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<blockquote data-quote="skullsmurfer" data-source="post: 2444385" data-attributes="member: 17151"><p><strong>Loose Ends, Chapter 25</strong></p><p></p><p>“You did well,” Paragon said to Theodyl, “the Hussars have never failed to avenge themselves once they call a blood-debt.”</p><p></p><p> “Screw the Hussars, the problem is the Twelve,” Theodyl shook his head, “They are worried about the Hag's Plague. Killing their agent would have been the end of us!”</p><p></p><p> “Screw the Wizard!” Paragon made a rude gesture, making Theodyl grin at his rapidly improving talent for expression. “Have you made the arrangements? Our ship leaves Sharn at the end of the week.”</p><p></p><p> “It's all set.” The bard confirmed. “and our ship leaves tomorrow. After the meeting at noon, we are leaving for the Mror Holds.”</p><p></p><p> “What about my lads” Paragon grumbled.</p><p></p><p> “The first fifty left already.” Theodyl smiled. “The others are waiting to leave with us. The dwarves have the best equipment for sale, and we can probably start work right away. They have no end of trouble in their tunnels.”</p><p></p><p> “Is Pyrus coming?” the war-forged asked.</p><p></p><p> “He said he might, he's got obligations at Morgrave University, though.” The bard replied. “And I don't like the way he looks at me, truth be told.</p><p></p><p> Paragon 157 to 4 harrumphed. Pyrus has likely discovered the wonder that is Theodyl Vair. The wizard Stargazer purchased his contract directly from his maker and then planted him where he could protect Theodyl. The Longstriders were a hard outfit, but it is there that Paragon first discovered his true self. Keeping Theodyl alive wasn't easy. Keeping the strange half-elf away was even harder. Theodyl made every Longstrider his friend. He smiled through the worse of battles, singing to keep his brother's hearts from breaking. Often, he took risks so that others would not. Sure, he gambled and cheated them of their pay. Sure, he often told tremendous lies for entertainment. The bard toed the line between mischief and summary execution. But he never failed the Regiment. </p><p></p><p> The bard was the first to make friends with the war-forged, before even they realized that they needed friends. He stood up for them and saw to it that they became his brothers, just as any other. Paragon remembers watching Theodyl cry as he mutilated the bodies of the fallen to keep them from the Karrnathi Necromancers. The half-elf made sure to seem cheerful once he reached the squad. It was then that Paragon broke his own rules and decided to befriend his charge. A good thing too, Theodyl would have gone mad otherwise. He's never looked back, despite his frustrations.</p><p></p><p> “I knew you would come,” Paragon spoke as he patted his friend's shoulders. “There was no way for me to escape.”</p><p></p><p> “Of course,” Theodyl grinned, “You said you wanted a family, The 1st Dragonne Expeditionary Company needs it's Patriarch.”</p><p></p><p> “War Captain.”</p><p></p><p> “Whatever.”</p><p></p><p> They made for the basement below the inn. After the other war-forged took their leave, Theodyl introduced Paragon to his secret rooms. Pook and Ivor got into an argument while they packed. Patter and Siff ambushed Theodyl and threatened to use the Traveler's Blessings to neuter him unless he took more care to keep the other two happy. Paragon decided to write a book about the wonders of flesh people. He spied on Theodyl as he tried to make peace. To his surprise, Pook and Ivor turned on him. Siff pulled the war-forged aside and explained everything. Patter sat down, drank the bard's wine and watched the fireworks he helped to start. Siff smacked him in the back of the head, but only because he was choking on a chunk of Theodyl's cheese and the other was hogging the drink. Paragon clapped his hands and took charge of the packing, the gang has brains and talent, but he is going to have to take the lead.</p><p> </p><p>Hours Later, at the Sharn City Trade House....</p><p></p><p> Mooneye Rocco eyed Theodyl and his gang. He isn't happy, and that is not a good thing when a lich is concerned. Marat interrupted a very expensive experiment in his zeal to get the Truth. It wasn't a total disaster, though the man from the Twelve will likely never grow his hair back. Still, Theodyl is responsible. The lich is running out patience with the half-elf.</p><p></p><p> “So, Theodyl, what did you say to my apprentice?” The lich asked, almost casually.</p><p></p><p> “Oh, nothing,” Theodyl shrugged, “I pointed out that he needed to worry about something other than me.”</p><p></p><p> “He tried to kill me again.” Mooneye hissed. “What exactly did you point out?”</p><p> “Well....” Paragon glared at the bard. “I thought that instead of fitting me for a knife in the back, he should worry about the fact that he's been dealing with dolgrim and that you, likely, have noticed.”</p><p></p><p> “Did you expect to replace him or did you just do this on some random whim?” The lich's eyes flared for a moment. “I had to destroy him.”</p><p></p><p> “Random whim?” Theodyl replied. Krogger was dumber than he thought. There are beads of sweat on his brow.</p><p></p><p> “You are in for a surprise then. We shall have a talk after this, nothing fancy, your friends can stay.” The lich decided to ignore the bard until the clients arrive, maybe it will encourage Theodyl to consider his options.</p><p></p><p>Back at the Sewers......</p><p></p><p> Lady, as Private Niabelis is now called among the Dog Soldiers, stared at the letter in her hands. She doesn't know how the Bishop found out, but her latest exploits have drawn his attention. The three holy texts lying on her cot scare her. She is commanded to study, even as she continues to serve under the Dog Soldiers. Lady is not happy.</p><p></p><p> Crazy as it sounds, she would rather remain an exile. Now that she can clearly see the path that lies before her, Inquisitor Niabelis would rather remain foolish and ignorant. The Bishop, no, The Silver Flame calls for a Champion. Lady stared at her reflection in the mirror and wondered. The last battle left her scarred. The Flame bleached her hair, her skin, and her clothes; she will never be the same. She can feel where the Holy Fire touched her, there is power there now. Her mind, though, is the same. The doubts, jealousies, and pride are still there. Is she worthy? Could she ever be?</p><p></p><p> “You can't sit there and mope all day.” Inquisitor Pallas frowned as he entered her tent. “Come, you have to exercise your leg, you will end up with a limp if you don't start walking everyday.”</p><p></p><p> “Is the Chaplain at his duties?” She asked, while trying to figure out what to do with her mace. “I was supposed to assist him.”</p><p></p><p> “Yeah, but he's still angry about the Berserker. I don't know why, we proved he was free of taint. He acts like we were out to kill the boy.” He helped her up and handed her a sturdy iron wood staff. </p><p></p><p> “Don't worry, they treat everybody like that, outsiders, I mean.” She said. “We are guilty of the same. I see that now.”</p><p></p><p> “Did the Flame grant you a sense of humor to go with that wisdom?” The Inquisitor smiled.</p><p></p><p> “I'll let you know.” She frowned, but her brown eyes were smiling. He watched her blush for the first time since he's known her. He considers it an improvement.</p><p></p><p> The wizard Marat is waiting in the Captain's tent. She has permission to make the man wait. The contingent of Hussars escorting the wizard was too pushy for the High Captain's liking. His apprentice, the young man with the broken hand, said the wrong thing to Foe Crusher. If Sgt. Ironson hadn't taken charge, there would have been another fight.</p><p></p><p> The grizzled veteran is like a mother hen when it comes to the Dog Soldiers. She remembers seeing him at her side when she woke up after the fight. His eyes were so very soft. He carried her to the healers praying under his breath the whole time. They were prayers to his own Gods, but she felt the impressive strength of his faith. Once, it was clear she wasn't going to die, he went back to being a bastard. She won't forget what she saw, however. Private Niabelis smiled, feeling like a girl for the first time in years. Sweet Lips will know about the Sergeant. They are family. She will start asking questions next time she sees him.</p><p></p><p>Back to Theodyl, Sharn City Trade House....</p><p></p><p> “We have arrived.” </p><p></p><p> Neither of the men seemed like anything out of the ordinary. The first was dressed like a frumpy warrior reaching middle age. The other is dressed like wizard. The Necromancer did not bother speaking until they were both seated. Theodyl kept his mouth shut, as instructed. The lich is in charge.</p><p></p><p> “I see you have Stargazer's pet with you, when we are done I want to see it do some tricks.” Nadothon laughed at his own joke.</p><p></p><p> “I met your mother at a whorehouse, she could do tricks too.” Blackscale sneered. “She tried to sing her way out of a burning building. Dumb trick, even for a human.”</p><p></p><p> “You will address me,” The lich cut in. “I will be conducting negotiations on behalf of Ser Vair. Do you have anything to add?”</p><p></p><p> “No, Master Mooneye,” Theodyl gazed at the two dragons, “please continue.” Stargazer's ghost told him about his mother's death. Nothing these animals can say will make a difference. When the time comes, he will not kill them in anger.</p><p></p><p> Mooneye placed the Dragon File on top of the table. Nadothon made the first offer. Blackscale waited to pounce with a counter to Mooneye's reply. The lich remained silent. Nadothon sneered and made several more unpleasant comments. Blackscale laughed. Mooneye continued to wait, a tactic used mainly by older dragons when dealing with lesser relatives and petitioners. Theodyl did not expect to find a student of dragon lore wearing a skeleton. He is impressed.</p><p></p><p> “Well, is the offer acceptable?” Nadothon broke first.</p><p></p><p> “No, not at all,” The lich replied. “It isn't enough.”</p><p></p><p> “You dare?!” Blackscale growled. “I used to hunt monkeys in the hills where your ancestors were born! They would cower in their holes, offering up their children so that I might spare them!”</p><p></p><p> “You don't dictate prices to our kind.” Nadothon hissed.</p><p></p><p> “It is enough that you want this.” The lich tore a page from the file and reduced it to ash. “Can we please begin?”</p><p></p><p> “What is it that you want?” Nadothon crossed his arms. He is radiating anger, the room is starting to warm. Blackscale is openly staring at Theodyl, the fact that he can't get a response out of him is starting to irk the dragon.</p><p></p><p> “Forget this!! Let's just take it.” Blackscale's acrid breath punctuated his words. Mooneye destroyed two more pages.</p><p></p><p> “No! Stop! I will negotiate. If you destroy anymore pages I will kill you both.” Nadothon's eyes are alight with fire. His every word is like a fist.</p><p></p><p> Mooneye Rocco has dealt with devils and demons. Once, he dealt with a God to save his soul. An angry dragon is a pleasing novelty. The lich stated his price. Blackscale lost his temper, his tantrum went largely ignored. Nadothon sat there for several minutes before he decided.</p><p></p><p> “Stargazer's Spell-shard, The Crown Jewels of Galifar, The Pearl of Zandros the Wise and Freedom for the two monkeys.” Nadothon forced the words through his teeth. “The trade is acceptable.” The dragon grinned like he's just won a game of dice. Theodyl felt a chill.</p><p></p><p> The lich waved his had over the Dragon File. The sheets fell to dust. Theodyl placed the original on the table along with several items his Master wanted to pass on to the murderous pair.</p><p></p><p> “Stargazer named you both in his Will.” Theodyl spoke. “The books are for Elder Nadothon. The box belongs to Elder Blackscale.”</p><p></p><p> Blackscale and Nadothon argued for a bit. Theodyl made no sign that he can understand their words. Nadothon finally snapped his fingers to summon some sort of genie. The creature nodded and disappeared.</p><p></p><p> “My servant will return with your property shortly.” Blackscale snorted rudely. Nadothon crossed his arms again. “Tell me, what do you intend to do with the spell-shard? You have to know it is useless, it's light faded with Stargazer's passing.”</p><p></p><p> “It doesn't matter.” Theodyl said. “He left it to another, it is enough for me.”</p><p></p><p> The dragons both turned to look at the bard. He felt their eyes boring into him, but he gave no sign of discomfort. The jeweled necklace beneath his collar will keep them from his mind. The two dragons cannot read anything from his neutral posture so they will hesitate to act rashly. Wizards and sages who speak draconic rarely master the subtleties of the language, fewer still understand the physical components of draconic communication. Posture and expression are just as important as pronunciation.</p><p></p><p> Perhaps, it was a mistake to say that others will also benefit from Stargazer's will. The druidess in the Aldeen Reaches and the dwarf in the Mror Holds are unknown to him. The dragons may know more, but he doesn't want them paying him anymore attention. He's already made the mistake, now he must pretend it never happened so that they don't pounce on the opportunity. The servant returned. The dragons claimed their prize and promptly left as quietly as they came. Mooneye claimed his treasures, wasting not a glance at Theodyl's new spell-shard.</p><p></p><p> “We have to leave quickly,” Theodyl said while looking very nervous. “ It went too easy, I don't think this place is safe anymore.” The lich hissed.</p><p> </p><p> “What do you mean?” Mooneye wove a spell. “I can't detect anything out of the ordinary.”</p><p></p><p> “They agreed to our trade, just our trade. There is nothing to keep them from reclaiming our payment!” Theodyl snapped.</p><p></p><p> Theodyl didn't pause to explain, he wrapped the spell-shard in a cloak and invited the lich to make haste. He can't put the feeling into words, but he knows he's got to leave the Trade House. Paragon and the Changelings were waiting outside of the room. The bard told them trouble was coming. It was enough. Within minutes they were running through the sewers. They felt the tunnels shake, then a wall of dust swept from the direction they came.</p><p></p><p> “That will be far enough.” The Necromancer snapped. “It is time for our talk.” Theodyl froze in place. He could see, from the edge of his vision that his companions are trapped as well. “I have a task for you half-elf. Take these books, I give you five years to master them before I seek you out and put you to the test.”</p><p></p><p> “nnnnnhmm rephush!” Theodyl forced through his teeth.</p><p></p><p> “No. I prayed to my Lord Aureon and His Wisdom confirms it. You may resist even me, but you cannot deny the will of a God.” Mooneye placed his cold hand on the bard's chest. “By the Will of my Lord, I charge thee with this task. In five years time you are to master the lessons held within these three books. Do not Fail.”</p><p></p><p> The necklace failed to protect him. Theodyl felt the Will of a God touch his soul and leave it's indelible mark. He resisted, but it meant nothing. He prayed for Olladra's smile. Nothing. The Geas became part of him. He felt it take root within his mind despite his Will, despite his Rage. The half-elf broke the Hold Spell imprisoning his form only to collapse. The lich cocked his head. He leaned in close and whispered into Theodyl's ear before fading away.</p><p></p><p> “I admit I was forceful at first. Such things do not work with people like you, for that I apologize.” The lich hissed. “You have drawn the attention of the Sovereign Host. Weather it is for good or ill, I do not know. It is enough that it pleases my God. I look forward to your test, do not disappoint me.”</p><p></p><p> Paragon lifted Theodyl off the ground, the Changelings took up his equipment. If it weren't for the others Pook might be crying. Ivor is worried too, but she'll be damned if she admits it. Patter and Siff are smiling, with the bard, something incredible happens every day. They traveled silent and fast. Whatever happened at the Trade House is now the least of their problems. They have to leave before anything else goes wrong.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="skullsmurfer, post: 2444385, member: 17151"] [b]Loose Ends, Chapter 25[/b] “You did well,” Paragon said to Theodyl, “the Hussars have never failed to avenge themselves once they call a blood-debt.” “Screw the Hussars, the problem is the Twelve,” Theodyl shook his head, “They are worried about the Hag's Plague. Killing their agent would have been the end of us!” “Screw the Wizard!” Paragon made a rude gesture, making Theodyl grin at his rapidly improving talent for expression. “Have you made the arrangements? Our ship leaves Sharn at the end of the week.” “It's all set.” The bard confirmed. “and our ship leaves tomorrow. After the meeting at noon, we are leaving for the Mror Holds.” “What about my lads” Paragon grumbled. “The first fifty left already.” Theodyl smiled. “The others are waiting to leave with us. The dwarves have the best equipment for sale, and we can probably start work right away. They have no end of trouble in their tunnels.” “Is Pyrus coming?” the war-forged asked. “He said he might, he's got obligations at Morgrave University, though.” The bard replied. “And I don't like the way he looks at me, truth be told. Paragon 157 to 4 harrumphed. Pyrus has likely discovered the wonder that is Theodyl Vair. The wizard Stargazer purchased his contract directly from his maker and then planted him where he could protect Theodyl. The Longstriders were a hard outfit, but it is there that Paragon first discovered his true self. Keeping Theodyl alive wasn't easy. Keeping the strange half-elf away was even harder. Theodyl made every Longstrider his friend. He smiled through the worse of battles, singing to keep his brother's hearts from breaking. Often, he took risks so that others would not. Sure, he gambled and cheated them of their pay. Sure, he often told tremendous lies for entertainment. The bard toed the line between mischief and summary execution. But he never failed the Regiment. The bard was the first to make friends with the war-forged, before even they realized that they needed friends. He stood up for them and saw to it that they became his brothers, just as any other. Paragon remembers watching Theodyl cry as he mutilated the bodies of the fallen to keep them from the Karrnathi Necromancers. The half-elf made sure to seem cheerful once he reached the squad. It was then that Paragon broke his own rules and decided to befriend his charge. A good thing too, Theodyl would have gone mad otherwise. He's never looked back, despite his frustrations. “I knew you would come,” Paragon spoke as he patted his friend's shoulders. “There was no way for me to escape.” “Of course,” Theodyl grinned, “You said you wanted a family, The 1st Dragonne Expeditionary Company needs it's Patriarch.” “War Captain.” “Whatever.” They made for the basement below the inn. After the other war-forged took their leave, Theodyl introduced Paragon to his secret rooms. Pook and Ivor got into an argument while they packed. Patter and Siff ambushed Theodyl and threatened to use the Traveler's Blessings to neuter him unless he took more care to keep the other two happy. Paragon decided to write a book about the wonders of flesh people. He spied on Theodyl as he tried to make peace. To his surprise, Pook and Ivor turned on him. Siff pulled the war-forged aside and explained everything. Patter sat down, drank the bard's wine and watched the fireworks he helped to start. Siff smacked him in the back of the head, but only because he was choking on a chunk of Theodyl's cheese and the other was hogging the drink. Paragon clapped his hands and took charge of the packing, the gang has brains and talent, but he is going to have to take the lead. Hours Later, at the Sharn City Trade House.... Mooneye Rocco eyed Theodyl and his gang. He isn't happy, and that is not a good thing when a lich is concerned. Marat interrupted a very expensive experiment in his zeal to get the Truth. It wasn't a total disaster, though the man from the Twelve will likely never grow his hair back. Still, Theodyl is responsible. The lich is running out patience with the half-elf. “So, Theodyl, what did you say to my apprentice?” The lich asked, almost casually. “Oh, nothing,” Theodyl shrugged, “I pointed out that he needed to worry about something other than me.” “He tried to kill me again.” Mooneye hissed. “What exactly did you point out?” “Well....” Paragon glared at the bard. “I thought that instead of fitting me for a knife in the back, he should worry about the fact that he's been dealing with dolgrim and that you, likely, have noticed.” “Did you expect to replace him or did you just do this on some random whim?” The lich's eyes flared for a moment. “I had to destroy him.” “Random whim?” Theodyl replied. Krogger was dumber than he thought. There are beads of sweat on his brow. “You are in for a surprise then. We shall have a talk after this, nothing fancy, your friends can stay.” The lich decided to ignore the bard until the clients arrive, maybe it will encourage Theodyl to consider his options. Back at the Sewers...... Lady, as Private Niabelis is now called among the Dog Soldiers, stared at the letter in her hands. She doesn't know how the Bishop found out, but her latest exploits have drawn his attention. The three holy texts lying on her cot scare her. She is commanded to study, even as she continues to serve under the Dog Soldiers. Lady is not happy. Crazy as it sounds, she would rather remain an exile. Now that she can clearly see the path that lies before her, Inquisitor Niabelis would rather remain foolish and ignorant. The Bishop, no, The Silver Flame calls for a Champion. Lady stared at her reflection in the mirror and wondered. The last battle left her scarred. The Flame bleached her hair, her skin, and her clothes; she will never be the same. She can feel where the Holy Fire touched her, there is power there now. Her mind, though, is the same. The doubts, jealousies, and pride are still there. Is she worthy? Could she ever be? “You can't sit there and mope all day.” Inquisitor Pallas frowned as he entered her tent. “Come, you have to exercise your leg, you will end up with a limp if you don't start walking everyday.” “Is the Chaplain at his duties?” She asked, while trying to figure out what to do with her mace. “I was supposed to assist him.” “Yeah, but he's still angry about the Berserker. I don't know why, we proved he was free of taint. He acts like we were out to kill the boy.” He helped her up and handed her a sturdy iron wood staff. “Don't worry, they treat everybody like that, outsiders, I mean.” She said. “We are guilty of the same. I see that now.” “Did the Flame grant you a sense of humor to go with that wisdom?” The Inquisitor smiled. “I'll let you know.” She frowned, but her brown eyes were smiling. He watched her blush for the first time since he's known her. He considers it an improvement. The wizard Marat is waiting in the Captain's tent. She has permission to make the man wait. The contingent of Hussars escorting the wizard was too pushy for the High Captain's liking. His apprentice, the young man with the broken hand, said the wrong thing to Foe Crusher. If Sgt. Ironson hadn't taken charge, there would have been another fight. The grizzled veteran is like a mother hen when it comes to the Dog Soldiers. She remembers seeing him at her side when she woke up after the fight. His eyes were so very soft. He carried her to the healers praying under his breath the whole time. They were prayers to his own Gods, but she felt the impressive strength of his faith. Once, it was clear she wasn't going to die, he went back to being a bastard. She won't forget what she saw, however. Private Niabelis smiled, feeling like a girl for the first time in years. Sweet Lips will know about the Sergeant. They are family. She will start asking questions next time she sees him. Back to Theodyl, Sharn City Trade House.... “We have arrived.” Neither of the men seemed like anything out of the ordinary. The first was dressed like a frumpy warrior reaching middle age. The other is dressed like wizard. The Necromancer did not bother speaking until they were both seated. Theodyl kept his mouth shut, as instructed. The lich is in charge. “I see you have Stargazer's pet with you, when we are done I want to see it do some tricks.” Nadothon laughed at his own joke. “I met your mother at a whorehouse, she could do tricks too.” Blackscale sneered. “She tried to sing her way out of a burning building. Dumb trick, even for a human.” “You will address me,” The lich cut in. “I will be conducting negotiations on behalf of Ser Vair. Do you have anything to add?” “No, Master Mooneye,” Theodyl gazed at the two dragons, “please continue.” Stargazer's ghost told him about his mother's death. Nothing these animals can say will make a difference. When the time comes, he will not kill them in anger. Mooneye placed the Dragon File on top of the table. Nadothon made the first offer. Blackscale waited to pounce with a counter to Mooneye's reply. The lich remained silent. Nadothon sneered and made several more unpleasant comments. Blackscale laughed. Mooneye continued to wait, a tactic used mainly by older dragons when dealing with lesser relatives and petitioners. Theodyl did not expect to find a student of dragon lore wearing a skeleton. He is impressed. “Well, is the offer acceptable?” Nadothon broke first. “No, not at all,” The lich replied. “It isn't enough.” “You dare?!” Blackscale growled. “I used to hunt monkeys in the hills where your ancestors were born! They would cower in their holes, offering up their children so that I might spare them!” “You don't dictate prices to our kind.” Nadothon hissed. “It is enough that you want this.” The lich tore a page from the file and reduced it to ash. “Can we please begin?” “What is it that you want?” Nadothon crossed his arms. He is radiating anger, the room is starting to warm. Blackscale is openly staring at Theodyl, the fact that he can't get a response out of him is starting to irk the dragon. “Forget this!! Let's just take it.” Blackscale's acrid breath punctuated his words. Mooneye destroyed two more pages. “No! Stop! I will negotiate. If you destroy anymore pages I will kill you both.” Nadothon's eyes are alight with fire. His every word is like a fist. Mooneye Rocco has dealt with devils and demons. Once, he dealt with a God to save his soul. An angry dragon is a pleasing novelty. The lich stated his price. Blackscale lost his temper, his tantrum went largely ignored. Nadothon sat there for several minutes before he decided. “Stargazer's Spell-shard, The Crown Jewels of Galifar, The Pearl of Zandros the Wise and Freedom for the two monkeys.” Nadothon forced the words through his teeth. “The trade is acceptable.” The dragon grinned like he's just won a game of dice. Theodyl felt a chill. The lich waved his had over the Dragon File. The sheets fell to dust. Theodyl placed the original on the table along with several items his Master wanted to pass on to the murderous pair. “Stargazer named you both in his Will.” Theodyl spoke. “The books are for Elder Nadothon. The box belongs to Elder Blackscale.” Blackscale and Nadothon argued for a bit. Theodyl made no sign that he can understand their words. Nadothon finally snapped his fingers to summon some sort of genie. The creature nodded and disappeared. “My servant will return with your property shortly.” Blackscale snorted rudely. Nadothon crossed his arms again. “Tell me, what do you intend to do with the spell-shard? You have to know it is useless, it's light faded with Stargazer's passing.” “It doesn't matter.” Theodyl said. “He left it to another, it is enough for me.” The dragons both turned to look at the bard. He felt their eyes boring into him, but he gave no sign of discomfort. The jeweled necklace beneath his collar will keep them from his mind. The two dragons cannot read anything from his neutral posture so they will hesitate to act rashly. Wizards and sages who speak draconic rarely master the subtleties of the language, fewer still understand the physical components of draconic communication. Posture and expression are just as important as pronunciation. Perhaps, it was a mistake to say that others will also benefit from Stargazer's will. The druidess in the Aldeen Reaches and the dwarf in the Mror Holds are unknown to him. The dragons may know more, but he doesn't want them paying him anymore attention. He's already made the mistake, now he must pretend it never happened so that they don't pounce on the opportunity. The servant returned. The dragons claimed their prize and promptly left as quietly as they came. Mooneye claimed his treasures, wasting not a glance at Theodyl's new spell-shard. “We have to leave quickly,” Theodyl said while looking very nervous. “ It went too easy, I don't think this place is safe anymore.” The lich hissed. “What do you mean?” Mooneye wove a spell. “I can't detect anything out of the ordinary.” “They agreed to our trade, just our trade. There is nothing to keep them from reclaiming our payment!” Theodyl snapped. Theodyl didn't pause to explain, he wrapped the spell-shard in a cloak and invited the lich to make haste. He can't put the feeling into words, but he knows he's got to leave the Trade House. Paragon and the Changelings were waiting outside of the room. The bard told them trouble was coming. It was enough. Within minutes they were running through the sewers. They felt the tunnels shake, then a wall of dust swept from the direction they came. “That will be far enough.” The Necromancer snapped. “It is time for our talk.” Theodyl froze in place. He could see, from the edge of his vision that his companions are trapped as well. “I have a task for you half-elf. Take these books, I give you five years to master them before I seek you out and put you to the test.” “nnnnnhmm rephush!” Theodyl forced through his teeth. “No. I prayed to my Lord Aureon and His Wisdom confirms it. You may resist even me, but you cannot deny the will of a God.” Mooneye placed his cold hand on the bard's chest. “By the Will of my Lord, I charge thee with this task. In five years time you are to master the lessons held within these three books. Do not Fail.” The necklace failed to protect him. Theodyl felt the Will of a God touch his soul and leave it's indelible mark. He resisted, but it meant nothing. He prayed for Olladra's smile. Nothing. The Geas became part of him. He felt it take root within his mind despite his Will, despite his Rage. The half-elf broke the Hold Spell imprisoning his form only to collapse. The lich cocked his head. He leaned in close and whispered into Theodyl's ear before fading away. “I admit I was forceful at first. Such things do not work with people like you, for that I apologize.” The lich hissed. “You have drawn the attention of the Sovereign Host. Weather it is for good or ill, I do not know. It is enough that it pleases my God. I look forward to your test, do not disappoint me.” Paragon lifted Theodyl off the ground, the Changelings took up his equipment. If it weren't for the others Pook might be crying. Ivor is worried too, but she'll be damned if she admits it. Patter and Siff are smiling, with the bard, something incredible happens every day. They traveled silent and fast. Whatever happened at the Trade House is now the least of their problems. They have to leave before anything else goes wrong. [/QUOTE]
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Adventures in Eberron> Chapter 32 posted 08-08-05>
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