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Message: <blockquote data-quote="rchodges" data-source="post: 8805859" data-attributes="member: 7031385">Part 2: Call Forth DarknessAct 3: Thirty-one WeeksSession 30: A Demon’s BargainDay 222:“They’re here!” Bebop ran around the Sanctum, waking the family, and spreading the news. “They have finally arrived!”The individuals in question that Bebop was referring to were soldiers who were foretold to be arriving by Tamsen’s mother. But these were not simply men for hire or soldiers bent to righteous vengeance. These were the children of some of the more influential individuals who were killed during the attack on Balentyne. Undoubtedly, they came seeking revenge for the family and friends that were lost during that attack. But, these individuals were not the only ones who sought vengeance for what took place on those fateful days.As Donovan approached the Eyes to look out upon these warriors, a familiar face was found among them. “Tacitus.”, Donovan growled as the anger was drawn across his face.The other members of the family looked towards Donovan. All of them shared a desire to take back what had been stolen from them. But for Donovan, Tactitus was a walking reminder of his failures. Tamsen sensed Donovan’s rising fury, and moved next to him, touching him softly on the shoulder. Looking away from the Eye for a moment, Donovan smiled warmly at Tamsen, and placed his forehead against hers. Tamsen looked through the Eyes, seeing the source of Donovan’s distress; but someone else caught her attention. “Is that Havelyn?”Donovan scoffed at the notion, “Havelyn? That’s not possible. We were responsible for his death.” Taking the Eye from Tamsen and looking through it again, he paid greater attention to the individual Tamsen was referring to. It wasn’t the Commander from Balentyne, but the resemblance was uncanny. Suddenly, the realization set in for Donovan.“Richard Havelyn, son of Thomas, and the nephew of…”, Donovan’s words trailed off as he considered the ramifications of the young Paladin’s arrival.Lucius called forth Lucinda, and began applying magics to the group. Lucius had mastered several protective spells by this point, including Stoneskin and Protection From Energy. Bebop had already consumed the Mutagen, allowing his form to be altered by the powerful Alchemical forces. Kirim prayed to Asmodeus, seeking the blessings of the dark god, which were soon manifested around him. “What do you want to do, Donovan?” Lucius questioned how the attack would proceed.“Take Bebop, Kirim, and Lucinda; and teleport them behind Tacitus. Give him no quarter. For all he did to our family, we will repay him tenfold over.” Donovan was stoic in his response.“I assume we will be killing all of them.” Kirim stated confidently.Donovan looked to Kirim. “No. Richard Havelyn is to be stopped, but not killed. I want him for the Cardinal.”Kirim looked irritated at the thought of allowing a Paladin to survive.“I assume we’re taking all of their stuff?” Bebop’s answer was predictable, if nothing else.Donovan waved his hand dismissively. “Fine, I don’t care. All that matters now is Tacitus. Now go, Lucius, and seize our revenge!”Lucius nodded, and used Dimension Door to move the four of them to where Tacitus and the others were preparing for the attack.Richard Havelyn was a bold individual, anxious to strike back at what he saw as the evil that attacked Balentyne and killed his father those many months ago. When he came upon Tacitus, he was relayed the myriad of stories regarding how this group of devil worshipping individuals had so quickly turned matters to ruin within the watch tower. And Havelyn would have been more than willing to lay down his lie life as his father did in the service of Balentyne. But Tacitus was not so headstrong or desperate for revenge. Tacitus rightfully assumed that the individuals who were responsible for the fall of the tower were now plotting some nefarious tasks here at the Horn of Abaddon. The group had been careful, of course. They spoke with no one about their plans, and gave no information that would allow the evildoers any advantage. Sadly, they could not have predicted that Tamsen’s mother would be so forthcoming with her information. As the warriors of Balentyne began to prepare themselves with protective magics, they suddenly found themselves surrounded and separated from one another. First, four individuals arrived, blades and claws swinging directly against Tactius. Then, another group suddenly teleported in, attacking the other members of Tacitus’ party. Bebop’s claws rent into Tactitus’ face, as he squealed in anger. There was no time for these protectors of Balentyne to take stock of their situation, to create battle opportunities on the field. Tacitus knew he had to make a terrible decision, to save himself and the legacy of the Commander. Grabbing Richard Havelyn by the shoulder, Tacitus teleported the two of them away from the battle, leaving the others to their fate.“We have to go back!”, Richard Havelyn cried out, as soon as he made sense of the change of surroundings. Tactius, who was bloodied and lying on the floor, coughed out his response. “We can’t go back. They are already dead.”Havelyn began to call upon his divine abilities to aid Tacitus recovery. He was annoyed at having to flee from the fight in that manner; but he also recognized the wisdom of what Tacitus had said. The group was woefully unprepared for such a brutal surprise attack. The stories that Tacitus had told him about this family had proven to be true. They were vicious and terrifying warriors who would act without hesitation or mercy. If he was to go against them again, he would have to develop better tactics.Back at the Horn, Donovan was frustrated. “No!”, he cried out as he watched the two prizes he cared most about slip through his fingers. Moments later, the family slew the other individuals who had arrived. Without the support of the Wizard or Paladin, the fight became almost trivial. With the fight at an end, Bebop set about stripping the gear from the fallen soldiers. While he was irritated at not having completed the task, he was happy that at least something he killed produced a reward he could hold in his hands.“How did he teleport past the barrier?” Donovan stared into the distance, thinking about what he had seen.The rest of the day passed wordlessly, as each of them sat around contemplating what was to take place in a few hours. Would they have to fight? What would Vetra-Kali say after all that had taken place here? And of course, all of them looked to Donovan, wondering what his plan was. Donovan never gave them any sort of battle instructions. Either he didn’t believe it would be necessary, or didn’t think it would help. Midnight arrived, and Donovan performed the final ritual himself, as all of them stood around watching. As before, he offered the Victor a tonic that would allow him to sleep undisturbed through the course of the ritual, but was rebuffed.“You’re all monsters, and you will be punished for your evil acts.”Donovan nodded to the man, “Perhaps you are right. But some things are worth being punished for.”As the blood of the Victor was spilled, and the last incantation was recited, a rumbling could be felt throughout the Sanctum. With an enormous crash, the Silver Seal shattered into fragments throughout the room, cutting and tearing into the members of the family. But there was no time to heal from the injuries sustained, as a portal began to open where the seal once resided. Crawling out of the swirling mass, a malevolent creature appeared in the room before them. A familiar voice intoned “I am” in Abyssal.“Vetra-Kali Eats the Eyes, we welcome you.” Donovan greeted the creature in Abyssal. “A Luekodaemon.”, Donovan quickly informed the group in Infernal.“Where are my eyes? I must have them!” The creature called out, touching its face with desperation. “I have your Eyes, Vetra-Kali.” Donovan replied in calm tones.“Give them to me!”, the Demon insisted forcefully.“For the first eye, I require that you neither harm nor cause to be harm me or any that follow me. Do we have a compact?” Donovan held out one of the massive emeralds. “Yes, yes.” Vetra-Kali replied, and Donovan tossed the Eye to it. The creature consumed the Eye, which then manifested in its eye socket. It could see them now, if only slightly. Donovan continued, “For the second eye, I require that you give unto me the Tears of Achlys within a container that I may transport it. Do we have a compact?”Vetra-Kali chuckled. “The Tears of Achlys! You wish to have it? Will you make sure that it is spread to the four corners of this world?” Donovan’s answer was intentionally evasive, “I will see it dispatched as appropriate for such a thing.”Vetra-Kali paused, but had little choice in the matter. It produced a vial, handing it towards Donovan. Donovan quickly grabbed a Bag of Holding that he had previously emptied out in anticipation of this, and grabbed the Vial using the bag itself instead of his hand. Vetra-Kali chuckled. “Now my Third Eye.”A wicked smile crossed Donovan’s face, “Indeed. For the third eye, you will agree to return to the place from whence you came, and never look upon or return to this plane of existence again. Do we have a compact?”The rest of the family looked at Donovan in surprise. This was his plan all along. To double cross Vetra-Kali at the first opportunity. For its part, Vetra-Kali growled at Donovan in agreement.After receiving the eye, Vetra-Kali howled with anger and ferocity at Donovan. “Traitors! Devil-whores! All of you, and especially you…” Vetra-Kali briefly fixated his gaze upon Kirim, before turning back to Donovan to continue. “…have the stench of Asmodeus upon you! You think you have won? You think you have beaten me? Taste my vengeance!” With the last words, Vetra-Kali slammed his fist into the floor of the Sanctum, then disappeared back into the portal from where he entered. A moment later, the Horn began to shudder and groan everywhere. The family began looking around nervously.“Donovan, I think we need to get out of here.”, Bebop spoke up. Donovan gritted his teeth, as he began to realize what was happening. “Tamsen, Lucius, Dimension Door us out of here!”Lucius and Tamsen moved the group down to the Maw, from which everyone quickly walked out, looking back at the Horn as it began to collapse. The structure caved in on itself, with the floors buckling and falling down onto the lower levels. By the time it was finished, there was nothing left that could be salvaged.Donovan broke the seal open to contact Tiadora. Arriving at the scene, she wasted no time with pleasantries. “Do you have it?”Donovan opened the bag and leaned towards Kirim. “Kirim, please take out the vial and hand it to Lady Tiadora.” Kirim complied silently, fishing out the vial, and then giving it to Tiadora. Once Tiadora had the vial in her hand, she teleported away. Donovan was slightly confused by this, as he assumed they would want to have it delivered to the destination. Donovan’s confusion was relieved once Tiadora came back. “Excellent work, my Lords. Catch.” Tiadora tossed the vial towards Donovan, but Kirim quickly snatched it out of the air, and placed it gingerly back into the Bag of Holding.“The Master is pleased with your work, and sends his regards.” Tiadora produced a large bag of emeralds, which Donovan found fitting given that the Eyes of Vetra-Kali had been rumored to be emeralds. “You are to leave this place and head to Ghastenhall. This letter will explain your mission.” Placing the letter in Donovan’s hands, Tiadora teleported away.With Tiadora gone, Donovan turned back to what remained of the Horn of Abaddon. “All that work, our home is gone.” Donovan was crestfallen. Tamsen moved over to Donovan, kissing him on the cheek. “Home is what we make, my love. I know you’ll make the perfect place for all of us.”As Lucius summoned carriages to take the family back to Farholde and on from there, Donovan considered the words of Tamsen. What would their home look like, and would they all be able to find it together?“I hope so.” Donovan replied to Tamsen a while later. Session 30 Ends.</blockquote>

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