==========oOo========== NEVERWINTER NEWS Issue #97 Week Ending 8-27-95 ==========oOo========== *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FRONT PAGE *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Congratulations to Bobsil1 for winning last week's News of the Realm contest. Bobsil1 has earned choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) WTG! <><><><><> <><><><><> Congrats (I think), to WLD WIL for torching me for 61 points and winning 4 Pearls and 1 FREE hour. : ) NW Baldor <><><><><> <><><><><> The winner of the Location Hunt on 8/23 was Lrd Honor who found the books on the Crostrum brothers. -NW Kel <><><><><> <><><><><> The winner of 4 pearls and an hour of free online service for the location hunt of 8/25 was SYLVERION. NW Mystek <><><><><> <><><><><> ~~~~~~Great Hall Tavern~~~~~~~ This week's winner of access to the Guild of Heroes is, MECH Judas!! The Tavern is open on Wed and Fri nights from 11pm-1am eastern time. The "best" roleplayer of the week wins GOH access! All are welcome! NWT Cyane, Your friendly Neverwinter Tavernkeep NWT CyaneRe: Tavern <><><><><> *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* NEVERWINTER CALENDAR *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Be on the look out for those Mini Booths that seem to pop up out of nowhere! Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a location? Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners! New Player Tour: August 27th Sunday -2:00PM ET Join NW Daneel for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D New Player Tour August 30th Wednesday 9:00 PM ET - Join NW Garion for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D New Player Tour: September 3rd, Sunday 3:00 PM ET - Join NW Strahd for a tour of the Realm. Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to meet!;D <><><><><> <><><><><> "A Dark Storm Brewing" (Submitted by UDL Diablo) The spectral form of Diablo walked out onto the balcony, his crimson eyes burning into the night. His view from high above the Castle of Bones was a good one, as he surveyed the night around him. He had come to Neverwinter what seemed like such a short time ago, and tonight he stood high in the castle of one of the realms most feared guilds as their High Priest. Diablo reached back and pulled up the black cowl that hung from the robe he wore, then covering his head, turned and walked back into his chambers. The room was dimly lit by candles as Diablo passed through and towards the spiral stairs that led down to the main hall below. The High Priest quickly made his way down the stairs as he never touched one, the spectral form below the robes, flowing just above each step on the way down. Once at the bottom, he turns and goes down a hall towards the rear of the castle, his crimson eyes the only illumination along the hall he travels. Occasionally, as the spectre floated down the hall, a scream could be heard from deep below the Castle of Bones. "Be it prisoner or squire, either would remember this night for some time", Diablo thought as he reached the end of the passage. With a pass of his hand, the door before him, opens up and he passes through. Beyond, he passed through a chamber where Shurg tortured his favorite squires. Some brief, but lasting, memories quickly flowed through Diablo's mind as he left the other side of the room. Beyond the torture chamber lay another hall, this one was lit with torches along it's length. The black robed spectre moves quickly along this passage till he reached the far end. In all of the Castle of Bones this hall had some of the most fearful vaults. It was in this hall that UDL members who go unknown are placed. One never really knows what magic destroys one so utterly that they go unknown, but none in the realms, even Elminster, were immune to the incantation. It was with a sigh of relief that the spectre passed from the hall of unknown users, quickly making his way through Slayer's orientation hall. This was where all UDL members learned about things like; No direct silence/dis, No cadding, No re-entering in UDL PvP doctrine. No trash talking while a squire, role playing a weekly story in the guild posting area, on-line etiquette even though one is evil. Yes, Slayer kept himself busy here and is truly pleased when a new squire leaves here and remembers what he or she has learned here. Beyond the orientation hall, the spectre goes outside, quickly crossing over a field behind the castle and making his way to the graveyard that lies there. Reaching the gate to the graveyard, Diablo hangs a bag on the fence and lets out a wail that cuts through the night air. He reaches up and pulls back the black cowl as a figure moves quickly from the tombstones beyond. "Hail brother Ghoul", Diablo calls. "I have brought your favorite", the words quickly follow, as the ghoul reaches the gate and takes the bag. A grin cuts across the green face as Ghoul pulls out a rather large Sol Finger. "That was from Sol Abysss, it should taste extra sweet my friend", Diablo says, then moves closer to Ghoul. "I sent out word about the new form of tithing to Myrkul, so you may find yourself busy here soon Ghoul. I hope you will not fail me in the task I put before you", the spectre says quietly, then turning so his gaze locks on that of his new assistant. The ghoul turns his head, spits out a fingernail, then quickly turns back to Diablo and grins. He then reaches into the bag, pulls forth another of the fingers, turns, and makes his way quickly into the graveyard once again. "Oh Myrkul, you test your new priest well in having this one serve me", Diablo says somewhat silent as he turns and makes his way back to the Castle of Bones. "But then Myrkul, since the disaster at Waterdeep, all of this has been long in coming. Soon master. Soon the realms will be ready to embrace you once again", the last words spoken as the spectre moves back into the castle for a much needed rest. "To Feeb or not to Feeb....that is the question" (Submitted by Mech Havoc) I have been traveling throught the lands's of Never Winter for many moons, and often fellow adventures whish to test there skill in combat against mine. Every fight I am faced with difficult descisons regarding which spells to employ in the fight. One of the most contraversial is Feeblemind. For those of you who are new to the Realms, Feeblemind otherwise know as "Feeb" is a combat spell which if succesfuly cast will reduce your opponents wisdom and inteligence to 3. That takes away your opponents ability to cast spells, and usually ensures your victory. Also as an added bounus your opponent must go to a temple and spend 5000gp to get a heal spell cast on him to restore his wisdom and inteligence. Now you may be thinking wow what a great spell, next fight I go in to I'm going to mem 3 of those ;>. Now let's look at the negatives of this spell. First If you wish to test your PvP skills against someone else do that. Feeb only tests your opponents saves. Also many people in the realms consider feeb as a "cheap shot" . And last (and the reason which I do not use feeb) is that it takes all the fun out of PvP. What fun is there in killing someone who can not kill you :>. Mech Havoc "Champion of MECH" Aluric (Submitted by Aluric) As day broke over the tree topping the Lost Hills of Never Winter, Aluric could be found moving with great stealth through the Southern tracts of the woods. Not that these woods where all that busy this morning but He was talking no chances. The promise of help from the lord Malakar had brought nothing but subterfuge and deceit. Aluric could not forget his humiliation at that persons hands. Aluric had not fallen for his kind words once, but 3 times. Chancing the first 2 where simply accidents of the woods; and fleeing the encounters successfully without notice. Aluric each time would rejoin Malakar to continue the journey. But even this naive follower of the flame became cautious upon a third encounter with the monsters within the lost hills and let Malakar take the lead into the combat. But still Malakar seemed to be performing as was his word, and now because of Aluric's suspicions, was about to fall to the salamanders; or so it seemed to the young paladin. Hastening into the fray Aluric took up position at Malakar's back, fighting off the lizards, ("But the powers below did grow them big here") He thought. Then did the deed of chaos take its true place. Turning about' Malakar enspelled Aluric, so that his pace and size where again normal. "Gads but I am a stupid one"; thought Aluric as he now tried to flee from the grasp of that son of chaos. Malakar then attempted to cast upon Aluric that which would hold him fast as he stood. { Even Aluric was now beginning to recognize the spells semantics}. But Aluric's simple cloak of protection aided him and Aluric continued running. Just as Malakar began another round of casting did one of the monsters ilk turn on him and the spell was lost. Aluric now began dropping things for fear of being captured in another spell, and all this treasure was weighing him down. But ever so swiftly did Malakar close the distance. Despite Aluric's best efforts, Malakar now spelled Aluric fast as As he stood. Aluric plead his case asking for quarter, even though he knew that one who would use such deceit had no such intention. The refusal and insults that followed drew Aluric's ire and wrath, and Aluric began returning the verbal onslaught to Malakr. For attacking one with no magic of their own to defend themselves, seemed the ultimate in cowardice to Aluric. Malakar then did prepare to deliver the finial blow, gaining no satisfaction from Aluric at this point. Then did Aluric call upon the ultimate magic, requesting withdrawal from the realms back to reality. This did infuriate Malakar, for tho Aluric had no choice but to yield his life's force; He was denying Malakar the ultimate kill. Helpless to defend himself Aluric would have made a perfect sacrifice to whatever god Malakar did or didn't chose to follow. But now Aluric stood outside his grasp, though he was still dead and defeated. Malakar delivered the finial verbal blow from within the realms. "I now have a new tale to tell, and it shall be such that the Knights of the Eternal Flame shall never admit to its ranks one such as thee Aluric". "Joyfully will I tell it to any who will lend me and ear." "Haste forth forever in shame you coward". With the last stinging of insult did Malakar vanish himself, into the planes beyond Neverwinter. As soon as he was able, Aluric returned to Neverwinter and found himself again at the door to Crossergate. Moving into the shack at the entrance to the hills, Aluric found himself in the presents of the ultimate master himself. Not daring to make eye contact, for Aluric was not so young as to not fear the wrath of the mighty Fendar. The head of all the knights did hail Aluric, and inquire as to how he fared in his questing. Then Aluric made full and complete confession, not stopping till the complete story was laid out for the world to see if it should be their desire. At its conclusion, Aluric offered to sacrifice himself to atone for such grievous deeds as he now thought he had done. His soul would miss the verdant greens of Neverwinter but each sin has its price and if this be sin then no more could be demanded. Lord Fendar waited patiently for Aluric to finish, (Aluric thought he might perceive this confession as the mere blubbering of a fishwife), but when all was told Fendar showed why he was head of the greatest guild in all of Neverwinter. "While such acts as yours are looked apon with disfavor, ye are not lost to this house." "Aluric you are not yet skilled in the was of magic, let alone one trained in a combat of players". "There is much still to learn". "As it is thee are not yet a knight of shield or sword". "Standards for such as you have some leeway and lenience". "Still there is to be some regard for thine actions may well have cost lives of others beside thyself". "Our terms of service to the realms forbid any actions which do cause such grief". " Since this was not the case with you, thee art entitled to absolution". "For your penance take your first lesson in combat between consenting players in this game of life within these realms". Besides this one called "Malakar" is not unknown to us and even now we have already prepared a "warm welcome" for him. It seems he has fled the realms and as yet not returned. He is well famillar with the tactic though, having used it himself on an occasion or two. So did Master Fendar illuminate Aluric in some of the finer points of combat between those who do visit the realms for a time. Then once more was Aluric set out into the light which shines upon us all thou not all are called to its service. Through the door into the Lost Hills did Aluric move with more caution then er before. Circling round several minor skirmishes between the visiting inhabitants of the woods and avoiding a few more of the local wildlife, did he come once again to the hidden pass within the trees. Crossing through Aluric had started to make his way westward through Triboar's northern region and again was beset by ogre shaman's. Swiftly did he dodge n parry for they saw him plane as day, and he would not be delayed. Eventually Aluric did break away from the merciless pack of monsters, and find his way to the centaur. Generous and desperate the centaur did once again consent to Aluric's aid in clearing the woods and give freely the promise of important information once it was safe. Moving off to his bolthole, he discovered the evil beings had found him out and laid waste to all his provisions there stored. Raising his eyes heavenward in prayer to ask for divine guidance, Aluric spied one of his birds newly returned. "Praise be all that the light shows to be good"; he cried. Calling to the gentle creature, cautiously did it alight upon his raised glove. Closer examination showed this not to be one of his birds. This flightling bore the mark of his lordship Dfoehammer. How had it come to be here in this wood Aluric thought. Pondering all these tidings an Idea came to him. Perhaps this flyer merely had lost its way. Scratching through his pack brought some crusts of bread which he gave to the bird though the hunger within him grew with each passing moment. Aluric could not recall his last meal, flight can prod one to ever new feats. With the little else he was able to find he scrawled a note. "Please come an help, my need is desperate! Aethulric". Fixing the new missive to the birds leg, He tossed it aloft. As yet Aluric had not learned of the fates that befell his friends Zoarvox and Dragoneye, and his prayers where sent to the heavens for their safety as well. Looking to the heavens Aluric seen his newly released bird. She circled once and sped onward to the northeast, Aluric again cursed his luck for surely the castle was in nearly the opposite direction. Well to make the best of it was the only course at this point. It was mid afternoon, while Aluric was attempting to snare some lunch with his waistcoat lace, the reply came. This mental communication was so distracting, he almost lost the lacing, but it was very near. Sir Dfoehammer was but a short ways away at the inn in Triboar and was even now making his way to Aluric. Still the journey back through the lower lost hills and to where Aluric was camped was no easy task. So Aluric decided against his instructions, and set about scouting the near regions. As was his usual, this rash of not so better judgment near cost him his life. Some day he would teach those stupid ogres a thing or two about kindness, preferably with the edge of a sword blade if he was lucky. But slightly worse for the wear, Aluric promptly reported to Dfoehammer when his lordship arrived. The magister eyed Aluric from head to toe and up again, which gave Aluric the momentary notion of trying not to explain his sodden appearance. Yet He was a paladin! and promptly put pride aside and spilled out all lest he forget something and be found to be avoiding the truth. Dfoehammer didn't even scold Aluric for not following his instructions, (most likely stopped by the thought that the defeat was worse than any punishment he could deliver). Dismounting Dfoehammer paid his respects to the centaur, and they where again in the saddle and away. Not having gone afar from where they started did the 2 come to trip the trap set by the ogre magus. This time they where no match for the knights. With lances affixed and some spells to hasten the progress did Aluric and Dfoehammer proceed to dispatch the motley monsters group. Astonishingly the ogres held their position, casting spells of protection about, not realizing their folly till it was to late. Down went the monsters in a lake of gore and blood. Coming about once more for another run Dfoehammer gave the order for Aluric to Hold! This time Aluric performed as expected. The very sight of Dfoehammer upon his roan charger was enough, the remaining ogres where permitted to flee the field, and did so with great haste. Having dispatched the band, Dfoehammer set out a new to the south to find the spiders lair, making quick the cleanup of same. However the manticores where not so obliging. Over a score of the abominations held the field and Dfoehammer gave the order to dismount. No use wasting good horseflesh. This was a job for sword n shield. On cue from the magister did Aluric break away to the west and out flank the monsters. Through a hail of incoming spikes did the 2 knights advance and engage the enemy. Though they stood their ground well, no quarter being asked and none given, 'twas hard and arduous work. The knights meet in the middle of the field, and no monsters remained to oppose the dynamic duo. Cleaning up and preparing for the next encounter, Dfoehammer struck Aluric across the back, "Well done lad and you'll be the better for it, but there is still more to do". Aluric looked again into the bright gleam of plate armor and wondered of he would ever be worthy of such company. Still all had gone well till now, and some light of day still remained. Nextly did the 2 questing souls encounter snakes of numerous kinds, but such monsters where no match for the knights, who by now had found that even rhythm which makes for a deadly slaying machine when needed. In good order did Dfoehammer clear the field with some help from Aluric. Aluric had to admit he was no match for his master an lord but he did enjoy this work, and followed Dfoe's orders with zeal and precision. Then it was back to the centaur. Along the way they kept a weather eye for any signs of the ogre mages, but none chose to come into the open if they even remained in the wood. With delight did the centaur take the news, and with sadness report of the captives held somewhere below. Backtracking their path, Dfoe lead the way to a sink hole where did the 2 tie off ropes the centaur had generously given and descend into the dark, leaving their mounts to make way back to the castle. This time Aluric knew what to expect mostly. With luck as their handmaiden and The Eternal flame to guide, them all went exceedingly well. With experience comes some degree of finesse even to Aluric, thou Dfoe bested him at every turn, blow for blow down the narrow passages they went slaying whatever evil sought to oppose them. But Dfoehammer was still the master, and took pride in showing Aluric what still more there was to learn. Coming upon some prison cells, they found the captives Aluric and Bleedugood had previously set free. Yet the work was not done and the opposition was mounting. Freeing the last of the captives, Dfoehammer lead Aluric down another winding turn in the passage way. As Aluric pushed past another of evils minions he turned to find Dfoehammer gone! Looking about the dead, and the surrounding area, the realization came back all to clear. Now which door had he opened the last time. From another nearby cavern came Lord Dfoehammer's call: "Back up! and Look again! harder!, and pay attention to the little details". Aluric did as was instructed, hands trembling with the memory of a wrong choice here. Aluric noticed the door for certain that he did grasp upon his previous visit was but a cleverly disguised trap and the real doorway was secreted to his right. Still, caution held him firm, and he gingerly reached through the door. Finding Dfoehammer waiting not so patiently upon the other side. "Come lad, time is wasting away and we have still more to do!" and so onward into the cavern did they go. Springing into the next room, did the tiring two startle an evil and wicked mage. But not surprise him or his minions. "I don't know how you got past the sentries to here but you'll not be leaving"; said the mage. And in a flash Lightning seemed to spring forth form his very hands striking Aluric and Dfoehammer a might blow. Yet 'twas not enough to sway Dfoehammer from his appointed course. Such a volley of magic and sword play sprang forth from Dfoehammer, "accompanied by his war cry of "for the honor and glory of KEF!". That the evil mage never got the chance to keep his promise, being the first to fall to the mighty "Hammer". Aluric meanwhile was occupied with some of the evil ones minions. Deftly applying the trident and shield in combination. Aluric was having a time of it, giving more than he ever received. With each new opponent, bellowing his war chant: "let justice be done though the heavens fall" such that the monks at his former priory would be proud! The end was almost predetermined having no mage or master to lead them. With its finish the treasure of the quest was found. And did his lordship instruct Aluric to return to Neverwinter and present himself at the castle to Lord Nasher. Who would bestow a special reward for the deed done. Aluric and Dfoehammer walked into the hills together but the monsters of the night had returned and they where parted without warning. Aluric continued on as he was instructed, happily thinking he was now done with the assignments of the guild that stood between him and true knight hood. But as was the way with the Knight errant, known as Aethluric Lundonie "the bravehardt", he was in error, again; still that's another story. Look for the continuation As Elgiem helps Aluric find His: "Temple of gloom?" Lines of Fate - Part 3 (Submitted by Morngrym) "So, ye be skulking through our woods, eh man?" the confident thief inquired. "Me name's Jackal ye know...of course ye know...everyone does...Whots a fine fella like yerself doing out here alone on dis beautiful morning?" The other thieves laughed at their leaders obvious sarcasm and intimidating manner. The group numbered about ten and they seemed to melt out of the forest trees. Kerik was astonished...literally at a loss for words. He could think of no worse way for this mission to go. It was practically impossible to surprise him in the forest, but these stealthy thieves had done it. "Eh, tiger got ye tongue or ye just shy man?" The thieves bursted into rowdy laughter once again. Jackal smiled an evil grin as he slowly drew a jewel encrusted dagger from his belt sheath. All thoughts of the mission had now been driven from Kerik's mind, along with his momentary surprise. Kerik was a man of great pride with a temper to match...No one spoke to him like that, regardless of the odds. This very fact had earned him trouble in many taverns over the years. Kerik drew his sword quickly and the thieves armed themselves as well. "Come now Jackal...If you are so brave step up to me and talk your rubbish..." he growled in a angry voice. The thief leader was a bit surprised by the action, but quickly recovered, his sarcasm returning. "Well now man...Ye see we are rabble who don't believe in fighting honest like, so me thinks we'll all just slit ya from nose to belly together". The thieves lunged as Jackal's comments trailed off... Kerik stepped up with a vicious swing that almost cut the lead attacker in two. Jackal screamed orders from the back of the group, having no desire to charge in just then. The thieves quickly surrounded Kerik, delivering several small but painful cuts. He spun around, slicing another man's leg, sending him sprawling to the ground. Kerik felt a sharp pain in his shoulder as a dagger lodged itself there. He almost fell to the ground, but somehow kept his footing and defended the following attacks the best he could. 'Thwip!' 'Thwip!' Two arrows streaked through the air, hitting the thieves directly behind Kerik. They went down heavily, the shafts lodged squarely in their backs. "This way!", he vaguely heard a voice call from the direction of the shots. Kerik didn't even look as he turned and sprinted in that direction. Two daggers flew past him, striking trees, as a couple of the thieves pursued. "Stop, ye dogs!", Jackal screamed in the distance, recalling his men. It seemed the losses were great enough for one day. Kerik ran as fast as his legs would carry him, trying not to loose sight of the figure running ahead. The person came to a stop almost a quarter mile from the attack. Kerik finally caught up, panting for breath. "Thank you sir, you surely saved my hide back there", Kerik rasped, gulping in another breath of air. "I would prefer to be called lady if you don't mind", the woman said, pulling back the hood of her cloak and revealing her face. Kerik stared awkwardly for several moments before he caught himself and glanced away. She was indeed a lady and a beautiful one at that. "I am sorry, m'lady", he returned. "No offense was intended, I didn't...". "Tis ok", she cut in with a wry smile, looking the ranger up and down. The woman somehow seemed familiar to Kerik, but he just couldn't place her...Indeed he had seen many women in the previous weeks and tried to make a habit of not remembering them. "You are very skilled with the bow", Kerik commented, at a loss for anything else to say. "Thank you Sir", the woman said, noticing his discomfort. "May I have your name? 'Sir' always seemed so formal to me", she continued, still studying the man. "Certainly m'lady...My name is Kerik", he said, extending a hand. She paused, taken completely off guard by the revelation. "My name's Erin", she replied finally as she slowly reached for his hand... (To be Continued...in part 4 ;) The Quest for the Amulet, Part 4 (Submitted by OSIR1S) After several hours had passed, Osiris noticed they were approaching a mountain range. "We're almost there, Love. The Cave of Lost Souls is there in those mountains," Osiris said. Taarla just nodded and watched as they grew closer to the mountains. The temperature was becoming cooler the closer they got and a strong wind had begun to blow. Jack drew his horse close to Osiris' and said, "We're going to have to leave the horses soon. These animals aren't cut out for mountain climbing." "We can tie them at that group of small trees just below the foot of the mountain," Osiris answered him. Though it seemed they were close, it was almost dark by the time they reached the trees where they would leave the horses. The afternoon had been quiet, but Taarla worried that there had been no sign of Sir Sentra. It was too soon to expect his return, but her brow furrowed with concern for her young friend. She wondered if he would try to return if he found nothing, or if he would head back to Neverwinter. She could not bring herself to think that something may have happened to him as he searched the woods. "I think we could stand a bit of rest before we start climbing across these mountains, Osiris," Jack said as he noticed just how weary his friend looked. Osiris looked at Taarla and said, "We still have time, Love, but if you want to continue, we will." Taarla said, "We'll stop for awhile, Osi. We're going to need our strength for the rest of this journey." Taarla told Osiris to get some sleep as she began unsaddling his horse. He made himself comfortable on a somewhat smooth slab of rock and in seconds he was asleep, his cloak wrapped around him to keep him warm from the chill winds blowing from the mountaintops. Jack finished removing the packs from the horses and then left them to graze on the sparse croppings of grass which grew around the small trees. Taarla sat, leaning up against one of the trees. "Jack, get some sleep. I'll take the first watch. I got enough sleep in the saddle to last me a little while," Taarla said as Jack found his own spot beneath the largest of the trees. He argued that he did not want to leave her with the watch, but she would not hear it. "I'm fine, Jack... I'll only let you sleep for a bit, and then I'll wake you," she said. Reluctantly, Jack agreed, his eyes heavy and joints aching, and wrapping a blanket around him to protect against the wind and falling temperature, he was soon asleep himself. Taarla waited several minutes until she was sure they were both breathing the steady rhythm marking deep sleep and then she went to her pack and removed her grimoire. The fine leather cover was smooth as silk and the rune-filled pages within were worn from endless hours of studying. Carefully flipping through the pages, she found the spell she planned to use. It was a spell she had rarely found a need for, but useful nonetheless. After a few minutes of intense concentration, she was satisfied she had the incantation perfectly memorized and closing the grimoire, she returned it to her pack. Dragonslayer watched her inquisitively with his large yellow eyes, but Taarla ignored him. She didn't have much time and she wanted to be sure she cast the spell correctly before either Osiris or Jack woke up. She looked at her sleeping husband and immediately felt guilty for what she was about to do. They would both be angry, but she could not allow either of them to follow her into the boundary... she was not sure if she would survive herself. Before she could talk herself out of it, Taarla began casting the spell. The words of the spell were difficult and she had to focus her powers intently on each syllable to ensure there were no mistakes. The spell she cast was a wizard's web and she hoped it would buy her the time she needed to get well ahead of them before they woke up. Jack and Osiris would sleep deeply... dreamlessly... yet they would be shielded from sight by the cloak the wizard's web threw over them. Only she would be able to see their sleeping forms. Dragonslayer meowed at her, but she ignored the protest and continued with the spell. Speaking the final incantations, she released the spell successfully. Taarla looked towards the woods one last time to see if perhaps Sir Sentra was headed back, or if whoever had followed them through the woods had caught up with them, but she saw nothing... no movement at all. She turned and picked up her pack, and looked at Dragonslayer. He actually looked upset with her, but she accounted this to her feelings of guilt and calling to him to come on, she started up the side of the mountain. Taarla noticed a rocky path that wound its way up and around the hill and she followed it, occasionally sliding on the loose rocks. After awhile, she looked behind her towards where Osiris and Jack slept and was disappointed she had only gotten a short distance away. Still, she was relieved that her absence was as yet undetected and that the two men remained sleeping peacefully. She pressed onward, willing herself to go faster and soon she had followed the pathway around until she was on the opposite side of the mountain. The last rays of sunlight disappeared beneath the horizon and though she did not wish to draw any unwanted attention to herself, Taarla again produced the hovering sphere of light so she could find her way. Dragonslayer followed close behind her, sometimes in front of her, but he was always near his mistress as they continued further up the path. Taarla's legs began to ache and though the temperature was reaching the freezing point, she refused to stop even for a moment. The sphere hovered always slightly ahead of her and provided enough light to see where she was stepping, but she could not see very far ahead of her. She came to a point where the pathway ended, and she began climbing over rocks, scraping her legs and cutting her fingers on jagged edges as she reached for handholds. The wind moaned above her and whipped her hair carelessly around her face and almost blindly she felt her way. Dragonslayer leapt from rock to rock as he steadily kept his footing and followed her. As Taarla climbed higher up the mountain, the wind moaned louder and she stopped to listen. It was a curious sound and she wondered where the sound was coming from and why. She was tired and wondered if she was imagining the noise. She was going to have to rest soon, but not yet. By this time, her hands were almost numb and bleeding and the muscles in her legs screamed with every step she took up the steep and rocky incline. She was going by sheer will alone and several times Dragonslayer meowed at her, but she either refused to listen, or couldn't hear him over the ominous moaning above her. Taarla reached above her to find a hold to pull herself up with, but her hand met with nothing but air. She looked above her and saw only empty space. She had only to step up and she would be on level ground. That one step marked the end of her endurance and she collapsed onto the rocky floor beneath her. She lifted her head and looked around her before she would allow herself to rest... she lay at the entrance to a cave. The opening was blacker than the night sky and Taarla knew she had reached the Cave of Lost Souls. Laying her head on her hands, she closed her eyes and allowed exhaustion to overtake her. Dragonslayer did not curl up beside her as she slept. Instead, he remained standing like a sentry guarding a sacred possession, his eyes pools of darkness as he looked from the cave to his sleeping mistress. Just as Taarla fell asleep at the entrance to the cave, Osiris woke up. He peered into the darkness and saw Jack sleeping at the foot of the tree and as his eyes swept the area further he discovered what he had feared most... Taarla was gone. She had set out on her own. Osiris did not know how much time had passed, but he had a feeling there was magic at work... Taarla's magic. He rushed over to Jack and shook him awake. "Jack! Wake up!" Jack looked at him bleary-eyed, and when he saw the expression on his friend's face, he knew something was terribly wrong. "Osi, what is it?" he asked. "It's Taarla... blast her stubborn hide, she's gone ahead on her own!" he exclaimed. Jack got quickly to his feet and looked around. "Where's that cat?" "I'm sure Dragonslayer is with her... she meant what she said... he goes anywhere she does, especially when she's alone," Osiris answered as he began gathering his pack and made a quick check of the horses. Jack rushed to grab his gear and then stopped... someone was coming on horseback, and they were coming at breakneck speed by the sound of it. "Osiris, listen." Osiris had heard the approaching hoofbeats as well and stood facing in the direction from whence the thundering hooves came. "This could be trouble, Jack." Jack readied his sword and the two of them stood waiting to see who or what approached. From out of the darkness came a single horse and rider, but they were still too far away to identify. Jack and Osiris waited, sword and spells at the ready. Osiris grabbed Jack's arm as he realized who sat astride the horse. "It's Sentra!" The horse slowed to a walk as it approached the two men and they could see Sir Sentra slumped over in the saddle and when the horse was within reach, Jack grasped the reins and steadied the wild-eyed mare. Osiris pulled Sir Sentra from the saddle and feeling hands upon him, Sir Sentra looked up, his eyes wild with fear, and saw that it was Osiris. Osiris helped Sir Sentra to the rock on which he had slept while Jack tied the horse to a tree then rushed over to join the two other men. Sir Sentra looked around him as if in a daze, then he asked, "Where is Taarla?" Jack told him, "She has gone up the mountain alone... she left while Osiris and I were sleeping." Sir Sentra's eyes grew wide with alarm. "She has to be stopped... it's a trap... he's waiting for her... never let her reach the boundary..." Osiris asked, "Who waits for her, Sentra?" Sir Sentra opened his mouth to speak the words then collapsed against the rock. It was then that they saw his chest had been lashed open and the front of his shirt was soaked in blood. Osiris cursed and then turned to Jack. "I'm going after her, Jack. Stay here with Sentra." Jack nodded and as Osiris started towards the foot of the mountain he said, "I'm sorry, Osiris. I should not have let Taarla take the watch." Osiris turned to him and replied, "It's not your fault, Jack. She would have found a way no matter what we would have done," and with that, Osiris left Jack and Sir Sentra and began to ascend the mountain in search of Taarla. Taarla woke with a start, a rush of adrenaline surged through her and though every muscle in her body ached, she stumbled to her feet. Afraid she had slept too long and Osiris and Jack had come searching for her, she turned around and looked over the edge of the rocky incline. She was relieved to see that she was still alone. Dragonslayer meowed loudly at her, but she said, "Shush, lil' one. I know what I'm doing." She turned towards the gaping mouth of the cave and slowly began walking towards the darkness. Dragonslayer stayed at her side, his fur brushing against her skirts he was so close. Before she stepped into the cave, Taarla conjured the small, hovering light and paused for a moment. She wondered what lay within the cave... the Cave of Lost Souls. Dragonslayer began meowing incessantly, but Taarla started walking again, directly into the Cave of Lost Souls. The roof of the cave was high enough that she could walk without stooping, and the light from the sphere was enough that she could see the walls on either side of her. The rocky walls were very dark but glittered with reflections of silver. The wind continued to moan outside, but only a chilling draft reached her within the cave. She continued to walk deeper into the cave, never stopping, because she knew if she did, her fears might get the better of her and she wouldn't be able to continue. Dragonslayer had grown silent, but he still stayed beside her. The farther she went, Taarla noticed that the walls on either side of her seemed to be drawing closer together. The passageway was getting smaller. Slightly ahead of her, Taarla saw an opening in the stone floor and drawing closer, she saw it was a stairway leading down into the mountain itself. Moving cautiously, she began going down the stairs, her boots clicking softly as she descended. The stairs seemed to stretch unendingly before her. She wondered how long she had been going down when she began to hear strange noises below her. Sharp, scraping noises grew louder the farther she went and below her she could see a faint, greenish light. Ignoring her fear and taking one step at a time, Taarla moved steadily down the stairs. Finally, Taarla could see the bottom of the stairway illuminated by the light cast by whatever lay in the cavern ahead. She doused the globe of light hovering above her and took the last steps down into a room filled with a green glow. Stepping farther into the room she saw the glow came from the farthest wall... a wall of wavering light that appeared almost like a barrier of water held in place by some unseen force. The colors swirled, fading in and out and the effect was almost soothing and Taarla stood for many minutes just watching the glowing green wall. She stood in front of the outermost boundary to the netherworld and her heart raced as she began to think of what lay within. She was almost there, but she didn't know how much farther she had to go, or how long she had to get there. Time had lost all meaning since she entered the cave. She wondered if Osiris had awakened and what he must be thinking. Undead could enter the netherworld, but could he remove the Amulet of Light? This question and others played through her thoughts as Taarla watched the glowing lights of the boundary's edge. Taarla had been so mesmerized by the colors swirling in the boundary that she had forgotten about the scraping sounds and she immediately became alarmed when the sound came from directly behind her. Dragonslayer paced around her legs and began hissing. Slowly, Taarla turned around and before her stood a monstrosity that must have crawled from the very abyss itself. It was hideous to say the least and Taarla's blood ran cold. Resembling a dracolich, the creature before her had three heads, each with eyes like glowing embers. Its body was skeletal, the only flesh remaining hanging in tattered shreds. As Taarla watched the beast, trying to anticipate its movements, she heard another sound... a voice echoing through the caverns... an evil voice that sent a feeling of dread to her very soul. "It's been a long time, Taarla and like always you have fallen into my clutches yet again." Taarla tried to see where the voice was coming from, but the light was dim and she was afraid to look away from the beast crouched in front of her. "Show yourself, Anubiss, or are you afraid?" she yelled into the cavern, trying to keep her voice from shaking with the fear and anger she felt. Evil laughter echoed all around her and Taarla became furious at his taunting. It was then that the skeletal beast exhaled a ball of white-hot flame in Taarla's direction. Caught off guard, the fireball hit her and she was hurled across the stone floor, landing in a heap at the very edge of the boundary. Her cloak had protected her somewhat from the spell, but her face and hands felt like they were on fire. Stunned from the force of the blow, Taarla was unable to get up in time... the beast gave a deafening roar and from the mouth of its other grotesque head came a stream of liquid flame. But before the flames could engulf her, Taarla countered with a blast of ice and the cavern filled with billowing clouds of steam. Taarla looked around her for Dragonslayer, but he had somehow disappeared. "Give it up, Taarla. You don't have a chance of surviving this time," Anubiss roared. Taarla got to her feet and in a rage, she cast a wall of fire between her and the approaching beast and screamed, "Never!" Taarla knew the wall of fire would not keep the monster away from her for very long and the only hope of escape was to go through the boundary. She looked behind her at the glowing wall, but before she could step through, a powerful hand seized her by the arm. Whipping her head around, she stood staring face to face with Anubiss. "Leaving so soon, wench?" With her free hand, Taarla wrenched a dagger from her belt and slashed out at Anubiss, cutting him from the corner of his eye to his chin. In a fury, he knocked the dagger from her hand and threw her to the stone floor. Snapping his fingers, the wall of flame was dispelled and the hideous beast disappeared. "I will take the greatest pleasure in killing you, Taarla... slowly...... and painfully," he sneered at her. Anubiss reached down and grabbed Taarla from the floor, pulling her up until their faces were a hair's breadth away. His breath was foul and Taarla thought she would retch as he whispered, "You.. are... dead." Her eyes locked with his and the evil she saw within the dark pools froze the scream coming from her throat. At that moment another voice was heard, and Taarla thought it was the most wonderful sound in the world... "Let her go this instant before I run you through, Anubiss," Osiris spoke from directly behind him. "Well, well, two for the price of one is it?" Anubiss chuckled. Taarla looked past Anubiss and saw Osiris standing a few feet away, a deadly look on his face. "I said let her go," Osiris scowled. "Certainly," Anubiss hissed and with that, he hurled Taarla away from him with such strength she was thrown into the far wall and there she fell unconscious. Intent on revenge, Osiris lunged at Anubiss and plunged a dagger into his back. Screaming, Anubiss fell to the floor, reaching behind him in an effort to free himself from the sting of the blade embedded within him. Dragonslayer ran to Taarla and began pawing at her. Moaning, she opened her eyes and looked into the face of her yellow-eyed pet. Anubiss lay on the ground, she saw, a dagger protruding from his back, cursing as he tried to free it, then he was still. Osiris walked over to Taarla and knelt beside her. For a moment he said nothing as he looked at her, then he gently touched her reddened face and said, "Whatever were you thinking, Love?" Taarla just looked at him as tears filled her eyes. She looked away, her eyes focused on the boundary and in a small voice said, "The amulet..." Movement out of the corner of her eye turned her thoughts away from the amulet and towards Anubiss once again and she stared in horror at the sight before her. Osiris followed Taarla's gaze and looked towards Anubiss as well and they watched as an unseen force pulled the dagger from his back and remained floating above the still body. Black blood dripped from the tip of the blade as it hovered in the air. Osiris got up from where he knelt and never taking his eyes from the blade, held his left hand out to Taarla. With that movement, the blade hurled through the air and straight through Osiris' outstretched hand and into the stone wall behind him. Anubiss lifted his head from the floor and began to laugh and said, "It's not over yet. It takes far more than a simple dagger to kill me, you fools!" Taarla got quickly to her feet and with both hands grasped the dagger that held Osiris' hand pinned to the wall. The knife had gone deep into the granite surface and it held fast. Taarla looked over her shoulder as Anubiss rose from the floor and began walking towards them. Quickly she turned back to Osiris, his face a grimace of pain. Dragonslayer paced back and forth in front of Osiris and Taarla and growled deep within his throat as Anubiss drew closer. Osiris watched as Taarla continued to grasp the dagger pinning him to the wall and he said to her, "Go, Love... go through the boundary." Taarla gritted her teeth as she continued to pull and said, "No, I won't leave you here with that beast!" Osiris watched Anubiss and saw that his lips were moving silently... he was preparing to cast a spell. "The time for stubbornness is done, Taarla... GO NOW!" he yelled to her, but Taarla wouldn't go. Sensing the urgency in his voice, Taarla placed one booted foot against the wall and pulled with all her might. The dagger came free with a grating noise and then everything seemed to happen in slow motion.......Taarla started to fall backwards..... the air around them crackled as Anubiss released a bolt of lightning..... Osiris caught Taarla by the arm and yanked her towards him..... Dragonslayer leaped onto Anubiss' neck shrieking in fury..... then Osiris leaped to the side, Taarla in his grasp, and they fell through the barrier..... the boundary of the netherworld..... as the bolt of lightning disintegrated the wall where they had stood mere seconds before. The instant they passed through into the boundary, Taarla felt like she was drowning. She felt weightless and her feet met with no surface beneath her. Osiris pulled her close to him and with eyes filled with fear she looked into his eyes and though his lips did not move, she could hear his voice calmly speaking to her. "It will pass, Love... you can breathe." She shook her head, but Osiris held her firmly and said, "Trust me, Taarla... breathe." Taarla looked at the gold chain on Osiris' neck and then back into his eyes. She fought to take a breath, but she couldn't and her fingers began clutching Osiris' arms. She looked around her at the swirling green world she had entered, trying to summon the strength to take a breath. "Look at me!" Osiris said with such force it shocked her, but she did as he said and kept her eyes focused on his. "We're no longer in the land of the living, yet we are not in the realm of the dead... the boundary is filled with illusions and trickery." Osiris began to fade from Taarla's vision, and he sensed he was losing her. "No, Taarla! Breathe!" he yelled. He had to distract her somehow to draw her mind from the illusion that she could not breathe, but he wasn't sure what he could do. He had to think quickly. Then he did the only thing he could think of... which was simply to kiss her. As his lips touched hers, she struggled, but he held her and kissed her with all the love and desire he felt within his heart and soon she ceased her struggles as she started to breathe. He stopped kissing her and watched her as she caught her breath. Thankful that she was breathing again, Taarla looked around her in wonder. They appeared to be walking on air through greenish-grey mist. Osiris took her by the hand and spoke to her, "We are in the boundary now, but we must hurry, Love. Time passes quickly here." Taarla was puzzled that she could hear him speaking to her, but she never saw his lips move. She tried to speak to him, but no sound came out. "Speak to me with your mind... sound does not carry within the boundaries." Taarla concentrated a moment and then mind-spoke, "I love you." Osiris smiled at her and said, "I love you, too." Osiris began walking but he did not get very far before Taarla stopped him. "Dragonslayer... where is he?" she asked him. "He was still outside the boundary... I do not know if he entered, and if he did, he will be very hard to find. Don't worry, Love... he will find us if he can." Taarla had no idea in which direction the altar of the Amulet of Light was, but Osiris seemed to know where he was going. She wondered if the world of the boundary appeared the same to him as it did to her. She wanted to ask him, but she knew time was short and she didn't want to ask anymore questions. It felt so strange to her... she walked, yet her feet did not seem to touch any solid surface. She felt like she was trapped within one of her nightmares, but she knew she wasn't sleeping... she was very much awake and it was very real. She wondered if Anubiss pursued them and several times she looked behind her, but everything looked the same in either direction she looked... mists swirling on either side of her, above her and beneath her, and dead silence. Outside at the bottom of the mountain, Jack Raven tended to Sir Sentra's wounds. He had not regained consciousness and his body was ravaged by fever. Several times Sir Sentra cried out and Jack wondered what the young man had come across in the woods. Not having the abilities of a cleric, Jack was not sure how to best help his young friend. He looked up at the mountain and wondered if Osiris had found Taarla and what had become of them. It had been hours since he last saw Osiris climbing the mountain, in fact, it was well past the hour of noon... the third and final day. Jack looked at Sir Sentra and knew he needed more help than he could give him. He knew he could not be of any further help to Osiris and Taarla, but he was reluctant to leave the area. Jack began making preparations to leave, hoping they would be all right and that he could get Sir Sentra to a cleric in time. He saddled the two horses and then placed Sir Sentra on one of the mounts and with rope, tied him to the saddle. Taking the reins of Sir Sentra's horse, he mounted his own steed and began the long journey back to Neverwinter. ***********To be continued********* Night of the Dark Tithe (Submitted by UDL Diablo) Ghoul slipped out the front gate of the graveyard and made his way over towards the Castle of Bones. It was near midnight and the High Priest would be waiting on him. Ghoul grinned as he moved through the halls of the castle as Diablo almost always had a bag of Kef fingers for him. There was major construction going on near the rear of the castle as the new High Priest of Myrkul was busy building a hall of worship for the God of the Dead. A scream now and then along the brief journey caught Ghoul's attention, but he continued quickly to his appointment with Diablo. Reaching the area of the temple, two acolytes came forth and greeted Ghoul. They asked for the scroll that Ghoul had kept the last few days and then turned and walked back towards the alter area of the hall. Ghoul stood and watched a moment, let out a deep growl of sorts, turned and headed back the way he had just came. The High Priest of Myrkul sat atop the throne of bone that had been constructed in the hall, the throne set back in the shadows behind the alter. The two acolytes brought the scroll to the High Priest as he sat there, bowing after handing it over, then turning and walking back towards the rear of the massive chamber. Diablo unrolled the scroll and looked at the names that reported to Ghoul, and how few it was. "This will bring anger from Myrkul that so few wish to openly acknowledge him with tithes", the High Priest says to himself. He then stands and walks to the alter, his mind thinking as he goes, "It truly is time for a priesthood to be formed, to help guide the guilds spiritual matters". As he reaches the alter, his hands go up and pull back the dark cowl that covers his head. The crimson eyes look slowly around the hall, taking in the beginnings of Myrkuls true desires. His spectral hands quickly pass over the candles, thirteen, that circle the alter and small flickers of flame start to dance from each. The light from the candles cast shadows on the bones that covered the alter from side to side. The High Priest slowly started walking around the alter speaking in tones that slowly rose in volume until his words were echoing about the hall. "Myrkul, tonight, the first night of tithing to my master, I come with very little to offer. This brings a sadness on your servant, for tonight I can ask for your favor towards only myself and two of my Brothers in Death. This is shameful oh great God of the Dead, it is shameful that your glory is not being spread about the realms in great detail. Tonight I can only speak for a few of the souls that have been tithed to you oh great Myrkul, but for but one nights reporting the harvest was good. Soon great one, we shall list names for hours before this alter, soon", the last words coming quickly down to normal tone as Diablo unrolls the list. Standing before the alter, looking across the bones and flames towards the throne of bone that sat beyond, the High Priest of Myrkul, the spectral form of Diablo starts to hum. Slowly he lifts his arms and raises the scroll before him, the humming rising in tone, a cold breeze starts to blow about the hall. Then, on the throne a ghostly form takes shape, that of the god Myrkul. Diablo's eyes are closed, the scroll held before him, a constant humming his only actions. The figure on the throne seems to grow solid and then looks across at the High Priest. "Servant, open your eyes before your God, read to me the names of those who have given me souls. I shall see that they gain favor in there efforts, now speak!", the last being a command. Diablo opened his eyes and read from the scroll before him. "Oh great Myrkul, these Brothers have offered a public tithe to your glory. UDL Vault2, UDL Diablo and Shurg in proclaiming the following souls to your glory.... Agamnemnon Pwyllthor Mech Focus SirWalker Pwyllthor (twice) DrkThghts A Gamnemnon (twice) HR Roph Tychos D0mino X The High Priest then tosses the scroll on the alter and it quickly vanishes in an explosion of smoke and flame. The form of Myrkul lets out a hideous scream that rips through the hall and then disappears. Diablo then passes his hands across the alter once again and the flames die out. Darkness engulfs the hall as the High Priest reaches up and pulls the black cowl over his head. "Next week I had better have more souls to report to him", the spectre thinks to himself as he floats towards the rear of the temple and it's exit. History of a Seeker Part 9 - Seekers (Submitted by Whiiplash) Whiiplash strode between the twin dragon statues, their looming forms magically enchanted to destroy unwelcome visitors. He ignored them, however, and entered Seeker Hall through the iron-reinforced oaken door. Inside, fountains and trees decorated the huge hall, and the cavernous arched room was brightly lit through tall stained windows near the ceiling. Tapestries of intricate weave adorned the aged stone walls, each magically woven to slowly display each of the over two score Seekers fighting some evil or another. Whiiplash half walked half ran up the stone staircase at the other side of the hall, finding his way to his quarters. Inside, he pulled on his chain mail and blue Seeker tabard, preparing for his daily sparring match. His two-handed sword now fit easily in his huge hands, the months of training paying off at last. He shouldered his longbow, his weapon of choice, and sheathed his hidden boot knife and half-sword. Finally sliding into his heavy brown robes, he mentally willed them to keep him in sight as he left his room and descended to the underground battle arena. The huge training center was decorated only with practice dummies and targets. Seekers were scattered about the huge training arena, their armored forms sparring with longswords and tridents. It was a large, circular room, filled with sand, and dimly lit with torches scattered along the walls. High, near the wooden ceiling, were pegged the coat of arms of every Seeker. Whiiplash was planning on having a weaver make one for him soon, but he had decided to put off such minor things until after he had completed his lifequest. Whiiplash spotted Hawkfrnd, the High Priest of the Seekers, showing a newly recruited Seeker the basics of swordplay and moved to join him. Saying nothing, Whiiplash stood off to the side to watch Hawkfrnd move through some basic trident routines, the recruit looking on in wonder. The young fighter hefted his own trident, unenchanted and blunt, and tried clumsily to do the same. Nearby, Hawkfrnd's companion, a huge hawk seemingly always nearby, called out approval. Whiiplash smiled and moved off to spar with the others. A few hours later, after quiting the training grounds exhausted, Whiiplash returned to his room. He shed his armor, as magical arts were much easier without it, and climbed to the second level, above the vaults and living quarters. Inside a small chamber, he sat at a table and opened a tome to a page marked with a strip of cloth. He had finished his magical studies several weeks before, and was now counted as an archmage of the Seekers. He had also joined in prayers with the brothers at the shrine, learning clerical spells of protection and healing to match his druid spells of growth and restoration. He smiled to himself as he recalled his home at Neargoth, before the destruction. His boyhood fantasy of this, a battlemage, adept at the arts of magic and blade. Soon, he would take what he had learned and return, to destroy those who murdered his life. He had overcome the losses of his family, but the need for revenge had not been diminished. Each time he remembered his vision of his people working mines, he felt the sudden need to claim revenge now, but each time he came to his senses and felt he was not ready. Whiiplash dove into the book. It was titled "Murridias' Tome of Enchantments," something Whiiplash had picked up at the library downstairs. He was planning to enchant the small wooden figurine, given to him by the strange elf. He recalled the elf, a Seeker according to the guild logbook and listings by the door. Whiiplash lifted the dragon figurine, marvelling at its smooth edges and intricate details. There were plenty of dragons to the north, soon he would journey there and befriend one. Whiiplash bid farewell to his friends, as he could be gone days, and pulled inside his mind. He recalled a map of the realms, memorized from a book, and chose a spot. He felt the magic surge through his body, and he let it settle before chanting the words. They came to him easily, and the magic grew stronger within him. Suddenly, with a flash of bright white light and a strange jerk, he was hurtled through space for the slightest instant. Then, just as suddenly, he was sucked back into existence hundreds of miles to the north of Seeker Hall, just south of the Spine of the World. Snow and ice cut into his face as he sought to magically construct a barrier against the elements. The wind howled in his ears, and he struggled to chant above the wind, his words lost to him as they were carried away by the screaming torrents of air. Then, it stopped. A small glimmering shield stretched around him, a protective shell against the pounding wind and ice. Wiping the caked ice from his face, he cast a simple spell and it slid from his body, leaving him dry and comfortable. The spell stretched to the ground, and the once waist deep snow was pushed away from the barrier, revealing a warm and soft clearing. Sitting down gingerly, he closed his eyes and pulled back within himself. Anyone watching would have seen a wonderous show of magic. Above the meditating Whiiplash sitting on the ground, a small globe formed. It was first just a glimmer, but soon it was filled with thick grey smoke, churning within the strange bubble. It hovered there for a moment, a small globe of smokey greyness, but then it was speeding off into the storm. Over the mountains it flew, Whiiplash's eyes seeing through it. He directed it across mountains, in search of a dragon. He watched as it zoomed this way and that, its magical eyes peircing the heavy storm. It searched for what seemed like hours, but could have been only moments. It suddenly halted, hovering over a single, snow laden spire. It rose off of the side of a mountain, its tall stone structure caked with snow. It held against the powerful wind, and Whiiplash thought, seeing it through the globe, that some magic must be at work. Smiling, he decided to investigate. Letting the globe shatter and the grey smoke get carried away, he kept the spire's image fresh in his mind. With a sudden tug, he was sitting on a small ledge of snow, the protective spell still holding back the ice. Whiiplash grinned. He could sense a strong magic here, and the presence of a sleeping beast. he steeled himself and searched through himself, gathering magic. He pushed the shell outward, forcing snow and ice back, clearing the snow around the base of the spire away. A wall was revealed, stones set perfectly and signs of age non-existent. He pushed the shell farther, and the wall stretched away, the spire alone. The wall was huge, nearly forty feet high, its towering mass easily holding back the comparitively weak wind. It stetched about one hundred feet, corners at each end turning the wall into the mountain. There were no doors, there was just the wall. Whiiplash still smiled, curious as ever. He magically transported himself inside the wall, and found ruins. In a small courtyard between it and the mountain, blocks of stone and wood were scattered about. Something had come here and destroyed it, leaving only the wall and the last spire. Whiiplash made his way over the heavy rubble, toward a huge cave mouth. It was huge, large enough to allow a small dragon passage. Grinning, Whiiplash made his way inside.... History of a Seeker Part 10 - Dragon's Castle The tunnel stretched away into darkness. Creating a small globe of light and sending it farther down the large passage only confirmed that it seemed to continue forever. Whiiplash's booted feet thumped on the perfectly cut stones of the floor, his longbow drawn and an arrow set. He had long since let his magical light expire, as there was some kind of natural light coming from the walls. "Where is the end...?" Whiiplash muttered into the silence. His voice echoed faintly ahead of him, but the silence only returned. Suddenly, the tunnel seemed to drop off as Whiiplash approached the edge of some kind of chasm. He balanced on a small peice of rock, apparently what was left from a destroyed bridge. Below, a deep, rumbling snore thundered. Whiiplash smiled. He had found his dragon. While having never seen such a creature, save in books, he had no fear of their like. He shouldered his longbow and began to chant. Within seconds, he lifted himself gently from the overhang and let himself fall, descending nearly a hundred feet as if a feather. He touched the stone floor, which was still part of this same strange castle, and glanced around. He was at the bottom of a huge feat of construction, a nearly two hundred foot high cavern of stone blocks. Near the ceiling, narrow bridges of stone still crossed its huge width, but below, most of them had been destroyed. Many passages opened up into this room, and Whiiplash figured to himself that it must be some kind of main hall for the maze of tunnels beyond. He turned his attention, however, to the sleeping beast before him. It rested upon a pile of gold coins, dented armor, and rusty swords. According to what Whiiplash had read in the books of Seeker Library, this was nothing. The beast itself, however, was magnificent. Scales, shining bright white even in the dim cavern, reflected the glow from the walls. Cold air seemed to blast from its huge nostrils, and as Whiiplash stood there studying the huge beast, it shifted, its thunderous snoring momentarily ceased. Its jaws gaped open, revealing a full row of deadly fangs, easily capable of tearing large animals to shreds. At the end of huge limbs, talons like broadswords scraped across the stone floor. Suddenly its eyes snapped open, revealing massive, narrow orbs of a deep blue, which turned to focus on the small armored human that had dared enter its lair. "YOU ENTER MY DOMAIN? YOU SHALL DIE, HUMAN!" It snarled, rolling onto its feet. The dragon didn't seem surprised, but merely angry. It inhaled a moment, and suddenly let out a blast of freezing air, causing the nearby stone to frost over and ice. Yet still, after the snowy air had dispersed, Whiiplash stood unharmed, arms crossed over his chest. The dragon, roared, furious, and let out several more blasts in rapid succession. The surrounding stone had completely iced over, nearly a foot thick around Whiiplash's protective shell. He quickly chanted under his breath, and another spell of protection was weaved around him. The dragon, screaming in fury, slashed out with long talons and snapped at him with huge jaws. It merely struck the invisible barrier Whiiplash had built, however, and its anger increased each time it encountered the magic wall. Yet still Whiiplash stood, watching the dragon tire himself. Finally, after several impressive roars and blasts of freezing air, the dragon slumped to the ground, exhausted. "I wish to make a... proposal, " Whiiplash said, hand resting on the figurine hidden in his robes. The dragon snorted, adding another layer of ice to the stone floor. It swung its head around so its huge eye stared directly at Whiiplash and said in a much less hostile tones, "What could you possibly offer me? I have plently, hunt what I dont have already." Whiiplash smiled. "I could aid you in much, dragon. I sense you are disturbed that I am immune to your powers. I could perhaps enhance those powers to much greater effect, even upon those of... Great power..." "Such as yourself?" Whiiplash nodded, and the dragon continued to eye him suspiciously as he said, "So what would keep me from destroying you should you grant me these powers?" Whiiplash smiled again and sat down next the dragon, its head nearly the size of his whole body. "I don't think you would want to do that, as I would not need your help much, and I could provide much in repayment... How would you feel if I were to enchant this castle, so rival dragons, among other enemies, could not enter and steal your treasure?" Whiiplash eyed the meager horde and continued, "Or, provide you with powers over more than just coldness? Much would be possible, were you to aid me." The dragons' eyes widened at this, and Whiiplash smiled again. "I assure you, both are quite possible." If the dragon was still suspicious, he did not show it. The dragon slowly nodded his head, saying, "I am Delonock'taergoth, simply Delonock to humans." Whiiplash returned the formality, strange but somehow seeming to bind them together as companions. "I am Whiiplash, Crusader of the Seekers. Come, there is a place called Seeker Hall, where I may perform these enchantments." The dragon nodded in agreement and, with a powerful beat of his wings, launched from the bottom of the chasm and took wing toward Seeker Hall. Whiiplash sent him a message mentally, then took flight toward Seeker Hall upon the wings of magic, grinning to himself. The huge dragon thundered toward the rooftop of Seeker Hall, its bronze scales reflecting sunlight in a beautiful display of color. Yet even as Whiiplash watched him approach, the dragon's scales seemed to shift color, slowly darkening, until they were nearly black when the huge dragon glided down and landed surprisingly gracefully. Whiiplash greeted the dragon with a wave of his hand and began rummaging through the sack he had slung over one shoulder. As the dragon watched, curious, Whiiplash pulled out two amulets, golden figurines on the end of silver chains. One was shaped into the likeness of a huge golden dragon, with sparkling rubies set into the head as eyes. A small blue gem was set into the chest, and it seemed to glow with some kind of magic. The other amulet, much much larger, was shaped into a knight, armored in gold, with a ruby helm set atop its shoulders. A blue jewel blade, glowing much like the dragon's blue gem, was held in one of the statue's hands, and a golden shield in the other. As the dragon watched, Whiiplash slid the dragon amulet over his head and the larger knight amulet over the dragon's head. The dragon was startled to find a voice sounding within his head, but the voice was comforting, and explained how he was communicating to the dragon so easily. The amulets, they allow us to communicate with mind speech over any distance. Should I need your aid, or you mine, simply think my name and I shall hear. It is much like speaking, just think the words... Whiiplash sent through his mind, surprised himself at how easily his words passed into the dragon's mind. Delonock tried to "think" back to Whiiplash, focusing on the heavy amulet around his neck. Then, with surprising ease, they were speaking to each other, as if they were talking out loud. They work! This is a feat to match my enchantment, friend Whiiplash. In fact, I was meaning to speak to you of that. I feel I can almost control my changes, and I am quite positive that I can shift to my original state of white at any time. I find red much more useful, though.... I think your figurine will work now as well. When you first tried, I was startled and I resisted. Try again, and I will not... However, I am famished. As much as I would like to fiddle with your devices, I must hunt. Whiiplash nodded, knowing that he could't conjure anything that would satisfy the dragon, and waved farewell as the dragon leaped from the edge of the rooftop. Delonock quickly spread his wings and soared over the bustling city below. Whiiplash didn't notice Talnis, the Lord Ranger of the Seekers, walk up to stand behind him. His panther padded up behind him, large eyes glancing around curiously. Whiiplash turned as Talnis dropped a hand down to rub the panthers head absently, the cat rumbling contentment and laying down right there. "Magnificent creature... I'm surprised your enchantment worked. I was pleased to visit that castle up in the Spine of the World. Fine job, though the whole thing seems more like catacombs for burying the dead than a dwarven stronghold." Talnis said, staring off into the distance where the dragon was already just a speck of green. 'Mi'lord..." Whiiplash said, out of respect. Whiiplash was in service to WKNDWARR, Lord Knight of the Crusaders, but the tall ranger was still of higher rank and thus was owed respect. "Indeed, although I'm afraid I may have bungled the enchantment. Delonock should be able to shift from fire to snow without actually changing. I suppose I could have just read the spellbook wrong... But, enough of that." Whiiplash returned to his sack and pulled out a strange, huge saddle. It was unlike those used for horses, as it was meant for a dragon. He held up the strange saddle and said, "For when I decide to learn to ride atop him. Although, I don't think he will like it much..." Whiiplash tossed it back into the bag and pulled out the only other item. It was a simple circlet of gold, with a large pearl set into the front. Whiiplash set it atop his head, so the pearl was on his forehead, and tossed the bag aside. Now, I can communicate with any human over any distance, much like I did with the dragon. Simply think your responses, as you don't need another of these devices... Incredible... How do you come up with such things? Now, come, I belive I heard Lord Phantra, may the gods bless his soul, saying that your image appeared on the life tapestry... Whiiplash turned to follow the Ranger, and the panther awoke from his doze and followed. The ranger was garbed in the traditional green and brown leather of rangers, with a dark cloak thrown over his shoulders and clasped in the front by a strange little figurine. Over his armor, a narrower version of the Seeker tabard was thrown lightly, and he tugged at this absently while the other hand scratched the panther behind the ear. The panther was a graceful, yet deadly creature. Zebryl's muscles rippled as he lumbered along, paws padding along the marble hallway. Whiiplash smiled to himself, lost in his own thoughts, and descended the stairs into Seeker Hall, thinking of when he would return to wreak revenge upon his enemies... <><><><><> <><><><><> Gimme a Scoop! Enter the weekly News of the Realm contest by submitting text for publishing. If your Announcement, Article, Helpful Hint, NW Abby Question, Poem, Fiction, or Tidbit wins, you'll have won your choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of Heroes) ! Submit all text to screenname: NW NEWS. Sanctioned Guilds who send the most "news worthy" articles in each month will earn 3 Pearls to be credited to their Guild Account! <><><><><> <><><><><>