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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 1446214" data-attributes="member: 143">Chapter 122The companions turned to reengage the erinyes as she teleported back into the chamber, ready for battle. Rather than fire, however, she turned instantly toward Arun, and unleashed a lengthy coil of rope at her hip opposite her quiver.  The rope unwound like a whip, but its head seemed almost sentient as it twisted toward the dwarf, seeking him out.  Arun had little chance of avoiding the probing rope, but even as it closed to within arm’s length, Mole leapt out into the middle of the room, intercepting the untangling coil by landing on it in mid-length.  The rope shot out and met its fullest extension a foot from the dwarf’s face, and then recoiled upon the diminutive figure that had interrupted its mission.  Mole yelled as she went down in a tangle of rope and limbs, trying ineffectually to cut at the thick strands with her sword. Dannel reached into his quiver, and drew out an arrow—his last arrow, one of the missiles forged in silver as a gift for aid rendered long ago.  The silver arrow was more of a token than a weapon, long kept in his quiver as an emergency ever since the adventurers had come up against the deadly lyncanthrope Tongueater a few months ago.  But without his sword, he lacked any other alternatives as he drew the unusual arrow to his cheek and released.  The silver arrow streaked into the side of the devil, hitting squarely but only barely piercing the skin.  The arrow hung there in her side as the erinyes turned, plucking the arrow casually from her side as she fixed Dannel with a hard stare.“Foolish elf,” she said.  “Allow me to demonstrate the craft of a true archer.”Even as she finished speaking she drew and fired, the arrow bursting into flame as it streaked across the room toward him.  Dannel tried to dodge, but the shot was true, catching him squarely in the chest.  His armor absorbed some of the force of the impact, but nevertheless three inches of sharp steel forged in the dark pits of the Hells sank into his body, and flames erupted from the point of impact, searing him with their terrible fingers. Pain replaced all other sensation, continuing to ravage him even as he fell, until only pain and darkness was left.  “No!” Zenna screamed, turning to the demon, rage engulfing her in a torrent, replacing her fear and indecision.  She spoke a word of magic, and vanished from sight as a cloak of invisibility settled about her.  Beside her, Arun had already charged, his hammer lifted high, but as he rushed across the chamber one of the coils of rope snaked across his ankle, and he stumbled, falling hard to the ground. Hodge, meanwhile, had finished loading his heavy bow, and took quick aim and fired.  But his shot was ineffective, striking the devil on the hip and bouncing harmlessly from her unholy flesh. “You, I think, I will save for last,” she said, casting an idle glance at Hodge. Hodge spluttered, threw down his crossbow, and drew his dagger.  He hesitated, however, as the devil met his gaze and laughed.  Zenna felt something tear within her as the world around her was swallowed in a red haze.  Dannel was down, a long shaft jutting from his pierced chest.  Mole’s struggles grew weaker as the animated rope tightened its grip around her.  Hodge stood transfixed, holding his dagger that looked tiny in contrast to the majestic evil of the devil.  Arun scrambled to his feet... Arun, their only real chance, now...Abruptly Zenna ran forward.  Tiny splashes on the floor revealed her steps, but she didn’t care.  She only knew that she had to do something.  She only had her color spray and shocking grasp spells... pathetic cantrips, against such a creature.  She knew even without trying that her wand of burning hands would have no effect upon it.  The erinyes turned to her, drawing back slightly, not in any way a retreat, but rather just to let her squarely face the charging wizard.  “Little wizard, you think to hide yourself from me?” Zenna did not cease her rush.  The words of a spell came to her lips, and she called down a blinding spray of colors that washed over the hovering outsider. When the color spray faded, however, the erinyes was completely unfazed. “Really, is that the best you can do?” she said.  Almost casually she drew out another arrow, pulled it back, and let fly.  Time seemed to freeze around Zenna, with only her, the arrow, and the devil in the entire world.  She stared at the arrow that grew until it seemed to fill her vision, and then she was flying backward. Mercifully, the blackness claimed her.</blockquote>

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