Chapter 8

I awoke with the sun just cresting into the room's window. Mayra and Linu were both still asleep, Linu on the bed and Mayra on the floor next to me. Standing up and stretching I looked around the room. The window was securely shut as was the door. Linu had a peaceful look on her face as she slept. "She's so beautiful even when she's sleeping. No, she's made it clear that although she cares for as a companion, that is as far as she is willing to take it. I must respect that." Shaking myself from my thoughts on Linu I woke Mayra. "I'm going outside for a few minutes to clear my head, ok? I'll be back in a few." I told Mayra, hopefully Linu was a late sleeper because though I was outside I hoped to get some leads on where this cult building was before she woke up. Mayra nodded in understanding. As I left she yawned and laid her head back down. "Stay safe my friend and keep Linu safe as well."

Stepping outside the refugee building the smell of death and burning buildings assaulted my nose. "Ugh sometimes I wish Mayra never taught me how to smell better." Shaking my head in disgust I went towards the building next door. This building turned out to be a temple belonging to the Helmites under Desthers charge. "Well maybe I'll just step in here and get some clues" Walking inside several Helmite clerics looked at me, one had a surprised look cross his face before he masked it neutrally. "Why would the clerics here be surprised to see me? Surely they have heard of me and the possibility that I might stop here being in the District." The little warning bells in my head was screaming for me to get out of here, however, not seeing anything out of the ordinary I approached what seemed to be the head cleric of the temple.

"Greetings, Helmite, my name is Ryltar Kost'Dora, in the service of Neverwinter and the Lady Aribeth. You seemed surprised to see me when I first walked in, did Desther not tell you I was in the area?" I asked in greeting.

"Oh yes Ryltar, well we have only heard of a few rumors of you, and Desther had... uh mentioned your... work on finding the cure, he hadn't however said anything about you being in this district." the cleric said a little nervous. "Hmm... just as I thought somethings up." I thought.

"Well I was wondering if you had heard any rumors of a cult in the area? My companions and I heard of a building that was supposed to me nearby in this District. Have you perhaps heard of it, or know where it is located?" I asked curiously.

"Well, you may want to check out the further left corner of the district, many zombies have been seen wandering around the buildings there." the cleric said in reply.

"Well why have you not done anything to end the undead threat? Surely Helm would give you the strength needed to combat the hordes? Why then have I not seen a single Helmite battling in the district?" I asked curious.

"Well, we have been busy with locating the cure through magical means. Added to that, is the fact we are low on man power in this district." the cleric said hastily.

Nodding slowly I said, "Very well, if you know anything where the cure component is please let me know." I then turned and left heading back into the refugee building.

End Ryltar

Linu

Waking slowly from my sleep I stretched my arms, looking around I saw that Ryltar was not in the room, and Mayra was waking up from the sounds my movements. "Great now where did that drow ranger go? I swear he better have not ran off to find the creatures again!" I thought as I quickly got out of bed to dress. Seeing as how that it was only Mayra in the room I walked over to the dressing area and quickly changed. I was only half covered when I heard the door open to the room. With only my lower leggings on for my amour I leaned around the corner of the dressing screen and slipped on a small puddle of water. Falling to the floor, I saw Ryltar staring at me. If there was ever a time where I wished to die it was now, Ryltar was blushing like a ripe beet, he quickly turning around. The position I was in left several parts of my body exposed to his view. Embarrassment quickly flooded through me as I crawled back behind the dressing screen. "Oh dear if Ryltar hadn't thought I was clumsy yet, he probably does now. Worse he saw how ugly I actually am" Standing back up I quickly dressed and came back around.

Ryltar said. "Linu I am so sorry I thought you would still be asleep, or at least dressed by the time I came back. I honestly did not mean to see... uh well see what I saw." Ryltar turned a deeper shade of red, the color on his face reminded me of the dark rose gardens in Evermeet. "That color suites him well." I thought.

"Ryltar it's ok dear, I tripped trying to see who it was. I'm not used to having to share a room with people and animals. Most would rather spend the night in a dragon's horde, then in the same room as me." I looked down at the ground sadly with embarrassment.

Ryltar came over to me pulling me into a close embrace. Looking deep into my eyes he said, "Linu your not clumsy, you just have a lack of confidence in your abilities. Look at when you fight, you never trip or mess up then. I think it's a lack of faith in yourself which causes you to have these, "accidents", regardless I'd only spend that night in the dragon's cave if you were there. After all getting my backside almost flamed cooked from one dragon is enough for me." The last part of his speech didn't register as I sunk into his arms. "He's so strong, but gentle and soft as silk. How could such a person exist in this world? How could that person actually about what happens to me and how I feel? And is he right about me having a lack of confidence in myself? Could most of my accidents up to this point just be from not believing in myself?" I thought.

"Linu?... hey Linu you hearing me?" Ryltar said squeezing my arms while holding me at arms length distance.

"Huh? What? I'm sorry dear what did you say?" I asked

"I said are you ready to check out this building. I'm pretty sure it's in the further left area of the district, but it seems there are a large amount of undead in the area." Ryltar said looking concerned. "Are you alright? You're looking a little flushed. are you feeling sick?"

"What? Oh no dear I'm just distracted from what happened earlier, come let us grab a quick bite to eat then check out this house of yours." I said

"It's not my house, it's a house that probably belongs to a cult" Ryltar said half-jokingly with a smile.

Pushing him in the shoulder. "Stop trying to be funny Ryltar, your not cute enough for it" I said with a joking grin on my face.

"Really? Most people find my joking an impressive addition to my already handsome body." Ryltar said flexing his muscles.

"Oh shut up drow, maybe drow females are right when they insist on being in charge." I said playfully and laughing.

"You a drow matron mother? Now that would be a funny sight! I'd pay good gold for that." Ryltar shot back.

"Ok enough playing Ryltar let's get going." I said trying to keep us on track.

"Yes mistress lead the way." Ryltar said bowing slightly

"Then come male let us save this city." I said in my best authoritative voice.

End Linu

Mayra

Ryltar's and Linu's constant flirting was curious to me. Both seemed to care for each other, and both seemed to want what that care could lead to. So my question was why they had not started what Ryltar had told me was called "dating", this was evidently similar to the mating signals in nature, but with less direct results. The greater races confused me in their social interactions, what may one day mean two people may love each other, could the next day spark a serious argument between the two. Sighing I thought "Even after several years with Ryltar, I will never understand the greater races interactions. Nature's ways are so much simpler why does a mating ritual need to be so complex?" One benefit I do enjoy with being Ryltar's familiar is due to our close link, I will live a lot longer then a usual wolf would. This I could never explain, and probably never will. Following Linu and Ryltar downstairs I saw both order breakfast. "Hope they remember to order some meat with this meal." I thought as they sat down at a table.

End Mayra

Ryltar

After a quick breakfast, Linu, Mayra and I headed off to the extreme left area of the Beggar's Nest, further questioning of some citizens, who I might add were surprised to be rescued by a Drow elf, we found out this cult was related to followers of a serpent. "Well since the only Waterdavian creatures left are a Yuan-ti and a Cock-atrice, It doesn't take an alchemy specialist to guess who is behind these the hordes of undead."

After finding and amulet bearing the symbol of the serpent cult and fighting our way through several rooms, and catacombs we found ourselves outside the main city area, in a huge cemetery. Looking around I saw scores of undead, zombies and skeletons alike. Sheathing my scimitars and pulling out my bow I started to pick them off. Linu saw my way of thinking, that being if there so far from us why not pick them off, and pulled out her crossbow. Between Linu's crossbow and my longbow, we quickly killed all but one of the undead. The last one seemed smarter than the rest. This zombie darted back and forth using the many tombstones and pillars for cover.

"Well this is highly unusual, a smart zombie." I said putting my longbow away and pulling out my scimitars. "Maybe it's from all the brains it ate?" Mayra said jokingly.

I stifled a laugh as I moved to attack the zombie. Seeing me advance it turn and ran to a building. Even more amazing about this zombie was it's ability to actually open, close, and lock a door. Pounding on the door in frustration I said "When I get my hands on you, you undead freak of nature I am going to personally take each of your bones and use them to carve my name in your skull!" The only reply I received from the door was a moan which could have only came from the zombie. "When I find that zombie it will wish it never came back to life."Giving the door one last punch I turned to Mayra and Linu, both had a surprised and amused look on their faces.

"What you find a smart zombie funny?" I said annoyed.

Snickering Linu said. "Oh uh no dear I just find it funny that after everything you have faced in your life a simple zombie has beaten you."

"I was not beaten!" I shouted with annoyance. "And in case you hadn't noticed that wasn't a normal zombie."

"I'm sorry dear, it's just so..." Linu broke down in laughter. As did Mayra shortly after.

"Oh shut up." I said exasperated.

Looking around the huge cemetery, still annoyed with both Mayra and Linu, I saw another building. Walking up to this one, with Linu and Mayra still laughing I said, "Ok you two let's get serious now we got a creature to retrieve." trying the handle on the door I found this one was not locked.

After several more hours of fighting, disarming a couple of traps, and finding an old key, Mayra, Linu and I found ourselves outside a huge, stone door. This door while very old, appeared to have been used recently, as the dust that was thick in the area was disturbed and less thick then the rest.

"Alright I'm guessing the Yuan-ti is on the other side of this door, Linu, Mayra are you ready?" I asked readying my scimitars.

"Yes dear let's get this creature, what is it we need to get from her?" Linu asked

"Well if i remember correctly we need her heart." I said in reply

"How are we to get that? Just ask her nicely? If I remember how most species work most need there heart to live, well except that Desther fellow." Mayra said jokingly.

Laughing in reply I said. "Even in the threat of danger you make jokes, but you are right, we'll probably have to kill her to get her heart. Unless asking would work?"

"I don't think so dear." Linu said getting my joke.

Throwing open the door all three of us charged through. Inside I saw the Yuan-ti readying some sort of spell. She was atop of a large stone structure surrounded by undead. On the opposite side of the room an alter with several feathers on it sat atop another pillar. Linu turned undead destroying many of the zombies and skeletons around the room. The rest turn and ran for the further places in the room. Seeing her minions run so easily from us the Yuan-ti ran towards me brandishing twin scimitars. After several parries and clashes to judge each others strengths, I found the Yuan-ti and I were evenly matched at least in fighting style. Her speed and strength while impressive, were not as coordinated as my own.

"Surrender foul creature and I'll make your death quick and painless." I said

"Youssss exccept messs to sssssurender to you? For the ssssimple reassson of creating a cure? Yousss are a fool."

"Well you can't blame me for asking." I said forcing both scimitars to come out far I kicked her in the head causing her head to snap back. Quickly pulling my left scimitar back in I cut deeply into her left side. Her left right scimitar now free cut into my shoulder. A burning sensation filled the wound as I used my other scimitar to cut her right side. Her left scimitar cut into my stomach causing massive injuries there. My strength started to ebb from my arms as the fight continued. Calling out for help I saw that both Linu and Mayra moved towards our dual to help. Linu pulled out her crossbow telling Mayra to hold for a few seconds. I continued on the defensive parrying the Yuan-ti's attacks, my strength continued to leave me. The loss of blood from my stomach area continued, I finally was able land a serious blow to her and she fell to my feet dead. However, shortly after she I the ground, I too fell. I felt the force of my life slip from me. With her dieing breath, the Yuan-ti wickedly at my misfortune.

End Ryltar

Linu

I paced back an forth outside the resurrection room. The clerics had been inside it for several hours, since we had returned. Ryltar was in a bloodied heap when I had activated the Stone of Recall. Aribeth was seriously concerned when she pronounced him dead. The clerics had assured us they could resurrect him, but I knew how long such an spell would take from my studies. More then an hour was highly unusual, as the spirit in question was usually from a person who had died from so form of attack. So their death was unexpected and as such was not their time to die.

Unexpected anger coursed through me as I turned and slammed my fist on the wall. I yelled "Dammit Ryltar come back to me, don't leave me here like this, not when you mean so much to me."

My unexpected outburst brought the attention of Aribeth from helping a sick citizen of the city. Coming over to me she said. "Linu, relax, the clerics are doing all they can for Ryltar, I'm sure he'll be back with us soon. I know this is a hard time for you. I can't imagine what you are going through. I've seen how over the past few weeks, you and Ryltar have grown... close." She paused to allow her words to sink in. In truth I knew what she was saying was true. However, a part of me refused to believe it. "You might be right Aribeth, however, you must know best of all people how the elves in Evermeet would react to seeing me... associating with Ryltar. I'd be exiled from Evermeet. Ryltar would be either killed on sight, or at the very least not allowed entry. What would people think. Me a High Elf... caring for a drow, one of the most hated races in all of Fau'run? I know Ryltar cares for me, however, I'm not sure if he actually loves me, he... said it when I was knocked out from our fight with the masked figures in the Beggar's Nest. But I'm not sure if it was from worry that I was dead, or if he actually meant it."

"Linu the only way you will ever know is if you ask him." Aribeth said trying to comfort me.

"I know dear, but from the looks of things I'll never get that chance. Mayra would know if Ryltar was coming back, all she's done since this has happened is lay on the floor like the world is ending. Which in a way it is for her. She's lost her closest friend. Ryltar was like a brother to her, and she a sister to him. There bond allowed her a greater understanding of the greater races, and Ryltar learned lessons which he would never have learned otherwise without her." I said tears starting to well up within my eyes.

Aribeth pulled me close to her as the tears overwhelmed me. "Shhh... it's ok Linu, let the tears out." Aribeth said. After a few minutes of me quietly crying on her shoulder she said. "Listen go get some rest I'll let you know the minute something changes ok?"

At the mention of rest I suddenly felt exhausted, nodding I said. "I just hope your right Aribeth, I really do. I hope I get the chance to tell Ryltar how I actually feel about him." Aribeth nodded to me as I turned to my room, closing the door behind me I thought. "I can't lose the only other man I ever loved in my life. Not after I realize he is truly the only one for me." As I laid down on the bed in my room sleep quickly consumed me after so many constant hours of fighting. The only sound piercing my thoughts was the evil laughter of the Yuan-ti as she died along with Ryltar.

End Linu

Aribeth

Watching Linu enter her room in such a depressed state, I was worried not only for her well being but her mental state as well. I knew from speaking with her shortly after coming to Neverwinter that she had a previous husband when she was younger. She told me she was one hundred and thirty five when she first married, but three years into the marriage her husband had died while adventuring. I never found out his name, as she did not tell me. Now after watching both her and Ryltar go from adventuring companions to something much more, I could tell she was seriously depressed. This could be dangerous as I had seen many people in my short life kill themselves from lost loves. Were I to lose Fenthick I wouldn't know what I would do. His support through all of the Wailing Deaths most depressing hours always kept me in check. When the academy was attacked I was sure all hope was lost with it. But Ryltar not only pledged to find the creatures he also found proof that a traitor was helping the cult that was responsible. Lord Nasher had already planned on sending parties out to find the cult once the cure had been created. Sitting down on the bench near the recall portal I pressed my fingers along the ridge of my forehead. I thought. "Ryltar's efforts in finding the Waterdavian Creatures have been almost legendary. In less than three weeks he has found all four creatures." After the attack on the academy I thought that Neverwinter was doomed. Ryltar had been one of the few survivors from the academy and those that had survived had given up on helping once the promise of the other classes had been destroyed. I turned towards Fenthick seeing his approach he pulled me into his arms saying. "It's ok my love, Ryltar will be back with us soon. The clerics tell me that the reason it is taking so long is due to a potion that was on the Yuan-ti's scimitars. It seems she was trying to make a more deadly version of the plague, but Ryltar and his companions interrupted him before she could finish."

"It is our fortune that he did than. For I do not believe the city could stand another plague." I said in reply.

"Yes, you are correct Aribeth, once Ryltar is back with us he and Linu will be the Hero's of Neverwinter." Fenthick told me

"Don't forget about his wolf companion Mayra. While only a wolf she was important to his early survival." I said.

"Yes you are correct as always my flower. Come to be let us rest and allow the clerics to do their job." Fenthick said pulling me to my feet. He pulled me close for a kiss which I gladly returned and followed him to our room.

End Aribeth

Lord Nasher

"Lord Nasher you must rest, the plague only spreads faster within a tired body." Desther told me

"Bah... for days I have rested while this drow and his companions have rested, now when they finally find them all you wish for me to rest in this castle! I will not! This man has done more for this city then you and your Helmites have done since the plague started. While you cast blessings, he fought, while you searched through magical means, he got results. You may think your ways are for the best. However there is something to be said for and old hack and slash search. The bottom line is, this Ryltar Kost'Dora got results. He has given this city hope and a cure to heal the sick. What in all your clerical means have done?" I asked angrily.

"Lord Nasher you must realize that my resources here in the city are limited. Were I to have the full might of Helm's Hold at my command I assure you the cure would have been found. How do you know this drow was not in league with this cult? How do you know he isn't the traitor this note speaks of? Doesn't it seem odd that in less than two weeks he finds all of the missing creatures?" Desther said to me.

"Actually Desther, no it doesn't, what seems odd to me is shortly before the plague started you and our Helmites show up saying you passing through. Then suddenly the plague starts, and you pledge to cure it will Helm's strength yet all the plague does is get worse." I said looking at Desther.

"Are you saying I and my Helmites are responsible for the plague?" Desther said

"No I am not. There is no evidence to say so, all I am doing is pointing out a oddity. Regardless give me your castle amulet. For the safety of the castle I will not allow you or your Helmites inside here no longer. Since you are needed in creating the cure you alone will be allowed in for the ceremony, however, after the cure is created I must insist that you and your Helmites leave the city." I said to Desther

"Yes, Lord Nasher as you say." Desther handed the guard his castle amulet and turned to walk out the door without me dismissing him.

"Watch him closely." I said turning to one of my personal guards. He nodded then left to make the necessary preparations.

End Lord Nasher

Mayra

Despair filled me as I laid at the foot of the bed Ryltar was laying on, the clerics had explained to me through magical means that it was now up to Ryltar to come back to us. I hoped with every ounce of my being that he would. He had put everything he had into finding the cure, and to be brought down after finally accomplishing what he set out to do, was unspeakable. I had seen how Linu had looked when they first started the spell to bring Ryltar back, and later her outburst in the central hall room. I just hoped that Ryltar had heard her wherever he was. Looking up at Ryltar I again saw no change in his body, either from breathing or mentally. Sighing I laid my head back down and started to whine in sadness.

End Mayra

Linu

It was the following morning and Ryltar's condition had not improved, Mayra refused to eat or move from her current position until she was sure he was dead, or he woke up. While I agreed with her position, the people of Neverwinter needed the cure created. So Aribeth had invited me and Mayra to attend the ceremony. I had agreed to attend for a short while, but Mayra had only growled when some came near her.

An hour later, Aribeth, Fenthick, Desther, Lord Nasher, several clerics of Tyr, and I were in a grand hall, deep inside Castle Never. I saw Aribeth and walked up to her. "Has there been any change in Ryltar's condition?" I asked with deep concern.

"I'm afraid not Linu, it is possible that the potion on the Yuan-ti's scimitars was stronger than we first realized. As a result Ryltar, while wanting to come back, may be trapped in limbo between our world, and the other." Aribeth told me sadly.

"He was so kind, and caring. Never have I seen such selfless acts in one person. He truly deserves the title of Hero of Neverwinter. It is such a shame how after everything he has done. He must have been sent from the gods themselves to save the city." I said in deep respect of Ryltar

"He truly was a testament of the goodness in life. Linu I understand your pain but we must get on with the ceremony" Aribeth said trying to change topics she added. "Fenthick, Desther and Lord Nasher wanted to speak to you before we started I suggest you speak with them soon."

"Oh course dear I will do that now." I said.

Walking over to Fenthick he said "I am sorry to hear about Ryltar, Linu, I pray to Tyr that he comes back to us safe and sound. If not know that he will receive a hero's burial once all of this is over."

"Thank you Fenthick, I hope you are right about Ryltar returning to us. He truly is a wonderful man. May your coming wedding with Aribeth work out." I said. I walked over to Desther out of everyone here he was the last person I wanted to talk to, but I hoped that after everything Ryltar went through to prove himself to everyone, he would at least be respectful. "Greetings, Desther, Aribeth said you wished to say something to me?" I said trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Yes I did Linu, I wished to congratulate your efforts in finding the cure, I never did see why Aribeth and Fenthick put so much trust in Ryltar. His death clearly shows where the real efforts came from."

Anger swelled up within me at his disrespectful tone and words. "You in considerate... kuu datto! After everything Ryltar had done you... you still say he is... ARGH" I screamed at him I finally couldn't continue any more and punched him in the head with my left hand in a fist. Desther stumbled back with a black eye.

"Watch yourself Elf there are greater things about to occur in this city then you realize, you'd be best not to make enemies of those in powerful positions." Deshter said quietly rubbing his eye. My anger was so great his warning did not register with me and I was about to attack him when a solid hand rested on my shoulder I swung around and glared into Lord Nasher's face. Realizing who it was I bowed my head saying.

"Forgive me Lord Nasher I am just distressed by the recent events over the past week."

"Linu it is ok, Desther has a... habit of testing everyone's patience come over here so I may sit back down." Nasher said. "Ryltar's recent death has affected me as well. In truth I had wanted to thank the people responsible for recovering the cure. When I heard a drow elf was leading the efforts in recovering the creatures, I was sure that the treasury would be severely drained from having to reward him. However, Aribeth told me about him not needing being rewarded for his efforts. All he wanted was acceptance as payment. Well rest assured Linu he has earned it. The city feels your loose for his death and I assure you he will receive an impressive burial in the city when this is over."

"Thank Lord Nasher, but his animal companion Mayra, would surely wish for his body to be buried in the Neverwinter Woods. As that was his home and protected land for many years. I'm sure his friends from Mitheral Hall will also wished to be told about his... death." I said sadly

"Lord Nasher we are ready for the ceremony to begin." a tall cleric of Tyr said coming up next to us.

"Linu if you are ready we can begin." Nasher said apologetically.

"Please don't let me hold you up due to my sorrow begin I will stand over here, and watch if that is alright." I said

"Yes Linu that will be fine." Nasher said.

"I just hope I don't trip or mess this up." I thought.

Several flashes of light and sparks appeared in the center of the room as the ceremony began. "How beautiful." I thought watching the ceremony continue. With a final flash of light from the bowel in the center of the room Fenthick said. "We've done it we have the cure."

"Yes, Fenthick I have the cure!" Fenthick sneered grabbing the cure mixture from the bowel he cried "Now my brethren attack!" Several portals opened one of which Desther ran through with Fenthick on his heels he cried "Wait Desther let me help WAIT!" he than vanished as well. I pulled out my mace and smashed one of the attackers over the head with it when he wasn't' noticing me. Lord Nasher and several other guards killed the rest, while Aribeth rushed over to the portal she seemed in deep concentration as she said.

"Quickly Linu you must find Desther... and Fenthick and bring them back I will hold the portal open while recover from this attack. Militia will be sent through as soon as we can get them."

"I'll do my best dear, please do hurry with those soldiers." I said as I ran through the portal. Appearing in a wooded area with a few buildings around I thought. "I'm the one everyones depending on now. It's just me, if I fail thousands more innocent people will die." I recalled Ryltar's words. As we headed towards the Yuan-ti's chambers.

"Remember Linu believe in yourself and you can do anything."

"I will Ryltar... for you I will bring back Desther and Fenthick, as well as the cure, and save everyone." I said pulling readying my mace. Seeing a large temple like building in the distance I headed there.

End Linu

(A/N: I figured this was a good place to stop for this chapter. I seen a lack of reviews lately and I'd like a few more, if I am to keep going. I put a lot of time and effort into these chapters and would like more feedback. Please R/R)