I simply shook my head. Ozy had given them the rational odds of ‘success’, and none of them had missed that. Saltera stated that he did understand, and wanted to know how long I needed, and what was needed from him. “Saltera, how are you at learning new languages? These spells will have to be said simultaneously, and we will not be close enough to hear one another. It is crucial we be in absolute sync when we cast these.”
I whispered in Annaran, summoning the first two books to me from Matlal. They had been left undisturbed where I’d put them for safe keeping. My eyes met and held Saltera’s before I handed him the two books. The first book was bound in fine leather, the texture was ultra smooth, with very fine texture that did not resemble any animal but one - human. It was dyed in a rich tan, and had Morrin's sigil blended with Alais’ in bold relief on the cover. This book contains Morrin's spells for mass destruction of life. His most encompassing spells for killing life in more ways than most people could imagine. The spells within covered some of the most gruesome means of killing imaginable, and Alais wondered if the demon would be as sickened as she had been initially. The second book is bound in fine grained plagioclase, a pale stone that binds the pages together. The blended sigil also graces the cover of this book. This one embodies famine, plague, and the destruction of environment. The abilities to take "scorched earth" policies to new levels that may shock even Saltera. This book held the keys to utter and complete annihilation of every living organism, from single proto celled life, to the complex interaction between air and water. It would destroy the land and the environment to the point that it could never, ever support life again. “Saltera, I need you to learn these quickly. You must be able to recite them with the inflection and music of the language, or they will not work for you.”
Jacob had started to say something, but Sai Jon had cut him off. Saltera took the two books, and I knew I had to get to Matlal, I needed Daemonbane. I had to find a way into the shrine, because now that I know the image that had been on the foundation stone was not really Daemonbane, and Khirsah had shown me what Tass had done.
Sai Jon was talking about finding the right place to pick the battle ground. I would leave that to him, but before I turned to depart, I interrupted him, “Sai Jon, when you pick that battle ground, please keep in mind that Saltera and I must be surrounding them. One on either side of the host we must be, and on high ground. Other than that, I have no further input into your site selection.”
Jacob prepared for his portion, the recon work for which he was so very well suited. And Sai Jon continued his planning. He wanted to get Tass focused on finding his daughter. Tass’ anger at the taking of his wife had blinded the old dragon, and Sai Jon was trying to focus him productively. I wanted to ask Tass for help getting Daemonbane, but everyone filed out to begin their part in the preparations. Sai Jon waited for me, and as I began to leave as well, his voice stopped me in my tracks, “I know you don’t want anyone else to die, but we’ve been at this a long time…sometimes the price is worth it. Saltera won’t let you down.”
I turned slowly to face Sai Jon, “It is not Saltera that I worry about letting anyone down Sai Jon. If this goes as it did once before, I will fade off of that hill, leaving Saltera to die in one of your explosions. This will weigh upon me for eternity.” Sai Jon had heard Ozy’s calculations. There was no escaping the fact that they would lose their friend and ally. Escape was nearly impossible.
I had to claim Daemonbane, and once that was done, reclaim the third book. Khirsah had said I needed to accept what I am. What I am is eternal damnation for Morrin’s people once again. What I am is worse than death.
“I am become death.”
The War of Ages...
Moderator: Tasslehofl Momus
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
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- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
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I am become death
Last edited by Alais d Nitesong on Tue Nov 29, 2005 7:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
Saltera took the books in his hands and imediately felt the power pulsating forth from them. He nodded absently to Alais' instructions and opened the first tome and imediately his mind was filled with words and sounds, he could hear the words of the spells washing through his mind. The song was grotesquely beautiful. As he turned each page the songs moved into his mind like unwanted roommates. The spells were as horrific as anything he'd ever learned from his time with the Tharkoldu and that shook him a little. The thought that humans would do such things to each other shook him to the bone.
The second book was just as bad and it slithered into his brain with the same eagerness. Destruction on a scale that bordered on insanity, and then stepped over the line. Cities, nations, entire planets laid to waste in moments. Destruction so that nothing would ever be able to exist there for thousands of lifetimes. The songs were deeper, stranger, but just as insidious. His mind felt dirty now.
He was finished far sooner than he expected but he could feel that the spells were now his. It was almost as if they had a will of their own. As if they wanted to be unleashed, as if they hungered to consume and destroy. Saltera shivered and looked up. He'd walked out of the conference room without knowing he was doing it, he checked his watch. It had been four hours since he opened the books. He went to find Alais, he did not want to be near these abominations any longer than he had to.
The second book was just as bad and it slithered into his brain with the same eagerness. Destruction on a scale that bordered on insanity, and then stepped over the line. Cities, nations, entire planets laid to waste in moments. Destruction so that nothing would ever be able to exist there for thousands of lifetimes. The songs were deeper, stranger, but just as insidious. His mind felt dirty now.
He was finished far sooner than he expected but he could feel that the spells were now his. It was almost as if they had a will of their own. As if they wanted to be unleashed, as if they hungered to consume and destroy. Saltera shivered and looked up. He'd walked out of the conference room without knowing he was doing it, he checked his watch. It had been four hours since he opened the books. He went to find Alais, he did not want to be near these abominations any longer than he had to.
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
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- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
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I left the study to walk the halls of Momus Estates. Ozy flew beside me. I should go now to Matlal, and seek entry to the shrine buried deeply in the forest there. Daemonbane must rest there.
The sky overhead was black velvet, and stars too numerous to count glittered down.
"I have become death"
Memories, thoughts, whatever you wish to call them flooded my mind. That day, so cold, standing on the hill opposite Morrin. When every vestige of elven conscience died within me. The sounds of death and dying. The withering of a world into nothingness. I would do it again. I would willingly, knowingly, do it again. Only this time, I too would vanish with the damned.
Part of the Island Tass has given me will vanish. It will simply be as though it had never been there. No history, no hint, no trace. Gone.
Saltera must be completely disgusted by now. The spells I've asked him to learn would nauseate any creature with a soul. It could not be helped. Saltera would be my anchor, and he would die for that action. The spells will die with him.
I sat down on a balcony overlooking the water. I could feel Tass' wards around his estate, and I permitted remorse to intrude. I've no idea how long I'd sat there, but in the blackness I could make out Saltera's figure moving toward me.
"G'e'en Saltera," I would await his pleasure, for I cannot imagine what he must be thinking right now.
The sky overhead was black velvet, and stars too numerous to count glittered down.
"I have become death"
Memories, thoughts, whatever you wish to call them flooded my mind. That day, so cold, standing on the hill opposite Morrin. When every vestige of elven conscience died within me. The sounds of death and dying. The withering of a world into nothingness. I would do it again. I would willingly, knowingly, do it again. Only this time, I too would vanish with the damned.
Part of the Island Tass has given me will vanish. It will simply be as though it had never been there. No history, no hint, no trace. Gone.
Saltera must be completely disgusted by now. The spells I've asked him to learn would nauseate any creature with a soul. It could not be helped. Saltera would be my anchor, and he would die for that action. The spells will die with him.
I sat down on a balcony overlooking the water. I could feel Tass' wards around his estate, and I permitted remorse to intrude. I've no idea how long I'd sat there, but in the blackness I could make out Saltera's figure moving toward me.
"G'e'en Saltera," I would await his pleasure, for I cannot imagine what he must be thinking right now.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
Saltera approached Alais slowly, his mind was still assimilating the knowledge from the books and he was not comfortable with what he had learned in the slightest, "Milady, I'd like to return the books to you." He said as he placed them on the table next to her, "I have memorized them and should be ready shortly."
She watched him noting his slow approach and apparent discomfort, "Dae ye ken th' cadence 'n timin' Saltera?" she asked, wondering just how he felt about what he'd been shown.
"I heard the songs as I read," the mere thought called up the words to mind, seductive and grotesque. "I've never felt the magic like that. How..." he struggled to control himself, "how could you do that to your own people. Even the Tharkoldu hunted the humans and we would fight among ourselves but never for sport but..." He stopped knowing that his outrage might make him say something he should not. "Yes I can follow the cadence...though I dont think I could ever bring myself to use those spells."
Alais closed her eyes and the voice that answered was barely loud enough to hear, "Saltera, there was nae choice. Daemonbane's influence o'er two millenia 'ad d'stroyed th' Annaran people. 'F we're tae send 'em back Saltera, we mus' needs make use o' th' spells."
"I understand this and do what I must." he said chastised for his outburst.
"Yer ri' tae question th' use o' such spells, nae ye ken th' reasons why Ah didst 'ide th' books 'n Harmony 'n why Ah didst bring 'em 'ere tae keep safe."
"It must have been hard to allow those to be seen by one like me. I know you are not comfortable around me...few are."
Alais' face lit up with a wry smile, "Saltera, elves 'n daemons dinnae usualla spend much time taegether."
"Demons dont spend time with anyone usually. I'm one of the few of my kind that has learned to regret that fact." He paused for a moment and decided to change the subject, "What will happen to the books when you fade...will Lord Momus be able to hide them?"
Alais winced. "Th' books shouldst gae wi' me, 'n Daemonbane 's well, since there will nae be anna more o' th' Annaran's left."
Saltera filled with alarm, "What about my brother? It's changed but the curse still lives inside him. Will he be taken as well?"
"Saltera, ye didst say ye didst ken tha' ye'll nae likela survive, bu' Ah'll 'ave yer promise sirrah, tha' dae ye pull off a miracle, ye'll nae speak those spells tae anoother soul."
Saltera looked at her suspiciously, "You have it milady but you did not answer my question, what about my brother?"
Alais nodded, "Th' curse doth live wi' in 'im, bu' 'e's nae Annaran, 'e's changed th' curse...altered 't, bu' mine suspicions 're dark."
"In what way?"
"Ah've seen thin's wi'in 'im. Elves 're li' tha' Saltera, seein' thin's we shouldst nae see."
"Elves are also very good at avoiding the subject." Saltera said quickly not letting her off the hook.
A sad laugh burst from Alais, "'N daemon's 're verra good 't bein' tenacious."
Saltera smiled at that but would not be deflected, "What do you think will happen to him?"
Alais remained silent a long time and Saltera just watched her, waiting for a response. "'E'll be changin' Saltera. Changin' intae soomethin' ye may nae 'xpect."
"Demon?"
"Nay."
"Then what?"
"Saltera, yer a wise daemon. Th' curse didst r'side wi'in a Dragon fer manna weeks. Th' dragon didst alter th' curse, change 't. Yer broother didst summon th' curse from the Dragon. 'e summoned an altered curse, an' wi' 't, th essence o' that which didst alter th' curse. Didst ye nae see th' flash o' black shadows 'pon 'is arm?"
Saltera thought back to the moment Sai Jon had woken up back on RhyDin, "No but several times since he awoke I've seen something else...something dangerous in his eyes. I'm not often scared but whatever is inside him does scare me."
"Saltera? Dae dragons scare ye?"
"Not really, I respect their power but I've faced them and defeated them before."
"Thence dinnae fear this thin'. Yer broother hath th' essence o' th Dragon Lord wi'in 'im."
"You think he's becoming a dragon?"
"Th' curse, Ah dae wish Ah couldst r'trieve froom i'm. Ah ken tha' 'e ist experiencin' th' influence o' th' dragons. Ah cannae sae 'f 'e willst b'come fulla dragon, bu' 'e ist nae 'part' dragon.
't ist in 'is aura, 'is essence fairla screams. 'F Ah'm righ', Ah' say 'e's a black dragon."
"And what does that mean? Will his mind be affected in some way?" Saltera did not think it was so simple. What he had seen in Sai Jon wasn't just a dragon, it was deeper, darker.
"Tha' Ah cannae see Saltera. Ah'd suspect there'll be soom changes."
Saltera thought about it for a moment and caught Alais' eyes, "I know I will not survive this, will you?"
Alais looked away abruptly, "Dinnae ask me tha' Saltera."
"I need to know. I need to know if there will be someone I can trust to look out for my brother."
Alais turned her eyes back to him and could see the worry in his eyes. She let out a deep sigh, "Saltera, th' third book doth send all thin's Anarran intae 'ell, 'n wilst bind me there fer eternity.
"I understand. He will have to see this through alone I guess." Saltera felt trepidation about the upcoming batlle for the first time, "Thank you for you honesty."
"'E'll nae be alone Saltera, 'e'll 'aff Lord Momus, 'n Jacob 'n 'is son," Alais paused and when she resumed speaking her voice sounded very far away, "'N Ah'll 'aff Morrin fer eternal companionship."
Saltera shook his head, "Jacob and Tobias are children in all but name and I do not trust Lord Momus' intentions. He would let the world burn for the sake of a single woman. He is too much like Sai Jon in that."
"Ye've nae reckoned wi' Khirsah yet."
"Who?"
"Khirsah, th' eldest. Lord Momus' elder broother."
A ray of hope rose in Saltera, "And where is he in all this?"
"Lord Khirsah ist 'n th' Primordial Darkness wi' th' Third book."
"And we need the third book to send the Annarans to hell."
"Aye, we dae."
"Will he surrender it? Why does he not aid us?"
"'E didst tell me tha' th' book wilst coome tae mine summons whence Ah dae accept wha' Ah am.
Lord Khirsah doth all 'n 'is oon time."
"An excuse I've heard before." The momentary hope was gone.
Alais smiled at his response, "Ah've sought Lord Khirsah Saltera. Ah didst gae tae th' Primordial Darkness tae seek 'im. Dae ye ken wha' th' Darkness doth tae 'n elf?"
"No I do not."
"Th' Primordial Darkness ist time b'fore there were elves. 't ist th' true b'ginnin'. Ah travelled tae a time b'fore Ah existed, 'n in th' darkness, all ist undone."
"And why does he reside there?"
"He studies. He is froom tha' time. 'T ist 'is birthplace."
"so while he sits and waits for 's oon time his people are dying and my family may die because he wishes to play at scholar." Saltera's tone was bitter.
"Ah cannae 'xplain 'is reasonin' Saltera. bu' 'e doth 'aff th' reason 'n logic tha' Lord Momus oft misses."
"That makes me feel so much better." he shot back, his tone dripped with sarcasm. "But I will make my peace with it."
"Lord Momus hath 'eart. 'e ist compassionate. Lord Khirsah ist logic. 'n nae much compassion."
"Yes but a whole person needs both."
"Dragon's 're nae people Saltera. Lord Khirsah willst coome whence 't ist th' ri' time."
"I wish I had your faith in him, and if that is what it means to be a dragon then perhaps it is better I don't have to live to see my brother become one." Saltera turned to leave angrily, "Good night Milady, I will be in my room when you have convinced the powers that be to get off their asses and provide the book."
"Saltera?" Alais called after him.
He stopped but did not turn, "Yes?"
"Wilst ye dae me a favor ye've nae reason tae dae?"
He turned slowly, "I would hear it first before I give my word to it." he said cautiously.
Alais frowned slightly, "Alrigh, Prithee, dae take Ozymandias intae yer care, 'n tha' o' yer family. 'e'll be alone whence Ah'm gone."
Saltera immediately regreted his angry words, "I'll make sure that Tobias and Jacob know of your wishes. They will no doubt agree." He looked at her for a moment longer before adding, "If I live then yes I will see that he is cared for."
"Thank ye. 'n Saltera, yer judgin' Khirsah whence ye dinnae ken 'im."
Saltera ignored the last comment completely. Anyone who abandoned their family like Tass' brother had could not be judged any other way, "Is there any other way to do this? A way in which you do not have to give your life?"
Alais took a deep breath before answering, "'F Ah couldst thin' o' anna oother way, Ah'd dae 't Saltera. Ah struggled th' first time..... Ah cannae imagine daein' 't twice."
He nodded slowly and his next words came out quietly as he stared at the floor, "I dont know if it is reciprocated but I count you as a friend. I dont like to lose friends. I dont have many to lose." He looked up at her, "You will be missed."
"Yer a fioner friend thence manna Saltera. Ah'm verra lucky tae haff met ye 'n called ye friend."
Saltera bowed, his wings sweeping out behind him like a giant cape, "Goodnight Milady."
"G'e'en." Alais said and he turned and left for his rooms. Alais turned back and looked out from the balcony building her resolve for the task ahead.
She watched him noting his slow approach and apparent discomfort, "Dae ye ken th' cadence 'n timin' Saltera?" she asked, wondering just how he felt about what he'd been shown.
"I heard the songs as I read," the mere thought called up the words to mind, seductive and grotesque. "I've never felt the magic like that. How..." he struggled to control himself, "how could you do that to your own people. Even the Tharkoldu hunted the humans and we would fight among ourselves but never for sport but..." He stopped knowing that his outrage might make him say something he should not. "Yes I can follow the cadence...though I dont think I could ever bring myself to use those spells."
Alais closed her eyes and the voice that answered was barely loud enough to hear, "Saltera, there was nae choice. Daemonbane's influence o'er two millenia 'ad d'stroyed th' Annaran people. 'F we're tae send 'em back Saltera, we mus' needs make use o' th' spells."
"I understand this and do what I must." he said chastised for his outburst.
"Yer ri' tae question th' use o' such spells, nae ye ken th' reasons why Ah didst 'ide th' books 'n Harmony 'n why Ah didst bring 'em 'ere tae keep safe."
"It must have been hard to allow those to be seen by one like me. I know you are not comfortable around me...few are."
Alais' face lit up with a wry smile, "Saltera, elves 'n daemons dinnae usualla spend much time taegether."
"Demons dont spend time with anyone usually. I'm one of the few of my kind that has learned to regret that fact." He paused for a moment and decided to change the subject, "What will happen to the books when you fade...will Lord Momus be able to hide them?"
Alais winced. "Th' books shouldst gae wi' me, 'n Daemonbane 's well, since there will nae be anna more o' th' Annaran's left."
Saltera filled with alarm, "What about my brother? It's changed but the curse still lives inside him. Will he be taken as well?"
"Saltera, ye didst say ye didst ken tha' ye'll nae likela survive, bu' Ah'll 'ave yer promise sirrah, tha' dae ye pull off a miracle, ye'll nae speak those spells tae anoother soul."
Saltera looked at her suspiciously, "You have it milady but you did not answer my question, what about my brother?"
Alais nodded, "Th' curse doth live wi' in 'im, bu' 'e's nae Annaran, 'e's changed th' curse...altered 't, bu' mine suspicions 're dark."
"In what way?"
"Ah've seen thin's wi'in 'im. Elves 're li' tha' Saltera, seein' thin's we shouldst nae see."
"Elves are also very good at avoiding the subject." Saltera said quickly not letting her off the hook.
A sad laugh burst from Alais, "'N daemon's 're verra good 't bein' tenacious."
Saltera smiled at that but would not be deflected, "What do you think will happen to him?"
Alais remained silent a long time and Saltera just watched her, waiting for a response. "'E'll be changin' Saltera. Changin' intae soomethin' ye may nae 'xpect."
"Demon?"
"Nay."
"Then what?"
"Saltera, yer a wise daemon. Th' curse didst r'side wi'in a Dragon fer manna weeks. Th' dragon didst alter th' curse, change 't. Yer broother didst summon th' curse from the Dragon. 'e summoned an altered curse, an' wi' 't, th essence o' that which didst alter th' curse. Didst ye nae see th' flash o' black shadows 'pon 'is arm?"
Saltera thought back to the moment Sai Jon had woken up back on RhyDin, "No but several times since he awoke I've seen something else...something dangerous in his eyes. I'm not often scared but whatever is inside him does scare me."
"Saltera? Dae dragons scare ye?"
"Not really, I respect their power but I've faced them and defeated them before."
"Thence dinnae fear this thin'. Yer broother hath th' essence o' th Dragon Lord wi'in 'im."
"You think he's becoming a dragon?"
"Th' curse, Ah dae wish Ah couldst r'trieve froom i'm. Ah ken tha' 'e ist experiencin' th' influence o' th' dragons. Ah cannae sae 'f 'e willst b'come fulla dragon, bu' 'e ist nae 'part' dragon.
't ist in 'is aura, 'is essence fairla screams. 'F Ah'm righ', Ah' say 'e's a black dragon."
"And what does that mean? Will his mind be affected in some way?" Saltera did not think it was so simple. What he had seen in Sai Jon wasn't just a dragon, it was deeper, darker.
"Tha' Ah cannae see Saltera. Ah'd suspect there'll be soom changes."
Saltera thought about it for a moment and caught Alais' eyes, "I know I will not survive this, will you?"
Alais looked away abruptly, "Dinnae ask me tha' Saltera."
"I need to know. I need to know if there will be someone I can trust to look out for my brother."
Alais turned her eyes back to him and could see the worry in his eyes. She let out a deep sigh, "Saltera, th' third book doth send all thin's Anarran intae 'ell, 'n wilst bind me there fer eternity.
"I understand. He will have to see this through alone I guess." Saltera felt trepidation about the upcoming batlle for the first time, "Thank you for you honesty."
"'E'll nae be alone Saltera, 'e'll 'aff Lord Momus, 'n Jacob 'n 'is son," Alais paused and when she resumed speaking her voice sounded very far away, "'N Ah'll 'aff Morrin fer eternal companionship."
Saltera shook his head, "Jacob and Tobias are children in all but name and I do not trust Lord Momus' intentions. He would let the world burn for the sake of a single woman. He is too much like Sai Jon in that."
"Ye've nae reckoned wi' Khirsah yet."
"Who?"
"Khirsah, th' eldest. Lord Momus' elder broother."
A ray of hope rose in Saltera, "And where is he in all this?"
"Lord Khirsah ist 'n th' Primordial Darkness wi' th' Third book."
"And we need the third book to send the Annarans to hell."
"Aye, we dae."
"Will he surrender it? Why does he not aid us?"
"'E didst tell me tha' th' book wilst coome tae mine summons whence Ah dae accept wha' Ah am.
Lord Khirsah doth all 'n 'is oon time."
"An excuse I've heard before." The momentary hope was gone.
Alais smiled at his response, "Ah've sought Lord Khirsah Saltera. Ah didst gae tae th' Primordial Darkness tae seek 'im. Dae ye ken wha' th' Darkness doth tae 'n elf?"
"No I do not."
"Th' Primordial Darkness ist time b'fore there were elves. 't ist th' true b'ginnin'. Ah travelled tae a time b'fore Ah existed, 'n in th' darkness, all ist undone."
"And why does he reside there?"
"He studies. He is froom tha' time. 'T ist 'is birthplace."
"so while he sits and waits for 's oon time his people are dying and my family may die because he wishes to play at scholar." Saltera's tone was bitter.
"Ah cannae 'xplain 'is reasonin' Saltera. bu' 'e doth 'aff th' reason 'n logic tha' Lord Momus oft misses."
"That makes me feel so much better." he shot back, his tone dripped with sarcasm. "But I will make my peace with it."
"Lord Momus hath 'eart. 'e ist compassionate. Lord Khirsah ist logic. 'n nae much compassion."
"Yes but a whole person needs both."
"Dragon's 're nae people Saltera. Lord Khirsah willst coome whence 't ist th' ri' time."
"I wish I had your faith in him, and if that is what it means to be a dragon then perhaps it is better I don't have to live to see my brother become one." Saltera turned to leave angrily, "Good night Milady, I will be in my room when you have convinced the powers that be to get off their asses and provide the book."
"Saltera?" Alais called after him.
He stopped but did not turn, "Yes?"
"Wilst ye dae me a favor ye've nae reason tae dae?"
He turned slowly, "I would hear it first before I give my word to it." he said cautiously.
Alais frowned slightly, "Alrigh, Prithee, dae take Ozymandias intae yer care, 'n tha' o' yer family. 'e'll be alone whence Ah'm gone."
Saltera immediately regreted his angry words, "I'll make sure that Tobias and Jacob know of your wishes. They will no doubt agree." He looked at her for a moment longer before adding, "If I live then yes I will see that he is cared for."
"Thank ye. 'n Saltera, yer judgin' Khirsah whence ye dinnae ken 'im."
Saltera ignored the last comment completely. Anyone who abandoned their family like Tass' brother had could not be judged any other way, "Is there any other way to do this? A way in which you do not have to give your life?"
Alais took a deep breath before answering, "'F Ah couldst thin' o' anna oother way, Ah'd dae 't Saltera. Ah struggled th' first time..... Ah cannae imagine daein' 't twice."
He nodded slowly and his next words came out quietly as he stared at the floor, "I dont know if it is reciprocated but I count you as a friend. I dont like to lose friends. I dont have many to lose." He looked up at her, "You will be missed."
"Yer a fioner friend thence manna Saltera. Ah'm verra lucky tae haff met ye 'n called ye friend."
Saltera bowed, his wings sweeping out behind him like a giant cape, "Goodnight Milady."
"G'e'en." Alais said and he turned and left for his rooms. Alais turned back and looked out from the balcony building her resolve for the task ahead.
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
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- Contact:
Horrible Music
Saltera came, I knew he would. It had been several hours since I'd handed him the first two books, and now he approached in the stillness of the night.
He told me he'd memorized them, the cadence, the 'song' of the spells. He'd never felt magic like that, but then, there was only one left who ever had felt magic like that contained in the books.
He was also outraged by what he'd learned. Imagine outraging a demon, though Saltera seems a good and decent sort, the irony of managing to outrage a daemon simply drove home the utter monstrosity of what we'd done. What I would do again. He could not believe that Morrin and I had done each of those spells on our own people, and even now, Saltera cannot imagine doing such again.
Saltera looked at me in that darkness, asking me what would happen to the books when I faded.
I hope, no, I believe that when the last Annaran finally goes, the books as well as Daemonbane will go with me. That is how the spells were originally designed. They should have gone with Morrin. Lord Momus should no longer have to hide them, nor protect them if everything goes as planned.
He asked me about the curse Daemonbane had left inside of Tass, which now is carried by Sai Jon. I tried to call it back, but it is changed into something no longer purely Annaran. It is not mine to command any more. It would be up to Tass and Sai Jon how to rid Sai Jon of the modified curse. However, it was working on Sai Jon, changing him. I could see it day by day. There is a dragon influence at work. Altering, changing Sai Jon slowly. If my sight is correct, he will have centuries to figure out how to deal with the curse.
Saltera continued to press me about Sai Jon. My vague answers not enough for the tenacious demon. "He'll be changing Saltera. Changing into something you may not expect."
He asked if Sai Jon would become a demon, but that is not to be Sai Jon's fate.
Saltera admitted that he saw something that frightened him in Sai Jon's eyes, and so I asked him if he feared Dragons.
"Not really, I respect their power, but I've faced them and defeated them before."
He asked if Sai Jon's mind would be affected. No doubt it will be, but I cannot see that eventual outcome.
He changed the subject, "I know I will not survive this, will you?"
I couldn't help but look away sharply. That question is the most terrible I will not tell him what is to happen next for me, for I fear they would not allow me to continue if they knew. Saltera will know soon enough, when the Third is regained, part of what he and I will condemn me to will be shown. He told me he needed to know if Sai Jon would be alone to deal with the curse and the changes. I looked at him finally and told him a part of what would happen; that I will be bound to hell for eternity. I cannot bring myself to tell him all.
"He'll not be alone Saltera. He'll have Lord Momus, and Jacob, and his son Tobias." I tried to console him. And then, mostly to myself, "and I shall have Morrin for eternal companionship." But, our binding will be much different from the Annarans. Our binding will be eternal tying to the very roots of Hell. Our binding is what will keep the Annaran's from moving out once more. Our binding will be beneath the crushing weight of Hell, cognizant of all, yet unable to move, to breathe, to see. Locked for all time in that state.
Saltera spoke again, pulling me to the present. Telling me that he felt as though Jacob and Tobias are as wee children, and that he did not trust Lord Momus and his intentions.
Saltera has not spend much time with the dragons. He believed Tass would sacrifice his world for his wife. I know better, but Tass has compassion and feelings. His love is without limit, and equally, his rage is without limit. He WILL kill Malchor for this. He will save his people, but Tass' emotions will complicate things and will not always be the most logical to the rest of us.
Khirsah on the other hand is all logic. All reason, cold and harsh reality. I have never seen nor felt emotional intervention in Khirsah.
I looked at Saltera, “you have not reckoned with Khirsah yet.”
Saltera didn’t know who Khirsah was, and so I set about telling him of Tass’ elder brother. The First dragon.
Saltera couldn’t understand why Khirsah was not here, why he remained in the Primordial Darkness with the Third. His questions flew, “will he surrender it? Why does he not aid us?”
Those are questions I have asked for some time myself, but I needed to re-assure Saltera, and so I told him what Khirsah had told me. The Third would come at my summons once I had accepted what I was. And as for his giving us aid – he would come when the time was right. I cannot explain Khirsah’s reasoning, I can only trust him and his word.
Saltera’s voice dripped sarcasm, “so while he sits and waits for his own time, his people are dying, and my family may die because he wishes to play scholar?”
I sighed inwardly, Saltera’s words are too close to my own initial feelings. “Dragons are not people Saltera. Lord Khirsah will come when it is the right time.” Dragons reckon things in time spans even elves do not consider. Our views of right and wrong pale in the light of their longevity.
I believe that with every bit of my heart and soul. Saltera’s faith is not as strong as my own, but I cannot blame him, he feels the same way I did. His words were bitter as he told me that perhaps it was a good thing that he would not live to see his brother become a dragon.
As he turned to leave, he told me he’d be in his rooms when I had convinced ‘the powers that be to get off their asses and provide the book.” I wish it were that simple, but Khirsah had shown me it was the book that needed to be convinced.
I called out to him, “Saltera?”
He turned back toward me, and I asked a favor of him. He would not give me his word until he heard my request, and there was a bitterness in him that I would give much to repair. “Please take Ozymandias into your care, and that of your family. He’ll be alone when I am gone.” Ozy had been through the loss of his creator, and lost his homeworld, and now I would leave him. It was my responsibility to find a good caretaker for the loyal automaton.
Saltera then promised to advise his family for in all probability he too would be gone.
He gave me a last beseeching look, “is there any other way to do this? A way in which you do not have to give your life?”
I truly wish another way could be found. I’ve thought and thought, but this is the only way for me to force the Annarans out of this war, and back to their consigned place. I cannot imagine using these spells twice, but here I am preparing to do just that. Then Saltera surprised me, “I don’t know if it is reciprocated, but I count you as a friend. I don’t like to lose friends. I don’t have many to lose… you will be missed.”
Saltera the Demon from Tharkold is a finer friend than many a human or elf I’ve known in my lifetime. It should have felt odd to say such to a daemon, and yet, my words came straight from my heart, I do consider Saltera my friend.
After Saltera left, I sat alone with my thoughts, the resolve I would need to reclaim the Third. Short of complete acceptance, according to Khirah, I could not claim it.
As dawn began to turn the black to grey, I summoned the Third once more. It was time.
The Annaran summons reached across space and time. I put out my hand as the spell concluded, and there rested that third and final book. Damnation would be complete.
Closing both hands around it, I sat down to re-read the single triad of spells within. There is a new flow to the sorcery within these pages. Nuances I’d not heard and felt all those years ago. New secrets revealed as I studied the pages. New terrors added to the old.
The sun rose behind a murky layer of clouds. The day was starting out as it had that fateful day Morrin and I stood on opposite hills, but there would be no snow or hoar frost. Only rain and dampness.
I headed for Saltera’s room, knocking lightly. It was time to give the demon a book even he would find astonishing after all he’s seen.
He told me he'd memorized them, the cadence, the 'song' of the spells. He'd never felt magic like that, but then, there was only one left who ever had felt magic like that contained in the books.
He was also outraged by what he'd learned. Imagine outraging a demon, though Saltera seems a good and decent sort, the irony of managing to outrage a daemon simply drove home the utter monstrosity of what we'd done. What I would do again. He could not believe that Morrin and I had done each of those spells on our own people, and even now, Saltera cannot imagine doing such again.
Saltera looked at me in that darkness, asking me what would happen to the books when I faded.
I hope, no, I believe that when the last Annaran finally goes, the books as well as Daemonbane will go with me. That is how the spells were originally designed. They should have gone with Morrin. Lord Momus should no longer have to hide them, nor protect them if everything goes as planned.
He asked me about the curse Daemonbane had left inside of Tass, which now is carried by Sai Jon. I tried to call it back, but it is changed into something no longer purely Annaran. It is not mine to command any more. It would be up to Tass and Sai Jon how to rid Sai Jon of the modified curse. However, it was working on Sai Jon, changing him. I could see it day by day. There is a dragon influence at work. Altering, changing Sai Jon slowly. If my sight is correct, he will have centuries to figure out how to deal with the curse.
Saltera continued to press me about Sai Jon. My vague answers not enough for the tenacious demon. "He'll be changing Saltera. Changing into something you may not expect."
He asked if Sai Jon would become a demon, but that is not to be Sai Jon's fate.
Saltera admitted that he saw something that frightened him in Sai Jon's eyes, and so I asked him if he feared Dragons.
"Not really, I respect their power, but I've faced them and defeated them before."
He asked if Sai Jon's mind would be affected. No doubt it will be, but I cannot see that eventual outcome.
He changed the subject, "I know I will not survive this, will you?"
I couldn't help but look away sharply. That question is the most terrible I will not tell him what is to happen next for me, for I fear they would not allow me to continue if they knew. Saltera will know soon enough, when the Third is regained, part of what he and I will condemn me to will be shown. He told me he needed to know if Sai Jon would be alone to deal with the curse and the changes. I looked at him finally and told him a part of what would happen; that I will be bound to hell for eternity. I cannot bring myself to tell him all.
"He'll not be alone Saltera. He'll have Lord Momus, and Jacob, and his son Tobias." I tried to console him. And then, mostly to myself, "and I shall have Morrin for eternal companionship." But, our binding will be much different from the Annarans. Our binding will be eternal tying to the very roots of Hell. Our binding is what will keep the Annaran's from moving out once more. Our binding will be beneath the crushing weight of Hell, cognizant of all, yet unable to move, to breathe, to see. Locked for all time in that state.
Saltera spoke again, pulling me to the present. Telling me that he felt as though Jacob and Tobias are as wee children, and that he did not trust Lord Momus and his intentions.
Saltera has not spend much time with the dragons. He believed Tass would sacrifice his world for his wife. I know better, but Tass has compassion and feelings. His love is without limit, and equally, his rage is without limit. He WILL kill Malchor for this. He will save his people, but Tass' emotions will complicate things and will not always be the most logical to the rest of us.
Khirsah on the other hand is all logic. All reason, cold and harsh reality. I have never seen nor felt emotional intervention in Khirsah.
I looked at Saltera, “you have not reckoned with Khirsah yet.”
Saltera didn’t know who Khirsah was, and so I set about telling him of Tass’ elder brother. The First dragon.
Saltera couldn’t understand why Khirsah was not here, why he remained in the Primordial Darkness with the Third. His questions flew, “will he surrender it? Why does he not aid us?”
Those are questions I have asked for some time myself, but I needed to re-assure Saltera, and so I told him what Khirsah had told me. The Third would come at my summons once I had accepted what I was. And as for his giving us aid – he would come when the time was right. I cannot explain Khirsah’s reasoning, I can only trust him and his word.
Saltera’s voice dripped sarcasm, “so while he sits and waits for his own time, his people are dying, and my family may die because he wishes to play scholar?”
I sighed inwardly, Saltera’s words are too close to my own initial feelings. “Dragons are not people Saltera. Lord Khirsah will come when it is the right time.” Dragons reckon things in time spans even elves do not consider. Our views of right and wrong pale in the light of their longevity.
I believe that with every bit of my heart and soul. Saltera’s faith is not as strong as my own, but I cannot blame him, he feels the same way I did. His words were bitter as he told me that perhaps it was a good thing that he would not live to see his brother become a dragon.
As he turned to leave, he told me he’d be in his rooms when I had convinced ‘the powers that be to get off their asses and provide the book.” I wish it were that simple, but Khirsah had shown me it was the book that needed to be convinced.
I called out to him, “Saltera?”
He turned back toward me, and I asked a favor of him. He would not give me his word until he heard my request, and there was a bitterness in him that I would give much to repair. “Please take Ozymandias into your care, and that of your family. He’ll be alone when I am gone.” Ozy had been through the loss of his creator, and lost his homeworld, and now I would leave him. It was my responsibility to find a good caretaker for the loyal automaton.
Saltera then promised to advise his family for in all probability he too would be gone.
He gave me a last beseeching look, “is there any other way to do this? A way in which you do not have to give your life?”
I truly wish another way could be found. I’ve thought and thought, but this is the only way for me to force the Annarans out of this war, and back to their consigned place. I cannot imagine using these spells twice, but here I am preparing to do just that. Then Saltera surprised me, “I don’t know if it is reciprocated, but I count you as a friend. I don’t like to lose friends. I don’t have many to lose… you will be missed.”
Saltera the Demon from Tharkold is a finer friend than many a human or elf I’ve known in my lifetime. It should have felt odd to say such to a daemon, and yet, my words came straight from my heart, I do consider Saltera my friend.
After Saltera left, I sat alone with my thoughts, the resolve I would need to reclaim the Third. Short of complete acceptance, according to Khirah, I could not claim it.
As dawn began to turn the black to grey, I summoned the Third once more. It was time.
The Annaran summons reached across space and time. I put out my hand as the spell concluded, and there rested that third and final book. Damnation would be complete.
Closing both hands around it, I sat down to re-read the single triad of spells within. There is a new flow to the sorcery within these pages. Nuances I’d not heard and felt all those years ago. New secrets revealed as I studied the pages. New terrors added to the old.
The sun rose behind a murky layer of clouds. The day was starting out as it had that fateful day Morrin and I stood on opposite hills, but there would be no snow or hoar frost. Only rain and dampness.
I headed for Saltera’s room, knocking lightly. It was time to give the demon a book even he would find astonishing after all he’s seen.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
Sai Jon met Tobias in the main hall of Tass' Manor. They had stowed most of their gear, this was supposed to be recognizance and, if possible, extraction not combat. They were both wearing long concealing black robes to hide the fact they weren't dead yet and Tobias could handle the magic to mask them from any wards they might come upon. It probably wouldn't work of course but sometimes you just had to have faith. Sai Jon smiled at the thought of what he would have said to that in his youth.
They had decided that to remain as inconspicuous as possible they'd travel to the shore and try and stay low over the bay as they flew across to Matlal. The armies had begun to gather and Jacob was talking with several of the generals trying to find dragons to accompany him on his mission. Sai Jon stopped to see how it was going but the news was not good.
"It's your people we're trying to rescue here," Jacob said bitterly.
"I know but finding dragons willing to follow orders of a lesser...I mean non-dragon. It's hard to make them see how you can do what they could not." Ruug responded, actually attempting to be tactful.
Sai Jon stepped up next Jacob and placed his hand on Jacob's shoulder to stop the highly inflammatory response that was no doubt forthcoming, "Then order them to go with him General." Sai Jon said softly.
"And why should he do anything you say human?" A black dragon landed near them as he spoke transforming as he did so. His human form was of a young man who looked to be in his early twenties at most. "Oh, you're him aren't you. The human that Lord Momus decided to put over us. Well we choose our own leaders and you have no authority here." He spat on the ground in front of Sai Jon and glared at him defiantly.
Sai Jon stared at the youth that challenged him. He could see quite a few others gathering to watch. He'd have to stop this right here and now. His face twisted into a sneer as he decided to see just how insulting he could get in a short time. He could tell there was going to be a fight and he didn't want it to spread beyond himself and the youth. "First because Lord Momus commanded it, as you so graciously pointed out. But more importantly because if we left it to you the rest of your people would be dead in a day. You think you've seen war BOY." Sai Jon stepped forward signaling Jacob and Tobias to stay back. "I've been fighting this foe since before you disappointed your mother by pushing your way out of that poor deformed egg you hatched from so just shut up and let your elders do their jobs."
The dragon retreated a step but a look around at the crowd that was quickly gathering changed his mind. "I am Gretar, son of the General Brantius, and you can't tell me what to do," he said and stepped forward intending to shove Sai Jon. Without saying a word Sai Jon side stepped and drove his fist into the youths gut dropping him to the ground.
"Yes I can." Sai Jon said quietly.
One of the dragons friends started to step forward to help but was stopped as a sawed-off shotgun was pushed up under his chin. "How bout we just let them settle this huh friend?" He said smiling, "Now I like dragons as a rule. Kinda feel a kinship, us both being lizards and all, but one more step and we're all gonna see what you're thinking all close up and personal like." The dragon stood perfectly still.
Gretar pushed himself to his feet slowly, "Now you will understand pain human." He lashed out with his fists but Sai Jon simply danced away.
"Pain, you want to teach me about pain?" Sai Jon just laughed at him as his eyes darkened until the blue was gone and only black remained. If anything this pushed Gretar even deeper into a rage. Gretar threw punch after punch which became increasingly wild as each of his attacks failed to land. Finally Sai Jon simply ducked under a sweeping haymaker and drove his knee into Gretar's groin dropping him instantly. Sai Jon knelt next to the whimpering youth. "That is only physical pain. What they have waiting for you is eternal torment. You want to survive then you need to learn the simple lesson that there's always someone better than you."
Sai Jon stood and walked to where Ruug was waiting impassively and Jacob joined him, "Now can you get some help for Jacob?" Ruug nodded and Sai Jon thought he smiled slightly. Suddenly, the shotgun was out again and aimed over Sai Jon's shoulder before he could react. He turned slowly to find Gretar with his hand inches away from his shoulder and a shotgun resting on the bridge of his nose. "Yes?" Sai Jon asked as he gently pushed the shotgun downwards, "Rematch already?"
Gretar just stared a moment before answering, "No. No I was going to wait on that. The Lord Momus appointed you general of the blacks, we will respect that." Sai Jon fought down the urge to smile, "My friends and I request permission to accompany you as your guards." Sai Jon's eyebrow shot up and Gretar explained slowly, "I don't want you to find the someone better than you until I get that rematch...General."
Finally Sai Jon did smile, "Think we could find a few dragons to accompany Jacob here?"
"The blacks stand ready." He barked. He turned to his friend and said something in Draconic and somehow Sai Jon understood, "Tierar gather a flight to go with the General's lizard."
Without a thought Sai Jon interupted, "His name is Jacob and he's scarier than me when you get him mad." Both Sai Jon's friends and the dragons around him stared, he had just spoken in Draconic. "What?" Sai Jon asked non-plussed.
They had decided that to remain as inconspicuous as possible they'd travel to the shore and try and stay low over the bay as they flew across to Matlal. The armies had begun to gather and Jacob was talking with several of the generals trying to find dragons to accompany him on his mission. Sai Jon stopped to see how it was going but the news was not good.
"It's your people we're trying to rescue here," Jacob said bitterly.
"I know but finding dragons willing to follow orders of a lesser...I mean non-dragon. It's hard to make them see how you can do what they could not." Ruug responded, actually attempting to be tactful.
Sai Jon stepped up next Jacob and placed his hand on Jacob's shoulder to stop the highly inflammatory response that was no doubt forthcoming, "Then order them to go with him General." Sai Jon said softly.
"And why should he do anything you say human?" A black dragon landed near them as he spoke transforming as he did so. His human form was of a young man who looked to be in his early twenties at most. "Oh, you're him aren't you. The human that Lord Momus decided to put over us. Well we choose our own leaders and you have no authority here." He spat on the ground in front of Sai Jon and glared at him defiantly.
Sai Jon stared at the youth that challenged him. He could see quite a few others gathering to watch. He'd have to stop this right here and now. His face twisted into a sneer as he decided to see just how insulting he could get in a short time. He could tell there was going to be a fight and he didn't want it to spread beyond himself and the youth. "First because Lord Momus commanded it, as you so graciously pointed out. But more importantly because if we left it to you the rest of your people would be dead in a day. You think you've seen war BOY." Sai Jon stepped forward signaling Jacob and Tobias to stay back. "I've been fighting this foe since before you disappointed your mother by pushing your way out of that poor deformed egg you hatched from so just shut up and let your elders do their jobs."
The dragon retreated a step but a look around at the crowd that was quickly gathering changed his mind. "I am Gretar, son of the General Brantius, and you can't tell me what to do," he said and stepped forward intending to shove Sai Jon. Without saying a word Sai Jon side stepped and drove his fist into the youths gut dropping him to the ground.
"Yes I can." Sai Jon said quietly.
One of the dragons friends started to step forward to help but was stopped as a sawed-off shotgun was pushed up under his chin. "How bout we just let them settle this huh friend?" He said smiling, "Now I like dragons as a rule. Kinda feel a kinship, us both being lizards and all, but one more step and we're all gonna see what you're thinking all close up and personal like." The dragon stood perfectly still.
Gretar pushed himself to his feet slowly, "Now you will understand pain human." He lashed out with his fists but Sai Jon simply danced away.
"Pain, you want to teach me about pain?" Sai Jon just laughed at him as his eyes darkened until the blue was gone and only black remained. If anything this pushed Gretar even deeper into a rage. Gretar threw punch after punch which became increasingly wild as each of his attacks failed to land. Finally Sai Jon simply ducked under a sweeping haymaker and drove his knee into Gretar's groin dropping him instantly. Sai Jon knelt next to the whimpering youth. "That is only physical pain. What they have waiting for you is eternal torment. You want to survive then you need to learn the simple lesson that there's always someone better than you."
Sai Jon stood and walked to where Ruug was waiting impassively and Jacob joined him, "Now can you get some help for Jacob?" Ruug nodded and Sai Jon thought he smiled slightly. Suddenly, the shotgun was out again and aimed over Sai Jon's shoulder before he could react. He turned slowly to find Gretar with his hand inches away from his shoulder and a shotgun resting on the bridge of his nose. "Yes?" Sai Jon asked as he gently pushed the shotgun downwards, "Rematch already?"
Gretar just stared a moment before answering, "No. No I was going to wait on that. The Lord Momus appointed you general of the blacks, we will respect that." Sai Jon fought down the urge to smile, "My friends and I request permission to accompany you as your guards." Sai Jon's eyebrow shot up and Gretar explained slowly, "I don't want you to find the someone better than you until I get that rematch...General."
Finally Sai Jon did smile, "Think we could find a few dragons to accompany Jacob here?"
"The blacks stand ready." He barked. He turned to his friend and said something in Draconic and somehow Sai Jon understood, "Tierar gather a flight to go with the General's lizard."
Without a thought Sai Jon interupted, "His name is Jacob and he's scarier than me when you get him mad." Both Sai Jon's friends and the dragons around him stared, he had just spoken in Draconic. "What?" Sai Jon asked non-plussed.
-
Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
The Shrine Entered
I had intruded upon Saltera's prayers to bring him a book of blasphemy and nightmares. It was very difficult for me to hand over that innocuous looking book. He will think me a complete monster after he sees those spells. Yet, there is no alternative. None. And I accept that fact.
Saltera told me to let him be the judge of what is monsterous, that only a monster does not regret its actions.
I handed Saltera the book. It sucked all light into it, and reflected none as we stood there in the early morning. We had to change only one thing, where the spell called out for the Annaran's, we were now calling to the 'nathan-Annarim', the undead Annarans must be called this time.
It was time for me to go to Matlal. I suspect Daemonbane resides within that shrine that Garl and I had discovered at the same time Tass had gone missing.
I told Saltera where I was going, fully expecting to go alone, but he went for his sword, and announced that if I was going for my sword, he would probably want his as well. He intended to join me. I reminded him that Matlal has the largest number of invaders, and he still insisted on joining me.
Summoning my staff, I bade him take a hold of it firmly for the transport to Matlal. We dissipated from his room, to coalesce not far from the shrine. We'd probably tripped warning wards, but that could not be helped. The shrine was surrounded by an old growth virgin forest, but was now standing alone in an island of green amidst a dead landscape. The forest had been burned, and now was a grotesque parody of what were once majestic trees with lives and voices of their own. Now silenced forever.
The shrine stood untouched though. Unseared by fire or other dessecrations. There were no windows, and no doors visible, as before.
Saltera looked around, "inside I presume?"
Nodding, I studied the shrine, "I do suspect, yes, but the last time Garl and I were here, we could not find a way into the building. Come, the wards are done with the blood of a dead dragon. Tass made them to last, and to hold whatever is within. These wards cannot be turned since the dragon whose blood was used is not alive to influence."
I was testing the wards as I spoke to Saltera. He wondered if I could sense Demon's Bane, but through the protection wards, I could not. this was a construct unlike any I'd ever seen previously. I told Saltera that while I could not feel the blade within, I was reasonably certain it was there. The shrine had not been on Matlal when I'd come here, it had appeared at the same time Tass had gone missing. It was too much of a coincidence.
Saltera suddenly perked up, "is this the source of the curse?"
"Yes, if indeed it is within that shrine," I continued to walk around the shrine.
"And it's protected with blood magic?" Saltera was clearly following a lead now, and I nodded affirmatively. "I never told you about my magic - the magic of my people doesn't come from land or ether - it comes from blood and pain."
I paused, turning to study him a moment. He slowly drew his sword across the top of his arm, cutting himself open, and I winces as his blood dripped down his arm onto the sword blade he held. At that moment, the sound of rustling reached my ears. I do not know if Saltera heard it, but our time was running out.
He began a chant in a grating, ugly language, one I can only assume must be from his demonic heritage, and he raised the sword toward the shrine. The blood dripped down the blade, and then sideways toward the shrine. It hit something and rolled along an invisible barrier. Saltera opened his eyes, and they glowed red, like the pitts of Hell as he said, "The way is barred without the key. I can't find the key, it..."
He never got to finish as a blast from the shrine threw him forcefully back and to the ground. Hurrying to his side, I asked if he was alright before offering him a hand up. The blast from the shrine was more than either of us expected.
I mused thoughtfully, "Tass did set this up to last a very long time, and to keep everyone out it seems".
Saltera growled, his eyes still glowing red, "well, that won't help us now since he's not around to ask him where he put the doormat."
I reached out once more to touch the wards, seeking the music, the structure of the ward, and then it hit me. The music was ancient, the language of the Third! I looked at Saltera abruptly, "the book!"
The words flowed, the feel of the wards all sang the same as the new voice of the Third. Annaran is an all but dead language, but Khirsah has had the Third for months. Khirsah has studied everything the Third could teach him, and Tass and Khirsah usually have a connection that shares what each one knows or discovers. Could Khirsah have lent Tass the old Annaran language to create the ward? The language that one day evolved into the Annaran I speak?
Saltera handed me the book, and at once the song from the book was harmony to the shrine's wards! On the seventh page, a new spell shimmered where none had been previously. The fine lettering done in a beautiful flowing script, and appeared to be written in dragon's blood, just as the ward was wrought. I looked at Saltera and told him to step away from the ward, and I began the spell now written in the Third.
Stabbing the point of the Rouwanwood staff into the blood ward as I sang the spell, my words rippled softly in the grey light as the spell faded into silence. Only that ominous snapping of feet in the debris around the shrine could be heard. Louder now, clearly approaching.
But, the walls of the shrine rippled and went translucent. What had been solid and impenetrable was now a fog to easily walk through, and there in the center, laying upon a trilithon was the great black blade. It's song luring me into the mist, calling to me with the promises it had made to generations of Annaran Kings! I should have realized the blade that had lain upon my foundations stone was not Daemonbane. It's song is never silent.
I gave Saltera one last look before taking my staff and crossing the complex wards wrought by Tass, and from the feel, one other. Old memories stirred. Tass and Rhaine were mutually antagonistic, why would he have brought her here for this? Another question for another time.
The blade writhed upon the trilithon. It beckoned.
The walls behind and around me went solid as I crossed through them. I was alone beside the huge broadsword. It was a full meter and a half long. It was a blade meant for a conquering warrior king. this was no ceremonial saber or dueling foil. This was a blade meant for use in conquest.
But I have accepted what I am. and what I am is the sorcerer who will once again banish the evilness that has ruined an entire race of people. I am the last Annaran. It is my responsibility. With that last thought, I curled my fingers around the hilt of Daemonbane. Elven hands curled resolutely around the well worn leather wrapped hilt. I was instantly drawn into the sentient blade's power.
The room became the fiery pitt of hell itself. The core of a volcano, searing heat, and the wail of the damned flooded me. I couldn't breathe. Agony washed through me. I had to get out! Everything glowed a surrealistic red, as though everything were molten. Still Daemonbane sought to pull me deeper into the maelstrom. I tried to let go of the blade, but I could not. It now has a hold on me, and it is not about to release me. It has been untouched for nearly a generation of humans. It thirsts. It hungers. It demands!
I do not remember where the words came from first, but I recall the soft chanting of a male voice. Daemonbane's demands eased, and I learned the lyrical chant quickly. The blade obeyed. Settling into a companionship rather than a dominance.
It was time to go. Get back to Saltera and get out of here before our unwanted guests arrived.
I do not know how long I was inside, but I hefted the black blade and scabbard over my shoulder, settling the blade down my back. My staff leaned against the trilithon and I gave the shrine a long last look before whispering, "thank you Tass." Turning on my heels, I began the spell from the 7th page once more, and the walls shimmered translucent once more.
The sight that greeted me was one of chaos, blood, and death. Saltera was engaged with a demon, who was gripping Saltera's throat one minute, the next Saltera became what his heritage makes him - a DEMON! He kicked out, stunning his attacker before sliding his sword free from a whip wielded by the other demon, and in the process, he had severed the thing's arm. His free hand grabbed the things head, and Saltera wrenched back, baring it's throat, and what followed stopped me in my tracks. Saltera sank his teeth into the creature's throat.
Blood sprayed all over Saltera and his sword. Daemonbane writhed, feeling the blood letting, feeling the presence of daemons. I fought to maintain control of Daemonbane as a harsh cry ripped from Saltera's throat as he charged two more approaching demons.
Immediately I summoned the ley line power to my staff, and the Annaran words sang from my lips as a sizzling bolt of lightening ripped into the second demon attacking Saltera.
It was past time to go. We'd made enough noice to garner Malchor's attention.
Saltera told me to let him be the judge of what is monsterous, that only a monster does not regret its actions.
I handed Saltera the book. It sucked all light into it, and reflected none as we stood there in the early morning. We had to change only one thing, where the spell called out for the Annaran's, we were now calling to the 'nathan-Annarim', the undead Annarans must be called this time.
It was time for me to go to Matlal. I suspect Daemonbane resides within that shrine that Garl and I had discovered at the same time Tass had gone missing.
I told Saltera where I was going, fully expecting to go alone, but he went for his sword, and announced that if I was going for my sword, he would probably want his as well. He intended to join me. I reminded him that Matlal has the largest number of invaders, and he still insisted on joining me.
Summoning my staff, I bade him take a hold of it firmly for the transport to Matlal. We dissipated from his room, to coalesce not far from the shrine. We'd probably tripped warning wards, but that could not be helped. The shrine was surrounded by an old growth virgin forest, but was now standing alone in an island of green amidst a dead landscape. The forest had been burned, and now was a grotesque parody of what were once majestic trees with lives and voices of their own. Now silenced forever.
The shrine stood untouched though. Unseared by fire or other dessecrations. There were no windows, and no doors visible, as before.
Saltera looked around, "inside I presume?"
Nodding, I studied the shrine, "I do suspect, yes, but the last time Garl and I were here, we could not find a way into the building. Come, the wards are done with the blood of a dead dragon. Tass made them to last, and to hold whatever is within. These wards cannot be turned since the dragon whose blood was used is not alive to influence."
I was testing the wards as I spoke to Saltera. He wondered if I could sense Demon's Bane, but through the protection wards, I could not. this was a construct unlike any I'd ever seen previously. I told Saltera that while I could not feel the blade within, I was reasonably certain it was there. The shrine had not been on Matlal when I'd come here, it had appeared at the same time Tass had gone missing. It was too much of a coincidence.
Saltera suddenly perked up, "is this the source of the curse?"
"Yes, if indeed it is within that shrine," I continued to walk around the shrine.
"And it's protected with blood magic?" Saltera was clearly following a lead now, and I nodded affirmatively. "I never told you about my magic - the magic of my people doesn't come from land or ether - it comes from blood and pain."
I paused, turning to study him a moment. He slowly drew his sword across the top of his arm, cutting himself open, and I winces as his blood dripped down his arm onto the sword blade he held. At that moment, the sound of rustling reached my ears. I do not know if Saltera heard it, but our time was running out.
He began a chant in a grating, ugly language, one I can only assume must be from his demonic heritage, and he raised the sword toward the shrine. The blood dripped down the blade, and then sideways toward the shrine. It hit something and rolled along an invisible barrier. Saltera opened his eyes, and they glowed red, like the pitts of Hell as he said, "The way is barred without the key. I can't find the key, it..."
He never got to finish as a blast from the shrine threw him forcefully back and to the ground. Hurrying to his side, I asked if he was alright before offering him a hand up. The blast from the shrine was more than either of us expected.
I mused thoughtfully, "Tass did set this up to last a very long time, and to keep everyone out it seems".
Saltera growled, his eyes still glowing red, "well, that won't help us now since he's not around to ask him where he put the doormat."
I reached out once more to touch the wards, seeking the music, the structure of the ward, and then it hit me. The music was ancient, the language of the Third! I looked at Saltera abruptly, "the book!"
The words flowed, the feel of the wards all sang the same as the new voice of the Third. Annaran is an all but dead language, but Khirsah has had the Third for months. Khirsah has studied everything the Third could teach him, and Tass and Khirsah usually have a connection that shares what each one knows or discovers. Could Khirsah have lent Tass the old Annaran language to create the ward? The language that one day evolved into the Annaran I speak?
Saltera handed me the book, and at once the song from the book was harmony to the shrine's wards! On the seventh page, a new spell shimmered where none had been previously. The fine lettering done in a beautiful flowing script, and appeared to be written in dragon's blood, just as the ward was wrought. I looked at Saltera and told him to step away from the ward, and I began the spell now written in the Third.
Stabbing the point of the Rouwanwood staff into the blood ward as I sang the spell, my words rippled softly in the grey light as the spell faded into silence. Only that ominous snapping of feet in the debris around the shrine could be heard. Louder now, clearly approaching.
But, the walls of the shrine rippled and went translucent. What had been solid and impenetrable was now a fog to easily walk through, and there in the center, laying upon a trilithon was the great black blade. It's song luring me into the mist, calling to me with the promises it had made to generations of Annaran Kings! I should have realized the blade that had lain upon my foundations stone was not Daemonbane. It's song is never silent.
I gave Saltera one last look before taking my staff and crossing the complex wards wrought by Tass, and from the feel, one other. Old memories stirred. Tass and Rhaine were mutually antagonistic, why would he have brought her here for this? Another question for another time.
The blade writhed upon the trilithon. It beckoned.
The walls behind and around me went solid as I crossed through them. I was alone beside the huge broadsword. It was a full meter and a half long. It was a blade meant for a conquering warrior king. this was no ceremonial saber or dueling foil. This was a blade meant for use in conquest.
But I have accepted what I am. and what I am is the sorcerer who will once again banish the evilness that has ruined an entire race of people. I am the last Annaran. It is my responsibility. With that last thought, I curled my fingers around the hilt of Daemonbane. Elven hands curled resolutely around the well worn leather wrapped hilt. I was instantly drawn into the sentient blade's power.
The room became the fiery pitt of hell itself. The core of a volcano, searing heat, and the wail of the damned flooded me. I couldn't breathe. Agony washed through me. I had to get out! Everything glowed a surrealistic red, as though everything were molten. Still Daemonbane sought to pull me deeper into the maelstrom. I tried to let go of the blade, but I could not. It now has a hold on me, and it is not about to release me. It has been untouched for nearly a generation of humans. It thirsts. It hungers. It demands!
I do not remember where the words came from first, but I recall the soft chanting of a male voice. Daemonbane's demands eased, and I learned the lyrical chant quickly. The blade obeyed. Settling into a companionship rather than a dominance.
It was time to go. Get back to Saltera and get out of here before our unwanted guests arrived.
I do not know how long I was inside, but I hefted the black blade and scabbard over my shoulder, settling the blade down my back. My staff leaned against the trilithon and I gave the shrine a long last look before whispering, "thank you Tass." Turning on my heels, I began the spell from the 7th page once more, and the walls shimmered translucent once more.
The sight that greeted me was one of chaos, blood, and death. Saltera was engaged with a demon, who was gripping Saltera's throat one minute, the next Saltera became what his heritage makes him - a DEMON! He kicked out, stunning his attacker before sliding his sword free from a whip wielded by the other demon, and in the process, he had severed the thing's arm. His free hand grabbed the things head, and Saltera wrenched back, baring it's throat, and what followed stopped me in my tracks. Saltera sank his teeth into the creature's throat.
Blood sprayed all over Saltera and his sword. Daemonbane writhed, feeling the blood letting, feeling the presence of daemons. I fought to maintain control of Daemonbane as a harsh cry ripped from Saltera's throat as he charged two more approaching demons.
Immediately I summoned the ley line power to my staff, and the Annaran words sang from my lips as a sizzling bolt of lightening ripped into the second demon attacking Saltera.
It was past time to go. We'd made enough noice to garner Malchor's attention.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
Saltera watched Alais disappear into the structure and he shuddered. The magics she took for granted while they sounded beautiful to the ear were more horrific than anything he'd dealt with in centuries of war. He pushed down his sense of unease and walked up to where she had vanished and he knelt, uttering a quick prayer. He was going to need all the help he could get. Ever since they had arrived here he had sensed the demons coming closer. He supposed they must have laid down wards around the shrine to warn them if anyone came calling. Well he had said he would stand between the lady and harm and that's what he was prepared to do.
He gripped his sword tightly allowing the spines built into the weapon's hilt pierce the palm of his hand through his now well defined scars. His blood flowed into the weapon and down channels deep in the blade. He could feel the consciousness buried within it awaken. He had invested the weapon with the strongest magics he could find and it had become almost a living thing. One that hungered for blood. His awakened it, the blood of his enemies would sate it.
The first demon burst from foliage slobbering and growling. It skidded to a halt. There was no one here. Its masters had sent it to consume the trespassers but it seemed that they had already escaped. The demon was still wondering what to do now when it's head separated from the rest of its body. The cloaking spell disintegrated around him when he moved so the next two that entered the clearing were faced by him standing over the steaming remains of one of their kin.
Saltera launched himself at them slashing at one with his sword as shards of ice formed around his other fist and shot forward ripping half of the other demon's face off in an instant. They both pressed the attack and he fell back before their claws and snapping fangs. He deflected attack after attack drawing them back towards him. Just as they fell into a pattern he lashed out at the one he'd already wounded and dropped below the attack of second allowing it to barrel past him. He kicked it as it passed, knocking the demon into the wards which destroyed it instantly in a flash of light. The second demon roared and reared back tentacles lashed out of its mouth towards him. He sidestepped and sliced down, severing the tentacles. The demon let out a wail of agony and he plunged his sword into its chest. He could feel a wave of ecstasy from his weapon as it drank the demon's blood, feeding on its power. He could feel the rage growing in him. He pushed it away, the loss of control always frightened him.
Saltera ripped the sword out and spun coming on guard as another demon crashed out of the woods knocking Saltera across the clearing with a sweep of its arm. Saltera growled and rolled to his feet. The demon charged him sweeping out with a flaming whip. The whip wrapped around his sword and jerked him towards the demon. It grabbed Saltera by the throat lifting him off his feet choking him. Saltera couldn't breathe. He tried to pull off the hand gripping his throat but it was no use. Finally he surrendered to his instincts allowing the rage to consume him. The sword and he were one in their desire to kill. He struggled for a moment before kicking out slamming his foot into the demon's chin. It dropped him and he spun sliding the sword out of the whip's grasp and severing the things arm. Lost in the rage stepped in close and with his free hand pulled back the demons head and sunk his teeth into its throat. The blood washed over his face and down his front. He and the sword gloried in the thing's death.
He dropped the body into the dirt and turned. He could feel them now. Two more demons came out of the treeline. Part of him wished that Alais would return soon so they could get out of this accursed place. Another part simply gloried in the battle before him and the blood to be spilt. That part roared out a Tharkoldu battle cry as he charged forward. He swung his sword in a wide arc and released a sheet of fire into one of the demons incinerating it. He never even paused as the lightning bolt hit the second one, he just leapt into the air and crashed down on the wounded demon burying his sword in it's skull. It twitched and then lay still.
Saltera rounded on the shrine and saw Alais had returned. He suddenly came back to himself and realized what he looked like covered in the blood of his enemies. He took a deep breath and released it with a long growl. "We all have monsters inside. Mine is just a bit more obvious." He sniffed the air, "We need to leave quickly unless you really want to deal with a whole army of these things."
He gripped his sword tightly allowing the spines built into the weapon's hilt pierce the palm of his hand through his now well defined scars. His blood flowed into the weapon and down channels deep in the blade. He could feel the consciousness buried within it awaken. He had invested the weapon with the strongest magics he could find and it had become almost a living thing. One that hungered for blood. His awakened it, the blood of his enemies would sate it.
The first demon burst from foliage slobbering and growling. It skidded to a halt. There was no one here. Its masters had sent it to consume the trespassers but it seemed that they had already escaped. The demon was still wondering what to do now when it's head separated from the rest of its body. The cloaking spell disintegrated around him when he moved so the next two that entered the clearing were faced by him standing over the steaming remains of one of their kin.
Saltera launched himself at them slashing at one with his sword as shards of ice formed around his other fist and shot forward ripping half of the other demon's face off in an instant. They both pressed the attack and he fell back before their claws and snapping fangs. He deflected attack after attack drawing them back towards him. Just as they fell into a pattern he lashed out at the one he'd already wounded and dropped below the attack of second allowing it to barrel past him. He kicked it as it passed, knocking the demon into the wards which destroyed it instantly in a flash of light. The second demon roared and reared back tentacles lashed out of its mouth towards him. He sidestepped and sliced down, severing the tentacles. The demon let out a wail of agony and he plunged his sword into its chest. He could feel a wave of ecstasy from his weapon as it drank the demon's blood, feeding on its power. He could feel the rage growing in him. He pushed it away, the loss of control always frightened him.
Saltera ripped the sword out and spun coming on guard as another demon crashed out of the woods knocking Saltera across the clearing with a sweep of its arm. Saltera growled and rolled to his feet. The demon charged him sweeping out with a flaming whip. The whip wrapped around his sword and jerked him towards the demon. It grabbed Saltera by the throat lifting him off his feet choking him. Saltera couldn't breathe. He tried to pull off the hand gripping his throat but it was no use. Finally he surrendered to his instincts allowing the rage to consume him. The sword and he were one in their desire to kill. He struggled for a moment before kicking out slamming his foot into the demon's chin. It dropped him and he spun sliding the sword out of the whip's grasp and severing the things arm. Lost in the rage stepped in close and with his free hand pulled back the demons head and sunk his teeth into its throat. The blood washed over his face and down his front. He and the sword gloried in the thing's death.
He dropped the body into the dirt and turned. He could feel them now. Two more demons came out of the treeline. Part of him wished that Alais would return soon so they could get out of this accursed place. Another part simply gloried in the battle before him and the blood to be spilt. That part roared out a Tharkoldu battle cry as he charged forward. He swung his sword in a wide arc and released a sheet of fire into one of the demons incinerating it. He never even paused as the lightning bolt hit the second one, he just leapt into the air and crashed down on the wounded demon burying his sword in it's skull. It twitched and then lay still.
Saltera rounded on the shrine and saw Alais had returned. He suddenly came back to himself and realized what he looked like covered in the blood of his enemies. He took a deep breath and released it with a long growl. "We all have monsters inside. Mine is just a bit more obvious." He sniffed the air, "We need to leave quickly unless you really want to deal with a whole army of these things."
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
Saltera turned toward me after finishing off the demon he was engaged with, his face and body covered in blood presented a horrific visage. I could not stop the shudder that rippled through me. His voice was a near growl as he said, "we all have monsters inside. Mine is just a bit more obvious."
His methods were perhaps more bloody than mine, but the end result remains the same.
He sniffed the air, "we need to leave quickly unless you really want to deal with a whole army of these things."
I could hear the tramping of feet advancing through the ruined forest just outside the ring we were in. Ozymandias flew out of the tree line, "Lady Alais, there are 136 advancing on your present location. They are fanning out to cut off your most probable escape routes. They are currently covering an arc of approximately 187 degrees. If they surround this location, at their current attack formation, they will have 1 demon or undead every 2.6 degrees."
I looked at Saltera, "We do need to go, but I want a look at those holding pens Ozy told us about. Come, take hold of the staff. I've no wish to wait around for them."
I held up my arm for Ozy to perch upon as we dissipated from the area of the shrine. Daemonbane writhed violently as Saltera approached, and whether it was the fact that Saltera is a demon, or all of the blood covering him, I cannot say.
We coalesced about a hundred meters from one of the holding pens on Matlal, behind a small escarpment. There appeared to be about 150 or so dragons here in filthy pens. Their wardens were a grotesque group of demons from a region of the Hells that I could not begin to guess at. They had one dragon, a red, separated from the group, and their sport with her was vile. I looked away, bile rising in my throat. If I interfered, we'd draw attention that Ozy, Saltera and I were not prepared to deal with, and yet, how could I leave them to their sport?? My conscience warred with my reason as I turned to Saltera, "Stay here, we'll be right back, but be ready to grab the staff, we'll be leaving in a hurry."
Ozy and I moved toward the jailers behind a cloaked façade. Ozy produced one of the laser weapons Uly had used, and I aimed for the biggest jailer. As I fired, the spell ended, and Ozy and I became instantly visible, but the blue laser beam hit it's mark, freezing and then shattering the demon. I took quick aim at a second, but my shot went wide, and it was past time to go.
As I turned back to race to where I'd left Saltera, I almost ran into him. "Come on, we're going!"
He growled and grabbed the staff, Annaran words uttered hastily sent us into a silvered mist just as a group of demons reached us.
His methods were perhaps more bloody than mine, but the end result remains the same.
He sniffed the air, "we need to leave quickly unless you really want to deal with a whole army of these things."
I could hear the tramping of feet advancing through the ruined forest just outside the ring we were in. Ozymandias flew out of the tree line, "Lady Alais, there are 136 advancing on your present location. They are fanning out to cut off your most probable escape routes. They are currently covering an arc of approximately 187 degrees. If they surround this location, at their current attack formation, they will have 1 demon or undead every 2.6 degrees."
I looked at Saltera, "We do need to go, but I want a look at those holding pens Ozy told us about. Come, take hold of the staff. I've no wish to wait around for them."
I held up my arm for Ozy to perch upon as we dissipated from the area of the shrine. Daemonbane writhed violently as Saltera approached, and whether it was the fact that Saltera is a demon, or all of the blood covering him, I cannot say.
We coalesced about a hundred meters from one of the holding pens on Matlal, behind a small escarpment. There appeared to be about 150 or so dragons here in filthy pens. Their wardens were a grotesque group of demons from a region of the Hells that I could not begin to guess at. They had one dragon, a red, separated from the group, and their sport with her was vile. I looked away, bile rising in my throat. If I interfered, we'd draw attention that Ozy, Saltera and I were not prepared to deal with, and yet, how could I leave them to their sport?? My conscience warred with my reason as I turned to Saltera, "Stay here, we'll be right back, but be ready to grab the staff, we'll be leaving in a hurry."
Ozy and I moved toward the jailers behind a cloaked façade. Ozy produced one of the laser weapons Uly had used, and I aimed for the biggest jailer. As I fired, the spell ended, and Ozy and I became instantly visible, but the blue laser beam hit it's mark, freezing and then shattering the demon. I took quick aim at a second, but my shot went wide, and it was past time to go.
As I turned back to race to where I'd left Saltera, I almost ran into him. "Come on, we're going!"
He growled and grabbed the staff, Annaran words uttered hastily sent us into a silvered mist just as a group of demons reached us.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
The flight had been quick and the slow sneaking approach had been tedious but they had finally reached Alais' manor on the isle of Matlal. They approached quietly through the remnants of a shattered wood and halted without signal as they came into sight of the building.
The sight of Alais' manor was shocking to Sai Jon. It had been still under construction when he had last been there but it showed promise of becoming a structure of beauty. The abomination that now stood in its place was a mockery. The same basic design had been used but now the graceful stone had been replaced by bone and ugly black rock that sent out jagged protrusions at seemingly random intervals. More often than not still living sacrifices hung from these outcroppings impaled and slowly dying in agony. Sai Jon just stared as Tobias and one of the three dragons in human form that had accompanied them, he thought the name was Redrik, quietly threw up on the dead grass at their feet.
Gretar stood next to him seemingly entranced, "What have they done here. This place feels...too tight."
Sai Jon smiled at the description, "Malchor has made this place into his world. This is what he plans to do to all the Isles, and if we don't stop him to all the worlds beyond it."
"I care not for other worlds but this will not be allowed here on the Isles."
"Then let's get to work, any questions on your part of the plan? The prison camp is just over that hill get as many out as you can and make a lot of noise doing it. If I'm right then your Lord's lady is in there along with the source of Malchor's power. We'll relieve him of both."
Gretar gave him a long hard look, "You sound almost excited General."
Sai Jon just smiled, "Well a man should love his work."
"Well stay breathing human. I still expect that rematch."
"Nice to be wanted now get go...wait." Sai Jon grabbed Gretar's arm and pulled him down to the ground where they were quickly followed by the others. Without warning guards around the manor suddenly turned and began to run off at full speed as if chasing something. They waited as literally hundreds of demons of all shapes and kinds barreled past them in a rush to get somewhere. The tiny rescue party watched as they disappeared over the rolling hills. "Well somebody else stirred up the beehive it seems. Ok go quick now, I don't know how long till they come back but I doubt we'll get a better chance...and lets try it quiet instead. Maybe we can get out of here without a full on fight." Gretar and Tobias both looked at him with dubious expressions, "Well it could happen. It could! Just move." Tobias chuckled as he followed Sai Jon towards the manor and Gretar took his companions towards the prison camp.
All of the guards at the front entrance to the manor had run off leaving the door partially open. Sai Jon and Tobias sprinted across the open ground between the blasted woods and the entrance but no alarms sounded. They slipped inside but the foyer was empty as well.
Tobias glanced around nervously, "Where do you think the guards went?"
Sai Jon closed the massive doors behind then lingering at the door for a moment, "No clue but they'll be back soon. Malchor's focus has to be close so keep you eyes open."
"Not my first time old man." Tobias said under his breath. Sai Jon just grinned.
They moved through the building quietly checking each room but they were all deserted until they came to a long hall with a metal table covered in grime and blood. A woman's body was chained face down in the filth. Her back was covered in cuts and gouges. The wounds were enflamed and most looked infected. Sai Jon rushed forward and checked her pulse, it was weak but she was still alive. His metal claws in his right hand sprung out with a sinister click and with a swipe he severed the chains holding her arms to the table. Tobias cut the chains on her legs as Sai Jon swept off his robe wrapping the woman in it to cover her.
They turned to leave, the stelae was still a problem but they need to get Tass' wife safely on her way first before the guards returned. They came to a sudden halt as a voice filled with malice interupted their escape, "I would have prepared dinner if I knew I was going to have guests." Sai Jon cursed silently, he knew this had been too easy.
The sight of Alais' manor was shocking to Sai Jon. It had been still under construction when he had last been there but it showed promise of becoming a structure of beauty. The abomination that now stood in its place was a mockery. The same basic design had been used but now the graceful stone had been replaced by bone and ugly black rock that sent out jagged protrusions at seemingly random intervals. More often than not still living sacrifices hung from these outcroppings impaled and slowly dying in agony. Sai Jon just stared as Tobias and one of the three dragons in human form that had accompanied them, he thought the name was Redrik, quietly threw up on the dead grass at their feet.
Gretar stood next to him seemingly entranced, "What have they done here. This place feels...too tight."
Sai Jon smiled at the description, "Malchor has made this place into his world. This is what he plans to do to all the Isles, and if we don't stop him to all the worlds beyond it."
"I care not for other worlds but this will not be allowed here on the Isles."
"Then let's get to work, any questions on your part of the plan? The prison camp is just over that hill get as many out as you can and make a lot of noise doing it. If I'm right then your Lord's lady is in there along with the source of Malchor's power. We'll relieve him of both."
Gretar gave him a long hard look, "You sound almost excited General."
Sai Jon just smiled, "Well a man should love his work."
"Well stay breathing human. I still expect that rematch."
"Nice to be wanted now get go...wait." Sai Jon grabbed Gretar's arm and pulled him down to the ground where they were quickly followed by the others. Without warning guards around the manor suddenly turned and began to run off at full speed as if chasing something. They waited as literally hundreds of demons of all shapes and kinds barreled past them in a rush to get somewhere. The tiny rescue party watched as they disappeared over the rolling hills. "Well somebody else stirred up the beehive it seems. Ok go quick now, I don't know how long till they come back but I doubt we'll get a better chance...and lets try it quiet instead. Maybe we can get out of here without a full on fight." Gretar and Tobias both looked at him with dubious expressions, "Well it could happen. It could! Just move." Tobias chuckled as he followed Sai Jon towards the manor and Gretar took his companions towards the prison camp.
All of the guards at the front entrance to the manor had run off leaving the door partially open. Sai Jon and Tobias sprinted across the open ground between the blasted woods and the entrance but no alarms sounded. They slipped inside but the foyer was empty as well.
Tobias glanced around nervously, "Where do you think the guards went?"
Sai Jon closed the massive doors behind then lingering at the door for a moment, "No clue but they'll be back soon. Malchor's focus has to be close so keep you eyes open."
"Not my first time old man." Tobias said under his breath. Sai Jon just grinned.
They moved through the building quietly checking each room but they were all deserted until they came to a long hall with a metal table covered in grime and blood. A woman's body was chained face down in the filth. Her back was covered in cuts and gouges. The wounds were enflamed and most looked infected. Sai Jon rushed forward and checked her pulse, it was weak but she was still alive. His metal claws in his right hand sprung out with a sinister click and with a swipe he severed the chains holding her arms to the table. Tobias cut the chains on her legs as Sai Jon swept off his robe wrapping the woman in it to cover her.
They turned to leave, the stelae was still a problem but they need to get Tass' wife safely on her way first before the guards returned. They came to a sudden halt as a voice filled with malice interupted their escape, "I would have prepared dinner if I knew I was going to have guests." Sai Jon cursed silently, he knew this had been too easy.
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
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Crystal Cavern
Well, I’d gotten their attention. Not that that was a good thing.
Running into Saltera wasn’t a good thing, but I wasn’t expecting the daemon to be where he was.
We dissolved as our pursuers reached the rock escarpment.
“Filthy, vile wretches!” I was cursing in Annaran as we reformed in a small hollow where I’d stored the first two books. The chamber had been undisturbed and the two books sang to me as Ozy, Saltera and I arrived. The volcanic nature of the island was in full display here. The mineralogy of this hot spot was stunning. The creation of this room had resulted in some extraordinary new minerals growing into their crystalline forms to fill in the space I’d created deep within the heart of the mountain. If I had not set wards, sooner or later, these crystals would fill in my space here with their glistening, faceted surfaces.
I was muttering mostly to myself as Ozy began translating for Saltera, who had already gained more of a working knowledge of the dead language than any other living being. I had lapsed from common into Annaran as I perused the minerals I now found in the chamber. Growing, almost a living creation were these crystals. They resonated each at their own frequency, and the song from the books whispered through the crystalline room.
The first thing to attract my attention were the staurolite crosses, which would be useful against the demons. They are commonly called ‘fairy crosses’, the old legends have fallen into the mists of memory. I remember.
Staurolite has been created by the deep places, forged twice in the fires of creation, and here were the pleochroic forms in golden hues. Mostly the twinned crystals are of the {231} axis crosses, but there are the more rare {031} form visible. If you asked today’s society about staurolite, they would likely tell you that it is simply a metamorphic rock of iron, aluminum and oxygen that has been compressed under great temperature and pressue with additional silicon and oxygen.
But they forget.
In ages long gone, the magic of the land was known to be focused by certain forms, and a sorcerer who knew the features of each crystal could command unexpected power. This knowledge has been kept by the Tuatha de Danaan. This knowledge I will use with darker purposes than my forebearers, but our need is dire.
I set Ozy seeking two of the most perfect of the pleochroic interpenetrating twins of Staurolite, with both forms, the {231} and the more rare {031}. Ozy’s ability to analyze purity and dimensions lend him to that task.
Next I began looking for the best Cerussite matrices. It is the twinning property of this lead mineral that causes it to be the most perfect of soul traps. The luster is adamantine, and the crystals are translucent in the purest forms. It is the cyclic twin of the {110} form that I seek.
Many believe diamonds are the finest soul traps, yet the wisdom of old has shown the Cerussite to be superior for the already dead. Their souls already missing in many cases, a different trap is needed, and Cerussite is unsurpassed if you know how to prepare them.
Finally, before we leave to go see how my home if fairing, we need to find one last crystal form.
Beryl. By modern definitions, Beryl is a cyclosilicate with six rings; the most complex crystal of Beryllium, Aluminum, Silica and oxygen. Be3Al2Si6O18 We are seeking large crystals of the {1010} form rather than the {0001} form. It is the dark green crystals most prized at the moment. The unique property of the beryl is the tubular channels created by the molecular structure, and when Lithium substitutes for the Aluminum, the charge imbalance seeks to be satisfied by Sodium, Potassium, or Cesium. It is this chemistry that allows the beryl to be such a formidable means of draining life and energy for what living creature can survive without sodium or potassium in their bodies?
The effects of Beryl had been known for centuries, but from my connection with Rhaine, I have gained an understanding of how the system accomplishes the end result. I can ‘see’ the molecular sized hollow tubes formed by the six ring matrix. I can understand and picture the substitution that has to take place to make the whole thing seek the life chemicals to the point of destruction of that life. The clarity was startling.
It was time to go. The crystals were safely wrapped for later, and I set the two books once more upon the pedestals. I pray that when I go, they will be compelled to follow me. The Third I handed back to Saltera. “We need to see how bad it is Saltera, shall we go have a look at the house?”
Running into Saltera wasn’t a good thing, but I wasn’t expecting the daemon to be where he was.
We dissolved as our pursuers reached the rock escarpment.
“Filthy, vile wretches!” I was cursing in Annaran as we reformed in a small hollow where I’d stored the first two books. The chamber had been undisturbed and the two books sang to me as Ozy, Saltera and I arrived. The volcanic nature of the island was in full display here. The mineralogy of this hot spot was stunning. The creation of this room had resulted in some extraordinary new minerals growing into their crystalline forms to fill in the space I’d created deep within the heart of the mountain. If I had not set wards, sooner or later, these crystals would fill in my space here with their glistening, faceted surfaces.
I was muttering mostly to myself as Ozy began translating for Saltera, who had already gained more of a working knowledge of the dead language than any other living being. I had lapsed from common into Annaran as I perused the minerals I now found in the chamber. Growing, almost a living creation were these crystals. They resonated each at their own frequency, and the song from the books whispered through the crystalline room.
The first thing to attract my attention were the staurolite crosses, which would be useful against the demons. They are commonly called ‘fairy crosses’, the old legends have fallen into the mists of memory. I remember.
Staurolite has been created by the deep places, forged twice in the fires of creation, and here were the pleochroic forms in golden hues. Mostly the twinned crystals are of the {231} axis crosses, but there are the more rare {031} form visible. If you asked today’s society about staurolite, they would likely tell you that it is simply a metamorphic rock of iron, aluminum and oxygen that has been compressed under great temperature and pressue with additional silicon and oxygen.
But they forget.
In ages long gone, the magic of the land was known to be focused by certain forms, and a sorcerer who knew the features of each crystal could command unexpected power. This knowledge has been kept by the Tuatha de Danaan. This knowledge I will use with darker purposes than my forebearers, but our need is dire.
I set Ozy seeking two of the most perfect of the pleochroic interpenetrating twins of Staurolite, with both forms, the {231} and the more rare {031}. Ozy’s ability to analyze purity and dimensions lend him to that task.
Next I began looking for the best Cerussite matrices. It is the twinning property of this lead mineral that causes it to be the most perfect of soul traps. The luster is adamantine, and the crystals are translucent in the purest forms. It is the cyclic twin of the {110} form that I seek.
Many believe diamonds are the finest soul traps, yet the wisdom of old has shown the Cerussite to be superior for the already dead. Their souls already missing in many cases, a different trap is needed, and Cerussite is unsurpassed if you know how to prepare them.
Finally, before we leave to go see how my home if fairing, we need to find one last crystal form.
Beryl. By modern definitions, Beryl is a cyclosilicate with six rings; the most complex crystal of Beryllium, Aluminum, Silica and oxygen. Be3Al2Si6O18 We are seeking large crystals of the {1010} form rather than the {0001} form. It is the dark green crystals most prized at the moment. The unique property of the beryl is the tubular channels created by the molecular structure, and when Lithium substitutes for the Aluminum, the charge imbalance seeks to be satisfied by Sodium, Potassium, or Cesium. It is this chemistry that allows the beryl to be such a formidable means of draining life and energy for what living creature can survive without sodium or potassium in their bodies?
The effects of Beryl had been known for centuries, but from my connection with Rhaine, I have gained an understanding of how the system accomplishes the end result. I can ‘see’ the molecular sized hollow tubes formed by the six ring matrix. I can understand and picture the substitution that has to take place to make the whole thing seek the life chemicals to the point of destruction of that life. The clarity was startling.
It was time to go. The crystals were safely wrapped for later, and I set the two books once more upon the pedestals. I pray that when I go, they will be compelled to follow me. The Third I handed back to Saltera. “We need to see how bad it is Saltera, shall we go have a look at the house?”
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
Malchor had felt his wards breached at the shrine. He could sense Annaran magic there but it was too strong for him to breach. The elf wench had been there but had eluded his hunters and now they dared to enter his keep, the very seat of his power. It was time to teach these mortals the meaning of pain. He teleported back to his keep appearing in the dining room to find two of the guardians attempting to steal his plaything, "I would have prepared dinner if I knew I was going to have guests." he hissed as they started to move towards the door. The elder one turned slowly, he was carrying Malchor's pet elf. The human was beginning to irritate him.
The pure malice in Malchor's voice chilled him. It had been a long time since he had stood against a High Lord and he was not looking forward to a repeat performance. He silently placed the womans unconscious form in Tobias' arms and turned towards Malchor. "I'm sure your hospitality is quite impressive but we have a prior engagement so we'll just have to take a rain check." Sai Jon snarled as his hands inched towards his pistols slowly.
"We have seen your kind on a hundred worlds guardian. You shall not stand between us and the power this world holds. You and your kind shall die and we shall drink your blood to toast the destruction of everything you hold dear."
"Yeah, that's why you've been trapped in hell for four hundred years. Oh and your friend...I've met his kind before on a dozen worlds and the people that they tried to set up as gods died just as easily as you will."
"We survived our setbacks and now we are powerful, more powerful than you can imagine. We will destroy..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you would have gotten away with it too if it wasn't for those pesky kids right?" Malchor stopped and an almost comical look of confusion crossed his face, "Wait. A five hundred year old undead warrior and a aeons old king maker and neither of you has ever seen Scooby Doo. Damn." Sai Jon held out his hands as if trying to calm Malchor down, "Now I'm only saying this for your own good...you need to get out more!"
"ENOUGH!" Malchor roared.
"Maybe a shower and some breath mints first though cause you are pretty rank." Sai Jon continued. Malchor's face turned a disturbing shade of red and he leaped forward swinging his axe wildly. Sai Jon jumped back out of the way as the axe bit into the blackened stonework of the giant table that dominated the hall and pulled out his pistols catching Malchor in the chest with twin blasts of light. "RUN!" Sai Jon screamed at Tobias as he barely dodged the back swing of the enraged warrior. Tobias had looked down at the woman in his arms and back up at Sai Jon, the indecision on his face was obvious. Sai Jon rolled back over the table as Malchor's axe swept through the space where his legs had just been. "I said run kid. Get her safe. I'll make sure this piece of rotting flesh gets back to where he belongs." Tobias hesitated for only a moment more and then ran for the door carrying the woman carefully.
"You know I'll just track them down and kill them both once I've finished with you guardian. Their death's will become the thing of legends among my horde." Malchor hissed.
"Yeah but first you have to kill me." Sai Jon said with a grin as he hopped down on the opposite side of the table from Malchor.
"Not necessarily." Malchor smiled and nodded. Arms wrapped around Sai Jon and held him tightly squeezing the breath from him. "You've met my faithful man servant Giles haven't you?"
"Giles?" Sai Jon asked uncertainly.
"Yes sir. I'm afraid that I'll have to detain you sir." Giles said as Sai jon struggled against him.
"But why?" Sai Jon asked bewildered.
Malchor's grin grew to Jokeresque proportions, "Oh don't blame your friend. You see I have always had a taste for souls and dragon souls are oh so tasty. In fact that's why I created this." He pulled a dark purple stone from the front of his armor. It hung from his neck on a thin gold chain and seemed eat the light around it as he spun it playfully. "I've collected many souls since I came to this world, and now their owners serve me. Much as you will soon. You see once I've taken your soul guardian, you will fetch the boy and and the elf and then we will dine together. I don't care for...what did you call it...oh yes, rain checks."
Sai Jon tried briefly to escape Giles' iron grip as his mind raced but he couldn't break free.
Not again...
"We have seen your kind on a hundred worlds guardian. You shall not stand between us and the power this world holds. You and your kind shall die and we shall drink your blood to toast the destruction of everything you hold dear."
"Yeah, that's why you've been trapped in hell for four hundred years. Oh and your friend...I've met his kind before on a dozen worlds and the people that they tried to set up as gods died just as easily as you will."
"We survived our setbacks and now we are powerful, more powerful than you can imagine. We will destroy..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you would have gotten away with it too if it wasn't for those pesky kids right?" Malchor stopped and an almost comical look of confusion crossed his face, "Wait. A five hundred year old undead warrior and a aeons old king maker and neither of you has ever seen Scooby Doo. Damn." Sai Jon held out his hands as if trying to calm Malchor down, "Now I'm only saying this for your own good...you need to get out more!"
"ENOUGH!" Malchor roared.
"Maybe a shower and some breath mints first though cause you are pretty rank." Sai Jon continued. Malchor's face turned a disturbing shade of red and he leaped forward swinging his axe wildly. Sai Jon jumped back out of the way as the axe bit into the blackened stonework of the giant table that dominated the hall and pulled out his pistols catching Malchor in the chest with twin blasts of light. "RUN!" Sai Jon screamed at Tobias as he barely dodged the back swing of the enraged warrior. Tobias had looked down at the woman in his arms and back up at Sai Jon, the indecision on his face was obvious. Sai Jon rolled back over the table as Malchor's axe swept through the space where his legs had just been. "I said run kid. Get her safe. I'll make sure this piece of rotting flesh gets back to where he belongs." Tobias hesitated for only a moment more and then ran for the door carrying the woman carefully.
"You know I'll just track them down and kill them both once I've finished with you guardian. Their death's will become the thing of legends among my horde." Malchor hissed.
"Yeah but first you have to kill me." Sai Jon said with a grin as he hopped down on the opposite side of the table from Malchor.
"Not necessarily." Malchor smiled and nodded. Arms wrapped around Sai Jon and held him tightly squeezing the breath from him. "You've met my faithful man servant Giles haven't you?"
"Giles?" Sai Jon asked uncertainly.
"Yes sir. I'm afraid that I'll have to detain you sir." Giles said as Sai jon struggled against him.
"But why?" Sai Jon asked bewildered.
Malchor's grin grew to Jokeresque proportions, "Oh don't blame your friend. You see I have always had a taste for souls and dragon souls are oh so tasty. In fact that's why I created this." He pulled a dark purple stone from the front of his armor. It hung from his neck on a thin gold chain and seemed eat the light around it as he spun it playfully. "I've collected many souls since I came to this world, and now their owners serve me. Much as you will soon. You see once I've taken your soul guardian, you will fetch the boy and and the elf and then we will dine together. I don't care for...what did you call it...oh yes, rain checks."
Sai Jon tried briefly to escape Giles' iron grip as his mind raced but he couldn't break free.
Not again...
Malchor stepped up onto a chair and then onto the stone table exulting in the moment. The other gloated with him and power filled him in reward. A guardian subverted, serving him. Perhaps this one should be his personal bodyguard. Yes that indignity would be delicious. He would devour this mans soul and force him to protect what he had once fought against. The irony wouldn't get old for millenia. He strode slowly across the table, watching his preys thoughts flash across his eyes. He could see the desperation and fear growing. It was a masterpiece of agony and he would savour every moment.
He dropped down to the floor and stood directly in front of Sai Jon and then lashed out with the back of his hand rocking Sai Jon's head to the side and causing his lip to bleed. Yes the blood was what he needed. He held his prisoners head motionless with one hand and with the other he pressed the gem against the wound.
Immediately he felt the power enter him. This one was more powerful than he had dared hope.
He dropped down to the floor and stood directly in front of Sai Jon and then lashed out with the back of his hand rocking Sai Jon's head to the side and causing his lip to bleed. Yes the blood was what he needed. He held his prisoners head motionless with one hand and with the other he pressed the gem against the wound.
Immediately he felt the power enter him. This one was more powerful than he had dared hope.
Sai Jon felt a pulling, a tearing deep inside of him. Malchor stood before him with a malicious grin that promised torments to last eons. "I will have your soul as a plaything guardian. I will drink toasts with the blood of your friends to the destruction of this world and then I have been promised worlds beyond this. You will come with me and serve me. Do you like that idea?" Sai Jon spit in Malchors face but Malchor simply wiped the spittle from his face and laughed, "I'll consider that a no. Too bad you have no say in the matter."
Sai Jon could feel his will slowly leaking away and he ceased struggling against Giles' enfolding arms. His head drooped while inside he was screaming in defiance. He couldn't survive an invasion like this again.
"Give it all to me guardian. Give me your essence, your spirit. You have no choice." Malchor laughed coldly.
Sai Jon searched himself for something to stop the process then he realized. There was one thing inside him that he would gladly release to the monster before him. Sai Jon slowly raised his head and Malchor took an involuntary step backwards when he saw the change in his preys eyes. They had turned completely black. Sai Jon's arm wrenched free of Giles suddenly and grabbed the gem in Malchors hand holding it tight to his own face so Malchor couldn't pull back. "You want what's inside of me? May it damn you too." Without quite knowing what he was doing Sai Jon pushed the essence of the curse he had pulled from Tass into the gem. Power raged through him hungrily flowing into the gem in a torrent of filth.
Sai Jon could feel his will slowly leaking away and he ceased struggling against Giles' enfolding arms. His head drooped while inside he was screaming in defiance. He couldn't survive an invasion like this again.
"Give it all to me guardian. Give me your essence, your spirit. You have no choice." Malchor laughed coldly.
Sai Jon searched himself for something to stop the process then he realized. There was one thing inside him that he would gladly release to the monster before him. Sai Jon slowly raised his head and Malchor took an involuntary step backwards when he saw the change in his preys eyes. They had turned completely black. Sai Jon's arm wrenched free of Giles suddenly and grabbed the gem in Malchors hand holding it tight to his own face so Malchor couldn't pull back. "You want what's inside of me? May it damn you too." Without quite knowing what he was doing Sai Jon pushed the essence of the curse he had pulled from Tass into the gem. Power raged through him hungrily flowing into the gem in a torrent of filth.
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