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Sins of Our Fathers - 2/10 - Final Update
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<blockquote data-quote="Destan" data-source="post: 935139" data-attributes="member: 12157"><p><strong>Whisperings of Faith</strong></p><p></p><p>Kellus could easily discern the protective abjuration aura pulsing along the length of the metallic bars, though he did not remember casting any detection spells. <em>Odd</em>. He leaned forward, through the mist, to improve his view. A strange script spiraled along each of the bars. Ancient runes. <em>Abyssal and…dwarvish?</em> He would need Baden’s assistance deciphering the etchings. </p><p></p><p>Kellus turned his head away to look for his dwarven companion, but it was useless. He was alone within the vaporous fog. The former priest knelt. The bars blocked a narrow archway – no more than two feet high – set within the corridor’s wall. Kellus gingerly reached out and wrapped a hand around one of the bars.</p><p></p><p>Black fingers, ending in manicured talons, enfolded his own hand like a father might a child’s. A sinewy, twilight-hued forearm extended from the hand into the darkness beyond the barred opening. The touch brought Abyssal words; they flared within his consciousness. <strong><em>Vindithi, Maugrymi, Vadood.</em></strong> <em>Deceit. Trickery. Betrayal.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus tore his hand away from the grip and scrambled backward on hands and feet. His chest was heaving. Here was evil incarnate, beautiful and wondrous in its purity. Trapped behind those bars.</p><p></p><p><em>No</em>, Kellus realized with dawning horror, <em>not trapped</em>. He twisted his neck, face glistening with fear. A figure approached through the mist behind him-</p><p></p><p>“-dreaming.” A familiar voice fell from unseen heights and caressed his ears like salvation. “Wake up, man.”</p><p></p><p>Kellus bolted upright. The mist was gone. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, forced his heart to slow its rapid beat. Raylin hunched over him, unshaven face dark within the shadows. </p><p></p><p>The cold stole upon him even as sleep fled. Kellus glanced past the ranger toward the wyvern’s ledge. The serpent’s body was covered with a handspan of freshly-fallen snow. His companions were awake, buckling armor, adjusting their packs. Amelyssan closed his spellbook and smiled softly in his direction. “We tried to let you sleep a bit, but it appears you would have none of it.”</p><p></p><p>Kellus nodded. He stood, stamped his feet. Raylin handed him his backpack. Kellus bent to retrieve mace and shield. The former priest inventoried his possessions. Four torches, enough food for two days – perhaps three if he skipped a meal or two. Regardless, they would need to descend the mountain soon. He idly wondered if their mounts remained within the gully they had tethered them.</p><p></p><p>“I must meditate,” he spoke, voice hoarse. “Then we may proceed.”</p><p></p><p>Kellus’ mind slowed as he breathed evenly and began his daily ritual. He prayed for his inner divinity to grant him the power to heal, to bless, to offer succor to those in need. Eventually, the practiced routine served to calm his roiling emotions.</p><p></p><p>But not completely. The party had a single corridor left to explore, ending at one door they had not yet opened. Along that hallway’s length was the same barred opening he had seen in his nightmare. Yesterday he had thought it was nothing more than a drainage culvert. Now he knew it for a prison.</p><p></p><p>And the inmate awaited their approach.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The voice was inside his head even before they turned the final corner. <em>Welcome, friend</em>. Kellus halted. </p><p></p><p>John whistled softly, and Vath returned to the party from his forward scouting position. The bard looked at Kellus quizzically. “What is it?”</p><p></p><p><em>I was afraid you would not return. I am not accustomed to fear. An odd emotion – worthless as regret.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus gritted his teeth. John stepped forward and gripped his shoulder. “Speak, man. You have gone ashen. What is it?”</p><p></p><p>Kellus ignored the Pellman. He replied to the voice. <em>I am not your friend.</em></p><p></p><p><em>You, and all like you, are indeed my friends.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus unsuccessfully tried to push the presence from his mind before answering. <em>You are a stain upon this world. You do not belong.</em></p><p></p><p>A chuckle tittered within his head. It sounded like the laugh of a very young girl. <em>You, traitorous priest, are far worse than me. You know gods exist, and you spurn them. You have broken faith, godless one. I have never done so.</em></p><p></p><p><em>You know nothing of faith, outworlder. You are as fickle as the spring rains, inconstant as infidelity.</em></p><p></p><p>The same chuckle. <em>Tell me – did you learn that in Helm's catechism? I have heard its like before, from those far more potent than yourself.</em></p><p></p><p>John’s gloved hand gripped Kellus’ chin. “He is in a trance, I think. Is there some foul magic afoot?” His eyes were upon the former priest, but he directed his words toward Amelyssan.</p><p></p><p>The elf cocked his head to one side like a bird listening for the approach of predators. Kellus gently but firmly pushed John’s hand away. “I am fine. One speaks to me within my head.”</p><p></p><p>John blinked. “Who?”</p><p></p><p><em>Counselor Baphtemet, I was once called. I am so very pleased to make your acquaintance.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus shook his head. “A liar.”</p><p></p><p>The bard glanced at his companions before fastening his gaze once more on Kellus. “Tell us, friend, is it Borbidon?”</p><p></p><p>The chuckle erupted into a booming guffaw. Kellus dropped his mace and held both hands to his temples. Finally, the mocking laughter subsided. <em>That misbegotten, grasping knave? Never. Now that is an</em> insult <em>that deserves answering.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus retrieved his mace, embarrassed. He eyed his companions. “There is a planar being imprisoned behind the iron bars in the next corridor.”</p><p></p><p>Baden’s brow knotted in confusion. “A planar being?”</p><p></p><p>“A devil,” Amelyssan offered.</p><p></p><p>“No,” Kellus said. “A demon. A liar.”</p><p></p><p>“You did say imprisoned, yes?” John’s face was etched with doubt. At Kellus’ nod, he cracked a smile. “That is, shall we say, good to hear.”</p><p></p><p>“We cannot go any further. We must leave this place.”</p><p></p><p><em>Leave? So soon? Never would I allow such. Come, friend, come to talk. It has been long since I last engaged in repartee.</em></p><p></p><p>Baden adjusted the grip on his axe. “Brother Kellus, there is but one final door. Doubtless it is the crypt itself. You have seen what these dwem did to the elves. Borbidon has much to answer for.”</p><p></p><p>Amelyssan’s own face was stern. “Indeed he does.”</p><p></p><p>“No,” Kellus stated. He was resolute. “The fiend is beyond our ken.”</p><p></p><p><em>Certainly, certainly. But do come forward. I beseech you.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus pushed his way around John and made toward the exit.</p><p></p><p><em>DO NOT DARE, GODLESS ONE! COME FORTH! Come...or I shall work upon the minstrel. He will not find me so pleasant.</em> Again, the tittering child’s laugh. Then, a piteous whine: <em>Please, just for a moment. But a single moment.</em></p><p></p><p>Kellus halted his departure and turned. He saw John’s face, confused, listening to sounds only he could hear. The bard murmured, “Such wonderful music…”</p><p></p><p>Kellus strode back to the Pellman and grabbed him with both hands. “Push him from your mind. He is a liar, a trickster.”</p><p></p><p>John nodded, swallowing. “That may be.” The bard’s fingers tapped lightly against the hilt of his rapier, accompanying a soundless rhythm.</p><p></p><p>Kellus knew he was out-matched. His own will allowed him to ignore or deny the demon-</p><p></p><p><em>Are you certain?</em></p><p></p><p>-but his friends were open to its taunts, its promises. He knew what he must do. All thought to stealth was gone. The former priest’s voice was loud, commanding. “We shall go to the final door, but none shall pause near the barred opening.”</p><p></p><p>Kellus hefted his spiked mace, face grim. “If any of you hesitate, I will not.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Destan, post: 935139, member: 12157"] [b]Whisperings of Faith[/b] Kellus could easily discern the protective abjuration aura pulsing along the length of the metallic bars, though he did not remember casting any detection spells. [i]Odd[/i]. He leaned forward, through the mist, to improve his view. A strange script spiraled along each of the bars. Ancient runes. [i]Abyssal and…dwarvish?[/i] He would need Baden’s assistance deciphering the etchings. Kellus turned his head away to look for his dwarven companion, but it was useless. He was alone within the vaporous fog. The former priest knelt. The bars blocked a narrow archway – no more than two feet high – set within the corridor’s wall. Kellus gingerly reached out and wrapped a hand around one of the bars. Black fingers, ending in manicured talons, enfolded his own hand like a father might a child’s. A sinewy, twilight-hued forearm extended from the hand into the darkness beyond the barred opening. The touch brought Abyssal words; they flared within his consciousness. [b][i]Vindithi, Maugrymi, Vadood.[/i][/b] [i]Deceit. Trickery. Betrayal.[/i] Kellus tore his hand away from the grip and scrambled backward on hands and feet. His chest was heaving. Here was evil incarnate, beautiful and wondrous in its purity. Trapped behind those bars. [i]No[/i], Kellus realized with dawning horror, [i]not trapped[/i]. He twisted his neck, face glistening with fear. A figure approached through the mist behind him- “-dreaming.” A familiar voice fell from unseen heights and caressed his ears like salvation. “Wake up, man.” Kellus bolted upright. The mist was gone. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, forced his heart to slow its rapid beat. Raylin hunched over him, unshaven face dark within the shadows. The cold stole upon him even as sleep fled. Kellus glanced past the ranger toward the wyvern’s ledge. The serpent’s body was covered with a handspan of freshly-fallen snow. His companions were awake, buckling armor, adjusting their packs. Amelyssan closed his spellbook and smiled softly in his direction. “We tried to let you sleep a bit, but it appears you would have none of it.” Kellus nodded. He stood, stamped his feet. Raylin handed him his backpack. Kellus bent to retrieve mace and shield. The former priest inventoried his possessions. Four torches, enough food for two days – perhaps three if he skipped a meal or two. Regardless, they would need to descend the mountain soon. He idly wondered if their mounts remained within the gully they had tethered them. “I must meditate,” he spoke, voice hoarse. “Then we may proceed.” Kellus’ mind slowed as he breathed evenly and began his daily ritual. He prayed for his inner divinity to grant him the power to heal, to bless, to offer succor to those in need. Eventually, the practiced routine served to calm his roiling emotions. But not completely. The party had a single corridor left to explore, ending at one door they had not yet opened. Along that hallway’s length was the same barred opening he had seen in his nightmare. Yesterday he had thought it was nothing more than a drainage culvert. Now he knew it for a prison. And the inmate awaited their approach. *** The voice was inside his head even before they turned the final corner. [i]Welcome, friend[/i]. Kellus halted. John whistled softly, and Vath returned to the party from his forward scouting position. The bard looked at Kellus quizzically. “What is it?” [i]I was afraid you would not return. I am not accustomed to fear. An odd emotion – worthless as regret.[/i] Kellus gritted his teeth. John stepped forward and gripped his shoulder. “Speak, man. You have gone ashen. What is it?” Kellus ignored the Pellman. He replied to the voice. [i]I am not your friend.[/i] [i]You, and all like you, are indeed my friends.[/i] Kellus unsuccessfully tried to push the presence from his mind before answering. [i]You are a stain upon this world. You do not belong.[/i] A chuckle tittered within his head. It sounded like the laugh of a very young girl. [i]You, traitorous priest, are far worse than me. You know gods exist, and you spurn them. You have broken faith, godless one. I have never done so.[/i] [i]You know nothing of faith, outworlder. You are as fickle as the spring rains, inconstant as infidelity.[/i] The same chuckle. [i]Tell me – did you learn that in Helm's catechism? I have heard its like before, from those far more potent than yourself.[/i] John’s gloved hand gripped Kellus’ chin. “He is in a trance, I think. Is there some foul magic afoot?” His eyes were upon the former priest, but he directed his words toward Amelyssan. The elf cocked his head to one side like a bird listening for the approach of predators. Kellus gently but firmly pushed John’s hand away. “I am fine. One speaks to me within my head.” John blinked. “Who?” [i]Counselor Baphtemet, I was once called. I am so very pleased to make your acquaintance.[/i] Kellus shook his head. “A liar.” The bard glanced at his companions before fastening his gaze once more on Kellus. “Tell us, friend, is it Borbidon?” The chuckle erupted into a booming guffaw. Kellus dropped his mace and held both hands to his temples. Finally, the mocking laughter subsided. [i]That misbegotten, grasping knave? Never. Now that is an[/i] insult [i]that deserves answering.[/i] Kellus retrieved his mace, embarrassed. He eyed his companions. “There is a planar being imprisoned behind the iron bars in the next corridor.” Baden’s brow knotted in confusion. “A planar being?” “A devil,” Amelyssan offered. “No,” Kellus said. “A demon. A liar.” “You did say imprisoned, yes?” John’s face was etched with doubt. At Kellus’ nod, he cracked a smile. “That is, shall we say, good to hear.” “We cannot go any further. We must leave this place.” [i]Leave? So soon? Never would I allow such. Come, friend, come to talk. It has been long since I last engaged in repartee.[/i] Baden adjusted the grip on his axe. “Brother Kellus, there is but one final door. Doubtless it is the crypt itself. You have seen what these dwem did to the elves. Borbidon has much to answer for.” Amelyssan’s own face was stern. “Indeed he does.” “No,” Kellus stated. He was resolute. “The fiend is beyond our ken.” [i]Certainly, certainly. But do come forward. I beseech you.[/i] Kellus pushed his way around John and made toward the exit. [i]DO NOT DARE, GODLESS ONE! COME FORTH! Come...or I shall work upon the minstrel. He will not find me so pleasant.[/i] Again, the tittering child’s laugh. Then, a piteous whine: [i]Please, just for a moment. But a single moment.[/i] Kellus halted his departure and turned. He saw John’s face, confused, listening to sounds only he could hear. The bard murmured, “Such wonderful music…” Kellus strode back to the Pellman and grabbed him with both hands. “Push him from your mind. He is a liar, a trickster.” John nodded, swallowing. “That may be.” The bard’s fingers tapped lightly against the hilt of his rapier, accompanying a soundless rhythm. Kellus knew he was out-matched. His own will allowed him to ignore or deny the demon- [i]Are you certain?[/i] -but his friends were open to its taunts, its promises. He knew what he must do. All thought to stealth was gone. The former priest’s voice was loud, commanding. “We shall go to the final door, but none shall pause near the barred opening.” Kellus hefted his spiked mace, face grim. “If any of you hesitate, I will not.” [/QUOTE]
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