A/N: The world of Avernum (Exile) remains the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software. This little bit of fun will have no permanent impact on the following persons: Cynthia, Prynne, Marlowe, Ethridge, Johnson, Mayor Maher, Zed, Hrethra, Pyrog, Gilbert, Aydin, Josie, and the witch/Erika; and places: Bargha, Giant Fortress, Pyrog's Cave, the Hidden Island tower, the ogre village, and the ruined hut.
Emerging from the underground offices of the underground society of the Scimitar, the sounds of the war-footing of Bargha once again enveloped the group of adventurers.
"Before we leave to find Erika," said Ansel, "why don't we see if we can do something to help out with the war effort here? I mean, we were able to kill Sss-Thsss, what's a giant or two?"
"Sounds like a good idea to me," said Jynx. "I think I like the people here, even if they're not acting very fond of us."
"And let's see what's in this bazaar," said Duncan, looking at the sign proclaiming that there were wonders aplenty within the Bargha Bazaar.
Stepping into the first shop, they were greeted by a woman sitting at the counter writing a scroll, the room filled with other scrolls, all on the same sort of parchment. "Welcome," she said. "I am Cynthia, the sage."
"So, what is it you sell?" said Ansel.
"I am a sage. I suppose that means I sell knowledge," she replied with a wry smile. "I am here, instead of the nice caves to the south, because this is the place in which I feel safe."
"How can you feel safe in Bargha with the troubles here?" asked Jynx.
"Yes, I know. Warring giants, bandits. Fierce, crude people," said Cynthia. "But there is also the freedom to study what I want and say what I want, and until now, I've never found a single place where I could claim that."
"So, what does a sage do in Bargha?" asked Duncan.
"I identify items. Many strange things are found on the bodies of the giants, and I figure out which ones can aid us. Most of these scrolls describe the bizarre things I've seen," she replied, and thought for a moment before adding, "I'm also trying to find out about the dragon."
"There's a dragon around here?" asked Ansel, thinking of the talk of the exit and the dragon Sulfras.
"I believe so, and I fear that it may be a dire threat to us. The giant fort is to the east, and the dragon, so I believe, lives east of that. They worship it, you see. And I fear it may one day hunger for human flesh and come here," replied Cynthia. "When that happens, I doubt we can survive."
"That sounds like our sort of challenge," said Ansel. "How could we reach it?"
"There's a secret tunnel out of Bargha to the east. Head east from here, and you might find the creature's lair. But that would be a foolish and suicidal quest, if you ask me," said Cynthia.
"That's the kind of quest we like," said Ansel with a broad grin. "Can we buy any of your scrolls?"
"I'm afraid not," replied Cynthia. "All of my magical scrolls are reserved for the defense of Bargha. The giants are a constant threat, and we need all the power we can gather."
"Oh well," said Ansel. "No harm in asking. Thanks for talking with us."
Moving on to the next shop a tired man was sitting behind a counter surrounded by dried out meat, coarse bread, and uninspiring cheese, making the group nostalgic for Dharmon.
"Do you sell this food?" asked Duncan, unsure whether this would be reserved for citizens of the city of Bargha.
He sighed. "Yes, you may purchase food from my meager, meager wares. I once had better. The Abyss produced some fine victuals. Then, alas, our enemies came. The Abyss used to be a good place. Now all that is gone."
"What was the Abyss like?" asked Rudel.
"It was rough and wild, but not the horror you voles said it would be. The Abyss gave us the freedom we'd thirsted for above and in Avernum," said Marlowe. "But now bandits run wild, and the giants hunger for our flesh. It started good, but it's all gone now."
"Maybe that will change," said Ansel. "Don't be so sure you know all about us."
"I know enough," said Marlowe. "I know enough."
"Well, have a good day, then," said Ansel.
They passed through the bazaar, meeting the least hostile Abyssians, a fletcher named Johnson who sold his missiles indiscriminately to anyone who wanted to kill giants, and the busy healer, Prynne. Moving on through the city, still thinking over the dragon situation, they came to a training hall, where a woman in dark, flowing robes moved confidently around the room.
"Can you help me with skills?" asked Ansel.
"Yes, I train all who can use it. The people of the Abyss need all the skills they can get," replied Ethridge, sounding nervous.
"Life in the Abyss seems much harder," observed Rudel.
"Of course. We don't have the advantages of the voles. Every advance, every building, every crop was paid for with blood," said Ethridge. "We have few magicians, few alchemists. We, for the most part, get rejects and scum. We will succeed, but it is hard."
"You seem nervous," said Jynx. "Why?"
"Well, you are adventurers, so I will tell you. I am trapped in Bargha. Trapped by the spirits of warriors I have slain in battle," said Ethridge. "They wait west of here, waiting for me. I am not strong enough to slay them, and they haunt my dreams."
Moving on, they found a place marked with a sign identifying it as 'City Hall'. The room was filled with charts, maps, schedules, and a thousand fluttering scraps of parchment covered with notes and plans—the war room of Bargha. A quick glance revealed that the war with the giants had been both long and brutal, but the forces of the Abyss were surprisingly up to the task. A man with puffy brown hair and a harried expression wandered around mumbling. He was dressed in some of the better clothes they had seen in the Abyss, with some sort of badge of office.
"Are you in charge of Bargha?" asked Ansel.
"Well, I mainly organize and provide tactics for the soldiers here," replied Mayor Maher. "Bargha is the last bastion against the giants."
"What do you think about the giants?" asked Duncan.
"Stupid, vile creatures. They attacked us because it was something to do, and now they refuse to stop," said Maher. "We keep looking to you people for help, and you ignore us!"
"Who've you been asking for help?" asked Brother Theo.
"We've sent messengers to King Micah again and again, telling him of the horrors. He hasn't sent a person to help. Not one sword. Not one mage. What I wouldn't give for a group of dedicated adventurers," said Maher.
"It's possible the messengers never got through," said Ansel. "We ran through a lot of bandits on our way. But as it happens, we are adventurers."
His grin was not entirely pleasant as Maher said, "I'm afraid I don't have any reward to offer you. But I can tell you that the giant fort is to the east, and they own great wealth. And there is a secret passage out in the northeast corner of town. You can use that to get out and get to the giants more quickly."
"Are there other cities in the Abyss?" asked Brother Theo.
"Yes, Spire is to the south," replied Maher. "But I don't like to talk about them."
"Why not?" asked Brother Theo, who had been getting the impression that the folk of the Abyss were far more united than disunited.
"Brigands and thieves. That's all they have there. They don't help us fight the giants. They just want to loot and pillage. Meena's the mayor there. The queen of the scum," said Maher. "I'd stay away from there. We welcome Avernites here. They certainly do not."
"Is there anything we can do for you?" asked Ansel.
"Apart from killing as many giants as you can? We're very short on supplies here. Avernum controls all the caves with good resources," said Maher. "Bargha will pay you thirty coins for each sack of good metal ore you can bring us."
"I'm afraid we're not carrying any," said Ansel, "but when we do find some, we'll bring it here."
Leaving city hall, they made their way to the tiny secret passage they had been told about. It sloped down sharply, far too small for a giant to fit through ... no doubt, such a thing had been intentional. Emerging on the cave floor below the city, it was clear that the war had had a significant toll, as bodies of humans and giants littered the ground. Apparently, fighting was too fierce to risk collecting the dead who'd fallen from the city walls.
Moving east, they came to a place where stalagmites and stalactites had made a narrow passage, and that passage was now blocked by a large force of giants, who did not look in the least frightened at the approach of humans. However, they seemed to have underestimated this group, for soon all the giants lay dead, leaving the way open to continue.
As they approached the giant fortress, it seemed odd that the gates were open.
"Isn't that curious?" said Brother Theo.
"I'm sure there's a trap involved," said Ansel. "Keep alert."
The courtyard was empty, and the place seemed almost too quiet. Continuing forward, the floor suddenly dropped out from beneath them, and they were deposited in a room covered with rotting fungus which at least cushioned the fall. Searching around, they finally found a way out of the room, into a hallway. Soon, they heard what sounded like human voices, but with the echo of the basement, no one was sure where the voices were coming from. Then Brynja found a secret door, and led the way into the room.
"Who are you?" said Ansel.
"I am Zed," he replied, "a prisoner of the giants, dreaming of escape, of returning home."
"Where's home?" asked Rudel.
"I am from the Abyss. It is my home, and I look at it with pride," said Zed. "I don't expect a vole like yourself to understand it."
"You might be surprised," said Ansel. "The Abyss sure seems a grim name for the place."
"Yes, you call it the Abyss. We see it differently," said Zed. "We all live in the Abyss. But our cavern is the ladder that we will all one day climb to escape."
"You're talking about escaping from Avernum, right?" said Brynja. "A worthy goal. We'd like to be part of that."
"Perhaps you might help. We are protected from the giants by Bargha, the fort we built with our outlaw hands. Go there and ask of the Scimitar. I would be helping them now, but the giants are in the way."
"Shows you shouldn't judge too quick," said Ansel. "It happens we are already part of the Scimitar."
"Good for you. Luck to you, in our continued struggle against the tyranny of the Empire."
"What do you know about the giants?" asked Duncan.
"Curse them. They take no allies, shrink from no treachery," said Zed. "They deal with Pyrog only. We are just food to them."
"Who's Pyrog?" asked Rudel.
"Yes, the humans don't know of Pyrog, Only Hrethra and I do," said Zed, gesturing to his nephar fellow prisoner. "We overheard them talk of him. He's a dragon."
"What does a dragon want with the giants?" asked Duncan.
"They are his servants. They follow his orders and bring him tribute. He's the only being they respect," said Zed. "He lives to the east, and a mighty, horrible creature he must be."
"So, why are you hiding here, instead of escaping?" said Brynja.
"Talk to Hrethra about that," said Zed. "He's a Nephar, true, but he knows much about how to escape from this place. I am weak, and follow his lead."
"I thought there was a war against the nephar," said Ansel. "How is it that you are working with one?"
"As a people, they might be," said Zed. "As individuals, they can be as brave and kind as anyone else. We are working together so we both can live."
Ansel turned to Hrethra and said, "You're a prisoner of the giants?"
"We were. Now we hide here, waiting to escape. There is a closed gate above, and one needs a key to unlock it," replied Hrethra.
"We're looking to escape too. Where are these keys?" asked Ansel.
"We don't know. One is somewhere on this floor, and I'm sure the giant chief has another. If you open the gate, let us know, so we can flee," said Hrethra.
"Certainly," said Ansel. "Well, we'll get on our way, looking. We'll be back when we find what we're looking for."
As they went through the rest of the basement, fighting off slimes and the ogre and goblin slaves, they made their way up into the fortress proper, fighting more giants until they came to one room where the giant chief was talking with a human wizard.
Not taking the time to work through that peculiarity, they killed the wizard and the giant chief, taking the strange tin key from the dead chief, and returning to Zed and Hrethra.
"Good news," said Ansel, as they came back into the hidden area. "We've killed the way clear out, and got this key. So, if you'd like to come with us, I think it's time to blow this joint."
"Thank you!" said Zed, "I'll be sure to tell everyone what you did for me."
Zed and Hrethra then followed the group up to the room with the large cavewood wheel, and using the tin key, they managed to turn it until the portcullis opened, and the way out was clear.
"Take care," said Ansel. "We're eastward bound."
"Best of luck to you," said Zed, "and thanks again," and with that, he started off to the west.
"I thank you," said Hrethra, and he turned to the south.
Continuing on their way to the east, they came to a large gate guarded by giants.
"Guess we'll have to go through them before we get to the dragon," said Ansel. "Should be a piece of cake."
The giants themselves were not many in number compared to the fights in the fort, and were quickly overcome. Then they could see that the gates were closed and locked with giant padlocks. On a hunch, Duncan tried the key they'd taken from the fort, and it worked here as well. Putting muscle into it, Duncan and Ansel got the gate open enough for the group to pass through. Following this road, they came to a giant stone dock, surrounded by tools of the boating trade—all giant sized. However, none of the owners were about.
"I think we can take a boat when we're ready," said Ansel. "It's not going to be as easy as the other one we bought down in Silvar."
"It'll work," said Jynx. "Let's leave it for now and lock the gate again. We didn't find the dragon yet."
"True," said Ansel. "That's the spirit. "All right then, let's head back and continue east."
They continued east until they came to a huge trashpit—at least, that's what it seemed at first, but closer examination revealed that they were deliberately left offerings by the large cave entrance. There were bits of rotting food, old weapons, crude stone carvings, and other pitiful things. It appeared the pile had been picked through, and anything of value likely had been taken into the cave. In the air, there was a strong odor of sulfur.
"Lair of Pyrog, eh?" said Ansel. "Don't expect this one will be friendly like Motrax."
"Not likely," said Duncan, his hand ready to draw his axe at a moment's notice.
They entered the cave, and saw a series of tiers with an even heavier odor of sulfur and claw marks everywhere. Walking past the giant guards, they saw the dragon sitting atop a large mound. The red-green reptile loomed over them, sulfur smoke pouring from its mouth. The expression of the beast was both amused and hungry, and as they drew closer, they could see a key around its neck.
In a deep voice, hypnotic and malicious, he said, "I am Pyrog. I am a dragon. I take offerings and spare those who bring them. And I slay according to my whim."
"What kind of dragon are you?" asked Brother Theo.
"I am the only one of my kind who knows his own true strength. And will use it. My siblings are fools," said Pyrog. "I give dragons an example to follow through my treatment of any adventurer I meet."
"And who are your siblings?" asked Brother Theo.
"Decrepit Motrax. Cowardly Athron. And the other two fools. I will lord over these caves one day, and they will grovel to me!" said Pyrog.
"So, what is your whim today?" asked Rudel.
"If I decide to devour someone, I do. It is my right that comes with my might," said Pyrog. "Giants serve me, so I spare them. I give no such mercy to adventurers."
"Why have giant servants?" asked Ansel.
"Strong. Worthy of respect," replied Pyrog. "And useful as well."
"You do realize we're adventurers?" said Ansel.
"So you are," said Pyrog. "You want to fight me, I know it. I can see it in your eyes."
"So we do," said Ansel, drawing his sword.
"So be it," replied Pyrog. "I like my food with spirit."
Pyrog, with his giant servants, however, had been overconfident. With a final blow, Pyrog's mighty body finally gave in. Even a dragon, the mightiest of creatures could only take so much punishment and a lifespan which would be measured in centuries came to an end. Jynx snatched the key from the creature's neck—made of wrought iron with a dragon head at one end, the eyes of the dragon made of diamonds. No sooner had she done this than some of the other giants came running, not yet aware that their master was dead.
These giants, too, were soon dead, and they set to looting the dragon's treasure hidden behind the locked door which the key opened. Coins in abundance, and a beautiful brooch made of chalcedony.
"How odd," said Brynja, turning it over, and getting out the one made of ivory. "They seem ... related."
"Maybe Erika will know something about them," said Jynx. "Let's go see how they're faring in Bargha, rest up from the fight, and then find our way over to where she is."
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Ansel.
When they returned to Bargha with the ore liberated from the giants, Ansel said, "By the by, we slew the giant chief."
"That was you? We owe you a debt of thanks. I think that's the most anyone from Avernum has ever done for us," said Maher with a shrug. "The war continues, nonetheless. There are many giants who don't live in their castle, but who continue to torment us. Still you have won us a great victory. Soon, thanks to you, we may achieve our final victory."
"We're glad to help," said Ansel.
After resting in Bargha, they made their way back to the giant dock, and were somewhat surprised to see soldiers through the mists on the island on the far side.
"Let's check that out," said Ansel. "Seems weird."
"Very strange," agreed Duncan.
As they got closer, they could see the band of soldiers were well-armed, apparently looking for something. Then, they noticed the group at about the same time that Ansel recognized the symbol of Empire soldiers, and before they had a chance to react, the battle was joined.
The force was slain, though after they were dead, there was no better answer as to what they were doing here, or what they had been looking for. Worried, the companions continued on, finding a hidden spring which was surrounded by runes and a sudden thirst overcame them, and they drank. Feeling enlightened, they went back to the boat, rowed to the next island, and then came to a strange blue field.
Passing through the field, they saw Empire soldiers, slowly dying like flies trapped in amber, but they did not puzzle long over this before coming through to the other side, where a small tower was surrounded by golem guards, and no apparent door. As they walked around, they saw a thin, pale man roasting a lizard on a stick over a small bonfire. His tattered chainmail still bore the insignia of Empire, but there was something that cried 'salvage' about the armor.
"Why are you sitting out here?" said Duncan.
"I guard the tower," replied Gilbert. "Name's Gilbert."
"Ansel, Jynx, Brynja, Duncan, Rudel, and Brother Theo," replied Ansel. "This tower? Guard it from what?"
"Unwelcomed visitors, of course," replied Gilbert. "We've been watching you for some time, and you seem safe. That's why you're still alive. You're the first visitors we've had since we were exiled."
"We?" asked Jynx. "How many of you are there?"
"Me, Aydin, and Josie. We're kind of on the defensive here. The other two are in the tower, and I watch the wards and the door," said Gilbert. "The defenses are good, so I don't have much to do. I write poetry."
"What are the wards?" asked Rudel.
"Powerful runes around the tower. Even if an Empire assassin eventually does get through the blue field, we can just turn on the wards," said Gilbert, "and he'll get a heck of a surprise."
"I just love poetry," said Ducnan. "Can I hear some of yours?"
"Like this ... The cavern has a set of teeth. A tongue of river, fungus hair. A face to match the sun above. Shining on those who do not care," said Gilbert, and he sighed. "I'm working on it."
"That was very good," said Duncan politely.
"No. No it wasn't," said Gilbert. "Though you are kind to say so."
"Well, we have traveled far to get here," said Brother Theo. "There is much we would like to learn."
"Then you should enter the tower," said Gilbert.
"How?" said Ansel. "I don't see a door."
Gilbert looked back at the tower, and said, "There's a door into the tower. Just go walk in."
"Well, I'll be," said Ansel, as he stepped back, and suddenly there was a door where he could've sworn there had not been one before.
"Amazing," said Jynx, looking in awe as she passed through the immobile golems and the newly visible door.
Walking into the room, with its fine tile and art on the walls, they saw a long table. At one end, there was a middle-aged man, dressed in wizard's garb, staring at a crystal in which the group's members could see their own images.
"Hello," said Ansel, after concluding the introductions. "What are you doing out here, so far from civilization?"
"We are hiding," replied Aydin.
"Hiding from what?" asked Jynx.
"We—I, my wife, and Gilbert, are exiles, refugees from the Empire. We hide behind our defenses here, waiting for the abovegrounds to send assassins after us. We also wait for the right visitor to arrive."
"The Empire has sent assassins after you?" asked Jynx.
"Yes. Unfortunately, the Empire has soldiers all over this area, trying to figure out how to get past our defenses so they can kill us. They wish to slay us before we can find the right person," replied Aydin.
"What sort of defenses have you set up?" asked Jynx, wondering if she would someday need the same thing.
"The rune wall, the golems, and the blue field. I don't maintain them, Josie does," replied Aydin. "She's around here somewhere. Be sure to talk to her. There are things you'll need to learn from her to get out of here alive."
"So, are we this much anticipated visitor?" asked Ansel.
"So it would appear," replied Aydin. "I have valuable information."
Brother Theo said, "Pray tell, what is this information?"
"I was once a high-ranking mage in the Empire. I knew a lot then. Then we fled, and I found out a lot more through my scrying," said Aydin. "The three of us have found a new goal, you see."
"And what is this new goal?" asked Rudel.
"Rebellion. I will not go into the wrongs the Empire has done. You know of many, and there are many more on top of that, evil you could not imagine. A powerful mage can rise high, and see many low things. But this is all beside the point," said Aydin. "I know a way to strike the Empire a decisive blow. I believe you may be the ones to deal it."
"We'd love to hurt the Empire," said Brynja.
"When Avernum became the Empire's dung heap, they sealed off almost all the exits. But then, they needed a convenient way to get large numbers of people down and up, if necessary. And the best way to do that was through teleportation."
"We know a bit about teleportation," said Jynx. "Please, continue."
"Teleporting is a powerful tool, but limited. We are too far underground, you see. It takes too much power to teleport someone down here, let alone many people. But, clever as we are, we came up with a solution!" said Aydin.
"What was the solution?" asked Rudel.
"It's a teleportation augmenter. It's a runed circle which makes it easier to send people up and down. It's a very powerful thing, and much power was expended creating it. It's well guarded, and even better hidden," said Aydin, and he grinned, holding up his orb. "And I can tell you its location and secrets. And, most importantly, about the towers."
"What is the location of the augmenter?" asked Brother Theo, journal at the ready.
"West. Travel south down the river west from here. You will eventually find several ledges, covered with swamp. There is a secret passage off one of them, leading to a long passage, which leads to the goal," said Aydin. "The location, however, is only half the secret."
"The second half is...?" prompted Jynx.
"You need a Royal Seal of the Empire to get to the end. That is very difficult. Royal seals are rare. However, one was brought down with the First Expedition. It may still be down here. Also, you will need a special ritual," said Aydin.
"Can you teach us this ritual?" asked Brynja.
"No. We got a dragon, named Khoth, to create a magic barrier for us. To pass it, you'll need a ritual. I don't know it, but the dragon will. Fortunately, they stole one of its scrolls and earned its rage in the bargain," said Aydin. "You may be able to get its help. You will need much luck and skill to get through, but the reward will be great."
"Ahh! A reward! Now you're talking my kind of language," said Brynja.
"From that spot, you can teleport into the heart of the Empire," said Aydin. "That is your reward. And there, a blow may be struck which could crumble the whole foul nation! Now on the way there are two towers you must pass. One of them contains the ward made by the dragon Khoth. The other has a door with a deadly trap."
"Can you describe the trap?" asked Brynja.
"Of course, for I made it," replied Aydin. "The trap is a wheel which opens the door out will fry you unless you press the Royal Seal of the Empire into the tiny depression in the corner of the fresco at the north end of the tower. Beware, for if you use the seal again, it turns the trap back on."
"Is there anything else you can tell us about fighting the Empire?" asked Ansel.
"Only that you should find Erika. She lives in a well-guarded tower to the south of here. If anyone can guide you along the dangerous path to freedom, it is she," said Aydin.
"Thank you," said Ansel, "we'll go find Josie now."
They went into what appeared to be a kitchen, and a woman in a brightly-colored gauzy dress whirled about, sweeping.
"You seem pretty enthusiastic about sweeping up in here," said Duncan.
She sighed and grimaced, then said, "Being a housewife is about all I can aspire to these days, I'm afraid."
"Being a housewife must not be so bad," said Jynx.
She gave Jynx a look, and then said, "I suppose it is fulfilling. I have no problem with those who want that. But I want more. Since Gilbert, Aydin, and I fled, Aydin spends his time scrying, Gilbert keeps watch, and I get to look over the defenses. Unfortunately, the defenses take the least time. So I also cook and sweep. And farm. And take care of the cows. Frustrating, really. You see, I have talents of my own."
"What sort of talents?" asked Rudel.
Josie opened her palm, and a tiny flame appeared. Although it was small, the heat was palpable even at a distance. She grinned. "Maintaining the wards is little work, but making them was a job to remember! Like to see those Empire assassins get in here!" She closed her hand, and the flame disappeared.
"So, you set up the defenses? Including the blue field?" asked Ansel.
"Yes. Oh, before I forget," she said, and cast a brief spell. "You can now pass the blue field safely. We would hate for you to be killed trying to leave."
"Thank you," said Ansel. "I suppose we should get going."
"Yes," said Josie. "You're fortunate."
They left, easily passing through the blue field, and made their way back to the big boat.
"I guess we should go look for Erika's tower," said Ansel.
"Yes, it does seem like time," said Duncan.
Their travel was relatively uneventful, as they decided not to search for the augmenter until they'd acquired the other things that Aydin said they would need. As they rounded one corner, however, they saw a small ogre village.
"You know, I bet they don't make it easy to live in the Abyss," said Ansel.
"I bet you're right," said Duncan.
The fight was more fierce than they had expected, oddly purple-skinned magic-using ogres being amongst those who met the group for battle. After the battle was over, they searched gingerly though the horror of the village, finding one shield which cleaned up nicely.
Continuing on their way, they saw a hut built in this remote, hostile part of the Abyss. An ancient, withered woman was outside, stirring a cauldron bubbling over a fire of burning lichen, and then she saw the group and beckoned them closer.
They started nearer, but the smell of the vapors from the cauldron made them stop their progress.
"That's far enough, my poppets. I need a favor," she said, holding up a bunch of purplish mold. "I need six more bunches of this stuff, to finish the special brew I'm making. If you can provide it, I will grant you a boon!"
"We'll see what we can do," said Ansel.
After traveling the area, they finally found the bunches of mold, though they also encountered a large band of bandits who had demanded a fee for traveling through their territory—while Ansel and Duncan felt that killing the bandits was preferable to paying the fee.
Returning to the witch's hut, they approached, being overwhelmed by the fumes. The witch stepped forward, taking the moss from the companions, and threw it into the cauldron. When she did so, a burst of smoke emerged and enveloped her. When it cleared, a tall, middle-aged appearing woman of frightening severity and beauty stood in the witch's place.
She looked them over slowly, then spoke. "Hellow travelers. I am Erika, master incantrix of Avernum. Your travels have brought you here at last. I can aid you in what you seek, whatever it may be. My tower is near here, to the west. The entry doors will open for you. One of them, anyway. This will get you past some of the more unpleasant traps."
Having spoken, she and the cauldron disappeared, leaving no trace of ever having been there, and the hut was revealed as nothing more than a long abandoned ruin.
"Well, I guess we'll be welcome when we get there," said Ansel, sounding a bit uncertain.