A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my oiginal ideas.
Chapter 99: Towards the Island
The next morning we met with Verrax again to discuss the plan.
"Thank you for your patience," said Verrax, "We've completed work out our little project. Here, take this".
He handed me a piece of amethyst into which various runic symbols have been carved.
"What does it do?" I asked.
"To put it in simple terms, spells of teleportation in general work best when you have a known point to target. In essence, this crystal will act as that target".
"From my knowledge such target need to be at a fixed point," said Narcrath, "how will this one fuction?"
"You have a good point," said Verrax, "Usually this is true due to needing to tie into the Weave. However, this crystal acts as a one time use teleportation circle. When activated, the one holding it, as well as all those in physical contact will be brought back to the vicinity of the original caster, in this case me".
I placed the crystal into one of the pouches I was carrying, and we made our final preperations. A short time later, we were ready to go.
"Now then, as to reaching the island we've access to a ship, which is currently docked near Baldur's Gate. However, there are two issues," explained Verrax, "first, there's no reasonable way to you the ride the ship, Valignatirisk. Secondly, it's physically impossible for you to enter Baldur's Gate, due to the ancient magical wards around the city".
"And there's no way around these wards, even temporarily?" I asked.
"Technally, such an item does exist, but its location is unknown," explained Verrax.
"In that case it seems I'll need to meet you at our destination," I said.
"That seems to be the best option," agreed Uxarix, "However we'll need to travel to Baldur's Gate first".
"Luckily, we can get reasonably close," said Verrax, "I know of teleportation circle reasonly close to where we need to go. Everyone stand close. Some of our allies will be meeting us at our destination. Others are one their way to secure other areas. In any case, let's go".
We gathered around Verrax, and a moment later we were at our destination. The smells of the rolling hills around the Greenhall Academy were replaced by salty sea air. We were standing amongst some ancient ruined structure, which looked like it might have once formed a roof over our arrival point. I spotted a collection of others waiting nearby.
"Well, it seems this is where we part ways for now," I said, but then thought of an issue, "Wait, how will I know exactly which island I'm headed to?"
"We've thought of that, and had someone scout out the area covertly," said Verrax, "They'll be able to guide you".
"Very well," I said, "Where can I find this guide?"
"Right here, young one," said a familiar voice.
I turned towards the source, and saw Baeshra leaning against some of the fallen stonework.
"Somehow I knew we'd meet again," I said, "So to business immediately, or do we have time to catch up?"
"Unfortunately, we've little time for pleasantries, Valignatiriak," said Baeshra, "we'll need to get on our way almost immediately. It will be us to us to secure the beach for our allies to land. Are you ready?"
I glanced over at my companions, and made my decision.
"Yes, I'm ready," I said.
"We'll be seeing you again in a few days at most," said Verrax, "may the winds be in your favor, Valignatirisk".
We stepped away from the others, and Baeshra transformed, taking the form of a Quetzalcoatlus. He took flight, and I followed. The two of us flew higher, and then headed out over the sea. The mainland grew more and more distant, and before us was the immesuable expanse of the Sea of Swords. We reached a good altitude, and leveled off, only beating our wings as necessary to maintain level fight.
The hours stretched on, and as the sun kissed the horizion, an island appeared on the horizion. It was a fairly larage island, crowned by a tall volcanic peak. Baeshra degan to decend, and I did the same. We found a clear area of beach to land on, and touched down. However, before we could so much more, a croosbow bolt flew out of the trees and right past me.
Baeshra, still transformed, Leapt into flight again and screeched. A massive torrent of water washed across the area the bolt had come from, and with it came six humans in spint armor. On their armor was the symbol of the Shadow Triad. Two of the humans managed to swim their way out of the wave. One of these warriors took aim at Baeshra and struck him, wounding him, but not breaking his concentration. The other rushed at me, but his longsword glanced off my scales. I struck back, tearing at the warrior with my claws.
The tsunami continued away from us, carrying more of our foes away. Baeshra dived down on the warrior who'd fired at him, badly wounding him before flying up again. The warrior reloaded and fired again, managing to hit him a second time. The warrior near me attacked again, this time managing to pierce my hide. I slashed this warrior with my claws again, taking it down. I moved to the other warrior, and took him down as well. However, as these foes fell, three more badly wounded warriors manged to free themselves of the tsunami.
Baeshra looked down on the warriors as the tsunami reach the ocean, reeled back his head and spat a small blast of fire at one of the warriors, instantly taking it down. One of the warriors raised his crossbow, firing at me. The bolt bounced off my hide ineffectually. I inhaled and unleashed my fiery breath, incinerating the remaining two.
With the area clear, Baeshra flew back down and landed, transforming back to his normal form. He dusted himself off, and looked me over appraisingly.
"Not bad, young one, Your skills have certainly improved with your travels," said Baeshra, "But let's be cautious. There may be more enemies nearby".
We formed up and prepared to search the area, ready for anything.
A/N: And There we go! Before anyone mentions it, remember that Baeshra is a level 20 Druid, and as a result can stay in Wild Shape for as long as he desires. As much as the common D&D wisdom is 'Don't Split the Party', there usually comes a time when that exact action is exactly what a situation requires. Luckily, Valignaririsk can handle himself, and he's got a good friend watching his back. In any case, next time, the party reunites, and the assault on the cult begins See you then!