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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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<blockquote data-quote="EternalNewbie" data-source="post: 5181580" data-attributes="member: 6489"><p>“SEND ME BACK!” the elemental roared, once more bringing its fists crashing down upon the road. </p><p></p><p>Khalid doubled over in his saddle as a wave of rage washed over him. “Ah, we can't!” Khalid gagged, struggling to form coherent thoughts through the static of anger that was not his own. Azarek wheeled his mount around, interposing himself between the creature and Khalid. </p><p></p><p>“Khalid!” Gorak growled. “What's it saying?”</p><p></p><p>Answers fell into place. Only he could understand the creature, but he had never studied the terran tongue to communicate with earth spirits. He brought his will to bear, clearing his mind of any thoughts but his own. <em>We can not do that. None of us have that ability and attacking us will not change that.</em> Forming the image of a Dwerro in his mind, he forced it upon the elemental. <em>They are responsible. Only they can return you.</em> He wasn't entirely certain about the last part, but confronted with several tonnes of highly agitated and impressively mobile rock, he was prepared to stretch the truth a little.</p><p></p><p>“WHERE?” the being demanded.</p><p></p><p>“Somebody do something!” Azarek hissed, fingering the hilt of his sword and clearly not relishing the idea of attacking a block of angry stone.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, do nothing until I tell you.” Khalid admonished. <em>To the west, several days.</em> The thought had barely formed in Khalid's mind when the elemental vanished into the earth. Khalid glanced around nervously, half expecting the angry spirit to emerge from the ground beneath him.</p><p></p><p>“What the hell did you do?” Gorak growled. “You jus sat there staring at 'em while it was grinding and grumbling, and then it went away. An I might buy a harem girl trembling in fear at the sight of yer pretty face, but that big heap of rocks din't look like the type to jus toddle off because of one skinny wizard.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid, having grown more practised in the use of his newly discovered talent, explained. “Ah, my time with Ruwayd gave me some rather specific insights into his rather unusual method of communication. Yes, quite. It seems that not only have I become able to broadcast my own thoughts, I am becoming adept at deciphering the thoughts of others, at least to the extent of discerning the meaning of their words.”*</p><p></p><p>Gorak exhaled slowly. “Next time,” he growled at Khalid, “maybe a little more warning is in order.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, well, as I suspected, they have no cause to be angry with us,” Khalid replied with a bravado that was belied by the tremor in his voice.</p><p></p><p>“So what do we do about that one?” He pointed at the other elemental, still standing motionless beside the road.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, well, I hate to see any creature enslaved by the Dwerro. I propose we free it as well. Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>“What if it's crazier then the first one?” Shayla asked.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, I should think we can manage one of these creatures, if it is indeed hostile beyond reason.” He glanced at Gorak, who nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Easy for you to say,” Shayla muttered. “You both can fly.”</p><p></p><p>“Don't worry darlin',” Azarek rasped, “I'll pertect ya.”</p><p></p><p>“I feel safer already,” Shayla replied dryly, rolling her eyes. “Well, whatever then. If you're gonna do it, get on with it.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, quite,” Khalid said, launching into the ritual that would suppress the magic of the collar. Like the first, as soon as the spell took effect, the elemental reached up and seized the band, tearing it free and casting the twisted scrap of metal away. It turned slowly and seemed to study them each in turn with its glittering, coal-black eyes.</p><p></p><p>“Thank you for freeing me from that enslavement,” the elemental rumbled. “Can you return me my native realm?”</p><p></p><p><em>No. We have no knowledge of the magic that brought you here. It was merely within my power to disrupt the shackles that held you.</em></p><p></p><p>The elemental emitted a low grinding noise that Khalid took for the equivalent of a sigh. “Where is the other that was bound here?”</p><p></p><p>“So what's this one want?” Gorak grunted, looking from the elemental to Khalid, who waved him silent.</p><p></p><p><em>Unfortunately, we set him free first. He was not quite so self possessed as you. He left, heading west, seeking out the architects of your imprisonment.</em></p><p></p><p>“The length of time we have been imprisoned here weighs heavily on us both.” The creature curled its hand into a huge fist and Khalid could see a stream of grit and stone drifting down to the ground. “The earth of this place is too weak. Maintaining our physical presence requires constant effort. In time, our strength will fail and we will crumble into dust.”</p><p></p><p><em>I wish there was more that we could do aid you.</em> The sympathy that accompanied the thought was genuine.</p><p></p><p>“You have done enough. We will find our own way back.” The elemental began to sink into the ground as it flowed toward them. “I must find the other now.”</p><p></p><p>“Where'd it go?” Azarek rasped, looking around at the ground.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, it's leaving. It's going to follow the other. If they don't find a way back soon, they will, undoubtedly die. Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>“How depressing,” Shayla muttered. “At least they'll get a chance to get their revenge on a few Dwerro, if nothing else.”</p><p></p><p>“Yah,” Gorak grunted. “If they both don't go nuts and carve a swath through the Hub first.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid frowned, staring back toward the west. He hadn't really thought of that. With a sigh, he turned his mount around and rejoined the others on the road. They put a few more miles behind them before breaking for the evening. The next few days brought no new surprises and except for the occasional break to eat, they rode on uninterrupted. </p><p></p><p>It was well past noon on the third day when Gorak returned from scouting. Changing form in front of them, he dropped the last few feet to the ground and landed on his feet. Shayla took one look at him and remarked, “So do you actually picture yourself scowling like that while you're shifting, or is that just your natural expression?”</p><p></p><p>“Funny.” Gorak grunted. “You won't be laughing in a few days when you're soaking wet. Our friend Jakob wasn't kidding. From up there, I know what he was talking about. That rain cloud stretches for miles, farther than I can see.”</p><p></p><p>Mid morning on the following day brought a bruise coloured smudge to the horizon, eerily reminiscent of the black cloud that precipitated their adventure, what felt like a lifetime before. Its presence cast a pall over their already strained mood. Conversation, which had been sparse, almost completely ceased and Khalid, Shayla and Azarek rode in silence while they awaited Gorak's return. Unsurprisingly, he alone among them seemed unfazed by the perpetual storm clouds that darkened the sky ahead.</p><p></p><p>Shayla in particular seemed troubled by what lay ahead. Khalid had been surreptitiously watching her since the events in the forest. In the days immediately after, she had worn the magical earring almost constantly, using it to mimic a form similar to her old appearance. Recently she'd practically abandoned it, choosing instead to appear in her new form. The tight fitting black leathers she'd acquired in the Hub served to make her pale skin stand out all the more, and she rarely bothered to even pull back her long, straight, black hair. Occasionally, Khalid caught glimpses of the old Shayla in her banter with Gorak, but she almost never smiled. It was clear that while Gorak's magic had removed all traces of physical wounds, there were others of a deeper sort that still plagued her.</p><p></p><p>Offering her his hand, Khalid helped her into the magical dimension he created that night, and then pulled in the rope, sealing the entrance. Breathing a sigh of relief, as he often did when he was once again protected by the security of his magic, Khalid began to unpack his bedroll. Drawing out a hard baked biscuit from the supplies they'd acquired in town, he sat down with his spellbook, absently nibbling on the bread. He barely had time to review his recent notes when Shayla spoke.</p><p></p><p>“So I think it's time we discussed exactly what we're doing here.”</p><p></p><p>“I thought we was gonna go check out this rain cloud,” Gorak rumbled, looking up from his pack.</p><p></p><p>“What exactly is that going to accomplish?” she asked. </p><p></p><p>“Ah, well, the people of the Hub...” Khalid began.</p><p></p><p>“Can save themselves,” Shayla interrupted. “We're not going to win this war alone, and nobody else seems to give a damn enough to try. You heard Jakob. This road is littered with traps. Eventually we're going to run into one we can't handle.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid frowned. “Ah, well, when you put it that way. The Dwerro are undoubtedly watching the road.”</p><p></p><p>“I still think we should check out this swamp,” Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>“Of course you do,” Shayla replied, somewhat causticly. “It's the most miserable, unpleasant, dangerous place nearby. But we could spend months wandering around in there without finding any clue as to what's causing it. And while that might be your idea of a good time, it sure isn't mine.”</p><p></p><p>“So we just run away?” Gorak growled.</p><p></p><p>“Run away?” Shayla retorted. “From an unwinnable war against an implacable foe? If that's what you want to call it, then sure. But in case you forgot, we made a deal with Arbaq. And while we never promised him we'd succeed, if we're just going to give up on that, he at least deserves to hear it from us.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, she has a point, Gorak,” Khalid said. “It pains me to see what the Dwerro have done, but to throw ourselves heedlessly against their might, well, perhaps our current course of action merits a sober second thought. Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>“Even after what we went through at Caer Morag?”</p><p></p><p>“At least there, we had a reason for what we were doing,” Shayla replied. “This is just aimless wandering. And you can bet that the Dwerro have a measure of our skill now.” She looked rather pointedly at Khalid. “Zarum owed you a favour for saving his life, but the rest of them won't be that friendly. Given what he told us, you have to believe that they're searching for you.”</p><p></p><p>Khalid's frown deepened as he considered her words. “Ah, yes, well, I do now,” he muttered.</p><p></p><p>“Fine,” Gorak grunted. “Let's sleep on it. If you both feel the same way in the morning, I won't argue.” </p><p></p><p>The exchange soured Khalid's mood to the point where even the prospect of a few hours study wasn't enough to hold his concentration. Abandoning his work, he pulled his bedroll up around his shoulders, and drifted into a fitful, uneasy sleep. Beset by nightmares of grasping Dwerro pulling his spellbook from his cold dead hands, he awoke more tired then he had been the night before, but with his mind made up.</p><p></p><p>Gorak took one look at his expression and then glanced at Shayla. Without even asking, he knew what their answer would be. “So now where?” he growled.</p><p></p><p>“Home,” was all Shayla replied.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, quite,” Khalid agreed.</p><p></p><p>“Just to let Arbaq know we failed?” Gorak growled. “That's a helluva long way just to say we're sorry.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, perhaps would should return to Martok on the way back. I suspect, yes, suspect that Vestalt had more on his mind then just ruining our day when he kidnapped the Dwerro we, ah, well, kidnapped.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, if he does, hopefully it will take him time to get organized on this side of the mountain. Either way, we still got that curse to think our way through. But it's something at least,” Gorak relented grudgingly. “North then?”</p><p></p><p>“It would seem the logical choice. Yes, quite.” Pulling out their map, he spread it out on the hazy floor of the pocket dimension. “Ah, I see no reason to return to the Hub. It is possible, albeit unlikely, that advance elements of the Dwerro army have already reached the city. I would suggest that we leave the road immediately. Save for these few scattered hamlets along the coast to the northeast, and some villages along the rivers and lakes, the northern plains seem relatively uninhabited. We should be able to avoid any unwanted attention with ease. Yes, quite.”</p><p></p><p>The decision made, they abandoned their shelter and climbed onto Khalid's summoned mounts. Turning off the road, they skirted the edge of the foothills to the north that Jakob had warned them about. While not as easy as the road, the grasslands were smooth and relatively flat, and their steady pace ate up the miles.</p><p></p><p>A few days after they'd left the road, Khalid awoke from a sound slumber, in the middle of the night. Glancing around the tiny extra-dimensional space, he tried to find the source of his disturbance. With some concern, he realized that the opening to the portal had been unsealed, and the rope had been lowered. Gorak and Azarek were in their bedrolls, asleep, but Shayla's blankets were piled in a rumpled ball. Moving quietly, so as not to wake the others, Khalid gathered up his robes, and climbed out of the shelter to investigate. Shivering in the cool night air, he pulled his robes over his head while his eyes adjusted to the dim light of a full moon. Overhead, a canopy of stars glittered around the enormous orb of the moon. Shayla was standing a few dozen feet from the entrance, with her back to him and seemed unaware of his presence. Hands balled into fists at her sides, she muttered a few words under her breath, then stood motionless. Khalid, unsure of what was going on, approached her cautiously. A few seconds later, her shoulders slumped and her head tilted down, her long black hair falling in front of her face.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, Shayla?” he asked. Jerking around at the sound of his voice, she quickly rubbed her sleeve across her eyes. “Ah, sorry, yes, quite. I did not mean to startle you. Is everything all right?”</p><p></p><p>“No,” she replied. Seconds passed, and then her words came tumbling out, frustration marring the melodic sound of her voice. “Nothing is all right. I can't seem to sleep much anymore and when I do, it's just nightmares of that place. Ever since I came back, everything is wrong. I feel weak and tired, and angry. I can't concentrate and I can't feel the flow of magic like I used to.” She closed her eyes and began to chant. Khalid could see her struggling, could sense the weaves gathering around her. Her eyes flew open and she pointed a long slender finger out over the plains. Expecting a burst of flame, Khalid shielded his eyes from the light, only to hear a faint hissing sound like a rustling breeze. Squinting into the darkness, he could see that the grass in front of her was curled and dead, still sizzling slightly from the noxious jet of vapour that streamed from her hands.</p><p></p><p>“Two weeks ago, there would have been a smoking crater out there the size of Arbaq's study,” she said bitterly. “Now that's the limit of my control. Magic I mastered months ago. And even that is tainted and different.”</p><p></p><p>Unsure of what to say, Khalid moved up beside her, and place a hand on her shoulder, in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “Ah, yes, well, I'm sure that with practise you will regain your skill. The ordeal has been taxing, in ways I can not begin to comprehend.”</p><p></p><p>She sighed. “I suppose your right,” she replied, but Khalid could sense the doubt in her voice. “Just do me a favour, and don't tell Gorak what I said. I don't want him to think I'm not grateful for getting me out of that place.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes. Of course.” He pulled his robes tight around his shoulders against the chill. “It's late, you should return to the portal and try to rest. Morning will arrive far too soon.”</p><p></p><p>Shayla shook her head. “I think I'm going to stay out here a bit longer.” Seeing Khalid about to object, she raised a hand to stop him. “Don't worry Khalid, I'll be fine. For all my complaining, I'm not completely defenceless.”</p><p></p><p>“Very well.” He left her to her brooding, and returned to his bed. Despite her assurances, he stayed awake until she returned, rolling over and pretending to be asleep, knowing that his concern would only make her feel worse.</p><p></p><p>They didn't speak of it again, and true to his word, Khalid said nothing to Gorak about their discussion. The unending sea of grass before them bore little signs of civilization. In places, stands of trees dotted the landscape, untouched by any axe, and teeming with wildlife. Able to outpace them easily in his animal forms, Gorak spent time hunting and foraging. More out of boredom then any real need to supplement their stores Khalid suspected, but he certainly wasn't going to complain about a little variety. </p><p></p><p>Khalid spent much of his time in the saddle, poring over his spellbook, putting the finishing touches on one of his newest endeavours. Having discovered a way to greatly fortify his magical invisibility at the expense of its duration, he was reviewing his notes to ensure he hadn't overlooked anything when Gorak returned from scouting. Reverting to his natural form, he joined them on foot, and they dismounted to stretch their legs a bit, after half a day on horseback. Gorak took the lead, ranging out ahead a dozen yards or so. Holding his reins in one hand, and his spellbook in the other, Khalid absently followed Shayla and Azarek, mouthing the words to the spell over and over.</p><p></p><p>A strange whistling sound caused him to glance up from his book. In front of him, Shayla had stopped, and oddly, a swath of the waist high grass around her was sifting to the ground. Before his mind could make sense of the scene, she turned around slowly.</p><p></p><p>“Khalid,” she managed weakly, a bloody bubble bursting on her lips before she sagged forward, reins dropping from her hand while the other clutched at the foot long ebony spine buried deep in her chest. Before he could so much as move, a hideous shriek split the air and chaos descended on them.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * * * * * * * * </p><p>Notes:</p><p>* Heh, I'm pretty sure at this point in the game there was a fairly in depth discussion of just what telepathy allows you to do. The description of telepathy is a bit vague - if I remember correctly, it just says that it allows you to "communicate" with any creature that has a language. In the end, Galeman decided to allow Khalid to understand all languages as a result.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="EternalNewbie, post: 5181580, member: 6489"] “SEND ME BACK!” the elemental roared, once more bringing its fists crashing down upon the road. Khalid doubled over in his saddle as a wave of rage washed over him. “Ah, we can't!” Khalid gagged, struggling to form coherent thoughts through the static of anger that was not his own. Azarek wheeled his mount around, interposing himself between the creature and Khalid. “Khalid!” Gorak growled. “What's it saying?” Answers fell into place. Only he could understand the creature, but he had never studied the terran tongue to communicate with earth spirits. He brought his will to bear, clearing his mind of any thoughts but his own. [I]We can not do that. None of us have that ability and attacking us will not change that.[/I] Forming the image of a Dwerro in his mind, he forced it upon the elemental. [I]They are responsible. Only they can return you.[/I] He wasn't entirely certain about the last part, but confronted with several tonnes of highly agitated and impressively mobile rock, he was prepared to stretch the truth a little. “WHERE?” the being demanded. “Somebody do something!” Azarek hissed, fingering the hilt of his sword and clearly not relishing the idea of attacking a block of angry stone. “Ah, do nothing until I tell you.” Khalid admonished. [I]To the west, several days.[/I] The thought had barely formed in Khalid's mind when the elemental vanished into the earth. Khalid glanced around nervously, half expecting the angry spirit to emerge from the ground beneath him. “What the hell did you do?” Gorak growled. “You jus sat there staring at 'em while it was grinding and grumbling, and then it went away. An I might buy a harem girl trembling in fear at the sight of yer pretty face, but that big heap of rocks din't look like the type to jus toddle off because of one skinny wizard.” Khalid, having grown more practised in the use of his newly discovered talent, explained. “Ah, my time with Ruwayd gave me some rather specific insights into his rather unusual method of communication. Yes, quite. It seems that not only have I become able to broadcast my own thoughts, I am becoming adept at deciphering the thoughts of others, at least to the extent of discerning the meaning of their words.”* Gorak exhaled slowly. “Next time,” he growled at Khalid, “maybe a little more warning is in order.” “Ah, yes, well, as I suspected, they have no cause to be angry with us,” Khalid replied with a bravado that was belied by the tremor in his voice. “So what do we do about that one?” He pointed at the other elemental, still standing motionless beside the road. “Ah, yes, well, I hate to see any creature enslaved by the Dwerro. I propose we free it as well. Yes, quite.” “What if it's crazier then the first one?” Shayla asked. “Ah, I should think we can manage one of these creatures, if it is indeed hostile beyond reason.” He glanced at Gorak, who nodded. “Easy for you to say,” Shayla muttered. “You both can fly.” “Don't worry darlin',” Azarek rasped, “I'll pertect ya.” “I feel safer already,” Shayla replied dryly, rolling her eyes. “Well, whatever then. If you're gonna do it, get on with it.” “Ah, yes, quite,” Khalid said, launching into the ritual that would suppress the magic of the collar. Like the first, as soon as the spell took effect, the elemental reached up and seized the band, tearing it free and casting the twisted scrap of metal away. It turned slowly and seemed to study them each in turn with its glittering, coal-black eyes. “Thank you for freeing me from that enslavement,” the elemental rumbled. “Can you return me my native realm?” [I]No. We have no knowledge of the magic that brought you here. It was merely within my power to disrupt the shackles that held you.[/I] The elemental emitted a low grinding noise that Khalid took for the equivalent of a sigh. “Where is the other that was bound here?” “So what's this one want?” Gorak grunted, looking from the elemental to Khalid, who waved him silent. [I]Unfortunately, we set him free first. He was not quite so self possessed as you. He left, heading west, seeking out the architects of your imprisonment.[/I] “The length of time we have been imprisoned here weighs heavily on us both.” The creature curled its hand into a huge fist and Khalid could see a stream of grit and stone drifting down to the ground. “The earth of this place is too weak. Maintaining our physical presence requires constant effort. In time, our strength will fail and we will crumble into dust.” [I]I wish there was more that we could do aid you.[/I] The sympathy that accompanied the thought was genuine. “You have done enough. We will find our own way back.” The elemental began to sink into the ground as it flowed toward them. “I must find the other now.” “Where'd it go?” Azarek rasped, looking around at the ground. “Ah, it's leaving. It's going to follow the other. If they don't find a way back soon, they will, undoubtedly die. Yes, quite.” “How depressing,” Shayla muttered. “At least they'll get a chance to get their revenge on a few Dwerro, if nothing else.” “Yah,” Gorak grunted. “If they both don't go nuts and carve a swath through the Hub first.” Khalid frowned, staring back toward the west. He hadn't really thought of that. With a sigh, he turned his mount around and rejoined the others on the road. They put a few more miles behind them before breaking for the evening. The next few days brought no new surprises and except for the occasional break to eat, they rode on uninterrupted. It was well past noon on the third day when Gorak returned from scouting. Changing form in front of them, he dropped the last few feet to the ground and landed on his feet. Shayla took one look at him and remarked, “So do you actually picture yourself scowling like that while you're shifting, or is that just your natural expression?” “Funny.” Gorak grunted. “You won't be laughing in a few days when you're soaking wet. Our friend Jakob wasn't kidding. From up there, I know what he was talking about. That rain cloud stretches for miles, farther than I can see.” Mid morning on the following day brought a bruise coloured smudge to the horizon, eerily reminiscent of the black cloud that precipitated their adventure, what felt like a lifetime before. Its presence cast a pall over their already strained mood. Conversation, which had been sparse, almost completely ceased and Khalid, Shayla and Azarek rode in silence while they awaited Gorak's return. Unsurprisingly, he alone among them seemed unfazed by the perpetual storm clouds that darkened the sky ahead. Shayla in particular seemed troubled by what lay ahead. Khalid had been surreptitiously watching her since the events in the forest. In the days immediately after, she had worn the magical earring almost constantly, using it to mimic a form similar to her old appearance. Recently she'd practically abandoned it, choosing instead to appear in her new form. The tight fitting black leathers she'd acquired in the Hub served to make her pale skin stand out all the more, and she rarely bothered to even pull back her long, straight, black hair. Occasionally, Khalid caught glimpses of the old Shayla in her banter with Gorak, but she almost never smiled. It was clear that while Gorak's magic had removed all traces of physical wounds, there were others of a deeper sort that still plagued her. Offering her his hand, Khalid helped her into the magical dimension he created that night, and then pulled in the rope, sealing the entrance. Breathing a sigh of relief, as he often did when he was once again protected by the security of his magic, Khalid began to unpack his bedroll. Drawing out a hard baked biscuit from the supplies they'd acquired in town, he sat down with his spellbook, absently nibbling on the bread. He barely had time to review his recent notes when Shayla spoke. “So I think it's time we discussed exactly what we're doing here.” “I thought we was gonna go check out this rain cloud,” Gorak rumbled, looking up from his pack. “What exactly is that going to accomplish?” she asked. “Ah, well, the people of the Hub...” Khalid began. “Can save themselves,” Shayla interrupted. “We're not going to win this war alone, and nobody else seems to give a damn enough to try. You heard Jakob. This road is littered with traps. Eventually we're going to run into one we can't handle.” Khalid frowned. “Ah, well, when you put it that way. The Dwerro are undoubtedly watching the road.” “I still think we should check out this swamp,” Gorak rumbled. “Of course you do,” Shayla replied, somewhat causticly. “It's the most miserable, unpleasant, dangerous place nearby. But we could spend months wandering around in there without finding any clue as to what's causing it. And while that might be your idea of a good time, it sure isn't mine.” “So we just run away?” Gorak growled. “Run away?” Shayla retorted. “From an unwinnable war against an implacable foe? If that's what you want to call it, then sure. But in case you forgot, we made a deal with Arbaq. And while we never promised him we'd succeed, if we're just going to give up on that, he at least deserves to hear it from us.” “Ah, she has a point, Gorak,” Khalid said. “It pains me to see what the Dwerro have done, but to throw ourselves heedlessly against their might, well, perhaps our current course of action merits a sober second thought. Yes, quite.” “Even after what we went through at Caer Morag?” “At least there, we had a reason for what we were doing,” Shayla replied. “This is just aimless wandering. And you can bet that the Dwerro have a measure of our skill now.” She looked rather pointedly at Khalid. “Zarum owed you a favour for saving his life, but the rest of them won't be that friendly. Given what he told us, you have to believe that they're searching for you.” Khalid's frown deepened as he considered her words. “Ah, yes, well, I do now,” he muttered. “Fine,” Gorak grunted. “Let's sleep on it. If you both feel the same way in the morning, I won't argue.” The exchange soured Khalid's mood to the point where even the prospect of a few hours study wasn't enough to hold his concentration. Abandoning his work, he pulled his bedroll up around his shoulders, and drifted into a fitful, uneasy sleep. Beset by nightmares of grasping Dwerro pulling his spellbook from his cold dead hands, he awoke more tired then he had been the night before, but with his mind made up. Gorak took one look at his expression and then glanced at Shayla. Without even asking, he knew what their answer would be. “So now where?” he growled. “Home,” was all Shayla replied. “Yes, quite,” Khalid agreed. “Just to let Arbaq know we failed?” Gorak growled. “That's a helluva long way just to say we're sorry.” “Ah, perhaps would should return to Martok on the way back. I suspect, yes, suspect that Vestalt had more on his mind then just ruining our day when he kidnapped the Dwerro we, ah, well, kidnapped.” “Well, if he does, hopefully it will take him time to get organized on this side of the mountain. Either way, we still got that curse to think our way through. But it's something at least,” Gorak relented grudgingly. “North then?” “It would seem the logical choice. Yes, quite.” Pulling out their map, he spread it out on the hazy floor of the pocket dimension. “Ah, I see no reason to return to the Hub. It is possible, albeit unlikely, that advance elements of the Dwerro army have already reached the city. I would suggest that we leave the road immediately. Save for these few scattered hamlets along the coast to the northeast, and some villages along the rivers and lakes, the northern plains seem relatively uninhabited. We should be able to avoid any unwanted attention with ease. Yes, quite.” The decision made, they abandoned their shelter and climbed onto Khalid's summoned mounts. Turning off the road, they skirted the edge of the foothills to the north that Jakob had warned them about. While not as easy as the road, the grasslands were smooth and relatively flat, and their steady pace ate up the miles. A few days after they'd left the road, Khalid awoke from a sound slumber, in the middle of the night. Glancing around the tiny extra-dimensional space, he tried to find the source of his disturbance. With some concern, he realized that the opening to the portal had been unsealed, and the rope had been lowered. Gorak and Azarek were in their bedrolls, asleep, but Shayla's blankets were piled in a rumpled ball. Moving quietly, so as not to wake the others, Khalid gathered up his robes, and climbed out of the shelter to investigate. Shivering in the cool night air, he pulled his robes over his head while his eyes adjusted to the dim light of a full moon. Overhead, a canopy of stars glittered around the enormous orb of the moon. Shayla was standing a few dozen feet from the entrance, with her back to him and seemed unaware of his presence. Hands balled into fists at her sides, she muttered a few words under her breath, then stood motionless. Khalid, unsure of what was going on, approached her cautiously. A few seconds later, her shoulders slumped and her head tilted down, her long black hair falling in front of her face. “Ah, Shayla?” he asked. Jerking around at the sound of his voice, she quickly rubbed her sleeve across her eyes. “Ah, sorry, yes, quite. I did not mean to startle you. Is everything all right?” “No,” she replied. Seconds passed, and then her words came tumbling out, frustration marring the melodic sound of her voice. “Nothing is all right. I can't seem to sleep much anymore and when I do, it's just nightmares of that place. Ever since I came back, everything is wrong. I feel weak and tired, and angry. I can't concentrate and I can't feel the flow of magic like I used to.” She closed her eyes and began to chant. Khalid could see her struggling, could sense the weaves gathering around her. Her eyes flew open and she pointed a long slender finger out over the plains. Expecting a burst of flame, Khalid shielded his eyes from the light, only to hear a faint hissing sound like a rustling breeze. Squinting into the darkness, he could see that the grass in front of her was curled and dead, still sizzling slightly from the noxious jet of vapour that streamed from her hands. “Two weeks ago, there would have been a smoking crater out there the size of Arbaq's study,” she said bitterly. “Now that's the limit of my control. Magic I mastered months ago. And even that is tainted and different.” Unsure of what to say, Khalid moved up beside her, and place a hand on her shoulder, in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “Ah, yes, well, I'm sure that with practise you will regain your skill. The ordeal has been taxing, in ways I can not begin to comprehend.” She sighed. “I suppose your right,” she replied, but Khalid could sense the doubt in her voice. “Just do me a favour, and don't tell Gorak what I said. I don't want him to think I'm not grateful for getting me out of that place.” “Ah, yes. Of course.” He pulled his robes tight around his shoulders against the chill. “It's late, you should return to the portal and try to rest. Morning will arrive far too soon.” Shayla shook her head. “I think I'm going to stay out here a bit longer.” Seeing Khalid about to object, she raised a hand to stop him. “Don't worry Khalid, I'll be fine. For all my complaining, I'm not completely defenceless.” “Very well.” He left her to her brooding, and returned to his bed. Despite her assurances, he stayed awake until she returned, rolling over and pretending to be asleep, knowing that his concern would only make her feel worse. They didn't speak of it again, and true to his word, Khalid said nothing to Gorak about their discussion. The unending sea of grass before them bore little signs of civilization. In places, stands of trees dotted the landscape, untouched by any axe, and teeming with wildlife. Able to outpace them easily in his animal forms, Gorak spent time hunting and foraging. More out of boredom then any real need to supplement their stores Khalid suspected, but he certainly wasn't going to complain about a little variety. Khalid spent much of his time in the saddle, poring over his spellbook, putting the finishing touches on one of his newest endeavours. Having discovered a way to greatly fortify his magical invisibility at the expense of its duration, he was reviewing his notes to ensure he hadn't overlooked anything when Gorak returned from scouting. Reverting to his natural form, he joined them on foot, and they dismounted to stretch their legs a bit, after half a day on horseback. Gorak took the lead, ranging out ahead a dozen yards or so. Holding his reins in one hand, and his spellbook in the other, Khalid absently followed Shayla and Azarek, mouthing the words to the spell over and over. A strange whistling sound caused him to glance up from his book. In front of him, Shayla had stopped, and oddly, a swath of the waist high grass around her was sifting to the ground. Before his mind could make sense of the scene, she turned around slowly. “Khalid,” she managed weakly, a bloody bubble bursting on her lips before she sagged forward, reins dropping from her hand while the other clutched at the foot long ebony spine buried deep in her chest. Before he could so much as move, a hideous shriek split the air and chaos descended on them. [CENTER]* * * * * * * * * [/CENTER] Notes: * Heh, I'm pretty sure at this point in the game there was a fairly in depth discussion of just what telepathy allows you to do. The description of telepathy is a bit vague - if I remember correctly, it just says that it allows you to "communicate" with any creature that has a language. In the end, Galeman decided to allow Khalid to understand all languages as a result. [/QUOTE]
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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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