Section Nine: The UnderDark

            Falco leaned an arm on the stone wall, looking down the corridor. About halfway down the stone wall stopped, morphing into cave walls. Just past that, the light from the torches were unable to pierce the blackness.

            Fox was crouched at the edge of the stone corridor, looking at the floor, rubbing a hand across the dust absently, and took a deep breath as if scenting the air. "Our friend the Lammasu is right. If these aren't elf footsteps, they surely belong to Drow." He stood, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

            "How many days did you say it would take to reach their city?" Falco asked, shivering.

            "Three or four. I can't give a good estimate because I'm not sure how quickly we are going to be able to travel, considering we have no experience in spelunking."

            "God bless you."

            "Spelunking is cave exploring." Fox shot him a look over his shoulder.

            "Whatever you say, but it still sounds like a sneeze."

            He backtracked, returning into the light, sighing. "Are we ready to move out?"

            The others looked at him and nodded. Everyone was carrying some sort of pack, though some carried heavier then most. Everyone had a few torches, and the Lammasu had provided climbing gear. They weren't sure how solid the paths would be, and they wanted to be able to travel safely.

            "A great many evil things live down there." The Lammasu remarked, padding up, paws raising gentle clouds of dust as it stepped. "Are you sure you do not want me to come?"

            "No, you are more needed here. Please be sure to protect our mounts. There is only so much my unicorn can do." Fox said, shouldering his back into a more comfortable position.

            The Lammasu stepped toward him. "Hold out your hand." When Fox did, the being deposited a silver pendant and chain in his hand, the pendant in the shape of a gauntleted fist clutching a lightning bolt—the symbol of Heironeous. "Your gods bless you then. Godspeed."

            The group walked forward, Fox falling into a leading position as he put on the pendant, the others following in ones and twos behind him. When they reached the darkness, mage lights from everyone who knew magic blazed to life, chasing away the inky darkness.

            Glancing over his shoulder and nodding to the Lammasu, Fox began to walk.

            For the first several hours, the trail was easy, well worn. Their footsteps were loud in the darkness, and more then once they stopped as eerie noises reached them. But the owner of the noises never appeared, and they always moved on.

            After a time, Fox called a halt to rest at a wide spot in the corridor. Falco immediately sat down against the wall, leaning his head back, chest heaving faster then normal. "Saparah, tarata, mita, prajna, para…" He mumbled to himself.

            Katt turned to look at him. "Let me get this straight. You're a claustrophobic thief?"

            Falco managed a smile. "When I steal, I don't stay in those spaces long. Castle corridors don't bother me besides… but this place…" He shuddered, rubbing his eyes.

            "Well, do us all a favor and either babble in a civilized language or learn something about the one you're butchering." Peppy shook his head wearily, glancing at Fox, who looked to Rita.

            Rita stepped over and crouched in front of Falco, reaching out and pressing her fingertips to his temples. "Relax." She commanded, and he instantly did, frantic breathing calming to a normal pace.

            "Thank you kindly ma'am." He finally said, mustering another smile.

            "Now that that's taken care of, are we ready to move again?" Fox asked. "While I'm not a claustrophobic, I do not want to stay in this place any longer then we have to."

            Travel proceeded more slowly from there. The cries and noises came more frequently, and the trail grew less used.  The corridors closed slightly, provoking mumbles from Falco again until Rita hit him with the spell again. Stones littered the path, and the group had to spread out into a line, picking their way along.

            The corridor widened and intersected another, larger corridor, this one freshly made. Fox gestured Peppy and Alan forward, nodding at the new corridor.

            "Not on the map. What do you make of it?"

            Alan capered partway down the new pathway, rubbing a hand along the wall, as Peppy paced the width. They exchanged a look, meeting in the middle of the new corridor and talking for a moment, then walking back.

            "Delver." Alan said cheerfully. "They're not a problem, normally speaking."

            "Quite shy according to my readings." Said Peppy, crossing his arms, then paused and held up a hand. "Does anyone else feel that?"

            Fox and Julian crouched, spreading their hands flat on the stone floor. "Yes." Julian said instantly. "It would appear that the creator of this new tunnel is returning."

            "Meaning what?" Slippy crouched next to them, hands fidgeting.

            "Meaning we wait." Said Fara, and everyone looked at her. "Think about it folks. Perhaps it knows a shortcut."

            "Agreed." Fox stood, nodding to her once. "Peppy would you be willing to wait with me for it? Alan, you as well, in case it does not speak our language. The rest of you, go back along the corridor we came from and wait until signaled."

            The group obeyed.

            After several long moments, the vibrations growing harder as time passed, movement was seen at the end of the tunnel. Then a huge clawed flipper wrapped around the corner of the tunnel, and the rest of the beast peeked out, seeming to flinch at the light.

            Fox dimmed some of his mage lights. "It's all right!" He called quietly down the corridor. "If you can understand us, we just want to speak to you."

            The delver seemed to process this. "What of?" The claws on the flipper rattled the stone wall for a moment, then dropped, more of the beast peeking around the corner.

            "We'd like some information, if you don't mind." Peppy said, crossing his arms.

            Another pause. "I could perhaps help you. Are you able to pay me in any way?"

            Fox looked at Peppy and Alan.

            "They like jewels and metal." Alan said, scratching his head absently.

            Fox reached into one of his belt pouches and pulled out a pair of bracelets they had taken from the green dragon, holding them out toward the delver. They were both gold, with different jewels inlayed.

            The delver moved forward and stopped about ten feet away from them. "What do you want to know?"

            "We were wondering what the fastest way to the Drow city would be." Peppy said.

            "What do you want with that evil place?"

            "They have something we need. They stole a holy artifact from a temple on the surface."

            "I am not surprised. I'm sorry; my tunnels do not come close to there. However, I can give you some tips about the path you're taking, I think." The claws of one flipper rattled on the floor again. "I think part of the path ahead may have broken… it's a bridge over a rift. But if you turn left and go down a bit more, there will be another bridge…"

            Fox pulled out his map, tracing this with his finger and committing it to memory.

            "Should be clear other then that, the Drow are careful with such. However… I have heard the horrible vibrations of a destrachan in the same way that you are going. Do be careful."

            "Thank you." Fox tossed the jewelry so it skittered to the ground in front of the delver.

            "No, thank you." The delver moved forward to consume the jewelry, and with a cheerful sounding mumble retreated back to its tunnels.

            "Let's move out people." Fox said over his shoulder, and the group continued on.

            "Does anyone have the faintest idea what a destrachan is?" Bill asked as they walked.

            "Haven't a clue, but I'm sure we'll find out." Alan said cheerfully. Peppy shrugged and spread his hands helplessly.

            "Wonderful." Falco said sourly.

            Though very weary by the time the group stopped to camp, no one got much sleep that night. Every noise and animal cry made every member of the group jump, and the lights blazing at the camp perimeter did nothing to help.

            Rather weary and low of morale, the group continued on. Once or twice Alan attempted to sing and lift everyone's spirits, but in this place his loud voice carried for seemingly miles, and they were quick to silence him.

            Julian and Bill were on point when they shouted back to the others that they had found something. The others moved forward, and found the pair stood next to a rough spot in the wall, almost a carved cubbyhole, but it was recent.

            "Looks like the stone was shattered." Bill judged. "Do any of you know what could have done this?"

            "Noise can shatter glass, sometimes." Said Katt, looking at the opening thoughtfully. "Perhaps, if it was at the right frequency, it could shatter stone…"

            They all exchanged a glance, and moved on, Bill and Julian going back on point, now with brighter lights leading them.

            Step. Step. Many footsteps.

            What is this now?

            The eyeless head stretched forward, clawed hands grasping the air absently, one foot shifting absently.

            It appeared that the destrachan's newest meal had finally arrived.

            Bill howled, dropping to his knees, clutching at his head and covering his ears. Julian was quick to follow, yipping, doubling over.

            "Cover your ears!" Slippy shouted, building a fire spell between his hands. "Everyone cover your ears!"

            Peppy heard it next, a high noise that sent pain stabbing through his ears and brain. He very nearly dropped himself, but as he started to fall, another set of hands clapped over his ears, and pleasant deafness flowed through him. He looked up and saw Fara standing there, hands sparkling, and nodded to her, getting up.

            "Cast that on everyone!" Fox shouted, trying to edge forward to help his friends. "Do it Fara."

            "All right…" Fara built the spell again, and with a milky ripple through the air, everyone ceased hearing. Julian and Bill, who had fallen to the ground convulsing in sonic agony, ceased their pained movements and slowly sat up, rubbing their heads, then stood and staggered back to the group.

            The group slowly drew weapons, those with distance weapons pulling them. Orange eyes smoldered above Falco's head as his guardian force came to life. Mage lights were cast farther away, the light filling the corridors.

            Catching a slice of movement, Julian pulled the trigger on his crossbow. The bolt lanced toward its target, then shattered in midair.

            The entire group moved back a step and exchanged a look.

            "This is not good." Peppy mouthed to Fox, who nodded agreement.

            Slippy stepped forward, then cast the fireball. They didn't hear the scream of the beast, but they felt the vibrations in the air, and it lurched into view.

            It was a somewhat large beast, but was heavily stooped over, a stiff tail balancing its large head and neck. It had no eyes that they could see, and large ears which swiveled constantly. A large burn wrapped one of its shoulders, and its large, clawed hands swiped at them furiously.

            Vibrations carried toward them, and they lunged out of the way, pressing to the walls. Julian's crossbow shattered in his hands, sending splinters flying. He yelped mindlessly, leaping back. Fox shouted angrily, stepping forward, whipping his bow forward from where it hung on his back and pulling an arrow, aiming and firing almost simultaneously. The arrow never hit, shattering in midair like Julian's bolt had as the beast opened its maw, letting loose its destructive sounds.

            Rita nudged Slippy and Katt, stepping forward and building another spell. The other two worked with her, teaming up for a more massive spell then they could have normally handled. Peppy slipped off to one side, drawing an arrow and lining it up to his bow, aiming carefully. Fox gestured to Fara, nodding toward the beast as it charged them and pointing at his ears. She nodded, casting the spell again.

            Everything happened at once. Fara's deafening spell hit the destrachan as Peppy's flaming arrow did, making it stagger forward, head snapping back, blast missing. Moments later, the smite evil spell from the other magic users struck.

            The terrible harmonics attack of the destrachan hit the roof as it fell, and rocks began to fall downward. The party scattered as all went black.

            "It seems these beings did our job for us."

            "Yes, but what matter of beings are they?" Maric looked at the ones they had pulled out of the collapsed corridor. None of them seemed hurt badly, and three of them were obviously female. "Though that one seems to be one of the vile elves from above." He added darkly, gesturing to Katt.

            "The others are not though." Interjected a third. "Perhaps we should kill the vile elf and take the others back and give them over for questioning?"

            "Perhaps…" Their leader, a more experienced warrior named Aldar, drug Katt forward, giving her a single rough shake. "Awake so you may see your destiny, vile female."

            Katt moaned, coughing, eyes fluttering open. Her side throbbed dully, and pain shot through one of her wrists. She hugged it to her chest, blinking up at the darkness. "Is someone there?" She asked, coughing again.

            "She cannot see us, or even speak our language." Aldar spat, pulling his sword. "Serves her right…"

            "Leave her alone!"

            The shout, though in an unknown language, make the Drow stop and look. One of the other beings had awoken, and had pulled his sword, which burned and threw off intense light. They lifted a hand to shield their eyes, taking a step back. The being drug himself to his hands and knees, crawling over to the elf and collapsing beside her, wrapping an arm around her in a protective manner. She huddled into him, whimpering.

            "What are they, Katt?" Falco asked, a draconic growl rumbling in his throat.

            "They're Drow. They hate my race." She replied. "Alan? Alan are you awake?"

            "Blimey, me head hurts." Came the reply from somewhere behind them.

            "He's awake all right." Falco muttered. "Fox? Julian? Peppy?"

            The Drow watched, eyes watering from the light, as the entire group slowly started to awake, helping each other up, feeling for their weapons and finding none.

            "How did you miss that sword?" Aldar cuffed Maric angrily.

            "He was laying on it!"

            "No excuse!"

            "Excuse me kind sirs." Alan said in cheerful voice, speaking UnderCommon. "Thank you kindly for pulling us out of the collapse, it surely wasn't doing us any good. We've been trying to find you folks, someone in your great city has something we need. Would you be so kind as to lead us there?"

            "You speak our language?" Aldar demanded, stomping forward.

            "Oh of course."

            Aldar stared at the being, which grinned at him. Scarring warped a side of the being's face, and strange light seemed to emanate from the being's eyes. "Your god lets you live so… so… deformed?" He finally said.

            "Why shouldn't he?" Was the reply as Alan shrugged.

            "Tell your companions that you are all prisoners now. And tell that one…" He gestured angrily at Falco. "To sheath and turn over his sword."

            "Well, if you say so." Alan relayed this on, and Falco snarled to himself, sheathing the sword and sliding it across the ground to Aldar. "One last thing though, good fellows. We can't see in the dark like you can."

            "You will be guided." Aldar said, gesturing for his party members to bind their prisoners' hands. "You are but a male, but do you lead this party?"

            "Oh no. He does." Alan nodded toward Fox.

            "They let a male lead?" He gestured at the three girls, scowling at Katt, who still cradled her wrist to her chest.

            "Well, men are the dominant gender on the surface, you see. We're on even ground with these women though."

            "Silence. You will not speak unless spoken to."

            "Well, you DID ask the question. Want me to tell them that?"

            "Yes. Do."

            "Perfect, just perfect." Falco fumed to himself as they walked in the dark, a trace of the dragon's growl still in his voice.

            "How did they disarm you, Fox?" Fara hissed to him, falling in pace with him.

            "They must have held it by the sheath." He replied with a sigh. "Do not worry, everyone." This was murmured to his entire group. "I am sure an opportunity will present itself."

            "Silence!" The voice of the Drow in charge spat.

            The party fell silent again, and eventually other noises reached them, other voices.

            "We are approaching our city. You will be silent. You will keep your eyes downcast." Aldar ordered, looking at the bedraggled ten, listening with annoyance as Alan relayed this. "Do you understand?"

            They all made positive gestures.

            Though they could not see much of the city, they got the feeling it was large and somewhat glorious, if harsh and cold. Other Drow came out of houses or looked down upon them from balconies, staring. Aldar many times spoke to these others, and Alan kept his ears open. They were being taken to one of the great houses. Alan signaled with one hand to Falco, who mumbled this very softly to Fox, who stood beside him. In this matter it was slowly and quietly passed around.

            Eventually they were drug into what seemed to be some sort of castle, and left guarded in a large room.

            "Listen good, everyone." Alan said as the group gathered. "Women are in charge of the Drow race. Houses are led by one single female, I believe the title is Matron Mother. Like the good fellow said, don't speak unless spoken to." He glanced at Katt, who looked terrified. "Don't worry, I'm sure that we can negotiate. We're here peacefully, though honestly that may not add up to much." He sighed and shook his head. "How badly blocked is our way back?"

            No one knew.

            Eventually a very faint light appeared, and a lady Drow appeared, carrying a candle she had shielded with one hand. She narrowed her eyes at the party, which looked back silently.

            "So it's true then." She said simply, and a look of fury passed over her face when Alan muttered the translation to the others. "I did not say you could speak!" She snarled.

            "They can't understand your language, honored Priestess." Alan said in a bare whisper. "Only I can."

            "You, a mere male?"

            "I'm afraid so."

            There were several moments of silence as the female looked over the party, frowning at Katt absently, then returning her gaze to Alan. "I am surprised you were not sacrificed at birth for such… such imperfection."

            "Ah but that is in your eyes. In my eyes, I am perfect, Priestess."

            She blinked and stepped back.

            "Reitha, what are you doing here, and with a holy candle at that?" Aldar demanded, coming in and scowling at his sister.

            "I am confirming what I heard, Second Boy." She replied, angry. "And let me remind you that my position in the house is higher then yours!" She blew out the candle absently.

            "You have confirmed it. They are prisoners, Reitha. For that matter we don't even know what they are."

            "We could tell you if you asked…" Muttered Alan to himself, and didn't so much as wince when Reitha wheeled and slapped him.

            "To not speak unless spoken to, male!" She shouted.

            He shrugged.

            Fox listened to the exchange, but said nothing. He assumed he would find out later. He heard the slap as well, but since Alan said nothing, he assumed it had not hurt him badly.

            "Fine then, creature. What are you?" Aldar asked, hands on his hips.

            "We are for the most part human, Second Boy Aldar." Alan licked blood from his lip. "Katt is of course an elf and our leader has a touch of Elven in him, but other then that, we are human."

            "Human? YOU are humans?" Aldar stared. "I expected… something…"

            "Different? Better? We are what we are. Do not take me as a normal example, though."

            "You will be silent."

            Alan was instantly, writing more of his song in his head, fighting the urge to hum.

            "I am to take you before the Matron Mother of the house. Tell your companions to stand and follow, and if they value their lives, they will be silent unless directly asked a question."

            "Well, at least I can tell the guardian at the gates that in spite of my thieving habits, I died on a holy quest." Falco whispered as they walked, then fell instantly silent when the female Drow looked at him.

            "No one is going to die." Fox whispered, voice flat and allowing for no other option. The weight of his pendant of Heironeous was solid on his chest. He felt confident, in spite of his odds. He had to be confident. His party was giving up around him.

            'In case this turns bad, Fox… I love you…' Fara glanced at him.

            'I know. I love you too. And this is not going to turn bad.' He set his jaw.

            A great set of doors opened in front of them, and they were led into the center of a great room and forced on their knees. A few red candles cast dim light, and an elegant woman Drow sat in a throne, a daughter on either side of her, tapping her fingertips together. She studied the party brought before her with active interest, not glancing as the younger of her two Priestess daughters spoke.

            "They claim to be humans, except for the elf of course, Matron Mother." Reitha murmured.

            Matron Mother Eithia wove a finger just a bit to show she had heard, not taking her eyes off her prisoners. "Aldar, you told me one of the males in this group speaks our language."

            "Yes, Matron Mother."

            "Bring him forward."

            Aldar yanked Alan up and drug him forward so he stood about five feet from the throne, then released Alan's arm. "This one does, Matron Mother, and he seems to have a good grasp on it, though his accenting is rather atrocious."

            "Silence." Eithia turned to Alan. "You speak our language."

            "Yes, Matron Mother." Alan instantly replied in a soft, even voice.

            "What are you and your… companions doing in the tunnels? You cannot see in the dark. You do not belong here." Her voice turned hard.

            "We wished to come here and speak to someone, Matron Mother. One of the houses here has something we need, and we are willing to negotiate for it."

            "And what is this thing you need?"

            "An ancient key, Matron Mother, taken from a temple in the canyon."

            "Oh?" She sat back, still tapping her fingertips together. "And why do you need this key?"

            "It is required for our mission, Matron Mother."

            "And what is this mission?"

            "The world has been thrown a bit out of balance and we wish to help correct it."

            Eithia laughed out loud. "Really? Do you really think that this… this group could accomplish such a mission?"

            "Yes I do, Matron Mother."

            She blinked at the seriousness of his voice. "What god do your people follow?"

            "We follow many gods, Matron Mother."

            "You do not follow Lolth?"

            "I fear that no one on the surface that I am aware of follows Lolth, Matron Mother."

            She processed that. These people, then, were unholy creatures, barely worth sacrificing. Still though, they were important in some small way… "Then what gods do you follow?"

            "Me personally, or all of us?"

            "All of your party."

            "Um, well…" Alan wished he could scratch his head, but his hands were tied. "Our leader is a direct follower of Heironeous, for starters. Heironeous is a god of Valor. I believe that Peppy also is a follower of Heironeous. Rita is a Priestess of Obad-Hai, a god of nature. Fara is a follower of Pelor. Julian I believe follows Fharlanghn, god of roads…" He shifted, wracking his brain. "Bill follows Kord, god of strength, and Katt obviously follows Corellon Larethian … I'm not quite sure about the others, to be honest. We can follow more then one god, Matron Mother."

            "Your gods allow that?"

            "Why wouldn't they?"

            She stared at the man who stood in front of her, and blinked in surprise when he suddenly grinned. "Why are you smiling?"

            "Why shouldn't I smile?"

            "Answer my question." She snapped. "Your party is obviously not happy."

            "I am quite usually happy, Matron Mother. I am a bard, a maker of music, a bringer of joy. I carry happiness close to my heart. I find this situation more entertaining and interesting then morbid. Of course, everyone I meet is of the opinion I am insane, which is of course correct."

            There was a very long silence.

            "Who is the leader of your party?"

            "He is." Alan made an attempt at gesturing, then just pointed his tail. "His name is Fox McCloud, he is a knight of high order."

            "Bring him forward, Aldar." Eithia ordered.

            Seeing Aldar approach him with obvious purpose, Fox stood and allowed himself to be escorted forward to stand next to Alan, eyes downcast.

            "You lead this party?"

            Alan translated, and relayed on the reply. " 'Yes, Matron Mother.' "

            "And you quest for a key?"

            Fox repeated his reply.

            "If I were to kill you now, what would be your response?"

            "I would try to fight for the good of my group, but if I were to die, I will die for my god and for the cause of good." He replied instantly. "If I am needed beyond, so be it. If it is my time so be it."

            "So you are willing to sacrifice yourself for you friends."

            Alan really didn't like where this conversation was going. He had already nearly lost his fearless leader once, he really didn't want to go through it again and really loose Fox this time.

            "Without debate, Matron Mother."

            "Or for your God."

            "I am a direct disciple of my God. If it is my time it is my time."

            "How old are you?"

            "I will soon be nineteen."

            "I suppose that is young for your people."

            "And even younger for your own." He knew it was a mistake the minute he said it, and that was confirmed when the snake-headed whip of one of the daughters caught his shoulder, the five heads sending numbness through that area. "I apologize."

            "Good." She pressed her fingertips together, staring at this figure. "And you are part elf?"

            "One-quarter, Matron Mother."

            "The vile elves and your kind interbreed?" She sounded disgusted.

            "Sometimes. Love knows no bounds, Matron Mother."

            Love was a bit of a hard word to translate into UnderCommon, but Alan managed it.

            "So who or what do you plan on marrying?"

            Fox shifted. "A human, Matron Mother."

            There was another long silence. Eithia eyed Fox. A pendant of some sort glittered on his chest, and his tunic was torn from the corridor collapse, showing some skin and soft-looking fur beneath. He stood straight and with pride, even though his eyes were lowered respectfully.

            "Aldar, take the others away, I wish to speak to this one alone." She commanded. "Take this one away as well." She gestured to Alan.

            "Fox cannot speak your language, Matron Mother." Alan protested.

            "That is not an issue. Now go as ordered."

            Alan bowed and returned to his group, which were escorted out by her sons. The party cast many glances toward Fox, who stood quietly and did not move.

            "Alan spoke truthfully, I can't speak your language." Fox said softly in common.

            "Then it is good that I speak yours." Said Eithia in harshly accented common, making her daughters stare at her.

            Fox blinked, stunned. "You had Alan translate for me when it was not needed?"

            "Dare you question me?" She demanded, standing.

            He lowered his eyes. "No, Matron Mother."

            "Good." She stepped forward and circled him absently.

            "What do you plan to do with him, Matron Mother?" Her Eldest daughter, Venia, asked, speaking UnderCommon. "Lolth would accept him as a sacrifice, even if he follows one of the vile other gods…"

            "Quiet." Eithia said, still studying Fox, expression thoughtful. "You are willing to die for your friends and your God." She said to Fox in common. "Why?"

            "Because I love my friends and I love my God." He replied instantly.

            "And would they do the same for you?"

            "I do not doubt the loyalty of my friends, and my God has helped me more then once so that I may win."

            She stood in front of him, less then a foot away, considering him. Blue eyes, she noticed. Maybe it's normal with the humans. "How did you plan on getting the key?"

            "It all depends what is wanted in return. We do have money, though I doubt it is of any use to you…" He shrugged. "Would you know which house has the key?"

            "Mine." She smiled.

            He looked at her. "Would you be willing to give it to me then?"

            "Obviously not." Her smile turned evil. "To be quite honest, I planned on sacrificing that despicable elf in your group to Lolth… perhaps some other members of your party as well…" She returned to her chair, pressing her fingertips together. "I am not sure what I am going to do with you though… you interest me. Tell me, if you were offered enough, would you betray your god and follow Lolth?"

            "I would sooner die." He replied in a tight voice, anger building, hands becoming fists.

            "Such a shame." She sighed.

            "I am a holy fighter, Matron Mother. If need be, I will kill all of you to complete my mission and protect my friends."

            "Somehow I doubt you could do that. Now, be silent." She turned to Venia, switching to UnderCommon. "We will sacrifice the vile elf to Lolth, and the other females as well. I have not decided about the males yet… especially this one."

            "As you wish." Venia smiled, eager to feed her hungry goddess.

            "Matron Mother." Fox's voice was sharp, angry. "I plead with you to change your mind on this matter. I have no wish to kill."

            Venia stepped forward, whip lashing out again. They were quite surprised when Fox broke the rope around his wrists and grabbed the whip at the point just before it split into the snake heads. The five snake heads hissed and writhed, but Fox held tight, and looked at Eithia, raising an eyebrow.

            "I came peacefully, Matron Mother. I wish to leave the same way, with my entire party." His mind focused elsewhere, on his sword, which was he-didn't-know-where. It was tied to his blood, to his family line, to his soul. It had come to his hand once before, and now, he needed it even more.

            "Release my whip!" Venia cried.

            "You are going to kill my friends." Fox replied, inferring what she was saying. "I don't think I will."

            Reitha pulled her whip and lashed out at Fox, but his other hand came up and caught her whip as well, then transferred it to his other hand.

            "That obviously isn't working."

            Eithia stood and shouted for her fighters. At the same time, Fox held out his other hand, and his sword appeared in it. Light blazed around him, a halo of fire appearing just above his head.

            "I came peacefully. Allow us to leave the same way. Give me the key, Matron Mother." Fox said, holding his sword in a ready position with one hand, the whips in the other. The three Drow women could barely look at him now, hands up to shield their eyes from his bright aura.

            "Put down the sword or die." Eithia shouted, voice harsh.

            "Life without the people I care for is close enough to death." He brought the sword around, slashing the heads off the whips as he released them, then he turned to face the Drow warriors.

            Falco looked up, hearing the distant battle. The others slowly lifted their heads as well. They were back in the room they had been in, forced to stay silent. Falco had been working his hands in their binds, and was almost loose. The two watching them looked up when a shout of alarm rippled through the house, and ran out, suddenly not caring about their prisoners.

            "Fox?" Peppy asked, a small smile crossing his face. The minute they were alone, mage lights came to life around them.

            "I'd guess so." Falco wretched his hands out of the binds, then reached up and back, pulling a knife out of a spine sheath that was hidden among his feathers. He went from person to person, cutting them loose and helping them up. "Let's find our weapons and help him, eh?"

            "And quickly." Alan said. "Drow warriors are nothing less then experts."

            "So is Fox." Said Julian.

            Eithia watched the battle, bewildered. All her spells and the spells of her daughters just seemed to bounce away from this human fighter, who was laying her soldiers to waste around him. His glowing sword slashed right through their armor as if it was nonexistent, and seemed to deal more damage then she ever thought possible.

            She was just building another spell when a blinding flash of light surrounded her, and her nerves went on fire. She screamed, hands hooking into claws as pain seared through her.

            When her vision returned to her, her hall lay in destruction, her soldiers lay dead. The human's party had joined him, fully armed and calmly watching her. As she watched, the human walked forward and stood right in front of her.

            "The key if you don't mind." He stated coolly.

            "How… how did you…?"

            He drew his sword and spun it in the air. She winced back, the light stung her skin. "Your people carry evil close to their hearts instead of good… or happiness." He glanced at Alan. "That means they are at a disadvantage to us."

            She held out a hand, and the key appeared in it. She held it out to him, and he took it. "Do you really think you shall get out of this city alive?" She asked, her evil grin returning.

            "Matron Mother, all your soldiers could not stop us. Somehow I doubt the city will be able to argue." Fox said very quietly, passing the key to Rita. She studied it, and nodded. It was the right one. With that, he turned his back to Eithia and began to walk toward the door.

            Her spell raced toward him, meaning to stop his heart. But one of the females in the group lunged and got in the way.

            Fox spun, locking eyes with Fara as she tumbled to the ground and went limp, a horrible agony crossing his face. He raced forward, pulling Fara into his arms, brushing a hand down her cheek. "Rita, Slippy, Katt…" He whispered, looking up at his magic users, and they were instantly there.

            "Fox…" Rita bit her lip, her hand pressed to Fara's neck. "Fox, she's gone…"

            He shook his head, not registering it, a sob coming from his chest. He closed his eyes, praying, cradling Fara to his chest and rocking a bit.

            "Oh, you unbelievable, evil…" Falco couldn't even finish his sentence, looking at Eithia.

            "She got in front of it. It's not my fault. I meant to kill him, not her." Eithia managed a shrug.

            That was her last ever sentence. A slender sword flew through the air, the momentum so great that it plunged into Eithia's chest, straight through her heart. She slowly went limp, the rapier still there.

            The entire group turned to look at Alan, who stood there shaking, hands at his sides. As they watched he walked forward, pulled out his sword, and finished the job by slashing Eithia's throat open. He wiped the rapier clean on a corner of his tunic and sheathed it, then walked over to where Fox was kneeled, kneeling beside him. "Mighty leader?"

            Fox slowly looked up, the look in his eyes hollow. Everything had been taken out of him, with that one, single spell. Alan saw it, and sighed.

            "Let me take her for a moment."

            Fox was reluctant, but let Alan take Fara. Alan shifted to a cross-legged sitting position, pulling Fara into his lap, stroking her hair. "Come now, girl, you don't really want to leave us, now do you?" He asked, tilting his head, then spread both his hands over her chest, about an inch above her skin. The others watched as his hands started to glow, then the glow slowly filtered down to Fara, building in her chest. After several long, silent moments, she suddenly coughed, chest heaving, and began to gasp for air.

            "Oh my God." Peppy said, making a religious gesture. Almost everyone else was quick to follow.

            "Take her. She'll want to see you first." Alan said, passing Fara gently back to Fox, who cradled her to his chest, tears of joy dripping down his face.

            "My God, Alan… thank you… thank you so much…" Fox whispered, watching as Fara coughed again, eyes fluttering open.

            "Not… a problem… really… I think I'm going to sleep now…" Alan collapsed to the stone floor, falling unconscious.

            Fara blinked, vision haloed and blurry, eyes slowly focusing on who was holding her. "Fox…?"

            "Thank God…" Fox hugged her closer, and she managed to return it partway.

            "What happened?"

            "You took a kill spell for me. Alan brought you back."

            "I… I died…?"

            He nodded. "And please don't do so ever again. Or at least for a very long time."

            She managed to laugh.

            Leaving the Drow city wasn't as hard as Eithia had made it out to be.

            Rita led the party, since Fox was carrying Alan's limp form, and more or less kept the entire Drow city at bay with a gamut of holy spells that Katt and Slippy assisted with. What Drow managed to get past the holy magic were quickly dispersed with Peppy's arrows, and those not doing anything else carried shields, deflecting arrows and knives away from the party.

            Once some distance away from the city, they stopped, and Fox set Alan down so Katt could check on him. Fox took the chance to give Fara another hug and flat-out refused to let her go for several minutes.

            "Why in the name of all that's holy did you intercept that spell for me, anyway?" He finally asked.

            "I would think the reasons are obvious, you muttonhead." Falco answered for Fara.

            Fara burst into giggles. "Thank you Falco."

            "Not a problem."

            "Me head hurts again." Alan said from the ground, sounding rather groggy. "Oh. We're back in the tunnels. Yay."

            "Yes, we got out fine." Fox crouched next to him. "Thanks again, Alan."

            "No one's dying while I'm around." Alan replied. "And I'll trade your gratitude for a new violin. The Drow ruined mine."

            "Not so." Said Rita cheerfully, passing him his violin, which looked brand new. "It's a fairly basic spell. I hope it's repaired right."

            Alan took the violin with a smile, looking at it, then sawed the bow across the strings. The note was pure, but still held the husky, worn quality from before. "Thank you kindly milady." He grabbed her hand and kissed it, then with a quick move of his body was on his feet, though he promptly almost fell over again. "Come, my friends, let us continue on. I wish to feel the sun on my face again."

            The Lammasu blinked, and heaved itself to its feet, trotting over to the passage and peering down it. It heard singing, heard happy voices.

            After several long moments, the party it had said goodbye to almost a week before appeared, striding toward him. Their packs were a great deal lighter, and they looked tired, but they were whole and alive. The Lammasu roared happily, romping to meet them, rearing up to cuff Fox lightly.

            "I'm glad you made it friend." The Lammasu said in a kind, happy voice.

            "We very nearly didn't." Fox said honestly. "And Fara in particular very nearly left us."

            "I did, for the space of a few minutes." Fara smiled meekly. "But Alan was kind enough to bring me back."

            "All's well then? Did you find the key?"

            By then, they were out of the corridor and in the main part of the temple. The Lammasu looked at the doors, which opened, allowing sunlight to pour in. Fox's unicorn galloped in, hooves clattering over the stone floor, stopping to snuffle Fox and make sure he was all right.

            Rita held up the key and turned it over to the Lammasu. "I believe we can say that this part of the mission is accomplished."

            "Yes, and it is still pure." He passed it back to her. "Take it with my blessing, my friends. Are you staying here tonight, or are you moving on?"

            "Staying." Was the instant reply from everyone at once.

            "Let us say that it was not an easy journey." Said Alan.

            "And that is the understatement of the century." Said Bill.

            "So, what happens now?" Fara stretched out on the floor in a beam of waning sunlight, enjoying the feeling of the gentle warmth. The others were in similar states around her.

            "The Lammasu will tell us the next leg of our journey in the morning." Peppy said, feeling travel-weary. "Something tells me that the Staff still isn't our next destination."

            "Not surprised." Falco yawned. "Why should it be that easy?"

            "I hate to admit this, but you have a point." Bill said, and dodged the handful of sand that flew in his direction. "I have doubts that this will get any easier."

            "I am just glad to have the rest of today to relax." Said Julian.

            "I do not want to press us any harder then necessary, and let's be frank." Said Fox. "We just spent six days in darkness, or near darkness. Our claustrophobic member is still getting over the experience, our duelist died and had to be brought back… If you think that I'm going to make us start traveling again immediately, you are all as crazy as Alan is."

            Sand showered him from all directions. He closed his eyes and didn't even try to dodge it, then joined the others in laughter. No one protested when Alan started singing. They were too happy to be finished with this leg of the journey.