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<blockquote data-quote="Talindra" data-source="post: 214287" data-attributes="member: 155"><p>Vallia’s Journal #15</p><p></p><p>3rd day of The Claw of Winter, 1373 DR</p><p></p><p>The ride through the night was very difficult. We were all exhausted, and sometime in the middle of the night, snow began to fall. Wet and cold, I’m sure we made quite the pitiful picture. The flurries quickly became a blizzard, with a biting, howling wind. I heard Misha yell something about a camp, and immediately began trying to discern a sheltered place through the storm. Karanaj appeared to see something that we did not, and we followed him to a break in the stone wall to our left, which, upon closer inspection, was revealed to be a deep cave. I did not like the thought of entering the cave without knowing what dwelled there, but we had little choice. We dismounted and led the horses inside. I cast a light spell, so Karanaj could see. The others scornfully remarked on the way that I gave away our presence, and I quickly reminded the fools that with shoed horses in a cave, I don’t think a little light is what gave us away. </p><p></p><p>We moved deeper into the cave, about 50 feet, until we reached a large circular cavern. The smell of death assaulted us as we entered, and we noticed the bodies of eight wild-haired gray-skinned humanoids piled to the side, with their axes and swords around them. Some were partially eaten--all had been killed by a powerful, ripping and tearing weapon--though we couldn’t tell from the wounds whether it was a natural or manufactured weapon. Two other dead monsters were piled on the other side. Huge, bulbous bodies, which looked much like large brains even before the bloating of death occurred, were surrounded by 10 long tentacles. Bloody beaks, apparently the weapons used to tear apart their humanoid foes, extended from the fronts of the brain like bodies. The corpses had been hacked with large-bladed weapons and had many arrows stuck into their bizarre hides. None of us knew what the creatures were, but we immediately organized our watches, eager to sleep and be gone from this place. </p><p></p><p>As we led the horses to the rear of the cavern, we noticed a small passage leading off to the right. Gruush and Misha insisted on exploring the passage, over Aliya’s protests. I have to admit I agreed with her, but as usual, Misha chose to ignore us. He and Gruush did not even take the time to see to their horses before moving into the passage, and Aliya was even more livid about that. I have to say I was disappointed in Misha treating his horse so callously, but I did not voice my disapproval. I helped Aliya with the horses, keeping an eye on the passage, and listening for sounds of trouble. Corellon help me, Misha does have a way of getting himself into trouble.</p><p></p><p>I was cleaning my sword when Gruush returned, saying that they had heard something in the passage. Misha emerged soon thereafter, and said they had not caught a glimpse of whatever it is, but that something was moving quietly toward us. I rose, my sword in hand, and moved to stand at the entrance, knowing it would be easier to defend than to fight in the large open room. A tentacled creature slithered into the room from the passage outside, hovering near the ceiling. Aliya reacted quickly, throwing balls of energy into the creature, just as another one appeared in front of me. Gruush and Misha reacted quickly, both stabbing at the creature, and Misha severed several of its tentacles. However, in order to do so, he left himself open, and took several hits from the tentacles. The creature Aliya hit made a bird-like screech as the balls slammed into it. Misha was yelling commands at me, and in my distraction, I missed the creature in front of me as it turned, wrapping two tentacles around Misha, and bringing its beak down on his shoulder.</p><p>The second wrapped two tentacles around Aliya’s arms, pulling her up, and she did not even struggle as it too took a bite of her shoulder, blood running down her body. Karanaj drew his sword and rushed to her aid, even as Gruush cleaved the creature holding Misha in two. </p><p></p><p>Misha moved to attack the creature holding Aliya, but missed because he was trying not to hit her. Knowing that an error in a slash could kill Aliya, I sheathed my sword and prayed, holding up a hand and casting a searing light at the creature. Its skin began to smoke, and it released Aliya, who fell to the floor unmoving as it tried to float away. Karanaj, clearly angry, released a barrage of magic missiles at the retreating creature, slamming it into the wall, before it fell to the ground, lifeless. I immediately ran for Aliya as Gruush checked to make sure the creature was dead. Karanaj fumbled a rod from his pack, and activated it. I watched in amazement as Aliya’s wound stopped bleeding, and food appeared in front of us all. </p><p></p><p>A figure stepped out of the darkness of the second passage. A powerful male humanoid of a race I could not quite place strode purposefully forward. His well-sculpted physique exuded male confidence, his hairless body uncovered except for what appeared to be a long kilt colored in earthy tones. Gruush challenged him, and he replied "You only serve to anger them," flatly in halting, thickly accented common. "This does no good, not for you, and not for me. Leave this area at once." Once he spoke these words, he began backing down the passage he had come from. Misha told him we would not chance the snow, and he and Gruush tried to follow the man, but abruptly, he sank into the stone floor and vanished. </p><p></p><p>Eager to leave, Misha checked outside, only to report that the blizzard still raged. I had healed Aliya’s wounds as best I could, but she was still unresponsive, and my best guess was that the creature’s tentacles contained some sort of poison. I could only hope that the effects were temporary. </p><p></p><p>We unrolled our bedrolls, and sat down, Karanaj staying at Aliya’s side. Not very hungry, but knowing I needed my strength, I began to eat the food that had appeared when Kara activated the rod. To my surprise, it was quite good, although I did not eat much, as I felt a little nauseous. A short time later, Aliya stirred, and was soon able to stand and took a seat next to Kara, smiling and eating her food as well. I was relieved to see that I had been correct . . . I don’t know what I would have done if something happened to Aliya. At my suggestion, we bedded down for the night, and when we awoke the next morning, the temperature in the cave had dropped substantially. I shivered as I rolled up my bedroll and ate a cold breakfast. Misha checked outside and returned to announce that the storm had passed. We gathered our things, and led the horses out of the cave, pausing at the entrance to mount.</p><p></p><p>A voice floated from a large outcropping to the left of the cave, saying "Ignore my mate, the man who spoke to you before. He is a foolish oaf, afraid of his own shadow. The invaders are fine targets for your swords and arrows. If you are enemies of the grell, however, you travel in the wrong direction. They lie toward the mountains. You'll find none of their kind ahead of you."</p><p>Misha responded, saying we wanted to be left out of their troubles, and kicked his horse, moving south. We followed him, though I glanced back at the outcropping more than once, curious.</p><p></p><p>We had slept through most of the day, and as we began to ride, the sun sank below the horizon. Suddenly, the ground shook, and a mighty roar echoed through the mountains. A faint glow appeared on the horizon to the south, and Misha turned his horse toward it, urging it to run. My husband is a very foolish man at time . . . as they say, fools rush in. Of course, you have to wonder who is the bigger fool . . . the fool, or the ones who follow him. Gruush muttered something about Misha being the death of us, as we quickly followed him. </p><p></p><p>It took several hours to reach the mountains in the south, as our horses followed the upward trail leading out of the Valley of Ice. As the last vestiges of sunlight passed below the horizon, we all saw for a moment in the glow, a citadel silhouetted against the sky. Of course, Misha decided that the citadel was our new destination. Sometimes I want to just kill that man.</p><p></p><p>It took another hour along the winding trail to reach the citadel, and night had fallen by the time we reached the outer stone wall. There was still a faint glow from inside, almost as if fires were lit, as Misha, ever brash, called out “Hello!” There was no answer. We entered the outer wall slowly, and it gave way to a courtyard, and an inner stone wall which lay 40 feet ahead. Huge oaken double doors stood at the entrance. They were flung open, one hanging off its hinges. Misha rode right up to the entrance and dismounted, tying his horse and drawing his sword as he once again shouted “Hello?” The rest of us dismounted as well, and I drew my sword, feeling vaguely uneasy. </p><p></p><p>We entered a large hallway. The scale of the building was unbelievably large. At the end of one hallway, we could see what appeared to be a large feast hall, and it was there that a fire burned. We entered the hall, and were shocked at what we found. It was a scene of complete carnage, small fires burning here and there, with many frozen bodies, looking like ice sculptures, and in the middle of the hall . . . a large silver dragon lay, scales smoking, several large holes burned into her hide. We could hear her labored breathing, but she did not move. Gruush asked quietly if the dragon could be Silvara, and I shrugged, not able to take my eyes off the dragon. I felt great sadness as I said “I think she is dying . . . ” Gruush thought we should help her, but neither Misha nor I knew the first thing about healing a dragon, and we said as much. </p><p></p><p>The dragon must have been able to hear us, because to our surprise the dragon shimmered for a moment, then shrank, reforming into a beautiful woman, bleeding from many grievous wounds. We all stared in surprise as Gruush looked shocked, saying "Silena? Is that you?" We both rushed to her, and I used one of my most potent healing spells, which slowed her bleeding, but I was afraid it was not enough. Karanaj asked Gruush how he knew her as I worked, using spell after spell and Gruush replied that he had met her at the party on the previous night. </p><p></p><p>After several minutes she stirred, rising slowly, and Gruush asked her what had happened. "A........wizard . . . " she replied haltingly. She looked at Kara as she spoke, and hissed "and . . . one like . . . him . . . " </p><p></p><p>Gruush looked grim "Mantatlus?"</p><p></p><p>"And Kalanthor . . . " Karanaj said angrily.</p><p>Silvara looked at Gruush in surprise. "Those were the names . . . how do you know them?"</p><p></p><p>Misha muttered to himself "Mantatalus and Kalanthor . . . they beat us to the sword . . . "</p><p></p><p>"They will pay dearly for this." Gruush snarled.</p><p></p><p>Silvara glanced at Misha and said "Sword?” as Karanaj helped her over to a chair.</p><p></p><p>Misha nodded "We are searching for a Sword . . . "</p><p></p><p>Gruush knelt down by her chair "How are you feeling?"</p><p></p><p>Silvara sighed. "I have been better . . . never have I been bested . . . but they were too many . . . and the evil cleric . . . " She put her hand on Gruush. "I am glad to see you again . . . " She paused for a moment before saying "What is this sword of which you speak?” </p><p></p><p>"We were seeking a blade mentioned in a prophecy along with the Jewel of Amn." Misha said. "I know little else."</p><p></p><p>Silvara sat back and nodded slowly "Would that I had known what you sought, I could have saved you the trip." She tapped her finger on her lip, looking thoughtful. "The blade of Ankara . . . " As she thought, Karanaj gave me the rod that he had used earlier, and I thought it might be of some help to Silvara, so I activated it, and once again, healing energy flowed through us all, and food and drink appeared. Silvara picked up a goblet, drinking quickly, seeming somewhat stronger. She took a bite of an apple, and sighed. "Why do you seek the blade and the Jewel?"</p><p></p><p>Misha glanced to Vallia then Aliya . . . "It may sound crazy . . . but we seek to save the world."</p><p></p><p>Silvara smiled. "It does not sound crazy." She gave Gruush a regretful look. "Had you answered differently, I would have had to destroy you."</p><p></p><p>Misha nodded. "I would not have expected any less."</p><p></p><p>"I am glad he answered truthfully and not tried to jest with you." Gruush said sourly.</p><p></p><p>Misha gulped slightly . . . "Me, jest?" Misha chuckled. "Perish the thought."</p><p></p><p>"Yes . . . perish the thought . . . " Karanaj said wryly. </p><p></p><p>Silena smiled, almost wolflike "Exactly . . . "</p><p></p><p>Misha shrugged and paced around the table, "At any rate . . . where is the sword? Do they have it?"</p><p></p><p>Silvara looked far away. "I have guarded the sword for so long, that I do not even remember a time before it." She did not seem to hear Misha. "It was a charge given to me by the elves, long ago, when it was forged. It had been used once, to terrible results, and they vowed that only the ones prophesied would wield the power again."</p><p></p><p>Gruush looked at Silena "I'm glad you are feeling better" and took her hand gently.</p><p></p><p>She paused, folding her other hand over Gruush's. "I appreciate that . . . D'hakara . . . " Aliya started at that, but said nothing. </p><p></p><p>Misha smirked. "Great power . . . "</p><p></p><p>Silvara turned back to Misha. "The sword grants great power, but at a terrible price."</p><p></p><p>"What is the price?" he asked.</p><p></p><p>She looked thoughtful. "It is . . . truth."</p><p></p><p>Gruush looked puzzled "What do you mean, truth?"</p><p></p><p>"I think I can handle the truth." Misha said lightly.</p><p></p><p>She laughed bitterly. "Not truth such as this . . . " She looked at Gruush, and stroked his cheek with her hand. "Truth that sears you to your soul." She coughs up some blood.</p><p></p><p>Misha frowned and said "Where is the Sword of Ankara?" </p><p></p><p>Silvara smiled sadly. "You wish to know no more of the price. It is just as well . . . "</p><p></p><p>Gruush used his sleeve to wipe her mouth "You are not well. You must rest."</p><p></p><p>"The sword is gone." She said to Misha, and then nodded at Gruush. "I will, D'hakara, in a moment.” She looked back to Misha “Your mage and his dragon man did not take it . . . there were others here who took a share of the plunder, and the mage took the wrong sword."</p><p></p><p>Misha grimaced "Then where did it go?"</p><p></p><p>"The Sword of Ankara does not look special . . . it appears no better than an ordinary blade." Silvara said softly as Gruush stroked her hair. "There is an evil thing that lairs near here. I have always meant to destroy her, but I never seemed to get around to it. She has recently taken a mate, and become more bold than ever. When the mage attacked, so did Vallasta." She smiled at Gruush. "It was her mate who carried off the Sword of Ankara, though to him, it will be nothing but a blade."</p><p></p><p>Misha nodded and asked. "How far is it to her lair?"</p><p></p><p>"Where can we find them and recognize them?" Gruush said at the same time.</p><p></p><p>"And just what is Vallasta?" Misha continued.</p><p></p><p>"It is not far. If you traveled from Athkatla, you must have passed very close." Silvara said, then paused. "Vallasta? She is medusae . . . "</p><p></p><p>"What is that?" Gruush asked.</p><p></p><p>"Her mate Chaolosh will warn you off if you get too close." Silvara continued.</p><p></p><p>"We have met." Misha said grimly. "The mate, at least."</p><p></p><p>Silvara suddenly realized Gruush had asked her a questions and looked back at him, running her hand up his arm. "Her gaze will turn you to stone, D'hakara."</p><p></p><p>"Then I will not gaze at her. How do we kill her?" Gruush replied, almost smiling.</p><p></p><p>Misha kicked a chair in frustration. "So damn close."</p><p></p><p>She glanced back to Misha. "Then you passed close to her lair indeed."</p><p></p><p>Misha nodded. "We most likely stopped to rest inside her lair . . . "</p><p></p><p>"I doubt that. If you were inside her lair, her minions would have slaughtered you." Silvara said, then turned back to Gruush. "You kill her as any other, you just may not gaze upon her while you do so. She has grown strong of late . . . some sort of power strengthens her." Silvara coughed again, clearly weak. "I am sorry, I must rest . . . "</p><p></p><p>"Could it be her mate that strengthens her?" Karanaj wondered out loud.</p><p></p><p>"You are welcome to stay for the night . . . I will tell you all I know in the morning." Silvara stood, with Gruush’s help. "You should not attempt to assault her stronghold in the dark." </p><p></p><p>"Sounds mighty simple . . . " Misha smirked.</p><p></p><p>"Simple?" said Silvara, frowning. "I would not say that." She leaned on Gruush, barely able to stand. “At the other end of the hall, there are many rooms. What is mine, is yours. My bedroom lies at the end of that hallway." She coughed up blood again, as Gruush helped her to her room.</p><p></p><p>We decided to take Silvara’s advice, and remain through the night. I am not sure, but I believe that Gruush slept on the floor beside Silvara’s bed throughout the night, ready to help her should she call.</p><p></p><p>We sat up for a bit, talking. I have to admit that I am tired of this quest; at times, it seems never-ending. Misha laughed at me, and said "Did you expect this to be easy?" before hopping off the table and standing behind me to massage my shoulders, "I say we have had it relatively easy considering the circumstances." I leaned back, enjoying his touch for a brief moment, before the motion became more than I could bear, and I ran outside to be sick in the snow. Misha followed, and once I had finished, he said amusedly "Sick? Or something else . . . " I hate it when he’s right, and I told him as much, which made him laugh and say "I would tell you to take it easy but I know that isn't going to happen." He knows me so well, but he knows that I would not put our child in danger, either.</p><p></p><p>Misha laughed again . . . and said, "Yes. Of course. Corellon bless my son." as he stepped beside me and rubbed my stomach.</p><p></p><p>"Who says it will be a son?" I asked, as I smiled and put my hand over his.</p><p></p><p>"A daughter perhaps . . . " he said musingly. "It matters little . . . we are to have a child . . . and I am happy for that."</p><p></p><p>I laughed and said "Good . . . as am I."</p><p></p><p>Misha turned serious again and pulled his hand away, "So who is to wield the sword, Aliya?" I nodded and he asked "Is she up to the task?" I wish I knew. Something is bothering her, but she won’t tell me what it is. I told Misha so, and he asked if I thought it was him. She does not like him, that much is true, but I think this is something deeper, something she won’t admit to herself.</p><p></p><p>"After what the dragon said . . . I fear the truth." I said, thinking out loud.</p><p></p><p>"I don't fear the truth . . . " Misha said boldly, almost arrogantly. "There is nothing to fear in the truth." He does not understand. He thinks that if we have possession of the sword, and we use it when the time is right, all will be well. He never takes time to think. He says he is a man of action, yet sometimes thought is required before action. He says that is why he needs me, to temper his emotions. I almost laughed at that, for who is more emotional than I? </p><p></p><p>My brief amusement passed. I do not like what the prophecies say, nor what I have heard about the sword. Misha was not interested in hearing it. He said something strange, something I do not think he meant to say. "Fate . . . has played its hand . . . the threads are being snipped one by one. If they snip the center...........we will have all the facts . . . sooner hopefully than later." He wasn’t even listening to me, and I felt frustrated as I tried to make him understand, but he does not care what Aliya faces. He has never liked my sister, I know that, and it hurts me, for she is a part of me, so it is as if he hates a part of me. Maybe that’s what drove him to her........</p><p></p><p>Now it is I who is being self-centered and selfish. Aliya’s problems are far bigger than mine.</p><p>It is up to us to make sure she does not falter. I read the prophecies at night until it feels as if my eyes bleed. They make little sense to me. Misha says that if Aliya cannot fulfill her destiny, he will do what must be done. He is so thickheaded, my best-beloved. He refuses to accept that some things must be, that he cannot be everything. Sometimes when we’re arguing, I just want to scream in frustration. She is the sword bearer. It is a specific magic, but he refuses to believe it. He says there is always a choice. I told him what I knew of the sword then. It is truth, complete and unvarnished. Those with the gift that wield the sword . . . I am not even sure I understand it. They must face the truth of themselves before they can use it. And if they cannot face or deny this truth, then the sword will burn their hands, reject them. Just imagine it . . . Wielding the sword means reliving every injustice you have ever visited, no matter how slight. An apple stolen . . . A lie told . . . I asked Misha how he would like to relive Anteashara's death, and feel the wrongness of it in every fiber of your being, every time he drew his sword, to which he replied "If it could save the world, I would do it. What Corellon asks of me . . . I would do without hesitation . . . he only has but to say the word . . . my life I live for others . . . "</p><p></p><p>"It is written that the first wielder went insane . . . " I told him. "It gets worse. The sword will let you do no act that is wrong. If you raise your sword to strike down anyone you do not have to, it will visit the pain of every slash upon you tenfold. The truth of the sword is absolute."</p><p></p><p>Misha nodded and said “I am not afraid of the truth. Aliya . . . will be ready, I am sure. I have faith.”</p><p></p><p>I finally voiced my concern. “There is something she denies, to the core of her being . . . if she does not face it before we find the sword . . . it could destroy them both.”</p><p></p><p>"I am not sure if that is a chance we can take . . . " Misha said, frowning. "As I said before . . . if there is another way I will find it. There is always a choice." He brushed my hair back, “Trust me in that."</p><p></p><p>I was still worried. "I just hope we make the right one."</p><p></p><p>Misha nodded and kissed my forehead. "Between us both, I have no doubt we will."</p><p></p><p>I smiled at him and took his hand, and led him off to bed. I could not sleep and after watching him for a short while, I rose, and sat down to record the events of the day. I have found myself studying Misha lately, and perhaps there is something wrong with me, but I find myself focusing on his worst qualities. He is arrogant, and selfish, and very intolerant. He has no empathy for others, no understanding, and will not listen to reason. He is a know-it-all whose temper will one day get us all killed, and yet, I love him. It is a puzzle for which I have no easy answer, but there must be something there, tying me to him. I wish I knew what it was......</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Talindra, post: 214287, member: 155"] Vallia’s Journal #15 3rd day of The Claw of Winter, 1373 DR The ride through the night was very difficult. We were all exhausted, and sometime in the middle of the night, snow began to fall. Wet and cold, I’m sure we made quite the pitiful picture. The flurries quickly became a blizzard, with a biting, howling wind. I heard Misha yell something about a camp, and immediately began trying to discern a sheltered place through the storm. Karanaj appeared to see something that we did not, and we followed him to a break in the stone wall to our left, which, upon closer inspection, was revealed to be a deep cave. I did not like the thought of entering the cave without knowing what dwelled there, but we had little choice. We dismounted and led the horses inside. I cast a light spell, so Karanaj could see. The others scornfully remarked on the way that I gave away our presence, and I quickly reminded the fools that with shoed horses in a cave, I don’t think a little light is what gave us away. We moved deeper into the cave, about 50 feet, until we reached a large circular cavern. The smell of death assaulted us as we entered, and we noticed the bodies of eight wild-haired gray-skinned humanoids piled to the side, with their axes and swords around them. Some were partially eaten--all had been killed by a powerful, ripping and tearing weapon--though we couldn’t tell from the wounds whether it was a natural or manufactured weapon. Two other dead monsters were piled on the other side. Huge, bulbous bodies, which looked much like large brains even before the bloating of death occurred, were surrounded by 10 long tentacles. Bloody beaks, apparently the weapons used to tear apart their humanoid foes, extended from the fronts of the brain like bodies. The corpses had been hacked with large-bladed weapons and had many arrows stuck into their bizarre hides. None of us knew what the creatures were, but we immediately organized our watches, eager to sleep and be gone from this place. As we led the horses to the rear of the cavern, we noticed a small passage leading off to the right. Gruush and Misha insisted on exploring the passage, over Aliya’s protests. I have to admit I agreed with her, but as usual, Misha chose to ignore us. He and Gruush did not even take the time to see to their horses before moving into the passage, and Aliya was even more livid about that. I have to say I was disappointed in Misha treating his horse so callously, but I did not voice my disapproval. I helped Aliya with the horses, keeping an eye on the passage, and listening for sounds of trouble. Corellon help me, Misha does have a way of getting himself into trouble. I was cleaning my sword when Gruush returned, saying that they had heard something in the passage. Misha emerged soon thereafter, and said they had not caught a glimpse of whatever it is, but that something was moving quietly toward us. I rose, my sword in hand, and moved to stand at the entrance, knowing it would be easier to defend than to fight in the large open room. A tentacled creature slithered into the room from the passage outside, hovering near the ceiling. Aliya reacted quickly, throwing balls of energy into the creature, just as another one appeared in front of me. Gruush and Misha reacted quickly, both stabbing at the creature, and Misha severed several of its tentacles. However, in order to do so, he left himself open, and took several hits from the tentacles. The creature Aliya hit made a bird-like screech as the balls slammed into it. Misha was yelling commands at me, and in my distraction, I missed the creature in front of me as it turned, wrapping two tentacles around Misha, and bringing its beak down on his shoulder. The second wrapped two tentacles around Aliya’s arms, pulling her up, and she did not even struggle as it too took a bite of her shoulder, blood running down her body. Karanaj drew his sword and rushed to her aid, even as Gruush cleaved the creature holding Misha in two. Misha moved to attack the creature holding Aliya, but missed because he was trying not to hit her. Knowing that an error in a slash could kill Aliya, I sheathed my sword and prayed, holding up a hand and casting a searing light at the creature. Its skin began to smoke, and it released Aliya, who fell to the floor unmoving as it tried to float away. Karanaj, clearly angry, released a barrage of magic missiles at the retreating creature, slamming it into the wall, before it fell to the ground, lifeless. I immediately ran for Aliya as Gruush checked to make sure the creature was dead. Karanaj fumbled a rod from his pack, and activated it. I watched in amazement as Aliya’s wound stopped bleeding, and food appeared in front of us all. A figure stepped out of the darkness of the second passage. A powerful male humanoid of a race I could not quite place strode purposefully forward. His well-sculpted physique exuded male confidence, his hairless body uncovered except for what appeared to be a long kilt colored in earthy tones. Gruush challenged him, and he replied "You only serve to anger them," flatly in halting, thickly accented common. "This does no good, not for you, and not for me. Leave this area at once." Once he spoke these words, he began backing down the passage he had come from. Misha told him we would not chance the snow, and he and Gruush tried to follow the man, but abruptly, he sank into the stone floor and vanished. Eager to leave, Misha checked outside, only to report that the blizzard still raged. I had healed Aliya’s wounds as best I could, but she was still unresponsive, and my best guess was that the creature’s tentacles contained some sort of poison. I could only hope that the effects were temporary. We unrolled our bedrolls, and sat down, Karanaj staying at Aliya’s side. Not very hungry, but knowing I needed my strength, I began to eat the food that had appeared when Kara activated the rod. To my surprise, it was quite good, although I did not eat much, as I felt a little nauseous. A short time later, Aliya stirred, and was soon able to stand and took a seat next to Kara, smiling and eating her food as well. I was relieved to see that I had been correct . . . I don’t know what I would have done if something happened to Aliya. At my suggestion, we bedded down for the night, and when we awoke the next morning, the temperature in the cave had dropped substantially. I shivered as I rolled up my bedroll and ate a cold breakfast. Misha checked outside and returned to announce that the storm had passed. We gathered our things, and led the horses out of the cave, pausing at the entrance to mount. A voice floated from a large outcropping to the left of the cave, saying "Ignore my mate, the man who spoke to you before. He is a foolish oaf, afraid of his own shadow. The invaders are fine targets for your swords and arrows. If you are enemies of the grell, however, you travel in the wrong direction. They lie toward the mountains. You'll find none of their kind ahead of you." Misha responded, saying we wanted to be left out of their troubles, and kicked his horse, moving south. We followed him, though I glanced back at the outcropping more than once, curious. We had slept through most of the day, and as we began to ride, the sun sank below the horizon. Suddenly, the ground shook, and a mighty roar echoed through the mountains. A faint glow appeared on the horizon to the south, and Misha turned his horse toward it, urging it to run. My husband is a very foolish man at time . . . as they say, fools rush in. Of course, you have to wonder who is the bigger fool . . . the fool, or the ones who follow him. Gruush muttered something about Misha being the death of us, as we quickly followed him. It took several hours to reach the mountains in the south, as our horses followed the upward trail leading out of the Valley of Ice. As the last vestiges of sunlight passed below the horizon, we all saw for a moment in the glow, a citadel silhouetted against the sky. Of course, Misha decided that the citadel was our new destination. Sometimes I want to just kill that man. It took another hour along the winding trail to reach the citadel, and night had fallen by the time we reached the outer stone wall. There was still a faint glow from inside, almost as if fires were lit, as Misha, ever brash, called out “Hello!” There was no answer. We entered the outer wall slowly, and it gave way to a courtyard, and an inner stone wall which lay 40 feet ahead. Huge oaken double doors stood at the entrance. They were flung open, one hanging off its hinges. Misha rode right up to the entrance and dismounted, tying his horse and drawing his sword as he once again shouted “Hello?” The rest of us dismounted as well, and I drew my sword, feeling vaguely uneasy. We entered a large hallway. The scale of the building was unbelievably large. At the end of one hallway, we could see what appeared to be a large feast hall, and it was there that a fire burned. We entered the hall, and were shocked at what we found. It was a scene of complete carnage, small fires burning here and there, with many frozen bodies, looking like ice sculptures, and in the middle of the hall . . . a large silver dragon lay, scales smoking, several large holes burned into her hide. We could hear her labored breathing, but she did not move. Gruush asked quietly if the dragon could be Silvara, and I shrugged, not able to take my eyes off the dragon. I felt great sadness as I said “I think she is dying . . . ” Gruush thought we should help her, but neither Misha nor I knew the first thing about healing a dragon, and we said as much. The dragon must have been able to hear us, because to our surprise the dragon shimmered for a moment, then shrank, reforming into a beautiful woman, bleeding from many grievous wounds. We all stared in surprise as Gruush looked shocked, saying "Silena? Is that you?" We both rushed to her, and I used one of my most potent healing spells, which slowed her bleeding, but I was afraid it was not enough. Karanaj asked Gruush how he knew her as I worked, using spell after spell and Gruush replied that he had met her at the party on the previous night. After several minutes she stirred, rising slowly, and Gruush asked her what had happened. "A........wizard . . . " she replied haltingly. She looked at Kara as she spoke, and hissed "and . . . one like . . . him . . . " Gruush looked grim "Mantatlus?" "And Kalanthor . . . " Karanaj said angrily. Silvara looked at Gruush in surprise. "Those were the names . . . how do you know them?" Misha muttered to himself "Mantatalus and Kalanthor . . . they beat us to the sword . . . " "They will pay dearly for this." Gruush snarled. Silvara glanced at Misha and said "Sword?” as Karanaj helped her over to a chair. Misha nodded "We are searching for a Sword . . . " Gruush knelt down by her chair "How are you feeling?" Silvara sighed. "I have been better . . . never have I been bested . . . but they were too many . . . and the evil cleric . . . " She put her hand on Gruush. "I am glad to see you again . . . " She paused for a moment before saying "What is this sword of which you speak?” "We were seeking a blade mentioned in a prophecy along with the Jewel of Amn." Misha said. "I know little else." Silvara sat back and nodded slowly "Would that I had known what you sought, I could have saved you the trip." She tapped her finger on her lip, looking thoughtful. "The blade of Ankara . . . " As she thought, Karanaj gave me the rod that he had used earlier, and I thought it might be of some help to Silvara, so I activated it, and once again, healing energy flowed through us all, and food and drink appeared. Silvara picked up a goblet, drinking quickly, seeming somewhat stronger. She took a bite of an apple, and sighed. "Why do you seek the blade and the Jewel?" Misha glanced to Vallia then Aliya . . . "It may sound crazy . . . but we seek to save the world." Silvara smiled. "It does not sound crazy." She gave Gruush a regretful look. "Had you answered differently, I would have had to destroy you." Misha nodded. "I would not have expected any less." "I am glad he answered truthfully and not tried to jest with you." Gruush said sourly. Misha gulped slightly . . . "Me, jest?" Misha chuckled. "Perish the thought." "Yes . . . perish the thought . . . " Karanaj said wryly. Silena smiled, almost wolflike "Exactly . . . " Misha shrugged and paced around the table, "At any rate . . . where is the sword? Do they have it?" Silvara looked far away. "I have guarded the sword for so long, that I do not even remember a time before it." She did not seem to hear Misha. "It was a charge given to me by the elves, long ago, when it was forged. It had been used once, to terrible results, and they vowed that only the ones prophesied would wield the power again." Gruush looked at Silena "I'm glad you are feeling better" and took her hand gently. She paused, folding her other hand over Gruush's. "I appreciate that . . . D'hakara . . . " Aliya started at that, but said nothing. Misha smirked. "Great power . . . " Silvara turned back to Misha. "The sword grants great power, but at a terrible price." "What is the price?" he asked. She looked thoughtful. "It is . . . truth." Gruush looked puzzled "What do you mean, truth?" "I think I can handle the truth." Misha said lightly. She laughed bitterly. "Not truth such as this . . . " She looked at Gruush, and stroked his cheek with her hand. "Truth that sears you to your soul." She coughs up some blood. Misha frowned and said "Where is the Sword of Ankara?" Silvara smiled sadly. "You wish to know no more of the price. It is just as well . . . " Gruush used his sleeve to wipe her mouth "You are not well. You must rest." "The sword is gone." She said to Misha, and then nodded at Gruush. "I will, D'hakara, in a moment.” She looked back to Misha “Your mage and his dragon man did not take it . . . there were others here who took a share of the plunder, and the mage took the wrong sword." Misha grimaced "Then where did it go?" "The Sword of Ankara does not look special . . . it appears no better than an ordinary blade." Silvara said softly as Gruush stroked her hair. "There is an evil thing that lairs near here. I have always meant to destroy her, but I never seemed to get around to it. She has recently taken a mate, and become more bold than ever. When the mage attacked, so did Vallasta." She smiled at Gruush. "It was her mate who carried off the Sword of Ankara, though to him, it will be nothing but a blade." Misha nodded and asked. "How far is it to her lair?" "Where can we find them and recognize them?" Gruush said at the same time. "And just what is Vallasta?" Misha continued. "It is not far. If you traveled from Athkatla, you must have passed very close." Silvara said, then paused. "Vallasta? She is medusae . . . " "What is that?" Gruush asked. "Her mate Chaolosh will warn you off if you get too close." Silvara continued. "We have met." Misha said grimly. "The mate, at least." Silvara suddenly realized Gruush had asked her a questions and looked back at him, running her hand up his arm. "Her gaze will turn you to stone, D'hakara." "Then I will not gaze at her. How do we kill her?" Gruush replied, almost smiling. Misha kicked a chair in frustration. "So damn close." She glanced back to Misha. "Then you passed close to her lair indeed." Misha nodded. "We most likely stopped to rest inside her lair . . . " "I doubt that. If you were inside her lair, her minions would have slaughtered you." Silvara said, then turned back to Gruush. "You kill her as any other, you just may not gaze upon her while you do so. She has grown strong of late . . . some sort of power strengthens her." Silvara coughed again, clearly weak. "I am sorry, I must rest . . . " "Could it be her mate that strengthens her?" Karanaj wondered out loud. "You are welcome to stay for the night . . . I will tell you all I know in the morning." Silvara stood, with Gruush’s help. "You should not attempt to assault her stronghold in the dark." "Sounds mighty simple . . . " Misha smirked. "Simple?" said Silvara, frowning. "I would not say that." She leaned on Gruush, barely able to stand. “At the other end of the hall, there are many rooms. What is mine, is yours. My bedroom lies at the end of that hallway." She coughed up blood again, as Gruush helped her to her room. We decided to take Silvara’s advice, and remain through the night. I am not sure, but I believe that Gruush slept on the floor beside Silvara’s bed throughout the night, ready to help her should she call. We sat up for a bit, talking. I have to admit that I am tired of this quest; at times, it seems never-ending. Misha laughed at me, and said "Did you expect this to be easy?" before hopping off the table and standing behind me to massage my shoulders, "I say we have had it relatively easy considering the circumstances." I leaned back, enjoying his touch for a brief moment, before the motion became more than I could bear, and I ran outside to be sick in the snow. Misha followed, and once I had finished, he said amusedly "Sick? Or something else . . . " I hate it when he’s right, and I told him as much, which made him laugh and say "I would tell you to take it easy but I know that isn't going to happen." He knows me so well, but he knows that I would not put our child in danger, either. Misha laughed again . . . and said, "Yes. Of course. Corellon bless my son." as he stepped beside me and rubbed my stomach. "Who says it will be a son?" I asked, as I smiled and put my hand over his. "A daughter perhaps . . . " he said musingly. "It matters little . . . we are to have a child . . . and I am happy for that." I laughed and said "Good . . . as am I." Misha turned serious again and pulled his hand away, "So who is to wield the sword, Aliya?" I nodded and he asked "Is she up to the task?" I wish I knew. Something is bothering her, but she won’t tell me what it is. I told Misha so, and he asked if I thought it was him. She does not like him, that much is true, but I think this is something deeper, something she won’t admit to herself. "After what the dragon said . . . I fear the truth." I said, thinking out loud. "I don't fear the truth . . . " Misha said boldly, almost arrogantly. "There is nothing to fear in the truth." He does not understand. He thinks that if we have possession of the sword, and we use it when the time is right, all will be well. He never takes time to think. He says he is a man of action, yet sometimes thought is required before action. He says that is why he needs me, to temper his emotions. I almost laughed at that, for who is more emotional than I? My brief amusement passed. I do not like what the prophecies say, nor what I have heard about the sword. Misha was not interested in hearing it. He said something strange, something I do not think he meant to say. "Fate . . . has played its hand . . . the threads are being snipped one by one. If they snip the center...........we will have all the facts . . . sooner hopefully than later." He wasn’t even listening to me, and I felt frustrated as I tried to make him understand, but he does not care what Aliya faces. He has never liked my sister, I know that, and it hurts me, for she is a part of me, so it is as if he hates a part of me. Maybe that’s what drove him to her........ Now it is I who is being self-centered and selfish. Aliya’s problems are far bigger than mine. It is up to us to make sure she does not falter. I read the prophecies at night until it feels as if my eyes bleed. They make little sense to me. Misha says that if Aliya cannot fulfill her destiny, he will do what must be done. He is so thickheaded, my best-beloved. He refuses to accept that some things must be, that he cannot be everything. Sometimes when we’re arguing, I just want to scream in frustration. She is the sword bearer. It is a specific magic, but he refuses to believe it. He says there is always a choice. I told him what I knew of the sword then. It is truth, complete and unvarnished. Those with the gift that wield the sword . . . I am not even sure I understand it. They must face the truth of themselves before they can use it. And if they cannot face or deny this truth, then the sword will burn their hands, reject them. Just imagine it . . . Wielding the sword means reliving every injustice you have ever visited, no matter how slight. An apple stolen . . . A lie told . . . I asked Misha how he would like to relive Anteashara's death, and feel the wrongness of it in every fiber of your being, every time he drew his sword, to which he replied "If it could save the world, I would do it. What Corellon asks of me . . . I would do without hesitation . . . he only has but to say the word . . . my life I live for others . . . " "It is written that the first wielder went insane . . . " I told him. "It gets worse. The sword will let you do no act that is wrong. If you raise your sword to strike down anyone you do not have to, it will visit the pain of every slash upon you tenfold. The truth of the sword is absolute." Misha nodded and said “I am not afraid of the truth. Aliya . . . will be ready, I am sure. I have faith.” I finally voiced my concern. “There is something she denies, to the core of her being . . . if she does not face it before we find the sword . . . it could destroy them both.” "I am not sure if that is a chance we can take . . . " Misha said, frowning. "As I said before . . . if there is another way I will find it. There is always a choice." He brushed my hair back, “Trust me in that." I was still worried. "I just hope we make the right one." Misha nodded and kissed my forehead. "Between us both, I have no doubt we will." I smiled at him and took his hand, and led him off to bed. I could not sleep and after watching him for a short while, I rose, and sat down to record the events of the day. I have found myself studying Misha lately, and perhaps there is something wrong with me, but I find myself focusing on his worst qualities. He is arrogant, and selfish, and very intolerant. He has no empathy for others, no understanding, and will not listen to reason. He is a know-it-all whose temper will one day get us all killed, and yet, I love him. It is a puzzle for which I have no easy answer, but there must be something there, tying me to him. I wish I knew what it was...... [/QUOTE]
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Journals of the Five: A Forgotten Realms Tale
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