Chapter 2: Attack on the academy

Moments later the room spilled into chaos. On all four corners of the room unknown mages manifested, slaughtering the graduates who were too slow to react. They were dressed in black robes, hidden behind a dark shroud that removed anyway to gleam the intruders features.

Arìnes in hand, Shadik moved towards the north eastern side of the room. The room had scattered, some fleeing, others converging on the unknown assailants as they threw down spell after spell.

Amongst the confusion Shadik was able to despatch his first target easily. The dark mage was preoccupied with killing one of the unlucky gnome graduates, and as he turned Shadik drove Arìnes into his gut. He convulsed for a while as blood trickled out his mouth, then sagged, dropping to the floor entirely as the half-elf withdrew the blade. Turning quickly he was able to glance a barrage of magic missiles shoot towards him. Ducking and rolling just quick enough to avoid them, Shadik looked for the perpetrator. It didn't take long; on the opposite corner a mage was staring at him, already trying to recite another spell. Before he could get any further however he had the unfortunate turn of events of facing the lady Paladin, who now, large sword in hand, had little problem cutting him down with a quick swipe.

Surveying the rest of the room, Shadik saw only two mages were left, having trouble fighting amongst the groups of graduates that had stayed to fight. With the help of Aribeth they were quickly dealt with, their shrill cries of agony filling the room.

Once the final mage fell, the room fell silent for a few moments as the corpses disappeared, leaving only their dark garb behind. The remaining warriors waited for another attack, and when none came, Shadik moved towards Aribeth, stepping over the corpses those unfortunate enough to meet a gruesome death so early.

Aribeth, her armour soaked in blood, looked at Shadik with panic and alarm. "You must listen to me!" she cried. "I fear there is not much time, this is no random attack!"

Now out of combat and a little more calm, Shadik was able to hear the sounds of blades striking, spells being vocalised... and the shrill cry of the dying. She had obviously at once heard what he didn't due to the excitement of the battle: The whole academy is under attack.

"As may already be aware, a number of creatures known as the Waterdhavian were brought here from Waterdeep. It was believed that these creatures had the necessary regents to be extracted to create a cure of the Wailing Death."

Isn't that something you should have downplayed a little? Shadik wondered absently. As if to read his thoughts, Aribeth replied "We tried to keep this a secret, however... it appears it was an impossible task, and even our enemies are aware of our plans."

"By enemies do you mean...?"

"We have several, some who announce it openly like Luskan, other who would rather stay secretive and strike from the shadows... which one is behind this treachery I cannot say, however I'm sure they're target is to make sure we do not attain a cure."

She paused a moment, casting her glances to the exit and where the sounds of battle emanated the most. "To that end Shadik, I need you to help stave off the attack, and more importantly, protect the Waterdhavian creatures."

Shadik appeared surprised at the sudden weight of responsibility. "With all due respect lady... isn't this something you should do? Or at least accompany me with?"

Aribeth sighed. "I fear my presence would only make the job more difficult. If all hope is not lost, we are to assume they are still searching for the creatures... They would be expecting me to be defending at the helm, hence why they probably centred the attack on me first. For all we know they could still be tracking me through magical means, so for me to go to them would likely be falling right into their hands. However, if I can create a diversion, perhaps you, someone relatively unknown to the enemy if we're lucky, can slip in protect them."

Quickly realising there would be no choice in the matter even if were to refuse, Shadik accept the task obediently.

"I thank you for your help. Here, this is a key that will unlock the door to the east of the corridor you passed by to gain entry to this room. It is within there that the Waterdhavian creatures are being kept. Please hurry; they must be protected at all costs!"

Nodding and accepting the small copper key, Shadik began to move quickly towards his destination.

Once outside the ceremony room he was confronted by a mage akin in appearance to the four that were slaughtered in the room behind him. Apparently lying in wait for an ambush and expecting none other than Aribeth, he was bitterly disappointed to see a just gradated recruit in her absence.

"What is this?" the dark mage spoke with surprise. "I expected Aribeth not some wet-behind-the-ears whelp."

Shadik drew Arìnes and smirked wickedly. "Sorry to disappoint but make no mistake, I'm more than happy to dish out a beating in her absence."

"Bah, no matter. Let's see how you deal with my minions, fool!" he cried, summoning three lesser goblins. Before Shadik could go get within striking distance the mage fled, apparently not willing to dirty his hands with a mere adventurer.

"Kill, kill!" one of the small yellow humanoids cried, rushing towards him. Shadik laughed, having no trouble slaying the creatures despite the three on one advantage. It was over quickly, Shadik's superior battle prowess proving far too much for the likes of weak goblins.

It seems Aribeth was right... it's her that they're expecting to defend the creatures... Wasting no more time pondering on the situation, the half-elf briskly moved to the large double wooden barred doors he had passed by earlier. Removing the copper key from his satchel Shadik unlocked the door and pushed onwards, his jaw set and posture ready for combat.

The door let to a small hallway where at the end another, smaller single wooden door remained slightly ajar. Moving close to it, Shadik pressed his ears against the wood in hopes to reveal any activity from the other side. He could detect no movements or any kind of audible communication, so opening the door with wary slowness he slipped inside, expecting a kind of ambush.

None was forthcoming, at least not immediately. The c-shaped low lit room appeared a kind of storage room for boxes, chests, even a couple of animal pens not quite large enough to be stables. Other miscellaneous equipment was piled around various areas of the room, so before moving on Shadik helped himself to the containers and chests he thought that may hold something helpful. They didn't of course, only basic trinkets and stones among a couple of scrolls (which, despite his elven lineage, had no use to him as he possessed no magical aptitude) were stored. Not really put by the lack of helpful loot, Shadik turned towards sharp bend that curved inwards and began his way to the next area.

Just as another wooden door came in sight, he heard the sound of magic behind him. Wheeling around and readying his sword in an instant, Shadik saw the same dark mage he had encountered earlier.

"What! You survived!" he called with obvious vexation.

"Again, sorry to disappoint."

"It matters not, you will die here!" more goblins spawned as the mage fled again, leaving his minions to do his dirty work.

"This is really getting old..." he muttered, then dashed towards the trio of goblins. They appeared a little more alert than the ones he faced earlier, one even cunning enough to try and flank him while he cut down one of his comrades, but still they proved little more than an annoyance. Ads the final goblin from behind tried to backstab him, Shadik simple delivered a swift kick which sent him sprawling to the ground. Before the unfortunate goblin had time to recover, Arìnes had pierced through its chest, killing it almost instantly.

Out of all the creatures possible, why would they invade with globins? Shadik found himself wondering as continued on his course. They can be threatening in large numbers however...

Putting the questions at the back of his mind for now, Shadik focused on the task at hand. He had to move quickly if he wanted to make sure the Waterdhavian Creatures were not lost to the enemy. Pushing open another door he stalked into a room that looked like the academy setting once more. Taking a moment to adjust to the lighter surroundings, Shadik steeled himself when he heard scurrying footsteps heading his way. Reading his sword, Shadik was ready to fling out but was stopped by the sound of a familiar voice.

"Hey, hey it's me it's me, Pavel!" the voice pleaded alarmed as Shadik lunged toward him. He stopped a few feet in front of Pavel, stunned to see the recruit.

"By the hells, you nearly got yourself killed!" The half-elf admonished. "Make sure next time you make it clear you're not the enemy."

"I'm sorry" Pavel said with an innocent look. Now equipped with a large shield and flail, he looked like a scared novice going out to war for the first time. "I'm kind of new to this... I thought those globins would be the death of me."

Shadik groaned inwardly. Goblins are only the easiest of creatures to slay... thank god they didn't come in with something thing capable like ogres or orcs...

Then why didn't you try and flee with the rest?" Shadik asked, pushing past him.

"They... they killed my brother Bim!" he cried. Shadik turned to see he was shaking.

Was that the guy guarding to door to the dorms? Shadik wondered, casting his mind back.

"Please! You have to take me with you, I can be of help!" he pleased. I didn't even have to consider it.

"Pavel, I'm sorry but you'd likely just get in the way... I feel for your loss, and if you'd let me, I'd punish those in your place, however that is all I can do..."

Pavel shook his head. "I know a seasoned adventurer like you would see someone like me as a nuisance but I beg you, let me help you! I'm not totally useless; I managed to spy some skeletons moving around as well." He waved his flail. "This will be the perfect tool; even you must know swords aren't that effective against such creatures."

"I've dealt with them before, I'll find a way" Shadik replied coldly. He didn't have time to be arguing with someone so green he was surprised he was able to get as far as he did in the training.

A door from the other side of the library room (almost identical in appearance to the one opposite the dorm) room opened. Several goblins and skeletons came rushing towards the two of them, they're weapons flailing wildly.

"Alright listen, stay behind me. When I charge out towards them, you follow, picking off any enemies I'm not engaged with." Pavel appeared to stiffen at the impromptu battle. "Target the skeletons if you can, hit them either in the body or head to get a quick kill, got it?" Pavel agreed breathlessly, and then Shadik was off, darting towards the enemies. Three goblins followed by three skeletons from behind them surged forward. Shadik fanned around them with natural grace, blocking and dodging where necessary. Behind him Shadik could hear Pavel's clunky movements as he heaved the flail into one of the animated dead. It collapsed under the spiked ball with surprising ease.

Shadik had already done away with the three goblins and turned his attention to the two remaining skeletons.

"I got the one on the right!" Shadik called, lunged forward, using turning his blade flat so to add a little bit for bludgeon power. He swung it like a club, and while not nearly as effective, after a third swing he was able to crush the skeleton's ribcage.

Pivoting towards Pavel, Shadik saw the recruit having a little trouble with his second adversary. The undead creature had grappled onto Pavel, making it impossible to swing his weapon.

"Use your shield" Shadik advised. Pavel managed to push the skeleton away and gain a small space momentarily, which he used to bash it with his shield. The skeleton tumbled to the ground, where Pavel finished it with a swing of his flail.

"Now you're getting the hang of it" Shadik commented as Pavel fell to his knees, panting heavily. Sweat dripped off his face like rain, his eyes full of terror and adrenaline.

"This... this is insane..." Pavel rasped.

By god, he really is green... "Perhaps it's best you remained here" Shadik suggested.

Pavel then bolted up right, his eyes burning with determination. "No, I can handle it" he assured. "Please, let me follow you."

Shadik sighed but reluctantly agreed. "Very well. Just stay behind me and do exactly what I say. No need for any heroics, I know some of you young ones get funny ideas in your heads about that..."

Pavel smirked warily. "I wouldn't worry about that. After all, you're the hero." Shadik snorted but said no more as he led onwards.

They spilled into the central area of the academy, a thin hallway which, much like the rest of the layout was square in design. Branching off the hallway on were inner rooms that spanned off each side, creating a kind of square within a square. Pavel proved to be of little help navigation wise, as it was his first time in the deep recesses of the academy as well. Groups of skeletons and goblins tried to waylay them as they searched through any rooms they came across in hopes they would stumble across the Waterdhavian creatures. As it turned out, it wouldn't be so simple. After searching through three rooms in what felt like a maze, they came across a noticeably different room. The door to it for a start was locked, to which Shadik turned to Pavel and asked if he had any skill in lock picking. He was doubtful, and rightfully so.

"No sorry, thievery isn't really my thing" Pavel replied slightly embarrassed.

No, of course not Shadik thought morbidly. Instead he borrowed Pavel's flail and bashed the door down. It gave way easily enough, only requiring two swings and a subsequent kick to knock it down.

Inside the room was lit and well maintained. There was no sign of obvious plunder or the looks of any struggle. A large, protruding stone statue chiselled into a warrior holding a shield and sword, its face devoid of any detail stood in the centre. Behind it, he saw a flicker of movement and heard a raspy cough, to which Shadik shifted uneasily. He turned to Pavel and motioned him to come around left while he would right as a kind of pincer attack. Pavel nodded and they both began to move silently, hoping to ambush their pray.

"Wait, wait, I'm a harmless old man!" a voice croaked. Shadik halted but did not relax as an elderly man with a long snow white beard walked out from the statue, his hands held high in a non-threatening gesture.

"It's Geldar!" Pavel boomed with surprise. "Good to see you're alive!"

Shadik studied the weary old man of whom he had never seen, then began to relax.

"He is in charge of instructing the new recruits who... well, lack battle experience" Pavel enlightened.

Geldar looked at the boy and smiled. "Good to see your still alive as well young one. This be a dangerous place, and many fierce enemies lie ahead."

"Then why have I not met him before?" Shadik asked, a little suspicious. "After all, I was only admitted a few days ago."

"I deal with the young and inexperienced usually" he said, his voice trembling slightly.

"This is Shadik, an adventurer who was invited to join at the academy."

"Ah" the old man said knowingly. "You're taking him under you wing eh?"

"I'd hardly call it that..." Shadik murmured uneasily. Pavel gave an embarrassed laugh.

"No no, nothing so grand. So what are you doing here?"

"I was around here when the attack broke out. An elderly man like me is in no shape to fight nor to flee, so I holed myself up here until it's over."

"Do you know where the Waterdhavian creatures are being held?" Shadik pressed eagerly.

"Wait, the Waterdhavian creatures?" Pavel asked suddenly. "You mean the rumours are true?"

Shadik gave a vexed sigh. "Yes, I was send by Aribeth to find them, she believes that is what the attack is really about."

"I'm sorry son, but I'm only a mere theory instructor, I know not the inner working of this academy. Sorry I cannot be of more help."

"Very well. We've cleared out most of the enemies on the way here I think, so you should be safe to try and flee."

"Nay, I think I'll take my chances here" the old man said. Shadik shrugged indifferently.

"Have it your way then. Pavel, let's get moving." He moved towards the other side of the room where another door awaited.

"Yes sir" Pavel said, scurrying after him.

They continued to about the inner sanctum of the academy with rising urgency. It became evident at this point that the unknown invaders were willing to tear the entire place upside down in if that were what it took to find their objective. Shadik no longer had any doubt that the targets were the Waterdhavian creatures, and the fact he hadn't found the yet filled him with a sense of unease.

Scooting through more corridors, the two of them swept every room crevice in their search. So far they had managed to find more goblin and skeleton enemies doing what appeared to be the same thing. They managed to do nothing but slow the duo down for the most part, their numbers too small and far in between to be of any real threat, yet Shadik knew that they were far from the real force at work here.

They came across more storage rooms, library wings and small common room in their search. They had been plundered; the few creatures unlucky enough to linger quickly met their end as Shadik's frustration began to boil over.

Damn it she could have given me some directions! His mind thought furiously as he kept up the jogging pace, gliding own yet another hallway. Behind him Pavel panted loudly, struggling to keep up with the half-elf's natural stamina. Not only that, his thick mesh of mail armour rattled loudly as he heaved, removing any would-be hopes of a stealthy pre-emptive.

They came across another door, although this time instead of pushing it open, Shadik came to a halt. He moved up his hand to signal Pavel to do the same. Who was all too happy to oblige, a change in pace suiting Pavel nicely as he attempted to regain his lost energy.

"Have you had much experience with heavy armour before the academy?" Shadik asked as he put his ear to the door. He heard faint footsteps, murmurs of conversation within the next room.

"No, not really" Pavel admitted between deep breaths.

"Well your armour is heavy, suited towards front on combat. Its strength lies that it can absorb some of the heaviest blows by both sword and mace; however it's cumbersome and taxing on the body when worn for prolonged periods of time, especially in situations where a lot of movement is necessary."

Pavel looked down at his blue and white splint armour. "But it's never been a problem when I've trained before" Pavel managed.

"There's a difference between training in heavy armour and living in it. Remember, not only is thicker armour louder and more cumbersome, it's hard on the body, especially to one who isn't accustomed to it."

Pavel flushed a little, embarrassed. "I'm sorry" he admitted. "I just thought..."

"Never mind that now; it's just something to consider for the future." He paused a few moments. "There's seems to be a bit of activity in this room... be on your guard."

They moved into the next room, which, Shadik noticed as he entered, had another two access points in the form of identical wooden doors on either side of him.

So this is a kind of main room... excellent, this must mean we're getting close...

It was a large room with that appeared to section itself off into a sub-room on the other half; large gaping arches and stone walls carved it into two smaller oval rooms within a large square one. The half they entered was empty, however head, and pass the large arches and walls, a larger group of skeletons and goblins then either of them had encountered were waiting.

Before Shadik could plan a way of attack, they were spotted. One of the little yellow humanoids squealed loudly, gaining the attention of its nearby allies. They rushed towards them in a large wave of perhaps twelve all up. Behind Shadik Pavel stiffened with surprise.

"Hold your nerve there kid, it's nothing to worry about. Just focus on one at a time and keep moving, don't allow yourself to be circled or cornered."

Shadik sprung out towards one of the upside down U shape overhanging arches, cutting down three goblins before they had a chance to spill in. More came down to try and flank him, But Shadik's peripherals were good, he kept tumbling and moving, keeping up a small distance between his foes.

Pavel for his part was having a little more trouble. He was already exhausted, and the heavy armour made it increasingly difficult for him to stay limber.

A group of skeletons this time tried to converge upon Shadik, drawing his attention away from Pavel. Shadik crushed them quickly, using the flat side or his sword's pommel to crush the frail bones of his enemies.

Shadik heard painful shout come from Pavel and despite the number one rule of battle, he turned his back momentarily on his enemies to glance the situation. Pavel was on his knees, bloods tricking down his left eye.

"Pavel ,keep your shield up!" Pavel managed to move the large shield to cover his face and body just as one of the goblins jumped toward him with its short sword, slashing at his face. It struck the metal of his shield and bounced off, the goblin hitting the ground with a painful grunt.

Shadik rushed towards where Pavel was and cut down the goblin before it could properly recover.

There were still a good half dozen of goblins and skeletons left, and they began to descend upon the two of them. The Goblins showed a little more restraint on their part, opting to stay behind as the last three skeletons charged forward.

They both lashed out, downing two of them immediately. Yet as the third one approached, Shadik spied the bubble of blue mage energies surging towards them.

Shit!

Shadik had only enough time to lunge away as three spheres of glittering blue energies shot towards them. The half-elf didn't have the time to notify Pavel, whose body absorbed brunt of a direct blow that sent him crashing back a few yards with a painful cry. The other two Shadik was able to avoid, but only just.

Magic Missiles... There's a mage somewhere!

The spell wasn't strong enough to kill, or at least Shadik didn't think. Pavel moaned painfully, but save for a nasty bruise and a sore abdomen, he would be all right. Scanning the room ahead, Shadik saw what he should have when he first entered.

Or perhaps he managed to manifest during the melee...

"This ends here you worms!" the mage called. It was the same one that had harassed Shadik on two other occasions. Darting towards him, Shadik rushed to end the threat quickly.

The mage began to weave another spell, his hands moving while he muttered furiously. Shadik moved into an all out sprint, intending to get to the mage before he could finish the incantation. Only a few yards away, Shadik thought he was going to unknown mage only smiled under his veil.

He unleashed another barrage of Magic Missiles, and now that Shadik had closed the distance to a few yards, he was too close to evade them. One slammed into his right shoulder (the arm not wielding Arìnes, thank heavens for small blessings) and another in his right leg. The subsequent force sent him spiralling toward the ground, where the third missiles just whizzed past his head.

He crashed and rolled past the mage, his momentum carrying him onwards. He heard the mage Laugh, his victory already assured in his mind, but Shadik was able to use the momentum roll back on his feet. The mage turned in his direction, surprised to see him upright, and Shadik jumped off his good right leg, plunging the sword into the mage's chest before he had a chance to cast another spell.

The mage spluttered as crimson pooled out of his chest and mouth. Yet even dying, the dark mage's laughter still rang.

"It is too late" he managed with a mouthful of blood. "You...are all...doomed!" He went slack, and like the rest, as Shadik pulled his blade free, his body dispersed, leaving only his black raiment's behind.

However excitement of the battle had let his mind slip one important thing: There was still another skeleton left. Forgotten in his rush to stop the mage, it lunged towards him from behind. Caught off guard, Shadik wasn't able to do little more then move his blade in front of him. The unarmed foe grabbed his blade and held it still, the bone showing no problems with handling the serrated edges. The other arm thrust forward. Shadik tried to use his other arm to defend, but a blistering pain seared down the shoulder causing him to grunt with both pain and irritation. The gnarled hand clamped around the half-elf's throat, squeezing with an inhuman force.

Then an impact reverberated throughout the skeletal body, and he grip went slack as Shadik heard bones hitting the floor. Pavel stood behind it, flail in one hand, his other nursing his ribs, a small grin spread over his ashen face.

"Told you I'm not totally useless" he said, his grin widening.

Shadik grunted in pain but gave him a thumbs up. "Classic example of getting to far ahead of yourself" Shadik explained between strained breaths. "But thank you none the less."

Shadik dropped to a sitting position, examining his leg and shoulder. His leg was only glanced although bruising and swelling had already begun. Giving it a quick stretch, he found that the pain was only a discomforting one, like he had knocked it particularly hard.

His shoulder however emitted pain with every movement of his right arm. He rotate it slightly before the pain flared, putting to rest any fears of serious damage or breaks. Yet it would still prove a problem.

"Are you alright?" Pavel asked, concerned.

"Yeah, just making sure nothing is broken" Shadik replied, testing his arm out a little more. It was bruised badly and would likely need a while to recover, but for now he'd have to continue as it is. Using his good arm, he fetched a bottle of green-blue liquid within a large jar, popped off the top with his thumb, then opened his mouth and let half of the contents slide down his throat.

After he had drain half of it he removed it, spluttering a little with a sickened expression plastered on his face. He then passed the remaining liquid to Pavel, who had remained politely silent.

"Drink this; it'll help with the pain a little."

Pavel accepted the jar, but appeared content to look at it as if some alien object.

"Is there a problem?" The half elf asked as he added small pressure to the wounded shoulder. Pain flickered like a waning torch, but it was dulled to a point he could put it to the back of his mind.

"Sorry sir it's just... I've never actually drank a healing potion before."

"Well it isn't nice tasting, I'll give you the tip" Shadik returned, moving his arm with a lot more freedom. It still hurt, but it was bearable.

Pavel had trouble getting through the potion, taking frequent breaks to stop himself from heaving. "By the hells, this is putrid!"

"You'll get used to it" Shadik said, standing up and dusting himself off with a quick brush. Making a final check, he turned to Pavel to do the same.

"Ready" Pavel announced, although he still wore a sour expression. Taking a tentative step, he found great relief when the pain had dampened considerably. "Despite its taste, this stuff works miracles."

"Potions are a life saver all right. While not enough to save you from a mortal wound, it can tip the favour if it's fifty-fifty." He paused; aware he was giving a lesson again like a kind of instructor. "It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents that will help the healing process. Never leave without a few readily accessible."

Pavel, who seemed to treat every word coming from Shadik a gospel from god, nodded solemnly. With nothing more to say, they breached the last wooden door of the academy.

The sounds of battle rushed towards them as they entered the large stables. A horde of goblins were running rampart within the barn, and further behind them was an older greying man and a younger half elf, both of them equipped with long crossbows.

"I must escape!" he heard a shrill voice call. Towards a stack of hay near one of the large storage containers to the side was a blonde dryad, her face a mask of shock horror. Goblins approached her and she wailed, her hands moving quickly to cast a spell. The next moment she was gone, but that was all Shadik registered before he entered the fray. He, Pavel and the two unknown men made quick work of the goblin horde, laying waste to them with merciless precision and quickness. Yet it was too late. The creatures they had sought so hard to protect had escaped their clutches, fleeing into the city.

"We came to late... the creatures are lost, the academy students slain... No! How could this happen!" The pallid half elf broke down, his eyes a desolate under his well groomed hair.

A gruff voice from the old man beside him replied; "All is lost Fenthick. The nymph has fled; the Yuan-ti and other creatures have escaped into the streets of the city." His voice, harsh and seemingly full of contempt, lowered a little. "And where was Aribeth in all of this?" The soft quality of his voice seemed to amplify his distain.

"I'm her stand in" Shadik injected calmly. The elder man, his red and grey hide armour a hallmark among the Helmites (a group of famous clerics from Helm's Hold to south of Neverwinter) wheeled towards Shadik, his eyes large and unbelieving.

"You are a student she sent? Did Aribeth really think someone like this could defend the Waterdhavian creatures?" he turned back to the half elf called Fenthick in desperation. "She should have come herself! Is she really so blind Fenthick?"

"Desther" Fenthick said, and although his voice was controlled, it had a note of strong warning within it. "I will have you speak no more ill of Lady Aribeth. She was only doing what she thought was right."

"Bah" the Helmite spat. "I know of the feelings you two share together. Yet your misled blind faith changes nothing, it was a mistake to house the creatures here."

The half elf looked ready to dispute the fact further, but before he could the Helmite turned heel and moved towards the large doors at the end of the stable. "I will leave you and Aribeth to clean up this mess Fenthick. I must go and make arrangements to recover the cure Aribeth so carelessly lost."

Shadik turned to the elf called Fenthick, arching an eyebrow. The elf shook his head, sighing dishearteningly.

"You must forgive Desther" the elf spoke softly. "The strain of the plague weighs heavily on the Helmites, who do all they can to treat the afflicted." His face, boyish and well kept, had radiance despite his dampened demeanour. If true, it was easy to see why Aribeth would choose him as a love interest. "Desther is their leader, who has worked long and hard to ease the suffering as best he can. This latest setback has... upset him greatly. He paused again before forcing a wan smile.

"I'm Fenthick Moss by the way, priest of Tyr and companion to lady Aribeth.

Companion eh? Shadik found himself wondering. He pushed the thought away as soon as it had come, it was irrelevant, what they shared was of no business to him.

"Shadik Raines."

His grin widened a fraction. "Aribeth has spoken a lot about you; she has high hopes for you."

"What happened here?" Shadik asked. "I'm guessing the creatures I saw upon entry were the ones we were trying to protect?"

"Desther and I arrived here with reinforcements shortly after the attack began. By then it... was already too late." He gave another sigh. "We thought we had it well hidden... In any event, we met up with Aribeth in the south assembly hall, fighting off a small army of masked assailants. She told us to go ahead to catch up with one of her students she sent. And here we are."

"Apologies, I'd have been quicker if I had known my way to the creatures..."

Fenthick waved it off with a quick flick of his hand. "Nay, it is no one's fault but perhaps lady misfortune. You have done well where many would have been killed. But in any event, we have to do all we can to retrieve the lost creatures. None of them as far as we can tell were killed, so they've fled into the city somewhere. There is still hope."

Fenthick turned to Shadik, his posture straight and tone formal."You seem by all rights a very capable fighter Shadik, even those who have had the privilege of instructing you have said as such. It is someone like you we will need request the help of if we're to have any chance at getting back the Waterdhavian creatures."

Shadik eyed him a little mistrustfully. "What kind of roll do role do you have in mind?" His voice was blatantly hesitant, as is his nature when involving something of great responsibility.

"That I cannot say" Fenthick returned evenly. "That is for Lady Aribeth to decide. She has requested a personal meeting with you in the in the Halls of Justice in the coming week.

A request? Shadik laughed inwardly. You and I both know this is a 'request' I cannot decline.

"Very well, I'll meet with her as soon as I can." His right shoulder throbbed more noticeably now that the surge of battle had left him. After I bathe and a have an ale or two of course.

Fenthick offered a smile. "Thank you Shadik. Aribeth will have more information for you so you won't be kept so much in the dark." He paused. "Although how much light I'm not sure, we'll all in the dark here."

Shadik nodded, and was ready to bid the elf farewell before a he had a final question to ask. "What of the academy instructors? Were there any survivors?"

Fenthick's smile faded. "Very few... most of them were killed unfortunately."

Shadik felt his mood darken further. Olgerd... "Then I'll meet Lady Aribeth within the week then. Is there anything else?"

A brief smile flickered on the pale half-elf's lips. "Do you need...directions?"

It took Shadik a moment to register Fenthick was making a jest in accordance to his earlier statement of having to go through each room of the academy to find the creatures. He returned the smile with a thin one of his own. "I think I'll be fine. It's within the city's temple, correct?"

Fenthick nodded. "Well then, until we meet again Shadik, take care, and well met." He then followed the direction the Helmite had taken earlier, pushing open the large doors and entering the city streets.

Shadik turned to see Pavel had waited behind him patently. He was trembling a little, his eyes wet with fresh tears.

"Sounds like quite the honour" Pavel managed with a smile. "We knew you were special."

"For someone who's never been in battle... you did rather well" Shadik replied. "You have done well to avenge your brother's unfortunate passing. He would be proud."

The mention of his brother's name sent a new wave of anguish throughout Pavel, yet it was mixed with appreciation for the kind words. "Thank you Shadik. If not for you, I doubt I'd have made it out a life, I owe you it and a lot more."

"Then you may have a chance to repay that debt. Meet me in the Halls of Justice. I have a feeling this is going to be no easy task, and I'll likely need some help."

Pavel looked stupefied at the request. "But... wouldn't you be better seeking out a trained mercenary or adventurer? I'm just a recruit; I hardly see how I could be of any help."

"I don't trust mercenaries, and yes you're new, however you do have some potential." Shadik's mind flashed back to the battles they encountered in the academy. "This is your chance to be a hero or whatever it is you wish to be."

"I'm... no hero. Heck, all I wanted to do was curl up in a corner and hide. Those aren't the thoughts of a hero."

"Wrong. That's exactly what makes a hero, acknowledging the fear, yet choosing not to give into it." There was a pause, Pavel seemingly at a loss for words.

"It's just a request; if you really feel you're not up to it I'd not begrudge you. I'll be presenting myself to the lady tomorrow at midday, after I gather supplies and give myself a rest. If you want to accompany me, be there."

"Accompany?" Pavel asked. "You know what task Lady Aribeth will set?"

Shadik shook his head. "Not for sure, however if I had to guess, especially the way that elf Fenthick went about it... I'd say it will involve recapturing the Waterdhavian creatures. It'll be dangerous whatever it is, of that I have no doubt. So think about it for a while, and I you wish to, meet me in front of the Halls of Justice tomorrow at noon." With that, Shadik said no more, waltzing out of the barn as Desther and Fenthick had previously, and lost himself in the chaos that had gripped the city streets.