AN: Thanks again for all of you reading and reviewing you guys rock my world =) Sorry for the delay, life happened and some not very good things.
Lure
Chyemme
True to Cloudyous' word, the snakes didn't attack us on our way out of the valley. In fact, they must have engorged themselves too greatly to even move, all were cat napping as we hastily and uneasily made our way by them.
Speaking of cats, I had a serious question on my mind. "Nira, are you coming with us into town?" I asked, suddenly concerned.
"Though you are with us, I highly doubt you will find welcome there. Many would probably try to attack you," Cloudyous admitted truthfully.
"You have helped us out tremendously already, you may go home whenever you wish," Scorpious said gently.
"I shall stay, master paladin. I shall stay until this wanderer is found and stopped before he destroys everything, human and frasa alike. I do not fear humans," she said boldly.
"That's really stupid kitty-cat. You're tough but you can't take on an entire civilization by yourself," Piricus pointed out with what I actually thought was an undertone of concern.
"Isn't there something we can do?" I asked, wracking my brain.
"I think, if we can get her to meet us outside, my new acquaintance can help us. She healed my arm and Bibo's wing, a miraculous woman," Cloudyous said in admiration.
"She healed your arm when Fara couldn't?" Laurella asked curiously.
"Yes," he said fondly.
"What about you, Vendra? Are you feeling any better?" I asked kindly.
She sighed and frowned. "If you're asking if I have my magic back, no. But I do have my determination back. I got over feeling sorry for myself and decided that Alminus can fight without magic so I can too. After all, Sovellis and I were trained in the art of a staff. Speaking of staves, hardhead, I could feel it when you used it. That was intense!" she said in awe.
"Maybe you carry," he said, offering it to her. "Maybe you reconnect magic," he suggested softly.
"That won't help, it's an object to channel magic through, she hasn't got any," Maria said simply.
"Well aren't you a bundle of optimism, assassin?" Piricus laughed rudely.
"At least the bear's calmed down," I said in gratitude as my aching body rubbed up against soft fur as the bear carried me.
"Honestly, Chyemme, I think Bibo had more to do with that than me. She was able to tell her our tale better than me. Birds have a beautiful gift for song," he said with a smile.
"She sang to her?" Ryelass asked.
"Yes, music calms the savage beast," Cloudyous replied, reciting the old adage. "I see you three have been getting on just fine," he continued affectionately as he gave each wolf a scratch behind the ears.
"Your arja are very powerful, human of the fire-hair," Nira said in seriousness.
"You may call me Cloudyous," he said with a laugh.
"Perhaps in time, I will," Nira said with a slight bow of respect.
"How did you guys get out here so fast? We've been out here nearly a week," Laurella said, voicing my question aloud.
"Another gift of my acquaintance," Cloudyous said simply.
"Druid are you sure you're not imagining things? Why in the name of Trag 'Oul would someone like her just appear from nowhere?" Piricus asked rudely.
"I know not, Piricus. I only know that she is very powerful and that I have a lot to thank her for," my druid friend responded.
"I think, but I don't know for sure, that she might have shown up because she learned of the wanderer. I think she knows something she hasn't told Cloudyous and I. Maybe she was waiting until we were all together before she does," Vendra admitted.
"Hey look, another waypoint," Alminus said with interest as the blue circle loomed into view.
"Our new friend was able to basically teleport us through it, even though we've never been here before," Vendra said with awe.
"She mage too?" Sovellis asked with interest.
Maria scowled. "Has to be. I don't know of another type of person that can teleport things."
"Place nice assassin, maybe you'll make some new friends," Piricus laughed snidely.
"More like enemies," Vendra hissed at her.
"Is this person part of your order?" Scorpious asked interestedly.
"No," Vendra admitted.
"Were m' I goin'?" Alminus asked as he carefully stepped onto the circle.
"Nowhere without us," Vendra answered casually. "Everyone step on and grab hold."
"I wouldn't touch you for all of Sanctuary, sorceress," Piricus said bluntly. "You either druid. You incessantly reek of mutts."
The bear carrying me growled audibly at him in retaliation. I cringed and stiffened involuntarily, though it hurt me tremendously.
"Easy, Gaia," Cloudyous said to her reassuringly and gently patted her massive side. "Piricus, if you refuse to cooperate, I guess you could touch Gaia's side. Technically she's been here and back with me, so the concept should work. Then again, I have no way to tell for sure."
"Yeah and if you don't make it we're not coming back for you," Ryelass growled.
"Come on Piricus, don't be difficult," I protested.
"Hurry up jackass," Vendra hissed as she stepped onto the waypoint, which began to glow brightly.
Despite the protest in my injured body, I stretched myself over Gaia's furry back, grabbed Piricus's wrist, then wrapped my foot around Cloudyous' elbow on the other side. "I've got him, let's go," I said bluntly.
Cloudyous didn't waste any time, I heard him chant something and suddenly I felt it again, the vacuuming sensation. I also felt sick to my stomach once more, and coupled with the misery igniting my body, I actually did vomit. We chose that moment to arrive back in some forgotten corner of Lut Gholien. In my sickened state I slid ungracefully of Gaia's back and fell towards the ground. A strong hand pulled me to my feet as I was about to fall on top of someone.
"Let me help you, amazon," Piricus said icily; I realized it was him I was about to fall on. In a not so gentle move, he maneuvered me so that my ass hit the ground in front of his feet, though it was apparent that he had broken my fall by holding onto me. I hissed in pain and yanked my scratched wrist away.
"That hurt," I growled as I tried to return to my feet unsuccessfully.
"It would have hurt me too if you fell on me. You're not exactly light as a feather, amazon," Piricus said bluntly.
"Is that any way to treat a lady? Seems Lord Rathma's puppies are lacking a bit in manners," came a familiar voice.
I looked up and realized with surprise that I had seen this woman before. It was the woman I had passed on the street a few weeks ago that had warned me about Radament in my head. This time, her voice was physical.
Piricus growled. "And who exactly are you?"
"Adria," Cloudyous said with a sincere respect and bowed before her.
"A strange group," said the woman, Adria, as she surveyed us with hawk-like dark eyes.
"Ya said it ma'am. M' Alminus of Harrogath," Alminus said heartily.
"A warrior of Arreat," she said, looking him over.
"Here, allow me, Chyemme," Ryelass said softly as he made his way over and hoisted me onto my feet.
"And one of Tristram," Adria said, looking at Ryelass intently.
"You know me?" Ryelass asked, looking at her with equal interest.
"It would be hard not to know the brother of Marcus Valarius," she replied simply.
Ryelass got so surprised, he dropped me. I landed with a hiss and Piricus started laughing.
"Seems you can't hold onto a man, amazon," he said sarcastically.
"I don't need one," I growled and struggled to my feet, through I wobbled dangerously and fell again.
"That's really pathetic amazon," Piricus said, amused. "This is what you get for jumping on top of a porcupine."
"You know my brother? Tell me everything!" Ryelass said eagerly, seeming to forget all about me.
I scowled and pushed myself onto my hands, then to my knees. I couldn't even manage to put my own feet underneath myself. It pained me to admit, but those barbs on the claw viper had gone deep. I realized grimly that deep meant through my muscles. I could feel with my innersight the tears in them.
"Get up, amazon," Piricus said, watching me with a sadistic smile.
"I can't," I hissed, trying a final time. My muscles screamed in protest and my wounds began to bleed.
"You've been in a quarrel with Fang Skin, king of claw vipers, daughter of the isles," Adria said looking me over.
"Sharp assessment, witless wonder," Piricus said bluntly.
"Shut it jackass or I'll knock you out," Vendra hissed clearly offended for the woman.
Adria bored her gaze into Piricus and his sadistic smile suddenly vanished. He scowled and growled audibly, then fell silent.
"Whatever you did to him Adria, can you make it permanent?" Vendra asked eyeing him with loathing.
"You will need this wayward pup to defeat Duriel, the Prince of Pain," she said suddenly.
"The who?" Vendra asked, suddenly very stiff.
"My lady," Scorpious began, going deadly quiet himself. "Are you sure?"
"Who are you?" Maria snapped. "Answer that before you answer anything else." Clearly, this woman was very powerful and that unnerved Maria, a lot. If I had to guess, I'd say Maria's psychic attempts to check her out had just failed and she was at a loss.
"My apologies, mage-slayer. I forgot my manners. I am Adria Davoness, many simply call me Adria, the witch," she said simply.
"Witch? Does that mean you are a sorceress too?" Laurella asked curiously.
"A witch is completely different from us. A sorcerer or sorceress use pure elemental magics. A witch is a little of everything, alchemist, mage, and illusionist," Vendra explained.
"Oh, you're going to have a friend for life in the assassin," Piricus said sarcastically.
"Whether she likes me or not means nothing," Adria said simply.
"You said Duriel," Maria said, dangerously quiet. "Elaborate."
"You listen to what she say, Maria? You believe what she say?" Sovellis asked plainly.
"I will listen to her information. I'll decide if it's a truth or a lie after that," she said bluntly in response.
"That is of course, all I can ask for," Adria said politely.
"Speak," Maria demanded none too gently.
"I have news of the wanderer. I met him while he was still human, and I know him very well as few did. You see, I was at the battle for Tristram. I have a gift, not unlike you, daughters of the sisterhoods. For some reason, despite the madness of Leoric, I found myself there. It was there I met the multitudes of warrior amassed at the great Cathedral of Khanduras. Week by week they fought, and none seemed to gain ground, even the paladins of Zakarum," she said, eyeing the cross on Scorpious' armor. "They kept dying left and right, until only three remained. Those three alone were able to descend the hellish catacombs and finally, into hell itself, where it became apparent, what we were dealing with was Diablo, the Lord of Terror himself. They sought my advice and my help in that dire hour, in fact they came to me just shy of the battle. I had little to give them that could aid in such a task and yet, I knew they already had more than I could give them. They had each other and an iron will. Above all else, they had love," Adria said, apparently lost in some reverie.
"That's it? That's really pathetic," Piricus snorted.
"And yet they prevailed," Scorpious countered.
Ryelass hissed loudly. "I hardly call what happened a victory," he growled, balling his fists.
"It is true it may not seem that way to you, young Lord. You lost a loved one. But what your brother sacrificed was the epitome of goodness. You see, the other two lived because of him. And more still, I think it is safe to say, we ALL live because of him. Had Diablo not been stopped in Tristram, hell itself would have spilled into the mortal realm. You see, after his defeat, Diablo was severely weakened. This gave the powers of heaven time to fortify the worldstone and seal us from hell once more," Adria explained.
"Worldstone?" Laurella asked curiously.
"I thought it just legend," Sovellis said, equally quizzically.
"Nah. Tha's a rock-solid true story," Alminus said suddenly. "I would know. Only been hearin' it all m' life n' lookin' up at tha mountain every day."
"I've never heard the legend," I said, slightly embarrassed.
"The worldstone is an object created by the beings of light, supposedly resting on Mt. Arreat in the north that is supposed to keep heaven, sanctuary, and hell separated," Maria informed plainly.
"I see," I answered.
"So where does this leave us?" Cloudyous asked. "Diablo is still alive and roams the world once more."
"That is why I decided to come forward. You see, I left Tristram shortly after the two remaining champions returned. I never imagined that Marcus lived. I have taken the liberty to see an old friend, and he has filled me in on what happened since my departure. I sensed an odd presence when I arrived here a few weeks ago, it felt like Marcus, but I knew something was wrong and this explains it. Call me crazy, but I feel slightly responsible for the sacking of Tristram. I feel I could have done some good had I been there when it happened. So I cannot rest in good conscience until this matter is laid to rest once and for all. I helped create the monster, I helped build Marcus into what he was, so I alone can tell you what I taught him," Adria said quietly. Apparently memories where tugging at her mind.
"That's a heavy burden to bear responsibility such as that," Scorpious said gently.
"Adria, please lend us what assistance you can," Cloudyous asked sincerely.
"You're forgetting about Duriel, whoever that is," Piricus scowled.
"I'm coming to that, my necromancer friend," Adria chided. "Now then. Lord Jerhyn, Elder Cain, and I have all conversed recently and it is our consensus that, as I'm sure you already know by now, he is seeking his brother Baal in the desert. Baal as you know from the legend, was imprisoned within the body of the great mage, Tal Rasha. Baal was said to have a great guardian at his service, Duriel the Prince of Pain. When Tal Rasha was sealed away, Duriel supposedly vanished, but if Diablo manages to free Baal before we get to him, I have every faith that we will see Duriel in his wake," she explained.
"Then we need to get started. As a frasa, I will not rest until I have hunted this monster and seen its end," Nira said stoutly.
"Where do we start? Nira and Ahmad have never been that far out in the desert," Laurella asked.
"Go see Lord Jerhyn, I believe he has another task for you. Come find me when you speak with him, and I will render what assistance I can," Adria advised. "Although you, amazon, should probably accompany me and see the healer Fara."
"I'll do that, but only when I can move," I groaned, struggling once more.
"Before you do anything, esteemed mage," Ahmad said, addressing her with respect and a slight bit of fear, "I believe we will have to find some sort of disguise for this de-" he began looking at Nira. She growled audibly and he quickly corrected himself. "Our saber-cat ally."
"A good idea and one that was already on my mind. Come, lioness," Adria said reassuringly as Nira eyed her suspiciously.
"She's on our side, Nira. She won't hurt you," Scorpious promised.
"What are you going to do to me?" Nira asked uneasily.
"Nothing that you'll notice. Just a little illusion is all. I will make you appear human before mortal eyes and yet you shall remain yourself to your allies and self," Adria assured.
"I don't know," Nira said wearily.
"I'm ordering you to grow a spine kitty-cat. We can't have you walking around with us as you are so just do it," Piricus insisted.
Nira bowed her head. "You are correct master necromancer. I am ready," she said and stepped forward.
Adria nodded and said a quick word as she ran her hand over Nira's body. I felt a wave of energy, but when it was gone I saw no change.
"It is done," Adria announced. "Now, none but you shall recognize her. Go now to Jerhyn."
"Kitty-cat," Piricus said, addressing Nira. "Carry the amazon to this other paladin and make sure she doesn't kill her on accident," Piricus said suddenly, looking at me.
"Master paladin?" Nira asked.
"I agree. We will find you soon, Chyemme," he promised.
"Vendra, I believe Elder Cain wanted to see you," Adria added.
"Fine. I'll go with Chyemme and Nira and catch up with you guys later.
"It's just as well, we'll all need to see Fara at some point and replace our armor that was lost," Maria assured.
"Come, Lioness Chyemme. We will see this human," Nira said to me as she walked over and picked me up in her arms.
"Tha's gonna get some looks," Alminus laughed.
"A girl carrying another girl? Probably," Ryelass agreed.
"Let's go," I cringed as she picked me up.
"Ahmad, you have up-kept your word and returned with us from the desert, you are free to go," Scorpious said, looking at him.
"My lord, I have done you all a great wrong that I have yet to make up for. I will return to Griez only for a short time and will meet you back in town when you are ready for your next task. I will do this mission free of charge," he said, eyeing Piricus, leery.
Piricus saw his look and laughed. "Good call," he said with a sadistic smile before he turned and walked away. The others followed suit, soon leaving only myself, Adria, Nira, and Vendra.
"Fara is this way, lioness," Adria said good-naturedly and led the way.
"I'm going to die of shock," Vendra said sarcastically as we walked.
"Why's that?" I asked, misery wracking my body from every wound as Nira walked.
"Because jackass just asked someone to help you. I think the only way this would have surprised me more is if he did it himself," she replied.
"It seems Master necromancer has a soft spot for you, lioness," Nira said to me.
"I think, and this is just a guess, that he's beginning to trust me," I admitted, "I don't think like plays into it yet."
"Well you like him," Vendra laughed. "You did kiss him after all."
"I was glad to be alive," and laughed in my defense. "But you're right. Maybe just a little although your guess as to why is as good as mine."
"You're both strange," Vendra joked.
"And all of you, all humans, are stranger than that to me," Nira added lightly with her attempt at humor.
"There she is," Adria said pointing to Fara's hut. I could see the paladin at the forge, pounding out something flat. She seemed to notice our presence immediately. She looked up.
"Chyemme, you look awful," she said as she gestured to a mat for Nira to put me down on.
"I feel awful too," I admitted with a pained smile.
"Well, let's fix that," she said, coming over and assessing me. "I'm sorry for the pain," she apologized as she started pressing on my injuries, "I have to assess the damage."
"I know, I've had worse," I said, though in truth I was having trouble recalling a time I'd felt such.
"Chyemme is strong, it will take more than this to bring her down," Nira said with a nod, omitting the usual "lioness" prefix. My guess is that Adria's illusion was working, because Fara didn't seem to think anything unusual of her.
"Ouch!" I hissed as she moved my leg slightly to the right.
"Hmm. This is deep. The tears are in your muscles. What happened?" Fara asked in concern.
"I jumped on top of a claw viper with a bunch of spines trying to stop it," I admitted.
"A bold feat for one with no leg armor," Fara said, though with a soft laugh.
"You can fix it, can't you?" I asked.
"Yes. Hang on," she said, taking a potion from a crate beside her and pouring it into my wound. I felt it go numb for a second, and then I watched in awe as the wounds closed up. Fara ran her hands over me, and I saw the blue light of her healing aura wash over me. The pain abated, and within minutes I was standing on my own.
"Remarkable," Nira said in awe as she watched. "Just like master paladin."
"Master?" Fara asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She calls Scorpious master out of respect," I supplied for her.
"Were you a slave that he freed?" Fara asked curiously.
"Not exactly," I answered.
"Feeling better, Chyemme?" Vendra asked me.
"Yes. Much. I think," I said, returning to my feet and walking over to a rack of armor, "I will use part of my share of the countess' fortune and invest in some heavy armor."
"A wise choice," Nira said to me as she surveyed Fara's wares as well.
"These are made of steel and reinforced with leather," Fara suggested as she removed some metallic leggings from the rack in front of me. "They'd probably be heavy to most women, but you and I are warriors and stronger than most."
"Let me try them on," I requested as she handed them to me. True enough, they did have a definite weight to them, but it wasn't something that would weight me down tremendously.
"They suit you well," Nira said, nodding her approval.
"Lady StrongFist has a remarkable talent for armor fitting," Scorpious said as he rounded the bend with everyone else in tow.
Fara smiled. "A talent I see you are in need of, brother paladin. What happened in the field?" she asked, eyeing his incomplete armor.
"Sand maggot venom," Cloudyous answered, though he had not been there himself.
"You're lucky. It appears as if your armor was all the corrosion claimed," Fara observed.
"Those must have been some nasty bugs," Vendra said with a shiver.
"You telling me," Sovellis said with a nasty look.
"You missed all the fun sorceress," Piricus said with a snide laugh.
"In this case, I'm glad," she remarked simply.
"We don't really have time to share the story, we just need to replace armor and shields, then we need to go," Maria said, walking over to the rack of armor next to me and removing some new bracers.
"Vendra, you still need to see Elder Cain," I reminded.
"Right," she said with a nod. "Be back soon," she said and left us.
The next half an hour was spent on everyone restocking and replacing disintegrated armor. It was a necessary side trip.
"Finally, you're getting some sense, Amazon," Piricus said, eyeing my new armor.
"Those look heavy," Ryelass said, looking me over.
"Not terribly. I think in the long run the sacrifice of a little range of motion will be worth it," I assured.
"Lord Cloudyous," Adria said addressing him, "I believe that you should fortify your armor, the hides of beasts will only prove so useful in this case."
"I'll reinforce it with leather then, metal is slightly distasteful to me," he admitted. Bibo sqwaked and flew a short ways over to another rack of armor. The white stripe on her wing gleamed in the sunlight.
"Adria," I asked curiously, "How were you able to heal her?"
The witch smiled and walked over, patting Gaia's massive side. "A small sacrifice from one on behalf of another is a miraculous thing."
"She took a broken tooth from Gaia's mouth and melded the bone into her body to solidify the wing and then took the rest of the tooth and healed my arm as well," Cloudyous said in amazement.
Piricus raised an eyebrow. "That's actually kind of impressive. That you could mend bone with bone."
"Did you just compliment someone?" Ryelass asked in shock.
"It was just an observation. I could have done the same thing personally. It is just a rare skill to see outside the necromancer temples," he said simply.
"Vendra did say that witches are a bit of everything," Laurella reminded.
"Adria is a far from a necromancer," Cloudyous said defensively.
"I understand the principles. Nothing more," Adria said reassuringly.
"I believe now that we are all armored up, we should regroup with Elder Cain," Scorpious suggested, lifting his new shield onto his arm.
"Are you alright now, Chyemme?" Ryelass asked me.
"Fine. Let's go," I assured as we made our way to the heart of Lut Gholein to meet Elder Cain.
Vendra and Ahmad were there waiting for us along with the Elder. Elder Cain saw us and gave us an approving nod.
"Well done my friends. Surviving the desert was no easy task I'm sure. And I see that your mission was a success. Allow me," he said, opening his hands to Sovellis, whom respectfully placed the shaft of the Horadric staff in his aged hands. There was a light in the old man's eyes upon the contact.
"Incredible. There is no mistaking it. This is a piece to a horadric staff. And I see that you were also successful in recovering the headpiece. That's the viper amulet you have in your hands, Maria," He said, appraising it.
"Elder Cain, we've also got the Horadric cube," Laurella said, pointing to it, where Alminus pulled it out of his bag.
"Then you have everything you need. When the time comes you must unite both parts of the staff within the chamber of the horadric cube. Only then will you possess a key to Tal Rasha's burial chamber. I trust Lord Jerhyn has spoken to you?" the old sage asked.
"Yes Elder," Ryelass said respectfully.
"What did he say?" Nira asked.
"He wanted to check in with us and commend us for a job well done so far. He wants us to go see Drognan, the Elder," Ryelass answered.
"A respectable man. He is very wise," Elder Cain informed.
"Agreed. I believe I know that which he will speak to you on, but go see him first, then come back to me. I should have everything I need prepared to help you then," Adria promised.
"Follow," Sovellis said with authority and led the way.
"Mind your tongue jackass to my Elder or I'll rip it out," Vendra hissed.
"Good luck getting that close to me, sorceress. You can't even make static fly," Piricus taunted.
She hissed, but Sovellis grabbed her arm and pulled her in front to walk with him. Together the two magi led us down the twisting and turning streets of Lut Ghloein, stopping at last to rest outside a small building. A man in a red turban and red robes came outside. He looked to be only a bit younger than Elder Cain, but it seems he had lived a better life, there weren't quite as many lines on his face.
"Elder," Vendra and Sovellis said together with a bow.
"Sovellis, it is good to see you safe. You also Vendra. These are your friends I trust?" he asked in a gentle voice.
"Friends would be stretching the truth to the point of breaking," Piricus said bluntly.
Vendra glared at him, but Drognan just laughed.
"A necromancer is among you? Well, it makes sense for you to say such things. Most of your kind keep to themselves, I'm surprised to see you in this group," the old mage said lightly.
"I had no choice," Piricus scowled.
"My dear fellow, there is always choice. This is the gift of the divine," he answered simply.
"Old man, I have little respect for those that pretend to know everything and even less for babbling mages. Be out with what you have to say," Piricus said rudely.
"Eager for battle? For that is what awaits you still," the old mage said, still with that same smile.
"Elder, Jerhyn said ya wanted ter see us?" Alminus asked respectfully.
"I did. I know that you are searching for the tomb of Tal Rasha and I may have a lead for you," he informed.
"Anything would be helpful," Scorpious said politely.
"As I'm sure you're all aware, especially you, mage-hunter," he said to Maria, although not impolite, "these lands were rife with magical energy. In the distant past, this place was a gathering point for mages all across Sanctuary. Some of the more well known were Bartuc and Horazon," he began.
"You mean the most infamous," Maria said coldy. "They started the war that destroyed the mage clans and caused our order to form."
"That is correct. And I assure you they find little reverence among the mage clans of today. I merely bring this up because one of the mages, Horazon, was a known demon-summoner. He practiced twisted arts and bent the forces of hell to his will. As such, it would come as no surprise to me if Horazon knew the location of Tal Rasha's tomb," he began.
"He is dead. Of that I'm positive," Maria said icily.
"That is true, mage-slayer. But, like many, remnants of him can be found if you know where to look. Horazon was supposed to have kept a journal, a book of secrets, deep in his lair, a place called the Arcane Sanctuary. Rumor has it that the city of Lut Gholien was built directly over it in fact, but we have yet to locate it. If you could somehow enter the arcane sanctuary and find Horazon's journal, I have every belief that the way to Baal would be revealed," Drognan explained.
"Vendra, Sovellis, this is the final part of your initiation quest. Find this journal and learn the way to Tal Rasha," he added.
"What do you want us to do with the journal when we find it?" Vendra asked curiously.
"They will not be bringing it back," Maria said bluntly. "There is too much dark knowledge hidden in there that needs to stay lost. I will not allow such evil knowledge to resurface into practicing magic," she said, deadly serious.
"Peace, Mage-slayer. We are of the same mind. Though knowledge about such things might bring about more information on how to destroy them, I agree in the fact that such things would be way to tempting to most mortals, myself included. I would ask that you uncover the locale of Tal Rasha's tomb, then burn the diary so that it stays lost forever," he said gently.
Maria nodded. "A wise decision."
"So where do we start looking for such a place?" Ahmad asked, looking around himself.
"I have spoken with Adria and she has agreed to help us. Come, let us go to her," Drognan said simply and began walking with us through town.
We followed the elder mage until we came to the very outskirts of town. A small house, definitely out of the way, was built out of the wall.
"Come in," Adria said, poking her head out of the doorway. "Such things as we are about to do are best not done in a public street."
"Agreed," Drognan said simply and disappeared into the house. We all followed him inside. It was a small space at best, lined with odd objects and trinkets. Bones of various creatures were lying around along with runes and goblets. There were a multitude of jars lying around full of various things. Most prominently, there were candles everywhere. I noticed that there was a circle of them on the floor and a strange arcane symbol drawn on the floor between them.
"Come, everyone into the circle, on your knees," Adria instructed as we did so. Surprisingly, Piricus did as he was told, though he snorted.
Once we were cramped into the tiny space, Adria and Drognan stepped in the center and held hands.
"Arcane forces of old, we come to you, seeking aid," Drognan said, closing his eyes.
"Grant us the ancient sight to track this quarry," Adria added. "With this sacrifice, give such gifts to the hunters," she added, then she and Drognan began chanting.
I let out a sharp breath as out of nowhere something cut the top of my hand and blood began to drip from it. I noted in wonder that the same mark had appeared on everyone's skin, even Nira and Ahmad. I watched, perplexed as our blood suddenly took on a life of its own and swirled together like mist, before flowing onto the floor and disappearing within the lines of the symbol drawn there. Moments later, the floor smoothed over and became as a looking glass. I could clearly see the interior of a grand building. There were bodies all over the floor as the vision raced down a set of stairs, across more carnage, then more stairs. There in what appeared to be the very bottom of this place, was an archway with glowing plasma between the pillars. I heard a loud screech and suddenly an enormous monster with many arms appeared, blocking the vision. It roared and suddenly and its ruby-red eyes flared, before the floor returned to normal.
"What was that?" Laurella asked, a little shaken.
"They call him Fire Eye, he was one of Horazon's most devout minions. He guards the way to the arcane sanctuary. To accomplish your objective, you must defeat him," Drognan answered.
"Where is that place?" Nira asked, confused.
"Kind of obvious, kitty-cat," Piricus said bluntly. "The only one wealthy enough for that kind of dwelling is an emperor."
"Correct, necromancer. Though Lord Jerhyn has been reluctant to speak about it, I believe if you approach him in your enlightened state and tell him what you have learned, I'm sure he will grant you access," Adria assured.
"So tha's where all tha city guards 'r goin'," Alminus said in revelation.
"And why they hired Griez and his mercenaries to guard the city. They were all tied up in the palace," Cloudyous furthered.
"They look like no do so well. Many dead," Sovellis said, stating the grim observation we had recently witnessed.
"All the more reason to go to Jerhyn immediately and end this violence," Adria answered.
"Hurry," Drognan urged.
Belthem gave a stout bark, and accompanied by Gaia and his pack mates, led the way out of the dwelling. Everyone left, soon it was just me and Vendra.
We stepped out into the light, and could vaguely make out the other up ahead.
"Jeez, I didn't think I was that slow," I grumbled.
"Wait," Vendra said suddenly as she whirled around.
"What's wrong, Vendra?" I asked in concern.
"Don't you hear that?" she asked, straining to listen.
"I don't hear anything," I admitted.
"You wouldn't, because it sounds like—it can't be," she mumbled. "Come on," she insisted and without warning she took off like a firecracker around the corner in the opposite direction.
"Vendra!" I insisted in worry as I chased her around the corner.
"It's a current! A pure current! I can absorb it and maybe get my magic back!" she said intensely from in front of me as we raced into a dark alley. "Lord Cain advised me about them!"
Sure enough, as we rounded the bend, there was some strange force at work. I focused my innersight, what I saw scared me.
"VENDRA!" I shouted and grabbed her arm. That was all I had time for before I heard a maniacal laugh and we were both sucked through some sort of energy vortex into the blackness beyond.