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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Puppy Kicker" data-source="post: 1745671" data-attributes="member: 20284">Chapter 2The Tomb of Varghani-Shisovo Vesmer 26 The sun was beginning to sink behind the mountains to the west when Mutere's voice broke the long day's silence. "'Round here it is. That rock there, the hand it is, no?" Nearly two hours of searching the area finally produced a dark chasm between two large pillars. A cold, damp breeze wafted from it, a refreshing change from the sweltering Varghani desert heat. "Tha's it, no?" "No point in waiting, I say. Tie the horse and let's away." Algrel helped Juni tether her horse in a shady spot as the other two cleared rubble from the entrance. Within minutes the companions were welcoming the comforting cool of the cave as they filed in. A few seconds of chanting and a beam of light sprung from Algrel's outstretched hand, shattering the darkness. The moist walls of the tunnel flickered as the group filed into the underground depths.  A strange scent accosted them more strongly the farther they went. "That stench comes from a pond, no? Farther down." They continued, distance and time lost in the depths and darkness. After an hour, perhaps two, the tunnel began to widen and the stench became almost unbearable. Algrel's light spell illuminated a stagnant pool of muddy water ahead of them.  The walkable ground ended at its edge. "The water, 's no deep at the edge. I climbed 'round, no?" Mutere carefully stepped into the stench-spewing water, hands clinging to the uneven cavern wall. As he eased forward the others followed, Algrel first to provide illumination. A few dozen feet of trudging through the mud brought them to the edge of the pond, where Juni bent over, gagging from the stench. This side of the cavern opened into another side chamber, a large doorway illuminated by Algrel's spell. A huge bronze door stood on one side, burnt along the opening edge. Its mate lie on the ground at the bottom of a short flight of steps, charred and blackened. Algrel stepped forward to examine the inscription on the door. "We need more light, my powers wane." Algrel looked to his companions.  Juni pulled a small hooded lantern wrapped in cloth from her satchel. A few seconds of work with her flint and it was alight, giving a feeble all-surrounding glow. "Varghani Shisovo here rests..." Algrel translated. "We appear to have found what we seek." Tentatively the group climbed the stairs, Nuvarel in the lead with broadsword bared. The stench died away as the group crossed the threshold into the Tomb, revealing a somewhat sweet smell as they passed through the doors. The two lights exposed a high vaulted chamber, supported by intricately carved pillars. A statue and sarcophagus lay against the opposite wall.  The cover of the sarcophagus lay on the stone tiled floor. Side passages led to unknown destinations. Algrel approached the opposite wall in reverence, the final resting place of one of the founding fathers of the Shesada Etherea. He was appalled at the desecration, but in awe nonetheless. The others followed, to a point... Mutere stopped at one of the side passages and peaked in. "This is Varghani Shisovo," Algrel said, gazing at the statue. "One of the greatest mages ever to exist." The statue stood, right hand held out as though to hold a staff, but empty now. "This belongs here, in reverence to the man that made the Etherea." Algrel held his staff in the air and slid it into the outstretched hand. A perfect fit. "This is where you found it, thief. Correct?" Algrel turned to scowl at Mutere, but the rogue was gone, exploring a side passage. Nuvarel and Juni stood transfixed by the statue. Algrel stormed towards a side tunnel he saw a light emanating from. "You'll not desecrate this tomb anymore, thief!" As he turned into the tunnel he saw Mutere crouching over a chest, rummaging through it, a torch lying on the floor next to him. "Enough, thief!" Mutere laughed, "Ah, the dead 'ave no need of it, youngs'er. No?" Algrel raised his hands, a slight electrical charge building in them. "Stop now. I will tolerate your blasphemy no longer." Algrel's voice was low and dangerous. Mutere looked up, eyes wide. He grabbed something from the chest and fled, sprinting around the corner just as Algrel's spell was complete. A small charged bolt fizzled in his hands. As Algrel ran after Mutere he saw the rogue exit the chamber, and saw the other two staring at the statue, not moving. Algrel turned towards them curiously. The statue was glowing, its eyes white fire. Juni shouted back at him "Algrel! Come. What is he saying?" Algrel stumbled forward. He could hear the words now, an ancient dialect of the Varghani tongue. The statue was speaking to him! Algrel, son of Jurvarop, son of Geralet, last of the brothers Etherea. The betrayal of my legacy will be avenged! The Shadow destroyed! This mark of power, The Amulet of Eresey, bring to Koj Mokay, sorcerer of the village of Zeldora. The Sacred City bears evil for you young Brother, do not return afore Sonnas Festus. Now go! May the wrath of Ramm power you and the justice of Baltur temper you. Begone! The glow faded from the statue.  Its arms extended with the grating noise of stone on stone, the staff in one stone hand and an obsidian amulet on a leather necklace in the other. Both fell to the ground at Algrel's feet. "What did he say, mage?" Juni looked at Algrel's astonished face with curiosity. "He said I am going to Zeldora. Coming?"</blockquote>

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