Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Tirlanolir/D'nemy's Tales of Turgos: The Heroes of Goldfire Glen (UPDATE 7/26)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Canaan" data-source="post: 2820276" data-attributes="member: 40239"><p><strong>Chapter 13: Helena</strong></p><p></p><p>Every muscle in my body, stretched as thin as parchment, screamed out to me for solace as I rode behind Lilian, heading southward for Balian’s Tower. Gabriel and Hu Li rode just behind me. I could hear them arguing, but it was unclear over what as the loud pounding of the horses’ hooves drowned out nearly all other sound. </p><p></p><p>The horrors that scarred Goldfire Glen were beyond quantification. Not a soul in the village was untouched by the massacre, save for the Shuuthian and his recently acquired shop. </p><p></p><p>After the last of the fires had been extinguished, the horrible task of collecting and counting the dead commenced. Both Jazzad and Menion had been found in Menion’s home above his shop. They had been bound together and burned alive.</p><p></p><p>Aesendal and Talon were to remain. Carrie, Farmer Jed’s orphaned daughter was temporarily left under the care of the Baroness until appropriate Church officials arrived from Auros. Aesendal demanded to stay behind. He wanted to help spearhead the reconstruction as well as confront the mysterious Shuuthian. We had theorized that he may have bribed the Cultists to leave his shop alone, or, worse, that he was an Orcus worshipper, sent ahead to Goldfire Glen as a spy. </p><p></p><p>Talon returned to his master’s abode outside the village to give the mushrooms he found in the goblin’s village to his master in the hope that his master could craft a remedy for Shale. As it was secluded in the woods an hour outside the borders of Goldfire Glen, Talon’s master’s home had been spared the wrath of the Cultists. </p><p></p><p>By foot, Balian’s Tower is a full day’s travel from Goldfire Glen, but at the pace we were pushing our horses, we first spotted the moss smothered top of the tower by the sixth hour of our journey. A mere two hours later, we were galloping over the lowered bridge, past the angered quacking of the moat’s bloated ducks and into the main foyer. </p><p></p><p>We dismounted and Lilian commanded Hu Li to lead the way to his master. It was of no consequence, as the door to the dining hall swung open and Balian all but floated out to greet us. His countenance was wrapped with annoyance. </p><p></p><p>“You have returned what is mine, then… apprentice?” He said holding out a boney hand toward Hu Li who cowered before his master.</p><p></p><p>“I haven’t a clue as to what you insinuate, Master.” He sputtered.</p><p></p><p>“The book.” Said Balian. “The one you stole from me.” </p><p></p><p>“I stole nothing. It was a gift. I borrowed it only.” Hu Li answered unconvincingly. </p><p></p><p>“We don’t have time for this!” Gabriel said, stepping forward. “Our home has been destroyed, Balian! My sister and the Priest here…” He said pointing at me. “… believe you are the only one who can help us. A boy has been kidnapped and we need to find him. Are you capable and willing to do that for us?”</p><p></p><p>Balian ignored Gabriel’s intrusion. Both he and Hu Li were locked in some silent conflict. Their eyes never strayed from each others.</p><p></p><p>“I demand you answer me, old man!” The brawler hollered. I stepped up to him. </p><p></p><p>“This is the man’s home. Show some respect.” </p><p></p><p>Gabriel stepped away from me, narrowing the gap between himself and the arch mage. Lilian hurried up to him and blocked his path. At that moment, Hu Li let out a sigh and dropped his head. Reluctantly, he moved over to his horse, pulled the thick tome of Abu Abai free from a saddle bag and handed it over to his master.</p><p></p><p>Balian’s chalky face was split by a pleased smile. </p><p></p><p>“Thank you.” He said to Hu Li. “You have learned much, my apprentice. Despite your petty larceny, I have a reward for you. Go to your chambers and wait for me there.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, master. Thank you master. You are most forgiving, kind and merciful.” Hu Li all but leapt from the foyer, running past Balian and disappearing into the great hall. </p><p></p><p>“You’re being quite rude, Balian.” The voice was soft, feminine and soothing. It came from above and behind us. Balian’s features strangely relaxed at the admonition as his eyes drifted in the direction of the sound. </p><p></p><p>We all turned around and beheld a towering, intoxicatingly beautiful woman standing statuesque on the landing at the top of the staircase behind us. She was wrapped in translucent, silky shades of indigo. Her alluringly milky arms were wrapped around one another at her chest. Fiery red fingernails tapped over her arms just above her elbows.</p><p></p><p>“You have yet to introduce me to your guests.” She purred.</p><p></p><p>“Forgive me, my dearest.” Answered Balian. I turned back to him and caught his boney hands wringing over each other, his shoulders drooped just so. He looked almost submissive, but when his eyes caught mine, he instantly snapped back to his usual commanding stiffness. </p><p></p><p>“Everyone, this is Helena. She is my friend and advisor.” Balian waved a hand over us, then toward her. “Helena… this is everyone.” </p><p></p><p>With that, Balian turned away and glided off. </p><p></p><p>Helena rolled her eyes and moved down the stairs, her hand outstretched in greeting. </p><p></p><p>“He is a master of much, etiquette not being one of them.” She said as she took Lilian’s hand.</p><p></p><p>“I am Lilian Evenshire, Champion of Canaan in service of Goldfire Glen. This is my brother Gabriel.”</p><p></p><p>Gabriel held out his hand stiffly as Helena took it and rubbed the back of it with hers. She drank in his muscular frame for a long, silent moment. </p><p></p><p>“You’re quite a specimen.” She said. </p><p></p><p>Gabriel yanked his hand away. Helena only smiled at him. Gabriel moved behind his sister and whispered something to her. Lilian shook her head in response.</p><p></p><p>I offered my hand. Helena took it and allowed me to bring her hand to my lips. I politely kissed it. Her skin was as soft and cool as a spring’s morning breeze. </p><p></p><p>“I am Evora Faro, Priest of Canaan.” I said. Her eyes betrayed a recognition.</p><p></p><p>“Ah.” She said. “So you are Balian’s new apprentice.” </p><p></p><p>I could feel both Lilian and Gabriel’s stares of shock.</p><p></p><p>“He has graciously offered his tutelage to me, yes.” I admitted. “At my request.” </p><p></p><p>Gabriel grumbled something, pushed past Lilian and headed into the dining hall.</p><p></p><p>“We are here on urgent business, Lady Helena.” Lilian said. </p><p></p><p>“I know.” The arcanist answered. “Goldfire Glen has been brutally attacked.”</p><p></p><p>“How did you know that?” Lilian asked. </p><p></p><p>“We saw it happen, or at least, saw the aftermath.” Helena said, a bit quieter. “It was horrible.”</p><p></p><p>“You and Balian were at Goldfire Glen?” Said Lilian, her voice choking. “You saw the attack and did nothing to stop it?”</p><p></p><p>“No, my Lady.” Helena said, affecting a sad smile. “Balian and I were scrying, trying to find Veshra. We were searching everywhere, but found nothing. When our search brought us to Goldfire Glen, it was already on fire. A moment later we saw you riding in. We watched you slay what remained of the Cultists. We then turned away from the village, trying to find any sign of other Cultists. We were unsuccessful.”</p><p></p><p>“We encountered Veshra.” I said. Helena immediately locked eyes with me. “In the Wildlands. She had taken the shape of a spider, serving as a familiar to a goblin shaman. Once we slew the shaman, she disappeared, but not before telling us Goldfire Glen was being destroyed.” </p><p></p><p>“The shaman is dead?” Helena asked, a pleased, thin smile spreading over her enticing face. She turned from us and rushed to the dining hall. “Balian!” She cried out. “Ready your summoning chamber! We have work to do!” </p><p></p><p>An hour later we had gathered in a large chamber beneath the tower. We all stood at one end of a large circle hewn from the living rock in the floor. Helena and Balian had swiftly drawn in large, arcane symbols around a wide thaumaturgic triangle. Hu Li was not present. When Gabriel asked Balian what he had done with Hu Li, the master waved an irritated hand at the brawler and replied flatly “He is being disciplined.” </p><p></p><p>Candles were lit at the corners of the triangles. Pungent incense was burned by each candle. </p><p></p><p>“You must all keep very still and very quiet.” Helena told us as she positioned herself by the edge of the circle. “Denizens of Hell are a complicated and ornery sort. Many of them trust me, but if they suspect something is out of place, they will not cooperate.” </p><p></p><p>Lilian, myself and Gabriel gave each other astonished glances. </p><p>“You confer with the beings of Hell?” Asked Lilian, her voice halted and concerned. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, yes.” Helena answered plainly. She looked at our worried miens, rolled her eyes and gave Balian an annoyed glare. “Balian, my dear, didn’t you tell them?” </p><p></p><p>“Tell them what?” Said Balian, never looking up from a thick tome that lay open on a pedestal next to him. </p><p></p><p>“That I am a Diabolist.” She said. </p><p></p><p>“You worship devils?” Spouted Gabriel, his hands clinching into fists. Helena threw her head back and laughed. </p><p></p><p>“No, silly man!” She said. “I entrust them to me, in service of the greater good.”</p><p></p><p>“And why should we entrust ourselves to you?” The brawler said through his teeth. “How do we know you are not corrupted by all this… conferring?” </p><p></p><p>“I already told you, Gabriel.” Interrupted Lilian. “I sense no evil in her. I have no choice but to trust her.” </p><p></p><p>“Very wise of you, my dear.” Helena said. “I dally with fiends with only one goal in mind, and that is to use them for information. Believe me, devils are an ever-flowing font of knowledge, and given the right enticements, they like to talk.”</p><p></p><p>“What sort of enticements?” I asked.</p><p></p><p>Helena simply smiled and turned back toward the circle. She raised her hands and began chanting in a language I had never heard. It was drearily melodic, sinister and beautiful, like a requiem. At various intervals, Balian paused from his readings to add a line of harmony to the unveiling song. </p><p></p><p>Smoky shadows began to undulate at the center of the triangle. The flames of the candles stretched upward, shifting from yellow to a rich ruby red. The air about the chamber grew dry and hot. The slithering shadows coalescing in the triangle twisted into shapes of cherub sized, gaunt fiends. Their heads were adorned with small horns. Their faces where broken into twisted, cruel smiles. Boney wings flapped at their backs as they swirled in and out of the cloud of smoke that had gathered. </p><p></p><p>Helena’s song stopped. Her voice grew commanding and insistent. A few of the devils stopped their cavorting and listened intently, cowed into submission by the force of Helena’s will. </p><p></p><p>They nodded in response to her orders and vanished. The cloud dispersed, then reformed but a moment later, taking on the transparent, ghostly shape of the hunched shaman we had fought and bettered in the Wildlands not two days previous. Chains of bone fell from his wrists, waist and ankles, anchored to some unseen moor below the stone floor. Blade wounds and acid burns still scarred the shaman’s frame. </p><p></p><p>He and Helena spoke for some time. Whenever the ghost answered, azure smoke billowed from his mouth and nostrils. Many of his responses were preceded with a violent shake of his head and writhing against the chains that bound him. At last Helena waved an open palm before the goblin and it vanished. The candles blew out and the infernal shadows evaporated. </p><p></p><p>Balian and Helena wordlessly left the chamber. We followed them up the stairs to the main floor and into Balian’s private library. Dusty, yellowing tomes clogged the colossal shelves that lined every wall. A large, simple mirror hung at the far end of the chamber. Balian and Helena went right to the mirror and began what appeared to be a complex ritual. </p><p></p><p>Gabriel leaned to me, his voice crackling with rage and distrust. </p><p></p><p>“What are they doing?” He asked.</p><p></p><p>“I am not sure, but I gather they are trying to scry some location based on what the ghost of the goblin shaman told her.” </p><p></p><p>“This is madness.” He said. “Utter madness.”</p><p></p><p>“We have it!” Announced Helena, turning back to us, a fist punching the air. She hurried up to us as Balian left the chamber through an archway by the mirror. Gabriel’s eyes followed him.</p><p></p><p>“They have taken Tanner to a ruined tower. It is in the Wildlands not two days travel from Goldfire Glen.”</p><p></p><p>“What do they mean to do with the boy?” Asked Lilian.</p><p></p><p>“They mean to sacrifice him to Orcus.” She said. “On the night the New Moon. If they succeed, Kharas’Voorhies will rise. They will use the power of the purity of this boy to fuel that villain’s rebirth.” </p><p></p><p>“When is the New Moon?” Lilian asked, her voice shaking.</p><p></p><p>“Four days from today. You have the luxury of time. You must use it to rest. You are weary and in need of sleep.” Helena told us. Gabriel shook his head at her.</p><p></p><p>“We’re not staying here.” He spat. “And neither is Jordan. We are leaving. Now.” </p><p></p><p>He tore off after Balian, vanishing under the archway. We heard him calling out to the wizard. Lilian and I chased after him. Helena did not follow.</p><p></p><p>We caught up with Gabriel in an adjacent room. It was a smaller, but equally impressive library. The walls were covered in large maps of alien looking landscapes. Hu Li sat at a desk near the center of the room, his nose in an opened book. </p><p></p><p>Balian stood near his apprentice as Gabriel stomped up to him. </p><p></p><p>“We are leaving.” The brawler said. </p><p></p><p>“Fine. Then go.” Answered Balian. “No one is keeping you here.” </p><p></p><p>“I am taking Jordan with us.” Gabriel said. “I am not leaving him here with you.” </p><p></p><p>“That is the Acolyte Hu Li!” Hu Li said in response. </p><p></p><p>“I need to stay in order to study.” Hu Li continued. </p><p></p><p>“You can study anywhere.” Answered Gabriel. </p><p></p><p>“No. I cannot. I have to remain. I can only learn all I need to know if I remain here for the night.” </p><p></p><p>“I will remain.” I said. “I will look after Hu Li and make sure no harm comes to him.” </p><p></p><p>“You?” Said Gabriel. “You yourself are already taken by this wizard’s hollow lies. What good will you be?”</p><p></p><p>Balian stepped forward. </p><p></p><p>“You may leave.” He told Gabriel, his usual shrill voice deepened and threatening. “But Hu Li must remain. If he does not, his usefulness to you will be greatly diminished.” </p><p></p><p>“That makes no sense!” Said Gabriel, his temper shattered. “You are all bewitched by this madman and I am no longer willing to stand by while you…”</p><p></p><p>Balian rolled his eyes dramatically and waved a hand at Gabriel. The brawler vanished. Lilian gasped and ran forward, stopping at the place where Gabriel stood. </p><p></p><p>“What have you done with him?” She shouted. “Where have you sent him?” </p><p></p><p>Balian sighed. </p><p></p><p>“He is quite safe. He is outside. With the ducks.” He said. </p><p></p><p>“Show me.” Lilian insisted. </p><p></p><p>“Very well. Apprentice, stay here and continue with your studies.” </p><p></p><p>“I never stopped them, master.” Said Hu Li.</p><p></p><p>Balian led us up a spiral staircase and stopped when we came to a narrow window.</p><p></p><p>“There.” He said, pointing a boney hand out the window. We both looked and instantly spotted Gabriel pacing back and forth on the far side of the moat. The drawbridge had been raised. “You see. Quite safe.” </p><p></p><p>Balian left us. We watched Gabriel for a few silent moments, then the weight of the last few days finally fell upon me and I leaned on the wall, a breath away from collapsing fully. Lilian must have sensed my fatigue, for I felt her hand come to rest upon my shoulder. </p><p></p><p>“I am sorry I could not do more for your village.” I said. </p><p></p><p>“You are little more than a stranger to us, Evora.” She said. “And yet you selflessly remain and aid us. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done.” </p><p></p><p>“Canaan has brought me to you.” I said. A fog rolled in over my eyes. I could barely stand. “It is by His will alone that I act. Do not thank me. Thank Him. Have faith, Lilian. All will be well.” </p><p></p><p>I remember little else of that day. Lilian and I supported each other as Balian’s Gnomish house servant led us to our rooms. I remember laying my head upon a soft pillow, closing my eyes and dreaming of a lake of fire, blood and smoke. On an island in the middle of the lake sat a boy, clinging to a bald sapling. The acidic waters of the lake lapped up at the boy’s bare feet. I cried out, but it was to no avail. The waters surged and boy was lost under the waves. </p><p></p><p>When I awoke it was night. A silver sliver of a crescent moon frowned down at me through the window of my room. In three nights an innocent, frightened child will be brutally murdered and myself, Lilian, Gabriel, Hu Li, Shale, Talon and Aesendal had been chosen to thwart the crime. If we failed, the horrors that befell Goldfire Glen would engulf all Turgos. With those terrifying, prophetic visions haunting me, I fell back into a deep sleep and by the grace of Canaan, did not dream for the remainder of the night.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Canaan, post: 2820276, member: 40239"] [b]Chapter 13: Helena[/b] Every muscle in my body, stretched as thin as parchment, screamed out to me for solace as I rode behind Lilian, heading southward for Balian’s Tower. Gabriel and Hu Li rode just behind me. I could hear them arguing, but it was unclear over what as the loud pounding of the horses’ hooves drowned out nearly all other sound. The horrors that scarred Goldfire Glen were beyond quantification. Not a soul in the village was untouched by the massacre, save for the Shuuthian and his recently acquired shop. After the last of the fires had been extinguished, the horrible task of collecting and counting the dead commenced. Both Jazzad and Menion had been found in Menion’s home above his shop. They had been bound together and burned alive. Aesendal and Talon were to remain. Carrie, Farmer Jed’s orphaned daughter was temporarily left under the care of the Baroness until appropriate Church officials arrived from Auros. Aesendal demanded to stay behind. He wanted to help spearhead the reconstruction as well as confront the mysterious Shuuthian. We had theorized that he may have bribed the Cultists to leave his shop alone, or, worse, that he was an Orcus worshipper, sent ahead to Goldfire Glen as a spy. Talon returned to his master’s abode outside the village to give the mushrooms he found in the goblin’s village to his master in the hope that his master could craft a remedy for Shale. As it was secluded in the woods an hour outside the borders of Goldfire Glen, Talon’s master’s home had been spared the wrath of the Cultists. By foot, Balian’s Tower is a full day’s travel from Goldfire Glen, but at the pace we were pushing our horses, we first spotted the moss smothered top of the tower by the sixth hour of our journey. A mere two hours later, we were galloping over the lowered bridge, past the angered quacking of the moat’s bloated ducks and into the main foyer. We dismounted and Lilian commanded Hu Li to lead the way to his master. It was of no consequence, as the door to the dining hall swung open and Balian all but floated out to greet us. His countenance was wrapped with annoyance. “You have returned what is mine, then… apprentice?” He said holding out a boney hand toward Hu Li who cowered before his master. “I haven’t a clue as to what you insinuate, Master.” He sputtered. “The book.” Said Balian. “The one you stole from me.” “I stole nothing. It was a gift. I borrowed it only.” Hu Li answered unconvincingly. “We don’t have time for this!” Gabriel said, stepping forward. “Our home has been destroyed, Balian! My sister and the Priest here…” He said pointing at me. “… believe you are the only one who can help us. A boy has been kidnapped and we need to find him. Are you capable and willing to do that for us?” Balian ignored Gabriel’s intrusion. Both he and Hu Li were locked in some silent conflict. Their eyes never strayed from each others. “I demand you answer me, old man!” The brawler hollered. I stepped up to him. “This is the man’s home. Show some respect.” Gabriel stepped away from me, narrowing the gap between himself and the arch mage. Lilian hurried up to him and blocked his path. At that moment, Hu Li let out a sigh and dropped his head. Reluctantly, he moved over to his horse, pulled the thick tome of Abu Abai free from a saddle bag and handed it over to his master. Balian’s chalky face was split by a pleased smile. “Thank you.” He said to Hu Li. “You have learned much, my apprentice. Despite your petty larceny, I have a reward for you. Go to your chambers and wait for me there.” “Yes, master. Thank you master. You are most forgiving, kind and merciful.” Hu Li all but leapt from the foyer, running past Balian and disappearing into the great hall. “You’re being quite rude, Balian.” The voice was soft, feminine and soothing. It came from above and behind us. Balian’s features strangely relaxed at the admonition as his eyes drifted in the direction of the sound. We all turned around and beheld a towering, intoxicatingly beautiful woman standing statuesque on the landing at the top of the staircase behind us. She was wrapped in translucent, silky shades of indigo. Her alluringly milky arms were wrapped around one another at her chest. Fiery red fingernails tapped over her arms just above her elbows. “You have yet to introduce me to your guests.” She purred. “Forgive me, my dearest.” Answered Balian. I turned back to him and caught his boney hands wringing over each other, his shoulders drooped just so. He looked almost submissive, but when his eyes caught mine, he instantly snapped back to his usual commanding stiffness. “Everyone, this is Helena. She is my friend and advisor.” Balian waved a hand over us, then toward her. “Helena… this is everyone.” With that, Balian turned away and glided off. Helena rolled her eyes and moved down the stairs, her hand outstretched in greeting. “He is a master of much, etiquette not being one of them.” She said as she took Lilian’s hand. “I am Lilian Evenshire, Champion of Canaan in service of Goldfire Glen. This is my brother Gabriel.” Gabriel held out his hand stiffly as Helena took it and rubbed the back of it with hers. She drank in his muscular frame for a long, silent moment. “You’re quite a specimen.” She said. Gabriel yanked his hand away. Helena only smiled at him. Gabriel moved behind his sister and whispered something to her. Lilian shook her head in response. I offered my hand. Helena took it and allowed me to bring her hand to my lips. I politely kissed it. Her skin was as soft and cool as a spring’s morning breeze. “I am Evora Faro, Priest of Canaan.” I said. Her eyes betrayed a recognition. “Ah.” She said. “So you are Balian’s new apprentice.” I could feel both Lilian and Gabriel’s stares of shock. “He has graciously offered his tutelage to me, yes.” I admitted. “At my request.” Gabriel grumbled something, pushed past Lilian and headed into the dining hall. “We are here on urgent business, Lady Helena.” Lilian said. “I know.” The arcanist answered. “Goldfire Glen has been brutally attacked.” “How did you know that?” Lilian asked. “We saw it happen, or at least, saw the aftermath.” Helena said, a bit quieter. “It was horrible.” “You and Balian were at Goldfire Glen?” Said Lilian, her voice choking. “You saw the attack and did nothing to stop it?” “No, my Lady.” Helena said, affecting a sad smile. “Balian and I were scrying, trying to find Veshra. We were searching everywhere, but found nothing. When our search brought us to Goldfire Glen, it was already on fire. A moment later we saw you riding in. We watched you slay what remained of the Cultists. We then turned away from the village, trying to find any sign of other Cultists. We were unsuccessful.” “We encountered Veshra.” I said. Helena immediately locked eyes with me. “In the Wildlands. She had taken the shape of a spider, serving as a familiar to a goblin shaman. Once we slew the shaman, she disappeared, but not before telling us Goldfire Glen was being destroyed.” “The shaman is dead?” Helena asked, a pleased, thin smile spreading over her enticing face. She turned from us and rushed to the dining hall. “Balian!” She cried out. “Ready your summoning chamber! We have work to do!” An hour later we had gathered in a large chamber beneath the tower. We all stood at one end of a large circle hewn from the living rock in the floor. Helena and Balian had swiftly drawn in large, arcane symbols around a wide thaumaturgic triangle. Hu Li was not present. When Gabriel asked Balian what he had done with Hu Li, the master waved an irritated hand at the brawler and replied flatly “He is being disciplined.” Candles were lit at the corners of the triangles. Pungent incense was burned by each candle. “You must all keep very still and very quiet.” Helena told us as she positioned herself by the edge of the circle. “Denizens of Hell are a complicated and ornery sort. Many of them trust me, but if they suspect something is out of place, they will not cooperate.” Lilian, myself and Gabriel gave each other astonished glances. “You confer with the beings of Hell?” Asked Lilian, her voice halted and concerned. “Oh, yes.” Helena answered plainly. She looked at our worried miens, rolled her eyes and gave Balian an annoyed glare. “Balian, my dear, didn’t you tell them?” “Tell them what?” Said Balian, never looking up from a thick tome that lay open on a pedestal next to him. “That I am a Diabolist.” She said. “You worship devils?” Spouted Gabriel, his hands clinching into fists. Helena threw her head back and laughed. “No, silly man!” She said. “I entrust them to me, in service of the greater good.” “And why should we entrust ourselves to you?” The brawler said through his teeth. “How do we know you are not corrupted by all this… conferring?” “I already told you, Gabriel.” Interrupted Lilian. “I sense no evil in her. I have no choice but to trust her.” “Very wise of you, my dear.” Helena said. “I dally with fiends with only one goal in mind, and that is to use them for information. Believe me, devils are an ever-flowing font of knowledge, and given the right enticements, they like to talk.” “What sort of enticements?” I asked. Helena simply smiled and turned back toward the circle. She raised her hands and began chanting in a language I had never heard. It was drearily melodic, sinister and beautiful, like a requiem. At various intervals, Balian paused from his readings to add a line of harmony to the unveiling song. Smoky shadows began to undulate at the center of the triangle. The flames of the candles stretched upward, shifting from yellow to a rich ruby red. The air about the chamber grew dry and hot. The slithering shadows coalescing in the triangle twisted into shapes of cherub sized, gaunt fiends. Their heads were adorned with small horns. Their faces where broken into twisted, cruel smiles. Boney wings flapped at their backs as they swirled in and out of the cloud of smoke that had gathered. Helena’s song stopped. Her voice grew commanding and insistent. A few of the devils stopped their cavorting and listened intently, cowed into submission by the force of Helena’s will. They nodded in response to her orders and vanished. The cloud dispersed, then reformed but a moment later, taking on the transparent, ghostly shape of the hunched shaman we had fought and bettered in the Wildlands not two days previous. Chains of bone fell from his wrists, waist and ankles, anchored to some unseen moor below the stone floor. Blade wounds and acid burns still scarred the shaman’s frame. He and Helena spoke for some time. Whenever the ghost answered, azure smoke billowed from his mouth and nostrils. Many of his responses were preceded with a violent shake of his head and writhing against the chains that bound him. At last Helena waved an open palm before the goblin and it vanished. The candles blew out and the infernal shadows evaporated. Balian and Helena wordlessly left the chamber. We followed them up the stairs to the main floor and into Balian’s private library. Dusty, yellowing tomes clogged the colossal shelves that lined every wall. A large, simple mirror hung at the far end of the chamber. Balian and Helena went right to the mirror and began what appeared to be a complex ritual. Gabriel leaned to me, his voice crackling with rage and distrust. “What are they doing?” He asked. “I am not sure, but I gather they are trying to scry some location based on what the ghost of the goblin shaman told her.” “This is madness.” He said. “Utter madness.” “We have it!” Announced Helena, turning back to us, a fist punching the air. She hurried up to us as Balian left the chamber through an archway by the mirror. Gabriel’s eyes followed him. “They have taken Tanner to a ruined tower. It is in the Wildlands not two days travel from Goldfire Glen.” “What do they mean to do with the boy?” Asked Lilian. “They mean to sacrifice him to Orcus.” She said. “On the night the New Moon. If they succeed, Kharas’Voorhies will rise. They will use the power of the purity of this boy to fuel that villain’s rebirth.” “When is the New Moon?” Lilian asked, her voice shaking. “Four days from today. You have the luxury of time. You must use it to rest. You are weary and in need of sleep.” Helena told us. Gabriel shook his head at her. “We’re not staying here.” He spat. “And neither is Jordan. We are leaving. Now.” He tore off after Balian, vanishing under the archway. We heard him calling out to the wizard. Lilian and I chased after him. Helena did not follow. We caught up with Gabriel in an adjacent room. It was a smaller, but equally impressive library. The walls were covered in large maps of alien looking landscapes. Hu Li sat at a desk near the center of the room, his nose in an opened book. Balian stood near his apprentice as Gabriel stomped up to him. “We are leaving.” The brawler said. “Fine. Then go.” Answered Balian. “No one is keeping you here.” “I am taking Jordan with us.” Gabriel said. “I am not leaving him here with you.” “That is the Acolyte Hu Li!” Hu Li said in response. “I need to stay in order to study.” Hu Li continued. “You can study anywhere.” Answered Gabriel. “No. I cannot. I have to remain. I can only learn all I need to know if I remain here for the night.” “I will remain.” I said. “I will look after Hu Li and make sure no harm comes to him.” “You?” Said Gabriel. “You yourself are already taken by this wizard’s hollow lies. What good will you be?” Balian stepped forward. “You may leave.” He told Gabriel, his usual shrill voice deepened and threatening. “But Hu Li must remain. If he does not, his usefulness to you will be greatly diminished.” “That makes no sense!” Said Gabriel, his temper shattered. “You are all bewitched by this madman and I am no longer willing to stand by while you…” Balian rolled his eyes dramatically and waved a hand at Gabriel. The brawler vanished. Lilian gasped and ran forward, stopping at the place where Gabriel stood. “What have you done with him?” She shouted. “Where have you sent him?” Balian sighed. “He is quite safe. He is outside. With the ducks.” He said. “Show me.” Lilian insisted. “Very well. Apprentice, stay here and continue with your studies.” “I never stopped them, master.” Said Hu Li. Balian led us up a spiral staircase and stopped when we came to a narrow window. “There.” He said, pointing a boney hand out the window. We both looked and instantly spotted Gabriel pacing back and forth on the far side of the moat. The drawbridge had been raised. “You see. Quite safe.” Balian left us. We watched Gabriel for a few silent moments, then the weight of the last few days finally fell upon me and I leaned on the wall, a breath away from collapsing fully. Lilian must have sensed my fatigue, for I felt her hand come to rest upon my shoulder. “I am sorry I could not do more for your village.” I said. “You are little more than a stranger to us, Evora.” She said. “And yet you selflessly remain and aid us. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done.” “Canaan has brought me to you.” I said. A fog rolled in over my eyes. I could barely stand. “It is by His will alone that I act. Do not thank me. Thank Him. Have faith, Lilian. All will be well.” I remember little else of that day. Lilian and I supported each other as Balian’s Gnomish house servant led us to our rooms. I remember laying my head upon a soft pillow, closing my eyes and dreaming of a lake of fire, blood and smoke. On an island in the middle of the lake sat a boy, clinging to a bald sapling. The acidic waters of the lake lapped up at the boy’s bare feet. I cried out, but it was to no avail. The waters surged and boy was lost under the waves. When I awoke it was night. A silver sliver of a crescent moon frowned down at me through the window of my room. In three nights an innocent, frightened child will be brutally murdered and myself, Lilian, Gabriel, Hu Li, Shale, Talon and Aesendal had been chosen to thwart the crime. If we failed, the horrors that befell Goldfire Glen would engulf all Turgos. With those terrifying, prophetic visions haunting me, I fell back into a deep sleep and by the grace of Canaan, did not dream for the remainder of the night. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Tirlanolir/D'nemy's Tales of Turgos: The Heroes of Goldfire Glen (UPDATE 7/26)
Top