Chapter 17+ Q/A
(A/N: Hey all thought I'd answer a few questions from some people that I have received by either e-mail or through reviews. Many are anonymous so I'm going to assume those that asked these questions will be reading this. For those that had names I'll list them. First I'm going to do the Q&A, then I'll get on with Chap 17 For those that wish to ignore the Q/A just scroll down to you See STORY One other thing most of these questions are from the later chapters 10-15)
From MANY people- "What are Ryltar's stats, classes, etc.?"
Ok Ryltar's classes are Fighter lvl 2, Druid lvl 2, and Ranger lvl, 5. These levels are for the current chapter, 16.
His stats are STR- 18, DEX- 24, CON- 16, INT- 14, WIS- 16, CHA- 14
His height weight and age are HT- 5'5, WHT- 120 pds., and age 130.
If anyone has anymore questions regarding anything GAME wise about Ryltar e-mail me
From Baldouka193, and three other anonymous people- "Why did you choose Linu as Ryltar's romance? (Or something like that)
Well I wanted to be original for one.
Second there's a whole flood of Aribeth related stories on already. And out of all the NWN stories I've only seen one maybe two where the main character's love is a henchperson. (Think Sharwyn was one of them)
And third, well I look at Linu and I honestly think her romance option was better then Aribeth's. You didn't really HAVE to be nice to Linu (Or anyone if you didn't want to) But I'm a goody too shoe so I was. You kind of have to earn it, like Ryltar did.
From MANY people as well- "How many chapters are you going to do, and are you doing SOU and/or HOTU?"
To answer the first part, I'm not sure. I'm hoping to do the OC in thirty or so chapters. Maybe more.
Yes I am doing SOU and HOTU. I'm anxious about doing HOTU because of the interesting drow interactions in that game. SOU will probably be a shorter story, maybe 15-20 or so chapters, I'm not sure. As for HOTU, I haven't got that far yet ;)
From several NEGATIVE people- "You suck why can't you right more/better?" (Minus vulgarities. I put this in to make a point)
First to those that sent me these e-mails, I say simply YOU try typing 14+ pages of a story, and working a 30+ hour a week job! Add to that a college class schedule and we'll see how well you can make a story too.
And secondly I was never good with writing stories this is my first serious attempt at doing this. And I don't' see you people trying so there :p
From Demerk85- "Who is this Jeffy character? It's supposed to be J-E-F-R-E-Y... how do I know this because I've played him,... (this goes on for sometime)-
Ok first off Demerk85 Jeffy is a simple character I created for getting Ryltar to Neverwinter. If you've played someone like him well I can't help that. But he is NOT your character HE'S MINE!
From Shadow0015- "I never really got Ryltar's feelings on killing someone, you were kinda vague (or there abouts)-
Ok shadow your a constant reviewer of mine so I thought I'd answer this. Ryltar's feelings on killing ANYONE, evil or otherwise he is uncomfortable with. This stems from the hidden talent he has. If he were to accidentally kill people who were not evil in nature, well that makes his alternate side stronger. So he only kills people when he has to... or to save someone.
From several anonymous people- "What was with Ryltar on the Host Tower's roof? Was he like going Super Sayian or something? What was that?"
Ok so as to not give away the story I'll be vague. Basically what that Bluish glow is, is Ryltar's ability to use a hidden power that has been passed down thorough millions of generations, of heroes and villains alike. Depending on how the world is, this "gift" will conform to the persons being (good or evil) This is what causes those great heroes and villains throughout time. Basically Ryltar can use this power only in special times, of great need, or peril. Lastly, Ryltar's "gift" makes him faster, stronger, and tougher in everyday possible. That's all I'm going to say on this subject till the next Q/A
From three anonymous people- "Why aren't you more graphic with the love scenes with Ryltar and Linu? (Changed words to make it approximates)
Ok all I'm going to say is that this is a T rated story while that gives me some freedom to hint at love/sex between two people I'm not going to turn this story in to some adult story. I don't write stuff like that. You want some NWN adult crap go find it on the Internet somewhere else.
Ok well that's it for the decent questions thanks to all who sent me great reviews and advice. Please keep on reading for the story below.
Story
Ryltar
Linu and I were now making our way through a thick part of the Craig's Mountain area. The woods themselves were thick as slime, and I didn't like the uneasy quite that sometimes overcame Linu and I. The entire forest would seem to become completely still. Not a single mouse, bird, or other woodland animal could be heard. What this meant for Linu and I didn't' know. But I kept extra aware of everything around us.
"Ryltar, dear. Do you know where we are?" Linu asked me looking around.
I glanced towards the sky, shielding my eyes from the glare of the sun. Even after many years on the surface I still couldn't look at the sky without cringing my eyes in pain. After studying the sky for a moment I turned to Linu and said, "Well, we're about five hundred or so miles from Neverwinter, and we're about fifty or so miles inside the Craig Mountains."
Several hours later the canopy enclosed around Linu and I. I entered a thick bushy area, and suddenly felt a strong gust of wind swirl around me. I emerged from the bush and found myself at the edge of a cliff. "This is strange, this cliff wasn't here last time I was through this area." I thought. Linu came up behind me, "Ryltar dear, are you sure you know where you are going?" Linu said. She suddenly tripped on one of the bushes roots, and fell into my back. The force of the impact caused me the tetter on the edge of the cliff.
"RYLTAR!" Linu screamed as she grabbed my hood, causing my head to snap back, the force of the hood, suddenly cut off my air supply.
"LI... Lin... Linu... pull... back" I gasped.
Linu pulled tighter on my hood, she said franticly "NOT AGAIN NOT AGAIN NOT AGAIN! I won't let you fall..." With a final heave Linu pulled me back from the edge of the cliff.
I fell to the ground, on my knees, gasping for air. Coughing I said. "Ack Ack, Well... that was fun. Let's do it again." I said turning to Linu with a smile. "Now where did this cliff come from?"
"What! What do you mean? Where did cliff come from? I thought you said you knew where you were going!" Linu said surprised.
"Well, uh... see I uh... there's these things called um... earthquakes, and they uh cause um mountains to move. So this cliff was probably formed during a earthquake." I said trying to make her believe me.
"We're lost, dear. Aren't we?" Linu said placing her hands on her hips. "Even being annoyed at me she is still cute."I thought. Smiling I said. "You know Linu, you're quiet charming when you're annoyed at me."
"Don't change the subject dear, Now do you know where we are or not?" Linu said.
"Well, sort of. I think there was a dragon living around here somewhere." I said. Trying to remember where the dragon's cave was. "I'm pretty sure it's to the east." I said pointing.
"Umm... Ryltar, dear. That's west." Linu said.
"Oh right I knew that. Well then it's this way." I said pointing in the opposite direction.
"Ryltar, dear. Your a nut case. You know that?" Linu said to me laughing
"Yeah but you love me for it don't you?" I said grinning.
Linu just smiled at me, walking in the direction I pointed.
After several hours of looking for the dragon's cave I mentioned, Linu decided that because it was getting late, we should rest for the night. We had come upon a nice area. It was full of comfortable rocks as well as a soft ground surrounding it. The location made perfect sense to rest, and if we were attacked we could use the rocks for cover.
Rolling out my sleeping materials I said to Linu. "Well this seems like a nice place to rest for the evening."
"Yes, dear. Plus we're not lost anymore." Linu said not letting my earlier event of getting us "lost." I sighed saying "Linu, I told you that cliff was caused be the grounds movements, it wasn't there last time I came through this area, several years ago."
"If you say so dear." Linu said now again laughing.
After several hours I took the first watch while Linu slept. As she laid down to rest I got an odd feeling that I was suddenly alone in the world. "What! That's crazy. Linu's with me and I got many people that care for me. Why would I think that?" I thought.
"Wake me in six hours, dear." Linu said to me
"Sleep well my love. I'll wake you in six." I said. "Why would I think that?" I thought once more.
End Ryltar
Linu
Dream
I was running along in Evermeet, I was once more a child, with not a care in the world. My life was simple. The rose gardens I was running through brought me happiness and peace. My life was simple back then without a care to worry about.
Several moments later I was a young woman, I was marrying Seth. He looked at me as we walked through the same garden I had seen moments before. I was happy yet sad at seeing him. His death had weighed heavily on my heart and mind over the last few weeks since Ryltar and I had discovered his journal and remains. He was killed by what I can only assume were trolls.
"Linu, my love. How could you simply move on after everything we meant to each other? You promised me and I you, that if anything were to happen to the other, that we would never find another as perfect as us." Seth said to me
"Seth... you're dead, dear. It's been thirty years. I kept my promise, but... we couldn't have expected each other to... live their lives for hundreds of years without falling for someone else. We're elves, things like this happen." I said sadly.
"Maybe so, but you've fallen in love with a DROW! A DROW! How could you love one of our most hated enemies!" Seth said to me with a hint of anger.
"Seth, Ryltar isn't like other drow. He's a good one. He cares what happens to people. He tries to stop suffering in all it's forms. Surely you've seen all of the efforts he has done in Neverwinter?" I said trying to explain myself.
"How do you know he isn't using it as an excuse for evil? Tell me that Linu. You've never been good at judging people. How do you know he isn't using this "adventure" to further his evil drowish plans. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAYS IS TRUE!" Seth angrily said to me. "HOW could you LOVE HIM! He's a drow!"
"Seth I...I...I... maybe your right. At least about being able to judge people. But Ryltar's not like other people. He's kind. Caring. and... loving. He loves me. And I love him. As much as I loved you Seth. Surely you can see that?" I said sadly to Seth.
"All I see is the woman I once loved, betraying our promise to a filthy drow. Your not the Linu I once loved. NO. Your just a common human slut. Who never loved truly loved me." Seth said turning away from me.
"Seth! Wait! Let me explain. Please..." I said dropping my hands to my side.
Seth stopped and turned his head towards my direction. With disgust he said. "I don't know what's worse. The fact you've fallen in love with a drow, or that you still carry our wedding rings." Seth then disappeared into a mist. The garden that once was around me turned bleak and misty. I felt like I had failed Seth. "Surely you must realize Seth that neither one of us would live hundreds of years, if the other died? I understand why you might be angry with me for loving Ryltar... But why wouldn't you be at least understanding of me not being alone for the rest of my life?" I fell to my knees, in despair. "Why does this happen to me? Why am I cursed with such horrible luck? Does the world hate me?" I whispered to no one.
"Linu..." Some one said to me.
"Who's there?" I asked. "Show yourself."
Out of the mists walked Aribeth. She was wearing the same amour she wore the same amour when Ryltar and I had seen her transformation on the Host Tower's Roof. "Aribeth? How are you in my dreams?" I said confused.
"It is through Maurgim's power that I speak to you now. I bring words of warning both for you and Ryltar." Aribeth said, there was a faint hint of sadness in her voice. But the hatred that came through more then masked it. "I will only warn Ryltar once. Tell him that if he searches for the Words Of Power. He will regret that he ever left the Underdark. Tell him to return to the Neverwinter Woods and never search for them again."
"And what about me?" I asked.
"You... I simply will tell you that. Your clumsiness WILL be the death of Ryltar. You bring death, pain, and suffering to all who you travel with. It was your fault that Seth died, you were busy with the church when he left. Because of YOU he died. It is because of you his Spirit suffers so." Aribeth said to me kneeling before me. She took my head in her hands, she simply said continuing. "Leave Ryltar. This is your only chance. I bring this to you not from Morag, or Maurgim. But as I once was. Trust me Linu. I am not lying to you now. This is from the goodness that once ran threw me. Before my corruption. Leave Ryltar, if you stay with him he will die because of you."
"But... How... How do you know this? How could you see into the future?" I asked confused. I recalled the earlier event with almost having Ryltar fall of the cliff.
"How? Because I have seen it thanks to Maugrim. I can tell you other things as well. But you must believe me when I say that Ryltar will die because of your clumsy nature."
"I... I want to believe you dear. But... How do I know what you are saying is true?" I said fearing that she would prove it somehow.
Aribeth snapped her fingers and a small picture frame appeared. It was showing Ryltar and I crossing a small bridge crossing a lava pool. Ryltar turned to me in the picture and said. "Almost there Linu... Just don't look down. We'll be at that dragon soon."
As Ryltar turned back around, I saw myself trip on a rock. I in the picture my hands shot out and I fell against Ryltar. The force was enough to send him plumetting off the bridge. He screamed all the way down before splashing into the lava. I turned away from the picture, crying knowing what was being shown to me was true. Rytlar had said the dragon we were going to see lived near a volcano and his lair was inside an old ruin of some sort.
"Enough!" I cried. "What should I do, dear? Where should I go?"
"Leave Ryltar. Head away from him as fast as you can. Leave a note saying you went back to Evermeet and that you need time to yourself. This is the only way he will live through this. If he chooses to continue his search, this is his only chance of surviving." Aribeth said to me. "Believe me Linu when I say that I am only doing this to help both you and Ryltar."
"I'll leave as soon as he goes to sleep." I said. Accepting my choice.
"Excellent. Rest now Linu. Ryltar will soon be waking you..." Aribeth said. She faded from the misty area and the area was replaced by the gardens of Evermeet where I had grown up.
End Linu&Dream
Aribeth
"Excellent. Rest now Linu. Ryltar will soon be waking you..." I said. Linu faded from view and I came out of my trance. Maurgrim stood there with Fenthick. Shortly after I told them how to best attack Neverwinter, Maurgim had used his considerable power to bring Fenthick back to life. I now had my love back with me, and soon we would get our revenge on Lord Naser and the rest of the city. "And soon we shall meet... dear" I said starting to laugh evilly. As Fenthick came towards me Maugrim left us.
End Aribeth
Maugrim
Aribeth took Fenthick into her arms. What she was in fact hugging and showering with love was infact a zombie I had cast an illusion spell on. The zombie had all the appearance, shape, size, and weight, that the real Fenthick had had. Thanks to me using his mind as a template the zombie could be used to further trick Aribeth, because I knew everything Fenthick knew up to his death. Added to this was Aribeth was under my spell so she would never suspect anything. "Your a fool elf woman. You may lead our armies for now. But eventually when Morag and the Old Ones return you, your zombie lover Fenthick, and I. Plus everyone in all the North will bed dead or serving the Old Ones as slaves." I thought laughing evilly mentally.I approached the stone I had been given to contact Morag. She appeared before me. I bowed down to my knees.
"Issss the plan workingsssss?" Morag said to me.
"Yes, my master. The one known as Linu is leaving the one known as Ryltar, soon." I said to her.
"Exccccceeelllent. Soon the drow willlssss be alonessss. Hessss issss ssssstrong, but ssssoon he ssssshall be deadsssss." Morag hissed.
"Yes, I understand. Even as we speak our followers are searching for the Words of Power which will bring you back to rule the land once more." I said elated. "What shall we do about the one named Linu? She could still pose a threat to us."
"FOOL! the slaves are no threat. Ssssstill bring the elfssss to me. We'll persssssuade her to join ussssss. And if sssssshe doessssn't... Sssshe'll die!" Morag said then disappearing.
"Yes, my master." I said as Morag disspeared. I stood up and told a nearby lackey what to do.
End Maugrim
Linu
After Ryltar had woke me up, he settled down to meditate and rest. After he went to sleep, and I made sure he was. I quietly got up and after writing a note and placing it in his scimitar belt, I quietly left. "It's the only way for you to succeed my love. I'm sorry." I said mentally. I walked away from Ryltar, as quietly as I could. Not wishing for him to see me leaving him. I knew he would be fine. I had learned a few things with talking to nature from him and was able to convince a small pack of wolves to watch over him till he woke up. I also kindly asked them not to tell him where I was heading. I planned to head back to Evermeet. Once I oriented myself in that direction I started walking. "I'm sorry, Ryltar, maybe after you've retired from a life of adventuring we'll meet again." I thought.
After several hours of walking I noticed the sun was just cresting the sky. I was coming over a crest in the hill with several trees on it when a lone figure dropped from it's limbs.
"Hello Linu. How are you doing?" Aribeth said standing up. She still wore her black amour. Her hair looked liked it wasn't combed in many weeks. "Aribeth! What are you doing her?" I asked surprised to see her.
"Well, I'm not sure you realize it or not but your only two miles away from my army. Maugrim told me this and I figured I would drop by to say hi." Aribeth said grinning. "I see you've left Ryltar. Tell me how is he doing lately? Did you tell him about my warning?"
"Yes, I left it on the note when I left him. When I left he was sleeping quietly, I can only assume he is either still searching for the Words of Power, me, or heading somewhere else taking your advice." I said sadly. Already missing Ryltar's company.
"I sense your sadness Linu. Tell me what is it that bothers you?" Aribeth asked me with a slight darkish grin.
I got an uneasy feeling, from her but pressed on. "Aribeth, do you do this? Why betray everything you've ever cared for."
She pulled out a scroll, "Read this and all will become clear." She said handing me the scroll.
I opened it and read it. It flashed before my eyes, and I felt myself become calm, tired even. I looked at Aribeth. "What?...what did you do to me?" I said as I fell to the ground. "Don't worry, Ryltar will be along soon for you." Aribeth said as everything faded to black.
End Linu
Ryltar
I awoke just as the sun crested over the morning sky. "Ahhh nothing like a restful nights sleep, eh Linu?" I said streching. Not imeeditly hearing her response. I looked around all of her gear was gone. I quickly searched around I found a piece of paper in one of my belt pouches. I opened it and read it fearing what it held.
Dear, my sweet love Ryltar,
I have left for Evermeet recent events have taken a toll on my spirit, and I can no longer journey with you. For this I am sorry. I have a warning from Aribeth. she visited me during my dreams when I slept last night. She says that if you continue your search for the Words Of Power, you will find death at every turn. Please my dear, for your sake don't give up this quest. The world need you, I can only hope you survive these trying times. When you finally defeat this Morag please come to Evermeet where hopefully you will find me.
With your undying love,
Linu Lan'eral
I reread the note to assure it was Linu's it was her handwriting but it seemed to me from her penmanship she was hiding something. "Linu. Why would you leave me?" I thought. After much searching I found her tracks. She had learned much from me in the way of tracking but she unfortenetly wasn't perfect... yet. I quickly followed her tracks to a hill. There I saw that someone wearing heavy amour if some kind had approached her, from the strain on the limps in a tree, I assumed this person had dropped from the tree. I say Linu's footprints vanish about three feet from this point. I looked around the area I was in and many miles off to my left I saw a thick cloud of dust. "Aribeth's army I presume?" I said out loud. As I headed off in the direction of the army, a figure appeared before me. It was Maugrim, he still had many bruises on his face and dents in his amour from our previous encounter.
"So, Maurgim how's the face painting talent going? From the looks of you it seems your trying to impersonate a drow," I said grinning at him.
"Laugh while you can now drow. But know that if you continue on this path you will die." Maugrim said to me.
"I'll take my chances. Nothing short of my death will stop me from saving Linu, defeating you, recusing Aribeth from this madness of an illusion you call revenge, and defeating the one you call Morag." I said walking by Maugrim.
"You've been warned drow." Maugrim told me as he faded away.
I decided to approach the army as quiet as I could knowing that Maugirm probably was watching me via a magical eye right now. As I blended into the shadows created by the trees I approached the moving army. After some work on springing from tree to tree, I found several tented areas. "One of these must contain Linu, or even Aribeth." I thought. An arrow went flying by my head. I turned and dropped from the trees knowing that I had little chance in avoiding any other ones in the tree. As my feet hit the ground I looked around me, I was completely surrounded by evil grins and glares. Some contained a hint of fear, but I was easily outnumbered twenty to one at the least. "Well, who's first?" I said. Several of the soldiers laughed and as one they charged me. I quickly drew my scimitars out and rushed into their mists. I parried away several swings, all where quiet unskilled at swordsmanship, but I knew that facing this many would eventually be my downfall. I cut into several of them seeing there vital organs fall or bleed to the ground. I back up and threw two daggers into the head's of two others who charged me. I parried both their blows away but felt several swords cut into my cape, hood, and amour. None hit me but I knew it was only a matter of time before they did. I jumped into the air and landed on a guys head slitting his throat I jumped from several other's heads and killed them as well. But my killing spree soon came to an end when a large strong armed man pulled me down and disarmed both my scimitars. I rolled to the ground only to find several legs and feet kicking into my sides. "Shit, this was stupid." I thought to myself. "Time to even the odds." I quickly summoned several globes of darkness and rolled away from my attackers I retrieved my scimitars and went to work slitting more throats. "Sorry, but you guys will only cause more harm then good in this world. Therefore you must die." I said to myself. I noticed many of the soldiers were attacking each other, rather then take the chance of getting hurt I summoned several more globes on the edge of those already made and leaped into the trees. Once there, I slung my bow out and started to pick off my attackers, one by one. After fifteen minutes of this my darkness expired and I observed my work. Many bodies were arrayed around either mortally wounded or already dead. Only twenty wounded soldiers were still standing as the darkness left them. I said to them. "Leave now or you will face my wrath as those around you did." I said, they looked around seeing the condition there fighting force was in, and not seeing any help arriving soon took off at a run. "Excellent, now to find Linu," I thought. I returned to the area the tents were at and after some searching found a heavily guarded tent, After quietly dispoassing of the guards, I quietly entered the tent. Inside was Linu tied to a chair, next to her was Aribeth grinning evilly at me.
"Ahhh, I see our little welcoming committee couldn't' stop you. I told Maugrim this but he insisted they could. Well that is in the past now." Aribeth said. "It's so cute, the two lovers are finally together. It's too bad it won't last." She turned and whipped a hidden dagger at Linu. It hit the chair arm rest right above her arm. Linu tensed worry crossing her face as she saw me.
"HAHAHA, your a fool Ryltar! You should have taken my warning and left. But no, you had to come charging in to save this poor elf woman. It's almost touching in a way. But to save her you will have to kill me. Something tells me though you won't."
"Aribeth stop this. Let Linu go. I'm the one you want right? Then take me instead." I said to Aribeth trying to reason with her.
"HAHA Your a fool Ryltar if you honestly think you can save her. There's nothing you can do! We don't' want you. Just for you to stop your quest. At least that's what I want." Aribeth said almost sadly. I knew that deep down she regretted what she was doing. I just had to figure a way to bring it out. "But that's not important now. If you want her free you'll have to kill me!" Aribeth cried charging me. With her longsword and a short sword out.
"Aribeth stop this!" I cried as I parried her blows away. "Why can't you just see I'm only doing to stop you before you regret what you will do!"
"FOOL! Neverwinter will fall before me, then when the Old Ones return, They will conquer the North, and then all of Fae'run!" Aribeth cried knocking aside my own attacks.
"But what will happen then Aribeth? They'll either have you killed, or enslaved. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?" I cried catching both of our weapons in a lock. Aribeth stood there staring at me for a second.
"It won't matter. By then. Because I. WILL. HAVE. MY. REVENGE!" Aribeth screamed. She pushed me back forcing us apart. "Maugirm told me of your talent. He doesn't know what you have. Come Ryltar, let me see this great power you have. A power even Maugrim fears. Though he would never admit it."
"No! that you won't see nothing could force me to use that. NOTHING!" I cried glancing at Linu. She was worried out of her mind I could tell.
"Nothing?" Aribeth said quietly. She pulled out another dagger and threw it at Linu. It pierced her heart and after several twitches Linu's head dropped and she fell still. I ran over to her "LINU! NO! You BITCH!" I cried realizing what Aribeth had done. Anger and power quickly flowed through my veins as I stared at Aribeth.
"HAHAHA yes, yes! That's it Ryltar show me this great power. Show it to me NOW!" Aribeth cried.
The power I wielded was flowing through me, my muscles once more increased in mass and I felt myself gain strength and endurance, and speeed I never had before. I said to Aribeth "You might want to run now." I gritted my death and came at her.
She moved almost as fast as I was, this surprised and worried me. She blocked my first attack but my anger at what she had done to Linu fueled me even further my blows came fast and furious and she soon was on the ground. She reached into her amour and pulled out several balls when they hit the ground a magical gate appeared below her and she fell through it. "We'll meet again Ryltar." She sneered as she disappeared. Once she was gone I rushed over to Linu's still body I pulled her to me rocking her. Closing my eyes I wished with all my being that there was something I could do to bring her back. I felt my power lessen and after several minutes of holding her body I felt there chest rise. I didn't believe it though, but when she spoke "Ryltar?" I knew she was alive.
"LINU! Your alive!" I cried. I embraced her in a tight hug.
"Eck! Can't breath." Linu gasped I laid her down and helped her sit up. I had forgotten about my enhanced strength, in lue of Linu returning to me. I just sat there not caring what had just happened. I only cared that Linu was once more with me.
End Ryltar
Linu
It was several days later and Ryltar and I had finally found the dragon we were searching for. I had told him of the vision Aribeth had shown me as well as the dream I had had with Seth. "They are just tricks made by Morag, or Maugrim to get you to leave me. Don't believe them." Ryltar had told me. I had agreed to this. We were now entering the cave where Ryltar had told me a Green dragon lived.
I approached Ryltar saying "Ryltar, dear. Tell me again why we are seeing this dragon? And what kind is it?"
"We're seeing this green dragon because she is one of the oldest I know of. She may know of the Words of Power, and where they may be found." Ryltar told me. We entered a large cavern I looked around not seeing the dragon or its large treasure area. Off to my right the cavern edged around a corner to what I assumed was another area. Several heavy footsteps came louder and nearer to us. Fear overcame me and I said. "I hope you know what you are doing dear."
"Trust me." Ryltar said without a hint of fear in his voice.
The green dragon approached us. It sniffed and glared at us closely before saying, "Why have you come, puny ones? For what reason have you sought out the cave of one greater than yourselves? Why do you disturb the magnificent Akulatraxas?"
"My name is Ryltar Kost'dora, and this is my companion Linu La'neral. We are searching for the Words of Power. Would you oh great Akulatraxas know where we could find them?" Ryltar asked introducing us.
"I have never heard of these Words of Power, and I have lived in these mountains all my life. I will continue to live here for many more, for that matter, despite the efforts of the hill giants to dislodge me." Akulatraxas said.
"Great Akulatraxas, why would the hill giants be foolish enough to challenge your might?" Ryltar said.
"The hill giants were trying to steal my eggs! The lairs of many of my kind have come under attack. Too many dragons have all been slain and their eggs taken. But the hill giants are like all the lesser creatures: they are no match for a dragon of my power, even in great numbers. The raiders shall not steal my eggs, I vow this!" Akulatraxas said glaring at us.
Ryltar looked at me, saying. "We should help her Linu. Is that ok with you?" I nodded glancing at Akulatraxas. Ryltar turned back to her and said. "These vile raiders deserve death for daring to come after your offspring! Please allow my companion and I to bring these giants the punishment they deserve."
"I cannot leave my lair. I must stay to protect my eggs until they hatch. But I will not rest until the giants are no more and the head of their chief lies at my feet! I would even be willing to part with some of my great hoard to secure the life of my children. Is there more I might do for you while you consider this offer, elven creatures?" Akulatraxas asked.
"You needn't give us much just a small amount of gold maybe five pieces each at most. My only concern is the safe hatching of your offspring, and finding these Words of Power. Perhaps in bringing your vengeance about these giants I will find leads to where they are." Ryltar said.
"Truly? only Five gold pieces for each of you? That is all you ask for this task?" Akulatraxas said surprised at Ryltar's words. "Tell me dark skinned one, what lesser race does such a deed without asking for great rewards?"
"Those that are truly good only take what they need and nothing more. A person such as I has little need for gold or silver. I am a servant of nature, and any that require my assistance in any realm will receive it." Ryltar said, he glanced at me and I nodded knowing he was asking if five gold pieces was enough for me. I was still uneasy about this dragon but decided to speak up.
"Indeed dear, Ryltar and I will bring swift justice to these giants, and ensure that your eggs are safe for hatching. "Might we ask where the giant's chief is located oh mighty one?"
"The steading of the hill giant chief is on the plateau to the west. Bring me his head and you will have my thanks and when my offspring hatch know they will know the names of their protectors." Akulatraxas said. "this is a great honor, few of your kind have ever proved themselves worthy of this honor, return soon with the giant's head."
Ryltar nodded saying. "We'll return soon." I followed Ryltar out heading to the west.
When we exited the cave, and after walking down spin a bit to the west of Akulatraxas's cave, Ryltar found a large rock and sat down. I heard him whispering and mumbling to himself. "I can't keep this up forever. I can't keep pushing myself further when I've already reached my limits..." the reast of his mumbling went silent as he rubbed his head. I came up behind him and after making sure there was nothing dangerous around I started to unsnap the top part of Ryltar's amour. He made no move to stop me only moving when he had to to get the top part of his padded amour off. His upper body was not exposed to me and I looked him over. "Aribeth was right, I am the luckiest woman in the land to have him." I started to massage Ryltar's shoulders and back he moved his shoulders and back in time with my hands to help me get the most effect from the massage. From looking over his shoulder I saw that he was crying. Tears streamed down his face, and felll either to the ground, or were soaked up in the gloves over his hands. He pulled off his left hand which contained Aribeth's ring she had given us. He took it off and looked at it. "Why?" he whispered. "Why did you give this to us, if you were going to betray us? Why what was the reason?"
I leaned down to Ryltar placing my hand over his. "She gave it to us to remember her by. I think she knew she couldn't avoid what was going to happen, no matter how much help she got." I moved my hands over Ryltar's shoulders and down his chest my hands and arms covered his. "Ryltar dear. I truly think she knew this. She suffering inside, part of her is sorry she's betrayed our trust, but she's so consumed with seeing Fenthick again, and getting revenge on Lord Nasher for what he did to Fenthick she can't see what she is doing."
"Yes, but that's not what I mean, Aribeth's right... at least partially. Lord Nasher isn't totally to blame, the citizens of the city that cried out for Fenthick's blood are to blame. Lord Nasher simply didn't have the strength to deny them that." Ryltar sighed saying "Worse deep inside me a part of me cries out to join her, to force Lord Nasher to attempt what he did was wrong. But her revenge won't stop there. No, she'll destroy the entire city. Maugrim's agents in this area will find the Words of Power if we fail, then all of the North, and then Fae'run will fall before the might of the Old Ones." Ryltar said, pulling his amour top back on. "There's giong to come a point when I will have to make a decision, kill Aribeth, to stop her from destroying the city, or bringing her to justice to face her crimes and be hung like Fenthick was." I was stunned at Ryltar's words.
"But Ryltar, dear. How do you know this? How can you say these things?" I asked.
"She's amassing an army even as we speak near Luskan soon Neverwinter will be under siege, there will be nothing the weakened city can do to stop her... unless we control the three words of Power. Perhaps with there power we can stop her army in it's tracks." Ryltar headed off to the west once more. "He's taking to much on his shoulders, he's doing to much. What could I do to help him ease his pain, and stress?" I thought. I wasn't sure of the answer. But I was determined to find it.
End Linu
Akulatraxas
It was a day later and I was watching over my eggs, I heard light footsteps at the mouth of my cave. I rushed out to see who it was hoping it was the ones known as Ryltar and Linu, bringing me back the head of the giant chief. I wasn't disapointed, Ryltar and Linu came back with the scent of much blood on them. Even though they didn't show it I knew both were injured just by their walk. Ryltar especially seemed injured and tired.
"sniff - sniff Akulatraxas smells blood and... something else. Something foul. SNIFF You have the head of the hill giant chief! Give it to me that I might see the proof of his death with my own eyes!" I said excited. Ryltar reached behind him and pulled out the head of the giant chief.
"I am honored to give you the hill giant's head, mighty Akulatraxas." Ryltar said to me. I took the head making sure it was the chief. It was. "The hill giants will raid the lairs of my kind no more! By killing their chieftain you both have earned my gratitude. The favor of a dragon is not given lightly. You both have done much to protect my children." I handed them each a small bag, "Inside is ten gold each, more then we agreed apon I know but you both deserve it. Is thre anything else you wish of me?" I said.
"We thank you for this generous gift, mighty Akulatraxas." Ryltar said nodding to me. His manner of address was uneeded anymore but I respected him for doing so. I saw that Ryltar was bleeding in many places, from hidden cuts under his amour, he seemed to be trying to hide them from both me and the one known as Linu. I decdied to offer them shelter here in my cave for the night so they may tend their wounds. "Both of you are obviously tired, after your quest, please allow me to offer the corner of my cave to you to rest your bodies for the night. It is the least I can do for you."
Ryltar started to protest but Linu interrupted him. "Thank you oh mighty Akulatraxas, we thank you once more for you generous reward and offer of rest for the night." I indicated the area they could use. It was private and could be used for resting. "Rest well small ones I will be tending to my eggs." Linu nodded dragging Ryltar to the area I had pointed out.
End Akulatraxas
Ryltar
It was the following morning and I was still worn out. Linu had tended to my wounds and I hers, but we were still sore nonetheless. We had learned that an ancient red dragon named Kluath, possessed one of the Words of Power. After much puzzle solving and fighting, Linu and I were now crossing a bridge spanning a large lake of lava. I saw that Linu was aprehensive, this was proably due to her early dream of where she was the cause of me dieing crossing a very similar bridge. Linu hung back further then she usually did to hopefuly keep that event from happening. We crossed the bridge without dificultly and Linu let out the breath she had been holding. When we got off the bridge we came face to face with the oldest dragon in history Klauth.
"So at last you have come. I assume my fire giant servants are dead. No matter, they are of little consequence to me. I can find other servants. Perhaps even you will serve, Ryltar Kost'dora?" Klauth said to me. He proably sense Linu's fear, he said. "Come closer, I will not harm either of you. These last days of the eons of my life pass slowly now and I would speak with you to break the monotony."
"How do you know my name?" I asked.
"I am old as time itself, the infinite wisdom of eternity is mine to command. Your name and your deeds are known to me, Ryltar Kost'dora, and I shall remember them long after history has forgotten you. I am even aware of your... "gift." He looked at me steadily I showed no fear but deep inside I was worried. This was a dragon who had bested thousands of eons to live. Now he even knew of my "gift." "Tell me what do you know about it Klauth?" I asked.
"I know that it is not of this world. It is most likely a form of power from a god, or something more. I don't entirely know. What I DO know is that you ARE afraid to use this power. A pity one such as you could do much with such a gift, you could rule the lands, bring chaos to the skies, all would bow before your might." Klauth sneered at me.
"I don't care what you are trying to lead this to Klauth all I wish for is the Word of Power you hold in your horde give it to me and we shall leave." I said.
"I know you seek it Ryltar, but tell me I sense you have other questions do you not? Ask them and I shall answer them if it pleases me." Klauth said.
"Your right I do have qusetions, Ok well what are the Words of Power?" I asked.
The Words are ancient, fashioned by the Creator Race when even I was young. The power of the Words is great. Once I even thought their magic could sustain me, though I know better now. The magic of the Words is not the sort I need to prolong my life, and so the Word of Power sits in my hoard, as meaningless as all the other material treasures I have collected over eons of time. I know you desire the Word, Ryltar, and it is of no use to me. So I will give it to you in trade." Klauth explained.
"What kind of trade?" I asked.
"There is only one thing I desire and that is to prolong my life. I perform dark rituals to feed my essence, and for these rituals I need the eggs of other dragons. Bring me these treasures and I will give you the Word of Power." Klauth said.
I shook my head I simply said. "Sorry, but I don't plan on doing so. I've decided to simply kill your evil ways and end them." I pulled out my scimitars as Linu readied her crossbow.
"Then your life will end, Ryltar. I have seen what awaits beyond this world: a void of still darkness. Are you ready to face the bleak nothingness beyond this life? Speak with me if you dare, or flee like insignificant fleck of dust before the storming glory of my existence. But do not attack me, Ryltar Kost'dora, unless you are ready for death." Klauth glared at me.
I spun my scimitar's readying myself for his attack. "I'm ready to face my death, Klauth. Are you?"
"The wisdom of eternity speaks, but you refuse to listen. So be it. I shall bring you the death you so eagerly seek." Klauth swung his tail at me I jumped on it and the fight was joined.
End Ryltar
Linu
I watched as Ryltar charged Klauth a thick layer of dirt and dust flew up from the gust of wind Klauth's tail created. I was unable to do anything but watch and hope that Ryltar would emerge from the cloud alive. "Sepahine if your watching please watch over Ryltar in this fight." I prayed to my goddess. After several minutes of roaring, screaming from Ryltar, an intense flash of fire and heat I heard a loud thump and rumble permeate the air. The dust started to settle and I saw a limping form come out of the dust, it was Ryltar in his hands he carried the first Word of Power. As he reached me though he colapsed in a heap at my feet exhaustion, stress, and blood all flowed freely from his body. "At last he has reached his limits, now maybe he will rest." I thought, after casting a bull's strength spell on myself I carried both Ryltar and the Word of Power out of Klauth's domain and headed for Beorunna's Well. I only hoped Ryltar would remain unconsies till Arain Gend got there.
End Linu
(A/N: Finally I'm done! With this chapter at least. Sorry about the long delay, but I was thinking of away to do this right. As always please review except for one or two people reviewing I have had very few others. The view count says otherwise so I know there's people reading this and not reviewing. Regardless Chapter 18 will be up around mid week maybe sooner. At the latest Sat. I'm planning on doing 25 or so chapters maybe a few more.)