A/N: The world of Exile (Avernum) remains the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software, not me. I promise to return to the game unharmed the following persons: Erika, Seles, Mahdavi, Solberg, Mother Melamed, Valoda, Agrod, Spurn, Zog, Murrhr, and Bagzoth; and places: Erika's Tower, Portal Fortress, and the Tower of Magi, Krizsan, Kuper, and Bavner.

Recuperated from the exertions of the slime pit and the journey back to Krizsan and then to Fort Emergence, Anicka led her group out of Fort Emergence. They had not gone very far indeed when a band of Avernite soldiers on patrol began marching toward them.

"Think they want to talk to us?" said Anicka.

"Probably," said Daniel. "Eh, let's hear what they gotta say."

The guards approached them, and one said, "You're the surface exploration crew! Have you been up to the surface yet?"

"Yeah, we have," said Anicka.

"What's it like?" said one of them, sounding almost desperate for information and news.

"Well, what would you like to know?" said Anicka, and she tried telling them a few things about what they had found up there.

The soldiers overwhelming desire to hear what the group had seen was flattering, almost a little sad, and Anicka wished that her words didn't sound quite so flat in the telling.

Finally, Anicka said, "Well, it's been great chatting, but there's some stuff we gotta do down here before we go back up. And we gotta get that done if everyone's gonna get to go up."

"All right," said the leader of the patrol, and he led his troops away.

"It'll be no time at all before that word is all over Avernum," said Angarahad. "You really should think it through..."

"Oh, eat guano," said Anicka. "It made them happy. What's wrong with that?"

"Hey, look at that," said Daniel. "The water's glowing."

"Let's check it out," said Anicka, and drawing her sword she approached the water.

As the group came to the edge of the glowing water, the lights rose and formed into some sort of vaguely humanoid shape, too faint and unstable to discern much, but once it formed, it began to speak.

"I tell you I know of you. I send warning. You are sent, but it is futile. Others are ahead of you, to destroy. But I can still give you this gift, in hope for you," said the shade, and it waved its hand, an odd tingling feeling coming over Anicka before the shade disappeared.

"That was strange," said Daniel. "What do you think happened? I don't know what that tingly feeling was about."

"You felt it, too?" said Anicka. "I don't know either."

They continued their northward trek, and Anicka led the way to the bridge guarded by the golems.

One greeted them, speaking in a raspy voice, "The great archincantrix, Erika, heroine of Avernum, scourge of the Empire, has noted your coming. She has decided that she will meet with you. Pass in peace."

With that, the golems moved to make a space in the middle, allowing the single-file passage of the group.

Just inside the tower was a hall of greeting, where Erika sat on a chair, gazing at the group as they entered. She looked surprisingly young, until one got a better look at the cold, ancient look on her face.

"I am called Erika. Simply Erika," she said, giving the group an appraising look.

"Greetings to you, Erika the archmage," said Phaedra.

"Greetings. Welcome to my tower. Or at least this room of it. You may explore my halls if you wish, but bear in mind that your safety may be at risk," said Erika. "I have allowed you to pierce my defenses because it has become clear that I should involve myself in the events above. Come closer. There is much we should discuss."

"Why have you adopted such a simple title?" said Anicka.

"The only use of fancy titles is to draw attention away from one's lack of power," said Erika.

"What do you do in this tower?" said Anicka.

"I have many jobs. I am the greatest wizard in Avernum. I am a total foe of the Empire. I have an assortment of hobbies. I teach magic sometimes. Which of these interests you?" said Erika. "This reminds me—I have followed your progress, and wish to bestow a boon upon you."

"With so many mages, how can you say you're the best?" said Daniel.

She shrugged, and said, "It is a simple truth. There are mages in Avernum whose work I admire, but none of them are any match for me, and none have assisted Avernum as I have."

"How've you assisted Avernum?" said Angarahad.

"Would you like to hear my story?" said Erika.

"We'd love to hear your story," said Nathan.

She began to speak, calmly as she began but growing more angry as she told the tale. "I was a mage on the surface, working for the Empire. There was a power struggle. We all fought for Emperor Hawthorne's favor. My side lost. I, Patrick, Solberg and others were cast down into the depths, and I, their leader, was cursed!"

"What do you think of your fellow mages, such as Patrick?" said Phaedra.

"Competent, lesser mages," said Erika with a head shake. "Of course, Patrick is dead now. He was a solid man, competent in his way. I mourned him."

"What was Avernum like when you first went down there?" said Daniel.

"We found Avernum to be a string of filthy caves, filled with scum-encrusted beleaguered humans fighting desperately for survival. There were nephilim, the savage slithzerikai, and a horde of demons. A terrible mess," said Erika. "One of the warriors, named Micah, was trying to bring order, but not having much luck. With the aid of my power, everything changed. Micah's the king now, and has been for over twenty years. He's a few good years ahead of him."

"How did your power change Avernum?" said Frrrrrr.

"We brought magic to the pit. I found a way to fetch my magical tomes from the surface, and using our combined powers, we tamed the squabbling bands, formed cities, formed schools, beat back the dark forces, and formed a nation," said Erika. " That left only the surface filth to deal with."

"What dark forces did you have to fight off?" said Phaedra.

"The demon lord Grah-Hoth lived in the caves," said Erika. "We defeated and imprisoned him, but it was a close thing."

"So the surface filth, you mean the Empire?" said Anicka.

"I said the Empire must pay for what they did to me, and they did! I send a band of assassins up to kill Emperor Hawthorne. I'm glad I did it! Then they invaded us, and we killed many more of them!" said Erika. "Even after all of that, that is still only the beginning of my vengeance."

"So, are these monster plagues part of your vengeance on the Empire?" said Anicka.

Erika shook her head, and said, "I wish great vengeance on the Empire, but the plagues of monsters are not my doing. Despite what people say, I am not insane."

"What proof do you have that you're not responsible?" said Daniel, forgetting that they meant for Phaedra to take on the delicate subject of the rune they had found.

"I long to see the sun again, but I cannot. That does not mean I wish to deny that pleasure to those I watch over," said Erika. "I am not responsible for the carnage up there, no matter what evidence you find."

"And if we did find evidence implicating you?" said Phaedra, sounding timid.

"Yes, I heard of the symbol you found in the slime pit," scoffed Erika. "I am many things, but I am not a fool! You think I would leave my symbol there for anyone to find, large as life, to lead them back to me? If you believe that, you're a fool."

"So you aren't glad about what is happening up there?" said Phaedra, sounding almost relieved.

"No. No, I am not. The devastation up there is not hurting the Empire as much as it's hurting its people. It's simple carnage, not proper vengeance. And it denies the Avernites a chance to return to the sun," said Erika. "No, I do not approve at all."

"Would you teach us?" said Phaedra.

"I have taught those of Avernum for many years, and sometimes still do so. You may purchase spells if you wish. Beware, though, my time does not come cheaply," said Erika. "Also, if you are able to tithe me properly for my time, I may be able to help you improve the efficiency of your spells."

"I would be most honored to learn from you," said Phaedra.

"Here," said Anicka. "Whatever you can afford from this. I guess we'll have to go take some jobs and try to earn some more money, but this'll help us deal with the problems so we can all go up there."

After Phaedra had spent some time in study with Erika, Anicka said, "So what are your hobbies?"

"You would not comprehend them. Best you do not ask," said Erika. "And if you do not want any of my hobbies to harm you, do not stray too far from this hall."

"Why shouldn't we stray past the halls?" said Daniel.

"I have experiments active in my halls, as well as traps to ensnare spies. I would so hate to have to throw your remains into my trash pits," said Erika. "Never enter my tower from the back. That's where I put my experiments that ... well .. don't work out." She thought for a moment, and said, "Hmm, that may be where I dropped that wand."

"What wand?" said Frrrrrr.

Looking annoyed, she said, "I was merely thinking aloud."

"You said something about a boon," said Anicka, not wanting Erika annoyed with them. "What boon did you wish to give us?"

"There is an amulet I wish to give you," said Erika. "It will enable me to keep track of your movements and, if necessary, aid you."

"Could you tell us more about this amulet, please?" said Anicka.

"The surface is in turmoil, and it falls to you to forge us a place in the confusion. I wish to aid you. I can track your progress and provide you aid when need be," said Erika. "For me to do so, you must wear one of my special amulets. Leave to the west, and enter the fourth room on the left. Get the amulet on the pedestal and bring it to me. And stay out of the other rooms. They aren't safe."

"Thank you," said Anicka, and she made a bow and led her group to the door Erika had designated.

The room was simple, with no other furnishings but a pedestal with a plain copper amulet on it, the amulet decorated with the strange, complicated rune that they had found in the slime pit.

Bringing the amulet back, Anicka said, "We got that amulet you mentioned to us."

"Excellent. Now I wish to cast a spell, bonding the amulet to you. If you accept, I will be able to track your progress, and, if things get truly desperate, I can aid you," said Erika. "Be warned however, I have little patience with those who spurn my aid. This is the only time this boon will be offered. Do you accept it?"

"Yes, we accept your boon," said Anicka. 'Why would I bother going to get the amulet if we weren't going to accept the boon?'

She grinned, an unnerving sight at best. "Excellent!" she said and began to cast a long, involved spell. The amulet glowed, and sparks flew. Her chanting increased in intensity to a fever pitch, and then ended abruptly.

"I can now chart your progress wherever you go, and can aid you when things are dire. The amulet can only be removed by extremely strong magic," said Erika. "Now go, and good luck to you."

"Thank you," said Anicka, now wearing the amulet, though it didn't feel—to her—any different than it had when she carried it from the other room.

Leaving the tower, Daniel said, "You wanna check the trash pits before we go?"

"Why?" said Anicka.

"I guess ... well, whatever that wand is she dropped, sounds like it might be useful," said Daniel. "And there might be other good stuff."

"And we might get ourselves killed back there, or piss her off," said Anicka.

"She wouldn't have mentioned it if she didn't want us to go," said Phaedra.

They made their way through the trash pits, and heard a deep, fearsome growling noise ahead, followed by what sounded like steel-shod boots walking on bare stone and then more growling.

"Continue?" said Anicka.

"Yeah," said Daniel. "Can't be as bad as the alien slime."

They continued, finding a lumpy looking giant which nearly pulverized Anicka and Daniel, but with difficulty, they managed to slay it, and when it was dead, Frrrrrr picked up a wand from the ground.

"This will be useful, I am sure," he said.

"OK, can we get outta here?" said Anicka. "I need to give my ribs a chance to recover."

After several days, they reached Portal Fortress, and made their way to the portal, where Seles held sway. She watched them, seeming oblivious to the powerful torrents of energy crackling around her.

"Do you have some business with the portal?" she asked.

"What are you responsible for?" said Anicka.

"My title is Portal Overseer. I look after and steer those emerging. Also, when someone wants to use the portal, it is I they must give their request to," said Seles, "and I who give permission."

"Is your job difficult?" said Anicka, still staring at the portal.

"It's a tricky job," said Seles. "So many want to use the portal, and for so many reasons."

"Why do you find it tricky?" said Daniel.

"The portal takes a lot of energy and can only send so many people in a day. Most of its energy goes to bringing up as many people as possible. Access for other purposes, most of which are generally deemed frivolous, is limited," said Seles. " That is why anyone who wishes to use the portal must request permission from me."

"What would you consider a frivolous request?" said Anicka.

"Visiting friends and family, retrieving something you forgot, that sort of thing," said Seles. "Portal energy is just too limited to spend on non-vital things."

"Can we use the portal?" said Anicka.

Seles checked her notes, and said, "It says here that you are authorized to go down below and receive magical instruction. Go ahead and use the portal when you want, but please don't overuse your privileges."

"Thanks," said Anicka, and she led the way up to the platform where the portal stood between two massive crystals made with vahnatai magic.

Anicka started to walk into the portal, and felt resistance as she approached. Waves of heat and force tried to throw her back, and she pushed harder, moving slowly and carefully into the glowing pillar of energy. Soon everything went black, then yellow, orange, then green, then colors unnamed.

They came to beside the portal, in a room filled with palpable energy. To the east, through curving, shielded passages was the Tower of Magi. A clearly marked walkway directed people from the barracks to the portal, with signs telling them to remain on the walkway.

As they progressed down the walkway, the queasiness from the portal's energy faded, and they met a small woman with dark skin and long black hair, wearing the robes of a member of the Triad, tiny runes tattooed on her forearms and backs of her hands.

She bowed slightly in greeting, and said, "I am Mahdavi, of the Triad."

"What is the triad, exactly?" said Daniel.

"The Triad is traditionally composed of the three most skilled mages in Avernum. We reside in the Tower and coordinate the magical efforts here. The Triad now consists of me, Solberg, and another," said Mahdavi. "This system works well usually. Sometimes, however, there are irregularities. Solberg has suffered much for Avernum, and usually studies in his quarters to the south."

"What's the name of the third member of the Triad?" said Anicka.

"He calls himself X. I don't understand him," said Mahdavi. "Nobody does. He's skulking around somewhere."

"What sort of irregularities?" said Daniel.

Mahdavi looked uncomfortable, and said, "Linda the archmage was in the Triad once. She performed a rather unfortunate experiment with demonkind, and we had to banish her from the Tower. Only lately have we allowed her to return, as we need her considerable skill. She seems to have learned her lesson."

"So, what is your job here?" said Anicka.

"I am of the Triad. Being a member of the Triad in the Tower of Magi is a post of no small responsibility," said Mahdavi, modestly. "This is the tower of learning, the center of magical studies and knowledge in Avernum. Unfortunately, because of the portal, we have also become something of a waystation."

"So what are your current responsibilities?" said Anicka. "What with the portal and all."

"Lately my efforts have been spent on the operation and maintenance of the portal. It is a tedious job, and I was only picked for it because of my experience with the Empire teleporter," said Mahdavi. "During the Empire War, our foe's great weakness was its trouble sending troops down here. They made a massive portal to teleport hordes of soldiers here. I directed an effort to destroy it. For this, I was thought an expert on these things, and so I was stuck with maintaining the portal here."

"You 'directed' the effort to destroy it?" said Nathan.

"Yes, I personally located a group of adventurers, provided them with guidance, and directed them in their brave efforts to destroy the portal," said Mahdavi. "They endured great risk, of course, but I had to invest a good deal of time in the effort. These days, they're in Avernum helping to direct and supply your efforts while they work to destroy isolated pockets of Empire and slith resistance in our lands below. They're quite revered—true heroes."

"What would you be doing if you weren't stuck with this portal job?" said Anicka.

"I would be studying the vahnatai and their magic. A rich and valuable topic. Oh well. I would have real trouble studying anyway. I was going to compare notes with Erika. She has learned a lot about them," said Mahdavi. "I would give a lot if someone could tell me what Erika has learned about the vahnatai."

"As it happens," said Phaedra, "we were in Erika's tower just before we came here, and we were able to read Erika's notes on the vahnatai."

Phaedra waited for Mahdavi to produce her journal and quill and ink, and then related what she had learned by reading Erika's notes.

Mahdavi seemed strangely relieved, and said, "Oh, that doesn't sound bad. It doesn't sound like she's far ahead of me at all. The vaunted Erika doesn't know as much as she lets on. Let me tell you what I've learned."

"Thank you," said Phaedra, and she smiled at the others.

They continued, then, stopping in a classroom, and Phaedra began flipping through the tome, and found a note.

"This is odd," she said.

"What's that?" said Anicka.

"It is happening again. Linda. The demons. Remember what happened last time to those who asked questions," read Phaedra. "We must proceed with care, and it's just signed with the initial S."

"Let's see what Solberg has to say," said Anicka.

Eventually finding their way back to the area of the wizard's rooms, they found Solberg, who shared their suspicions that Linda was up to no good, although he urged them not to say anything, that he had confidence in his ability to avert disaster, and then he taught them the magic that they had been privileged to come to the Tower of Magi to learn.

"That's just about wiped out all our cash," said Anicka, as she led the way back to the nausea-inducing portal. "We better go get some work up on the surface and replenish our funds."

"I'm just glad we don't have to use one of these portals to get to the surface," said Daniel, after they had arrived in Portal Fortress again. "That's just nasty."

"I know," said Phaedra. "I feel like I left my innards back in the Tower and they just now joined up ..."

"Maybe it doesn't hurt as much if you do it more often," said Angarahad.

They emerged again on the surface, and Anicka said, "Hey, remember what that Empire guy said about unicorn horns—want to go hunt some unicorns? Should be easy money."

They collected unicorn horns and then took a job delivering a message to a Mother Melamed on Bigail Isle in a community called Kuper.

After buying passage on a ferry, they were progressing through the thick forest, the canopy of branches overhead blocking out most of the sun's light, when they suddenly heard a soft hissing from all directions, and the underbrush shook, and suddenly they found themselves confronted by a large number of hideous cockroaches the size of large dogs.

"It's a cockroach!" said Daniel. "Except huge!"

"Slimes were bad enough," said Anicka. "It's filthy!"

They fought off the roaches, and then carefully cleaned the weapons, and continued east, hoping that they had gotten the correct directions for Kuper. As they continued, they met a group of local militia. They looked brave, poorly armed, and quite fresh.

"Greetings, travelers," said the leader. "Nobody should be traveling now. But if you must, watch out for the cockroaches. They're huge, fast, and deadly."

One of them spotted a fist-sized roach, spit it with a spear, and the group moved on, but made no nasty remarks about Frrrrrr as they did so.

Further along the way, they saw a lone nephil sitting by a small fire on the roadside, watching them carefully. With Frrrrrr in the group, the nephil was at ease, and began talking with those in the group.

"I am Murrrhr. I went to town of Bavner, looking to work. My tribe gone. Mrrrr. Innkeep say I can sleep behind inn. I do and he sneak up and take my necklace. Necklace my badge of honor. I cannot lose. Mrrrr," said Murrrhr. "Now I stay here and find way to find necklace. Must have ceremony necklace, or I lose face to people. Mrrr. That why I wait here."

They talked more, and then parted, promising they might help once they finished their delivery.

They arrived in Kuper and met Mother Melamed, delivering the message they had been entrusted with in Krizsan. After taking the message and paying them, she said, "I am Mother Melamed, how may I help you?"

"Is this your temple?" said Anicka.

She smiled, and replied, "It belongs to the town. I merely look after it. I just sort of guide things here. We haven't had as much trouble from the roaches as the other towns, so we just try to keep things safe and simple."

"Why have the roaches stayed away from Kuper?" asked Daniel.

"I'm not sure why we've been hit with so many fewer roaches," she said, smiling until dimples showed. "Just blessed, I guess."

"How do you decide how to guide this town's inhabitants?" asked Angarahad.

She patted the altar, and replied, "It's not difficult to figure out the path to take, with the Anama faith to help light the way. Of course, it would be easier with help."

"You need help?" said Nathan.

"I am afraid so. I was once aided by a man named Mundt. Nervous fellow, but a good assistant. Then one day, I woke up, and he was gone," replied Mother Melamed. "No idea what happened to him. I wish I knew—his disappearance worries me."

"So, how does your Anama faith help?" said Daniel.

"This town, like most towns on this island, is shepherded by an Anama priest. It's a beautiful religion," said Mother Melamed. "Would you like to hear some of my interpretations of its philosophy?"

"Uhhhh, all right," said Anicka. "We'll listen."

Mother Melamed said, "My brother served in the war with Avernum. He used fireball spells to burn many Avernites and their villages, before the vahnatai's magic slew him. What a thousand swords could not do, magical plagues and firestorms brought about. The use of magic generally guarantees more death and devastation in any conflict. Don't you agree?"

"Uhh... I don't agree," said Phaedra. "Just as many people were put to the sword ..."

Anicka stepped on Phaedra's foot, and said, "We're not from Avernum."

"Sure you aren't," said Mother Melamed.

"We need to be going," said Anicka, and she led the way out of the temple.

"What do you mean?" said Phaedra.

"I don't think it's something we should advertise," said Anicka. "Not when someone starts talking about what they did in the war, and all."

"But it's true," said Phaedra. "Slith villages were put to the sword, and there wasn't a lot of magic used against them."

"I doubt," said Frrrrrr acidly, "that these people would worry about the manner of death of a non-human. They think we're not much better than the roaches."

"And they're wrong!" said Phaedra.

"Well of course they are," said Anicka. "But that won't mean that ... we were told to keep a low profile, so I'm not sure how going to community leaders and saying 'hey, we're Avernites' fits with that."

Daniel said, "Well, I'm not worried about it."

An Empire soldier, with a nasty scar running down the side of his face, a voice dripping with contempt said, "I'm Captain Zog."

"So, you're in charge of the guards in Kuper?" said Anicka.

"Oh, don't act so clever," he said, spitting where Frrrrrr had to move to avoid stepping in it. "You think you're so smart, wandering around like that. Well, everyone knows about you."

"We never claimed to be clever," said Anicka.

"You Avernites think you're all so smart! Well, keep wandering around up here, and we'll show you how clever we can be!" he spit at Anicka's feet.

Another Empire soldier loomed near, regarding them with naked, barely controlled loathing, and said, "I am Bagzath, worms."

"Don't call us worms," said Daniel.

He seemed barely able to restrain himself, and said as he fingered the pommel of his sword, "I found a way down there. I swore to slay Avernites wherever I can. Back away, or I will destroy you."

"What does everyone think of us?" Angarahad asked, still talking to Zog.

Zog said, "Everyone acts how it's so great you're around. You guys flouted the Empire, and we can, too! Well, they don't know! They didn't get wounded in that pit."

"How'd you get the scar?" said Phaedra.

His voice became a hiss, and he said, "I lost friends to all of you. One of your spells scarred me for life. There'll never be peace between the Empire and Avernum. As long as I'm around, there'll always be a little bit of war."

"Yeah?" said Angarahad. "And some of us lost a hell of a lot more than the good looks you never had. I was born in Cotra."

"Just watch yourself," said Zog, stalking off evidently intent on letting the other soldier, who was now fighting Daniel, slay the group.

"Fuck, Dan," said Anicka. "You trying to cause trouble?" She looked at the dead body of the Empire soldier.

"I don't like being called a worm," said Daniel. "And I'm sick of just shutting the fuck up while they insult us."

"But we were told not to murder ..." said Anicka.

"It wasn't murder," said Daniel. "He drew his sword first and ... well it's not like he didn't get a few in, too."

"Dan!" said Angarahad. "You're bleeding."

"Patch him up, and we'll get out of here," said Anicka.

They did so, and returned to the road, where they met Murrhr again.

"How's your necklace hunt going?" said Anicka.

"No luck. They say if I go to Bavner, they kill me," said Murrhr. "They will, too. They hate my kind. Mrrr."

Moving into Bavner, they met a short scruffy keeper of an extraordinarily crude inn. He shook hands with the group, making sure to display the Anama ring he wore.

"I'm Spurn," he said. "Welcome to my humble little safehouse."

"A nephil asked us to recover his necklace for him," said Anicka. "We believe you have it."

"Oh? And if I do? Look, that drunken kitty lost it to me in a dice game, fair and square," said Spurn. "If you have a problem, well, you can just get out of my inn."

"Yeah, right," said Anicka. "You better give us that necklace now, or else."

He looked nervous, as though he were going to call the guard, and then thought better of it. He took the necklace from his pocket—a simple thing of bones and teeth on a leather band, and said in a surly manner, "And when you see that kitty again, tell him we better not see him again."

"Fine," said Anicka. "We'll go now."

"Good, and tell that kitty that if we see him in town again, he'll get what's coming to him," said Spurn. "Now get out of my inn."

Returning to Murrhr's meager camp, they asked if they could camp with him, saying that they weren't welcome in Bavner anymore either.

"We got the necklace," said Frrrrrr.

Murrhr took the charm, and said, "Yes! This is my honor! This saves me. Mrrr! My honor calls me to reward you for this kindness." He removed the bow from his back, and said, "I can make new bow, but honor cannot be replaced. Thank you again for help."

After a night around Murrhr's fire, Murrhr disappeared into the undergrowth, while Frrrrrr now held the bow.

"This bow is amazing," said Frrrrrr. "It is well worth the trouble in Bavner."

"At least, our trouble in Bavner does not mean that we'll have trouble with everyone. Just that we cant stay there. But I don't think I'd want to, anyhow," said Anicka.