Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Isola

Isola looked at the small painting … two knights … one was Maut … the other she now knew was Devon’s grandfather. Was it a painting … or some kind of magic picture … it was so life like looking … Nevertheless, the mystery of the painting had been solved.

“Devon found this in your gallery Wizard Ardel … and we were going to show it to Maut to surprise him” She said handing the painting/picture to Maut.

“You look like a young whipper snapper … in that, there photo” Isola said in her best “old man” voice.

Maut took the painting/photo and gazed at it.

Isola thought of something just then... and her eyes twinkled. She looked over to Devon.

“Devon are you a lord … or baron or something!” She asked excitedly. “Do we need to use fancy titles around you now … my lordship!!” She said making a little bow to tease him.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut looked at the picture, then handed it back to the wizard,

"I was young and foolish back in those days."

Devon brushed a hand over his eyes,

"I'm a Ranger, no need for titles or anything around me."

Maut leaned forward,

"You have been raised by royalty Devon, why do you wish to hand off your name?"

Devon stared at Maut,

"I doubt that you will understand, I am the last son, I have no right to any title as it will fall to my brothers first. I do not appreciate how the gentry of the land treat the serfs, I want no part of it all."

Maut stared back, eyes unblinking and then he leaned back,

"If you return home and take what is yours, you can show the rest what to do and how to do it."

Devon frowned at those words and then he blanched slightly under his tan,

"You mean that my brothers..."

Maut just stared at him, then he replied,

"They live still, for now."

Devon got to his feet,

"No! They can not die! Not all of them!"

When Maut spoke again, the gentle soothing tone that he had used on the angered Nas was there again,

"My lady's touch is on them Devon, it is their fate, just as is your fate to join us, to rule over your ancestral lands."

The eyes turned to Isola, they studied her, as if measuring her,

"Isola Lifedancer"

The words was somehow slightly warmer than his usual tone, he said nothing other than that, there were things that he had seen during their time in the Elf land, things he could not yet reveal. Maut rose,

"I need to go have a talk."

From somewhere inside the tower came a loud clattering and then the skeleton of the would-be robber came walking passed, heading outside, Maut followed, from everywhere faint sounds could be heard, the cold touch of death magic wafting through the room and then it disappeared along with Maut.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Wizard Ardel watched, his face full of wonder “Amazing” He said out loud … then more quietly to himself “it is some kind of magical exchange process … dead spirits for magical energy.”

Meanwhile, Isola touched Devon’s arm “Devon … don’t worry about Maut’s prediction … he says all kinds of crazy stuff … I don’t think he knew Blin was going to die … so he is just talking” She said as she got up from the table.

“If you will all excuse me … I need to talk to Maut.” She said and walked outside to meet with deathknight.

Two little stinkers!

Meanwhile the odor of skunk started to arise as two cats and a dire wolf appeared at the servant door to the dining area. The wizard got up and handed Hope to Megan.

“Please enjoy my fine after dinner drink selection … if you will all excuse me as well” He said to the heroes.

“I suppose I need to clean you up now ... Gemini! Please head to the kitchen sink …” He said to the cat … as he walking toward his familiar. The big male cat had a very guilt look on his face. The wizard continued to talk to him … but the people at the table could only hear one side of the conversation.

“No, I’m not going to use a magic spell … I’m going to give you a bath.” The wizard said crossly.

“Yes, it is going to be with cold water and Yes, I know you don’t like that …next time hopefully you will think twice about bothering an animal that can spray such a bad smell on you!” The wizard said entering the kitchen and was gone.

Isca got up too and headed to the Kitchen “Nefer needs to be cleaned too!” she said.

Megan looked at two remaining heroes, Zarik, and Devon.

“After dinner drinks, Where?” She asked.

Zarik grunted “I guess you just say what you want … I would like a Dwarven Brandy” He stated. An invisible servant carried a glass to him. Megan ordered one too.

"What do you think of the wizard's plan?" Megan asked.

Zarik smiled "sounds like a good one ... but we are walking out of the frying pan and into the fire. The moonwell spell did show a very large force around the city."

"If the garlik's defeat the humans ... all these lands will fall. It is pretty much ... Die now or die later ... I'd rather die now" She said. The big bull nodded in agreement. Then both of them looked over to Devon ... wondering how he felt about all this.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon looked from one to the other,

"Palamar, Garliks?"

He sighed and rested his elbows on the table,

"Judging from conversation the elf king showed you a vision, I take it that Palamar will be assailed by a huge army."

His brow furrowed,

"That alone sets a problem, Palamar is huge and sprawling, it takes an army to protect the walls and an army needs to be fed. There is no preperation for war, so in my opinion Palamar will fall if the attacking force is sufficient. If not by force, then to starvation."

He felt a slight tug at his sleeve,

"Nothing for now."

He said to the empty air and turned his attention to his companions,

"They will need help, allies. Magic of course will not hurt either. I saw that you Megan and Isca have command over huge amounts of power, but will it be enough?"

He sighed,

"We of course still have Maut, from what he just showed, he can raise dead. Perhaps he can raise an army that needs no food?"

A slight chuckle issued from him, then he paused,

"When an army is spotted lords will be called upon to rally to the king..."

He looked at Megan,

"I get this weird feeling that Isola was wrong, that Maut might have been right. My father and brothers are sure to ride to the defense of Palamar..."

His gaze shifted to Zarik,

"Will the miotaurs help and fight alongside humans in defense of a human city Zarik?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Zarik

Zarik looked over to Devon as if he was seeing him for the first time. He took another big gulp from his brandy glass draining it.

“Master Ranger … you have suggested something I had not even considered. In most normal situations, I would reject your idea as unworkable. No human kingdom would ... or should ... ever allow a military force of minotaurs on their soil. The act would invoke the unpleasant past between the minotaur kingdom and their neighbors.

Our history of conquest is not … pleasantly remembered by many. The Minotaur Kingdom has been trying to repair these bad feelings … they have been actively trying to improve relationships with many nations. In fact, my presence at the spring festival was as an ambassador towards that end. However, you make a good point, this threat is different. This would not be for conquest but to help!

The bulk of the army would not be committed. Defense of the kingdom is their mission. Also if I can be blunt … they would also fear a trick by the humans to draw our forces out, perhaps into an ambush.

But if I can convince them … they may provide some of our elite troops. Forces from the Horned Legion.” He said his eyes sparkling with pride. Even Megan had heard of them. Some historians considered the horned legion the best fighters in the world, with no equal …

Zarik continued “The horned legion troops… are the shock troops of the Minotaur Army. Trained in all forms of combat … mentally and physically tough … they are bulls of character, honor, and valor. Just a handful of these fighters would make a tremendous difference to the defense of Palamar.”

Megan added to what Zarik was saying “I have heard stories to these fighters … and Zarik does not brag … in fact I believe he is understating their abilities. In the Orc city of Vitgut, A single horned legion member was so effective that the Orc’s named him Lok-Tar Opus, which translates to The Bull Devil. He is credited in killing over 2000 Orcs!”

“The problem I see is getting to the minotaur kingdom and back to Palamar in time. It is not a short journey” Zarik pointed out. “The dragons might get a few of us to the minotaur kingdom quickly … but how would the troops get to Palamar in time?”

Megan face clouded up in worry. “There is a way … to get there faster … I have heard of it in my studies of demonic magic. It involves walking along “death’s way.” Maut would need to help us and there are dangers to consider. But it would be fast.”

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut was standing outside, around him a gathering of skeletons, corpses and what could only be described as ghosts, he spoke to them, his voice as cold as the grave, they answered him, clearly he was questioning them and they had nothing to hide in death. Maut's armor was now covered in a black cloak, his arms resting in front of him, hands resting inside the opposite arm's sleeve, a hood covered his head. He looked like The Reaper, minus the scythe of course. With a barely perceptable nod, the gathering of dead and spirit sunk into the ground. He turned, inside the dark hood twin lights of amber looked at the approaching concubine,

"Lifedancer. You wish to speak to me?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola

Isola stood before the deathknight. He looked quite different in his black cloak. He seemed more like death itself. It kind of scared her.

“Maut … I originally had two questions … but something just struck me … so I now have three questions. First … If you can see death before it happens … Can you tell me the fate of Devon. … I … I wish to know and I will not tell him if it is bad news. Secondly, you said earlier when the dragons were fighting … “stop acting like two childish, love sick, overgrown lizards” do you think they will become a mated pair? And lastly … why are you using my dragon name … Lifedancer … instead of Parnel or just Isola? And what are you doing talking to the undead? Oops I guess that was 4 questions.” She smiled awaiting his answers.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut stared at isola for a long time, almost like he haven't heard her, then he spoke,

"Devon will die, but of old age. He will lose his father and brothers before this war had ended."

He tilted his head to one side,

"The past is a cloud which follows both dragons, Nas' past makes him an undesirable bloodline, though he possess much more than what that past allows him. There was a time when his destruction would have been met with disdain and anger, yet now it is needed. Ven has a clouded past as well, she sees the best in Nas and will be deterred by his past. But I sense Fate might still take a hand."

His head returned to it's upright position,

"I see death around you Lifedancer, yet you will bring hope and peace to many."

He pulled his hand from the sleeve of his cloak, gone was the gauntlet which covered them, instead it showed what was really hidden under the metal, a skeletal hand, blood dripping from it as he pointed towards Isola,

"You are searching for a master, but instead you will find a companion. You seek your former life, but you shall never regain it, you will only find a new one."

His hand slid back into the sleeve as he slowly turned away to look anto the distance,

"Keep the Ranger safe Lifedancer, he cares for you..."

A slight pause and a slight edge of humor crept into his voice,

"He also finds you desirable. That much the dead told me of your future, what else they had to say does not concern you, but it might just save the humans at Palamar."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola and Devon ... it is about F'ing time!

Isola headed back inside … but before she returned to the dining room she stopped. “Why did I only ask about Devon’s future? Why not any of the others? … and why not about myself?” She whispered to no one. She knew the answer but she was too scared to admit it. She was in love with Devon.

“I barely know him … we have never … done anything … I … I can’t love him” She thought. Her mind was a whirl. What if he did not love her back? What if he was upset about her choice … at the swamp donkey pub? Picking the lizardman instead of him. She shook her head as if to clear it. “The forces of evil are out to destroy the whole world and you are worried about your love life … get a grip Isola Lifedancer!”

She stood up straighter and entered the dining room. She heard some faint upset “meows” from behind the kitchen door. The only person remaining in the room was Devon. He was smiling at her as he sat in his chair near the fireplace.

“Where did everyone go?” She asked a bit confused.

“To bed …” He answered. A statuesque, burgundy haired beauty walked slowly towards the ranger, her heavy breasts shifting under her vest, bouncing up and down with each stride. The ranger studied her approach as she slipped into his lap and put an arm around his shoulders. She looked right into his eyes.

“Devon … I need you to know something … I have always liked you … I don’t care that you have royal blood. I don't care royal's have complex … love lives (Note: Isola was referring to arranged marriages among royals ... a very common practice for royals ... for alliance reasons during this age). I also know that concubines can be viewed as … manipulative and deceitful.

But for tonight … Can we just be Isola and Devon … as if neither of us have a past?” She asked him.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut stared out into the world, stared into the future, present and past, he will have to seperate from the group. This much was clear, but he will arrive to help the defense of Palamar, if he was alive, he would have sighed, but he was no longer human. So instead he strode off, no word in farewell or explanation, the others could get to the city without him.

Devon was smoking the last of the tobacco he had gotten from Zarik, staring into the flames in the fireplace when Isola entered. He took one last puff and placed the sweet-smelling tobacco aside and looked at Isola. Once more he was struck by how beautiful she was, then she took him by surprise, sitting down on his lap and slipping her arms around his neck. He looked at her as she spoke, his arms still resting on the arm rests of the chair. He smiled slightly at her question,

"Are you manipulitive and deceitful Isola? For the life of me I haven't seen that yet, only a kind and caring heart who wishes to see the best in the worst kinds of people."

His hand moved upwards, slowly stroking over her hair,

"I have left the royal life behind me, that life is passed and gone, I am simply Devon, a Ranger."

His other hand moved up to cup her cheek,

"And for now I am only Devon and you are Isola."

He smiled slightly at her, then pulled her closer to him, his lips seeking and finding her own in a slow, gentle kiss.

 

[Iscaa]

With a frown Isca looked at Nefer, mentally telling her,

(Nefer....Nefer...Nefer....I do believe we have been through this before.....but not since you were a wee kitten. What on earth has gotten into you today? Were you showing off for Gemini?)

She waited for Nefer to give her excuses....which came,

(Oh Isca, It wasn't my fault I did try to tell Gemini and Brock to stay away, but they wouldn't listen to me...they just laughed and kept on going after the stinky creature. I did try...truly I did!)

Isca then looked at Brock,

(Well? Is Nefer giving me all the details? Did you and Gemini go after that skunk all on your own?)

For an answer Brock lifted his eyebrow,

( Look, all three of us are guilty, and she knows it!)

Brock then glanced at Nefer giving her a soft growl. With a frown Isca told both of them to follow her into the kitchen...

(You both are going to get a bath just like Gemini.)

When they protested, Isca stopped, eyeing them before adding out loud so all three of the animals could hear,

" You'r all are getting baths instead of a clean spell....that way you will think twice before ever approaching a skunk again."

Isca found a big tub pulled it into the centre of the kitchen, standing up she spoke a water spell, satisfied that it started to fill quickly. As this was happening, she looked around for some soap,...watching the wizard bathing the unhappy Gemini in the sink, she asked,

"Isn't tomato juice supposed to neutralize the smell?"

When he nodded his head, she cast a spell producing a jug of tomato juice. Once the tub was 3/4 full of water, she raised her eyebrow at Brock who dutifully jumped in, shortly followed by Nefer. She carefully landed on his back before looking mournfully at Isca,

"Please...you know I hate to get wet...I promise to be good from now on!"

But, Isca shook her head,

(You both are getting a bath and that is all there is to it!)

Taking an empty pitcher, Isca dipped it into the tub, and started to pour the water over both Nefer and Brock. It didn't take long before the whole room smelled of wet/skunk/dog/cat...yewww! Once the animals were wet, she got the soap and lathered them up. Nefer clung to Brock's back with all she was worth, not wanting to fall into the nasty water. She did make a sorry sight...once wet, there was hardly anything to her, just a skinny little thing all eyes and ears. It was really pitiful to hear her meowing cries, causing Isca to chuckle in spit of herself.

She rinsed and lathered them up again, second time around, the smell was much better. She ended with a rinse of tomato juice and told them to jump out of the tub, go run outside and shake all the water and juice off. Brock gladly made a giant leap out and in two bounds was out the door, Nefer still clinging desperately to his back. Isca followed them out to make sure they didn't run off to some mud hole.

Meanwhile back in the kitchen, Ardel finished Gemini, who then took off after the other two. He quickly cast a clean/anti stink spell. Isca sighed as the air freshened before calling out,

"Do not go far, just shake the excess moisture off and come back inside....I want you all to just go lay down by the fireplace and think about being good."

As she turned around smiling at the wizard, the three stampeded past her and onto the hall towards the warm fireplace. Isca asked,

"Shall we go have a much needed drink by the fire now?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Wizards

Wizard Ardel laughed as he watched Isca handle the dire wolf and cat.

“Well done!” he said at the end of it. Then Isca asked him about a drink by the fire. He looked over to the sleeping baby hope making sure she was ok. Then nodded his head in agreement.

As he open the door to the Dining room he saw Isola on Devon’s lap and they were kissing deeply. He gently reclosed the door. "Perhaps we should have our drinks in the study? … Isola and Devon are engaged in a private discussion” He stated.

Nefer, Brock and Gemini were also watching the two humans kissing. Gemini and Nefer relayed back more information to both wizards. Gemini stating “I have seen mother birds feed their young in this fashion!”

Nefer just shook her head at that suggested. “Gemini, you are a dumb tom cat … the two human have gotten their tongues stuck in each other’s mouth. They are trying to undo it!”

Wizard Ardel and Isca asked all the animals to move to the fire place in the study and leave the two humans alone. By the time the animals moved to the other room. The wizard was already lifting a glass to Isca.

“To Wizards” He said and Isca echoed him back “To Wizards” and both took a drink.

The animals listen as the two discussed arcane secrets and various complex theories of magic … almost all of it they did not understand. A sample of the complexity is listed below.

"Why yes, wizards are all taught to be needlessly vague and confusing. I once had a class on magical theory where the final essay topic was: write a 10 page paper without saying anything…” Ardel told Isca.

Later Isca said “My favorite taunts are … "…I can stop you with my brain." And "Don't make me angry. You see, when I get angry, Nefer gets scared. And when Nefer gets scared... people die!"

Ardel laughed “how about … Time is my ally. When I am eighty, I will shape reality itself to my will. And you? You will barely be able to lift that sword."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Devon and Isola

(Note to readers ... the next part is x-rated)

Devon kissed gently at first, then more deeply, but all of them caused a flare of intensity in her. She had not felt this before and she had been with many men … why was this man turning her on so much? He was a very good kisser, that was true … but to have his kisses leave her gasping and tingling, that was special, as special perhaps as the evening had been.

Isola was with a good man with a trusting soul. They had saved each other’s lives battling the demons … and now she wanted to share more with him. She wanted to have sex with him, not because he was royal or had money, but because she wanted to share that intimate act with him and to please him.

He continued to kiss her … as his hand moved across her sexy body ending up on her gorgeous mammaries. Isola moaned as he squeezed them. From his clutching embrace he realized her breasts were bigger than he thought. As his kisses went down her neck, he undid her corset, removing it, uncovering her luscious jugs. Her pleasingly flat stomach, just made her appear more voluptuous. Her breasts arched away from her ribcage, defining them and delineating them almost as something separate from the rest of her torso.

The sight of her harden nipples reinforced Devon’s sense that Isola’s truly desired him. He moved closer to her, placing both hands on her shoulders now. She guided his hands back to cupping her jugs.

“Play with them … it really turns me on” she whispered. As two fingers from each hand squeezed and pinched her nipples making them grow even more erect. Isola moaned louder. But her hands were busy too … freeing her lover’s massive prick, from his pants. The thing was big … she thought. Her hand wrapped around it … stroking him as he teased her nipples.

“Can I suck on it?” she asked him … her eyes begging him. He nodded yes …as she dropped to her knees in front of him. Her mouth was like magic … licking on his monstrous cock. She took his cockhead in her mouth … and caught her lips on the back of his swollen head. She licked all the way around the cockhead, and then she pressed the tip of her tongue against the slit in the tip of his cock and licked away a drop of pre-cum. “MMMMMMM” she moaned … her mouth slowly took in his entire dick, inch-by-inch, as if she was a sword swallower. Then her returned to his cockhead and her hand joined in … stroking up and down the length of his shaft, her warm hand and smooth stroke causing his cock to twitch in anticipation.

She started to stroke him faster and faster. And soon Devon’s hips began to move forward and back, fucking her mouth. It was not long before he started to feel a surge in his balls, as her mouth felt too good.

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=954358

 

[milkmaiden38]

Over Watch ... City of Palamar

It was a clear and cold night as the moon shone against the tall thin towers of the over watch of the city of Palamar. A human woman with dark blonde hair tied in a pony tail was bent over her crystal ball. Lackleria was in her yellow robes atop this the tallest of the towers, in the highest chamber, watching the flow of magical energy around the kingdom. It was what she had trained to do, for 10 years, under the apprenticeship of the over watch wizard. Now she stood her watch. She had been promoted to journeyman watcher only a few months ago. Beginning journeymen were always assigned to the graveyard shaft. But she did not care, it was her honor to help protect the kingdom. The task was not very exciting and seldom did anything of major significant occur on this watch. But she loved it anyhow. It allowed her to develop her skills as a watcher. Tonight, as with previous nights there was little to view in the crystal ball. She sensed the location of major magical energies and all was as it should be. In the city, she felt the various more powerful magic users and magical items, including her teacher, Ikarus, the over watch wizard. She expanded her senses, leaving the city and traveling out over the country side. Things and locations became more blurry, but all the major magical energy sources were in their proper places. To the west were the elves. To the south, in the dead forest and great swamp there was very little energy, but if she focused she occasionally felt something. Only 5 days ago on the morning watch a great magical battle had been fought. But since then they had seen very little. To the east was vast energy. The garliks and their leaders shone brightly, even though the distance was great. Luckily, the kingdom had stopped the Garlik attack at the river crossing. An elf Captain named Irtheel and a half-elf named Bronwyn had warned the king of the attack and plans had been made to prepare the army to meet the garliks at the river.

She focused her attention more on the energy levels from the east. There were some small fluctuations in the energy levels, but that was not usually. The fluctuations could be caused by the weather, time of the day, other nearby magical actively, or various other reasons. But it could also be caused by spell casting. Secretly, sometimes Lackleria would fantasize, that she would be on one of these watches, and sense the building of a magical attack on the kingdom. She would warn the kingdom of the spell just in time and save everyone! Was tonight that night? She grinned to herself “how many journeyman watchers had thoughts like these? Probably, all of them. She thought to herself. But it helped past the time, so she examined the fluctuations for any patterns. There were clever ways to hide a spell casting in the noise of these energy patterns. She looked at the pattern for any repeating shapes and saw none. Then she looked at the pattern for any repeating power levels, and again nothing. “Mostly likely nothing” she whispered to herself.

But something still bother her about the fluctuations … in her fantasy, she would not find the magical attack easily. No, it was via her determination that she found it. So she decided to keep examining the fluctuations … What else could she try? What about a pattern in time? She looked at how frequent the energy spiked occurred at a certain energy level based on time. Very quickly a pattern appeared. She started to get excited. “Oh my… ??” She gasped. She checked other energy levels. Again, a clear pattern. Were the demonlords casting spell?

She was probably wrong … she was being silly … she would look silly if she called the over watch wizard. She checked one more level, again a clear pattern and based upon the amount of energy used at the various levels … this was a powerful spell. Her doubts washed away, her heartbeat pounding now … she needed to tell Ikarus, the over watch wizard.

She needed to warn the kingdom! She stood up and ran to the chamber door. Opening it, she yelled to the guard. “By the fires of ALL THE BURNING HELLS … wake the over watch wizard … bring him here immediately. IMMEDIATELY!!” She said in a panic. She quickly returned to the crystal ball, checking more energy level, writing them down, so she had the complete pattern for when Ikarus arrived.

The white haired wizard walked as fast as his old legs could carry him. He remembered that Lackleria was on watch tonight, a talented but young watcher, excited about her recent selection. He hoped this was not another false alarm. A common event with new watchers, they were so eager to make a big discovery. That motivation was from their training, and therefore partially his fault, for he had designed the training. The instructors always told the story about a careful and clever watcher discovering a threat to the kingdom. He would need to let Lackleria down easy. He did not want this error to affect her self-confidence; she was too talented for that. He was developing excuses to let her down easy, as he entered the watcher chamber.

“Wizard Ikarus … over here … please examine the watcher crystal. There are fluctuations in the energy levels coming from the east. A big spell is being cast!” Lackleria said almost out of breath from her excitement.

The old wizard peered into the crystal ball, the device allowing him to sense the magical energy around the kingdom. He directed his attention to the east detecting the dark energy of the demonlords. There were small fluctuations but nothing alarming.

“I sense small fluctuations, but this could be caused by weather” he said with some patience.

“That is what I thought too, but now look at the same energy point over time and you’ll see a pattern hidden in the random noise” she said with great excitement.

He examined the patterns … and thought … then relooked at them again …She was right! He exclaimed “By the fires of all the burning hells!!” He looked up at the young watcher eager face. “This is a new way to hide a casting … and you discovered it!” he said very proud of her. “Have you mapped it over any other energy levels?” he asked.

“Yes … it is here written down” she said pointing to the parchment and her notes.

“Excellent!” he stared back into the globe “what are they up?” he asked himself re-examining the dark energy. All of a sudden there was a sudden huge jump in the energy in that region, Lackleria looking over his shoulder gasped “OH NOOOO!” and then all the energy was completely gone.

Both magic users did not know what to say.

Lackleria, broke the silence, “what just happened?” she whispered to Ikarus

“I don’t know” Ikarus answered, but he knew it could not be good.

Both watched the crystal wondering where all the dark magical energy had gone. A few minutes later, the dark energy appeared across the river in a new spot. Again both watchers drew in their breaths in total surprise … looking in each other.

With forboding in her voice Lackleria whispers “What happened?”

“The Garliks have found a way to cross the river!” Ikarus answered, “I will warn the King! May the gods help us!”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Nas and Venar-surr

Venar-surr had the most pleasant dreams…first she dreamed of gold … and silver and gems … she dreamed she was sleeping on a VAST pile of treasure … it felt good on her skin and it smelled great! This dream faded, and new started … she saw Nas … handsome … proud … powerful … her heart went out to him.

“I wish to mate with you Venar-surr?” Nas asked her in the dream …

Venar-surr was heartbroken but had to tell him “No … Nas we cannot … your bloodline must come to an end. It is for the good of all dragons” Venar-surr said with great sadness.

Nas looked deeper into her eyes. “Happiness is not an emotion allowed to me!” He replied his face cold and very sad. This dream faded and next she was above some kind of forest. But the forest was gone … burned away by a massive forest fire. In the middle of the smoking forest was a barren clearing …a freshly killed giant sea tuna lay there. She was hungry and she tried to get to the tuna … but could not … there was too much smoke… over and over she tried with no luck. Finally with a startled jolt … she awoke from the dream.

She looked around the cave. The sun was just coming up. She saw Nas at the entrance of the lair … placing a dead giant sea tuna there. This tuna was next to another one. Smoke from the small fire drifted around the cave.

“Good Morning” Nas growled “You slept so heavily I brought breakfast for you. We’ll need to head back to the wizard’s tower this morning”

Venar-suur had not realized how tired she was … after under-going the stone to flesh transformation, the fight with Nas and the flight over here. She had fallen into a deep sleep. Nas had been kind enough to hunt for her. Even after what had happen last night. He was unlike any other dragon she had met!

Venar-surr got up and nodded “My thanks …Giant Sea Tuna … how did you know this is my favorite food!” She said excitedly.

Nas grinned “It is the favorite food of all … LOON LOWPUS (dragon tongue for “waddling flyer”)”

Venar-surr grinned back at him “Perhaps I was tired yesterday … but today I shall do better … KOOCUS FARPUS” She challenged him back.

“I accept your challenge … I will be the leader today …try to keep up” Nas stated and then took a great bite out of his fish. Venar-surr followed taking a huge series of bites out of her fish. It was not long before she completed devouring her fish. Nas finished his a bit later.

“CATCH ME IF YOU CAN …” He roared and launched himself into the air.

Venar-surr took off after him … flapping her wings to gain altitude. But Nas was gone. She could not see him anywhere in the sky. “It was impossible! … no dragon could fly that fast.” She thought then she realized what Nas was up to … and quickly circled back to the peak his lair was located on. She spotted him … clinging to the sheer face of the cliff … she folded her wing and plunged down towards him …

“KOOCUS FARPUS I see you …” she roared and Nas knew he had been found … and sprung off the cliff face and took off trying to get some distance from the copper-emerald dragon. Nas realized she was pretty clever to figure out his trick so quickly. Now he really needed to work to stay ahead of her. He flew towards the lava fields and fire pits … as he was part red dragon … he again should have the advantage … heat and fire did not bother him much.

He skimmed the lava pits … as great columns sprang up here and there. But Nas was quick and could fly through them. Venar-surr would have much more difficulty.

But Venar-surr surprised him. As the pillars of fire sprang up from the pit … the Copper-Emerald dragon just used her breath weapon to “blow the pillar of fire away from her. Nas was impressed she was a clever dragoness! He started to flap his wings faster … leaving the lava fields … and heading back to the swamp.

Venar-surr kept up better today … and Nas’ little trick had not helped much. Nas thought he could lose her in Loogus Lake …. The source of the great swamp. He plunged into the lakes waters and swam as deep as he could. He heard another “splash” as she entered the Lake too.

The water was cloudy and visibility was poor. She would not be able to find him down at the bottom of the lake. Then he heard a strange “shrill” peep noise. Nas had no clue what the sound meant. Then there was the sound again. and again … three times.

Venar-surr tapped Nas on the head … and pointed to the surface. Nas and her floated to the top . “I found you!” she said. Somehow she had used the sound to figure out where he was.

Nas bow his head “You won today” He said but he was not upset at losing. He was happy it meant she was clever and quick … a prize … but he also knew he would never mate with her. “Let us get to the tower.” He suggested as they both took off to the wizard’s tower. It only took minutes to get there and they both landed together, shaking the ground.

"That should wake up ... the sleepers!" Nas said to Venar-surr about the ground shaking.

She smiled back "You still don't understand the other races ... Nas" she said as an evil grin spread across her face. Suddenly she let out a MASSIVE dragon roar blasting the tower with sound.

"That is how you wake them up!" She said. Nas grinned too ... "Oh let me try!" He said and tried to out roar Venar-surr.

 

[Iscaa]

Wizard Ardel and Isca laughed and truly enjoyed themselves with stories of their favourite taunts and such. After awhile they just smiled while quietly sipping their drinks...Isca was truly in awe of the famous wizard..and hoped he would be willing to teach her some more of the history and power of the ancient wizards.

Finally Isca couldn't stop a yawn from forming, she apologized saying,

"I think I better get some rest, it's been a very very interesting but busy day...and I rather think there will be more surprises tomorrow."

Looking over at the animals, Isca quietly called to Brock and Nefer to come with her, as she rose to leave she added,

"I am so glad we had these few hours to get to know one another better....I hope to learn many more things from you....if your willing of course."

The old wizard nodded his head saying,

"Indeed...we do have much much more information to exchange...and not that much time, but go to bed young one...I will sit here with Gemini for a little longer before I too go to my chamber for some much needed sleep.

Isca Nefer and Brock made their way to one of the bed chambers that Isca had noted earlier and once inside, made ready for bed. Isca slipped under the downy quilt soon followed by Nefer. Brock knew he wouldn't be welcomed under the quilt with his giant body, so he just jumped up at the foot of the luckily large sized bed and was soon fast asleep. Isca put her arm around Nefer smiled and both soon joined Brock in slumber.

Early in the morning all three were rudely awakened by the shaking and rumbling of the room and tower. Isca opened her eyes and mumbled,

"What the.....?"

She then sleepily stumbled out of bed....luckily she had on her long nightshirt, Isca made her way over to the window followed closely by Brock and Nefer. That is when the ear splitting roars of two full grown dragons came out of nowhere. Isca covered her hears as it went on and on. Brock started to join in by howling.... along with Nefer who had a pretty good yowl ...Siamese style.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Oh great, another suicide mission!

The two dragons awoke everyone. Isca was the first to a castle window staring out at the two dragons. Next Zarik and Megan, came out of the tower … quickly followed by Devon.

“Nas, Venar-surr, what is all the roaring about?” Zarik asked his battle axe in hand.

Venar-surr started to laugh, which was soon followed by Nas joining in. Wizard Ardel head was the next one seen … as he looked out of the tallest window of the tower. He was holding Hope, who was crying.

Finally, Isola came out of the front door … she was only wearing one of Devon’s long shirts … it was just long enough to cover up her tush, but just barely.

Zarik grunted “Dragon humor … I will never understand it.” He realized there was no danger and then he turned and saw Isola in Devon’s shirt.

“OH” He said, a bit shocked … it took about a second before he recovered. He looked at Isola and then to Devon “It is about time you two … mated!” He said bluntly.

Isola face turned bright red … and everyone started to laugh including Isola. This quieted down Hope, who now understood everyone was happy.

Wizard Ardel smiled down at all the creatures laughing and having a good time. He was delighted to see all the joy around the tower again. It was too bad he needed to end it. As people finished up laughing, He cleared his throat.

“Everyone, I’m so glad that you are all happy at this moment. Please remember this moment … anchor it in your minds. Because this is why we are going to fight! This is what life can give you … moments like this. The demonlords want to end this. They want to end all life on this world!”

“Last night they cast a great spell … and transported the bulk of their army across the eastern river of Elin. In just a few days … that army of garliks will reach Palamar … the city has only a skeleton defensive force. The king’s Army had been sent to the river to prevent the garliks from crossing … they have been bypassed.

Zarik and Devon looked at each other. They knew what that meant. Zarik spoke first “Then the city is lost … we have failed … finding the key and codex did us no good”

The wizard looked out on all the serious faces below him. He saw that they understood what Zarik said was correct. He nodded and continued “There has never been in all the history of the world, such an opportunity as this. Humans, elves, minotaurs and … yes the mighty dragons joined together into one fighting force … together they must go forth to guard their own existence … and you below me … you all will be the key defenders … the vanguard. All of you can become instruments of colossal and shattering power, it is in you … you just need to find that power and use it. I NEED ALL OF YOU TO HELP ME DEFEND THE CITY. WE MUST STOP THE ARMY OF THE DEMONLORDS!!

It is a suicide mission; I will not lie to you. But it is also a noble mission. It is a chance every knight wants … to defend the weak … the helpless … It is a mission for the brave … It is a mission … for those that wish to give every ounce of their life for their world.

I will be there … and there will be some very fierce battles, they will be attacking us on all sides … BUT I WILL FIGHT … I will fight them over the land … I will fight them in the air … I will fight them with magic … I shall fight them in the hills and the fields … I shall defend Palamar at whatever the cost … and when they breach the walls of the city … I will fight them on the ramparts … and the towers … and in the streets,; I shall fight them until they are NO MORE … or I’m DEAD!!

BUT I WILL FIGHT THEM!!!” He paused … and then quietly he asked “who is with me?”

The wizard looked out over the stunned group of heroes below him. Venar-surr was the first to acknowledge his request. Her eyes filled with pure hatred “I WILL FIGHT THEM” she growled her whole body shaking in anger.

Zarik nodded and took his battle axe and SLAMMED it into the ground burying it so deep only the handle was still visible. “I WILL FIGHT THEM!!” He grunted.

Nas nodded and BLASTED out a huge stream of flame …lighting up the morning. “I WILL BURN THEM INTO ASH!!” he growled … dragon rage in his eyes.

Megan thought back to the battle against the mesobulbron and Blin’s death. Her rune symbol spun like crazy “OH … I WILL FIGHT THEM… AND THE DEMONLORDS HAD BETTER BE PREPARED!!”

Isola looked over to Devon … she had found her new future … he stood right there. A man she loved and could be happy with for the rest of her life. Maut had predicted it just the day before. But she knew what was more important … it was not about her … it was about the whole world. “I WILL DO ALL I CAN TO HELP … I WILL FIGHT THEM” she said as she stared at Devon.

 

[Iscaa]

Isca listened to wizard Ardel...and when everyone shouted out that they would fight the demonlords...she leaned out of the window and added her own voice shouting,

"I TOO WILL FIGHT THE DEMONLORDS TO MY VERY LAST BREATH ....IF THAT IS WHAT IT WILL TAKE!"

Brock and Nefer joined in as well, barking and meowing. All the people on the ground looked up at Isca's window and again at Ardel's window and raised their arms up shouting,

"YES.....DEATH TO THE DEMONLORDS!"

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon looked at Isola, then he looked around at everybody else...he smiled grimly,

"There's other Rangers in Palamar, we will all fight to the last."

His eyes caught Isola's again, then he looked at Ardel,

"But there is the fact that we will stand a better chance to survive if we had more power...I think we should keep to the original plan and try to rise this other dragon as well, what was his name again? Gargomash?"

He shrugged,

"Anyroad, I believe there will be enough garliks and demons left to kill, dragons can of course travel faster than normal means."

 

[milkmaiden38]

"Oh where, oh where, has Maut gone ... oh where oh where could he be?"

Wizard Ardel smiled “I’ll be right down!” And his head disappeared from the high tower window. A half a minute later he joined everyone on the ground floor. Isca had also come down.

“Devon you are most correct. We will stay with the original plan... but we must excute it right away. Time, as well as the Garliks are our enemy!” The wizard said.

Venar-surr stuck her massive nose in the middle of the conversation. “What plan?” she asked.

“While you and Nas were away … we have developed the following plan … there is significant risk … but it is our only hope!” The wizard explained

“Nas and Venar-surr with Megan, Isca and Nefer riding their backs … are to go and free Gragathor. With the assistance of Maut … Zarik will go the minotaur kingdom and acquire the services of the horned legion … Isola, Devon, Gemini, Brock and Myself will head for the capital city of Palamar. Hope will be staying here with one of my servants. A battle field is no place for a small baby.” He explained.

“Wizard … one small problem, Maut … left yesterday … he can’t help us!” Isola stated.

The wizard got a big frown on his face “Now that is a problem!”

 

[DeathsKnight]

From the front entrance to the keep there came a strange sound, like a clattering of bones. This drew everybody's attention, to a heap of bones which lay on the ground...or rather...had lain on the ground. There was black tendrils swirling around it and the bones was attaching themselves back into the skeleton of a human. It was the skeleton of the dead thief, it turned to look at the group, in it's empty eye sockets black orbs regarded them solemnly.

"Maut sends his regards, is there a message for him?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

And we're off ... in more ways than one!

The wizard smiled again “Problem solved!”

Isola just shook her head “I like Maut … but this whole gothic/undead thing he has going on … really creeps me out. He needs to wear brighter colors … and get rid of the undead skeleton messengers”

“Noted” The wizard said to Isola … he actually did not note the comment at all because he thought it was irrelevant and stupid. He turn to the undead messenger “Skeleton … tell Maut we shall be using “death’s way.” And need his assistance for safe passage. I shall open the portal at noon that should give him enough time.” The wizard said.

The skeleton nodded and sank into the ground and was gone.

“Creepy!” Isola said again.

“I’m afraid I need to change the order of travelers. Zarik, we shall all need to travel with you. So Isola, Devon, Gemini, Brock and Myself will be coming along.

“That is a really bad idea” Zarik said.

Wizard nodded “Noted” this was now his new favorite word … acknowledge the comment and then totally disregard it. Neat. But Zarik continued to look at him.

He needed to explain more “We have no choice … someone needs to reopen the portal at the minotaur kingdom. That means, I need to be there. So that means the rest need to stay with me.”

Zarik thought for a moment “Understand … I’ll make it work.”

With that cleared up … invisible servant brought out two strong ropes. “These will need to be tied around the Dragon’s necks. Not too snug … it will allow Isca and Megan to hold on during the flight. Nefer can ride in Isca backpack.” The wizard explained.

“We are NOT horses to be saddled and ridden WIZARD” Venar-surr stated very firmly.

Wizard Ardel nodded and thought for a moment. Then he said "I think you need to look at this as an opportunity ... Think of the sheer terror … that you will be subjecting Megan and Isca too …land locked beings … who have never flown before. … Or think of how impressed they will be … as you massive creatures defy gravity itself … and go airborne!!” The wizard said his eye brows going up … thinking of the possibilities.

Venar-surr looked over to Nas. He nodded adding in dragon tongue “Barrel roll”

Venar-surr nodded back, “excellent choice” she answered in dragon tongue.

The ropes were fitted and Megan and Isca climb on to the dragons’ backs. “I’m not so sure about this …” Megan said to Isca.

Both dragons laughed … and took off … and Megan hung on for dear life.

 

[Iscaa]

When the idea of riding on the dragons came up, Isca's eyes shone with glee. Grabbing her backpack she opened up the flap and while smiling broadly she quickly stuffed the protesting Nefer into it, then slipped it back on. Poor Nefer squeezed her pointy little face out of the corner, eyes huge as she meowed.

Isca looked up at Megan trying to keep her excitement under control as the ropes were fitted around the necks of the Nas and Venar-Surr. She didn't pay much attention to the exchange between the wizard and the two dragons. When all was ready, Megan apprehensively climbed onto Nas glanced over at Isca muttering,

“I’m not so sure about this …”

Isca laughed and climbed onto Venar-Surr...wrapped her hand around the rope and said,

"No worries....this is going to be so much fun!"

At that moment both dragons laughed ....and took off. Megan screamed and shut her eyes. Nefer screamed and shut her eyes too....lol Isca screamed.....Yahooooo!!! as the wind blew in her face and hair. They climbed ever higher before finally levelling out, the air was much cooler at this height giving Isca goosebumps on her arms.

She quickly cast a warming spell around her and Nefer, feeling much more comfortable, she then looked sideways at Nas. He said a few dragon words to Venar-Surr which gave her the feeling something was up, (Oh oh...I better get ready!) she quickly reached around shoving Nefer deeper into the backpack and shut the flat...with only seconds to spare.

All of a sudden Venar-Surr laughed and did a barrel roll, Isca had only just grabbed the rope with her other hand before she felt her body falling off the shoulder/neck of her mount. She hung with her arms above her head, legs kicking.......and screamed,

"Venar-Surr....cut that out....I am going to fall....I can't hang on ....Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!"

Her fingers couldn't hold on ...her hands lost their grip and slipped off of the rope....Isca was now falling through the air, Nefer squeezed her head out of the corner of the backpack....adding her yowling to Isca's scream.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Dragons!

Venar-surr laughed and spun around again … diving after the falling mage. She scooped her up again.

“Creatures without wings … should not let go!” She warned Isca. Placing her back on her back.

Nas had also barrel rolled Megan … who screamed so loud in sheer terror it hurt his ears. Nas shook his head “Humans are SOOO NOISY …”

Both dragons realized this trick was funny once … over doing it … was a bad idea. So for the next few hours they flew level and swiftly. It took almost a full hour before Megan finally opened her eyes. It took almost another full hour before she felt comfortable enough to begin staring at Nas’ wing. She was studying the “magic” of flight. No other Illumian she had ever heard of … had ridden a dragon before. She was the first and finding the power word for flight would move her even higher in the guild of words. So flying on Nas’ back and been transformed from terror to … she liked it … and was learning a lot about this air dimension … she had never considered before.

It was at this point both dragons started to head for the ground. Below them on their right side (the west side) was a steep mountain range … with narrow valleys. This terrain flattened somewhat into a thick forest. There were few clearings in the forest so the dragons headed for the edge of the forest which was a series of rolling hill covered in tall grasses and small clumps of tree scattered between. There was a small creek they landed next too. As Megan and Isca got off the dragons … both Nas and Venar-surr took advantage of the clean cool water to take a bath.

Megan looked over to Isca “Centaur country … the horsemen are not always the friends of humans” She told her as she unpacked a small lunch of cheese and bread. Megan handed Isca some of the food. “So how did Nefer enjoy flying?” She asked.

Back at the Wizard’s tower

It was getting closer to noon. Wizard Ardel had made preparations to cast the spell to open “death’s way”. Everyone else had made preparation for the trip. Isola was back in her own clothes … her hair was down and flowed over her shoulders. Devon said it looked best that way. Her chest was covered in bluish-silver adorned leather corset, the green gem of the necklace visible. She again wore her cape of deep verdant green, her two long daggers strapped to her waist belt. Her black leather leggings and brown calf high boots completed her outfit.

Devon looked over to her “You look nice … but I still like you in my shirt and nothing else!” He smiled. She leaned over to him and kissed him “And I like you with nothing on!!” her eyes gleamed in excitement. “However even though your club is big … I don’t think you want to fight monsters with it.” She giggled.

Devon made a funny face and said “Ouch!” They both giggled.

Zarik stood nearby dressed in his golden armor and grumbled to Ardel “I liked it better ... when she was sleeping with the lizardman … and Devon was married to the forest!”

The wizard smiled “Love … it is fun to watch …”

Gemini was now riding Brock, both had eaten and were ready.

Ardel called everyone over. “I’m ready … we shall be entering the world of the undead. It is a spirit world. Most spirits are harmless”

“That Fourwinds Anterian Brandy Spirit was not harmless” She joked.

The wizard looked at her “Please pay attention! … most spirits do not want to be disturbed. So interact with them as little as possible.”

“Why do we need Maut’s help for the journey?” Isola asked.

“There are some tentacle monsters down there … that love to consume some living souls … Maut would be helpful in keeping them away” Ardel explained.

“Here we go …” He said. He chanted a few words and tapped his staff. There was a
loud humming noise with the sound of distant crackling lightening. A black hole opened up at the spot the wizard tapped. “Step through the hole … and we’ll be on our way. Don’t make too much noise down there either” He added.

No one seemed to want to be the first. Zarik grunted and stepped into the hole and was gone. Isola smiled “Looks like fun!” Everyone could tell she was faking it big time and she was pretty scared. But she stepped in and was gone.

She was surrounded by a sudden and complete darkness. She felt like she was falling … she could no longer see the walls. She could not even feel the floor at her feet. Everything was dark. She could hear phantoms of the dead near her … Then she could hear the dying breath of invisible creatures … A sharp smell stung her nose; the smell of the rotten flesh. A taste filled her mouth … the taste of death!

-- falling, falling...until a dim lightness appeared … and she landed on something quite squishy and soft in some places and hard in others.

"Uhh!!" The squishiness turned out to be Zarik … her crotch had landed on his face and her face was in his crotch “Oops … sorry” she said quietly, her face flaring into redness … as they both got up and moved out of the way of the others. Devon appeared and Gemini, Brock and finally Ardel.

As they all adjusted to the strange light … they saw spirits floating around them … ghostly in appearance …

Isola went over to Zarik "I'm sorry." She apologized. The minotaur just shook his head “my armor protected me … you were just lucking not to land on my one good horn. That might have been bad”

She nodded her head. She turned to Wizard Ardel “Where is Maut?”

“I do not know … but he can catch up … let us be off …” He said a small glowing light appeared above his head “follow me …”

The group moved out … walking among the spirits … One of the spirits floated close to Isola … “What manner of intrusion is this” It asked … it sounded irate … but with a majestic voice … harsh anger-lines were on his face.

Another spirit nearby said "I claim no responsibility for this one, Anithis."

Isola remember back to something her mother had once said “You're Uncle Anithis had such a majestic voice .. that is why he was such a good actor … too bad he dead at the hands of the garliks”

“Uncle Anithis … it’s me Isola” Isola said quietly.

The spirit looked at her and he seemed to recognize her “Oh yes … Isola how are you?”

“Good, I’m still alive … I met someone special …his name is Devon” She said. She wave to Devon to come over “Devon … let me introduce Uncle Anithis” She said. Devon and Wizard Ardel came over. The wizard smiled “Spirits related to you … will be drawn to you … it is ok to talk to them … but please keep moving” Isola nodded.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut

"It is best to not speak to any spirits at all while here."

Maut's familiar voice came from up ahead and the knight stepped out of the gloom, holding a lantern in one hand, there was no flame, only light. The spirits drifted away from him as he neared the group, here he looked more majestic and powerful, he was in his element.

"You all are heading with Zarik? I'd have thought that he would want to go alone, the minotaurs do not really enjoy intruders. The twin amber lights found Ardel,

"You did cast a good spell wizard, it needs work though. You should ask, not command."

There was a snide tilt to his cold voice, but he had turned and walked off, causing the group to have to hurry after him. What felt like minutes passed before Maut paused.

"Ardel, we are past all possible dangers, follow this light and you will come to Palamar, when the light dies, cast your spell. Zarik follow me."

Maut released the lantern and it hung suspended in the air, slowly bobbing as it started to move to the left, Maut swung to the right, confident that the minotaur would follow him. Again within the space of a few moments he paused, then turned to Zarik,

"You fear reprisal from your contrymen due to the loss of your horn."

Maut bent down and from the ankle-high mist drew a white horn shaped object. He held it up to Zarik's horn stub, silver tendrils flowed from the white horn, attaching itself to Zarik's stub, it slowly changed color to represent a live horn as it settled in. Maut produced a whistle, black and shaped like abone.

"When you are done, blow this and I will return."

Maut lifted one gauntlet covered hand and a portal appeared in front of them,

"Go now, it will close behind you."