A/N: And Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own ny original ideas.
Chapter 87: Return from the Quest
Our path took us back across the desert. The Cursed Barrens didn't let us go without a few final challenges, though: we battled through a huge pack of 22 giant hyenas, a trio of yuan-ti abominations, three cyclopses, and 4 medusas. Eventually, after several days of travel we reached the stone markers that defined the edge of the Cursed Barrens. After travelling a bit farther, I spotted some familiar ruins: The Fountain of Stars.
"Those ruins," I said, "we can rest safely there".
We continued on to the ruins, and gathered around the fountain.
"This looks to be a good place to make camp," said Charles, "how did you know about this place?"
"This is the Fountain of Stars," I said, "where I met the one who told me where to search for the temple".
We set up camp, enjoying the fresh water after the long journey across the desert. Later on, Uxarix approach me.
"I must thank you personally, Valignatirisk," said Uxarix, "If you hadn't been there, it's quite likely that I'd have either perished in the desert or walked out of the temple bearing the false sword".
"I have to wonder what the story behind the false sword was," I said.
"I've learned that Entrancacor is an intelligent artifact," said Uxarix, "It explained that the Nalfeshnee stole it from the priests tasked with watching over it, and hid it within that false temple. The other sword was Entranhumani, and Unholy Reaver. I believe that had I kept it, it would have attempted to corrupt me into breaking my oath. As so, I owe you for shielding me from this dark fate",
"You're welcome," I said, "What will you do now?"
"I would like to keep travelling with you for a time," said Uxarix, "I do not believe it was purely chance that our paths crossed. No, I believe we were guided to our meeting".
As the night wore on, my companions took their rest, but it was interrupted by something. There was a series of runic symbols glowing on the ground. I signaled my allies to wake up, and soon we were ready for whatever was coming. A shimmering portal appered, and a familiar Pseudodragon emerged.
"Verrax?" I said, "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you," said Verrax, "I've been trying to find you for several days now, but something was blocking me from finding you".
"Probably an effect of the Cursed Barrens," said Narcrath, "anyway, what going on? What's so urgent?"
"I've continued to research the information we gathered," said Verrax, "the tome you recovered from that spirit naga have revealed a threat from beyond the stars. The Emerald Enclave sent a few of their agents to help out, and they believe this threat is imminent. I need you to come back to my academy as soon as possible".
"Very well," said Krisyra, "shall we go immediately?"
"Let's go," I said.
Verrax nodded, and began casting a spell and drawing a mystical sigil. Once he was done, a portal rippled open, and we stepped through. After a moment, we emerged at the Greenhall Academy. Standing nearby were a familiar trio of members of the Emerald Enclave.
"Good to see you again," said the Ranger, "looks like you've been busy".
"What can we do for you?" asked Krisyra.
"We've continued our investigation, and uncovered that there is a connection between recent events. We have discovered that the Shadow Triad are serving a being that wishes to invade our world from somewhere beyond the stars," said the Ranger, "We heard about your encounter with the Void Dragons. We believe that they may be connected as well. It is possible that the one the Shadow Triad serves may reside somewhere beyond the realms we know of".
"What exactly is it that they serve?" asked Lydratir.
"That is still a mystery to us. However, we would like you to investgate their actions and stop them for calling upon their master," said the Ranger.
"What's our first stop?" I asked.
"The Sunset Mountains, not far from the Well of Dragons," said the Ranger, "the activites of the Cult of the Dragon have weakened the planar barriers in the area. Find out what the Shadow Triad is up to, and prevent them from doing more damage".
"Understood," said Charles, "we'll set out in the morning".
"By the way, who is your new companion?" asked the Ranger.
"I am Uxarix," he said, "follower of Lord Bahamut, Well met!"
"Are you with the Ux-Gavir?" asked the Ranger.
"Indeed! You know of my order?" said Uxarix.
"We've heard of your Order, and how you aided the world in preventing a Demonic Invasion from the Underdark," said the Ranger, "In any case, its good to have your aid. We will remain in the area to assist you further".
We each found a place to rest, My companion heading inside while I stayed resting under the stars. As I drifted off, a decided to see what Ashardalon thought of what was going on.
"Well, it seems events are heating up, young one," Said Ashardalon, "My apologies for not being able to aid you when the cursed lands were effecting your mind. The power of that place was obstructing me".
"I thought that must have been the reason," I said, "What do you think the Shadow Triad is doing?"
"Difficult to say," said Ashardalon, "there are many beings out there for such cults to serve. You likely know just as much as I in this case".
"That said, we have been encountering a large number of planar creatures," I said, "how long has this Shadow Triad been operating? What really are they doing?"
"The answers to your questions will be revealed to you in time, young one," said Ashardalon, "For now, though, you need your rest. You're still a growing dragon, and you need to be at your best to protect the world".
I fully drifted off to sleep, wondering what tomorrow might hold.
A/N: And There we go! It seems things are heating up, what sort of creature might the Shadow Triad be serving? Next time, the Adventure continues! See you then!