Graston takes the bottle and takes a long drink, gulping half of it before coming up for air. The taste isn't what he expected but it will do.
"I don't like how you act, I don't like how you treat all this like a game." He spits out at the large man, reminding himself of how his father would act. "I have nothing against you, but you drive me crazy. It's not just your own life you put at risk, we're all in this together." He turns back towards their rooms and lets out a deep sigh a shudder almost as if he's about to cry but he just drinks more.
"This is beyond anything I wanted, this was all just a game to me. Collect an easy reward and move on, then this damn curse. I'm not a hero, I'm not built for anything like this. I'm just hanging on by a thread here, it's pure luck I've got this far. Sapphire is in there shes nearly died today, she reminds me so much of who I left behind back home, I nearly got her killed too." He looks up at the big man, he feels like hes going insane.
Corum listens and chooses his words carefully. "It's not a game Grey. Don't you see?"
He pauses, trying to get his words right. He struggles to frame his response in such a way as to clearly describe his world view.
"After I became a free Man, I wandered. Nothing to live for see? I am good at two things: wilderness travel and fighting. So I became a mercenary. Live free and easy. Fight for your next meal."
He drinks from te bottle. "Easy life really but nothing to it. Nothing that means anything. Then I met Nas and found friendship."
His eyes mist over and a tear falls and freezes on his cheek. "She was all that is god in people. Brave and true. But she died Grey. It was her time and she died. I wasn't quick enough to help her."
He drinks again. "You say I put you all at risk? I have this thing. It is part of me but doesn't control me. My rage makes me strong and I enjoy battle. In moment where you can die at any second, that's when you live. That's when you know what is important."
He holds Grey by both shoulders then "You know what's important to me? You, and the others. My friends."
He turns to look down at the battle field. "You think I am reckless. I disagree. You see me charge blindly into battle but I am doing the only thing I know. Putting me between them and you. I'll take the cuts, stand, bites because I can and because it means if I am getting chopped up, you aren't."
He nods toward the keep."I worry about Sapphire too. She was close back there and there was nothing I could do. Bit she's a warrior Grey. She is strong and will continue to put herself between you and danger because that is our way. You have to understand. Can you understand?"
"I can't understand, I just simply cannot. But I understand you think your helping, I just don't see it like that." He grits his teeth.
"Nas died in a blink of an eye, I knew her only for the briefest of moments but I never want to feel that again, the heartbreak to lose someone you've grown so accustomed too. The time we've all spent together you lot are the only ones keeping me going. Then we lost Del, I felt... I felt betrayed. He left, he kept us going no matter what we faced he had something to say some funny quip. But it was too much for him how could I stop anyone getting away from this hell of a quest."
He takes another long drink from the bottle, he doesn't care how he feels tomorrow. He just needs to not think tonight.
"What I'm trying to say is Corrum what do I do when you're dead. What happens to those you save, are we meant to be happy?!" He shouts now the anger building up in him again. "I don't want anyone throwing their life away for someone like me. I don't want any of us to die, I want this all to be over it just feels like a never-ending task." Balling up his fist he punches the wall, he feels a knuckle pop and blood start to drip from his hand.
"Look I just want to drink, to forget I want to drink so I can get through all this." He waves his hands around blood still dripping from one. "I don't hate you. I care for you for the other more than anything I've ever cared for. You're like a brother I never had, you frustrate me more than anything because I care." He goes for another swig but places the bottle down instead.
The hour was growing late as Elleross made his way back inside the fortress, as he wandered his steps took him toward the chapel, the strong scents of the strange incense drawing him in.
The dim interior of the chapel was quiet and calm and had an unmistakeable quality about it, a sense of the divine I suppose you would say and as he limped inside he rubbed absently at his aching leg and looked around at the holy place of Apsu.
He could see there were few people here and even though it was late he expected there would be more folk mourning the loss of life that had occurred today.
Through the cloying sweet haze of smoke that hung in the air he could see the stil figure of Corrleon , his head seemingly bent in prayer.
Moving up toward him he sits behind him in one of the vacant pews.
good evening Corrleon, I do not mean to intrude. I smelled the incense and my curiosity drew me in I did not realise you would be here he says as he sits back and takes in the surroundings of the chapel
I should have come sooner, it is very serene here, very calming
Corum drinks as he listens. " It is hard losing people but Del is ok. Probably joking somewhere or charming some rich lady."
He laughs then and says "you want to k ow what to do if I die? Finish the bugger off that got me, burn my body with sword in hand then feast to my memory. Oh and get drunk...really drunk!"
"Seriously. I'm not going anywhere and as long as I have strength to swing a sword, no one is."
He claps Grey on the back. "Now, what say we go in there and show these soft Dragon types how real men drink?"
As they walk from the ramparts he says "I hope you can concoct something for hangovers!"
Corrleon turns at Elleross' words, smiling warmly at the sight of the grey-haired traveler. "There are few better places for souls in struggle and trial than a place which is serene." He rises from his kneeling position then and transitions to sit beside Elleross in the pew.
"Thank you, again, for your aid today. War is a brutal and ugly thing and it grieves me that this Hut of yours and its mistress has embroiled you in this one. I get the impression that you and your companions would have offered your help regardless of your circumstances though." He pauses before turning to meet Elleross' gaze. He asks with genuine earnestness and compassion, "How are you and yours holding up?"
this is my first taste of war and it is a bitter one he replies with a sigh as he remembers the brutal day I would like to think you are correct Corrleon, they are a fine group, I have not known them long but we have experienced much together.
They are faring well I think, Corum is a warrior born, this kind of thing does not faze him. Sapphire should be ok once she has rested , she is as tough as they come and we have come close to the boneyard many times before he says avoiding talking about himself, he still felt the deep hatred toward the witches and their ilk and it galled him to be ensnared by Baba Yaga and he was desperate to slip his leash .
I worry about Greyston, he has taken to drinking lately and I fear it may get out of hand, I can’t blame him for it. He has been through a lot and seeing Sapphire get hurt has hit him hard , I will keep an eye on him.
Sitting back he rubs at his leg absently , stretching it out before him
what about you? How are you bearing up? I know the others asked you to join us but I don’t think they realise what they have asked of you. You would be leaving behind everyone and everything you know for our path will take us from this world.
Corrleon sighs, his eyes drifting back to the altar and the small fire with with its dancing curls of scented smoke. "I cannot yet say if I would accompany you beyond Triaxus. I came here for more immediate guidance with regard to Ivoryglass and your efforts in recovering this skin kept within its walls." He shakes his head sardonically for a moment, with a wry grin cracked across his face, then continues, "I left the Legion on ill terms many years ago. I saw in some within its ranks what I see in your companion Corum: an unbridled lust for violence. War has a way of enticing good people to lay their principals aside. And when principal is abandoned, appetite can easily step into its place."
"My principals would not let me turn a blind eye. I could have ignored it and remained with the Legion, perhaps even serving here in this chapel if I couldn't bear the company of those I saw slipping. Some serve here still, a balancing influence upon the Legion and the ugliness of war and what it turns men to, but such was not my course."
"Apsu took me beyond the walls and fortifications, to where I thought I would lay down my bow. Violence though, is a necessity at times. And I learned in my many years in the wilds why He had me take up the bow in the first place. It is this same question, 'Why did you take up the bow' which I was given now when I asked if I should accompany you to Ivoryglass."
He takes a long breath and brings his gaze back to meet Elleross'. Before the old wizard can ask, Corrleon answers the question. "So that others don't have to."
all it takes for evil to win is for enough good men to do nothing Elleross says recalling a quote he read many years ago you do what you must do Corrleon as do we all. It seems you believe the bearskin we seek is in the fortress of your enemy. I do not think it is a coincidence.
We welcome your company for as long as you wish to give it, we will need your bow he says turning to the troubled bowman if what we faced beyond your walls is a taste of what is to come then we have a tough task ahead. But we cannot turn away from it even if we wanted to he says sombrely
I never courted violence, it was anathema to me in my youth. But now I walk a different path and I will find Baba Yaga no matter what it costs and I will destroy those that threaten my homeland. The witches reign will end in blood. There can be no other outcome he says bitterly
Corrleon nods in understanding and sighs, himself all too familiar with the inner fires burning beneath Elleross' tone. "Perhaps it will. And for as long as Apsu sees fit to have my road join yours, I shall do all I can to see that it isn't yours which is spilt in such finality."
Elleross rises with some difficulty and a grimace of pain
as I said we are glad to have you with us, tomorrow we will speak more about this ivoryglass fortress but for now i need to rest these old bones. It has been a long day, good night Corrleon he says as he makes his way back to their room.
Greyston smile slightly, it all still weight heavily on him. But he nods in agreement and moves with Corum to the hall. Attempting to join in but not really feeling it.
Awake too early Lucrezzia takes Mr Magee out onto the parpets overlooking what feels like most of Triax. The little dinosaur is cradled in her arm and covered in furs. She asks him, "You've never been an Emperor before have you?"
Magee sniffs, and she hears in her Of course I have. Once. Maybe. He nuzzles his snout closer to his mistress, And now I am fit to be Emperor to your Emperessness.
The pale sun comes over the horizon, a slowly rising glow and Lucrezzia wonders aloud, "It doesn't feel like we won. I mean, the siege is over, but this will come again to this place, won't it? Like back home - nothing is ever solved, it's only rearranged."
Corum groans and rolls off his pallet. His head spins and a sharp pain shoots through his brain. He grimaces and then smiles before standing. The room spins for a second and he struggles for balance initially but it passes.
He spots a small vial on the nearby table and vaguely recollects Greyston giving him it last night. He opens it and downs the contents. The liquid has no taste but it immediately seems to call his stomach and remove his headache.
Corum laughs and grabs his head before venturing outside. He takes a deep lunfful of cold air and feels a hundred times better.
Spotting Lucrezzia on the wall he walks over. Catching her last sentence he says "That sounds right. Some things never really change. But we won and we saved lives. Now we can move on. I already feel this damned curse urging me to move on."
"I feel it, too. Maybe it was that what made me a' melancholy?"
Pharamol asks the group to return to his chambers the next morning.
Entering the war-room, the first thing the group is struck by i the massive golden cage on the heavy planning table. It is so extraordinary that it dominates all else in the room.
Beautifully crafted golden bars encage a truly bizarre creature within. Your eyes trail over the smooth brown plumage and up to the twin heads of this magnificent eagle. It is like no other bird you have ever seen and it screeches beneath the two hoods that shield it's eyes.
As we agreed. If this creature will help you, it is yours to take. Pharamol says calmly. What are you plans?
Corum shrugs. "We take this bird to the hut, grab some equipment then go get that bear skin thing from the general's fortress. After that, it is magic and beyond my ken."
Stiff and sore from the previous days exertions Elleross rises with difficulty and prepares himself for the day aheadas he reaches first for his spell book .
After studying the book for some time he dresses and makes his way to the commanders quarters with the others.
thank you commander he says as he examines the strange bird
we need to locate the other items we need, but before we do that I will need to return briefly to the hut. Would one of your dragon kin be able to take us? he asks the commander
after that we have to press on with our quest. Corrleon believes one of the items may reside in the fortress of your enemy. It looks like we will have to venture there to retrieve it but I would know as much as possible about this ivory Glass fortress as possible first.
I would like to be as prepared as possible
Corrleon nods softly, appreciating the wisdom in Elleross' desire to be as well prepared as possible, but he otherwise maintains his silence and continues to observe the exchange between Pharamol and the furless travelers.
Pharamol nods. I can arrange a squad of 'kin to help. They can ferry back to your Hut and take you as close to Ivoryglass as they dare. If you are set on it, I cannot risk what few I have to take you there directly, I'm sure you understand.
Later that morning, Bescaylie and Efrixes, the pair you originally met outside the Hut, arrive with several other dragonkin ready to take you back to the Hut.
I haven't seen you since the victory. she says. I had hoped you had all survived but so many fell I didn't dare hope. But you turned the tide for us and gave us a real chance. Corrleon, I heard some of the warriors singing your name when they were deep in their cups, you're a hero now.
The day is as cold as ever and a you mount the Dragonkin ready to take flight, Greyston finds himself quite nauseous and nervous at te prospect. Still, the dragonkin assures him he will not let him fall and before long you are streaking up into the thin, clear air.
The flight has a dream-like quality as you rise high above the white carpet of the frozen world below.
Eventually you are above the pine forest where the Hut landed and the dragonkin circle slowly over the clearing, still littered with the now frozen bodies of frost giants in a 50 meter radius around the bizarre chicken-legged Hut.
Corrleon shakes his head at his niece's praise, a sardonic grin creeping across his face. "Send them Thornull's way, he'll set them straight in short order."
Looking down at the circle of death and destruction that surrounds the hut Elleross shouts out to the riders
land well away from the hut, it will defend itself fiercely and I do not want it attacking any of you by mistake. We do not understand it at all and it is best to be cautious he says as they descend near the tree line as far from the hut as possible.
Dismounting Elleross and the others make their way back toward the bizarre dwelling.
Greyaton hangs on for dear life as the dragon sets off. Spotting the hut he lets out a slight sigh of relief, thankful it's still there and maybe feeling slightly at home.
Jumping off the dragon he wipes himself down. "Thank you for the lift." He shakes uncontrollably for a second as cold hits him. "We should get in, Corrleon should be ok to join us in the main room correct?" He says half remembering what the hut does to those, not in Baba Yagas employment.
Corrleon should be ok within the main room, that is assuming the room is as we left it.
Be careful Corrleon the hut is warded against those who do. Or bear the curse. he says as they trudge toward the hut
there are many deadly traps and devices inside to protect it from intruders.
When we get to the hut I will try and contact Zil, hopefully the merchant will have our wares
As they near the hut Elleross takes out the obsidian raven and as they make their way inside he tries to contact the strange planar merchant .
Zil still frowns at Corum's needless threats but nevertheless this group did free him and he is not one to turn down a lucrative arrangement.
All right then. I shall be gone to begin preparations and will send you a message through the obsidian raven when I have the items you require.
Good luck and good day to you all! he says and, with a swish of his robe, suddenly disappears into a swirling patch of darkness pricked with stars.
** spoiler omitted **
As they near the hut Elleross motions for Corrleon to stay back
I do not know what will happen if you try and enter with us Corrleon, I do not want you to get hurt. The hut is quite deadly to intruders.
Lucrezzia recently accepted the curse from us and has bound herself to our cause, unless you were willing to do the same it would be prudent for you to keep your distance he says as he continues on to the entrance to the hut
"Aye it ne heavy'a burden, but, not accepting it meant risking our world..." Lucrezzia trails off, realizing the white furred Triaxian does not face the same threat.
Corrleon nods at Elleross' warning. "I see." He pauses for a moment, exchanging a long glance with his niece as the ridges on his ears flatten. He turns back after Lucrezzia echoes the offer and shakes his head. "I'll remain here and await your return." As the travelers approach the strange, alien hut, he watches from a distance, with Efrixies and Bescaylie close beside him.
Elleros trudges up to the door to the Hut, somewhat wary of the blood-soaked beak that protrudes out of the wall above his head. He glances back once at the field of broken and torn frost giants but when he takes hold of the door handle and gives it a shove there is an almost reassuring familiarity about the layout.
It is the same as when they left some days ago.
The room still appears to be a cozy wooden cabin. Shelves packed with esoteric knickknacks and strange ingredients line the walls. A stone fireplace with a large mantel takes up the room’s northwest corner, flames crackling away cheerfully, while opposite the room’s only door stands a simple wooden table on which rests a cracked clay bowl that Elleros knows in some way controls this incredible contraption.
A large blackened cauldron sits in the centre of the room.
Taking the obsidian raven from his coat pocket, Elleros smooths it's wing in a series of quite precise motions as directed by the bizarre alien mercantile Zilvazaraat.
Quite instantly, a thin silver line appears in thin air above the old wizard. Over the space of a few moments is begins to spread like an opening wound revealing wheeling stars and galaxies above in an infinite, wondrous cascade that makes Elleros feel quite ill with almost overwhelming vertigo.
Stepping out of the rift comes the cheerful and magnificently dressed Zilvazaraat. Elleros had forgotten just how tall and imposing the alien was, standing before him and almost filling the whole room. And yet for all his intimidating size, his five bright eyes and wide smile are quite disarming.
Good day, good day, good day, young man! he says delightedly upon seeing Elleros. And isn't it a wonderful day? Full of opportunity and excitement and who knows what else. You are quite well I trust? he asks politely.
Bescaylie and Efrixes stand looking at the Hut, quite agog. It's beak bright with blood and it's talons as large as any dragon of legend curled up beneath it's eaves. It was something to see the Hut from the air, but quite another to see it up close.
The dragonkin, Efrixes', jaw hangs open as he regards the mounds of dead giants and he slowly turns to Corrleon and says;
What... the... વાહિયાત... is... that?
વાહિયાત = *!#%
:D
"It is the abode of a being they call 'The Old Crone', an ancient witch of near god-like power. It seems she is lost or waylaid in some manner, and so that alien cottage has been carrying our travelers across whole worlds in pursuit of its master." He casts a glance at the ruined corpses lying littered about the field and frowns. "It seems it doesn't care for strangers, either, so be mindful of your proximity."
Well it scares the scales off me. Efrixes says honestly.
Corrleon's reply is low and ominous, "I feel the same, my friend. I feel the same."
Nodding his head in greeting Elleross cannot help but venture s half smile at being called a young man, but then he supposed everything was a matter of perspective. To this strange being his advanced age was nothing.
good morning Zil, I am still alive which is always something to be thankful for .
I trust you have fared well in your travels? It must be a blessed relief to be free again he says remembering the day of his own release from prison.
our quest advances before us and I am hopeful you have been successful in locating the items we have requested
Corum enters the hut with the others and dumps his gear and furs in a pile against one wall of the main room. He keeps a sword though. The general's scimitar hangs from his belt for now until someone else claims it or they decide to sell it.
When the alien merchant appears he instinctively puts his hand on it's hilt, an involuntary reflex to the manifestation of magic. He calms when Elleross engages So I in conversation and when talk turns to the goods they had paid for he says "Aye, you got a blade for me?"
I have been stepping between the stars and traversing to world's you cannot even conceive. And yet I have been successful, I think you will be pleased. the blue-skinned giant says with a wide grin.
From up a sleeve the creature suddenly conjures an impossibly large and ornate darkwood casket and lays it on the floor of the hut.
The small fey house-keeper of the Hut, Zorka, pokes her nose out of a hidey-hole at the commotion and mutters something uncomplementary about mess before disappearing again.
Zilvazaraat bends down and flips the lid on the casket.
Absolutely true to his word, everything you requested lay on velvet lining at the base of the chest.
A delight to do business with you sirs. Long may the relationship continue.
Reaching into the casket Elleross picks up the item he requested, a powerful headband of intellect.
The slender platinum head band was inscribed with an impossibly fine script work and as he fastened it around his head he could already feel its power beginning to manifest.
thank you Zil, it is a pleasure to do business with you. Rest assured we will call upon your services again. This is an exquisite piece he says tapping the circlet.
Greyston moves into the room and slumps down in a large armchair. Looking up as Elleross summon their interdimensional salesman. "How were your travels Zil? Anything interesting happened to you?"
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The massive alien wheels on Greyston unnervingly, filling the alchemist's face with teeth.
My friend I have tripped the light fantastic! I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. he says cryptically.
I have known adventures, seen places you people will never see, I've been Offworld and back...frontiers! I've stood on the back deck of a blinker bound for the Plutition Camps with sweat in my eyes watching the stars fight in the wake of Hale Bop. I've felt wind in my hair, riding test boats off the black galaxies and seen an attack fleet burn like a match and disappear. I've seen it...felt it!
Corum strides across the room to the chest. "We saw a bit of action too. You missed one hell of a battle. This would have come in handy..." He withdraws a sword. Sheared in plain leather, it has a large, flared blade with a gentle curve at the edge for optimum cutting ability. It is reminiscent of the executioner blades used in Jalmeray. Corum grips the ornate double handle and slowly draws the blade. It slides free with a gentle rasp.
As he holds it in both hands he can feel something stir deep within him. Something about the blade sings to the primal being within him and he feels raw power and.strength infuse his limbs. He smiles viciously at All. "I take it back friend. You did well with this. Thank you."
He sheaths the blade and returns to his gear. Sitting down, he spreads his array of weapons around him to consider how best to carry them all.