Chapter 29
(A/N: Hey been a bit since I last updated but as you can see this chpater is longer then others, been busy with some other stuff too. Like working on an orginal sci-fi story for posting at well please read and review I put a lot of work into this chpater and reviews and words would be appreciated. I'd also like to thank my girlfriend for her help at certain parts of this story throughout all chapters without her a lot of the parts in this story would be bland.)
Ryltar
I awoke around mid day, Linu was draped across my chest, I felt a little groggy, and after a moment of recalling what had happened last night I realized two things, one Linu had used a strong charm spell of a kind to get me into bed, and two she then used that in conjunction with a sleep spell to get me to sleep. I sighed smiling at her cleaver plan. "She's got the spark of a drow about her." I thought. The wagon we were in was still moving evidently the caravan was still heading to where ever it was we were headed. The leader Katriana had neglected to inform Linu or I where it was we were headed, only that our destination would lead us to clues on where we could learn more about this tower statue. The statue itself was locked in a pocket on my belt which was next to the bed. Turning to make sure it was still there and seeing it, I sighed turning back to Linu's still sleeping form. Every time I looked at her I was struck by her beauty, she seemed to almost shine with a white aurora, but when I would look again it was gone. I figured this was all just a trick of the lightening, but sometimes I wondered. I laid my head back onto the pillow and thought back on everything we had gone through together since I first met her. All of the memories left me with mixed emotions, raging from, happiness, to deep sorrow, at the death and destruction, that I had caused. Even after so many years had passed since the events that had transpired in Neverwinter, I was still exhausted. I was pretty sure that even Linu couldn't tell how tired I still was. The events that had happened in Neverwinter had scared me in a way, my mind was wounded, my soul, bloodied, and my body ready to fall apart. I pushed myself on, knowing that if I gave up on trying to help those that needed it, I was not truly unlike my race. I was determined not to stop. Nothing, not even my death would stop me from helping people. "That, and I made that promise to Linu, that I wouldn't die, so till she releases me from that, I'm not giving up." I thought to myself. I looked out the window still in bed, while it was daytime outside, I didn't have the energy to get out of bed. Sighing still seeing Linu fast asleep, I pulled her closer to me, and forced myself back to sleep.
End Ryltar
Linu
I was half awake hearing a mumbling of sorts next to me. In my daze I couldn't make out what was being said. After a moment I realized it was Ryltar, talking in his sleep. I slowly woke up focusing more on his words.
"... Didn't mean to... tricked... forgive me..." Ryltar mumbled in his sleep.
I tried waking him up but either it didn't help, or he was asleep to deep. "...I tried... I went as fast as I could... Why..." Ryltar continued.
He was obviously being berated by someone or something, he didn't have any wounds on his body like the time I woke him from fighting his darker side. For this I was glad. "... I couldn't stop it... moved... fast... I tried... I really did." Ryltar continued now with tears coming out of his eyes and running down his cheeks. "I... I couldn't stop them..." Ryltar said finally going silent.
I tried waking him once more but after two minutes of trying to wake him I rested my head on his chest once more. I tried to just enjoy the quiet times we had together, but I was concerned now more then ever for Ryltar's mental health. He had never gotten a chance to truly take in what had happened in Neverwinter, events moved to fast for him. Added to this that he thought that I and Mayra were forever lost to him, I knew he had a lot on his mind. Then when Aribeth had sacrificed herself to allow me to live once more, Aribeth didn't give Ryltar a chance to thank her, or offer her another choose. Everything it seemed was catching up to Ryltar, and nothing I nor, anyone else did seemed to help much. I sighed rubbing Ryltar's stomach and chest gently trying to calm his tight nerves and mind.
More mumbling came from Ryltar as I did this. "...No I'm... like you... away... not ... not evil... NO!" Ryltar cried. Ryltar body suddenly flared blue as his power was mysteriously released, and I watched as his body grew in strength, and build. He suddenly through both the covers and me off the bed and onto the floor. I recovered myself quickly and sat up, I watched as Ryltar stormed around the large wagon, smashing what little furniture and things were in the room.
"Ryltar?" I said concerned for him growing even larger.
He turned quickly a bluish flare in both his eyes. He seemed almost like a demon possessed. He snarled at me, and slowly advanced on where I was. Fear rose in me as he advanced. Being near the door I grabbed my mace and opened the door just as Ryltar lunged at me trying to stop my escape. "By the Gods! What is happening to him?" I screamed thinking to myself as I ran out into the caravan, while only wearing my bed clothes I still had my mace with me, while not, the best of equipment to fight someone with, much less Ryltar, I was determined to find out what was happening to him.
"By Mordian's Beard! What is with all this... racket?" Dorna said as she saw Ryltar and I in the sands. Ryltar still advancing on me. I ran through my available spells, and I cursed myself for not praying for more combat related spells the night before. Dorna tried getting between Ryltar and I but with a fast blur of his left hand she was thrown into one of the wagons, which she slid to the ground not moving.
"Dammit! RYLTAR STOP THIS!" I screamed at him hoping that whatever was happening would stop at my words. I saw that my words had not effect on him and I finally reached the conclusion that whatever was happening to Ryltar, he had little or no control in his actions. Ryltar came at me and I tried ducking out of the way, his movements seemed slightly sluggish, so I brought my mace around hitting his left kneecap, an ear splitting cry of pain came out of Ryltar as I rolled away from him coming back to my feet. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Deekin coming towards us.
"Ryltar? What's wrong with the Boss, elf lady?" Deekin said coming up to my side.
"Deekin! Get away from here! I'm not sure what's wrong with Ryltar." I said quickly pushing him away from me. Thankfully he took my advice and rounded the others up and pulled Dorna and the rest away form our fight.
I tired pleading with Ryltar once more, "Ryltar, dear. Stop this, whatever is happening to you we'll..." I started to say but as Ryltar overcame the hit I had landed on his kneecap, he came at me faster then I could react and I soon found myself with Ryltar's left hand around my neck. The force of his grab caused me to drop my mace, leaving me with out any subtle weapon. I could barely breath much less speak, I looked into Ryltar's eyes, and saw only the deep bluish glow in them, not the faint silver green eyes, I had fallen in love with, "You foolish woman, he is no more now there is only death, and yours will be the first." a voice not of Ryltar said.
I looked deeply into his eyes once more and said. "Ry... Ryltar... I... Lo... Love you." I barely gasped out. "Please... stop... remember yourself." I uttered.
End Linu
Ryltar Two minutes before
I was screaming inside my mind that was no longer mine. While I had slept I was haunted by my past deeds, lost friends and loved ones, I was then assaulted by my evil side, shouts of saying that I was no better then he was, killing people just to complete my quest, the previous words of my lost friends and deeds had already shaken me, now with his words, they had distracted me from noticing his quick movements, before I could stop him he had somehow reached into my mental body and taken control of my real world body, how he did this I didn't know. I didn't really care at the moment, all I knew was that a body that wasn't mine, had a look of death about it as it approached Linu, thankfully she grabbed her mace and ran out of the wagon's door way as my body lunged towards her. Dorna had tried to stop me, but my evil side had just thrown her into a wagon, which she had slid to the ground laying still. I screamed in my mind once more, trying to regain control of my body.
"It is futile to resist me weakling, you should have accepted my offer of power, when I did, now I'll make you suffer as you watch the woman you love, die by my hands... YOUR hands." my evil side said mentally to me.
"NO! I... I won't allow you to do that! I'll... I'll find a way to stop you!" I cried trying unsuccessfully once more to gain control of my body.
My body sneered at Linu, as it... I moved towards her. For her credit Linu had took my teachings in combat to heart, and had seen the strike of my arms coming towards her, she ducked, but I knew that wouldn't save her. I ran quickly through my options and came up with only one. If I couldn't get my entire body back maybe I can get or at least slow another part. Concentrating on my legs only now I found that my lower half moved slower then the rest. Linu must have seen this and swung her mace in towards my left kneecap, she connected and the pain from it plus the look of regret in her eyes as my evil side cried out in pain made my heart sink.
Linu had forced Deekin back to rounding everyone away from our fight, but I knew that while Linu had learned much from me, she was sorely outmatched from my speed alone. Added to this I knew she would try all she could to stop whatever it was she thought was happening to me.
Faster then even I thought I was possible my body had Linu in the air gripping her throat slowly crushing it. She gasped out. She looked deeply into my eyes once more and said. "Ry... Ryltar... I... Lo... Love you." she barely got out. "Please... stop... remember yourself." she uttered.
Anger flashed through my entire being both physically, and mentally. I wanted my body back, and I wanted it now. Summoning up all my power, I cried. "Give...ME...BACK...MY...BODY NOW!"
The force I unleashed was unlike anything I had ever released before, not even when I was fighting Morag was my power this great. I felt my evil twin's grip on my body lessen then with a final push of power I felt it leave me entirely. Linu had fallen to the ground gasping for air. As I fought with myself. My body itself had stumbled back both from without and from within. "NO! This is my time now. You are weak..." My evil side cried.
I felt him leave me suddenly and after a moment I had my own body back. Unfortenetly I was looking into the hate filled eyes of my own. "Wha? What the?" I said confused.
I looked at an exact twin of myself and just at a glance I knew that it was my evil twin, physically able to harm me...and me able to harm him. However, looking at him, I saw that he was in a sort of trance. Seeing that he had all of his normal equipment, and I having nothing but what I slept in. I grabbed Linu still gasping and ran for the wagon. Laying her gently done and saying. "I'm sorry my love, but I must stop this here and now." She blinked into my eyes, obviously not aware of what was happening, standing back up not wanting to waste time I grabbed my padded magical mitheral amour, and my scimitar belt and after quickly equipping myself I came back outside, seeing my evil side standing camly before me.
"Ahhh, always the do gooder. Having to rescue those around you as always. But the question reamains now that I am free... at least for a time it seems." He said.
Readying myself for anything I said confused. "What do you mean here for a time?"
"Your a fool if you think now is the time for our great fight, weakling." My evil side said.
"Then make time, cause after what you just did, I'm going to cave your head in and make you pay." I said spinning both my scimitars.
"HAHA, you think you can defeat me?" My evil side replied.
"No, not think, I know." I said charging him. Faster then even I thought possible, he had both of his scimitars out blocking my own attack. A burst of energy came through his body and through his scimitars pushing me back.
"How?" I said confused and surprised at what he did.
He pointed one of his scimitars at me saying. "See more proof that you are weak. You don't even know the full extent of your powers, you could be so much more. But as I said my time on this world is short... for now." My evil side said as he faded.
Sheathing my scimitars once more I headed back towards the wagon that Linu and I shared, hoping that she would forgive me for what I had done.
End Ryltar
Linu
I watched from the corner of the wagon as the door opened, fear at first entered my mind and I grabbed my mace in worry. Would the person entering through that door be the man I loved? Or an insane monster set on destroying the world. I saw what appeared to be Ryltar, slowly enter the wagon. He didn't have his bluish glow about him, nor a hate, evil filled eyes about him.
He closed the door, and stood there looking at me before saying. "Linu? Are... are you ok?"
I stood up still in the corner I had my mace ready incase anything happened, but my trust in him was weak, I still didn't know who or what I was dealing with, so I simply said. "Yes, I'm fine. Is that you Rylar? Or is it your evil side trying to play a trick on me?" I said in fear.
I saw a brief look of hurt cross his face but was quickly replaced with understanding. "Yes, Linu. It's I... the good Ryltar. I'm sorry what happened, I... I don't know how it happened... I'm not really sure." He said.
Still not sure on his words, I said. "If what you say is true then you'll understand that I'm hesitant in fully believing what your saying, from what happened."
Ryltar looked at me in understanding. "I... I understand, Linu. I hold no anger towards how you are acting, what happened was inexcuseable. I should have guarded myself more against my evil side... I'll... I understand if you don't wish... wish to be with me anymore. I'll... I'll be outside." He said sadly. Turning and leaving.
After the door to the wagon closed, I cried for several minutes, I knew that what happened wasn't Ryltar's fault. I should have seen something like this happening when I heard his words when he was asleep. What Ryltar needed right now wasn't me distancing myself from him, but understanding and compassion. I was sure that it was my words before that had allowed him to regain control of himself, and I was also sure that he would need my help in controling himself now more then ever. Especially with the quest for these artifacts we were on now. Whatever awaited Ryltar, I knew I would have to help him through this. Sighing once more, and doning my suit of plate mail, and the rest of my equipment, I headed outside.
End Linu
Ryltar
I was angery at myself, for what happened, I should have worked harder to keep my evil side under control. I only hoped that with time, I would regain Linu's trust, and love. Everyone in the camp it seemed was scared of me, all except the kobold Deekin. He approached me as Dorna was being attended to by the halfings. "Boss! You hurt people that be friends of us... why?" Deekin said.
I sighed trying to figure out a way to explain this to him. "Deekin... I... I'm not sure how to explain it really. Please though, don't put any part of this in your book." I said.
"Ok, Ryltar. Deekin sorry, me call you Boss, before.. force of habit you might say." Deekin said scratching his head.
"Don't worry about it." I said.
"Ryltar, Deekin want's to know more about your glow what it be?" Deekin asked me.
I sighed still not sure how to explain it to him. "Deekin, well... It's an ancient gift, its more powerful then the gods, and from what I understand has been used by "Choosen people" Through history. of all races." I was about to continue but Deekin interrupted me.
"Ohhhh, you think gift choose kobolds in past?" Deekin asked.
I laughed feeling the strain of what happened lift a little. "HAHA, I'm not sure Deekin, probably."
"Oh, Ok... Ryltar?" Deekin said.
"Yes, what is it?" I asked.
"Now be good time for Deekin to ask about Great Hero's past?" Deekin asked.
I nooded. "Yes, just give me a moment to make sure everyone's all right. Especially Dorna." I said with worry.
Several Minuts Later
It was several minutes later, and I had made sure that everyone in the carvan was alright, everyone was including Dorna, she at least understood partially what had happened and I left her to try and explain to everyone what had happened. Deekin was with me, and a short journey down the way from where the caravan had come to a stop we found an oasis, Deekin and I quickly went back and after a few minutes of moving the caravan to the oasis we made camp for the rest of the day. Linu I had asked to give me the day with Deekin alone so I could talk to Deekin, Linu had agreed but later on at night she wanted to talk to me as well, alone she had said. I had agreed and now found myself in a shallow shade never a small pond with Deekin.
"Ok, Deekin what is it you want to know about me?" I asked.
"Well... Deekin want's know about Ryltar." He said simply.
"Well, sure I guess I can do that, it's a long story but I guess we have time for me to tell it to you." I said.
"Ohhh, Deekin get pen, this be good thing to put in story!" deekin said pulling out his ink pen.
I laughed lightly, and begaun my tale.
Several hours later
"So, I died in the fight, Linu used the Stone of Recall to take my body back to the Tempel of Tyr, and they tried resurecting me, they failed. They set about making the cure, and during this time, Desther betrayed us all, and took it, Linu went after him, but was captured in the process, back in Neveriwnter, I came back to life, and..." I continued Deekin interrupting me.
"Ohhh, Ryltar, you kick bad mans butt?" Deekin asked me.
I gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder, "Yes, Deekin, I did. He was later hung and..." I continued me tale up till when I had met him. "And well you know the rest."
Deekin got up to strech I looked around me, the sun was now setting, and I figured I should go find Linu and see what she wanted.
End Ryltar
Linu
Ryltar found me several hours later when the sun was setting, and while he didn't look as glum as he was before, he seemed still bothered by what happened. He approached me slowly saying. "Linu? You want to talk now?"
I nodded, "Yes, dear. I do." I said he lead me to the same oasis that he and Deekin had been at all day. Ryltar looked at me.
"Look, Linu, again I'm sorry about what happened. Maybe it would be best for everyone if I just left." He said.
I stood up and sat down next to him pulling him against me. "Ryltar, don't think that. I know what happened today wasn't your fault. You couldn't have stopped what happened, all that's important is that you regained control of yourself before anything worse happened. Dorna is fine, and so am I." I said.
Ryltar looked at me. "Your don't think I'm some sort of alchmeist fire box ready to go off?" He asked. (A/N: Alchmeist fire box is d&d for a bomb)
I smiled at him kissing him on the cheek. "No, dear. After you left the wagon earlier, I realized that putting a wall between you and I, would only make things worse. You need my understanding and compassion, not distance. I'll stand by you, no matter, what happens." I said stroking his face lightly.
Ryltar looked at the ground his entire body shuddering slightly, I thought at first that he was crying but no tears, came from his eyes. He looked at me, saying. "Linu, I'm tired. Tired of adventuring, tired of helping others, broken from what happened in Neverwinter and after. I haven't slept a peaceful night since that night after I saved you from Desther. I'm... I'm tired."
I carrassed his face again, he leaned against it in return. Before continuing. "Linu, I don't want this gift, I don't want this destiny, I just want a peaceful life with you. I want to lead a happy and quiet life, in the woods somewhere. Away from the troubles plaguing large cities, and towns. I want to be a druid in every sense of the word. I..."
I interrupted him as he continued. "Dear, I promise when this quest with the artifacts is over, we'll both retire, we deserve it. We'll find a nice quiet part of Fae'run, and settle down, we'll raise a family and hopefully we won't have to worry anymore about great quests, and world destruction races." I said soothingly.
Ryltar looked at me for a moment taking in my words before saying. "But that's just it. I... can't. I have been decreed to stop this great evil in the world, and face my evil side to stop the world from ending. I can't escape that." Ryltar explained.
I nodded in understanding, "I know that, dear. We all have things we're destined for. And some of those things we can't escape. But, we don't know when that evil will come, when it does you and I will face it together." I embraced him, fully now squeezing him tightly. "Just relax, my love. I now and always will love you." I thought. Ryltar pulled back he looked at me still troubled by something. "What's wrong, dear?" I asked.
"Something... I'm not sure, nevermind. I thought... well for a second I thought. I heard what you were thinking. Nevermind, it was just stress." Ryltar said.
I was surprised at this. Many times in my life, I had heard that a few elves had devloped connections with loved ones, an almost mental and physical bond which allowed both to more or less know what the other was feeling and sometimes thinking. I had heard though that it was only possible through High elves, not others, this however I didn't believe but even still in my wildest imaginations I never thought this could happen between Ryltar and I. "Course you never thought you'd fall in love again after Seth... much less a drow." I thought slightly amused.
"Linu?" Ryltar looked at me with a hint of concern. "You ok?" He asked.
Shaking myself from my thoughts I said. "I'm fine, dear. Just taking in on what you said."
"Oh, I see... but about what you said earlier, about us having a family, what of our children? They will probably be the first high and drow elf pairing, in this world. How..." Ryltar said but I silienced his words interrupting him.
"Ryltar, dear. Just relax for now, there's no reason in worrying about family life right now. Just relax for now, according to Torias were going to be stopping here for a few days. So let's take this time to just relax for now. Ok?" I said trying to calm Ryltar.
Ryltar looked at me as if to argue that there was stuff to do, but I silenece him with. "Don't make me, find other ways to get you to rest." I said.
Ryltar laughed once more saying. "Fine, I'll try. Would you mind just staying here with me for now?... help me focus myself, while I try to meditate?" Ryltar asked me.
I smiled kissing him once more. "Of course, dear. I might even join you. Besides, resting isn't everything we can do. Why don't we discuss tommorrow more about what happened in Neverwinter, and such. It'll help you get things into the open. Ok?"
Ryltar moved in a comfortable position to begin meditating. He said. "Your right as always, my love. Maybe... maybe what I need is closesure, after this is all over, maybe we should head back to Neverwinter, no?" Ryltar said.
I thought for a second then laughed saying. "You know as far as everyon there knows I'm still dead... heck there's two of me now! One living one dead!" I said realizing this.
Ryltar's eyes widened as I said this. "By the Spirit your right!"
Giving him a coy smile I said. "Think you could handle two of me?"
Ryltar laughed lighthly saying. "Linu, dear. I can barely handle one of you that's enough for me." I pulled him into a light embrace holding him close to me. We both sighed watching the sun now setting on the horizon, Ryltar for a moment shielded his eyes, but after a while he got used to it. We stayed like that for several hours just letting the cool desert air wash over us. And soon after we were both in a deep meditative trance.
End Linu
Ryltar
It was several weeks later, and while I was still bothered by what had happened in Neverwinter, and Linu and I had not fully had the time to discuss what had happened I was to caught up in our quest to stop some ancient power from awaking to worry about it at this time.
"A-ha! And here you are, just as I thought you might be! I cannot begin to tell you just how relieved I am to see you." Drogan said coming through a portal. Linu, Deekin, Dorna and I were deep underground in some ancient ruins, we had seen a mysterious woman go through a portal which had disapeared as we entered.
Smiling at seeing Drogan I said. "It is good you are well, friend."
"Aye, I've made it, not that this was a simple feat to accomplish. When Garrick contacted me, I was eye-deep in my own problems." Drogan said.
Deekin spoke up. "Um... Who is you?" He said.
"I am Drogan, little one. Once I was teacher and mentor to Ryltar, but no longer. I don't believe we've met, you and I." Drogan replied.
"Heh... nope, we not meets. Me is Deekin, faithful kobold companion to Ryltar and Linu and scribe of there epic tale!" Deekin said proudly.
"Then I am very pleased to meet you, Deekin. Ryltar and Linu must be very lucky to have found such a loyal friend such as yourself." Drogan said simply. I was glad he was't angry at Deekin for being a part of the attack on his home.
"You is nice dwarf. Deekin likes you!..." Deekin said then looked sad. "Deekin just wants to say he sorry bout what happened in human town, he didn't hurt no one he promises."
Drogan laughed saying. "Don't worry little one, I trust you enough that if Ryltar trusts you, well then I'll trust you."
Dorna came over to us about then evidently finishing her inspection of the room for any traps. Seeing Drogan she said. "You're a sight for sore eyes, Master Drogan. I'm glad to see you hale and hearty."
"Aye, Dorna. It is good to see you, as well. My continued health hasn't exactly been guaranteed, either as I'm sure you've heard, considering all the trouble Ayala and I have faced." Drogan said in reply.
"What do you mean, dear?" Linu asked.
"The enemy behind all this has been hounding me for days, now, just as I suspected she would. Devils and demons and such... the sort you've seen for yourself already, no doubt." Drogan said looking at Linu and I, we both nodded, and I shuddered recalling the half dragon half demon monster we faced in Neverwinter, before Aribeth.
"She must assume I still have the mythallar which you brought here. Fortunately Ayala and I were still able to find out what we needed to." Drogan explained.
"And what is that exactly?" I asked.
"Our enemy is a powerful sorceress by the name of Heurodis. Little is known of her personally, but we do know that she was once apprentice to the dread lich Belpheron. Belpheron had spent all of his extended lifetime learning of ancient Netheril and its artifacts, and he passed this knowledge onto his apprentices. The Harpers thought all of Belpheron's students were killed when he was. Apparently they were wrong. But now we know what this Heurodis is after: she desires to obtain the power of the ancient Netherese mages for herself. Power beyond any magic practiced since the Empire's fall. This is why she seeks the mythallar... and why she has come here. With Belpheron's knowledge, Heurodis is more than capable of attaining this goal." Drogan explained further.
"How could Heurodis have escaped notice for so long, dear?" Linu asked.
"That is a good question, dear girl. At one time, Belpheron reached a level of power that threatened all of Faerun, and the Harpers only barely destroyed him. That one of his students was able to escape the fate of the others and remain hidden for so long speaks much of her abilities. But for all the things we don't know about Heurodis, we can assume that her goal is the same as Belpheron's. With luck, she can be defeated as he was. " Drogan said with convidence
"We saw a strange woman enter a portal as we entered, I'm going to assume this was Heurodis, and ask how do we stop her?" I said.
"I assume Garrick told you what this ruin's original purpose was, yes? It contains portals that the ancient Netherese used to travel between their fortresses and flying cities. Heurodis obviously intends to use these portals to reach another ruin... somewhere untouched, most like, and full of all the artifacts she could possibly want. We must stop her." Drogan said desperetly.
"And... you wants Deekin to follow, too?" Deekin asked.
"It's a dangerous task, lad, but if you're up to it, your help would be greatly appreciated." Drogan said.
"But Deekin no hero. How he help fight powerful sorceress?" Deekin shot back.
"You've been a faithful companion to Ryltar so far, haven't you? You said so yourself. That means you've power enough to stand on your own. And as far as being a hero, lad, let me tell you something. They're not made with size and strength. Heroes are made with courage, and I think you've plenty, after all your traveling with a drow, who is gifted with a power that if used for evil could very easilly destroy this world, and a high elf cleric who is just as dangerous in her own way." Drogan said the last part with a smile at Linu.
"I... Deekin go with you, then. Deekin fight, too. Deekin gots to finish epic story, anyway..." Deekin said.
"I would be honored little one. Now Ryltar. There is only room in this portal for four people you must leave one person behind. Who will it be?" Drogan said.
I looked at first Deekin, then Dorna, and finally Linu who as if reading my mind said. "Don't even think about it, dear. I'm going even if I got to knock you out to get to go." Linu said placing a hand on her mace.
I put my hands up in mock surrender, and said. "Of course I would never think of it." In truth I was. I knew now how dangerous this quest was and I didn't want anything to happen to Linu. But seeing her like she was I figured that I wouldn't mess with a bees nest and moved back to Dorna and Deekin. "So who wants to stay behind?" I asked.
Dorna said. "I've gone this far with ye, I'm not leaving now."
Deekin shot back. "But Ryltar! Deekin has to finish epic tale! How he do that if you leaves Deekin behind?"
I sighed pulling out a copper piece. "Ok heads or tails?" I said readying to flip the coin.
"Heads." Dorna said.
"Ohhh, Deekin gets tails cause it never fails!" Deekin said excitedly.
I flipped the coin and snatched it out of the air on its way down uncovering showed tails. "See? Deekin says tails never fails." Deekin said looking at Dorna.
"Sorry, Drona maybe we'll meet up after this is all over." I said sadly.
"It's ok, why I was just having about enough of you and Linu's public displays of effections and this kobold here. Was getting on my nerves. I'll see you back in Hilltop then." Dorna said as she left.
Drogan looked at me. "Ready, boy?" He said.
I nodded. "I'll look around see how to turn this thing on. You try to find Heurodis." I said simply
"Ey, you do that. I'll get to work." Drogan said casting several spells on the portal area.
Several Minutes Later
"That's it! That's it, you've done it! The portal is active!" Drogan said as the portal came to life. A sudden look of worry crossed his face as Deekin, Linu and I gathered around him. "Wait! No... no! I should have realized this sooner! What a fool I am!"
"What's happened!" I said with worry.
"Heurodis has laid an insidious trap within the portal's magic! I have never sensed anything of its like before! I did not discover it... and now it is activated! " Drogan said with strain suddenly the ruins started to shake around us. "The portal is sealing... and these ruins are caving in! I... I can hold the portal open for only a short time! Quickly, you must go through!"
"What! Aren't you coming?" I said quickly.
"I... cannot. By holding the portal open, I bare myself to the energies of Heurodis's trap. I will die, but... that does not matter now." Drogan said looking at all three of us.
"But you... you will die dear. Surely there is another way!" Linu said.
"Aye, Linu. I am sorry it has come to this. You and Ryltar have done well for yourselves... I am proud of both of you. Before you go. Here." Drogan said while reaching into his pockets handing each of us a button, "Your both Harpers now. Quickly go through the portal before it collapses. It is up to you, now. You must stop Heurodis if you can. If you cannot... then, I beg you, destroy the mythallar. The resulting explosion will end her threat forever."
"I'm hoping it won't come to that Drogan." I said placing the button on my belt as Linu did the same.
"I will pray that is the case. Quickly, then... go now. I cannot keep the portal open much longer." Drogan said with a hint of strain in his voice.
Linu and Deekin both went through first as the first rocks started to come down. I looked at Drogan saying. "So, this... this is it, then? There is no other way?"
"It... it is... and no there is no other." Drogan said sadly.
"I am an old adventurer, far past his glory days. You and Linu have your whole life ahead of you. I... I can only hope you will use it well. I am proud to have taken a small hand in making you what you are, dear friend. Now go you stubborn drow.. and remember the mind can do things the body never can. Remember that, harness that and use your power for good. NOW GO!" Drogan said pushing me into the portal.
I fell through the portal and collapsed in a heap with Linu and Deekin standing over me. "Omph..." I said as a gust of air left my body.
Standing up I dusted myself off, Deekin looked at me and said. "Is... is old dwarf wizard... does he really be dead?"
I sighed not really wanting to talk about what happened at the moment. I said gently "Please, Deekin, I don't want to talk about it right now."
"But... when he sends us through magic portal... he knows he goings to die? Did dwarf wizard... sacrifice himself for Deekin? "
"Yes, he sacrificed himself, for all of us, dear. Is that so surprising?" Linu said.
"Nobody ever does anything like that for Deekin before. You be very good to little Deekin, but dwarf wizard... he dead now. It... it is just... Deekin not knows now how to writes this in epic story of Ryltar Kost'dora." He said looking at his paper and pen.
"Write that Drogan died as he lived: a hero, and that he died nobly and that we won't let his sacrifice be in vain." I said.
"Okay. Deekin writes that. That sound good." He said writing away at his paper. After a moment Deekin lookeda around. "And now we is someplace else? And we not be able to go back? Deekin thinks we be close, now, to end. He keeps pen ready, just in case..."
I laughed rubbing him lightly on the head, thinking how much he and Myra were so much alike in some ways. "That and your crossbow, Deek, keep that ready too." I said.
"Righto, Ryltar." he said, pulling out his crossbow.
End Ryltar
(A/N: Hey all SOU is coming to a close and seems that our buddy Ryltar is having some probs eh ;) anyhow Chapter 30 will be up soon maybe around friday possibly sooner cause i got a few days off this week. Please R&R)