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Message: <blockquote data-quote="peteyfrogboy" data-source="post: 1092887" data-attributes="member: 5677">Death In Freeport: Part 6Parika looked into the brightly lit temple. The vaulted ceiling was supported by six massive columns. A large basalt altar lay at the far end of the temple, some forty feet away. She recognized Milos standing behind the altar, though he now wore a black robe instead of priestly vestments. Another black-robed cultist stood behind each of the furthest pillars, holding crossbows at the ready. Carved on the back wall was a great gilded symbol that the thief didn't recognize, yet still it stirred a deep unease in her. She dashed into the room, unslinging her bow as she took cover behind one of the pillars. Her first arrow went wide of its mark, but at least she got the first shot off.Nevroth and Rachel stormed the chamber, weapons drawn. Something in Nevroth's mind recoiled from the alien symbol behind the altar, but he pressed on nonetheless. Rachel barely got a chance to glimpse it, as Milos chilled her heart with fear. She was forced to retreat back down the hallway. Edwin entered quickly, taking cover next to Parika. Nevroth fired his bow from the doorway, though he was unable to hit the hiding cultist.Parika made her way from pillar to pillar, exchanging fire with one of the acolytes. Milos smiled as he saw his colleague Edwin. "Ah, my brother, now you know my secret. A pity you will never share it with anyone." He spoke a blasphemous chant and extended a clawed hand toward the priest. Edwin felt as though the hand was closing around him, but he managed to resist the paralyzing effect. Milos scowled and moved next to one of the acolytes. Nevroth dropped his bow, charging across the temple toward the cult leader. Parika finally landed an arrow in one of the cultists, sending him to the ground in a heap. She advanced to his position, drawing a bead on the other crossbowman. Edwin joined her, calling on Tavion's grace to heal a wound she had taken in the missile exchange. Nevroth reached Milos, ignoring the same incantation that had sent Rachel running. The manhunter struck at the unarmored cultist, but had a difficult time making solid contact with his sword. Meanwhile, Rachel had returned to the fight. She sprinted across the temple, eager to join the battle. Edwin took up the fallen acolyte's crossbow. He and Parika quickly took down the other acolyte, leaving Milos alone. Milos grinned evilly. He chanted again, and his hand began to radiate a chilling darkness. "Now you die!" Unfortunately for him, Nevroth was able to dodge the necromantic attack. Rachel and Nevroth both slashed at him, drawing blood and sending him to the ground. After a moment they were shocked to see their enemy's form shift, reforming into that of another serpent man. "Lucius!" cried Edwin as he found his friend lying behind the altar. He freed the librarian from his bonds and the two embraced happily. Lucius explained how Milos had lured him to this place and captured him. The serpent man had proceeded to torture and interrogate the librarian, seeking details of the strange dreams he had been having. Lucius hadn't been able to recall much except bizarre alien landscapes and buildings, frustrating his captor. "If you hadn't found me, I fear that he would have killed me soon. Thank you all. I owe you my life!""I'll settle for gold," muttered Parika, heading back to the treasure room.***Parika examined the ash-shafted spear she had found hidden near the chests. "Not a bad haul for a bit of humanitarian work, eh?""Nope," grunted Nevroth. "Though I'll be happier when we get it home." They had loaded the sacks of coins and gems they had found into a single large chest, which he and Rachel were lugging back through the streets of Scurvytown. The gold and silver were a fine reward, though he was equally glad to have completed his first solo mission as a Manhunter. The accomplishment would earn him Journeyman status in the Guild. That wouldn't mean much in Freeport, as the Guild had no official presence in the city, but perhaps it would give a little extra leverage in his hunt for his parents' killers.Rachel was simply pleased to get some excitement. Her father had taken her on raids before, but never let her get too near the action. Despite the disparaging comments her father had made about the city, Freeport seemed like a fine place. There always seemed to be something going on."What's this, then? A chest full of booty and a pair of wenches to boot?" A gang of brigands blocked the narrow street ahead, their clubs and daggers at the ready.Rachel just smiled.</blockquote>

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