Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

When Maut said "Dodge this!" And preceded to slam the creature with magical energies and forces Megan had never known the deathknight had … She stepped out of her hiding spot and watched. “Dodge this indeed!” she thought impressed by the damage Maut delivered!!

The flames ate away at the Mesobulbron; it looked like a mess … with no eyes stalks anymore, central eye blinded and greenish blood streaming from its mouth.

She remembered the words the creature had spoken “ … it was better for you life forms to feel your planet die…” Megan spoke calmly to the Mesobulbron “No … I don’t think we’ll be feeling the planet die today!” She watched as Isca launched a series of fireballs at what remained of the being. Each exploding against the Mesobulbron …as it screamed

Megan switched back to her demonic magic … she closed her eyes … then she reopened them … white orbs were there … her regular eyes were gone … the white orbs blazed in intensity. She stared directly into the Mesobulbron horrid face.

“MY ADVICE TO YOU … AS YOU TRAVEL BACK TO HELL … TELL THE DEMONLORDS … WE ARE COMING FOR THEM NEXT!!”

She cast another freeze spell encasing the monster in solid ice. Just as another fireball arrived. There was a loud cracking noise as the next fireball exploded the monster into numerous pieces, spraying it all over the battlefield. Megan ran to the middle of the debris. Making sure no magical energy could flow back into the creature from the demonlords.

The pieces tried to come back together … but could not … Megan was fighting against them. Trying to drive them back … trying to driven them away.

“You are not going to re-assemble this time” There was a ghostly scream from the Mesobulbron as it tried to gather enough energy to counter the Megan’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Devon felt the "Lure Call”, the legendary gem start to glow … the gem wanted to be used … IT WAS TIME!

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon took out the gem from inside his tunic and felt a connection to his mind, it was alien...yet not truly alien...like a person he should know but didn't.

"Use me Ranger...use me"

Questions ran through Devon's mind, but he stilled them for now, what was there for the animals to do? He saw the struggle between Megan and the Mesolbulbron and realized how he could help,

"Call every creature you can, let them pick up a piece of the demon and carry it away as far as they can."

The gem throbbed in his hand,

"Good choice Devon Hillsong."

There was a loud, yet subdued gong-like sound from the gem as it pulsated with a green light, sending a ring of green energy surging outwards. At first nothing happened, then a group of birds swooped down into the clearing, they picked up a larger chunk and flew away. Slowly creatures came into the clearing, their minds seemingly bent on one thing, snakes, alligators, birds, crabs, water monitors, water bucks, cougars all of them came into the clearing, picked up a piece of the demon and carried it off.

Even the pack mules arrived, Hope still tied to the saddle and she was asleep, Devon grabbed hold of the first donkey's halter to prevent them from leaving again. He stroked the animal, calming it, he had a thought that the gem helped as he moved from one animal to the other, using soft words and soft touches to calm them and to keep them steady.

"It is done Devon Hillsong"

The gem dulled and then seemed to turn into a black polished stone, Devon stared at it and knew that when it was needed, the gem would activate once more. He looked up in wonder, it was a miracle beyond everything he has seen so far in his life.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Megan slumped over. It was over. They had won. They had defeated the Mesobulbron. The animals placed the remaining piece into rivers running in opposite direction … the birds dropped the pieces in different oceans … even ants had carried pieces away and placed in different tar pits … the zombie parts still moving were eaten.

Megan gasped … finally able to take deep breaths again. She returned to normal. She pushed back her red hair and looked over the battlefield … they had won but at what cost! Blin was dead! His body withered … lifeless. She saw Zarik was still moving … walking over to check on Isola … but one of his horns had been cut off. Isola was weak, covered in mud … but looked ok. Isca and Nefer had collapsed … The cat did not look well … Nefer may have transferred too much energy.

Devon was approaching her … he had found the two mules and Hope was sleeping … Megan had worried the life draining ray had killed her. That brought her mind to Nas. The great dragon’s eyes were still closed. His scales appeared brunt … his one wing … looked wrinkly … that was the only word she had for it. Would he live? She did not know.

Then she saw Maut. His armor was clean … but he did not move. There were no lights behind his helm. She realized what he had said … during his last moments "It is up to you now." … BY THE GODS … MAUT was dead. That may sound funny … but he was really dead. He form was completely lifeless.

Worried she called out to Isola “Isola … quick go to Maut … I think he needs your magical energy …!!”

Zarik help Isola to her feet and they headed over to the dead knight. Zarik looked at the visor. There were no lights. “OH MY” Isola gasped and grabbed her green gem … and tried to heal him … nothing happened.

Zarik shook his head “He is gone … save the healing for Nas …and the others.” The minotaur said sadly. “He died fighting evil … he followed the old code … never wavering. Lady Death has him now.” Zarik concluded.

They both stood up … tears rolling down Isola face as she hurried over to Nas. Again she grabbed her gem … and pumped as much healing magic into Nas as she could. Nas was breathing … slowly … but he was breathing.

Isola felt bad about leaving him … but the others needed healing too. She went to Isca and Nefer. Finally she made it to Megan. “Isola … I’m ok … I just need to rest” she said. Devon had help Megan to a log ... she was sitting down now.

“Blin is gone … and so is Maut…” Isola cried. Megan shook her head in agreement. Zaik came over, a bottle in his hand. “We shall bury our honored dead … and rest. I hope the dragon is well enough to walk, but we will not know until he awakes.” He stated.

“Here … a drink to our fallen comrades … may they rest in peace!” He took a swing and handed it to Megan, Isola and Devon. Everyone drank and thought about their missing friends.

 

[Iscaa]

Isca and Nefer watched as Maut destroyed the Mesobulbron turning it into a burnt out shell of it's former self, she sighed trying to catch her breath. She continued to throw fireballs at it when she noticed Megan had turned back into her demonic form, Isca heard her message to the evil slave of the Demonlords,

“MY ADVICE TO YOU … AS YOU TRAVEL BACK TO HELL … TELL THE DEMONLORDS … WE ARE COMING FOR THEM NEXT!!”

Megan then cast her freezing spell just before Isca threw her biggest and last fireball, shattering it into many pieces. Isca watched as Megan kept it from reforming giving Devon a chance to work his magic gem. Hearing the gong-like sound Isca watched in wonder as a green light issued out of the gem Devon held forth. Soon she saw all manner of creatures answer the call of the gem, taking pieces away, there would be no reassembling for this Mesobulbron....not ever again.

Sighing again, Isca gathered up the little mudball that was Nefer wishing she had the energy to at least clean the fur of the little cat. She then leaned against what was left of a tree trunk closed her eyes and tried to gather whatever little strength she had, in order to give it to Nefer. Isca could feel Nefer's lifeforce draining away even as she tried to hold onto it...she moaned softly.

Suddenly, energy started to flow into Isca, she opened her eyes to see Isola with her healing gem directed at her and Nefer. She smile weakly as she felt renewing energy wash over them. Nefer opened her eyes and softly mewed her thanks. Isca gratefully nodded her head, indicating she was now well enough to finished healing herself and Nefer.

After resting for a few more minutes, Isca whispered a cleaning spell on Nefer and herself, they instantly looked like they had not just recently been through the worst battle of their lives (but looks can be deceiving.) Placing Nefer back on her shoulder, Isca slowly got to her feet and walked over to the log that Megan was now resting on. Joining her on the log Isca listened with a heavy heart to Isola's words, she sighed as Megan agreed and Zarik joined them with a drink to share for their fallen comrades.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Rangers was known to have high levels of endurance and stamina from the nature of their "work", Devon was a Ranger, a great Ranger in fact. But for the first time in his Ranger carreer he was drained, not just drained, tired as hell. He sat on the ground, resting his back against the log that acted as seat, taking a sip from the bottle each time it was handed to him, he have felt the mind of Nature on his, he had heard the voice of Earth magic speak to him. Like Maut, the gem seemed to know who and what he was, not just that, it seemed to know him from the inside out.

Still his little secret was safe from the group, he looked at the clearing, it was dotted with his arrows and daggers, the carrion eaters having devoured the rotting flesh of the zombies. He decided to rest for a short while, then he could gather his gear and see if it was all still working, a frown creased his brow,

"Something bothers me, why did these zombies continue to fight? I know that when you decapitate the undead, they die...so to speak."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zarik shook his head “Who can understand demon magic … the red thing I fought had spider like beings under its skin. Those were the real controllers of its body.” He glanced at the cut along his powerful arm, now covered over by a scab from Isola healing gem, but the abrasion was clearly visible. “I did not realize it … soon enough … and almost lost my arm” He stated matter of factly. He reached up and felt the damage to his cut-off horn … his face dropped into sadness. “It was like no other creature I have fought before. The demon overseer could read my thoughts … know my moves before I did them. I solved the puzzle of the battle, but not before I was mutilated.” He sighed, “I shall dig the graves" he said sadly … he got up and used the tool for the latrines to dig two holes, a small one for Blin and a large one for Maut.

“Maut wears magical armor … but I don’t feel right removing it. But I have collected some items from Blin” Zarik said handing them to Isola “You’re the closest thing we have to a thief/rogue.” It was Blin’s Warg cloak (rags removed) and 4 small flasks, and his lock picking tools. Isola took them, more tears in her eyes. “I … told him … “she started to sob “I told him to do something nice … and he would be surprised by the results … he saved Hope … and his reward … DEATH” Isola cried harder.

Zarik shook his head “The same could be said for Maut … he gave everything to kill the Mesobulbron … his reward … non-existence. But hopefully their afterlife is everything they wished for.”

Devon helped Zarik place Blin into one grave and cover it up … a small stone marking the spot. They place Maut into the ground and also covered him up, placing a large stone for marking his grave. They picked up the remaining weapons, finished packing, and fed Hope.

 

[DeathsKnight]

It was just as the group was about to leave, that two things happened, a crow landed on top of a mule, if this was not a strange enough sight, the large rock which marked Maut's grave broke into six pieces, these pieces falling away from the mound of earth. First one gauntlet, then the other broke through the ground, they clawed at the ground, the talons on the fingers digging furrows into the fresh earth, then slowly they found purchase in the soil and from the grave emerged the form of the dead knight. He rose to his feet, the lights of his eyes shining once more, though weakly. He staggered slightly and shook his head violently, dirt flying into all directions.

"I close my eyes for a moment and you put me in a grave. Do you have any idea how weird that feels? Dirt sifting into your armor?"

He shook his limbs and turned to face the group,

"And before you ask, NO, I can not rise Blin from his grave."

He looked at the Ranger,

"Because they were tied to the same magicks that the Mesolbulbron used, that is why they kept going. Now if you excuse me, I have dirt in places where you would not wish to have it."

With that he marched off into the trees, leaving the group behind, staring at the grave he had just crawled out of and the direction he had taken, small heaps of dirt marking each foot print.

 

[milkmaiden38]

“By the Unholy Scriptures of Dogerth**!!” Megan gasped … as Maut crawled out of the grave. Then with all the shocked faces of his friends looking at him… their mouths open Maut said "I close my eyes for a moment and you put me in a grave. Do you have any idea how weird that feels? Dirt sifting into your armor?" Then he walked off.

Isola was the first one to start laughing … and was soon joined by everyone else … including Nefer (not really a laugh … more like a strange purring sound, but clearly the cat was amused by the comment.) As they finally stopped laughing.

Zarik pondered. “Well, I hope he did not hear all the nice things we said about him …”

Megan frown “If he heard Devon’s question … he heard everything else!”

“AHHH PISS AND BLOOD” Isola cursed.



**Note to reader. Dogerth was a powerful Lich and he formulated the Code of the Undead. He has since been worshipped as the tutelary god of raising the undead. His Unholy Scripture consisted of three volumes and ten chapters. In the first volume, he addressed the nature of the death of the body used, in the second of the implements and components for raising the dead, and in the third the types of undead. According to him, the best quality of dead body … was ones strangled to death, "they have a more lifelike appearance … and are stronger …"

 

[Iscaa]

Isca watched as Isola and Zarik buried their fallen friends, she felt sad, they certainly were an odd group of individuals, but they all had something special in them to be here at all. Even though she had found Blin despicable, she knew she would miss him. Nefer softly growled her agreement. Suddenly Maut made his reappearance and lifted everyone's spirits with his comments and indignant retreat into the trees.

Isca was still chuckling as she watched the Death Knight stomp off trailing dirt as he went. Looking at Nefer, seeing how she too was enjoying the scene, she smiled,

"Well Nefer gal, looks like we did OK...and survived to tell the story, I want to thank you for all your help, you know I could never have done it without you!"

She was given a fond nuzzle for that, sighing she lifted her hand and fondled Nefer behind her ears. Hearing the continued laughter of the others, she turned her head towards where they were sitting around still sharing a drink. Looking at each of them and their various reactions she felt for the first time a real part of the group. It was definitely a good feeling, suddenly she heard Isola curse,

“AHHH PISS AND BLOOD”

Lifting her eyebrow up, Isca wondered what had Isola upset now.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

He hurt, a lot. Every part of his being hurt and ached. His legs, chest and wing hurt especially but Nas did not think that this might be a bad thing. From everything he had come to believe, death should be a cold, peaceful and eternal state, not an achy, sore and stinging state. likewise he imagined the afterlife to be a place filled with wealth, comfort and tasty creatures cavorting about and totally subservient to a dragon as awesome and powerful and Nas, but there was no such things here. Only fuzzy, hazy pain and soreness. So, Nas concluded, either the afterlife sucked or Nas was still alive.

Nas slowly began to stir. Grumbling, his golden eyes opened just a crack, letting in the pale sunlight. An act which only made the inside of his head ring. Another groan bubbled out as the serpentine head rose up and looked slowly about. Nas lay where he had fallen, in the midst if a great, ragged crater made by his impact with the earth. The swamp, ever-resilient, was already trying to reclaim the crater by slowly filling with water and mud. Nas rose, or tried to rise. His legs and shoulders screamed in protest of being forced to move after absorbing so much abuse. the dragon staggered, falling again at the lip of the crater.

Almost literally dragging himself up and out of the hole, his eyes finally took in the assembled group.

"And?" was all he asked.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Welcome Back Nas!

Isola saw the large dragon’s head peek above the carter hole and ask “And?”

She shrieked in joy and ran towards Nas. “You silly reptile! You saved me again with the mud wall you created” She stopped next to him and looked down at her mud covered clothing. “You will be charged for the cleaning bill!” She joked as she hugged his massive head. The others started to walk over to check on him. “I’m so glad you are ok!” she whispered.

Zarik grinned “Well fought Nas! … I thought you were a goner when the light beam caught you. But I should have known … a Dragon is tougher than the rest of us! Megan managed to pull the plug on the thing’s magical energy … Maut threw everything he had at it … with the unforgettable words Dodge this!” A smile appeared on his face “We thought he was dead … and buried him … but like the true undead he is … he crawled back out of the grave … cantankerously complaining about the dirt we got inside his armor.” Everyone laughed again.

“And our young Witch and her cat” Zarik smiled at Isca and Nefer “Blew what was left into a few million pieces … Devon called the animals of the swamp to carry the pieces away in opposite directions. It was quite simple … really” He stated in typical arrogant minotaur fashion “… What human and elven armies could not do those many years ago” He looked at everyone standing around Nas … “We accomplished … a Herd fighting together … with heart! I would say the demonlord’s are probably pretty pissed at us right now!” He chuckled.

“We lost Blin …” Megan added putting everyone back in a sad mood.

“And thanks to you” Isola said looking at Megan … “She warned the Demonlords … we are coming for them next!”

Everyone groaned at that comment. Zarik clapped Megan on the back “It was nice to see you in battle rage … those were words a foolish minotaur might have spoken … well done. I shall think of a song to capture the heroics of this day!”

Megan stumbled a bit forward from the clap on the back “I was not in battle rage … I was using my demonic magic … I didn’t actual mean that …” She mumbled.

Isola looked at Nas “Now Nas … if you would let the healing magic in … I’ll try to get you ready for our trip to Ardel’s tomb.” Isola told him sternly … the green gem glowed brightly … as she again placed it against Nas’ scales and fed him the healing magic.

 

[milkmaiden38]

As everyone was pretty tired, they decided to rest that day and recover. Tents were again reset up and a camp fire made. Isola made one of the best meals for dinner anyone could remember. How she had done it with just local herbs from the swamp, a few rabbits and remains from the deer, no one knew.

The deer remains … were another story. Devon and Zarik had gone hunting for deer in the swamp to help Nas' recover. They brought back a deer within an hour … and Nas consumed it in two bites. The two looked at each other and went off hunting again. Returning with another deer … bigger in size this time. Again Nas wolfed it down. Both of them sighed and went hunting again. “At this rate this swamp will have no deer in it … dragons should be renamed to “bottomless pit monsters!” Zarik complained as they return with yet another deer.

That night after the meal and some more drinking, Zarik lit his smoking pipe cleared his throat and started to sing in his rich deep voice. It was a deep thumbing song, something you would sing as you marched to battle.


Fighting heroes from the races
Fearless creatures, which check evil’s paces
Beings, who mean just what they say
The brave heroes of the green swamp fray

Back at home a young wench waits
Her hero has met his fate
Blin has died for the baby Hope
Leaving her to grieve and cope

Meet the Overlord and the Minotaur, sparks did fly
Fearless Zarik attacked the one that would not die
Reading minds the creature struck, a horn was lost
But the riddle was solved; a demon’s head was tossed.

One with wings, flew missile like
Crushed the monster, with dragon’s might!
One with fire breath … did the monster test
But no light could win over the dragon’s best!

Trained to live off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand-to-hand
Ranger Man who fought them all
Courage peaked from the “Lure Call”

Daggers thrust into their chests
The concubine showed them who was best
She used her mind and the mud
To under the eye and spill its blood

Isca and Nefer, human and cat team
Magic and meow, fireballs did scream
Both drew energy and did fall
Both did share and demons were mauled

Put the dead knight, the abomination, to the test
Evil fire did fly at him, ice and Maut did the rest
He called out the evil by saying “dodge this”
As he discharged righteous magic, he did not MISS!

Half a monster is what remained
Megan illuminated the puerile brained
Warning “you’re next” to the demon lords
As life fought back and promised accords!

Fighting heroes from the races
Fearless creatures, which check evil’s paces
Beings, who mean just what they say
The brave heroes of the green swamp fray

 

[Iscaa]

As everyone eats their meal, there was many comments on the great flavor and tenderness of the deer that Iola was able to get before Nas got it all. It was really good, but after the fight for their lives, everything tasted even better.

Isca and Nefer relaxed after their wonderful meal and listened to Zarik's song. They smiled as he went on enjoying it very much. Nefer purred her contentment on Isca's lap. Finally when he finished and everyone clapped and praised him. He bowed before them all thanking them for being so kind. Soon the others went to their places to get some rest, Isca noticed that Zarik didn't go to his place, instead he wandered around til he finally sat down on a log near the edge of their campsite.

Thinking he might want some company, Isca said to Nefer,

"Let's go and see why Zarik is up and about, after the fight he had you would think he would be the first to want to bed down."

Nefer jumped off her lap and headed over to where Zarik was sitting contemplating. Isca walked up to the big guy and sat on the log beside him. Zarik moved his big head a tiny bit, indicating that he didn't mind some company. They don't say anything for a few minutes, Nefer casually wanders over and finally jumps up on his broad shoulders and settles in comfortably. Isca glances over smiles and says,

"It looks like Nefer likes you. I hope you don't mind her invading your space like that." Then after another few minutes, she adds, "Does your broken horn hurt much?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zarik sighed “The answer to your question is not a simple one …” he said as he petted Nefer. “I feel no physical pain from the damage.” He looked down to the ground and gave a heavier sigh this time.

“It may be hard for a human to understand… you have no horns. But a bull’s horns are very important … they are what attract cows to a bull. Big, nicely shaped, horns look good. Now that I have lost part of my horn … I feel less attractive. In our culture, horns are often viewed as a basic part of what makes me handsome and part of my bullhood. A removed horn, make me feel less secure about whether a cow will accept me and still find me sexually pleasing. Can you understand this?” Zarik asked, but he saw only partial understanding in Isca face.

“Male Minotaurs don’t shake hands when greeting … we bang our heads together. It is a tradition developed from our duels over females. Male minotaurs fight for the right to mate with females. To minimize unnecessary bloodshed, the fight is a ritualistic duel. A fantastic display of horn locking and barehanded fist fighting, never intended to kill, but occasionally accidents have occurred. This tradition evolved into our head butting greeting.” Zarik explained with element of pride.

“I can still head butt … but I can no longer lock horns to fight for a female … this fight excites the female. Even after that … touching horns is a common part of foreplay. All of this is a part of being a bull minotaur.” He explained.

“There’s no physical reason a lost horn should decrease a cow’s sexual desire of me. A lost horn does not change my ability to give sexual pleasure. A lost horn does not lessen my ability to produce offspring, feel and enjoy a cow or reach an orgasm. But Minotaur’s that have lost a horn … are loners … with no mates. That is what I have to look forward too!” Zarik said with sadness.

 

[Iscaa]

As Zarik started to explain how it was with Minotaurs and their relationships. Isca sat quietly and listened nodding her head every once in awhile to indicate that she was trying to understand what he was saying to her. Being young and having never been in a relationship with the opposite sex, it was not easy, but she did understand when he mentioned that he felt less attractive now that he had lost part of his horn. She realized just how important self confidence was to a Minotaur.

She kept on looking at his broken horn as he talked, thinking, (I wonder if Megan and I could come up with a spell to reactivate the roots of his horn...so it would regrow. I won't say anything now, I wouldn't want to get his hopes up if we really can't help him.)

She continued to listen as Zarik went into the traditional head butting greeting between males. She smiled at that nodding her head as he told her with pride the history behind the custom. But as he continued, she understood how really devastating his broken horn really was. She now decided that she was going to help him, there had to be something that she and Megan could do for him. After all horns were similar to fingernails...and those grew back if you lost one.

When he finally finished, Nefer meowed as she sensed his sadness, Isca patted his knee and replied,

"Oh Zarik, don't loose heart, you just never know how things can turn out, try to stay positive, I have a feeling things are not as dark as you say....OK? Besides you know as well as I do that it's what's inside your heart that counts....way more then looks. Any female worth her salt knows that. "

She smiled as she got up leaned over and gave the big Minotaur a kiss on the cheek paused while she scooped Nefer up in her arms adding,

"Besides I think your broken horn looks sexy ...like any good battle scar! Now let's get some rest, we have some traveling to do tomorrow."

Smiling once more she waved as she and Nefer turned and made their way back to their sleeping area. Isca set Nefer down, slipped into her bedroll and lifted the corner for Nefer to crawl into. As Isca lay there, she thought about how she could help Zarik, (Yes, I will go see Megan tomorrow and see if she has any spells that might be of some help. I am sure if we put our heads together we can help Zarik.)

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zarik did not go to bed as Isca had asked. He sat on the log and thought. At first his mind rejected what Isca had said to him. She was a human and did not understand … he had not explained it well enough to her. He should have said what if she had gotten one of her breasts cut off in battle! … She would not be so quick to dismiss his concerns as a simple “battle scar”. But as he thought more about that …. He realized she had a point … if he liked a woman and she had a scar or a breast had been removed … he could still love her. “What’s inside your heart that counts” she was right … Her words had made him feel better … and …

He reached up and touched the spot she had kissed him on the cheek. She had kissed him. Her soft lips had felt good. He thought about this too … and smiled and laughed “If a minotaur cow is no longer interested … that may not be true for other races …they look at horns differently.” Zarik said quietly to himself laughing softly. It was something he had never given much thought to in his life. His life …life …All life … That was what they all were fighting for. These demonlords wanted to remove all the life from this world.

He looked at all the plant life around him. The swamp was full of life, a celebration of life! And He was worried about his one cut off horn! He had met a minotaur named Beldak the Mystic, a very wise bull, who had said to him many years ago. “Pride, arrogance, and ego are easy … master humility and you have done something.” Zarik did not think of himself as arrogant, but he was proud of who he was and what he stood for! Time for him to be humble and focus on saving others!

He shook his head in disbelief. He was not the same minotaur who had head to Bulkenhold for a riddle contest. So much had happened since then ~ it felt a bit like he had been drinking from the falls of Enos! The battles against goblins, garliks, zombies, mesobulbron! The people he had met … a concubine, a baron, the dead knight, a leopard woman, half elves, lizardmen, and a dragon! … The dragon was special. Few from his race ever met dragons … and lived to tell about it. He had not only met a dragon, but was the creature’s traveling companion. Amazing! The magic he had seen fireballs, ice walls, healing spells … the elves and their warnings …

Suddenly, Zarik stood up … straight as an arrow. “The moonspell … the image from the moonspell.” He thought … He remembered it now. There had been an aerial view of the city of Palamar … The great city was surrounded by a massive army of garliks. Parts of the city were in flame. The image zoomed … until a single human man stood on the highest tower of the city. In his royal battle armor, his breaded face consumed by worry … Zarik (him) was there too and placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. The image of Zarik, himself, was complete! He had both of his horns!

That meant in the future his horn would be repaired … or maybe the image in the moon spell was defective. “The spell had not been wrong yet” Zarik thought and then he smiled. He would get his horn repaired!! He was sure of it. And that meant there was more adventures and excitement to come. He went over to his bedroll and fell asleep … dreaming of locking horns and winning females for mating!

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas smiled weakly. He wanted to roar and jump about with their victory (which also included not getting killed, which was definitely a plus in his eyes) but he just hurt too much. He sighed happily as the healing magics soothed his aching limbs.

Supper helped more which the dragon snapped up, even casting wary eyes towards the others as they ate. The healing magics were good, but Nas was just too large a creature for the little gem to completely heal. A dragons metabolism also helped aid in the natural healing process but also required Nas to eat, even more than he might normally do.

So the dragon sat quietly, listening to the others chattering on about whatever struck their fancy. Apparently one of their troupe had perished, but Nas could not bring himself to feel bad over Blin's death. Nas had not known, or liked, the little skulking creature and so his passing went unconcerned for him.

Sleep. Sleep was what he wanted now. Tomorrow would be another day and with it, another challenge.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The morning was so bright and fresh everyone got up in a good mood. Well … everyone except Nas! Maut who was difficult to read … as he was pretty silent and still … seemed just a bit more lively even though he had not said a word or moved one inch from where he stood.

Secretly Maut was …pleased? (not sure that is the right word) behind his visor. He knew the turn in the weather was Gaia doing … a reward for the events of yesterday. It was kind of nice to have two goddesses pulling for them!

Isola had gotten up early and prepared a wonderful breakfast. And everyone ate their breakfast meal, and was ready to go in less than an hour. Nas on the other hand felt 100% better than the day before, but 100% better when you feel like shit … meant he still felt bad. Isola drained the entire days’ worth of healing magic in him again and Devon brought him another deer. Nas wolfed it down. Zarik watched and commented to Isola “wait until … all this food we are giving him comes out the other end!”

Isola looked at the Minotaur and said in response “I think … what you are talking about is just a load of CRAP!”

Zarik laughed. He was perhaps the one in the group with the most improved attitude. Something Isca had said to him last night had made a difference to him and his attitude about his lost horn. Zarik was Zarik again. And it was nice to see.

Devon had everyone assemble and they were off. He informed them it would only take about five more days to reach Ardel’s tomb. The trip on the first day was uneventful, but the swamp was getting thicker and denser as they got closer to the tomb.

On the second day from the battle site ... Isca and Nefer found something! It all started as the group stopped for a lunch break in a small clearing surrounded by swamp trees. Thick plant life was all around them. As everyone was eating and drinking, suddenly Nefer's ears perked up and she sprang off Isca shoulders in a great leap and raced off into the swamp forest. It had happened so quickly it had even caught Devon by surprise.

 

[Iscaa]

ISCA AND NEFER MEET BROCK

After Isca had Isola's wonderful breakfast, she thanked her before packing up her things. Once she was ready she joined the group as they made ready to move. Isca noticed that Zarik seemed to have banished his melancholy mood from the night the night before, smiling she nodded her head at him.

The first day went well, nothing bad happened, so everyone's mood was positive, Nefer would from time to time, jump down from Isca's shoulder and doing a bit of hunting before coming back to her favorite perch. There was even a few times she chose to ride on Zarik's huge shoulder which seemed to please the big fella. That evening they all ate another one of Isola's tasty meals and wasted no time with conversation, since they were tired from the long day of marching, most were in their bedrolls before sunset. It had been agreed, another early start in the morning would get them to the tower that much faster.

The next day at lunch break, Isca was just finishing the last bite of her food when Nefer became hyper alert jumped down from Isca's shoulder and bounded into the forest. Isca's tried to call her back, she had a bad feeling about this. Getting up she quickly followed Nefer, naturally able to sense the directions the little cat had taken as she went around boulders and some of the larger trees.

As she went deeper into the swamp Isca started to hear what sounded like an animal in great stress, her tread quickened. What she soon came upon, made her stop in her tracks. There was a huge dire-wolf caught in a giant spider web. No matter how much it struggled, the strong sticky rope like threads held. Suddenly Isca's eye caught movement to the right, she sucked in her breath. There was Nefer, taunting the biggest ugliest spider that you can imagine. Every time it started to make it's way towards the wolf, Nefer would distract it by coming in close and biting one of it's eight legs. (She obviously was too fast and small for the sticky ropes to have any affect.) But soon the spider would be within striking distance, Isca acted quickly, throwing out both her hands, she cast forth two fire balls that hit the creature dead center causing it to make an awful squeal as it was thrown 20 feet from her web. Getting up, hairs on her body smoking from the fire balls, she made a hasty retreat, she knew when she was beat, this human and that nasty little cat would not be caught in her web.

Once the spider had left the scene, Isca turned her head towards the big wolf looking at him to access the situation. Dire wolves are very intelligent animals, she could at once read his mind. His name was Brock, and he was alone, having lost his pack. Isca set about releasing him from the web by casting one of her cleaning spells, (like the one she had used to get the mud off of Nefer and herself.) Nefer in the meantime, came up to the wolf, like she had known him all her life, purring.

Brock stepped away from web, he was huge, coming up just past Isca's waist at his shoulders. When he lifted his head, he was almost eye level with her. His coat was mostly silver grey, eyes of a yellow hue, he was a magnificent animal. He sat on his haunches looking into Isca's eyes, making her smile. Reaching out, Isca patted his silky ear while they got to know each other through a silent exchange. Nefer jumped up onto Isca's shoulder in order to be a part of it.

Finally Isca nodded her head signaling that their communication was complete. Brock was in need of a pack, Isca and Nefer would be his new pack, and they in turn belonged to an even bigger pack. He accepted Isca as leader which meant whatever she decided he would always be there for her. She stepped forward and put her arms around his neck, Nefer leaned in to sniff noses with Brock. All at once they heard twigs snapping along with many hurried steps, Isca smiled as she turned her head and happily said,

"Look everyone we have a new member for our quest....meet Brock ...a Dire Wolf."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Far To The East Within The Demon Lords’ Fortress.

Within the assembly hall the five demon lords sat back in their seats in shock. A few days ago they had watched the battle through the Mesobulbron’s eye … until it had blacked out … when Megan had “jamed” the connection. A spy demon had flown back to report on the end of the battle. He had just told the demon lords what had happened. Each demon lord looked at the other. Finally, Pevil spoke to the appointed leader, Nevil … His large fangs dripped with hissing venom.

“The Mesobulbron Dead! It does not seem possible. Life is changing, evolving, adapting, … We have unestimated these heroes!” He hissed.

Nevil growled, “You must develop a counter measure … Pevil”

Pevil nodded.

Nevil hissed angrily “And make sure it is effective against the Abomination this time!” There was agreement hissed all around the semicircular table at this comment.

“Report on the success of our invasion of the kingdom of Palamar” Nevil commanded the spy demon.

“The humans must have been warned … they were ready … and have stopped our forces at the river crossings!”

“WHAT … we out numbered them 100 to 1!” Nevil screamed.

“The river creates bottlenecks … the bridges are well fortified … our army can not break through” The demon spy explained.

Pevil smiled “Nevil … I warned you these heroes could be trouble … you said they could do nothing … however they have stop the goblin victory at Bulkenhold … prevented the elf-human war, defeated your Mesobulbron and blocked our Army of the prize ....the city of Palamar! … prehap it is time for new leadership on this council?” He asked the other demons … looking to his fellow demon lords for support.

Nevil laughed and stood up moving behind his chair to the rock wall. He made a motion with his hands and the wall opened exposing a glow sphere. He picked it up and placed it on the council’s semi-circular table.

“My Leadership is sound … and we shall win this battle … I plan to increase our chances by using the Karlucka.” He said gusturing toward the glowing ball.

“That is our all our reserve magical energy … that is to be used only in extreme emergencies!” Pevil gasped.

“Once we win this battle, we can replace the energy used” Nevil comfirmed.

“I shall open up dark passageways so our army of Garliks can get around the river defenses. This will lead to a quick victory, a victory that can not be stopped by what the heroes do in the swamp!” Nevil said with confidence. “If this fails … I shall willing give up my leadership of this council” He smiled at all the other lords. His gamble worked as all of them including Pevil nodded in agreement to his continued leadership.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Bull and the Dire Wolf!

Not everyone had followed Nefer and Isca, it just sounded like everyone! Zarik burst into the small clearing, battle axe out and ready. Devon also appeared with bow in hand but as a ranger he had been completely quiet when he followed Isca.

What Zarik saw when he entered the clearing was surprising! Isca was calming “hugging” a huge dire wolf. Nefer was on Isca’s shoulder like this was a normal part of the day … and it happened all the time, sniffing at the wolf's nose. Zarik had seen these dire wolves used in war … and the carriage and death they were capable of was frightful. What the young witch was doing was equivalent to putting her head inside a lion’s mouth. Most of the time … the person doing that came back without a head!

But who could figure out wizards and witches!

“A Dire Wolf!” Zarik grunted “They can be very dangerous … Isca! Are you sure you know what you are doing?” The minotaur asked.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon stepped next to Zarik, arrow fitted to the bow, but not drawn,

"If the wolf was to kill her, she would be dead by now."

He looked the sight over and shook his head slowly,

"Amazing though, she saved it from a certain death..."

The pause was brief,

"She saved him from a certain death, perhaps that is why no flesh rending have happened?"

 

[Iscaa]

Isca looked up at Zarik and Devon, as they had their say about Brock. Once they were done she lifted her eyebrow replying,

"Zarik...does he look dangerous to you right now? One thing I do know about Dire Wolves, they are very loyal and protective to their pack members. We have mind linked ....he is alone, lost his pack to some evil force that I was not able to understand. He is willing to be a part of our ...what he calls "Pack" meaning that he will protect us, hunt for us, just all the things a Dire wolf does. Since it was Nefer and I who saved him, we will be his joint pack leaders so to speak, but all of the company is part of his new pack now."

She ruffled the fur on his neck and looked at Zarik and Devon, seeming very happy with the newest member of the company. Brock had stood up as Isca spoke to the guys, relaxed but able to move at a moment's notice. Isca added,

" We ...meaning Nefer and I were just in time to save him from a most horrible death, did you see that spider? We, ourselves are going to have to be wary of traps just like the one Brock was caught in. I don't think any of us should go off alone....not after this. OK...I think we should get back with the rest and continue moving."

As Isca turned starting to walk towards the Minotaur and Ranger, Nefer leaped onto the wolf's back steadied herself before moving up to his broad shoulders. She found a spot she liked, kneaded the place a few times before settling down in his long slightly rough fur. He glanced once at her as she walked along his back, seeming quiet content to have the small cat ride on him. The three of them marched on past the guys towards the direction that the rest of the company had last been.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zarik watched with his mouth a gap as Isca, Brock and Nefer riding Brock walked past him and Devon as if this was a totally normal natural thing, a cat riding a wolf with a young wizard in tow.

“Well, I’ll be a Bull with udders!” Zarik said to Devon. Then as the three moved off outside of listening range “Wait until the dire wolf get a look at Nas … the real Pack Leader … that should get the wolf’s contemplation!” Both Devon and Zarik laughed thinking about the wolf’s reaction to the huge lizard. But the rest of the group had no problem with the wolf joining. Isola and Megan petted him and paid him all sorts of attention. In fact, Nefer seem a bit jealous of all the attention going to Brock vice her! Maut and Nas were pretty stoic about the wolf.

The group moved on with Devon again in the lead, taking them deeper into the swamp … for the most part the trip was uneventful except for Nas complaining about humanoid's lack of flight … the whole team would have been there already if the small silly creatures could just fly.

On the 5th day … in the mid-day sun light the group reached the tomb. Standing in front of the group in a large clearing, was a tower that rose up from a small hill. There was thick growth all around the clearing. The crumbling tower structure had a foreboding feel to it. The forest had reclaimed some of the cleared areas around the tower since its abandonment. Brush and saplings grew right up against the base of the tower n spots. The tower itself was some 50 feet across its circular base. Its stone walls and roof rose up three stories of windowless wall until the large top floors begin. These higher floors had features such as stonewalled balconies and there was a rotted wooden-shingled roof at the very top. A single door hung open, partly off its hinges, on the south face of the tower. Small structures could be seen in the clearing just north of the tower, a large tunnel leading underground, an outhouse and a water well.

“We are here … this is the Tomb of Ardel” Devon said as everyone looked at the various structures.

“Humph” Zarik grunted “I was expecting something a bit more grandiose and … kept up. The tower’s roof looks like it is about to fall in!”

Isola laughed “Zarik, when you die … we’ll make sure your tomb is much nicer than this place!”

“Save the grand tomb for Maut … just burn my body!” Zarik said. Isola giggled “Every time we bury Maut … he just crawl back out again … we’ll need to nail the coffin lid shut on him!”

Maut gave them an icy stare and both of them stopped talking.

Devon pointed out “The tomb is under ground, down that tunnel over there” He said pointing to the tunnel entrance. “You can’t tell from this angle but the tunnel is large enough for a dragon to enter.”

“Well since we don’t know where these magical items are … perhaps we should break up into teams. Nas, Megan, Maut, and Myself can explore the tunnel … Isola, Devon, Isca, Nefer, and Brock can explore the tower.”

Megan nodded “One word of caution … these ruins probably now serve as a home to a variety of creatures from the swamp which can be dangerous … and wizard's usually set traps around things they are trying to protect.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Team 1

Nas, Megan, Maut, and Zarik headed for the tunnel entrance. There sunken in the ground were a series of board steps (sized for a dragon?) that ended with large iron gates. The entrance way seemed impassable as massive and foreboding double portcullis blocked the way to the underground corridor. A gentle breeze was blowing from the tunnel corridor and it carried with it the dust of decayed stone and the smell of decaying bodies.

There were also the occasional sounds of pain, fright, and hunger that could be heard, but they are far away and sometimes muffled, occasionally they would hear a short piercing scream and then followed by total silence.

“Lovely!” Zarik said.

Megan noted some magical writing on the right hand side of the wall near the gate. “A magical word will open the gate” She explained. "This looks like a draconic language" She said.


Team 2

Meanwhile the other team (Isola, Devon, Isca, Nefer, and Brock) went over to the crumbling tower. As they walked around it, Devon called out “there is a concealed door here” He said

As the group helped to pull back the vines and bushes that had overgrown the door and hidden it on the north side of the tower. Isola pointed up to a higher floor and a large hole in the side of the tower. “Looks like something smash into the tower. And it was pretty big!” She said.

Isca thought the hole looked about the size a dragon would make … but she kept her thought to herself.

“So which door shall we go through … front door or the concealed one?” Isola asked.