Forgotten Realms:

Angels and Demons

Part XX

The Challengers raced back to Altamar. Though the succubus was wounded, she kept up with them. Her color had begun to fade, though and her breathing was more ragged. The damage done to her, was affecting her fiercely. Wrapped in the dirty blanket, the fiend began to shiver from the cold.

To keep her alive, the group stopped by one of the raided farmhouses, on the way back. There they collected what little food remained, and some clothing for Jaslyn. They camped for the night, before making haste early in the morning. By that time, the succubus' color had begun to improve, and she looked better. Though, the twitching stubs of her wings still hinted at her continued pain.

Behind them, the Orcs began to conquer the lands they left. The lines advancing nearly as quickly as the Challengers could move. Any slower and the Orcish lines would have overtaken them, with the good chance of the Challengers being forced to fight and run. As it was, they barely made it back to more friendly lands. A sense of elation spread as they saw Altamaran patrols.

With the city in sight, Val noted that Marshal Goodman was still camped outside. His entourage of guards had increased by four more, and all wanted to drag her back. She made a note and hid behind the rest of the group. The last thing she wanted, was to have the marshal's attention on her.

Kirann, Raven, Walton and Lorinda formed a circle around Jaslyn. This left Val, Boris, Manheim and Leilani bringing up the rear. The monk stayed with the succubus to keep her safe, and to make sure she kept her promise. As such when the gate fell, he quickly turned to see several guards fighting the mechanism. Separated by the heavy iron portcullis, the remainder of his group was stuck.

The guards on the gate, fought and fought, but the gears and chains for the portcullis seemed to be frozen. No matter how hard they turned the mechanism, or tried to manually lift the gate, it stayed put. Calls were sent out for more guards, but Kirann had an instantly feeling of dread. In the pit of his stomach, ice formed and why happened next.

Against the metal of the portcullis, the four instantly froze. Their faces stuck in expressions of surprise, they became just as frozen as the gate mechanism. Kirann reached for them, but was pushed back by an invisible wall. He stumbled back, only to see a swirling vortex open up. Then came the main act.

Marshal Goodman and his soldiers rushed up, picking up the frozen body of Val. They carried her through the portal, two men treating her like lumber. The rest of the guards followed suit, and finally the wizard did. Hidden as one of the people milling about the gate, the wizard had hidden in plain sight. As he entered the portal, the wizard was thrown forward. A sunfire blast had hit the wizard and Kirann was rewarded with the man's brief cry of pain.

The marshal was the last one through, and he entered keeping his eyes on the Sunsoul Monk. Kirann gave him a look that promised justice would be dealt, and the marshal felt a twinge of fear. Adventurers were known to have a different idea of justice, one that tended to be more like vengeance. So be it, he had followed the lawful orders of a noble in his city.

With the wizard gone, the portcullis was released and minutes later the remaining Challengers were too. By that time, Lord Wallace had been brought out and Wizard Robertson was with him. They both noticed the incensed monk and warlock. The paladin was rightly outraged, and the druid looked just slightly less than murderous. Kirann and Raven both looked like they could take on a whole army by themselves.

"What happened here?" Lord Wallace asked. "What did you find on your mission?"

Walton went to speak, but Kirann beat him to it, "This succubus says the person behind the Orcs, is after an unborn child."

"This child is prophesized to be a liberator, fighting against the dark gods," Raven continued on. "We brought her back, because she is willing to trade information for her safety."

"The one she served betrayed her," Kirann said. "Jaslyn has name sworn to help us. Wizard Robertson, you can question her, and she'll cooperate. We need to go after Val."

"What happened with her?" Lord Wallace asked.

"That marshal kidnapped her with the help of a powerful wizard," Walton told the lord. "Kirann, I don't want to leave a comrade behind. However, we need to find this family, they are in trouble."

"What family?" Lord Wallace was hoping they were close, because none of the other nearby towns had gathered their forces yet. There was news that several bands of sellswords were headed from Baldurs Gate and Neverwinter. Luskan hadn't responded back yet.

"The DuValls," Kirann said. "Luckily Lorinda and I think we know this family."

"Yes, your grace," Lorinda nodded. "They lived in the town next to my Circle and Kirann's monastery. We were planning on heading there after handing the succubus off to you."

"I do apologize that I can't send anyone with you," Lord Wallace hoped he didn't sound as cold as he felt. "With the Orcs advancing, and lack of support from the other towns, my people are stretched thin."

The monk didn't seem bothered by this, "We will get her back."

Now Lord Wallace did have to say something, something he knew was going to upset the monk. He didn't want to, but he had to look at the bigger picture. While the Challengers only had to worry about each other and their own welfare, he had to think about his town's welfare. His town needed the forces from the town of Lord Byron, something that could be jeopardized by the Challengers rushing in to fight.

"I need you to keep things civil, we need their support," Lord Wallace said, his throat drying up and the urge to gag present. "I hate to ask this of you, but my people need their help."

The Challengers looked at their leader, watching his face. They looked for the slightest sign that he was going to lash out. Instead they saw a nod of understanding, but also knew that was it. His stance was just as defiant as it had been, after Val had been taken. Lord Wallace's guards must have seen it as well, as they moved closer to him.

"I will rescue her from a fate unfair," he promised.

With that he turned, and walked away with Walton and Boris. The direction they went were to the stables, and where their cart and horses were kept. Leilani explained to Wizard Robertson about the promises Jaslyn had made. He promised her that he'd be careful and keep the succubus away from anyone she could feed off of. Oddly, she was very forthcoming and soon they had very good intelligence on the Orcish horde.

The Challengers left soon after, with Manheim complaining that he needed a rest. He wasn't happy with the blanket and rolled sleeping mat, laid out on the wagon's bed for him. Still, he ended up taking the rest. Lorinda and Leilani took advantage to rest up some as well. After a few hours, they would switch places with the ones who had remained awake.

Wyverns Rest came into view, and the group saw soldiers on the march. The small town had sent forces after all. As they rode by, the mayor saw them and waved in recognition. They only stopped to let the horses feed and drink, knowing they would need rest as well. After a few hours rest, the horses were back on the road, pulling the wagon. The monk had put a hand on each one, sending a small amount of healing to each.

He hated to push the horses this much, but Val was in danger. That was something that he couldn't let stand. One of his own, in peril, but not for a goodly reason. He was glad though, that the rest of the Challengers had followed him. It was comforting that they too, felt she was worth fighting for. Kirann would fight for his family, blood or not.

"Let me out of here!" Val screamed from her cell.

Marshal Goodman and his people had thrown her in here. Then they left her, in complete silence and darkness. All she could hear was the rats scurrying around, and the dripping of water from a far-off cell. Immediately her heart raced and old fears resurfaced in her head. Ones she thought long forgotten.

"My friends will come for me!" she screamed out into the darkness. "Let me out!"

"Quiet, Thief," a dark and malicious voice oozed. "There is no escape from here."

"We'll see about that, who are you?" Val asked as she looked around her cell.

The voice seemed amused, "I see all, and I see that you are mine to do with. Do not worry, Lord Byron was absolute in wanting you in one piece. He did say I could have a little fun though."

Val went to the floor, convulsing as intense pain coursed through her body. For several agonizing seconds, the Half-Elf felt like all her whole body was on fire. Every nerve screamed out in pain, but she couldn't force the air out of her lungs to do so. The electrical current through her body, had stopped all muscle movement. Then it was gone, and she breathed in a sharp breath.

"Oh! You poor, poor welp. How'd that feel?" the voice mocked her. "Your cell has been warded. Try any of your thieving tactics, and you get shocked. Try to pick the lock, you get shocked. Try to bend the bars, more shocking. Electrifying isn't it?"

Val pulled herself up, "Y..You're enjoying my pain."

"Why yes, little thief I am. Lord Byron pays me well, but even better is the amount of subjects he gives me," the voice oozed out again. "Do you know what the record is, how long a prisoner lasts before going mad? Three weeks. My record to break someone is two. I hope to make that a week with you, once Lord Byron I finished with you. Then again, he may want to break you himself. The pity as I'd lose the ability to destroy you myself."

Val snarled back, "This isn't going to end the way you think it will."

"So you say," the voice laughed again.

Marshal Goodman had left guards, expecting just what they saw. A lone wagon, pulled by two farm horses, came rolling up. Dust kicked up into the air, causing the wagon to be seen from quite a ways out. The guards signaled for others to come, expecting trouble.

This gave the farmer coming into town quite a fright, being greeted with fifteen guards. Their weapons at the ready, they ransacked the rear of the wagon, tossing the cover. All they found were several buckets of produce, and two cages with baby pigs inside. What they didn't find were warriors being on rescuing their friend, so they let the farmer continue on.

Behind the group of guards, several peasants walked into town. Their long walking sticks, and full cloaks gave them balance and protection from the sun. Under their hoods were probably dirty faces, and the large packs on their backs, meant they'd be smelly. None of the guards wanted to personally get close, as the stench would be overwhelming. The only good part, was that the merchants would have deal with them.

Another cart came towards town, but from one of the farms at the opposite side of town. The guards redistributed again, quickly tiring from running from one part of the city to another. This one too, was just a random farmer coming to sell their wares in town. Again and again the scene repeated the whole day. Meanwhile their target had slipped right past them, too bad for Lord Byron.

"We find Val, the family and then Lord Byron's wife," Kirann explained as he stripped off his peasant's cloak. "Then we bring them to the magistrate."

"Should we not just flee?" Manheim asked.

Leilani shook her head, "They'll just keep coming for her, and next time just try to kill Val."

"Right," Lorinda agreed. "We need this settled."

Manheim groaned, "Except it is! She's a thief, there is in all probability that she is guilty as sin. I say we're wasting time, there are Orcs about."

"We don't leave anyone behind," Kirann reminded him. "Let's find the marshal, he'll know where they took her."

They took off, trying to stick with alleyways and other areas not regularly patrolled by the guard. Without Val though, they were mainly guessing. Many times they'd turn a corner, only to miss a patrolling guard by a few feet. In short, they were very lucky that no fighting was started. It would be unwise to cause unwanted attention this early.

In the city center was the main guard barracks, and where Marshal Goodman had his office. It was located at the top of the building, which was the third floor. That though was only one problem. Being the guard barracks, there were guards everywhere. On the walls, patrolling around it and most importantly at the entrance gate. Kirann had a way around that, he just needed a distraction.

"What do they call this town?" Leilani asked while Kirann mused. "I get the strangest feeling from it."

Lorinda explained, "This whole area used to be known as Monk's Garden, a tongue in cheek reference to the monastery and circle here. Soon, as is civilizations' way, a small town formed. For generations it was fought over by three great powers, till the monks and druids were drawn into the conflict. They brought a peace to the land by forcing the three powers to rule in an oligarchy. The three powers eventually fell, but not their representatives here. Somewhere along the way, the place got the moniker of Tyrant's Fall. Which turned into Tyranfal."

"When one of the three oversteps, they are quickly replaced," Kirann jumped in. "Through fate or mortal involvement." He then let out a held breath, "Lorinda, can you and Leilani cause a disturbance to the south?"

The druid nodded, "Have any ideas?"

"Too close to the poor, so no fire," Kirann said. "Maybe some entangled guards, just to trip them up."

Lorinda gave him a please smile, "Don't worry, I'll have them falling all over themselves."

She and Leilani hurried through the city, towards the southern portion. Kirann and the others waited patiently, waiting for the ruckus to start. When the alarm was sounded, they were ready. Out of the guard barracks, a stream of guards rushed towards the calls for assistance. None looked to the alleyway nearby, or they would have seen the paladin in shining armor. They would also have seen a golden winged monk rising into the air.

Kirann covered the distance in a flash, and found the nearest window to rocket through. Tucking his wings around him, he landed in a roll. As he came up, he surprised a guard half out of armor. Her armored breastplate lay on the cloth mannequin, but her sword was still on her side.

"I mean you no harm," he said gently. "I came to speak to the marshal."

The guard pulled her sword, "Why not come through the front door then?"

"Because the Marshal and I have a misunderstanding," he replied. "Now, can you forget I was here?"

"No!" she went to strike, but found herself stuck.

The guard wanted to scream, fling her blade or slice through the golden winged person. However, she couldn't move, she was stunned. A warm feeling left her chest, and she realized that he had struck her palm first. Before she knew it, her arms were tied; her sword laid behind her. The courteous monk though, made sure she rested on her side. All she could think of though, was how embarrassing it was to be found like this.

Kirann moved through the hall, moving from room to room, till he found one that looked like the marshal's. He knew his time was short. The guard he left tied up, would eventually figure out that her sword was close enough, to cut through the rope. How long it would take, depended on how sharp her sword was.

The messy desk in front of him, showed the marshal to be a very busy man. A lot of work had piled up, while he was hunting Val in Altamar. The good news was several of the missives were from Lord Byron, all demanding that the thief be brought to him for interrogation. It was a good bet than, that is where she was. Still, he would rather have confirmation.

A sound coming from behind sent Kirann behind the desk. Marshal Goodman walked in, looking exhausted. He handed a bag of coins to the wizard from before, his arm in a sling and looking quite pained. Much to Kirann's relief, the marshal locked the door from the inside. He heard the man shuffle over, which was very different this is normal heel toe march.

Then Kirann heard steel being unsheathed and he growled a frustrated growl. His golden wings were still out, and he'd forgotten how much they let off ambient light, even during the day. So, he erupted from behind the desk and struck the marshal's sword arm. Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Marshal Goodman barely held onto his blade. As he swung back at the monk, his sword smacked into wall behind him. This room wasn't built for a sword duel. It was just perfect for hand to hand fighting.

Kirann led with two punches to the man's face, and one swift kick that took the marshal to his knees. Drawing upon his sunsoul monk teachings, he pulled a sunfire beam up to his hand, but held I there. The blinding, fiery light was inches from the marshal's face. This wasn't how he had wanted to do this.

"We should not be enemies, Marshal," Kirann said. "Where is Val?"

"Your order will excommunicate you for this!" Marshal Goodman admonished. "All for a thief! How are you going to explain this to your god?"

"Bring injustice to Light. Protect the innocent. Be the light against the darkness. These are vows I made to my order. They will be just fine with my decision, as Val meets two of those," Kirann quoted in a calm voice. "Is she at Lord Byron's estate?"

"You've seen the missives, you know she is," Marshal Goodman snarled. "You'll never retrieve her in time."

"We shall see," the monk said. "Apologies about this. Should I let one of your people know to come untie you?"

Kirann unlocked the door and opened it, leaving the marshal tied to his chair, but none worse for the wear. He then leapt out of the window and flew down, pulling his wings back in. The golden wings and glowing eyes would only hinder the plan from this point forward. He made his way back to the alley; were he had left the others. By now Lorinda and Leilani had returned, and the guard had raised the alarm in their barracks. He smiled at that, she had gotten out just fine.

"I don't think, I can ever get used to what you look like flying," Leilani said. "You do realize it is beautiful?"

"It is liberating," Kirann smiled. "Quickly, we need to make it to Lord Byron's house. That is where they are holding Val."

Lady Byron was pacing, locked in her room, again. Her husband had his guards outside, punishing her for giving to the poor. She had come from a family where charity was important, and she tried to keep the tradition going. To her, seeing the people healthy and happy, made her feel like she was doing good.

Her husband though, was adamantly against help of any type for the less fortunate. He found them to be sinful little bastards, and deserving of what they got. He saw himself as the epitome of perfection. All his accumulated wealth was because he was deserving of it, and those beneath him were just that, beneath him.

So, when he caught his wife and her charities, he punished her. When she continued on, he took more of her freedoms away. Now, she was basically a prisoner in what should be her home. Her only forms of contact were the guards and the help, that ran the house. She was kind to them, but still found herself extremely lonely. If her family knew, they would have sent someone, but that was another thing he had kept from her. She hadn't heard from her family in years.

Lady Beneficent Byron saw from her window, a man in gleaming armor. Probably another one of her husband's employees. He had a lot coming by recently, and she remembered them bringing in a bound figure recently. Her heart went out to the poor person who had crossed her husband. She had tried to help, only to be reminded by her husband that her role was to produce children. He hadn't reflected well when she had disagreed. The bruise on her face, was testament to that.

He didn't realize she had a plan. It was slow going because she wasn't allowed out of the room, but she was going to get her freedom. Then she'd expose him for the monster he was. How he had convinced her parents that he was a good match for her, was beyond her understanding. He was slick, a devil in a nobleman's guise.

A loud bang rocked the house, followed by the yells of her guards. Her doors bowed inward as something heavy hit them. A scream pierced the ruckus, and she heard ceramic breaking. From her wall came a grand crashing sound, and a sick thunk. Another scream cried out, and she recognized a window breaking. Outside, a flaming man landed hard and didn't move again.

Reaching for any weapon she could find, which were few thanks to her husband. She came back with a knitting needle, and she knew fear as her doors buckled inward again. They cracked with a thunderous announcement, as the doors flew open. There stood a motley assortment of people, all around them her fallen guards.

"Come with us if you want to be free," the leader said. His hand extended.

Down below in Lord Byron's dungeon, Val noticed her jailer was distracted. She took advantage by reached out, despite the shock and bringing the jailer back with her. The jailer screamed as the electrical shock hit, and both fell the ground writhing in pain. Val though pushed through it, having grown up with hardship and having traveled righting wrongs with the Challengers. She grabbed the key to her cell, which thankfully had de-spell for the ward.

Once outside, she pulled her jailer inside and locked the door. Only then did she realize the jailer was a scarred woman. Was she one of the victims of Lord Byron, or was she just of a like mind? Val would worry about that later, after she had escaped. She needed to get back to her friends, that was all she could think about. Everything ached, and she was hungry from being starved. Not to mention she was dying of thirst; she'd kill for a swig of water.

The good news was that the jailer had left her belongings nearby. They were apparently very sure that nobody could escape, or they would have put her belongings somewhere more secure. She wasn't going to leave that comment for them, instead it was time to be going. Now that she was out of the cell, she heard commotion coming from the door leading up. It was the only exit, so whomever got in her way was going to pay.

Blades readied, she watched as the door burst off its hinges and then her mouth dropped. One of the figures produced a light out of the air, letting her get a good look at them. It was her friends! They had come for her, and there in the lead was Kirann. Despite herself, tears fell down her face.

She ran at the monk and jumped onto him, hugging him tight. Raven was right there too, and Val pulled her into the hug too. Despite his shock, Kirann hugged her back, letting her know they were indeed real. Behind them, Lady Byron smiled despite all the carnage around her. They had come for her and their friend, and were intent on freeing them both.

"Are you okay?" Kirann asked.

Val, half mumbled, "Yeah. I'm okay."

"You sure? Do you need anything?" Raven asked, her voice betraying her.

Val smiled, "Water, water first, then food."

"Here is some water," Walton handed her his waterskin. "Listen Kirann, we can't hang out here for long. Someone is going to notice the battle here."

Kirann nodded, "You up to finishing this Val?"

"Damn straight!" Val stood up, feeling better now with a few swigs of water in her. "What's the plan?"

The three lords of Tyranfal were in deep discussion when Marshal Goodman burst in. He quickly went over what all had happened and withered under Lord Byron's gaze. The other two lords, Whitman and Windsor, were curious. A monk of the nearby monastery was not one they'd expect to just go crazy or attack for no reason.

"Lord Bryon, do you require a recess to deal with this matter?" Lord Whitman asked.

The doors leading to their chamber opened; walking in was a Half-Elf and behind her the rest of her friends. All were armed but one, but he didn't need a weapon. Behind them, terrified guards followed, weapons drawn.

"I believe we can end this now," Kirann exclaimed. "Lord Byron has charged my friend with crimes she is innocent of."

"Those are bold words, monk," Lord Whitman warned. "What evidence do you present?"

"Your honor," Raven said, "We bring Lady Beneficent Byron, as a witness. She has been kept imprisoned by her husband, so that he may come after the accused, Val."

Lord Windsor spoke, "Is this true Lady Byron?"

"Yes, Lord Windsor, my husband has kept me under lock and key for giving to charities," Lady Byron confirmed. "He has gone after this young woman, because she guided me to those who would help."

"Silence woman! You can not testify against me. Now, think about your next words, carefully," Lord Byron stood from his seat and pointed directly at his wife. "I am not forgiving."

"Lord Byron," Lord Windsor warned. "Wives are only prohibited from testifying, but only in certain circumstances. Mainly we can't make her testify against you, it sounds like she is doing it of her free will."

"Continue, Lady Byron," Lord Whitmore prodded. "I'm interested in why one of neighbor monks has seen fit to attack our guards and your house."

"Your honors, lords," Lady Byron settled her nerves. "My husband has accused this Half-Elf of stealing from him, but it was my charity she is being accused as stealing. I knew Val, from the tavern in town. She told me several holy orders and other charities I could give to. My husband is unwilling to believe I'd conceal my identity, and give anonymously. So, he's accused her of stealing from him. Then when I stood up to him, he locked me in our house."

"You're Benny!" Val exclaimed. "I was trying to figure out how I got pulled into this mess."

"My apologies, Val," Beneficent felt guilty at having drawn the good-hearted thief in. "If I had known.."

"No, you are doing good work," Val smiled at Lady Byron. "Because of you, those not as well off has hope. I wouldn't had it any other way."

Lord Byron meanwhile was turning a volcanic red, "I want my wife and that thief arrested immediately and put to death!"

"Lord Byron! Control yourself!" Lord Windsor exclaimed. "Lady Byron has leveled several serious charges. How do you respond?"

"She is a woman, a fool, and is mine to do with as I please!" Lord Byron rose, yelling to all those around him. "Marshal Goodman, arrest them!"

"Stand down, Marshal," Lord Whitman sharply said. "Lord Byron, sit down! These charges are serious. Even if she is your wife, imprisoning her in your house is a crime. Your false testimony, claiming this thief is stealing from you, to us is a crime. What defense do you have?"

"I need no defense," Lord Byron snarled. "None of them matter, only my word does."

"I'm afraid it does," Lord Windsor said. "Though the law only protects your wife, this Half-Elf is a person too."

Kirann chose this moment to throw in one more wrench, "Lord Byron had her kidnapped from Altamar. She was aiding the city in its fight against an Orcish horde. The same horde that will bring danger to Tyranfal."

"I think we have heard enough!" Lord Windsor growled. "Did you really have this woman kidnapped from another city? You know we have no extradition with Altamar. This could cause an incident."

"Especially because she was on a mission for Lord Wallace," Kirann piped in again.

Lord Windsor looked at the monk, but the sight wasn't one of anger. Instead the look of disaster was upon him. This wouldn't be just an incident, but wars had been declared for far less. Tyranfal wasn't small like Wyverns Rest, but it wasn't bigger than Altamar. An army from there could do much damage to this city.

"Lord Wallace is only looking for her quick return, and understands this may be a rogue element," Walton delicately said.

"All charges against Val should be dropped," Kirann said. "Lady Byron should be protected, and forces should be sent to Altamar. We are in need of assistance with the Orcs there."

"I will have you all flogged and burned," Lord Byron reached for his waist and pulled out a dagger. "Die, you insignificant peons."

He threw the dagger, and though it was true to his aim, it never hit. Kirann reached up, plucked the dagger from the air and returned it back to Lord Byron. The noble felt pain shoot through his shoulder, and he spun as he fell. He landed hard, which pushed the dagger further into his shoulder. Lord Byron screamed in pain, before roughly being lifted up by guards.

"Lord Byron, you are herby stripped of your title and rank," Lord Windsor proclaimed. "Your wife, as the next in line legally, will take over for you. All charges against Val the Rogue are dismissed, and she has our utmost apologies. Any transgressions perpetrated by these heroes, in their search for the truth, are also pardoned. Monk, I can speak for the others, when I say Altamar will have aid from Tyranfal. Marshal Goodman, send for our guard captain, immediately."

"Thank you, your honor," Kirann smiled as he bowed. "Now, we need to continue on our quest."

"Before you go," Lord Whitman stopped them. "Val, we owe you a debt. You have been hounded by agents of our city."

Val sighed, very tired and wanting to sleep, "I just want to be left alone. This has all been very trying."

Lord Windsor nodded his agreement, "Very well. Marshal Goodman, you will bring this young lady the Blades of Freedom and Shock. That will repay our debt for the wrong done to you, and the service you've indirectly given us. Lady Val, I name you and Lady Bryon heroes of our city. If you ever need anything, just ask."

"Thank you," Val looked flabbergasted.

"Go, rest," Lady Byron hugged her tight. "Thank you so much."

Lord Windsor cleared his throat, "Lady Byron. We have much work to do. The third is needed for our oligarchy to work. I believe your views are to be a breath of fresh air. Do you require any security, or another manor?"

"No, your honor," she said. "I will find a place to stay, while Byron Manor is repaired."

Lord Windsor smiled, "I have a second cousin, a principled young lady, like yourself. She is new in town, and could use someone to show her around. I believe you two would get along rather well. Mostly because she thinks I'm a stuffy old man."

"If she is willing, I may take her up on that offer," Lady Byron felt better than she had in a long time.

"Oh, Lady Byron," Lord Windsor said. "We are equals. Here in this chamber, you can call me Jonathan."

"Well then, I'm Beneficent," she said.

The Challengers were long gone, and resting in the tavern where they had started not too long ago. Val was resting in a room, with Raven, Lorinda and Leilani fussing over her. She felt safe and secure, and most of all warm. Her friends were here, they had come for her. That night she slept more soundly than she had since she was a child.

Kirann watched over two sleeping forms. The targets of the mysterious person behind the Orcs. The DuValls had come with him, after he briefly explained the danger they were in. He had given them the bed, while he sat in his meditation position. He would watch over them, but he did allow himself to wander. Once more he found himself on his mountaintop, and he knew peace.