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DM Brainiac's Prison of the Firebringer (Updated 12/21/05)
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<blockquote data-quote="ltclnlbrain" data-source="post: 2766966" data-attributes="member: 12882"><p><strong>Chapter 46</strong></p><p></p><p>It was not long before the party found a suitable location to set up their camp. Aspar and Taigiel volunteered to keep watch, neither yet fully willing to be defenseless in the presence of the other. They shared few words as the night passed, the howling winds of the tundra outside their shelter the only accompaniment.</p><p></p><p>Rhys lay awake for some time, too, thinking on the vision he had received the other night. <em> Remember that as long as you live in the hearts of others, you will never truly die,</em> his father had said to him. Was it an omen, perhaps? Or a riddle to be solved? The aasimar did not understand, but he had faith that Torm would reveal to him his duty when the time came.</p><p></p><p>The night passed without incident, and in the morning the party resumed the trek to the Mect Cliffs, where Coldheart lay. By midday, they could see their destination on the horizon: towering cliffs of white ice and stone. A river sheated in broken ice flows ran sluggishly away from the cliffs, and Taigiel assured that it was this river that wouldl lead them to the entrance to Coldheart.</p><p></p><p>A noise in the distance caused the adventurers to look off to the west. Rumbling over a snow-covered hill came four great, furry mastodons. Despite their immense bulk, they moved quickly through the snow. Each of them bore a rider: a pale-skinned, white-haired frost giant. The giants made no attempt at stealth as they approached, though they made no threatening gestures either.</p><p></p><p> Jelani glanced around at the group, “Why don’t we see if we can get through this without a fight. It’s not that we couldn’t handle them, but it would be nice to have some allies to deal with some of the dragon’s armies.”</p><p></p><p>Galiana drew her greatsword as a precaution, but she kept its tip pointed toward the ground. "Sounds like you already have some experience with them Jelani. Well, if they are friendly they might make fine allies, but I do not trust them. At least not yet. They better not make a wrong move or they will find themselves on the receiving end of Equalor." Saying this, she slightly lifted her sword to clarify whom she meant with the name.</p><p></p><p>Rumar made no move to draw his sword, for he neither feared nor respected these frost giants. Pity was the only emotion they evoked in him. "Do not worry. I am sure Jelani can persuade them to stand aside. They would have to be mad to attempt to stop us now."</p><p></p><p>The giants stopped their mounts a fair distance away from the group. The furry beasts trumpeted uneasily as the giants took stock of the party. Then, one giant urged his mastodon a few more paces forward. "Bit cold for you short 'uns, isn't it?" he asked almost casually. "What are you doing this far north of Latona?"</p><p></p><p>Jelani approached the giants and began speaking fluently in their language. The others watched on, unable to understand the conversation. At one point the giant leader laughed mournfully and shook his head, but then Jelani pointed at Taigiel and spoke at length. The giants began whispering excitedly between themselves, occasionally looking up at Taigiel or pointing in his direction. The leader nodded, seemingly impressed.</p><p></p><p>"We have heard tales of the one called Taigiel, and his prowess in combat," the giant said," the giant continued, switching to Common and addressing the group at large. "We have not heard any stories of the rest of you little ones. Tell us a tale of your victories. Impress us with your power, and we may lend you our aid."</p><p></p><p>Rhys stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Perhaps you would like to hear the story of our defeat the vile slaad lord, Bazim-Gorag, the Firebringer. It all began a few months ago..." The priest told the story from its beginning, from the fateful day in Silverymoon when the false Merik Thornridge set up the group to take out the Acolytes of Flame at Acessiwal's behest, all the way up to the bloody battle with the Firebringer himself. Aspar and Galiana listened with interest, for they had not heard the story before. The giants remained silent throughout the tale, making no indication of whether they were impressed or not.</p><p></p><p>When at last the priest reached the story's conclusion, the leader nodded and turned his gaze to Aspar and Galiana. "What of your females? What deeds can they lay claim to?" </p><p></p><p> Galiana looked up to meet the giant's gaze. "Although I think my past exploits are of no concern to you, I understand that people like you think strength and battle prowess are all-important. Therefore, I will tell you that the covey of green hags that I faced with three other friends in the Lurkwood are no longer around to tell the tale. It is this battle where I obtained the sword I am wielding today. When it became apparent that this sword was dedicated to the bringing of law to the lawless I undertook a private quest and had it consecrated in the Temple of Corellon Larethian in Evereska so that it is now not only the tool of Law, but also a force for the power of Good." The tone of the woman's voice changed slightly in pitch, not threatening but confident and self-aware, promising a swift death should the giants decide to turn hostile. "I trust this will satisfy your curiosity, and if not just learn to deal with it or bear the consequences."</p><p></p><p>Next Aspar strode forward, her wolf companion at her heels. "I am Aspar Tenerect. I was born to avenge the defeat of my fathers - the efreet - at the hands of the white dragon Acessiwal. I have journeyed with efreet and salamanders. I have fought wyverns and hydras. I have hunted dragons from Calimshan to Tantras and the High Forest. Now at last I have traced Acessiwal to his lair. I challenge any who would seek to hinder me or my companions from completing our task." With that, she drew one of the scimitars at her belt. With a word, bright flames erupted along the length of the blade, and the genasi raised the weapon into a defensive stance.</p><p></p><p>Galiana grinned at Aspar and raised her sword as well. "The lady Aspar has spoken well, and I stand by her. We are on a mission, and you can join if you like, or you can die trying to prevent us from accomplishing our goal." </p><p></p><p>The giants were silent for a few moments, then the leader began to chuckle deep in his throat. "Your ire and determination are impressive, little ladies, but I believe they would be put to better use against Acessiwal and his minions."</p><p></p><p>Galiana turned to Aspar and winked. Then, to the genasi's surprise, the half-elf began to speak in Ignan, the language of flame. "Little ladies, he says. I guess he doesn't understand how little size matters."</p><p></p><p>Aspar cocked an eyebrow slightly at the revelation that Galiana also spoke Ignan. Interesting. "I agree," she said quietly, also in Ignan, then turned her attention back to the giants</p><p></p><p>"Your deeds are noteworthy indeed," their leader was saying, "and perhaps you will succeed where many others have failed. One of our major failings is that we were never able to determine exactly where Coldheart lies, much less how to enter it. With Taigiel, though, you stand a much better chance of finding it. You will have the support of my band in this endeavor. The dragon has captured a few of our kind and uses them as slaves. Ertu will go with you and help liberate them, and he will fight alongside you, as loyal an ally as you will ever find."</p><p></p><p>One of the other giants rode his mastodon forward beside the leader and affected a salute. "It is my honor to take the fight to the dragon who has caused our people so much hardships," he said proudly.</p><p></p><p>“Welcome to our group Ertu," Jelani said. "Your aid is most welcome. The question of the moment is whether to continue our journey tonight, or to rest and start out fresh in the morning. Taigiel, how much further is it to the entrance? Are we likely to make it by nightfall, or is it still a bit of a journey?”</p><p></p><p>"We will definitely reach Coldheart by nightfall," affirmed Taigiel, "though whether we will have the energy to launch an assault on the complex once we arrive is debatable. It would probably be unwise to set up camp so close to the lair of the white wyrm, as he no doubt will have many eyes out looking for us. It may be wiser to camp here for the night and reach Coldheart at midday tomorrow. Ultimately, it is your decision."</p><p></p><p>"Would he be expecting an attack at night?" asked Rhys. After thinking for a few moments, he continued. "Actually, what is the normal routine for those who live there and how much of the complex can you describe?"</p><p></p><p>Taigiel shook his head. "I do not know. I have never been to Coldheart before. One of Acessiwal's agents approached me several weeks ago and offered me a chance to join his cause. He told me how to reach Coldheart, and told me once I arrived to wait outside and I would be shown the way in. Beyond that, I know nothing."</p><p></p><p>"Does Acessiwal know of your desire to destroy him?" Rhys asked.</p><p></p><p> "Acessiwal's agent approached me about a month ago, before Tempus spoke to me and told me how to ease my suffering. Though I hated my father then, I had not yet set out to kill him. He may not be aware of my quest. Though, if his agents have been watching you, he may have already learned that I travel with you."</p><p></p><p>"Then let us camp here for the night, that we may be fresh and hale when we reach the dragon's lair," said Ertu. He had dismounted from his great elephantine mount, and the other giants were leading it along as they trundled away across the tundra. </p><p></p><p>Aspar and Taigiel worked to erect a shelter and set up camp again. For his part, Ertu remained silent throughout much of the evening, keeping watchful eyes to the north and partaking of a large haunch of <em>something</em> from his pack as his meal.</p><p></p><p>The night passed without event, but the morning brought an unexpected complication: a large snowstorm was bearing down from the north. It would be upon the camp within an hour or two.</p><p></p><p>"It is not safe for little folk such as yourselves to be out in such weather," said Ertu. "You may be tougher than most, but we will not make any progress with such severe winds and blinding sheets of snow. It would be best for us to seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass before continuing on."</p><p></p><p>Galiana's expression was dark as she looked at the approaching storm. "In Corellon's name, this looks like too much of a coincidence to me. Just as we are about to continue the weather turns this bad. I think our big companion has spoken true enough that we will not be gaining much ground in this weather.</p><p></p><p>Aspar was already starting to shiver. "That storm is definitely too cold for my tastes. If you know somewhere we can hole up for a while, let's go. If we can't get to the dragon's lair in this weather, then hopefully it means that the enemy can't get to us, either."</p><p></p><p>The frost giant nodded. "This way, then." He lead the group a short distance away from the camp, where a small cave in the foothills promised to offer protection from the storm. And just in time: no sooner did they secure themselves within than the snowstorm arrived, the winds driving stinging cold all around. It wouldl be a while before it passed.</p><p></p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, miles away in Silverymoon, Terenon awoke with a grim determination in his heart. His preparations were finally completed, and the time had come to attempt his dangerous plan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="ltclnlbrain, post: 2766966, member: 12882"] [B]Chapter 46[/B] It was not long before the party found a suitable location to set up their camp. Aspar and Taigiel volunteered to keep watch, neither yet fully willing to be defenseless in the presence of the other. They shared few words as the night passed, the howling winds of the tundra outside their shelter the only accompaniment. Rhys lay awake for some time, too, thinking on the vision he had received the other night. [I] Remember that as long as you live in the hearts of others, you will never truly die,[/I] his father had said to him. Was it an omen, perhaps? Or a riddle to be solved? The aasimar did not understand, but he had faith that Torm would reveal to him his duty when the time came. The night passed without incident, and in the morning the party resumed the trek to the Mect Cliffs, where Coldheart lay. By midday, they could see their destination on the horizon: towering cliffs of white ice and stone. A river sheated in broken ice flows ran sluggishly away from the cliffs, and Taigiel assured that it was this river that wouldl lead them to the entrance to Coldheart. A noise in the distance caused the adventurers to look off to the west. Rumbling over a snow-covered hill came four great, furry mastodons. Despite their immense bulk, they moved quickly through the snow. Each of them bore a rider: a pale-skinned, white-haired frost giant. The giants made no attempt at stealth as they approached, though they made no threatening gestures either. Jelani glanced around at the group, “Why don’t we see if we can get through this without a fight. It’s not that we couldn’t handle them, but it would be nice to have some allies to deal with some of the dragon’s armies.” Galiana drew her greatsword as a precaution, but she kept its tip pointed toward the ground. "Sounds like you already have some experience with them Jelani. Well, if they are friendly they might make fine allies, but I do not trust them. At least not yet. They better not make a wrong move or they will find themselves on the receiving end of Equalor." Saying this, she slightly lifted her sword to clarify whom she meant with the name. Rumar made no move to draw his sword, for he neither feared nor respected these frost giants. Pity was the only emotion they evoked in him. "Do not worry. I am sure Jelani can persuade them to stand aside. They would have to be mad to attempt to stop us now." The giants stopped their mounts a fair distance away from the group. The furry beasts trumpeted uneasily as the giants took stock of the party. Then, one giant urged his mastodon a few more paces forward. "Bit cold for you short 'uns, isn't it?" he asked almost casually. "What are you doing this far north of Latona?" Jelani approached the giants and began speaking fluently in their language. The others watched on, unable to understand the conversation. At one point the giant leader laughed mournfully and shook his head, but then Jelani pointed at Taigiel and spoke at length. The giants began whispering excitedly between themselves, occasionally looking up at Taigiel or pointing in his direction. The leader nodded, seemingly impressed. "We have heard tales of the one called Taigiel, and his prowess in combat," the giant said," the giant continued, switching to Common and addressing the group at large. "We have not heard any stories of the rest of you little ones. Tell us a tale of your victories. Impress us with your power, and we may lend you our aid." Rhys stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Perhaps you would like to hear the story of our defeat the vile slaad lord, Bazim-Gorag, the Firebringer. It all began a few months ago..." The priest told the story from its beginning, from the fateful day in Silverymoon when the false Merik Thornridge set up the group to take out the Acolytes of Flame at Acessiwal's behest, all the way up to the bloody battle with the Firebringer himself. Aspar and Galiana listened with interest, for they had not heard the story before. The giants remained silent throughout the tale, making no indication of whether they were impressed or not. When at last the priest reached the story's conclusion, the leader nodded and turned his gaze to Aspar and Galiana. "What of your females? What deeds can they lay claim to?" Galiana looked up to meet the giant's gaze. "Although I think my past exploits are of no concern to you, I understand that people like you think strength and battle prowess are all-important. Therefore, I will tell you that the covey of green hags that I faced with three other friends in the Lurkwood are no longer around to tell the tale. It is this battle where I obtained the sword I am wielding today. When it became apparent that this sword was dedicated to the bringing of law to the lawless I undertook a private quest and had it consecrated in the Temple of Corellon Larethian in Evereska so that it is now not only the tool of Law, but also a force for the power of Good." The tone of the woman's voice changed slightly in pitch, not threatening but confident and self-aware, promising a swift death should the giants decide to turn hostile. "I trust this will satisfy your curiosity, and if not just learn to deal with it or bear the consequences." Next Aspar strode forward, her wolf companion at her heels. "I am Aspar Tenerect. I was born to avenge the defeat of my fathers - the efreet - at the hands of the white dragon Acessiwal. I have journeyed with efreet and salamanders. I have fought wyverns and hydras. I have hunted dragons from Calimshan to Tantras and the High Forest. Now at last I have traced Acessiwal to his lair. I challenge any who would seek to hinder me or my companions from completing our task." With that, she drew one of the scimitars at her belt. With a word, bright flames erupted along the length of the blade, and the genasi raised the weapon into a defensive stance. Galiana grinned at Aspar and raised her sword as well. "The lady Aspar has spoken well, and I stand by her. We are on a mission, and you can join if you like, or you can die trying to prevent us from accomplishing our goal." The giants were silent for a few moments, then the leader began to chuckle deep in his throat. "Your ire and determination are impressive, little ladies, but I believe they would be put to better use against Acessiwal and his minions." Galiana turned to Aspar and winked. Then, to the genasi's surprise, the half-elf began to speak in Ignan, the language of flame. "Little ladies, he says. I guess he doesn't understand how little size matters." Aspar cocked an eyebrow slightly at the revelation that Galiana also spoke Ignan. Interesting. "I agree," she said quietly, also in Ignan, then turned her attention back to the giants "Your deeds are noteworthy indeed," their leader was saying, "and perhaps you will succeed where many others have failed. One of our major failings is that we were never able to determine exactly where Coldheart lies, much less how to enter it. With Taigiel, though, you stand a much better chance of finding it. You will have the support of my band in this endeavor. The dragon has captured a few of our kind and uses them as slaves. Ertu will go with you and help liberate them, and he will fight alongside you, as loyal an ally as you will ever find." One of the other giants rode his mastodon forward beside the leader and affected a salute. "It is my honor to take the fight to the dragon who has caused our people so much hardships," he said proudly. “Welcome to our group Ertu," Jelani said. "Your aid is most welcome. The question of the moment is whether to continue our journey tonight, or to rest and start out fresh in the morning. Taigiel, how much further is it to the entrance? Are we likely to make it by nightfall, or is it still a bit of a journey?” "We will definitely reach Coldheart by nightfall," affirmed Taigiel, "though whether we will have the energy to launch an assault on the complex once we arrive is debatable. It would probably be unwise to set up camp so close to the lair of the white wyrm, as he no doubt will have many eyes out looking for us. It may be wiser to camp here for the night and reach Coldheart at midday tomorrow. Ultimately, it is your decision." "Would he be expecting an attack at night?" asked Rhys. After thinking for a few moments, he continued. "Actually, what is the normal routine for those who live there and how much of the complex can you describe?" Taigiel shook his head. "I do not know. I have never been to Coldheart before. One of Acessiwal's agents approached me several weeks ago and offered me a chance to join his cause. He told me how to reach Coldheart, and told me once I arrived to wait outside and I would be shown the way in. Beyond that, I know nothing." "Does Acessiwal know of your desire to destroy him?" Rhys asked. "Acessiwal's agent approached me about a month ago, before Tempus spoke to me and told me how to ease my suffering. Though I hated my father then, I had not yet set out to kill him. He may not be aware of my quest. Though, if his agents have been watching you, he may have already learned that I travel with you." "Then let us camp here for the night, that we may be fresh and hale when we reach the dragon's lair," said Ertu. He had dismounted from his great elephantine mount, and the other giants were leading it along as they trundled away across the tundra. Aspar and Taigiel worked to erect a shelter and set up camp again. For his part, Ertu remained silent throughout much of the evening, keeping watchful eyes to the north and partaking of a large haunch of [i]something[/i] from his pack as his meal. The night passed without event, but the morning brought an unexpected complication: a large snowstorm was bearing down from the north. It would be upon the camp within an hour or two. "It is not safe for little folk such as yourselves to be out in such weather," said Ertu. "You may be tougher than most, but we will not make any progress with such severe winds and blinding sheets of snow. It would be best for us to seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass before continuing on." Galiana's expression was dark as she looked at the approaching storm. "In Corellon's name, this looks like too much of a coincidence to me. Just as we are about to continue the weather turns this bad. I think our big companion has spoken true enough that we will not be gaining much ground in this weather. Aspar was already starting to shiver. "That storm is definitely too cold for my tastes. If you know somewhere we can hole up for a while, let's go. If we can't get to the dragon's lair in this weather, then hopefully it means that the enemy can't get to us, either." The frost giant nodded. "This way, then." He lead the group a short distance away from the camp, where a small cave in the foothills promised to offer protection from the storm. And just in time: no sooner did they secure themselves within than the snowstorm arrived, the winds driving stinging cold all around. It wouldl be a while before it passed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile, miles away in Silverymoon, Terenon awoke with a grim determination in his heart. His preparations were finally completed, and the time had come to attempt his dangerous plan. [/QUOTE]
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