Chellabaniel stirred. For the first time in nearly a decade, he sensed a presence at the front of his lair. The celestial silver dragon knew that there was almost no way that an evil creature would dare to disturb him, especially considering that the resided on one of the higher levels of Mount Celestia. The possibilities intrigued him.
A small globe of light approached the massive reptile. Instantly recognizing the diminutive creature, Chellabaniel smiled, his dagger-like teeth bared. “Jules, its been almost a century since I last saw you. What brings you to my abode?”
The small globe of light glowed brighter as it spoke. “Master Chellabaniel, I greet you, and I am quite flattered that you remember me. I have brought my current master with me to speak with you. He has a humble request to ask of you.”
The dragon nodded. “Any friend of yours deserves an audience with me. Bring him forward.” Wordlessly, the dragon’s form began to shrink and shift, soon transforming into that of a tall elf with silvery blonde hair. The elf strode over to a silver chair, and gracefully sat down, staring intently at the entrance to his home.
Two humans and a dwarf entered the cave. One human wore simple robes, and was surrounded in a nimbus of glowing light. Chellabaniel noted that the other human bore the taint of evil, but seemed to defer to the peasant. The dragon stared for a second and noted that the second must have been charmed to the peasant. The dwarf was somewhat of an oddity, wearing the symbol of Mystra, the goddess of magic on Faerun. Dwarves were not known to be allies of magic. This was certain to be interesting.
The peasant stepped forward. “Mighty Chellabaniel, my companion Jules has told me much about you and your great power. I have a great request to ask of you. This man is named Tobias. His father, a once-mighty wizard, obtained a powerful evil artifact known as the Black Egg, and it appears that the magic of the Egg has passed its madness on to the wizard’s scion.”
Chellabaniel drew in a sharp breath and his eyes grew wide. Interrupting the human, the dragon spat, “The Black Egg!! Where is it? The Conclave of Good Dragons has long been concerned about the existence of that cursed construct! Tell me it has not made its way back to the land of men, please.”
Caine shook his head slowly. “Sadly, milord, I cannot tell you that. The Black Egg, encased in its massive iron prison, impacted the Vilhon Reach near the city of Cauldron. Many were killed in the resulting devastation. Many more were bloodied and made homeless. It appears that the Cult of the Dragon is culpable for the atrocity. My companions and I investigated the seemingly extraterrestrial event. We encountered and defeated the Cultists that were trying to usurp the power of the Egg, and then we destroyed the artifact. It is no more, and its prison is now nothing more than a pile of rubble resting in a crater three hundred feet deep.”
The dragon relaxed somewhat and nodded. “Fantastic. You and your companions are to be commended. You have approached me with a request. Considering the resolve of you and your companions, and your strength against the power of the Egg, I will gladly grant your wish.”
The Apostle of Peace smiled. “Milord, you are most gracious. As I have said, Tobias has been corrupted by the power of the Egg, and should not be released upon the world unfettered. I cannot see that he be simply executed either. Life, even for one so wretched and pathetic as he, is too precious to be quickly dismissed. I request that the Conclave keep Tobias, alive and unharmed, until such time that he can be converted from his evil ways.”
Chellabaniel considered. “Your request is unusual. You are a strange creature, indeed, but I will grant your request. Tobias shall be held, nay imprisoned, but he shall be alive and unharmed. It is unlikely that the malady of darkness will leave him, but one can always hope...”
Caine bowed. “That is all I can ask. Rusty, its time to go home.” With a grunt, the dwarf began casting a spell to transport he, Caine, and Jules back to the Prime.