His gauntlets, befitting a champion, on a champion always are.
Lodo, Katla, Korko, and Solonund used their copy of the keys to the Billowing Towers. The door to the right, as Korko indicated, led to a stair that led to an observation deck.
From the looks of things, Anga Norsa was the only one who used the observation deck. The thick carpeting had never been stepped on in the center, yet had been near the magically contrived windows that allowed any on the deck to observe below, without knowledge of those bellow.
The first few rooms indicated the vats of water Korko had described to them the day before.
The slave clerics wore strange, bonelike collars.
"That is my daughter." Korko indicated as they moved to see the third water room.
"I will make a mental note of her." Lodo said as he looked down. The sight made Lodo sick to his stomach.
It was worse for Solonund. The blonde, elven Horizon Walker seethed. "I wonder if this fate is what became of my son." he thought as he gritted his teeth. Solonund hated slavers and pirates. The scum responsible for the death of his wife and the abduction of his son were filthy pirates.
The four proceeded down the hall. They looked down to see where the gold golems were constructed. Katla nearly vomited as she saw a score of black wizards using souls spheres to extract souls from unwilling slaves, mostly children. The spheres were placed in the golems as a power source.
"That is deplorable and unforgivable, Lodo."
"Yes Katla. I am tempted to put a stop to this now, but it would be no good. We are still at a disadvantage."
They rounded a bend in the deck. Here there were magic windows both on the left and right. Below was a huge shipping dock, complete with private tavern area. A group of rowdy pirates were drinking and carousing.
Solonund gasped as he looked out the right window. Two Spelljammer ships were moored at the private dock. He pressed one hand against the magic glass, balled the other into a tight fist and breathed heavily as he looked.
"What is the matter, Solonund?"
"I know that ship. I would know that Death Spider anywhere."
"The Jade Spider is nicer." Lodo spat out, "and newer. Let's steal it instead."
Solonund whirled around and punched Lodo. "You should have more respect, you ass. That Death Spider is the one that attacked my and Anaiys' Spelljammer, you idiot! These are the same pirates that kidnapped my son and killed my wife thirty years ago!"
Lodo's eyes widened in shock as he nursed the pain of his jaw. He went to the left window of the deck and peered into tavern. "I will kill all of these pirates to avenge my beloved Anaiys and your son, Solonund." He said as he started to weave a spell.
Solonund looked down at the unsuspecting pirates with hate. His eyes fell upon a pirate captain dancing on a table.
The elven pirate had long hair that delicately curled in to natural ringlets. The color of his hair was silvery with a hint of gold, just like that of Solonund's late wife. Solonund looked closer at the young elf's face. Solonund jumped in front of Lodo to stop the weaving of the spell.
"What is the matter with you? Don't you want to avenge Anaiys? These pirates deserve it."
"Lodo, look at the pirate captain dancing on the table. Please tell me, does he have pale green eyes?" Solonund said as he crumpled to the floor and curled into a ball.
Lodo peered down at the pirate captain. The young pirate did have pale green eyes.
"Oh gods, " Lodo whispered aloud as he crumpled next to Solonund.
"What in the nine hells is the matter with you two?" Katla snapped.
"The pirate captain dancing on the table down there is Thelan, Solonund's son."
"We have to get down there and take him captive. My son is a pirate, I doubt he will come willingly." Solonund said in shock.
"I will stay here and see which ship of those two is his. " Korko offered, "We need to find the weakness of this place before we can take action against the pirates, or rescue your son, from himself."
##########
The three who proceeded on found Anga Norsa's office. From the looks of the room, Anga also used it part of the time as a bedroom. The room had been thoroughly ransacked.
"They were not looking for money or magic scrolls." Solonund said as he picked up several pieces of platinum.
"Give me the scrolls, Solonund, you probably can't use them."
"I'll keep them. I have plenty of room in my pack. Mine is bigger than yours is."
"It is not!" Lodo said, slowly turning red.
"It is too. I've seen it. I've known you for fifty years or better. In all of that time.."
"Oh will you two cut it out! Gods, Solonund, do you have to turn everything into an innuendo! There is a lady present."
"Sorry, Katla. I tend forget that there is a lady in our group. You fight better than most men I know."
"Thanks for the compliment. Hey, what is this?" Katla said as she rummaged through a pile of loose paperwork. "This will make things much easier. I found a map of the Billowing Towers, including the underground levels."
"Good. It will make this place easier to take down."
"Tessirak will be happy. He grumbled at not having the chance to come."
"Sir Solonund," Korko said as he walked into the room," Your son's ship is the Jade Spider. I saw him go to that ship. It looks like he was off to sleep off the alcohol. None of his crew joined him."
"Good." Solonund said as he fingered the hawk shaped figurine in his pocket. "I wish this mythal would let me summon you, Solaris. I would feel better if you could follow him, friend." He thought to himself.
"Korko, where did you see the mind flayers?"
"There is a secret door in the corner of this room, Master Lodo. It leads down to the lower levels."
"Now that we have this map, we should have no problem eliminating them."
"Lets get out of here, and make a plan of attack." Lodo said.
##########
Stradivarius was waiting for them once the four retuned to the safe house.
"Mister Lodo, I need ye and Tharros to help me with something."
"Can it wait? We have to plan an attack on the Billowing Towers."
"No, sir. I'm afraid it really can't wait. Come with me through the underground passages." Stradivarius led Lodo and Tharros through several winding tunnels. They made their way through tunnels that led to the Arena.
"Tell me again, Stradivarius, why meeting with the foreman of the gladiators is so important."
"Ye want to free the Ancient Captive? Well, they beat him to a pulp in the arena at least twice a week, more if they think they can get away with it. I want the fellow free. Is that reason enough?"
"No." Both Lodo and Tharros piped in.
"When I was a slave, I was the best gladiator in the arena. It was not so bad of a life. I had me belly full whenever I wanted to eat and a harem full of females to take whenever I wanted. Yet, I was not happy. The fact that I had so many luxuries and was still a slave made me sick. The only way to win me freedom was to continue to fight, to kill or be killed."
"What does that have to do with the Ancient Captive?"
"Mister Lodo. Once I killed 1000 in mortal combat, I was given a prize. At first I thought it was riches and a nice home to retire to, but I was wrong. The prize was to try and beat the ancient captive to death. "
"That is deplorable."
"Yes, Mister Tharros. I could not beat him. I raised me blade to him, and he looked at me. Those bluish purple eyes reached deep within me soul. He told me to hurt him. He told me that he did not want me death on his hands. I cried, for the first time in me life. I hit him a few times, then started to break down. I saw hope for me reflected in his eyes. He purposely cried out early in the beating, because he knew I could not keep it up. He knew that if I faltered I would be dead. He saved me life. That evening, I escaped the arena. Ty'Aero did not want to set me free at all. If I faltered, it would give the wizard an excuse to kill me."
"He is really that powerful?"
"Yes, Mister Lodo. Ty'Aero holds more lives in his hands than even the Emperor does."
"I meant the Ancient Captive."
"He must be a god. Only a god could be so strong and merciful at the same time. Within the week, Ty'Aero found a new Grand Slayer to take my place. That is why we must go."
"I see, the Grand Slayer has reached his goal of the killing of 1000 combatants in mortal combat."
"Supreme Slayer, he has killed over 1000 already. Ty'Aero let the Master Slaver, who lives in the Billowing Towers, let Antherop have more battles. Antherop has chosen to kill the Ancient Captive after his next battle. It hurts me to ask this of you, because I can not do it meself."
"Your skills are not as good as his? You should do it yourself." Lodo remarked as they passed a bend in another of the winding tunnels.
"No, my skills surpass his in many ways. He has been transformed. His thoughts and body are no longer his own. I just can not do it. I would look at him and crumble."
"Why? If he is not as good as you in the arena, there should be no problem."
"Because, he is me son."
Stradivarius pushed aside a small stone in the wall of the cave, triggering a secret opening. They stepped into a dirty office. Bits of bone and rotting food were strewn among piles of paperwork. A cot, contained a half sleeping Orc in the corner of the room.
The fire in the fireplace was roaring with life, making the room extremely hot.
Lamps kept the squalid room well lit.
Vergalt, the foreman of the gladiators, made a slight jump as Stradivarius, Lodo, and Tharros stepped into his office.
"Strad! You know better than to frighten me like that!" The tall Orc said as he fingered and scratched at the slave collar around his neck.
"I am sorry, Ver, but is a matter of most importance. Ver? What happened to your collar? It looks different."
"That is because all of the gladiatorial slaves have been fitted with these new collars. Make your request brief. These collars allow the Master Slaver to hear everything I do."
"To the point then. I want to arrange a match with the Supreme Slayer, Antherop."
"And, Elf, who do you want him to fight?"
"Tharros here and myself."
"Ha! That will not be much of a show ."
"What is the matter? Is Antherop afraid to fight against two?"
"Oh, no. He actually prefers to kill two in the same match. It just looks like you will not be much of a challenge for him."
"Looks are deceiving. I want to arrange to be in combat with him at the next available tournament."
"A half orc and a puny elf? He would chew you to pieces before you could blink. Besides, his matches are booked up until late next week."
"Not soon enough. I want to be able to fight him day after tomorrow at the latest."
Vergalt went to the corner of his office and pulled on a frayed cord. Two half-orcish children came into the room.
"You, go inform Lockjaw that he has a reprieve. He will be fighting Antherop next week. You, go inform the Master of the change in combatant for the match tomorrow. That orc and the elf want to go swiftly to their deaths. " Vergalt said with a sly smile.
"We will see who dies, foreman. I will leave you to your work."
"I hate elves." Vergalt muttered under his breath.
"What is that new collar made of?"
"Some sort of bone, Strad. It itches like hell. Sometimes it feels like a leech liking my neck. Now get out of here. And please use the service entrance this time, Strad.
##########
"We are being followed." Tharros said as they made their way along the Grande Promenade.
"I know. It is one of those boys from Vergalt's office."
"Want me to wring his neck, Mister Lodo?"
"No Stradivarius. We need to know why he is following us. Go over there to that merchant and buy one of the larger canvas sacks. "
"Will do." Stradivarius said as he made his way through the crowd. He punched and kicked people in his way.
"Perhaps he is the best bodyguard for Katla, Lodo. He doesn't seem to take bull from anyone."
"Is the child getting any closer?" Lodo whispered.
"Yes. We are lucky that he took the job for her."
"Walk toward Stradivarius, then towards the alley in between those two stalls near him." Lodo whispered.
"Of course. Ty'Aero would want nothing but the best to protect her." Tharros said slightly louder than normal.
One of the Black Wizards walked up to Stradivarius as Lodo and Tharros caught up to him.
"High Master Ty'Aero wishes you to deliver this message and package to the Lady Wisteria for him." The wizard said as he handed Stradivarius a note and held out his hand for payment.
"I will take it to her. I am in her confidence." Stradivarius said as he handed a platinum coin to the messenger.
"To that alley, Strad" Lodo whispered.
Stradivarius nodded.
The half orc child followed them just as they thought he would.
Tharros used a spell to put the child to sleep. Stradivarius stuffed him in the sack. The three then made their way back to the slums and the safe house.
##########
"What have you got there?" Kunne said as he pulled his long white hair into a ponytail.
"A little spy." Stradivarius said as he spilled the child out of the bag .
"He is just a baby." Kunne said as bent down and caressed the boy's cheek with his coal black hands. "This is a strange slave collar. I have never seen anything like it before."
"I know what it is." Tessirak said as he bent down and fingered the collar. "A spawn collar, created by Illithids."
"Vergalt said that all of the gladiatorial slaves had been refitted with those collars!"
"I will remove the collar, Then you wake him up, Tharros. Everyone else stay back. Tessirak, once the collar is gone, use your senses to see if the boy is infected yet."
"Yes Master."
Lodo used a spell to remove the slave collar. The inside of the collar was lined with small, wiggling tentacles.
"The boy is not infected." Tessirak stated flatly as he yanked the collar from Lodo's hands and destroyed it.
The boy slowly woke up to Tharros' ministrations.
"Oh no!" he screamed as he grabbed for his neck. The boy's eyes got wide when he found out the collar was gone. He breathed a sigh. "Thanks for freeing me. I was so scared I would be a squishy before long, like so many of the others."
"Who put that awful collar on you, child?" Tharros asked soothingly.
"The Master of the gladiatorial slaves. He used to be a half orc, like me and you, but now he is a squishy. He lives in the Billowing Towers."
"You are a very good boy. Soon everyone will be freed. Part of it is thanks to you. Are you hungry or thirsty? We have food and fresh water."
"Oh yes sir! I will serve you until I die!"
"What is your name son?"
"Cyrcynio. My parents were captured and brought here as slaves. Hey, you look like a priest of Selune! That is who my mama and papa worshipped."
"Yes, I am Tharros, a priest of Selune."
"Get the child some food, and then come over here, Tharros." Katla barked, "We need to get the plan for taking down the Billowing Towers ironed out."
"We have time. I don't want to attack until after the gladiatorial match tomorrow." Lodo said. " We need to plan that out first. Then I want some extra sleep after I memorize my spells."
"You are gonna fight Antherop tomorrow?" Cyrcinio piped up. "He will be hard to beat. Especially with those magic metal gloves of his."
"Metal gloves, child? Do you mean gauntlets?" Tharros said.
"Yep. They are the only reason he is a champion at all. His first win was a fluke and everybody knows it."
"On a champion they always are." Katla murmured.
#########
Katla stared at the simple, but elegant dress that Ty'Aero had Stradivarius deliver to her the day before. It was a beautiful shade of violet, with tiny diamonds along the collar and hem. Ty'Aero also sent a matching set of diamond encrusted slippers, and a beautiful tiara with alexendrite and diamonds set in gold. Ty'Aero wanted her to wear it as a token of his affection for her. He invited her to luncheon and then to join him in his box for the events in the Arena that day.
"I hope these fit you. Know that you have my heart, Love Naurailoki." Katla read on the note.
"I hate dressing up." She sighed. "Lodo, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"You can keep him from interfering with the match. Cyrcinio said that he often tries to if he thinks things are going against the way he has bet on the match. "
"I am not attracted to him."
"So, just keep him occupied. Wear weapons, but not your holy sword or your bag of holding with the artifacts. I trust you can do this. "
"I will do what I have to, to free Lokteruost. Just don't expect me to sleep with him."
"I don't. Now get dressed and get going. He is expecting you."
##########
Kirisatt pranced through the Grande Promenade with a full compliment of guards. For the first time in his life, he actually felt afraid to be seen out in public. It did not stop his frolicking and torturing of the various merchants. Kirisatt felt that the only redemption for his frayed nerves was to torture his subjects more mercilessly.
Kirisatt saw a few human beggars from the slums. "You, guard, arrest them and have them taken to the arena."
Ty'Aero magically floated slightly behind and to the left of the Emperor. "What do you plan to do with those urchins?"
"Make an example of them, of course. I just acquired a four tigers from Kara Tur. I have not fed them yet. I am sure it will make a good spectacle before the beating of the Ancient Captive."
"Are you sure that is wise, Your Highness?"
"The rabble need to think twice before continuing on their little rebellion. Have you seen the paint spatters on the walls? "Ghalegha Lives!" How pathetic. The filth have become bold enough to paint their slurs and threats on even the best homes in the city. Worse, they are bold enough to systematically murder the most powerful in the city. Kozas was frantic when he found Verien dead in the large bath. Of course, Kozas was more concerned how he was going to get the blood out of the tiles than that worthless assassin. Walisra has still not surfaced. It is easy to assume she is dead as well. I do not doubt a wizard, nearly as powerful as yourself, is leading them. What else could explain the odd spell?"
"The spell is more clerical in nature. I had a spell ready when the surge of power washed over, before Verien was found, so I could determine its nature. It is more likely a priest or cleric running their petty resistance."
"Remember wizard, you and I are on their list to assassinate. I am certain of that. Oh, look. that merchant is selling fine silk and velvet clothing. Let us see what we can procure."
"You will be easy to catch. You are too easily distracted."
"And you are not using a shadow image on one of your students, Ty'Aero. Perhaps you should consider doing so again."
"I have my own reasons for being in public."
"Do you know what my spies have found out?" Kirisatt said as he fingered royal blue velvets among the merchant's goods. "Something interesting about the female you have been fervently chasing."
"What do you know about her?" Ty'Aero said, nearly loosing his stoic composure.
"Didn't you just tell me that the spell plaguing us every few days is clerical in nature?"
"What does that have to do with Lady Katla?"
"My informant told me that she is a high ranking Priestess of Corellon Larethian. Not only that. My informant also choked out that she was a member of the Harpers before he took his last breath."
"The Harpers? Now that is a name I have not heard in many years. Are you certain she carries the harp?"
"I have not seen it with my own eyes, if that is what you are asking."
Ty'Aero got a pained expression on his face as he reached into a pocket in his cloak of bones. He fingered a tiny silver harp. The one and only thing he had left from his rebellious youth, over four hundred years before. Ty'Aero remembered how, as a young prodigy wizard, he helped in the obliteration of Sammaster. He was barely midway between his one and two hundredth year then, before he returned home to Shadow and let the darkness take him. "Innocence lost." He thought to himself.
"You have no good proof. You killed any proof we might have gained. I will discover the truth of it myself. Speaking of Milady. Here she comes, with her guards. Ah! She is wearing the dress I sent for her."
"Oh, Ty'Aero. I would swear you are blushing under all of that dark skin."
"My skin was not always this dark. I was a sun elf, like yourself, before I spent so much time in the realm of Shadow. My skin only seems dark."
"Suit yourself. She is dangerous. Remember that, my Advisor."
"Ah , Lady Katla! You look beautiful in that frock. I knew it would accent your eyes perfectly. May I present the Emperor, Kirisatt IV." Ty'Aero said as he kissed Katla's hand. "May I Present the Lady Katla Wisteria."
Katla made a respectful curtsey to Kirisatt as the emperor faked a smile and made a slight nod.
"Your Majesty is much more handsome than I thought. "
"Thank you," Kirisatt hissed slightly through his teeth. "I will leave you to your paramour I have more shopping to do before the spectacle starts." Kirisatt tuned on his heel and marched off with his guards.
"Forgive the rudeness of His Majesty. He is not used to me having company such as yourself. I see you still have Stradivarius as your main body guard, and a fine looking dwarf as well. You are as wise as you are beautiful."
"This is Thelvin. He has been in my service for many years. As for my other servants, I wonder how well they will fare in the arena. When I saw the Supreme Slayer fight, I laughed. He has never had good challengers before. I decided to let him know what good fighters are. I would bet heavily on my servants."
"Let us go to my private box in the arena. I have had it rearanged so we can have luncheon there. That way we will miss none of the spectacle. "
"Lead on Naurailoki."
##########
Lodo and Tharros waited patiently for their turn in the arena. They listened as the Emperor taunted and beat Lokteruost .
Lodo took a deep breath as he heard Lokteruost cry out. "It is almost time, Tharros."
"My prayers have been said."
"You two. Go on out. Do not attack until the emperor says to." The slave said as he led them into the arena.
Along the walls of the arena were hundreds of weapons pilfered from various combatants. Most of the weapons were worthless, but Tharros noticed a few with small magical properties.
Cheers rang through the stands as Antherop, The Supreme Slayer stepped into the arena. He had two other orcs with him, apparently to make the fight look more even.
"Gods, he is nearly through the transformation into an illithid!"
Lodo took a psionic blast from Antherop. Luckily, he was able to shake it off. "Tharros, shape shift!"
Tharros shape shifted into his other form, a dire werebear. Tharros' family had always been shape shifters. It is the reason the orcs of his village worshipped Selune rather than any of the orcish gods.
The crowd gasped in awe as the transformation completed.
Tharros batted the two extra combatants into the crowd where several Black Wizards were weaving spells to try and bind him. The wizards screamed and ran in fear.
Lodo cast several fireballs at Antherop. They singed him some, but the Supreme Slayer had some sort of protection on him that kept him from taking large amounts of damage from single attacks.
As Anthreop charged at Lodo with his huge sword, Lodo pulled his rapier, and stepped aside. "Too slow." Lodo hissed.
Tharros was making his way around the outer area of the arena. He pulled rust weapons from the walls and threw them into the crowd where he saw any wizard trying to cast spells to give Antherop an advantage.
Tharros threw back his head and took in a deep breath.
"You had best cover your ears." Katla said to Ty'Aero as they sat in the box watching the fight.
Tharros let a mighty roar. Several in the crowd screamed, fell and covered their ears.
Lodo shifted and struck at Antherop. Antherop managed to float up and away from the strikes.
"You do not have control of your powers yet. You are still too slow."
Antherop tried another psionic blast, but Lodo was prepared and cast another fireball into Antherop's face.
Antherop howled in anger as his levitation failed and he fell on his belly. He groaned slightly as he realized he had fallen on the edge of his own sword. He was not cut badly. he quickly stood up and raised his sword to strike at Lodo.
"Stradivarius was right. You are clumsy."
Lodo ducked and thrust his sword into Antherop's leg. The cut threw Antherop off balance.
Antherop caught himself before falling to the ground.
Lodo cast a hold monster spell. He brought up his rapier and thrust it cleanly through Antherop's heart.
Antherop fell dead as Lodo disengaged the spell. Lodo walked over to the dead body and pulled the gauntlets off the orcish illithid's hands and placed them in his bag.
##########
"So, Naurailoki, did you do as I ask and bet heavily on my servants?"
"That I did, my love. You are indeed wise. Since they are not slaves, I will need to arrange a meeting with the Emperor. He will need to give them a proper award. It was getting very dull seeing that bumbling idiot win over and over again."
"Thank you for an enjoyable afternoon, but I must go. I have many duties to attend to."
"Ah, I understand, love. I luncheon with the Emperor tomorrow. I would be very pleased if you would come. I have something I want to show you. "
"I will. I am certain you can arrange for my servants to receive their prize before we luncheon. I want to be there when they receive it."
"As you wish."
##########
Notes:
Horizon Walker- a type of ranger who has experience in surviving several types of terrain, including those used in planar travel.
Solaris- Solonund's animal companion. It is a figurine similar to Drizzt's panther. Solonund recieved it as a gift from his wife.
(to learn more about Solonund, read my stories, Kindred Spirits and A Long Way From Home)
Please review.
Lodo, Katla, Korko, and Solonund used their copy of the keys to the Billowing Towers. The door to the right, as Korko indicated, led to a stair that led to an observation deck.
From the looks of things, Anga Norsa was the only one who used the observation deck. The thick carpeting had never been stepped on in the center, yet had been near the magically contrived windows that allowed any on the deck to observe below, without knowledge of those bellow.
The first few rooms indicated the vats of water Korko had described to them the day before.
The slave clerics wore strange, bonelike collars.
"That is my daughter." Korko indicated as they moved to see the third water room.
"I will make a mental note of her." Lodo said as he looked down. The sight made Lodo sick to his stomach.
It was worse for Solonund. The blonde, elven Horizon Walker seethed. "I wonder if this fate is what became of my son." he thought as he gritted his teeth. Solonund hated slavers and pirates. The scum responsible for the death of his wife and the abduction of his son were filthy pirates.
The four proceeded down the hall. They looked down to see where the gold golems were constructed. Katla nearly vomited as she saw a score of black wizards using souls spheres to extract souls from unwilling slaves, mostly children. The spheres were placed in the golems as a power source.
"That is deplorable and unforgivable, Lodo."
"Yes Katla. I am tempted to put a stop to this now, but it would be no good. We are still at a disadvantage."
They rounded a bend in the deck. Here there were magic windows both on the left and right. Below was a huge shipping dock, complete with private tavern area. A group of rowdy pirates were drinking and carousing.
Solonund gasped as he looked out the right window. Two Spelljammer ships were moored at the private dock. He pressed one hand against the magic glass, balled the other into a tight fist and breathed heavily as he looked.
"What is the matter, Solonund?"
"I know that ship. I would know that Death Spider anywhere."
"The Jade Spider is nicer." Lodo spat out, "and newer. Let's steal it instead."
Solonund whirled around and punched Lodo. "You should have more respect, you ass. That Death Spider is the one that attacked my and Anaiys' Spelljammer, you idiot! These are the same pirates that kidnapped my son and killed my wife thirty years ago!"
Lodo's eyes widened in shock as he nursed the pain of his jaw. He went to the left window of the deck and peered into tavern. "I will kill all of these pirates to avenge my beloved Anaiys and your son, Solonund." He said as he started to weave a spell.
Solonund looked down at the unsuspecting pirates with hate. His eyes fell upon a pirate captain dancing on a table.
The elven pirate had long hair that delicately curled in to natural ringlets. The color of his hair was silvery with a hint of gold, just like that of Solonund's late wife. Solonund looked closer at the young elf's face. Solonund jumped in front of Lodo to stop the weaving of the spell.
"What is the matter with you? Don't you want to avenge Anaiys? These pirates deserve it."
"Lodo, look at the pirate captain dancing on the table. Please tell me, does he have pale green eyes?" Solonund said as he crumpled to the floor and curled into a ball.
Lodo peered down at the pirate captain. The young pirate did have pale green eyes.
"Oh gods, " Lodo whispered aloud as he crumpled next to Solonund.
"What in the nine hells is the matter with you two?" Katla snapped.
"The pirate captain dancing on the table down there is Thelan, Solonund's son."
"We have to get down there and take him captive. My son is a pirate, I doubt he will come willingly." Solonund said in shock.
"I will stay here and see which ship of those two is his. " Korko offered, "We need to find the weakness of this place before we can take action against the pirates, or rescue your son, from himself."
##########
The three who proceeded on found Anga Norsa's office. From the looks of the room, Anga also used it part of the time as a bedroom. The room had been thoroughly ransacked.
"They were not looking for money or magic scrolls." Solonund said as he picked up several pieces of platinum.
"Give me the scrolls, Solonund, you probably can't use them."
"I'll keep them. I have plenty of room in my pack. Mine is bigger than yours is."
"It is not!" Lodo said, slowly turning red.
"It is too. I've seen it. I've known you for fifty years or better. In all of that time.."
"Oh will you two cut it out! Gods, Solonund, do you have to turn everything into an innuendo! There is a lady present."
"Sorry, Katla. I tend forget that there is a lady in our group. You fight better than most men I know."
"Thanks for the compliment. Hey, what is this?" Katla said as she rummaged through a pile of loose paperwork. "This will make things much easier. I found a map of the Billowing Towers, including the underground levels."
"Good. It will make this place easier to take down."
"Tessirak will be happy. He grumbled at not having the chance to come."
"Sir Solonund," Korko said as he walked into the room," Your son's ship is the Jade Spider. I saw him go to that ship. It looks like he was off to sleep off the alcohol. None of his crew joined him."
"Good." Solonund said as he fingered the hawk shaped figurine in his pocket. "I wish this mythal would let me summon you, Solaris. I would feel better if you could follow him, friend." He thought to himself.
"Korko, where did you see the mind flayers?"
"There is a secret door in the corner of this room, Master Lodo. It leads down to the lower levels."
"Now that we have this map, we should have no problem eliminating them."
"Lets get out of here, and make a plan of attack." Lodo said.
##########
Stradivarius was waiting for them once the four retuned to the safe house.
"Mister Lodo, I need ye and Tharros to help me with something."
"Can it wait? We have to plan an attack on the Billowing Towers."
"No, sir. I'm afraid it really can't wait. Come with me through the underground passages." Stradivarius led Lodo and Tharros through several winding tunnels. They made their way through tunnels that led to the Arena.
"Tell me again, Stradivarius, why meeting with the foreman of the gladiators is so important."
"Ye want to free the Ancient Captive? Well, they beat him to a pulp in the arena at least twice a week, more if they think they can get away with it. I want the fellow free. Is that reason enough?"
"No." Both Lodo and Tharros piped in.
"When I was a slave, I was the best gladiator in the arena. It was not so bad of a life. I had me belly full whenever I wanted to eat and a harem full of females to take whenever I wanted. Yet, I was not happy. The fact that I had so many luxuries and was still a slave made me sick. The only way to win me freedom was to continue to fight, to kill or be killed."
"What does that have to do with the Ancient Captive?"
"Mister Lodo. Once I killed 1000 in mortal combat, I was given a prize. At first I thought it was riches and a nice home to retire to, but I was wrong. The prize was to try and beat the ancient captive to death. "
"That is deplorable."
"Yes, Mister Tharros. I could not beat him. I raised me blade to him, and he looked at me. Those bluish purple eyes reached deep within me soul. He told me to hurt him. He told me that he did not want me death on his hands. I cried, for the first time in me life. I hit him a few times, then started to break down. I saw hope for me reflected in his eyes. He purposely cried out early in the beating, because he knew I could not keep it up. He knew that if I faltered I would be dead. He saved me life. That evening, I escaped the arena. Ty'Aero did not want to set me free at all. If I faltered, it would give the wizard an excuse to kill me."
"He is really that powerful?"
"Yes, Mister Lodo. Ty'Aero holds more lives in his hands than even the Emperor does."
"I meant the Ancient Captive."
"He must be a god. Only a god could be so strong and merciful at the same time. Within the week, Ty'Aero found a new Grand Slayer to take my place. That is why we must go."
"I see, the Grand Slayer has reached his goal of the killing of 1000 combatants in mortal combat."
"Supreme Slayer, he has killed over 1000 already. Ty'Aero let the Master Slaver, who lives in the Billowing Towers, let Antherop have more battles. Antherop has chosen to kill the Ancient Captive after his next battle. It hurts me to ask this of you, because I can not do it meself."
"Your skills are not as good as his? You should do it yourself." Lodo remarked as they passed a bend in another of the winding tunnels.
"No, my skills surpass his in many ways. He has been transformed. His thoughts and body are no longer his own. I just can not do it. I would look at him and crumble."
"Why? If he is not as good as you in the arena, there should be no problem."
"Because, he is me son."
Stradivarius pushed aside a small stone in the wall of the cave, triggering a secret opening. They stepped into a dirty office. Bits of bone and rotting food were strewn among piles of paperwork. A cot, contained a half sleeping Orc in the corner of the room.
The fire in the fireplace was roaring with life, making the room extremely hot.
Lamps kept the squalid room well lit.
Vergalt, the foreman of the gladiators, made a slight jump as Stradivarius, Lodo, and Tharros stepped into his office.
"Strad! You know better than to frighten me like that!" The tall Orc said as he fingered and scratched at the slave collar around his neck.
"I am sorry, Ver, but is a matter of most importance. Ver? What happened to your collar? It looks different."
"That is because all of the gladiatorial slaves have been fitted with these new collars. Make your request brief. These collars allow the Master Slaver to hear everything I do."
"To the point then. I want to arrange a match with the Supreme Slayer, Antherop."
"And, Elf, who do you want him to fight?"
"Tharros here and myself."
"Ha! That will not be much of a show ."
"What is the matter? Is Antherop afraid to fight against two?"
"Oh, no. He actually prefers to kill two in the same match. It just looks like you will not be much of a challenge for him."
"Looks are deceiving. I want to arrange to be in combat with him at the next available tournament."
"A half orc and a puny elf? He would chew you to pieces before you could blink. Besides, his matches are booked up until late next week."
"Not soon enough. I want to be able to fight him day after tomorrow at the latest."
Vergalt went to the corner of his office and pulled on a frayed cord. Two half-orcish children came into the room.
"You, go inform Lockjaw that he has a reprieve. He will be fighting Antherop next week. You, go inform the Master of the change in combatant for the match tomorrow. That orc and the elf want to go swiftly to their deaths. " Vergalt said with a sly smile.
"We will see who dies, foreman. I will leave you to your work."
"I hate elves." Vergalt muttered under his breath.
"What is that new collar made of?"
"Some sort of bone, Strad. It itches like hell. Sometimes it feels like a leech liking my neck. Now get out of here. And please use the service entrance this time, Strad.
##########
"We are being followed." Tharros said as they made their way along the Grande Promenade.
"I know. It is one of those boys from Vergalt's office."
"Want me to wring his neck, Mister Lodo?"
"No Stradivarius. We need to know why he is following us. Go over there to that merchant and buy one of the larger canvas sacks. "
"Will do." Stradivarius said as he made his way through the crowd. He punched and kicked people in his way.
"Perhaps he is the best bodyguard for Katla, Lodo. He doesn't seem to take bull from anyone."
"Is the child getting any closer?" Lodo whispered.
"Yes. We are lucky that he took the job for her."
"Walk toward Stradivarius, then towards the alley in between those two stalls near him." Lodo whispered.
"Of course. Ty'Aero would want nothing but the best to protect her." Tharros said slightly louder than normal.
One of the Black Wizards walked up to Stradivarius as Lodo and Tharros caught up to him.
"High Master Ty'Aero wishes you to deliver this message and package to the Lady Wisteria for him." The wizard said as he handed Stradivarius a note and held out his hand for payment.
"I will take it to her. I am in her confidence." Stradivarius said as he handed a platinum coin to the messenger.
"To that alley, Strad" Lodo whispered.
Stradivarius nodded.
The half orc child followed them just as they thought he would.
Tharros used a spell to put the child to sleep. Stradivarius stuffed him in the sack. The three then made their way back to the slums and the safe house.
##########
"What have you got there?" Kunne said as he pulled his long white hair into a ponytail.
"A little spy." Stradivarius said as he spilled the child out of the bag .
"He is just a baby." Kunne said as bent down and caressed the boy's cheek with his coal black hands. "This is a strange slave collar. I have never seen anything like it before."
"I know what it is." Tessirak said as he bent down and fingered the collar. "A spawn collar, created by Illithids."
"Vergalt said that all of the gladiatorial slaves had been refitted with those collars!"
"I will remove the collar, Then you wake him up, Tharros. Everyone else stay back. Tessirak, once the collar is gone, use your senses to see if the boy is infected yet."
"Yes Master."
Lodo used a spell to remove the slave collar. The inside of the collar was lined with small, wiggling tentacles.
"The boy is not infected." Tessirak stated flatly as he yanked the collar from Lodo's hands and destroyed it.
The boy slowly woke up to Tharros' ministrations.
"Oh no!" he screamed as he grabbed for his neck. The boy's eyes got wide when he found out the collar was gone. He breathed a sigh. "Thanks for freeing me. I was so scared I would be a squishy before long, like so many of the others."
"Who put that awful collar on you, child?" Tharros asked soothingly.
"The Master of the gladiatorial slaves. He used to be a half orc, like me and you, but now he is a squishy. He lives in the Billowing Towers."
"You are a very good boy. Soon everyone will be freed. Part of it is thanks to you. Are you hungry or thirsty? We have food and fresh water."
"Oh yes sir! I will serve you until I die!"
"What is your name son?"
"Cyrcynio. My parents were captured and brought here as slaves. Hey, you look like a priest of Selune! That is who my mama and papa worshipped."
"Yes, I am Tharros, a priest of Selune."
"Get the child some food, and then come over here, Tharros." Katla barked, "We need to get the plan for taking down the Billowing Towers ironed out."
"We have time. I don't want to attack until after the gladiatorial match tomorrow." Lodo said. " We need to plan that out first. Then I want some extra sleep after I memorize my spells."
"You are gonna fight Antherop tomorrow?" Cyrcinio piped up. "He will be hard to beat. Especially with those magic metal gloves of his."
"Metal gloves, child? Do you mean gauntlets?" Tharros said.
"Yep. They are the only reason he is a champion at all. His first win was a fluke and everybody knows it."
"On a champion they always are." Katla murmured.
#########
Katla stared at the simple, but elegant dress that Ty'Aero had Stradivarius deliver to her the day before. It was a beautiful shade of violet, with tiny diamonds along the collar and hem. Ty'Aero also sent a matching set of diamond encrusted slippers, and a beautiful tiara with alexendrite and diamonds set in gold. Ty'Aero wanted her to wear it as a token of his affection for her. He invited her to luncheon and then to join him in his box for the events in the Arena that day.
"I hope these fit you. Know that you have my heart, Love Naurailoki." Katla read on the note.
"I hate dressing up." She sighed. "Lodo, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"You can keep him from interfering with the match. Cyrcinio said that he often tries to if he thinks things are going against the way he has bet on the match. "
"I am not attracted to him."
"So, just keep him occupied. Wear weapons, but not your holy sword or your bag of holding with the artifacts. I trust you can do this. "
"I will do what I have to, to free Lokteruost. Just don't expect me to sleep with him."
"I don't. Now get dressed and get going. He is expecting you."
##########
Kirisatt pranced through the Grande Promenade with a full compliment of guards. For the first time in his life, he actually felt afraid to be seen out in public. It did not stop his frolicking and torturing of the various merchants. Kirisatt felt that the only redemption for his frayed nerves was to torture his subjects more mercilessly.
Kirisatt saw a few human beggars from the slums. "You, guard, arrest them and have them taken to the arena."
Ty'Aero magically floated slightly behind and to the left of the Emperor. "What do you plan to do with those urchins?"
"Make an example of them, of course. I just acquired a four tigers from Kara Tur. I have not fed them yet. I am sure it will make a good spectacle before the beating of the Ancient Captive."
"Are you sure that is wise, Your Highness?"
"The rabble need to think twice before continuing on their little rebellion. Have you seen the paint spatters on the walls? "Ghalegha Lives!" How pathetic. The filth have become bold enough to paint their slurs and threats on even the best homes in the city. Worse, they are bold enough to systematically murder the most powerful in the city. Kozas was frantic when he found Verien dead in the large bath. Of course, Kozas was more concerned how he was going to get the blood out of the tiles than that worthless assassin. Walisra has still not surfaced. It is easy to assume she is dead as well. I do not doubt a wizard, nearly as powerful as yourself, is leading them. What else could explain the odd spell?"
"The spell is more clerical in nature. I had a spell ready when the surge of power washed over, before Verien was found, so I could determine its nature. It is more likely a priest or cleric running their petty resistance."
"Remember wizard, you and I are on their list to assassinate. I am certain of that. Oh, look. that merchant is selling fine silk and velvet clothing. Let us see what we can procure."
"You will be easy to catch. You are too easily distracted."
"And you are not using a shadow image on one of your students, Ty'Aero. Perhaps you should consider doing so again."
"I have my own reasons for being in public."
"Do you know what my spies have found out?" Kirisatt said as he fingered royal blue velvets among the merchant's goods. "Something interesting about the female you have been fervently chasing."
"What do you know about her?" Ty'Aero said, nearly loosing his stoic composure.
"Didn't you just tell me that the spell plaguing us every few days is clerical in nature?"
"What does that have to do with Lady Katla?"
"My informant told me that she is a high ranking Priestess of Corellon Larethian. Not only that. My informant also choked out that she was a member of the Harpers before he took his last breath."
"The Harpers? Now that is a name I have not heard in many years. Are you certain she carries the harp?"
"I have not seen it with my own eyes, if that is what you are asking."
Ty'Aero got a pained expression on his face as he reached into a pocket in his cloak of bones. He fingered a tiny silver harp. The one and only thing he had left from his rebellious youth, over four hundred years before. Ty'Aero remembered how, as a young prodigy wizard, he helped in the obliteration of Sammaster. He was barely midway between his one and two hundredth year then, before he returned home to Shadow and let the darkness take him. "Innocence lost." He thought to himself.
"You have no good proof. You killed any proof we might have gained. I will discover the truth of it myself. Speaking of Milady. Here she comes, with her guards. Ah! She is wearing the dress I sent for her."
"Oh, Ty'Aero. I would swear you are blushing under all of that dark skin."
"My skin was not always this dark. I was a sun elf, like yourself, before I spent so much time in the realm of Shadow. My skin only seems dark."
"Suit yourself. She is dangerous. Remember that, my Advisor."
"Ah , Lady Katla! You look beautiful in that frock. I knew it would accent your eyes perfectly. May I present the Emperor, Kirisatt IV." Ty'Aero said as he kissed Katla's hand. "May I Present the Lady Katla Wisteria."
Katla made a respectful curtsey to Kirisatt as the emperor faked a smile and made a slight nod.
"Your Majesty is much more handsome than I thought. "
"Thank you," Kirisatt hissed slightly through his teeth. "I will leave you to your paramour I have more shopping to do before the spectacle starts." Kirisatt tuned on his heel and marched off with his guards.
"Forgive the rudeness of His Majesty. He is not used to me having company such as yourself. I see you still have Stradivarius as your main body guard, and a fine looking dwarf as well. You are as wise as you are beautiful."
"This is Thelvin. He has been in my service for many years. As for my other servants, I wonder how well they will fare in the arena. When I saw the Supreme Slayer fight, I laughed. He has never had good challengers before. I decided to let him know what good fighters are. I would bet heavily on my servants."
"Let us go to my private box in the arena. I have had it rearanged so we can have luncheon there. That way we will miss none of the spectacle. "
"Lead on Naurailoki."
##########
Lodo and Tharros waited patiently for their turn in the arena. They listened as the Emperor taunted and beat Lokteruost .
Lodo took a deep breath as he heard Lokteruost cry out. "It is almost time, Tharros."
"My prayers have been said."
"You two. Go on out. Do not attack until the emperor says to." The slave said as he led them into the arena.
Along the walls of the arena were hundreds of weapons pilfered from various combatants. Most of the weapons were worthless, but Tharros noticed a few with small magical properties.
Cheers rang through the stands as Antherop, The Supreme Slayer stepped into the arena. He had two other orcs with him, apparently to make the fight look more even.
"Gods, he is nearly through the transformation into an illithid!"
Lodo took a psionic blast from Antherop. Luckily, he was able to shake it off. "Tharros, shape shift!"
Tharros shape shifted into his other form, a dire werebear. Tharros' family had always been shape shifters. It is the reason the orcs of his village worshipped Selune rather than any of the orcish gods.
The crowd gasped in awe as the transformation completed.
Tharros batted the two extra combatants into the crowd where several Black Wizards were weaving spells to try and bind him. The wizards screamed and ran in fear.
Lodo cast several fireballs at Antherop. They singed him some, but the Supreme Slayer had some sort of protection on him that kept him from taking large amounts of damage from single attacks.
As Anthreop charged at Lodo with his huge sword, Lodo pulled his rapier, and stepped aside. "Too slow." Lodo hissed.
Tharros was making his way around the outer area of the arena. He pulled rust weapons from the walls and threw them into the crowd where he saw any wizard trying to cast spells to give Antherop an advantage.
Tharros threw back his head and took in a deep breath.
"You had best cover your ears." Katla said to Ty'Aero as they sat in the box watching the fight.
Tharros let a mighty roar. Several in the crowd screamed, fell and covered their ears.
Lodo shifted and struck at Antherop. Antherop managed to float up and away from the strikes.
"You do not have control of your powers yet. You are still too slow."
Antherop tried another psionic blast, but Lodo was prepared and cast another fireball into Antherop's face.
Antherop howled in anger as his levitation failed and he fell on his belly. He groaned slightly as he realized he had fallen on the edge of his own sword. He was not cut badly. he quickly stood up and raised his sword to strike at Lodo.
"Stradivarius was right. You are clumsy."
Lodo ducked and thrust his sword into Antherop's leg. The cut threw Antherop off balance.
Antherop caught himself before falling to the ground.
Lodo cast a hold monster spell. He brought up his rapier and thrust it cleanly through Antherop's heart.
Antherop fell dead as Lodo disengaged the spell. Lodo walked over to the dead body and pulled the gauntlets off the orcish illithid's hands and placed them in his bag.
##########
"So, Naurailoki, did you do as I ask and bet heavily on my servants?"
"That I did, my love. You are indeed wise. Since they are not slaves, I will need to arrange a meeting with the Emperor. He will need to give them a proper award. It was getting very dull seeing that bumbling idiot win over and over again."
"Thank you for an enjoyable afternoon, but I must go. I have many duties to attend to."
"Ah, I understand, love. I luncheon with the Emperor tomorrow. I would be very pleased if you would come. I have something I want to show you. "
"I will. I am certain you can arrange for my servants to receive their prize before we luncheon. I want to be there when they receive it."
"As you wish."
##########
Notes:
Horizon Walker- a type of ranger who has experience in surviving several types of terrain, including those used in planar travel.
Solaris- Solonund's animal companion. It is a figurine similar to Drizzt's panther. Solonund recieved it as a gift from his wife.
(to learn more about Solonund, read my stories, Kindred Spirits and A Long Way From Home)
Please review.
