Forgotten Realms:
Angels and Demons
Part XXVII
"My lord," Captain Reynolds began, "our people are pulling back. We've lost the gate, but our new lines are holding. The bad news is we lost people during the fall back."
Lord Wallace knew the map well at this point, "What do you recommend, Captain?"
"I'd get your family and those we are protecting to the ships in the harbor," Captain Reynolds bluntly said. "We can fight, we can win, but our situation is becoming more desperate by the hour."
Lorinda entered then, blood stained her armor, where she had carried Wallace. She looked tired, more spiritual than physical. Right after her was a scared looking Val, who held onto the hilts of her two swords with a death grip. They still rested in their sheaths, but she felt better with her hands on them. Both women were glad when they saw Raven and Kirann.
"You two are safe! Have you heard from Manheim or Boris?" Lorinda asked.
Val, who noticed the war party they were crashing, said "Apologies for the interruption."
"Mistress Rogue, if you bring good tidings, all is forgiven," Lord Reynolds replied.
She shrugged, "All I bring is me."
"That may be enough," Kirann piped in. "A single grain of sand can tip the scales. Lord Wallace, I do agree with the captain."
"Captain, prepare my family and the DuValls for the journey," Lord Reynolds' voice carried the air of command on it. "Send them north towards Baldur's Gate."
"Milord, I request permission to stay with you. Lieutenant Miranda can defend them, she is unmatched in guile and resourcefulness," Captain Reynolds bowed slightly.
Lord Wallace let out a held in breath, "Agreed, Captain. Challengers, find your missing members, and then do what you do best. Defeat this challenge, rob us of this dark fate and replace it with a better one."
Kirann shot a fist up to his left shoulder, and motioned for the others to follow him. They left behind those pinning their hopes on an unlikely chance for success. Lorinda led them to a small room in the castle, where Walton sat with his head in his hands. He muttered something, but nobody could understand it.
"I found him like this, surrounded by dead soldiers," Lorinda explained. "He's in pain, but I don't know why. He also won't touch his sword."
The monk nodded, "I would say something bad happened with it. I just wish we had time to properly help him. Walton, I know you're in pain, but we need your help."
The paladin didn't even look up. Falling to the floor was a constant stream of tears, forming a puddle under Walton. He wasn't ready yet, and pushing him now would only harm him more. The worst part, Kirann knew that he may have to push him. With things becoming more dire, everyone would have to fight. Still, he gave his friend a warm hand on the back. If only things like this were easy to heal.
Stumbling into the room, Leilani was passed exhausted. Barely conscious, she fell into a nearby chair. Her clothing was damaged in several places, with her cloak looking like collected rags. Burns peppered her tunic, as did jagged strips, where Orcish weapons had gotten closer than she would have liked. Dried blood was spread across her clothing, some of it hers, most of it the enemy's
Lorinda handed her some water, while Raven handed her some dried field rations. The Drow sorceress hungrily wolfed down the provided food. Strength returned to her, even as she felt the need to sleep for a week. She gave them a silent thank you, before she noticed Walton in the room. Quickly she threw the mask back on, making her look like a regular Elf.
"So, this has been a bad day," she said sadly. "Do we have a plan?"
"Change fate," Kirann answered. "Have you seen Boris and Manheim?"
Leilani shook her head, "I haven't seen either. What kind of plan is change fate?"
"Things are bad, the only option we have is to try and make them better," Raven explained. "Till we find a way, planning beyond a few steps is likely to get us killed."
"Now I know for sure that we're in trouble," Val joked. "When even he's playing it by ear, things are bad."
"Let's find Manheim and Boris," Kirann said. "We'll need their help."
"I'll take Val," Leilani groaned as she got back to her feet. "We'll head for the tavern."
Kirann said, "That's fine, Lorinda, Raven and I will try the temples. We need to see if they were injured in the breach."
"We need to talk," Raven's patron decided to interrupt, talking in her head.
Wincing, she told the others, "I'll catch up with you."
She didn't miss Lorinda's questioning glared, but Kirann nodded. He led the druid away, while the sorceress and the rogue headed in a different direction. While they left, Raven looked for a place to have a private chat with her patron. He had been silent for so long, she was sure he was pleased with the knowledge she had been acquiring. A worse time though, it couldn't have come at.
"My little bird," her patron sneered. "We have a new contract. Tyrannus, the one behind this lovely slaughter, has need of information. The price has been agreed upon, and now you can earn more of my trust and more power."
"I would ask why, but you're both demons," Raven sighed. "What does he require?"
Her patron materialized a bit more showing more of himself than she had seen in a very long time. His wings had grown, and he was taller. Obviously the lore and knowledge his agents found, had increased his standing. His horns had grown out, and nearly touched the top of the room. What hadn't changed were those hungry yellow eyes.
Speaking, her patron made it clear the price, "It is a simple thing. Tyrannus knows there is an Aasimar in the city, and his standing in the Hells would improve by killing said Aasimar. Don't worry, you won't have to do the killing. Tyrannus just requires what you know of the monk, and how best to slay him."
Raven felt her stomach drop. Her patron had protected her, given her power to protect herself. He had gifted her the glamour that hid her true heritage, but he was still a devil. He had her spy on people, research lore and sold it to those with the resources. Nothing he had asked her to do was truly evil, but she had no doubt some of her work wasn't used for anything remotely good. This was the first time he was asking her for something that she considered a betrayal.
"Isn't there something else?" She asked, knowing the answer and her fate.
"No! You would be wise to give the information," the devil growled. "Do I need to remind you of the things I've done? How about that pretty face you wear? Do you think your new friends would be as loyal, if they knew what you were?"
Raven shook her head, "Not him, he's a good man."
"There is no such thing!" her patron screamed. "If he knew, he'd slay you without nary a thought! Now give me the information or I'll rip it from you thick skull."
Raven stood her ground, "No. I will not betray him, I will not betray them. Help me save this place, just think of the prestige you'd get from defeating such a powerful being."
"Yes, but you're easier to break," her patron said before he thrust out his hand, and it glowed a devilish red.
Raven screamed as a long, agonizing pain ripped through her head. She felt massive foot long talons digging into her brain, with each flex sending fresh waves of nauseating torture through her. Her world descended towards darkness, as her mind tried to escape the horrid punishment.
She couldn't allow it though. If she succumbed to the pain, her patron would have full access to her memories. Those memories could be used against her friends, so she fought to stay conscious. Even through the agony, she pushed back, tears long since having fallen down her cheeks. Pure determination pushed her on, and she felt her patron laugh at her attempts to keep him out. Then he was gone.
"Ah, such a strong will you have found," her patron snarled. "Let's see if you are so brave when all my gifts are gone.
He snapped his fingers and Raven felt a corrupted wind blow through her. Instantly she forced down the bile threatening to fly from her throat. Heaving, she tried to control her body, but still felt the rising vomit. All the while her patron laughed, and even harder as she saw her skin. It had returned to its rosy reddish tint, the one the glamour hid.
"Now choose! Your loyalty to these pathetic imbeciles, or to me," her partron said as he ripped the Khopesh from her belt. "See how weak you are? On your hands and knees before me. Now just tell me what I want, and you can have it all back."
"Go to Hell!" Raven managed to her feet, though not feeling as strong as she hoped she appeared.
Her patron looked disappointed, but drew back his clawed hands to end her, "You were my favorite you know. Always had a way to find what you sought, very inventive and curious. Too bad it ends here."
The devil slashed out, only to find his clawed hand held back. A wingless succubus pulled him to the side and quickly stabbed him with a small dagger. Raven's patron howled in pain, throwing Jaslyn against the stone wall.
He pulled out the dagger, and felt like his insides were coming with it. He let the nasty thing drop to the ground, and noticed the silver hue along the blade. She had stabbed him with a silver gilded blade. The cursed metal had opened him up and now his blood was leaking out in tremendous spurts. The succubus' aim had been good, leaving him with a regret. He wouldn't immediately be able to repay her for such insolence.
"You'll be back!" Raven's patron screamed as he disappeared into a burning portal of ash.
Jaslyn the succubus hurried over to Raven, steadying her, "Easy now. That took some guts. Isn't he the source of your power?"
Raven nodded, and she felt small. Small and weak, now that what made her a valued part of the team was gone. Worse, she now had to worry about those outside her group treating her like a plague. Her glamour had kept her from the worst parts of being a Tiefling, having to hide and watch her back constantly.
Deep down, there was something inside that was proud. She had stood up for her friend, and she had stood up to her patron. He may have given her power, but she chose how to use that power. He had tried to control her, force her to betray Kirann, but she hadn't given in. That said something, didn't it?
"Where'd you get the dagger?" Raven asked, knowing Lord Wallace wouldn't have allowed her to be armed.
Jaslyn smiled, "The lord of this place is smart, but there is only so much he can predict. However, I think this is one secret I'll keep, if you don't mind."
"I don't think I'm in a position to argue," Raven pulled her hood up, hiding her face.
The succubus laughed, "Probably not. So, it looks like you need a weapon."
A quick trip to the armory with Jaslyn, and Raven was armed with a "borrowed" cutlass. The weapon had a different feel then her Khopesh, but it handled well in her hand. She took a few test slashes with it, before putting the sword on her belt. Then she hurriedly left to find the others.
In the back of her mind, she worried about having to face them like this. Only Val had seen her without the glamour. For a brief moment the thought of leaving ran through her mind. It would be simple, and she could probably disappear in all the confusion. However, she felt the need to be here. These once strangers had become more, and she wasn't about to leave her family in dire straits. She just hoped that it didn't end with her death.
Lord Wallace and Captain Reynolds had left their war council to take a better look over the city. Much to their dismay, smoke rose throughout the areas the Orcs had taken. Sounds of battle made their way even to where they stood on the balcony. Below, sergeants prepared replacements to relieve those currently fighting.
Lord Wallace turned, hiding his face from those below. They didn't need to see the worry that lined his features. Nor did they need to see the calculations running in his head, figuring out which ones would die in defense of Altamar. What would his city look like after this was all said and done? Would he even want to know, much less see what remained?
His face brightened as the Dwarf fighter and human wizard of the Challengers walked into the room. Maybe things were looking up after all, with more of these wonderful people found. Heroes always had a habit of defying the odds, and the more heroes, the better. He called out to Boris and Manheim, but was confused as they attacked. More confusing was the horned, reddish skinned lady leaping out at the two Challengers.
Manheim let loose a spell of magical missiles. The spell flew true, but missed its target. Lord Wallace was pushed out of the way, and the spell hit Captain Reynolds. The armored man fell to the ground hard, with barely a grunt and was motionless. The wizard shrugged and began casting another spell.
Boris was already raising his axe high, to kill the counterfeit Captain Reynolds. He was going to destroy these monsters, avenging the fallen lord and the good captain. Somewhere behind him, he heard a yell for him to stop, but he ignored it. These demons and devils were always trying to trick mortals, but he, Boris, would not be tricked so easily. They would pay for all the pain this Orcish invasion was bringing.
Manheim felt a body slam into him, and he lost control of his spell. The wizard hit the ground and rolled twice before he got a good look at his attacker. Meanwhile his spell blasted into Boris' back, sending the Dwarf flying across the room. That was lucky, because Manheim knew he'd need the fighter's strength, if only as a diversion.
Manheim's sight though caused his brain to hiccup for a moment. There was a Tiefling, but wearing Raven's clothing. At first his mind was stuck as how to process this information, but then it made sense. He had always detected magic around Raven, and he couldn't figure out why. Now he knew, she had been using a glamour to hide her true self. This was too good to be true.
"Boris! It's her, the traitor!" Manheim shouted.
The wizard noticed almost too late, that Lord Wallace was bringing a massive two-handed sword at him. Manheim dodged, feeling part of his robes disappear under the sword's edge. He cast a quick holding spell, and that kept Lord Wallace from slicing him open with a follow up. Barely though, and the wizard knew he had to get things back under control fast.
Boris meanwhile was up and he rushed Raven. She shot out her blade and instinctively tired to call on an Eldritch Blast. When nothing came out, she heard a devilish snicker, and she silently cursed as she dodged. The enraged Dwarf kept after her, not giving her any room to rest. She slashed out, only for her weapon to slide off his shield.
Just when things couldn't have gotten worse for her, a portal opened up, blowing anything not held down up. Books flipped their pages, notes flew through the air, and the nearby globe shook as the portal expunged out five people. Instantly the portal closed with a loud snap.
"I'm telling you they are here," Bruce Robertson, court wizard said. "What the Hell!"
Before Manheim could take advantage on the confusion, Bruce sent out a blast of energy. Manheim slammed into the nearby wall, seeing stars and wondering how the court wizard had reacted so quickly. He managed a shielding spell before the other wizard's next spell.
"Boris, what are you doing?!" Kirann demanded as pushed the Dwarf away from Raven. "Explain yourselves!"
"My dear, Boris, the fiends have gotten the rest of our party, we must flee," Manheim said as he opened a portal. "Quickly before they dispel it!"
Confused Boris looked on for a moment, before he followed the wizard. As he leapt in, he turned around one last time, a deep feeling of sadness falling over him. Then the portal closed, leaving four Challengers, an upset wizard, angry lord and one nearly dead captain.
Lorinda tended to Captain Reynolds, while Bruce released Lord Wallace form Manheim's spell. Which left Val to stare as Kirann turned towards Raven, who was furiously pulling her hood up. The rogue felt ice in her blood for her friend, and was stuck on what to do. She had faith in the monk, but also felt terrified for Raven. Biting her lip, she waited to see how this played out.
"I'm sorry," Raven said, turning away from Kirann. "I just..I didn't know…"
Kirann turned her around, "Let me see you."
Reluctantly she pulled back her hood, letting it fall back to her shoulders. Reddish skin showed, as did her curving horns. Naturally wavy auburn hair framed her face, a face he knew well from their travels. It was her eyes though, beautiful pools of dark irises that were the color of tree bark, that told him all he needed to know.
Embracing her he said, "Raven, you never have to hide from me."
"I've got words for you!" called Lorinda from where she tended to Captain Reynolds.
Kirann helped Captain Reynolds to a nearby chair, leaving Lorinda free to poke a finger into Raven's chest. Val went to her friend's side, and instantly found herself on one of Lorinda's patented looks of warning. Leilani wisely pulled the Half-Elf rogue away, knowing that the druid and Raven needed to finish this.
"This whole time?" Lorinda asked.
Raven nodded, "Yes, it was easier for me."
"Why didn't you tell us?!" the druid demanded.
Raven came clean, "I was afraid. I've been run out of every town I've ever lived. When I found my patron, he gave me the glamour. For the first time, I wasn't a target. I didn't keep this from you to hurt you, just to protect myself."
Lorinda then did the one thing Raven didn't expect, she pulled her into a tight hug. The druid pulled her in tight, and the ex-warlock felt herself melting. This was an act of love, not passion, not romantic, just the love of one sister to another. With everything that had happened, she felt her walls crumble, hence the tears.
"Blasted fool, we run with a Drow!" Lorinda said. "I think I could have dealt with a Tiefling."
"You what?!" Lord Wallace interjected. "What Drow?"
Kirann looked at Leilani, and she pulled the mask off. Captain Reynolds tensed up, expecting another attack and Lord Wallace felt his mouth drop. He looked over to Kirann, only to find the monk relaxed. Lord Wallace at that point needed a seat, and didn't mind one bit he plopped straight into the nearest chair.
"You know, at this point, I just don't care," Lord Wallace said. "You all have been life savers, but now I have to ask why."
Kirann answered, "Because in the long run it doesn't matter. You, I trust, your court is not you. Had they known, tested my companions they would have. To what end, we will never know. The risk to them outweighed any issues."
"Did you know?" Lord Wallace looked at Raven.
Kirann said, "I still see her as she has always been. There is a light inside of her that is luminous. The form it takes matters not."
"What strange times we live in," Lord Wallace sighed. "We'll continue this after we save Altamar."
"Agreed," Kirann said. "We need to get back to what we do best."
Raven smiled, "The impossible."