The Ingaran Adventures
Episode 37
“Assassination and Resurrection”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Alexander: The Gauntlet of Athena
                  Zografos: An Ingaran painter going under the name of Domnhall
                  Issic:  Half Human, Half Gold Dragon Warrior
                  India: A gypsy Bard/Shadow Dancer
                  Phaidon:  A local Tamer of the Beasts
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Time: Summer, Nemed 26
The Place: Alisander – A very large city, the largest in all of Inzeladun, Alisander has a population of 120,000 persons.  Although Lamapacher does not have a capital, this city is the definite hub of Lamapacher's commerce and power.  Situated on the shores of the Alisander River, this town has a history that dates back to the Fourth Age.  Founded by King Alisander, a hero of the Fourth Age, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Alisander.   Alisander existed as a separate nation until it was conquered by Lord Komaaks and absorbed into his fledging nation Lamapacher.  The city is currently ruled by Baron Nadam, Champion of Vale.  The city is well known for its cheese.  It also exports manufactured goods, weapons, armor, ancient artifacts looted from the massive dungeons and tunnels that crisscross beneath the city to untold depths.  The city-state extends out 50 miles from the city center in all directions, making Alisander one of the largest states in Lamapacher.  Like much of Lamapacher, slavery is illegal, and many escaped slaves from Drychtnoth and Ingara make their way here. 

      Nithtalitor, assassin of the Esoteric Order of Ilsensine, had gathered several of its operatives.  Alordellhion, one of its best disciples, Quasulithid, an illithid that specialized in hand to hand unarmed combat, and Abstersinarint, a were-tiger illithid, stood out among those gathered.
      "Absterator has infiltrated the saviors," said the assassin. "I have pulled you from your assignments to help kill those that destroyed our temple. I understand the infiltration and destruction of Ændryal is vital to our success, but these saviors have actually harmed us more than that devil."
      "Ændryal has an uncanny ability to sniff us out.  Truly these mortals cannot be worse than she," said Abstersinarint.
      "I have my orders straight from Absterator.  Your orders are from me.  Leave Ændryal alone for now.  Absterator has switched minds with one of the mortal females.  He will kill the animal-friend.  Alordellhion, you will assist that assassination.  You will wait here."  The illithid unrolled a papyrus scroll that had a map of a wing of the palace.  It pointed to a certain room on the map.  "This is the female's sleeping quarters.  Likely the male and female will seek to conjoin in here.  After that assassination is accomplished, Absterator will seek to inhabit another body and kill the female body.  You and Absterator will then go to the half-dragon's room.  The half-dragon has a relationship with one of Lord Nadam's guards.  Likely he and she will also seek to conjoin.  You and Absterator will attack while they are thus occupied."
      "And us?" asked Quasulithid, indicating itself and Abstersinarint.
      "You and Abstersinarint will have the task of killing the penumbral one."  The illithid handed Quasulithid a crystal mask.  "This will allow you to take the form of a human female, one of wealth and distinction.  Abstersinarint, you will take your tiger form and act the role of pet.  The penumbral one seeks to engage in physical conjoining with many women.  He also seems to like the odd and peculiar.  To this end you will enthrall some local prostitutes."  The illithid handed Quasulithid four ropes.  "Attempt to bind the penumbral one.  This will keep him from changing to shadow-form and escaping.  Kill him and the prostitutes, then assist in killing the half-dragon."
      "Do we return to our hunt for Ændryal when we finish?" asked Abstersinarint. 
      "Good question.  No.  We estimate one, perhaps two, of you will die in the taking of the half-dragon.  Hopefully none will.  Regardless, you will proceed to the Temple of Athena and kill the one that brings hope.  I believe he will head to the temple for he does not seem to engage in conjoining.  Absterator does not believe our prey varies much in their evening activities. Be careful with the one that brings hope.  The Paragon believes his heritage will make him difficult to assassinate.  I have assured the Paragon of our success. Any further questions?"
      Silence was its answer.  Nithtalitor nodded and dismissed the three illithids to seek out the palace and their prey.


      Alexander, Issic, Phaidon, Zografos, Anathek, and India were announced into the throne room.  Again, silence fell over the assembled throng of diplomats, nobles, and sycophants as the quintet walked triumphantly into the vast chamber toward the throne.  Lord Nadam, dressed in his finest regalia, sat on that throne and watched the illithid slayers approach. 
      The five knelt before Lord Nadam, then Issic stood and took from a sack at his waist a mauve head.  Holding it up by the tentacles, as one would hold up a dead octopus, Issic presented to Lord Nadam the head of Absterator.  Without the least bit of squeamishness, Lord Nadam took the grisly relic and inspected it.  The dark blood dripped onto his regalia, but he heeded the gore not.
      Zografos looked around for the diplomat that seemed to show some interest in him, but he could not find her in the assembly.  He returned his attention to Lord Nadam when the ruler cleared his throat.
      Lord Nadam said, "I am no sorcerer, though you might deem me such, were I to tell you what mysteries the ages have unfolded to me.  yet there is one sorcery I might invoke. That sorcery is one of thanks and appreciation, perhaps the second most powerful sorcery known to man.  I look upon this grisly treasure you have brought me, and I know that gauds and bright trappings are dust of vanity and fade before the march of years, but the edge of slaughter is not dulled, and the scent of fresh-spilled blood is good to an old man's nostrils. I make you Lords of Alisander, with estates appropriate to your titles.  My Lord High Chancellor will give you details on the options that accompany your new titles and estates."
      Phaidon grinned, bowed, and said, "Thank you, Lord Nadam.  You are most gracious."
      Issic bowed to Nadam, "I accept this great honor." Issic found himself standing straighter at the mention of 'the slaughter and fresh-spilled blood'.  Not far away, Cthaat Angartha, one of Lord Nadam's personal female guards, felt pride and fear.  She had spent some memorable time with the half-dragon, but now that he was a member of the nobility, would he be interested in a lowly guard such as she?
      The assembled lords and ladies thundered into applause.  They knew tomorrow would be a day of feasting and celebration.  The five assembled before their ruler grinned and bowed, then they dispersed into the crowd, except for Lord Alexander, who requested to speak further with Lord Nadam.  Standing behind Lord Nadam, Ordiss Ool, one of Nadam's trusted man-servants, watched the half-dragon with interest.  When Lord Alexander started speaking, the cold eyes of Ordiss Ool regarded the cleric coolly.
      Lord Alexander said, "I would like to station some Ingaran troops in Deenent and Visaria for the protection of those lands and to aid you and Alisander if the need arises."
      Lord Nadam knew these lands were too remote from Alisander to properly be part of his domain.  However, if they could be counted as allies, that would be good. "Yes, I also shall send what troops I may spare, if you need them.  You may also ask Anathek to do the same, since he has troops to spare."
      "Is there anything else you would wish us to do before we leave, Lord Nadam?"
      "No.  You have done more than I could have hoped for.  I thank you, and salute you."  Lord Nadam saluted the priest.  Alexander saluted back.  "I will be spending some time in the local temple before I leave," said Alexander. "If you think of anything you need while I am here you may reach me there."
      "Thank you."
      Lord Alexander Maximus stepped away from the throne and tapped Issic on the shoulder.  "I will be spending some time in the local temple."  Issic nodded.  Alexander mentioned the same thing to Phaidon and India.  They nodded and Alexander made his way through the people to let Zografos know his whereabouts.  It was rough going.  Everyone wanted to shake his hand, to speak with him, and, more importantly, be seen speaking with him.  The young Ingaran represented the power of the gods to these people, and they flocked toward power like ravenous birds around fallen grain.
      Phaidon grabbed India by the arm and leaned in real close. With a smile on his face, he whispered, "Do you want to go back to your room and celebrate?"
      Absterator, hidden in the mind of India, was able to deduce the meaning of this.  It knew this pair liked to conjoin of late.  Speaking was uncomfortable, but it accomplished the feat, saying, "Yes.  Yes, I would."  Absterator even made the unfamiliar body smiled.  Smiling seemed to come naturally to this body, although the illithid was uncomfortable with it.  Without its tentacles, Absterator felt almost unable to convey body language.
      "Let's go," said Phaidon.  He led India out of the throne room, pausing here and there to shake a few of the proffered hands.  Once outside the throne room, Phaidon motioned for his two panthers to follow.
      Zografos, Lord Domnhall now, made his way through the congratulatory mass of fops and diplomats, shaking hands uncomfortably, until he came to the elf, who stood alone.  He introduced himself to the elf, saying, "I am Lord Domnhall the painter."
      She smiled and nodded.  Her strange eyes look at Zografos, which made him somewhat uncomfortable at first.  She said, "I am Yithilla."
      "Would you be abashed if I were so forward as to ask to paint you?"
      Yithilla was taken aback by his directness.  She understood they did not have a lot of time, though, so she did not choose to be offended.  She merely said, "No.  Art is always welcome with me.  Tonight is not good for me, but I will arrange a time."
      Zografos smiled and, trying to be as charming as possible, thanked the lady elf, kissing the back of her hand. "I await the time I can paint you."
      Yithilla smiled, and Zografos felt a surge of hormones.  Yithilla nodded, then melted away through the crowd.  Zografos sighed, then he saw the lady Tira Paot.  Zografos smiled at Lady Tira, then he went through the crowd, mingling, yet trying to avoid directly talking to Lady Tira right then.  Then he saw a lovely woman with a pet tiger in the crowd.
      The woman was slim of figure, steady of eye; a young woman apparently in her mid-twenties, who gave the impression of watching life with keen appreciation and seeing far below the surface.  She was well-groomed, and she walked through the room with an air of easy assurance. Her gown was lavender in color, and enhanced her figure considerably.  Zografos wanted to undress her immediately.  She came forward and presented her hand to Zografos.
      "I am Lady Baylita," she said as Zografos kissed her hand. "I have heard of your prowess from Lady Tira.  Does she speak the truth?"
      Zografos smiled, then shrugged. "I always try my best at what I do."
      Apparently satisfied with that answer, she leaned close and said, "I have a rather unusual request.  Will you follow me while I explain it?"  Zografos nodded and took her arm as she led the way.
      Issic walked around the throne room, watching and listening, trying to gauge who he might have to watch out for politically now.  A few well-wishers came forward, but, for the most part, his draconic appearance kept most of the humans away from him.  One, however, managed to overcome his aloofness and approached Issic.  Lord Brenhold, a complete fop, gave a short bow, and said, "Greetings!"
      Lord Brenhold was dressed in the latest fashions, and had a thin rapier at his side.  He had a bored, languid look about him, as if he were eternally doped up.  Issic didn't like the look of the fop, yet Lord Brenhold continued to talk. "I have found being a lord to be a rather boring experience.  Have you found it to be so?  Ah, well, perhaps the novelty hasn't worn off for you."
      Issic growled, "But you would probably be a boring peasant as well as a boring lord."
      Brenhold's eyebrows went up and he walked away in a huff. A young lady whirled from the crowd to stand in front of the massive half-dragon as if she were in the center of a beam of sunlight, watched by all assembled, and said, "That was an impressive insult, lord."  She smiled.  Issic looked at her with approval.  She looked nice. Just enough roundness and just enough waggle, nothing obvious.  She was subtle, natural. She had neat ankles, exquisitely curved calves that went up into the folds of her metallic green gown that shimmered.  She had a flat, trim belly.  Issic wondered if it were a girdle, or real.  It was none of his business, he thought, but it would be interesting to know.  She had a slim waist, two delicious mounds of firm femininity held in check by the bodice of her green gown.  He could smell the fragrance that scented her soft, brown hair. 
      Issic blinked his eyes, then broke into a wide, toothy grin. "Thank you, lady.  Just as he was boring, I am impressive." She smiled even wider, a gorgeous smile of the sort that lit up rooms. Issic continued, "As you seem to be in your own way; impressive smile."
      She shook her head as a puppy emerging from a wave.  "Why, you are as gracious as you are impressive."  She presented her arm for the towering half-dragon to take.  He took it and walked with her around the room while talking with her, unaware that Cthaat the guard was watching, her heart sinking.  Issic towered over the young girl he escorted.  He asked her, "What is your name?"
      The blue eyes which had been looking at him in cautious appraisal, suddenly widened as though by an effort.  They gave to her face an expression of utter innocence. "I am lady Brendara Brenhold."
      "What interests do you hold here in Alisander?"
      "I am the daughter of Lord and Lady Brenhold."
      "We should go someplace quieter to talk."
      She smiled her bright grin again and said, "The gardens, perhaps?"
      "As you wish," he answered, indicating the direction of the gardens.


      Outside the throne room, Zografos continued walking with Lady Baylita and her pet tiger.  She walked the painter toward a group of six gorgeous women who were gathered about a statue of Hades and Persephone. 
      After reaching the women, Lady Baylita said, "I like to watch.  And I would like to watch these six women pleasure you.  And, when they are done, if you are able, I'd like to watch you pleasure them."
      Zografos thought this was either the greatest day of his life, or it was a trap of some sort. "A request like that, I am always happy to fulfill." He was a little shocked, but tried to hid it under a smile.  He thought that if this wasn't a trap, he would try his hardest to pleasure those gorgeous beauties.
      "Fantastic.  My rooms, or yours?"  The illithid Quasulithid, who was masquerading as Lady Baylita, was concerned about this ploy.  What if this human chose her rooms?  Ah, but these humans never seemed to vary in their habits.  It must trust to that maxim.
      "If you don't mind, I would prefer mine." Quasulithid was relieved.  Outwardly, the illithid's pleasure showed itself in a pretty smile.  Zografos led the seven women and the tiger toward his rooms.  As he walked, he wondered how six women could pleasure but one man at the same time.


      Phaidon opened India's door for her.  "I'll be right in."  He slipped into his rooms and told the panthers to get some rest in his room.  He quickly took off his armor and put on some fancier clothes he found in the closet that fit him.  He checked himself out in the mirror, and felt the stubble on his face.  Shrugging, he went through the connecting door to India's room.
      India stood in the center of the room, next to the canopied beds.  She spread out her arms in a gesture so warm and inviting that any man in the world, Phaidon was sure, would have willingly leaped right into them.  Her breasts swelled with invitation beneath her white blouse, her full red lips parted in a knowing but generous smile. Phaidon embraced her and his lips sought hers.  The warmth of her body burned against him.  Her hands stroked over the fine fabric that fitted his broad back beautifully, slid up and down over his shoulders, down his arms, back onto his body and down his thighs.  He kissed as though he were drinking sweet water in the desert after days of burning thirst, with breathless eagerness, but also a kind of gratitude that made him savor her lips gently.  Her breasts pressed against his chest and he felt her pulse against him.  Phaidon felt the stirring in him and drew her thighs closer against his.  His hand clasped and caressed one of her bold breasts while his tongue explored her mouth with rapidly growing enthusiasm.
      Absterator, for its part, felt India's body respond to Phaidon's actions.  It seemed impossible not to be affected by his ardor. 
      "Feels good to do some good in this crazy world, doesn't it?" he asked her.
      "Yes," she said.  Phaidon tugged her blouse out of her long skirts and pulled it up.  She raised her arms and allowed Phaidon to pull her blouse up over her head.  He caressed the soft skin of her neck, easing his hand down until it found the softness of one eager breast.  He touched the tiny peak and felt it stiffen deliciously.  And then the other.  His hands wandered freely while his mouth crushed down on hers.  Her skirt found its way to the floor, and his own clothes were soon stripped off.
      Naked, India laid back on the bed.  Phaidon lay down beside her, touching the contours of her body.  Absterator had had enough by this point.  With a bright purple flash, it lashed out with its mind.  The air rippled with the force of the mental attack, and Phaidon's mind reeled. He rolled onto his back, his eyes wide open, as mentally stunned as a man who sees his first ghost.
      Naked still, India stood up.  Absterator looked at the naked man with the erection laying on the bed.  Another purple flash radiated outward from India as it tried to dominate Phaidon's will.  Phaidon resisted as best he could.  Absterator took in a deep breath, then summoned the power to make Phaidon its thrall.  Its mind snaked through Phaidon's stunned brain and reprogrammed his brain to serve.
      Another flash of light filled the room, and Alordellhion, an assassin illithid, appeared, holding a wicked looking rapier.  Phaidon, still reeling from the stunning attack, mentally called out for his panthers.
      In the next room, Antaeus and Axylus rose from their slumbers and tried to open the door connecting the two rooms without success.  They started to claw and pound at the door to tear it down.
      The assassin rammed its rapier again and again into Phaidon's unresponsive body.  Phaidon crumpled to the floor, falling off the bed.  Again and again the rapier buried itself to the hilt in Phaidon's flesh.
      Absterator said, "Go now, Alordellhion.  To Issic's room!"  Then Absterator held up her hand.  Alordellhion, although it knew the female was really Absterator, felt it difficult to take orders from something that looked so human.  Absterator then said, "First, open the door."  Absterator went to India's equipment and drew out the shadow rapier.  It stuck her sword into Phaidon so the panthers would see her killing Phaidon.  Alordellhion opened the door to the room, hiding behind it. 
      The panthers saw India apparently killing and leaped to attack her.  Absterator, prepared, cast his mind into one of the panthers.  The switch made, Absterator aided the other panther in killing India, who now housed a panther's mind.  India clawed and bit, but to no avail.  Absterator and the other panther, Antaeus, ripped her naked body to shreds in no time.  Absterator then turned on Antaeus and manifested True Concussion.  The panther was slammed into one of the stone walls.  Its rib cage crushed from the force of the magic, Antaeus died.
      Alordellhion stepped from behind the door and knelt over the dead body of Phaidon.  Its tentacles reached out and extracted Phaidon's brain.  Its lamprey mouth sucked the brain up, and Alordellhion was in a state of pleasure.  Then it remembered Absterator, now sitting on its panther-haunches.  Alordellhion extracted the brain from India's lifeless body and tossed the grey matter to the panther.  Absterator ate the brain, but was rather disgusted.  Lower life forms simply did not have the exquisite taste buds of an illithid.


      Passing the suite of rooms belonging to India, Zografos could not hear the horror that was happening within.  Zografos opened the door to his own suite of rooms.  The women followed him in and took in the opulent surroundings.  They had never been in a palace before.  They were very excited to begin.  They wondered if the man was really a noble or what.  The illithid, still disguised as a noble lady, ordered its thralls to unlace their shoes and boots.  It asked Zografos, "Will you submit to be tied up for their pleasuring of you?"
      "I am afraid not," said Zografos. "It is not the ladies I am afraid of, but your tiger.  Since I do not know you, I cannot allow that."  Quasulithid frowned and considered planting a suggestion within the feeble mind of the human, but opted not to.  The tell-tale manifestation might put an end to their plans.  It merely said, "Very well. 'Tis a shame though, I so much enjoy that.  Nonetheless..." She clapped her hands and the six women approached to undress Zografos.
      Zografos submitted to their ministrations, but watched carefully where and how they placed his equipment. They unbuckled and unbuttoned the Ingaran painter, and stripped him of his clothes.  They laid his things on the chairs and tables in the room.  They laid a dagger on his pillow, and one whispered, "In case you fear us."
      As he was being undressed, the lady sat down on a chair and touched her breasts, which were covered still by her bodice.  Her tiger lay at her feet and swished its tail.
      Zografos was thinking that these seven women had done this many, many times before.  He also wondered where he would start with six women.  One of the women pushed Zografos onto the bed.  She climbed on top of the bed and straddled him.
      The other five girls started kissing each other, undoing the laces of their bodices.  Zografos moved his attention back to the lady sitting on top of him.  She arched her back as he unlaced the front of her bodice, freeing her very firm breasts, which he quickly tested and found to be fabulous.  Zografos lifted up and took her nipple into his mouth.  He began unlacing the thin shift that served to cover her loins.
      One of the five girls uncurled a long whip.  She stood topless, in her skirt.  Another girl, likewise topless, climbed onto the bed, straddling Zografos. The one with the whip cracked it and then lashed it out.  It wrapped around the waist of the girl straddling Zografos.  She pulled the girl off of Zografos.  The whip uncurled as the girl tumbled to the floor.  As the girl with the whip bent down to kiss the girl on the floor, a third girl climbed onto the bed with Zografos.
      Two more girls climbed on the bed, and started kissing his toes.  The one with the whip lashed out and took the wrist of the one now straddling Zografos, and, with the whip, forced her hand to Zografos' crotch. 
      The whip holder laid her head next to his and whispered, "I am Jakinda.  The one on you, touching you, is Corazon."
      His body pulsing with need, Zografos pushed her dress up over her hips and then lifted her against his chest.  He lifted her higher until he felt the heat of her center against his lips.  He kissed her there, between her legs, a deliberately slow, languid kiss that spoke of his need for her.  Jakinda moved back, watching him please Corazon.  Corazon rocked her hips against his face, urging him to continue, slowly, silently.  His tongue slid in.  Out.  And in again.  She was so hot.  Adrenaline was pumping through his veins at the potential danger.  His fingers tightened around her waist.  When Corazon stopped stroking Zografos, too absorbed in the pleasure he was giving her, Jakinda lashed out with the whip and pulled her off Zografos.  Corazon fell to the floor.
      Quick as lighting, Jakinda lashed out and took off one of the buttons of another girl's skirt.  A second lash was around her waist, and she pulled that girl to Zografos' crotch.  Jakinda's hand went out and pushed the girl's face to Zografos' erection. Jakinda said, "This is Melita."
      And so was Zografos introduced to each girl.  Bayani, Giacinta, and Donata were the other three.  Jakinda, in turns, played with each girl, and each played with her and each other, as they teased and toyed with Zografos.  They knew the tricks of love, the wide variety of curious positions, the sensual little gimmicks to titillate and tantalize, the maneuvers and attacks that could prod passion to the point of no return.  Zografos and the six girls rolled together over the bed and groaned deliciously with the painful pleasure of holding out a little longer and drawing the moments of titillation until they stretched to the breaking point. He twisted his body as he played upon the girls, and they teased him with such fervent frenzy that he wondered at his self control at times.  And through it all, the lady and her tiger just sat there, watching.
      Soon, however, he felt his restraint disintegrate like a dam wall before a roaring flood of water.  Brick by brick, muscle by muscle, he felt himself fall apart before the onslaught of the girls.   They clutched at each other like a group of drowning swimmers who did not care if they went under as long as they went down together.  The tidal wave caught him and swept him away.  At last the waters calmed.  The girl called Bayani sat up and wiped some of his fluid away from her lips.  His flow had been so powerful she had not been able to take it all.
      "Again!" commanded the lady.  The tiger swished its tail and stretched.  Jakinda nodded and unfurled her whip. With a quick flick of her wrist, the leather whip wrapped gently around his wet manhood.  He was surprised how gently it wrapped around it.  With only the head exposed, Corazon lapped it like a dog.  Jakinda nodded to Bayani who knelt behind Corazon.  One by one, each of the girls got behind each other, pleasuring the girl in front.
      Jakinda began whipping the other girls, leaving red welts across their backs. With each smack, they licked and sucked each other harder and with more enthusiasm.
      Zografos hoped Jakinda wasn't hurting the girls; he couldn't tell if the whipping was overly hard or just playful.  The lady, however, seemed to get excited at the whipping.  Zografos dismissed his concern.


      Alexander went to the Temple of Athena.  Things were excited there.  People were bustling to and fro on various errands.  Civilians in record numbers were visiting the temple in the advent of Alexander's successes. The priests were still working on the Temple of Ilsensine, and were pleased with Alexander's successes in town. 
      Alexander walked through the columns that ringed the temple, looking at the huge, continuous frieze that depicted tales of Athena, her birth, her battles, and other aspects of her life.  Alexander strode under the coffered marble ceiling with gold stars on a blue background.  At the heart of the temple stood a rectangular central structure that was divided into two rooms. Within the larger room, a monumental statue of Athena rested on a podium.  The 39 foot tall gold, wood, and ivory statue wore a bronze helmet and held a bronze shield and a spear in her left hand.  A six-foot tall winged figure of Nike, goddess of victory, stood in her right hand.
      A square pool of water sparkled in front of the giant Athena. The high priest of the temple, bald and bearded, stood next to the water, talking to some questioning civilians.  The young Ingaran went directly to the head priest and asked, "May I speak with two of the most talented priests in the temple so that I can give them a couple of pointers on how to use the sheens?"
      The head priest said, "I am so pleased to be in your presence.  I am honored. Of course you may."
      "You are in error, sir," said Alexander. "It is not my presences you feel but Athena's. We are both honored by her glory, her power, her wisdom and that she has chosen to let those things accompany those who are her faithful."
      "Thank you, that makes me more comfortable to be here with you. These 'sheens' are incredible."
      "Yes, they are. I hope to one day learn more about how they are constructed so that we might put them to uses other then war. But for now, Athena requires me to train someone at this temple in the use of these `sheens`. Please select two of Athena's most gifted acolytes to receive this training."
      "I have.  I have selected Acetes and Podaleirus."
      "I am sure Athena has provided you with great wisdom and insight into this choice; please tell me where they are so that I might began. Tell any of your more experienced or gifted students that they can watch if they wish."
      "They await you in the altar room."
      "Thank you." Alexander went into the temple to the altar room, where only priests were allowed.  There set a young male and female, waiting.
      "Acetes and Podaleirus?"
      They nodded.  He noticed they were trembling.  He gauged their age to be around sixteen or so. Acetes was pretty, almost seductive looking.  Her dress, very Ingaran in style, didn't exploit her feminine assets, as did current Lamapachan styles, but she couldn't hide the exquisite attributes that drew men's eyes.  Her hair, dark, hugged her neck in one of those swingy styles that looked sophisticated yet sexy.  Her eyes, however, were her most notable features.  They were as blue as a clear summer sky, the kind of startling blue that one never expected on a brunette.  He studied Podaleirus.  His hair was short and curly, raven's-wing black.  A square jaw and chiseled features completed his masculine face.
      "Please follow me," said Alexander.  He led them to the main altar.  Alexander knelt before the altar and directed Acetes and Podaleirus to go to either side of him.  He waited for them to calm down a bit, and said, "Athena's will is great. Athena's will is strong. Your will at times may be weak. And more often will make you feel meek. But it is not your will that you should focus on it is hers that will grant you strength and wisdom when it is required.
      "You might think that you are trembling because of her Gauntlet but you tremble because Athena has already granted you more wisdom then you realize. You are to be charged with the protection of this city and you are wise enough to question why you have been selected. BUT this questioning is your wisdom. This fear is your strength because it means that you wish her will to be done and not your own."
      Acetes said, "I sometimes fear I misinterpret her will."
      "I at times am unsure of her will, but the goddess' will is always made clear to me. It has protected me because I have faith; because I question myself and not her.
      "I have fought many battles for the Wise Woman's Glory and for the protection of this world and I have seen many fall and will see many more do the same but those that have faith are protected. I have survived where others might have fallen because I question myself and not her glory."
      "We would long to fight battles for her," said Acetes.
      "And you shall for she protects the world from enemies unknown to it. She protects cities from threats within and without. And you two have been charged with the most important battle the one fought: for defense."
      "How shall we succeed at defense?  What are we defending?" asked Acetes.
      "A Gauntlet is an item of protection but a Gauntlet is just a hand. And a hand carries. I carry Athena's gifts to you so that you might protect."
      "Would it be impertinent to ask what these gifts you bring us are?" asked Podaleirus.
      "No, there are creatures that live within Gaea. These creatures have begun to pervert the powers of the mind and the powers of Athena for evil. Athena's gifts are knowledge of these creatures and what they have discovered. We must learn restore what they have perverted and use it against them."
      "Let us begin the learning, then," said Podaleirus.


      Lord Nadam sent for Khasmaphet.  He waited, sitting on his throne, lost in thought as the lords and ladies of the court talked and bargained with each other.   He closed his eyes.  His mind wandered around, his desire to taste their blood surged through him.  He fought the desire.  Where was Khasmaphet?  Had she sent the message to Itsitlawikanah?
      Finally, the servant he had sent returned.  But Khasmaphet was not with her.  The servant looked terrified, so much so that she forgot to kneel and ask permission to speak.  "Khasmaphet is ill.  Something is terribly wrong with her," said the servant.  Lord Nadam forgot the breach in protocol.  He rushed out of the throne room, his cape fluttering behind him.  Cthaat and the other guards saw him leave, and rushed out after him.


      The girls were all over Zografos again, having abandoned their chain of pleasure.  Their flesh was hot against his, their fragrances, compounded of fragile perfumes and the musk odor of excited women, enveloped him.  Their hands were avid for his muscular body, and his hands found out every pleasurable place on each of their soft bodies.  They savaged each other, on and on and on, yet none would let him slid his straining manhood into their slick openings.
      Zografos finally had both hands on Jakinda, one finger within her arse, the other hand playing with her damp crotch, even as he licked her. Within minutes, Jakinda squealed like a proud Indorian mare that had been conquered at last.  She said, "I must have you.  I am not supposed to, but I must."
      She moved to mount Zografos, and then the watching lady said, "No!"  Jakinda stopped.
      Quasulithid, still masquerading as the lady, stood up and a flash of purple lit the room.  All the women fall to the floor. Zografos wondered what was going on.  The mind flayer, seeing his concern and confusion, worried he would pierce its veil, said, "Only I shall have you."
      "Come to me," Quasulithid said. "After I am satisfied, then you may have the others."  Zografos went to her.  She was still dressed, he noted.  He breathed down on her neck, then started nibbling on it and her ear, examining her breasts from his vantage point.  Then Zografos felt something on the back of his head.
      Damn, thought Zografos.  She is an octohead, isn't she?  He wrestled and tried to push away from Quasulithid, but his head was in a death-lock.  He could feel the acids eating through his skull.  Desperately he tried to take shadow form, but could not concentrate.  In his peripheral vision, he thought he saw the tiger actually stand. Zografos yelled in shadow-speak for the dragon, then all went dark for Zografos as Quasulithid extracted his brain and consumed it.


      Sjachrenthisj, the dragon, awoke when she heard Zografos yell.  She leaped into action as soon as she saw the illithid.  She flew across the room, then the room went spinning as the tiger-illithid hybrid slammed into her, intercepting her flight.  The dragon fought the lycanthrope illithid as hard as she could, biting and clawing, and the lycanthrope roared and bit and clawed in return.  In a ball, they rolled around the room.  The lycanthrope was nearly seven feet in height, and Sjachrenthisj was only about four feet long or so, and considerably lighter than her burly opponent.  Sjachrenthisj, however, was not worried.  After all, she was a dragon.  She roared again, clawing and beating her translucent wings against her lycanthropic enemy.
      Quasulithid worried the noise would bring trouble, so it blasted the dragon psionically, but the dragon shook it off and roared again.  Sjachrenthisj unleashed a cone of billowing, smoky shadows that enveloped both Abstersinarint and Quasulithid.  Quasulithid writhed in pain, but made no sound, for mind flayers have no vocal cords.  Abstersinarint, on the other hand, was in hybrid tiger-illithid form, and could growl rather substantially.
      Sjachrenthisj snapped her teeth around Abstersinarint's muzzle and dug her claws into the lycanthrope's abdomen.  Quasulithid came forward and leapt on top of the dark dragon, its tentacles trying to wrap itself around her head.


      Across the hall, in Lord Issic's suite of rooms, Alordellhion waited in the shadows for Issic to appear with Cthaat, the warrioress the half-dragon was dallying with.  Beside it squatted Absterator, in the panther's flesh.  Absterator was tired.  It was running out of steam.  It knew its psionic levels were low, but the excitement of the kills kept it from resting.  It wondered what was keeping the half-dragon.  Absterator tried to remember what it had taken during previous mind-scans of the half-dragon.  The library.  The half-dragon wasn't as devoted to conjoining as some of the others. He also liked to read.
      Absterator told Alordellhion to wait.  It was going to check the library.  Absterator ran out of the suite and down the corridors leading to the Library of Antiquities.  Whoever was in that library would die, Absterator promised itself, Issic or no Issic.


      Lord Issic and Lady Brendara Brenhold walked through the gardens in the center of the palace grounds.  "This must be one of your favorite parts of the castle," said Issic.
      "It is.  I spend much time here."  She studied the half-dragon.  "Does your appearance bother you much?"
      "It bothers me not at all.  Some are jealous of my impressiveness. Others appreciate it. Does it bother you?"  He trailed a claw down the side of her face and neck, lightly so as not to scratch her.
      "A little. Do you bite?"
      Issic grinned, a smile full of fangs.  "Sometimes. Does my appearance excite you?"
      She blushed.  "A lot."
      Issic flexed his muscles for her, then he grabbed her, staring into her deep blue eyes. "How about now?"
      "Even more."  Issic felt her trembling with both excitement and fear.
      She asked quietly, "Can you kiss?"
      Issic touched her face, touched  her hair, traced the line of her lips with the softest of kisses, gradually taking his kiss deeper, his tempo perfectly attuned to hers.  Even through the kiss, though, Issic kept on his guard, feeling that something was amiss.
      She smiled warmly when the kiss finished.  "Perhaps we should wander back to where people are.  I wouldn't want this to get out of hand.  Well, not yet."
      "Alright," said Issic. She raised her eyebrows, shrugged, and started walking back beside Issic.
      "Why are you surprised?" asked Issic. 
      She just shook her head.  "Oh, nothing.  Are you enjoying Alisander?"
      Issic grabbed her again.  "I asked you a question."
      "I asked you one too!"  She didn't struggle at all in his powerful grasp.
      "Up to this point I am. Now you." 
      She laughed, and shrugged.  "I just thought you would be more insistent than you were.  Instead you were very gallant and gentlemanly."  She smiled, and Issic felt like the gardens lit up.
      "That is the way of the dragon," said Issic.
      "I like it."
      Issic kissed her again. She kissed back, then pushed away. Issic looked around, having the feeling that we are being watched. Issic asked, "What is your favorite thing that grows here in the garden?" Issic pulled her closer.  She felt the beat of his heart against the solid wall of his chest, felt the rise and fall of his breathing.  As their gazes locked and held, she could see every single shade of green in his unreadable, alien eyes.
      She said, "The trees. The soft beds of pine needles that lay beneath the evergreen trees to the north of the gardens are especially nice, I hear."
      "Why don't you show me?" His hands came up and cupped the sides of her face, his clawed thumbs moving lightly over her cheekbones, and he brought his mouth down hard onto hers.  She felt her lips part under his, felt him move farther into her with no warning at all.  Immediate desire slammed through her with the force of a body blow.
      "Okay," she breathed.


      Sjachrenthisj bit down and ripped off two of Quasulithid's tentacles. The mind flayer flung itself away from the young shadow dragon, its long hands over its mouth, cupping the stumps of its missing tentacles.  The lycanthrope bit into Sjachrenthisj.  The dragon hoped it would not contract the lycanthropy. The thought was driven from her mind when the were-tiger threw her across the room.  Spreading her wings, she stabilized mid air and flew back at them.  Again she spewed forth her inky breath, and the murky, shadowy substance enveloped the illithids again. In pain, they both collapsed to the floor, and Sjachrenthisj pounced upon them.
     

      Alexander led the two young priests to the storage room where the sheens were kept.  Their jaws dropped when they saw the metal monsters towering over them, bristling with weapons, looking like obscene insects.
      Alexander said, "Much Athena has shown me. Wonders and Horrors. More then you can imagine but one day you will not have to imagine. Let us began." They nodded and listened as Alexander showed them how to use the sheens, explained to them that the sheens could be taken control of by others if they weren't careful, told them to basics of hunting flayers and detecting them.
      As he lectured, Alexander felt a jolt in his mind, a need to commune somehow with Athena.  Alexander said, "Come with me. Athena has sent for me and I wish you to be with me while I commune with her."  They followed, concerned, as he led them back to the main temple.


      Hand in hand, the young lady and Issic walked swiftly to the north end of the gardens.  "What do you do when you are not in the gardens?" Issic asked.
      "Embroider and read, mostly." She wanted to break into a run, to hurry and get back to the kissing part.  Issic paid attention to whether his mind was being probed or read.  He felt, somehow, that the affair with the Temple of Ilsensine was not over yet.
      "Well, here we are," said young lady Brendara. "What do you think?"
      "I think it is beautiful here," said Issic, looking at her.
      "Are you being honest, or gallant?"
      Issic listened for odd sounds. He turned his visual attention to the girl, though. "I am being me," he said. 


      Lord Alexander Maximus knelt at the altar, mindlinked himself with the two disciples, then cast Commune.
      "Why have I been summoned, Great Goddess?"
      A female voice, powerful, answered, "Phaidon, India, and Zografos are dead."
      "By whose hand?"
      "Absterator and his assassins."
      "I thought they were killed. How did they escape your wrath?"
      "Trickery and mind-switches."
      "What do you wish to be my next course of action?"
      "Rescue Issic.  He is about to die."
      Alexander broke the commune spell. "Your training has come to a conclusion too quickly but I believe Athena has provided you so that my friends and her allies might be saved. Grab a weapon and come with me quickly."
      They grabbed up their short swords as Alexander ran from the room.  Quickly, they followed.  As they raced through the temple to the street, Alexander motioned for the armed priests that he met to follow him.  By the time he broke into the main thoroughfare of Alisander, seven people were following him.  Quickly he ran through the crowded streets, cursing inwardly at every wagon that got in his way, every animal, every person. 


      Absterator used more its waning psionic power to open the door to the Library of Antiquities.  Panther-like, it glided into the room on its padded feet.  The library was dark.  It searched through the stacks and in all the side rooms.  No one was in the library.  Absterator, frustrated, used some of his waning power to teleport back to Alordellhion in Issic's room.  Issic still was not there.  Where was he?


      Issic, in the gardens of the palace, kissed the young lady again, pulling her close, letting his claws prick her back just enough to let her know they were there.  Brendara felt a shiver go through her, followed immediately by a flush of heat.  His wings spread wide and one of her fingers reached out to touch the thin membrane.
      "Are you sure you should be here with me?" asked Issic in a breathy growl.
      Brendara's felt the air rush out of her lungs and she pressed back, afraid he would leave.  "I am sure of nothing, right now.  Perhaps we should go back before I lose control of myself."
      "If you are worried about losing control then it is already lost and you have nothing to worry about any more.  Enjoy the moment!"


      Absterator wandered out in the hallway.  It was concerned because it had not heard from Quasulithid and Abstersinarint.  Surely the over-sexed penumbral lord had not caused them a problem.  It slunk toward Zografos' door.
      The hallway door at the far end of the hall burst open.  Alexander, seven priests, and five female guards with halberds exploded into the hallway, swords drawn.  Absterator stopped, stunned, unsure of what it should do, completely forgetting it looked like Phaidon's panther.
      Alexander rushed past, motioning for the panther to follow.  Remembering, Absterator turned to follow the priest.  Perhaps they might not get Issic, but the priest would die.  Of course, the armed men following Alexander seemed ominous.
      Before Absterator could send a warning missive to Alordellhion, Alexander opened Issic's door and burst into the room.  Alordellhion's pale eyes opened wide with surprise.  Alexander looked quickly around the room for Issic, then quickly returned to the mind flayer.  Was this really a mind flayer, or another horrible deceit?  Alexander did not pause to ponder.  He threw Athena's Wrath, his magical pilum gifted to him by Athena, with all of his might.
      Alordellhion threw itself aside and Alexander threw his short spear right on the tail of Athena's Wrath.  The blade of the spear cut into Alordellhion's studded armor of thick leather, and Alordellhion drew his rapier out in a quick motion.
      Alexander focused his holy power like a ray of the sun, projecting a blast of light from his open palm.  The ray burned the flesh of the light-sensitive mind flayer.  From behind Alexander, Absterator mentally stunned most of the priests and the guards.  It then leaped at Alexander's back, but Alexander happened to step aside to avoid Alordellhion's deadly lunge with the rapier.  The cat landed next to the mind flayer, a little less steady than usual for a panther.
      Alexander released the lion from his armor, and it sprang forward in a blast of golden light.  Lion and panther tangled, biting and clawing each other. The heavier lion was completely dominating the battle, moving Absterator away from Alexander.
      Alordellhion realized it could be in trouble, so it concentrated its energies to plane shift away into the ethereal.  With a blast of purple light, its outline and form became translucent, then transparent.  Alexander tried to attack with his lion shield in an attempt to stop the shift, but the mind flayer slipped away regardless.
      Absterator mentally blasted the lion, but the lion shook off the effects and continued to maul the panther.  Alexander thought Phaidon's panther was being controlled, but he could also sense an illithid presence.
      Absterator was at a loss.  It was running low on psychic energies, and this lion, a mere lion, was tearing it apart.  It gathered what powers it had left and blasted out with a True Concussion, slamming the lion away and up into one of the exterior walls.
      Alexander realized the panther was an illithid, so he shouted to the priests behind him, "Attack the Panther!" 
      Acetes and Podaleirus both shook off the stunning effect that had stopped them, and threw themselves toward the panther.  Behind Alexander, Alordellhion shifted back to nail Alexander.  Alexander whirled around the deadly rapier and summoned a pair of celestial bears to his aid, even as he dodged around the thin blade that quested for his heart.  The golden, perfect bears appeared in a flash of light and mauled the mind flayer.
      Alexander dove for Athena's Wrath.  He rolled back to his feet and watched as the bears tore the mind flayer apart.  Acetes and Podaleirus poked at the panther with their short swords.  Absterator saw the fate of the assassin, so it turned and ran full speed at the open window in the room. 
      With a leap that impressed even Absterator, it cleared the window and was sailing down toward the ground, three stories below.  Quickly it manifested its levitation power to slow its descent.
      Without even thinking, Podaleirus leapt out of the window after the panther.  His arms encircled the slowing animal and he grabbed on.  Absterator grunted in pain when the young man caught onto him.
      Alexander jumped out of the window, tapping his Fly tattoo, to help the young priest.


      Outside, in the gardens, Brendara hugged and kissed Issic passionately beneath the evergreen trees.
      A question popped into her mind.  At first she dismissed it as being none of her business, but curiosity finally got the better of her so she asked, "Have you had many human women?"
      "What does that matter?  All that matters is the one I have now!"  Issic drew a clawed finger down her check, down her neck, down her chest to cross over her nipple that betrayed its presence even through the bodice of the gown. letting my claw draw down her chest across her nipple.
      "Don't stop," she said. She raised up to kiss him again.  She felt his mouth move greedily against hers, felt him impatiently taste the soft underside of her lips, felt his hands spread wide and tighten against the back of her head.  She moved into him.  Immediately her need escalated past desire, past hunger, past want, and into a warm realm of elemental sensation.
      She wanted to take him.  The though spilled through her mind with a raw bluntness that was utterly unlike her.  She wanted to take him, wanted to bring them both to their knees right here and now, wanted to urge him over the far edge of need.  She didn't want to sink onto a bed with him, didn't want cool and soft pillows beneath them, didn't want to make love to him.
      She wanted to overwhelm him.  She wanted to blot out everything else in his mind until all that existed for him was the way she tasted, the way she felt, her mouth on his body.
      At that very second, Issic saw in his peripheral vision, one of Phaidon's panthers leap out of a third floor window. Then a young man in a toga leaped out of the window and grabbed onto the flying panther.  Then Alexander flew from the window, flying after the panther and the young man.  He also noticed the girl he was with was unbuttoning her blouse as they kissed.
      Issic pushed the girl off of him. "Gotta go!"  Issic ran toward the scene of the fight, pulling out his sword as he went.  He spread his golden wings and lifted up into the air.  The girl, knocked to the ground with the violence of the push, sat there, her lips trembling with embarrassment, rage, and shame, tears rolling down out of her eyes.
      Alexander, Athena's Wrath held out like a lance, charged the flying panther.  Issic was flying through the air.  Absterator saw it was pinned between them both.  It closed its eyes and tightened its muscles, waiting for the double impact, ignoring the boy clutching onto its body.
      Absterator felt its ribs give in as Athena's Wrath plowed into its body.  It then felt Alexander's body slam with momentum into it, pushing the pilum further in, until its point showed on the other side of its body.  Absterator didn't feel the pain.  It still waited for the other impact.  Although the impacts occurred almost simultaneously, it seemed like an eternity to Absterator.  It knew it would die.
      With a horrible crunch, Issic flashing green sword cracked down through its spinal column, narrowly missing Alexander and Podaleirus.  Absterator wondered if it still had the lower portion of its body.  Issic slammed into its chest, sandwiching it between the half-dragon and Alexander. 
      Absterator, fighting unconsciousness, thought to try plane shifting out.  Then it saw the girl.  The one watching.  Absterator had no idea who she was, but he saw an opportunity for the mind switch.  It met her eyes. Then, wings beating, Issic flew back and brought the sword down on the panther's head, splitting it asunder.
      The boy fell from the panther with Issic's crushing impact.  Down in the garden, Brendara, who watched the battle, gasped in horror. Alexander dropped through the air, pushing himself to fly faster, to reach the boy before he smacked the ground below.  Alexander reached out his hand and grabbed onto Podaleirus' outstretched hand.
      Alexander landed next to the fallen remains of the panther.  He said to Podaleirus, "Take its body to the temple. Then I need you to go to the market buy five black rams and bring them to the temple. We will be there shortly."
      Podaleirus nodded and started to run off, but Issic stopped him.
      "What?" asked Alexander.  Issic leaned in toward Alexander and whispered, "How do we know he did not escape the panther?  Check the priest."
      Alexander trained his mind on Podaleirus.  He did not sense the presence of a mind flayer. "He is human."
      Issic permitted Podaleirus to go.  The boy ran off.
      Alexander yelled after Podaleirus, "One other thing! Also buy three chunks of raw meat!"
      "Yes, sir!" he yelled.
      "We need to go back to the castle to gather the others bodies, Issic."
      "What other bodies?"
      "Phaidon, India, and Zog were killed by mindflayers," said Alexander.  He noticed several guards and nobles venturing out into the gardens.  Lord Nadam was among them, surrounded by his female guards.  Ordiss Ool and Lord Bran Brenhold were also among them.  Lord Brenhold noticed his daughter standing by the pine trees.  He hoped his daughter wasn't involved in any of these obviously violent occurrences.
      Issic growled. "That is too bad.  We made a formidable team."  Issic took a deep breath and looked around.  The young Brenhold girl was still by the pine trees, fixing her disheveled appearance. Lord Nadam was quickly approaching.  His guards were almost running in order to keep up with the ruler's long strides.  Cthaat Angartha was one of those guards.  She looked stunning in her armor.  Issic remembered all too well how much more stunning she looked without the armor.  He turned his attention back to Alexander. "Can you do anything for them?"
      "Yes, I intend to go to the land of the dead and petition Hades for their return. I hope that you will come with me."
      "What do you think we have that Hades would want, besides ourselves?"
      "It is not uncommon in legend for the gods to send their champions to Hades' Realm to save people that have served them well from death."
      Lord Nadam and his retinue stopped.  The ruler of Alisander asked, "What has happened?"
      Alexander answered, "Absterator used trickery to switch minds with one of our party before he was killed. He ambushed us and some of us have fallen."
      Lord Nadam closed his eyes.  "Those would not be the only deaths.  I have need of your services, when you have finished doing what you need to for your own fallen."
      "Who else has fallen?" asked Issic.  Alexander echoed the question.
      "One of my servants has been poisoned.  I need you to save her."
      "Poisoned? That does not really sound like the operation of an illithid. Is she dead yet?" asked Issic.
      "No."
      "Then we must attend to the living before the dead," said Issic. "The dead is not going anywhere, at least in most cases."
      Alexander said, "Take me to her. Issic, see to it that the bodies are moved. There are priests in your room that will help you. Tell them to prepare the temple for a sacrifice when you get there." Lord Nadam, Ordiss Ool, and Alexander went quickly from the garden paths to the palace.  Cthaat Angartha and her fellow guards followed behind, struggling to keep up.  Issic gave her a wink, mouthing the words, "Later."  She smiled, and hope sprang up that Issic wasn't really interested in the noble girl.  She vanished into the palace behind her lord.
      Issic looked around and saw the Lady Brendara Brenhold standing with her foppish father. Issic walked up to the Lady Brendara and, bowing, said, "Sorry for the interruption.  We will have to continue our tour of the garden's trees at some later date."
      "Of course," she said.  Lord Brenhold glared first at his daughter, then at the towering half-dragon.  Then he sighed, bored.
      "So the killing of a flying panther is not exciting enough for you, Brenhold?" asked Issic.
      "Well, I wouldn't say that, but it isn't like it happens all the time either.  I would say the novelty hasn't worn off on the killing of flying cats. What were you doing with my daughter out here, anyway?"
      "She was showing me the beauty of the flowering garden trees." 
      "Of course.  Well, don't let me detain you, Lord."
      "Of course."  Issic rolled his eyes as he turned away from the fop to supervise the gathering of his friends' bodies.


      Lord Nadam lead Alexander to his servant.  Alexander saw a young Khemian girl laying in the bed.  Several of Lord Nadam's leeches were hovering around her, shaking their heads.  The room was small, much smaller than his suite in the other wing, but was finely decorated in what he supposed was Khemian fashion.  Statues and carvings of animal headed people seemed to predominate the décor.
      Alexander knelt next to the girl.  He pulled back her covers.  Her nude body was shivering, and she was curled up in a painful fetus position.  Alexander examined the glass the girl had drank out of and tasted a drop.  The young girl had taken a glass full of medusa poison.
      Alexander said, "Athena, aid your ally's servant so that he will aid in the rescue of your fallen champions."  He put his divinely charged hand on her shivering, sweating body and poured Athena's power into her.  Instantly, the shivering stopped.  She uncurled her nude body and opened her eyes.  Lord Nadam clapped his strong hand on Alexander's shoulder and said, "Thank you and thank Athena."
      "If you would, Lord Nadam, I could use you and your court's prayers tonight at the temple, but please tell all who come that there prayers need to be genuine if they are to be there."
      Lord Nadam said, "I will tell all as you have said." He knelt down and asked the girl, "Is all well, Khasmaphet?"
      The Khemian girl nodded.
      Alexander covered the girl with the thin blanket.  "I must see to my friends, Lord." Alexander bowed and left the room, wondering who would have the resources to get medusa poison, and why would they spend such an expensive poison on a little servant girl.


      Issic found India, Phaidon, and one panther's body in India's room.  They were bloody and torn up, their skulls ripped open. Alexander's priests and a few of Lord Nadam's guards were picking up the bodies to be transported to the Temple of Athena.  Shaking his head, Issic went into the hall to look into Zografos' room. Outside his door, the six terrified prostitutes were huddled, being questioned by one of Lord Nadam's officials.  Several of the maids for this floor, including Alderni Whatley, were waiting for news about Zografos.  Issic pushed past the women and opened the door.
      On the floor, crumpled, lay Zografos' brainless, nude body.  Some of Nadam's guards were working to clean up the body and have it transported to Athena's Temple.  Also in the room were two dead mind flayers.  Issic wondered how they died.  The wounds looked like dragon wounds.  Issic peered deep into the shadows, and spied the young shadow dragon.  He motioned for her to come out.  She was wounded, he could see, but she slithered out of the shadows with some pride.  She may not have been able to save Zografos, but she saved the women.
      Issic searched the bodies of the mind flayers, but found little of interest.  Lord Nadam's guards had already confiscated most of the evidence and belongings.  He took what was left for later identification. 
      "Darastrix, arith korm okar?" growled Issic.  He went over and checked out her wounds to make sure none were life-threatening. "Arar arcanissedarirlym ossalur frram?"
      The dragon answered, "Arcanissedarirlym geshar munthrek aesthyr zethisjik thurirl Zografos ekess krendok, vur araesthyrbaeshra ukleki ekess levex arcanissedarirlym."


      Alexander arrived at their rooms.  He told the priests to go to the temple and gather everyone for a sacrifice tonight. "I am going to attempt something very dangerous tonight and I would ask for your help but I understand if you refuse because it is your primary duty now to protect this city. I plan on going to Hades and asking for my companions to be returned to life."
      Unanimously they agreed to help.  Alexander asked Issic and the shadow dragon to follow him to the temple.  Issic asked Alexander to make sure the dragon and the six prostitutes were not mind flayers that had either disguised themselves or switched minds.  Alexander detected nothing. "To the temple then, we have much to do," said Alexander.
      Issic pointed to the little dragon.  Alexander saw the horrible wounds and quickly summoned up the divine energy to do close some of the wounds.  Then he rushed out of the room, followed by the others.  Issic scooped up the four foot dragon and followed behind the rest.
      Lord Nadam's cavalry unit was waiting, and they cleared the streets to give Alexander and Issic and the following priests and guards a clear path to the Temple of Athena.
      A great mass of people were gathered outside the columned temple.  A temporary altar had been constructed so all could see it.  The dead bodies of India, Phaidon, and Zografos were being thoroughly washed by the priests with holy water.
      Alexander told the assembled mass to began praying for the return of Athena's Champions who had helped saved the city from threats inside and out. Alexander gave Issic, Acetes, Podaleirus, and the high priest each two copper coins each and told the priests to wash them as well.  Alexander then washed himself in the holy water.
      Afterward, Alexander handed Issic the sack with the raw meat and said, "Hold onto this. We will need it later." Alexander then requested the black rams to be brought forth, and they were.  Alexander cast Calm Emotions on the rams so they wouldn't startle.  Alexander cut the first ram's throat and let the blood wash over Issic's feet.  He placed a spot of blood on Issic's forehead.  He repeated the action with himself and the three priests who were accompanying him.
      Alexander began casting the spell that would raise the dead.  With a sound that resembled thunder, Alexander, Issic, and the companion priests saw the ground open up beneath them, and they appeared in a gray wasteland of rock.  A black ribbon of dark water cut through this landscape.  It was the River Styx.  Alexander knew that, to the assembled throng outside the temple, it would not look like they had left. 
      Alexander led the group toward the ragged hill ahead, and saw the boat on the river.  Rain drizzled down around them and he heard a wild dog howl.  Voices in the night, voices out of sight howled and cried.
      The boatman's skiff bumped up on the shore.  Charon, the boatman who ferried souls to Hades. He was skeletal and dressed in ragged robes.  He carried a vicious scythe.
      "Be brave, my friends, we must travel the path of the fallen," said Alexander. "Step onto the boat, and give Charon one of your coins on the other side of the Styx."
      Charon said, "This boat is not for mortals.  You still live." His voice was old, eldritch, and horrible.  Alexander ignored the old man and stepped up onto the boat.  The others followed.  The boat began its silent glide across the still waters of death. There was no turning back at this point.  The hooded old man at the rudder glared ominously, looking for signs of fear or weakness in the travelers.
      The lightning flashed, and the thunder roared, and they saw spirits on the shore they were leaving calling out his name, people who had not been buried with the price of passage. Dancing bones jabbered and moaned on the water, the remains of those who tried to swim the deadly currents of River Styx.
      When the dark skiff bumped the plutonian shore of Hades, Charon held out his bony hand. "You must pay me now," he said. Each one dropped their coin in his hand as they stepped off the boat.  Charon shouldered his scythe and the boat receded away from the land.
      A dark cave loomed ahead, and a great three headed dog growled.  Cerberus, Hades' guard dog was meant to keep the living out of Hades, and keep the dead in.
      "Issic," said Alexander, "Throw one part of the meat to one of his heads. The others should fight him for it and we will be able to pass."
      Issic tossed the raw meat at the mighty dog, and the heads fought and pulled at the offering.  Alexander rushed the priests and Issic past the dog while it was thus occupied.
      Inside the cave, the souls of the dead who had gone below came swarming up- fresh brides, unmarried youths, old men with life's long suffering behind them, tender young girls still nursing first anguish in their hearts, and a great throng of warriors killed in battle, their spear-wounds gaping yet, and all their armor stained with blood. The moaning that came from this multitude of souls was horrible to hear.
      "Be warned," said Alexander. "We may meet fallen friends in this place."
      "Isn't that why we are here?" asked Issic as the souls swarmed around them, crying, moaning.  "I thought that is what we wanted." 
      "We seek to save those that fell today but those of yesterday's battles are beyond our reach."
      "I know where they be," said a gruff voice. The souls moved aside and they saw a sturdy dwarf, Kotz Mad Axe.  "Follow me," said the dwarf-spirit.  Issic and Alexander followed, the priests in tow.
      The dwarf led them through several dark, shadowy corridors.  Finally he stopped and said, "They are beyond that door.  Another guide will lead from there." Kotz melted into the mass of souls following them.  A great door barred further progress.  Alexander reached out and took the impressive handle carved in the form of a skeleton.  He could not budge the door.  The other priests took hold of the handle with Alexander, but the door did not move.  Issic wrapped his mighty hands around the skeletal handle.  His muscles bulged and his veins popped out as he pulled the mighty door wide open.
      On the other side they the spectre of Seth, not as Seth-thing, but as he was before Doctor Dalby worked on him.
      "Follow me," he said.  They followed.  Seth led them to a great, dark throne. Upon this throne set a large, gloomy man with a bushy black beard and black eyes.  He wore a lot of jewelry, but somehow the gold didn't glint much. Power radiated from this giant.  It wasn't impersonal power, a power granted or assumed, but power that seemed very vested in the being that radiated it. This was Hades, God of the Underworld.
      At the base of the throne stood India, Phaidon, and Zografos.
      Alexander knelt before him.
      Hades said, "Alexander, Issic.  Welcome to my dark abode."
      Alexander said, "He Who Cast Lots with his Brothers and Divided the World, he who Zeus and Poseidon respect as ruler of earth and what is found there, He Who Judges for the Gods, Lord of the River Styx, Ruler of the Elysium Fields, Jail Keeper of Tartarus, King of the Dead, Lord Hades, I am here to request a boon on behalf of your niece, Athena."
      "Speak your boon, Alexander."
      "Her champions have been killed by things from the earth that do not receive you as there master. They were slain because they fought these creatures for the glory of not just Athena, but for Ingara, so that you and your fellow Olympians will be worshiped again as it was in times past, as it should be now.
      "You wish them returned to fight for us?"
      Issic, also kneeling, and visibly impressed with the might and majesty of the god, said, "Whether they fight for you or some other cause you cannot dispute the fact that together we have sent many to you."
      "Yes, Issic," said the dread god. "You have sent many to me.  Death is a fact of life for mortals, and you are an impressive instrument of that fact of life."
      "If they be returned, many more would be sent," said Issic, swelling with pride at the notice of such an awesome being.  He felt he must be really impressive if one such as Hades noticed him.
      Alexander said, "Yes, every thing we achieve in the name of the Gods of Ingara brings more worshipers to you. Now a whole Temple Prays to Athena to petition her uncle for the life of those that saved their city."
      "If two of my niece's Champions are brave enough to venture into my abode to request the return of their fallen companions, then who am I to refuse them? I will grant your boon, Alexander and Issic, Champions of Athena, Lords of Alisander."
      Alexander smiled. "On the behalf of your niece I thank you, Lord of the Earth."
      Hades said, "I find you both pleasing, and impressive.  I am also well pleased with your fallen companions that you sought."
      "I am pleased that we have pleased you, Lord Hades," said Alexander.
      Hades considered and said, "I will send you and your companions back in my own chariot, but I warn you not to tarry in it once it stops."
      "You are gracious, Lord."
      Hades then fashioned five black arrows. "These will slay any illithid they strike.  Waste them not, Issic and Alexander.  One for each of you and your companions."  At that, a pair of black, giant horses drew forward, pulling a black chariot. "If you be strong enough, Issic, steer my chariot back to the lands of the living, and heed my warning."
      "Your gifts are legendary, Lord Hades, and we will not waste them," said Alexander.
      Issic, mounting the chariot asked, "Will they kill an Elder Brain as well?"
      "Aye," answered Lord Hades as the shades of Zografos, India, and Phaidon stepped onto the chariot platform, followed by Alexander and the three priests.
      The horses, directed by Issic, flew through the planes and through the ground and stopped at the temple. India leaped off and landed within her body.  It healed instantly and she awakened.  Zografos did likewise, not wanting to linger in the chariot once it stopped.  Phaidon jumped into his body, and he awakened.  Alexander ushered off the priests, then he jumped off likewise, reentering his body.   After all were off, Issic let go of the reins and jumped off as well, pushing his way into his body.  All of them opened their eyes to find they were clutching a black arrow, the arrows fashioned by Hades himself.
      The horses and the chariot raced into the darkness of the earth.
      The people cheered as the dead awoke.  Alexander collapsed from the stress of the casting of Raise Dead.  Three priests picked him up and carried him into the temple. 
      Zografos mentally smacked himself for the trap he had fallen into, but was pleased to be alive, somehow.  He noticed, coiled in the shadows, the little shadow-dragon.  He was glad she was still alive too.
      India hugged Phaidon, and he hugged her back, tightly.  Unmindful of the throng of people around them, they hugged.  India was sobbing, and the tears rolled down her cheeks.  He kissed her.  Long, hard, lovingly.  Strong hands smoothed back her dark hair from satin soft cheeks.  She returned his kiss with growing warmth.  When he drew away she was no longer crying, but grinning.


      Nithtalitor, Assassin of the Esoteric Order of Ilsensine, watched the resurrection with interest and dismay.  All their efforts for naught.  The Paragon will need to be informed of this.  However, with this amount of power, there was point in remaining in Alisander.  At least not for a while.  Nithtalitor teleported away, plotting a plan to assassinate both Alexander and Issic.

18,900 exp for Alexander and Issic

The World of Inzeladun | About Vincent N. Darlage | Current Adventures in Inzeladun | The Ingaran Adventures - Episode 36 | Legends of Inzeladun | Alexander Animus Litus Maximus | Issic the Half Dragon | Phaidon | Zografos | India | Lord Nadam, Champion of Vale | Alisander, The Largest City in Inzeladun | Lamapacher, Realms of Conflict | Here are the maps of the travels of the Ingaran Adventures

Alordellhion, Mind Flayer Rogue 3/Assassin 3: CR 14, medium abomination (5'8" tall); HD 8d8+6d6+28; hp 79; Initiative: +9 (Dex, imp. Init.); Spd 30 ft.; AC 22 (flatfooted 22, touch 16); Attack +13/+8 (1d6+2 masterwork rapier) or +16/+11 Mighty [str 12] Masterwork Composite Shortbow (1d6+1 damage); Special: Evasion, Uncanny Dodge (Dex bonus to AC), Sneak attack +4d6, Death Attack, Poison Use, +1 save vs poison, Mind Blast, Psionics; AL LE; SV Fort +6, Ref +13, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 22, Wis 16, Cha 14.
      Skills: Hide +17, Move Silently +17, Tumble +6, Open Lock +7, Listen +14, Spot +14, Search +5, Disguise +6, Disable Device +8, Use Magic Device +2, Bluff +6, Concentration +11, Intimidate +11, Knowledge (Psionics) +4, Knowledge (History) +4, 
      Feats: Improved Initiative, Shield Proficiency, Alertness, Combat Casting, Dodge, Weapon Finesse (tentacle), Weapon Proficiency, Lightning Reflexes
      Equipment: 4 cure light wounds potions, darkvision potion, neutralize poison potion, 20 masterwork arrows, masterwork studded leather, masterwork buckler, cloak of resistance +1, bag of holding 1
      Spells: Spider Climb, Change Self, Alter Self

Quasulithid, Mind Flayer Monk 6: CR 14, medium abomination (5'10" tall); HD 8d8+6d4+28; hp 79; Initiative: +8 (Dex, imp. init); Spd 50 ft.; AC 24 (flatfooted 20, touch 12); Attack +13/+10/+7 (1d8+3 unarmed attack) or +13/+8 sling (1d4 damage); Special: Mind Blast, Psionics, Unarmed Strike, stunning attack, evasion, deflect arrows, still mind, slow fall (30 ft), purity of body, improved trip; AL LE; SV Fort +9, Ref +10, Will +14; Str 16, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 21, Cha 14.
      Skills: Jump +9, Tumble +10, Balance +10, Hide +10, Bluff +6, Concentration +9, Intimidate +10, Knowledge (Psionics) +4, Knowledge (History) +4, Listen +11, move silently +11,  Spot +11
      Feats: Dodge, Spring Attack, Mobility, Improved Initiative, Alertness, Combat Casting, Dodge, Weapon Finesse (tentacle), Weapon Proficiency
      Equipment: Bracers of Armor +1, Cloak of Resistance +1, 1 cure moderate wounds potion, Crystal Mask of Change Self

Abstersinarint, Afflicted Lycanthropic (weretiger) Mind Flayer Ranger 6: CR 15, medium shapechanger (6'5" tall); HD 8d8+6d10+28; hp 79; Initiative: +9 (Dex, imp. Init.); Spd 30 ft.; AC 23 (flatfooted 18, touch 15); Attack +14/+9/+4 (1d8+3 masterwork longsword) or +16/+11/+6 Mighty [str 16] Masterwork Composite Longbow (1d8+4 damage); Special: Mind Blast, Psionics, Track, Favored enemy (human), favored enemy (drow), animal form (tiger); AL LE; SV Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3; Str 16 (28), Dex 20 (24), Con 15 (21), Int 18, Wis 18, Cha 14.
      Skills: Wilderness Lore +7, Spot +27, Move Silently +20, Hide +30, Bluff +6, Listen +15, Concentration +11, Intimidate +11, Knowledge (Psionics) +4, Knowledge (History) +4,  Search +8
      Feats: Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (composite longbow), Improved Initiative, Alertness, Combat Casting, Dodge, Weapon Finesse (tentacle), Weapon Proficiency, (Blindfight, Multiattack, Power Attack)
      Equipment: +1 studded leather, masterwork longsword, 20 normal arrows, Mighty [str 16] Masterwork Composite Longbow, Masterwork shortsword (offhand), 3 potions of cure light wounds, eyes of the eagle, cloak of elvenkind

Bayani, Human Expert 9: CR 8, medium human (5'5" tall); HD 9d6+27; hp 59; Initiative: +3 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (flatfooted 10, touch 13); Melee Attack +9/+4 (1d4+2 masterwork stiletto) or Ranged Attack +10/+5 (masterwork whip) AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 14, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
      Skills: Perform +16, Bluff +14, Appraise +14, Balance +15, Disguise +10, Tumble +15, Diplomacy +14, Intimidate +14, Profession (Prostitute) +14, Spot +7 
      Feats: Exotic Weapon (Whip), Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Perform), Leadership, Alertness
      Equipment: Masterwork whip, Masterwork stiletto

Melita, Human Commoner 10: CR 9, medium human (5'3" tall); HD 10d4+30; hp 55; Initiative: +2 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (flatfooted 10, touch 12); Melee Attack +6 (1d4 masterwork stiletto); AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 13.
      Skills: Profession (Prostitute) +15, Spot +13, Perform +8, Jump +13, Use Rope +15, Bluff +5 (vs human males), Diplomacy +5 (vs human males) 
      Feats: Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Perform), Seduction, Endurance

Jakinda, Human Rogue 13/Lasher 3: CR 16, medium human (5'4" tall); HD 13d6+13; hp 61; Initiative: +8 (Dex, Imp. Init.); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (flatfooted 14, touch 14); Ranged +19/+14/+9 (whip); Special: Sneak Attack +7d6 (whip +8d6), defensive roll, uncanny dodge, improved evasion, close combat, wound, whip lash, improved trip, third hand; AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +16, Will +6; Str 12, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 13.
      Skills: Profession (Prostitute) +18,  Perform +19, Appraise +12, Balance +19, Bluff +16 (20 vs human males), Diplomacy +8 (12 vs human males), Disguise +16, Escape Artist +19, Gather Information +16, Tumble +19, Sense Motive +7, Innuendo +8, Spot +8, Search +7, Move Silently +13, Use Rope +9, Craft (Leatherworking) +7
      Feats: Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Perform), Seduction, Endurance, Exotic Weapon (whip), Weapon Focus (whip)
      Equipment: +2 stiletto, +2 whip

Giacinta, Human Commoner 1/ Expert 1: CR 1, medium human (6'5" tall); HD 1d4+1d6+2; hp 8; Initiative: +4 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (flatfooted 10, touch 14); Melee Attack -1 (1d4-1 masterwork stiletto) AL CN; SV Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +1; Str 9, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 10.
      Skills: Perform +7, Profession (Prostitute) +6, Spot +3, Appraise +1, Use Rope +5, Disguise +1, Tumble +5, Sense Motive +1 
      Feats: Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Perform)
      Equipment: stiletto

Donata, Human Commoner 1: CR -, medium human (5'5" tall); HD 1d4+2; hp 3; Initiative: +1 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 11 (flatfooted 10, touch 11); Melee Attack -1 (1d4-1 stiletto) AL CN; SV Fort +1, Ref +1, Will -1; Str 9, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16.
      Skills: Perform +9, Profession (Prostitute) +5, Spot +3 
      Feats: Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Perform)
      Equipment: stiletto

Corazon, Human Expert 1: CR -, medium human (5'6" tall); HD 1d6+1; hp 4; Initiative: +4 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (flatfooted 10, touch 14); Melee Attack -2 (1d4-2 stiletto) AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref +4, Will -1; Str 6, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 8, Cha 16.
      Skills: Perform +6, Profession (Prostitute) +6, Spot +3, Tumble +8, Disguise +7, Innuendo +3, Pick Pocket +8, Search +7, Gather Information +7, Use Rope +8 
      Feats: Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Perform)
      Equipment: stiletto

Absterator, Illithid Psion 20: CR 28, medium abomination; HD 8d8+20d6+28; hp 134; Initiative: +7 (Dex and Imp. Init); Spd 30 ft; AC 16 (flatfooted 13, touch 13); Attack +18 x4 (1d4+3 tentacles) or +15/+10 (1d8 Crossbow); SR 25; Special Qualities: Telepathy, Mind Blast, Psionics, improved grab, extract; AL LE; SV Fort +9, Ref +11, Will +21; Str 12, Dex 14 (16), Con 12, Int 19, Wis 17, Cha 22.
            Skills: Bluff +29, Intimidate +29, Knowledge (Arcana) +27, Knowledge (Religion) +27, Listen +10, Move Silently +26, Spot +23, Psi-Craft +23, Concentration +24, Sense Motive +24, Diplomacy +28
            Feats: Combat Manifestation, Alertness, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse (tentacle), Inertial Armor, Inner Strength, Talented, Trigger Power (lesser domination), Craft Dorje, Power Penetration
            Psionics: 223 pp/day,  Mind Blast (Cha, +6, 9 pts), Ego Whip (Dex, +3, 3 pts), Id Insinuation (Str, +1, 3 pts), Mind Thrust (Int, +4, 1 pt), Psychic Crush (Wis, +3, 5 pts).  Often used with Inflict Pain
            Innate Powers: At will, Astral projection, charm monster, detect thoughts, levitate, plane shift, and suggestion (DC 15+spell level)
            Powers Discovered: Detect Psionics, Inkling, Daze, Missive, Telempathic Projection, Burst, Bolt, Catfall, Attraction, Lesser Mindlink, Sense Link, Empathy, Charm Person, Inflict Pain, Brain Lock, Aversion, Ectoplasmic Cocoon, Invisibility, Fate Link, Mindlink, Schism, Lesser Domination, Nondetection, Tailor Memory, Mindwipe, Domination, Inertial Barrier (DR 10/+5), Fatal Attraction, Greater Domination, Mind Probe, Baleful Teleport (9d6 damage), Teleport, Mind Switch, Mass Suggestion, Trace Teleport, Remote View Trap (remote viewers take 4d4 damage), Mass Domination, True Concussion (13d6 damage), Mass Cocoon, Mind Seed, Recall Death, Shadow Body, Thrall, Microcosm

Sjachrenthisj, Young Female Shadow Dragon: CR 5, small dragon; HD 10d12+10; hp 75; Initiative: +4 (Imp. Init.); Spd 80 ft, fly 150 ft. (average); AC 24 (flatfooted 24, touch 11); Attack +12 (1d6+1 bite) and +7/+7 (1d4 claw/claw) or Breath Weapon (20 ft. Cone, 1 negative level, DC 18); SR 15; Special Qualities: Energy drain immunity, Shadow Blend; AL CE; SV Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +10; Str 13, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 17.
            Skills: Listen +13, Spot +13, Search +13, Bluff +13, Appraise +13, Knowledge (Arcana) +13, Concentration +11, Diplomacy +8, Escape Artist +5, Scry +13
            Feats: Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Initiative

Cthaat Angartha, the female human guard that wants to sleep with Issic again, Warrior 1: CR -; medium humanoid (5'2"); HD 1d8+4+3; hp 12; Initiative: +4 (Improved Initiative); Spd 30 ft; AC 14 (flatfooted 14, touch 10); Attack +3 (1d8+2 longsword or 1d10+2 halberd); AL NG; SV Fort +6, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 15, Dex 11, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 13
            Skills: Sense Motive +2, Intimidate +5, Jump +2
            Feats: Improved Initiative, Endurance
            Equipment: Scale mail, Halberd, Longsword

Lady Brendara Brenhold, Aristocrat 4: CR 3; medium humanoid (5'5"); HD 4d8+4; hp 22; Initiative: +1; Spd 30 ft; AC 11 (flatfooted 10, touch 11); Attack +3 (1d4 dagger); AL CG; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 15
            Skills: Diplomacy +9, Gather Information +9, Innuendo +9, Intimidate +9, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Listen +9, Ride +4, Sense Motive +11, Craft (embroidery) +5
            Feats: Skill Focus (sense motive), Lightning Reflexes, Iron Will
            Notes: The seventeen year old daughter of Lord Bran Brenhold and Lady Meriam Brenhold.

Lord Bran Brenhold, Aristocrat 13: CR 12; medium humanoid (5'10"); HD 13d8-13; hp 45; Initiative: -1; Spd 30 ft; AC 9 (flatfooted 9, touch 9); Attack +8/+3 (1d6-1 rapier); AL CG; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +10; Str 11, Dex 9, Con 8, Int 17, Wis 15, Cha 13
            Skills: Diplomacy +16, Gather Information +14, Innuendo +15, Intimidate +14, Knowledge (nobility) +16, Listen +15, Ride +12, Sense Motive +17
            Feats: Skill Focus (diplomacy), Skill Focus (sense motive), Lightning Reflexes, Expertise
            Notes: a languid and frail-seeming fop who always complains of continual boredom and fatigue.  He dresses in the latest fashions and appears sort of as a dandy.  He is married to the daughter of Lord Tay Jakom.

Acetes, Psion 3: CR 3; medium humanoid (5'10"); HD 3d4+3; hp 12; Initiative: +2; Spd 30 ft; AC 12 (flatfooted 10, touch 12); Attack +0 (1d8-1 short spear); Special: Psicrystal (sympathetic); AL NG; SV Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +5; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 12 Wis 15, Cha 15
            Skills: Psicraft +6, Concentration +7, Sense Motive +9, Diplomacy +8, Knowledge (religion) +7
            Feats: Inertial Armor, Inner Strength, Combat Manifestation
            Psionics: 9 power points per day, empty mind, id insinuation, mind thrust, thought shield, tower of iron will, mental barrier.  Detect Psionics, Missive, Daze, Charm Person, Attraction, Empathy

Podaleirus, Psion 3: CR 3; medium humanoid (6'0"); HD 3d4+6; hp 15; Initiative: +2; Spd 30 ft; AC 12 (flatfooted 10, touch 12); Attack +1 (1d8+1 short spear); Special: Psicrystal (sympathetic); AL NG; SV Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 15
            Skills: Psicraft +6, Concentration +8, Sense Motive +9, Diplomacy +8, Knowledge (religion) +6
            Feats: Inertial Armor, Inner Strength, Skill Focus (Knowledge)
            Psionics: 9 power points per day, empty mind, id insinuation, mind thrust, thought shield, tower of iron will, mental barrier.  Detect Psionics, Missive, Daze, Charm Person, Attraction, Empathy

Khasmaphet, Female Human Seer 9: CR 9, medium humanoid; HD 9d4+18; hp 40; Initiative: +1 (Dex); Spd 30; AC 11 (flatfooted 10, touch 11); Attack +5 (1d4+2 Jambiya); AL LG; SV Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +12; Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 15, Wis 20; Cha 14.
            Skills: Concentration +14, Gather Information +14, Intuit Direction +16, Knowledge (psionics) +7, Listen +16, Psicraft +14, Remote View +14, Sense Motive +11
            Feats: Mental Adversary, Extend Power, Persistent Power, Psionic Focus, Disarm Mind
            Equipment: Jambiya, Psionic Tattoo (body adjustment), Power Stone (Astral Construct IV), Cloak of Resistance +1, crystal capacitor [3], crystal mask of mind armor
            Psicrystal: Observant
            Psionic Combat Modes: ego whip, empty mind, intellect fortress, mind thrust, thought shield, metal barrier, psychic crush, mind blast, id insinuation.
            Psionics: 61 points per day. Powers Known: Detect Psionics, Inkling, Know Direction, Daze, Missive, Distract, Know Location, Object Reading, Identify, Combat Precognition, Sensitivity to Psychic Impressions, Detect Thoughts, Clairaudiance/Clairvoyance, Remote Viewing, Undead Sense, White Fire, Divination, Anchored Navigation.
            Notes: Khasmaphet is a Khemian, and is totally blind, unable to see except through the use of psionics or magic.