Session 18 (Part Four)
One Miracle Too Many?
Rosë and Rowan dashed the stinging sweat from their eyes with shaking hands. Two shadowy shapes descended down the front of the immense dwarven statue through the swirling mist. The two companions stood, slack-jawed, as a ghostly winged figure, shimmering with holy light, led a pale reflection of Sextus down from on high.
The apparitions halted a spear’s length above the bard’s bloody body and the winged being addressed Lew in melodic language that flowed across their ears like the sweetest music. Lew, eyes shining violet, responded in the same tongue; his voice was calm and authoritative. Rowan squinted, straining to get a good look at the celestial creature. His eyes widened as he realized in had a vaguely dwarven shape to it!
Uncounted beams of violet light shot through chamber for half a grain. Rowan and Rosë flung their arms up to shield their faces from the unbearable brilliance. Their eyes snapped back open when they heard a long groan and a ragged breath being drawn. The beams of light were gone and the swirling mist was rapidly dissipating. They saw no sign of the winged being, but Sextus’s body stirred and the bard attempted to sit up.
With cries of joy, Rowan and Rosë dropped to a knee beside their friend. They barely noted Lew and the dwarven warrior conversing. The disjointed voice issuing from Lew recaptured their attention.
“You have agreed to the price for the life of your friend. That price is the mortal shell of the human you call Lew. This vessel is best suited for me to continue my mission, which is of utmost import. I have instructed Cragen, my apprentice, to travel with you, for you cannot walk on the path I must take. I fear I do not have time to tarry and explain more…I have slept in madness far too long! If the Lightbringer wills it, we shall meet again.”
As he finished speaking, Lew made a pass with his hands and began walking…straight up into the air. Sextus, Rowan and Rosë stared, dumbfounded.
Quintus, red-faced and panting, burst into the room from the tapestry chamber. Confused and slightly disoriented, the sorcerer took in the battered dwarven warrior, the ascending Lew and the stunned faces of his brother and friends in a grain. “What in the hell is going on here? What is happening to Lew?”
The words came in a rush. The dwarf cocked his head slightly and looked at Quintus, clearly perplexed. The elder Scipio’s frustration and fear burst like a paper dam. He unslung his crossbow and slotted his last Lathan-ensorcelled bolt. “You, dwarf, bring my friend back now or you die!”
The dwarven warrior’s eyes narrowed dangerously and his hand strayed towards his war hammer…
To Be Continued…
Next: Questions, Answers and Yet More Questions
~ Old One
PS - Sorry this one is a little skimpy...more will follow soon!
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