Turn 57 -- Together Again

Upstairs:

As the hold spell fails, Talimar and Randor collapse to the floor suffering from a severe case of pins and needles in all their limbs. Both quickly begin to massage their limbs back to life before they can move. While working to get mobile, Garth and Kuiper fill them in on where the others went and recent happenings. "I suggest we go down and join the others, it is not wise to split up inside an enemy stronghold," offers Talimar as he sheaths his sword. Having rested, bound wounds and cast whatever healing spells necessary, Garth looks rather refreshed as he nods to Talimar. "Aye, lets find the others. A good ear is all we will need. They made a hell of a lot of noise going in pursuit." He then unhooks his mace and prepares to follow Talimar. That decided, the five then head toward the door and down the stairs, Randor and Garth leading, followed by Lyntern and Talimar with Kuiper bringing up the rear.

Downstairs:

Upon feeling the unholy presence from his left at the passage, Kersath moves silently backward to the other companions in the stairs room to update them. Once there, he sees Druckner, Beleg, Dain and Ras waiting. "Good to see you've made it. I fear that there is some chance of undead in that passage, and I shall need your assistance," he says with a look to Beleg. "But please hurry, Gnore and Ortho are back there and they might become surrounded."

"Undead you say, friend Kersath?" begins Beleg, "Let us make haste to smile the foul creatures!" He draws his mighty bastard sword and with shield raised steps out into the hallway to follow Kersath.

"I vote with Kersath and Beleg," says Druckner to the others, "We should investigate the passage of evil."

"I agree, there is obviously something of importance there." answers Dain.

"I will stay and await the others above," says Ras. "As soon as they are ready we will be right behind you."

That decided, the four step out into the passage and start up the hallway toward the open passage to the left. Beleg leads with Kersath alongside him, Druckner and Dain bringing up the rear.

Up the passage (same time):

"Well Gnore, we seem to be at a point of embarkation. Shall we press on by ourselves or form up with the rest of the company?" asks Ortho.

Gnore's brow furrows deeply as he contemplates the meaning of embarkation. Shaking his head to clear it, Gnore lets out a deep sigh, "Aye, we have tempted fate more than we should have but we are alive and that is all that matters. I agree, we should allow the others to share in our search."

"Yep, we lost Ol' One-Eye, perhaps our scouting mission is over. Let's head back" answers Ortho.

The two then move to the far side of the hallway, opposite the opening as they move back up the corridor. Ten feet from the opening, they spy Beleg, Kersath, Druckner and Dain moving up the passageway toward them.

Stairwell:

Deciding to wait on the others, Ras moves back into the shadows of the stairwell to take advantage of the natural cover there. Hearing noise from above him as someone makes their way down the stairs his muscles draw tight as he waits for whoever or whatever it is to come into the clear. Silently he draws forth two daggers and has them at the ready as he prepares a vicious backstab in case they be enemy.

Just as he is about to spring, he sees the familiar forms of Garth and Randor step down from the stairs. He quickly moves forward to greet them.

"Hey! Well it's about time!"

Garth and Randor both spin on their heels to face the unseen speaker, mace and warhammer ready to fall. As they recognize Ras as he materializes from the shadows, they lower their weapons as Talimar, Lyntern, and Kuiper join them in the room.

"The others went ahead to investigate some room with an evil presence," offers Ras. "I suggest we follow after them. Their just down here."

He points out the door and to the corridor. Ras joins their earlier formation at the rear as everyone steps out into the corridor. Once there, they can just make out the forms of the other companions down the hallway.

Outside the opening:

Just as Beleg and the others reach the opening, Gnore and Ortho step out of the shadows across the entryway. As they all turn to peer into the opening, there appears to be an unnatural darkness about the room beyond. Nothing can be seen past the doorway. Everyone can feel an awful evil emanating from the area before them, Beleg and Ortho moreso than the others. Nothing can be heard beyond the opening from within.