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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 4166244" data-attributes="member: 143">I started writing again today, after a hiatus of about a month where I'd either been a) away from my computer, or b) sick as a dog. Fortunately I was near the end of the story when I stopped, so it hasn't interfered with my posting schedule. Since I'm near the end of the story now, both in terms of writing and in posting, I think I might wrap up the Doomed Bastards and start a 4e story next. I haven't preordered Keep on the Shadowfell yet, but I have both that and the 4e core rules boxed set in my cart on Amazon. I have prepared a number of character sketches, but I don't know a lot about the rules system yet except for what's been discussed in the 4e forum here at ENWorld. What I've seen leaves me cautiously optimistic. I'm also starting a new Neverwinter Nights campaign soon that will run on Saturday mornings. If any of you loyal readers are still playing that game, look me up at Neverwinter Connections; I will likely have some open slots. * * * * * Chapter 20EMERGENCEWhen they emerged from the depths of the Temple of the Final Sacrament, the day was already deepening into twilight, the light of the fading sun muted by dense clouds overhead and the twisting branches of the surrounding forest.  The companions that had delved into the Bloodways showed the signs of their nearly sixteen hours underground; all were exhausted and dirty, save for Zafir Navev, who trailed behind the others, silent and deadly. Duke Aerim stood at the threshold of the ancient temple, and stared thoughtfully into the open air beyond.  The former Bloodwraith had been quiet for most of their journey back to the surface.  At first he had seemed somewhat dazed, overcome by the transition back to life, but the further they had gotten from the tomb within the Bloodways, the stronger he had gotten.  Ghazaran had spent most of the trip back up in close consultation with the resurrected lord, but Aerim had said little, stirring out of his quiescence only when they were assaulted by a blood golem in the Ways.  The thing had seemed confused, and Aerim’s blade had torn it into fragments almost before it could marshal an effective attack.    They had all washed with water conjured by Ghazaran once they’d finally escaped the Bloodways and returned to the dungeons under the Temple of the Final Sacrament, but all of their garments remained sodden with streaks of red, giving them all a rough, barbaric look.  Faint red outlines of their footprints trailed down the steps behind them, a marker of their passage.  The Seer exchanged a few words with Ghazaran, and then walked away, out into the clearing surrounding the temple.  He did not go far before casting a spell, summoning a shimmering doorway of magical energy into which he vanished.  Whatever magical portal he had created disappeared behind him, a few seconds after he had departed. Ghazaran cast a spell as well, a sending.  Within a few seconds, there was a shimmer in the air, and both Jasek and Parzad appeared, clad in plain, functional garments that would have drawn little attention in Camar, or any other city across the world.  “It’s about freaking time,” Jasek said, as he looked around their surroundings.  An eyebrow came up as he saw Aerim, but the Duke seemed barely interested in their affairs, even when they involved the sudden disappearance or appearance of members of their company.  “Half the city is looking for us, and I was going to have to...”“It was necessary,” Ghazaran interrupted.  He looked at Parzad.  “You have it?”The wilder nodded.  He drew out a leather wrap, and handed it to Ghazaran.  The cleric’s eyes grew covetous as he unwrapped the package, but he only glanced at the flash of yellow within before he closed it and tucked it into his pouch.  He looked over at Navev, who returned the gaze without reaction.  Parzad also handed over a small bundle of leather scroll cases, which the priest examined in more detail.  “Excellent, excellent.  These will prove quite useful.  You have done well.”“Your information was good,” Jasek admitted.  “They weren’t ready for us.”“Others have intervened; our foes have gained more knowledge, and will likely try to stop us.”“Isn’t that all the more reason to get moving?” Jasek asked. “I am cognizant of the needs for urgency, but there are preparations that must be made first.  Secure a camp near the temple,” he told them.  “I will require solitude inside; do not intrude, even if you detect odd noises or lights within.”“What if we come under attack?” Jasek asked.  “The Camarians have wizards and clerics too, you know.”“I do not believe that they will be able to reach us before dawn, and we will be well on our way to our ultimate goal by then.  If they prove more adaptable than we thought, then feel free to take whatever actions you feel are appropriate.  I trust to your resourcefulness, Jasek.”“Somehow I am not reassured,” the rogue said, but he nodded, already scanning the area for the best spot to camp.  “What about him?” he said, indicating the Duke, still standing facing away from them, at the top of the Temple steps. “Leave Duke Aerim to me,” Ghazaran said. As the others headed outside to begin their preparations for their camp, the cleric walked over to Aerim.  The Duke stood with his arms folded across his broad chest, obscuring his sigil.  His golden robe was a bit threadbare, but remained remarkably intact for its age.Aerim acknowledged him with a faint inclination of his head.  “I am grateful for removing me from that... existence,” he said.  “But I have no interest in this scheme of yours.”“You will have the opportunity to gain vengeance against those who sent you into peril, and abandoned you in the depths of the world below,” the cleric said.Aerim’s hands tightened into fists, indicating that he had not forgotten, but still he shook his head.  “This Camar of yours is alien to me,” he said.  “The people responsible for my fate are all dead, along with their descendants, and those who followed, for hundreds of years.  I do not know this world, but I would look upon it, ere I judge my path.”“Alone?”“Such appears to be my lot.”“Perhaps not.”  Something in his voice made the Duke turn, and see the object that the cleric was holding in his hand.  It was a small silver locket, dangling on a thin chain.  Aerim took it, staring at it in his hand.  “Alyse,” he said, the word thick in his throat.“The legends say that all that you loved suffered for your fall.”Aerim looked at the cleric, and there was a promise of death in his eyes.  “Orcus and his cult have been laid low; that vengeance is denied you.  But neither do you owe the wretched people of this world any allegiance.  Help me release the Ravager from its prison, and I will restore your wife to you, using the same power that I summoned to draw you from your suffering, back to the world of the living.  From there, you can determine your fate by your own will, and not the failings of others.”Aerim’s anger did not abate, but it had shifted from the cleric.  He looked down at the locket.  “Why did you bring me back, priest?”“You were the finest swordsman of your age.”“Swords are cheap enough, in this or any age.  Do not trifle with me; speak truth, or I will take your life before I take my leave.”“I shall deliver it to you, then.  You know already that I serve ancient and powerful gods.  They told me how to release you, now that the Demon is defeated, and they told me that you were the key to the successful completion of my quest.”“But why?  I am just a man.”“No.  You were, and are, more.  I freed you from the prison of the Bloodways, but the power of that place still flows in your veins.  You are Aerim, but you are also Aegis, the weapon of ages, the blade against which the pain of the world will be wrought.”Aerim was silent for a long moment.  Finally, he closed the hand holding the locket into a fist, and lowered it to his side.   “So be it.  But if you deceive me, know that I will see that your suffering rivals mine, before you die.”Ghazaran nodded calmly.  “Agreed.”</blockquote>

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