The guards snarl in disbelief and things might have gone badly but then the main doors slam open. In the main foyer marches Raju, followed by a number of the bandits, including the bandit leader.
The young man is covered in blood and is holding a hand to his side, to some kind of wound. His walk is stiff and upright however, not revealing any pain.
"I have returned!" and his young voice is filled with power and authority. "I come to claim my birthright. I, Raju Subramani, have come back to my family and inherit due."
The guards hesitate then, the one overly large descends the stairs, shrinking as he does so. He gets close to Raju, eyeing him carefully for a long moment.
Then kneels at his feet. "Command me, my lord." The other guards follow suit, kneeling and bowing their heads in reverence.
Above it all, Raju gives Ashlion a solemn nod and waves him down.
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Ashlion walks down the stairs and bows deeply to Raju. "My lord, I regret to inform you that your brother is dead, slain by assassins from the Brotherhood. I sought to save him but I was unable to do so in time. These men came to my aid against the killers and bear no responsibility for my failings. I pray that you show them mercy."
Raju keeps his stern face, "Mercy? My family has been dishonored and attacked in the dark of night. Our servants have killed in our defense.My vengeance shall be swift and sure."
But then he softens a fraction, "But others have served us well. There has been much confusion here tonight. I will dispel it, just as I will scatter our foes."
He points a finger at Ashlion, 'You have given me much service tonight. It is not forgotten. I have come into my own and my family saved because of you. What boon would you ask of me, Ashlion Dragonnblade?"
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"My Lord, I would ask for you permission to enter the Archive of the Known, that I might pursue my original purpose in this city." He pauses... Lisk, you can argue with me later if you must but this is the right thing to do.
"My Lord, please know that you have a friend and ally in me. As long as I have strength to call my own, know that you may call on me and I will be glad to assist you in whatever way I can. There are enemies of yours who still walk these streets, if I may aid you with them then speak and I will render swift judgement."
Raju nods, still using the formal voice. 'This is well. Guard!" he barks to a kneeling man, 'Ink and paper." Instantly the man runs into a study and returns in a moment. Raju nods to him, then writes out a short note.
The young boy turned man hands it to Ashlion, it is a permission to enter the Archive, signed with the house name and seal, not his own. In a low voice he mutters, 'Will raise less eyebrows that way. May the gods watch you, friend."
Then he leans back and says, "I am grateful for your service. Now, leaves me and my retinue. We have much to discuss to save this house from ruin."
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Ashlion murmurs back. "Thank you."
When dismissed he bows and turns away before throwing over his shoulder. "There is a golem of some sort in the forge, which defeated one of the assassins. It might be damaged however." On that note he leaves and heads into town, hoping to find Bapu in his hut as the two need to talk.
It is the middle of the night and while Ashlion finds the river ghats, there is no one about. The busy riverside is a place of calm and peace, filled with croaking frogs and buzzing insects. A city the size of Randipaul is small enough to sleep, and only the lights of a few small boats int he river break the illusion.
Lisk stands watch, snapping at the odd bug or bat that comes too close. Inside Ashlion sleeps like the dead. The world [ooc]GM[/o]]c is kind and he gets a full night's rest before being awaken by both sunlight and Bapu arriving.
'Well, you had a busy night, if the rumors sweeping the city are true. Tell me everything!" The old holy man is already wet from an early morning abulation, but his eyes are sparkling.
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Ashlion, after stretching thoroughly, does just that and relates in detail the happenings of the night. He expresses concern that the leader of the Brotherhood escaped and asks Bapu whether he has been able to find any more information about the mysterious organisation.
"I'm very impressed with Raju." He concludes. "He acted exactly as a lord should, commanding, expecting obedience as a matter of course, every inch the nobleman. He will do fine I think, a better man than his brother I should hope."
Bapu frowns and ponders this carefully, "I had guessed something was happening. The number of bandits, criminals in the city, talk of the 'old ways' re-emerging. I still don't know what to make of it, but I will discuss it with the wiser of my brothers."
He nods at Raju and adds, 'I hope so, his brother was a tyrant. Perhaps some good can come out of this."
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Ashlion bids Bapu a polite farewell, promising to return to further discuss the emergence of the 'old ways' when he has a chance. Business concluded he sets his eyes on the highest part of the city and heads for the great Archive, excitement bubbling in his chest.
At last Lisk! This may be when we find out about my father! And the dragons! Can you imagine the wealth of knowledge they must have in that place about Dragons? He can almost hear his familiar's eyes rolling on his shoulder.
The information in the library is scanty. Ranidupal is a newly made city based on mining and silver-smithing. It hasn't had the time to build truly great archives. He does however, catch rumors. That dragons used to rule in Vudra and fight each other, using humans as slaves and servants (some quite well respected among the dragons).
Then a great war came and the dragons were overthrown, many of them vanishing into high places or overseas. The books are frustratingly lacking any details but some mention that a center for the anti-dragon forces was in a city now known as Bandaramahla, a city only a week or so south by river, on the northern edge of the Bandarom Jungle that makes up the heart of Vudra.
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What a story Lisk! Ashlion marvels as he reads. Do you know anything about how true these are? Regardless it looks like our next journey should be to Bandaramahla, there might be more information there rather than just trekking up every mountain in Vudra!
Decision made and research, however disappointing, done Ashlion leaves to make preparations. He bids farewell to Bapu, Kiaan and (if possible) Raju before heading to the docks and seeking passage downriver. Lacking any significant funds he bargains his work and magical skills for passage.
Kiaan and Raju both wish Ashlion well, in their own ways (the bookseller with a few tomes on dragons and the young noble with a bag of 500 gold rupee .
Bapu says his goodbyes, and accepts Ashlion's discoveries. He has a mischievous look on his face though. The next day, as Ashlion heads for the docks he runs into the old holy man sitting on a rock, meditating. The old man opens an eye, grins and waves the young mindblade over.
"You have done me a service. I return the favor, as the gods would enjoy. I have found you two ways south. One is by land, there is a caravan, full of fine silver goods traveling south, by road. A good caravan, trustworthy, they need a another guard."
Then he points a wrinkled brown hand at the water, "The other is by water. The noblewoman Devika heads south, to be married. She is very rich, very young and very willful. I have heard she is not excited by the prospect of marriage." He nods then, "You will travel in comfort and style however. Which do you choose?" he says, weighing his hands as if Ashlion's future were on the scales.
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Ashlion bows to Bapu. "You are kind my friend, the gods will surely reward your generosity. I will travel by river I think - the passage will be faster that way, and Lisk appreciates it when he gets the creature comforts."
Hey! Don't pin your failings on me you scaleless cretin!
Ashlion is fairly certain that Bapu heard that as well, Lisk sometimes forgets to use his 'inside voice' when he's annoyed or tired, or both but he plows on regardless. "My thanks for you aid and your friendship Bapu, if you ever need my help then I will come as swiftly as I might. Gruhastha guide your path."
Bapu looks at the sun, bright and high in the sky. 'May they keep you, young traveler. your path is more fraught with danger then on an old monks." He has a gleam in his eye, then pulls something out of an old, battered back. It looks like a simple coil of rope, 30 feet long.
The mystic grins and says, 'It is an Iron Rope."
With that the old man nods his head and turns back to his meditation, as if nothing had happened.
The docks of the city are busy, as always in the morning, full of ships either coming in laden with food or barges heading out weighted with silver good headed south. Among these more prosaic vessels, it isn't hard for Ashlion to spot the boat that would carry Lady Devika.
It is a bright colored boat, almost gaudy, and covered with silk canopies and fresh cut flowers. Servants and slaves scurry all over the deck, cleaning, tidying, moving cushioned chairs about. The mindblade sees various ladies in waiting, but no noblewoman, at least that he can tell.
At the dock he is stopped by a good looking man, with dark tanned skin and long, dark hair. he is armed and wears the sigil of the family Devika is part of. He looks Ashlion over, his dark eyes liquid and bright. "And who might you be?"
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"My name is Ashlion, and this is Lisk. Bapu arranged for us to travel with Lady Devika down-river." Ashlion deliberately phrases his reply as a statement, suspecting that the man would try to deny him if Ashlion seemed even remotely hesitant. "I trust we will be leaving shortly."
If he's too much trouble I can always have him jump in the harbour.
Maybe later - we still need to get on the barge you know...
The man squints at Ashlion and then laughs, "Are we taking charity cases now? Go try and peddle your tales somewhere else. Advik." he says, gesturing to a pot-bellied man tying up some ropes for the barge, "See him off." With a grin the fat man picks up a belaying pin and walks toward Ashlion, as if to herd him away.
The heavy sailor falls to the ground, amid a pile of slippery grease. He spits out a curse, flailing. The good-looking guard opens his mouth to say something, hand on sword hilt, when a strident voice from the barge makes him freeze.
A woman is standing at the rail, a stunning one. Her skin is a dusky brown, hair long flowing black. She is a small woman, only coming up to Ashlion's chin, maybe. Her dress is fine silk, embroidered with tiny snow-capped peaks and cranes. That dress cost more then the barge did. A pearl necklace hung around her throat, matched with earrings.
For all her finery she looked like a firm woman though and her eyes flashed. Her tone brooked no argument, a voice used to being obeyed.
"Who is this?" She asks, eyeing Ashlion speculatively. The guard kneels (along with everyone else) and answer, telling her what Ashlion announced.
The noblewoman, surely Devika smiles, a toothy smile and says, [b]"He will do, let me aboard."[/[b] After a long lingering glance, she turns away and the barge hops back into life, getting ready to make way.
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Ashlion bows deeply to the woman and begins to board, carefully skirting the grease patch as he does so. He lets his quarterstaff vanish and simply climbs on board, stows his bag inconspicuously and sits out of the way, waiting until either the barge moves or he is called upon.
At some point I'll have to say thank you to Lady Devika. But perhaps best to wait for a summons.
You wouldn't want her thinking that you cause trouble now, would you? Lisk responds, tone dry.
Ashlion can't help himself but laugh, heartily.
As Ashlion laughs the fat barge leaves the docks, setting off the wide river, which shines like silver in the sun. The banks are high rocky cliffs here, but they will soon be leaving the mountains behind.
Ashlion watches the crew in action, using a network of poles and spars to guide the barge. A bench of rowing slaves one each side keep time, helped by drums. An overseer with a whip paces among them, a nasty looking woman covered with scars. The noon sun creeps overhead, lighting the red cliffs into pale pink and the river a shining path leading south.
Other sailors man the rudder, keep an eye for obstacles floating mid-river or simply clean the decks. While Randipaul was nearly an all human city, the barge crew is more mixed. Just fromw here Ashlion is standing he can see Oreads and Udines and maybe a half-elf man heaving a line. One man, a blocky man with Oread blood in his veins comes over, wiping his sweaty face with a rag.
"Name is Varini. What's yours?" he seems friendly enough and happy to take a break from work.
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"Ashlion." He responds, offering his hand to the sailor. "And this little fellow is Lisk. Its an interesting mixture of people out here." He comments. "Back in Randipaul its all human, anyone a bit different stands out from a mile. I didn't fit in that well. I guess the Lady isn't as particular as most?"
The man looks at Ashlion with a block, square grin. 'Not on the river much? Randipaul is a new city, no history, no past. Only humans, and the odd traveler." Varini shakes Ashlion's hand and waves at the rocky outcrops surrounding them, "In the lowlands, others lived first. Only later did humans come and take it all. You'll see alot more variety as you head downstream."
He looks ahead and asks, 'You'll see a sight in a a few days, at the end of the mountains, I won't spoil it for you." Then he adds, 'So, you don't work for the Lady? Neither do I, I'm a river man. What is your story?"
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"A wanderer. There's something in my heritage which isn't entirely human either." Ashlion rubs his chin where the scales appear, not entirely aware of his own action. "I trained at the Great Temple but I've left and am travelling Vudra in search of enlightenment and a little piece of my own history. I hoped Randipaul would have answers, but as you said - new city, nothing much to learn there apart from old stories that no-one remembered. So I'm heading down the river to find those with longer memories, who preserve the old stories and might actually know what they mean." He grins, curved fangs showing. "Might as well embrace what we are right?"
Varini nods, "Wise words." He eyes Ashlion as if looking for something. "You a fighter then? You are no sailor, even a river one. But I don't see any weapons, except for that fantastic set of chompers you have there." He points, grinning at the set of wickedly curved teeth.
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"I have my own tricks." Ashlion replies, still grinning. "Although as you say... I do have excellent teeth!"
Lisk pops his head up from the coil of rope where he's been nesting. You should see him when he's angry!
"Hush, you!" Ashlion responds promptly, although with no venom in his tone. "So Varini, what can you tell me about Lady Devika? Is she one to stay well away from or what?"
The sailor shrugs, broad shoulders rolling like boulders in an avalanche. "I wouldn't know. I said, I'm a sailor, a bargeman. Lived my life on the river dodging pirates, most of it fartehr south were the river is actually something to look at, not this little stream." The oread laughs then adds, " I heard some rumors though, from some of others. Apparently she likes....masculine companionship, if you know what I mean? Apparently those below her station excite her."
The man shrugs again, 'I'm more worried about shooting the Gate and the rapids below myself, and of course the pirates. That is enough to worry about, on an fancy barge like this. It looks pretty but ti is not good in tough sailing."
The man grins, 'Like I said, I'm not spoiling it for you. Late tomorrow, you'll see it. Also, we'll need you, There are some nasty rapids there. I'll hand you a pole, see how you do." His bright green eyes twinkle and he moves to shout at some oar slaves, missing the stroke.
The afternoon passes, and Ashlion is happy for the silk canopies. He doesn't spot the Lady on deck and the other guards give him fishy stares. So he watches the high red cliffs pass by, towering above them. Hawks and other birds circle high, high above. To them the river and the valley are a narrow slot in the land.
Finally, as the sun sets and the canyon is a soft pink, a servile girl scuttles up to Ashlion. "The Mistress requests your company below."
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The afternoon passed pleasantly enough until Ashlion got bored and started experimenting. Ever since the fight at Raju's manor he could feel his magic getting stronger, weapons came more easily to hard and the sheer energy vibrating through his blood was stronger than ever. So, following some advice from Lisk he decided to try and bind the magic into an object. Given the speed his boots seemed like a good choice - sturdy enough to deal with some experimenting, but not too valuable that he couldn't find more.
Except that it just didn't work. He knew the basic principles of enchanting from the temple. A wizard called Vancia had taught a class in the principles of binding magic to objects and Ashlion had enjoyed it, particularly its similarities to his own abilities.
I don't know what the issue is Lisk. Leather is a magic absorbent material, it should be entirely possible to just feed the magic in and permeate the material.
You do realise that if you do it that way you can't control the effect? The dragon responds, yawning widely from his rope coil. You probably need a stabilising agent, something to help bind the magic into the leather and give it purpose. You can't make that tea drink you seem to like by just dropping a cup in the river. You need leaves and a little hot water. You're just throwing your boots in the river and hoping they come out filled with tea.
Ashlion pauses, and takes a long assessing look at his familiar. Since when did you become so wise? The return look Lisk gives him is downright smug.
I may be smaller than some of my fellows, but don't think any less of my... ooo! and he leaps up to chase a large swarm of brightly coloured insects, flying across the boat.
Ashlion is smiling to himself as the servant girl arrives with her message. "Thank you, I shall come at once." Standing, he makes his way below, putting his boots back on first. His mind still hard at work; So what kind of agent would I need..? something with fluid properties, associated with speed...
Ahslion is lead downstairs, out of the dim twilight and into the mains stateroom, below decks. It was huge, larger then most houses for the poor and middle classes. But instead of harboring a family of artisans it held one person.
The smell struck Ashlion first. Scents of sandalwood, incense and exotic candles, mixed with a waft of potent perfume. The lighting was dim, only a few magical laterns hanging, no one wanting to risk fire. Silk curtains broke up the huge room, the colors hard to make out. The servant leads Ashlion to a divan, covered with pillows. Laying on it, totally at ease and eating grapes is Lady Devika.
She sits up as Ashlion approaches. The servant scurries away, closing the silken gauze behind her. The noblewoman smiles, her teeth gleaming in the dim light. "Ah, you have come. A real man of blood, steel and tooth into my silken web." She laughs then, a sharp laugh.
'Come, tell me about yourself and in exchange I'll let you feed me these fruits."
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Ashlion feels the thrill coursing through his veins shift slightly, from a fire of fury into a fire of a different sort. So he sits cross-legged and proceeds to tell her a little about himself, glossing over the unimportant bits and dwelling on tales of survival in the wilderness and strange places. As he does so he picks up the grapes and offer them to her one at a time, using only his mind. Occasionally he leave the grape just out of reach, enjoying the way the shadows move on Devika's body and she leans to reach the juicy fruit...
The physical part of the evening goes as Ashlion expects. The Lady is a vigorous , experienced lover and Ashlion enjoys himself immensely. Even more important is the conversation.
Devika has not skimped on carnal pleasure. According to her she has bedded every from lord and maharajah to pirates and holy men, leaving a trial of broken hearts and weary bodies in her wake. Bapu is not a conquest, but instead a respected holy figure (apparently the lady does have a streak of real religion in her). She is more cunning and clever then he expected and he has a feeling she knows more then she reveals. But she doesn't press the mindblade. After the coupling he is dimissed, without a trace of compassion, back tot he upper deck.
The night is warm, full of insects and bats hunting them. A few sailors hunch over a fire, keeping a watch for logs and rocks in the stream. The guard who tried to refuse him is there, staring silently in the gloom.
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Ashlion goes to find Lisk, who is perched on the bowsprit, snapping at insects as they get too close. Are you done now? The dragon asks, amusement and annoyance mixed in his tone. I'll never understand your mating instinct.
Ashlion just shrugs as he sits down next to his companion. It was good for me and for her. Now she's more likely to trust me, or at least not throw us off the ship. Goodwill costs us nothing. He can't help but slip into sleep, after the last couple of days he hasn't slept properly for some time. The last thing he sees before he sleeps is his companion and his shadow, monstrous on the sail above.
Ashlion slept well, like one of the many logs floating in the river. He is wakened by the dawn, or at least the promise of it. The high red cliffs block out the horizon, but the sky is turning gray. All around him sailors and guards are gathering. The mindblade wonders what is going on, then the Lady Devika comes on deck.
She is dressed in bright white robes, with simple elegant jewelry. Where last night she was sultry and seductive, today she is solemn, pure. She strides to the center of the barge, flanked by her female servants. Together they start the morning prayers, with Devika leading. She does an excellent job, her high clear voice rising above the flowing river and shuffling men with easily. The noblewoman says the prayers with conviction and power, obviously truly moved.
They soon end and she heads below, away from the rising sun, which is quickly warming it up. The sailors jump to work, moving lines, poling the barge. Hours pass and the day grows hot and sticky, the sun directly overhead. Ashlion retreat under a silk canopy to escape it. The cliff walls rise high and higher, and the river starts to narrow and flow faster.
Just after noon Varini comes back, the oread sweating in the heat. The man grins at Ashlion, ”Ready for a show?” He points ahead, and the deep canyon has a long curve in it, the river flowing fast now. ”Here come the Gates.”
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Ashlion observes the prayers, impressed by the transformation that Lady Devika has managed. I wonder if this is her true self or if they are equally true in their own way... Lisk however remains supremely disinterested - human religion has very little impact on the dragon. The rest of the morning is spent in continued, futile experimentation on magical investing. Adopting a different track Ashlion secured a piece of driftwood and spent the morning carving different runes and symbols of speed before attempting to imbue each symbol with a tiny trace of magic - curious to see if there was any connection between the meaning of a symbol and its effectiveness.
The results were inconclusive, and Ashlion had just given up when Varini came up to him. "The Gates? From the way you've talked about it they should be pretty spectacular. Do I need to hang on?" He heads towards the front of the ship again, keen to get the best possible view.
Varini grins, ”Maybe, maybe not. Depends how good of a sailor you are.” The oread says nothing else, as the barge slips around the curve and the canyon narrows more, cliffs rising ever higher, frowning over them, nearly cutting off the sun.
Dead ahead they nearly come to a wall, and the river is changed into one single, deep channel, running fast enough to kick up foam and spray. But Ashlion eyes are draw upward to the giant cliffs that flanked the rushing water.
There, carved into the red rock of the canyon walls, were four huge statues, hundreds of feet tall. Two by two, creating a narrow channel, were the river churned at their feet. None were human. The first pair, directly in front of Ashlion was of an Oread and a Ifrit, each armed and armored, complete with flowing capes and helms. Behind thm, harder to see so far, was a Undine and a Sylph.
The river rushed Ashlion toward them, and then passed right under the massive figures of stone. They were old, very old. Looking up, he could see cracks and pits in the stonework, a reminder of the ages that had passed since these were carved. A finger shattered here, an eyebrow crumbled there but in whole, they were still sound and solid, impressive in size and detail. At the feet, shrouded in mist and spray, Ashlion saw temples carved into the rock itself. Closer to the raging torrent,t hey were in much worse shape, but still easy to make out among the tumbled rocks.
'What do you think?” Varini roars, his voice barely audible among the din of rushing water. In the narrow slot, the crashing river deafening. A wide grin cracks his face, a child among stone giants.
Then he sobers, ”Hold on, there are rapids just past the gates!”
The Gates pass, the barge slipping between the statues with ease. Daylight dazzles Ashlion. The canyon is gone, leaving the river free of the confines. It bursts out, tripling in size, filled with massive rocks and boulders. White spray and foam is everywhere. Still, the barge holds to the center, avoiding the rocks.
Then Ashlion hears Varini curse, ”By all the gods, what is that?
Dead ahead is a scene just as impressive as the gates. On top of a massive boulder stands an old, battered tree. It has no leaves and the bark is blackened as if burnt. It is swaying as if in a great wind, until Ashlion sees it has arms and legs. A treant! Around it is wreathed a lightning storm, complete with black clouds and thunder bolts, sizzling into the water. A howling wind starts, and Ashlion can feel it on his face.
The tree is attacking what appears to be a massive bolder in mid-stream. Then he realizes it is no rock. It is a massive turtle, with a crowned horned head and massive sweeping tail. A dragon turtle! The gigantic maw opens and a cloud of steam rushes out, smashing into the roiling storm. Great gouts of water and lighting flare and sizzle. Lightning and steam grapple in combat, making the entire river their battleground.
Ashlion sees guards slack-jawed at the sight of the two titans battling, and the barge is headed right for the middle of it. ”We have to clear the way!” Varini shouts but gives no sign how to do it. Th river pushes them on, and the slaves and sailors seem too dumbstruck to do anything,
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Not wasting a moment Ashlion leaps off the side of the ships onto the rocks and casts a spell the moment he secures his footing. The magic coalesces around his shoulder blades before lifting him into the air and Ashlion knows that the wings he envisioned are behind him, formed of magic and will to keep him aloft.
Ashlion feet leave the deck, soaring above the churning water and rocking barge. Neither the reptile or the tree notice Ashlion flying up and toward them, too busy with their own combat. Locked in deadly combat, they turn water to clouds of boiling steam.
Lisk, in his head ponders, Are dragon turtles related to dragons?
Ashlion points his rays of scorching, burning fire on the tree. They lash down, attacking the bare, already burned looking tree. The fire lances down, bathing the treant in flames.
The fire doesn't do as much damage as Ashlion expected although both gouts of flame connect. Perhaps the already charred tree is resistant to fire? In any case he gets its attention, despite still battling with the dragon turtle.
The battered looking treant bellows something in a lanagauge that means nothing to the mindblade. He throws a massive, branching hand toward Ashlion and casts a spell.
Ashlion finds himself wreathed in a blue, flickering light.
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Hovering above the fight, and now outlined in blue fire, Ashlion curses. The fire was no-where near as effective as hoped. Lisk - flank it. I'll attack in a moment! Lisk vanishes from sight, but Ashlion can still feel his familiar moving, and growing. Reaching inside himself he bathes in the comforting glow of the lightning and pulls up his blue sword, just as Lisk coats the riverbank in grease.
Seeing this Ashlion charges.
The massive, charred tree ignores both Lisk and Ashlion, still engaged in battle with the roaring dragon turtle. Steam and wind whip around both of them, sizzling on rocks. The barge is trying to hold off, barely managing to.
Lisk's spell causes a slippery film of grease to appear around the knotted, gnarled 'roots' of the treant.
The massive tree falls over, as if cut by an axe. It groans as it falls, a long moaning sound. Over the rush pf falling branches and the roaring water Ashlion can hear...laughter?