Xandax could see in Calahan's eyes, that he didn't know how to react to
this mercenary tone of voice. Xandax standing in a defensive position, with
his shield covering his torso and the sword ready to be used – just in case
that Calahan didn't take nicely to being told off.
"Get MY act together, scum?" he exclaimed. His eyes narrowed. "You think you're really something, don't you hotshot? Do you actually think the allegiance of one stinkin' merc makes a damn difference? Give me one damn reason why I shouldn't gut you where you stand!" Calahan growled, moving into a fighting stance.
Xandax took the big man's measure as he talked. He showed no signs of any wounds from the night's battle, and his movements were sure and balanced. He had seen the guy fight, and if this ended in conflict, he wasn't sure of the outcome.
* * * * *
Magus bowed, and awaited the Council's response.
One of the hooded figures rose.
"Arch mage, with all due respect, I believe you are taking this all out of proportion." The voice was gentle, almost patronizing. "There is no rebellion. Only a few minor skirmish between guilds. It has happened before and will happen again. It is not a matter that requires our interference."
Five hooded heads nodded in agreement.
Magus was taken aback. "A few minor skirmishes? Are you sure you realize the scope of this conflict? A revolt has broken out in our capital. Even now the guilds draw on assets throughout the nation. If the Council does not act decisively, we shall soon have hired armies rampaging throughout the countryside. The people's faith in this ruling council will vanish, and the entire nation will be plunged into a terrible civil war. After that it's only a matter of time before the border countries decide Amn is ripe for the plucking."
"Arch mage, our course of action has already been decided. The Council will not interfere in the internal affairs of the guilds."
Magus's reaction changed from surprise to disbelief. This was completely uncharacteristic of the proud but clever group he had come to know over the years. But it wasn't just their absurd decision. They NEVER agreed on anything. Much of the reason the Council was in such a sorry state was because they were always bickering. Something definitely wasn't right here.
-A cloak of magic hangs thickly over them- Void whispered to him alone.
Magus didn't miss a beat. He muttered a word of magic and moved his hands in a gesture of cancellation. The potent power word immediately dispelled all active spells in the area.
Lazal's invisibility flickered and returned. Luckily he had wrapped himself in natural shadows as well.
The council members weren't so fortunate. Their disguises vanished, revealing them for what they truly were: a band of powerful greater doppelgangers. Discovered, four of them rushed to the attack, a contingency rendering them mirror imaged and improve hasted. The other two hung back, chanting in the language of magic. Before anyone could react a pair of planar gates formed behind them in front of the exit, spawning a duo of bloodthirsty pit fiends.
Energy coursed and sizzled as Magus and Aerie's contingencies went off, instantly surrounding them in protections as they expertly wove their arcane spells.
*****
"Give me one damn reason why I shouldn't gut you where you stand!"
Calahan had reacted pretty much as Xandax had expected. "Well for starters" Xandax said calmly, yet still ready to react, "I'm one of the only men you have left, and after what I've seen, the thieves were not alone in planning this – they must have had help – even you must have figured that out! The mages are the most obvious choice, or somebody within that organization"
Xandax used the words he knew would trigger reactions from Calahan. "Secondly – what else have you got to do, commanding dead men, would properly be dull in the long run, and the helm as an organization is gone – what has survived this night has most likely either fled the city, or are incapable to fight, and those that are still here, are properly scared stiff." Xandax pointed at some helmsmen sitting on the ground nearby, tending to their wounds. "So I ask you again, where do you stand?"
Xandax knew this was a gamble, either it would work or one of them would most likely not live long. Xandax never feared death, he had seen it many times – and was always ready to meet his demise, that is the choice of a warrior - and after all, with the ghosts haunting him, afterlife could not be worse than this life.
"Secondly – what else have you got to do, commanding dead men, would properly be dull in the long run, and the helm as an organization is gone – what has survived this night has most likely either fled the city, or are incapable to fight, and those that are still here, are properly scared stiff." Xandax pointed at some helmsmen sitting on the ground nearby, tending to their wounds.
Calahan laughed bitterly.
"Is that what you think, whelp? The Black Helm's finished?"
Xandax was silent.
"The Helm is everywhere in Amn. Not just Athkatla. We ARE the military. Tonight's battle was just a little skirmish. Soon word will get out that the war has begun. And fighting between soldier and rogue will break out across the entire country. All the while the Wizards will sit back and laugh."
Calahan's tone was bitter and resentful, but at the same time, resigned. He sighed and lowered his weapon, not even looking at Xandax anymore.
"Duty above all," he whispered, reciting the guild's first tenet.
* * * * *
A dozen high-ranking Cowled Wizards appeared from their magical doorways, some holding wooden staffs, others using swords, which was rare for a mage. All these weapons, Magus held no doubt, were magical in nature. These new men that appeared were of the Command structure of the Cowled Wizards, Corellon among them.
Thoughts flashed across Magus's mind at a feverish pace. It was too risky to take them all on. Instinctively he sensed a teleportation barrier. No escape by that method. He could cloak himself in a potent invisibility spell, nearly impossible to dispel, but that would leave his friends.
They'd have to escape by force.
He nodded to Aerie and Void. Withdrawing deep within the mind, he grasped the frantic energies within, nurturing them, magnifying them. Then he released them forth in a massive psionic blast. Centered on him, it started weak and grew in momentum as it expanded, barely affecting his nearby friends but hitting the more distant enemy with mind numbing force.
Simultaneously Aerie chanted in prayer to her Avariel goddess. A wave of protective energies flowed forth, shielding the group from the lick of fiery flames. Then Void hurled a giant ball of fire into the ground, which exploded in a blossom of superheated plasma.
"We have to get out of here!" Magus yelled.
Virdel felt the psionic energy surround him, and the others. He smirked at the mages power, and intuitiveness. Almost in unison with Magus's attack, the Drow had already begun to murmur the command words for a globe of darkness to overtake the group. He watched as the Wizards were reeling, attempting to overcome this sudden attack, and he knew it wouldn't take long. Darkness then crept over the group, blinding not only themselves, but also those attacking them. From within the darkness, Virdel heard Magus calling for everyone to get out of the room, and regroup elsewhere. Virdel had no intentions of running quite yet.
Rail, in all his usual cunning, had come prepared for potential trouble. He had a small, explosive vial tucked away in his belt, something he found useful in situations this. He deftly removed it from its resting place, and tossed it out of the globe, and to the wizards. It wasn't much, certainly not enough to kill someone, but it would allow time for escape. His quick feet carried him out of the globe, and back into the hallway quickly.
Magus and Aerie had recovered quickly from the expending of the mental energy, and were already outside of the room, above them, as always, Void lingered. A sense of urgency was present on everyone's face. No plans were needed for escape, as they all knew the way out, and how to get there. Magus glanced quickly to the darkness, waiting only a moment's time before seeing Thryn and Virdel charge out of the darkness. He nodded briefly to the Drow, almost as if thanking him for the cover of escape. The group then took off down the hallway. Towards the exit, Virdel taking up the rear.
As they neared the exit, Virdel skidded to a halt, and spun on his heel back towards the pursuing forces. Only Magus saw him do this. He watch, out of the corner of his, the rest of the group leave the building hurriedly, and glanced back to Virdel. The Drow had both weapons drawn, and his jaw was set with grim determination. He knew he couldn't do much right now, but knew Virdel would not yield easily, his pride wouldn't let him. Magus whispered a silent prayer to Mystra for Virdel, and left the building, going to regroup with the rest.
Virdel stood defiantly in the centre of the hall, his hands gripping his weapons tightly. He wished he could use the summoning stone Ferchen had given him earlier in the week, but it's power had been expended until the next day. He watched the Wizards round the corner, and he could sense the magical protections they all had around them. He set his feet firmly on the ground, digging his heel into the floor, so he would be able to launch himself to attack quickly. He said no prayer for this coming battle. He intended to let his own ability decide the outcome.
As the last Wizard rounded the corner, Virdel launched himself down the narrow corridor into a frenzied melee. He knew that if he could keep the mages occupied for even a moment's time, the rest could escape. His sudden attack set the first of the mages of balance, not expecting such a forward attack and one of such power. Virdel's blades whirred in the air, cutting a swath of death through the air. The first mage felt the cold steel of Lash Bearer cut into his skin, and the small teeth bit into his muscle, seizing his arm up. The man screamed in pain, and dropped to one knee. Virdel continued his attack, breaking through the magical protections of the wizard after a few swift attacks. To his side, he saw that the others were already preparing an attack. He heard the muttering of magic, but paid no heed to it. He spun on his heel, letting his blade seep through the last of the protections, and into the mages chest, striking the man dead.
He turned to the others, who were forming up tightly in the small hallway, and charged valiantly towards the rest of the group. He knew these ones would not be taken by surprise. He swung his scimitars forcefully, feeling the blades rebound harmlessly off the stone skin of another mage, but relentlessly continued the attack. He felt the protection weaken, but also heard the spells of the others conclude. He didn't care. He broke through the last protection of the second mage, and felt his blade dig into the soft flesh. He felt another one die under his blade.
He turned to the rest, knowing that a magical blast was coming his way, and crossed his weapons defensively. The magic cast against him was relatively low level, but there was enough of the blast to knock him to the ground, sear part of his flesh. The centre of his tunic, where the magic hit, was charred black, and was torn. He didn't feel this pain. He swiftly stood back to his feet, shaking the daze off, and prepared for another attack, but was again cut short but yet another magical blast. This one forced the drow's body back against the wall. Virdel got the wind knocked out of his battered body, and fell to the group, gasping for breath, but unrelenting.
As one of the mages came close to inspect the body, attempting to see if he was indeed incapacitated, Virdel lashed out violently, sweeping his leg around, and bringing the foolhardy man to the ground, where Virdel's waiting blade quickly disrupted the magical protections, and slit his throat. Virdel brought himself to one knee, them to his feet. He was breathing heavily now, and the pain was slowing his reactions. Again he launched himself into the crowd of mages, and again he was met by a blast of magical energy. He fell to the ground, his grip loosening on his weapons. He stared up to the ceiling, his vision blurring a bit. He could taste his own blood on his lips. As his hands dropped to his side, the small gem that Magus had given him rolled out of his pocket, and near the base of his palm. He dazedly looked to it, and shifted his hand so that he could grasp it. As his last bit of strength fled his beaten form, he grabbed the gem, and clenched it tightly...
They met outside, less one dark elf. The sounds of battle faintly echoed from within.
Magus made up his mind.
"Scatter for now. We'll regroup at the Copper Coronet at mid-afternoon," he instructed. "I'm going in after Virdel."
This met with several protests.
"It'll be safer to do this alone. I'll be alright."
He cast a vocalize spell, so he could work his craft silently. Then he disappeared with a powerful invisibility enchantment.
Slipping back into the building without a sound, he went to help a friend in need.
* * * * *
Unnoticed, another trailed after the mage. His eyes dimmed, his body transparent, Void followed after his master. No doubt Magus would get into trouble that he'd need extricating from, he thought.
A familiar and its master are rarely parted.
"Get MY act together, scum?" he exclaimed. His eyes narrowed. "You think you're really something, don't you hotshot? Do you actually think the allegiance of one stinkin' merc makes a damn difference? Give me one damn reason why I shouldn't gut you where you stand!" Calahan growled, moving into a fighting stance.
Xandax took the big man's measure as he talked. He showed no signs of any wounds from the night's battle, and his movements were sure and balanced. He had seen the guy fight, and if this ended in conflict, he wasn't sure of the outcome.
* * * * *
Magus bowed, and awaited the Council's response.
One of the hooded figures rose.
"Arch mage, with all due respect, I believe you are taking this all out of proportion." The voice was gentle, almost patronizing. "There is no rebellion. Only a few minor skirmish between guilds. It has happened before and will happen again. It is not a matter that requires our interference."
Five hooded heads nodded in agreement.
Magus was taken aback. "A few minor skirmishes? Are you sure you realize the scope of this conflict? A revolt has broken out in our capital. Even now the guilds draw on assets throughout the nation. If the Council does not act decisively, we shall soon have hired armies rampaging throughout the countryside. The people's faith in this ruling council will vanish, and the entire nation will be plunged into a terrible civil war. After that it's only a matter of time before the border countries decide Amn is ripe for the plucking."
"Arch mage, our course of action has already been decided. The Council will not interfere in the internal affairs of the guilds."
Magus's reaction changed from surprise to disbelief. This was completely uncharacteristic of the proud but clever group he had come to know over the years. But it wasn't just their absurd decision. They NEVER agreed on anything. Much of the reason the Council was in such a sorry state was because they were always bickering. Something definitely wasn't right here.
-A cloak of magic hangs thickly over them- Void whispered to him alone.
Magus didn't miss a beat. He muttered a word of magic and moved his hands in a gesture of cancellation. The potent power word immediately dispelled all active spells in the area.
Lazal's invisibility flickered and returned. Luckily he had wrapped himself in natural shadows as well.
The council members weren't so fortunate. Their disguises vanished, revealing them for what they truly were: a band of powerful greater doppelgangers. Discovered, four of them rushed to the attack, a contingency rendering them mirror imaged and improve hasted. The other two hung back, chanting in the language of magic. Before anyone could react a pair of planar gates formed behind them in front of the exit, spawning a duo of bloodthirsty pit fiends.
Energy coursed and sizzled as Magus and Aerie's contingencies went off, instantly surrounding them in protections as they expertly wove their arcane spells.
*****
"Give me one damn reason why I shouldn't gut you where you stand!"
Calahan had reacted pretty much as Xandax had expected. "Well for starters" Xandax said calmly, yet still ready to react, "I'm one of the only men you have left, and after what I've seen, the thieves were not alone in planning this – they must have had help – even you must have figured that out! The mages are the most obvious choice, or somebody within that organization"
Xandax used the words he knew would trigger reactions from Calahan. "Secondly – what else have you got to do, commanding dead men, would properly be dull in the long run, and the helm as an organization is gone – what has survived this night has most likely either fled the city, or are incapable to fight, and those that are still here, are properly scared stiff." Xandax pointed at some helmsmen sitting on the ground nearby, tending to their wounds. "So I ask you again, where do you stand?"
Xandax knew this was a gamble, either it would work or one of them would most likely not live long. Xandax never feared death, he had seen it many times – and was always ready to meet his demise, that is the choice of a warrior - and after all, with the ghosts haunting him, afterlife could not be worse than this life.
"Secondly – what else have you got to do, commanding dead men, would properly be dull in the long run, and the helm as an organization is gone – what has survived this night has most likely either fled the city, or are incapable to fight, and those that are still here, are properly scared stiff." Xandax pointed at some helmsmen sitting on the ground nearby, tending to their wounds.
Calahan laughed bitterly.
"Is that what you think, whelp? The Black Helm's finished?"
Xandax was silent.
"The Helm is everywhere in Amn. Not just Athkatla. We ARE the military. Tonight's battle was just a little skirmish. Soon word will get out that the war has begun. And fighting between soldier and rogue will break out across the entire country. All the while the Wizards will sit back and laugh."
Calahan's tone was bitter and resentful, but at the same time, resigned. He sighed and lowered his weapon, not even looking at Xandax anymore.
"Duty above all," he whispered, reciting the guild's first tenet.
* * * * *
A dozen high-ranking Cowled Wizards appeared from their magical doorways, some holding wooden staffs, others using swords, which was rare for a mage. All these weapons, Magus held no doubt, were magical in nature. These new men that appeared were of the Command structure of the Cowled Wizards, Corellon among them.
Thoughts flashed across Magus's mind at a feverish pace. It was too risky to take them all on. Instinctively he sensed a teleportation barrier. No escape by that method. He could cloak himself in a potent invisibility spell, nearly impossible to dispel, but that would leave his friends.
They'd have to escape by force.
He nodded to Aerie and Void. Withdrawing deep within the mind, he grasped the frantic energies within, nurturing them, magnifying them. Then he released them forth in a massive psionic blast. Centered on him, it started weak and grew in momentum as it expanded, barely affecting his nearby friends but hitting the more distant enemy with mind numbing force.
Simultaneously Aerie chanted in prayer to her Avariel goddess. A wave of protective energies flowed forth, shielding the group from the lick of fiery flames. Then Void hurled a giant ball of fire into the ground, which exploded in a blossom of superheated plasma.
"We have to get out of here!" Magus yelled.
Virdel felt the psionic energy surround him, and the others. He smirked at the mages power, and intuitiveness. Almost in unison with Magus's attack, the Drow had already begun to murmur the command words for a globe of darkness to overtake the group. He watched as the Wizards were reeling, attempting to overcome this sudden attack, and he knew it wouldn't take long. Darkness then crept over the group, blinding not only themselves, but also those attacking them. From within the darkness, Virdel heard Magus calling for everyone to get out of the room, and regroup elsewhere. Virdel had no intentions of running quite yet.
Rail, in all his usual cunning, had come prepared for potential trouble. He had a small, explosive vial tucked away in his belt, something he found useful in situations this. He deftly removed it from its resting place, and tossed it out of the globe, and to the wizards. It wasn't much, certainly not enough to kill someone, but it would allow time for escape. His quick feet carried him out of the globe, and back into the hallway quickly.
Magus and Aerie had recovered quickly from the expending of the mental energy, and were already outside of the room, above them, as always, Void lingered. A sense of urgency was present on everyone's face. No plans were needed for escape, as they all knew the way out, and how to get there. Magus glanced quickly to the darkness, waiting only a moment's time before seeing Thryn and Virdel charge out of the darkness. He nodded briefly to the Drow, almost as if thanking him for the cover of escape. The group then took off down the hallway. Towards the exit, Virdel taking up the rear.
As they neared the exit, Virdel skidded to a halt, and spun on his heel back towards the pursuing forces. Only Magus saw him do this. He watch, out of the corner of his, the rest of the group leave the building hurriedly, and glanced back to Virdel. The Drow had both weapons drawn, and his jaw was set with grim determination. He knew he couldn't do much right now, but knew Virdel would not yield easily, his pride wouldn't let him. Magus whispered a silent prayer to Mystra for Virdel, and left the building, going to regroup with the rest.
Virdel stood defiantly in the centre of the hall, his hands gripping his weapons tightly. He wished he could use the summoning stone Ferchen had given him earlier in the week, but it's power had been expended until the next day. He watched the Wizards round the corner, and he could sense the magical protections they all had around them. He set his feet firmly on the ground, digging his heel into the floor, so he would be able to launch himself to attack quickly. He said no prayer for this coming battle. He intended to let his own ability decide the outcome.
As the last Wizard rounded the corner, Virdel launched himself down the narrow corridor into a frenzied melee. He knew that if he could keep the mages occupied for even a moment's time, the rest could escape. His sudden attack set the first of the mages of balance, not expecting such a forward attack and one of such power. Virdel's blades whirred in the air, cutting a swath of death through the air. The first mage felt the cold steel of Lash Bearer cut into his skin, and the small teeth bit into his muscle, seizing his arm up. The man screamed in pain, and dropped to one knee. Virdel continued his attack, breaking through the magical protections of the wizard after a few swift attacks. To his side, he saw that the others were already preparing an attack. He heard the muttering of magic, but paid no heed to it. He spun on his heel, letting his blade seep through the last of the protections, and into the mages chest, striking the man dead.
He turned to the others, who were forming up tightly in the small hallway, and charged valiantly towards the rest of the group. He knew these ones would not be taken by surprise. He swung his scimitars forcefully, feeling the blades rebound harmlessly off the stone skin of another mage, but relentlessly continued the attack. He felt the protection weaken, but also heard the spells of the others conclude. He didn't care. He broke through the last protection of the second mage, and felt his blade dig into the soft flesh. He felt another one die under his blade.
He turned to the rest, knowing that a magical blast was coming his way, and crossed his weapons defensively. The magic cast against him was relatively low level, but there was enough of the blast to knock him to the ground, sear part of his flesh. The centre of his tunic, where the magic hit, was charred black, and was torn. He didn't feel this pain. He swiftly stood back to his feet, shaking the daze off, and prepared for another attack, but was again cut short but yet another magical blast. This one forced the drow's body back against the wall. Virdel got the wind knocked out of his battered body, and fell to the group, gasping for breath, but unrelenting.
As one of the mages came close to inspect the body, attempting to see if he was indeed incapacitated, Virdel lashed out violently, sweeping his leg around, and bringing the foolhardy man to the ground, where Virdel's waiting blade quickly disrupted the magical protections, and slit his throat. Virdel brought himself to one knee, them to his feet. He was breathing heavily now, and the pain was slowing his reactions. Again he launched himself into the crowd of mages, and again he was met by a blast of magical energy. He fell to the ground, his grip loosening on his weapons. He stared up to the ceiling, his vision blurring a bit. He could taste his own blood on his lips. As his hands dropped to his side, the small gem that Magus had given him rolled out of his pocket, and near the base of his palm. He dazedly looked to it, and shifted his hand so that he could grasp it. As his last bit of strength fled his beaten form, he grabbed the gem, and clenched it tightly...
They met outside, less one dark elf. The sounds of battle faintly echoed from within.
Magus made up his mind.
"Scatter for now. We'll regroup at the Copper Coronet at mid-afternoon," he instructed. "I'm going in after Virdel."
This met with several protests.
"It'll be safer to do this alone. I'll be alright."
He cast a vocalize spell, so he could work his craft silently. Then he disappeared with a powerful invisibility enchantment.
Slipping back into the building without a sound, he went to help a friend in need.
* * * * *
Unnoticed, another trailed after the mage. His eyes dimmed, his body transparent, Void followed after his master. No doubt Magus would get into trouble that he'd need extricating from, he thought.
A familiar and its master are rarely parted.
