Lorenzo sighs but doesn't lower his blade, "If you release the child I will take his place. Does that satisfy your appetite?" He holds the sword steady making sure to keep the blade between himself and the creature.
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Lorenzo grimaces and slowly draws his sword, "I know what you are. Take me to the boy, release him from your grasp..." He raises his sword and points it at the creature "and I will not destroy you." His body still aches from his last fight, but he holds the sword still. Just let this be easy.
Lorenzo stares at the figure as it laughs, but doesn't move closer "Tell me what you did with the child." Slowly he moves his hand to his sword.
Lorenzo slowly moves into the room, he stares at the figure as its head turns toward him. Crushing his fear he moves a step closer to the doll "Sorry I haven't come to play, I've come to find Jolan. Is that you?". What is this sick place, why did Somar have to bring me here
Lorenzo grimaces against the burning in his body, staring at the girl dumbstruck as she skips from the room. How can she be like this...does she not know that her family may lie dead. He starts as the voice fills the room, grunting in pain as the burning redoubles. "What have you done to her!" he stares at the doors and the blood stained walls as they appear "And what have you done to them.". Lorenzo immediately moves to the door engraved Jolan, his hand shakes as he attempts to push the door open... .
Lorenzo's hand shakes as he takes the vial and slowly tips the contents into his mouth, By all the Gods please let her be safe...let her survive. He finishes the last drop of the vial and drops it to the the floor, the glass shattering around his feet.
Lorenzo stares at the writhing mass of centipedes, "Salandra I need you to close your eyes for me." Quickly he kneels and takes a look at the symbols attempting to recognise them.
Lorenzo draws his sword as he stands, "Salandra you need to be brave. I can get you out of here and we can try and find your family together." He then casts dancing lights and sends the floating orbs of light into the darkness of the room.
Lorenzo grimaces as the pain courses though his hand. He sees the girl and slowly drops to his knees. "I don't know where your parents are but I want to help you find them. Can you come over to me...that way I an help you look."
Lorenzo stares at the now shredded paper. Slowly he lifts his head, his face a mask of rage. Seeing the writing on the doors he screams "NO!" His anger grows as he hears the scratching at the doorways "This is no test! This is a sick game!" He screams once more. He spins from door to door his eyes wild before he finally comes to the door with the name Salandra printed on it. He closes his eyes as he places his hand in the print, Pharasma, Lady of Death. Have mercy on their souls. He opens his eyes again and steels himself. "I will avenge this."
Lorenzo looks at the little creature, a slight expression of distaste on his features "One should not take pleasure in killing..." And yet I cannot stop. He follows Jaksara as he leads him to the stone structure. Lorenzo's heart quickens and his breath catches in his throat, a mixture of fear and excitement racing through his mind. "No Jaskara...I think it is clear." He bows to the Goblin, "Well met Jaskara...thank you for the hospitality." Lorenzo straightens and enters through the iron door.
Lorenzo watches Somar leave, bristling slightly And what could be so important. He sighs and turns back to the young Goblin. "Only one question. By defeated do you mean death? Whatever the answer I am ready, the sooner we get this done the quicker I can get to more important tasks."
Lorenzo hides his distaste as he stares at the Goblin, "An initiation event?" He turns back to Somar, "And will doing this bring me closer to my goal?" I am beginning to get the feeling you are leading me astray. He sighs and rubs his hand against his stubble, "If so then I cannot really refuse. What does this...initiation involve?"
Lorenzo's mouth drops open slightly as the scene is revealed, I never knew such beauty could exist beneath the earth. Lorenzo turns to Somar. "What is this place? What are those creatures?" He turns back to the view, To think I lived and never once thought of those beneath my feet.
The more I learn of you, Somar, the more I fear you. I have to wonder if you are leading me astray Lorenzo sighs "No Somar, let them keep their gold...no blood need be spilt here." He moves past the creatures, "Let us continue down our path."
I cannot tell if they mock me. Lorenzo sighs and attempts a smile, "Good then simply step aside and let us be, there is no need for blood to be spilt here." He looks back up the well trying to see if Somar has followed him down.
A vicious grin spreads across Lorenzo's face "I see...and if I were to refuse to pay your fee...what do you propose you can do...I have a counter offer, let us pass now and I will not kill you."
Lorenzo wipes his stained hands on his trousers, he takes a step forward and places a hand on the hilt of his sword. He takes a quick look around the tunnel and ensures no other creatures are lurking in the shadows before turning his attention to the figures, "And what will this toll be?"
Lorenzo nods and climbs over the well wall and onto the ladder. Slowly he climbs down and jumps off when he reaches the bottom. He immediately puts his hand on the hilt of his sword.
He knows of spells and is willing to manipulate minds into fearing him...what else is he capable of... Lorenzo smiles grimly "Yes agreed." "Toll collectors? I guess we will not be attacked on immediately climbing down then?" Lorenzo puts his hand on the first rung, and awaits Somar's reply.
Lorenzo cleans his blade on the wolfs body before following Somar. He keeps his blade in his hands. Lorenzo stops at the water well and turns back to Somar, "This is the entrance? I take that it is unguarded?" He shrugs and sheathes his sword, "Before I climb down...I must ask what you did to the wolf...it was ready to fight yet one look at you and it ran...I can only presume that you have some knowledge of spells...or your reputation is much more fearsome than I imagined."
Lorenzo whips his blade from its sheath, bright blue light shining from the weapon, . As he speaks he steps forward and swipes at the wolfs snarling face.
Lorenzo twists his head back and forth attempting to see through the deepening gloom.
Lorenzo sadly smiles "Yes I imagine you have few places where you are accepted...and I must admit I am grateful that you are accompanying me." Shivers run down Lorenzo's spine as the howls pierce the air, yet he steels himself and turns back to the path, "I guess we should be going then. Lead the way."
"I see...so by travelling there we are more than likely doing exactly what they want us to." Lorenzo takes a step forward And yet it brings me a step closer.... He turns back to Somar, "Please do not take offence, but why are you assisting me in this matter? You have no reason to help me...you are risking your life in doing so."
Lorenzo thanks Anthea and follows Somar out of the shop. "Taunting me? Then clearly they know of how we helped the others...and somehow they knew that we would travel to Anthea's." He watches Somar from the corner of his eye, his hand hovers close to his sword for a brief moment. I have no reason not to trust Somar... "Who do you believe could have known this? Clearly an agent of Zon Kuthon..." He brushes his hand across his face, stubble grating against his fingers. "And what is Ilvarandin in truth?"
Lorenzo nods thoughtfully "I understand." He takes back the note as Somar enters the room. "Apart from thank Anthea for her kindness I can think of nothing. Although perhaps you may make more sense of this letter." He passes the note to Somar.
Lorenzo smiles and bows "Many thanks." She leaves the room and he picks up the first potion and quickly drinks it. She re-enters and he takes the letter, he stares down at his name printed on the envelope, "Who gave you this? What did they look like?" He doesn't wait for an answer and quickly rips open the letter, a prickle of sweat dripping down his spine. He stares at the note a slight look of confusion on his face,"A rhyme of Ilvarandin? I have heard the name before...What is the place? And what does this mean?" He holds the note out to Anthea. rolls:
Lorenzo surveys the room before focusing on Anthea "Potion I guess, and one to take away as well please." His eyes flicker away for a moment "Somar has business in the city, I agreed to offer my services...not that I am entirely sure what he would like me to do yet." He attempts a charming smile, cracked lips and swollen face getting in the way. "What item was it that you wished to give me?"
Lorenzo smiles "I am sure if I were in their shoes I would commit similar acts, when you are starving and alone there is no telling what you would do." He follows Anthea through the doorway, a slight frown creasing his face. How could anyone know that I would come here?
Lorenzo tenses as he enters the city, barely hearing Somar and the Guards. His hand constantly flickers close to his sword and he returned the looks the strangers gave him. Yet slowly he relaxes, the smells of freshly baked goods putting him at ease, his stomach gently reminding him to eat before he left. They arrived at Anthea's home and he smiled as she spoke "Yes, I am afraid I was set upon by some muggers. No need to report it they did there work but must have decided I had nothing worth taking." He bows quickly "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Anthea, Lorenzo Caprinze."
Lorenzo smiles in thanks and follows Somar.
Lorenzo's eyes harden "Yes I still wish to go underground. First I must return myself to my full strength. If you know of a healer that I could visit?" Will I finally be face to face with my master once more. My blade can already taste his blood...and I will not allow myself to be beaten again.
Lorenzo smiles "Perhaps I have a guardian then. I am glad you took them to the border...I appreciate your support in this matter." Lorenzo gently touches his swollen eye, "Is it to late to continue your mission?"
Lorenzo quickens his pace as he recognises Somar. He approaches him and briefly grips his shoulder, "A friendly face. I take it you were the one who beat off those thugs." Lorenzo attempts a friendly smile through a grimace of pain. "Thank you for that, I am forever in your debt...but I must know where we are? And what happened to the family."
Lorenzo walks along the path and approaches the figure squinting through his swollen eyes to make out any discernible features.
Lorenzo staggers out into the light, How long have I been here? He glances around the clearing taking in the scene, a weight lifting from his shoulders as he breathed in the fresh air. Feeling slightly better he begins to follow the trail.
Is this my Masters writing? Is he taunting me or is this paranoia? Slowly he stands, gingerly testing his weight on his injured leg. He folds the page and secrets it on his person. He pats down the rest of his body checking for further damage and to make sure his possessions are still there. Once satisfied he shuffles towards the door, inhaling sharply with each step. He attempts to peer through a crack but tears of pain blur his vision and in frustration he shoves the door open.
He reaches for the paper, wincing as fresh pain ripples along his body. He takes a breath and drags it towards himself flipping it over to see what is written.
Lorenzo groans as he awakens, shards of pain rippling through his body with each breath. His eyes are almost swollen shut and his head swims as he tries to sit up. Braving the dizziness he looks around What happened, where am I?
A small smile flickers at the corners of Lorenzo's mouth, Clearly the world will be a better place without them in it. He swings his sword gently from side to side as they approach, "And I know your type well. Pathetic low life scum who do not know when they are in the presence of their betters." He can feel the blood throbbing in his temples, a fog settling over his mind, covering all thoughts but death. "I have been trained to use this weapon and I will not hesitate to tear you limb from limb." Lorenzo lets a small crackle of electricity play across his fingers, the light casting ominous shadows over his features. "This is your final chance to turn around and walk away. Your final chance for mercy."
Initiative:
Lorenzo stops as he hears the shout, his body automatically tensing, ready to fight. They will die before they get close to this family. "Somar keep going, lead them away. I will catch up when I have dealt with them." He turns to face the new comers, the scrape of his blade leaving its sheath echoed in the alley. "We are simply enjoying a late night stroll and do not wish to be interrupted. Apologies if we hurt your feelings, we had no intention to do so. Accept this and we can part ways with no further grievances."
Lorenzo breathes a sigh of relief "Good, the quicker we get thre the better." He turns to Ralan "Follow the road north east and you will eventually reach Egorian. At least there you can lose yourself. Apart from that perhaps you can search for a village, there is bound to be one on the road and at least there you can try a new life." He notices the two figures "Move now. Someone is following us. Somar lead them to safety if anything happens." He hangs back slightly behind the group, his hand on the blade of his sword.
Lorenzo holds his arm out and motions for the group to stop in a darkened side street. He leans close to Somar "I hope you will not try and persuade me to kill more innocents." He smiles wryly and places his hand briefly on Somar's shoulder to show that it was an attempt at a joke. "How close are the nearest gates from the city, I wish to see them safely through."
Lorenzo visibly relaxes. "That is a relief then. I was thinking that we may have needed to create a distraction to draw the attention of the Zon Kuthon followers...if what you say is true then we can hold off for now." He sheathes his scimitar, "In the end I wish to bring Zon Kuthon's reign to an end." He stares Somar hard in the eyes daring him to say it was impossible. After a few moments he turns his gaze away. "Which other locations will you lead us to?"
Lorenzo rubs his forehead with his free hand "How much time do we have till he notifies the rest of them? Where does he usually take the substance? Can we cut him off?" He tightens his grip on the sword. "Are the guards under the influence of Zon Kuthon."
Lorenzo doesn't reply to the old man but simply follows him outside into the darkness. Seeing the exchange Lorenzo moves past the family and heads to Somar. "What happened? What is Ralan talking about?" He keeps his sword drawn "You should talk as we walk, take us through the back streets if you can and head towards the nearest gate."
Lorenzo runs into the room, shouting back up the stairs as he does so "Take what you have we are leaving now!" How could they have known so quickly? He draws his sword and waits for them by the door Somar left through.
Lorenzo smiles and nods as she walks away. I agree we should not leave Somar and Ralan alone for so long. At the sound of the noise he turns and hastens down the stairs, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
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