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Chapter 28: The Abolyth, the Magician and the Oracle

What was going on? They were under attack? Nivra's thoughts scattered to the winds as the others shouted what was obvious before her. Their enemies had found them, they'd have to fight for their survival. She shook her head, steeling her focus for what was to come.

Up she sprang with practiced ease, counting twenty sea elven warriors scattered amidst the debris like ants. Unlike before these guards bore well-polished breastplates of gleaming steel, brandished fine, blades with gem encrusted hilts. Others that lingered back trained sizable crossbows upon the adventurers, looking for another well-placed shot. Each of them the cold expression was the same, capture these intruders for their cruel master.

Before she could utter a spell, two of them were already within arm's length. They jabbed and stabbed with what strength they could muster, forcing the magician to leap away in panic. Desperation painted upon her face as she carried on like a dancer, avoiding certain death by seconds at a time. Eventually she slipped in her rhythm, forcing her to use magic to protect herself.

The blades deflected off a shimmering field of magical light, incoming arrows splintered against it's surface. If her opponents were troubled by their attacks failing, they showed no expression, and continued with their assault to distract her from casting any spells. Smart as tactics went, but increasingly frustrating. Thankfully, her friends were like minded.

Achaaz's enraged claws slammed one of the elves to the temple floor. Surprise was painted across their face, mirrored by their friend as Tehya came rushing to Nivra's aid. Her sword met the elves with a vicious clang, neither wishing to give an inch of ground.

“You like picking on frail girls do you? Dare you to try that with me." The minotaur snarled, using her superior strength to send the elf reeling back. When he returned, she deflected his strike and planted a fist square in his fair face. Stunned and bloodied the elf fell back, another taking his place without emotion or concern. “Sorry about your mate, you want what he ordered? Happy to oblige!"

With space to cast, the battle raged around the mage. Swords clashed, roars reverberated across the hall, survival was all that mattered. Despite their equipment and skill, that mattered little to the ways of the arcane. Nivra held her arms out wide, focusing on the sphere of ice she'd summoned on the Bloody Mermaid. She preformed the motions, spoke the words, and loosed it upon her enemies.

In the center of the room came a shimmering ball of light, pleasing and captivating to the eye. It misted, longed to be touched, but within was a deadly trap. With but a command from it's master, the orb exploded into thousands of miniscule fragments. Freezing winds cut through the water, leaving trails of ice within their wake. Stone froze, flesh burned, those too close to the center were turned to statues, never aware of their passing. Shielded by Nivra's talent the adventurers felt not this spell's fury, the same could not be said for the enemy currently quarreling with them.

Though slowed and forced to contemplate their strategy, this was but an annoyance to their master's resolve. Dusting themselves off from the frost, only a handful lay dead, the others continued their assault, vengeance gleaming in their eyes. Arrows came to pelt the mage for her trouble, shredding her robes and drawing blood from her shoulder.

As the adventurers fought for their lives with spell and steel, a champion came clawing their way across the hall. An ilbir towered over the elves, pale blue eyes cruel and determined. With his muscular arms he cleaved the water aside, his navy cloak fluttering behind him. Clasped tight within his hands was a longsword, glowing bright as a forge from tip to hilt. Ignoring the pain he savagely slashed, seeking to bisect Nivra down the middle. If not for Feku's spell affecting his sword, he might have very well succeeded. Even still he came harrowingly close, cleaving off several raven locks.

“I'll handle the mass of them!" Asterion shouted, rushing a squad of elves. Around him came a mass of spectral, golden hammers, whirling about hungry for blood. Those they met were battered aside in a flurry of denting armor and shattering bones. Two were unlucky enough to catch hammer's between the eye, with a sickening crack their lives were over.

“Get away from Nivra!" Feku shouted from a hiding spot among the dais, increasing the heat of her heated metal. To her dismay the brutish warrior ignored her, continuing his attack on the queen. “Hey that not fair! You suppose to yell and drop!"

Nivra couldn't help but agree as she stared down this imposing catman. If he wasn't trying to kill her, she might have flushed at how little he wore. When his blade drew sliced her cheek, she knew she couldn't stay any longer. With a twirl of her staff she disappeared with a puff of grey smoke. As he searched frantically for his missing target, she crept her way towards Feku's hiding spot.

The kobold's scales were bone white, her eyes chasms of fear. Every spell she cast was accompanied with trembling claws and tail. Though the others were surrounded, locked in life and death struggles, no one had considered the lone little lizard any threat.

With a composed breath, Nivra took stock of the situation, realizing how dire their situation still was. All around this battlefield, blood wafted along as if in a morning stroll. Weapons lay discarded, their owner's limp hands nearby. Asterion had taken to daring the enemy to come to him, thumping his chest as elves were brutalized by his hammer's kisses. He found himself surrounded by the healthier elves, all to eager to put this uncivilized brute in his place. They punished his boldness with blades and bolts, adding his essence to the cloud of red drifting by.

Tehya and Achaaz found themselves quarreling with the ilbir brute, who was a dervish of attacks himself. Though their attacks against him might have slain dozens of lesser foes, the barbarian was unaffected. His flesh was like steel, his swings pierced the air and scale alike. He was an animal, even using herculean strength to shove Achaaz into the way of his ally's crossbows. With a twang a pained roar shook the halls, the bolts had found their mark.

They had to depart. Even if victory was to be achieved, their was a very good chance someone would perish. Who knew how long until their master arrived, curious on what his minions had found. She began casting the means of their departure what a darkened shape emerged from the back, pale as a corpse it fixed them with three eyes of the darkest void.

Like a shark, the eel like creature cleaved through the water, revealing a maw filled to the brim with rows of sharpened teeth. Three tendrils lined with serrated hooks, latched themselves onto Asterion's side. As the cleric groaned in agony the beast pulled, releasing a crimson cloud as it tore through his flesh. As if in mockery it released him, spinning rapidly in place and batting him to the door with its massive tail. The warrior slumped a beaten mess, his hammers fading with a defeated pop.

What had been a thought was now a desperate demand screaming in her ear. With a thought she shouted to Tehya to retrieve his body, their hope lay in the door. She could seal it with a stone wall, Feku could heal Asterion. Then with that bought time, contemplate how to dig their way our of the proverbial pit they found themselves. As she frantically swam for the door she let loose a billowing cloud of noxious gas, thick as pea soup upon what elves remained across the room. Out of view she knew they were choking, spasming as the toxic tendrils wove their way into their flesh. With all their energy spend fighting them, they'd be dead by the time they hit the stone. She had only a moment to savior her brief victory before the ilbir shot towards her with a vengeance.

In a blur of fur and fangs there was only one thing upon his mind. Death of the mage, death of the strategist. What way can I end her? Despite her using the magic of shield to defend herself, he shattered her defense with his brutish strength. His blade cut through her robes as if they were butter, cutting through her side as she'd tried to retreat. Though she screamed at the pain she should have counted herself lucky, any closer and she might have been severed right down the middle. He did what he'd set out to do, the spell she cast vanished, her concentration lost.

Bloodied, bruised, her muscles aching. Nivra limped her way towards the door. Tehya had been frozen on her way to pluck Asterion up, the sure signs of a hold person spell. They had a magician or cleric as well. Grasping at her dwindling hope, she escaped the ilbir as Achaaz bought their escape with a spine tingling roar.

“Get to the door! I'll cover for you!" Achaaz hissed within their minds, beating the catman away and throwing herself between them and the patiently waiting abolyth behind.

“We can't leave without-“ Feku began, but Achaaz cut her off with a wicked snarl. There was no time for arguments, she knew what was at stake. Their lives.

Pulling on the bard, Nivra did what she was told, reaching the massive door in a manner of breaths. She hadn't a light, her mind was too scattered, so what lay before them was a blackened void. Dangers and threats no doubt lurked within, yet the worst monstrosity that her mind could conceive was currently behind them. She held onto the smooth stone, already preparing the wall of stone upon her lips. The moment Achaaz passed them, she'd seal them inside.

The abolyth seemed to get the same idea. Again, it emerged from the debris, the trio of it's eyes locked upon the bloodied dragon. Into her hide it dug its treacherous tendrils, battering her snout next with it's tail as she thrashed in pain. It held tight despite the dragon's rebuttal slicing sections out of it's oily hide. There would be no escape, the dragon was theirs.

Could she wait any longer? Time seemed to slow to a crawl. Without the dragon there would be no escape, they'd trade drowning for being eternal slaves. She considered dropping the spell from her attention and losing the energy, facing the fact they'd have to try another way. Just as she was about to do so, something bizarre emerged from the whirlwind of combat. The ilbir barbarian was back, but he carried Tehya and Asterion under his muscular arms.

Pumping his powerful legs the catman shot towards them, eyes locked on Feku, who was whispering under her breath. Inches below his previous master he passed, not even giving the creature a passing glance. All that mattered was their friends held within his massive arms. Before Nivra could question he was already inside, guided by the kobold's frantic gestures.

“Ready?" Achaaz slammed her legs into the abolyth's belly, her claws ripping through flesh. She propelled herself with what strength she had left, tearing free of it's wretched grip. Towards the door she surged, like an arrow loosed from a bow. The abolyth recovered and pursued, not content to let it's quarry slip away again.

Nivra shot up her hands timing the spell so her friend wasn't crushed by the suddenly shooting up of a solid wall of stone. With a thunderous crack, darkness enshrouded them all, bringing with it a comforting safety. The abolyth had been forced to break off it's pursuit. They'd somehow survived the ordeal.

With trembling limbs, the future queen collapsed with her back to her summoned wall. She couldn't see how she quivered but knew how a chill had clasped its way around her neck. The other's chatter of relief was lost on her as she panted in a haze of disbelief. Her heart was pounding in her ears, her breath short and strained. She took a minute to gather her thoughts, pull herself back to reality. This wasn't the end, there was still much to do. She clacked her staff against the ground, summoning back their only source of light.

Tattered beyond belief, her robes bore the wounds of sword and bolt. She shifted, pain pierced through her like a lance. Wincing she clasped tight the wound, tiny swirls of red twirled away from her. With a groan she told herself she was going to be fine, just a flesh wound. The beauty of having healing magic at your disposal, such things didn't last too long to trouble you. That was if they still had the energy. She peered up, finding them troubled, bruised, no better off than she. Asterion lay unconscious, his flesh pale, his blood flying away. Feku was hovering over him, her scales white, whimpering as she sung to him, using what energy she had to tend to his wounds. Tehya was right behind her, arms crossed with a look of concern painted about her features. Achaaz had slumped over, curling in on herself, grimacing at the scores of arrows that had wedged themselves across her side.

They'd been lucky despite their problems. Each could have been struck dead, the arrows wedged themselves deeper. Nivra calmed herself without a word, knowing better than to disturb them as they worked. In grim silence, the tension built, the only break being the tender notes of the kobold. Her effort was rewarded, when the warrior shuttered, coughed, and groggily opened his eyes.

“You make it! I just knew it!" Feku cried, leaping into the warrior's chest. He winced as she pulled him tight. “Now you can heal proper!"

“Good thing too cleric." Tehya scoffed, hiding her fear. “Quite the beating those elves gave us. See why that thing wanted them so badly." She rose her head with a glimmer of pride, lightly thumping her chest. “I got four well enough."

“Guess you can take comfort in that." Achaaz rolled her eyes, tracing along the towering wall. She shivered, knowing they'd break it down eventually. “For however long we have left."

“Don't you worry." Asterion sat up, clutching at his sides as he coughed. Wearily he looked to the others, whispering a chant to korde's grace. From the wave of his hand came a flash of crimson light. Blood red threads connected them all for a fraction of a moment, whirling about their chests. Jagged pain spread about them as wounds sealed themselves, blood was born anew, arrows were pushed free of their wretched homes. Though everyone shook with gritted teeth, they gasped in relief just the same when it passed.

“Count on korde to not coddle his followers with his healing." Tehya gasped, clenching tight her fists as the others continued to pant and catch their breath. She searched what cuts she had, finding them gone. “Better to steel the heart instead of soften it."

“Well said sister Tehya." Asterion replied softly, leaning up against the ancient door. “Shows that korde thinks well of me in these troubling times. Guess he doesn't view me as a coward." He rose a questioning brow to Tehya, making the minotaur avert her gaze.

“You can stop that look, both of us knew I meant nothing by it. Heart got ahead of the brain." She scuffed her hoof against the ground. “Besides, I saw you charge headfirst into that lot. Took nearly a dozen with you with those hammers."

The bull laughed with a grim smile, appreciating the sport. “Only because they'd used their energy in avoiding our queen's wrath over there." He gave her an approving nod. “Not bad for a finger wiggler eh?"

“Don't need convincing me any further." Tehya groaned, rapping her knuckles against the summoned, smooth stone. “Always keep your eye on the mage, take them out first." She paused, “Which begs the question." She turned to Nivra with a hopeful look, betrayed by the glimmer of despair. “Got another one of those up your tattered sleeves? I feel like our new friend deserves another one to choke on."

Nivra shook her head, she was drained. A spell like that would tax her too much, possibly even kill her. Silently she cursed the magical creatures such as dragons. They had fewer spells, but more powerful ones. “You've caught me in a weakened moment I'm afraid. The invisibility to get her, the Cloudkill, Nivra's freezing sphere, the stone wall…" She grew quiet, resting against the wall. Her shoulders heaved as a heart wrenching sigh escaped her lips. “Positively tapped."

“Ah." Tehya remarked, with disappointment. “Shame. I'd have liked to see an abolyth popsicle." She crouched back down to Asterion, searching his eyes. “How about you eh? Feeling any better? Not every day you're saved from death. One must remember to not be smacked about by a sea monster's tail."

“It was frustrated I wasn't as weak willed." He tapped his skull with a chortle. “Too stubborn and shut, it preferred more easier prey." Silence took the cleric as he shifted himself to get comfortable, once he did it was Tehya's eyes that captivated him. For a moment she was all that he cared about, a smile creased his muzzle. “Tehya, has anyone mentioned your eyes are marvelous? The finest jade could not compare."

Tehya blushed, snapping away to Feku with a concerned look. “He's clearly delirious. Kobold, are you certain he's okay?"

As they pondered and bickered among themselves, Nivra's thoughts went inward, brooding on the events. Her failure that had made this happen. Her arrogance had cost them again, this creature was more devious than she imagined. She twirled a raven lock as a chill trickled down her back. Now they were trapped, sealed within an elder tomb, only a matter of time until the abolyth had it's minions shatter their last defense. She clenched tight her eyes, whispering to herself there had to be a way out. Shandalar had always insisted that be so. She took in the oppressive darkness.

What secrets lay within? The hall must have been vast, for her light hadn't reached the other side. The walls? That she could see, limestone walls with dwarven runes chiseled into their surface by a steady hand. Curiousness pulled her from her rear, guided her to the wall. She lay a hand upon the smooth surface, not quite placing the craftmanship. Clearly it wasn't the dragon, it lacked the grand-ness of the previous hall. Runework suggested the dwarves, but they'd make something meant to be under the sea? She tapped her chin in contemplation, turning and catching the sour filled looks upon the faces of the others. Despite their victory, they counted themselves among the doomed. Her heart sank.

No! Her thoughts screamed, sounding more like Arcturus with each passing moment. That's what the creature beyond that wall would want. For them to await their death, not even scramble for a solution. What kind of a wizard or knight wouldn't even attempt a solution? She stood tall, shaking her head free of doubt, with a deep breath she composed herself as she strolled to the others with a confident gait.

“No sense in just sitting around here dawdling." She tapped her staff against the stone. “To do that is to accept our deaths, and to that absurd suggestion I offer a resounding no." She bent low, helping Asterion stand. (Even if he did most of the work.) “We either find a way to escape this place underneath whatever that thing has for a nose, and figure out what lays further within this temple." She looked around, all their eyes were upon her, their tongues were stilled. “And any suggestions to the contrary will be thrown out. Understood?" She whirled around as Achaaz, who'd muttered something insisting she should have stayed home.

Under the wizard's serious stare, the dragon shut her snout. She sighed and rolled a paw, insisting that she continue.

“Good. Anyone else?" Again she looked around, no reply. They gave her a nod. Good. She put on a confident grin, one to keep their spirits rising. She gently tapped Asterion's chest. “Asterion. Got any of those pass wall spells left in you?"

“Tried it when you were meditating on the riddle." He shook his head, his voice laced with disappointment. “Something had been done to the stone. It's enchanted or lined with metal."

“Who lines stone with metal?" Feku questioned, her snout wrinkling.

“Someone clever, wishing to ward against ones such as us." He crossed his arms with a heavy snort. “Which means we're going to have to be more so."

“We could turn invisible and slip out again." Achaaz planted a paw, the scales of the limb already resembling Asterion's jelly like flesh. Everyone went silent and stared, eyes wide with questions. “Not one solitary word." She snarled, righting their attentions. “I'm quite aware of the situation. Won't exactly matter if we're caught in the next few minutes will it?"

That was true, and her plan could work in theory. They after all had already done so for two whole days. The question was, would the Abolyth be fooled yet again? Nivra looked back to her sturdy handiwork. There was no sounds of tapping, scraping, no dull thumps of a heavy body slamming it. There appeared to be no rush, which meant it was calling for help. In minutes or hours those halls would be filled with its brainwashed followers. “That can be a wonderful secondary plan, but I'd not like to rely on it. It's already shown the ability to predict what we'll do. Who's to say it won't see through that ploy this time?" She strolled around the dragon with a heavy sigh, resting a palm on her scaled shoulder. “I say we head further into the temple, find out what needed so much extravagant protections."

“You'd rather take a chance on that, than one with invisibility?" Achaaz's frills fluttered in confusion, her head cocked. “We have no idea what's inside."

“You're suggesting we not investigate something? Here I thought you were called the curious."

The dragoness paused, her frills fluttering back and forth. She snapped away, her eyes closed. “Not enough to put my life on the line."

“And yet you joined a pirate ship out ta sea?" Tehya shook her head with a deep chortle. “Ya make no sense dragon."

Nivra cut her off with a wave of the hand. “Anyone else have a better idea?"

“I was going to suggesting fighting them." Tehya rubbed her hands. “Guess we can do that further inside. Satisfy the queen's curiosity a smidgen."

“But what if what's in there is any worse?" Achaaz asked, killing what cheer could be found. As the silence fell, their hope dwindled further.

Even the ilbir that they'd brought along was nodding in agreement, pretending that he could hear them through the water. Nivra's eyes went wide, her blood turned to ice. In all the excitement and planning, she'd entirely forgotten about him!

The ilbir was a scene of calm, his once fierce pale-blue eyes were replaced with kindness. Standing well over them all burly arms crossed across his chiseled chest. His fur was that of a snow leopards, grey as the primary color, a white furred chest. Silver spots were scattered from his feet all the way to his dark grey, furry ears. He grinned at the attention, his large ivory fangs glistening in the light. Fluttering and tied around him was a navy and black cloak, ending in a tail like a stingray. This and the scabbard for his sword and loincloth tied around his waist were the only things he wore. He bowed politely when Feku neared, taking the red health potion she offered. He uncorked the unsavory concoction and downed it in a single swig.

“Why did he come along?" She pressed forward, pulling Feku around by the shoulder, away from the towering man. The ilbir didn't react aggressively but flashed her a protective glare. The wizard softened her stance. “What happened?"

All eyes travelled between the kobold and that of the snow leopard, sabretooth tiger man at her side. Feku smiled and slung an arm around his massive hand, her scales turning green. “I saved him from abolyth!" She blurted, “When Tehya frozen, we need muscles. I thought, who strongest arm in place? Cat man!" She tapped the man's thighs with excitement, drawing out another respectful bow.

He seemed alright, he wasn't trying to murder them. His grey mane like hair gently fluttered in the water. Nivra and the others regarded him with questioning expressions. She was the first to ask. “How?"

“Charm spell." Feku stated with a shrug, as if it were the simplest thing on the planet. “Fight fire with fire. That saying right?" She turned to the ilbir, who seemed to hear her and nodded.

“Well…He packs a wallop." Tehya rubbed her shoulder from where the cat had slammed into her. “Sure, he won't just turn on us?"

“He can't with magic up." Feku beamed as the others shared concerned gulps. “Ok, fine. If he act up, we just beat him up again." She waved her claw back and forth, “Or I recast spell. Deal?"

The kobold had a point, and a tight solution. They just needed to make sure none of them injured him and troubled the spell. Back and forth they debated his inclusion, coming to the agreement that there was no reason to turn down this gift. Besides, they all agreed they saved him from a fate worse than death."

Asterion gave a final nod, “Korde would be honored by his strength." The bull extended a hand in friendship. The ilbir nodded and shook in earnest.

“What is his name anyway?" Achaaz turned to the kobold, who was ever so proud of her good deed. It almost cast away their concern about the abolyth.

“I didn't think of that!" She exclaimed, wheeled around, and tapping the ilbir's side. When she gestured and he leaned down, she whispered something in his fuzzy ear. It twitched and he gave a nod, then gestured for her to turn. When she did, he whispered something into hers. “I got it, it's Ten."

“Ten?" Nivra rose her brow, exchanging confused looks with the other. She chortled, realizing it must have been a mistake. No one could possibly just be named 'ten'.

Feku nodded enthusiastically. “Ten it is. He gonna help, most happy with rescue."

Not wishing to get into such a trivial debate over the man's supposed name, they dropped the issue and let Feku keep referring to her kitty man as 'Ten'. In a matter of minutes Asterion had them all physically fine, not a trace of their ordeals left on them. The warrior cleric did warn they would be sore the next day, they were more concerned with the surviving the current one. At a gesture they continued in silence, pressed tighter than a flock of gryphons enduring a Diil Diin's night, by far the coldest month of them all. Guided by Nivra's solitary they wished their salvation lay just a breath away.

*

“And I say to you, what good will this do us in the grand scheme of things? A riddle? Might as well throw poetry at the Abolyth to see how good it will do." Achaaz snorted to the others, slamming down her paw and wiggling her frills. “Its just decoration." She gestured to the alcove they'd found themselves in, carved out of the temple walls. Runes had guided them here, scrawled about like the ravings of a madman. To the dragon's dismay, it hadn't been that far of a swim from the doors, the abolyth would have no issue in finding them. She tried to hide her fear with a low, guttural growl in her chest. “Lets just leave it and go."

Nivra was the one to sigh, resting a palm on one of the numerous figures of stone lovingly crafted from the stone. They were human in shape, their expressions blank, all arranged in various poses. How puzzling she thought, they seemed to almost be trapped within a bizarre dance, or casting a spell.

“And why does it say my name?" She flicked attention to a small section in runes above.

“It doesn't say your name." Achaaz countered with a grunt, shifting her attention away. “It only mentions the words future and queen. How very presumptuous of you. Did you think it could be referring to the generations of sea elves outside?"

“Then why are the statues of humans?" Feku pointed out, tapping a stone figure with their arms spread into the shape of a crescent moon.

The dragoness didn't have an answer as her frills flushed in embarrassment. “Are they? The runes are in dwarven, perhaps they are tall dwarves?"

“Who's the one who sounds crazy now?" Tehya nudged Asterion. “Dwarves, elves, humans, who else could have left these messages to the future? Probably just an old artist thinking their being wise or deep."

Was it simply that though? The minotaur could have had a point, yet the mage couldn't let it go. Deep within her gut a nerve had been struck, her attention could not deviate. Within her soul she knew this was the answer. She'd never been surer than anything in her life. She reread the poem above again, not even turning to face the others as they squabbled.

The dragoness tossed her head at their stubbornness, not willing to face they'd simply fallen into a dead end. Could they not hear the scraping sound whispering from the wall? She frowned, no, they probably couldn't, their ears were far weaker than hers. She went to speak but Nivra had already spun around, thrusting a finger to her nose.

“Save the doom and gloom for someone else. Besides, where else are we supposed to go?" She gestured to the dead end to their right. “Batter our heads against the wall?"

“Fine." She groaned, letting the wizard have a moment to think, “Just try to speed it up, we have guests plinking away at the door."

“So soon?" Asterion snapped to the far wall, his eyes sharpened. “I thought we had more time."

“Evidently our enemy isn't as frightened as we thought." Tehya clenched her snout tight, grinding her teeth. “Guess that just means we have to remind it. Isn't that right?" She nudged Asterion, who gave her a stoic nod in reply.

“It's not immortal, that's for certain." Achaaz huffed, glaring at the wall of stone. Her snout wrinkled, she gagged, “Tasted terrible, like rotten fish. Definitely had blood. You know what that means." She gestured to the minotaurs.

“If it bleeds, we can kill it." Tehya stated, cracking her knuckles.

Nivra started to pace, rapidly tapping her head, her eyes clenched shut. She could feel thousands of eyes upon her every movement. When the silence came from the others it was almost deafening. Thoughts swirled around her skull like a terrible storm, knowing if they didn't find the answer they'd be doomed. She froze in place, her eyes shot open. Spinning on her heel she faced the others, clicking her fingers. “I got it." She leaned back, caressing her chin, “Well, I think I do. Remains a hypothesis until I test it."

“What would that be?" Asterion asked with genuine interest in his eye.

“The poem is a solemn one, it speaks of shadowy deaths and those not remembered. 'Though their hearts may have stopped, their bodies shattered, their service is still not at an end. Kings, queens, warriors, clergy, knights, all of them swore an oath to their kinsman and country."

“Sounds like the minotaur tales." Tehya nodded, “Figures dwarves have something similar."

“But this place isn't dwarven is it. It's a dragon temple at the bottom of the sea with elven guards." She gestured to the silent halls around them. Though they bore no markings, she could swear that scores of eyes waited just below the surface. Penetrating ones, judging ones, pained ones, those that just wished to be released. “Then it brings me to this." She gestured to the staff, leaning it forward and almost sweeping Ten's eye. She apologized and returned everyone's attention. “The 'dance' the figures is doing is a spell, you'll notice they have their hands as if able to hold the staff." She thrust the orbed head towards the wall, “The bodies out there? The sacrifices before the dragon? Clearly the abolyth knew this was the answer, just not able to open the door."

“So what are you suggesting?" Achaaz rose a brow, raising her frills. “Cross your fingers and hope it does something?"

“Again, the poem." Nivra replied sternly, tapping the runes with the staff. “The oath to protect their home. The spell will summon an army of the dead to fulfill that promise they swore. We'll have a chance to surprise and best that clever beast out there. The only other thing I can think of is that this is just an elaborate dancing lesson." She shook her head, “I refuse to believe that one."

Silence fell as the others looked about each other, contemplating the queen's plan. No one raised an objection, causing the wizard to beam with pride.

“What do we have to lose?" Tehya shrugged, “We be corned anyway, I like the idea of us having a chance."

As the others nodded and agreed to the suggestion, Ten began to shiver and shake. When they inspected what was wrong, the ilbir would not reply. Suddenly as it began it ended, his head shot up, his eyes were now an inky black. Then came a deep, cold voice within their minds as his head tilted.

“This is what you do, cowering in the dark? The game is over, you've lost. It was as I said human, you fall because I will it."

Everyone recoiled, the minotaur's weapons were out in a flash. Achaaz bared her teeth, issued a threatening growl. Yet the ilbir never entered a combat stance, never even drew their weapon. He merely looked around, puzzled by their reactions.

“Feku's spell must be keeping him from attacking." Asterion stated, gripping his weapon tight.

“Pity." Tehya remarked, “I'd love to have pounded that smug face of his." There was a pause before she corrected herself. “The abolyth I mean. Not to say Ten isn't attractive-“

“You are mistaken minotaur. My existence is something you could not comprehend, I've traveled the seas before your great ancestors were mewing children. You have come here because I wished to know more of the temple, no more. With your task complete there is no more use of you. At least in this regard. You will make fine additions to the puppets I have with me."

“Just a bunch of tall talk from an eel ugly as sin." Tehya blustered, hiding the fear in her eye. “Come on in, my sword be wanting a personal chat with ya."

“And mine as well." Asterion thumped his chest.

“And my claws." Achaaz nodded.

If it was worried, the abolyth didn't let it's puppet reveal it. There was no mocking laugh, no clever retort. It simply continued with that slimy voice, that seemed to suck all what little warmth remained. “Bravado will not help you're plight. Resistance in the end if futile, my will is absolute. You are nothing. Whatever scheme you hope to achieve will fall like all those that have come before you."

Around the room, audible gulps could be heard. Fists clenched tights, arms trembled. Feku whimpered, her scales now a bone white. It was Nivra who was continuing her studying of the dance, pushing whatever ominous threat it had made right out her ears. Though she didn't know it, the others found it comforting. “Can someone shut that thing up?" She finally snapped, glaring daggers at the Ten. “I'm kind of busy and he's seven layers of things I don't want to deal with." She closed her eyes, starting to mime the required actions, focusing on the poem she'd already memorized.

“Your hope dwindles on a poem and dance?" The ilbir snapped to Nivra, avoiding Tehya as she tried to punch the man out. “You will fall like your captain before you."

Tehya grabbed the ilgir by the throat, her eyes alive with fire. She pulled him close, fighting the urge to break this things neck. “What did you just say?"

It had no regard for Ten's life. It merely continued rambling on, taking on the perfect imitation of Beyu's voice. “I suffered so you all know. After you escaped, it needed information…I tried to fight it I truly did." The voice grew softer, beaten, pained, heart wrenching. “But it poked, prodded, shredded apart my mind. Even then it wasn't enough. I was dragged before it's splendor before it gobbled up my brain. My final thoughts were how you had failed me and were not coming to my rescue."

Tehya dropped her out of shock, confusion swirling about her eyes. She didn't know either to denounce this thing as a liar, or throttle the ilbir until it spoke plainly. Nivra was the one to beat her to it.

Whirling around, the mage's blood was an equal mix of ice and fire. Guilt nagged at her for leaving them behind, but it was swept aside by the monsoon of hatred inside. “Listen here you overgrown lamprey. That woman was fine and decent. Far better than deserving whatever you did to her once you got your mits on her. But I swear to whatever shred of her remains within you, that you will not be the end of us. You will not be the end of this city, we have too many people counting on us to return to let ourselves become some twisted puppet thing for your enjoyment. With blood coursing with a righteous like she'd never felt, she continued, her eyes a bright cerulean fire. “So, hear this. For all those souls you've destroyed, beaten, tortured, enslaved, and even eaten. We're going to see you cast from this world this day."

Silence fell between them as Nivra stood defiant, her weapon brandished to Ten as a sword.

“Amusing." Ten simply replied as his metaphorical strings had been cut. The ilbir slumped over, gently collapsing to the tavern floor.

“How rude, guess conversations over?" Achaaz snorted as Tehya stood stunned, frozen in place at what they'd learned.

Nivra laid a hand on her shoulder. Her voice was low and calm, seeing the hurt within the warrior's eyes. Obviously, the captain had been close to her. “Listen here Tehya. My words held truth, I didn't stutter in the slightest. I have no intention of becoming another slave here to do it's bidding."

The minotaur, wide eyed and without words pulled out a dagger from its holster. One that minotaur kept for ritual suicide. “I understand-“

Asterion clasped tight her wrist and guided the blade back to it's home. “I think she meant she was going to kill it."

“Ah." She replied, softly, “Makes more sense." She composed herself with but a close of the eyes and a deep breath. When her eyes opened, the hurt was gone, replaced with only a rage that the minotaur could match. She snapped to Nivra; her eyes sharper than her blades. “Let me guess. Need time to do that spell?"

“Ideally." Nivra nodded, turning to face her assignment. It was all just another test she told herself. Who needed reminding that everyone was counting on her? “Can you keep them off my back if they break through?"

“We can do more than that." Asterion thumped his chest with a determined glint in his eye. “The gods are on our side, they shall fall before our spells and blades."

“Well said. Though all I care about is sinking my blade into that thing's wretched hide. Care to have a wager my good cleric?" Tehya turned, leading the cleric away to prepare their defense.

Achaaz merely coughed, poking her snout towards the princess, and searching her up and down. “Need any help here?" When Nivra politely shook her head, the dragoness sighed, already starting her swim over. “Here's hoping your right. Otherwise, we're dead."

The wizard winced as that fact wasn't lost upon her. Doubt even nagged at her now, insisting it would be for naught. Her father would be right, and in a moment of effort she'd crumble, destined to fail, the frail girl he always insisted she would be. She turned, casting those thoughts away and rose her hands, adopting the first pose. She gave the still white Feku a nod and a smirk. “Don't worry. I was trained by the best."

The kobold nodded back, swishing her way back to the others. Her scales already back to grey.

So, hope remained. Nivra took a deep breath as the sounds of tapping grew ever faster. The abolyth's minions were almost upon them again. She guessed there would be far many more than twenty this time. She focused on all the souls lost within this temple, countless lives brought to an unceremonious end due to that creature's twisted machinations. She begged for them to answer, letting her magic be the beacon they could flock to and find purpose. After all, they'd given her this staff, let her be the one to let their oaths be fulfilled. Around the hall swam through the water, adopting pose after pose and recanting the poem. Within she could feel the magic burning across her muscles like a forge, pressing tight against her fingertips. When she came to it's end the sensation was nearly blinding, but still she held it. Then a section of her wall collapsed.

Asterion surged forward with the others by his side, battering the first sea elf that clambered through. They formed a protective ring around the entrance, viciously tearing apart any brave or foolish enough to test them. Which turned out to be most of them, forced by their relentless master's will. With adrenaline pounding through him, the warrior relished in the combat, delighted in the iron tasting blood around him. He ignored the pain as a passing thing, knowing this was to be a grand story to be told. The time that three and a dragon faced down a false god.

He impaled, cut, slashed, slammed elves down by their throats. Yet, still their enemy came at them like an unending tide, slowly but surely taking what little ground they had. He used spells, assisted the dragoness as she battered them away, but still the elves never stopped. Behind them he caught sight of their abolyth master, waiting, plotting, observing, unwilling to test itself against the dragon so soon.

“I hope you've got something to work with!" Teyha grunted as a cruel blade cut deep across her side. She collapsed backwards as her attacker met the wrong end of a dragon's teeth.

That she did. With her vision clouded with the brightness of a star, Nivra turned to face down his enchanted hoard. Within her beat the hatred of a thousand souls, the vengeance long held of the lost. At her gesture they clawed themselves from the walls, surged through the water as a vortex of ghostly white. Withered features and gnarled limbs, some even bore the wounds that'd killed them. It was horrific and awe inducing in equal amounts, part of her wished to run the second they came to her.

Thousands of dead eyes rested upon her, empty blackened chasms of hate. Vengeance beat within their shattered chests, their claws twitched in anticipation for blood. All the queen had to do would be to give the command, and they'd be happy to oblige. Among them stepped a manifestation of the king of the sea elves, regarding her staff with a forceful look.

She gestured with it, her sharpened eyes falling to the abolyth. Though she knew it wasn't needed. She wanted to see it suffer, see it destroyed, cast down from this world. She stood resolute as the dead flew passed her, eager to rid this world of their hated foe.

Mercy was not to be found as the mass of undeath swept over the charmed elves. No weapon could pierce them, any magic loosed upon them failed. In return the charmed had their throats slit, their torso's punctured, some fell screaming as their eyes turned to mush. One by one they all fell, released from their vile servitude, comfort being found in death. Then came time for the source of it all.

For the first time in its wretched life, the abolyth stared down fear given shape. It whirled around and tried to flee, escape the coming retribution of its victims. It may have been swifter than a gryphon flies, but it proved no match for it's just rewards. Gnarled claws dug through it's oil like flesh, dragging the false god down to the temple floor. It flailed and thrashed as they tirelessly worked, unable to wrench itself from the weight of their fury. In agony it screamed as it was torn limb from limb, it's bloody chunks tossed uncaring to the stone below, until it was nothing more than a disorganized field of gore.

In silence the spirits stood tall, their task complete. They turned as one, exchanging stoic nods to the adventurers for giving them this peace. One by one their flickering forms began to stretch. They reached for the heavens, fading with looks of content on their faces. Stunned, relieved, grateful, Nivra and the others stood amidst the corpses and scattered limbs that decorated the water between them. There was no one else, they'd done what they'd threatened. They'd won.

“Ten!" The kobold's eyes shot wide open as she bolted towards the ilbir's side. Her eyes darted too and fro over his fur, her scales the darkest of blues. No wounds to find she pressed her ear to his chest, her tail gently wiggling, anxiousness painted plainly across her face. A moment passed before she shot up with a giant smile, her scales practically burning viridian. “He ok! Spirits leave alone!"

“How many did you end up getting?" Tehya nudged Asterion with a smirk. But the cleric said nothing, looking around with a grim expression on his muzzle.

He started to swim to the abolyth, ensure that it was dead. “It doesn't matter. We did what we needed to free them."

As Tehya went after him, Nivra couldn't help but agree as she lingered about the carnage. She shivered, a cold seeping into her heart over the scores of innocent lives cut short. It couldn't be avoided; they'd have killed them. Logic demanded she not feel a thing, she did what she needed to. Still, she bowed her head in reverence, offering a silent prayer that they found peace.

*

What had once been a place of light and hope within the troubled world, was nothing more than a bruised and battered battlefield. The remains of their enemy drifted lazily along, blood curling through pale water. A silence had fallen like a heavy sheet, an emptiness lingered about the hall. The adventurers quietly crept, pushing aside the remains of those that challenged them. Feku and Achaaz had taken to searching the dead for any coin or valuables.

“Lyndis would say to look." Feku replied to Nivra's judging glance, her claws filled with glittering coins, shiny baubles, tarnished pins. “Not like they needs them anymore. We need." She held up a single cold coin, spinning it with wide eyes. “Besides, it shiny."

The mage had groaned as Achaaz had nodded along, pushing aside an elf with a bitter grunt. “It's the least they could provide for trying to kill us." She procured a few coins and stashed them within her partner's coinpurse. “But remember, that's my share." She stated bluntly, holding Feku's attention. “Be aware I'm keeping track."

“You no need worry, I not steal." She replied innocently, though the dragon's raised brow contained only more suspicions.

With Nivra's once racing heart stilled and their imminent demise thwarted, the wizard found herself pondering their predicament. Had they missed something? All signs had indicated that the grand door had been the end of their adventure, yet nothing was within but the statues. That couldn't possibly be it could it? She asked herself, caressing her chin, now considering their salvation suspicious indeed. It was too convenient, that was certain. Not something she would have considered in the moment, they were only human, they were about to die. Though now as she searched through the empty hall, the hairs on her neck wouldn't relent their insistent whisper, something was afoot.

“You sense it too?" She asked to Asterion, who'd plucked a sapphire studded scimitar from the cold hands of an elf. She searched him as he found its scabbard, slinging the well-crafted leather around his waist. “I'm surprised you're partaking of the looting. I'd not think it was an honorable thing to do."

“I found a spyglass!" Tehya shouted in pride, tucking it into her pack. “Fetch a fortune back at home for this, or hell just might end up keepin it. What you find kobold and dragon, anything good?"

Asterion simply snorted, his face expressionless. “Maybe not for a human no." He gestured to the dead. “These things are now just flesh, bone and blood. Whatever made them, them, died a long time ago." He peered into the frozen face of a sea elf they'd slain, holding it by it's pale face. He pushed it away with a grunt. “And to your other question. Yes. Far too easy."

“You call that easy? If not for that spell we'd be dead."

“Fortune or convenient." His head rose as he scanned the far corners of the hall. Suspicious eyes darted to every crack or section that one might hide. He shivered, hands hovering over his new blade. “Though we're thousands of miles away, I feel as though I never left the Emerald Lady's domain. Mark my words, there is a plot here." He gripped his weapon tight, taking a tentative step. “It's just yet to reveal itself."

But how could that be? The mage's thoughts went silent. This place had been made thousands of years ago! Surely what they'd found had simply been a defense mechanism, not precisely to solve their exact situation. That would be preposterous! “Of all the explanations, you go with someone pulling our strings from the past?" She gestured to the silent statues, who seemed to be staring right through them. “Like those of the fates or storyteller mages?"

The minotaur grimaced at the mention of the ancient mages, beings who'd overseen the creation of their world. “I've heard of stranger things. Within the forest of despair that beast claimed to see the future, manipulate it to her desire. All she has said has come to pass. A red dragon came to free me, I found my scroll within your city. Now I see the end of my journey within our grasp."

“What did she say it would be?"

“That it would come to pass, brought about by a Lumarian princess. Though I would not find her within the city when I visited." He turned to her with a stoic look, staring as if into her very soul. “Though I wouldn't trust her with much else, I'm glad to see these things have taken shape."

Blood rushed to her cheeks as she rested a palm on his shoulder, a smile coming to her lips. Before she could tell him she was thankful for his company, a booming, regal voice swept through he hall like a storm.

“Ever the wise warrior you are bull. That dragoness is known for her tricks. The undoing of nations she has been, the slayer of countless children, destroyer of those who could have been."

Weapons were in their hands before they could blink, pressed to each other's backs. As anxiousness flicked it's cold tongue across their backs, the others were already dropping what they'd looted and swimming as swiftly as they could to return.

“What was that?" Tehya demanded, her eyes wide.

“A voice of course." Feku muttered, rolling her eyes.

“Question is what it belongs to." Achaaz muttered, “Could we not relish our victory for a minute more before another legendary beast takes it's place?"

“Whose to say it was a legendary voice?" Asterion remarked, gripping his weapon tight.

“Come now, have you seen our luck the past few days? Its going to be an army of them, just watch."

“Its none of those things dear mortals." The brassy voice returned, coming from the snout of an ivory statue. The head shook, it's paws ripped themselves from the temple floor, the grim display was swept away by it's tail. Golden light had condensed within its head, resembling where it's eyes would have been. As they stood in stunned silence, the dragon regarded them with a tilted head. It's maw opened with an amused laugh that shivered through their bones.

“Look at you, all ready to fight to the last. It's all my fault of course." He placed a stony paw to his chest, gently sitting down upon his haunches. “I'd forgotten what frightful beasts you were. Especially after dealing with that abolyth and his minions!" He rose his head, clearing his stony throat. “Well fret not my heart racing friends, I come not to quarrel with you this day. I come to you as an ally and benefactor." He curled his tail around himself, pride dripping from his voice. When they didn't reply he tilted his snout downward, giving his best tooth filled smile. It was meant to confort them, it had the opposite reaction. Feku dove for cover behind Asterion's bulk.

“Sorry big dragon! I no mean to trespass on shiny lair! Scary monster made us!" She shivered, clutching tight the warrior's legs.

Tehya swallowed the lump in her throat, her knuckles bone white. How where they supposed to fight this thing if it were lying? “What in the hells is that bloody thing?"

“Statue obviously." Achaaz replied as she coiled around the others defensively. “Very big and talkative for a statue, what do you think is up with that? Another trick?"

Guardians in temples such as this were usually meant to guard the treasure or tomb within. If that was it's purpose, it was doing a terrible job. Though she'd never heard of one this articulate in their speech. Most Lumara were aware of could only offer simple one word phrases or at most a single sentence. Intrigue tugged a thread within her, guiding her to step forward and compose herself with a calming breath. If they could get out of here by words, then so be it. Since it seemed able to think at them, she thought right back. “If you wished to put our minds at ease, construct, you've gone about it in the worst way possible."

“Have I?" It chortled a rough, gravely sound. “You and the others had your paws full with the abolyth and the sea elves! I had to wait until that petty squabble was completed! Which I must say, fantastic show on using the temple's guardians."

Her chest swelled in pride, her cheeks flushed. She hid this with a solemn nod. Sharing looks with the others, they seemed to be of the same mind. There was more to this creature than met the eye, suspicion still rested like a heavy fog around it. “If you were able to spring to life, why not interfere with our predicament. I'm sure a construct of your size could have put an end to our problems!"

“Indeed I could have." The dragon pulled back, dramatically putting a paw to it's chest as it sighed. “But alas, I've known humans and other beings to like solving their own problems on their own. Settle it for them and they think you're coddling them, like they need to be helped. No my dear, I saw your fight and had faith in you. Again, well done with the fight, and to you warriors, elves such as these are no pushovers, mind controlled or otherwise." There was a pause as it waited for the tension to flutter away, but by the looks of suspicion within their eyes, it was clearly there. The dragon sighed. “I see the mistrust still glimmers in your eyes like steel. Very-well. Let us get introductions out of the way to start putting your minds at ease."

With a swirl of his mighty paw, there was a tremor across the hall. Where once the shadows lingered and swirled, golden light chased it away. Whole sections of stone sprung to life like suns, warmth came flowing in like the tide. His voice came like that of a wizened king, kind, and filled with pride. “I am the bringing of life, protector of the weak, teacher of the masses. Some called me the champion of men. Where I went I brought gifts of knowledge, imparted what wisdom I could. Not once in my life has a mortal life been taken by my claws. Mere uttering of my name brought hope, warmth, everyone cherished my passing. You may call me Sethus dear mortals, for my draconic name is long and clumsy to your little tongues."

This went far beyond what should have been capable of a construct. Nivra didn't what to make of it. The rational side of her insisted she should be terrified, warry, yet with each passing moment she found herself intrigued, pulled in. There was so much truth in his words. She smiled, cheeks flushed, like she'd known this dragon for years.

“So Sethus. You've left a fantastic bit of magic mouth within this statue. I'm surprised it lasted all these years. The moving of the statue is new though." She remarked warmly.

“You've quite the appreciative eye for magic I see." He warbled, it sounded like the tumbling of stones. “I should not be surprised as you are a wizard by craft. Nivra Graysword if I'm not mistaken, the fut-, now queen of Lumara. Looking for an alternative power source for your kingdom, rekindle a friendship with a red dragon and a skilled paladin." He nodded with a smile, “Nice to meet you."

“H-how." Her heart froze, uncertain if this thing could read their minds. Or was it truly something that had seen the future? It went around looking to the others, introducing them as if it knew their entire life story and motivations. Each time the expression on her companion's face was mirrored in her own. Stunned to silence, even loosening the grip upon their weapons. Until it came to Achaaz.

“Lastly we have Azontud, the cherished son of Ramakox and Nogir the wise, priestess of the sea dragon clan." He then turned to Nivra, ignoring Achaaz's confused look upon her snout. “And to answer your question your majesty. During my time, our two peoples were in constant conflict. Dragons fought mortals, dragons fought dragons with mortals. The land shook, mountains shattered, the sky burned. Great darkness had eclipsed the land. I gleamed forward in time with my gifts, searching for a time when this would not be so. When the kindling of a greater future would be lit." He stood tall, gesturing to them all, flicking his tail. “Your answers I have foreseen, and enchanted this statue with the answers."

“So you can predict what we-“ Tehya began.

“Yes." He finished with a smug grin. “Down to minutest of details."

But could he? Nivra looked to Achaaz, catching the dragon's knowing look. Despite it's passing knowledge of them, it had somehow faltered with hers. They silently nodded, keeping it to themselves for now. Perhaps seeing into the future wasn't as precise as this dragon believed. “So what was the point of this temple? How did you meet your end? I thought dragons could live forever. If the legends are to be believed."

“Astute question my learned mage. Again, not surprising from a clever woman such as yourself."

Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, pride swelled within her chest.

He sighed, dramatically resting a paw to his forehead. “Bahamut had fallen to her crafty son's mechanizations. There was much sorrow and debate on what had to be done. Others returned to their conflicts, unable to let loose the hatred that sunk it's wretched hooks. Some tried to drift away, hide themselves from the world. Then where was me, trying to do my best." He bowed his head, pinning in his wings. “I did as I said, searched through the eons for the perfect moment for our return. Not of myself of course, but the resurgence of dragon kind. I found yours to my delight, we had not all been wiped clean from the earth." He peered up, his expression brightened. “Before me was a bright young mage with endless potential, wishing to right her kingdom's wrongs, a most righteous quest. She'd already made the connections, the friendships that would inspire generations to come. Dragon, human, elf, all the others would come together and achieve a peace with my people. From the wolf's coast to the dragon's crown, the continent of Sethera would be a place of peace and unity in which the world has never seen." The dragon sighed, looking upwards, drifting off to a serenity they could not see. “It would be glorious. Tis a shame that I would not live to see it."

His words were pleasing and uplifting, he had the others eating right out of his paws. As their eyes dazzled in awe, he enchanted them with greatness that awaited them all. Asterion would revive those he killed, Feku would get her mate returned to her and travel across the land, Tehya would have an entire fleet at her command. Though it was warm, cheerful, and optimistic, Asterion was not one to be swayed by mere words.

“All well and good it sounds, but silver-tongued devils can come in many shapes and sizes." Asterion countered, his voice stern, eyes sharp as swords. “Talk comes cheap, it lacks substance. You wish to help? Show us."

“Ah yes. But I have seen your suspicions minotaur. Your people value actions over words, then let me show you my sincerity." He gently rose a paw, then crashed it down against the floor. Stone beneath him fractured into dozens of little canyons, loosing a silverly light that seemed to rush out from within. It flashed across the hall in a heartbeat, evaporating the water. Golden strands steaked spread from the dragon's ivory scales, tenderly reaching across the salty, damp air to lovingly caress Achaaz and the Asterion. With its touch their jelly corruption was swept away, scale and fur alike reverted to their normal states As the adventurers stood in shock, patting themselves to make sure they were not in a dream, the dragon only gave a prideful nod. “What do you say now Asterion?"

Asterion opened and closed his muzzle several time, what words he had faltered and failed. He settled on a harsh snort and a nod.

“It will do I suppose." Sethus sighed, rising his other paw. Beneath was a spiraling staircase of pristine azurite. Streaks of gold shimmered in the light, inviting them downwards. The ivory dragon gestured to the lanterns that lined the halls, now swelling to life with light. “Within is what you seek Nivra, what I call a dragon orb. It is a solution to your kingdom's shadow. It will replace the crude magics of your mages, using the weave itself instead of souls." He peered up with a knowing smile, bringing one to her own lips. “With that I must depart." He sighed, slinking back to his starting place. “There is only so much that magic can rest within a single vessel." He looked to them, as if committing each of their faces to his memory, “I know you will do all our peoples proud. Farewell my friends and have a marvelous life."

The statue grew silent, its motions ceased. The hall felt emptier with Sethus' passing.

“A fleet of ships?" Tehya was grinning, arms crossed. “How am I going to whip that many men into shape?" She'd already started making her way towards the stairs.

“You hear that Asterion? Azzik will be back, your quest is a happy one!" Feku was tugging at Asterion's hand as the cleric stood silently staring at the still statue.

“I wouldn't put much faith in it's predictions." Nivra stated bluntly, eyes lingering on the glistening steps. “You heard how it incorrectly named Achaaz."

“Figures." The dragoness snorted. “First adventure, future telling dragon and I'm left out of it. Jandar's going to laugh at me."

“Maybe that be the excitement!" Tehya happily nudged the dragon's scales. “Now no one can be telling you what to do? The whole world be your empty canvas!"

Her snout wrinkled, “I suppose so…" Her tail flicked against the moist stone, “But I still would have wanted to know something."

“Maybe you become an art curator?" Feku asked cheerfully, her scales a bright green. “Like, best one on planet! Most bestest art ever!" This brought a smile to the dragoness snout as she started descending the stairs. She took a deep breath, relaxation spread about her.

“Me a curator? I could get behind that."

Nivra paused, her concerns forgotten. There were no traps, no schemes, no death waiting for them. She looked up into the frozen expression of Sethus, a warmth filling her heart. A bright future? One where she assisted with Veledar and Arcturus instead of fighting them? In a way she'd get what her father had always wanted. Unity and peace. She couldn't help but smile as relief swept through her. Her head perked up and she began to race after her friends as Achaaz's warble reverberated up from the stairwell.

“Anyone see Nivra? There's treasure down here! Look at it all!"

* * * * * * * *

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