Serena stopped as she looked around in the gloom. She couldn't shake the feeling they were being watched, even though she and Deekin had dispatched the drow scouts when they had first entered this level.
"What's wrong, boss?" Deekin asked.
"I'm not sure, Deek. I have the feeling that we're not alone,' Serena answered as her left hand came to rest on the hilt of Enserric.
Almost as if Serena's words were a signal, a single drow female stepped out from the shadows, her hands raised to show they were empty. It was obvious by the look on her face that she was uncertain about this and was being cautious. "Stay your weapons. I mean you no harm."
"Who are you and whom do you serve?" inquired Serena.
"My name is Nathyrra and I serve the Seer. You are Serena Darkstar aren't you?" the dark elf replied.
"I am," the battle priestess confirmed. "You know my name?" she asked, as her hand that had been resting on Enserric now had fallen to her side.
Nathyrra smiled slightly. "Your reputation precedes you, Serena. I know who you are. You're something of a legend among my people."
That made Serena frown. It didn't make much sense. "Your people? As in the drow, or?" she asked, wanting more information.
Nathyrra frowned slightly: how to explain this? "Yes, my people are drow, but we are not like those that have invaded Undermountain and attack the surface. We are different, we are… rebels."
"I don't know, boss. Deekin not know much about drow, but they be bad news," the kobold remarked.
"For once I agree with the kobold. The only good drow is a dead drow," Enserric added.
Serena looked down sharply at the sword. "If you don't want me selling you to the djinni, you'd be wise to remain silent," she said sternly. Enserric knew he had better not say anything. While Serena had put up with most of his comments and wisecracks, this had obviously touched a nerve and she was far from happy. "Sorry about that. These sentient weapons can be a handful," Serena said.
"That is alright, we are used to such suspicion," Nathyrra said. "We want to help you, Serena, help you free Halaster so you can stop the forces of the Valsharess from attacking Waterdeep."
Serena raised an eyebrow at that. "The Valsharess? If I remember my drow correctly, that either means 'Empress' or 'Queen' in Common. Knew the matron mothers had an overly high opinion of themselves, but to have the gall for one to call herself that? Somehow I can't see Lloth approving. Can you?" she asked rhetorically.
Nathyrra had to smile. "You are well informed, Serena. The Valsharess is the ruler of House Kilath, from the faction of drow that has recently risen to prominence. Her forces have captured Halaster, giving them free access through Undermountain and allowing them to strike at the very heart of Waterdeep. But not all drow follow the Valsharess. There are some of us who oppose her, and we will do whatever we can to break her power."
"So how do I fit into this? Not that I'm sure I fully trust you yet," Serena said.
"I don't blame you, Serena. The drow do have a reputation for treachery, and you would be foolish to blindly trust me. If it's any help I don't fully trust you yet either."
Serena chuckled. "Story of my life, for some reason."
Nathyrra arched an eyebrow at Serena's odd remark but said nothing "At this point, I'm only here to provide you with information, nothing more."
"So can you tell me about the rebels, then?" the battle priestess asked.
"We are a group of rebels and outcasts. Some of us chose to leave the evil of drow society willingly. Others were driven out or banished by misfortune and circumstance." As Nathyrra spoke, she saw the effect her words had on Serena, for the human woman's eyes lost their focus as though she were seeing a memory. After a few seconds they became focused on Nathyrra again." I… I don't think I should say anymore, not yet. In any case, you should focus on freeing Halaster…"
At this Serena snorted. "At this point I'd rather just kill him," she said darkly. "Some of the things he has done here make my blood boil. Torm give me restraint when I find him, otherwise my blade will find his neck." The pure rage and hatred of the mad wizard was plain to see in the battle priestess's eyes. "However, we need him alive. More is the pity." She sighed, resigned to the fact that she couldn't just cut off Halaster's head as much as she wanted to. Not to mention that Torm would most likely not approve of her doing such a thing.
"Before you go, Serena, there is something you should know. To the southwest the drow have enslaved a colony of formians by capturing their queen. Kill the drow that guard her, and you'll have their help in defeating the drow war party that lies between you and the exit to this area," Nathyrra said. "Also, you'll deny the drow the use of the formians' borrowing abilities that they have been using to cut their way through Undermountain to the surface."
"Thank you for the information, Nathyrra. But I guess we'd better be going." the battle priestess replied.
"Goodbye, Serena, and good luck. Perhaps we'll meet again sometime." With that Nathyrra melted back into the shadows.
Serena found herself smiling. "So much like Solaufein, it's scary."
Deekin looked up. "Who be Solaufein, boss?"
Looking down, she gave the kobold an affectionate rub on the head. "Oh, just a drow I once knew. No one of any importance, Deek," Serena said dismissively. She didn't really want the bard snooping into her past. Even so, Deekin made a few notes in his book.
The Seer looked questioningly at Imloth and Solaufein. "Can you please repeat that, Lieutenant?" she asked.
"I saw Patron Protector Tebimar getting drunk in the public house and aided and abetted him in that endeavour, which resulted in my obtaining the information that I've just presented to you, Seer. I admit it isn't much, but it is something to be wary of, certainly," Solaufein said.
The information that Solaufein had passed on was indeed sketchy. It seemed most of Tebimar's time was being consumed by keeping up with Zesyyr's various plots to gain control of House Mavi'ir from the Matron. This had led the man to drink more than he normally would, as it was very stressful. But recently Tebimar had began to doubt his mistress's sanity, as he'd been sure he'd heard her utter something about an alliance with the Valsharess when the Matron had thought he was out of ear shot. That's all he needed, an insane mistress and a scheming daughter. That had led Tebimar to get himself well and truly drunk out of his mind.
"What in the goddess's name made you do this?" the Seer asked. Imloth just managed to keep a straight face. However, Solaufein grinned.
"As I told the Commander, this was the kind of thing I used to do for House Despana back in Ust Natha, Seer. I was the one who would know what was worth knowing in the city, or would be able to find out." Solaufein said.
"Very well, thank you for bringing this to my attention," the Seer said. "I will have to consider this carefully." She waved the two men away and they saluted, then left her office.
It didn't take Serena and Deekin too long to locate where the drow had the formian queen held. Dealing with the drow guards was a little more tricky, but in a few minutes they'd dispatched the majority of the drow. The few that had escaped Serena's immediate notice were soon killed by the formian workers. After freeing the queen, Serena then set about destroying the main drow camp, and with the aid of the formians, that didn't take too long.
Now Serena and Deekin were walking through a large cavern, when Nathyrra materialised from the shadows. "We meet again. Somehow I knew we would."
"Look sharp, boss," whispered Deekin. While Serena seemed to trust the mysterious drow woman, Deekin just wasn't sure.
"It's good to see you again, Nathyrra."
This threw Nathyrra almost completely. "Uh… thank you. It's good to see you too," she stammered. "I have to warn you about something. You're coming up on a large encampment of the Valsharess's forces. If you take this bridge, you'll be walking right into them. Also they have two ballista set up on a ridge behind the camp. If you attack head on, they'll smash you to bits." Then Nathyrra grinned. "However, I know there is a secret passage to the north that you can use to sneak behind the ballista, to capture them and rain death on the Valsharess's drow with their own siege weapons."
Serena grinned wickedly. "Not exactly a fair fight, is it? But who said the drow fight fair? Thank you for telling me, Nathyrra."
Nathyrra found herself smiling as well. "I'm glad I could be of assistance. I had better go now, Serena, but before I do, I've seen a beholder lurking round here. It's possible that they are using it to guard the hidden passage that leads to the ballista."
"Hmm, I wonder if it's the one that zapped us back at the Yawning Portal? If so, I should return the favour. Looks like we're going beholder hunting, Deek," Serena said.
The little kobold hopped from foot to foot. "Boss!" he cried. "Beholders be big and scary and full of magic. Deekin don't want to get hit by that again, boss!"
Serena knelt down to be at eye level with her reptilian friend. "Deekin, beholders can be killed just like anything else. Sure, they're big and shoot magic out of their eyes, but their bodies can't take much physical damage. That's the price they pay for their power. The key to fighting beholders is to know you're going to be fighting some and prepare accordingly. Luckily we know, thanks to Nathyrra, that there is at least one beholder floating about round here." She stood up. "Come on, Deek, I won't let the big scary beholder zap you."
Reassured by her speech, the kobold grinned a tooth filled grin. "Okay, boss, let's go beholder hunting." Nathyrra had already left as silently as she'd arrived.
Soon enough they had found the beholder, and it did seem to be guarding the secret passage, as it was floating back and forth right where they needed to go. "Damn, looks like we're doing this the hard way. Deek, stay back and cover me with your crossbow. I'll see if I can sneak up behind it," Serena said, after watching the beholder for a few minutes. There was something vaguely familiar about this beholder, Serena thought, but it was hard to tell in the oppressive gloom of the cavern.
Serena crept slowly up behind the beholder, with Daystar drawn and ready to strike. She'd just gotten within striking distance when the beholder spun round suddenly to face her. Serena froze, and Deekin almost had a heart attack. The beholder's eye stalks swung round wildly in surprise.
Serena slowly lowered her weapon. "Spectator? What in the hells are you doing here in the middle of Undermountain?" she asked.
"I could ask you the same, now couldn't I?" the beholder replied, amused. "But I suspect I already know. As to what I'm doing here, same thing as the last two occasions we met, Serena. Honouring a deal, nothing more, though I truly wish the drow would leave me alone. It's getting monotonous."
"So what do I have to do this time to get past you?' she asked.
Spectator's eye stalks swivelled round, looking at the area where they stood. Deekin had come to strand by Serena. "I have no idea. I was told to guard this area for some reason, though I haven't seen anything worth guarding, I must say."
Serena grinned at the odd beholder. "There is apparently a secret passage down there that leads to an area behind the drow's ballista emplacements," she said, pointing down the seemingly dead end path.
Spectator's main eye blinked. "Is that all?" The beholder seemed disappointed. "It explains why you want to get past me. If the drow were that worried about a secret passage, they should have collapsed it, then shouldn't they?" the beholder said, as he began to float away. He stopped and an eye stalk turned round to face Serena. "It's been good to see you again!" Spectator said, then off he floated, leaving the way clear.
"Boss?" Deekin whispered. "Was that the beholder you be telling Deekin about?" They'd made it through the secret passage and now had to be quiet as there were drow near by, above them on the ridge overlooking their camp.
Serena nodded as she looked through her pack. "Yes, Deek, that was indeed Spectator. Told you he wasn't a bad fellow for a beholder." Then she grinned. "Ah, found them. Thought I had some invisibility potions in here." She had in her hand two vials of reddish coloured liquid.
"Boss got a plan?" Deekin asked enthusiastically.
"Indeed I do, Deek. We drink these, then make our way to the two ballista and fire them. Soon as we do though, it will break the invisibility spell, but it won't matter. Just be ready to take out the operator, as things will get fast and furious very quickly. You stay back and cover me with your crossbow and magic. We'll let them come to us if we can. We should have an advantage holding the high ground," Serena said, explaining her plan, such as it was, to the kobold.
So they drank the invisibility potions and made their way up to the ridge that overlooked the drow camp. Serena took the ballista directly in front of them which was seated to the right of the narrow path that led down into the camp proper. Deekin scurried over to the ballista that was on the far left side, and made it just as Serena fired her ballista. Following suit, Deekin fired his, and it was utter confusion below them in the drow camp as the two dozen drow were pelted with their own weapons.
Serena and Deekin now stood near the top of the narrow path and waited for the drow to counter attack, which didn't take too long as up the path came three blade masters. Serena held them at bay and wore them down. Deekin might have been small, but he was unnervingly accurate with his crossbow. If Serena wasn't so busy fighting, she could probably have appreciated how funny it was when a drow blade master suddenly clutched his groin area where a crossbow bolt or two protruded.
Serena surveyed the camp and noticed that several clerics and wizards were getting ready to cast. She couldn't be having that. So she kicked the last blade master hard in the stomach which made him topple backward and into two more soldiers that were coming up the path, causing all three to land in a heap at the bottom. This gave the battle priestess enough time to cast her own spells, namely four hammer of the gods fired off in quick succession, and followed up by two flame strikes for good measure. This bombardment of divine fury killed several of the wizards while badly wounding the clerics.
Serena now signalled Deekin to follow her as she ran down the narrow path into the camp. She dispatched the three drow at the bottom before they could fully recover from their tumble. Making their way around the camp slowly, the intrepid pair dealt with all the drow in the camp the old fashioned way, one at a time. As soon as Serena saw a caster she'd charge them, dodging the more conventionally armed troops, then turning to fight them after the caster was dead.
Deekin wasn't idle though, as his small size gave him an advantage. Most of the drow paid no heed to him as he scurried after Serena. What threat could a small kobold possibly pose compared to a well armoured human? How wrong they were. Not only was he a deadly shot with his crossbow, he was handy with magic, and thanks to Serena's tutelage he was effective with a short sword as well. It was the latter weapon he used now as he ran among the drow, dealing out his own brand of pain. Due to his small stature, Deekin knew just where to hit the drow where it hurt. After about an hour or so of heavy combat, the camp was clear, and the two heroes could at last take a breather and rest up after the hard fighting.
"Thank the gods that's over with," Serena said as she rolled her arms and neck. "I haven't fought so hard in years."
"Deekin be glad it over too, boss," he said as he sat down. "I need a rest. Out of spells, back hurts, and feet is sore."
"I know what you mean, Deek," Serena said as she began to look through the drows' supply crates and storage chests to see if there was anything worth taking. The battle priestess burst out laughing when she found her spare clothing and other items that had been stolen by the drow assassin back in her room at the Yawing Portal. It wasn't finding her missing gear, but the note that had been stuffed among it that had made her laugh.
"Oh dear, that'll teach the drow," Serena said, as she tore up the note and began to pack her stolen belongings back into her pack. "Deek, we'll spend the night here as we both need a rest. I've got a feeling Halaster isn't far and we'll be as busy again tomorrow." With that, they settled down for the night to get a good night's sleep.
The next morning, the duo of Serena and Deekin entered the western part of the third level of Undermountain. They had only taken a few steps when a shadow off in the corner shifted to reveal Nathyrra, the drow that they had met twice before in Undermountain. Nathyrra had claimed to be part of a rebel faction of drow who wanted nothing more than to stop the Valsharess and her mad schemes. Serena was inclined to believe her, for she had some experience with drow who were not cut from the traditional mould. Deekin was understandably unsure, but he trusted Serena.
"It's good to see you once again, Nathyrra," Serena said, as the drow came nearer. "But we're going to have to stop meeting like this, people may start talking. And that would never do." Serena's eyes were filled with mirth.
Nathyrra stopped short. She'd only talked to this human twice before but Serena could still throw her off balance. "You are strange, Serena, but it is good to see you as well. You'll be pleased to know that you are almost at the end of your quest to rid Undermountain of the Valsharess's forces and free Halaster."
"Oh, now there is such a cheery thought…. Freeing Halaster," Serena deadpanned. "I have an aversion to powerful, mad wizards. But I can't really hold that against him, now can I?" she sighed.
Nathyrra looked a little worried. She had some mage abilities, and was rather proud of them, too. "You don't like wizards?" she asked.
Serena shook her head. "I didn't say that, Nathyrra. Some of my best friends are mages. I just have… personal reasons…. to loathe the powerful, mad kind like Halaster."
The drow merely nodded as there was obviously more to the story. "That is good to hear," Nathyrra said. "Halaster is being held through those doors and is guarded by some of the Valsharess's most trusted troops. It will not be an easy fight for us. But we must free Halaster." The drow pointed to two massive doors a short distance away. "If you need to take care of anything you'd better do it now before we enter, because we will be attacked on sight."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "You just said 'us'? I take it you will be joining Deekin and myself in this?"
"Yes, you'll need all the help you can get with the drow that are guarding the mad wizard," Nathyrra replied.
"Well then, let's get to it, shall we?" Serena said as she walked over to the massive doors, opening them with a good shove.
They soon saw Halaster. He was held captive by three stones emitting magical energy. Some high ranking drow priestess was making a demand about opening the portal to the Underdark. Then all hell broke loose as Serena and her companions were spotted. Arrows and bolts came down from the drow archers high above them. All that could be heard was the clash of steel, drow shouting orders, and the occasional scream of someone dying. Serena made a bee-line for the three stones that surrounded Halaster. She managed to shatter the first stone, but then Serena found herself fighting the drow priestess. Serena changed Daystar for the Flail of Ages and bashed the drow hard on the head, stunning the priestess. This gave Serena enough time to send the second stone into dust.
Serena was sent off balance as she felt something hard smash into her back. She soon recovered and turned to face the drow priestess. "Let's see how you fair against Carsomyr," Serena said as she unsheathed the large greatsword strapped to her back. The Holy Avenger was usually found in the hands of a paladin, but Serena had been gifted Carsomyr by Sir Keldorn Firecam when he retired from the Order of the Radiant Heart. The two women battled for a time but at last Serena delivered the death blow to the drow by succeeding in decapitating the priestess. Before the drow's now headless body had even hit the floor, Serena turned and brought Carsomyr down on the last of the stones holding the wizard Halaster captive. The stone shattered into a thousand little pieces and the mad magic user was free…. For some reason, Serena couldn't help but wonder whether that was a good thing.
"Look out!" yelled a drow somewhere off to her right. "The mad wizard is free. Don't let him unleash his magic!"
"Sorry!" replied Halaster cheerily. "Too slow. Now down you all go!" With that, the mage let loose a barrage of spells, killing the remaining drow in the camp.
Serena, Deekin and Nathyrra all approached Halaster warily, as he had the reputation for being nuttier than a fruitcake. Serena watched the strange mage as he brushed dust from his sleeves before he turned to her. "You're not the one I expected to see," he said. "But I'll let you live, since you set me free."
"You were expecting someone else?" Serena found herself asking. Or do I really want an answer to that, she thought. The next thing Serena knew there was a second Halaster in the cavern. Great, clones…. Why have I got a really bad feeling about this? Serena wondered.
"Finally you're here! What took you so long? I was beginning to think something was wrong!" exclaimed the first Halaster to the second.
The second Halaster didn't seem too upset. "Considering we're both clones you should know why I'm late! To lure out the matron I used you as bait! A brilliant trick, a wonderful trap! She'd come here to gloat and I'd pop in and ZAP!" The second Halaster glared at Serena and her friends. "But you meddlers ruined my plan by freeing my clone. Now the Valsharess won't dare come out of her home!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't know," was all Serena could think to say.
The first Halaster spoke, annoyed at the second. "Wait just a moment, my identical friend, you're confused and I want it to end. You're nothing but a safety device. I created a clone and put it on ice. I knew one day that I'd get in trouble! I'm the real Halaster you're just my double!"
The second Halaster shook his head. "I think you're mistaken, you were only a ploy. I let the drow catch you; you're naught but a toy! I know how you feel but you're not even real. You're just a double to save me from trouble! It's hard to accept but I'm afraid it's true. The original Halaster is me and not you!"
The first Halaster threw his hands up in exasperation. "Which is the clone and which is master? How will we know the real Halaster? I can't believe this has happened. What a disaster!"
Serena just rolled her eyes and looked up at the cavern ceiling, and asked "Why me?"
Both Halasters turned to face Serena, smiling coldly. "We'll settle this later when we're just one on one. But first the Valsharess must suffer for what she has done. Someone must get her, make her pay for her crime. I'd do it myself but I haven't the time!"
Serena felt a powerful spell being cast on her. "What did you just do to me, wizard?!" she asked, barely keeping her anger in check. She'd had enough of powerful, mad wizards to last her the rest of her life. The last time she'd had a run in with a wizard like this, it hadn't been pretty by any means. She'd eventually tracked the mage down and made him pay for what he'd done to her and her sister!
The first Halaster spoke. "Nothing much, just a spell to make sure you obey. I put a geas upon you, it's better this way. Down to the Underdark is where you will go. You're working for me now, you can't really say no."
Nathyrra looked sickened. "The geas will bind you to Halaster's service. He's compelled you to enter the Underdark and kill the Valsharess. If you don't obey him, you'll wither away and die."
"I know what a geas is, Nathyrra," Serena said through gritted teeth. "This is the thanks I get for helping you?"
The first Halaster smiled. "What can I say? Everyone knows I'm insane. No doubt you'll know better if this happens again. You have no choice but to do as I say. But once the Valsharess is dead, my spell goes away. After that I promise you'll truly be free... but don't do something foolish, like come after me."
"This… isn't …. over… wizard!" Serena rasped out as she fell to her knees, her heritage rebelling against her. Nathyrra took several paces back in shock when Serena turned to face her. The happy, open expression was gone and in its place, there was something dark and almost unworldly. Serena's eyes, usually bright green orbs, were dark and shadowed. Nathyrra dared not look into their depths - she was afraid of what she might see. "Deekin, Nathyrra stay back! I don't know if I can control this."
Both Halasters were visibly shocked by this unforeseen outcome. "What? What is happening to you?" they asked together.
Serena looked up at both mages. "Something that will mean your deaths if you do not remove the geas." Her eyes were now completely black and her skin was getting darker as well. Serena was slowly losing her internal battle. Soon both mages would be dead for what they had dared do.
Both Halasters then heard an echo in their heads. "Mortal wizard. You do not know what you meddle in. Remove the geas from the godchild, otherwise your life is forfeit."
"No!" cried the clones. "Why should we?"
The echo answered them. "Because the gods demand it. And I have already told you what will happen if you fail. Your life will be taken for that of the godchild. She is far more important than a mortal such as yourself."
Enraged, but with no other choice, both Halasters set about casting spells. The first cast time stop, the second removed the geas. Then they both teleported away.
Serena collapsed in an unconscious heap, but when she regained her senses and stood up, she was in a place she had never expected to see again. Serena stood in the middle of a large round room. There seemed to be several smaller rooms around the edge. Directly behind her was a massive doorway with a staircase leading to it. Two statues seemed to stand guard on either side. This was her abyssal domain, if she'd so chosen to take it. But why was it still intact? Surely it would have collapsed after she has turned Solar down? Though Solar had told the battle priestess that it had been formed by her subconscious will. The thought that her will alone had kept this place intact after all these years was a scary one indeed for Serena.
"Did I come here subconsciously or was I summoned?" Serena knew who would know. "Cespenar!" she called.
Cespenar, a small imp-like creature soon came into the main room. "Oooo, Great Master has come to visit Cespenar, oh yes!"
Serena grinned. "You kept this place well, Cespenar. Now, do you have a message for me?"
The little imp thought for a moment. "Oooo, Solar says to go to Great Master's throne room, she wants to speak to you."
"Thank you, Cespenar." Serena turned and walked up the staircase to the large doors and entered what was once Bhaal's throne room. The room had remained empty for many years. Standing in front of the throne was Solar, a divine being of unknown origin, who may well have preceded the gods themselves.
"We meet again, godchild, you who is of divine blood." Solar spoke in her usual melodic voice as she descended the throne's steps to meet Serena at its foot. Ironic, really, considering that the last time Serena had stood on this spot, she had just driven the blade of Carsomyr into Melissan's black heart.
"What is this about, Solar?" Serena asked.
"Your heritage, your throne, and the fate of Toril and the hells," replied Solar matter of factly.
"I thought I was done with that," Serena said, folding her arms.
"As did I, godchild, but it was no accident that it was you who found the Relic of the Reaper in the Plane of Shadow."
"What do you know about that, Solar?" Serena didn't like the sound of this.
"Enough to know that you can stop what has been set in motion by he that seeks to break free. You will stop him. How is beyond my sight but you may have to claim what is yours by right, godchild. The throne remains empty as only you, who is of his blood, can sit upon its chair of bone."
"Another chance at godhood?" Serena asked, disbelieving.
"Yes. You alone can stop he who seeks to break his chains. If you rule here, he can never do so again. He would be foolish to stand against you in this place. This is your heritage, your realm, and your will alone rules here." It was something to consider. "The mortal wizard's geas no longer affects you, godchild."
"How can that be?" Serena asked. "Not that I mind, of course."
Solar smiled. "I convinced him that it was in his best interest if he removed the geas. However, your friends still think you are under its influence, and it is best that they think that."
"I understand, Solar."
"Good. Now go, godchild, for the Seer of Eilistraee awaits you in Lith My'athar. We will speak again soon."
Serena collapsed in an unconscious heap on the floor of the cavern. Deekin scurried over, looking worried. "Oooo, what happened to the boss, drow lady?" asked Deekin.
"I don't know," Nathyrra said, walking over and kneeling by Serena. "But she seems to be out cold, whatever happened."
"Uh, I knew I hated that for a reason," Serena mumbled as she regained her senses. "What happened, Nathyrra? Where is Halaster?" she asked, standing up.
The drow frowned. "You don't remember?"
"No. The last coherent thought I have was of Halaster casting his geas," Serena admitted. "After that, it's a bit of a blur."
"You scare little Deekin and drow lady pretty bad. Boss, you were changing into something nasty, me be thinking," rambled Deekin.
"But before that could happen, Halaster cast time stop and must have teleported away, and we found you out cold," stated Nathyrra.
Serena just nodded. "Well, how do we get to the Underdark now?"
"The same way I got here. I'm a wizard as well. I can teleport us to just inside of Lith My'athar," Nathyrra said with a smile.
Serena grinned. "Ah, so that is why you asked if I didn't like mages. Nathyrra, you don't need to worry."
"I know," the drow replied as she began the spell that would take them to the Underdark.
Soon the three mismatched companions were enveloped in a ball of magical energy. When they materialized, they were in Lith My'athar.