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Just one of those days or how Nottias became kidnapped
Posted: 11 Dec 2003 10:14 AM |
Dias and Loli had been spending half the day gathering the necessary components to make enchanting oils. Although the oils are quite easy to make, it takes quite some time and a lot of walking to get all the ingredients. Feeling tired of the running to and fro, the mage decided to go rest a while in his room. Both he and Loli would meet in the library later on to plan the rest of the day. After a short nap Dias felt invigorated again and the time was right to meet Loli, so he closed his door and went down the stairs towards the library. As he opened the door he spotted in the periphery of his vision a man, so well hidden that most people would never see him. Seeing the glint of a steel dagger, Dias nearly jumped down the stairs and smashed the door hard, hearing a crack of cartilage breaking as the man caught the door in his face. Taking advantage of the precious seconds it took the man to regain his bearings, the wizard uttered the necessary syllables to both protect himself and summon an aid. A hound archon not only looks fierce, it also has the skills of a seasoned fighter and those would be needed, Dias grimly thought. Dias swung the door open and the archon immediately responded, storming forward, barely intercepting the dagger meant for Dias. The rogue was certainly skilled, but he was no match for the might of the hound archon and soon he lay still on the stairs. Apart from the dagger, he only had a key on him. A door swung open in the main lobby of La Sapienza and Dias swiftly descended the flight of stairs, the hound still in tow. He only managed half a smile when he saw Loli entering, for she was immediately beset by two, obvious from the way they fought, martial artists. Anger was rising up in Dias. “You dare to invade my home?” The words were barely spoken when a true storm of magical missiles flew from his hands to slay the invaders.
“What is going on here?” Loli asked.
“I don’t know..” Dias answered her equally confused. “There was a stranger in the hallway to my room and he tried to kill me… All I found on him though was this strange key and…” He paused momentarily as he looked inside Nottias’ office. There was no one there! But struggles of a fight were apparent, book stacks had been pushed aside, a chair turned upside down. As by chance Dias found a small parchment, seemingly a map, but with no shores that he nor Loli recognised. The only legible part were the letters ‘Shai…’. Someone had kidnapped Nottias and the only clues they had were a piece of parchment and a key.
“Dias, can I see that key you found?”
“Ah yes. Of course, here it is.”
“Oh. I recognise this. When Shaz and I first went with Woman to Madame Setine's, and freed her. That is when I saw a key like that.”
“Madame Setine's? But why do they come here? What business do they have with Nottias?”
“They are accociated with the men who attacked Shaz and I, perhaps?”
“I fear they kidnapped Nottias to this isle. Now what I wonder... if this is indeed the legendary island we've been searching?”
“But ... it is not the new moon, is it?”
“Ah no, of course not! You’re right. So this must be a different isle.”
“Yes and somehow Madame Setine is involved. Perhaps we should first pay her a visit?” Loli offered.
The quickly left the library and stopped by in the temple, where they both prayed to their respective gods, Bregodim and Theus. Soon after they stood before Madame Setine’s establishment. As they entered there was no one in the common room, but following the ruckus they went upstairs. None there paid the two friends a second glance, but suddenly one of the courtesans called out, asking where they came from. Dias mused if she asked this to all their customers, but quickly pushed it aside as the woman seemed to be out of breath. “As though she ran up the stairs…” Dias further speculated. The mage decided to play along and gave her a rather smug answer “From downstairs of course. We’re looking for Madame Setine.”
“Oh. Well we are having some problems... I can’t find her anywhere.”
“And are those the problems? Or is there more?” Dias further requested.
“Captain Dandy. Again.” She shook her head. “Give him some rum.... and well... And Helene is having problems.”
“Who is Helene?” the mage asked why he mulled over the captain’s name in his head. “Hmm, that would be the one who sails to Ka’azim.” he thought.
“One of our ladies. She's -very- experienced.”
“Hum, well yes. I suppose she is, but.. uhm… she’s having trouble?” Dias didn’t really want to think about what sort of problems a –very- experienced courtesan could run into.
“Oh bother, I need to find help!” Having said that she dashed downstairs again, leaving Loli and Dias perplexed behind. Two heartbeats later they decided to follow and eventually ended up in the cellar, appropriately named ‘The Dungeon’.
The courtesan was standing there looking at a broad shouldered man, who stood in front of a iron portcullis. Behind it a woman in thigh high boots and clinging leather garments, carrying a whip, faced off the captain. An elderly man was also visible in the room beyond, most likely her ‘customer’. As Dias approached the captain he was greeted by a waft of rum. The man probably had drunk enough alcohol to kill a dragon.
“And a ho ho ho! Wahey! You dirty ol bugger!”
“Uhm Captain…” Dias tried to get his attention.
“Come 'ere darlin! Grab this!” And he took yet another swig of the bottle of rum in his hands.
Helene flicked a whip making an audible snap that reverberated throughout the entire ‘Dungeon’.
“'ere darlin! Wahey!” Staggering about he continued. “Come on lass, grab this luv!”
Dias couldn’t believe his ears and since talking didn’t help he tried shouting “Captain!!”
He either was deaf or completely ignoring the mage “Oy! Grab this luv.”
“I'll give ye a whippin' ye won't soon forget. But not til I be done here.”
The captain staggered about, looking bleary eyed and dropped his pants.
“And for pity's sake pull your trousers up man!”
“Ey love now that's what I'm talkin' bout! Look at this!”
As on cue, Loli took off her helmet to get a better look. Dias simply couldn’t believe this was happening.
“This be a real man! Ow about a freebie?”
From behind the portcullis Helene told the halfnaked man “I've seen better. Much better. On teenage boys.”
Sighing Dias tried yet another way “How about you return upstairs and I buy you a keg of rum?”
“Rum? I gots mi'Rum. Now lass don't ye be makin' me use dat whip on you!”
“Try and get it, why don't you.” Helene sneered.
“I need mi slap and tickle!” Which got Loli grinning. “You gonna give me some slap and tickle Dwarf?”
“Keep it up and -nothing- will tickle.” Helene promised.
“Come on Darlin'. Tickle mi tackle luv.”
“You've been a naughty, naughty boy, cap'n.”
“Aye luv. Spank me! Spank me!”
“But ye have to wait yer turn. Now off with ye!” Helene commanded.
“Come on Captain, let me get you that spiced drink upstairs.”
“Aye luv off with it! GET YER KIT OFF!”
Dias groaned, was this all the leery man could think of?
“Keep it up and ye ain't gettin' no whippins today.”
“And come 'ere and tickle mi' Broadsword. It be long an'ard and be in need of a good polish!”
“Yer broadsword ain't so broad and it ain't so long. Polish it yerself!”
“Don't suppose you got a sober-up spell, Dias?” Loli giggled.
“Now would you two piss off? She's gonna be 'elpin me out.”
“Bah, ye can't get in here anyhow.” Helene showed him the key to the metal door.
“Unless you want to Missy” and he pinched Loli’s bottom.
“Yeah, go with 'em. Yer appointment been counselled anyhow.”
“I'll be 'avin you Missy” he winked.
“I'm not into whips ...” Loli apologised.
“And what ye be into luv?”
Finally seeing a way to get the captain away from Helene, Dias suggested “Well why don't you go upstairs. You can discuss things there in peace.”
“Aye! Grand! Lets go then! Not you though Ice Cream boy!”
Dias’ eyes bulged “Ice Cream boy?” he thought. The captain never knew how close he came to getting a real whipping.
“Pssst miss,” Dias addressed the courtesan whom they met first, “Put these herbs in his glass. It’ll give him one hell of a headache, but he’ll be as sober as ever.”
“Thankee,” she whispered.
The herbs did have the wanted effect, for one minute later Dandy was dozing off on one of the couches. But apparently the man had only one thing on his mind, for even sobered up he continued his randy talking.
“Ye be wantin' a voyage on good 'Ol Cap'n Dandy himself then luv?” Dandy looked at the courtesan. “It be a rocky ride but a good ‘un.” He winked.
“Aye. If ye got the coin.” She winked back.
“I set mi sails in an hour lass. So lets get goin’!”
The man was pointedly ignoring Dias, who had about enough of the whole scene. “Loli, ask him if he knows where we can find this isle.”
“Aye lad! Ye ain’t me type even in the dress! Mi'crew though, they might fancy ye. Especially after a few months at sea.” And he laughed heartily as only sailors can do.
Dias was deciding what magic was going to do the least damage to the establishment, but luckily Loli asked Dandy if he knew about the isle.
“Isle lass? I know all the isles! For I be a Capn. Now I be a shaggin', so excuse me.”
The courtesan took his arm, “C'mon. Ye only got an hour to get around the world luv. And I want to give ye a thorough tour.”
“Wait!!” Dias was fed up with all this nonsense. “I’m paying you five thousand gold pieces to get us there.”
Apparently money also made his world go round for he changed subjects immediately. “Aye! To the isle!”
The courtesan’s mouth fell open. “Wot? Five thousand gold pieces?”
“I be payin' you some o'that lass”
“dangnabit Cap'n, we'll be able to sail all night when ye get back.” Which made Dias wonder just how expensive these courtesans really were, but he shoved the thought aside.
“I’ll be seein’ ya in Royale.” And off he went.
The courtesan looked at Dias. “And ye know where I am if ye need me. And my sailings cost less than 5000gp but are much more enjoyable.” She winked.
Dias burned bright red and muttered a halfhearted “Aye…” as he and Loli left the establishment and quickly went towards Dandy’s ship in Port Royale.
“'ello Lad. The Gold?” And he held out his hand.
“WHAT? I gave it to ya in Midor.” Dias was even picking up the speech pattern of the captain and he wasn’t pleased about it. “Don't be double crossing me now.” A dangerous glint shone in his green eyes.
“Aye just testin', and the other 5000?”
“Other???”
“For the missy,” and he pointed to Loli.
“I said five thousand for the both of us.”
Dandy shook his head. “’tis a dangerous voyage.”
“For crying out loud man, for ten thousand gold pieces you can buy an entire fleet!” he sighed in exasperation, “Oh very well! But this includes dropping us off and picking us back up!”
“Oh! Picking up to eh?”
“Oh no you don’t!!!!” Dias felt the urge of sending this man to the Abyss coming back.
“That’ll be another five thousand gold pieces. I can't be riskin' losin' mi ship. I already lost mi ‘and.” And he pointed to his hook.
Whatever Loli told the captain then changed his mind rather quickly though. “All bloody right den. I be takin’ ye. She persuaded mi lad. Couldn't keep 'er ands of mi Broadsword eh? Just the right height eh?”
Loli only giggled, Dias felt as though he was in the middle of a blazing inferno. He probably looked that way too.
Hours later and finally at full sea, they came alongside another ship. The sails were fully set, yet no one was visible on deck. “I be 'eadin to mi'cabin” Dandy said. “I gottsa see Roger the Cabin boy bout somethin'”
Dandy had hardly gone below decks or the same strangely clad martial artists that had attacked in the library were suddenly standing on the other ship. They pelted Loli and Dias with a true barrage of arrows. And although Dias killed a dozen of them with his magic, they just kept on coming. Several heartbeats and many arrows later both Loli and Dias were bleeding to death on the deck. Apparently satisfied with the outcome of the battle the other ship disappeared as by magic.
“What the hells...” Dandy came back. The captain went into some kind of trance and sang in an incomprehensible tongue. After a while a sirine appeared. “I have need of your aid once again.” The sirine nodded and called upon her innate powers to resuscitate both companions, after which she wants more disappeared into the waves.
A few hours more and they were dropped off at the isle. Loli looked around nervously. “If this isle if full of those people..”
“Then it doesn't look to good for us eh?” Dias stated the obvious. “Well lets explore carefully.” After dispatching a guard they came upon a plateau. Through a large gate a building was visible, again guarded by archers. But this time the two adventurers were prepared and while Loli took care of the ones on a stairway hacked into the cliff face, Dias blasted the one on top of the building away with several magical missiles. Apparently the place was some kind of barracks for the guards and nothing of interest could be found.
As they moved on they saw yet another building and from the looks of it, this was a temple. Inside there were monks, who didn’t take kindly to the intrusion. They soon found out that they were severely outclassed by the wizard and Dwarven warrior. Continuing deeper into the complex, they encountered heavy resistance. Those were no ordinary martial artists. They shrugged off spells like water falling on plate mail. Loli and Dias were soon biting the dust again. Yet the gods were with them for a solar, a proxy of the gods, came down to slay the remaining guards and heal the adventurers. Either Bregodim or Theus or maybe both approved of the rescue of Nottias. This brought hope, yet neither Loli nor Dias could stop feeling the dread of encountering more of these experienced warriors. In the inner sanctum they saw several doors leading to separate doors. Picking one at random, they entered a room where a striking woman looked them carefully up and down, momentarily ceasing the sharpening of her wickedly sharp katana. “You wish to challenge me?”
“No, we wish to get back our librarian Nottias.” Loli replied. Dias looked around and everywhere along the walls racks were installed, all carrying strange assortments of weapons.
“Strange,” she mused, “You are neither monks nor ninja.”
“Nay we are not. We came here to seek our friend Nottias. Some of your order kidnapped him.” Dias told her.
“I know of no librarian here. I am merely a Master in the art of combat and these are –not- of my order. I merely serve here and teach...” Both Loli and Dias nodded. “…to whomever pays the most in gold and for whomever fighting is an art to behold. I am here to be challenged, to find my equal in combat.” Raising an eyebrow she looked at Loli, “I see strength in you Miss. Would you not care to challenge me? If I am beaten then all the possessions in this room are yours. If I beat you I have the knowledge I am indeed the Master of combat. And fear not, we do not find to the death for here lies a glyph that will prevent us from dying of mortal wounds.” The ensuing battle revealed to Dias that the woman spoke true. She –was- a master of combat. He had seen Loli fight on many occasions, but now she was clearly outmatched and soon Loli had to admit defeat.
“Take what thou will from here, for you fought bravely.” She smiled.
They entered another room and a man was awaiting them with a smile on his face. “I see a challenge. I am Le. Grandmaster Le.” And he bowed formally.
“I am Loli Dankirk, but no challenge to you.”
“And I am Dias Ashfield.”
“That is not the spirit Loli. You already admit defeat. One must never see defeat. Only imagine oneself as victor.”
Dias mused, “If your mind thinks of the possibility of defeat then you already condemn yourself to it?” Nodding, Le answered “Indeed, wise words Sir.” And thus once more Loli took up the challenge. If the previous master was a fury, then Grandmaster Le was the calmness before the storm. Loli wasn’t even able to nick him one time with her blade, he somehow managed to evade every single thrust or swing.
“A fine display Miss, but now perhaps with the help of your friend?” Dias cast protective and enhancing magicks on the both of them, but it was all to no avail. Not one spell was able to reach the master. Even together they were sorely overclassed. “I find no equal still, yet you both fought bravely. Tell me, what is your heart’s desire?”
“To find Nottias” they both replied at the same time.
“You’ll have to ask elsewhere, I know of no Nottias. I’m an artist and I craft artists goods, martial goods. What is it that you desire?” Eventually they left carrying some equipment made by the grandmaster himself.
There was one door left, thinking they would get yet another sound beating Loli and Dias entered with a sigh. A beautiful woman was standing in the room and with serenity in her voice she asked, “And who might you be?” The room smelled faintly of a refreshing rain shower.
“Do you have knowledge of a certain Nottias Milady? I'm Dias Ashfield.”
“And I am Loli Dankirk.”
She nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement. “Nottias... ah yes. The Midoran.”
“Aye, you know him? Or rather his whereabouts?” Dias asked her.
“No, I do not know him.” But with a halfsmile she added “That, I may have knowledge of.”
“And what may we offer you for that information?”
“There is nothing you can offer me that would interest me. Besides, it is not my secret to tell.”
“Then whom should we ask Milady?”
“There is no one you can ask, for none of them will speak to an outsider.” Loli sighed and Dias felt frustration building inside of him. “They have no interest in your Nottias.”
Not comprehending, Dias enquired “Then why did they take him here?”
“Why do you think he is here?” she laughed. “You do know the ways of the world, do you not?” Loli scratched her head. “Some hire others to do their dark work.”
Dias nodded, “So some of you were hired.”
“Not some of 'me', for I stand separate.” This made Loli laugh, “Good point.” The woman nodded approvingly to Loli, “Perhaps a clue would be of use to you? You will have to earn it first.”
“Another challenge then?” Dias sighed.
“Yes. A challenge the likes of which you have never had before. Are you ready?”
“As ready as we'll ever be...” the wizard replied, while Loli shrugged.
“I grow bored. Amuse me.”
Loli giggled, while Dias’ mouth literally fell open. “Of all the times for us to have to be amusing ....”
“Of course. That is what makes this a challenge.”
And so Dias told her about the recent appearance of the portal in their pool at the Azure Light headquarters and how the appearance of Pickston made everything worse. Apparently she was amused at the statement that in the end Pickston had summoned a dragon.
Smiling she added, “Tell me. Are you afraid of dragons getting you?” Loli and Dias both told her that this was indeed the case. “Well I'm not fond of them if that is what you mean,” Dias told her bluntly.
“You are not fond of dragons?” Her smile widened. “How entertaining.” Barely had she spoken the words or her form changed rapidly into that of a dragon. Dias cursed his brain for always wanting to tell the truth. “Do I frighten you now?”
“I would be lying if I told you no,” Dias answered once more truthfully, “but I’m also awed.” Loli said nothing, but her face showed that she felt the same things.
“Ah, an honest mage!” she laughed, “How rare.” She still wanted another story, from Loli this time. And so Loli told her about the little gold wyrmling she once met in the Lynaeum.
“Well, mage and dwarf. You have earned your clue.” And she disappeared in a shower of rain and mist, leaving behind garlic.
“Garlic…” Loli mused, ‘Is this the clue? What does it mean? Bandages?”
“Aye garlic. A known protection against the creatures of the night… Vampires…”
“Vampires?” Loli paled somewhat at the mention of the name. “Do you think Count Valinor has abducted Nottias?”
“I know not, but ‘tis a good guess… Lets get off this cursed island.”
They both quickly ran back towards the shore, where as promised, captain’s Dandy ship lay waiting. The voyage home was quite uneventful, although Dias didn’t feel completely safe with all the sailors throwing him winks. After they arrived in Port they left Dandy, who had set his sails in the direction of Candy. Tired, and still feeling the sound beatings they had received during the –lessons- they each went to their respective homes. Tomorrow they’d investigate what that garlic meant, but for now they needed rest.
*OOC*
My thanks go to the two DMs who made me nearly fall of my chair with laughing with all the innuendos in the dungeon. And of course to slink for not letting Dias die alone on that lovely isle ;)
*OOC* |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Just one of those days or how Nottias became kidnapped
Posted: 11 Dec 2003 12:21 PM |
((What a bloody long story. Good one though, I enjoyed it. And really, not -all- ships are like that Dias! After all, Conrad was a pirate captain a good many years, and he never had that problem! [Oh, and as to the title "One of those days", how appropriate. I stepped in Dog poo this morning, so to save everyone the smell, I took off my boot, put it in my locker, and have been walking around with my flannel jacket wrapped around my foot holding it on with rubberbands... one of those days] Kudos to you for spending so much time typing that up. A shame nobody else has posted their comments though. And how come it's always the HIGH levels that get "Whatever your heart desires" *Makes sour face* If they're -that- high of a level, they can usually get any damned item they want! Well, sorry, getting off topic, but, great job, and I'm glad you had fun!))
Tasra (the Great!) |
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Re: Just one of those days or how Nottias became kidnapped
Posted: 11 Dec 2003 12:37 PM |
*OOC*
Thanks Tasra, but I just wanted to comment on this. In the 'whatever your heart desires part' we asked for Nottias. He couldn't give the librarian to us so he asked us if there was anything else we wanted. Neither Loli, nor Dias wanted anything for themselves. We did mention a friend though and we got something for him. So: nope we didn't get the ultra uber leet item of slaying all ;). I'm not saying however what we got or who it is for, because that would ruin it.
Just my extra 2 cents ;)
*OOC* |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Just one of those days or how Nottias became kidnapped
Posted: 11 Dec 2003 12:48 PM |
*OOC*
Heh, Tasra thinks this is long. Wait till the rest goes up. :D
And yes, Loli asked for items for a *low-level* companion, when it turned out Nottias was not an option.
And Loli was very smug in demeanor, leaving the ship. *giggle* "Cat who ate the canary" might describe it.
*OOC* |
Dieties preserve us from the evil chaotics named Lag, Crash, and Server Reset.
PCs: Loli Dankirk (Ftr 18/Brd 8.5 @ 1777 hrs) left Vives for Origins; Gnora Gnombody (Sor 5 @ 54 hrs) and Amanda Stark (Wiz 3 @ ~10 hrs) left Vives for Feline Providence. |
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Re: Just one of those days or how Nottias became kidnapped
Posted: 11 Dec 2003 03:09 PM |
| ((The REST?!?!?!?!)) |
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The Count's invitation
Posted: 12 Dec 2003 08:50 AM |
A long time ago Dias had found out that crafting always helped him to gather his thoughts and he had a lot to think about. As he passed Nottias’ office that morning he was immediately reminded that what had happened the day before was no dream. Nottias had been kidnapped and their only clue was a small bundle of garlic. Sighing, he left La Sapienza and went to the mage tower. Loli had given him a load of flasks to make enchanting oils and that was indeed what he intended to do. He had only begun to unload the flasks and ingredients when Loli entered the tower. “Hello Dias,” she greeted him, “I thought I might find you here. I have a lot more flasks for you.” As she handed him the flasks, an old man, dressed in long, flowing robes of a purple colour entered the tower. Standing in the entrance he looked around.
“Hello Sir, can I help you?” Dias asked.
“No, nothing in particular. I’m just looking around.” He paused a few seconds and then rested his eyes again on Dias. “This place has changed a lot since I have last been around here.”
“That must have been long ago then Sir? I’ve always known the shop like this.”
The old man nodded, “Half of the city wasn’t even built back then.”
Dias nodded, but something hadn’t registered with him yet. “Oh a long time indeed. But how rude of me. I’m Dias Ashfield and this is my friend Loli Dankirk.” Once again the man nodded. Deep inside Dias had the feeling as though he knew this stranger. “Could it be Sir that we have met somewhere?”
“Might be,” he responded with a smile.
“Maybe many years ago… Somehow you seem familiar to me.”
“A lot of people tell me that.”
“Really?” Dias smiled, “Well, I can’t put my finger on it right now… Oh! You wouldn’t be Algond now, would you?”
The man had a contagious laugh, “That would be correct.”
“How weird it suddenly popped into my mind.” Algond hid a smile. “Oh now I know! I’ve seen you mentioned in a lot of books.”
“Oh?”
“Aye, I work at the library you see.”
“Ahh a fine work you got then. All the knowledge in there..”
“Indeed! ‘tis a real treasure trove.”
Loli fixed some straps on her packs and suddenly said “Mmm ... excuse me Dias .. I need to go pick something ...”
“Sure Loli! Aye, I've spent most of my youth there.” Again the man was hiding a smile.
“So, tell me,” he said while moving a hand over his beard, “What books was I mentioned in?”
“Well I remember mostly books concerning the arcane arts. And if you are indeed the Algond mentioned you are quite the authority on the subject.”
“Well, I dont recall reading those books.” And again he laughed. Loli re-entered the tower at that time, a waft of garlic hanging around her. Dias never noticed for he had a runny nose due to a cold.
“And what brings you back to Midor if I may ask?”
“Nothing specific. Just wanted to see how things are around here…”
“Well the city has probably changed a lot for you then?”
The man changed the subject back to the library, “Now that you have told me, I might want to read these books you mentioned.”
But Dias didn’t let go as something suddenly dawned on him. “Hmmm, wait a minute... you said you've left Midor when it was half built?”
“Well, that was the last time I have been around here. I don’t stick too long to one place you see.”
“I understand, yes.” Somehow Dias no longer wondered about the fact that Algond had seen Midor when it was half built.
“Well, if you can give me directions, so I will be able to go find these books?”
“Oh aye, no problem. Let me show you where we keep them. But just a moment please, as soon as I’m done repacking these ingredients here, we can go.”
Algond nodded, “I will be waiting outside.”
Dias’ toughts were interrupted by Loli’s sudden statement. “A lot of your old acquaintainces showing up just now. This old man, the woman living next door…”
“Well he's not really an acquaintance. I'm not even sure I ever met him. He just has this… hmmm… familiar feeling about him.” The last flask disappeared in a pack, “Well shall you join me to the library?”
Loli mused out loud, “Mmm.... but that woman looked strange. All in black …. But yes, I will come with you.”
Leaving the mage tower, Loli and Dias took Algond to the library. “Welcome to La Sapienza.” Dias said with a smile, “The books are in the other room, follow me please. The books I spoke of are at the end.” He pointed towards a bookshelf containing works on all matters arcane. Pointing at a thick black leather covered tome, Dias said “That one deals on magical dweomers and if I'm not mistaken contains a lot information written by you or at least information coming from you. Then there's also this volume on summonings... Hmmm where is it now?”
“Written by me?” Algond frowned, “No one told me they used my books.”
In conspiratory tones Dias told Algond “To tell you the truth I mastered all my summoning spells thanks to your book. It’s the green bound tome over there. It gave a very good insight! ‘tis a true masterpiece if I may say so.”
“I am quite sure you had a part in mastering that subject yourself,” he winked, “I’m sure it’s not –all- thanks to the book.”
“Well no, but it did teach a great many things!”
And they talked for quite a while about the various tomes, which exasperated Loli. “Magic stuff again…” she mumbled and she went to sit in the entrance hall.
“Tell me,” Algond said after a while, “do you also have books on the divine arts?”
“Yes of course, we keep them in another section.” He took Algond to yet another bookshelf, containing dozens of books dealing with clerical and divine magic. Again they discussed various subjects, until Algond suddenly stated “But I can talk for hours about these and I ran out of time alas.” He shook his head. “I just seem to lose all sense of time when I’m having fun.” He smiled warmly. “I’ll see you again Dias Ashfield.” And with that Algond left.
Dias went to Loli who was dozing off on one of the benches. “Oh, is he gone?”
“Aye, but what an interesting man he is. Such a treasure trove of magic. But lets go making those oils first! Next they went to Port, for Dias wanted to create a new type of bag. After the work was finished, Dias asked Loli if she had given further thought to that clue they had been given by the dragon lady.
“Haven’t you smelled it yet? I rubbed garlic all over my armour, just in case we have to deal with vampires…”
The mage pointed to his nose, “Sorry I have a cold, I don’t smell a thing. Well perhaps we should go visit the library and check if there are any more clues left.” As they jumped of Kusin’s wagon they were first greeted by Xie. They told him that a monk from the Asashi monastery was looking for him and as by magic the blue eyed man appeared. Judging from the conversation the master, for his grace and stance gave at least that much away, wasn’t too pleased about the fact that Xie wanted to build his own academy. After a while they left to discuss these and other matters in private. Next Avari showed up and Loli and Dias took turns to tell her what had happened the day before. Dias also informed them of the return of his mysterious neighbour. Soon after the ground started shaking and the three friends feared the worst. A split second later Aros appeared in a shower of leaves. He wanted to talk to Avari and they both took off to some secluded place.
As Dias and Loli were about to go to the library, an old acquaintance came through the gate: Calmeir Kishraad. Calmeir had asked Dias in a letter to notify him if Quies Asteria, Dias’ neighbour and Calmeir’s love interest, showed up again. And Dias had complied sending a messenger, a small sprite he had summoned, with a letter to Calmeir. Apparently Calmeir was close to the island for him to return so swiftly. The two friends greeted Calmeir and asked him if perhaps he wanted to join them to the Unicorn Inn, for they had much to discuss.
A few hours later, after exchanging news and information and updating Calmeir on the recent happenings in Midor, the three left for the library. To everyone’s surprise Nottias had returned! Dias didn’t believe his eyes. “Is this an illusion?”
Calmeir didn’t understand what was going on. “What?”
“Nottias was kidnapped yesterday.”
“Aye so you told me, but did you not rescue him?” This prompted both Loli and Dias to answer negatively.
Dias waved his hand in front of Nottias. “Nottias? Hmmm, he’s not very responsive, is he? Is this just an illusion to keep most people out of here?” The last word had barely left Dias’ lips or Nottias changed into an extremely pale skinned man. Nothing to be overly worried about except for the notable fact that razor sharp fangs were visible. A vampire had magically disguised himself into the head librarian and he was not alone. In the corner of the office another one appeard, a woman and judging from the incantations she started, a mage as well. The three companions quickly overcame their first shock and destroyed the nightwalkers with sword and magic, not even giving them a chance to take gaseous form.
“I’m afraid it’s clear now that Nottias has been kidnapped by vampires, meaning he’s held somewhere in Maldovia.” Dias shuddered when he spoke that last word.
“I see... why would they want Nottias?” asked Calmeir.
“That I do not know, but it’s a fair guess that they want knowledge from him I suppose. As much as I loathe to go there, I can’t abandon the man. He has been my friend for years, almost like a father to me. I know this is asking you much, but will you two join me? Alone I will never be able to do it.”
“I've been there,” said Loli, “I hadn't really planned to ever go back. But yes I’ll join you. Fri'el and Anandur would be welcome company too, but I guess that's too much to hope for."
Calmeir nodded, “Of course... I only hope I can come out of it. I would sorely hate to not have seen Quies again after all.”
They went to the temple where they each prayed to their respective gods. “Well then.... shall we be off to the lands of darkness?” Dias words were very appropriate for night had fallen as well. And so they left Midor, each of them fearing that this might be the last time they’d see this city. Through the Midor woods they reach the Syn steppe. Only one way led to Maldovia and that was over Syn Bridge. They encountered only minimal resistance, a few ettins and some harpies. And then they were on the island of Maldovia, guarded by shadowy warriors and their hounds. These as well proved to be no great threat, but it only reminded them of what forces they surely –would- meet inside the town. After slaying a horde of vampiric bats in the woods they finally arrived at the gate of the only town on Maldovia. The city where the creatures of the night ruled and all living beings were seen as prey. With several protective layers of magic, cast by Dias, the three adventurers entered the town. Immediately they were beset by a dozen vampires, some of which seemed to be impervious to the attacks of both Loli and Calmeir. Dias cast his most powerful spells and was able to bring two down, and so the vampires turned their attention upon him. Soon all three lay bleeding and drained on the cobblestones, but then something miraculous happened. Their prayers must have been answered, for a solar, a magnificent radiant being, appeared. The vampires lasted not a single second for this servant of the god burned like the sun and the undead turned to dust. The solar healed the dying companions and left in a blaze of golden light. But doubt had nested itself into Calmeir. “Dias, do we continue? We are clearly outnumbered, and badly outclassed…”
The wizard thought for a moment. “It is as you say, but behold,” with his hand he pointed to the empty square, “our Patrons approve of what we do. What more proof do we need? A solar, its strength matching that of the gods itself was sent to help us!”
“Aye,” Calmeir reasoned, “it helped us once, but should we tempt fate?”
“A grandmaster in the martial arts taught Loli and me yesterday that to think of defeat is to admit defeat. The appearance of the divine messenger has strengthened my resolve. I will continue, but I will not ask of you to risk your lives.”
Calmeir coughed up some blood, “Well,” he sighed, “I suppose if we are going, we should do so now.”
A vampiress approached them carefully. Bolstered by what just happened Dias demanded to know where they kept Nottias. “So, you have come to find your beloved Master?” She sneered. “He is with our Lord.” Dias felt his resolve wither, his friend was in the hands of the Count himself. She smirked, “Valinor awaits you.” The companions followed her, but were attacked at the gate leading to the castle grounds. “Stop it you asses!” she growled. But the vampires did not obey, having smelled fresh blood. These were still fledglings and they lasted only moments. “What treachery is this?” Dias demanded, but the vampiress had already gone through the gate and was walking towards the castle. They followed swiftly, but once inside the castle they lost sight of her. The sent of blood was thick in the air, apparently coming from basins in the welcoming hall. This was hardly reassuring as a welcome. Several doors were visible, but only the one on the far right was open. Carefully the three entered and again they were attacked by a vampire. Loli finished him off in mere seconds, but then another one appeared right in front of Calmeir. His first reaction was to thrust his sword forward, but he missed and the vampire disappeared. “You dare attack my master?” the female asked furiously, “And yet you seek to free this Nottias?”
“I acted on instinct, not thought.” Calmeir answered her.
She laughed sardonically “He will meet you upstairs, -if- you can make it.” The vampiress disappeared, leaving the companions alone in the hallway. They had no clue where the stairs to the second floor were. After blundering their way through a series of rooms they finally found the way to the upper level, but not without encountering heavy resistance. Vampires of unbelievable strength, who harnessed awesome magical powers tried to prevent them from reaching the Count. The battle was fierce, with both sides using powerful magic, but in the end the three friends prevailed. Finally the reached the Count’s room, who stood there smiling.
“Greetings Count Valinor.” Dias greeted him, for in his heart he knew that he should not taunt this one. To do so would mean bringing doom on not just him and his friends, but also on Nottias.
“Yes. Very impressive.” He looked Dias over, “Greetings to you, Dias Ashfield. And greetings to your companions.”
“I see you know my name as well. I'd say well met, but the circumstances beg differently.”
“So they do.”
“May I ask why you let Nottias be kidnapped by those monks?”
“T ell me, what will you do for the return of your beloved master.” And he spat out the last word.
Dias thought carefully about this. “Anything that doesn't betray my faith in Theus and the forces of good.”
“So you serve 'good' do you?”
“Serve? Is this the only relation you know? Servant and master?”
“You do not serve good, then?”
“I aid the forces of good, aye.”
The Count laughed, in an unpleasant kind of way. “Then you and Theus are partners? You do not serve your 'god'?”
“If you call that serving then so be it. Theus is my Patron, my god, the one to which I have pledged my life.”
“Your life…” he mused, “... Did this Theus give you your life?”
“Isn't all life magic? Hence, I'd say he had something to do with it. Yes.”
“Magic indeed. But, Dias Ashfield, others had something to do with giving you life as well.”
“Yes my parents, and theirs before them. But are we here to discuss semantics?”
“We shall discuss what I wish to discuss!” The point was moot, for Dias had no wish to anger this powerful vampire any more than this. Knowing that sometimes it is better to give in than to resist, Dias shrugged mentally.
“Your mother? Your father? Do you honour your mother and father, Dias Ashfield?”
“I do, though I do not know my father.”
“No?”
“No, but should I therefore hate him? He made my mother happy and thus I am grateful to him.”
“Should you therefore love him?”
“Yes for he gave happiness and joy to a person I loved and still love.”
“Tell me, Dias Ashfield, where is your mother?”
Dias’ green eyes flashed briefly. “You know me so well Count Valinor. Hence you also know that my mother died 8 years ago.”
“That is very tragic.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “And, what would you be willing to do for your father? This father you do not know, yet still would honour?”
“What do you mean?” Dias wasn’t entirely sure where all of this was leading to.
“I mean what I said.”
“I would protect him if he came to harm.”
“Like a good son…Would you serve your father, Dias Ashfield?”
“Serve?” Now it was Dias’ turn to look thoughtful.
“Yes. To honour him.”
“Serving my father would not necessarily honour him. Yet I would like to get to know him.”
“Obeying your father is not a way of honouring him and his wisdom?”
“I love my father for what he has given my mother. But... I follow no man blindly, for only the foolish do so. I need to know someone before I commit myself to him or her.. or ‘serve’ him.”
“We shall see. But for now I am done with you.”
“And what of Nottias?”
“Retrieve your Nottias. I have got what I want from him.” He smiled and disappeared.
“Where is he? Where… What is this?” Where the count had stood previously now lay a perfectly preserved flower. “What is the meaning of this? This is the same flower that my mother gave me… the same one I gave to Quill..” Confusion shone through his eyes.
“The one that withered in Quillian's pack?” Loli asked and Dias only nodded.
They opened the door to the large room beyond but that was a bad mistake. Apparently the vampires had returned in full force and although Dias was able to slay several of the more powerful ones, their life draining attacks killed him. Loli and Calmeir were able to fend off the others. And then a Dark Angel appeared. If a Solar is radiant as the sun, a Dark angel is as black as the dead of night. Life slowly returned to Dias, but then he saw the fallen angel. He became as pale as the vampires, for vividly he remembered the encounter in Hell and not so long ago in the Azure Light Headquarters. “No! Stay away from me!”
Calmeir’s words only made it worse. “I think it... I think it may have been the one to bring you back.”
“No! Not that one! It can’t be! It mustn’t be!”
“Does it matter who brought you back?” Calmeir asked, not entirely sure if the dark angel was really such a vile being.
“Yes, for it touched my soul!” He shuddered and as the angel disappeared, he gathered his thoughts again. “Loli, Calmeir, lets go look for Nottias. Quickly!”
They entered another hallway, the only place they hadn’t been to. At the end of the corridor there was a door locked, most likely the place where they kept Nottias. And then all hell broke loose.. again. Vampires poured forth from rooms along the hallway. With most of his spells gone Dias was an easy target and again he fell. While Loli and Calmeir were fighting for their very own lives, the Dark Angel appeared again. Feeling dread in every fibre of his body, Dias asked the angel who had sent him.
“Be not afraid Dias. I am here to serve you. You are one of us…” If vampires made his blood run cold with fear, these words filled him with absolute horror.
“Nooooooooooooo….” And he ran away in the direction of his friends. Apparently the battle had ended and Calmeir was the first one to talk to him. “Dias... I thought you had fallen?”
“Oh sweet Theus, this is hell!”
“Dias, listen to me. Can we break down that last door?” Calmeir asked.
As by magic Nottias came walking down the hallway. “No! I have told you what you want! I am just an old man!”
“Nottias it's me! Dias!”
“Bring him and come on.” Loli insisted.
“Please, no more! No more!” Nottias’ voice trembled with fear.
“Nottias look at me! It’s me, Dias Ashfield. Your friend and scribe.”
“D..D..Dias? Is it really you?”
“Aye it is. This is no illusion, but we need to flee now. Quickly!”
“I cannot run fast.”
“Don’t worry I’ll cast some magic on you so that you may walk faster.” A ruckus could be heard from the room leading to the stairs.
“GET NOTTIAS AND GO!” Calmeir shouted. They ran through the room, vampires close behind them, only to encounter more of the bloodsucking undead in the room downstairs.
Calmeir and Loli tried to make a path through the ranks of the vampires, allowing Dias and Nottias to run outside. They succeeded in reaching the outer gate, but both Loli and Calmeir were still inside.
“You should not have put yourself in this danger, Dias.” Nottias told the wizard.
“And leave you here? How could I do that?”
“I have lived my life, go help your friends!”
Dias nodded and feeling the magic surge in his body he went in. A storm of force missiles left his fingertips, slaying several of the vampires. Loli and Calmeir took the opportunity to get out but one vampire lord was on their tail. Just before Loli and Dias were able to kill him, it drained Calmeir’s life force. Dias sat alongside his friend’s body.
“Theus I beseech Thee. Let your magic flow through my body to restore my friend.” He cut his left palm again and blood flowed on Calmeir. “Once I pledged myself to you, with this same blood I ask Thee to help me.” And he felt life returning to Calmeir. “Thank you Holy One!” Tears streamed down his face from happiness.
Calmeir coughed “Dias... this is the last time I come on one of -your- adventures!”
Loli broke the pleasant mood “We still have to get through the dang village.”
As they entered the town the vampires were moving in on them and fast. Then a Dark Angel appeared once more and started battling the vampires, who soon changed tactics and began to flee. Taking advantage of the situation, the four left towards the Bridge of Syn. Two hours later they once again stood in Midor. They all carried wounds from their battles, Nottias was nearly breathless from all the running, but they made it! |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: The Count's invitation
Posted: 12 Dec 2003 01:41 PM |
((Fascinating! A roaring good book! And I -love- what Calmeir said at the end! I love how you're not quite sure what's up with the dark angel too. Awesome job, and kudos to you for typing all this up! *Awards Dias a spiffy cool commemorative Maldovia Coffee Mug* Great job guys! HUZZAH!!!))
Tasra (the Great!) |
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