell failed as I was not quick enough to enact it, and the attackers made it to them.
Gwynlah attacked a Dwarf, backstabbing the unsuspecting fellow, but when he didn’t turn to a pile of snow I saw her eyes tinge with sadness at the loss. It was impossible to tell friend from foe in the midst of the chaos, and as my companions tried to fight a battle without knowing who was on their side, the losses began to mount for the Dwarves. Sure there were piles of snow, but too few...
Once the chaos had subsided and the two Dwarven leaders had been brought to safety by their surviving entourages, I looked upon the fallen groom. Durrl was too young for the grave, and he had been robbed of his very bride on the day of his wedding! The injustice brought me to action. I carry many trinkets that are priceless to me, for their lore is unique, and the Egg of Restof was one such treasure. I bought it from an old woman peddler who just wanted to make her money back on the supposed magical item. It had an odd story, but was said to have the power to bring someone back from the dead if shoved down their throat. I was fascinated and paid a small fortune for it. Having nothing else, and no prayers powerful enough to bring the Dwarf back from the dead, I used the egg.
At first nothing happened, and I looked like a crazy wizard, but then a light shone in his throat and slowly made its way down to his belly. Soon after his chest began beating again, and his pulse returned albeit faintly. My companions cursed me for using such a precious item on someone other than us, but what choice did I truly have? How can I call myself a disciple of Adoy, if I won’t use such a wonderful gift of magic on someone in their hour of deepest need? No, I don’t regret the action, if anything Adoy’s will was spread more in that act of compassion than any further actions that I may do in my lifetime. He was touched for a second by powerful magic, and that came at the hand of one of Adoy’s faithful. Perhaps his children will one day wish to devout themselves to Adoy, or at least grant his followers food and shelter. I know not, but what is done, is done.
To say that Cliara is grateful is foolish. Her son is alive, and he is her heart. Oddly enough I need no thanks from her, as the action was natural and given freely. Still if we never gain access to the mines, I still think that I may again pass through these parts without worry that I have no friends.
Chapter three
“Into the wilderness” … What’s worse than chasing your own tail? Chasing a goblin’s…
Loss is inevitable. I accept that fact as I do that the sun is hot, or that grass is green. Yet the mounting losses and failures are beginning to wear at my subconscious like waves that eventually wear down stone. My very sanity needs to find some kind of situation where we prove ourselves valuable or straight out win the day. My new companions are skilled but I’m not certain how we all fit together as an efficient machination. We are as incoherent as my stray thoughts, with as much perception to our current situation, than a babe does as it suckles his mother’s breast. We know nothing but blood and strife, there must be more at some point or we will lose even if we are to prevail. Looking out at my companions as they sleep I wonder if we will ever achieve a cohesion to the level that we would require to defeat some of the greater evils in the world.
We spent the rest of the morning trying to piece together what could have occurred before the wedding, and discover exactly where the bride was. We began at the stables where I spoke with the horses that had been with the carriage since the retainers for the wedding seemed to know nothing to aid us. They described to me dog-faced men creatures that took away the people in the carriage, and that the dog-faced creatures grew as if by magic into larger versions of themselves. Horses feel as much as they remember, and they talked about a wall of stone appearing, and that some of the horses were taken by a flying stallion into the sky, to never return. What I could perceive from the beasts, is that they were far happier in their stables than out in the wilds.
A woman named Orsa Kamm, beautiful by all accounts rented the carriage, but her name is unknown to anyone in either Dwarven camp, nor the city council. The stable master was again useless to the point I would imagine that he was hiding something from us, so I charmed the man. I was wrong. He’s useless.
In the Dwarven encampments we followed little stray tidbits of information, when we found out that a score of Dwarves were missing and that Ulnnor, the right-hand man is also missing and he took care of many of the details for the wedding. On the way to inspect his room we came across one of the shooters at the wedding, and he confessed to shooting, but only under orders when the other side shot first. So the Dwarves didn’t trust each other and had many preparations for a battle. Their truce was basically a sham since neither side could believe the other hadn’t created all of the upheaval.
Finally we went to the bride’s room, Runa was a neat Dwarven lass and nothing in her room helped point us in the right direction. Her hand-maiden who was distraught confessed that the bride and groom had been meeting in secret for some time. This was another such occasion where the carriage would leave the city to leave the two lovebirds in peace outside of the influence of their families.
My thoughts strayed to thoughts of love and compassion, a place that I don’t often dwell for obvious reasons. An arranged marriage between two willing children, who were in effect star-crossed lovers to begin with. The tragedy of the entire situation had me reflecting on what could have been… They might have had the power to bring together their two clans, merely through their love, and yet it was the inability to allow them to openly see each other that led to the covert sessions outside of the city, which allowed whoever was behind the attack the opportunity to destroy whatever bonds the Dwarves had left… such a clever ploy…
Almost instantaneously we left the city, in tow I had charmed the shooter and he followed me faithfully into the wilderness. My power has grown, and the fact that I was able to charm a Dwarf was proof of that. Although not an Elf, Dwarves are known to be able to fight off great magic. My training in perfecting the technique of the spell is beginning to show in the often candid way that I use it.
Taelyn’s skill at following a trail is second to none. How he reads the landscape, sees things that we don’t and somehow perceives a trail through taste is mind-baffling. I can’t count the amount of times he stopped picked up a leaf, and proceeded to explain why we were heading in the right direction. If I didn’t know better I would swear he was using some form of magic, but I didn’t sense any casting, nor did I see him use any magic.
His skill would lead us to where the carriage was hidden turned on its side in the wilderness. It was riddled by arrows, and their make was definitely goblin. I must admit I’m not the source of this information, as I’m no weaponsmith, but Taelyn is both smith and fletcher, and although I’ve seen my fair share of arrows, I would never call myself an expert on their make.
While we were looking over the carriage the ground began to shake, and in an eruption of earth, rock and bile a giant sized worm creature burst from the ground. It was my first experience seeing a fabled Ankheg, the giants of the earth, but the creature was fearsome to behold. With massive jaws and its unworldly body towering over us, I wondered just how far this rabbit-hole would lead us this time.
The Ankheg bit down on the unsuspecting Hanso, and you could hear his armor screeching as the creature viciously released its hold on him, as his armor kept him in one piece. Gwen was by far the quickest to react, her burning hands spell searing a portion of its hide. Damaruk attacked the fearsome creature, his multiple blow cleaving giant rents in its body, and as it dipped lower in pain, Thundare’s eye of fire emulated the creature with a ray of flame felling it. My magic missile spell wasted, left my memory, and the expulsed energy left my body in a most uncomfortable way.
As I took samples from the Ankheg the other uncovered six Dwarves in hastily dug shallow graves. From their wounds it was apparent that the Ankheg wasn’t the creature that killed them. Had it been there as nothing more than happenstance? There was plenty of meat in those shallow graves, and in the wilderness such things draw larger predators near, seeking a free meal.
While the other returned the Dwarves to their rest, Taelyn again took up the trail, finding many goblinoid tracks along with larger wolf tracks. That didn’t bode well, but it was the unexplained tracks that worry us more. The tracks seemed to separate in two different directions, one to a disturbance in the ground, while the other off into the darkness. While we were trying to figure out the ground disturbance a couple of Dwarven riders approached us. One was obviously a tracking guide, while the other was the head priestess. She saw the bodies of the fallen Dwarves and we could see the sadness in her eyes, as the tragedy of the wedding seemed to be growing. She had been dispatched to find Gwen, and telling her that her mother had been attacked, she opened up a portal for Gwen, and as the little gnome launched herself through the portal, the priestess closed it. She left for the city straight away, without any words to us, and us not having had the chance to say goodbye to our companion…
Loss is inevitable. I accept that fact as I do that the sun is hot, or that grass is green. Yet the mounting losses and failures are beginning to wear at my subconscious like waves that eventually wear down stone. My very sanity needs to find some kind of situation where we prove ourselves valuable or straight out win the day. My new companions are skilled but I’m not certain how we all fit together as an efficient machination. We are as incoherent as my stray thoughts, with as much perception to our current situation, than a babe does as it suckles his mother’s breast. We know nothing but blood and strife, there must be more at some point or we will lose even if we are to prevail. Looking out at my companions as they sleep I wonder if we will ever achieve a cohesion to the level that we would require to defeat some of the greater evils in the world.
We spent the rest of the morning trying to piece together what could have occurred before the wedding, and discover exactly where the bride was. We began at the stables where I spoke with the horses that had been with the carriage since the retainers for the wedding seemed to know nothing to aid us. They described to me dog-faced men creatures that took away the people in the carriage, and that the dog-faced creatures grew as if by magic into larger versions of themselves. Horses feel as much as they remember, and they talked about a wall of stone appearing, and that some of the horses were taken by a flying stallion into the sky, to never return. What I could perceive from the beasts, is that they were far happier in their stables than out in the wilds.
A woman named Orsa Kamm, beautiful by all accounts rented the carriage, but her name is unknown to anyone in either Dwarven camp, nor the city council. The stable master was again useless to the point I would imagine that he was hiding something from us, so I charmed the man. I was wrong. He’s useless.
In the Dwarven encampments we followed little stray tidbits of information, when we found out that a score of Dwarves were missing and that Ulnnor, the right-hand man is also missing and he took care of many of the details for the wedding. On the way to inspect his room we came across one of the shooters at the wedding, and he confessed to shooting, but only under orders when the other side shot first. So the Dwarves didn’t trust each other and had many preparations for a battle. Their truce was basically a sham since neither side could believe the other hadn’t created all of the upheaval.
Finally we went to the bride’s room, Runa was a neat Dwarven lass and nothing in her room helped point us in the right direction. Her hand-maiden who was distraught confessed that the bride and groom had been meeting in secret for some time. This was another such occasion where the carriage would leave the city to leave the two lovebirds in peace outside of the influence of their families.
My thoughts strayed to thoughts of love and compassion, a place that I don’t often dwell for obvious reasons. An arranged marriage between two willing children, who were in effect star-crossed lovers to begin with. The tragedy of the entire situation had me reflecting on what could have been… They might have had the power to bring together their two clans, merely through their love, and yet it was the inability to allow them to openly see each other that led to the covert sessions outside of the city, which allowed whoever was behind the attack the opportunity to destroy whatever bonds the Dwarves had left… such a clever ploy…
Almost instantaneously we left the city, in tow I had charmed the shooter and he followed me faithfully into the wilderness. My power has grown, and the fact that I was able to charm a Dwarf was proof of that. Although not an Elf, Dwarves are known to be able to fight off great magic. My training in perfecting the technique of the spell is beginning to show in the often candid way that I use it.
Taelyn’s skill at following a trail is second to none. How he reads the landscape, sees things that we don’t and somehow perceives a trail through taste is mind-baffling. I can’t count the amount of times he stopped picked up a leaf, and proceeded to explain why we were heading in the right direction. If I didn’t know better I would swear he was using some form of magic, but I didn’t sense any casting, nor did I see him use any magic.
His skill would lead us to where the carriage was hidden turned on its side in the wilderness. It was riddled by arrows, and their make was definitely goblin. I must admit I’m not the source of this information, as I’m no weaponsmith, but Taelyn is both smith and fletcher, and although I’ve seen my fair share of arrows, I would never call myself an expert on their make.
While we were looking over the carriage the ground began to shake, and in an eruption of earth, rock and bile a giant sized worm creature burst from the ground. It was my first experience seeing a fabled Ankheg, the giants of the earth, but the creature was fearsome to behold. With massive jaws and its unworldly body towering over us, I wondered just how far this rabbit-hole would lead us this time.
The Ankheg bit down on the unsuspecting Hanso, and you could hear his armor screeching as the creature viciously released its hold on him, as his armor kept him in one piece. Gwen was by far the quickest to react, her burning hands spell searing a portion of its hide. Damaruk attacked the fearsome creature, his multiple blow cleaving giant rents in its body, and as it dipped lower in pain, Thundare’s eye of fire emulated the creature with a ray of flame felling it. My magic missile spell wasted, left my memory, and the expulsed energy left my body in a most uncomfortable way.
As I took samples from the Ankheg the other uncovered six Dwarves in hastily dug shallow graves. From their wounds it was apparent that the Ankheg wasn’t the creature that killed them. Had it been there as nothing more than happenstance? There was plenty of meat in those shallow graves, and in the wilderness such things draw larger predators near, seeking a free meal.
While the other returned the Dwarves to their rest, Taelyn again took up the trail, finding many goblinoid tracks along with larger wolf tracks. That didn’t bode well, but it was the unexplained tracks that worry us more. The tracks seemed to separate in two different directions, one to a disturbance in the ground, while the other off into the darkness. While we were trying to figure out the ground disturbance a couple of Dwarven riders approached us. One was obviously a tracking guide, while the other was the head priestess. She saw the bodies of the fallen Dwarves and we could see the sadness in her eyes, as the tragedy of the wedding seemed to be growing. She had been dispatched to find Gwen, and telling her that her mother had been attacked, she opened up a portal for Gwen, and as the little gnome launched herself through the portal, the priestess closed it. She left for the city straight away, without any words to us, and us not having had the chance to say goodbye to our companion…