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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 7879657" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Gambit - 12/22/2019</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>The first rule in dealing with fiends is: don’t.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>The second rule is if you can’t do the first rule, then you better be in a position of strength. This is tricky; fiends are immortal, and very patient. They have seen more, know more, and have been manipulating mortals since before there were tieflings. So, knowing what that position is can a problem.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>That leads to the third rule; if you aren’t sure about how strong your position is, whatever you do, don’t make yourself weaker. It just won’t end well.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>But really…stick to the first rule. It just saves time.</em></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We had retreated back to the room with the books. Daneath carried the injured gnome gently, and we laid him down in a pile of our cloaks. I took the time to clean and repair some of the damage to his clothing. Now, he slept, and we occupied our time examining the chest, and talking about what had just happened.</p><p></p><p>“So, you think that this chest was the cause of this?” Iesa said with his hands between himself and the chest, afraid to even lay a hand on it. “I mean, is it safe at all?”</p><p></p><p>“It’s safe; there isn’t any sign of dweomer,” I said confidently. “In fact, everything that I see looks…normal.”</p><p></p><p>“So, what exactly happened?” Daneath asked as he leaned against one of the walls.</p><p></p><p>“My guess is this; somehow a nilbog,” and I pointed at the goblin skeleton, “Found this place and managed to get to the chest here. He then sprung a trap that magically slew him. But the curse that was laid down was one that used Wild magic. So, while it killed the goblin’s body, it couldn’t affect the nilbog spirit. But the wild magic and nilbog managed to create a vortex that kept the spirt bound here, and kept cycling this place back and forth into the Feywild.”</p><p></p><p>“Uh huh. I’ll take your word for it,” Iesa said, rubbing his temples. “But I thought nilbogs were a curse on goblins. How did it get ahold of Beepu?”</p><p></p><p>“Once the vortex was created, anything was possible. In this case, the nilbog spirit was still stuck in this place, bound to the chest. But somehow the vortex was twisted just enough, so that it could possess…gnomes.”</p><p></p><p>“Because gnomes are secretly misshapen goblins?” Daneath said looking at the ceiling with a wry smile.</p><p></p><p>I shrugged, “To the Weave it wouldn’t normally work, but with a wild vortex it became possible. And because the vortex was bound to the chest, the corpse and the spirit, it was locked here; trapped. So, once I laid the body to rest, and we forced the spirit out of Beepu, the vortex collapsed. The nilbog couldn’t possess him again, and it never could possess us, so…it left.”</p><p></p><p>“Where is it now?” Iesa asked, looking around as if the spirit would jump out of a wall nearby.</p><p></p><p>I lifted up my hands, “Somewhere else. Acheron perhaps, or it might wander the prime until it finds another goblin. I’ll just take ‘not here.’”</p><p></p><p>Then, Foggle’s head started to spin in place, and started hooting; “Beepuuu, Beepuuu, Beepuu!”</p><p></p><p>“Oooohhh. Ow, ow, ow. What…what happened?” Beepu said slowly,his face wincing in pain, as he propped himself on an elbow.</p><p></p><p>“What? Don’t you remember?” Daneath asked, looking at Beepu like he had grown another head.</p><p></p><p>“I remember…flashes. Terrible jokes…but one thing stands out. A song…about a frog in—”</p><p></p><p>“Don’t” I said levelly “Sing. That. Song.”</p><p></p><p>“It was kind of playful and jaunty—”</p><p></p><p>“—Forget you heard it.” I said icily.</p><p></p><p>“Alright…fine…not clear on what that is about. So…where are we? I do not remember this…place.”</p><p></p><p>“Part of a temple to Angharradh. This place seems to be a sort of library.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu sat up and looked around excitedly. His face registered surprise and then shock as he looked at the piles of colored paper, torn pages and discarded books scattered around the room.</p><p></p><p>“What a mess! How did this happen?”</p><p></p><p>“Well…” Iesa said as he started to work on the chest, trying to pry it open. “That would be…your fault.”</p><p></p><p>“What? That does not sound like me at all! And what happened to me? I hurt quite a bit. I seem to have bruises and cuts and…a lot of blood on my skin.”</p><p></p><p>“Well…” Iesa started and then he looked at Daneath for help.</p><p></p><p>“You were floating and making a mess and…um well…Myr?” Daneath looked at me helplessly.</p><p></p><p>“We beat the sod out of you.” I said bluntly.</p><p></p><p>“You…you…beat me?”</p><p></p><p>“Repeatedly.” I said simply.</p><p></p><p>“But…that seems…harsh? Why?” Beepu questioned, very confused.</p><p></p><p>“You were possessed. And while you were out of control, you had Daneath attempt to kill Iesa, then you kept trying to have Iesa collapse in laughter with your bad jokes, and to top it off, you tried to kill me with…that…song. You’re lucky it was only a beating.”</p><p></p><p>“Alright fine. What possessed me?”</p><p></p><p>“A nilbog,” I said sighing. It was going to be a long day</p><p></p><p>“Wait! That is not possib—”</p><p></p><p>“Wild. Magic.” I said.</p><p></p><p>“Ohhh…I guess it is then.”</p><p></p><p>“Got it!” Iesa exclaimed, as he defeated the mechanism that held the lid shut. He then quickly opened it and looked inside, his eyes eager to see what had caused all of this trouble.</p><p></p><p>“Well…these are worth something,” Iesa said as he held up a golden bowl in one hand and a silvery cup in another. Neither were tarnished with age, as both glittered in the cold magical flames that lit the room. They had runic shapes on them, and I realized they weren’t words, just stylized iconicgraphy. I moved over to the chest and saw more items; what appeared to be an inlaid box of silver, and several more cups and bowls. Each were stylized as a piece of art onto themselves.</p><p></p><p>“They look to be religious relics,” I said. “That would make sense for this place, and the protection on the box.”</p><p></p><p>“So? What do we do with them?” Daneath asked. “Carry them around and sell them?”</p><p></p><p>“Actually…no. We give them…back,” Iesa said.</p><p></p><p>“Curry favor, and perhaps a reward on something more useful?” I reflected. “That’s smart.”</p><p></p><p>“I thought you did not like robbing the dead Myrai,” Beepu said archly, now finally standing and starting to move about.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t like disturbing the graves of the fallen no,” I said turning to look at Beepu. “But this isn’t a tomb. And those clearly don’t belong to the goblin, which is the only corpse at rest here.”</p><p></p><p>“Fair game then,” Daneath nodding in agreement. “What about the books?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes…yes…yes!” Beepu limped over to a shelf and started to look over the remains.</p><p></p><p>“They are in good shape for the age they must be. Religious and historical titles. And no Beepu,” I said to the gnome, who’s head snapped up to look at me. “I didn’t find anything on arcana.”</p><p></p><p>“Wait? You looked at all of them?” he sounded disappointed and almost offended, that he missed the opportunity to examine all the texts himself first.</p><p></p><p>“You’ve been out cold for a while,” I pointed out. “You feeling better? Think you can get a disc up to carry the chest and stuff.”</p><p></p><p>“Certainly. A decent meal and something better than a stone cold floor would do wonders for my spine. But we could just carry the chest.”</p><p></p><p>“It’s not for the chest; its for the armor that Daneath left in the forest above.” I said looking at Daneath with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>Daneath had a puzzled look for only a moment, to have it swiftly replaced with wide eyed shock. “Crap! I can’t go the elves in <em>this!”</em> looking at the hobgoblin warlords’ armor he wore. “We have to find it before…how do we get out of here?” and he immediately turned around and started to walk down the corridor that I had originally came from.</p><p></p><p>Iesa watched for a moment and got up, “I’d better catch him before he gets lost.” Turning he jogged after his brother, but not before Mo dashed up and settled on his shoulder, riding the way out.</p><p></p><p>It was quiet for a moment. Then Beepu with a deep sigh spoke. “Well despite the mess you caused, I should thank you.” He pulled out from his satchel a worn tome and began flipping pages looking for a spell. As he did so, he continued;</p><p></p><p>“Does that make us even?”</p><p></p><p>“What? A life for a life?” I said. I really hadn’t considered the debt that I felt I had owed before. It always felt like an unbearable weight on my shoulders, and one that I would never be able to repay.</p><p></p><p>But hadn’t I already? I stopped Daneath and Iesa several times from passing into the fugue fighting skeletons, gnolls, and various goblins. This was really the second time I had helped save the little wizard, as he was shaken like a rag doll in the jaws of the barghest. </p><p></p><p>It wasn’t quite the same though. They never crossed into the fugue. I just prevented it. They had to put themselves into debt to a criminal organization to save me. And then, by coming back I made them accountable for it. It didn’t even matter I hadn’t intended to. They were willing to risk a lot; they were willing to murder someone in cold blood to bring me back. Had I made the same risk?</p><p></p><p>“I…don’t know really. Is it the same thing? You all put a lot on the line for me.”</p><p></p><p>“That is true. But does it matter on the details? You have bled with us and stopped us from leaving. I would say its close enough. I still would like to know how you do things at all though.”</p><p></p><p>“Well…perhaps at Whitepetal,” I said straightening up and stretching my arms over my head. “You can drink your tea, and I will have something stronger.”</p><p></p><p>“Sounds just fine,” Beepu smiled, sounding more like his normal self.</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p>Beepu and I exited into the bright sunlight of the forest, with our familiars on a invisible disc holding our packs and the chest, and I carrying a bundle wrapped in cloth. The fog and darkness were gone. As I looked around, I realized how little of the ruin was even visible. This was a place from long ago, the rocks that could have been pillars had fallen over in the distant past. Any walls or buildings were beneath layers of dirt and leaves going back centuries. The light of the sun felt good; warm and inviting, as it cast light over the dense foliage nearby. In it, I heard rustling and I could see the dark hair of Iesa, moving plants around. Turning to look the other direction I caught the sight of Daneath, also beating the brush.</p><p></p><p>“Can’t find it?” I raised my voice so both could hear.</p><p></p><p>“No…I thought I had it out in the open,” Daneath yelled back.</p><p></p><p>Beepu and I just looked at each other and then glanced at our familiars, who sat behind us on Beepu’s disc, both suddenly looked at each of us as if they knew…</p><p></p><p><em>--Fine. I’ll look for the armor.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>And I didn’t even have to ask!</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--At least the weather is worth it.</em></p><p></p><p>And with that Gossamer took to the sky, with Foggle a moment afterwards. Both started to circle the area in larger and larger circles, with Gossamer flying lower, and Foggle at a greater height. Beepu was focusing on the owl, giving more direct guidance on where to look.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, I started to look for a tree that was off to the side of what I thought was the boundary of the ruin. Finding a suitable one, I focused on strands, and watched the dirt churn as I mentally excavated a hole. It was done quickly, and I leaned down and carefully laid the bundle at the bottom. I made a quick prayer, and then moved the dirt back, interring the goblins bones, for their final rest. I nodded and smiled, and then returned back to the ruin just in time to hear the hooting of Foggle.</p><p></p><p><em>--Looks like the Modron found it first.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Were you even trying?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Yes!...er kind of…sort of…not at all, I was enjoying the sun.</em></p><p></p><p>I shook my head and rejoined the others. Iesa was helping Daneath swap out his armor for his older set of mail. It wasn’t long before Daneath once again lifted the silver bound orb and said</p><p></p><p>“<em>Entu-LA Eska!” </em> </p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>We were not even half a day away from Whitepetal as it turned out and the orb made finding the hidden paths trivial. As we approached, the orb started to glow with an emerald green light that grew stronger as we approached. Soon we were met by two elves patrolling the pathways. Recognizing us, they escorted us to one of the lifts, and in no time, we found ourselves in the great hall spanning between the trees. </p><p></p><p>We strode inside, and we saw Galenas and Alanathia in discussion with a pair of elves. As we approached, they turned to greet us, dismissing their comrades. Their faces were somber, but a small smile was on each of their faces.</p><p></p><p>“We are truly overjoyed to see you,” Galenas started. “We felt the tremors from here. Not long afterwards, one of our scouts found the remains of the encampment. You indeed have our thanks.”</p><p></p><p>“It is unfortunate about the temple,” Alanathia said with a note of sadness. “But perhaps it is for the best to let go of that part of our past.”</p><p></p><p>“You are probably right about that,” Daneath started. “We found Pathhorn—”</p><p></p><p>“—I’m sorry who?” Galenas interrupted.</p><p></p><p>“A highborn,” I said. “The goblins had captured and were trying to interrogate him. But, we managed to set him free and discovered that the goblins were after…magic in the waters and trying to harness it. After we killed the warlord below, the magic fell apart, and it all collapsed. By the time we’d reached the surface, it was as you said; the encampment was deserted.”</p><p></p><p>“And where is Pathhorn now?” Galenas pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Gone far to the south to rescue some of his kin,” Iesa said.</p><p></p><p>“I see. Still, it is good that you stopped the hobgoblins from using what they found,” Alanathia spoke barely nodding as the conversation continued. </p><p></p><p>“What was all that magic within?” Beepu asked. “It was not something I was familiar with.”</p><p></p><p>“No. It was the remains of High magic from the Crown Wars. Magic far beyond the power of non-elves. But, while the hobgoblins could not use it properly, they certainly could have tapped into its power for other ends. But, why did it take so long for you to return?” Galenas asked.</p><p></p><p>“So long?” Iesa replied confused. “What are you talking about?”</p><p></p><p>I rolled my eyes upward and closed them sighing. Still closed I asked, “How long has it been since the temple collapsed?”</p><p></p><p>“Its been almost a tenday,” Alathania replied. “We thought you had perished.”</p><p></p><p>“What?!” Iesa and Daneath exclaimed together. “We were only gone a day,” Daneath continued. “How could—”</p><p></p><p>“--The Feywild,” I said cutting him short. “Time flows differently there. We got lucky.”</p><p></p><p>“What do you mean?” Iesa looked at me with a bit of fright in his eyes.</p><p></p><p>“Its why traveling to the Feywild is dangerous. Time doesn’t work the same way there. So we could have returned with no time passing, or perhaps longer.”</p><p></p><p>“How long?” Iesa pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Well…a century?” I said and watched Iesa’s and Daneath’s eyes bulge in their sockets in shock. “So…ten days is ok. Could be worse,” I said nonchalantly, trying not to make it a big deal, and hiding my relief at the same time.</p><p></p><p>“For shorter lived beings that could be a problem,” Galenas commented. He didn’t even try to hide the amused smile on his lips. “But why the detour?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, that’s a bit harder to explain,” I said thinking about the events. “Let’s leave it at ‘we accidently left the prime, found a ruined temple to Angharradh, and left behind a lot of books in a library, and found some relics, that we have right here!’ and I pointed to the chest on the disc, floating silently behind us.</p><p></p><p>Galenas moved to the chest, and slowly opened it. His eyes grew wide as he reached in, and pulled out one of the golden bowls, turning it in his hands.</p><p></p><p>“These were…lost long ago. You again surprise us, and you have our thanks. You must tell us where this temple is, as we were not aware of any such ruin anywhere nearby.”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed,” Alanathia now spoke, taking control of the conversation. “Well, perhaps we should tell you what has happened since you left, please sit.” And she gestured to some lounges that were arranged in a circle in the middle of the hall. We moved to them, and we sat down.</p><p></p><p>Or rather, Beepu sat, I reclined, and Daneath and Iesa flopped wearily into their seats, still shocked at the time lost.</p><p></p><p>Alanathia began, “Shortly after the tremors, we sent out some scouts with instructions to find you, and to see what the hobgoblins were doing. While we didn’t find you, we did follow the few worgs and goblins—”</p><p></p><p>“—Did you kill them?” Iesa interrupted.</p><p></p><p>“No,” Alanathia said, giving a look with a hint of disapproval. “They followed the group for a while.”</p><p></p><p>“That makes more sense,” Daneath looked at Iesa pointedly. “We know that the ‘Prophesized One’ is still out there somewhere.</p><p></p><p>“Correct,” Alanathia continued. “Since we had in the days received some relief from elsewhere in the forest, we sent a number of scouts to learn the whereabouts of their leader. We have uncovered several things. The first, is that there are several more encampments deep in the High Moors. It is likely that the leader is there. More disturbing is that they had been doing raids on roads around Secomber and smaller communities around it.”</p><p></p><p>“Raids? To what end?” Beepu asked critically.</p><p></p><p>“Slaves.” Alanathia replied. “For what we do not know. The Moors have wealth concealed there, from battles in the past, and lost settlements. Perhaps they need miners or diggers. But it matters little. The raids have increased ever since the collapse of the temple. We fear that we have perhaps provoked a conflict.”</p><p></p><p>“By forcing them to start their plans early,” Daneath said. “Or they needed to change tactics.”</p><p></p><p>“We agree. We have been able to mobilize some of our forces in preparation. But we cannot do that and investigate. The border between the High Moor and the Misty Forest is easily fifty leagues in length. If we can repel them at the edge that would be best. But we cannot roam the moors to seek them; we are too few.”</p><p></p><p>“And we do not know what other forces they have,” Galenas continued. “We have an advantage of knowing our forest well; and knowing that we are truly under attack. We can prepare. But our forays into the Moors are very limited. But we have had some help.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh?” Beepu sat up expectantly.</p><p></p><p>“Ravalan returned to Whitepetal. He received information of a human village at the edge that will be targeted soon. He has left for that village to learn more and to, perhaps, encourage the villagers to leave.”</p><p></p><p>“How did he get this information ?” Daneath asked, his brow knit as he was thinking through it.</p><p></p><p>“He was told by a…party we have had dealings with. And that party wishes to speak to you all.”</p><p></p><p>“About what?” Iesa said confused. Beepu and I exchanged glances at this strange turn of events.</p><p></p><p>“They would not tell us. In fact, while we thought you were deceased, this party had great…optimism that you were simply delayed. And so, they have been waiting here for you to return.” Galenas and Alanathia both stood. “We will fetch them so you may speak privately here. Then we will speak afterwards.” The pair of elves, then departed the hall, leaving us in confusion.</p><p></p><p>“Someone asking for us?” Iesa started, “That doesn’t make any sense. I mean who would look for us at all?”</p><p></p><p>“And here?” Beepu added. “The fact we are all not elves, in a forest that enforces an edict against non-elves from entering at all. We are fortunate to be here, and yet someone is waiting here for us to return?”</p><p></p><p>“This is the second time,” I said recalling some prior events. “The hobgoblins were asking questions about us…by name. They knew we were here.” I said, putting some thoughts together. “They only asked about us after the attack, but how did they know? We didn’t exactly leave any hobgoblin alive we fought. So who did they learn about us from?”</p><p></p><p>“You’re right. This doesn’t make sense.” Daneath said with a frown. We then heard footsteps enter the hall, and we all turned to look at our mystery party.</p><p></p><p>The fact it was an elf didn’t surprise me; with the exception of Ravalan, only elves could easily enter the Misty Forest. But that is where it ended. This elf at once looked at easy in his surroundings, and at the same time the way he strode into the room looking around with disdain spoke volumes. He did not want to be here; he did not think much of his surrounding, and as he came towards us; how little he thought of us.</p><p></p><p>His lips were curled into a sneer of contempt, as his dark emerald eyes looked us over in our seats. His black hair was pulled back into a tight pony tail behind his head. He wore light chain, backed with dark leathers, and a cloak streamed behind him as he walked. He wore a longsword at his side, which the stylized hilt gave an impression of wealth well spent on quality, and not gaudy decorations upon it. Nor did he have rings or other jewelry. Even his cloak pin was a simple affair; high quality and functional.</p><p></p><p>I wondered if this was a sun elf. I had heard a little of the various grouping of elves here. Most I had saw in passing I understood to be called Moon elves; they did not shun the races around them and in fact spent much time around others. The copper elves, by contrast were the bulk of the elves in the Misty forest. While they did not appreciate the races around them in their homes, they would venture beyond their forest realms and mingle with others. And the less said about the drow the better.</p><p></p><p>But I was told the sun elves were different. They stood above their brethren viewing themselves as their betters. And they supposedly thought even less of non-elves; a momentary annoyance to their grand culture. Although everyone I spoke to said they were noble, I never heard anything positive about them; not even a name that one could say was worthy of adoration.</p><p></p><p>From where we sat, Beepu and I was facing the elf as he made his way across the hall. At the sounds of his approach, both Daneath and Iesa rose from their seats and stood. Daneath had a look of suspicion as he did so, and he crossed his arms watching. Iesa arose, but wandered over to a pitcher and poured himself a glass of something, as he eyed and sized up the newcomer. </p><p></p><p>“And so, here…you…are,” the elf spoke slowly and softly. His voice gave no signs of contempt or arrogance. But it did hold the tone of someone very confident and sure. “The Kershak, sends…his regards for his wayward…grandchildren.”</p><p></p><p>For a moment the brother looked at each other, with questioning looks. Then, Iesa spoke. “Well…that’s interesting. I didn’t know we had a…living grandfather.”</p><p></p><p>The elf gave a thin smile, “Insofar as you have…taken power from Umbra…power that belongs to the Kershak alone…it is the best way to describe your…relationship.”</p><p></p><p>“That makes you what?” Daneath rejoined. “Our cousin?”</p><p></p><p>“Nothing so grand. You may call me…Paradros. And I have come here to bring you…an offer.”</p><p></p><p>“An offer?” Iesa asked skeptically.</p><p></p><p>Paradros smiled and looked down a moment as if considering his words, before looking Iesa in the eye. “Your…suspicion is warranted. Normally, those that betray the trust of the Kershak, do not get offers. Certainly, Umbra wasn’t given one. And those that assist, don’t warrant much in the way of…mercy.” Paradros had closed the distance to Iesa, smiling until he stood an arm’s length away from the lean man. He then turned to Daneath as he continued.</p><p></p><p>“But…even the Kershak has…a difficult time penalizing you for blundering beyond your…father’s mistake. For he broke the trust and not you. And so, an offer to…make things right seemed appropriate.”</p><p></p><p>Daneath looked at the elf, as if to size him up. “What offer?” he said simply, his eyes narrowing. </p><p></p><p>The elf smiled, “A very simple exchange. You leave me the items that rightfully belong to the Kershak. The sword,” pointing at the blade at Daneath’s waist, “and the dagger,” gesturing at Iesa, who had unconsciously gripped the pommel during the conversation. “For your…efforts in recovering them the Kershak will provide you with 16,000 crowns.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa blinked and I swore that his eyes were going to pop out of his bonebox. Daneath, also did a double take between looking at the elf and the sword and dagger. </p><p></p><p>Beepu and I looked at each other at this development. Beepu was frowning, but I couldn’t tell if it was in disapproval, or if he was thinking about what was said. But the brothers wore their expressions plainly. Iesa was pretty clear in his first thought; the temptation was there. Daneath by comparison was confused, as he appeared to struggle with various thoughts on the matter. But then Paradros continued.</p><p></p><p>“Of course, there is one condition to the Kershak’s…largess. It is a small requirement, but a very important one, that the Kershak demands.”</p><p></p><p>Paradros smiled as he looked at all of us. But as he spoke my heart skipped a beat as I processed the words said.</p><p></p><p>“You must remain inside the Misty Forest, until the end of your days. All <strong><em>four</em></strong> of you.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 7879657, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]The Gambit - 12/22/2019[/B] [I]The first rule in dealing with fiends is: don’t. The second rule is if you can’t do the first rule, then you better be in a position of strength. This is tricky; fiends are immortal, and very patient. They have seen more, know more, and have been manipulating mortals since before there were tieflings. So, knowing what that position is can a problem. That leads to the third rule; if you aren’t sure about how strong your position is, whatever you do, don’t make yourself weaker. It just won’t end well. But really…stick to the first rule. It just saves time.[/I][/CENTER] We had retreated back to the room with the books. Daneath carried the injured gnome gently, and we laid him down in a pile of our cloaks. I took the time to clean and repair some of the damage to his clothing. Now, he slept, and we occupied our time examining the chest, and talking about what had just happened. “So, you think that this chest was the cause of this?” Iesa said with his hands between himself and the chest, afraid to even lay a hand on it. “I mean, is it safe at all?” “It’s safe; there isn’t any sign of dweomer,” I said confidently. “In fact, everything that I see looks…normal.” “So, what exactly happened?” Daneath asked as he leaned against one of the walls. “My guess is this; somehow a nilbog,” and I pointed at the goblin skeleton, “Found this place and managed to get to the chest here. He then sprung a trap that magically slew him. But the curse that was laid down was one that used Wild magic. So, while it killed the goblin’s body, it couldn’t affect the nilbog spirit. But the wild magic and nilbog managed to create a vortex that kept the spirt bound here, and kept cycling this place back and forth into the Feywild.” “Uh huh. I’ll take your word for it,” Iesa said, rubbing his temples. “But I thought nilbogs were a curse on goblins. How did it get ahold of Beepu?” “Once the vortex was created, anything was possible. In this case, the nilbog spirit was still stuck in this place, bound to the chest. But somehow the vortex was twisted just enough, so that it could possess…gnomes.” “Because gnomes are secretly misshapen goblins?” Daneath said looking at the ceiling with a wry smile. I shrugged, “To the Weave it wouldn’t normally work, but with a wild vortex it became possible. And because the vortex was bound to the chest, the corpse and the spirit, it was locked here; trapped. So, once I laid the body to rest, and we forced the spirit out of Beepu, the vortex collapsed. The nilbog couldn’t possess him again, and it never could possess us, so…it left.” “Where is it now?” Iesa asked, looking around as if the spirit would jump out of a wall nearby. I lifted up my hands, “Somewhere else. Acheron perhaps, or it might wander the prime until it finds another goblin. I’ll just take ‘not here.’” Then, Foggle’s head started to spin in place, and started hooting; “Beepuuu, Beepuuu, Beepuu!” “Oooohhh. Ow, ow, ow. What…what happened?” Beepu said slowly,his face wincing in pain, as he propped himself on an elbow. “What? Don’t you remember?” Daneath asked, looking at Beepu like he had grown another head. “I remember…flashes. Terrible jokes…but one thing stands out. A song…about a frog in—” “Don’t” I said levelly “Sing. That. Song.” “It was kind of playful and jaunty—” “—Forget you heard it.” I said icily. “Alright…fine…not clear on what that is about. So…where are we? I do not remember this…place.” “Part of a temple to Angharradh. This place seems to be a sort of library.” Beepu sat up and looked around excitedly. His face registered surprise and then shock as he looked at the piles of colored paper, torn pages and discarded books scattered around the room. “What a mess! How did this happen?” “Well…” Iesa said as he started to work on the chest, trying to pry it open. “That would be…your fault.” “What? That does not sound like me at all! And what happened to me? I hurt quite a bit. I seem to have bruises and cuts and…a lot of blood on my skin.” “Well…” Iesa started and then he looked at Daneath for help. “You were floating and making a mess and…um well…Myr?” Daneath looked at me helplessly. “We beat the sod out of you.” I said bluntly. “You…you…beat me?” “Repeatedly.” I said simply. “But…that seems…harsh? Why?” Beepu questioned, very confused. “You were possessed. And while you were out of control, you had Daneath attempt to kill Iesa, then you kept trying to have Iesa collapse in laughter with your bad jokes, and to top it off, you tried to kill me with…that…song. You’re lucky it was only a beating.” “Alright fine. What possessed me?” “A nilbog,” I said sighing. It was going to be a long day “Wait! That is not possib—” “Wild. Magic.” I said. “Ohhh…I guess it is then.” “Got it!” Iesa exclaimed, as he defeated the mechanism that held the lid shut. He then quickly opened it and looked inside, his eyes eager to see what had caused all of this trouble. “Well…these are worth something,” Iesa said as he held up a golden bowl in one hand and a silvery cup in another. Neither were tarnished with age, as both glittered in the cold magical flames that lit the room. They had runic shapes on them, and I realized they weren’t words, just stylized iconicgraphy. I moved over to the chest and saw more items; what appeared to be an inlaid box of silver, and several more cups and bowls. Each were stylized as a piece of art onto themselves. “They look to be religious relics,” I said. “That would make sense for this place, and the protection on the box.” “So? What do we do with them?” Daneath asked. “Carry them around and sell them?” “Actually…no. We give them…back,” Iesa said. “Curry favor, and perhaps a reward on something more useful?” I reflected. “That’s smart.” “I thought you did not like robbing the dead Myrai,” Beepu said archly, now finally standing and starting to move about. “I don’t like disturbing the graves of the fallen no,” I said turning to look at Beepu. “But this isn’t a tomb. And those clearly don’t belong to the goblin, which is the only corpse at rest here.” “Fair game then,” Daneath nodding in agreement. “What about the books?” “Yes…yes…yes!” Beepu limped over to a shelf and started to look over the remains. “They are in good shape for the age they must be. Religious and historical titles. And no Beepu,” I said to the gnome, who’s head snapped up to look at me. “I didn’t find anything on arcana.” “Wait? You looked at all of them?” he sounded disappointed and almost offended, that he missed the opportunity to examine all the texts himself first. “You’ve been out cold for a while,” I pointed out. “You feeling better? Think you can get a disc up to carry the chest and stuff.” “Certainly. A decent meal and something better than a stone cold floor would do wonders for my spine. But we could just carry the chest.” “It’s not for the chest; its for the armor that Daneath left in the forest above.” I said looking at Daneath with a smirk. Daneath had a puzzled look for only a moment, to have it swiftly replaced with wide eyed shock. “Crap! I can’t go the elves in [I]this!”[/I] looking at the hobgoblin warlords’ armor he wore. “We have to find it before…how do we get out of here?” and he immediately turned around and started to walk down the corridor that I had originally came from. Iesa watched for a moment and got up, “I’d better catch him before he gets lost.” Turning he jogged after his brother, but not before Mo dashed up and settled on his shoulder, riding the way out. It was quiet for a moment. Then Beepu with a deep sigh spoke. “Well despite the mess you caused, I should thank you.” He pulled out from his satchel a worn tome and began flipping pages looking for a spell. As he did so, he continued; “Does that make us even?” “What? A life for a life?” I said. I really hadn’t considered the debt that I felt I had owed before. It always felt like an unbearable weight on my shoulders, and one that I would never be able to repay. But hadn’t I already? I stopped Daneath and Iesa several times from passing into the fugue fighting skeletons, gnolls, and various goblins. This was really the second time I had helped save the little wizard, as he was shaken like a rag doll in the jaws of the barghest. It wasn’t quite the same though. They never crossed into the fugue. I just prevented it. They had to put themselves into debt to a criminal organization to save me. And then, by coming back I made them accountable for it. It didn’t even matter I hadn’t intended to. They were willing to risk a lot; they were willing to murder someone in cold blood to bring me back. Had I made the same risk? “I…don’t know really. Is it the same thing? You all put a lot on the line for me.” “That is true. But does it matter on the details? You have bled with us and stopped us from leaving. I would say its close enough. I still would like to know how you do things at all though.” “Well…perhaps at Whitepetal,” I said straightening up and stretching my arms over my head. “You can drink your tea, and I will have something stronger.” “Sounds just fine,” Beepu smiled, sounding more like his normal self. [HR][/HR] Beepu and I exited into the bright sunlight of the forest, with our familiars on a invisible disc holding our packs and the chest, and I carrying a bundle wrapped in cloth. The fog and darkness were gone. As I looked around, I realized how little of the ruin was even visible. This was a place from long ago, the rocks that could have been pillars had fallen over in the distant past. Any walls or buildings were beneath layers of dirt and leaves going back centuries. The light of the sun felt good; warm and inviting, as it cast light over the dense foliage nearby. In it, I heard rustling and I could see the dark hair of Iesa, moving plants around. Turning to look the other direction I caught the sight of Daneath, also beating the brush. “Can’t find it?” I raised my voice so both could hear. “No…I thought I had it out in the open,” Daneath yelled back. Beepu and I just looked at each other and then glanced at our familiars, who sat behind us on Beepu’s disc, both suddenly looked at each of us as if they knew… [I]--Fine. I’ll look for the armor. And I didn’t even have to ask! --At least the weather is worth it.[/I] And with that Gossamer took to the sky, with Foggle a moment afterwards. Both started to circle the area in larger and larger circles, with Gossamer flying lower, and Foggle at a greater height. Beepu was focusing on the owl, giving more direct guidance on where to look. Meanwhile, I started to look for a tree that was off to the side of what I thought was the boundary of the ruin. Finding a suitable one, I focused on strands, and watched the dirt churn as I mentally excavated a hole. It was done quickly, and I leaned down and carefully laid the bundle at the bottom. I made a quick prayer, and then moved the dirt back, interring the goblins bones, for their final rest. I nodded and smiled, and then returned back to the ruin just in time to hear the hooting of Foggle. [I]--Looks like the Modron found it first. Were you even trying? --Yes!...er kind of…sort of…not at all, I was enjoying the sun.[/I] I shook my head and rejoined the others. Iesa was helping Daneath swap out his armor for his older set of mail. It wasn’t long before Daneath once again lifted the silver bound orb and said “[I]Entu-LA Eska!” [/I] [HR][/HR] We were not even half a day away from Whitepetal as it turned out and the orb made finding the hidden paths trivial. As we approached, the orb started to glow with an emerald green light that grew stronger as we approached. Soon we were met by two elves patrolling the pathways. Recognizing us, they escorted us to one of the lifts, and in no time, we found ourselves in the great hall spanning between the trees. We strode inside, and we saw Galenas and Alanathia in discussion with a pair of elves. As we approached, they turned to greet us, dismissing their comrades. Their faces were somber, but a small smile was on each of their faces. “We are truly overjoyed to see you,” Galenas started. “We felt the tremors from here. Not long afterwards, one of our scouts found the remains of the encampment. You indeed have our thanks.” “It is unfortunate about the temple,” Alanathia said with a note of sadness. “But perhaps it is for the best to let go of that part of our past.” “You are probably right about that,” Daneath started. “We found Pathhorn—” “—I’m sorry who?” Galenas interrupted. “A highborn,” I said. “The goblins had captured and were trying to interrogate him. But, we managed to set him free and discovered that the goblins were after…magic in the waters and trying to harness it. After we killed the warlord below, the magic fell apart, and it all collapsed. By the time we’d reached the surface, it was as you said; the encampment was deserted.” “And where is Pathhorn now?” Galenas pressed. “Gone far to the south to rescue some of his kin,” Iesa said. “I see. Still, it is good that you stopped the hobgoblins from using what they found,” Alanathia spoke barely nodding as the conversation continued. “What was all that magic within?” Beepu asked. “It was not something I was familiar with.” “No. It was the remains of High magic from the Crown Wars. Magic far beyond the power of non-elves. But, while the hobgoblins could not use it properly, they certainly could have tapped into its power for other ends. But, why did it take so long for you to return?” Galenas asked. “So long?” Iesa replied confused. “What are you talking about?” I rolled my eyes upward and closed them sighing. Still closed I asked, “How long has it been since the temple collapsed?” “Its been almost a tenday,” Alathania replied. “We thought you had perished.” “What?!” Iesa and Daneath exclaimed together. “We were only gone a day,” Daneath continued. “How could—” “--The Feywild,” I said cutting him short. “Time flows differently there. We got lucky.” “What do you mean?” Iesa looked at me with a bit of fright in his eyes. “Its why traveling to the Feywild is dangerous. Time doesn’t work the same way there. So we could have returned with no time passing, or perhaps longer.” “How long?” Iesa pressed. “Well…a century?” I said and watched Iesa’s and Daneath’s eyes bulge in their sockets in shock. “So…ten days is ok. Could be worse,” I said nonchalantly, trying not to make it a big deal, and hiding my relief at the same time. “For shorter lived beings that could be a problem,” Galenas commented. He didn’t even try to hide the amused smile on his lips. “But why the detour?” “Well, that’s a bit harder to explain,” I said thinking about the events. “Let’s leave it at ‘we accidently left the prime, found a ruined temple to Angharradh, and left behind a lot of books in a library, and found some relics, that we have right here!’ and I pointed to the chest on the disc, floating silently behind us. Galenas moved to the chest, and slowly opened it. His eyes grew wide as he reached in, and pulled out one of the golden bowls, turning it in his hands. “These were…lost long ago. You again surprise us, and you have our thanks. You must tell us where this temple is, as we were not aware of any such ruin anywhere nearby.” “Indeed,” Alanathia now spoke, taking control of the conversation. “Well, perhaps we should tell you what has happened since you left, please sit.” And she gestured to some lounges that were arranged in a circle in the middle of the hall. We moved to them, and we sat down. Or rather, Beepu sat, I reclined, and Daneath and Iesa flopped wearily into their seats, still shocked at the time lost. Alanathia began, “Shortly after the tremors, we sent out some scouts with instructions to find you, and to see what the hobgoblins were doing. While we didn’t find you, we did follow the few worgs and goblins—” “—Did you kill them?” Iesa interrupted. “No,” Alanathia said, giving a look with a hint of disapproval. “They followed the group for a while.” “That makes more sense,” Daneath looked at Iesa pointedly. “We know that the ‘Prophesized One’ is still out there somewhere. “Correct,” Alanathia continued. “Since we had in the days received some relief from elsewhere in the forest, we sent a number of scouts to learn the whereabouts of their leader. We have uncovered several things. The first, is that there are several more encampments deep in the High Moors. It is likely that the leader is there. More disturbing is that they had been doing raids on roads around Secomber and smaller communities around it.” “Raids? To what end?” Beepu asked critically. “Slaves.” Alanathia replied. “For what we do not know. The Moors have wealth concealed there, from battles in the past, and lost settlements. Perhaps they need miners or diggers. But it matters little. The raids have increased ever since the collapse of the temple. We fear that we have perhaps provoked a conflict.” “By forcing them to start their plans early,” Daneath said. “Or they needed to change tactics.” “We agree. We have been able to mobilize some of our forces in preparation. But we cannot do that and investigate. The border between the High Moor and the Misty Forest is easily fifty leagues in length. If we can repel them at the edge that would be best. But we cannot roam the moors to seek them; we are too few.” “And we do not know what other forces they have,” Galenas continued. “We have an advantage of knowing our forest well; and knowing that we are truly under attack. We can prepare. But our forays into the Moors are very limited. But we have had some help.” “Oh?” Beepu sat up expectantly. “Ravalan returned to Whitepetal. He received information of a human village at the edge that will be targeted soon. He has left for that village to learn more and to, perhaps, encourage the villagers to leave.” “How did he get this information ?” Daneath asked, his brow knit as he was thinking through it. “He was told by a…party we have had dealings with. And that party wishes to speak to you all.” “About what?” Iesa said confused. Beepu and I exchanged glances at this strange turn of events. “They would not tell us. In fact, while we thought you were deceased, this party had great…optimism that you were simply delayed. And so, they have been waiting here for you to return.” Galenas and Alanathia both stood. “We will fetch them so you may speak privately here. Then we will speak afterwards.” The pair of elves, then departed the hall, leaving us in confusion. “Someone asking for us?” Iesa started, “That doesn’t make any sense. I mean who would look for us at all?” “And here?” Beepu added. “The fact we are all not elves, in a forest that enforces an edict against non-elves from entering at all. We are fortunate to be here, and yet someone is waiting here for us to return?” “This is the second time,” I said recalling some prior events. “The hobgoblins were asking questions about us…by name. They knew we were here.” I said, putting some thoughts together. “They only asked about us after the attack, but how did they know? We didn’t exactly leave any hobgoblin alive we fought. So who did they learn about us from?” “You’re right. This doesn’t make sense.” Daneath said with a frown. We then heard footsteps enter the hall, and we all turned to look at our mystery party. The fact it was an elf didn’t surprise me; with the exception of Ravalan, only elves could easily enter the Misty Forest. But that is where it ended. This elf at once looked at easy in his surroundings, and at the same time the way he strode into the room looking around with disdain spoke volumes. He did not want to be here; he did not think much of his surrounding, and as he came towards us; how little he thought of us. His lips were curled into a sneer of contempt, as his dark emerald eyes looked us over in our seats. His black hair was pulled back into a tight pony tail behind his head. He wore light chain, backed with dark leathers, and a cloak streamed behind him as he walked. He wore a longsword at his side, which the stylized hilt gave an impression of wealth well spent on quality, and not gaudy decorations upon it. Nor did he have rings or other jewelry. Even his cloak pin was a simple affair; high quality and functional. I wondered if this was a sun elf. I had heard a little of the various grouping of elves here. Most I had saw in passing I understood to be called Moon elves; they did not shun the races around them and in fact spent much time around others. The copper elves, by contrast were the bulk of the elves in the Misty forest. While they did not appreciate the races around them in their homes, they would venture beyond their forest realms and mingle with others. And the less said about the drow the better. But I was told the sun elves were different. They stood above their brethren viewing themselves as their betters. And they supposedly thought even less of non-elves; a momentary annoyance to their grand culture. Although everyone I spoke to said they were noble, I never heard anything positive about them; not even a name that one could say was worthy of adoration. From where we sat, Beepu and I was facing the elf as he made his way across the hall. At the sounds of his approach, both Daneath and Iesa rose from their seats and stood. Daneath had a look of suspicion as he did so, and he crossed his arms watching. Iesa arose, but wandered over to a pitcher and poured himself a glass of something, as he eyed and sized up the newcomer. “And so, here…you…are,” the elf spoke slowly and softly. His voice gave no signs of contempt or arrogance. But it did hold the tone of someone very confident and sure. “The Kershak, sends…his regards for his wayward…grandchildren.” For a moment the brother looked at each other, with questioning looks. Then, Iesa spoke. “Well…that’s interesting. I didn’t know we had a…living grandfather.” The elf gave a thin smile, “Insofar as you have…taken power from Umbra…power that belongs to the Kershak alone…it is the best way to describe your…relationship.” “That makes you what?” Daneath rejoined. “Our cousin?” “Nothing so grand. You may call me…Paradros. And I have come here to bring you…an offer.” “An offer?” Iesa asked skeptically. Paradros smiled and looked down a moment as if considering his words, before looking Iesa in the eye. “Your…suspicion is warranted. Normally, those that betray the trust of the Kershak, do not get offers. Certainly, Umbra wasn’t given one. And those that assist, don’t warrant much in the way of…mercy.” Paradros had closed the distance to Iesa, smiling until he stood an arm’s length away from the lean man. He then turned to Daneath as he continued. “But…even the Kershak has…a difficult time penalizing you for blundering beyond your…father’s mistake. For he broke the trust and not you. And so, an offer to…make things right seemed appropriate.” Daneath looked at the elf, as if to size him up. “What offer?” he said simply, his eyes narrowing. The elf smiled, “A very simple exchange. You leave me the items that rightfully belong to the Kershak. The sword,” pointing at the blade at Daneath’s waist, “and the dagger,” gesturing at Iesa, who had unconsciously gripped the pommel during the conversation. “For your…efforts in recovering them the Kershak will provide you with 16,000 crowns.” Iesa blinked and I swore that his eyes were going to pop out of his bonebox. Daneath, also did a double take between looking at the elf and the sword and dagger. Beepu and I looked at each other at this development. Beepu was frowning, but I couldn’t tell if it was in disapproval, or if he was thinking about what was said. But the brothers wore their expressions plainly. Iesa was pretty clear in his first thought; the temptation was there. Daneath by comparison was confused, as he appeared to struggle with various thoughts on the matter. But then Paradros continued. “Of course, there is one condition to the Kershak’s…largess. It is a small requirement, but a very important one, that the Kershak demands.” Paradros smiled as he looked at all of us. But as he spoke my heart skipped a beat as I processed the words said. “You must remain inside the Misty Forest, until the end of your days. All [B][I]four[/I][/B] of you.” [/QUOTE]
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