AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic

[[to knw where this story began...]]

http://www.amiaworld.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24910

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Soon after these events…a group from the Grove and Bendir Dale set out to decipher the meanings in the journal of the Mad Mage and find the seal that was spoken of. For, they felt, if the seal were weakening, then a flood of Infernal hordes could poor forth onto the Island. They went to the Loremaster in the great library and gained new insights into the nature of the threat…

It seems that the fool mage tried to summon a demon near the entrance to the Hidden Seal...the release of power made a slight crack in the seal. This let the great Devil, Bel’zeelab, send forth tendrils of his evil influence. The devil set the folks from the Grove and the Dale against the Demon spawn, Bloodwar hatred permeated even the devils desire to be free…and why not destroy the demon and gain his own release in one fell swoop. The Devil made certain information available in the minds of those nearby…so that they would use the Massive power still contained in the Great Wyrm's bones to vanquish the demon back to its plane. With that energy gone…it meant that the Keeper of the Seal was now left on her own to hold the seal closed against the Devils increasing might.

The Heroes from the Dale and the Grove…gained the knowledge to find the gateway to the Seal and the key to unlock it…would they make it in time…what would be the cost…

//I would love to hear the story told by those who were there…

Her ears perked at the sounds of the huming crystal before them. She paid little attention to the crystal, deeming it worthless and meaningless, simply a tool used by mages. They weren't looking at what they needed...

But just in case, she rested a hand on her bag at her hip, where the scroll they had received from the Loremaster lie rolled up, waiting to be used. Her eyes shifted to the crystal once more and something caught her attention, a flicker of movement, or an image. She narrowed her eyes and stepped closer, paying little attention to the bickering around her. Stepping around the great wolves Ramoth and Koloth, she neared the crystal and gazed upon it, the image becoming clearer.

A dark passage... She gazed deeply into the image... Behind her, she vaguely felt Dra'kil touch her, and he murmured something to her, but her full attention was on the crystal, her eyes wide beneath her helmet, staring. The darkness drew her in and she felt a sense of dread. Nevertheless, she could not look away. Lifting one hand toward the image, she touched the crystal, but as soon as her fingers made contact, there was a nearly deafening pulse of a hum, which made her recoil, her arm withdrawing quickly.

She shuddered and glanced over her shoulder at Dra'kil to see him watching her. She wasn't sure if she had imagined the noise, but didn't check to see if anyone else had noticed, either, before she quickly turned her attention back to the crystal and reached out again, resting her hand flat against the image, firmly. Her eyes returned to the passage she saw before her, completely drawn into it, as if it was calling her to step into it, even though she knew it would be silly to try to do that...

She wasn't sure how much time had passed. The others were shouting, but she could not hear them. The grip on her bow was loose, nearly falling from her grasp as she stood, transfixed by the darkness. But then she felt herself pulled back firmly and she reached out toward the image as she was pulled. But an instant later, she shook her head quickly, regaining her composure and leaning back slightly into Dra'kil's arms.

She could hear the others, talking about a countdown of some type, but she couldn't pay attention. She kept seeing the darkness in the crystal. Her gaze paused their sweep of the area as she spotted Alitha amongst the group, but then she felt a tug on her hand and she stumbled as she followed Dra'kil leading her away from the others. He took her down the nearby slope, spoke with her softly... She couldn't pay attention very well, and tried to answer his questions, but the words 'So dark...' were about the only things she could say.

Her ears perked again as the humming pulses seemed to grow in intensity, quicker... She stopped listening to Dra'kil and lowered a hand to her bag at her hip, reaching in to touch the scroll. A moment later, she turned around and raced up the slope again, pausing next to Alitha just as she was asking where Briseis was, since she had had the scroll before.

"'Litha... I have it..." Ailahra murmured beneath her breath. Alitha looked at her and nodded and Ailahra pulled the scroll out to look at it, her heart racing. A moment passed and there was a rumble, which made Ailahra stumble back again as she looked up toward the crystal in time to see demons...hellspawn...come out of the ground around the crystal. She stared in silent wonder and terror, secretly wondering if she was too late even as the others around her attacked the abominations with a vengeance. She heard Alitha say to use the scroll, so she lifted the scroll and looked it over, her eyes checking the arcane letters.

As she began to chant, however, there was a sudden silence and it nearly made her wince as she looked up from her chanting, breaking the beginnings of the spell. She looked around, wide-eyed and confused. However another look at Alitha reminded her of the spell and she quickly went back to chanting, tuning out all other sounds and sights. She remained focused on the chanting, barely even noticing as time gradually slowed...

She certainly did not notice when time itself stopped...

However, she felt the pull of the spell and in a flash the scroll in her hands disappeared, indicating that she had used it properly. She then looked around quickly, that same feeling of dread settling over her as it had before. She saw the passage again...and swallowed hard, but did not hesitate to rush toward it, intent on following this thing through to the end.

As she was taken into the dark cavern, her body froze. She felt as if she had stepped into the image she had seen, however...not quite as dark. She held her bow close to her, simply standing there in silent horror until she heard Alitha's voice, asking what everyone had seen. She shook her head quickly again, trying to dislodge the feeling.

"I saw a passage... Similar to this, just...darker..." Her voice was weaker than usual, but she did not notice. When she saw Dra'kil in front of her again, she reached out to touch his back, seeking some form of comfort from her friend. As he touched her hand in return, as if he could see her wish without needing to hear her speak it, she relaxed.

Vaguely, she heard Alitha speak her name and she looked up. She asked her to scout ahead, and Ailahra accepted, of course. She was a ranger; she was used to scouting missions. After requesting a few protective spells, she stepped to the front of the line, her eyes looking around slowly until she decided on a direction. She kept her senses alert as she led her friends through the caverns. They battled a few creatures...ogres, oozes... but there weren't very many in the way.

When she reached a larger, open room, she hesitated, then murmured as much to Alitha as she took a step in. She waited for the others to move closer behind her, then stepped inside quickly. She saw a woman up on a small platform. The woman cast a few spells, but when she turned and began to cast a spell at Ailahra, the skilled archer didn't even hesitate to release a few arrows into her in a preemptive fashion. The woman fell after only a few arrows.

Slowly, Ailahra turned her gaze to look around the area, not realizing who or what she had just killed. A moment later, however, a demon of some kind burst through the ground near the body of the woman Ailahra had shot. It laughed at them, but before it could say anything else, if it had wished to, it lay dead, destroyed by its various enemies in the cavern.

Then, suddenly, there was a voice around them, echoing, deep with haughty amusement. He thanked them for breaking the seal, and claimed that now that the Keeper of the Seal was dead, the seal was broken, and he could unleash his army.

Ailahra again felt that sense of dread. She had killed the Keeper of the Seal... As soon as the thought passed her mind, she heard Theos call to her, but as the cavern filled with demons, she turned her attention away and began firing her arrows quickly, offering him only a shout to wait in reply.

The demons were killed quickly and Ailahra turned her attention back to Theos. He spoke...saying that a soul was needed to repair the seal. A willing soul to bind the pieces together for eternity to prevent this demon from escaping.

Silence rested over the group, but only for a moment before the bickering began. Ailahra blamed the desperation of the situation... keeping quiet as she listened to various comments and harsh words.

In the end, she heard the voice of her friend Dicho Diam saying that he would do it...that he would give his soul freely for the protection of Nature and the Balance, as he would not have been alive if not for it. Ailahra simply froze, her mind briefly reliving her moments with the Shifter. She recalled the times in the Treetops when they had simply talked, or their other talks...when he had tried to tell her his feelings, but she had refused to accept him, refused to allow herself to become attached to a human.

She murmured his name as he moved to pick up a potion near a light that shined nearby. The others moved with him, speaking to him and telling him that it would be permanent, and that he would not be able to come back... He confidently accepted...saying that it was time to repay Nature for all it had done for him.

She said his name quickly again and he responded this time, but she couldn't say anything else. Images entered her mind of a happy dog trotting up to her to greet her; of a playful bear holding her in its arms to keep her warm...

Before she could say anything, he pulled back from Alitha, who she assumed had been trying to change his mind, and he suddenly downed the potion, his body falling limp to the ground a moment later. Ailahra cringed and drew back at the sight, her eyes filling with tears even as Theos came to take his blood to put over the pieces of the seal. She stared, silent, unmoving, at the body as Theos returned to the platform to complete the ritual. And when he did, the body disappeared...

In its place was a glowing portal, a link back to the home they needed to return to. Ailahra turned away, her body tensing as she simply stared at the ground. The others hurried through the portal. She heard Theos say something, that the portal not remaining open for long and they needed to get out. Again, she felt Dra'kil behind her, murmuring to her.

Without a word, she turned quickly, hesitating at the last moment so she would be the last to step through...

They returned to the hill in Bendir Dale, some speaking words about Dicho. Others, like Ailahra, remained silent... Her mind was elsewhere, and as such, she turned and moved to the cliff face next to her, reaching out with one hand to touch it. She could see Dicho in her mind, asking her not to let him be alone anymore...telling her that he had never had anyone...

And she hadn't accepted...

Now he would be alone for eternity, forever bound to a Seal to prevent demons from overrunning Amia. He had died to save them all.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and when she closed her eyes and curled her hand into a fist on the cliff wall, she felt strong arms wrap around her to hold her. She simply turned, letting her precious bow drop to the ground as she wrapped her arms around Dra'kil in return and cried into his shoulder at the loss.

She would never forget Dicho... His memory would be alive with every animal within the forest, every breeze that sings through the trees to rustle the leaves, every smile upon the face of a friend... And certainly with every memory that her dear friend had allowed her to have.

Her only regret is that she did not say goodbye...

//very well done...

A Seal Unbroken

(A Hin’s Tale)

He hurried down the long road along Spider Valley as the shadows were lengthening towards Evening, having spent more time talking at the gates of Winya than he had intended. The Meeting with the Protectors was due at Dusk, & acting, as he was, in Lyle’s stead, he could not afford to be late.

He was mildly concerned when he saw figures at a distance outside the entrance to the Grove, but the voices were soft & not raised in anger, so he did not worry unduly….but nevertheless slowed his pace & cast his eyes about for any who might be lurking, hidden amidst the trees, as he approached the group. He recognised Miss Briseis first, her striking hair standing out even amongst the many shades of reddish brown to be seen in the forest. Then he heard the distinct tones of Theos Gend speaking & a frown crossed his face, quickly turning to smiles though when he saw yet more familiar faces, not all of which he could put a name to, turning towards him in welcome. The group were merely conversing with travellers through the forest….there was no threat & no alarm. He nodded his greetings around, to Briseis, to Alitha, to Jud & to Dicho, even to Theos when he looked around & spoke, & to the lady in the helm, who seemed familiar by her other garb but of no name he could call to mind, & to the other Drow fellow, who he knew not, but who was obviously comfortable, as well as welcome, within the little gathering.

Theos spoke of seeing a Drow in the Dale, & as he said so, a footfall was faintly heard off to the right, no cracked twig or rustling leaf, just a soft step…but Biddle caught it & spun on his heel, hands going instinctively to his weapons, though it were likely impossible that any could sneak up easily on such a gathering of the Grove….then he grinned, for it was Jen…Swift, she preferred as a name, & with her the strange, quiet Hin called Salem. Not knowing that the Drow that Theos spoke of had been quietly trailed until he left the Dale, Biddle hastened South, leaving the other two Hin in a slightly awkward & confused silence with the cluster of Tallfolk.

Swift & Salem caught up with him at the corner of Bendir’s wall, between the orchard and the ranked, waiting carts, & all three had barely regained enough breath to begin to resolve the confusion between them before the Druids & Rangers raced towards, & then past them, with Theos Gend’s two great wolves loping along behind. Confusion heaped upon confusion in Biddle’s mind, but then Swift’s keen ears caught a buzzing noise in the quiet wake of the Tallfolks passing, or perhaps she had heard from them, in the woods by Oakmist Vale, the findings from the Library that had gone unheard by Biddle in his misplaced urgency. Now the Hin followed in haste, Grindan the Dwarf joining them from his post in the Square as they passed the gates of Bendir itself, he having heard the commotion caused as the Grovers hastened past. Up the hill they went, rightly & respectfully skirting the Graveyard & up to the near-crest of the hill where the great shimmering crystal stood.

The buzzing were indeed far louder than it had been for months past, though not so loud as to cover the whispered discussions & mutterings, as the Hin yet again pressed the Archdruid for an explanation of his intent afore he acted. He casually spoke of needing to break off a piece of the great crystal, seemingly expecting none to object or even to care, riding roughshod over he feelings of others in what seemed his typical fashion, then debating with the Dwarf, Grindan, when he spoke of the practicalities of such. It became clear that the pompous Archdruid were speculating much, but then something seemed to shake his confidence…..the rhythm of the crystals humming seemed to be counting…speeding…towards some point. What would happen when that were reached? Theos Gend seemed shaken, surprised, & thus now in more haste, even less inclined than usual to explain, but fortunate it was that others seemingly showed a different path…Biddle had seen Miss Briseis quietly hand a scroll to the slender Elf-woman in the helm…Miss Ailahra, Biddle remembered her name at last, before Bris had to leave, but before he could ask the scrolls purpose, Ailahra moved slowly towards the crystal, being bold enough even to reach out as if to touch it, though she recoiled instantly, perhaps even before her fingers quite met its surface. She glanced around, perhaps questioning if she should proceed, though the debate yet went on, & when Biddle turned to look at her again, her palm was flat against its surface, & the Drow fellow who’s name was to Biddle yet unknown, or at least unremembered, was standing close behind her, & then suddenly he pulled her back, & was leading her away, as if she could barely move under her own volition.

Then bizarrely, insanely, there was a Dragon there, & Theos Gend was not, but the Dragon lumbered down into the shallow, sandy pit that surrounded the great shining obelisk-thing, & grasped it between its forelegs as it braced itself on its haunches. Surely he wasn’t?…. Biddle stared, greatly puzzled at what it seemed the Dragon was trying to do, but it was true, for Theos’ voice came out of its great red maw, asking Dicho to shift his shape & help pull at it…. Biddle looked around & his eyes met those of Grindan…who shook his head – “Not a chance” he said, amid the general commotion…”that thing goes down near thirty feet” Biddle nodded…a Dwarf would know…but then, as if meaning to prove him wrong, the ground began to tremble, though of course it was not the well-bedded thing moving, but the ground opening & out if it, great red horned things like those of the very Abyss…

Swords slid quick out of scabbards…of those few who were not armed already….spells flashed & crackled, & such a company as this was, made short work of the Demons. Then a new strangeness, for time slowed…. Shouts & questions became all but impossible to distingush & understand. Even a step or a turn of the head seemed to take an age…. but Biddle strove to look around, trying to make sure all were still on their feet, particularly his two fellow Hin & Grindan the Dwarf, who were his responsibility, & his alone. All seemed well, however…all were on their feet & seemingly healthy, as best he could tell.

Ailahra stood a little distance off, with the Drow still beside her, & it was fascinating to watch the nimble fingers of an Elf move so tortuously slow, as she began to unroll the scroll. Biddle wanted to shout out for her to do so faster, to do whatever needed to be done afore it were perhaps too late? She seemed about to begin the spell, casting her eyes over the parchment, but oh so slowly…..then there was what almost felt like a sudden jerk…which didn’t end…all were frozen like a dream…even the sound of that moment held…. A loud unvarying drone like a single note from some strange Bards instrument.

What ended it was the flash of the scroll in Ailahra’s slim gloved hands, as it diasppeared as the spell took effect. It was as if the spell jolted a stopped clock back into ticking motion, as shoved from behind by an unseen hand from a dark, night-black quiet street into a wildly nosy, bright-lit tavern …. but how could that be? If all were frozen like the image in a painting, how could she read the spell..no, it were something else…& turning, Biddle saw just what, for a portal, like a great tear in the air itself loomed before him, & folk were stepping through…. & with nothing more than a glance around to his charges from the Dale, Biddle followed.

The little cave barely contained them all, once everyone had arrived, & strange it was in there… walls of black rock veined in red, though the walls looked neither hewn nor natural…more unnatural in fact as the black rock seemed as if it had almost bubbled up in places, like hot pitch, but solid, & weirdly it seemed to give off its own strange black light that nevertheless provided a strange illmination somehow. Alitha were asking Ailahra to scout ahead, & so spells were cast to protect her, & Biddle tried to edge forward….keen to be close to the action & perhaps to gain some understanding of what were occurring too…though this part seemed more than clear….for doubtless this were the Demons Prison that still held Bul’zeelab’s kin…. He wanted also to have the dazzling magics behind him, & not in front, nor all around. The party forged ahead swiftly, with blade, arrow & spell clearing the few strange oozing things that slid across the floors & along the walls, & the great hulking creatures that looked much like the Ogres of Minmir but far tougher. In one cave there were great red Demons too, though they all went down quickly, too quickly for Biddles liking, in the face of this magic. These things had threatened the Dale…he wanted to feel his blade bite into them, to take them one on one & bring them down, & at each turn he scouted a few paces left inf the party moved right, or if the party moved left, then he branched off a short way to the right seeking them out & ensuring none were left to attack the party from the rear. Sometime in all this he found himself beside Swift & Grindan, with Salem close by, & something, perhaps a spell cast by the enemy or one that had simply gone astray at just the wrong moment, had dazzled, blinded Grindan, & Swift were having to lead him by the arm. This was called out to the Druids as a brief halt was taken to re-cast their magic protections, though no-one had anything that might help…briefly Biddle considered sending them back to Jayek in the Dale, but no….they had earned the right to be here, nor was it safe to send them back down these eerie, unnerving passages with Grindan unable to fight. Biddle gave each of the three what he hoped were a supportive & reassuring pat on the shoulder, though he could think of but few words to say…..

On they went, through the myriad confusing passages, many of them dead-ended or looping back upon themselves, but every now & again, they encountered more enemies, Demons or the Ogre-things, so though actual progress seemed slow, much that was worthwhile were achieved on the way by reducing the foes ranks. At one crossroads, a battle were fought on two fronts, & a wild fight it was, though none of the party were much more than scratched or lightly wounded, but it gave fresh impetus & renewed haste to seek to resolve the affair & on the group went. Another hasty fight, another turn or two & they came to a wide, lofty cavern with a great shimmering crystal column atop a pinnacle of the same eerie black rock that were all around. There were a few more enemies within, congregated together on the other side, but hit from 2 sides, with bowfire & spells from the big rock platform on which the pinnacle stood, they lasted but moments, barely striking a blow in return. It was clear now that the great crystal pillar reached right up & pireced the high cavern roof… someone asked ‘is the the base of the crystal on the surface?’ There was a silence as all waited for Grindan to perhaps venture an opinion, blind as he was, but no answer came…. Dread filled Biddle’s heart, & he opened his mouth to speak, but someone else said it first…’Are any of the Hin here?’ a male voice said, with more tha a note of worry… Biddle answered after a moments hesitation, but no other reply came…

‘I’m going back to look for them’ Biddle shouted over his shoulder, as he hastened back towards the opening of the corridor from which they had entered the high-ceilinged cavern, & left the party there discussing.

He went a short way, round a turn & along to the last junction, then he called out to Swift, to Grindan, & to Salem, in turn, but no reply came, just the empty echoing like mocking laughter. He could not risk another shout, not with the way the sound seemed to carry. Perhaps then he took a wrong turn tere in his fear & guilt, though there was little to tell one passage from another in this unnatural place…once or twice he came upon the foul bodies of those the party had slain, but they were little clue as to route, & close to panic now, Biddle plunged headlong down another corridor, & making a turn, ran headlong into a demon in a wider, higher section of passage. Of course, as with any such huge enemy, Biddle’s Hin size was telling, & he could move around it easily, hacking at its legs, & stabbing at its loins, while it flailed wildly at the darting figure, Biddle being quick on his feet, in a fight at least, despite his well-fed bulk. The thing fell almost before its fellow had chance to join the fight, in in moments that too were on the floor, it’s foul ichor pooling on the black floor of the passage. A lttle further along, & there was another one, seemingly of magical power, for it were preparing a spell as it lurked just round a rough passage corner. A stab to its lower vitals cut short its conjuring, & with a few more blows, over it went, swifter than the other 2 had fallen. On he rushed, & turned down into a long, straight passage, & barely before he could see the passage that joined it on his right, out of it stepped one of the Ogrish greatures, with a great halberd. He took one swipe at the thing at full running speed then pulled up short once he was past the huge brute, striking again, & a third time, then a 4th, all seemingly without effect… then he glimpsed another one lumbering along that side pasage towards him. Another stab & a slash at the one he faced, sbut his blows were indeeed glancng harmlessly off, , but the creature was swinging its fearsome polearm against him & doing nothing but striking sparks & black rock splinters off the walls! He dodged under the shaft of the weapon, & behind it again, then spun & backed away from it, but drawing it after him, to ensure the one now coming up to join the fight was behind his fellow in what was for them, a tight passage. The respite, stepping back & back again gave him a moment to prepare himself further with potions, but he had little with him that could enhance his blade, strong as it was. He took one more step back, then leapt forward, trying to take the thing unexpected, but however surprised the creature was Biddle was surprised & overjoyad as he felt his sword bite into it, scoring a damaging blow at last! He struck again, & again it parted the creatures flesh, if truly flesh it was…he had been about to run if he could make no headay, but this was more than hopeful, even though he were doing no enormous damage to it with each of his blows, he knew he could wound, it, if slow, & well, if, as it seemed, it could barely strike a blow in return…It was perhaps a similar creature that Lyle had fought one-on-one in the Crypt of the Burning Dead, as a party of the Hin took their revenge upon the Lich for his trickery. Lyle had won that fight, killing it with his last blow, though unable to stop its final swing which took Lyle’s leg off as it struck home, If this was the same form of creature, perhaps the one in the Crypt being a gift or reward to the Lich from Bul’zeelab. Biddle had the advantage here…though not the warrior his Captain was, he had the advantage of the narrow passage hampering its blows, even if to bring it down was a slow process.

He was in for a rude awakening, however, for finally realising its great swings were failing, for the closeness of the passage walls, it drew back & thrust the halberd, & surprised, Biddle was caught by the unexpected move & took a blow that made him cry out…he struck again, perhaps more in instinct than anything at the foremost hand on the polearms shaft, biting deep into the things wrist, & it seemed to flinch back, leaving hold of the halberd for a moment. At that point, Biddle would have been wisest to run, given that the opprtunity was there, but he didn’t, nor did he stop to drink a healing draught but sought to press whatever advantage he may have had, & struck again, fruitlessly this time, & again, once more with no result, & the creature one more caught up the halberd with its free hand & thrust again, catching Biddle out & also wrong footed, the great blade again thrust into his chest, & this time knocking him flat on his back, if not by the force of the blow simply knocking him off balance that he could trip on the rough floor. The shock of bleeding, & the pain slowed him as he struggled on the floor, then saw the creature raise its huge bladed weapon as high as it could for the ceiling, Biddle tried to roll, but was not quick enough, & a 3rd blow, more devasatating than the 2 thrusts before, fell upon him….

As Biddles life ebbed away, his last thought was not for his home village or even for the Dale, but that the Grovers would find & take the other Dalefolk out of this vile place afore they had to seal it forever….

//most excellent !!

A Seal Unbroken

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