Chapter 19

Ryltar

I quickly brought my scimitars together blocking the swing of the Uthgardt warriors axe. After blocking it I brought up my knee and connected his head snapped back and he quickly fell to the ground. I looked around. Six Uthgardt warriors were laying dead at me feet, another three were around Linu. She put away her crossbow and came over to me. I wiped off the blood from my face.

"Are you ok, dear?" Linu asked. me.

"I'm fine, you?" I asked.

"I suffered a few scratches and cuts nothing serious though." Linu said.

"Ok, let's get going then. Fort Ikland should be just ahead of us." I said, starting out to the west once more. "So much to do. So many depend on my actions, yet no one really cares except for Linu." I thought sighing. "Only two more words to find, maybe the fort captain will know something about those ruins further to the west." I thought.

I came out of my thoughts as Linu and I neared the fort. A battle seemed to be occurring nearby and the fort seemed in desparte need of help.

"Halt! Who approaches Fort Ilkard?" a female guard solider said to me.

"I'm Ryltar Kost'dora, and this is my companion Linu La'neral. Could we get a word with the Fort Captain?" I asked.

"Ryltar Kost'dora! The Hero of Neverwinter? It's about time they sent some help. Of course I'll arrange a meeting right away just head to the right after entering his building is the one in the far corner." the guard said to me. I shook off her words entering the fort. The place was a mess bodies lay scattered all around, catapult's shot boulders into the cerntral fort area. Linu and I ran inside the indicated building.

"Hey! This is the Commander's quarters! I don't want you enlisted men traipsing through... oh, sorry, my Lord. I thought you were one of my soldiers. Please forgive my outburst - I would not have it said that Commander Damas is a man without class. How may I be of service to you?" The commander said looking me over. My hood had covered my head from the run and I lowered it watching the commander.

"A DROW! what do you want? Who are you?" the commander said reaching for his sword.

"Please calm yourself, dear. This is Ryltar Kost'dora. I am Linu La'neral, we've come to help." Linu said before I could say anything.

"Do you know why the Elk tribe has allied itself with Luskan?" I asked.

"Who knows how the minds of those animals works? They probably just saw a chance to kill and pillage and jumped at it!" The commander said with obvious hatred.

"Maybe you could negotiate a truce with the Uthgardt Elk tribe, dear." Linu said.

"How can you even ask that? The Uthgardt are ruthless killers who prey on the weak and defenseless! They must be exterminated like the disease they are! Now, if there is nothing else..." the commander said turning back to his maps.

"Could we do anything about those catapults?" Linu asked.

"Actaully yes, if you could Destroy them and their crews it would be a great help to defending the fort." the commander said.

"Then we shall see if we can find a way to stop them." I said. I planned on trying to talk to the elk tribe chief first, but to do that I would have to get threw an army of angry elk tribe warriors. I turned to Linu. "Linu, please stay here and help with healing the wounded. I'm planning on speaking with the elk tribe chief before we do anything else." I lowered my voice so only she could hear. "Somethings not right about this guy, he's hiding something, I'd bet it's got to do with the Elk tribe alleying with Luskan."

Linu nodded understanding. "I too felt the same." Linu leaned up and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Return soon, dear. Stay safe. I'll help those injured in the barracks." I nooded and left the fort.

Several hours later

"I am Zokan Thunderer, leader of my tribe, the people born of the Elk. Who are you that comes before me?" Zokan said to me as I stepped into his room.

"I am Ryltar Kost'dora, known as the Hero of Neverwinter, I have come to know why you have allied yourself with the Luskan armies." I said.

"Ahh, Ryltar Kost'dora. I have heard of you. A great drow ranger, strong with the blade, but silent as the passing wind. Your deeds are known to me drow. You needn't fear my axe." Zokan said to me. "My people wither and die, young and old alike. The Wailing Death ravages my tribe and even our strongest warriors cannot stand against it. That is why we have allied with Luskan they promise us the cure for the Wailing Death if we attacked the Fort."

"Then I will retreive the cure for the plague for your tribe. I've seen the suffering of the Plague first hand in Neverwinter, I promise by the time the sun sets you will have the cure. How did your triber come infected in the frist place if I may ask?" I said.

"Damas is the one who has infected us with the Wailing Death. We thought him a friend, but he only wants the Elk tribe gone so he can steal our land. He offered us a gift of blankets but he had secretly infected them with the plague! Damas knew how quickly the plague could spread. No doubt he has a cure in his possession in case his own people become infected. We attack Fort Ilkard to try and recover the cure Damas will not give us." Zokan said to me.

I clenched my fists in anger, somehow I knew this was the reason behind there alliance with Luskan. "If I bring you a cure, will you break your alliance with Luskan?" I asked.

"The fate of my tribe is my greatest care. Cure us of the Wailing Death and the Elk tribe will no longer serve the Luskan forces. We will even forget our hatred and desire for vengeance against Commander Damas." Zokan said.

"I'll return soon, by sun down you will have your cure. After I convince Damas to give it to me." I said starting to turn.

"Damas will deny everything. You must take these blankets as proof of his crime. They are harmless now, the plague cannot spread after a few days but these blankets are what killed my people. If you truly intend to help the Elk tribe, you will go to Fort Ilkard and get the plague cure from Damas. I wish you luck, Ryltar Kost'dora, for the sake of my people." Zokan said handing me the blankets I nodded and head back to the Fort.

Two Hours later back at the fort

"Yes, my Lord, what can I do for you? Have you come to report on the six catapults bombarding the Fort, or is there something else you need?" Damas said as I stormed into his room Linu wasn't with me luckily tending to the wounded. I could barely contain my anger at him as he looked at me.

"Shove it rivval," I said through clenched teeth. I through the blankets towards Damas, "You contaminated the Elk tribe with these plague infected blankets!"

"So what if I did? The Uthgardt are nothing but primitive savages! Their time is over. We have the strength to remove them from their land, and that gives us the right to remove them! These blankets change nothing. We are at war here! The Uthgardt are the enemy, or did you forget that? They allied themselves with Luskan!" Damas said. Not backing down from his crime. I roughly grabbed him by his colloar and lifted him one handed into the air. My eyes felt like fire as I stared at him saying. "The only reason the Elk tribe joined Luskan is because they were promised a cure for the plague you gave them!"

"You don't really believe that, do you? You think if I hand over the cure the Elk tribe will suddenly abandon their Luskan allies? Uh... not that I have a cure on me... " Damas said with worry.

I threw him to the ground. Watching as my hands, and body lightly began to glow blue. "Hand over the cure or I'll make you suffer until you wish you had the plague yourself!"

Damas backed up to the wall stammering. "Okay, let's not do anything crazy. You attack me and every soldier in this fort will come to the defense of their Commander. But I'm a reasonable man... Tell you what, I'll sell you the cure for 3000 gold pieces."

I pulled out ten gold pieces thoroughing them on the floor, "Ten and not a cooper more." I said.

"You drive a hard bargain, but I guess ten gold pieces is better than what I'll get if I let them all die. Okay, it's a deal. Here's the cure." Damas said handing me a bag, I checked it and confirmed it was indeed the cure. After placing it in my belt pouch I headed back to the Elk Tribes fort.

Three hours later

After battling several cultist assains I once more reached Zokan's room. I entered pulling out the bag Zokan looked at me sadly saying. "My people wither and die from the plague. If they are not cured, the name of Zokan Thunderer will be remembered as the Uthgardt chieftain who could not save his tribe from extinction."

"Don't worry Zokan, your pround people will not die today, here is the cure you seek. Take it I require no reward or gifts from your, only your acceptance of me and thanks." I said handing Zokan the bag.

"I thank you for this, Ryltar Kost'dora. With this cure my shamans will heal our tribe. You have saved the people of the Elk." Zokan said shaking his head slightly. "A drow, of all those in this world a drow saved my people, your tale will be remebered for years to come. We are children of the land, like you, we have no gold or treasure to give you. But take this spear. It is a treasure of the Elk tribe, long handed down from father to son among us. You have earned it by saving us from the terrors of the Wailing Death." he said handing me a beautiful spear.

I took it examing it. Placing it over my back I bowed nodding slightly saying. "You've honor me greatly, Zokan. Thank you."

"Please, take this token to Yusam the Druid in Beorunna's Well as a promise that we will no longer join the Luskan forces against them. Go with the blessing of the Elk, Ryltar Kost'dora." Zokan said. I nodded and left for Fort Ikilad to retreive Linu.

End Ryltar

Linu

I was once more following Ryltar, through the woods, after he filled me in on his dealing with the Elk tribe and how he handled it I was a little concerned for him. "Ryltar, dear. Something is bothering you. Ever since we retrieved the First Word of Power you've been more. Angry, and short tempered. What's wrong?" I asked watching Ryltar sit down on a rock.

"Linu, I have done so much for Neverwinter, and the only people who really care for what I've done are you, and those that I effect in some deep way. Oh sure, I've received thanks and praise for what I've done from everyone, but I can see right through their lies. They are only doing that for what I did. Deep down they still hate me for being a drow." Ryltar said looking at the ground. He continued. "Now, with Aribeth's betrayal, this search for the Words of Power, the constant threat of being hunted by assasins of the cultist, and Aribeth's armies marching on Neverwinter, I'm simply tired. Tired of everything. Not one person besides you, and previously Aribeth, has given me the support, I need to continue, on this quest. I'm leagues past my normal endurance. I haven't gotten a decent nights sleep in weeks, and now from what Arain Gend said, I'm probably going to be faced with fighting an entire army of soldiers. I guess what this all boils down to is two things." Ryltar said standing up and bringing me into a deep embrace. "One, I don't want anything to happen to you. Every time we are in a fight I'm worried I'll see you die, or something. I know what we are doing is dangerous, but still. I care for you to much to see something happen to you." Ryltar said with a rarity of tears running down his face.
"Two, I've talked with those... images again in my dreams, their words worry me. My destiny is not yet, ready to be revealed, while I am chosen to save this world. How I do that is not yet known. Worse those that have been chosen in the past millions of years, if they have had companions, traveling with them..." Ryltar trailed off.

"What, dear? What happens to their companions." I said cupping Ryltar's face in my hands.

"They die." Ryltar said after taking a deep breath. "I can't lose you just because I have this power." Rytlar turned towards the sky and shouted. "YOU HEAR ME? I DON'T WANT THIS GIFT!"

I pulled Ryltar towards me again saying. "Dear, the sun is setting, let's set up camp here for the evening, ok?" I said. "Don't worry about me I can take care of myself. Maybe instead of hating this gift you have, you should try to learn how to control it. Instead of letting it control you?" I suggested.

"I know, but I have no idea how to do that." Ryltar said.

"Why don't you trying asking those images? Next time you see them?" I said as I setup the fire pit. "Rest for abit dear, ok? I'll get our camp setup."

Ryltar nodded evidently too tired to argue with me. After unpacking his gear, and finding a comfortable spot against a tree, he was quickly fast asleep.

End Linu

Aribeth

I finished handing out the latest order to my generals and staff, I looked around the room I was now in. Maps were scattered everywhere, I sighed. Maugrim had sent off Fenthick and several others to find the Words of Power. "So once more I am alone... at least I can now rest in quiet." I thought laying down in my bedroom next to the map room. I looked the door before entering not totally trusting those around me. I closed my eyes and allowed my triedness to take me.

Dream

I was walking through a forested area. I felt as though someone or something was watching me. "WHO'S THERE SHOW YOURSELF!" I yelled into the trees.

I was surprised beyond reason when Ryltar dropped out of a large oak. He stood up and stared at me. "So I see its' not enough for me to fight you in the real world. But now I must face you in me dreams." Ryltar said to me.

"In your dreams! These are my dreams you foolish drow interlooper." I shot back at Ryltar.

"Fine whatever I'm to tired to argue. What is it you want?" Ryltar said.

"I merely what peace and revenge. Unfortently you keep getting in my way." I said gritting my teeth.

"Well I wouldn't keep interfering, but you keep on killing everyone, in your senseless quest for revenge." Ryltar shot back at me.

"Senseless! You of all people should understand my quest for revenge!" I screamed at Ryltar. "I can see how exhausted you are from YOUR quest. Tell me, is everyone truly over their suscpeions of you? Do they excpet you for who YOU are? Ignoring the fact that you are a drow? One of the most hated races in all the lands. DO THEY?"

Ryltar looked crestfallen at my words. "That is none of your business. And even if they haven't accepted me for who I am, I would Still be doing what I am doing." Ryltar pointed a finger at me. "You, betrayed Linu and I. Forget the fact you betrayed Neverwinter. That I do understand. It's the fact you treat me and Linu like we did nothing to comfort you. We took great efforts to help you in your days of distress. Name one time, just one! When either I or Linu didn't do anything we could to help you. CAN YOU DO THAT? HUH!" Ryltar said.

I racked my memory trying to find the slightest time when he was not troubled b y some quest. "No, I can't. It does not change the why I am doing this. Fenthick was returned to me by Maugrim. For this I am in his dept. I can't change what I've done. But I warn your Ryltar. If you are Linu continue interfering with MY plans. Both of your lives are forfeit." I said pointing at Ryltar.

"Aribeth, you may not believe it. But I'm going to stop you. I'll find a way to show you that deep down beneath that hatred, and evil trickery magic, you are still a good person at heart. I will come for you and I will rescue you." Ryltar said to me.

"The only one who will be needing rescue drow. Is you, after I get done with you, Linu and all the clerics in Neverwinter won't be able to save you, or resurrect you." I said grinning evilly at Ryltar.

I felt the dream state around us begin to disappear. Ryltar's last words echoed in my mind. He said. "I will save you Aribeth. Remember that." Then I awoke.

"No, Ryltar you'll be dead before that." I said to myself.

End Aribeth

Ryltar

I awoke in the early morning to Linu's cooking I quickly told Linu what occurred while I slept. "Was she in your dream? Or you in hers?" Linu asked me.

"I'm not sure, actually. Honestly I think it was a combination of the two. But I get the feeling that keeping to just what she did in betraying our friendship, she's not happy with it. As for what she did in betraying Neverwinter I believe that is another matter entirely." I said sighing. I still was exhausted, and worn out. I felt like just laying back down and forcing myself to sleep, for a week. But I knew that every moment Linu and I spent talking now meant another minute for the cultists to find the Words of Power. Linu and I quickly ate and packed up our gear. I checked our area to remove as much trace of our being there from the ground. Linu had taken my lessons of nature to heart and was quickly becoming quiet good at hiding, talking to animals on a limited basis, and having a deeper connection with the world then she did before. Once more Linu and I headed out to the west for the ancient ruins located there.

After several hours of saving several refugees in homes from attacking orcs and bandits, and dealing with a small band of cultists Linu and I were outside the ancient ruins. I was examining several rock designs to determine who made them. Suddenly there was a flash of energy and magical light. Linu and I jumped back from our examination and I quickly pulled out my scimitar's ready for anything.

"Hisss... I've finally found youssss... Why have you seized the Word of Power? hiss Who do you serve?" A reptilan woman said to me.

"I am Ryltar Kost'dora and this is my companion Linu La'neral. We serve the Lords' Alliance and the city of Neverwinter! Who are you scaled one?" I asked.

"These names mean nothing to me. hiss Your cities are young, your history but a single page in the accounts of the world. There is only one name that mattersss to me among your kind - Maugrim. hiss Tell me dark elven - do you serve Maugrim?"

"Maugrim is the enemy of Neverwinter! I shall not rest until Maugrim is dead!" I said.

"I see you speak the truth, dark elven one. This is good. Your enemies are mine as well. Maugrim must be stopped. He must not get the Words of Power!" The female lizard said to Linu and I.

"I have answered your questions. Now tell me who you are!" I said demandingly

"My name is Haedraline, leader of the Word Slaves. hiss This is but a projection of my true form - I am yet too far to aid you in this task." Haedraline said to me. She started to fade. "There is more I would tell you, but my spell is fading. hiss Find the Words before Maugrim, or the world you know will not survive." She was then gone.

Linu turned to me and said. "Huh, dear. What do you make of that? Do you think we can trust her?"

"I'm not sure. We'll have to ask Arain Gend next time we see him. Let's head into these ruins and see what we can find." I said walking into the ruins.

End Ryltar

Linu

It was an hour later and Ryltar and I were emerging into a garden area outside the ruins. An woman approached us.

"What? Who? Oh, pardon me. I didn't notice you there. I was rather engrossed in my contemplations of the time stream. It's easy to get lost in their paradoxical currents, if I do say so myself." the woman said to us.

"Who are you, dear?" I asked.

"Don't you both remember me? Oh, wait... maybe we haven't met yet. It's hard to keep things straight without a linear temporal reference in the time stream. No matter. I am Sapphira the Wild Mage." Sapphira said with a slight bow.

"Time stream, temporal reference... What are you talking about?" I said with a confused tone.

"I suppose I should start at the beginning. Ha-ha. Get it: the beginning? A little time travel joke. In a recursively accessible time stream a begining, by definition, cannot exist! Now do you see what's so funny? No? Nevermind." Sapphira said.

Ryltar chuckled evidently getting the reference. "I sort of get what you are talking about Sapphira. But please explain." Ryltar said.

"It's nice to see someone doesn't think I'm crazy for once. HAHA no matter." Sapphira said. She continued. "I am a researcher in fluid temporality... time travel, if you will. That is why I am here in these ruins. Because they were built on a time sink. Time travel's not easy, you understand. And backward is much simpler than forward. But it is possible, on a time sink."

"Time sink?" Ryltar asked.

"A time sink is an area where it is possible to tap into the time stream and travel backwards in time... though not forwards, unless you are returning to the temporal reality you started from. Of course such a thing is not easily accomplished. It requires old and powerful magic. Fortunately, the Creator Race has already done the hard work for us by building the sun dials." Sapphira explained.

"Do you know anything about this Creator Race, dear?" I asked.

"They were a brutal people, enslaving the other races with their powerful magic. Physically the Creator Race resemble the lizard people of our own time. I have seen them when using the sun dials to travel to the past."

"Are the sundials still working?" Ryltar asked.

"They are, if you know how to use them. I could teach you how to travel back to the ancient past, when these ruins were still being built. But you have to perform a task for me." Sapphira said.

"What's the task?" Ryltar said.

"I need the fruit of the rare Ultarg tree. I have the seeds, but the tree only bears fruit every ten thousand years or so. What I need you to do is use the time sink to go back in time and plant the tree for me. I need the fruit of the rare Ultarg tree. I have the seeds, but the tree only bears fruit every ten thousand years or so. What I need you to do is use the time sink to go back in time and plant the tree for me." Sapphira said.

Ryltar looked at me and I nodded. "Alright we'll help you in this. One question there, are these invincible golems in the ruins will they be around when we get there?" Ryltar said.

"No you should arrive before they are built. You won't get very far if you don't know how to use the sun dials, though. I've actually got a notebook that explains it all. It's pretty simple. Here, take the notebook. And these Ultarg tree seeds you promised to plant. Oh, and you'll need this time crystal. The time crystals are magic items with a special use. Just use the special property of the time crystal and target the effect on the sun dial and you'll be sucked back to a time when these ruins were still being built. When you want to come back, just use the crystal again on the sun dial and you'll be transported back to the present age. And if you go back into the past, you might find some way to weaken the guardian golems patrolling this complex so you can get to the Word of Power you told me you were looking for. Or do you tell me at our next meeting? Whatever. " Sapphira said.

"We'll be back soon." Ryltar said.

"Remember to plant the Ultarg tree seeds in this spot. Anywhere else and they won't grow. Then come back to the future and speak to me and I'll give you your reward. I guess that's it. See you in a thousand years then." Sapphira said.

An hour later

Ryltar and I had to fight several undead creatures and guardians, but we were finally at one of these sun dials. "Why do they call them sun dials, if there underground?" Ryltar said to himself. I laughed saying. "Don't worry about it dear, let's just do this ok?" Ryltar nodded and used the crystal on the sun dial.

Ten Thousand Years In the Past

We emerged from a spinning purple bluish vortex with a windy sound to emerge at the same spot we left. Ryltar quickly killed a lizard guard near the sun dial who had his back to us. Ryltar placed a necklace around his neck after taking it off the neck of the guard.

"Are you sure its a good idea to wear that dear? Who knows what it does?" I said.

"Beats me but it looks nice." Ryltar said grinning.

"I've said it once and I'll say it again. Stupid males." I said laughing.

"Yes, mistress. Forgive me." Ryltar said bowing to me. I shook my head and followed Ryltar out the door. Around the corner there was a three human looking men Ryltar approached then starting a conversation.

"Ulak sabba por! Poad hisa ul pathcea fea gal!" The human said. Ryltar shushed me before I could speak.

"Why are you helping me?" Ryltar said.

"Jula va pekito. Rawa asagus." The man said. Ryltar nodded. And after much more talking the man gave him a ring Ryltar nodded and moved out the door.

I was surprised I said. "Ryltar, dear did you actually know his language?" I said impressed that Ryltar could speak such and ancient and forgotten language.

"Actually no, I think that this necklace allows me to speak with them." Ryltar said. "But you can forget I said that and remain impressed with my grand intelligence" he said grinning.

"Shut up, male." I said jokingly hitting Ryltar lightly over the head with my mace.

"OWWW! Are you always going to do that when I displease you?" Ryltar said. "Sheesh I wonder sometimes if your a matron mother in disguise!... you sure your not a drow?"

I laughed saying playfully. "Guess you'll just have to find out sometime won't you?" I said swaying my hips walking by him.

"Well it either that or you had drow ancestry in your past." Ryltar said looking me over.

"Stop staring and let's get done what we need, dear." I said.

"Yes, mistress." Ryltar said grinning like an idiot.

Two hours later in the creator gardens

"What manner of slave are you, that does not cast down their eyes in my presence! hissss I could have you flayed for this!" A scaled woman said. "Do you not recognize me? I am Morag, First Daughter of the Queen and heir to the throne! (hiss) How dare you approach me?"

Ryltar quickly pushed me and himself to the ground bowing. He said. "Forgive me, oh great one. We did not recognize you. If you could please answer a few questions?"

"I could have your tongue removed for daring to speak to me, slave. (hiss) But your brazen courage amuses me. It is rare for a slave to show such bravery... even such a dark elven one as yourself." Morag said.

"I shall answer your questions, creature, though if you displease me your life shall be forfeit. (hiss) What is it you wish to know, slave?" Morag said.

"Please if you could explain in more detail what this place is?" Ryltar said. I could detect a hint of anger welling in his voice but it was controled. So I breathed a sigh of releif.

"This is a temple to the glory of the Creator Race! (hiss) The power and might of our people shall be housed within the heart of these walls for all eternity! As a slave you need not understand more than that. (hiss) It is the will of your mistresses that you build this temple, and you will bow down to that will."

"Oh great queen, please tell us more about you." I said.

"I will not discuss my royal person with a mere slave. (hiss) The intrigue and political machinations of court would be lost on a lowly creature like you in any case. Poison slipped into a mother's cup, an assassin's blade twisted in the belly of an elder sister, an ally betrayed by a false rumor, an infant sibling smothered in his sleep... (hiss) What could a slave know of the motivation behind such things? My actions transcend mere life and death! I am of royal blood and I seek the immortality of the throne! (hiss) But your life is void of ambition. You are a slave. Your only concern is to bow to the will of your mistress." Morag said. I felt Ryltar grow angry just form her words and he stood up.

"Enough of this sherade. Morag I will stop you here and now. The suffering you have caused in ten thousand years and the lives you have twisted and destroyed will be aveged now!" Ryltar cried drawing his scimitar's. "I bow to no one no more. DIE!"

"Guards! Protect me from this creature!" Morag cried as she ran back but Ryltar's speed was such that he was able to create a deep gash in her shoulders and a quick cut into her left cheek. "AHHHH! Foolish slave I know not how you found such powerful weapons... but you will die!" Morag cried as she backed away from Ryltar who was busy parrying away her guards attacks.

"I'm not a slave to you. My name is Ryltar Kost'dora... remember it because next time we meet YOU... WILL... DIE!" Ryltar said a faint bluish glow surrounding him.

"I never forget a foe, you will die next we meet stranger one." Morag said as she disappeared.

I fired a crossbow bolt at one of the guards finishing it off while Ryltar killed the other. "I could have stopped her... why did I play this fascade? WHY! I could have stopped her."

"No, you couldn't have." I said placing a hand Ryltar's shoulder. His entire body still faintly glowed blue. Normally after such a fight he would be tired and worn out and the glow would leave him. Now it seemed to hang around him like a second skin. "are you ok Ryltar?" I asked.

Rytlar looked at himself. Examining his arms and body. "I fell fine... great actually." Ryltar said shaking his head. "There let's plant the seed there." Ryltar said covering the seed in the ground.

"I'm also starting to wonder if some of the ways of the drow stem from how they were treated by the Creator Race." Ryltar said.

"Let's get back inside dear. There will be time for such things later." I said. Ryltar nodded and we headed back inside.

End Linu

Ryltar

Another hour later

"Do not worry, we will make the golem vulnerable to slashing and piercing weapons as you have asked us." the slave worker told me. This was the third slave I had talked to who was working on the golems. Now with each hopefully vulnerable to Linu and my weapons I decided it was time to head back to the present. "Thank you." I said turning away from him. Linu and I once more stood in front of the sun dial and I activated the crystal.

Ten thousand years in the future

"Greetings, Ryltar Kost'dora - once more I must thank you for planting the Ultarg seed trees for me. Or is this the first time I am thanking you? No matter - I am grateful in any case." Sapphira said to me.

"It was nothing." I said.

"Dear, I don't normally do this but I seem to have forgotten my money in the past. Could you aske about our reward?" Linu whispered to me. I nodded.

"Now you mentioned something about our reward?" I said to Sapphira.

"Have I not given it to you yet? No... I suppose I haven't, or you wouldn't be asking now, would you? What to give, what to give? Ah, I know!" Sapphira said looking me over. "Take these gems with my blessing. Though your own sparkling beauty might draw attention from their glitter, I imagine you will still find them most valuable."

"Uhh... Thank you your most generous." I said, pocketing the gems.

"Farewell, Ryltar... Linu, until we meet again for the first time. Ha! Another time travel joke! Or maybe I haven't told any yet..." Sapphira said to herself.

I nodded and turned away, with Linu at my side.

Four hours later

"At last we have the second Word of Power!" I said still faintly glowing blue for some reason. Another flash of light and Haedriline was next to me again

"You have done well, to find the second Word. hiss Its power draws my spell so that my projection may speak to you in this vision. There is much you must know." Haedriline said to me and Linu.

"What to you want to tell us?" I said cautiously not entirely trusting her.

" hiss Maugrim is nothing but a fool. He does not truly understand what he seeeks. The Words are ancient beyond imagination, they contain power he cannot fathom. I, Haedraline of the Word Slaves, was there at the beginning when the world was hot and this land was jungle where the Old Ones ruled." Haedraline said.

"Word Slaves?" Linu said confused.

"The living power of the Words Maugrim seeks had to be bound in the flesh of the Word Slaves. hiss We were unwilling guardians, our souls tied to the ancient magic of the Old Ones. When the world was hot we Word Slaves suffered for the empire of the Old Ones, hiss the Words ripping their power from our tortured spirits and our living flesh." Haedrline said explaining.

"What do you mean whne the world was hot? The entire area is cold and harsh." I said

"Once this winter land was a lush jungle. Vents from the earth blasted scorching steam into the sky and the world was warm and fruitful. The Old Ones lived in this paradise, as did we Word Slaves. The world grew cold, the jungles died. Frost and snow covered the land. For all their power, the Masters could not stop the change. hiss They vanished from the world, consumed by the earth that had turned against them." Haedrline said.

"and what happened to the Words of Power?" I asked.

"Over the centuries the magic of the Words became dormant, their power faded. And as we who were left behind grew strong the bonds enslaving us were broken. We who had once been Slaves scattered and hid the Words so that we would be forever free of their legacy. hiss Now thousands of years have passed and even we who hid the Words no longer know where to find them." She said.

"What does this have to do with Ryltar, dear?" Linu asked.

"Nothing till your actions in the past. Morag remembers you well she tells of a stranger dark elven, and High elven slaves attacking her in her youth. The cuts you made with your weapons are still there. Echoes of an attack she couldn't stop. HISSSS" Haeldrine said.

"I must inform Arain Gend of this." I said.

"Go find the third Word of Powersss. Time grows sssssshort." Haedriline said fading.

Linu and I were walking out of the Creator Ruins, and I was a few feet ahead of Linu examining the area around some strange rocks, when I found an odd seed I had never seen before. I picked it up and turned to Linu. "Linu, look at this. I've never seen this type of seed before. What do you think it is?" I said. Linu took the seed from me and examined it.

"Ryltar! Yes – this is the seed the goddess described, I'm sure of it. Oh, Ryltar, you've done it!" Linu said excided.

"There is nothing I could give you that could equal the gift you have given to the people of Evereska. You have proven beyond a doubt that you are the best of friends to the elven people, and the truest of friends to me." Linu said with a loved filled gaze in her eyes.

"I love you Linu and care for you more then anyone, I'd gladly give my life in defense of your people and your life." I said. "Your friendship and love mean more to me then anything." I said.

"Sweet Ryltar. Those words... they fill some part of my soul that has been missing for a long time." Linu said looking at me with tears welling up in her eyes. "There is an expression in elven, 'Vestrai mieni', which means, 'you complete me'. Do you know what I mean by that?"

I nodded, saying "Yes. You complete me too, my dear Linu." I said holding her close to me.

"It would mean a lot to me, if you would come to Evereska with me, after we are done here. I think I would truly love to explore a deeper relationship with you." she said.

"I'd love to do that... but do you think your people will allow me entry?" I said.

"Sephaine will provide a way for that I am sure." Linu said to me.

"What will you do with the seed now, Linu?" I asked.

"I will take the seed back to Evereska, where a place will be prepared for a whole forest of these oaks to grow. The elven population has been withdrawing from the larger population of Faerun at too quick a rate. Perhaps with this symbol, and the elven gods' blessings, we can begin to replenish ourselves. The coming years will be an upheaval in elven society, if we are going to integrate ourselves more, then we will need strong leadership. Who will step up and assume that role? I have no idea." Linu explained.

"What about you?" I said.

"I don't really think I have the qualities necessary for leadership. I would be content with a place in the church, maybe build a new temple somewhere in human lands, and lend support to elves who come out of seclusion. Whatever role I am given, with Sehanine to guide me, I shall endeavor to do what is best for my people, and for the other people of this world. Though I know there is much to do in Evereska, I am in no rush to leave your side, dear one. As long as we have work to do, and you have a place for me, I shall remain with you, loyal to the end." Linu said now with tears flowing down her face I pulled her into a strong embrace and felt her tears seep through my light padded amour.

Linu straighten herself out. Saying. "Come, my dear love Ryltar let's return to Arain Gend." I nodded and followed her.

Back at Arain's Lodge

"You are back Ryltar have you got something to report?" Arain asked me as I entered the lodge.

I handed him the second Word of Power. Still glowing after all this time. "I got the second Word as you can see." I said.

"This is good news, and the gods know we have had precious little enough of that lately. With Aribeth at their head, the Luskan forces are winning victory after victory over the Lords' Alliance troops, and all the while Maugrim and his cult continue their search for the Words of Power. At least there is one here they will not have. My loyal network of scouts will spirit the Word away to Castle Neverwinter for safekeeping until Lord Nasher's scribes can discover its use. On behalf of the city of Neverwinter and Lord Nasher himself, please accept this reward of 2500 gold pieces as a token of our gratitude." Arain said handing me a bag of gold. I reluctantly took it handing it to Linu who placed it in her pack. Arain looked me over saying, "If I may say, Ryltar. You've seem to have taken on a bluish glow. Are you feeling alright?"

I quickly explained to him my gift and how I couldn't stop glowing. "This is strange news. Do you have anyother?" Arain said to me.

"You mean starnge news? Or just normal news?" Linu said laughing.

Arain and I both laughed "Any news." Arain said after recovering.

I quickly informed him of Haeldrilnine and what she had told me.

"Normally Neverwinter counts the lizardmen amongst her enemies, but your news is not completely unexpected. I have received reports of a lizard creature and her followers doing battle with Maugrim's cult. This must be that Haedraline you mentioned. I will need to consider this new information carefully. But this is not your concern, Ryltar. You must focus on finding the Words. I wish you luck in your mission, Ryltar. Return to me once you have another of the Words." Arain informed me I nodded heading for the bar.

Several days later inside the snow globe

"You are not one of my slaves. It is strange for me to see one who does not cower and flee in terror at my presence, tiny dark elven being. I find your courage... intriguing." the white dragon said to me. I had gone to great lengths to assemble a necklace, but still had not placed it together.

"I am The Master. Visitors are a great curiosity in my world, so I will forgive your intrusion. Tell me, puny one, why have you come to my realm?" the dragon said.

"I'm Ryltar Kost'dora, this is Linu La'neral. Were searching for the Words of Power." I said.

"Your names means nothing to me, fool... I have been too long absent from your world. But the Word of Power, that is something with which I am very familiar." the master said.

"There was a time when I would have snuffed out your existence for daring to even mention the Word in my presence. But centuries of solitude have cooled the passions of my icy blood. I can tell you of this Word of Power if you wish, though its magic is far greater than anything your trivial intellect will be able to comprehend." the master said.

I said simply "Later for now I must go." I turned and left the cave.

After once more turning the globe around and having the dwarves assemble the amulet I returned to The Master's cave. He attacked me on sight and after a fierce fight lay dead at my feet. I opend a chest at the far end of the cave and found the last Word of Power.

"The third Word is yours - but time is short and Morag stirs. hiss The city you call Neverwinter is under siege. Soon it will fall to Maugrim and he will possess the Source Stone. " Haeldrinline said appearing next to me.

"Source Stone? What is that?" I asked.

"Morag was the Queen of my people - the Old Ones, the Creator Race. hiss It was she who created the Source Stone when the world became cold and the snow covered the land. Morag used the Words to put her people into a deep hibernation when the cold winter came, imprisoning the heat of the steam fissures in the magical Source Stone - and her and all her people with it." Haeldriline explained.

"Why did she enter the Source Stone?" Linu asked.

"The Old Ones could not survive the coming of the winter storm. hiss Morag sought a shelter where she could escape the death of ice and cold. Within the Source Stone Morag would gather her strength year after year, century after century. hiss When her power waxed full, we Word Slaves would awaken the Queen to banish the never ending winter."

"So you think if Morag awakes she'll turn the North into a tropical jungle?" I said.

"The Source Stone is buried beneath the streets of Neverwinter, and even in its dormant state the magical heat radiating from within keeps the city habitable during the coldest blizzards. Imagine what will happen when the power is awakened fully and released. Those who survive the global warming will become slaves to the Creators, and I will be bound to the Words of Power once more. hiss I will not allow this to happen!" Haedrilnie said desperately.

"How did Maugrim get invovled in this?" Linu asked.

"Something has awakened Morag's spirit - though her body and true power remain trapped in the Source Stone for now. She speaks to Maugrim through projections as I am speaking to both of you. Maugrim serves her, a pawn blinded by her promises of rewards and power. hiss The plague was the first step in Morag's return. Each death fed the Queen's power, bringing her closer to a true awakening. Now Maugrim seeks to claim the Words of Power the Lords' Alliance has hidden in Castle Never to complete the awakening. If he succeeds Morag will bring complete and utter devastation to the North."

Surges of engery flowed threw me at her words. "I'll stop her somehow... even if it means my death!" I said.

" hiss You must return to Neverwinter before the city falls. Speak to the one you call Aarin Gend - - I will try to meet you there." Haeldriline said fading. A portal appeared in front of me and I stepped through with Linu following me.

Back at Arain's lodge

"I have just received the latest reports from the battlefield and things are grim. The walls of Neverwinter have been breached, and the Lords' Alliance has retreated to Castle Never under the onslaught. Aribeth, with her intimate knowledge of our strategies, crushes our forces in every encounter. Half the city is under the control of her Luskan forces. And what of your mission - have you found the success our troops have not?" Arain said to me ask I entered.

I handed him the final word and filled him in on Haeldrilines words. "Here, the final word." I said.

"Finally some good news, and not a moment too soon. Even now I am preparing to leave for Castle Neverwinter to help ensure the Words I sent there for safe keeping are not captured by Aribeth. I might as well open my coffers to you before we go - the money was meant to fund the defense of the city, and you seem to have done more for that cause than anyone else. Better I give the funds to you than let the Luskan forces loot them. You have done well, Ryltar and Linu. Take this reward of 4500 gold coins. You have earned it." I nodded handing them to Linu who placed them in my pack.

"And there is more where that came from, if you accompany me to Neverwinter to aid in defending the city. The Lords' Alliance desperately needs both of you. Your gift might be what we need to turn the battle. Eh, Ryltar?" Arain said to me. I said simply to him. "I will do what I must, but I am not some tool to be used in a battle." Arain nodded understanding. "Forgive my words. If you are both ready then let us go." I nodded and after two hours of packing we were on our way to Neverwinter. "I just hope that I return in time to stop Aribeth." I thought.

End Ryltar

(A/N: Man you people should love me for this. I'm swamped with work, college, and personal stuff and I still get another update in before the weekend. WOOT! Chapter 20 and the last chapter for the game. Things are heating up, and friendships will be tried. Will Ryltar save Aribeth, and stop her armies from conquering Neverwinter? Will his thousand year vendetta with Morag come to an end? Find out in chapter 20)