From within Ion's soul a scream is released,

Phantom now awaits the arrival of Peron and the others...

Sitting in his throne of blood, the Dark one watches intently the game board spread out before him. He keeps watch on the castle of fire, but for almost a week now there had been little or no activity. Earlier in the week he had sent in a scouting party to test there defenses. He hadn't seen his scouts since. This didn't truly bother him at all. What bothered him now was the fact that just a moment ago, one of the dark green bulbs of energy had faded to into death. And another was very dim. And yet he could not find any trace of the newly fallen warrior in the lands of the Dead. Some how, they must be keeping his soul in the castle. But how? And what of the second warrior? Silently he continued his watch of the game board. Suddenly there was another burst of activity in the Castle. A green flare had erupted from the game board. "What's this? A new warrior is born, how interesting" What does this mean. Is it some how related to the defense of the castle? Or was the Serpent calling yet another to his aid? Sitting back in his throne, he let himself enjoy a moment's peace in the warmth from the blood of the throne. His eyes closed, his mind wandered for a moment. Thoughts of Stormie his unwilling captive came to him. Yes he would have to take her soon. She is almost ripe for the taking. Soon his seed would spawn in her. And then, all would be darkness! A sudden presence at his side alerted him to his partner's approach. With out opening his eyes he spoke. "Ahh partner, tis about time you returned. Has the portal been opened?" 'It shall open tonight or early tomorrow' responded the Abyssal Lord. "Tis about time, it has taken you far to long to open this portal! Now tell me, what plans have you for their serpent Lord?" Turning away from the Dark One the, Abyssal lord steps to the edge of the circle of air and stops. 'Leave that to me'. And then it is no more, just a trailing column of smoke is all that is left.

Slowly the tendril of smoke thickened into a massive form. The form was unlike any other. It was of an ancient race. A race that had past on long ago. Like the ancient god that it now sought out. Slowly the transport from the Dark One's plane to this plane was complete. After what seemed forever to the Abyssal Lord, it stepped through into a world few dared to imagine. A world of plants, no animals lived here. Only the stinking green plants. But if one looked more closely, this world was but nothing more than a rotting heap of vegetation. For this wasn't a world at all, but the very heart of Moander the Darkbringer. As the Abyssal Lord stepped onto this world, the plants turned black and died at its feet as it stepped out to touch the living body of the ancient lord. No sooner had it arrived then was it assaulted by many tendrils of plants and vines. It paid them little heed for they no sooner touched him then they did rot and fall to the ground. Standing there it waited. Its wait was not long. A low moaning erupting from the very world itself.**WHO DARES TO INVADE MY HEART**.'Come now ancient one, surly you have not forgotten your debt to me? After all who was it that gave you the key that you needed to destroy Shiqure Goddess of life and earth?' **SHIQURE, HAHA THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO. BUT I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN MY OATH**. **SPEAK WHAT SHALL BE MY PAYMENT**. 'Tis a simple favor, tell me all you know of the serpent lord'. **THE SERPENT LORD? TIS A LONG TIME SINCE I HAVE HEARD THAT NAME. SURLY THAT PUNY GODLING HAS FALLEN TO ONE OF YOUR KIND BY NOW**. ' Afraid not, but it has reappeared on Toril and has gathered a small following. And I shall soon rectify this small mistake of letting it live this long'.**THEN STEP FORWARD AND LISTEN WELL,THE SERPENT HAS ONE WEEKNESS.....

Looking around the room he had just set up as his command center. Vikar was pleased to see how Exodus had set up things. He had to remember that Exodus had a knack for this stuff. He surly could make use of this in the future. That is if they all survived the coming storm. Sitting down at the little desk that had for so long served him as a desk and command chair. He slowly began to read the reports about yet another battle in the courtyard that he had missed. This battle had spurred him to move into his new office. This little room was no more than observation post on the main. But it afforded one a grand view of the courtyard below as well as a view of plain directly to the North of the castle gates. Turning his mind to the matter at hand. A general is not only a military leader but also one that must have his troop's loyalty. But without giving up the one thing that may very well be the deciding factor in any battle, Discipline. Training and discipline that he and his Colonels have been preaching about ever since the fall of Never Winter. And so he continued to read the reports giving from all that were present at the battle. At long last he had finished reading the reports. His gaze turned out towards the vast empty plain that was Hades. How he wished to be a simple ranger once again, perhaps even a simple Dark Squire. Able to run free and wild, to hunt the good folk of the land as he pleased. Suddenly his thoughts were shattered by knock on his door. "Enter", with out looking up he knew it to be Exodus checking in on him. "Sir, is everything in the room OK?" Exodus said. Smiling to himself he nodded, "yes excellent work my old friend". With that Exodus turned to leave. "Hold Exodus, send word that I wish to speak to Drizts and Criz ASAP!" With a slight nod of his head he was gone. Once again he was alone with his thoughts. But these were not pleasant thoughts. For soon he would have to play his role as a general and he wasn't in the mood to do so. He found himself thinking about Stormie a lot more than he should. But that is another story and another place. Patently he continued his wait for the two warroirs he had sent for.

After receiving her orders from Peron to go gather some provisions for the journey they were about to undertake. Angela slowly wraps herself in her cloak and head out into the night muttering. Walking out of the building she happened to walk into Blaze and his flaming mutt. Burning her finger as they came to close to her, Blaze looked back at her, slightly smiling, "That should teach you from acting on your curiosity" Angela rolled her eyes, gritting her teeth from the pain. She shook her head, walking past them and out into the night. "As if I would wanna touch them damn dogs or anything associated with them" Angela screamed loudly, letting go some of the pain. "It's bad enough I get to be one to go shopping, yeah let's send the girl shopping so she can get all the supplies" Angela continued the muttering and mumbling as she picked through the items in the store. "Hmmmph they probably got one of the girls in there to do all their cooking also I bet, lazy" She stopped in her tracks calming her slight tirade, feeling something strange go through her body, a strange sensation, a slight tingling. Focusing slightly and calming her ranting. Angela slammed her hand down on the counter in the store. "Great I get sent out here and there's a fight going on back there... sure.. just my luck" Now mumbling about her luck of always being left out and in the wrong place at the wrong time, Angela continues looking through the market place. After gathering the supplies she thought they were going to need, she began to venture back. Halfway there another sensation hit her. "Again" she growled feeling slightly worthless in the ability to help her brethern in any way. Angela quickened her steps, anger feeding the momentum. She reached back to her home, all the excitement in the courtyard had died down and was over. Angela dropped the bag she had gathers of supplies at Peron's feet. Noting a sense of displeasure on her face Peron inquired to ask why, "I always miss out on all the fun" Angela said, folding her arms and sitting down in a chair quickly, still scowling. Peron slightly laughed shaking his head, "I'm sure there will be plenty more 'fun' to come".

(Still laughing at the thought of Angie burning her fingers again on Nanuk, didn't notice the 6 figures trying to hide on the road ahead) "Man that Angie will just never learn to leave my dog's alone..." After Blaze says that he notices that Flicker and Burnt ( 2 of the Invis dogs) start to growl and Point to the road way. Blaze not wanting to make a mistake at his first real test of Guarding the castle, decides to mind link his brother Slayer... who is probably just eating ...again...."Brother I need you at the castle gate, we have intruders" Blaze also Notifies Vik and Peron as he turns Ethereal to check out the disturbance......
(Flying low to the ground just behind his dogs) "You there Stop now or be beheaded in the name of the Serpent..." Blaze hears no answer.... Thinks to himself and to flicker and burnt.... Attack and let none move but one.
Seeing the chance to surprise these trespassers the 2 dogs attack the nearest man, obviously a hireling, for he died within the first few seconds from the dogs tearing at him. Blaze notices 2 on the opposite side preparing spells to counter the dogs, decides to see if the human body can take a direct hit by an ethereal being....NOPE... Blaze completely flew right through the both of them, turning their bodies into flaming shards of flesh.. Ahh 3 left...As Blaze turns to see who was left (as he switches to Human form) did not notice 1 of the men firing an arrow at him, catching him in the ribbs. (Blaze knowing that it was a bad move, decides to call to the dogs to chase down the other 2 men, and he would take care of the one that shot him.)
Blaze Staring directly at the man--You will pay severely for this, and knowing he cannot cast for his breath is short cause's a simple cantrip which lights the mans feet on fire...The other 2 men were dispatched by the dogs as fast as they stood.... You hear screams of pain as the man is burning from the feet up. Suddenly Blaze feels a rush of wind behind him...It is Vik casting hold upon the last man, then dousing his fire.... "We Need him for questions and Torture, Good Job Blaze and your Mutts" ....................

The sun is bright on this morn. It would be quite hot if not for the slight breeze blowing in from the west. Slayer emerges from his ramshackle hut, and looks out at the world before him. Not a terrible place altogether lots of trees and plenty of fresh water. The game animals in this land are odd to say the least. There are large furry animals kinda like there deer I used to hunt back in the Neverwinter wood, but three times as large and with huge racks on there heads that are flat in a way. The meat that comes from them is tough and gamey, but nourishing. The first five days I was in this strange land I walked and walked. Never seeming to go anywhere, leaving my camp in the morning and ending up there at the end of the night. No matter which direction I went I'd end up at my camp that I left in the morning. It seemed I was stuck in this area. Now its two weeks later, well what seems like weeks anyway, I've been at this same spot trying to find away back. My magic is ineffective here. I have called out to my kin but there is still no answer....will there be answer? Slayer thinks back to the battles he has fought at the side of his brethren, and hopes in the name of Hades his brethren will answer his call.

He hears a small signal, one he is not used to...it is a WOH mind wave, but not one he has heard recently. Was it...Slayer? Yes, it is...where is he? Suddenly another call comes to him. "Phantom, Vikar told me to ask if you have heard from any of the brothers or sisters who have not yet reported." "Nicole! Yes, I have, I need your help on this one. Slayer has called; he is beyond my reach. Tell Vikar he needs to have a beacon put out to Slayer. Also, I have heard Stormie's calls again, make sure to tell Peron that we have to move NOW!" "Phantom, anything else?" "Yes, find out how Kyrst is doing for me. Oh yea, welcome back Sis!" With a smile on her face Nicole reports to Vikar and Peron, Phantom begins to try to contact Stormie again.

Returning from the small confrontation at the gate, Vikar opens the door to his office to see that both Criz and Dritz have reported as ordered. Without saying a word he seats himself at his desk. and then levels his hardest glare on the two warroirs that stand before him. Immediately the two warroirs know this is not a social call but that Vikar means business. "Who gave either of you the permission to open the gates to the then unknown intruder?" Vikar asks. The two warroirs look at each other and then back to Vikar. Criz looks as if he is going to reply, when Dritz cuts in first. "Sir, No one did. We saw that blaze was in trouble and we went to assist him." "Hmm I see, and for this we lost another warrior at the hands of this intruder and had another injured. If not for Peron's and then beast's timely intervention, we may have had more casualties. Next time u will inform the Colonel on watch or myself or a member of the high council. This no time for playing heroes but a time for team work. For the next two weeks you will both double sentry duty. Is that understood." Both the warroirs nod their heads and turn to leave. On their way out Exodus enter the room. "Boss, Viper and his team will be heading to seal up the crypt shortly." "That's great news Exodus. Keep me informed on there progress". And with that Vikar returns to the task of sorting out the mess with Kryst. True she was called by the serpent, and true she was not a known member when she killed the warrior. But the fact remains she did kill one of us. Should charges be brought against here? Or is this a matter for the whole council to decide? Shaking his head, Vikar finally decides that he must bring this matter before Quin. And with that, he quickly begins his search for Quin.

After another long lonely day she lays down to sleep. As usual her dreams keep her tossing and turning all night. But this night a different dream invades her. In the dream her mother and father appear before her. They inform her that she has a brother but before they can tell her who he is she is jolted out of that dream into another. In this dream she sees Phantom before her. He tells her that they are looking for her. Stormie not believing him shakes her head violently saying that he is not real he is trying to trick her. Just then the two that feed her brought in more food and drink. They awaken her by slamming it down on the floor. Stormie sits down on the floor and starts to nibble on the bread, she decided that she should eat some so she can think.

Angela sits back in a chair, slowly surveying the room and all those within the room. Removing her sword from her side, she slowly polished it, making sure the blade was sharp and strong. She looks around the room once more, wondering when are they going to get moving to try to save Stormie from where ever she is or whatever may be holding her. Angela examines her sword again, never liking to wait around. She begins to become more impatient.

::: Devlyn slams her book closed in frustration:: AHHHH!!! I will never learn all these spells by heart! :::Devlyn rubs her temples::: My head is pounding, and I need a break from these books. ::Devlyn stands up from her chair and raises her arms in the air for a full stretch:: Maybe a walk around the grounds will clear my head. ::As Devlyn reaches a secluded part of the keep, she begins to relax and slowly lowers herself to the ground beneath the shade of some large trees:: ***many hours later*** ::Devlyn jumps awake. At first confused of her surroundings, her mind begins to focus. It is now dark outside:: I can't believe I slept that long..I have to get back..I've got so much more to read. :::As she starts to rise, she hears a twig break off to her right. She stays in a crouched position, not knowing if it is man or beast that has awakened her. The only source of light is a torch approximately 30 feet away, and directly in front of her. The thing in the darkness begins to move again, she can hear it circling her. Devlyn is almost positive it hasn't seen her or smelled her yet. It moves away from her, getting closer to the wall...closer to the light. Devlyn can start to see a vague outline of..of what she is not quite sure, but of one thing she is certian..it is not human in form. Devlyn feels it is safe to move and hides behind the base of the nearest tree. Peering around she can see its whole form. It is huge! She guesses its color to be black..black as the darkest pit in hell. Devlyn concentrates with all her might..hoping to reach a brother or sister.:: ::Angela hears Devlyn's call for help:: "Someone come to the extreme westside of the keep, behind the mess hall..There is something here, please be careful, but come quickly"::With Angela hearing Devlyn's message, she goes in search for her sister, wondering what Devlyn has seen.

All at once, Angela receives Dev s message for help but it is followed by a dark response. Do not take offense. Return to your actions Warriors once they have been reborn fear little if none, however this voice caused a chill in both Dev and Angela .Dev twice more since his presence also strengthened the fear. The stranger continues onto the castle while Dev continues to watch from her position. She is not the only one frozen in fear. The creature suddenly disappears with a sudden flash of light.
:BOOM, BOOM:
Enter .Yes Vik? , replies Quin without changing his pace in his paperwork. Quin, I have dealt with both Dritzs and Criz about the matter that happened in the courtyard however what are we to do about Kyrst? She did in fact kill one of her brethren. We cannot just let this action go without it s due Stated Vikar. You will do nothing of the sort a voice stated from behind yet another stack of books. Looking puzzled, Vikar turns his attention now towards this voice. Yes milord, However, I am not questioning your decision but rather asking for the reasoning behind which? asked the General.
Vikar, you were not present at the skirmish correct? Cutting Vikar off from answering, Beast continues. The warrior that had befallen under Kyrst s blow was that of Lakor. If a warrior is truly smote by the hand of a mortal their soul escapes to feed the power of their Lord to which they carry his name. There was not such a display. Kyrst sensed this and Lakor s demise was not an accident but rather an action to protect this castle at all cost. Lakor was already dead before she killed whatever it was that took up his form. Now, let s turn our attention to the matters at hand. Beast grabs up a book, knocking over several others and almost tripping over one of them. He advances over to the large table in the center of the room.
Quin, you really need to re-organize this place. Are you kidding, I finally got it just the way I like it and I know where everything is. Special filing system that I ve got arranged. Quin laughs. Beast opens the book to present something to Vikar when a knock on the door occurs once again.
Enter
The Warriors Max, Jozix, Raider, and Mikael are here to see you milord replies Blaze Looking up from his writing, Well we will not have enough room in here, have them gather in the Council chambers and we will meet them shortly. States Quin.
Turning his attention back to those present, Gentlemen, shall we convene unto the Council Chambers. Standing up from his desk, Quin grabs his stein of ale along with a few books and charts, instructing Vikar to grab the remaining items. Beast pauses for a brief moment. A single bead of sweat trickles down his forehead. He wipes it away oblivious to Quin taking notice.
Max, you re getting to be an old man , Prods Beast jokingly. Surprise embracing the faces of all in the room. And from under what barrel of ale did you drag your drunken carcass from? Replies Max The two warriors jokingly acknowledge each other as the others in the room give homage to their past leader. With joking aside, I know that for which we have been called is not that of good times and drunken memories. I have been informed of the situation with Stormie and this threat known as the Dark One I ve also been told of the past warriors who s souls he has acquired and that they are forced to serve under him. What I don t understand it the one s involved with the Dark one, I ve fought along side of them. Where did they learn this power to steal souls from the Serpent himself? Magi enters the room with a series of followers, each armed with trays full of food. This doesn t fall under my normal duties but I was quite hungry myself, figured the rest of you would be of the same state.
A series of attack on the servers which caused the sudden removal of their trays from their arms began before Magi finished his statement. It was obvious that Max and Joz had the longest of travels and they got here as fast as they could, foregoing any need to stop and hunt for provisions. While each member consumed their dinners, Beast stood to answer Max s previous question.
It seems that this Dark One receives all of his power from an ancient orb. Something so powerful that you cannot fathom. For those with the power to handle it, upon touching the orb it with either kill them, in which the orb will contain the power of their soul, or it will turn them mad. Not even Gods wish to harness the power of this orb for it is rumored to haunt the minds of those who can control it. This is how they received the power to remove and intercept souls from the Underworld. Which reminds me, I have searched all of Styx to locate the soul of which Magi sent, Ion, and I have yet to find evidence of his presence there. Which brings me to suspect actually, I know that the Dark One has Ion under his control as well. Upon Beast s connotation to the Warriors, another trickle of sweat was noticed upon his forehead. This time Quin was to take turn as to inquire about this problem. Before he could intercede, a fear was driven deep into his heart, causing him to clutch at his chest. Beast knew full well what was happening as he watched the remaining members present follow in the same pursuit. A bright light exploded in the room revealing a character, which they were unprepared and defenseless to. Beast looked to the being as it began to go through a series of changes, forcing its body to convulse. Within seconds, where once stood a creature which we had not seen, stood the body of a man.
Do you realize how foolish you have been?
You could have announced growled Beast removing his hand from his chest.
A large smile caressed his face, Why, and miss out on the expressions I receive from you, I think not. replied Hades. The room was in a stupor for only had Beast and Quin seen the Serpent s true form. In order for Hades to visit the castle he was to change to the form of a lesser being so that the minds of those who follow can fathom his words and not focus on the fear. as I was saying, (looking at both Beast and Quin) FOOLISH! This Dark One has the power to look through the orb into other worlds to see the actions present in view. You have been fortunate enough for it does not allow the passage of sound, just that of sight. Each action you have taken upon him, he has known well in advance, giving much time for preparations needed. I cannot spend much time present here for my powers block out his ability to see within the Castle, but he will know that I am here and that I have to be in this weakened state in order for me to speak with you. The Dark One has a lair. He has the ability to open a portal and move this lair from plane to plane in the levels of the Abyss. He also can move from Realm to Realm however that requires more time and energy to accomplish that feat. This is the true reason why you have not been able to find him along with Stormie. Once they pass through a portal, the remnants of the magics used to create the portal masks their true location. Once the magics start to fade, they open another portal and move once more. Not to intervene Lord Hades, but exactly how are we to defeat this dark one with him knowing our every move, his ability to move his lair to different places, and within his possession is this orb. No disrespect Lord but from the research I ve done on this orb, it s got powers that can defeat Immortals such as yourself and it only grows with power and strength from those it comes in contact with, or defeats. Queries Max. Beast raises his arm as a notion to intervene, spins a book around and points to a picture on a page.