A flash of crimson, blood red eyes glowing in the dark. It was like a small tremor had rattled her entire body, a miniature earthquake in her body that caused her teeth to click together and her heart to pound just so much faster in her chest. Nervousness? No… nothing of the sort. She was a powerful cleric, commanding an army of Underdark soldiers that rivaled even the armies of Ust Natha.
This sudden shudder of power she'd felt, her entire body reacting to… something, it could be but one thing. The power of Bhaal, the presence of one like her, utilizing the blood magic within. She'd had enough interaction with Balthazar and Abazigal to know what their presence would feel like… this was someone new. Someone powerful. And if that was true… there were few, if any Bhaalspawn left with the kind of power she'd just felt. Excepting, of course, the two that they hunted. Gorion's wards, the sorcerer Greywulf and the thief-mage Imoen… could one of them truly be so near her lair?
Of course. It made perfect sense, after all. If she and the other members of the Five were hunting the wards of Gorion, why wouldn't they be hunting her? This was an unexpected opportunity… she'd been saving her army- if doing so begrudgingly- for a final strike upon the surface world. The armies of Faerun couldn't ignore the Bhaalspawn forever. And even once all the Bhaalspawn aside from the Five were dead, it would take time to bring Bhaal back to life, to recreate themselves as demigods. And it would be foolish to assume that the other members of the Five might not decide to steal the full powers of Bhaal for themselves- she'd taken some measure of Balthazar's advice, keeping her own forces back for just such an occasion, but this… one of their final foes, so very close to her own sanctuary of power?
Sendai stood, her dark robes flowing behind her as she spun from her meditation chamber and strode to her armor locker instead. The time had come for action- and she would be at the fore of her armies. A thought of the 'invulnerable' Yaga-Shura came to mind for a brief moment, and it was enough to give her some small measure of pause as she reached for the handle to her armoire.
Surely she did not necessarily have to take the field herself- she had armies and generals enough to lead her forces against her prey. They were all more than capable of striking the necessary blows against her foes. The only way she'd be able to take hold of the powers of Bhaal would be to stay alive… that had to be her number one priority. Anything else would be foolhardy. In fact… of course. It was so clear. For one of her foes to reveal themselves so clearly, so easily for her to sense and pursue… a trap, of course. It could be nothing else. And yet… she had sensed her foe. There was a Bhaalspawn so very near, one of only two remaining… at least, two of any importance. To simply ignore it… that was not an option either.
Sendai snarled in frustration, spinning away from her weapons and armor, choosing instead to push open the darksteel doors that led from her meditation chamber into the war room where her generals made their presence known. If one did not completely understand the hierarchy of drow society, or at the very least, the hierarchy of those in power within her army, one might be excused for considering Sendai less… impressive, than those who awaited her orders. Their murmurings and talk of strategies quieted as soon as she entered, her figure so dark and imposing that it almost appeared as though she wore the shadow as a cloak.
She remained silent as she strode to the circular table that her generals encircled- she regarded each of them with a cold glare, as though examining a worm or an insect, despite their power. On her left stood the priestess Diaytha and commander Egeissag, the commanders of her drow army. Diaytha had spent years learning at Sendai's feet, desperately trying to understand and command the secrets of her mistress' power. Like all drow, she craved that which was above her, and would continue seeking it until she had it… or until she overstepped her bounds and forced Sendai to slay her. Egeissag was the best warrior she had found among her forces… and for a male, he was quite adequate. His skill with a blade was much more compelling than his skill in a bed, however. Still, his ability to lead men into battle made him useful to keep around, even more so with his strange… familiar. Somehow the man had bound a beholder servant to himself- the enormous floating beast was always behind him, always watching and snarling, always eager to unleash its magic against the foes Egeissag designated… although it would not be unreasonable to think that the beholder was just as eager to strike down Egeissag were it ever to receive the opportunity.
On Sendai's right stood a tangle of alien mass and tentacle horror. The black and purple robe covering its spindly body was flanged at the top, a wave that was just taller than the diamond shaped cranium of the leader of her illithid forces. Mithykyl, an Ulitharid, was one of her strongest allies, and had brought dozens of his illithid to bear at her side when she had initially begun building an army worthy of ruling the Realms. His psionic abilities were unmatched- even if the sheer power he commanded had the unfortunate side effect of creating a high-pitched whine in the back of everyone's skull while he was around. The four shorter tentacles that protruded from the bottom of his face slid back and forth, writhing like a baby octopus learning to swim, while the extra two, covered in purple slime and extending all the way to its knees, wrapped themselves around the spikes and rods of their war table as he awaited her instructions.
Across the table stood her final general, not even a leader of men or armies in his own right, but so powerful she could afford to call him nothing else- Ogremoch, the Prince of Earth. Perhaps she was petty, but upon finding out that Yaga-Shura had bound Imix, Prince of Fire to his Temple in the Marching Mountains, she had immediately begun searching for a way to bind a similar Elemental Prince to her own fortress. After several dozen monks had expired beneath her torturer's blades, one had finally relinquished the ritual she needed. The service of this incarnation of earth was well worth the time and effort it had taken to bind it.
None of the generals dared question her, but their expectant glances made their minds clear enough to her. She unhooded herself, revealing the long white hair flowing behind her. "Our prey is upon us. One of the wards of Gorion has made themselves known, close by the surface entrance to our enclave. We will not waste this opportunity. Godhood is at hand, my loyal servants!"
Sendai let a smirk cross her face as she turned to face Egeissag and Diaytha. The two of them both bowed upon recipient of her intense gaze- she nodded, her intent clear to them. "The two of you will take command of my drow and duergar forces. Swarm the surface world. *Find* them, or do not return at all. You will receive reinforcements from the rest of our forces… soon. You are the vanguard- strike quickly and silently, and some measure of glory will be yours. Fail, and be left in the dust of history, forgotten in the glory of ascension."
The two drow commanders bowed and immediately turned to stalk from the room, leaving Sendai with her remaining generals- she gestured toward the door, metal slamming against metal as the portal closed. "Now… the rest of you. There will be no victory by my priestess or my commander. The Bhaalspawn did not draw us out for a fair fight… Egeissag will fall to their might, and Diaytha will flee, leading them to our enclave. You… all of you, will be waiting for them"
X
"Oh hell. This is going to be a pain in the ass, I can tell already."
Greywulf's half-muttered grumblings elicited a sideways glance from Reynald, but to be honest, it wasn't as though his concern was unwarranted. After several hours of uninterrupted sleep across the board, all four companions had finally prepared to continue their trek through the second tier of Watcher's Keep. True to their hopes, no undead, no spirits had followed them through the portal they'd passed into to leave behind their pursuers from the Temple of Helm they'd abandoned. But the small room they'd arrived in looked better all the time upon their exit from it.
They'd come into a large, circular room with a domed ceiling, four large hallways stretching north, south, east and west. Above each hallway was a large gem, and each one glowed a different color. The domed ceiling had a glass look to it, although it was still opaque and its purple sheen was all that could be witnessed when looking straight up. Almost hypnotizing in its intensity, the strange architecture seemed to confirm their belief that the Watcher's Keep existed on a different plane than the straight up and down tower that one viewed on the outside would have a visitor believe.
The floor was pure marble, with a bright sheen across its surface as though there was a servant buffing out the footprints or skid marks of any trespassers each day… which, judging by the seeming randomness of this place, could have been the case. It was just as hard to believe that a single imp named Cespenar served as the butler to Bhaal in a Pocket Dimension of the Throne, if one were to truly press the issue. Still, all of this was mere set dressing, hardly worth noting, especially when compared to the true centerpiece of this visual feast. Directly to their right when entering the room, there was a large cage- part crackling ice, part blazing fire, part bubbling acid, and part sizzling lightning. The four elements of its construction seemed to warp and shift constantly, and inside the cage stood- or perhaps hung- a large demon, very similar in appearance to one of the Balors they had faced in the past. Its large horns still encircled its face, but they were glowing a bright blue instead of being the sickly yellow they would normally shine. Its black eyes were green, flashing like poison. The red fur it sported glowed brightly, as though ready to erupt into flame at any minute, and its claws were bright white, almost blinding in their intensity. This was no ordinary beast… nor was it contained in an ordinary way. Aside from the large cage of elements that kept it back, a massive golden spear was jutting through its chest, pinning it to the wall despite the beasts' attempts to pull the weapon from his chest. Every time it attempted to drive the spear back from its body, the spear shuddered, driving itself back into the demon's body, impaling it further.
Another roar from the beast- its frothing maw and hateful gaze finally focused on the four interlopers, as though unsure what to make of the new arrivals- it ceased its struggles, a grim smile creeping over its horrific features. "Ah… mortals, within Watcher's Keep? Interesting. Not Knights of the Vigil either, if my memory of them endures. Welcome, welcome…"
"Do not attempt to bewitch us with your honeyed words, demon." Anomen commanded, leveling his mace at the beast. "You will not manipulate us as easily as you might believe."
"Manipulate you? Hahaha… what possible way could I channel your behavior… I am, after all in here, and you all… are not. I simply seek to expedite your goals, as they are actually quite similar to mine, I think." The demon grinned, a bestial smile that did more to unnerve them than to put their minds at ease.
"I somehow doubt that…" Reynald took a step back, lowering his tower shield a small fraction as if accepting the fact that the beast could not break free from his bonds and strike at any moment. "Our quest is a holy one- you know nothing of our motives."
"Perhaps… perhaps not." The demon yawned, though a pulse from the spear embedded in its chest elicited a pained growl from the creature. "You… urghh… you seek to continue descending into Watcher's Keep, don't you? You seek what is… down there."
The claw of the demon pointed downward, towards the stone floor beneath their feet- upon looking down, all four saw what the demon was referring to- another massive seal of Helm emblazoned on the floor, just as it had been in the Temple above- was it truly above?- them. Greywulf inhaled sharply, then fixed his gaze on the Chromatic demon, mentally settling himself. To gaze into the eyes of a demon was enough to drive a weak mind insane… whether the magical cage that kept the beast contained would also shield them from the mental abilities of a demon was not a test he was eager to take. Better to be safe. And safe meant keeping this demon contained, and ignored, if at all possible. "You delay our search for the exit to this place. If you have anything useful to say, do it now, or we shall simply leave you to your torment."
"Ooohh… very intimidating, sorcerer." The demon laughed, a choking, retching noise. "Surprised? I can sense the magic clinging to you… it's like an aura, a bright little candle in the darkness of this world. The same aura clings to you, little girl… but perhaps diminished-"
"Enough of your words, beast!" Nalia cut the demon off with a shout, her tone flustered, if only for a moment. "You will tell us how to reach the lower levels, or I shall force you to talk!"
"Really? Hahaha! What will you do to me, mortal? Imprison me within an ancient fortress for eternity? I care little for your threats… a kinder tone might gain you more, methinks. You seek to descend into the bowels of this place… there is no chance of breaking the seal that reaches the lower levels, not while this cage and this spear remain here, imprisoning me. The magic that sustains them also sustains the spear, with my body being the focal point of the ritual. So long as I remain here, a prisoner of this place… so shall you."
"A lie. This demon seeks its freedom and would use us to serve his own ends. Why should we believe you? What proof can you offer? I doubt you have much to show us." Anomen folded his arms, glaring harshly at the large creature.
"Be that way then, knight." The demon growled, spitting a black, acidic glob on the stone floor that sizzled with the impact. "I will remain here, and so will all of you. May this place be your tomb. Pfeh! Know this… I will make no lie of the fact that I would like nothing better than to flay the skin from your body and suck the marrow from your bones. But you cannot proceed without freeing me, and I would be a fool to give up such an opportunity… here is my offer. Release me from this place and I shall swear to let you pass unmolested. Do we have an accord?"
Greywulf studied the demon a moment longer, then glanced at Anomen. The questioning glance said everything, and the squire huffed in frustration as the four of them turned and strode back to the room that had led to the large chamber from the first level of the Keep, hiding them from the demon's gaze and goading. As soon as they were out of sight, Anomen pointed at Greywulf, shaking his head defiantly. "No. Tell me you are not considering believing this foul creature's story. Look at it! It will say anything to find its freedom- an oath from a demon is worth no more than the tab of a drunkard at the Copper Coronet."
"I told you, didn't I? That this was going to be a pain in the ass?" Greywulf gestured back towards the open chamber. "Look… the spear that's impaling the demon to the wall- it's radiating magic. I can feel the aura from back here, and I bet Nalia can too. The seal on the floor, the cage around the demon… all of it has the same aura. They're connected somehow. I don't know if he's lying, per se… but it wouldn't be too big a stretch, would it? It wouldn't exactly be a stretch for this place, would it?"
Anomen sighed, rubbing his forehead with a closed fist. Finally he put his hand to his mouth, rubbing his beard instead. "Damn. This will… complicate matters, if it ends as we all know it will."
"I do not recognize the demon within… it appears to be a Balor, but no books have ever described a Balor with such peculiar characteristics." Reynald frowned, gesturing toward the open chamber with his long sword. "Some kind of twisted variant?"
"Probably a thrall that was altered by magic." Nalia shook her head. "It is said that if a mage is able to enslave a demon, their bodies make excellent focal points for ritual spells due to the innate magics within them. And if a wizard is powerful enough… they might even attempt to control the very characteristics of the creature, to make them more pliable to the ritual they are intended for. In this case, I would think there are strong Chromatic magics at work."
"I see…" Reynald paused, obviously not quite certain of what exactly Nalia's words meant. "T'will be more dangerous then?"
"Absolutely." Nalia smirked.
"Hey, if you wanted easy, you should have been a… a baker, or something like that. Although I hear that finding the perfect pie crust is one of the most difficult tasks in Faerun…" Greywulf mused as he peered back into the circular chamber, examining the four hallways. "No? Not funny? Down to business then, I suppose. Anomen, what's our move? Up to you…"
"So it is. We have little choice, it seems. Exploring the rest of this area might provide some insight into what freeing that demon will entail, or perhaps an alternate path entirely." Anomen paused for a moment, finally nodding to the others and walking back into the presence of the Chromatic beast. "Ah… this shan't be fun. Demon! You spoke of a way to free you and open the path to the deeper levels of Watcher's Keep… tell us how to do this."
A wicked, drool splattered smile crossed the Chromatic Demon's features, and Greywulf couldn't help but feel once again…this was all going to be one giant pain in the ass.
X
Minsc stepped over the top of the peak in the path of the crevice leading through the mountain range into the Amkethran desert, the sudden breeze coming sweeping over the top cooling the sheen of sweat across his bald head. From here, it was a rough, goat's path downward across several rocky handholds and platforms, but definitely doable on the way to the desert. Upon their final descent, the rocky path took a sharp decline, becoming more a slide than path, dotted with small pieces of rubble and sand covered boulders. It would be hellish travel, doable but slow, unless of course one were to lose their footing… in which case, a quick drop and a sudden stop might be a more appropriate turn of phrase.
"Please my friend, keep us moving. There is little time to waste." Cernd slid past Minsc on the path, brushing Minsc's shoulder as he moved, brow knit with purpose. The druid had been on edge since he'd claimed to have sensed… something, or perhaps somethings, on the way towards Amkethran. He had been rather tightlipped, but none of the others had the kind of connection to nature that Cernd boasted, not even Jaheira. While she may have been more proficient with martial affairs, Cernd had her bested when it came to the druid spells and powers that her kind wielded.
"Do you sense anything? Anything at all?" Aerie asked Jaheira as the two of them pushed over the top of the crevice, finally starting their descent as well, following Minsc and Cernd's lead. Viconia was at the rear, her hood firmly in place to help shield her from the noonday sun that beat down upon them.
"I… I do not. Some small disturbance in the air, perhaps. But that could be anything- it might simply be a storm coming, though I see no clouds gathering." Jaheira offered, her boot landing on a small rock that immediately dislodged, nearly felling her as a skid of pebbles and dust tumbled past Minsc. "Damn, this path is more treacherous than I had imagined. I shall be glad when we have reached solid ground again."
"I… ugh… I think I'm with you on that." Aerie grit her teeth, blinking sweat from eyes as she attempted to ignore the growing number of pebbles that were lodged under her foot inside her leather boots. After the last all day journey through the mountain pass leading from Athkatla to De'Arnise Keep, she'd swapped her mage sandals for some more protective footwear. It helped… some. "As long as we can get there before… whatever Cernd senses shows up."
"If he is even right." Viconia murmured, taking the path slower, more deliberately than the others. Her time spent in the Underdark made her accustomed to such rocky terrain, and her time spent on the surface in the past months had kept her from being disoriented by the height and open space. "I do not doubt his ability, I merely point out the obvious. There is no sign of pursuit- we would have noticed by now if there were. Only fools would attempt to traverse this route at speed."
Aerie was about to point out the fact that they were, in fact, attempting to do the very thing, but a knowing smirk from the drow drew a grimace from the Avariel and a quick bite down on the words she'd been about to say. Unfortunately, that small bit of distraction was just enough to cause Aerie to miss her footing- the next step she took landed right where Jaheira's last miniature landslide had left several unstable rocks- her foot sent them scuttling and her momentum took her straight down the hill. Jaheira shouted a warning and attempted to reach out and grab her arm- too late. Her nimble hand was just too slow to catch Aerie's flailing arm as the elf slid faster and faster, down towards Minsc and Cernd.
Aerie's eyes widened in shock as she slid faster and faster, heading towards the abrupt drop off that would take them to the desert sands in earnest- but the several hundred feet of drop would most definitely be a fall she was unwilling to bear. Magic… some kind of magic could help, but the focus would simply not come- a firm hand snagged the back of her robe even as she snapped to a halt, the fabric of that robe tearing just a little from the abrupt pause. Aerie breathed a deep sigh of relief, looking up at Minsc's worried features, his strong grip holding tight to her cloak. He gently helped her to her feet, brushing some of the rocks and dirt that clung to her- as if it would really get her clean until they'd left this place entirely. Aerie sighed, wiping her face and leaving streaks of grime across her face. "Still watching out for me?"
Minsc smiled gently, resting his hands on her shoulders. "You need fear nothing while Minsc is here. I will *always* protect you."
Aerie chuckled slightly, letting her frame rest against his, taking comfort in his care. "Thank you, Minsc. What would I do without you?"
The elf's question seemed to tug at Minsc for a moment, and it was unclear whether it was simple consideration of her safety or a flash of memory to Dynaheir's end, but the ranger did not answer right away. Still, any sense of hesitation he had vanished quickly- his face blossomed to a grin and a laugh, the big man tousling her blonde locks of hair as he pressed her tight to himself. "You would be even stronger than you stand now, little Aerie. When we eventually part, you will see just how much you have grown since we met back in the circus."
Jaheira let the smallest hint of a satisfied smile cross her lips, only feeling the slightest hint of pain from how chapped the desert winds and mountain air had made them. Cernd glanced back to see what she was watching, nodding in approval as well. Jaheira turned and kept descending, finally reaching Cernd, who had rested a bit while the druidess caught up to him.
"So… Jaheira. It has been some time since you and I traveled together." Cernd noted, pausing to make certain that Jaheira did not befall the same fate as Aerie when she stepped down a particularly steep descent.
"It has. How long has it been? Nearly twenty years, I think?" Jaheira glanced at her fellow druid. "I would not really call it traveling together, though… it was but a few scouting sorties, gnolls and hobgoblins threatening the grove. I am surprised you remember me at all."
"How could I forget?" Cernd's normal stoicness seemed to disappear around Jaheira as he visualized the events of years past. "I was but a young pup, trying to find my way through life with the curse of my blood, trying to deny all the ferocity that accompanied it…"
"And I ridiculed you for your lack of martial prowess when I had to save your life against that gnoll in battle." Jaheira considered the memory for a moment, cocking her head slightly. "I did not know the burden your bore at the time. Had I been aware-"
"Apologies, especially so many years past, are unnecessary." Cernd waved her off. "Your… challenges, helped spur me into mastering my blood taint. Hmm. Perhaps nature has a sense of humor, it would seem. You helped me with my taint so long ago… you do the same for Greywulf and Imoen so many years later."
Jaheira glared at him, thought it was done rather softly. "It is not the same thing… but I can appreciate the irony. You have done quite well for yourself… second only to the Grand Druid of the Trademeet grove now, yes? I am impressed."
"That means a lot, coming from you." Cernd bowed his head slightly to her. "Tales of your exploits would occasionally reach the grove after you left… whether by eagle or by hound, eventually the battles you fought always reached our ears. You did so much to promote the balance outside the grove…"
The hesitation in his voice brought understanding to Jaheira immediately. Of course… he could sense the indecision, the lack of balance within her. After so long away from the grove and similar places of nature, it only made sense that she was no longer as solidly set upon her ideals as she had once been. "I did my best… there were many creatures and monsters, human or otherwise who threatened the balance. I have done my duty and stopped them whenever possible."
"You need not defend yourself to me… we all have our own talents." Cernd shrugged. "I never could best you in combat… most of the grove members ended up on the ground when dueling you."
"They did, didn't they?" Jaheira replied with a hint of smugness to her voice.
Cernd laughed, nodding in approval. "There… I had wondered where your pride had gone to. You were such a lioness, even back then… it is good to see you have not lost the fire I remember within you. When this is all over, perhaps we should spar again?"
Jaheira was silent, and Cernd looked back to see Jaheira's face blushing red, and it only took Cernd a moment before he realized what exactly had caused it- druids in the grove were not exactly… modest, when it came to love and primal urges. There had been one particular instance when he and Jaheira had sparred… the battle had become more heated than usual. It was a memory Cernd had nearly forgotten… but from Jaheira's struggling expression, she remembered some of it a little better than he. "Ah… that is to say-"
"Cernd… I do not think we shall be 'sparring' anytime soon." Jaheira coughed, her green eyes flicking away from his. "That was… a very long time ago. We have both moved on since then… and I do not think Greywulf would approve."
"Of course, I meant nothing of it." The druid found himself unusually flustered, taking the opportunity to quickly change the subject. "The young sorcerer… of all of the ones he summoned, I was surprised to find myself counted among them. I do not believe I truly ever fought alongside him."
"Probably Keldorn's influence." Jaheira shrugged. "He respected Keldorn's word far more than he would have let on. If Keldorn deemed you a worthy companion, then it would undoubtedly be good enough for Greywulf as well."
"I could ask for no better recommendation… the paladin was a fine warrior, and a good man. I was grieved to hear of his death after Suldenesselar was retaken, although the cycle of nature is an inexorable one."
"True. It is an easy platitude to speak when it is not one of your own who has passed the veil of this world." Jaheira paused, no doubt remembering the number of friends she'd lost in so short a span of time. Gorion, Khalid, Dynaheir… with the strong possibility of more loss before this war was over. "It appears our path will shortly become less of a walk and more of a climb. Do you still sense the pursuit you warned us of earlier?"
Cernd looked to the sky, glancing this way and that as he let the power of his druidic magic stretch into his whole being… nothing? Impossible. He had been sensing these presences for some time, growing closer and closer until they had reached the edges of the mountain ranges… the nothing. He could no longer hear the acrid crackling of lightning in the clouds, no wing beats pulsing through the air. Whatever had been coming their way was no longer there… or at least, no longer where he could sense them through nature. "I… I do not. Perhaps it was nothing."
Viconia cursed under her breath for about the hundredth time since she'd joined this group, although most of the cursing had occurred after being split into this particular party. At least when around the Bhaalspawn there was the allure of power to be gained. Instead, she'd been stuck with the darthirii mage/cleric, the mongrel half-breed Greywulf had seen to fit to bed, the mentally challenged ranger, and to top it all off, a walking nature analogy in Cernd. Life had never been easy since fleeing to the surface, but this… this was quite possibly the most miserable she'd been in some time.
A faint scratching at her wrists reminded her of the state she'd been in before being rescued by Greywulf's impromptu teleportation of her to the Pocket Plane… perhaps she was being the slightest bit ungrateful. Not that she'd ever admit it to anyone. They were all so damn friendly with one another… it was sickening, really. The only one in this little group she'd felt any interest or companionship with was Sarevok… now, *he* was intriguing. A Bhaalspawn with a lust for power and anything else that he desired. That Greywulf had once bested him was a surprise to her… while the sorcerer was powerful, she would never have expected his ethics, his code, to have allowed him the strength of will necessary to defeat the Butcher of the Gate.
Unfortunately, Sarevok was off with the others, and she was stuck with these three idiots, and Jaheira. Jaheira wasn't an idiot… bitch was maybe a better word for it. Although taunting her and getting the druidess all riled up had become one of Viconia's favorite past times during each small segment they'd traveled together. Somehow, it never got old…
Behind her, a small trail of stone and rock tumbled down the side of the mountain cliffs that arched upwards around the pass they'd taken through the range. She glanced upward, raising a hand to shield her sensitive eyes from the blinding rays above. Was that movement? She honestly couldn't tell… but she curled her lip upwards and kept moving, still glancing behind her every so often. It appeared that Cernd was giving Jaheira a hand in beginning their final descent, the half-elven woman bracing herself on the remains of a rocky platform before it turned into a rocky cliffside, Jaheira's boots stretching downward to find the barest hint of purchase. Viconia absentmindedly wondered whether Greywulf would be *too* upset if she somehow accidentally nudged Jaheira on their way climbing down, and the druid fell to her death. Well, perhaps not her death. She was a capable fighter if nothing else, and while she well and truly hated the druidess, it was a good kind of hate. One reserved for a worthy adversary. Maybe she could knock Jaheira off the cliffside when they were just high enough to cause some broken bones. Healing spells would take care of the majority of the damage.
Another spill of rock behind her, this time Viconia whirled and drew her mace, already preparing one hand to deal retribution via unholy magics. Still nothing… but the rockslide had come from the clifftops above- Viconia snarled, knowing how much this would hurt- she threw off her hood and stared up at the mountaintops all around, trying to push away the blinding pain driving into her skull from the intensity of the sunlight. If she concentrated just hard enough, she could still let her infravision work, seeing the waves of heat within the entire mountainous terrain, a blur of red from the rocks that were exposed to the sun's heat all day long… nothing but a blur- no. There… there were darker spots. Cold blooded beings, showing up like vortexes of darkness in the haze she was able to make out… no longer in midair, no longer soaring through the air like Cernd had described?
Viconia tore her gaze from the sky, blinking away tears as spots blazed back and forth in front of her vision, unable to be willed away so easily. She staggered a bit, trying not to fall off their path before shouting down to the others. "Above us! On the mountain side- damn you druid, they took to ground!"
Cernd froze, hearing Viconia's words- he immediately reached out, letting the bond of nature he felt drive his senses through the rock and stone of the mountainside instead of into the air of the skies… and he felt it. Mammoth claws and scales scraping stone. Dust flicking one way or another through the air as tails swept back and forth, beasts gliding along the mountaintops upon their bellies, keeping themselves hidden from sight by any and all… but not anymore. As if on cue, perhaps alerted by Viconia's shout, several roars echoed across the mountaintop, and with a burst of wind and a blaze of lightning, a dozen winged beasts erupted from the mountain and took to the skies.
"Baervan preserve us!" Aerie cried out, watching in horror at the sight- a massive blue dragon at the lead, flanked by an amethyst dragon on one side, and a brown dragon on the other, all three massive beasts soaring overhead with a pulse of wind hitting Aerie in their wake. Smaller drakes followed behind those three, but behind them all flew another fully grown dragon, this one with green scales. Following it were also a dozen smaller drakes, each one glinting a different color in the bright sky. Their path was clear- no other destination was in sight- all of them were heading straight for Amkethran.
"We have to move! Now!" Cernd shouted, gesturing for Viconia and Aerie to move- Minsc had already begun his descent alongside Jaheira, the pair trying to go as fast as possible on their treacherous rock climb. Perhaps Cernd's outburst was too much, or perhaps their initial fly-over had lent them the vision necessary to spy the group, but the green dragon arced right and began circling back towards the newly exposed party, all except Cernd and Aerie already taken up by their descent.
Fll'Yissetat snarled as she spotted her prey- or at least, the prey she'd been assigned to track and destroy. The Geas she'd sworn to Abazigal kept her in line, but it was only the promise that he'd made to her, immortality at the side of the Lord of Murder when he ascended, that had given her cause to serve him in the first place. She was not a patient beast- though to be fair, none of her kind really was. Still, she'd been serving long enough, and seen no sign of the power that she'd been promised. All of that pent up anger and frustration was about to see release- whoever these pitiful mortals were, whether allies of the monk or simple travelers, she wasn't about to allow such an opportunity to go to waste. She'd been given command of half the Chromatic drakes after they'd crossed the mountain pass- Abazigal, Draconis and Tamah would lay to waste the majority of the defenses Amkethran commanded, supported by half of the drakes that nested alongside them. Once she arrived with the other half of the drakes, there would be no chance for Balthazar's monastery.
Her wings pulsed even faster, anxious to reach the prey lying so easily in wait for her- a wicked smile stretched across her jaws as she came to a halt, hovering right in front of the cliff face as she felt the noxious chlorine gas build within her, ready to spew from her jaws and suffocate those little mortals, helpless on their climb. The drakes swept down below her, circling and flying beneath the cliffside, ready to catch them in their jaws as soon as they fell.
Aerie gazed in horror at the horned beast, sucking in air as it turned fresh air to noxious poison within its chest. Cernd was shouting at her to get moving, but it was like the world was moving in slow motion before her. These creatures, scourges of her kin in the mountains… she'd prepared to fight dragons, all Avariel had, back in Faenya-Dail. She hadn't been one of the warrior caste, but every elven child knew how to use the mountains to their advantage when faced with a draconic attack. Combined with her magics… this was one situation she'd literally been prepared for since birth. The lack of her wings would make this more difficult, but… well, she'd improvise. Imoen had taught her how to do that if nothing else.
Aerie thrust one hand out, swirling it around her head faster and faster as the magic she possessed conjured a whirlwind around that arm, her robes whipping around her body with the intense winds… and just as the blast of chlorine gas erupted over the heads of her friends, she unleashed the wind, sweeping all of the gas back past Fll'Yissetat. The beast roared in frustration, fixing a gaze on the elf that had nullified her attack- with a spiteful roar, Fll'Yissetat flew upward, circling over the top of the mountain and crashing to a halt right above where Cernd and Aerie were still standing- rock and boulder went tumbling down, the elf and druid doing their best to dodge the flying rocks, but that did not end the threat.
Crumbling rocks slamming and shattering against the top of the cliffside broke pieces of the top off that began splintering down towards Jaheira and Minsc- Viconia was nearest to the top and took the brunt of it. A large piece of rock stabbed into Viconia's hand and she cried out with pain as her hand spasmed- she instinctively tried to get some footing with her leg but it slid off the rockface and she immediately found herself in free-fall. Jaheira had one firm grip on a small piece of jutting cliff-face, and with her other hand she snagged out, grabbing the drow's flailing arm- Jaheira screamed in pain as the sudden weight to her arm dislocated her shoulder. Jaheira's feet drifted from the purchase they found while Viconia's eyes widened, realizing that the only thing keeping both her and Jaheira from meeting a painful end at either the desert floor or the drakes below was Jaheira's right hand- already numb with the insane effort she was putting forward, the druid wouldn't hold out more than another second or two.
Minsc looked over at the struggles of his friend- he glanced up at the top of the cliffs, where he knew Aerie was still fighting for her life. The struggle tore through his head for a moment- try to reclimb the cliffs and protect Aerie? Try to save the two women holding on for dear life, just a few yards to his left? There wasn't time to dwell, only time for action. He prayed Aerie could prove herself as capable as he knew she was. Minsc grasped the small pieces of rock he'd been holding purchase on, and coiled his muscles as tight as possible. With what small leverage he could get, Minsc launched himself to his left, yanking Viconia from Jaheira's grasp as the ranger and the drow now found themselves hurtling downward, the druid gasping in exhaustion and relief as the pressure was lifted from her injured arm.
Rocks fell all around the downward flying pair, and Viconia barely had time to question the wisdom of this move- it had really only taken her from the danger of falling in seconds to a fall in the here and now. Had the ranger killed them both? It certainly looked as if it would be the case- headfirst into a sand dune from several hundred feet up- or perhaps not. It would be a much more painful death- several of the Chromatic drakes were flying upwards with jaws snapping, ready to meet their prey halfway. Viconia twisted her head to swear at Minsc for leading them to this end- not that it would have been much longer till she and Jaheira had met the same fate- but the smile creeping on Minsc's face made her think twice. He glanced to her and shouted over the rushing winds, "Hold onto me! Hold on!"
Viconia wrapped her arms around Minsc's broad waist, trusting the mad ranger with her life; as the red Chromatic drake neared, fire bursting from its jaws as it went to snap the head from the ranger, Minsc roared with berserker rage and power, bringing Frostreaver down in a two handed swipe to intersect the flames. The icy power of the magical axe swept away the fire and Minsc threw the weapon aside to reach out with his massive arms instead. Python-like biceps curled around the neck of the surprised drake as the two hurtling downward suddenly became three, corkscrewing and spinning as Minsc shouted, forcing the drake to fly downwards with such a heavy burden upon it. The ranger growled and twisted with all of his might, guiding the drake left, towards the hurtling axe- he snagged it with one hand from midair as they flew past, pursued by several other drakes, each one bursting with elemental power that Viconia could feel just behind her boots.
The time it had taken for Minsc to reclaim his weapon had given the drake back some semblance of control- it swept straight for the cliffside, intending to scrape it's passengers off by force. Viconia saw the maneuver coming- while Minsc had the brute strength to hold on, she would not be so lucky. Viconia grit her teeth, feeling the adrenaline flow- this was the craziest thing she'd ever attempted, and it was likely to get her smashed into the side of the cliffside… but if Minsc could do it, so could she.
As they came closer and closer, Viconia let her grip on Minsc's waist loosen, finally sliding off completely, her momentum carrying her towards the cliff wall at terminal velocity. Viconia twisted so her feet were facing the wall, and stretched out with all her might- the spell Merge with Stone was not a spell she'd used often, mostly for assassination purposes while still in the Underdark. Timing would need to be absolutely perfect- the moment her body touched the stone wall it would need to activate, and casting while hurtling through the air was not exactly an easy prospect.
Jaheira craned her neck up to spy Viconia flying through the air, about to slam into the wall beside her- without a sound, only a flash of light; she vanished completely, disappearing as though entering the wall itself. There was little time for consideration- she had her own problems. Minsc and the red drake were still wrestling for control of their course, and without Viconia to occupy them, the other chromatic drakes had turned to her for sport. Jaheira spat as she attempted to regain some footing, but it was going to be hard going… there would be no respite given by her foes. This might be the end- but once again, salvation lay in the unlikeliest of spots.
A flash went by her, and Jaheira's eyes widened to see Aerie soaring over top, suspended by two Air elementals, each one holding onto her as she directed their movements. From atop her lofty perch, Aerie shouted an incantation, and lightning struck the white drake that was descending upon Jaheira's position- it tumbled with the attack and struck the cliff wall, shaking everything around, nearly knocking her loose completely- that might have to be the key sooner than later.
Above, Fll'Yissetat leapt into the air and swept downwards in an attempt to chase Aerie's unexpected ascent. Cernd had been given a brief reprieve, managing to avoid the rocky debris sent his way, but Aerie would be unable to help the others if Fll'Yissetat was on her tail the entire time- another distraction was needed, and he was the only one left to supply it. A brief memory of all the time he'd spent learning how to control the beast he kept within him… every time he changed, he couldn't help but remember what pain he'd suffered in trying to keep this thing chained. What pain others had suffered when he'd failed. But these past years… he'd controlled it. Mastered it. The beast was a savior now, not a demon. And at least one more time, it would be used to save lives.
Cernd threw his staff to the side, staring as Fll'Yissetat's arc took her by his position- he ran ahead of it, waiting until it came side by side with him, right as the cliff ended into open air- he leapt, his skin splitting and transforming in midair as he landed upon Fll'Yissetat's back, digging his claws in as deep as he could manage. Fll'Yissetat felt the impact and some semblance of pain- she arched her back, starting to do tight loops and spins to get the beast off her back, but the wolfwere had an even better grip than Minsc. Cernd reared up for a moment, slashing downward with his claws, but mostly in vain. Sparks showered from the impacts of his claws on the dragon scales, but there was little impact on the beast itself. The back of the beast was just too well armored- which meant getting somewhere more unprotected. Cernd hissed and snorted with feral rage, then began pulling his way up the dragon's back.
Minsc had finally gotten himself into a position of dominance, his legs wrapped around the back of the drake, his hands on the wings, pulling the beast back and forth, directing it just enough to keep it from knocking him off. He yanked hard on the left wing, sweeping it back over towards Jaheira- the blue drake and the purple drake were both on their way to end her part in this particular aerial combat- Minsc's eyes narrowed as he felt sweat pour down his face with the exertion… no. Not yet. He pulled the wings back, hard- the drake soared upward before Minsc forced it down, a full nosedive heading straight for the ground, set to intersect the two drakes on their path to Jaheira. He drew Frostreaver, knowing that the lack of pressure on the drake's wing would send his course off- but only for a moment.
He slashed downward, cutting off the red drake's left wing completely before he leapt from the drake, his path sending him straight onto the purple drake's back, the pair tumbling downwards once again- but there was no way he'd get the beast into a similar flight as the red one before the blue drake reached Jaheira. Minsc felt the beast in his arms rapidly shifting elemental properties, trying to find one that would aid it in getting the ranger free- it abruptly turned cold, and Minsc could already feel his legs and hands turning numb from the frost it was emanating. Only a little bit of time- Minsc grabbed the upper part of the drake's jaw with one hand and the lower half with his other hand- Minsc shouted with effort as he began pulling, the world spinning around him until he heard that final whimper followed by a wet crack.
Jaheira glanced to her left, watching the rapidly approaching beast as her muscles screamed in protest, refusing to let her fall just yet… but her time had run out. The blue drake was already upon her- and with an opening of its jaws, electricity crackled in a ball of energy and launched at her body, exploding in power. Once more, the Harper Pin she wore glowed with protective magics, drawing the electricity within and leaving Jaheira unscathed- if it were possible for a dragon to look surprised, the expression passed quickly as the drake decided to end Jaheira's life the old fashioned way. As it swooped straight at her, claws bared, Jaheira finally released her grip, the drake slamming into the wall instead. Falling through the sky, surrounded by the screeches and howls of dragons and drakes- a writhing blue beast falling beside her and a maimed red one lying one the desert floor, most likely dead from the fall it had taken after being struck down by Minsc- was this to be her final fate? No… not here. Not now. Had to be a way out…
Viconia erupted into view on the desert floor, phasing out of the stone wall as she gasped for breath- her neck immediately snapped upwards, taking in everything that was happening at once- Jaheira was hurtling towards her and would hit the ground in a few seconds. Viconia smirked- delicious irony, saving her most hated of companions… she'd never let the druid hear the end of it, assuming they survived the whole experience. She began the incantations, trying to make them as clear as possible, knowing she only had one shot at this- standing right beneath where Jaheira would hit the ground, Viconia stared up at Jaheira, shouting the words to her clerical magic- done. The split second before Jaheira would have hit Viconia, the Repulsion spell she'd mastered kicked in- unable to progress any further towards Viconia, Jaheira's momentum stopped almost instantly- the spell's power flung her to the side instead, rolling across the desert floor with far too much speed to come out of it unscathed. The druid was unmoving, but Viconia could at least hope she was alive… and that would have to do as the remaining drakes split, half chasing the purple drake Minsc continued to struggle with in midair, half descending to strike their ground-ridden prey. At least Fll'Yissetat was still occupied by Cernd… but for how much longer?
The blue drake that had hit the wall in an attempt to devour Jaheira finally reached the bottom, scraped and bloodied, but still alive. It shook off the impact, neck snapping back and forth before hissing at Viconia- the drow wasted no time and swung her mace downward to crush the drake's skull, pounding it into the desert sand with three blows. A crackle of electricity arced over the drake's skull as it wheezed through broken bones before expiring- Viconia looked up to see the shadows of a green and a white drake coming down, making half runs at her as though deciding just how much of her power they wished to test. Viconia ignored the sticky strands of hair that clung to her face, clutching her mace with aching muscles and a snarl across her face. If they wanted to test her strength… she spat at the ground, shouting in defiance. "Lil'alur! For Shar!"
X
Running, breathless and winded, stamina all but drained in their attempt to lose- mostly, not completely- their pursuers, Solaufein sucked down oxygen as evenly as he could manage. The pursuit of the Tethyr forces was a bit more intense than they had originally anticipated; no signs of this 'Sendai' yet though. He supposed it had been a bit much to hope for- but then again, their plans were always a bit 'spur-of-the-moment', that much he remembered about Imoen and her brother.
Imoen… he was worried about her, but there was little for him to do right now. Her attempts to pull the veil back and unleash the taint was dangerous… but there had been no other way, at least not if they were going to go through with their plan, insane as it was. The forest terrain afforded them good cover, but if they were going to keep pulling the Tethyr forces along until they were in position to fight Sendai's army, they couldn't get too far out of reach.
An arrow hit a tree several dozen yards off of their right- perhaps they'd given up a bit more ground than they needed to. Solaufein turned as he ran, backing up in a slight jog- they were still in view, archers taking pot shots on the run. Solaufein spun again, leaping over a fallen log as he kept his stride high- battle was almost upon them, he could feel it. Sarevok was undoubtedly looking forward to it, but this was still too soon. They needed to find the armies of Sendai, and quickly… but they were out of time. A burst of fire exploded right in front of him, sending him into the air, arms and legs flailing as he hit the ground, ears ringing. What the hell had happened? Sendai's troops, finally?
A voice echoed around him, concern within- Imoen stumbled to his side, yanking him to his feet, but there they were. More of the Tethyrian army- and from the looks of it, they were coming from all sides. A trap- and they'd run straight into it. Somehow the general had known they'd be coming to this forest- did he know of Sendai as well, anticipate them coming to find the drow? Maybe. But when it came right down to it, there was no more time for introspection, no more time for consideration. Only time for survival- a soldier came hurtling towards him, blade raised high and to the left- an easy parry, if he could just get his mind and body working in conjunction again- Imoen saved him, blasting the man with a Chromatic Orb before he could strike.
The noise of the world around him finally seemed to drift back into his hearing… "-ight, damn you! We die here, we die for nothing!"
Sarevok's harsh tones spurred him on- he snarled a drow curse and yanked the Vorpal Blade from its sheath, beheading another attacker that came from his left. Imoen grinned, noting his ability returning to him- "That's what I wanted to see. Let 'em have it!"
Haer'Dalis was at lead, launching fireballs of… minimum potency, still keeping up the ruse of identity, but the fire was effective at least in keeping the enemy archers from settling in- at least until they got surrounded on all sides, which was seemingly an inevitability at this point. Imoen spun around a tree, using it as cover for a large two-handed swing that notched the tree but left the blade's owner without hands as Imoen sliced her short sword down and chopped the man at the wrists. She spun the sword back to a reverse grip, stepping forward and bursting three oncoming soldiers with arc lightning, their bodies spasming as they slammed into the trees all around. A jolt of pleasure surged through her body at the sight of those men dying… no. This wasn't supposed to happen so easily. All her mental defenses, her blocks she'd erected inside herself to keep the darkness at bay… one simple indulgence hadn't been enough to break it free within her… had it?
A Tethyrian soldier screamed, blood streaming from his mouth as he clutched at the massive sword impaling his stomach before Sarevok kicked him off completely, momentarily hefting the blade with one hand while slamming his fist out to push an attacker into a tree, splitting his skull on the tree trunk. The Deathbringer laughed maniacally, his roars giving the men and women charging him a hint of a pause. His eyes glowed ever brighter yellow, and there was nobody among them who was immune to the fear that emanated from the dark warrior.
"Keep yourself in check, brother." Haer'Dalis called out, ducking under an arrow headed his way as he clutched the quarterstaff that was supposedly his weapon of choice. "Killing them all isn't what we're here for…"
"Says you." Imoen smirked, before she even realized what she was saying, shaking her head as though trying to clear the flies and gnats of blood that were swirling around her brain. "Just… just keep on fighting, ok? We've got to get out of this place before we get boxed in…"
"Too late for that, Bhaalspawn!"
The voice of General Jamis Tombelthen erupted from the void as several dozen men flashed into vision, archers and swordsmen training their weapons on the party in seconds. Mages were tucked in the back, no doubt concealing their trap with invisibility spells. Before Haer'Dalis could do or say a thing, a Silence spell impacted the bard and two men had blades put to his neck. The general was obviously taking no chances of 'Greywulf' teleporting the group to safety again. To his credit… the trap had worked. They'd thought themselves so clever, leading the Tethyr forces to battle with Sendai and her troops… and the General had plotted their journey, lain in wait, and intercepted them. Right on Sendai's doorstep…
As the General strode to 'Greywulf' and yanked his hood off, his eyes widened, realizing that the man before him was not the Bhaalspawn he had thought he'd trapped. Tombelthen swung to the other three he had at his mercy, pointing at the tiefling with murder in his eyes. "Who the devil is this? I have you two, but where is Greywulf?! What trickery is this?"
"Let me out, Immy…"Imoen swallowed the laugh and the words that were coming unbidden to her throat- "Looks like you don't have all the answers there, General. Still, you did want to fight Bhaalspawn, right?"
The sound of buzzing filled the forest around them, and several of the Tethyr soldiers fell to the ground, drow arrows jutting from their necks. Sarevok smiled, a feral sight as he raised his sword once again. "It would seem that our sister has excellent timing… you brought an army with you, did you not, General? Perhaps you now have a use for it."
Tombelthen spun to face Imoen, his face a mix of rage, confusion and fear- Imoen couldn't help but smile, eyes rolling back in her head as she whispered, "Ooops…"