Setting: Lake Stillness

Characters: Karla, Pirotess

Karla is seated at an old desk, the book given to her by Wort is closed on top. Pirotess sits to the side leaning against a pillar. Karla looks at the book and touches the edges with a gloved finger. Pirotess looks at him/her questioningly.

Pirotess: You do know that the boy won't sit by and let the princess die. He will attack.

Karla/Woodchuck: (looking up) Of course. But this time, I will have a special surprise for him.

Pirotess: What are you planning? (Karla/Woodchuck looks up and smiles)

A few miles away Parn and his party are forced to stop due to the coming of the night. Orson and Shiris sit by the fire cooking, Lelia and Liara are sleeping and Parn is standing with his back to the fire. Etoh comes up behind him and puts his hand on his shoulder. Parn is shocked back into reality.

Etoh: (worried) Parn are you all right?

Parn: Huh? (looks to him) Yeah Etoh I'm all right. Just thinking.

Etoh: About Deedlit? (Parn nods) Look Parn, we will get Karla to give us the counter spell for Deedlit.

Parn: (looking down) No its not that.

Etoh: (confused) Then what’s wrong?

Parn: I am just wondering about, what has happened to Deed since she met with me. All that has ever come out of her time with me is that she is placed in danger. Weather it be Marmo forces, Karla, or even Kardis the destroyer, she is always subject to some kind of jeopardy. Does she deserve to be placed in that kind of danger, because of me?

Etoh: Parn, you never meant for any of that to happen.

Parn: But it did, it happened. She was hurt because of me. Karla's blast was supposed to be for me, but she took it herself. And I ask myself, was I worth her sacrifice?

Etoh: Parn, what matters is the fact that she thought that you were. She put her life at risk for you as you have done for her so many times. And when ever you and Deedlit are together, I never see you happier.

Parn: (relieved a bit) Thanks Etoh.

Everyone in Parn's party is asleep except Orson who stands watch. He looks to check on Shiris and when he turns back Pirotess uses her sword to knock him senseless. Orson falls and Karla appears and looks down at the sleeping party. She smiles.

The next morning.

Shiris: Parn! Parn wake up!

Parn: (waking) Wha....what's up Shiris?

Shiris: It's Lelia. She's gone.

Parn: (springing up) What? When!?

Shiris: Last night. Orson says that Pirotess was here and knocked him out. He just woke up now. He's not hurt badly but it's difficult to keep him calm.

Parn: Why would Pirotess take Lelia? It doesn't make sense. (he goes to Orson who is being watched and consoled by Etoh and Liara) Orson, it's alight. It isn't your fault. Pirotess was probably with Karla who........( his eyes flash with realization) Karla!

Etoh: (worried) You don't think that.....Oh no. (Parn looks up the path in the direction of Lake Stillness)

At Karla's house Lelia is laying on a bed dressed in Karla's robes. As Lelia begins to wake, she realizes that she isn't where she had been with the others. She sits up and sees Karla standing at the end of the bed.

Lelia: (frightened) Karla.

Karla/Woodchuck: You are awake; good. (he/she walks to a table beside the bed) I have something for you, a gift.

Lelia: (warily) What is it?

Karla/Woodchuck: This. (he/she turns around and holds out the book given to him/her by Wort) It is a gift from Wort. His dying wish is that I give this to you and the sorcerer Slayn.

Lelia: (confused) Why bring me here then? Why dress me like this?

Karla/Woodchuck: Isn't it obvious? (Karla turns Lelia can't see his/her face) While this body does provide me with everything I need, I tire of it. (Lelia gasps Karla turns) I am not used to being ripped from my body, and I found yours quite, preferable. I told Wort that I would give the book to you and I have. Now, I will take what I desire from you.

Karla begins to smile and Pirotess walks in from outside the door. Lelia tries to get up to defend herself but one of Karla's spells holds her fast. Pirotess moves forward and puts Lelia on the bed again.

Pirotess: (holding up her hand and closing her eyes) I call upon the powers of darkness, come to me. Drain the powers from my captive so I may complete my dark mission. (Lelia passes out on the bed and Karla moves forward)

Karla/Woodchuck: Now do as I instructed. (Karla sits on the bed and closes his/her eyes)

Pirotess: As you command.

Pirotess moves to Karla/Woodchuck and slides her hands around the circlet. She slowly lifts the circlet off his/her head, and it flashes as Karla's essence flows to it. Pirotess watches in amazement. The essence completes it journey and Woodchuck falls on the bed unconscious. Pirotess then takes the circlet and places it on Lelia's forehead. Lelia's eyes flash with fear for an instance and then a purple tint dominates her eyes and the circlet flashes with power. Pirotess looks over at the unconscious Woodchuck and draws her dagger. She moves to cut him then thinks about it and decides to leave him alive.

Karla: (rising from the bed in her new body) Leave him here we have guests to prepare for.

Parn and his friends have arrived within viewing distance of Lake Stillness. Parn stops them and dismounts. He turns to look at the lake and then turns to see Karla's home.

Liara: (in awe) This is it? (Parn and Etoh nod)

Shiris: (disgusted) What a dump. You would think that someone with all that power would at least find a better place.

Orson: What’s the plan Parn?

Parn: (looking to the group) I don't know, without Lelia we have no defense against Karla's magic at all.

Etoh: Parn what about the swords? Wouldn't they suffice?

Parn: (reaching back and touching the sword hilts) The Swords can't protect all of us.

Liara: (worried) So we are going in with out any protection?

Shiris: (shrugging) I guess so. Unless of course you have a better idea.

Liara: (looking hurt) No. Its just that...(A strong wind suddenly comes up and Karla, in Lelia's body appears in the air above them)

Parn: (shocked) Oh Lelia!

Karla: (laughing) Lelia is no longer present in this body, I now control her once again.

Parn: (yelling) Accursed witch! Release her!

Karla: Young man, you have no way of defeating me now. Leave now and I may decide to release your other friend. The thief.

Parn: Wood, where is he? What have you done to him?

Karla: Don't fear, he is quite all right.

Etoh: (stepping forward) Why are you doing this Karla? Why cause such disaster?

Karla: (smiling) Are you referring to my intervention in the matter of the coming wedding? If so the answer should be quite apparent. It was done to retain the balance of power and protect Lodoss from destruction.

Shiris: (angry and confused) How would Parn and Deedlit's marriage threaten Lodoss?

Parn: (turning to her) Karla's home land of Kastul was destroyed when rival factions fought for total domination of the land's ruling power. Karla believes that to protect Lodoss from a similar fate she must keep it from unifying in any way. And she will use any method to make sure that they do.

Karla: How nice. It seems that you are beginning to see things as they are. I asked you this question once, and you refused me, now I ask again. Will you discard your old armor and take up a new mantle under me?

Parn: (looking sternly at her) Never. (he draws the Holy Sword from his back) I will die first, before I serve under you and allow Deedlit to die.

Karla: The Elf Kingdom extends through out Lodoss. It consists of forests and groves of every other kingdom. If the princess were to marry a knight of Valas the resulting alliance would threaten the stability of Lodoss.

Etoh: (extremely angry) So because of your twisted ambitions and diluted thoughts of being the great protector of Lodoss, you would kill an innocent girl? Karla what you do you say you do for the betterment of Lodoss but what you forget is that Lodoss is more than just an island or its kingdoms. Lodoss is the people as well.

Karla: Poor misguided boy, you have yet to understand. No matter, your refusal of my proposition has left you with no f urther use for me. Though I can not destroy you personally due to my weakened state, I can still dispose of you. (Karla's eyes focus on Orson and her eyes and circlet begin to glow)

Shiris: (going to Orson) Orson! What's happening? What is she doing to you?

Orson's muscles begin to tense as he locks in a trance with Karla. Shiris tries to wake him by putting her hand on his shoulder, when the green energy of Huri begins to emanate from his body.

Orson: (grunting and grinding his teeth) Shiris! Get away! (when he sees Shiris isn't moving he grabs her and throws her away to Parn, who watches in amazement)

Orson's pupils begin to shrink till they are nearly gone. His eyes go from a brown tint to a red tint. Orson's muscles begin to enlarge and just as they increase to bursting levels a green energy signature erupts from them. In a moment, the Orson that they knew is gone and in his place stands a raging uncontrollable berserker. Orson glances around him and his eyes rest on Parn, he draws his giant sword.

Karla: I am sure that Huri will have no trouble dealing with you. (Karla vanishes laughing)

Liara: (scared) What's wrong with him?

Orson: Ahhhhhhh! (Orson charges Parn and with one swipe of his sword knocks Parn through the air)

Parn: (falling) Oufff. (he gets up) Etoh get Liara out of here!

Etoh: But Parn-

Parn: (dodging Orson again) Etoh, you two don't have a chance against Huri! Run! Get out of here!

Etoh grabs Liara's hand and takes off running. Parn and Shiris grab their swords and take up a fighting position. Orson stands in front of them with his sword across his legs. Parn looks to Shiris.

Parn: (worried) Shiris, how do we calm him down!?

Shiris: I can try! (Orson takes up his sword and charges the duo) Haha! (Shiris locks swords with Orson and is being over powered) Orson! Listen to me! You have to calm down before someone is hurt! Orson! We are your friends! Just calm down! Just listen to me!

Orson: (slowing down and beginning to calm) Shiris?

Shiris: (relieved) Orson! (suddenly a purple glow takes over Orson's eyes and Huri retakes his body)

Orson, with renewed strength, breaks the sword lock and pushes Shiris to the ground. He raises his sword and prepares to pierce Shiris. From the side Parn jumps on top of her and rolls with her out of harms way. Orson's slash cuts up the ground in front of him leaving a deep slash mark.

Parn: Shiris what happened?

Shiris: Karla has too strong a hold over him. We can't calm him down like this. We are going to have to knock him out. (Orson charges them again and they dive out of the way) Which won't be too easy with him like this.

Meanwhile Etoh and Liara are heading to Karla's house in an attempt to escape Orson. They stop as the sounds of battle continue to increase. Liara turns to Etoh.

Liara: What happened back there? Why did Orson go crazy like that?

Etoh: Orson is a Berserker, possessed by Huri the spirit of rage and madness. Whenever Orson gets angry or upset her becomes a mindless killer, with no self control and no fear of death.

Liara: (surprised) How can they defeat him then?

Etoh: (looking back up the path) If they can calm him down or sedate him he will revert back to normal.

Liara: (thinking) Sedate him? You mean like put him to sleep?

Etoh: (confused) Well, yes something like that. But it seems unlikely that Orson would fall asleep now. (he looks back to Liara who is grabbing plants and roots from the path) What are you doing?

Liara: Get over here and help me. This is still grass, its native to this area. If I combine it with some of the other things in my pouch I can hopefully make something that will put Orson to sleep. If.

Etoh: (gathering the plants) If what?

Liara: If I can find some way to administer it to him, and if I can make enough for it to work in time.

Back at the battle site Shiris and Parn are tiring, Orson stands a few feet in front of them. The energy from Orson's body has become a mix of Huri's green and Karla's purple energies. Orson charges again. Shiris and Parn separate and Orson's blow splinters a tree trunk next to the path and it falls.

Parn: (yelling) Shiris, look out! (Shiris looks up as the tree falls down over her)

Shiris: Ahhh. (she dives to the side but her leg is pinned under a heavy tree branch) Parn, help me!

Parn: (worried) Damn. (Parn moves to a defensive position in front of Shiris) Orson calm down! Don't let them take control!

Orson closes his eyes and shakes his head. He takes a few steps back putting a ten foot distance between him and Parn and Shiris. He opens his eyes and his face reveals the pure rage reflected from Huri. Parn holds the Holy sword and prepares to take on Orson, when from the forest a group of vials fly and crash on the ground. from them comes a red smoke cloud that surrounds Orson and blocks his site of Parn and Shiris. Parn takes the distraction as an opportunity to free Shiris. Once she is free he helps her to the direction from which the vials came from. Liara and Etoh are standing behind a group of bushes and Liara is holding a vial with the still grass and other ingredients mixed with her smoke screen vial.

Parn: Etoh! Liara! What are you doing here? I told you to get away.

Liara: Etoh told me about Orson and what had to be done to bring him back.

Etoh: So Liara mixed elements from a sleeping potion and mixed them with her smoke screen.

Parn: Will that work?

Etoh: I guess we will have to find out.

The group looks to the red smoke cloud as it begins to clear. Suddenly Orson bursts from it enraged. Parn takes his Sword and sets Shiris on the ground ready to take him on. Just as Orson is about to be on top of them he falls. The green and purple energy thins and then completely vanishes. The group lets out a shared breath of relief.

Pirotess: The little brat. Huri almost had them.

Karla: Yes, the young girl seems to have a great amount of power if she was able to defeat Huri with mere smoke.

Pirotess: (surprised) Could she be a threat? (Karla remains quiet and looks on)

Back outside, Orson is laying down with a rolled blanket behind his head. Etoh is working on Shiris's ankle with Liara watching on. Parn stands off to the side staring intently at the house on the lake. Orson begins to stir.

Orson: Wha..what happened? (he sees Shiris) Shiris! Are you all right?

Shiris: (smiling) Of course. It's not much just a small wound at best, Etoh's got it well in hand. (concerned) But what about you? How are you feeling?

Orson: (frowning) I am fine. Both Karla and Huri have left me. I don't think I should continue with all of you though. Should Karla cause Huri to return.

Parn: (looking up) Orson, we need you. It will take all of our strength combined to take down Karla.

Orson: But what if-

Parn: Look! Once we arrive at Karla's house she won't be able to force Huri's spirit into you, because if she does you are just as dangerous to her as us. So please Orson, stay with us.

Orson looks at Parn and Shriris, and nods his head. Both Parn and Shiris smile in appreciation. Etoh and Liara stand behind them looking at Orson intently, Liara has a hint of fear in her eyes, while Etoh looks at him with understanding. Finally the group of friends stands at the entrance to Karla's lair. Parn starts off ahead and draws out the Holy Sword.

Shiris: (confused) Hey Parn. Why not use both swords? Where Karla is concerned we may need them both.

Parn: (nodding) Your right. (Parn lowers the Holy Sword and reaches back to unsheathe the Demon Sword, Soul Crusher. After he draws it he stares at its smooth blade and it reflects a ray of violet light. Parn looks at it with no expression) Lets keep moving.

Etoh: (nodding) Uh huh.

The small party slowly moves through Karla's house. The group arrives at the site of their last confrontation with the ageless witch, and Parn and Etoh pay respects to the spot where Ghim fell. Karla is not seen here so the group moves on. Overhead Pirotess watches them pass, and she pays close attention to the young girl in the middle with her sack of magic vials. Pirotess returns to the shadows and disappears within them, but as she turns, she knocks a small piece of the stone floor above the chamber loose and it falls into the shallow water with a splash. Parn and the others hear it and look up in time to see the last wisps of Pirotess's hair vanish, their silver tint being absorbed into the darkness.

Orson: (lowering his voice) Parn. (he motions to a circular stairwell that leads up)

Parn: Right. (he motions the others to follow as he starts up the stairs, Shiris takes the rear)

They reach the floor that they had seen Pirotess on and begin to move away from the stairs. As they arrive at the point where they had seen Pirotess disappear, Etoh spots a doorway leading down to the fortress's depth.

Shiris: (skeptical) Kind of odd to have a set of stairs leading down like this, all the way up here.

Parn: Orson and I will check it out first you three wait here. (he moves into the descending stairwell and Orson follows)

Shiris: (putting her hand on Orson's shoulder) Be careful, O.K.? (he nods)

Parn and Orson begin to descend down the long flight of the stairway. The stairway is dimly lit with torches positioned about ten feet away from each other. The passage also becomes very narrow and Parn and Orson are forced to move slower. The passage finally ends at a large oak door with an intricate design carved in where a door knocker would usually be found. Parn tries to push it open but the door is heavy so Orson begins to push as well. The door budges slowly and when it is finally open it leads to a room lined with full book shelves on all four walls. There is a door on the left side to the door they entered and at the far wall is a desk with an open book on the desk top.

Parn: (moving to the desk and looking at the open book) What's this? "And upon the over hanging cliff stood the lone survivor of the destroyed land. Disappearing into the deep reaches of the Cursed Island of Lodoss went Karla, the sole survivor of Kastul, Glorious Kingdom of Sorcery." Karla. This must be a record of the last moments of Kastul, Karla's homeland.

Orson: (looking next to it) What is this? (he picks up a large book, the one that Wort had left to Slayn and Lelia) This language is not one that I recognize. It seems very old.

Parn: Leave it here, maybe we will come back for it. Lets get the others.

Back upstairs, Etoh Shiris and Liara wait anxiously. Shiris stands with her sword drawn and her back to the door, Etoh waits with Liara at the door looking into the darkness. From down the hall comes a voice that is barely audible. Etoh and Shiris look to where they think it came from.

Shiris: What is that?

Etoh: It sounds familiar. (he hears it again) It's Wood!

Shiris: You sure?

Etoh: Yes, we have to help him.

Shiris: (nodding) Fine lets go.

The group moves down the hall to where they heard the voice. It gets louder as they approach a heavy metal door.

Woodchuck: Hello! Is anyone there?

Etoh: Wood! It's us!

Woodchuck: Etoh? Etoh is that you?

Etoh: Wood, we are going to try to open the door.

Etoh, Shiris, and Liara grab the door handle and begin to pull on it. The door doesn't budge. Pirotess watches on from the shadows behind them, looking intently at Liara. Liara, looks into her bag.

Shiris: (tired) It won't budge, I think it's rusted shut. (she looks to Liara) What are you doing?

Liara: (taking out a vial) Here try this. It may help with the rusted hinges.

Shiris: What's in it?

Liara: There is a special plant that grows around the outskirts of my village. It contains a liquid in it's roots that the elders collect and use to remove rust from the farming tools.

She puts it on the door hinges and it seeps into the rust and begins to shed it away. She smiles and the group again pulls at the door to try and open it. It still doesn't budge.

Shiris: Is it sealed by magic?

Etoh: Let me see. (he moves closer to it and stares at the space between the door and the part of the frame opposite the hinges) I don't feel any magical presence. I think it is just heavy.

Shiris: There has to be some way to open it.

Shiris finds an old metal spear and uses it to pry open the door. It works and the trio enter. Pirotess disappears once again.

Woodchuck: (looking at Etoh) Etoh get me down from here.

Shiris and Etoh move forward to undo Woodchuck's chains. Woodchuck eyes Shiris, his face reveals a hint of confusion.

Woodchuck: Who are you? (he looks at her closely) Hey, I know you. You're that woman with the crazy friend who tried to kill Parn.

Shiris: (finishing undoing his chains) The name is Shiris, and if it weren't for us you would probably still be chained to this wall.

Woodchuck: Sheesh, I get possessed by a five hundred year old witch for a while and everything changes. Who is that?

Etoh: (looking to Liara who is watching the door) That's Liara. She is from mine and Parn's hometown. Now lets get out of here.

The four of them leave the room with Etoh and Shiris helping Woodchuck to walk. As they leave, Parn and Orson exit the stairway.

Parn: (happily) Wood!

Woodchuck: Parn? Well hello there, friend. I was wondering where you were.

Karla: A truly spirited reunion. (she appears a little bit away from the group between them and the stairway down)

Parn: Karla. Release Lelia!

Karla: (laughing) Silly boy, I will not so easily relinquish that which I desired and now possess.

Woodchuck looks at Shiris's belt. From the belt hang three throwing knives. He looks back to Karla and focuses on her circlet.

Parn: I said let her go!

Karla: You think you can harm me young man? With out me your beloved elf will surely die. My continued existence provides you hope that she may be revived.

Parn: Argh! (Karla's spell paralyzes his body.)

Karla: It appears that you will soon join her.

Parn: NO! (he grasps both swords and suddenly Karla's spell shatters in a flash of light.)

Karla: Impossible! (Parn stands in the middle of the hall both Holy and Demon sword flare with energy and a shield is visible from where the swords's power and Karla's magic meet) How are you able to call upon the power of the swords?

Woodchuck: (grabbing Shiris's knives) Karla! (she looks at him but her power is still concentrated on Parn) Hah! (he throws the knives and they connect with the circlet, and it breaks in half and falls to the floor)

Karla: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! (Karla's essence is forced from Lelia's body)

Parn and the others look on, Woodchuck has a smile of satisfaction on his face. A sudden change begins to over come the energy as it leaves Lelia's body it forms into a demon shape with purple eyes and ever-changing exterior. With nothing to return to Karla's mind and powers combine to form a creature created through and made of pure magic. Parn and his friends look on in horror as Lelia falls beneath it, exhausted from containing Karla's power.

Liara: (frightened) What is that?!

Orson: Without something to contain her Karla has become a creature composed entirely of magic.

Shiris: How can we fight her now? (Karla's new form is completed and her eyes fix on the party and express undeniable hatred)

Karla dives at the party scattering them. Orson and Shiris swipe at her with their swords, but the blades pass harmlessly through her. She comes around again and knocks Woodchuck and Liara over.

Etoh: (holding his scepter at Karla) By the power of Falis! (Karla's spirit is deflected off the energy that comes from it Karla lets out a noise that sounds like a scream) Parn! We can hurt her! Use the swords!

Parn: Right! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! (the swords glow once more and the two friends trap Karla between their three energies, Parn's Holy and Demon sword and the power from Falis focused through Etoh's staff.) It's working!

Karla's scream continues to echo and she begins to try to fight back. Etoh is knocked back a little but keeps his focus, Parn crosses his two swords to protect himself from the rampant energy. Suddenly a bright light flashes blinding everyone in the group and filling the whole fortress with pure white light. When the light fades there is a sudden blast of energy that throws Parn back and causes the swords to fly from his hands. with that Karla's scream fades and the small group slowly begins to sense that the present battle has been won.

Liara: Parn! (she runs to him as Shiris, Orson, and Woodchuck help Etoh and Lelia) Parn are you all right?

Parn: Uhh. Karla. What happened to Karla?

Liara: She is gone. Most likely dead.

Parn: (upset) No. No. But what about Deedlit? Without Karla, we can't find out how to counter act the spell.

Pirotess: (jumping from an above rafter, enraged) HAAAAAAAAAAA!

Parn reaches for his swords next to him, but to his surprise they are not there. In desperation he rolls to the side taking Liara with him. Pirotess's blow misses, but not by much. Parn gets up and Pirotess charges him again. Parn avoids the blow, however he loses his balance and falls face first onto the floor. He looks up in front of him, and on the floor he sees a sword hilt. Pirotess rises up for the killing strike and the others watch on helplessly unable to get to her in time. Pirotess slashes down and is met by Parn who grabbed the sword and turned in time to halt the strike. The group looks in amazement at the sword that Parn wields. The sword shines as if it were new, its polished surface reflecting both Parn's and Pirotess's faces on it's blade. As light from the setting sun hits it, it reflects a beam of yellow light. The blade itself reveals the sword in an instant as both Demon and Holy Sword. Forged from the Sacred Swords that were once possessed by King Faun and Emperor Beld, tempered in the heat of the five hundred year witch's death, and blessed by the power of Falis, a new sword is created that is now brandished by a new hero.

Orson: Amazing.

Shiris: You said it partner.

Pirotess: (raising her sword again) You die!

Parn raises the sword and Pirotess is thrown back against the wall. She shakes her head and gets up to charge him again. Parn stands as well and as she charges he rises to meet her. The swords clash, and once again Pirotess is thrown back.

Parn: (firmly) Pirotess, where is the counter spell?

Pirotess: (detestably) You think I would tell you? Even now your precious elf princess's life force is being siphoned into me. When the spell runs it's course I will possess an eternal life that will rival any high elf.

Parn: And if I were to kill you now?

Pirotess: (smirking) You can't kill me. The spell would continue to drain her life despite the fact that I were dead. Also, with out me you have no hope of removing the spell.

Parn: So you do know where the counter spell is. Very well, your right, we can't kill you. But what would you do with your new eternal life if King Tesan or King Kashue or Princess Fiona were to place you with in a prison cell? And I guarantee that one of them would, and you would sit in a cell wasting away for what could be hundreds of years. (Pirotess looks at him with fury in her eyes) So what do you have to say about that?

The whole group looks at Pirotess and she glares at each of them with her gaze finally resting on Parn, with his sword still pointed down at her.

Pirotess: Karla's books are located in the library. The counter spell is there.

Lelia: (curios look on her face) This is.... Parn everyone! I think I found it! (the others come over and she points to a page in the book)

Woodchuck: You can read this gibberish? I can't make heads or tails from it.

Lelia: It's written in a language known only by those in the service of Marfa. This book was a gift given from Wort to Slayn and I, and within it is the spell that Karla used on Deedlit. (she reads through the page and again points at a section) Here the spell is here. Slayn and can reverse the spell, but we will have to hurry, and we need her. (she motions to Pirotess and the group looks in her direction, Pirotess looks back with distaste)

Parn: Let's go.

In a few minutes they are traveling at full speed towards the Forest of No Return. Orson and Pirotess escort Pirotess who is bound at the hands and with a rope tied round her waist which is held by Orson. By noon the next day, they have arrived at the forest, at the entrance stands King Tesan.

Parn: My Lord. How is Deedlit?

King Tesan: She is still fading slowly, even with the continued treatment of Master Slayn. You have the counter spell?

Lelia: (holding out the book) Here, but we must hurry.

King Tesan: (nodding) Very well, let us hurry. (the group begins to move closer to the entrance when King Tesan notices Pirotess at the back of the party) What is she doing here alive? No Drow may enter the Fairy Realm! It is forbidden!

Etoh: We need Pirotess to complete the spell. Without her we can not heal Deedlit.

King Tesan: (eyeing Pirotess who glares back) So be it, enter.

King Tesan opens the gate way to the Fairy Realm and upon their entry the trees immediately begin to reach to grab Pirotess whose visible anger and hatred reacts violently with the Realm’s magic. King Tesan raises his hand and the branches falls back. They arrive at the spot where Deedlit is laying, with Queen Rashia and Slayn on each side of her. Seeing her, Parn runs to her and kneels nest to her. He places his hand on top of her hand and looks to Slayn who shakes his head.

Deedlit: Parn?

Parn: I'm here Deed. (Deedlit smiles and closes her eyes again)

Slayn: Did you find anything at Karla's?

Lelia: (holding out the book) We found the spell in this book. To reverse it will take both you and I and.... Pirotess.

The group looks to Pirotess, who had been glaring at the party. Pirotess turns her head to the side defiantly.

King Tesan: You will help my daughter.

Pirotess: You are not my sire and I have no allegiances to you, why should I listen to you?

King Tesan: (angered) I am king of ALL elfin people. You will do as I command.

Pirotess: And why would I give up the eternal life that is even now flowing into me?

King Tesan: If she dies, you shall also die.

Pirotess: Either way, my work has been done. I have taken the one that he (she points to Parn) loves, as he has taken the one I loved.

Parn: Ashrum died from his own ambitions. He and Wagnard killed each other in the lair of Kardis the Destroyer!

Pirotess: (shocked) He did not die by your hand? (she regains her stone expression) It doesn't matter, he is dead, and I have nothing left but my vengeance.

Parn: Slayn, Lelia, is there anyway to perform the spell with out Pirotess's help?

Slayn: We can complete the spell, but the process will only be reversed if we restore the life force that Deedlit has lost. We could transfer the life from anyone, but to do so to another person would place them in the same state as Deedlit.

Queen Rashia: If you need to, take of mine.

Etoh: There has to be another way.

King Tesan: What ever we decide we must do so soon, we can not hold off the forest's effect on you for much longer nor does Deedlit have much more time.

The group once again looks to Pirotess. Parn steps forward.

Parn: Slayn and Lelia you two complete the spell and stop the spell from completing. The rest of us will leave the realm.

Slayn: Right.

Parn and his friends leave Lelia, Slayn, and the King ad Queen with Deedlit as they reenter the "real" world. Back inside the forest, Pirotess is lain next to Deedlit on the forest floor. Slayn and Lelia begin to chant from the book. A bright light appears above the two female elves, and Pirotess shudders as the stolen life force once again returns to its rightful host.

Parn: Deed...... (he looks away and begins to turn when the forest entrance glows with a radiant yellow light) Wha...?

Etoh: Oh my.

The other four members of the party watch in amazement as Slayn and Lelia, exit. Parn immediately goes to them.

Parn: Slayn, where's Deedlit? Is she all right?