Chap 4 Researching and The jaded Assassin
Having some overall pov too.
When You believe-Prince of Egypt. More emotions here
The elf warrior did not look like a usual elf, for his hair was pale and his skin dark as night. He dressed in stark black armor as well, not his choice of color. But the hirers did not provide the other nature range of colors he wished for. A buzz from the structured metallic circle around his neck. He paused and attempted to pull it off. His fingers stung.
Cleaning his blades on the bodies, the dark elf then started for the west wing of the castle. The sun showed that it was early morning. He did not curse, as it was pointless.
"Well done Drizzt! Indeed you have earned this sum!" the minute human cried clapping his hands. He was a hobbit working for the warlords, dressed in finery and rings adorned every finger. Bags of gold were given. Drizzt did not move to touch them.
"Why are you sad?"
Huskily, for the collar caused pain, he tried to be patient. "You know why. I offered my services, yet you imprison me like this." Drizzt gestured to his neck. He coughed.
"Come now drow. You can't deny how wonderful it is to live here, in the lap of riches. Then what do you want? I can't remove that."
It is not what I want! Drizzt wanted to scream and slash the man's throat. But the hobbit's control was closeby, even with all his speed at a single button, Drizzt would lose. This collar ensured all obedience, nobody could escape its influence lest they could destroy the main controls. The electrical jolt varying in strength and voltage, the little buzz would spike some pain,the very powerful one would render any skilled person unconscious.
He did not want a repeat of the first time, when he woke drow had never been helpless trekking, something had shot him and captured him. Then he was made to become their assassin and mercenary with empty promises.
So he kept his face stoic and nodded. "I want to have her. My panther." He asked.
"I'm sorry. What would I do if you used her against us huh?" The hobbit smiled and waved dismissively. Drizzt's heart clenched, and he stalked out of the office. On the way the drow passed his favorite part of the castle, the flourishing greenery. Behaving people could come here at leisure, a small forest that grew from the third level. Drizzt was standing on the fourth level. His sharp sight noticed all the people were also wearing this device. How could they enjoy this?
He had gone mad trying to remove it. Nobody wants to be shackled. He even hit himself against a stone and used his blades to try to cut it off. In the end the metal had some scratches and he collapsed with exhaustion.
For now, Drizzt tried to enjoy the luxuries of his rest time. He had a nice meal to look forward to. There were other things to remember but he couldn't.
Memories fogged over.
A distance away in the opposite tower of the same castle, the Julatsan mage Ilkar waited impatiently as the librarian opened the Restricted section. His tattoo itched, as if many ants were marching inside his skin. He fought not to tear off the skin. Ilkar focused on taking deep breaths, everytime he wanted to lose his temper or experience great moodswings, it would worsen.
At least it was not pain. He had tried to remain on the bench, because standing too long tired him.
"What is the problem?" he forced a smile. This was the second time he asked. She was watching the red token blink, the compartment sliding open ever so slowly.
"I am sorry. Please be patient, Restricted has not been attended to in years. May I know why you want to go inside?" She blinked owl eyes. Ilkar was about to cast, use some power to make her obey. Then he remembered, how Felicia had asked him to wear more clothing. He could not afford to, or he'd faint. "I have something important to look up. Official business. I appreciate this." He turned to his usual elven charms.
The woman giggled and pressed some buttons. In truth, why did he worry? No need to hurry, the Clans were all away on their conquering lands spree. Ilkar had half his mind on the thief girl. She might be so bored that she would try to do something rash on her own. At first the trust was very tentative and almost impossible. The elf knew she would fight, but not against him. When Flo said they had another mage, Ilkar didn't want the person to suffer like this too. Her tender age had made him step in.
He had to admit he wanted a sense of gratitude from the wildchild. Her accusations stung: Why do you save me, I'm just a thief. You're one of them! But everyone was selfish, deep down. Because of rooted fear.
From the first night, he had made much progress and now she did not mind talking about her life. Ilkar had been fortunate to have trustworthy companions. A part of him regretted having a fallout with them. He would give Anything to return to their side. But for Keelia (sometimes Felicia), it was even tougher to find love. Iwillsucceed.
He smiled remembering how Felicia had been worried about his pain. Her tone was of denial, yet she couldn't conceal her true feelings. The night before when she offered to steal the tokens, Ilkar did not sleep. He had spent his remaining mana to scry for the animal or the locket. The problem with general scrying was that the images were vague. Nothing came up, leaving him drained and lightheaded.
Oh for the good old fashion of finding manually. Shit. No one had actually seen the artefacts' room before. The pet would be a problem, what if it was not in control?
Finally the room could be entered! Ilkar let his smile shine on her and she was over the skies. He rushed in, looking at the indexes.
Others would be so lucky not having a blasted Mark of dominance to be removed. The elf with a streak of envy. He began to read voraciously when he found the necessary volumes. That fateful night, Kalan seemed sorry when Ilkar came awake from the heavy dosage of drugs. First the itch, then pain made him comply. Unlike the dark elf, Ilkar decided not to fight head-on.
Ilkar shifted, clinking his necklace. He was feeling the mind drift from overload, so he contacted her. How are you ? Slept well?
I'm not fine. I found Serif, but he can't come to me. A closed barrier blocks him- she sounded grieving as well.
Felicia,what happened? Did you hurt yourself? The mage glanced out the tiny window. It had been some hours.
I'm sad. I feel abandoned, that mother came in a vision then she looked angry. Maybe it's a nightmare… don't worry. I'm better now. Looking for news?
Yes I will. Then I'll come back. That can't be, ought to be a nightmare. People do care. He extended a virtual touch. Felicia smiled and nodded.
What the Julatsan eventually found taxed a heavy price indeed…..
Before both had been captured and brought to Aranos, the two elves had crossed paths. But fate did not have them meet then. Drizzt determined to find a way out, had started crossing the Linkbridge between the two towers. It was always down for easy access of supplies. In the centre, he got several electric shocks and fell to his knees. His perfect vision was blurry with the haze. A pounding headache started.
Ilkar had been a mere distance away on the other end, watching for the bandits' group. Then he saw people bringing the prisoners for interrogation. Drizzt tried to call out for help, but was choked. Then the other elf left in a hurry.
Now the drow was eating his meal, and left half. They always gave such a huge portion. That mage! He never forgot him, though it had just been a brief encounter… he normally wore blue or green robes, a boyish charm a little shorter than he was- dark hair, elven features. Maybe the person could free him, Drizzt ruminated in annoyance. He should have tried harder! The underground passages were a curiosity. Of course no sane person wanted to patrol there but a drow was accustomed to that. Many exotic creatures like black manticores, salivating huge lions and mythic creatures were imprisoned. They didn't seem a threat to him.
He promised he would try to free them. He had been looking for a way out. Still the collar stopped them leaving freely. Now he had only two keys, if he gained more trust, Drizzt hoped to open more doors, look for Guen.
Tonight he would go there again, to see why it stopped. the drow's footsteps made no sound. He almost thought he could make it until at the same part, the jolts stung harder. He gasped. Stepping back it stopped. Drizzt crawled. The pain did not lessen. Many pressure points had been applied hard. NoIdon'twantto-letmego!He yelled internally, reaching out a hand.
Resting, he lay on his stomach.
Walking around made me so bored. Why did he take so long to come back? I found a pair of magic glasses. They were brass and shaped like tubular things I stood on the table to test it. Ilkar would have a fit dirtying the table haha. Flo had taken the message and did not stay long.
Little things came to life and were clear!
Eh? What was this? A man! He couldn't move, had trouble coming to this side of the castle. He was quite dark and had white hair. Hmm was he a very old person? I couldn't wait to tell Ilkar about it. Next he put both hands to his throat and seemed to fight. Huh? I tested the glasses more to focus. He lay on the floor.
An hour passed, and our door opened. There he was! I had eaten my share and kept some under the shiny cover for Ilkar. "Hey I'm so glad to see ya!" I exclaimed, warmth flooding me. He beamed as I hugged him tightly.
"Me too. I'm starving." The elf placed the scrolls and books down and opening the cover, dug in. I told him about the sighting.
"He can't cross over. Don't know why, his hair is white." I gushed.
"Hm? How did you see him? Where?" I waved the pair of glasses. Ilkar finished the rest of his soup, gesturing be patient. Then he stood up, using it to see what I described. Since he was tall enough didn't need to climb up.
"Do you see him?"
Softly, he replied, "Ah yes. How resourceful you are. Found this in a chest?" I didn't answer, actually I had been so bored and wanted to find stuff. "Strange only guards can walk freely he seems to be having problems." When Ilkar came back to the table, his smile was sad. "My own situation is the same. I can't leave freely."
He looked like he had known this fact for quite long. His voice did not pitch, just quiet and resolute.
"What? Why not?" I could not believe what I was hearing! I should not be perturbed…. My own survival was more important.
Ilkar continued as if my outburst had not taken place- "I can help you to escape this place. That does not change. Your locket is difficult to locate but possible. I overheard where the artefacts and treasures are usually stored. Chances are Kalan didn't bring it with him…."
At this point I didn't want to care, strange as it was. Poor elf! "No wait wait, I don't understand, Ilkar. Why can't you leave with me? I've lost Serif and mother. I won't lose anybody else!" My voice faltered and tears tracked down my face, snowflakes tinting my eyes. Like all the people who'd ever given me affection but briefly would fade.
For awhile, the mage did not move. Then I felt his fingers touching my face. "Don't be sad. Keelia, is she not waiting somewhere? Because, the solution to the curse means I have to kill someone which greatly risks my own lifeforce." He had taken a seat.
I hugged him again and didn't want to let go.
"Ilkar, that's terrible. Tell me how I can help you, I owe you so much."
"Thank you. You're quite strong, going to suffocate me. I am curious who this man may be." I released him. My emotions had just surged so much that I didn't expect this turn of events. I had failed to be the hardened thief I used to be. Ilkar said I ought to wash my face in a fatherly manner. Perhaps he felt shy.
Later, he shared information about the art of Familiars, summoning and the lore. Lore means the type of magic including spells and so on. Since I couldn't read, and the language was not in Common English, Ilkar translated the words. I listened to his melodic voice. "A Familiar is an animal or demon form that forms a strong bond, called a bloodbond to a master. It can be made by some rituals and witchcraft. Sometimes a master unknowingly summons it." Pausing, he glanced at me. I nodded. "Whatever the case, it is the extension and will of the master's conscience. When the creature is injured or tortured you will suffer every moment of torment. There is no way to remove a bond, unless death falls. When a Familiar is weakened, its lifeforce can be sustained by the presence, affection of its master. So both parties must look out for each other. That is the most important section. You said Serif is trapped but cannot show where. That's worrying." He chewed his lip, ears flicking.
It dawned on me. "We've looked everywhere but not the other building. Where we saw the man." I patted his right arm and persuaded him to let me see the mark. He hesitated, then folded up the sleeve. "Does it get worse, and expand when you cast?"
"At first it was only the circle." Ilkar meant the front of the snake on the top of his palm, then it had some spikes and now formed a snake up to the elbow part. "Then we should go search there. I wonder if I can cross as well. This may limit my movements. I can't exceed the perimeters of the castle's docks."
That was why he had been skeptical when I commented he could waltz off like a bird. I had been so blind not to understand that. From today, this would change. I was going to keep him safe, somehow. Then we got ready for bed.
"Ilkar I won't let anything happen… we're allies. So, I won't give up. You shouldn't give up either, or leave me. Promise?" I said in the darkness. He had just extinguished the flame of the candles.
I could hear him breathing as he passed my bed and then taking off his shirt, he sat down. "Those are two promises. I won't give up, Felicia. Because that is not my value. However for any elf, it is a sin to lie so I cannot promise… I can stay until the very last moment to buy time. Goodnight." He stroked my hair.
Rustle of cloth when Ilkar lay down as well. I steeled myself not to weep, and visions of my mother and my home long long ago burned in the distance. And somebody had swept me up. She had been angry though, as she turned her back. My friend meant he would probably do something like block the enemies and take the brunt of the attack.
"I will take care of my allies, even if I don't seem to care," I whispered. That is the way of any Thief, imparted by my master.
He did not reply so he should have fallen asleep. There was so much honor of an Elfrace… sure they had never accepted me but any little sign of friendship and bond touched me to the core.