Dark Journey - Chapter 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Selinthia Avenchesca, Frederick Sexe, and Mr Kyle ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ zelna@sprint.ca , fsexe@mdc.com , mrkyle@icewinddale.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She snarled in silent contempt as the priestess walked past. She did not abhor ambition, and indeed held a great deal of it herself. But the toadying to the Spider Queen did nothing but disgust her. Such limitations, such self-imposed misery. Pathetic was the manner in which the priestesses bowed down before Lloth. Seyriyn Quelna, an assassin trained wizardress herself, had no need for any deity, any power save for her own. She was leaving. Leaving Menzoberranzan, leaving this beautiful life-long cell. She could no longer stomach the atmosphere of confinement. She would no longer allow herself to live this way, to bear this frozen stagnation. Her most treasured belongings, her spellbook in a sack, her components strapped about her waist, her daggers and poisons hidden about her person. And her notebook, her record of her days, her nights, her life. It was there. All of it. She had more, but she could not afford to weight herself down with more.
Piwafwi tight about her, Seyriyn took a deep breath, and stepped into the corridor that lead away from the city that was her home. To seek the places in which her power would hold high, itself.
The assassin Zarfin had hunted and killed many types of prey since he had ended his training. Ever since his house had been defeated in a power struggle decades before, all he really knew was the thrill of the hunt. The new Matron's instructors had taught him well. He had hunted orcs, goblins, and even such prey as driders and cloakers, but now his curiosity has been piqued. Why has the Matron called me to her chambers? Rumor has it that she had reserved a worthy opponent for his peculiar skills; one that will test ever bit of his ability. A Shadow Dragon? Perhaps there are some surface elves that are in need of disposal. The mere thought of the chance to soil his dark blade with the blood of those pathetic creature drives him into even more of a frenzy.
As he walks into the Matron's chambers, he notices her playing with a little bauble, perhaps some keepsake. Upon his entrance, she turns to address him. She was probably much more lovely in your younger years, but years of service has changed her, showing years of cruelty and deceit. He admired these traits in her, traits that ensured that her house would rule with an iron fist for years to come as well as keep him employed. These same traits picked him out from amongst his former family to be trained in the ancient arts of assassination. His entire family was killed, but he could feel no sorrow. The were weak, and their eradication ensured that the Drow stock will continue to be strong. The rituals, he remembers clearly, were very painful but it was that training that has sharpened him physically and mentally. Now, he views those days as the most important of his life, giving purpose to his once insignificant life.Upon meeting her gaze, Zarfin unsheathes his blade, lays it by his feet, and bows to her in reverence. Showing approval, she bids him to arise and approach her.
"My dear child Zarfin, I have a new task for you; one that I know you will enjoy. A prey that will prove a proper challenge to your increasing skills."
"What type of prey is this that you wish to bestow the honor to me for me to kill?"
"There is a subject of mine; a female Drow assassin named Seyriyn that has proven to be, shall I say, disappointing."
Seyriyn....he has heard of that named. Being raised in the family Matron's family, she has profited well from her deceit and treachery and he had always respected her skills. Although he had never met her personally, he knew that she would most likely be a worthy prey for his skills.
"Is this the prey that you have asked me to vanquish?"
"Lolth has shown displeasure with her in recent weeks and I have been asked to take care of it, in my own way. Do what you have to, as she is your prey now. Do not come back to me until you can bring her heart to me in her skull."
Zarfin stood confused for what must have seemed a long time. What reason would she have to wanting her killed? She was the perfect liege, never failing in her duties. This would be a formidable opponent indeed.
"But, madam....Seyriyn is a wizard and I-"
"Do you fear her?!? If so, I can get somebody else to take care of this for me..."
I do not dare say yes, he thought to himself. This challenge to his skills could prove deadly if the Matron's trust in him was to wane. Anyway, fear is weakness and weakness must be removed at all costs. No, he decided, he must kill her in order to prove himself to her. Anyway, he had slain magical creatures before, and he does have some minor dabbling in magic himself to defend himself against her magical powers.
"No, worthy Matron...I shall slay her and bring her before you."
"Leave now, and I trust you will be discreet in your dispensing of justice. I do not want this to come back to me."
With that being said, he turned and picked up his sword before leaving the chamber. A formidable opponent indeed, this Seyriyn. This will test every bit of his skill, something that as of now has not happened.
He briefly went to his abode to gather his tools of the trade before heading out to where Seyriyn lived. As he walked, he ran through all the possible scenarios in his head before reaching the area near her home. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye he noticed something very peculiar. He noticed a young Drow female, dressed in common clothes, heading for the tunnels leading out of town. She seems to be a common Drow, but there was something in her manner that gave her away. That sixth sense, the one that had never been wrong before, told him that it must be Seyriyn. Good, he murmurs, leave the safety of town, that way I can dispense my justice upon you without any strings. This shall prove to be better than I thought, he mentions to himself.
Resolutely, he turns and follows the hooded figure from a distance, biding his time until he can strike......
The tunnels were dark, deep, close and confining. She had been in these tunnels before, had walked, and ran, and fought and killed in them. But somehow, this was different. Because, this time, she was not going to turn back the other way. Every noise echoed, and though her footsteps were more silent than silent, the air was pressing, far more stifling than that of the city.
Taking several deep, calming breaths, the elf woman mentally shook herself. This was no time for fears and doubts. She had made her choice. Her resolve hardened then, and her steps fell more smoothly, less tensely, her senses beginning to tune into the walls, every feature becoming magnified. Every noise was loud, every smell sharp. As she walked on, she became aware of the feeling, an mental itch at the back of her mind. Someone was watching her. And that meant, that someone must be following her. She did not need this trouble, not so close to the city. Grimacing in distaste, she kept walking, as smoothly as she had before, no sign than she was aware of her pursuer showing. She had hoped to keep this until she was beyond the city patrol regions, but there was no help for it.
Under her breath, she began a low, soft chant. A moment later, she was gone.
* * *
The teleportation spell had brought her to one of the only other cities she had visited. Skullport. The watching feeling had disappeared. Well, if she was truly being hunted, whom ever it was would still be trying to find a way to her. They should have taken their chance when they had it. Now, she was aware. Now, if ever they found her, she would be ready.
A fierce grin split across her face, a sparkle lit her eyes, an instant before her emotionless mask descended once more.
As Seyriyn continued down the narrow tunnel, Zarfin made sure that his prey would stay just within his nightvision range. Ninety feet should be enough distance so that he can react quickly if need be. With the fast-acting poison he had brought with him, she would be paralyzed before she could call out or cast any spells. Paralyzation is better than death, he was trained, because that way a person can sense the feeling of powerfulness over their prey. The poison is extremely painful, further accentuating his power over his victims. It also keeps an assassin from accidentally killing the wrong person, something that has not yet happened in his career but that he had heard happens occasionally.
Eventually, they were at the furthest reaches of the Drow patrols, deciding that now would be the perfect time to set up his trap. No witnesses, he proclaimed to himself. The Matron would be very disappointed if she was to have other Drow killed because of his mistakes, a reflection of his habit of leaving no strings behind. Suddenly, she began to move a little quicker. Is she spooked? Did she hear him? He suddenly found himself increasing his speed. Perhaps she has magic that detected his presence. Quickly he moved closer to his prey to get a better shot. He remembered a stalagmite ahead that would give him the perfect advantage over her. He had used it before to ambush bands of underdark denizens dangerously close to the city. It shall come in handy yet again.
"Eighty feet, seventy feet...", he thought to himself. Sixty feet is the perfect range for his hand crossbow, enough that if he was unlucky enough to miss, he would have enough time to reload before she could react. As he began to pull the hand crossbow out of his cloak, he began to hear her muttering low-pitched murmurs. It is too low to be used to talk to someone...she is casting a spell!
Instinctively, his hand whips out the hand crossbow as he lets loose with his first volley. Although he was not in position for a good shot, the bolt flew straight and true to its target.
Suddenly, she was gone. By the time he had realized what had happened, the next bolt was already cocked. Damn! he proclaimed, the element of surprise is lost. Expecting an invisible quarry, he quickly drops a veil of darkness around his area. Moving to the side, he exits the darkness globe and draws his dark blade. He had found the mystical blade in some ancient ruins where he had followed a group of deep gnomes before he had slain them. Although it was smaller than he was used to, he learned to cherish it for the magical properties it held within. One of them was the ability to detect invisible creatures. Strangely though, the trusty sword did not detect anything invisible around him. He sat in the darkness for over an hour before accepting the fact that she had teleported away. From another pocket, he pulled out a magic crystal enchanted for him in payment for past services rendered. With it he tied a piece of spider silk to one end and dangled it as a pendulum. With her in his mind, he began to concentrate on the crystal. Slowly, it began to sway. Not very much, but enough that it gave him a sense as to where she went. Funny enough, it did not lead back to the city but in the opposite direction. The swaying was very minute, meaning that she is very far away. No matter, he thought, I can cover miles in no time. With that he began to run in the direction that the crystal led him to.
He ran for two days straight without any long breaks, even to sleep. As he continued, the swaying of the crystal magnified, fueling his frenzied rage. I underestimated her last time, he thought to himself, but next time there will be no mistakes.
Later in the day, he stumbled upon a new tunnel. This one was different than the ones he had been in; whereas the ones he had traveled in were jagged due to the actions of underground quakes, this tunnel was worn smooth as if water has flowed down this tunnel long ago. A curious smell also exuded from beyond, a foreign smell that did not sit well in his stomach. Being ever cautious, he continued further before coming upon a large underground dwelling. At first he thought that it was a human encampment but then he noticed Drow and other underground races interacting amongst them.
"What is this underground city doing here?", he asked himself. Checking his pendulum, it affirmed what he had thought all along; she is in the city somewhere. Seeing no other alternative, he decides to disguise himself and enter this strange, filthy city. This time, however, him and his prey are on equal grounds, and she will be ready for him...
Matron Quelna gleaned in approval as she peered into her crystal ball. Although she was displeased with the failed attempt by Zarfin, she was satisfied with the fact that Zarfin had followed the renegade wizard to Skullport.
Her reach in the Underdark was vast, and in this cast Skullport was no exception. She had made lots of friends in this town, friends that would become very useful. Focusing her energies, she concentrates focuses on a small manor, the manor of an influential player in Skullport's power struggles. She focuses further before seeing the image of a human male, dressed in ordinary garb, sleeping in supposed solitude.
"Drayvan?" she whispers softly. "It is me, Matron Quelna, with a small favor to ask..."
Startled, Drayvan sits up before realizing what is occurring. Quietly, he lights a candle before peering at her in the pale candlelight.
"What may I do for you this time, my dear lady?" Drayvan asks.
"There are two Drow in the city that needs your attention. One of them, a female, is a renegade and even though I would like her captured you may kill her if need be. The second, a male, is of no consequence. Deal with him as you see fit."
"You remember the normal terms of payment, don't you?"
"Why of course...it shall be paid. Just do not fail me." With that, she relinquishes her contact to the wizard and heads for her bedchamber.
Zarfin had shown failure in his actions, and because of that a renegade wizard has made it to Skullport. If it is possible, she would have Zarfin brought back to her so that she could dispense punishment. Then, if she had need of him, she may give him a second chance if he lives through the ordeal.
As for Seyriyn, the traitorous girl shall pay dearly for her treachery. She has brought disfavor to House Quelna from Lolth and as such must be killed. It is the will of Lolth and as such must be honored...
She smiled like a shark as she stared at the other, across the table. An old acquaintance of hers, a merchant who owed her a favor, was currently selling wares in Skullport. He would be able to set up watchers and contact for her in this city, whilst she laced her lodgings, and key entry points with detection's spells that would, themselves, be virtually undetectable.
"You are sure are being hunted?" he insisted.
"I am quite sure," the assassin responded. "I do not want to chance that the hunter would find me quickly. There are those who hold a high opinion of my skills, and as you know, this isn't necessarily a good thing."
"Likely, it is someone skilled themselves," the drow merchant surmised.
"That is my suspicion," Seyriyn surmised.
"Very well, I shall do as you ask. But my debt to you will be paid, then," he stressed.
"Of course," she smiled.
* * *
"Hopefully", she thought, as she entered her inn quarters, "that will give me some insight as to the situation. Now, it was time to set her own wards."
The city was like none that he had ever seen before. Whereas the Drow city he had grew up in was structured and orderly, this one was chaotic and confusing. Humans and Drow were interacting with each other as well as with other races, something he was never used to. Why would these Drow associate with these evil surface dwellers? What purpose can be gained by dealing with these unsavory creatures? These and many other questions went through his head as he blended into the city life.
All of his wanderings almost hid the fact that he was being watched. He was sure of that, two figures following behind from a distance. He must make sure that they do not realize that he knows of them. Even in a city as foreign as this, he would have to watch his step.
Casually he walked into a shop selling linens. The store had nothing like the quality of linens that he was used to buying at home, but he was not there to purchase clothing. He had a mission to perform and for this it will have to suffice. Seeing the back door, he exited the building through it and began to set his trap. Now it is time to see who these people are and most importantly for whom do they work for.
After leaving the back door he dropped a darkness sphere and levitated just above the doorway with his trusty crossbow in his hand. This has to be perfect, he thought to himself, so that they do not get a chance to turn back and run away from whence they came. The last thing he needs is someone getting away so that they could bring more trouble, especially in a city as foreign as this. Moments later, as he predicted, the back door swung open and he put his trap into motion.
The first crossbow bolt slammed into the first assailant with ease, paralyzing him instantly. Releasing his levitation, he set off another spell, a silence that would cloak any screams that his prey would make. The force of his body, sped by gravity, met the final assailant and knocked him to the ground. I only need one prisoner, he decided, so he ended the creature's life quickly with one thrust of his trusty short sword. After hiding the body in the local sewers he grabbed his paralyzed victim and levitated up to the top of the roof where he would have some questions for the unfortunate fellow.
Slowly, the paralysis was beginning to wear off, just enough so that the victim could now move his head slightly. The person was human, nearly twice as big as he was. He wore a set of chain mail armor and had numerous weapons concealed underneath his street clothes. After stripping his quarry, he gathered the victim's items before beginning his interrogation. I can sort through these later, he decided, as there are more pressing matters to attend to. After tying him up in spider silk, he began his questioning.
"Who are you?" Zarfin hissed.
No answer. He tried all of the languages he knew but none of them worked. Either he does not understand my languages or he does not wish to talk. Having no use for the human, he quickly ended its life by pressing his adamantium dagger into one of the human's pressure points.
Suddenly, just as he was about to leave, a sharp pain flowed over his body. Whirling around, he turned to notice another human in dark robes casting a spell in his direction. No matter how much he tried to move, he felt as if he had no control over his body. It was as if a giant hand had gripped him tight, refusing to relinquish control. Feeling truly helpless for the first time in his life, he waited for the inevitable to occur. The human, obviously a wizard, moved closer to him before grabbing a tuft of his hair and pulled Zarfin's head so that he could peer into his eyes. Speaking in perfect Drow, the human spoke.
"I am impressed at the work you did with those thieves. I am glad that they weren't in my employ. Let me introduce myself to you before I kill you. My name is Drayvan Truecraft and I have been retained by your Matron to take care of you."
That could not be true. After all the years of faithful service, and even though he may have slipped up and let Seyriyn reach Skullport, the Matron would surely not have him killed for that. Or would she?
"It seems that you and your female companion have inconvenienced her for the last time. After I finish with you, I shall do to Seyriyn what I have in store for you."
With that he closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable to occur...
This was beyond the noise of the crowds. This was beyond the bustle of markets, taverns, and secret deals. These were the hollows of outer tunnels, the dark. Though Skullport was far closer to the surface than Menzoberranzan, this corner of the city, this outskirts, seemed even darker, dirtier somehow, than the grand-castled drow city ever could. There was magic here. Not the common magic of a wizard that, though useful, had none of the mystic, none of the perfection of the Weave, of the world itself. This, though, spoke of whispers in the dark, of the shudder of dripping ice, of wonder in hearts, and chills down the spine. It was nothing less than awe-inspiring. She wondered why it seemed so. She knew what was there, of course. But...why did it provoke such a reaction? Why, when so many other things did not? With a shrug, she thought to herself that some things remain a mystery. That she wanted some things to remain that way. It could be a simple spell for all she knew, but she did not want the mystique broken.
She took the final step into the hollow chamber, into the skull eyes. Unbeknownst to most, the city of Skullport had more than one reason for its name. The entire city was shaped like a huge skull, this chamber being the right eyehole. The Chamber of the Skulls, those that ruled Skullport. It was something of an irony. In the chamber that was the left eyehole, a great deal of the mortal powers of the city resided, and in the right, the supernatural overseers resided like a quirky blueprint.
Though she was expecting them, the burning light of the Skulls surprised her ever so slightly. She made no effort to hide her start, though, knowing they would sense it no matter what. The glare of their eye sockets chiseled into her. A smug smile seeped cat-like across her ebony visage then. Now, she could make her move.
As Zarfin lay there awaiting his final fate, he could slowly feel control of his body coming back to him. It is great to be a Drow, he thought to himself, as his body's natural resistance to the great wizard's magic began to kick in. Now, if only he could buy some time...
"So, Drayvan, that is your name, correct? How much is the Matron paying you to kill me? Surely we can come to some sort of agreement."
"I doubt it. Are you going to plead for your life? I expected more from a Drow like you. Unfortunately for you, I fear your Matron more than I fear you. "
I almost have control of my torso, he thought to himself. A few minutes more and I should be able to escape.
"I am not pleading. I am just stating the obvious. Surely you can use someone with my skills. As for the Matron, this could be our own little secret. Come on, let me loose so we can discuss this like grown men."
"Do you think I would turn you loose? Just so you can try and kill me? You insult me just thinking that. But, you have wasted enough of my precious time so let's just dispense with the pleasantries and get it over with."
"As you wish!" Zarfin hissed as he turned his torso. The energies of the spell were still affecting the right side of his body but he had earned just enough freedom to send a poisoned dagger towards the mage. Instead of penetrating the mage, the dagger bounced harmlessly off his skin, as if some kind of barrier was surrounding him. Cursing himself for his bad luck, he quickly began to scurry to the side of the building. Although he was slowly getting feeling back in the right side of his body, it still was not enough to give him full movement. As he scrambled for the edge of the roof, he could hear the evil mage begin chanting another spell.
In desperation, Zarfin lunged off the roof. Hoping to land on something soft, he instead lands awkwardly with the sound of bones breaking on his left hand side. It took everything he had to hold back the pain, but now he had to find a place to hide as the angry wizard would be hunting for him. No sooner had he thought it had numerous tiny missiles streak toward him. He managed to dodge the last five but by then four had already met their mark, leaving tiny singes on his chest. Instinctively, Zarfin leapt into a pile of debris using every bit of control he had to keep from yelling in pain. Although he now had full control of his own body, the numerous wounds he sustained were now letting themselves be known. As he peered from the darkness, he could see the wizard head past him down the alleyway to the main street, where eventually he gives up in desperation.
Zarfin was now badly injured; a fact that did not escape his attention. In the Underdark, creatures that were too injured to defend themselves were easy prey for the many creatures that live there. For now, he had to find a way to get healed in a foreign city without drawing the attention of his new enemy. Adding to the list of problems, he also realized that he had now upset the Matron, something that most Drow only do once before never being seen again. How much worse could this get?
The Skulls glared fiercely, making their power known in a rush of heat. Seyriyn stared at them. All was silent for a long moment. Finally, one of the Skulls, the middle of the three, floated forward.
"We know you, wizard. Your mind is open to us. Do not think to deceive us. What do you want?"
"I do not think you know all of what I am. Else you would not ask what I want, hmm? I will be direct, however. I carry with me something long sought by you and your ilk. Where I acquired it, does not matter. I have," and here she paused, dramatically, "Your brother."
* * *
Somewhere in the depths of the universal black holes that permeated existence, leading to realms more unknown and unpredictable than the lowest levels of the Abyss, there dwelt a spirit exiled from its physical vessel. But, it could sense what was happening all around than vessel, wherever it may dwell. For some time now, it had sensed movement, and anticipation.
Now, he felt something more. Something familiar, a power so like it's own. Vaguely, it remember others. . .
* * *
"Our brother is gone," spoke the Skull after a long pause.
"Very true," spoke the wizardess, "But I have his earthly vessel, and with this, he can be summoned back from his prison. I know the facts. He was exiled for crimes against whatever god you and your brothers used to serve. I've little respect for the decrees of deities myself, and so I am willing to give you this Skull vessel, in exchange for something."
"Typical mortal," the lead Skull spoke, "Always wanting something."
"This for that," Seyriyn shrugged. "You want something too."
"He is our kin!" the Skull flared.
"I am well aware of that. Which is why I am willing to make this deal."
"And what is it that you want."
Seyriyn smiled. "Make me into one of your kind."
The Matron waited eagerly for contact with the errant archmage. Although he had never failed her before, this entire scenario was quickly getting out of hand. What had started as a simple task had started to turn into a fiasco. Instead of a single renegade priest, she now had the possibility of one of her most able assassins betraying her. Even though he had shown absolute loyalty to her in the past, she remembered that mortal curse hissed to her many years ago by Matron Dalael as she had her executed; that one not of her house will come back and destroy her. She had never thought it would be Zarfin, not until it was too late. Now, to be safe, she must get rid of him.
Her patience had reached an end. "Drayvan! Where are you!"
Concentrating, her crystal focuses on her hired assassin, the archmage Drayvan. She could not recognize the surrounding area, but she knew that it had to be somewhere inside Skullport.
"Well?!? Have you finished your job?"
Drayvan, trying to hide his fear, states the bad news to her. "I had the male Zarfin, but...he had proven elusive."
"What!?! What am I paying you for? What about Seyriyn?"
"My contacts had not seen her yet. Either she is not here or she is still hiding. Perhaps your assassin took care of her before she could get here?"
"I am not paying you to think, I am paying you to kill two renegades. If you desire any more of my help in Skullport you will bring their skulls back to me. If I need to give my patronage to another..."
"That is not necessary," Drayvan quickly adds. "I will have them back to you by the end of the ten-day, I promise."
In frustration, Matron Quelna moves her hand over the crystal to close the link. Impatience mixed with fear begins to well in her stomach. Seeing no other choice she begins to head to her private summoning chambers. These chambers served the former Matron well in her duties and it will serve her well also. The price for using the powers of the room is steep, but there is no other choice. I cannot take any more chances, she mutters to herself as she opens the long-bound door to the chamber, the resting-place of many of her ancestors who had used the room before her. Soon enough, her powers will add to those of the room, but for now she will have a need of their powers.
"Absolutely not!" flared the Skull.
She shrugged once more. "Then you shall never have your brother returned to you."
"We can simply take him from you," the Skull retorted.
"You don't know where the vessel is," she pointed out, and then continued on before the lead Skull could speak. "If you imbue me with your essence, make me one of you, I would be your sister, obligated to return, to rule over what my siblings do. I would come back, and spend eternity in that service, after taking the time that remained of my natural drow life," she said. "And you will have the vessel of your brother, to retrieve his spirit. You would gain not one, but two to your entourage, your family, your power."
The Skull frowned fiercely at her, and yet there was a note of indecision about it, or consideration.
"We must needs think this over, wizard. Come back to us in four natural days, as you count them. Do, this, and you shall have your answer."
Seyriyn smiled at the Skull, turned and left.
* * *
[The next day]
The tiny ring of magic awakened Seyriyn. Sitting up in her bed, she retrieved the magical device that she used for communications. The face of the merchant was there to greet her.
"It seems that your hunter has entered the city. The reception committee has greeted him."
Raising a snowy eyebrow in an arch, the wizardess silently requested details.
A small splash was the only sound made when Zarfin threw the dead thief into the sewers; but it was enough of a sound for Icarus. He quickly flew to the sound, and upon realizing what is was quickly sank his sharp teeth into the dead corpse.
Since he hadn't eaten for what seemed like weeks, he had to see who it was who was bringing him this food. As he floated silently towards the sewer drain for where the body came, he noticed a figure walking away with another body. He marked that person down into his memory. Still chewing on the chunk that he had, he floated back down and carried the body off with his claws and began dragging it back to his home.
***
As Icarus was finishing off the remainder of the corps, he heard what sounded like a person had just fallen off of a building. Thinking that it might be more food that he could save for later, he went up to investigate.
When he looked out of the drain that he was under, he recognized the figure as the one that threw down the food for him, but he did not want to kill and eat him as he was nice to Icarus, very nice. It was then that he noticed the bone that was sticking out of his leg, and the four darts out of his chest.
The figure dove towards Icarus, well more into the garbage that was around where he was at, and rolled to be hidden. Icarus then saw a wizard pass by and figured out that the injured one was in danger. So he slid out of the sewer and grabbed the body. Zarfin had passed out, against his will, from the pain, so he was very easy for Icarus to move. He took the Drow down to his home, and began to work his limited magical skills on healing his wounds.
When Zarfin awoke, an overpowering smell came over him. He was in complete darkness away from the bustling crowds of the city. Allowing his keen nightvision to take over, he noticed a small chamber, roughly 30 paces across. The only entrance into the room was a small tunnel located on the far wall. The walls were made of polished stone, showing numerous signs of neglect. Debris was scattered haphazardly around the room with bones strewn about. On the other side of the room, he could see the body of the thief that had tried to take his life when he first arrived in the city. The body had several chunks torn from it, as if something had used it as a morbid meal.
I must be in something's lair, he thought to himself. The pain had subsided from his wounds but it did not escape the fact that he was still hurt. Someone had bound his wounds and had even removed the darts from his chest. Feeling gingerly across his chest he could count the two broken ribs that he had suffered in the fall. He shuddered at the thought of what could have happened had he not worn his adamantium cloak. His leg was bandaged and the broken bone was reset as well. It was not the best job he had ever seen, but it definitely did the job. He could not figure out why someone would have bandaged his wounds and healed him, but he did not think about it now. All he knew was that he was in something's lair and that he would have to try and leave soon regardless of how well he felt.
Walking painfully to the tunnel he tried to peer into it. The tunnel was just above his head so he had to lift himself up. The tunnel ran down as far as his eyesight would allow him to move, with the sound of running water echoing from beyond. This place must be somewhere inside the sewers, he thought, and if the sewers in this town had the type of creatures that the sewers in his home had then he could not afford to wait any longer. He had just started to prop himself into the tunnel when the sound of something splashing in the tunnel warned him that whatever it was that lived here was returning. Quickly, he lay down in a corner of the room placing his short sword beside him. The creature still had not finished eating the thief, so hopefully it would continue with its previous meal. This would give him a chance to either wait until it left again or to slay it once he was in better condition. Under normal circumstances, he would be braver but with his numerous wounds he still had to play it safe. Quickly he closed his eyes as the creature floated into the room...
Icarus floated in to his makeshift home. "Good," he thought a he looked back over the sleeping dark elf "he is still breathing." He then proceeded to move around the body trying to make sure that the wounds were OK.
"Don't worry nice man," Icarus said out loud. "I can tell that you are awake, and I am not here to harm you." He spoke as fast as he could hoping that the figure would not jump up and try to kill him. Even though the leg was broken, Icarus knew that it would only be temporary, his magics were not the greatest, but they do their job. But before Icarus could fully explain himself, Zarfin jumped at him with his short sword.
Icarus took a hit on the left wing as he scrambled backwards. Damn he thought. I should have been more careful. Fortunately luck was with him and the splint left on Zarfins leg made him move slowly. Icarus finally got to a position where he could get up, and he immediately flew over top of the lunging sword and landed hard on the other side. Realizing that his wing was indeed cut, his thought his life was over and curled up on the floor scared.
As Zarfin spun around, he went to lunge for the Icarus, but stopped when he noticed that the body was smoking. There in front of him was a 5-foot bat curled up on the floor, and smoking. Zarfin shrugged aside the uneasy feeling, and once again lunged to kill the creature thinking that it was changing into some sort of monster. He made it only half way when he heard screeches from behind and spun around.
There coming at him was about fifty bats. He instinctively hit the floor and started swinging his sword around. The swarm of bats flew past him and then right over top of him and when he got up from his position, there was no longer a bat on the floor smoking, it was now and 8 year old dark elf. He was still smoking from the transformation, but he was standing, and holding some sort of wand. Zarfin went into a defensive stance not sure of what the creature was going to do.
"Please don't attack me, sir." Icarus began. "I only know how to do one thing with this wand and that is to make bad stuff disappear. I don't want to make you disappear because you are nice." Icarus wasn't sure what to do.
He slowly began remembering what his mother said. "Don't ever listen to the strangers in black like we are, they are bad and will never listen." But it was a little too late for that now. He had one of them in his home.
"Please, let me explain." Icarus said, and slowly began his explanation. "I am only 8. I am a werebat, and have not quite gotten control over my transfor-mil-a-tion, so I get stuck in the bat mode for longer than I want to. I got sent down here because the people up above are scared of me, and think me to be a vampire. I am not my mommy said but they didn't listen to me, and she put me into the sewers so that they couldn't find me. I was down here hungry and saw you threw that bad man down into the sewer, and since I need to eat, and he was dead I figured that it was better than starving, and then I heard you fall, and then I saw that mean old wizard walk by and thought that you were in trouble, and saw your wounds, and saw that you passed out so I brought you down here to work the magic healing that my daddy taught me, and... and... that's it." He wasn't sure what else to say, but the nice man still hadn't changed he posture. Finally he slid the wand into his belt, sat down on the floor, and not knowing what else to do, cried.It seemed that the hunter may already have been destroyed, but she did not count on it. She now knew his identity. Zarfin. This was indeed a serious matter to have that bloodthirsty fanatic following her. He had no sense of style, true, but he was also ruthless and relentless. Admirable qualities, but none too enjoyable whence directed against one's self.
Seyriyn grimaced as she walked the street, gingerly gliding over the piles of garbage that were littered all about. Skullport was a filthy city, to be sure. Filthy and dangerous. Once the Skulls agreed to her terms, she would soon excuse herself from this city. She would keep her word in coming back to them, but she would also make sure to stay in the enchantment pockets outside the city, and perhaps even convince the Skulls to move to another location. This city was rather loathsome.
Something was tailing her, she knew. Not physically, but magically. She could feel the aura that was tracking her. So far, she had let it be, ignored it. Perhaps it was none too wise, but she was curious about it.
Now, the power was building to a culmination. Like a tidal wave approaching, it seemed to become larger and stronger and it came. Suddenly, without warning, it crashed. She disappeared in a flash of black light.
There were ten drow warrior staring at her as her head spun, dizzy with the unwitting teleportation. A tall drow woman stepped forward, looking at the wizardess keenly.
"Hello, Seyriyn. I greet you. Welcome to the temple of Elaistraee."
Looking at the young werebat, he could see something imperfect; something that did not fit in with the Drow point of view. This was something that was corrupted and that no longer fit in with Lolth's domain. Yet, for the first time in his life he could not help but feel remorse for the poor creature. This creature had risked its own life to heal his wounds and even hid him from the evils of the dirty city. Although he could not explain it, he felt compassion for the poor child, thinking back to the day many years ago when his entire family was killed. The day when everyone in his family was brutally murdered except for him. He was spared because he was the youngest and showed exceptional skill. He was an angry Drow child; mad at the people who had killed his family, but years of training as an assassin had removed that anger from him until now.
Obvious as to the werebat's intent, he slowly put his short sword away. "Do not worry, young Drow, I shall not kill you. You saved my life so I am indebted to you. Tell me again, what was your name?"
"Icarus."
He could see that the poor young Drow was trembling in fright. This poor creature had risked everything to bring him to his home, and yet he had attacked him. This did not fit well in his stomach. Casting a simple magic, he illuminated the room in a violet glow and moved to console him. Icarus was hesitant at first but eventually calmed down enough for Zarfin to approach him. He was like this young Drow before, lonely and afraid. Perhaps he could repay his debt to the young in other ways.
"The first thing a Drow does not do", Zarfin proclaims," is that we do not eat dead bodies. Drow kill, but Drow kill for a purpose. This is something I shall teach you."
"Why does Drow always have to kill? Are there other ways for the Drow?"
The simplicity of the statement overwhelmed him. There are few things that he did well, but killing was his best. It simply did not occur to him that there are other alternatives other than killing but the innocence of the young Drow made him pause.
"Perhaps there are Icarus, but I do not know of them. Perhaps you shall teach me?"
Icarus slowly began his transformation back into Drow form, something that made Zarfin feel much easier. As he began to transform, his mind sensed another presence. It was not just nearby but it was all over. Zarfin leapt up to the defense, pulling out his short sword and his adamantium long sword, trying to get a bearing on this thing. He moved between the presence and Icarus so as to defend him.
"Show yourself!", Zarfin exclaimed. Slowly, an aura of light appeared. It had no shape but had a slow pulse coming from the middle of it.
"Who are you?"
"Who I am is not important. Suffice it to say that I am an important part of everything that goes on in this city. I and my kin had sensed your presence and your intentions when you first arrived and as such we have a need of your services."
Zarfin felt uneasy talking to this spirit, this corporeal being. Icarus, now fully changed, cowered behind him in his adamantium robes and he could feel the poor child trembling.
"State your proposition and let's be done with it."
"I know that you are after Seyriyn, another of your kind. She has something of ours, something very important to me. You must not kill her until I get what I am after. In return I shall take you to her. Once you get what I am after, then you shall kill her."
"What is in it for me? You talk as if I am for hire, which I am not. My Matron-"
"Already the Matron is plotting for your destruction. It seems that you can use my protection."
Zarfin thought in contemplation. The Matron is trying to kill me? The only way to prove himself to her would be to destroy Seyriyn and accept whatever punishment she has in store for him. For now he will have to agree.
"It is a deal, whoever you are. I am hurt and as such she will be able spot me. I will need help in this capacity. I also wish to bring my friend here."
"Agreed." At the words warmth covered him. He could feel his wounds fully healed and a renewed strength covering his body. He hadn't eaten for over a day, and now his hunger is fully extinguished. A shimmering gateway appeared on the other side of the room.
"Enter, my assassin, and you shall have your prey. Remember, though, that I must have my prize before you can kill her."
Icarus looked up at Zarfin whose entire body was now disguised magically to look foreign from what he was before. "Who is this Seyriyn? Why do you wish to kill her? Did she do something to hurt you?"
The young child would not understand the reasons, Zarfin decided. It will be something he will have to explain later, as the two entered the portal.
Upon entering, he could see that he was in a narrow tunnel, perhaps 10 paces across. Light appeared from the other end of the tunnel, showing a small enclave. There were many Drow in this area, but he did not recognize the symbols they wore. It was not a deity or house he was familiar with, but it did not matter. If they aligned themselves with Seyriyn they were his enemy also.
There was something on the far side of the enclave, hidden in the ceiling above it. There were others in here, hidden from the ones below. Some Drow, some human, and some of a race he had never sensed before. These creatures mean the enclave ill. There was another presence. Drayvan! Now he has competition. He could not let them kill his prey first, so he had to warn the ones below as to the intruder's presence. Quietly, he cast a simple spell enveloping a number of them in a violet glow. Sitting down with the young Drow, he quietly watched the events unfold looking for both Drayvan and his final prey, Seyriyn.
Drayvan sat in the dark, trembling at what had occurred. The Matron was definitely not very pleased, something he could not afford to have. She had taught him many arcane spells and she had shown him many more powerful spells that she had known. She was very powerful indeed and as such it frightened him to have an enemy such as her. Drow are unforgiving and the cost for betrayal is normally death. Definitely, he had to do something to get back her favor.
The wards in his chambers warned him of another presence in the room. This presence he knew well but it was one that he had only seen a few other times. One of the Skulls, the guardians of the city, had decided to give him a visit.
"Drayvan. It has been a long time, no?"
"And to what do I owe the honor of your scrutiny?"
"I have need of your services. See, there is a Drow female named Seyriyn who has claimed that she can bring my lost brother back. The problem is, I do not wish to have him back to share in my power. I need you to make sure that her secret dies with her. I brought you a present."
With that proclamation, several huge beings appeared in the room. Known only as Barbazu Tanar-ri, these demons are used by beings as foot soldiers and are known for their bloodthirsty frenzy in combat. This must be important indeed for it to summon these powerful, magical creatures to his aid.
"Use these with your hired hands to finish off this woman Seyriyn. She is at an enclave of Ellistrae plotting her next moves. I want no prisoners, understood?"
"Understood, my liege." Now he had a chance to finish this errand once and for all. There was much he has to plan, much that has to be set in motion. He knew that if she was there, then Zarfin would also be there. This time, however, he will not be as careless.
Seyriyn scowled at the tall drow woman, none too pleased to have found herself teleported here. She herself had allowed it by letting her curiosity get the better of her, and her lack of protections against the magic scrying could have been seen a permission of sorts, but this did not make her feel any better.
"What am I doing here?" she demanded.
"We have seen you here, in the city. We know you felt us, as well. We had thought that..."
She was barely listening now. At first, she had been angry, but now she thought to take advantage of the situation. This would be the place to plan ahead, as it were, in case the Skulls did not except her bargain. It was always best to make plans.
They were inviting her inside their temple or whatever now. Not that she had any care for their god, any more than she had any for Lloth. But she would go along with it, now.
Later that night, after introductions had taken place, which where, upon the part of those Skullport drow, thinly veiled attempts to convert her to this moonlight religion of theirs {How pathetic,} she was holed up in the room they had provided for her. It seems that they were doing their best to convert the drow race to their religion. And have our people tied in much the same slavery to one as to the other. It did not matter the intentions. Slowly, she cast a veiling spell about the room, taking care that she had not paid such attention to since her earliest days of apprenticeship. It had to be perfect.
Then, she drew the signs in the air that summoned the pocket in which she had contained the Skull.
Her fingers drifted over the vessel, eyes narrowed. Oh yes, this was the key.
Slowly, she chanted the spell she had designed for this occasion. It would summon not the sentience of the Skull, but the power of the Skull, the raw essence, trapping it in the Skull vessel.
Ecstasy radiated throughout the room, power and pain and pleasure all in one. The black, crimson, silver power centered in the skull.
An earthquake shook the entire temple, setting walls to shaking and ceilings to crashing as a power from beyond worlds rushed in, crushing anything in it's way. And a corridor fell in upon itself, trapping a drow assassin named Zarfin and a young werebat in that very corridor.
Seyriyn laughed in terror and triumph as the power lit the Skull. Chanting over it once more, she initiated the spell. There, now when she wanted to, she had but to smash the Skull and the power would flow into her, making her over. If the other Skulls agreed to her terms, she could revoke the spell so that they could summon their brother, but if she broke the Skull to empower herself, their brothers essence would be hers, and his spirit, obliterated. And no one could say she hadn't given them a chance to prevent it.
Zarfin crossed his fingers as he invoked the powers of the mystic wand. Normally he would scowl at the use of a wand such as this. Magic, he thought, was the way of a coward and as such in its purest form it was easily corrupted. Unfortunately, though, the circumstances did not permit him the luxury of the choice.
After what seemed like an instance later, he could notice that the wand had teleported him inside the enclave itself. The chain reaction he had witnessed had just now worked its way into the enclave and was now hurling giant boulders and stalagmites into the city below. It was all Zarfin could do to keep Icarus and himself from becoming a permanent part of the stonework.
Seeing the largest building of them all, he motioned to Icarus to follow him to it for safety. This building was the strongest one built and as such provided the best amount of safety. Something in his mind told him that to go in was folly, but the falling debris convinced him otherwise. As he entered the complex he could see three of the giant demons engaged in combat with several of the Drow occupants.
"Those people need our help, Zarfin." replied Icarus, "They are just like us."
"No time for heroics, Icarus", he mentioned to the trembling child Icarus. "We need to worry about saving ourselves first." Running through a courtyard he could sense the reason for this cave-in, something that somehow seemed a part of the corporeal creature that sent him here.
"There is powerful magic here, Icarus. Stay close." Zarifn handed Icarus the wand that he had used to bring them here. "If anything happens, use this to get yourself out of harms way."
Nodding acceptably, Icarus grabbed the wand and placed it in one of his pockets. Hopefully, Zarfin thought to himself, he will not have a need for it.
Zarfin and Icarus ran up a set of stairs leading to a large room. Feeling the magical presence even closer, he shuddered at what he would see. Instead, what he saw terrified him even more.
He saw Seyriyn kneeling on a cushion and in somewhat of a trance. She was holding a skull in both hands and an eerie light could be seen flowing from it through her hands and over her body.
"That must be it!", Zarfin exclaims over the sound of falling rubble. At just that time, several more creatures appeared out of thin air. Four more of those accursed demons, this time accompanied by Drayvan himself, appeared. Seyriyn did not seem to notice, appearing to be in some kind of trance.
"It is so nice to meet you here, Zarfin." Drayvan announces to Zarfin. "Not only do you give me the pleasure of killing you, but I now get to take care of your precious prize also. That skull is mine and with it I shall rule this entire city!"
Zarfin flowed his cloak over the young Icarus, telling him to stay quiet. Drayvan still had not seen the young boy and as such did not wish for his secret to be known. He may need the young boy's help soon. Three of the demons moved to attack Zarfin, who had already pulled out his long sword and short sword. Seeing the two swords, Drayvan began to weave a spell. The other demon began heading for Seyriyn, who seemed to be in another place.
Now was not the time for feuds or personal vendettas. This was a time for survival, and if they were to survive this encounter then he would need Seyriyn's help. He had very little defense against the power Drayvan could unleash and he needed her help desperately.
"SEYRIYN!", Zarfin exclaimed out loud. "WAKE UP DAMN YOU!"
Backing up slowly to a wall, he moved to protect his backside while the evil demons descended upon him...
She was in the dark. Velvet, soothing, smooth. Her hands were clamped upon the Skull, holding it as though it were the key to life itself. And it was. It was the key to power, to her own immortality. Then, the shivers began. The presence of something else. Vague noises assaulted her ears. She tried to ignore them, block them out, concentrate upon the Skull. She did not want to move from this pocket of perfect darkness. No, she would not! But they would not stop, the noises would not stop. There was something being screamed, something. It was a name. Seyriyn! Her name! Her spirit cursed in despair, even as she felt herself being pulled away from this haven in Eternity.
The drow wizardress cursed in frustration, screamed in out of control, abject rage as she felt herself awakened. Her entire body twisted in hate of those who had taken her away from the womb of darkness. All around her, demons twisted and attacked and fought. There was a small child, half-bat, the assassin Zarfin, and a human wizard, and screams and oaths and threats.
"Seyriyn! Wake up, damn you!"
The words that had awakened her were shouted again, from the panicking male. So, he wanted her help, she thought. The demons were moving towards her, then. They wanted the Skull, she thought, even as she clutched it possessively. Well, they wouldn't get it. No matter how big their claws were. She started the chanting then, and the power in the air flowed to aid her, flooding the area, starting up whirls of power, lightening flashing. This was coming far quicker and easier than normal spellcasting, a result of the summoning that she had performed. She was gathering the power that had shattered the temple, seeping every bit of magic from the stones. It smashed into the demons, crushing them to the walls. A cyclone was here, swirling in front of her, power radiating. Now!
With a smile that said, "Now or never!" she took the Skull up in both hands and smashed it on the stone floor.
Somewhere in the universe, a spirit cried out in agony as it's essence was drained from it's being.
The power was filling her, effusing her, transforming her. It was there, limitless. She was changing, she was. . .dying.
The spirit died.
Dying! She was dying! She had forgotten that part, she thought with sudden clarity. "The Skulls are undead, you idiot!" she screamed to herself. The power was ripping her skin from her bones, her eyed from her head, her blood from her veins! It was making her over, the power was hers, but so was the agony! Pain, pain, pain! She was dying! She was being reborn. She saw, dimly, the terror on the faces of those all around her, the demons backing away, the assassin Zarfin fighting a demon, but shock registering upon his face as he saw the transformation out of the corner of his eye.
Drayvan cursed even as he gaped in shock. The power he had sought was now taken by this upstart wizardress! He winced though as he witnessed the stripping of her form, the skinning of her flesh and the draining of her veins. It continued until all there was were pure, shining white bones.
The demons were salivating, drooling, soaking in the power in the air. They couldn't help it. They were held in thrawl. The Skull power was something they craved, as they craved all power. They were jumping towards her, like moths toward a flame, and like that, they were being burned.
Seyriyn stood in shock, staring down at herself, ignoring the demons even as they leapt. She was a skeleton. She was a skeleton. She started to laugh now, laughed and laughed and laughed. This was too funny. Far too funny. She laughed and laughed some more.
The child was staring at the skeleton, wondering what had happened. What strange magic was working here? He did not know, but he knew that the nice man had wanted the lady's help. They needed her help still. Slowly, the little werebat started forward. To do what, he did not know.
This was all happening way too fast for the little guy. There was too much going on. Icarus was just getting too scared, so the transformation back into a bat was complete. With Zarfin's focus on the wizard, and the other beast heading for the skeleton, Icarus thought of the only thing that he could do to help.
He draped the room into a globe of darkness.
He was so glad at this point that his mother had taught him how to make things dark. He never had to worry about seeing; he had learned that by the age of five, so she taught him how to drop the globe of darkness around himself and others so that he could escape from everything.
But this wasn't the time to be escaping. He knew that Zarfin had helped him, and he knew that Zarfin wanted the Seyriyn's help, so he put aside his fears and went straight for one of the monsters that were moving for Seyriyn. He flew up to where his 'radar' sight was letting him know that it was there, and began raking his claws across the beast back and head. The beast didn't know what to think, didn't even know where his enemy was. He just started swatting at whatever he could get near to. In his fighting rage though, he never once hit Icarus; instead he found another target. One of his companions, another beast. That beast feeling something start attacking it began clawing back at it's attacker. The two beasts, thinking that they had the skeleton fighting opposite to them fought and fought until the both had no more energy left, and were sent back to the abyss.
Icarus easily avoided the two once they began fighting but floated back and 'watched' as they defeated each other to make sure that they were done. When the were gone, he 'looked' around the room and in realizing that there were only his compainions and the two that they were fighting left, he made an exit for the only doorway out of here, and waited for the other two to come out.
Once he got outside, he could feel himself calm down, and that he was starting to change back to the drow child once again. He hoped that he had done right in putting up the globe and he wondered if he should go back in and help. No he decided, he'd wait out here and make sure that the escape route is clear. That he decided would be better. He didn't want to get too close to Zarfin and get tagged with one of those blades again, since he couldn't see like Icarus could. So he pulled out the little wand, and waited for the other two to come out.
Zarfin had just witnessed the most eerie display of magic he had ever seen. The powerful magic of the skull that he had been asked to acquire was now responsible for destroying two demons as well as destroying Seyriyn herself, transforming her into an abomination. She was now reduced to a pile of skeletons. He could tell that her consciousness was still present due to the hideous laughing that was billowing forth from her remains.
He did not have the time to think about it now as he had two demons left to fight as well as the cruel human archmage Drayvan. The two demons, who were just a moment ago anxious to end Zarfin's life was now drinking from a fountain of mystical energies spawned from Seyriyn's actions. Drayvan, having been slammed against the wall, was now beginning to shake off the effects of the spell. Suddenly, the area was draped in darkness, as magical as the magical darkness he usually employs to catch his prey off guard. This was his chance; with Seyriyn dead or worse, he knew that the only chance that Icarus and him had was if he slayed the wizard Drayvan. Hopefully, the death of the wizard would send the foul demons back to whence they had come. Sensing that Icarus had left his protection, he could only hope that the young Drow would have the sense to stay out of trouble as he had more important things to do.
Zarfin leapt through the darkness to where Drayvan had stood and easily found him. Both long sword and short sword found their mark but bounced harmlessly off his skin as if he was a slab of stone. The human turned to face Zarfin, rage showing in his face. The magical energy of the skull had just been extinguished and instead of Drayvan it was Seyriyn who had benefited from its powers. If there was no more skull left then he will ensure that its powers are destroyed with the rest of the enclave.
"You foolish Drow...can't you see that I will have to kill you now? You had a chance as long as I desired the skull but now all that I sought is gone. You and your lady friend will have to perish for your transgressions." With these words he began conjuring a spell to dish out his revenge.
As Drayvan began to cast, the mystical energies of the skull began to swirl around him as if he was drawing upon its powers. Zarfin could not see this for he was in total darkness with the mage, but he could feel the force nonetheless.
Zarfin began his onslaught onto the mage. Swords met flesh with neither one giving way. His swords, no matter how many times he swung, could not penetrate the barrier that surrounded him. Frustration led to desperation, as he could not figure out what to do.
Suddenly, the sound of falling debris gave him an idea. Before the darkness appeared he remembered a buttress that held the massive ceiling of this temple in place. The roof was severely damaged, but if he were to finish off one of the columns perhaps he could trap the archmage with the falling roof. It was the only thing he could think of.
Dropping his blade he ran and grabbed the largest slab of stone he could muster. With the slab of stone he charged headlong into the buttress, sending it toppling. Zarfin quickly stepped back as the giant buttress collapsed onto the mage. The magic that the mage was conjuring stopped abruptly and suddenly exploded, sending stone everywhere. As the darkness expired, he could see the temple collapsing all around him. Looking over to Seyriyn he could still see the mound of bones that was Seyriyn issuing its wicked laugh. He could not help but feel sorry for her. The magic had completely destroyed her physical form as he had known it. He could sense the sorrow that she was feeling, that she had sacrificed her life with the breaking of the skull. Seeing the massive wall of the temple about to collapse on top of her, he did what instinctively seemed right at the time.
She had sacrificed her life in order to save him and he had to repay the favor. Although she was reduced to a pile of glowing bones, he had to try and save her life. Leaping over her bones, he flared his adamantium cloak to include her inside its haven. All he could remember was the wicked smile of sorrow that he could see on the skeletal face of Seyriyn as the massive wall collapsed on top of the two of them. With this he murmured beneath his breath that he would seek help to restore her physical form to its original form.
Drayvan let out his rage as he began casting his spell. It would take a while to cast, but he was in no hurry. Zarfin could not hurt him with his metal blades for some time to come and Seyriyn had given him the perfect opportunity. He would draw upon the powers of the Skull, of the vortex summoned in the middle of the room, and send one final blast of energy. With his contingencies prepared, he should be whisked away before the energies would return and destroy him.
His true sight had left him unaffected by the darkness so he had no problem keeping an eye on Zarfin's progress. Zarfin was trying futilely to penetrate Drayvan's stoneskin barrier. Keep trying Zarfin, Drayvan thought to himself, soon it will all be for naught. Drayvan had to keep his concentration on the spell as even now he could feel the energies dancing around his body.
Suddenly, Zarfin put away his swords and ran to a piece of stonework. What is he thinking of doing? Moments later, when he could be seen running across the room to slam into a nearby buttress did he realize what he was doing. It was too late; the energies of the spell kept him transfixed as the stony pillar toppled onto him. All that he could remember was the spell's energies backfiring back at him as his contingency spell took affect.
She was beneath the stone. She could feel it. But something was wrong. She had felt the stone wall fall on top of her, even as the assassin had leapt for her, covered her with his own form. That was strange, as well, that he had done that, something she would have to figure out, later. But for now, she was in a hollow. They had fell. Standing, carefully beginning to adjust to her new form, she whispered summoned faerie fire, lighting the room, not wanting to waste a light spell just now. It was a cavern, smooth and dark and liquid velvet. It reminded her of the darkness of Eternity she had experienced, had been pulled from.
She sighed, as she glanced down where she expected the others to be, those two, the assassin and the child, those that she had fallen with. The one who . . .she remembered the assassin thinking to restore her physical form, thinking to do that in repayment. Ah, that was why he had tried to protect her. In repayment. She did not want to go back to being of flesh now. The transformation was complete, and the magic too powerful to change anything short of destroying her entirely. This was the only immortality she would ever have, now. But she owed him, owed him for shielding her with his own form, owed for his honorable intentions.
And so she would search this maze, wherever it may be, to find him and his young friend to lead them out.
The Matron had watched it all from her summoning chamber. She had summoned the tanar'ri in order to help the Skull destroy the two renegade Drow. Now, with the entire enclave destroyed, she was anxious to see the dead bodies of the two Drow.
She had also seen Drayvan being buried alive when the buttress had collapsed. Human mages come cheaply in Skullport so she was not concerned at his loss of life. She continued to watch as the surviving members of the Drow enclave began to sift through the rubble of what was once their mighty temple. It was so ironic, she smirked, that she got more than expected. Not only were the two renegades killed but also a faction of Ellistrae elves was also seriously depleted. This looked good for her, seeing less competition in the caves around Skullport. Eventually, the rescue workers got to the bottom of the rubble, to the place where their bodies had to be.
The bodies were not there. That's impossible, she exclaimed. All that was left of the Drow renegade was his adamantium cloak, destroyed beyond use. But, there were no bodies. Not even Drayvan's body was found.
Frantically, she began to scrye the planes, trying to sense the presence of the two Drow. Try as she could, she could not find them. Perhaps the errant magic of the wizardess completely destroyed the trio. No, she could detect Drayvan's presence back in Skullport, although he was not conscious. The other two were a mystery though, as she could not detect them anywhere.
Her reign is safe for now, she resolved. Being a Matron means continually looking behind your back and this was no exception. She will have to watch her back until there is more evidence of their destruction. But for now, she could rest easily.
Something didn't feel right to Icarus. Something was going wrong in the room, but try as he might, he couldn't bring himself to open that door until the ceiling started to shake. Something had gone wrong and he had to know what it was, so he open the door and peaked inside. And now he could see in front of him the wizard standing still, Zarfin jumping over the bones, and the ceiling falling apart.
"Nooooo!!" he screamed as the ceiling started to crumble. "No! No! No!" he continued as he ran for the other two. Before he even made it halfway, a large piece of the ceiling smashed down through the floor in front of him and continued through. Unable to stop himself, he followed the piece right into the hole, and began a long fall.
Scared beyond belief, he realized that the only way to save himself was to change. He thought as hard as he could, and slowly he began to grow the wings. He started beating them as soon as they came out, which was just about the perfect time, because he just slowed himself down when he hit the bottom and passed out.
When Icarus finally awoke, he realized that he had survived the fall with only a few scraps and bruises. He began his slow working magic on himself and stood up. As he did he wondered if Zarfin and Seyriyn were still alive. It was then that he started to feel that power that he had felt before, Seyriyn! It had to be her. He had felt that when she was falling apart to just bones. He pulled himself together, changed back into the child, and began walking out of the room he was in, and towards that power.
By the time that Zarfin awoke, he could see rubble everywhere. The dust had finally settled by then, revealing an area unlike any he had ever seen before. He was in the middle of a large domed chamber of polished stone. There were no visible exits save two stone portals on one side of the room. Looking up, he could see that the ceiling extended up beyond his eyesight. His first instinct though was to begin digging out his companion Icarus and the renegade Drow Seyriyn. He dug frantically for over an hour before settling on the fact the he could not find the bodies anywhere. Try as he may he could find no signs of the two. Inspecting his possessions he had found that his adamantium cloak was destroyed beyond repair, with a large section missing. Well, at least it saved his life, he said in a low voice. His chain mail vest and his weapons fared much better in the exchange, something that put his heart to ease. Also in the rubble he could find a sack that obviously belonged to the archmage Drayvan. He must have lost this when the ceiling caved in, he decided. Inside were three metal flasks with some kind of foreign liquid, a small magical book, a silver ring, and two scroll tubes with a parchment in each one. Also inside was some food, probably enough to last for a day or two, or at least until he could find something to eat. The bag seemed to hold much more than one of that size normally carried, confessing as to its magical nature. Upon levitating to the top of the ceiling, he could see that the cave-in had sealed the way that he had fallen with tons of rock. Well, there is no way out from here, he decided. As he inspected the debris, he could feel the magical aura that was Seyriyn. She must be above him, he decided. After yelling for several minutes, he got no response. What about the poor drow child, the one that invoked memories of his childhood? All that he could hope for was that he could take care of himself until he could find him.
The Drow child had touched a side of his conscience that he thought was removed from him. He brought back memories of the pain and suffering of being in the world without anybody, like he was when his entire family was destroyed. The life as an assassin had taught him that the law of the assassin's order was most important, that the order of assassins was his family regardless of what an individual's personal needs or beliefs. It also taught him that the word of the Matron was above anyone's laws, something that now he knew was wrong. He now felt contempt for the Matron, the one who had taken him from his family and who had killed his entire family while he in front of him. He can remember the day like it was yesterday, how he felt a deep hatred of her. The assassins who had trained him had transformed that hatred into fear and gave purpose to his life. The purpose, unfortunately, was to serve the one whom he had hated most.
As for Seyriyn, he felt great sorrow for her. Although she was assigned as her prey, she showed a nobility that he had never seen before. She had sacrificed her life for him, something he had never witnessed. He would like to say that he would have done the same for her but he could not say so honestly. Such compassion was not commonplace from where he came from but it touched him deeply. Nobody had ever put his or her needs before others. For some unknown reason, when he tried to save Seyriyn's life, he felt emotions he could not explain. Now, more than ever, he desired to find his companions, to ensure that they are safe. After he had found his companions and left his place, he will destroy Matron Quelna and everything that she stands for.