Ferchen quietly sat at her desk. It had been a day since she sent the Ranger out to search for Virdel, and she was growing quite impatient. She scrolled over some scattered notes on her workspace, making sure everything was in place, if the Rangers were needed to interfere with the city happenings. She had not wanted to do this any more then the three other Rangers, but Mielikki commanded it. She heard the door to her room open, and softly close. She didn't even bother to look up at her visitor.
"Yes?" Ferchen questioned, slightly annoyed. The past day had been a stressful one for her, and she was in no mood for idle "chatter".
"I would've believed I'd receive more of a greeting then that." Virdel grinned as he watched Ferchen snap to her feet, with a large smile. She ran around her desk, and threw her arms around Virdel, hugging him tightly. Virdel, sheepishly, returned the hug, and gently pushed her away. "I see you have been worried." He smiled again.
Ferchen quickly gathered herself, and stepped back from the Drow. "I have been worried, that's all." She saw Virdel quirk an eyebrow, but he did not pursue his own thoughts. "Where have you been? After my Rangers heard of your encounter with the Pit Fiend, we were worried that we had lost our best ally!" A small look of concern crossed her face as she spoke.
"I have been...." Virdel paused to think of the words to say it. "Occupied. A Mage approached me. Magus, I believe his name was." Ferchen nodded in recognition of the name, and Virdel continued. "He has asked me to help him, but with what, I am not sure." He paced the length of the room, and stood by the small window that served as a light source in the day. "I thought it would be best to return here, and have assistance from my friends, if need be." He turned his head a flashed a smile to Ferchen.
Ferchen returned the smile, and walked up behind Virdel, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Of course. You may always have aid from us. Anything I...The Rangers" She blushed as she spoke, "Can do to help you, you have but to ask." She stopped momentarily, slipping around to face Virdel. "Will you be staying in the building? If so, I can have Rodel clean a room up." Virdel nodded before raising his hand, and signaling he had brought another with him. Ferchen nodded. "I would like to meet him then."
"All right. His name is Kierran, he is a Ranger, like yourself." Virdel made his way to the door, and opened it slightly. He motioned for Kierran to enter the room, so Ferchen could get a good look at him. "Magus, for his own reasons I assume, told him to accompany me. You two talk, perhaps you may be able to help each other. I will talk to Rodel about the rooms." Virdel then exited the room, off to find the Ranger Rodel.
*****
Rail leaned in the shadows of the stairwell as the stranger came into the alley, seemingly searching for someone. The man was unfamiliar to the thief, though clearly a wizard in nondescript robes carrying a mundane staff and trailing an obviously well fed black cat. Rail kept a hand on the hilt of his dagger as he methodically crept closer to the stranger, careful to stay deep within the early morning shadows. He kept his mind carefully clamped closed as he studied the man.
The stranger walked confidently down the alley, searching for something, but unafraid of what he would find. The cat followed close behind, seemingly bored.
You fool, Rail, Void's voice boomed in his head, seemingly coming from the cat. Open your mind, not your eyes. The cat also seemed to be scanning the alley, though with less patience than it is owner.
Rail frowned, puzzled, but quickly began to understand the situation. Slowly he allowed his thoughts to return to their normal state. No sooner had he done this, than the man and cat suddenly turned in his direction, apparently finding their goal.
He still trusts about as much as when he first entered the Mists of the Rift, Void said only to Magus.
The man simply nodded in return as Rail stepped from the shadows and into plain view.
Rail raised an eyebrow as he took in Magus' new form. "What happened," he began puzzled, though a smile started to form on his face. "You've really let yourself go downhill, Magus."
Magus smiled and nodded. "We each have our own way of investigating. I'm glad you approve."
Rail glanced down at the cat and his smile broadened, but Void cut off any comments. Don't even think about it, human. Being in this form has just about taxed my patience to its limits.
I kinda like the change on you, Misty, though I would have chosen something different for you, Rail responded. Like maybe a tabby, or a calico, or perhaps a scrawny alley cat with little tufts of...
Things can be arranged for you to join us, you know. Void began, half-playful, half-spiteful. You'd make an excellent mouse.
Rail rubbed his chin in thought, nodding to himself. You know.., I do believe my blade cuts cleanly through cats, though I would probably never get rid of the smell.
"Well," Magus interrupted, smiling at the exchange. "I'm glad to see you two are so happy to see each other."
The assassin nodded, then returned to the slightly bewildered look from before the exchange. "Couldn't you two have changed..." he made a circular motion with his hand before waving off the thought. "Never mind. I don't really want to know."
"It's a long story and a tiring process. No need to attract undue attention."
Rail's hand shot reflexively to his hilt at the thought of Cowled Wizards who would respond to the magical surge.
"What have you discovered?" Magus' expression turned serious. The events of the past few days had troubled him greatly. He sensed an upcoming storm, one like the city hadn't seen in a decade, and the impending winds of change seem to be plodding ever forward.
Rail's expression darkened, as if he could surround himself by shadow at will. "This is no ordinary mage, Magus."
Void appeared to be paying little attention to the conversation at hand. He was concentrating hard on keeping the conversation shrouded from any prying ears or scrying, and scanning the alley warily.
Rail continued. "He has many wards guarding his place, most of which I recognize, though some are unfamiliar to me at all." Magus raised an eyebrow at this, knowing the assassin's lengthy experience with wizards. "Six are common wards known to many wizards. Two seem to have clerical magic woven into them. One as if a glyph of warding, but with necromancy and abjuration embedded deeply in the spell. All wards seemed cast as if by the same wizard, though."
Magus creased his eyebrows in thought, mentally taking notes, though what this all meant seemed just beyond his grasp. Something just didn't make much sense about this mage, though it seemed vaguely familiar.
"One more thing," Rail added, shifting his stance uncomfortably. "I followed him to the Council headquarters." The assassin paused, trying to gather his thoughts and put them to words. "None moved to oppose him, as though all had been charmed or bribed or allied. It was as if he was there by right, and all knew it but me. It seemed odd. I don't know how to explain it."
Magus frowned deeply at this news. Certainly if he had used some form of mass charm, both he and the Cowled Wizards would have noticed the energy. It had to be something else, but that thought seemed to bring no comfort.
"He knew I was watching."
Magus seemed taken aback, catching his jaw as it began to drop in surprise. He knew well the assassin's skill in avoiding detection. When the shadowy human did not want to be found, even Magus was challenged in discovering the man, and that was with the knowledge he was lurking about.
Rail continued, puzzled and uncomfortable. "He stopped his studies several times to scan the area I was hiding, both magically and mentally. He never seemed to find me, but I do not know how he could sense I was there at all." The assassin continued to describe Lazal's studies and habits in as much detail as he could, given the day's meager observations. Magus filed the information away, though he couldn't help but think there was some clue he was missing. Frowning and shaking his head, he almost tripped over Void as the cat rubbed up against Magus' leg.
Beware! We have company.
*****
While part of his mind digested the rest of Rail's information, another part pondered the meaning of Lazal's mysterious acceptance by the council. He knew for a fact that the Council looked upon Lazal with a great suspicion that would never be allayed by mere bribes. A few in particular would sooner perish than even think of dealing personally with him. For the members of the Council were for the most part good men; a rarity indeed in Athkatla these days. Hot-tempered and irrational at times, but good men nonetheless. Their acquiescence to the likes of Lazal did not bode well…
Beware! We have company. The sudden message prompts a step back, causing him to almost trip right over Void's feline form. Rail instinctively slips into the nearby shadows, knowing that his presence would only complicate matters.
Seconds later a group of four competent-looking Cowled Wizards turn the corner. Spotting the black-robed mage standing alone in the alley, one breaks away and comes forward.
"You there. You're new to this city, correct?"
"Newly arrived, but not new. I come from the northern borders, a battlemage in the service of the Amnish border patrol."
"What brings you here, then?" the wizard asks suspiciously. "Do you admit to desertion?"
"I think not. I was relieved of my duty by my commander, who complied with the Cowled Wizard's order recalling inactive mages to headquarters."
"Then let's see your transfer orders."
Magus reaches into a pocket in his robe, withdrawing a worn but neat scroll of parchment. Opening it, the wizard inspects it closely.
"Hmm…the seal checks out. Regardless, you must accompany us to headquarters. Resist and your stay in Athkatla shall be cut short…permanently." The rest of the Cowled Wizards advance sternly.
Rail moved along the shadows, silent as a plague. The cold grip of the venom-laced dagger echoed his hatred for the men confronting Magus, and his knuckles grew white in anticipation. He felt the ever-present excitement rush through his veins as it always did before a kill, pleasant and painful at the same time.
The mages were unsuspecting. They stood before Magus and his "cat" in the commanding, arrogant, condescending stance of a Cowled wizard, all their corruption gloating forth in their posture. The assassin longed for the strike. Fools, Rail thought with all the scorn pent up from his forced association with the corrupt group. Rail could sense no protections from physical attacks, and he knew the signs. No. These fools were expecting a wizard, not steel.
In tense anticipation, the assassin held back, just within the shadows, but a step away from the back of the outermost mage and waited for the signal from his friend.
-No, fool! - Comes a hiss in Rail's mind. -Do not blow our cover-
"Well! Is this the welcome a member receives from his fellows these days? Bullying and completely unconcealed threats? Count your blessings that I am yet loyal to the guild, and in a far better mood than you apparently are. I will go, but only because I was on my way to headquarters anyway to report my arrival."
"A wise choice. Come then," says the wizard, beckoning Magus forward. He complies somewhat snootily, his black cat trailing behind, and an instant later the entire group vanishes through a dimensional door.
* * * * *
Virdel stood outside the door to Ferchen's room, patiently waiting for her and Kierran to finish they're meeting. It had been a little over an hour, and Virdel was beginning to grow curious. As he stood, waiting, he had been fiddling with a small, iron pendant, nothing special. He would have continued, patiently, if he hadn't heard the creak of the door open, and the voices of the two Rangers exiting the room.
"I am glad you agreed, Kierran." Ferchen led the way, showing Kierran to the door of the building. "This will be of great help to the Rangers in Amn. We must be able to maintain peace here, and keep everyone safe. Come back in one piece." Kierran nodded, and stepped out of the building, stopping once outside.
"I will do my best, Ferchen. Perhaps, if Mielikki is kind to me, she will guide me safely back." He smiled, and drew his hood over his face, masking his features. He then slowly made his way down the streets of Athkatla, disappearing into the corridors of stone, and wood. Ferchen said a silent pray, and turned inside to face Virdel.
"Virdel." She began, "Your companion. I fear I may've sent him on a suicide mission." Virdel looked questioningly towards her. "We needed someone to find out what the Shadow Thieves were planning during this whole mess." She shook her head. "Well, if his faith in Mielikki is strong, he will return." She willed a smile, and made her way next to Virdel. He only nodded in response, not knowing much of Kierran; he was not sure how he would fare in the midst of the Thieves.
"Ferchen, I'm afraid I can not stay long." Virdel looked towards her, a hint of fear in his voice. "The man I met, Magus. He has spoke of a lot of trouble brewing in Athkatla. He has also asked me to help him." Ferchen nodded, understanding every word. "I have decided to do so, in my own way. I am Drow, and I am a fighter." Ferchen could see where this was going, and she choked back a few tears, trying to keep her feelings hidden from Virdel. "I am going to work my way into the Black Helm. I have enough skills that they will accept me, but not as Drow. I need you to help me conceal my identity, and appearance." Virdel looked directly to Ferchen, who had bowed her head, and was holding back her tears.
Ferchen nodded. "Yes... As I said, we will help you." She took a second to re-assemble herself. "But you must know! The Black Helm sends their new recruits on death missions all the time! And the slightest impudence, and they have you executed! I would much rather have you remain working for us here." Virdel just put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and gave her the same confident look he always had. "Come. I know a few people in the city that will help change your appearance to that of a Human."
*****
Virdel stood, later that day, at the door to the Rangers building. Ferchen was next to him. He was still getting used to the magical enchantment over him, and having the pink tone flesh covering his body. His white mane had been replaced by long brown, and his height had been giving the appearance of being taller. He kept his hood down, as to not draw attention. "Thank you Ferchen. For everything."
Ferchen smiled. "You know you're always welcome. Also, if you need help, you can find us easily enough." Virdel nodded, and turned towards the streets. As he began down the street, a hand stopped him on his shoulder. He turned around, and met with Ferchen face. For the first time in years, she let her feelings go. She kissed him softly, and gave him a hug. As she pulled back, she looked to Virdel. "Don't get killed. I need you to come back at some point." She smiled and sent the disguised Drow towards the Black Helm...
*****
The group of wizards appears just inside the entrance to the Cowled Wizard headquarters. Erected soon after the banishment of the demons a decade ago, it is a testament to the guild's expanded power. A grand structure, its marble magnificence is only surpassed by the powerful wards seemingly scattered about the place. They serve to restrict members to certain areas of the building. The way to gain clearance remains a closely guarded secret. Supposedly even few of the senior members themselves know how they are able to pass through into restricted areas. It is a veritable fortress, and even the Shadow Thieves dare not enter uninvited. Though countless many have surely tried…
Another wizard approaches the leader of the group, and they talk quietly for a moment. Then he turns to address Magus.
"The High Wizard awaits. Go through the door over there," he says impatiently, pointing to a nearby door on the left.
Entering, Magus finds a well-kept room, adorned with various symbols of the Cowled Wizards. An old-looking man sits at a clean wooden desk. He looks up from his work as the door shuts, studying the new arrival carefully.
"Nabalad, I take it? I apologize for the rudeness of my subordinates. Just a while ago there was an alarming magical disturbance. They had orders to apprehend anyone suspicious on the spot."
Nabalad nods. "Yes, I thought I sensed a burst of magical energy when I neared the city. Though it was odd…it certainly was no magic I've ever encountered.
The man raises his brows in surprise. "Very astute of you." He pauses, as if trying to decide something. "Hmm…I think we might have a use for you after all. Very well, listen closely. The magic was none other than the corruption magic's wielded by the devilish rakshasa. You've heard of them, yes? Well, then you know that having one roaming around Athkatla is an acute problem. We've already hired some genies to track it down, but perhaps having one of our own in pursuits will speed the process. Go talk to the Dao djinn we hired for more details. They should be in the Slums District, searching for clues at the site of the casting. I'm sure someone of your experience will be capable of finding them without too much trouble. You are dismissed."
He goes back to reading a message on his desk, taking little notice of Nabalad's departure, or the black cat curled up behind a nearby waste-basket...
* * * * *
On an assignment for the Cowled Wizards, Nabalad doesn't hesitate to teleport to his destination. He appears in the familiar surroundings of the Slums district. The genies would undoubtedly be shrouded by invisibility. But care would have to be taken in dealing with them. Experienced in combating corruption magic's, and already searching for its signs, appearing before them disguised as he was could only lead to disaster.
Nabalad cloaks himself in invisibility, then wills away his disguise momentarily, storing the energy within his staff for later use. Then he weaves a unique illusionary spell that homes in on other active spells of illusion, guiding him to the hidden genies. One appears as he rounds a corner of the abandoned house he had used not long ago to weave his disguise.
"Interesting spell you use there, mortal. Are you one of the so-called Cowled Wizards?"
"I am." Magus doesn't cancel his invisibility.
"Ho-ho! The mortal wishes to remain unseen. Why might I ask? Let us see…"
The djinn's divination spell failed to reveal the newcomer. He looks surprised, and more than a bit impressed. He chuckles. "A powerful one of your kind, you are. Very well, remain unseen if that is your wish. Now, if I might ask, for what reason do you grace us with your presence?"
"I was sent to assess your progress, and aid you finding this rakshasa, if possible."
"Fair enough. Some investigating we have done, analyzing the spell residue and such. The results were interesting, yes. Corruption magic's permeate the place, yet faint glimmers of other magic's not wielded by the rakshasa there are. Astral and psychic energies: these not be used amongst the rakshasa. Perhaps this rakshasa had an accomplice, yes? An illithid, maybe? T'would certainly be an odd alliance, don't you agree?
"Yes, it would, though highly unlikely I would suspect. Have you determined the method of escape?"
"It's fairly apparent. There is a crack in the sidewall, large enough for man or rakshasa to crawl through. A clever one it is. No magical or physical trail there is. With the evidence at hand, I can say with certainty that we'll get no closer to finding the little devil. But fear not. They are a predatory kind, and soon we'll be able to follow the trail of disappearing mortals. It's only a matter of time."
"That is unacceptable. A trail of disappearances would defeat our entire objective, which is to keep this hushed."
The djinn chuckled. "Unacceptable, eh? Well, do YOU have a better plan, mortal?"
"You'll see…" A smile crosses Magus's invisible face. It would be risky almost to the point of foolhardiness, but it had sure been a while since his fighting day
Magus gestures in the language of magic, and he, the visible djinn, and the hidden djinn disappear through dimensional gates. They step out at the bottom a deep, arid valley, the buildings of the city nowhere in sight. It is dark, and dawn is not far away.
"What is the meaning of this, mortal?" booms the hidden djinn, dispelling his invisibility.
"This must be done where it won't be noticed."
Magus pulls a fist-sized red ruby from a hidden pocket, which instantly becomes visible. It glows with an ominous blood-red light, and the stench of evil emanating from it is almost suffocating. It burns in his hand with an unholy fire, and Magus reflexively hurls it to the ground, rubbing his singed hand ruefully in instinctive distaste. He had forgotten how truly despicable the artifact was.
The djinns' initial astonishment turns loathing, then nervous fear. "You dare unveil that vile gem, foolish mortal! Have you a death wish?! That will draw every demonic being within miles!" cries the first one.
"Calm yourself!" Magus snaps, no longer acting. "How many demons are there in one area of the Prime-Material at a single time? All it will bring are a few that've just been summoned. And this saves us the trouble of finding the rakshasa, doesn't it?"
"Mortals! It's a wonder that your kind hasn't yet ceased to exist!" mutters the other one, drawing his katana.
"Shut up and prepare yourselves! They're here…"
Silence hangs in the air for a few precious seconds. Then comes the tingle of gathering magical energy. Suddenly half a dozen magical gates spawn on all sides. Out pop a couple of cornugon, a pair of glabrezu, a pit fiend…and none other than a ta'naari balor.
Total chaos erupts as the power of the glowing jewel on the ground flings them into a voracious frenzy. Demon fear, thick and terrible pollutes the very air. Magus barely manages a resist fear spell before the effects can overwhelm him. One of the cornugon madly charges a glabrezu, rending it deep with its claws, causing the ta'narri to shriek in wounded rage. The cornugon lunges for a killing rip with its jaws, but one powerful swipe from the side by the balor crushes its skull, killing it instantly. It then decapitates the wounded glabrezu without a moment's hesitation.
Meanwhile the other cornugon races for the first djinn. He suddenly disappears in a poof of smoke. The cornugon's frustrated howl is cut off by the katana thrust down its throat. But as it fell its claws carve a deep gash in the upper-right section of the genie's chest.
The other djinn was beset by another bloodthirsty glabrezu. A wall of icy flame springs up around the genie, of which the glabrezu gets a mouthful of instead of flesh. A mighty downward slash of the katana ends its scream before it even begins.
The pit fiend had appeared only a couple meters away from Magus. With its acute sense of smell, invisibility was no protection. A lightning bolt bursts from unseen hands, smiting the demon straight in the chest. The blow knocks it back a few steps, but it recovers almost immediately and leaps across the distance to the source in one giant bound, slashing horizontally with its razor-sharp claws. They find their target, but instead of ripping through tender flesh they screech across solid stone. An icy blast spews forth in a cone as if in reply, freezing the offending arm and pin-cushioning its body with thousands of tiny icicles. The demon stumbles but does not fall, instead hurling itself at the hidden assailant. The blow would have flung him to the ground, helpless, stoneskin or not. But the word "DIE!" rings forth, the creature mere feet away, and Magus sidesteps the fiend's carcass as it crashes to the ground…
Magus, stepping over the corpse, quietly found his next target, another Pit fiend. He raises his hand, and without breaking a sweat, five glowing orbs emit from his fingers, and shoot out towards the creature. As each one hits, the Fiend shrugs them off. Magus had no intention of the Magic Missile's to do any harm, just to get the Fiend's attention. The Pit Fiend responded, violently. It charged towards the mage, who had already prepped his next spell.
The Fiend came to a screeching halt as he saw Magus vanish through a Shadow Door. It looked about for moment, it's last. From the back of it's head, it felt a searing pain before it felt nothing at all. Magus re-appeared behind the creature, a grim look on his face. The death that had been wrought from Magus's one finger had sent the creature to it's after life, with ease.
The lesser demons dead, the djinns and Magus are left alone with the ta'narri balor. Smelling sweet blood, it immediately rushes at the wounded genie, still invisible. He casts a dimension door, but too late. The balor's claws came raking down, tearing into the genie's abdomen and disrupting the spell. Blood spills forth as if from nowhere. With its last breath on the prime material the djinn lets loose a powerful lightning bolt that blasts through the balor's magical defenses and sends it reeling backward.
The other djinn, protected by a shield of cold fire, dashes in before the ta'narri can recover. Hasting himself with a word, the djinn's blade moves in a blur, scoring a dozen hits in the span of seconds. Weakened and distracted, Magus's finger of death meets little resistance, and ends the fiend's life before it can counter.
The battle over, the djinn return the katana to its belt, and his shield fades away. The death of his comrade makes him feel somewhat lonely, but he is not saddened. He was home, and free once again from the whims of impertinent mortals.
"A battle well-fought, mortal. Your magic commands respect, it does. However, no closer are we to our goal than before. No rakshasa pays us a visit."
Impossible, Magus thinks. He knew for certain that there was a rakshasa somewhere in the area. The artifact should have drawn it there with all the rest. Something was wrong, very wrong.
"Well? Is our most respected and powerful wizard actually baffled, yes?"
Suddenly Magus appears, his invisibility dispelled. He instantly deduces from the djinn's surprised expression that it wasn't him. Then he senses it. The powerful, malevolent presence. The rakshasa had arrived.
Magus cries out in warning, but it's too late. A scimitar cuts through the air and the genie's head rolls to the ground, followed by its body.
Luckily he hadn't yet revoked his stoneskin. Quickly he weaves a spell turning protection, just in time to reflect the rakshasa's fireball back at it. The explosion doesn't even faze it. This one was powerful indeed.
Without stopping Magus begins his next spell. Shimmering silver daggers erupt from his hand and shoot towards their target. The rakshasa responds with a stoneskin, but it underestimates the sheer number of daggers. 7 bounce off, but 3 more bite deeply into flesh.
The power of the spell is draining, and Magus is forced to pause. Infuriated, the rakshasa goes into a long, mystic chant. His magic unavailable, Magus taps other powers as his opponent's spell reaches completion.
A great pillar of black flame shoots down from the sky, enveloping the mage in fiery death, blasting through his spell defenses. The dark inferno raged for a second, a minute, who can really say? But when it ended, and the smoke clears, Magus stood levitating in midair, his eyes closed, his robes blackened with soot but untouched. Opening his eyes, he gazed at the rakshasa with eyes unseeing, eyes focused inward in the ecstasy of self-enlightenment. At that moment the cunning rakshasa knew fear, perhaps for the first time in its despicable life. Great among its kind, feared by creatures across the planes, it never knew an opponent it couldn't smite with a mix of guile and overwhelming power.
Something about the magi's gaze was compelling, forcing the rakshasa lord to stare back. Seconds later it fell, a lifeless husk, defeated in a mighty psionic battle spanning timeless eons in the realm of the mind. Then Magus himself crumpled to the ground, mind and body exhausted from the ordeal of their assimilating. He barely managed to crawl over and conceal the gem once more within his robe before consciousness left him.
*****
Virdel, slowly growing accustomed to his magical disguise, had found it easy to make his way into the Black Helm. When presented with the challenges all new initiates go through, he remained the only one standing, the rest falling to either the spike trap within the wall, or to the more experienced fighters. Also, because of recent Shadow Thief raids on the Helm's shipments of supplies, they had been strapped for Lieutenants, and gave one of the empty positions to Virdel, saying he wouldn't be the only new recruit to get a chance to prove themselves. Virdel immediately thought of Xandax, and gave a small smirk. In accordance, Virdel had been given access to the very files he joined the Black Helm for, there future plans.
As he had been told of a detachment of recruits going to aid Calahan, whose name sounded familiar to him, he knew there would be few guards, making it all the easier to discover the mercenary guilds plans. Waiting to mid-day, when he knew the dispatchment would be far from the city, and most of the Helm either on patrol, or leave, he made his way to Clerks study of the building, and began to rummage through files. As he stepped through the threshold, he felt a small tugging at his foot, and realized what just happened. He would have to work quite, as the Helm would respond quickly to the trap's alarm. Throwing caution to the wind, he dashed to the nearest desk, and hoped it was the right one. He slid it open, and began to rummage through the papers, looking for anything of importance. As he did so, his hand brushed across the wax seal of the Black Helm. This caught his attention, and he quickly broke the seal to read it...
The plans have been sealed. We are to attack the Shadow Thieves organization in three days time, at dawn. Long have they been a scorn to this city, and to use, and they blemish Athkatla's name by existing. Our contact in the Cowled Wizards, which chooses to remain nameless at this point, will assist us through his own means. He has guaranteed that the Council of Six will not interfere with our plans. Inform the Lieutenants, and Captains of the attack, but speak nothing to the recruits.
-Jericho
Virdel lifted his head, and thought of the impact the city would have if the Shadow Thieves were destroyed. He pocketed the scroll, and turned back to the door, dashing for it. As he rounded the frame, and entered the hallway, he came to a skidding halt as he saw a small detachment of guards, accompanied by one of the guilds Battle Mages.
"There's the intruder! Capture him alive!" Yelled the man in front, who was a big and burly man wielding a large and imposing looking warhammer. The other three warriors charged forth, brandishing a wide array of weapons, while the Battle-Mage stood back, and allowed his contingencies to kick up.
Virdel drew his own weapons, swearing under his breath because of his lack of mobility in his current disguise. The first attack came in, a rather large looking sword, cleaving the air sharply. Virdel raised his right scimitar, and parried the attack. With his left, he quickly issued a spinning maneuver, cleaning cutting the first assailant in the mid-section. By this time, the Battle-Mages contingencies were up, and small globe of energy surrounded him. That wasn't the only one though. Virdel felt a bit of a draining sensation, and grew dizzy momentarily. When he composed himself a mere half a second later, he saw a look of disbelief on the guard's faces. He glanced quickly at his hand, and realized what had happened. His cover had been blown, and he was now back to his Drow appearance.
Virdel decided to capitalize on this opportunity, and charged the remaining men. In his quick strike, he managed to kill another guard with two clean attacks to throat and stomach. He turned to the next man, and nearly met with the tip of a Kara-Tur Katana. He gave a slight jump back in the crowded hallway, cursing the lack of room, and raised his scimitars in a crossed X-formation, blocking the incoming katana. To the side, he heard the mage chanting, and he felt a sicken feeling raise in his stomach. He kneed the Kara-Tur warrior, who then fell to the ground. Virdel quickly drove his left scimitar into the fallen man's back, and left it there, not wanting to waste time in forcing it out of the bone he just lodged it into. He quickly turned to the battle-mage, ignoring the large guard captain with the hammer. He sprinted to the mage, a Warhammer impacting just a few feet behind his form, and a pursuing owner.
Virdel heard the mage finish chanting, the pit in his stomach swelled. A burst of energy erupted from the mages fingertips as five magical balls of energy hurtled towards the dark elf. Virdel quickly sidestepped in mid-stride, his superior agility taking prowess. Even with his quick evasion, three of the magical balls of energy still connected, sending Virdel reeling to the ground, sliding to the feet of the mage. He gasped for breath, trying desperately to regain composure. By now, the angry Captain had caught up with him, and had raised his Warhammer above his, and intended it to end the Drows life by crushing his skull. Virdel closed his eyes for a second, and quickly summoned his last bits of energy. He then propped himself up with his un-armed hand, and swept his foot violently across the floor, connecting against the Captains, leg's, tripping him, and disarming him. He then rolled to his feet, spun quickly, and flung his remaining scimitar to the Battle-Mage who was preparing another spell. The weapon hit the man square in the chest.
Virdel drew his dagger from his belt, and quickly turned to the Captain, who was just getting up. He lunged to the fallen man, driving the dagger deep into the Captains throat, ending his life.
Virdel took a deep breath before removing the dagger, and cleaning it. He was tired, and sore from the fight, but couldn't stop now. He retrieved his two scimitars, placed them back into their sheathes. He then made for the nearest exit...
*****
Unfettered by the dark of night, and bent on putting distance between them and the band of thieves that ransacked the caravan, they made surprisingly good time, reaching the city just as the sun reached zenith. Entering the city gates, Calahan seized a large, mottled brown cloak from an unfortunate beggar. He handed this to Llira, who remained silent, then pushed her forward, keeping her close and in front. They made it back to headquarters without trouble. They had either caught the Thieves snoozing, or the rats were biding their time. No matter. Soon they'd wipe the putrid cult from the face of Athkatla. After that, running them out of Amn would hardly be a challenge.
Regardless, this one smacked of importance. No doubt her interrogation would be of inestimable aid in the coming attack. Approaching the building, his pleasant reflections were disrupted by frantic-looking guardsmen stumbling towards them.
"What is the meaning of this captain!" Calahan shouted.
"Sir! The alarm has been tripped! The contingent sent up hasn't returned. I heard fighting and went to notify whomever I could find, sir!"
Just then he saw a shape jump from the second story window and land out of view. Shoving Llira into the captain, yelling, "Lock up this prisoner!" he grabbed Xandax and sprinted in the direction of the escaping form.
"Go that way and cut him off if he tries to head west towards the bridge!" Calahan bellowed to Xandax, pointing to an alleyway while he ran down a sidestreet.
* * * * *
The sun was already high in the sky by the time Magus awoke. Immediately the stink of death assaulted his senses. He felt something land on his cheek, then came a sharp sting of pain. Swatting the fly away in utter revulsion, Magus stumbled to his feet. Rotting corpses of demon and genie lay decomposing in the heat of the noon sun. He almost wretched. He had seen death, dealt it and been its mournful witness, but never had he stayed around to behold its aftermath.
He forced the bile down. Now wasn't the time for petty indulgence. He pulled out an ornate dagger, it silver pommel and ice-blue blade seeming to pulsate at his touch. But one look at the rakshasa's corpse whisked away that line of thought. A slight shiver went down his spine, and returning his dagger to its place, he muttered a word of magic. A ghostly blade appeared next to the corpse in response, and Magus swept his arm downward as if wielding the thing. Head left despicable body, and a nudge from the sword sent it rolling slowly down the gentle incline to his feet. Picking up the disgusting thing by the thick fur, he stuffed it hurriedly into a bag of holding, making certain it didn't come into contact with the sides of the bag. That done, he reactivated his disguise and teleported away from the decaying battlefield, thankful to begone from the wretched place. A second later he reappeared in the Government District in front of Cowled Wizard headquarters, and found himself in the midst of a frantic chase.
* * * * *
As night descended over the valley stained by black demon's blood, one body, then a couple, then a host began to stir. Dead newly fallen, and dead fallen from some battle ages past rose up, dark and ancient necromancy fueling their unholy fire. One by one, two score trudged off in the direction of the City of Coin that night. The malignant artifact apparently had powers that even Magus didn't know of...
* * * * *
Xandax ran up the ally pointed out by Calahan. What was this – another thieves attempt? Maybe the onslaught on both the transport and on their group had been mealy a distraction. Xandax thought. He fastened his shield with the leather straps attached to it on to his left arm as he ran through the alley, and drew his sword. Death was once again in the air, he could smell it.
*****
As Virdel leapt from the window of the building, he could here the shouts from within, and below him. He jumped to a nearby roof of a vendors stand, and then from there to the ground, utilizing every aspect of his natural Drow agility. He landed softly, barely making a noise. Briefly glancing down the nearby alley, and the streets, he could see the pursuit lights of the Black Helm coming from the alley. He darted off down the street, a hail of cobblestones being kicked up in his wake. His ribs ached violently from the magic assault upon it, but he couldn't stop. He continued to press himself hard. As he turned his head to check any pursuit, he missed the bit of magical energy materializing in front of
him.
*****
The sun was already high in the sky by the time Magus awoke. Immediately the stink of death assaulted his senses. He felt something land on his cheek, then came a sharp sting of pain. Swatting the fly away in utter revulsion, Magus stumbled to his feet. Rotting corpses of demon and genie lay decomposing in the heat of the noon sun. He almost wretched. He had seen death, dealt it and been its mournful witness, but never had he stayed around to behold its aftermath.
He forced the bile down. Now wasn't the time for petty indulgence. He pulled out an ornate dagger, it silver pommel and ice-blue blade seeming to pulsate at his touch. But one look at the rakshasa's corpse whisked away that line of thought. A slight shiver went down his spine, and returning his dagger to its place, he muttered a word of magic. A ghostly blade appeared next to the corpse in response, and Magus swept his arm downward as if wielding the thing. Head left despicable body, and a nudge from the sword sent it rolling slowly down the gentle incline to his feet. Picking up the disgusting thing by the thick fur, he stuffed it hurriedly into a bag of holding making certain it didn't come into contact with the sides of the bag. That done, he reactivated his disguise and teleported away from the decaying battlefield, thankful to begone from the wretched place. A second later he reappeared in the Government District in front of Cowled Wizard headquarters, and found himself in the midst of a frantic chase.
Magus found his place as "observer" quickly became a more involved part as he and Virdel collided in the middle of street. Magus didn't have enough time after appearing to avoid the chased Drow, and could do nothing but feel the full brunt of a fleeing Virdel. The two hit the cobblestones hard, sending Virdel even more into pain. Virdel let out a sharp gasp of air, and tried to shift himself of Magus. Magus, only slightly phased, managed to aid Virdel in his efforts, as he slid the Drow to the side, and stood back up. He gave his robes a quick dust off, and looked around the area, only to see a mob of pursuing Black Helm...
*****
Rail glanced up at the sun, noting it's angle as the light fell onto some rotting crates in the alley. These were the same rituals he had observed the mage performing at the same time yesterday. But, what was their significance? Certainly the rituals were nothing he had seen before, and that was a rare statement for the prideful mage-killer.
He grew tired of watching the magi's predictable routing. Already, he had spotted much of the same consistent behavior from the day before, though it was fairly difficult to interpret any significance to his actions. Especially the conversations with another being not present in the rooms. Either the mage belonged in the old asylum, or someone was initiating contact with *him*. Could it be, Lazal was just a pawn for someone else. Perhaps the other party was checking in with him, but the body language of the arrogant mage changed to eager anticipation, as a favored student talking to a teacher.
Too many things didn't make sense. The clerical magic's surrounding him and protecting his abode. The erratic behavior mixed with routine predictability. There were clues Rail knew he was missing, but what. He could make no move to slay this mage until he understood exactly what he was...
The hair raising on the back of his neck was the only warning. The wall to the left of the assassin seemed to explode outward from an enormous force behind it. Rail dove along the shadows off to his left as bits of shattered brick and mortar showered his body.
Lazal smiled from his abode above.
Out of the gaping hole stepped some sort of construct. Born of the slums, the golem seemed to be built with the very brick and stone from the surrounding buildings, complete with dust and grime. It stood towering in the alleyway, seemingly searching for the object of its orders. As tall as it was, easily looking down at the largest of ogres, it still seemed squat, with shoulders as broad as a man is tall. Its head had no discernible face, but it seemed to find it's way around without problem. It's arms swayed back and forth in anticipation, and Rail noticed its fists were jutting with broken shards of stone and debris. It was awe-inspiring and evil. The assassin knew he had little hope of defeating such a beast on his own.
Rail stayed cloaked in shadow as two other forms stepped from the hole, one robed and protected by the common stoneskin of a battle mage, and the other wearing the armor of a Council guard and brandishing a sword.
"Did we get him," the guard asked, glancing down at the rubble they were stepping over.
"Shut up, fool! Look alert!" The mage was a short and stubby man, scowling and angry. He stony hand held a crooked wand out in front of him, point it around the alley like a bulls eye lantern. Rail felt the familiar brush of divination magic as it passed over him, but he slid through it like a greased pig at a child's midsummer festival.
"The master said he was here, though." The guard continued to scan the surrounding rubble, eyes passing over the hidden assassin.
Rail looked at the entrance of the alley, but passersby merely went about their business as if they couldn't see the bizarre construct or the destruction it had left. More magic, Rail concluded with a frown. This day had gone from bad to worse. There were few creatures he hated more than golems, and this one was one of the worse he'd seen. Rail scooped up a handful of splintered brick and began to warily pick his way to the hole in the wall.
The guard looked up at the blank walls of Lazal's apartment and shrugged his shoulders, as if asking for directions. Rail didn't glance up to see what the response was, if any. He kept his eyes on his path ahead of him. He had no desire for a battle he that couldn't win. Escape was on his mind.
The mage finished scanning the alley and exhaled in annoyance. "Well, if we can't detect where he is, let's see if we can see where he's been." With a muttered command, the wand emitted a pale luminescence on the ground before them, showing footprints in varying shades of red. The brightest were Rail's and led straight to where the assassin had been hiding only moments before.
Damn Rail swore to himself. He silently slid his blade from its scabbard to attack before the two fools could follow the path to him.
