The Seven Keys.

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

He heard a yell, and stopped, trying to turn his head. The docks? He began struggling again with the strange goo. Just great. Finally they numbered seven, and they were going to run off without the person who was supposed to guide them.

He sighed, and stopped. He couldn't seem to get free. He closed his eyes, his lips moving as he mouthed a silent prayer to his Gods. Hoping, somehow, he wouldn't be tortured.

Because, when you get right down to it, a clean death is best. He openned his hand, and barked out the only word in the language of the Ogres he knew. "OBEY!"

The staff jumped into his hand, and he jabbed the end of it into the goo surrounding him. He spoke a few harsh words in the mix of elvish and orcish he used for casting, throwing off the goo. He turned, and ran off opposite the direction of the others.

He had to get back to the tavern.

He'd left his shield in his room.

 

[Strolling Gecko]

I looked over my shoulder at Cali, cracking a smile.

"That one," I said pointing to a rather old and rickety looking thing. "Don't let her looks fool you though. She's gotten me out of tougher spots than this."

I laughed a bit, then I looked around at the group. I wondered out loud.

"Where in the Nine Hells has Yrismir run off to?"

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I pushed the girl into his arms with a destratcted smile.
"I'm going to get my things- I'll be back in ten. Yris and the rest of the gang should be here by then!"
I dashed off, running at full speed through the streets, whipping the occasional idiot out of my way.
I flew up the steps at the Inn I was staying in and grabbed my bags, packed and ready to go as always.
I slung the saddlebag-like bags over my left shoulder and took off again, tossing a small bag of gold coins on the bar as I ran. "Got to go- buisness- pass my love to Talia!"
The barkeep laughed at me as I left, collecting the money happily. I'd overpaid, but then I've a bad tendancy of doing that where the service is good.
I made it back to the ship in good time, they were just tossing off the moorings. I swung aboard like the seasoned pirate... I mean sailor- that I was.
Panting, I looked around to see what was going on.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir entered, jumping on one of the nearby tables, spilling sevewral tankards of ale. The placve had suddenly become packed for some reason. He jumped over a group of onlookers, tearing upstairs. He grabbed his travel pack and shield, swinging them both on his back as he rushed back downstairs. He hopped the bar, going around behind it. He slid to a stop at the end, hopping the bar again.

He grabbed the tavernkeepers daughter, and slipped her a few gold coins. "I'd love ta stay-got to go. Never would have worked between us, give my best to ya father."

He spoke out all at once, then dashed back outside, tearing it up towards the docks. What a day.

 

[Strolling Gecko]

I looked out over the docks. Our enemies had been significantly delayed. By the various spells and effects we as a group had conjured up. But now we were delayed. Yris had just run off as we were fleeing to the docks. Then Cali had shoved the girl into my arms before running off herself. I cursed out loud and spit overboard. The girl was sitting huddled against the cabin. The Whisper was shifting back and forth, as if she was anxious to get out to sea. I couldn't blame her.

"Easy girl," I said softly to the ship as I ran my hand along her railing, "We'll be off soon as though two allies of mine get here. And for their sake, they had better be quick about it."

"What if they don't show and those men who bought me show up?" the girl asked. It was the first thing I had heard her say since she cried for help.

"Then we leave. Those of us here will not allow you to be captured again." I tried sounding like a gruff old captain, but it didn't come of nearly as effectively as I thought it would.

About ten minutes past. I wasn't liking this. I ordered the moorings to be thrown off. Which they did. By themselves. I loved this old magical ship.

I was surprised to see Cali swing onto the ship at the last minute. I suppose as a sailor, she had done it many times before. She was looking around to see what was happening.

"Welcome to the Whisper, Cali," I said to her with a smile. "Make yourself at home."

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir arrived in time to see Cali jump onboard a ship. He headed towards it. It was pulling away. He planted his staff at the end of the docks, using it to held propel himself towards the ship. He barely managed to make it and drag himself on board.

He collapsed on deck, panting heavilly. "Are there seven of us? By the Gods, please. And don't count the girl."

He pulled himself up. "Okay, if there are seven of us, we can start on phase two. Sadly, whatever slave we were looking for is long gone. But it's not every day you run into a mage in those particular areas."

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I looked up- still dark, sunset about an hour or so away.
I managed to get my breathing undercontrol after dumping part of a dipper of water down my throat and the rest over my head.
After shaking the water off, I picked up my bags from where I'd tossed them and pushed my hair back from my face.
"Yris- nice trick with the staff," I said non-chalantly. It had been nifty but not awe-inspiring, least not for me anyway.
"So, mon capitan, where might we be headed? And where might I find a bunk to use? Need to set these down- they're a might bit heavy."

 

[DarkThoughts01]

Micaelae
Micaelae had neatly dodged the few distractions cause dby both enemies and friends alike and melted into teh shadow of a convineint wall.well...this isnt going as planned he thought ot himself,following the fleeing party easily.
he appeared on the dock and reached a hand out,the illusion stripping away,the hand in front of him rotting,scarring,becoming bone and rot.it closed itno a fist as one eye turned a crimson red.
The sea started to bounce,growing rougher as the magical boat fought his power.It was already far out, and its magic was strong,He would credit the construction,but it was nothing to him.His hand closed more firmly and lifted as the water spouted,spinning the boat madly,winds buffeting it as he reached itno teh very air,pulling storms to the water,lightning crackling,though not hitting,cvlose enough to sizzle the air,blowing the water up in huge spumes around the ship.He smirked contemptuosly and gestured wiht his good hand.The water picked up and rushed the ship towards the dock,dragging it back.Meanwhile out of the sky and out of teh water illusions of monsters,real enough to those who had no notion of their true nature latched on to teh shjip,pulling themselves on to the ship to attack its crew.A huge squid like being threw itself across the deck,tentacles wrappign around the girl they need,dragging her away during the fight and the storm,her screams masked as it turned.He appeared on teh deck,unperturbed by the fighting and the rough movements of teh ship as he took the girl,a flick of a whand putting her into a sleep.He gathered her up carefully,and as the forces of good finally noticed one by one,his cloak swirled,a single red eye glaring at them before fading itno darkness.The sea suddenly went quiet,the sky cleared to its former appearance,and teh mosnters faded out of view and dissapeared.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

yrismir got up. As the waves began rocking, he quickly went to the girl, ducking her belowdeck and creating a fake from a coil of rope on the deck. Obviously whoever wanted her really wanted her.

He ignored the illusions coming around, concentrating on casting hsi own spells in the ancient language the Wise One had taught he. He watched as the man arrived on deck, taking the fake girl.

After he was gone, he let his spell fade, the fake returning to its natural form as he began the work of throwing up a protective spell. He closed his eyes, holding his staff in both hands, constantly muttering as he waited. He could more effectively fight the spells of otehrs this way, though it was very tiring to do.

Maybe just until they were out away from the island...

 

[DarkThoughts01]

On teh docks he cast the fake to the ground,a smile,handsome on one sde,decrepit and ruined on teh other,lit his face as he laughed.
"So....this will be more interesting then i thought.....it seems i will have to exert myself mroe next time,its been a long time since a cheap illusion like this ahs tricked me"he murmered to himself,kicking teh fake to the water as his full body returned,the illusion returnign as te other gathered to the dock.
ah....welcome,i am sorry they seemed to have gotten away

 

[Strolling Gecko]

The seas began to rock somewhat violently. The Whisper was beginning to sway back and forth. Yris had finally arrived and escorted the girl down below deck. That's when Cali asked me were we were headed.

"For the moment, we need to lie low," I said. "And I have just the place."

I walked to the front of the Whisper. I spread my arms wide and spoke.

"Home."

The Whisper began to turn itself back towards the island hideout where I had spent the last several years of my life under Lan's guidence. The Whisper began to sail itself back there. I looked back at Cali.

"Sorry if you were looking to get in some real sailing, Cali," I said. "The Whisper is a magical ship capable of sailing itself. Ten times as any other ship on the sea and five times as sturdy, despite it's current appearence." I waved my hand and the old, run down ship suddenly became a majestic ship that any king would kill to have. And some had tried over the years. "But now I think we should join the other below deck and I can show all of you your quarters."

I strolled down deck as the Whisper hit the open sea and sped away from the trade isle.

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I watched the attack, the decoy and the ships change pretty calmly before asking where we were headed.
"Home heh? Well any place that created this ship, I've got to see." I looked aroung at my now fancy surroundings. "Don't you think you should tone it down a smidge though- something this nice is going to draw unwanted attention. I'd say dulling her down to a poor traders vessel would work rather well? Must say, I am quite impressed by her."

 

[Strolling Gecko]

I gave Cali a smile. "She still looks like the poor, leaky old thing she did when we boarded her to anyone looking upon her. I just thought we could relax in all the comfort the Whisper can offer us," I breathed in deep. God I loved this boat. "Now, we've got a few days until we reach home. I suggest you all make yourselves at home. Cabins are below deck and down the hall. I think I've got rooms for everyone. If there is to be any doubling up, I suggest you work it out yourselves. Dinner will be in an hour. I'm sure we could all use some food in our bellies. I welcome you all to the Whisper. She's going to be our home away from home for this adventure, I feel."

I stretched my arms. "Personally, I need to get out of this armor. I'll see you all at dinner. Dining hall is on the other side of the ship. We did good today, friends. All of you." I walked out of the room and towards my quarters. I had a good feeling about this group again.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir raced a bit, catching up to their 'Captain'. He pulled the man aside, glancing over at everyone on deck before starting to whisper to the man. "Look here, I don't know where you plan on taking us, but I'd prefer don't go there. Find us a nice quiet patch of ocean and let's just sail around aimlessly for a while, please? Tomorrow we'll begin our quest..."

He glanced around again, checking to see if anyone had overheard. "Don't tell anyone. Tomorrow is going to be a big day, and I'd prefer not to be too far from wherever we may have to go next, that's why I don't wants us going anywhere definite. This is still a race."

He moved away, ignoring any objections the man had. He didn't really care if he listened or not. As long as all of them were here, nothing else mattered.

He moved up along near Cali, and smiled at her. "So, why don't you let me help you get, 'settled in', hmm?"

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I was watching the sun peek over the horizon when Yris offered to help me settle in.
I looked at him with a smile that reached my eyes. "If you wish, I'm not adverse to the idea. But, to be nice, I'm telling you now I'm a bit too tired for fun and games. Give me a few hours sleep though and who knows what could happen."
I finished with a cheshire cat's grin.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir didn't even comprehend he'd left his spell unattended. They might even be close enough to land for a tracing spell and a following ship.

He didn't care. He grinned, happily, and nodded. "Okay. I can be patient when needed. Especially when what you're waiting for is so,..." He looked her up and down, his grin broadening.

"Mmm, yes, I can be very[ patient."

 

[poohlive]

In the wee hours of the morning, when the clouds had left the sky, and the sun finally purged over the mountain range, Goven felt himself alone on this mission.
It had gone worse than he'd hoped. These so called players of evil had all but chickened out as the attacks had come. Goven could still feel his raw skin stretch tight around him, the healing spell had worked, but every once in a while nerve endings went ablaze with after effects.
The goo worked like shit. Everyone except for the mage seemed able to dodge and dart it at will. Their spells had been powerful, their fighters tough and resilient. All of them smart enough to stay away from the ogre, granted, but what did that prove?
Goven couldn't do this on his own, even with his allied friend. He would need help.
Tork nodded over to him, barking in half grunts of his language.
"Yes?"
"Follow," His voice was thick, gravely, but recognizable.
"Where did they go?"
Tork shook his head, he didn't know, "I followed, as far as I could."
Hmmmm, this might be interesting, "Where?"
They hustled through the streets, which in the dawning hours was surprisingly empty. Perhaps the events of the night passed had made everyone feel that sleeping in was the thing to do today.
On the near other end of town, they came to an inn, nothing particularly fancy or rich, but definitely a nice place to get some ale and a night of rest.
"They are here?"
"They were here. They packed, and left," Tork pointed towards the western part of town, some housing, merchant's stores, and after that the docks and the open sea.
Had they left for the sea? On a ship?
Hmmm, they take one girl and think the race is over, they can run away and hide?
Maybe he didn't give them enough credit after all.
Inside, the candles had been hushed out, and nothing but an old burly man stood at the other end of the bar, cleaning dirty mugs with an even dirtier washcloth.
"I'm looking for a few friends of mine," He said, touching one of the round tables as he passed. A distinct image of arrows being shot through the air met him... and a spider.
"The group? You with them? They left awhile ago. I saw a couple run back here, grab their belongings and go. Sorry you missed them. Would you like something to eat, drink?"
Goven paused for a moment, staring at one table in the far corner... and then he turned back to the bar keep.
"You know what they look like?"
"Couple of elves, some guys in heavy armor. None of them too familiar, except for that one fella. Yris or whatnot. He's been here the better part of a week, but he paid his dues, so I ain't complaining."
Yris? His name? An odd name, but then again, this was an odd mage he was dealing with.
"You have a daughter," the image woke up to him.
"Aye, she's sleeping now."
Goven waved his arm, and all of a sudden there was sounds coming from the back room.
"Nina, right? Your daughter's name is Nina."
The bartender gave the man a tight stare, and then motioned for the door, "I think it's time you left, go and seek your friends."
"They're not my friends," In a half daze, Nina came out to the front, wearing only a small nightgown to cover herself.
"Daughter, no."
Goven shook his head, "You don't happen to know where they went, do you?"
"I told you, no. They packed in a hurry, paid their keep, and left. Nina, what are you..."
She stood by Goven's side, sleep still in her eyes.
"Then, unfortunately, old man, you are of no more use to me."
Tork crashed his way through one of the walls, glass shattering and wood thrown in every direction. He came straight for the bar tender, his axe in hand.
"No... no, please..."
Goven smiled, "Get down, on the ground..."
Tork paused, his axe, deadly as ever, wavering in the air. The poor ogre had to bend down to get in here, and he would look almost comical had his weapon not already be dripping in blood.
The bar tender got on the ground, on his knees, begging, pleading.
"Put your mouth to the floor," He walked behind the bar tender, as he did as he was told, crying now, sputtering that he would do anything... anything.
"Yell for Yris. Yell really loud. He's a mage you see... and if you yell loud enough, into the ground, he just might hear you. Us elves, we have very keen hearing."
The man yelled, yelled for all he was worth. In the end, Goven almost believed Yris would have heard him even without magic.
Then, a single dull thud to the back, and the bar tender was nearly cut in half.
"Good, Tork... redecorate."
Tork began smashing walls and throwing tables. Goven left, his new aquaintance following him, still half asleep, half under a spell.
Goven's new prize had been taken from him, an innocent girl with nothing more than a mark on her forehead. He turned to the girl now.
His lips touched against hers, feeling out her thoughts, entering her mind and probing it's darkest secrets.
She loved him...
And she was pure, more or less. A few old grubby hands had felt her smooth curves, and a few not so innocent kisses, but other than that...
"Perfect," He pulled back from her, pushing his thumb to her forehead. In a moment, a bright mark apeared where he touched, burning her skin, brazening her with his mark.
She was now his property.
"Come, we have much to learn."
Behind them, what was left of the rubble had now begun to burn in the morning light. Goven felt enough had been accomplished for today. They would need sleep, to regain their strength...
And he needed to find a new staff.

 

[LadyRozes]

OOC: sorry people was on a long trip and unable to get to a comp

The little girl looked at the suroundings of the cabin they put her in. When the door was open it seemed very dirty and decripid looking, but when the door shut itself, the room shcnaged adn looked ..magestic.. she slowy made her way to the large bed, and slipped into it. sighing she felt instantly asleep, not having been able to sleep for at least a week.

After a few hours she heard a knock on the door, and then opened it, looking around she saw no one.. confused she headed out the door and followed the odd knocking until she opened a door and saw that it was a dining hall. Looking at all the food that was there, her stomach let itself be known to her. Feeling elated she went into one of the chairs and opened the silver cover. Then went about filling her empty stomach.

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I smiled. A man with patience- a rarity. Must be because he's older then I, I thought with a mental shrug.
I was lead to a room and went inside, thinking it was a bit much but that it would do. A large bed seemed to dominate the room, railings on the sides in case of storms. It was done in pale lavenders and blacks, an odd, if pretty pairing.
I laid my bags down in one of the room's two armour type things- tall standing wooden boxes with shelves and doors that latched shut.
I disappeared into the room's private privy for a few moments- rouges learn to shower and clean up very quickly. I padded out of the bathroom wearing a towel around me and nothing else.
"Hope you don't mind- I sleep nude. Makes instant dressing easier."

 

[LadyRozes]

Baddies


The red skinned man waited for his contractd peopel to return to him. SDmiling ,, knowing that if they suceeded then they would proceed to the next item. The wizard seems to show promise, perhaps there was hope that they would win this time around.

 

[Strolling Gecko]

I shut the door behind to my quarters and immediately released the claspes on my armor. I removed it piece by piece and laid it down on the chest of drawers sitting next to my bed. I strechted. I hadn't spent that much time in my elven plate since I had gotten trapped in a sinkhole with a troll several years back. I smelled something aweful too now that I was freed from my armor. My long black hair was matted down with sweat. I walked into my privy, up to a large empty tub and spoke.

"Water."

The tub magically filled with sparkingling water. Gods above I loved this ship. I removed my garments and slid into the hot, refreshing water. I went into a relaxed state. I loved meditating while soaking. I went over the days events in my head. My personality clashes with Yrismir. Cali's playful manner. Nova's joking about. The battle, if it could even be called that, with the agents of evil. There was no doubt in my mind who they were. The stench of evil rose off of them like smoke from a fire. ANd I still didn't really know how we got past them. Nova had his illusions and I set up the wind wall, but the power they showed, especially the last attempt to get the girl, couldn't have slowed them that long.Could Trianna have hit them with a spell I hadn't seen? Maybe it was the knight with the big axe that delayed them. Or it could've been the one sent from Tenora. I had heard tales of how strong her followers were. After all, Yrismir used to be one of her personal guard. It didn't matter much to me who stalled the baddies. All that mattered was we got the girl and we all made it out of the battle with our skins and onto the ship.

I got to my feet and stepped out of the tub. The water disappeared almost as quickly as I had summoned it. I went back into my bedroom, stretched again, and opened the closet doors. I pulled out a simple blue shirt and pair of black pants before pulling on a pair of leather boots before combing my hair out. I left it untied, as I was probably going to go to bed after dinner and a little sentry duty. I attached my sword to my belt and walked out of my room. Gods, I was hungry. I hoped the others didn't all just go off to their rooms and pass out. I wanted a little conversation over while I ate. I made my way to the dining hall and found no one there. I sighed.

"Dinner for one."

A plate with two turkey legs, a side of potatos and a cup of mead appeared at the head of the table. I sat down, gave silent thanks to the Gods that had watched over us today, and ate. The meal was pleasent. It always was. And never the same meal twice in a row. I never did ask Lan how the ship did all this. I had meant to, but never got around to it.

I finished up quickly. No point in beating around the bush. I wanted to get back above deck and see the night sky against the water. I stood up and walked towards the door.

"Clear dishes."

The plate that had held my food and the cup that held my drink vanished as I exited the hall. I walked slowly up the stairs and onto the deck of the ship. The sea breeze hit me with gentle force and I breathed in deep. I walked to the front of the boat and placed my hands on the railing. I loved sailing. I loved being out here at night. It was perfect for a lonely, noble, wannabe knight like myself. That's all I had ever wanted to be. A knight like my father. Lord Vae of Trasiland. The bravest, most fearless knight to ever come from that part of the human lands. His mere presence on the field of battle would inspire his allies and unnerve the most deadly foes. He was the man I looked up to. The one person who's approval I sought after.........and often gained. I knew he would have approved of my love for Jasmine. I knew he would have supported it. But that little weasel of a man I once called brother had to ruin everything I worked for in my life. If he hadn't had been so caught up in the class system, if he wasn't so disgusted by commoners, if he wasn't so damned compassionless........ if he wasn't without love he'd have been ok with it. But he had to have Jasmine sold to slavery. It was because of him I abandonned my training. It was because of him I spent years searching for her. It was because of him I lost her......

I sighed and stared at the moon. It was a great night to be at sea and to be lonely.

 

[LadyRozes]

The Young girl looked up from her plate, she was so engrossed in eating that she hadnt noticed anyone else walk in. A little frightened she gulped the last bite of her food down and then cleared her throat after choking on a sip of water, when the stranger looked back at her, she gave a sheepish smile and lifted her hand up to give a half hearted wave, hello.

SHe had hoped there were more on the ship. the lady that had helped her seemed really nice. She wanted to see more of her, she seemed like she could be funny and fun to be around.

She brought her hand down on her lap and stared at the now very apparent star on her palm. She couldnt undertand why athey were looknig for her, and what made her so special to be born with this mark. She wasnt that important. She didnt even know who she was herself. Ever since she could remember the was a servant fro that family right before she ran away, when someone tried to buy her servitude.

Suddenly her eighteen years of life felt so long. She rubbed her hand against her tattered dress, a nervous gesture that she did without even thinking.

 

[LadyRozes]

Snider walked through the portal to see that the red skinned man was waiting exactly where he had left them.

"DID YOU GET HER?"

"The wizard bought her. I believe he was headed towards the portal last I checked. I just used the one we came from."

The red skinned man grinned. "Good" Everything was working out just as he expected.

"We will wait till the other's arrive before we go on to the next item."

Snider shrugged. All he cared about was getting the job done and then getting what he wanted. As soon as he did that, he would hunt his snivelling little brother out, and then laugh as he grovelled at his feet. At least he did one thing right and got rid of that little chit he was seeing. Althgough she was great fun to have, he decided she was more worth the money than the trouble of fighting her everytime he had used her.

He leaned against the wall waiting for his compainions to arrive with teh merchandise.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir removed his boots and pack as she was in the other room. He shrugged out of his wizarding robes, and took off his breastplate. He undid his belt, letting it fall to the groun.d He turned, looking at Cali and smiled.

"Mind? No, no I don't. I have to warn you though, I have the same habit, but I'm not quite as pretty as you are."

He gazed off into space, and then pulled off his shirt. A deep scar ran horizontally across his chest. His upper left arm had a smaller scar that lined up with the one in his chest. A dozen smalled wounds showed on his sides.

His ran a hand through his hair, and looked down, running a finger over the scar. "You'd be suprised how strong ogres are. Axe cleaved right through my breastplate."

He walked by her, towards the privy. "I think I'll wash up." He stopped, and looked back at her. "You change your mind about this?"

 

[poohlive]

Goven had spent considerable time searching the forest, looking for the right staff. Each wood had a different feel, a different capability for magic, and each one needed to be selected at just the right time.
It was a very delicate procedure.
The town was a medium sized town, nothing too big or small. He would imagine you could pick up a few magical items, talismans and whatnot, but nothing as big, or as important as a staff. He was on his own with this one, unfortunately.
A young Ash sapling barely a decade old served him well. Cutting it down, stripping it's bark, and letting it soak in wizard's oil for a few hours, seeping in the magic through its harkened and still living cells.
A true staff had to capture the essense of the tree, and while it still lived kept both its personality and its hold of the forest.
He held it now, still unusable, stopping every once in awhile to rub in another layer of this or that.
He had made his way, rather haphazardly towards the western edge of town. Merchants were now up, opening their stores, pulling out wares which would be sold... or stolen in the next few hours.
After a few light touches on some of the buildings, he knew they had gone to the docks.
Old wooden planks kept what few ships there were here at bay. Water underneath his feet lapped up at him like some playful puppy, relentless and pitiful. Goven kneeled down, reaching his hand into the water, letting tendrils of magic wash over the waves like...
"Ah!"
He yanked his hand out of the water, feeling it burn. The skin was red, and raw, like he had just put his hand in a pot of boiling water. A small whisp of steam rose from the waves below.
"Damnit, a protective spell."
He hadn't counted on that, hadn't even thought of it. They were on a boat, why would they need a protective spell? To stop him from spying?
No, not necessarily true. He could spy through a protective spell. It wouldn't be easy, though. His hand, still throbbing from the experience, seemed to give proof of that.
Tentative, like a child grabbing a weapon for the first time, he let his fingers trace the surface of the water.
They were off... far off... over a mile from land... A ship... he could feel shapes, but no one indistinctly... no one he could identify, magic.... lots of magic in and around the ship, almost dripping with it... the girl... yes, she was there.
One fleeting moment he had thought perhaps the girl had run away, but knew it was doubtful. They had played their hand far to well to just let her sneak off into the night.
He wanted to see more, but he could feel blisters beginning to form on his hand. Taking it up, he wrapped it in a cloth. It would heal soon enough.
And they would be back soon enough.
He cast an enchantment on the docks, notifying him of their return.
"I suppose we should depart, they'll be wondering how we could have screwed up so badly. You ready?"
The ogre gave a grunt, as he always did, and the woman, standing beside him without fear, those doe eyes half glazed over, nodded gently.
With a small swirl of wind, they were back with the others in the underground spot.