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Story Hour
From the Diary of Doorag Marzipan
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<blockquote data-quote="cthulhu42" data-source="post: 6587859" data-attributes="member: 6792361"><p>Ptchwl 16</p><p></p><p> At last! We are on our way again! </p><p> </p><p> We left Clangeden’s city at early noon today once Hap had finally received her</p><p>armor. I must admit, it is beautiful. It is as thin and supple as Ebarium silk, and</p><p>though it is not as “roguish” as her old armor, which was darker in color, it provides </p><p>much the same dweomer as well as offering far more protection. Hopefully, she will</p><p>not get hit nearly so often now.</p><p></p><p> One other gift has been made known to me, though I do not know all of the </p><p>particulars. Apparently Griff has undergone a bit of a time shift himself, though it is</p><p>far more subtle than mine. From what I can gather, Clangeden has slowed his</p><p>aging slightly so that he is a bit more in line with Happy. In essence, Griff now </p><p>ages as a halfling, which will extend his life span by some fifty years or so. This is a</p><p>fine thing, since I know that Hap has expressed her concern to me about what will</p><p>happen when they get old. She has had fear (and rightly so) that Griff will die of old </p><p>age long before she does. I have been meaning to do a bit of research on magic that</p><p>can extend the ageing process, but now it looks as if the problem has been taken</p><p>care of, though I dare say, if my plans to gain access to Edik come to pass I will still </p><p>need to find a way to control my own ageing, for I could easily die of old age on</p><p>Havilah long before my time should I not take care with how much time I spend in</p><p>a faster time stream. </p><p></p><p> At any rate, we have hired a boat to ferry us down the river Oceanus. A typically</p><p>dour dwarven guide stands at the helm and assures us that we should reach Ysgard</p><p>within a couple of days. </p><p></p><p> Before we left, I made one final request of Anwell, namely, I asked him exactly</p><p>where we might find Caribdis. He replied with his wry smile that Caribdis is in the</p><p>free city of Himinborg in Ysgard where he tells tales to the heroes of that realm </p><p>from the stage of an in called The Heroes Rest. </p><p> </p><p> He also explained to me that our route has changed slightly. We are no longer</p><p>required to find and follow the infinite staircase into Ysgard, but instead may </p><p>simply follow the Oceanus into that plane now that our deed for Clangeden has</p><p>been accomplished. </p><p></p><p> All of this is extraordinarily exciting news! As it now stands, we could find </p><p>Caribdis before the end of the week! I am beside myself with excitement at the</p><p>prospect of finally finding our bard again. It has been so long. We have so much to</p><p>tell him. Soon, very soon, the Band of the Broken Blade shall be whole again.</p><p> </p><p></p><p> Ptchwl 19 </p><p></p><p> Toward midday, after following the river for two days and nights, the mist began</p><p>to roll in. I recognized it now as the border between planes, and as our vision </p><p>became reduced to mere feet, I grew more and more excited, for I knew that when</p><p>the mist cleared we would be in Ysgard. </p><p> </p><p> For these past two days my stomach has been knotted in apprehension. It seems </p><p>that for every step toward Caribdis we get, we take a step backwards. At every turn</p><p>we have been asked to perform some mission or have become side tracked, and as</p><p>we floated down the Oceanus I kept expecting some detour to present itself; </p><p>something that would delay us yet again.</p><p> </p><p> But such has not been the case, and when the mist did finally clear and the planes</p><p>of Ysguard came into view, I almost dared breathe a sigh of relief. </p><p></p><p> Ysguard is a different place altogether than Arcadia, that much is sure. Gone are</p><p>the geometrically perfect fields and streams. Here, the terrain and vegetation</p><p>appears to do what it wants, growing willy nilly and spreading itself in random </p><p>directions. It has a far more natural appearance, and both Griff and Hap</p><p>immediately seemed more at ease on this plane. I know that both of them, Griff</p><p>especially, enjoyed their time on Arcadia, but Ysgard appeals to their inner </p><p>convictions and philosophies far more, and I could see them visibly relax as we</p><p>cleared the mist and left Arcadia firmly behind us.</p><p></p><p> Our guide worked the oar for an hour as the Oceanus twisted its way through </p><p>valleys and around hills, until we were treated to a breath taking sight. On our right,</p><p>we beheld an immense battlefield alive with tents, cavalry, machines of war,</p><p>infantry, and on and on. The sounds of war reached us as two opposing armies </p><p>clashed in a veritable blood bath of steel meeting flesh. We watched, fascinated, as</p><p>we saw folk of every race lift up arms against their foes. Soon the field was awash</p><p>with blood and gore; the clash of weapons and the screams of the dieing reached out </p><p>ears, and I saw Hap shudder as she watched, wide eyed, the carnage. </p><p></p><p> “Not to worry, Hap.” I said cheerfully, patting her on the shoulder. “This is just</p><p>what goes on in Ysguard.” </p><p></p><p> She looked at me curiously and I expounded, for I had done much research on this</p><p>plane after having figured that Caribdis would be here. </p><p></p><p> “Ysguard is the plane of heroes and men of war.” I explained. “The battle we are </p><p>witnessing is its own kind of heaven for men and women who spent their lives</p><p>dedicated to the art of war. Believe it or not, this happens every day. They will fight</p><p>throughout the day, and at night the fallen will rise to drink and tell tales of the </p><p>battle with the victors in the inns of Himinborg, only to do it all again in the</p><p>morning.”</p><p></p><p> Hap looked at me incredulously. “You’re kidding.” She said. </p><p> </p><p> “He is not.” Taklinn interjected, and in his eyes I could see his own lust for battle</p><p>as he watched a troop of horsemen smash into the flanks of a contingent of infantry.</p><p>A cloud of arrows suddenly filled the sky and rained down death into their midst as </p><p>he said, “The eternal battle is the only thing that can slake the true warriors thirst for</p><p>blood, and for these heroes they have achieved true reward in being able to</p><p>participate in such. Aye, tonight the dead on this field will rise and share in the </p><p>glory in the fest halls, for tomorrow they may be the ones left standing. When my</p><p>own time is at an end I shall reside in the halls of Clangeden, but I can well</p><p>appreciate this end as well. What better way to spend eternity than among you’re </p><p>fighting brethren, testing you’re skills against the finest blades from all of history?”</p><p> </p><p> “Hmph!” Happy scowled. “I can think of lots of better ways!” </p><p></p><p> But I could tell that Griff shared Taklinn’s sentiments, for his eyes were fastened</p><p>securely to the chaos of battle and contained a kind of longing, as if he would like </p><p>nothing more than to enter the fray. </p><p></p><p> “I agree with you, Hap,” I said, “But for the true warrior, this is heaven. Still, this</p><p>is not all the Ysguard has to offer. There is much to know about this plane.” I was </p><p>interrupted by the screams of several men about a hundred yards from us as a</p><p>catapult stone hurtled into their midst, sending them flying. “Ysguard,” I shouted, “is</p><p>comprised of three layers, and we are on the top most. This is fortunate, as the </p><p>bottom two are not nearly as hospitable. This is the plane of heroes; Olidamara</p><p>resides here, as well as Kord. This plane is actually made op of floating earth bergs;</p><p>gigantic islands of land that float upon the second layer, which is called </p><p>Muspelheim. Muspelheim is made up mostly of fire and is inhabited by literally</p><p>thousands of fire giants. Below that is Nidavellir, which is just as unfriendly, for the</p><p>earth there is in constant flux. Any step you take there might cause the ground to </p><p>open up and swallow you. For the most part only dwarves live there, for only they</p><p>are in tune enough with the earth to know where to safely step.”</p><p> </p><p> “Earth bergs?” Happy asked, “Floating islands of land? So how do we get from</p><p>one to the other?”</p><p></p><p> “Well,” I replied, “You would have to fly or teleport I suppose, but that shouldn’t </p><p>be an issue. We are already on Olidamara’s island, which is where Caribdis is. All</p><p>we need do now is find the city of Himinborg and…” </p><p></p><p> At that moment we rounded a hill that took us out of sight of the battlefield and </p><p>opened up a broad expanse of plain before us. There, in the distance, we could see</p><p>it. A city, broad and shining in the sun light, perhaps an hour away. I knew at once</p><p>that it was Himinborg. </p><p></p><p> “There it is!” I cried, barely able to contain my excitement. I was breathless with</p><p>it, for Caribdis was so near now that I could feel his presence in my bones. Taklinn</p><p>and I exchanged smiles as I urged our guide on, sure now that we would be seeing </p><p>our bardic friend at last. Happy shared our anticipation, but Griff looked at the city</p><p>sourly, a frown on his face. He said nothing.</p><p></p><p> Our dwarven boatman dropped us off some time later as the river Oceanus began </p><p>to turn away from the city. We paid him handsomely and set our feet on dry land to</p><p>walk the last leg of our journey. </p><p> </p><p> The road to Himinborg was alive with warrior types and heroes of all shapes and </p><p>sizes. It was odd to actually recognize a few of them as great generals and fighters</p><p>of old, now passed on to this afterlife. They led men at arms to and from the</p><p>battlefield, barking orders over each other. The whole thing bore an air of controlled </p><p>chaos that I supposed only the dead could truly appreciate and understand. Under</p><p>normal circumstances I would have been fascinated, but as it was, I could focus</p><p>only on the gates of the city as we drew nearer and nearer to them. My stomach was </p><p>twisted in knots and I was a bundle of nerves. I heard myself chattering on and on</p><p>about something or other and clamped my mouth shut, knowing that I was talking</p><p>out of sheer apprehension. Taklinn grinned at me, recognizing my jitters, and </p><p>probably feeling much of the same, though he hid it better than I. Griff had still not</p><p>said a word.</p><p></p><p> A half hour later we passed through the city gates and into the narrow streets </p><p>bustling with heroes. The noise and smell was overwhelming, and everywhere we</p><p>looked showed us something new. Men, dwarves, elves, orcs, gnolls, halflings,</p><p>gnomes, and on and on and on filled the streets. We passed jugglers and dancers </p><p>and other street performers as well as fest hall after fest hall. From all directions</p><p>came the sounds of song and the clashing of steel. Warriors sparred on street</p><p>corners, laughing and clapping each other on the back when blood was drawn.</p><p>Again, the overall feel of the city was that of barely controlled chaos, and I saw </p><p>unease in Taklinn’s face, though apparently the city suited Happy just fine. Her grin</p><p>never ceased as we made our way through a market place that was a hive of </p><p>activity. </p><p></p><p> I stopped and asked a merchant where we might find the Heroes Rest Inn, and he</p><p>was only too happy to give me proper directions in exchange for a coin, and soon </p><p>we were hurrying along with our destination near at hand.</p><p> The four of us rounded a corner after ten minutes of walking, and there it was.</p><p>The Heroes Rest squatted on a busy corner, its aged shingle waving in the breeze. It </p><p>was a wide, two story affair, and its doors were open wide to allow the constant</p><p>flow of traffic to enter and exit. The sounds voices raised in celebration could be</p><p>heard coming from within, and the street near the entry was crowded with folk. </p><p></p><p> We pushed our way toward the doors, and then Griff stopped, frozen in his tracks.</p><p>I looked up at him and his face was ashen as he appeared to cock his head, listening.</p><p>I looked at Hap for she could hear it too. </p><p> </p><p> “It’s him!” she cried. “I can hear Caribdis!”</p><p></p><p> I strained to listen above the clamor that surrounded me, and there, just at its edge,</p><p>I could make out a word or two in a familiar voice; a voice that I had not heard in a </p><p>very long time indeed. It was Caribdis, telling a tale in his stage voice, a voice that</p><p>carried above the crowd and was meant to grab attention and entertain. </p><p></p><p> Barely able to keep from jumping up and down, I cried, “Well what are we </p><p>waiting for? Let’s go!” I made for the door, but Taklinn stopped me.</p><p> </p><p> “Wait!” He said, and I turned to see him hurriedly casting cleaning cantrips on</p><p>himself. I sighed with impatience at his vanity but waited for him. When he was </p><p>satisfied at last, he and I, with Happy at our heels, entered the Heroes Rest. I turned</p><p>to see Griff still standing on the street, as if rooted to the spot. </p><p></p><p> “Come on, Griff!” I shouted at him. The sound of my voice seemed to break his </p><p>trance, and he walked up the steps with determination, following us inside.</p><p> The air within was a haze of smoke and noise. Tables filled the room, all occupied</p><p>by fighting men and women who either shared tales of their own glory or listened to </p><p>the bards that worked the room. I hopped up and down, straining to see over the</p><p>heads of the people, and at last I simply allowed myself to fly above them. I</p><p>scanned the room, and finally saw that Taklinn was staring at a particular corner of </p><p>the inn. Following his gaze, I saw him. </p><p> </p><p> Caribdis stood on a stage in the far corner of the tap room, his arms outstretched</p><p>as he told a tale of warrior’s glory and honor in battle. Several dozen people </p><p>listened in rapt attention to him and clanged their mugs on their tables by way of</p><p>applause during particularly gripping moments. Caribdis was dressed as he always</p><p>wanted to be, in the finest of apparel. Rings glittered on his fingers and his hair was </p><p>perfect. He worked his audience like a true professional, building his tale to an</p><p>exciting climax as we made our way closer to his stage. </p><p></p><p> All of us except Griff, that is. Our warrior suddenly blurted, “I need a drink!” and </p><p>made for the bar. I thought to call after him, but I was too entranced by the fact that</p><p>Caribdis was finally within out sight to worry about Griff. Instead, I followed in</p><p>Taklinn’s wake as he pushed through the crowd. </p><p></p><p> We reached a spot near stage right as Caribdis brought his tale to a close. He held</p><p>his audience enrapt as his hero saved the day in an exciting manner, and even I</p><p>found myself getting caught up in the story. I recognized his particular style of </p><p>embellishment, but to the untrained ear it made it all the more gripping. </p><p></p><p> “And they lived happily ever after!” Caribdis said, drawing an end to his story</p><p>that brought a round of approving applause from his audience, including Taklinn, </p><p>Happy and myself. Indeed, when the applause had died down, one pair of hands still</p><p>clapped, and Caribdis turned to see who it was. His eyes came to rest of Taklinn,</p><p>whose hands still pounded together, eyes welling with tears. </p><p></p><p> Recognition, shock, and joy swept over Caribdis’ face as he realized that his old</p><p>comrades stood at the foot of his stage. “Taklinn!” he cried, leaping to the floor to </p><p>embrace our cleric. “Happy! Doorag!” Caribdis gathered both of us into his arms</p><p>for a hug, and I could only grin stupidly, such was the joy that filled me upon</p><p>feeling him as flesh and blood again. He knelt at our level, looking at us, scarcely </p><p>able to believe that we were actually there. </p><p> </p><p> “A fine tale, boy!” Taklinn said, clapping Caribdis on the back, “And well told! I</p><p>see you have honed your craft during your stay here.” </p><p></p><p> Caribdis laughed. “Thank you, my friend, I try. But to hell with my tales, what of</p><p>yours! I can’t believe my eyes! Come, we must have a drink!” He stopped</p><p>suddenly, a look of concern on his face. “But what about Griff? Where is he? He’s </p><p>not…?”</p><p></p><p> “Griff is fine.” Happy answered, and I could see relief flood Caribdis’ face. “He’s</p><p>just getting a drink at the bar. I’m sure he’ll be along soon. He’s a little… </p><p>uncomfortable with all of this.”</p><p></p><p> “Oh.” Caribdis chuckled. “Well, I suppose it is odd, seeing me dead and all. I</p><p>can’t wait to see him though!” </p><p></p><p> Caribdis led us to a table that was obviously reserved for him, and the serving</p><p>woman treated him with impressive respect. I gathered that Caribdis was something</p><p>of a celebrity here. </p><p></p><p> I also noticed that Caribdis was… different. His manner, his speech, his persona,</p><p>all of it bore a maturity and wisdom that I did not recognize. His voice had taken on</p><p>a deeper edge, as if it had filled out, and I realized that the boy we had once known </p><p>as Caribdis was gone. Before us was the man, Caribdis. The man that he had always</p><p>wanted to be. </p><p></p><p> I was far too giddy with excitement at having finally found him, at actually sitting </p><p>across a table from him, and I could not find the words to properly speak. I found</p><p>myself looking at him, wide eyed, as he and Taklinn spoke. </p><p></p><p> “What in all the nine hells are you doing here?” Caribdis laughed, wonderingly, </p><p>as a round of drinks were brought to our table by the serving maid, who winked at</p><p>Caribdis. </p><p></p><p> “We came to see you, boy!” Taklinn grinned, taking a frothy swig from his mug. </p><p>“We’ve traveled quite a ways, I can tell you!”</p><p></p><p> “I can well imagine you have! You must tell me all the details of your journey;</p><p>I’ll bet there’s a tale to enthrall the masses there! But what about everything else? </p><p>What about Acessiwall? Did you kill him?”</p><p></p><p> “Aye,” Taklinn nodded somberly, “That we did.”</p><p> </p><p> Taklinn went on to relate our adventures after Caribdis’ death, though I </p><p>interjected with a precaution that perhaps Caribdis could tread lightly when retelling</p><p>our trials in Latona, it not having been our finest hour. </p><p></p><p> Taklinn told him of Scylla, and our hunt for Acessiwall. He told him of our final </p><p>confrontation with the wurm and the fall of Taigel. He told of our falling out with</p><p>Scylla. Happy filled in details as Taklinn went on to relate Hap and Griff’s nuptials,</p><p>and then our travel into the planes of shadow, Arcadia, Hades, and Ysgard. He told </p><p>of our battles and our trials, and ended with the four of us having found Caribdis at</p><p>last in the Heroes Rest. </p><p></p><p> Caribdis listened with rapt attention, soaking up everything, asking for details. </p><p>When Taklinn had satisfied him, he asked, “So but why? Not that I am not</p><p>overjoyed to see you all, but why have you come? Why put yourselves through all</p><p>of this?” </p><p></p><p> “Well,” Taklinn said, as if it were obvious, “We’ve come to fetch you, boy! We</p><p>want you to return to the land of the living with us, eh?”</p><p></p><p> Caribdis’ eyes widened in surprise at this news, as if it were something he had not</p><p>even considered. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. </p><p>He took a drink of his ale and looked at our expectant faces, and finally said, “That</p><p>is… that is an incredible thing. You have come all this way for me.” His voice was </p><p>choked with emotion. “And it makes this all the more difficult to say. Taklinn,</p><p>Doorag, Hap, I thank you. I truly do. You are the best friends anyone could ever ask</p><p>for, but…” </p><p> </p><p> “But what, Caribdis?” Hap coaxed him gently.</p><p></p><p> “But I cannot go back.” He said at last.</p><p></p><p> “But you can!” Taklinn said, “I have the proper spell, and it can be done, for </p><p>Clangeden has told me…”</p><p></p><p> “No, no, you don’t understand.” Caribdis cut Taklinn off, though it appeared to</p><p>pain him to do so. “It’s not that I can’t go back, it’s that I do not wish to.” </p><p></p><p> It felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach, and I reeled back in my seat,</p><p>the room spinning. My mouth opened but no words came out, and I shook my head</p><p>to clear my ears. I looked at Taklinn, whose face was as motionless as stone, and </p><p>Happy, who bit her lip. A long moment passed, and Happy leapt from her chair</p><p>without a word, making her way toward the bar, I hoped, to find Griff.</p><p></p><p> “Caribdis,” I said, at last, “We’ve come all this way to give you another chance. </p><p>To give US another chance. The Band of the Broken Blade is incomplete without</p><p>you. Things are just not the same. Even the actual blade that Griff carried and gave</p><p>to you, the Everyman’s Blade, has been stolen from your tavern, as if a sign that </p><p>things are not as they should be. Your death was senseless, meaningless, and</p><p>pointless. You deserve a much longer life and a much finer death than that. You had</p><p>so much ahead of you, so much to look forward to. It’s fine to tell the tales of </p><p>others, but are not the finest stories the ones you participate in? Caribdis, we miss</p><p>you. We all miss you. And what about your tavern? What about Freya? Please,</p><p>Caribdis, won’t you reconsider?” </p><p></p><p> My old friend looked at me sadly, and I could tell how difficult it was for him as</p><p>he slowly shook his head. “I don’t want the bar.” He said. “And Freya and I were</p><p>never meant to be. And I do appreciate this, I really do. To come so far to offer me </p><p>this chance, I… it is overwhelming. But Doorag, Taklinn, please try to understand,</p><p>here in Himinborg, I have found… peace. Here in Himinborg I have found</p><p>happiness and a place to call my own. All my life I felt out of place, as if I didn’t </p><p>belong. But here, I am respected and sought out. Here, I am Caribdis, the bard</p><p>extraordinaire. Each day for me here is as a brand new day, and I love every minute</p><p>of it. Here, I can not only tell the stories of heroes, I get to have dinner with them as </p><p>well! I… I belong here, and I do not wish to leave. Please try to understand that.</p><p>Please try to respect my choice.”</p><p></p><p> I sat back in my chair, utterly destroyed, completely shocked and overwhelmed </p><p>with disbelief. This could not be happening! This was not how things were</p><p>supposed to happen!</p><p></p><p> “You’re dead!” Came a voice over my shoulder, and I turned to see that Hap had </p><p>somehow convinced Griff to return to the table with her. Our warrior stood, stock</p><p>still, pointing at Caribdis, his face as pale as I’d ever seen it. “You’re dead!” He</p><p>repeated. “I saw you die!” </p><p></p><p> Caribdis broke into a wide grin and got up to grasp Griff’s pointing finger in both</p><p>his hands for a hearty handshake. “Griff! My friend, it’s so good to see you again!”</p><p></p><p> “But your dead!” Griff exclaimed a third time, even as Caribdis embraced him. </p><p></p><p> “Yes, I suppose I am.” Caribdis said, with a shrug and a smile. “This is my</p><p>afterlife. Welcome to it!” </p><p></p><p> “This is bull!” Griff shouted to no one in particular, which made Caribdis laugh </p><p>heartily. </p><p></p><p> “I’m glad to see you haven’t changed.” He smiled.</p><p></p><p> “He’s not coming back.” Happy said to Griff. </p><p></p><p> “What? What the hell do you mean he’s not coming back? You mean we came all</p><p>this way for nothing?” Griff turned to look at us angrily. </p><p></p><p> “It was hardly all for naught,” I said softly, “The journey has not been without its</p><p>reward, and we at least get to say goodbye to our friend…”</p><p></p><p> “Whatever!” Griff snapped at me. He turned his eyes back to Caribdis. “I already </p><p>said my goodbyes. I won’t go through that again!” With that, Griff turned on his</p><p>heel and stormed out of the bar, slamming the doors open before him.</p><p></p><p> Happy looked after her husband. “Don’t take him the wrong way, Caribdis.” She </p><p>said, “He doesn’t mean it. He just…”</p><p></p><p> “I know.” Caribdis said, gently, “I know.”</p><p></p><p> With a sad smile, Happy gave Caribdis a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She peered </p><p>into his eyes for a moment, and then left to follow Griff. </p><p></p><p> “If you will not come back,” Taklinn said in a low rumble, “May I ask your</p><p>forgiveness?” </p><p></p><p> “My forgiveness?” Caribdis blinked, “Why, whatever for?”</p><p></p><p> “For all the times I spoke out of turn.” Taklinn said. “For all the times I treated</p><p>you as less than the man you were. For those things, I am truly sorry.” </p><p></p><p> Caribdis laid a hand on the big dwarf’s shoulder and met his eyes. “Taklinn, there</p><p>is nothing to forgive. I could ask for no better friend and mentor than you. You</p><p>taught me lessons that my father never did, and for that, I thank you. Let your </p><p>conscience rest at ease, for I harbor no ill will over any way you ever treated me, of</p><p>that you can be sure.”</p><p></p><p> The two looked at each other for a long moment, and I saw a single tear roll down </p><p>Taklinn’s cheek and soak into his beard. Our dwarf blinked rapidly and coughed,</p><p>wiping his eye as if clearing an irritant. He smiled at Caribdis.</p><p></p><p> “Then let us dine and rink tonight as if in the old days! Let us tell stories of our </p><p>adventures and enjoy our brief time together as the best of friends and brothers in</p><p>arms! I have done what I set out to do. If you will not return with me, I can but</p><p>respect your decision, but I will not stay longer than I must. I will return to Havilah </p><p>tomorrow. But tonight, let us forget what separates us, and revel in what binds us!”</p><p></p><p> “Aye!” Caribdis agreed with a broad grin, and the two clasped hands.</p><p></p><p> As for me, I still could not digest the truth that Caribdis had refused our offer, but </p><p>though I was deeply saddened by it, I resolved to follow Taklinn’s lead and enjoy</p><p>what little time we had with Caribdis. I raised my own pint and the three of us</p><p>clashed mugs as the waitress brought us more. </p><p></p><p> “Taklinn,” Caribdis said, “Do you remember the time…”</p><p></p><p> </p><p> Ptchwl 21</p><p></p><p> Taklinn, true to his word, departed for Havilah today. He awoke early and met </p><p>with Caribdis and I for breakfast and told us that he had learned, via ‘sendings’ that</p><p>Griff had rented a room at another inn and that Happy had joined him there. Griff</p><p>refused to see Caribdis again, which caused our bard to smile sadly, but say </p><p>nothing. Taklinn informed me that he intended to collect them after his meal and</p><p>‘plane shift’ back to Havilah immediately. </p><p></p><p> Taklinn assumed that I would be accompanying them, but I told him that I </p><p>planned to stay in Himinborg for a few more days. There was some shopping I</p><p>wanted to get done here and that I would be joining them within three days.</p><p>Caribdis had already told me that he had many contacts in Himinborg, and that he </p><p>could direct me to a merchant that could provide me with a planar ‘key’ for my</p><p>home plane. I had hoped that Taklinn would stay with me, but his resolution to</p><p>leave was firm and thus he told me to watch myself and that he would see me soon. </p><p>He said his goodbyes Caribdis, embracing the bard one last time, and turned away</p><p>before his emotion could catch up to him again, and left the two of us alone. </p><p></p><p> Caribdis and I set out on our shopping expedition, but no sooner had we gotten</p><p>into the market than I received a ‘sending’ from Taklinn explaining that Griff</p><p>refused to leave without me, Hap refused to leave without Griff, but Taklinn, </p><p>himself, was still leaving. He gave me the name of the inn where the pair was</p><p>staying, and later in the day I left Caribdis to his work of entertaining the patrons of</p><p>the Heroes Rest and went there. </p><p></p><p> There was a bit of a chill between Griff and Hap, as if she was not strictly pleased</p><p>with how he had dealt with the Caribdis situation, but he showed no signs of</p><p>remorse. I told Griff that he needent have stayed and that I was entirely safe here in </p><p>Himinborg, but he flatly dismissed that, saying that he would not leave until we all</p><p>left. What could I do but sigh and nod, and appreciate his loyalty? I told him that I</p><p>would come to collect them when my errands had been accomplished and he replied </p><p>that he and Hap would be waiting. I tried to convince him to come with me, to</p><p>spend a little time with his old friend, Caribdis, but the look in his eye stopped me</p><p>before I even finished. I have long ago accepted Griff’s hard headedness, so I did </p><p>not press the point. </p><p></p><p> I spent the evening with Caribdis again. He showed me many of the cities night</p><p>spots, and though I am generally not one for carousing, I had a fine time with him, </p><p>and it gave me pleasure to see the warmth with which he was received at every</p><p>tavern and inn we entered. Caribdis has made a good name for himself here, and</p><p>many friends as well. </p><p></p><p></p><p> Ptchwl 22 </p><p></p><p> Caribdis does, indeed, have some very fine contacts here in Himinborg. Though</p><p>the purchase of planar keys is generally a difficult process, he has been able to put </p><p>me in touch with a few merchants who deal in such esoteric wares, and I was able</p><p>to buy a fork attuned to the Prime Material Plane today. It was expensive, but</p><p>obviously worth it. Tomorrow I will purchase a key to Ysgard, for I fully wish to be </p><p>able to return here. Caribdis may not be returning with us, but now that I know that</p><p>even death cannot keep me from seeing him, I find no reason not to facilitate the</p><p>odd trip or two to visit him once in awhile. </p><p></p><p> He smiled at that, saying that he certainly wished to be kept abreast of our</p><p>adventures so that he could continue to tell our tale. </p><p> </p><p></p><p> Ptchwl 23</p><p> </p><p> It was hard to leave. </p><p></p><p> Near noon a delivery was made to me of my planar key attuned to Ysguard, and</p><p>thus I had no more reason to stay. I lunched with Caribdis and then told him that it </p><p>was time I headed for home. </p><p></p><p> “You’re sure you won’t change your mind?” I asked him one last time. </p><p></p><p> Caribdis shook his head slowly and smiled at me. “You know I’m not going to,” </p><p>he said, “But I do hope you make good on your threat to come visit me once in</p><p>awhile.”</p><p></p><p> “Count on it.” I nodded solemnly. “Caribdis, it was worth the journey just to see </p><p>you and talk with you again. I’m sad that you’re not coming back with me, but I’m</p><p>happy that you’re happy here. Just don’t forget your old pals, okay?”</p><p></p><p> “Like you’d let me forget!” He laughed. </p><p></p><p> We said our goodbyes and I left him there at the Heroes Rest, watching until he</p><p>took the stage. “This!” He declared to his audience, “Is the tale of the Band of the </p><p>Broken Blade! Once upon a time…” He waved to me and I waved back, and I</p><p>turned and fled from the inn, my vision blurred. </p><p></p><p> I walked for an hour to clear my head before heading for the inn where Hap and </p><p>Griff had been staying. I met them there and informed them that I was ready to</p><p>leave, which suited Griff just fine. He was ready within minutes and so was Hap. I</p><p>cast ‘plane shift’ while concentrating on the Prime key, and just like that, we were </p><p>there. It was a simple matter to teleport back to the city.</p><p></p><p> Back in Havilah, Griff and Hap declared that they were heading to their home for</p><p>some much needed time alone. I told them that I would keep them informed of any </p><p>important goings ons, and they departed. As for me, my steps were as heavy as my</p><p>heart as I made my way to my apartment in the Academy. Our quest to find</p><p>Caribdis had ended on a bittersweet note to say the least, and I still wrestled with </p><p>his decision not to return to life. As I looked out my window at the streets and roof</p><p>tops of Havilah, I thought of all the lives that were going on down there; all the</p><p>dramas that were being played out; all the laughter and tears, and I sighed heavily, </p><p>wondering again how Caribdis could have turned his back on it all. </p><p></p><p> But there was nothing to be done about it. Our friend had made his choice, and I</p><p>had to accept it. I meditated for a moment to clear my mind and focus it on tasks at </p><p>hand. I closed the shutters and returned my attention to Academy matters. </p><p></p><p> First I cast a ‘sending’ to Taklinn to inform him that we had safely returned. His</p><p>reply told me that he was in his mountain home with his parents and fiancØ, and that </p><p>he would return to Havilah shortly. </p><p> </p><p> Next, I headed for Nivin Mottul’s office, for while I was certain that he already</p><p>knew that we had returned, he would want a full report from me. I was admitted </p><p>straight away, and was surprised to find not only Nivin there, but Yigil as well. The</p><p>administrator and the mage motioned for me to enter and have a seat.</p><p> </p><p> There was already a chair prepared for me, with a cushion, so I climbed into it and</p><p>sat with the two men. Nivin prepared a glass of wine for me, which I sipped</p><p>politely. </p><p></p><p> “So tell us of your adventures, Doorag.” Yigil said from his place near the</p><p>window as he stroked the academy cat and inhaled deeply on his pipe. </p><p></p><p> So I did. Drawing in a deep breath I began, relating our journey and trials in the </p><p>realm of Shadow. I told them of the mad armorer in the Shadow version of Havilah;</p><p>of our fight with the tree creatures, then of Driscoll’s death and our battle with</p><p>Himrock orcs at the nexus of the rivers Styx and Oceanus. I told them of our flight </p><p>from shadow and the Yugoloth attack before we entered Arcadia. I relayed our</p><p>trials with the Harmonium, of our successful plan to free their prisoners and our</p><p>subsequent run to Arcadia’s upper layer. </p><p></p><p> I told them of Anwell, the solar, and his mission for us to retrieve Clangeden’s</p><p>axe. I told of our journey into Hades and our battles with the Yugoloth. I spoke of</p><p>Clangeden’s city and our rewards, then of the final leg of our travel that took us to </p><p>Ysgard, and at last I told them of Caribdis and his decision. When I could tell no</p><p>more, I stopped and shrugged at them. </p><p></p><p> “That is,” I said, “More of less, it.” </p><p></p><p> Both of the men nodded sagely. “That is quite a tale, my young friend.” Yigil said</p><p>in his gravely voice. He pulled a bit at his short beard. “You have my sympathies</p><p>with regard to Caribdis. He will be missed.” </p><p></p><p> “Aye.” Nivin agreed. “The boy was a wild card, but he added a curious balance to</p><p>your crew. Indeed, he shall be missed by all of Havilah.”</p><p></p><p> “I suppose he has his reasons.” I sighed, “Whether I agree with him or not is a</p><p>moot point. I take some pleasure in the fact that I have rare access to visit my friend </p><p>beyond the veil, but its hardly the same as adventuring with him. But at least we</p><p>tried.” </p><p></p><p> “Aye.” Nivin said again with a nod, “You did everything you could for a friend,</p><p>and that is part of what makes you and the rest of the Broken Blade such a fine</p><p>crew. Havilah is lucky to have you.” </p><p></p><p> “And so are the people of Edik.” Yigil added. I looked at him, but he only sipped</p><p>his wine mysteriously.</p><p></p><p> “Funny that you should mention Edik,” I said, “I’ve been giving that plane a bit of </p><p>thought these days, and I know that Taklinn has as well.”</p><p> “Mmmm, yes, we know.” Nivin replied. “As a matter of fact, Taklinn has</p><p>expressed his desires to us during your absence. Apparently he is interested in </p><p>traveling there to destroy the temple of Illugi and thus free Kester Orban and the</p><p>rest of the poor souls who are trapped there.”</p><p></p><p> “Yes.” I said. “He’s said as much to me.” </p><p></p><p> “And what do you think of the idea?” Yigil asked.</p><p></p><p> “Well,” I said, “I’m all for it, though I would seek the permission of the</p><p>Academy, of course. For that matter, we would need Academy aid to even reach </p><p>Edik. Neither Taklinn of I can cast ‘gate’ yet, so we would need a fork attuned to</p><p>Edik, which, as I understand it, you possess, Yigil.”</p><p></p><p> “Mmmm.” Yigil nodded slowly. </p><p></p><p> “But I must confess to an ulterior motive.” I said. “Clangeden’s gift to me caused</p><p>me to realize that Edik, with its different flow of time, would greatly facilitate my</p><p>crafting purposes, and would save me much needed time here in Havilah.” </p><p></p><p> “Ah yes, the time differential.” Yigil said. “I see your point. A day for every ten is</p><p>a good deal, no?”</p><p></p><p> “Yes!” I said. “So, for purely selfish reasons I wish to have access to Edik. But </p><p>while we're there I see no reason not to carry out Taklinn’s plan as well. It pains me</p><p>to think of those souls trapped in that temple, especially considering at least two of</p><p>them are Havilah crew members! Please, what are your thoughts on the matter?” </p><p></p><p> Nivin filled Yigil’s wine and then his own. “Actually,” He said, “We have been</p><p>thinking upon similar lines. Melesandre was but a puppet of a larger master. Illugi,</p><p>while a fairly young deity, is ambitious and evil in the extreme. He has been </p><p>thwarted thrice now, twice here, and at least once in Edik. We fear that he will not</p><p>cease his machinations, and therefore we have been deep in study trying to</p><p>determine a means of dealing with him.” </p><p></p><p> “We think,” Yigil finished for him, “We may have a lead.”</p><p></p><p> I raised a curious eyebrow at the two and waited for them to proceed. It is never</p><p>wise to rush a wizard or a sage. </p><p></p><p> “Melesandre,” Yigil continued, “was not without her own ambitions and plans.</p><p>We believe that she realized that her alliance with Illugi was transitory at best. We</p><p>believe that she, herself, quietly studied Illugi’s weaknesses and recorded them in a </p><p>book. We have great reason to believe that that book has been hidden here on our</p><p>world, as Illugi has less power here, and thus she had more freedom. We think that</p><p>the book lies within one of her old fortresses in the Wildwoods.” </p><p></p><p> I nearly jumped from my chair. “Well then what are we waiting for? You have but</p><p>to issue the order and we will go and bring the book back!”</p><p></p><p> “Ah,” Nivin smiled, “That order may well come very soon. But for now, we still </p><p>have much research to do. We believe that we are quite close to pinpointing the</p><p>location of Melesandre’s lair, but it will yet take a bit more time. In the meantime,</p><p>may I suggest you talk this over with Griff and Happy?” </p><p></p><p> “You and I could also work on crafting a duplicate ‘key’ to Edik, Doorag.” Yigil</p><p>added. “You will need one, and, as you said, it will aid you in your crafting</p><p>endeavors. I will caution you now though to be careful, least you grow old before</p><p>your time!” </p><p></p><p> I smiled at Yigil. “I have considered that.” I said. “I will indeed be wary of my</p><p>time spent there, and part of it will no doubt be used to study ways in which a </p><p>wizard might slow or stop his natural aging process.”</p><p></p><p> “A wise choice.” Yigil agreed. </p><p></p><p> “It is settled for now then,” Nivin said. “You and Yigil shall work on a fork for </p><p>Edik while I continue our research. Taklinn should be back on the fifth of</p><p>Readyrea’t. Explain the situation to Happy and Griff and when Taklinn returns,</p><p>come and meet with me here.” </p><p></p><p> I nodded. “Consider it done. We shall be here on the fifth.”</p><p></p><p> </p><p> Ptchwl 28</p><p></p><p> With several days to kill until Nivin had completed his research, Yigil and I used </p><p>the time wisely, spending most of the last week sequestered in his laboratory</p><p>crafting a fork, or key, that is attuned to Edik and will facilitate my casting of the</p><p>‘plane shift’ spell to get there. </p><p> </p><p> I must say that it was an enlightening and invaluable experience to spend a week</p><p>with Yigil. The old mage, while not a loquacious speaker, says a lot when he does</p><p>talk. Not only is he a master in the art of item creation and magic in general, but he </p><p>is wise in the more subtle art of being a spell caster. We spoke much of the risks</p><p>and hazards of having so much power at hand, and I believe that he may be the first</p><p>man I’ve met who understands temptation as I do. </p><p></p><p> We talked of good and evil, of moral fiber, of past conquests and defeats on both</p><p>our parts. The morality of magic and power was an underlying theme to many of</p><p>our conversations, and he nodded in understanding when I admitted that I often </p><p>times feel misunderstood, untrusted, and quite alone. Yigil knows what it is to be</p><p>separated, not only from the common man, but even from powerful non-spell</p><p>casters, by the sheer possibilities of the magic he commands. </p><p></p><p> He also knows what it is to be tempted by that power, as do I. </p><p></p><p> I must admit that I have never seriously considered using my magic for nefarious</p><p>purposes, but I still know that others wonder if I ever will. </p><p></p><p> Happy makes nervous jokes about power mad wizards in my direction, and I’ve</p><p>seen not just awe, but fear in her eyes the first time she witnesses me cast a truly</p><p>devastating spell. I can still remember the way her jaw dropped when I </p><p>disintegrated the mad armorer in Shadow Havilah. I think I knew, at that moment,</p><p>that her trust in me will never rise above ninety-nine percent. She will always</p><p>wonder about her ability to deal with me should I ever turn on her. </p><p></p><p> Griffin simply doesn’t trust most magic. He’s gotten much better of late, and now</p><p>seems to relish his enchanted items. Happy bought him a belt of giant strength in</p><p>Clangeden’s city of the highest enhancement, and about time too! For all this time, </p><p>all of us except Griff have been running about with enhancing items of the highest</p><p>caliber. All he’s had is a pair of gloves that I made him a long time ago that barely</p><p>boost his strength at all. At last, he wears the belt that all fighters must eventually </p><p>strive for. </p><p></p><p> But does Griff trust me? I don’t know. I don’t know if Griff truly trusts anyone</p><p>other than Hap. Perhaps it wouldn’t matter if I were a wizard or not, but I don’t </p><p>think it helps much. </p><p> </p><p> Taklinn is another matter. Like me, he trusts the rest of the crew implicitly, and he</p><p>bases that off of simple faith in our moral fiber. He trusts that, at the end of the day, </p><p>Hap and Griff will always do the (basically) right thing. As for me, well, Taklinn is</p><p>a spell caster of some repute as well. Hypothetically, if I had to fight any one of my</p><p>fellow crew member, I would fear Taklinn the most, for he is every bit the spell </p><p>caster that I am, in divine terms. Fortunately, I do not fear ever having to fight</p><p>Taklinn, and I think that he feels the same way about me. </p><p> </p><p> Still and all, being a mage is a lonely profession, and it was edifying to spend</p><p>some time with a wizard whom I can look up to. I visited The Old Man in the</p><p>Pointy Hat just before our journey into the planes, and I realized with a shock that I </p><p>had access to, and could cast, spells that he could not! I have surpassed my mentor,</p><p>and that was a thing both humbling and empowering at the same time. It reminded</p><p>me of the time I was four years old and beat my father at chess. </p><p></p><p> Yigil also has a laboratory that nearly had me salivating. Being on the road as</p><p>much as I am, it is difficult for me to keep my lab up to the most modern standards,</p><p>but Yigil has no such problem, and his lab is easily the most technologically </p><p>advanced I’ve ever seen, both in terms of utility and convenience. With it, we were</p><p>able to copy the formula for his existing Edik key without err, and by the fall of this</p><p>evening, we were able to complete the project. It cost me a pretty copper, but I now </p><p>own a plane shift fork attuned to Edik! </p><p></p><p> I plan to use it tomorrow!</p><p></p><p> I also used a bit of time this week to visit Hap and Griff at their home in Ester. Of </p><p>course I ‘teleported’ there, and made the mistake of porting directly into Hap’s</p><p>living room. I must have startled her, for she made quite a fuss, not allowing me a</p><p>chance to even tell her why I’d come. After a few seconds of her finger in my face, </p><p>I scowled and decided I’d had enough, and ported away, determined to let her cool</p><p>down for a day and try again the next. </p><p></p><p> I suppose it was in rather bad form. They could have been up to who knows what, </p><p>and it could have been embarrassing for all of us had I ported in, unannounced, at</p><p>the wrong time. </p><p></p><p> So the following day I teleported to their front door and politely knocked. Happy </p><p>politely let me in, and we started over. </p><p></p><p> I told her and Griff of Illugi and his tower of trapped souls on Edik. Griff nodded</p><p>when I mentioned that Taklinn wished to destroy that tower and free those souls, </p><p>and he said that Taklinn had mentioned it to him several times. </p><p></p><p> I told them of Melesandre’s book and Nivin’s research, and of the very real</p><p>possibility that we could soon be on our way to retrieve that book as part of a </p><p>sanctioned Academy mission. Griff, stoic as ever, just said, “Yeah, whatever.” </p><p></p><p> Happy said, “Well, we’d better enjoy being home while we can!” She said this</p><p>with an odd grin at Griff, and added, “See ya later, Doorag!” </p><p></p><p> It was a fairly heavy handed hint that they she wanted to be alone with Griff, so I</p><p>sniffed and bid them farewell, and that we were to meet on the fifth. I then</p><p>teleported home. </p><p></p><p> At the risk of waxing ever more introspective, I sometimes lament the fact that I</p><p>am seriously at a loss with regard to romance and all things concerning the opposite</p><p>sex. I am woefully undereducated in the ways of romantic love, and truth be told, I </p><p>have no real wish to be edified. Why this is so, I don’t know. I’ve never even been</p><p>with a woman, and have had little desire to do so. I should probably also mention</p><p>that my lack of libido includes all sexes, so it is not simply a matter of confused </p><p>sexuality. I simply don’t appear to be attracted to anything other than knowledge</p><p>and magic! </p><p></p><p> I sometimes wonder if this is entirely healthy. It certainly does not appear to be </p><p>normal, for it is the natural instinct of nearly all species to procreate. Even Taklinn</p><p>is subject to urges that he eventually satisfies. But I, I seem to lack that basic</p><p>instinct, and that worries me sometimes! </p><p></p><p> The last time I visited my parents I was forced to go through the painful</p><p>experience of my mother trying to get me to have dinner with Lolly Featherfoot,</p><p>who I have known since childhood. Lolly is a lovely girl, and even I can see that</p><p>she is an attractive one at that. I think my mother still somehow believes that all of </p><p>my wizardly ways are some sort of phase I’ve been going through for the last</p><p>twenty-five years, and that eventually I will settle down in the village and give her </p><p>grandchildren, although I don’t know why she wants any more! She already has</p><p>somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty-six grand kids!</p><p> </p><p> The point is I am continually forced to disappoint my mother and be faced with </p><p>the fact that it is extremely unlikely that I will ever find love as Griff and Happy, or</p><p>my mother and father know it. </p><p></p><p> I must admit that this is a little depressing. I feel as though I am missing out on an </p><p>integral and important past of life, and I have no idea what to do about it. This was</p><p>another area in which Yigil could relate. He, like nearly all serious mages, is a</p><p>bachelor. He said that he had once met a woman with whom he fell in love, but he </p><p>could never reconcile his relationship to her with his relationship to magic. In the</p><p>end, he had to choose, and he chose magic. Did he tell me his tale with some regret?</p><p>I think so. But it appears that that is our lot in life. </p><p></p><p> Enough of this soul searching! One thing I do know is that I have always needed</p><p>time to complete my projects, and now, that time is mere hours away! I have</p><p>already purchased all of the materials I will need for my maiden voyage, and my </p><p>laboratory is already packed away and stowed in our bag of holding. Tomorrow I</p><p>plan to ‘plane shift’ to Edik and craft a project that has been on my drawing board</p><p>for a long time, though it hasn’t been important enough to spend the twenty days </p><p>required to make it. But tomorrow, I shall begin those twenty days in Edik, and</p><p>when I am through, only two will have passed here in Havilah! I can be finished</p><p>with this project before our meeting with Nivin! </p><p></p><p> I am beside myself over this! The chance to complete crafting in one tenth the</p><p>time as normal may well be the most important discovery of my career. I have only</p><p>written this much in my journal because I know how difficult it will be to sleep </p><p>tonight.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="cthulhu42, post: 6587859, member: 6792361"] Ptchwl 16 At last! We are on our way again! We left Clangeden’s city at early noon today once Hap had finally received her armor. I must admit, it is beautiful. It is as thin and supple as Ebarium silk, and though it is not as “roguish” as her old armor, which was darker in color, it provides much the same dweomer as well as offering far more protection. Hopefully, she will not get hit nearly so often now. One other gift has been made known to me, though I do not know all of the particulars. Apparently Griff has undergone a bit of a time shift himself, though it is far more subtle than mine. From what I can gather, Clangeden has slowed his aging slightly so that he is a bit more in line with Happy. In essence, Griff now ages as a halfling, which will extend his life span by some fifty years or so. This is a fine thing, since I know that Hap has expressed her concern to me about what will happen when they get old. She has had fear (and rightly so) that Griff will die of old age long before she does. I have been meaning to do a bit of research on magic that can extend the ageing process, but now it looks as if the problem has been taken care of, though I dare say, if my plans to gain access to Edik come to pass I will still need to find a way to control my own ageing, for I could easily die of old age on Havilah long before my time should I not take care with how much time I spend in a faster time stream. At any rate, we have hired a boat to ferry us down the river Oceanus. A typically dour dwarven guide stands at the helm and assures us that we should reach Ysgard within a couple of days. Before we left, I made one final request of Anwell, namely, I asked him exactly where we might find Caribdis. He replied with his wry smile that Caribdis is in the free city of Himinborg in Ysgard where he tells tales to the heroes of that realm from the stage of an in called The Heroes Rest. He also explained to me that our route has changed slightly. We are no longer required to find and follow the infinite staircase into Ysgard, but instead may simply follow the Oceanus into that plane now that our deed for Clangeden has been accomplished. All of this is extraordinarily exciting news! As it now stands, we could find Caribdis before the end of the week! I am beside myself with excitement at the prospect of finally finding our bard again. It has been so long. We have so much to tell him. Soon, very soon, the Band of the Broken Blade shall be whole again. Ptchwl 19 Toward midday, after following the river for two days and nights, the mist began to roll in. I recognized it now as the border between planes, and as our vision became reduced to mere feet, I grew more and more excited, for I knew that when the mist cleared we would be in Ysgard. For these past two days my stomach has been knotted in apprehension. It seems that for every step toward Caribdis we get, we take a step backwards. At every turn we have been asked to perform some mission or have become side tracked, and as we floated down the Oceanus I kept expecting some detour to present itself; something that would delay us yet again. But such has not been the case, and when the mist did finally clear and the planes of Ysguard came into view, I almost dared breathe a sigh of relief. Ysguard is a different place altogether than Arcadia, that much is sure. Gone are the geometrically perfect fields and streams. Here, the terrain and vegetation appears to do what it wants, growing willy nilly and spreading itself in random directions. It has a far more natural appearance, and both Griff and Hap immediately seemed more at ease on this plane. I know that both of them, Griff especially, enjoyed their time on Arcadia, but Ysgard appeals to their inner convictions and philosophies far more, and I could see them visibly relax as we cleared the mist and left Arcadia firmly behind us. Our guide worked the oar for an hour as the Oceanus twisted its way through valleys and around hills, until we were treated to a breath taking sight. On our right, we beheld an immense battlefield alive with tents, cavalry, machines of war, infantry, and on and on. The sounds of war reached us as two opposing armies clashed in a veritable blood bath of steel meeting flesh. We watched, fascinated, as we saw folk of every race lift up arms against their foes. Soon the field was awash with blood and gore; the clash of weapons and the screams of the dieing reached out ears, and I saw Hap shudder as she watched, wide eyed, the carnage. “Not to worry, Hap.” I said cheerfully, patting her on the shoulder. “This is just what goes on in Ysguard.” She looked at me curiously and I expounded, for I had done much research on this plane after having figured that Caribdis would be here. “Ysguard is the plane of heroes and men of war.” I explained. “The battle we are witnessing is its own kind of heaven for men and women who spent their lives dedicated to the art of war. Believe it or not, this happens every day. They will fight throughout the day, and at night the fallen will rise to drink and tell tales of the battle with the victors in the inns of Himinborg, only to do it all again in the morning.” Hap looked at me incredulously. “You’re kidding.” She said. “He is not.” Taklinn interjected, and in his eyes I could see his own lust for battle as he watched a troop of horsemen smash into the flanks of a contingent of infantry. A cloud of arrows suddenly filled the sky and rained down death into their midst as he said, “The eternal battle is the only thing that can slake the true warriors thirst for blood, and for these heroes they have achieved true reward in being able to participate in such. Aye, tonight the dead on this field will rise and share in the glory in the fest halls, for tomorrow they may be the ones left standing. When my own time is at an end I shall reside in the halls of Clangeden, but I can well appreciate this end as well. What better way to spend eternity than among you’re fighting brethren, testing you’re skills against the finest blades from all of history?” “Hmph!” Happy scowled. “I can think of lots of better ways!” But I could tell that Griff shared Taklinn’s sentiments, for his eyes were fastened securely to the chaos of battle and contained a kind of longing, as if he would like nothing more than to enter the fray. “I agree with you, Hap,” I said, “But for the true warrior, this is heaven. Still, this is not all the Ysguard has to offer. There is much to know about this plane.” I was interrupted by the screams of several men about a hundred yards from us as a catapult stone hurtled into their midst, sending them flying. “Ysguard,” I shouted, “is comprised of three layers, and we are on the top most. This is fortunate, as the bottom two are not nearly as hospitable. This is the plane of heroes; Olidamara resides here, as well as Kord. This plane is actually made op of floating earth bergs; gigantic islands of land that float upon the second layer, which is called Muspelheim. Muspelheim is made up mostly of fire and is inhabited by literally thousands of fire giants. Below that is Nidavellir, which is just as unfriendly, for the earth there is in constant flux. Any step you take there might cause the ground to open up and swallow you. For the most part only dwarves live there, for only they are in tune enough with the earth to know where to safely step.” “Earth bergs?” Happy asked, “Floating islands of land? So how do we get from one to the other?” “Well,” I replied, “You would have to fly or teleport I suppose, but that shouldn’t be an issue. We are already on Olidamara’s island, which is where Caribdis is. All we need do now is find the city of Himinborg and…” At that moment we rounded a hill that took us out of sight of the battlefield and opened up a broad expanse of plain before us. There, in the distance, we could see it. A city, broad and shining in the sun light, perhaps an hour away. I knew at once that it was Himinborg. “There it is!” I cried, barely able to contain my excitement. I was breathless with it, for Caribdis was so near now that I could feel his presence in my bones. Taklinn and I exchanged smiles as I urged our guide on, sure now that we would be seeing our bardic friend at last. Happy shared our anticipation, but Griff looked at the city sourly, a frown on his face. He said nothing. Our dwarven boatman dropped us off some time later as the river Oceanus began to turn away from the city. We paid him handsomely and set our feet on dry land to walk the last leg of our journey. The road to Himinborg was alive with warrior types and heroes of all shapes and sizes. It was odd to actually recognize a few of them as great generals and fighters of old, now passed on to this afterlife. They led men at arms to and from the battlefield, barking orders over each other. The whole thing bore an air of controlled chaos that I supposed only the dead could truly appreciate and understand. Under normal circumstances I would have been fascinated, but as it was, I could focus only on the gates of the city as we drew nearer and nearer to them. My stomach was twisted in knots and I was a bundle of nerves. I heard myself chattering on and on about something or other and clamped my mouth shut, knowing that I was talking out of sheer apprehension. Taklinn grinned at me, recognizing my jitters, and probably feeling much of the same, though he hid it better than I. Griff had still not said a word. A half hour later we passed through the city gates and into the narrow streets bustling with heroes. The noise and smell was overwhelming, and everywhere we looked showed us something new. Men, dwarves, elves, orcs, gnolls, halflings, gnomes, and on and on and on filled the streets. We passed jugglers and dancers and other street performers as well as fest hall after fest hall. From all directions came the sounds of song and the clashing of steel. Warriors sparred on street corners, laughing and clapping each other on the back when blood was drawn. Again, the overall feel of the city was that of barely controlled chaos, and I saw unease in Taklinn’s face, though apparently the city suited Happy just fine. Her grin never ceased as we made our way through a market place that was a hive of activity. I stopped and asked a merchant where we might find the Heroes Rest Inn, and he was only too happy to give me proper directions in exchange for a coin, and soon we were hurrying along with our destination near at hand. The four of us rounded a corner after ten minutes of walking, and there it was. The Heroes Rest squatted on a busy corner, its aged shingle waving in the breeze. It was a wide, two story affair, and its doors were open wide to allow the constant flow of traffic to enter and exit. The sounds voices raised in celebration could be heard coming from within, and the street near the entry was crowded with folk. We pushed our way toward the doors, and then Griff stopped, frozen in his tracks. I looked up at him and his face was ashen as he appeared to cock his head, listening. I looked at Hap for she could hear it too. “It’s him!” she cried. “I can hear Caribdis!” I strained to listen above the clamor that surrounded me, and there, just at its edge, I could make out a word or two in a familiar voice; a voice that I had not heard in a very long time indeed. It was Caribdis, telling a tale in his stage voice, a voice that carried above the crowd and was meant to grab attention and entertain. Barely able to keep from jumping up and down, I cried, “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” I made for the door, but Taklinn stopped me. “Wait!” He said, and I turned to see him hurriedly casting cleaning cantrips on himself. I sighed with impatience at his vanity but waited for him. When he was satisfied at last, he and I, with Happy at our heels, entered the Heroes Rest. I turned to see Griff still standing on the street, as if rooted to the spot. “Come on, Griff!” I shouted at him. The sound of my voice seemed to break his trance, and he walked up the steps with determination, following us inside. The air within was a haze of smoke and noise. Tables filled the room, all occupied by fighting men and women who either shared tales of their own glory or listened to the bards that worked the room. I hopped up and down, straining to see over the heads of the people, and at last I simply allowed myself to fly above them. I scanned the room, and finally saw that Taklinn was staring at a particular corner of the inn. Following his gaze, I saw him. Caribdis stood on a stage in the far corner of the tap room, his arms outstretched as he told a tale of warrior’s glory and honor in battle. Several dozen people listened in rapt attention to him and clanged their mugs on their tables by way of applause during particularly gripping moments. Caribdis was dressed as he always wanted to be, in the finest of apparel. Rings glittered on his fingers and his hair was perfect. He worked his audience like a true professional, building his tale to an exciting climax as we made our way closer to his stage. All of us except Griff, that is. Our warrior suddenly blurted, “I need a drink!” and made for the bar. I thought to call after him, but I was too entranced by the fact that Caribdis was finally within out sight to worry about Griff. Instead, I followed in Taklinn’s wake as he pushed through the crowd. We reached a spot near stage right as Caribdis brought his tale to a close. He held his audience enrapt as his hero saved the day in an exciting manner, and even I found myself getting caught up in the story. I recognized his particular style of embellishment, but to the untrained ear it made it all the more gripping. “And they lived happily ever after!” Caribdis said, drawing an end to his story that brought a round of approving applause from his audience, including Taklinn, Happy and myself. Indeed, when the applause had died down, one pair of hands still clapped, and Caribdis turned to see who it was. His eyes came to rest of Taklinn, whose hands still pounded together, eyes welling with tears. Recognition, shock, and joy swept over Caribdis’ face as he realized that his old comrades stood at the foot of his stage. “Taklinn!” he cried, leaping to the floor to embrace our cleric. “Happy! Doorag!” Caribdis gathered both of us into his arms for a hug, and I could only grin stupidly, such was the joy that filled me upon feeling him as flesh and blood again. He knelt at our level, looking at us, scarcely able to believe that we were actually there. “A fine tale, boy!” Taklinn said, clapping Caribdis on the back, “And well told! I see you have honed your craft during your stay here.” Caribdis laughed. “Thank you, my friend, I try. But to hell with my tales, what of yours! I can’t believe my eyes! Come, we must have a drink!” He stopped suddenly, a look of concern on his face. “But what about Griff? Where is he? He’s not…?” “Griff is fine.” Happy answered, and I could see relief flood Caribdis’ face. “He’s just getting a drink at the bar. I’m sure he’ll be along soon. He’s a little… uncomfortable with all of this.” “Oh.” Caribdis chuckled. “Well, I suppose it is odd, seeing me dead and all. I can’t wait to see him though!” Caribdis led us to a table that was obviously reserved for him, and the serving woman treated him with impressive respect. I gathered that Caribdis was something of a celebrity here. I also noticed that Caribdis was… different. His manner, his speech, his persona, all of it bore a maturity and wisdom that I did not recognize. His voice had taken on a deeper edge, as if it had filled out, and I realized that the boy we had once known as Caribdis was gone. Before us was the man, Caribdis. The man that he had always wanted to be. I was far too giddy with excitement at having finally found him, at actually sitting across a table from him, and I could not find the words to properly speak. I found myself looking at him, wide eyed, as he and Taklinn spoke. “What in all the nine hells are you doing here?” Caribdis laughed, wonderingly, as a round of drinks were brought to our table by the serving maid, who winked at Caribdis. “We came to see you, boy!” Taklinn grinned, taking a frothy swig from his mug. “We’ve traveled quite a ways, I can tell you!” “I can well imagine you have! You must tell me all the details of your journey; I’ll bet there’s a tale to enthrall the masses there! But what about everything else? What about Acessiwall? Did you kill him?” “Aye,” Taklinn nodded somberly, “That we did.” Taklinn went on to relate our adventures after Caribdis’ death, though I interjected with a precaution that perhaps Caribdis could tread lightly when retelling our trials in Latona, it not having been our finest hour. Taklinn told him of Scylla, and our hunt for Acessiwall. He told him of our final confrontation with the wurm and the fall of Taigel. He told of our falling out with Scylla. Happy filled in details as Taklinn went on to relate Hap and Griff’s nuptials, and then our travel into the planes of shadow, Arcadia, Hades, and Ysgard. He told of our battles and our trials, and ended with the four of us having found Caribdis at last in the Heroes Rest. Caribdis listened with rapt attention, soaking up everything, asking for details. When Taklinn had satisfied him, he asked, “So but why? Not that I am not overjoyed to see you all, but why have you come? Why put yourselves through all of this?” “Well,” Taklinn said, as if it were obvious, “We’ve come to fetch you, boy! We want you to return to the land of the living with us, eh?” Caribdis’ eyes widened in surprise at this news, as if it were something he had not even considered. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. He took a drink of his ale and looked at our expectant faces, and finally said, “That is… that is an incredible thing. You have come all this way for me.” His voice was choked with emotion. “And it makes this all the more difficult to say. Taklinn, Doorag, Hap, I thank you. I truly do. You are the best friends anyone could ever ask for, but…” “But what, Caribdis?” Hap coaxed him gently. “But I cannot go back.” He said at last. “But you can!” Taklinn said, “I have the proper spell, and it can be done, for Clangeden has told me…” “No, no, you don’t understand.” Caribdis cut Taklinn off, though it appeared to pain him to do so. “It’s not that I can’t go back, it’s that I do not wish to.” It felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach, and I reeled back in my seat, the room spinning. My mouth opened but no words came out, and I shook my head to clear my ears. I looked at Taklinn, whose face was as motionless as stone, and Happy, who bit her lip. A long moment passed, and Happy leapt from her chair without a word, making her way toward the bar, I hoped, to find Griff. “Caribdis,” I said, at last, “We’ve come all this way to give you another chance. To give US another chance. The Band of the Broken Blade is incomplete without you. Things are just not the same. Even the actual blade that Griff carried and gave to you, the Everyman’s Blade, has been stolen from your tavern, as if a sign that things are not as they should be. Your death was senseless, meaningless, and pointless. You deserve a much longer life and a much finer death than that. You had so much ahead of you, so much to look forward to. It’s fine to tell the tales of others, but are not the finest stories the ones you participate in? Caribdis, we miss you. We all miss you. And what about your tavern? What about Freya? Please, Caribdis, won’t you reconsider?” My old friend looked at me sadly, and I could tell how difficult it was for him as he slowly shook his head. “I don’t want the bar.” He said. “And Freya and I were never meant to be. And I do appreciate this, I really do. To come so far to offer me this chance, I… it is overwhelming. But Doorag, Taklinn, please try to understand, here in Himinborg, I have found… peace. Here in Himinborg I have found happiness and a place to call my own. All my life I felt out of place, as if I didn’t belong. But here, I am respected and sought out. Here, I am Caribdis, the bard extraordinaire. Each day for me here is as a brand new day, and I love every minute of it. Here, I can not only tell the stories of heroes, I get to have dinner with them as well! I… I belong here, and I do not wish to leave. Please try to understand that. Please try to respect my choice.” I sat back in my chair, utterly destroyed, completely shocked and overwhelmed with disbelief. This could not be happening! This was not how things were supposed to happen! “You’re dead!” Came a voice over my shoulder, and I turned to see that Hap had somehow convinced Griff to return to the table with her. Our warrior stood, stock still, pointing at Caribdis, his face as pale as I’d ever seen it. “You’re dead!” He repeated. “I saw you die!” Caribdis broke into a wide grin and got up to grasp Griff’s pointing finger in both his hands for a hearty handshake. “Griff! My friend, it’s so good to see you again!” “But your dead!” Griff exclaimed a third time, even as Caribdis embraced him. “Yes, I suppose I am.” Caribdis said, with a shrug and a smile. “This is my afterlife. Welcome to it!” “This is bull!” Griff shouted to no one in particular, which made Caribdis laugh heartily. “I’m glad to see you haven’t changed.” He smiled. “He’s not coming back.” Happy said to Griff. “What? What the hell do you mean he’s not coming back? You mean we came all this way for nothing?” Griff turned to look at us angrily. “It was hardly all for naught,” I said softly, “The journey has not been without its reward, and we at least get to say goodbye to our friend…” “Whatever!” Griff snapped at me. He turned his eyes back to Caribdis. “I already said my goodbyes. I won’t go through that again!” With that, Griff turned on his heel and stormed out of the bar, slamming the doors open before him. Happy looked after her husband. “Don’t take him the wrong way, Caribdis.” She said, “He doesn’t mean it. He just…” “I know.” Caribdis said, gently, “I know.” With a sad smile, Happy gave Caribdis a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She peered into his eyes for a moment, and then left to follow Griff. “If you will not come back,” Taklinn said in a low rumble, “May I ask your forgiveness?” “My forgiveness?” Caribdis blinked, “Why, whatever for?” “For all the times I spoke out of turn.” Taklinn said. “For all the times I treated you as less than the man you were. For those things, I am truly sorry.” Caribdis laid a hand on the big dwarf’s shoulder and met his eyes. “Taklinn, there is nothing to forgive. I could ask for no better friend and mentor than you. You taught me lessons that my father never did, and for that, I thank you. Let your conscience rest at ease, for I harbor no ill will over any way you ever treated me, of that you can be sure.” The two looked at each other for a long moment, and I saw a single tear roll down Taklinn’s cheek and soak into his beard. Our dwarf blinked rapidly and coughed, wiping his eye as if clearing an irritant. He smiled at Caribdis. “Then let us dine and rink tonight as if in the old days! Let us tell stories of our adventures and enjoy our brief time together as the best of friends and brothers in arms! I have done what I set out to do. If you will not return with me, I can but respect your decision, but I will not stay longer than I must. I will return to Havilah tomorrow. But tonight, let us forget what separates us, and revel in what binds us!” “Aye!” Caribdis agreed with a broad grin, and the two clasped hands. As for me, I still could not digest the truth that Caribdis had refused our offer, but though I was deeply saddened by it, I resolved to follow Taklinn’s lead and enjoy what little time we had with Caribdis. I raised my own pint and the three of us clashed mugs as the waitress brought us more. “Taklinn,” Caribdis said, “Do you remember the time…” Ptchwl 21 Taklinn, true to his word, departed for Havilah today. He awoke early and met with Caribdis and I for breakfast and told us that he had learned, via ‘sendings’ that Griff had rented a room at another inn and that Happy had joined him there. Griff refused to see Caribdis again, which caused our bard to smile sadly, but say nothing. Taklinn informed me that he intended to collect them after his meal and ‘plane shift’ back to Havilah immediately. Taklinn assumed that I would be accompanying them, but I told him that I planned to stay in Himinborg for a few more days. There was some shopping I wanted to get done here and that I would be joining them within three days. Caribdis had already told me that he had many contacts in Himinborg, and that he could direct me to a merchant that could provide me with a planar ‘key’ for my home plane. I had hoped that Taklinn would stay with me, but his resolution to leave was firm and thus he told me to watch myself and that he would see me soon. He said his goodbyes Caribdis, embracing the bard one last time, and turned away before his emotion could catch up to him again, and left the two of us alone. Caribdis and I set out on our shopping expedition, but no sooner had we gotten into the market than I received a ‘sending’ from Taklinn explaining that Griff refused to leave without me, Hap refused to leave without Griff, but Taklinn, himself, was still leaving. He gave me the name of the inn where the pair was staying, and later in the day I left Caribdis to his work of entertaining the patrons of the Heroes Rest and went there. There was a bit of a chill between Griff and Hap, as if she was not strictly pleased with how he had dealt with the Caribdis situation, but he showed no signs of remorse. I told Griff that he needent have stayed and that I was entirely safe here in Himinborg, but he flatly dismissed that, saying that he would not leave until we all left. What could I do but sigh and nod, and appreciate his loyalty? I told him that I would come to collect them when my errands had been accomplished and he replied that he and Hap would be waiting. I tried to convince him to come with me, to spend a little time with his old friend, Caribdis, but the look in his eye stopped me before I even finished. I have long ago accepted Griff’s hard headedness, so I did not press the point. I spent the evening with Caribdis again. He showed me many of the cities night spots, and though I am generally not one for carousing, I had a fine time with him, and it gave me pleasure to see the warmth with which he was received at every tavern and inn we entered. Caribdis has made a good name for himself here, and many friends as well. Ptchwl 22 Caribdis does, indeed, have some very fine contacts here in Himinborg. Though the purchase of planar keys is generally a difficult process, he has been able to put me in touch with a few merchants who deal in such esoteric wares, and I was able to buy a fork attuned to the Prime Material Plane today. It was expensive, but obviously worth it. Tomorrow I will purchase a key to Ysgard, for I fully wish to be able to return here. Caribdis may not be returning with us, but now that I know that even death cannot keep me from seeing him, I find no reason not to facilitate the odd trip or two to visit him once in awhile. He smiled at that, saying that he certainly wished to be kept abreast of our adventures so that he could continue to tell our tale. Ptchwl 23 It was hard to leave. Near noon a delivery was made to me of my planar key attuned to Ysguard, and thus I had no more reason to stay. I lunched with Caribdis and then told him that it was time I headed for home. “You’re sure you won’t change your mind?” I asked him one last time. Caribdis shook his head slowly and smiled at me. “You know I’m not going to,” he said, “But I do hope you make good on your threat to come visit me once in awhile.” “Count on it.” I nodded solemnly. “Caribdis, it was worth the journey just to see you and talk with you again. I’m sad that you’re not coming back with me, but I’m happy that you’re happy here. Just don’t forget your old pals, okay?” “Like you’d let me forget!” He laughed. We said our goodbyes and I left him there at the Heroes Rest, watching until he took the stage. “This!” He declared to his audience, “Is the tale of the Band of the Broken Blade! Once upon a time…” He waved to me and I waved back, and I turned and fled from the inn, my vision blurred. I walked for an hour to clear my head before heading for the inn where Hap and Griff had been staying. I met them there and informed them that I was ready to leave, which suited Griff just fine. He was ready within minutes and so was Hap. I cast ‘plane shift’ while concentrating on the Prime key, and just like that, we were there. It was a simple matter to teleport back to the city. Back in Havilah, Griff and Hap declared that they were heading to their home for some much needed time alone. I told them that I would keep them informed of any important goings ons, and they departed. As for me, my steps were as heavy as my heart as I made my way to my apartment in the Academy. Our quest to find Caribdis had ended on a bittersweet note to say the least, and I still wrestled with his decision not to return to life. As I looked out my window at the streets and roof tops of Havilah, I thought of all the lives that were going on down there; all the dramas that were being played out; all the laughter and tears, and I sighed heavily, wondering again how Caribdis could have turned his back on it all. But there was nothing to be done about it. Our friend had made his choice, and I had to accept it. I meditated for a moment to clear my mind and focus it on tasks at hand. I closed the shutters and returned my attention to Academy matters. First I cast a ‘sending’ to Taklinn to inform him that we had safely returned. His reply told me that he was in his mountain home with his parents and fiancØ, and that he would return to Havilah shortly. Next, I headed for Nivin Mottul’s office, for while I was certain that he already knew that we had returned, he would want a full report from me. I was admitted straight away, and was surprised to find not only Nivin there, but Yigil as well. The administrator and the mage motioned for me to enter and have a seat. There was already a chair prepared for me, with a cushion, so I climbed into it and sat with the two men. Nivin prepared a glass of wine for me, which I sipped politely. “So tell us of your adventures, Doorag.” Yigil said from his place near the window as he stroked the academy cat and inhaled deeply on his pipe. So I did. Drawing in a deep breath I began, relating our journey and trials in the realm of Shadow. I told them of the mad armorer in the Shadow version of Havilah; of our fight with the tree creatures, then of Driscoll’s death and our battle with Himrock orcs at the nexus of the rivers Styx and Oceanus. I told them of our flight from shadow and the Yugoloth attack before we entered Arcadia. I relayed our trials with the Harmonium, of our successful plan to free their prisoners and our subsequent run to Arcadia’s upper layer. I told them of Anwell, the solar, and his mission for us to retrieve Clangeden’s axe. I told of our journey into Hades and our battles with the Yugoloth. I spoke of Clangeden’s city and our rewards, then of the final leg of our travel that took us to Ysgard, and at last I told them of Caribdis and his decision. When I could tell no more, I stopped and shrugged at them. “That is,” I said, “More of less, it.” Both of the men nodded sagely. “That is quite a tale, my young friend.” Yigil said in his gravely voice. He pulled a bit at his short beard. “You have my sympathies with regard to Caribdis. He will be missed.” “Aye.” Nivin agreed. “The boy was a wild card, but he added a curious balance to your crew. Indeed, he shall be missed by all of Havilah.” “I suppose he has his reasons.” I sighed, “Whether I agree with him or not is a moot point. I take some pleasure in the fact that I have rare access to visit my friend beyond the veil, but its hardly the same as adventuring with him. But at least we tried.” “Aye.” Nivin said again with a nod, “You did everything you could for a friend, and that is part of what makes you and the rest of the Broken Blade such a fine crew. Havilah is lucky to have you.” “And so are the people of Edik.” Yigil added. I looked at him, but he only sipped his wine mysteriously. “Funny that you should mention Edik,” I said, “I’ve been giving that plane a bit of thought these days, and I know that Taklinn has as well.” “Mmmm, yes, we know.” Nivin replied. “As a matter of fact, Taklinn has expressed his desires to us during your absence. Apparently he is interested in traveling there to destroy the temple of Illugi and thus free Kester Orban and the rest of the poor souls who are trapped there.” “Yes.” I said. “He’s said as much to me.” “And what do you think of the idea?” Yigil asked. “Well,” I said, “I’m all for it, though I would seek the permission of the Academy, of course. For that matter, we would need Academy aid to even reach Edik. Neither Taklinn of I can cast ‘gate’ yet, so we would need a fork attuned to Edik, which, as I understand it, you possess, Yigil.” “Mmmm.” Yigil nodded slowly. “But I must confess to an ulterior motive.” I said. “Clangeden’s gift to me caused me to realize that Edik, with its different flow of time, would greatly facilitate my crafting purposes, and would save me much needed time here in Havilah.” “Ah yes, the time differential.” Yigil said. “I see your point. A day for every ten is a good deal, no?” “Yes!” I said. “So, for purely selfish reasons I wish to have access to Edik. But while we're there I see no reason not to carry out Taklinn’s plan as well. It pains me to think of those souls trapped in that temple, especially considering at least two of them are Havilah crew members! Please, what are your thoughts on the matter?” Nivin filled Yigil’s wine and then his own. “Actually,” He said, “We have been thinking upon similar lines. Melesandre was but a puppet of a larger master. Illugi, while a fairly young deity, is ambitious and evil in the extreme. He has been thwarted thrice now, twice here, and at least once in Edik. We fear that he will not cease his machinations, and therefore we have been deep in study trying to determine a means of dealing with him.” “We think,” Yigil finished for him, “We may have a lead.” I raised a curious eyebrow at the two and waited for them to proceed. It is never wise to rush a wizard or a sage. “Melesandre,” Yigil continued, “was not without her own ambitions and plans. We believe that she realized that her alliance with Illugi was transitory at best. We believe that she, herself, quietly studied Illugi’s weaknesses and recorded them in a book. We have great reason to believe that that book has been hidden here on our world, as Illugi has less power here, and thus she had more freedom. We think that the book lies within one of her old fortresses in the Wildwoods.” I nearly jumped from my chair. “Well then what are we waiting for? You have but to issue the order and we will go and bring the book back!” “Ah,” Nivin smiled, “That order may well come very soon. But for now, we still have much research to do. We believe that we are quite close to pinpointing the location of Melesandre’s lair, but it will yet take a bit more time. In the meantime, may I suggest you talk this over with Griff and Happy?” “You and I could also work on crafting a duplicate ‘key’ to Edik, Doorag.” Yigil added. “You will need one, and, as you said, it will aid you in your crafting endeavors. I will caution you now though to be careful, least you grow old before your time!” I smiled at Yigil. “I have considered that.” I said. “I will indeed be wary of my time spent there, and part of it will no doubt be used to study ways in which a wizard might slow or stop his natural aging process.” “A wise choice.” Yigil agreed. “It is settled for now then,” Nivin said. “You and Yigil shall work on a fork for Edik while I continue our research. Taklinn should be back on the fifth of Readyrea’t. Explain the situation to Happy and Griff and when Taklinn returns, come and meet with me here.” I nodded. “Consider it done. We shall be here on the fifth.” Ptchwl 28 With several days to kill until Nivin had completed his research, Yigil and I used the time wisely, spending most of the last week sequestered in his laboratory crafting a fork, or key, that is attuned to Edik and will facilitate my casting of the ‘plane shift’ spell to get there. I must say that it was an enlightening and invaluable experience to spend a week with Yigil. The old mage, while not a loquacious speaker, says a lot when he does talk. Not only is he a master in the art of item creation and magic in general, but he is wise in the more subtle art of being a spell caster. We spoke much of the risks and hazards of having so much power at hand, and I believe that he may be the first man I’ve met who understands temptation as I do. We talked of good and evil, of moral fiber, of past conquests and defeats on both our parts. The morality of magic and power was an underlying theme to many of our conversations, and he nodded in understanding when I admitted that I often times feel misunderstood, untrusted, and quite alone. Yigil knows what it is to be separated, not only from the common man, but even from powerful non-spell casters, by the sheer possibilities of the magic he commands. He also knows what it is to be tempted by that power, as do I. I must admit that I have never seriously considered using my magic for nefarious purposes, but I still know that others wonder if I ever will. Happy makes nervous jokes about power mad wizards in my direction, and I’ve seen not just awe, but fear in her eyes the first time she witnesses me cast a truly devastating spell. I can still remember the way her jaw dropped when I disintegrated the mad armorer in Shadow Havilah. I think I knew, at that moment, that her trust in me will never rise above ninety-nine percent. She will always wonder about her ability to deal with me should I ever turn on her. Griffin simply doesn’t trust most magic. He’s gotten much better of late, and now seems to relish his enchanted items. Happy bought him a belt of giant strength in Clangeden’s city of the highest enhancement, and about time too! For all this time, all of us except Griff have been running about with enhancing items of the highest caliber. All he’s had is a pair of gloves that I made him a long time ago that barely boost his strength at all. At last, he wears the belt that all fighters must eventually strive for. But does Griff trust me? I don’t know. I don’t know if Griff truly trusts anyone other than Hap. Perhaps it wouldn’t matter if I were a wizard or not, but I don’t think it helps much. Taklinn is another matter. Like me, he trusts the rest of the crew implicitly, and he bases that off of simple faith in our moral fiber. He trusts that, at the end of the day, Hap and Griff will always do the (basically) right thing. As for me, well, Taklinn is a spell caster of some repute as well. Hypothetically, if I had to fight any one of my fellow crew member, I would fear Taklinn the most, for he is every bit the spell caster that I am, in divine terms. Fortunately, I do not fear ever having to fight Taklinn, and I think that he feels the same way about me. Still and all, being a mage is a lonely profession, and it was edifying to spend some time with a wizard whom I can look up to. I visited The Old Man in the Pointy Hat just before our journey into the planes, and I realized with a shock that I had access to, and could cast, spells that he could not! I have surpassed my mentor, and that was a thing both humbling and empowering at the same time. It reminded me of the time I was four years old and beat my father at chess. Yigil also has a laboratory that nearly had me salivating. Being on the road as much as I am, it is difficult for me to keep my lab up to the most modern standards, but Yigil has no such problem, and his lab is easily the most technologically advanced I’ve ever seen, both in terms of utility and convenience. With it, we were able to copy the formula for his existing Edik key without err, and by the fall of this evening, we were able to complete the project. It cost me a pretty copper, but I now own a plane shift fork attuned to Edik! I plan to use it tomorrow! I also used a bit of time this week to visit Hap and Griff at their home in Ester. Of course I ‘teleported’ there, and made the mistake of porting directly into Hap’s living room. I must have startled her, for she made quite a fuss, not allowing me a chance to even tell her why I’d come. After a few seconds of her finger in my face, I scowled and decided I’d had enough, and ported away, determined to let her cool down for a day and try again the next. I suppose it was in rather bad form. They could have been up to who knows what, and it could have been embarrassing for all of us had I ported in, unannounced, at the wrong time. So the following day I teleported to their front door and politely knocked. Happy politely let me in, and we started over. I told her and Griff of Illugi and his tower of trapped souls on Edik. Griff nodded when I mentioned that Taklinn wished to destroy that tower and free those souls, and he said that Taklinn had mentioned it to him several times. I told them of Melesandre’s book and Nivin’s research, and of the very real possibility that we could soon be on our way to retrieve that book as part of a sanctioned Academy mission. Griff, stoic as ever, just said, “Yeah, whatever.” Happy said, “Well, we’d better enjoy being home while we can!” She said this with an odd grin at Griff, and added, “See ya later, Doorag!” It was a fairly heavy handed hint that they she wanted to be alone with Griff, so I sniffed and bid them farewell, and that we were to meet on the fifth. I then teleported home. At the risk of waxing ever more introspective, I sometimes lament the fact that I am seriously at a loss with regard to romance and all things concerning the opposite sex. I am woefully undereducated in the ways of romantic love, and truth be told, I have no real wish to be edified. Why this is so, I don’t know. I’ve never even been with a woman, and have had little desire to do so. I should probably also mention that my lack of libido includes all sexes, so it is not simply a matter of confused sexuality. I simply don’t appear to be attracted to anything other than knowledge and magic! I sometimes wonder if this is entirely healthy. It certainly does not appear to be normal, for it is the natural instinct of nearly all species to procreate. Even Taklinn is subject to urges that he eventually satisfies. But I, I seem to lack that basic instinct, and that worries me sometimes! The last time I visited my parents I was forced to go through the painful experience of my mother trying to get me to have dinner with Lolly Featherfoot, who I have known since childhood. Lolly is a lovely girl, and even I can see that she is an attractive one at that. I think my mother still somehow believes that all of my wizardly ways are some sort of phase I’ve been going through for the last twenty-five years, and that eventually I will settle down in the village and give her grandchildren, although I don’t know why she wants any more! She already has somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty-six grand kids! The point is I am continually forced to disappoint my mother and be faced with the fact that it is extremely unlikely that I will ever find love as Griff and Happy, or my mother and father know it. I must admit that this is a little depressing. I feel as though I am missing out on an integral and important past of life, and I have no idea what to do about it. This was another area in which Yigil could relate. He, like nearly all serious mages, is a bachelor. He said that he had once met a woman with whom he fell in love, but he could never reconcile his relationship to her with his relationship to magic. In the end, he had to choose, and he chose magic. Did he tell me his tale with some regret? I think so. But it appears that that is our lot in life. Enough of this soul searching! One thing I do know is that I have always needed time to complete my projects, and now, that time is mere hours away! I have already purchased all of the materials I will need for my maiden voyage, and my laboratory is already packed away and stowed in our bag of holding. Tomorrow I plan to ‘plane shift’ to Edik and craft a project that has been on my drawing board for a long time, though it hasn’t been important enough to spend the twenty days required to make it. But tomorrow, I shall begin those twenty days in Edik, and when I am through, only two will have passed here in Havilah! I can be finished with this project before our meeting with Nivin! I am beside myself over this! The chance to complete crafting in one tenth the time as normal may well be the most important discovery of my career. I have only written this much in my journal because I know how difficult it will be to sleep tonight. [/QUOTE]
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