Time Well Spent

[Tom Cashel]

Lucius, only a few moments after your comments about "taking a few days to prove that the Shadovar shouldn't have the timepiece," you hear a clear, whispery, quite familiar voice speak in your mind:

You've done a magnificent job, Foxhound. I think it's obvious to all involved that the Shadovar are untrustworthy--best to just grab the timepiece now.

 

[Tom Cashel]

Luckily your Protection from Evil spell prevents the mental suggestion from taking effect.

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

"Oh, no ... it is as I feared. We're being watched, Dash. Quickly, pass me those keys to the shackles ... and if you have a protection from evil spell, cast it now. I have a cunning plan..."

 

[Van Dyksun]

Your generosity, Lucius, is in opposition with your reputation, which I can tell from the last day has not been fairly earned. You have made at least one friend and ally in the Order of Watchful Magists and Protectors.

Lucius tells me to cast protection from evil.

I cast another protection from evil spell. Good thing I had two memorized.

What is it that your true seeing senses? Does Iago have yet another trap waiting for us?

 

[Tom Cashel]

Calumn's voice speaks in your head again, Lucius...this time a mere sending. You are entitled to a 25 word reply.

A cunning plan? My patience has ended. Your puny life is now forfeit, mageling.

 

[Tom Cashel]

That doesn't sound so good, Tall magic-one, says Wisp. Do you mind if I stay here with Dash?

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

Damn you, Calumn. They locked me up for five days, and I'm stealing these shackes no matter what you say. I'm coming. Now

Wisp, sorry friend. Come along. Trust me ... no harm will come to you.

"Thanks for your kind words, Dash. Take these trinkets" - hands over the ruby and coins - "and buy something nice with them. Perhaps a wench might do you some good!"

Lucius unlocks the shackles from Iago's body and puts them under his arm. He takes out the bag of holding and then three small items from his pack.

"I asked you to cast that spell to protect you from the manacle's true owner -- he that sent me on this quest against my will. Calumn himself. I did not want that evil, netherese vampire to take over your mind.

"Nonetheless, I fear I cannot fight him." - Lucius reaches out to grab the hourglass.. but first, he smiles at Dash.

"Please tell Master Giraldus I thank him for his gift."

He grabs the hourglass.

 

[Tom Cashel]

Lucius vanishes suddenly, leaving Dash alone in Iago's Tower.

Abruptly you are in Calumn's presence.

He turns slowly.

"Give me the hourglass now, worm."

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

"No."

Lucius holds the hourglass ... and the three caltrops in his hand over the Bag of Holding.

"We had a deal. The hourglass for the ring... and you destroy neither myself nor my friends. I want make sure you hold up your end of the bargain. Make a move, cast a spell, or try and dominate me, and your hourglass is lost forever.

"Since you said you're going to kill me anyway, I figure that I don't have much to lose."

 

[Tom Cashel]

"Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-HA!" Calumn is almost overwhelmed by mirth. "You are the most impudent brat of all the Child Races I have ever encountered."

He flips a shining trinket toward you. The ring of the darkhidden lands at your feet.

"As promised. Now give me the hourglass."