Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Final Chapter)

[Deuce Traveler]

The elves smirk at Silas' statement and one of them says something in elven that needs little translation. They think little of the Common tongue. As the situation grows more tense because of the abjurer's inability to respond, Sanmar casts an incantation and the group is wrapped in a blue glow for an instant before it disappears.

The elves, already on edge, fire their bows at point blank range into Sanmar's chest. The fey-like man collapses in the hail of arrows before the elves realize he poses little threat to them. Sanmar coughs up blood and touches the feathers, saying in Common, "Heh... I've been around since before Dorin was a gleam in his father's eye... to die like this... oh... now this is funny."

One of the elves says, "What just happened? What spell did he cast on you and what in the world was he thinking?" You realize as your group and two of the elves bend down to check on Sanmar that you now all speak and understand elven.

 

[GlassEye]

Silas bites back a curse and his surprise at now comprehending elven. "Who cares?" he snaps in the elven tongue. "It won't make a difference anyway. But I won't be held responsible for killing off one of their emissaries while their army is nearly on our doorstep. You escort them from here," he says glaring at the elf who first spoke.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The elves are shocked at Silas' outburst, but they still seem more shocked and confused that they had just mortally wounded Sanmar. "Maybe... maybe if we hurry we can stabilize him. Most of our priests have left us. Who did you wish to speak with? Perhaps they might help."

 

[GlassEye]

"I don't think they know who they want to speak with." Silas frowns at the entire situation before turning to the elf who seems to be in charge. "Where is Varrel? I'll turn these over to him and let him sort it all out. You all do what you can for him." Gently guiding Dartis and Caramip away from Sanmar, Silas begins walking towards the Tower of the Magi.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"No one has seen Varrel since he holed himself up in the Council chambers, and that has been ruled to be off limits, but we can take you to the Tower of the Magi."

They follow Silas, carry the dying Sanmar, and take the rest of the group to the Tower of the Magi. It seems as if you are climbing the outer stairs until your legs begin to feel sore. It is then that they open the windswept doors leading into the Council and introduce you to a familiar face. In the center of the chamber, standing with a dozen other elven wizards, is the beautiful Celeste Silvertree. She recognizes Dartis and Caramip out of the party while they lay the dying Sanmar on a nearby table. She goes to examine his wounds. "What has happened? What did this group of human invaders do that caused you to shoot this short one?"

"He cast some sort of spell on his comrades. We panicked, I admit, but thought that we would take him to you right away."

"And in your haste you leave several armed men into one of our main chambers," she says as she chastises the already nervous patrolman. "Well, we may as well leave them be for now. Why are they here?"

 

[GlassEye]

Silas is somewhat nervous that his spell will be seen through. Theory is one thing but practical use is another all together, the abjurer thinks. Nevertheless, he speaks up. "They seek to enter into negotiations. Perhaps concerning the army that grows ever closer to our city." He shrugs. "I am sure that he can speak for himself," Silas says indicating Dartis.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"No, I can't stand to talk to him right now, my fellow, for his peoples very existence causes our kin to slay one another. Talk to him yourself and tell me what their terms are. Perhaps we can avert more bloodshed. And what is your name, cousin?" She asks Silas this as she casts a spell.

 

[GlassEye]

Silas sighs. "As you wish. My name is Silas. I already know what they want. They want the key to the crystal so that they can raise it and their elven allies can use the last of its fading magics to erase the disease afflicting them. In return, they will try to hold back the army that even now marches on Saleentra." Silas pauses and look appraisingly at Dartis before turning back to the elven wizard. "Desperate men are dangerous men. Their army could do much damage before it succumbs to the disease. And it includes units of dwarves and gnomes."

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"Silas... that's such a popular name right now, what with both a human Dorinthian of note and a renegade elf sharing that name. And you have a faint transmutation spell cast upon yourself along with another with an aura of divination. I wonder if you are what you appear, but let's return to the question at hand. I have recently found out from the remaining, confused group of Magi that a cure already has been developed. A handful of those few that agreed and conceived of this plan also demanded that a cure be developed in case that they could convince the others that the plan was a mistake. The cure is herbal, and although I know some of the ingredients I don't know the full formula. The complete formula has been recorded and stored in one of our vaults here in this tower and is off limits as ordered by . Unfortunately, with us being beseiged we cannot afford to send wizards to break through the traps and guards put into place by the Council Voice. I can, however, get you into the vault with the cure if you and your companions are confidant enough to get through to the scroll that holds the formula. Perhaps if you get the forumla you can convince your army to withdraw. Most of us are horrified with what has been done, but not so much that we will not defend our land."

 

[GlassEye]

Silas lets the alteration magics fade so that he is standing there before Celeste Silvertree in his normal, human form. He shakes his head sadly. "It is the elves own foolishness that has driven them to kill one another. If you truly abhor this course of action then stand with us, stand with your brother elves and those who oppose this deed and the Voice of the Council. There is no time. The healing must occur now. I have experienced your herbal remedy and it is only a temporary cure. The only way possible to effect a cure is with the key and the celestial crystal."