Hearken Back to Forgotten World

[Zircon]

Captain Tylas’ Men Invites Cre, Revlin, Lek and Perrin

Captain Tylas waited by the docks. The Orb that Darius gave him had spread his men thin throughout the city. He looked close at the motley men walking from the beach. It would be very difficult to fulfill Darius’s plans with so few men. Only twenty that he had currently with him.

‘YOU THERE! STOP!’

‘Gentlemen. My Lords. The Eminent Lord Darius invites you to his castle for conversation and dinner. Would you be so kind as to accept his invitation.’

Without being told, Tylas’ men spread out and formed a circle around the Cre, Revlin, Perrin and Lek. Tylas’ was sweating, with his knuckles growing white from gripping the hilt of his sword too tight.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Thrudd Thorsdottir

"My Lady. My Lord Darius wishes to have an audience with you. Please accept my Lord’s invitation."

Thrudd finished paying for her purchases before turning to look at the soldier who had so politely interrupted her (in a rude sort of way). She feigned innocence and was just about to ask just who Lord Darius was when the insolent lout touched her hair and squeezed her bottom, adding "Of course, you can refuse and come to my place instead... "

Now one would think that she'd be most offended by his hand straying to her shapely butt, but what the poor sod didn't realize was that the one thing that no one, absolutely no one, ever did was muss Thrudd's hair. The godha's eyes blazed and her lips curled into a wolfish sort of smile for a brief second before her face became placid and she smiled at the Corporal quite beatifically.

"NEWT!" she murmured quietly with a wiggle of her fingers.

"Newt? NEWT??" The Corporal began to laugh as if he'd just heard the best joke. "What? Do you think you will turn me into a newt? Get a move on, witch. My Lord Darius awaits."

"As you wish." Thrudd smiled and sashayed from the shop back out into the sunlight, no one but herself noticing the obvious bulge that had appeared in the back of his trousers.

 

[Zircon]

Cre

The dock area was bustling with activity. Ships from all over the world came to Bayaran for profit. Very little time was wasted on the honorable pursuit of profit. The shouts and throngs of people on the docks made the whole scene seemed chaotic. Then I saw the Dragon boat docked on the far end. My hand was itching towards the sword hilt. It meant that I was itching for a fight with some Northerner. Northmen were reputed to be fearsome warriors. I longed to engage my skills against such reputation.

Then a company of City Guards came walking pass me. The thought of appearing before the magistrate cooled my fighting ardor. The fine for street brawls would have wiped out my purse. And the Magistrate’s letter to my Preceptor would have resigned me to cleaning the stables for a whole month.

I walked to the market, taking my steps away from the Dragon ship and temptation. The day was too beautiful to be spoilt by mere brawling. I was content on making my way out of the city.

‘YOU THERE! STOP!’

And the crowd parted, leaving me standing with Lucas, Lek, Revlin and Perrin in the middle of the street. I looked at the armored men surrounding us. Four against twenty would be touch and go. I was itching for a fight, and now a fight had came looking for me.

‘Gentlemen. My Lords. The Eminent Lord Darius invites you to his castle for conversation and dinner. Would you be so kind as to accept his invitation.’

I was tempted to take up this Lord Darius’ offer. But it would be up to the rest of my companions. No doubt that Revlin and Perrin would much prefer a tavern than a castle. And so would I, now that I had the gold and silver pieces.

‘What say you, Revlin? Perrin? Lek?’ I put my hand on my sword rather slowly and imperceptibly.

 

[hybirdx]

Lek gave an evil smile, he knew Cre was waiting for a fight, And Lek needed to let off a lot of steam "You know, You caught me on a bad time! And you don't like me when I'm pissed!"

 

[chewbacca71]

Perrin

Perrin looks down at the Kender. "Well Revlin, what do you think ? Should we go see this Darius person, or fight our way out? I am tired from our long sleep and I am interested to see how this Darius knows of us, lets go. "

 

[chewbacca71]

Revlin

Revlin looks at the others , seeing that some of them are spoiling for a battle. "Come now all of you , put up your weapons. These men seem honorable. Let us go see what this person wants. How can it hurt? If it is not what we want, we can fight then. "

 

[Zircon]

Cre

I heard what Revlin and Perrin had said. It was a while before their words registered in my mind. I was close to agreeing with Lek that a fight would dispel my boredom. But as always, the voice of wisdom prevailed over senseless brawling.

I nodded my assent, as I withdrew my hand from my sheathed sword. There would be other fights I’m sure.

The Captain led us through the maze of streets and people that a port city of such size could hold. The streets became less crowded as we entered a more affluent part of town. We were almost on the edge of the city, when at last; we came to a gleaming white castle. Complete with soaring towers and a huge portcullis. The only thing missing were fluttering pennants on top of the towers and flags draped over the battlements. This was very curious in my mind.

A groom took Lucas quickly, as the Captain led us away into the castle. The throne room was huge hall, with soaring buttresses, and thick columns. As was the case outside, the hall was devoid of battle flags and banners, as well as ancient armor and weapons that were the norm of castles. The walls were however adorned with huge tapestries, and by the brightness of the colors on them, were expensive as well.

On a dais, was a chair, which from my perception, was made out of solid gold. Obviously the Owner of this Castle was a man of taste and fabulous wealth. Along the floor were solid oaken chairs with gold trims. We were beckoned to take one each while the Owner prepared to meet with us.

I was hoping that a Prince, a very wealthy Prince, would offer us a job. Even as a knight, I was not immune to the calling of gold. There were solid gold goblets on the side of each chair. In the goblet was wine, which when I tasted it, was from a very superior vintage. No doubt that the other goblets would hold the drinks for each one’s tastes.

Then I saw the entrance of a Northwoman. And the telltale blue eyes. The bluest that I had ever seen. And the blond hair, which I longed to run my fingers through.

 

[DRxBlue]

Starkynde...accepts the invitation

The tavern was already filling up for the supper hour. It was becoming well known that on the nights when "Tom-Tom" played, you had to get a table early. He had only been there for two weeks, but word had spread that his music was enchanting and his stories wonderous.

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays he played from two hours past sunset until closing. Sometimes on Sundays he played in the park for the children during the day, the tavern being closed.

He sat now at the bar with a flagon of mead, waiting for supper to be served, when a group of armed men came in. Spying him, they began to push all the customers into the street.

"Sir. My Lord Darius wishes your esteemed company. Please follow us so that his wish may be fulfilled." said the leader of the troops now standing tensely all around the dining room.

Starkynde finished his mead, held up a finger to indicate that he wanted a moment. The one in charge nodded his head. Starkynde looked at the barkeep then inclined his head to his flagon, which was quickly refilled.

After a long draught from the cup he said, "Captain Tylas!" making the captain jump, "I am assuming that you are Captain Tylus, the Captain of the guard for Lord Darius. I thank you for the considerate tone of your invitation.

"I have a great wish to meet your master and will gladly accompany you. It is true then that he has acquired one of the Orbs of Vision?"

Tylas jumped again, involuntarily answering the question.

"Ahhh...good! Then we shall have a meeting of all the players in this game." Starkynde said with a cynical tone. He finished his mead and tossed a large silver piece on the bar.

"That's for you Toby! You know that the crowds I've drawn have paid for all I could eat or drink many times over. Tell your master Rimple that he can rent out my room. I'll be a guest of the Lord for some time.

Come gentlemen! Let's get my things from my room and see if we can get to the Lord's manor before supper is served!"

Toby picked up the coin, then ran into the street to bring back as many customers as he could before they found out that Starkynde wasn't going to play that night.

"Old Rimple ain't gonna loik THIS!" he muttered as he ran the bar rag over his sweating bald head.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Thrudd Thorsdottir

The smith and the Northwoman were led into what appeared to be a throne room. There were others gathered already, each seated in chairs and sipping from ornate goblets as if this were an ordinary gathering. Little did they know.

"Place my things there," she said with a flick of her wrist toward the young Corporal who was still sniggering and repeating, "Newt. She's going to turn me into a newt." He hadn't noticed yet that his ears were shrinking steadily and that his nose was becoming both longer and broader. The change was slow, but well worth the wait in Thrudd's estimation.

"Imagine my silliness, Corporal. Newt indeed," she remarked in an offhand manner, which of course set him off into another gale of laughter.

The tall blonde smiled and walked away, slowly circling the room. She stopped to admire the tapestries that were hung on the walls. Her inner Martha Stewart couldn't help thinking that this guy could have used a better decorator. But who was she to say.

As for now she was tired. Bored and tired. And hungry. Bored, tired and hungry were not good things to be. But she could wait. A little while anyhow. Settling down in one of the still empty chairs, Thrudd leaned back and stifled a yawn. Reaching into the small bag she carried at her waist, she drew out a long metal file and began to do her nails.

 

[Zircon]

Darius

‘Sir, all that you have requested are present in the Throne Room,’ Captain Tylas banged his fist on his breastplate while addressing his master.

‘Good. And thank you, Captain. And where are Rhaenyc and Glyn. I do not sense their presence in the hall. Speak up Captain…’

Darius left the Captain writhing on the floor as he left to greet his guests. No doubt that the Captain would double his efforts in fulfilling Darius’ commands.

Propping a leg up onto a golden armrest, Darius looked at each of his guests in turn. His eyes boring into them. This was a motley crew. What a collection of freaks that he had the displeasure of laying eyes upon. He smiled, hoping to ease their fears. And what was this? One of his Guards being enchanted. He chuckled, the laughter loud against the cavernous room. He mumbled an incantation, speeding up the process. He liked the joke. Obviously, one of the Guests was an accomplished magician. Now, it seemed that he had two to deal with. No matter, he was still in control as far as he was concerned.

‘Welcome Lady and Gentlemen to my humble home. No doubt that all of you are anxious to learn why I’ve summoned you. Please be patient, and all your questions will be answered, satisfactorily I hope. But first, a feast, as I can’t talk on an empty stomach.’

Clapping his hands, and closing his eyes, an aura of power began to disseminate from the throne chair. All of the guests were surprised, when the gilded wooden chairs that they were sitting on began to rise from the floor.

‘Please do not be alarmed. Besides always being hungry, I also dislike walking.’

As if his words were commands, all the chairs in the throne began to float. A huge oaken double doors silently opened, to reveal a long table, groaning under the weight of the heaps and heaps of steaming food on it. The chairs knowingly took their allotted place by the table, the food well within reach of each of his guests.

‘Please do not be shy. Help yourself. If there is not enough, I can summon my servants to prepare more. But my pet peeve is that there will be no talking while eating, as I consider that sort behavior bad manners.’

And so, the guests were treated with a feast quite unlike anything that they have ever seen before.

 

[gohan18]

"What in the--"

My speeck is cut short when the chairs rasie off the ground and I see the table full of food.

My mouth begins to salivate as I see the food and the mead on the table.

I think to myself. "Finally magic put to a good use."

I hear the person in charge say something but instead off repsonding a grab a handful of meat and the biggest drinking mug i see and begin to chow down. The only thing I can think about for the next hour is food and mead.

I turn to Thrudd but before I can say anything she places her hand over my mouth.

 

[DRxBlue]

Starkynde "feasts"

Sitting at the huge, heavily laden table, Starkynde nibbled at some of the meats, cheeses and vegetables, cooked and fresh.

He could tell that no magic had been used in their preparation, which meant that his host also disliked the slight dulling of the flavors that magical preparations impart. He approved of his host's hospitality thusfar.

He approved even more of the handiwork of his vintner. The wine was of a ruby red clear grape which had been lovingly handled by experts. The alcohol content might even have been fortified for it was almost as strong as most brandy.

Starkynde went through nearly a pitcher, sprinking each cup with a few of his own concoctions to maintain his more than human senses.

He pondered the great power of Lord Darius. The moving of the table and chairs had been a calculated show of force, which had not made him even break a sweat.

A bad one to have for an enemy, a mixed blessing as an ally, for he tended to look on others as his inferiors. Starkynde was content to wait and see what the great man's plan was. Also he wanted to find out about his sworn enemy Exandor, or he'd be forever looking over his shoulder.

Starkynde's own power was not as "muscular" as LorDarius'. Rather than levitate the chairs and table all together, he would have left the table in the other room, elegantly lit, and tranported the people, one by one as wisps of smoke into the dining room.

The expediture of magical force would have been minimal, the same objective accomplished. It was just a question of style, and economy of effort.

Starkynde fought down a small wave of frustration at the others chomping and smacking away. He filled his glass again, eager for them to finish so that he might find out which way the road was turning this time. And what was to be the prize.

 

[chewbacca71]

Perrin

Perrin looked all around himself in disdain. "Bah, I am not impressed by this display of magic. Any street charltan could do as well. However, lets see how good this good is. " Perrin tried to cover his nervousness with bluster, but he was truly scared by this subtle display of power. He had seen destructive magic in abundance, but this showing of magic as an everyday occurence was even more of a thing to fear.

 

[chewbacca71]

Revlin

Revlin looked around the room, not recognizing anyone other than Cre and Perrin, thought the wizard looked kind of familiar. He was about to speak when their host mentioned talking as his pet peeve. Scowling, Revlin decided that his curiousity would have to wait. During the course of the meal, he inadvertantly happened to knock two empty gold goblets into his pouches. He felt that the goblets would be better guarded by him. He had heard all sorts of stories about pilfering servants and wanted to make sure the valubles of their host were secure.

 

[Zircon]

Darius

After all the food had been cleared away, magically also, Darius was content to sit back and drink wine. But he knew that his guests were getting impatient with their questions. Whereas, he was getting impatient to get rid of them. The vision of his nightmare intruded into his enjoyment of the meal and company. He barely blinked when the Kender ‘innocently’ pocketed two solid gold goblets.

He smiled once more at each of his guests, before clapping his hands. Suddenly, a shield of pure energy locked Blon, Thrudd, Lek, Revlin, Perrin, Starkynde and Cre to their chairs. They were all unable to move an ounce of muscle. Their voices unable to escape from their mouths. For the first time, Darius’ brow began to have rivulets of sweat as he concentrated on making the bonds unbreakable, by physical or magical means.

The door from the kitchen opened, and in trooped Goblins, small in stature, but big on viciousness. Calmly and coolly, all the weapons of the guests were removed. All that were left were money and personal effect pouches.

Still the unseen chains held as the floor gaped opened to reveal a slide down to the dark depths of the castle.

‘Well, my friends. It has been a pleasure. I’m not a cruel person. I have fulfilled my obligation to feed you your last meal. You all are in the way of my plans. As such, you’re found wanting to be in my employ nor do any of you would fit too well into those plans, I’m afraid. And now, I must bid you a fond farewell.’ Darius spoke with obvious tension in his voice, the veins on his neck clearly straining. The concentration and energy expended must had cost him.

The chairs tilted and the chains disappeared. All of Darius’ guests were hurled down to the depths of the castle, from where they will rot until eternity. Darius’ laughter could be heard as the guests tumbled down the smooth chute, and the floor closed itself back up…

 

[Zircon]

Cre

I struggled, but to no avail, as my beloved sword was taken away from me. I glared at the Goblins, and then at Darius. But I could not utter a single word. The harder I tried, the tighter the bonds were. Soon, I had to stop struggling or the energy bond covering my mouth would suffocate me.

‘Well, my friends. I’m not a cruel person. I have fulfilled my obligation to feed you your last meal. You all are in the way of my plans. As such, you’re found wanting to be in my employ nor do any of you would fit too well into those plans, I’m afraid. And now, I…’ was all I heard tumbling down the smooth chute. I desperately clawed at the walls to prevent the descent, but again to little avail. It was oiled which made it impossible to get a grip.

For something that seemed an eternity, I was falling only for about a few second, before I splashed into a shallow pool at the bottom. By the taste of the water, it was sewage, no doubt from the kitchen and the rest of the castle. The overly strong smell confirmed it, as I stood up in the absolute darkness. Luckily for me, no bones were broken in the fall. I hope that the rest would have similar good fortune.

‘Shit! I mean, literally, shit!’

I was breathing through my mouth, hoping that the flies that usually congregate here would not fly in. I could hear the rest slowly trying to get up.

I asked, ‘Does anyone know how to light a fire? I have flint and tinder, but nothing to burn. Besides, I haven’t quite figure out how to make the flint and tinder work for me…’

 

[gohan18]

After the meal I catch my breath and all of a sudden I feel myself unable to move. I look over to Thrudd who is trying despertly to get free.

Then I hear are host say,'Well, my friends. I’m not a cruel person. I have fulfilled my obligation to feed you your last meal.

You all are in the way of my plans. As such, you’re found wanting to be in my employ nor do any of you would fit too well into those plans, I’m afraid. And now, I…' Thats when everything went black.

After what seemed like a few minutes I fell into a mix of water and soft stuff. I yell up in Dwarven,"When I get the hell out of here you going to fucking pay for taking my battle axe" I beat my hand against the wall.

I hear in a moment of quietness ‘Does anyone know how to light a fire? I have flint and tinder, but nothing to burn. Besides, I haven’t quite figure out how to make the flint and tinder work for me…’
"If you can find something to burn I'll let the it. I've been using flints and tinders since I was young."

 

[DRxBlue]

Starkynde gets angry...

Starkynde pulled himself moaning from the dreck on the floor of dungeon into which they had been dropped. When he heard one of his companions ask for a light he rubbed his palms together for a moment then pulled them apart to reveal a sphere of bright blue-white light.

"I presume that you seek illumination rather than a conflagration. I hesitate to raise the temperature in here, for fear that the smell will get even worse."

It was cool in the unadorned room now revealed by the unflickering light of Starkynde's magic. There were bars in every direction and bones littered the floor everywhere.

It seemed clear that there was going to be no guard coming with supper, hence no possibility of overpowering him and escaping. For that matter there was no DOOR! Just solid bars making it clear that they had been left there to rot, as had so many people before them, to judge from the heap of bones on the floor.

"Well, we shouldn't be here long, but what do we want to DO? I believe we've ALL made a new enemy tonight. One who's magic is powerful, but who's brain is not very subtle.

"If we work together, we can take him down, much the way a pack of wolves can bring down an ox. We each have to take one bite at a time, but attack him from all sides.

I for one, wish to repay his 'hospitality'-- especially this part! How do the rest of you feel about it?"

He leaned against the bars, for there was no place to sit, and sent the globe of light into the center of the ceiling. He watched his companions come to grips with the situation with patience.

He slipped a lump of some tarry resin into his cheek to suck on as he waited. Soon his senses were probing the castle like an army of invisible mice.

He looked down at the shattered ribs of a skeleton he had landed on and muttered, "Looks like I broke a few bones in my fall."

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Thrudd Thorsdottir

This didn't bode well. This didn't bode well at all, Thrudd thought to herself. She got up from where she had landed so unceremoniously, placing the object in her hand back inside the pouch tied at her waist. Using the pretense of being distracted with shaking out her skirt, the godha took the opportunity to look from face to face.

"If we work together, we can take him down, much the way a pack of wolves can bring down an ox. We each have to take one bite at a time, but attack him from all sides. I for one, wish to repay his 'hospitality' -- especially this part! How do the rest of you feel about it?"

Starkynde's proposal was met with a tepid response at best. How could they even dream of outwitting and escaping from a sorcerer as powerful as Lord Darius? If indeed they even recognized him as such. Of course they were unsure of the dark-cloaked trickster as well.

Thrudd was aware that there was far more to this man than met the eye, but the others would have no way of knowing this. In fact, she doubted that they even realized why they had been brought here. The confused looks on their faces told it all. She nodded in recognition of the dark one and stepped into the middle of the small room.

"Have none of you wondered what has brought us to this place? What makes each and every one of us important enough for Lord Darius to bring us together? It surely wasn't because he longed for companionship or we would not be in the sewers of his castle, well-fed or not. It is necessary that I be here. That we all be here. Now. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow."

Her words were met with snorts of disdain and Thrudd found her hand forming a warding sign as she continued, choosing her words carefully.

"Glimpsed once, fate is a weak thing, subject to change and uncertainty. Repeatedly glimpsed and denied... " She shook her head and chuckled to herself.

"Nothing in life is accidental. No one is stronger than fate. If you wait too long, the path may well rise up to bite your heel. It is not to be denied. Take heed, Seekers. Starkynde isn't far from wrong. We must leave this place as soon as possible."

The godha met the skepticism on their faces with a steady gaze. It didn't surprise her. They knew nothing of her nor or the ways of the Northmen. But they would learn. Oh yes. They would learn. Just as she had learned.

The sight came on Thrudd Thorsdottir early and she was sore afraid. The longer she denied it, the more inevitable it became. An old spaewife in Skjullhofud had taken her in when her mother died and taught her what she needed to know about womanhood and the gift. She had learned other things as well. Bits of poetry and song, snippets of lovemaking, tricks for killing with a knife or a sword... She took a breath and continued on.

"I have watched you sometimes in my scrying bowl. Wondering why each of you were chosen for this quest. For it is that. A quest." Thrudd added quietly. "And you are the Seekers." For an instant, her face reflected memories of long ago and far away, further words unspoken on her lips.

 

[Zircon]

Cre

‘When I get the hell out of here you going to fucking pay for taking my battle axe!’

Shouted Blon. He expressed my sentiment exactly. Exactly, except for the axe I would have shove my sword from to bottom up and through Darius’ skull. We all have been duped by his felicity, and urbane manners. Maybe I would use a very long and dull butter knife instead of my sharp sword.

The blue sphere suspended on the ceiling illuminated much of the room. I looked around, seeing all the bones stripped clean. Apparently, the mice in the castle must be very fat. There seemed to be no way out of the predicament we were in. I leaned on the wall as did Starkynde. I heard his idea and it sounded very fair to me. Each of us gets a change to shove something up Darius’ behind.

The smell was getting stronger. I had trouble breathing, with my hands on my knees trying to save energy and breath. It all seemed like an ending unfit for a Knight of Achronium. To rot here, unnoticed, and without the glory of battle. Then faintly at first, the water began to ripple. And small bubbles began to rise to surface.

The Northwoman’s words rang in my head. As if I knew what she was going to say, except that I could not have put the thoughts into words myself. She was a pretty lass, no doubt. A bit of hair mussed up was all. Her warning was definitely taken noted of. There was so much that had been shrouded by darkness. We all know so little about this Sorcerer. And the lack of knowledge about him and his plans were to our distinct disadvantage.

The ripples turned into small waves which splashed the smelly water onto my leg greaves. And the bubbles got bigger and more frequent. It seemed that we were not alone in the sewer. Then suddenly, something curled itself around my leg and pulled me under. The force of hitting the ground knocked the breath out of me, and I swallowed a lot of the sewage water. I was at this point trashing about violently trying to free myself from whatever that grabbed my leg.

The mice in this castle were not fat. Something else was, from the amount of bones in the sewer. I trashed and trashed around, and finally got my self loose. Or I was set loose. I was spitting out the water, hitting my stomach to regurgitate out what I had inadvertently drank, when there was an ominous silence in the room.

‘BEWARE! There is something else in here with us!’ I hisses loudly.

All of Hell broke loose after this. Multiple tentacles shot out from the water searching for food. I grabbed some thigh bones and prepared to fight.

 

[hybirdx]

"RRRRRRRR not now runt...." Leks eyes shot open as he felt something shaking him "Wh-what the hell?" Lek quickly got up

"Oh great! Just great! This is the last time I listen to you Rev!"

Lek grabed the closest bone he could find, hitting away the tentacle

 

[chewbacca71]

Revlin

Revlin looked around there soggy prison with disdain. He did not miss his weapons as much as he would have missed his pouches if they had been taken. He calmly listened to the others, trying to decide what to do . When the tentacles rose from the water, Revlin bravely jumped up to Perrins shoulder. With a look of fear, he said to Perrin. "Ok my friend , try not to drop me. "

 

[chewbacca71]

Perrin

Perrin hardly felt the negligable weight of the Kender on his shoulder. He was more concerned with the feel of slimy tentacle on his leg. He used his brute strength to pull his leg away, but as soon as he was free, another took its place. He almost lost his balance, but putting his hands against the wall braced him up enough. "Revlin, you have to get off, here, there are some hand holds on this wall in front of us. " As Revlin scampered up the wall, Perrin felt another tentacle seize his leg. The pain rushed through his body as the sharpened edge cut his flesh. His teeth baring, Perrin felt his body start to move in a remembered pattern. An anguished scream of "NO" escaped his lips before his eyes shut in agony.

 

[DRxBlue]

Starkynde is caught by surprise...

His senses split in many directions, searching the castle for weaknesses and points of danger, Starkynde barely remembered that his body was in the dungeon.

When a tentacle slithered up his back and began to probe his flesh, he was horrified and pulled back all the tendrils of his awareness to his immediate surroundings.

He saw his cellmates each battling with black, slimy, smelly, squirming arms of some beast which was not visible in the chamber. He felt and heard a hideous popping sound as the suckers of the tentacle sliding up his back tried to find purchase.

Hunching his shoulders, now he squirmed as he tried to keep the suckers from attaching to his skin, he felt another arm encircle his ankle and yet another groping past his waist trying to find a grip.

He felt the skin of his back being sucked into the fleshy discs of the monster's arms, their grip now firm. Then in an instant, around the circular cups which held his flesh fast, a ring of claw-like fangs sank into his skin.

He knew that to pull free now would tear hunks of meat from his back, so he went for a different approach.

He projected his awareness now down the arm of the beast which held him and his inner vision showed him the awful creature which lived beneath the dungeon floor. Only its arms could reach through the trap door in the dungeon floor, to feast on the hapless enemies of Lord Darius.

Starkynde took a deep breathe of the foul air and sent a burst of killing hatred through the tentacle which was attached to his back.

The reeking trunk-like appendage exploded inside Starkynde's shirt and the bolt of power traveled down the nerves and through the rest of the awful foe, stunning it limp for a moment.

He disengaged himself from the other two arms then stood free--and shaking. Not shaking in fear, rather in disgust at the mess inside his clothes. He shook even more, now like a dog to get the slippery hunks of detestable meat out of his clothing.

His revulsion was so great that without trying to he began to dissipate. He quickly turned into a cohesive cloud of smoke-like ectoplasm and floated through the bars, in a reflex of self-preservation.

He returned to his corporeal form momentarily drained and semi-conscious. He slumped against the outside of the dungeon bars barely aware that his fellows were still fighting for their lives on the other side.

 

[chewbacca71]

Perrin

Perrin's body hunched in remembered pain. His consiousness slipping as his body gave over to instincts as old as man had language. His hands grew larger, his nails elongating to razor sharpness. The hair covering his body increased one hundredfold as his body became a mound of quivering muscle and white coarse hair. A large howl escaped his lips as his body completed its transformation. The large white bear grasped one of the tentacles in its jaws. The crushing pressure reduced the alien flesh to pulp as it was quickly withdrawn to the main body of the creature.

Perrin looked around the room, and vaguely remembered these people as those that he was supposed to help. He saw two tentacles moving towards the small kender. They would never complete their mission as his claws raked across them, a four foot section of severed tentacle fell to the floor.