When Duris tried to open the wooden door leading to the stairs, he was surprised to find it locked. He could recall that the door was never locked during his stay at the Temple of the Oracle. The chambers beneath were Versi's private chambers, where she consulted her dreams as to what the future of Thylea was, were always open to Duris. He turned to consult his group.

"We need to find the key," Duris told them. "We could start by asking Proteus-"

Phoebe pushed Duris aside. Holding onto her maul, she slammed it against the door, shattering the wood. Another swing demolished the door completely and revealed the stairs leading down. Duris looked on in shock as Phoebe shrugged.

"There's no time to wait," Phoebe said and stepped back. "Lead on."

"Right…."

Duris climbed down the stairs, mace and shield in hand. The hallway was small, meaning that they had to walk single file down. They were alert, expecting that the sea hags would have some sort of trap to force any rescuers away from the Temple. While he expected a trap, Duris didn't expect another door. As strange as it was, he had no recollection of this door, prompting him to pause.

"What's the hold up?" Mantes, who was towards the back of the line, called out.

"There's a door," Duris answered. "One that wasn't here before?"

"Is it locked?" Ranri, who was right behind Duris, asked.

Duris, hesitant to check, tapped the door with his mace. The door shifted, revealing wide teeth with tentacles extending from its edge.

"What?" Duris gasped.

"It's a mimic!" Valros exclaimed.

Duris raises his shield to block one of the mimic's tentacles. He tried to take a step back but nearly tripped over Ranri, who drew his makhaira. The crowded space didn't work in favor of the group.

"Get out of the way!" Phoebe tried to push aside Ferrous but was unable to move forward.

"I don't think I can cast a spell without hitting someone else," Thella said.

Duris slammed his mace down on the mimic, earning a pained grunt from the creature. He stepped to the side, giving Ranri enough space to step forward.

"Cyrene, if you have the shot, take it!" Korax said in a commanding tone.

Cyrene's answer came in the form of her arrow, which struck and embedded itself in the mimic. The monster screamed in pain, although it used one of its tentacles to block Ranri's blade when the dwarf advanced. Iraster, being small enough to slip by the line, made it to a spot where he could cast spells without harming anyone, and shot a bolt of fire at the mimic. Yet, the monster still fought on with one of its tentacles slapping Duris in the side. He grunted in pain then noticed that the tentacle was stuck to his body, which started to lift him up.

"Get it off me!" Duris called out, swinging his mace wildly.

The mimic pulled Duris closer, opening its mouth wide. The monster did not care for the fire bolts and arrows that struck it. Duris screamed out when its teeth closed down on his shoulder, trying to eat him. It was Ranri that came in to save him, swinging his makhaira. The blade had a golden radiant edge which cut through the mimic and the tentacle that restrained Duris. He fell onto the ground and the mimic collapsed backwards, opening the way to the rest of the Temple of the Oracle.

"I got ye, lad," Ranri placed his hands on Duris' shoulder. He channeled warm healing magic.

"Thank you," Duris took a deep breath and stood up slowly. "What… how did you heal me? And what was that attack?"

"I'm a paladin," Ranri answered. "My power comes from standin' up fer th' ideals that th' Dragonlords o' ol' stood up fer."

"We should continue onward," Ferrous advised. "We may not be able to stand another attack in close quarters."

Duris agreed with the construct's idea and led the way down. The stairs winded down into a vast cave, giving the heroes plenty of time to stretch out compared to the confined hallways of the stairway. Light shimmered from the water of the hot springs and refracted onto the cave wall. A brazier provided light and marked a central stone island in the hot springs with a river leading down further in the cave.

Feeling another memory coming back, Duris quickly addressed the group. "Spread out and look for the Oracle."

With his companions starting to walk around, Duris stepped forward to the edge of the water and closed his eyes.

Duris wasn't an attendant to the Oracle. He wasn't exactly sure who he was to her anymore. He aided the attendants with their chores and assignments but was treated differently by both them and the Oracle. The other attendants wouldn't speak to him; he could hardly remember their faces whenever he saw them. Yet, Versi always treated him with care. She found time to speak with him, and although she didn't tell him about the war, he enjoyed getting to know her. Even when they passed by in the temple for their respective duties, she brushed her hand against his skin. He enjoyed her touch, which made his day.

In his mind, Duris wanted to stay with Versi, and continue to take a break from the war. He had fought for so long with the Dragonlords, people who he could hardly remember now. It had only been two weeks since he arrived at the Temple of the Oracle and yet he had moved on from the war. However, there was a part of Duris that knew what his purpose was. The temptation to be with Versi was strong but it was his duty to return to the Dragonlords and finish the war. He needed the break but he couldn't stay forever, not when he had others waiting for him to come back home.

The polite action to take would be to thank Versi for all she had done and tell her that it was time to leave. By now, his legs had fully healed and he was more than capable of making the journey back to civilization. He climbed down the stairs leading to the grotto of the temple. Versi sat upon the rugs on the island, smoke burning from incense to help her see the future. Duris jumped across the stones leading to the island and bowed out of respect for the Oracle.

"I hope I am not interrupting," Duris said, raising his head up.

"I can always make time for you," Versi smiled. "Have a seat. Join me."

Duris took a seat on the carpet across from Versi, placing his hands on his lap. "I thank you for everything you've done. I wouldn't be alive without your aid and I will never be able to repay you for that. However, I am needed. The Dragonlords need me. I have to leave."

"I understand," Versi nodded. "I admire your sense of duty and your humble nature. There's more to you than that. You're special."

"What do you mean?"

"You're unlike any mortal I've ever seen," Versi reached out, grabbing his hand. "I've seen your future and it is marvelous. Your actions may very well shape the future of Thylea in ways you could never imagine."

"That's the duty of the Dragonlords," Duris stated simply. "It's good work we're doing. I'm no different than the others."

Versi shifted closer, leaning in closer. "Stay with me one last time. Don't worry about the war. For all you've done and all you will do, surely you can take a break."

Although Duris knew that he needed to return to the war, he realized that Versi was right. After everything, he could continue his break from the war. He knew that the Dragonlords would be fine without him. Afterall, he hadn't heard that the war ended in disaster for the settlements of Thylea. With Versi holding his hand, Duris knew exactly what he wanted.

The Dragonlord and the Oracle leaned in to each other and pressed their lips together in a passionate kiss. They embraced with their arms wrapped around each other. Duris fell back down onto the carpets with Versi on top of him, both overcome by their feelings towards each other. Then-

Duris snapped out of his memories flashing back into his mind. On the island where he and Versi shared one of many passionate nights was Valros, currently under attack by a rug (one that wasn't present in the past). He tried to rush out to save him but others were able to get to the island first. Yesleth and Mantes jumped onto the island; Yesleth punched the carpet away from her companion while Mantes stabbed his xiphos into it. Valros quickly followed up their attack by stabbing his blade into the carpet, which fell limp onto the ground.

By the time Duris arrived on the island, Valros chuckled. "First a mimic and now a rug of smothering. This takes me back…"

Duris held back a comment on being taken back as well. "I'm sorry. I should have been ready to help you."

"What matters is that no one was hurt," Yesleth told him. "Is everything alright?"

"No," Duris said instinctively. "I shouldn't have come here. I want to get out of here."

Mantes took out his flash and held it out. "I know someone in pain when I see it. Drink and forget."

"I don't know what you're going through but we have to continue," Yesleth said, watching Duris take the flask. "Can you continue leading us?"

"Maybe," Duris said noncommittally. "There's only one chamber left to search. Just follow the river."

Duris opened the flask and chugged the wine that Mantes carried with him. Yet, it was not enough to take his mind off of the past. He held it back to the half-elf, who frowned in disappointment to find that it was completely empty. Duris glanced around the grotto, seeing that the other heroes were waiting for him. Although he failed in his duty to the Dragonlords, he still had his obligations to his companions and friends. With a gulp, he led the way deeper into the grotto.

More memories came to mind of Duris' time with Versi, and although he struggled to recall exact details, he knew what the final room was. They were heading for Versi's private chambers, a place where he shared many nights with the Oracle. He could feel his heart beat faster in his chest, unsure of what is to come next. He knew that Versi was in danger but he had no idea how she would react to his return or how he would react to their reunion.

Finally, Duris made a turn into a large chamber. The Oracle kept many of her gifts from visitors in her private chambers. Her bed was large and lavish with red sheets and fluffy pillows. Immediately, Duris looked up. Versi was just as beautiful as the day he met her, although she was being restrained in the air by a creature of water. She was submerged in it with tendrils holding her mouth shut. On the ground were three horrifying women in robes, with mossy green hair and blue skin. They cackled, surrounded by corpses, as the heroes arrived. Duris froze, and in the moment, his mace dropped to the ground.

"Fools!" the hag in the center called out. "You will not survive today. The Lord of All's plans will come to fruition."

"You're Heleka, right?" Valros asked, remaining social while his companions took out their weapons.

"I am, yes. Knowing it will not serve you in any way."

"It helps me know who's in charge."

Valros tossed his dagger in a fluid motion, just like when he threw his dagger at the Order of Sydon's captain. Yet, it did not pierce her neck, instead scratching across her cheek. Heleka scowled at the attack.

"That… that did not go as planned," Valros said with a shrug.

"To battle!" Korax called out.

Duris couldn't move his feet, dealing with more memories of the many nights he shared with Versi, now knowing that she lied to him about the war with the Dragonlords. This wasn't a fight he immediately joined. Instead, he could only watch his companions face Sydon's minions in battle.

Halius charged Heleka directly, his kopis raised to strike her. Yet, despite his courage, the sea hag dodged the attack. When he moved to attack again, Heleka pointed her hand to her attacker and chanted a quick spell. Halius became motionless, vulnerable to Heleka and her coven. Thella tried to shoot the hag with a Ray of Frost but Heleka avoided the bolt of cold magic. What she could not avoid was Phoebe charging in swinging her maul across the hag's left side.

Korax led the charge against one of Heleka's coven sisters, and although his silvered dory failed to find its mark, he served as a suitable distraction. Mantes jumped to the hag's side and stabbed his xiphos through her rib cage. Leira conjured an Eldritch Blast with the energy bolt slamming and searing her shoulder. Ranri followed behind Korax, his makhaira glowing gold as he swung it at her legs. The hag let out a pained scream when the dwarf cut off her left leg completely, although that scream was replaced by a cruel laugh.

"I am sorry, sisters, but I shall leave you all with a parting gift," the hag declared.

The sea hag held her hand up in the air, then swung in downwards. Her spell summoned a bolt of lightning directly on her with the electricity lashing out towards Korax, Mantes, and Halius. The sudden lightning blinded everyone in the chamber for a brief second. When Duris opened his eyes, the hag was burnt to ashes, although everyone was more focused on the fate of her attackers. Korax and Mantes were both on the ground, their only movement being light twitching from the lightning. Ranri rose up from his knees, shaking his head slowly.

"It's goin' te take more than that te kill me," the dwarf boasted.

"The coven is broken, sister!" the third hag called out. "What are we to do?"

"Our oath to Sydon still holds," Heleka growled. "We fight and we will win."

"We need to heal them!" Cyrene called out, unable to hide the worry in her voice.

"I'm out o' healin' magic else I would," Ranri grunted.

"Working on it," Tellek muttered.

Tellek fired a crossbow bolt at the third sea hag, striking her in the shoulder. The centaur dropped his crossbow onto the ground to have his hands free to grab regents from his pouch to form a healing solution. He offered it to Cyrene, who grabbed it while running towards the fallen. She dropped down on her knees to administer the potion to Korax to heal him. The lokhagos regained consciousness, grimacing in pain.

The third hag had to fend off many attackers. She pulled out the crossbow bolt right as Semestra conjured fire to throw at the hag. Ferrous and Argades both charged forward, and although the construct missed her with his mace, the half-orc grabbed her by both shoulders to channel electricity through her. The hag slashed across Argades' chest with her claws, although she was left exposed for Yesleth to slash at her extended hand. The hag backed away from the elf's punches only to be in turn blasted by Magic Missiles casted by Iraster. Zyfon followed through, jabbing her with his rapier.

"Halius, my friend, you must break free!" Zyfon called out. "Your story can't end here!"

Duris took a deep breath, realizing that he needed to take action. A thought came to mind. The reason he was frozen in battle in the present was because of what had happened to him in the past. If he was to move on with his life, he couldn't dwell on the thoughts of the past. Instead, he must look toward the future. His plan was crazy but it may be what he needed to contribute.

Duris pulled out the incense gifted to him by Proteus, lit them aflame with a magical cantrip, and inhaled the smoke vapors that surrounded him.

Immediately, Duris felt his eyes open in a way he never experienced before. Although he was no stranger to the smoke Versi inhaled to see the future, it was the first time he inhaled the vapors. Now, he lived in the present, although he could see events of the future take place a few seconds before they happened. He saw no need to intervene against the third hag, seeing that Valros is able to sneak behind her to stab her with his sword.

Instead, he turned to face Heleka. With Zyfon's encouragement, Halius broke free from Heleka's spell and slashed his kopis across her face. Duris saw Phoebe approach the sea hag, raising her maul to crush her skull, only for Heleka to slash her claws across Phoebe's throat. Yet, he knew that this didn't have to be her future. He held his hand out towards her, directing the smoke at the hag. When Heleka moved to attack Phoebe, the smoke blinded her briefly, and her claws missed their mark.

Duris took a deep breath, realizing that he could influence the future. Coming up, he saw Korax standing up to jab at Heleka with his dory, only that he would miss. Duris held his hand out towards the lokhagos as he charged, manipulating the smoke vapors to aid him. The smoke aided Korax, allowing him to jab his spear into Heleka's shoulder. Afterwards, the vapors faded away, and Duris could no longer see the present and future at once. He held a hand to his head, taking another deep breath.

"That was…" Duris muttered, although he was at a loss for words.

"I have another healing solution prepared," Tellek announced.

Semestra was prompted to take the vial to administer to Mantes, who was still unconscious. Although Heleka put up a good final fight by dodging Leira's Eldritch Blast and Ranri's makhaira, there was very little more that she could do. Cyrene shot her through the chest with a bow, and although she nearly collapsed, the hag lived. Heleka pointed the palm of her hand out, trying to cast a spell, but was silenced before she could. It was Ferrous that struck the final blow with the construct holding its palm out towards the sea hag to fire a bolt of golden energy. The magical spell struck Heleka in the head, burning her face, and she collapsed onto the ground.

"We did it!" Halius cheered.

Kyrah, who recorded the battle on a piece of parchment, looked to Duris. "What was that?"

"I… I don't know," Duris admitted. "I just had an idea…"

"There's someone who may know," Thella looked up.

The adventurers looked up towards the ceiling. The water that held the Oracle in place dispersed, although she used her magic to have it lower her onto the ground. She smiled upon the group, although she did not speak. Most of the group looked in awe to be in the presence of the Oracle. Duris tensed up when she approached him, her hand lightly caressing his cheek. He made no attempt to speak or to move against her, frozen in place.

"I knew you were special," Versi told him, holding his head in the palm of her hand. "And I knew you would come back to me."

A/N: So, this was a shorter chapter, but it was meant to wrap up the encounters in the Temple of the Oracle. I'm also keeping the author note's section here short. Why? Because I may have gotten carried away while writing and finished another chapter that's being posted at the same time here. I'll discuss my thoughts there.

Until next time.