Post by Stingray888 on Aug 10, 2013 6:18:19 GMT
A Legend's Return
I had returned to Ilium after a time of meditation and reflection at the Spring Shrine... I had been mulling over the events of the past few days, and the losses to Lomar that had been mounting all around us. My fellow riders had been successfull in destroying the desert forges being used to make the "Master's" army of Drone Armors, only to learn of the fall of the Northern Tribes and the Gnome Kingdom...
As I rode out of Ilium, I encountered the mighty Ragnar speeding along on a matter of personal business. He spied me and took note of my glum mood... we exchanged tales and brought one another up to speed on all things, especially the fall and apparant turning of the Bard Wiston be'Leows and his brother Hugmush to the forces fo the Ghost Rider.
Ragnar tried to lift my spirits, then told me the "Elven Lass" was seeking me and sped off...
I hadn't seen the Magess Kimerlie since our successfull run on the Necromantic Cult nestled in the Caves of Chaos... so I surmised he was referring to Lunadinne.
Summoning my familiar, Redeye, I sent the falcon aloft to search the nearby grounds for my sister-in-the-saddle. He reported that she was nearing Renford, so I rode on to intercept her. Lunadinne was in an excited state from her latest adventures and I found her spirit infectious, her smile soon had mine returning... we decided we needed a day or 2 out of Lomar to renew our spirit of adventure. Our destination would be... the shores of fabled Tokaro! We had both admired the exhibit on it in the Kalamen Museum and promised ourselves a scouting mission there sometime ago. With all our fellow riders out of Lomar on various missions, now seemed the perfect time for a simple day trip.
We chartered a boat at the docks outside of Fort Brenard and the crew took us speeding out to sea, boasting on thier prowess at dodging Sea Monsters... I gave Lunadinne a warning look about her rambunctious sense of humor, begging her not to scare the sailors (private joke there)! With the seaspray on my face I felt invigorated to the full, and ready to face whatever we found on that distant shore.
We toured the village near the Port, and got a look inside the Monastery there... just 2 well armed tourists taking in the local culture. Our wanderlust took us out the western gates and into the wilds... the rumors proved true, Tokaro is home to demons! We were swiftly set upon by Hook Horrors out prowling for whatever they considered food or prey. Some hours and several Orc battles later, I felt like my old self again and we chose an accessible hill to make camp and rest before night fell on us in this foreign land. Upon this hill was a gated cave with 2 giant swords place blade-first into the ground, like giant crosses. We sequestered our mounts, and let our sense of adventure steal over us. We went stealthily thru those great gates to see what lie beyond.
Wonder of wonders! We found a great blue-eyed Cyclops tending a forge there.
Whispering to each other from our hiding place, Lunadinne took the initiative to speak to the Cyclops while I prepared to cover her with my bow lest things turned unfriendly. We learned the cyclops was a merchant, and chose to sample his wares.
Swapping stories with him, we whiled away much of the night in his company. We set out for the port before sunrise, and on our way eastward, were beset by some now familiar foes... the Scorpion Warriors of the tribe we fought in the Salarma Plains! Our mood for revelry was now turned to one of vengeance. My rage at what Lomar suffered of late boiled in my blood, and switching from bow to sword and shield I lept into the fray. When the battle was over, Lunadinne and I decided we needed our home soil beneath our feet. After debarking at Fort Brenard, I was resigned to return to the Spring Shrine and consult with the Druid and Ranger there about recent events.
As we rode into Renford, all was peacefull... until, suddenly there was a call to arms and 2 town Guards suddenly locked in battle there in the street. Glitterpist, always decrying his skills in hopes of finding work, stopped his spiel and took up his bow! Luna and I were stunned and didn't know what to make of it until Glitterpist shouted, "Get the one in the purple cloak!" We saw that one of the guards was garbed differently from the others, and joined the fray as one of the regular Lomarian guards was struck down and others took up the call. We tried to subdue the one in the purple cloak, but he would not be taken alive, and our side was mounting wounded swiftly. The purple clad guard fought like a Hellion to his last breath which came several healing potions later. As we were examining him...we were struck from behind by two more of the fellows. Poor Glitterpist was struck on the noggin with such a resounding blow he crumpled to the floor instantly unconscious. The 2 Lomarian defenders with us were cut down as I laid out one of these infiltrators! Two more sprang from an alleyway and gave chase to Lunadinne, who swiftly wheeled her steed to the north to lure these blighters way from the now undefended populace!
More guards came from the post at the south gate to aid in routing these fakers.
After dispatching the second antagonist... I thoroughly search this false guardsman.
I found him to be a Cleric serving someone other than Avar... he carried a twisted holy symbol that radiated an unpleasant sickening warmth, as did his mace, and I left those items in the street. I took his armor and other gear to be examined by the local church. As I was riding around looking for my saddle-mate Lunadinne, I saw a sight I didn't think I would see anytime soon. Running up the street was Caldor Rel'fess and some kind of beast-headed being that fairly radiated holy power... and trailing behind them was a figure in armor wearing a helm shaped like a Dragon. I sat in my saddle awed at the presence before me! I heard the tales from Kyrian Hunter and others riding in Lomar's defence... this could be none other than the legendary Sir Drake!
I bowed to him from my saddle, momentarily dumbstruck by his presence. He hailed me and stopped a moment to take stock of me, then politely rushed onward stating that Caldor was calling for him... Lunadinne! In the heat of the moment I'd forgotten my saddle-mate! I wheeled Stormcloud again to the north and sped after the receding legends running before me. I arrived on the scene moments before the final blow was struck ending the battle Lunadinne had become mired in. She thanked her fellow defenders, and gaped at Sir Drake's armor while she stated that one of the assassins had in his possession, a backpack containing items and journals belonging to the fallen Wiston be'Leows. She presented the reclaimed pack to Caldor Rel'fess, who then stunned us with the news that they had struck thier friend down in a pitched and furious battle, and were even now conveying his body to St. Abberday's in Glendale to have him ressurected, and hoped to find Sir Hilgar, who was said to have a helm that might reverse Sir Wiston's alignment, and return him to the service of Lomar.
Sir Drake reported seeing no sign of Hilgar at his home, and decided we should all make haste for St. Abberday's, as these armor clad assassins were certainly no coincidence appearing along thier path to Renford and Sir Hilgar's home. Sir Drake astonished Lunadinne and I with an act of Polymorphing, changing to a Dragon before our very eyes then transforming back to his regal self. We knew this as no trick of the light, as the aura and scent of a true dragon came with the transformation. I could sense a smile of mischief emanating from under that dragon helm, and Sir Drake was suddenly a person rather than just a legendary presence among us. He was also admonished by Caldor for abusing the power of his amulet, just to show off for the nubes...
Sir Drake again told us to make speed for St. Abberday's as someone apparently didn't want Wiston be'Leows' body to reach that church. He chose to stay behind and watch over Renford, whose guarding force had just seen several men sent to the church or the hospital.
We rode thru the darkness, eyes scanning the road ahead, trying to spy trouble in the darkness before and about us. We made Intengwell Forest, and then Ilium without incident, but once again... Mieliki, bless her watchfull eyes, began stroking the hairs at the base of my skull! I warned my companions that I had that feeling again as we're neared the south gate of Ilium...
As we neared Glendale's fork in the road they struck... 3 more assassins garbed as Lomar's own guards, and a Mage in purple! The battle was furious and went badly quickly... Lunadinne was struck from behind while casting a spell, and as she fell from her saddle, her magic missile misfired in my direction. As the magic bolts struck me, I was stunned and left open to a blow that threw me from my saddle and to the ground below...
With burning fractured ribs and hazy eyes i gazed up to see my antagonist readying to bring that painfull mace down upon my skull! I looked across the battlefield to see that Caldor was also on his knees between two assassins, the mage in a crumpled heap at his feet, and Lunadinne unmoving on the ground a few feet from me... my eyes slipped closed and I whispered for Mieliki to catch me as I fell from this field, and forgive me my failure of the flesh at this crucial moment.
Mere moments passed as I was shocked awake by an invigorating energy, my body whole and the recent bruises' pain receding even from memory. Caldor and Lunadinne looked at me with that knowing smile, saying we ain't done yet! Gripping my sword and shield we rejoined the current fray, 2 assassins versus 3 very pissed off and refreshed defenders of Lomar.
Moments later, our enemies at our feet, we grabbed anything from them we could to present at St. Abberday's in hopes of learning who these people were. We presented our case to the elder Cleric there, and presented him with Wiston's body and personal effects. Prior Jacob called us all to the Scrying Pool, to bear witness to the events surrounding this fallen soul we had returned home. We Witnessed Wiston and Hugmush's ambush in the north and thier valiant and long fought battle with the Ice Demons, Ice Giants, and the Ghost Rider himself... We watched the treachery that laid these two brave heroes at the Ghost Rider's feet, and witnessed a foul ceremony in which a shard of crystal was inserted into the base of thier skulls binding them to Zarathos' will and forcing them to commit the heinous deeds to the Gnomes and Northmen. We were informed by Prior Jacob of Zarathos plans to try to unseat Avar as the Deity reigning over Lomar by destroying his followers, and severing his ties to his worshippers. But he told us that in the Prophecy, Zarathos, and his herald, the Ghost rider were doomed to failure, as they were merely pawns manipulated by a greater power, who planned to sweep in during the Chaos these two would unleash... and sieze the throne for himself! The Elder Cleric told us he must adjourn to lower chambers to look for a counter ceremony to the one that had bound and turned The Bard and his Brother against us.
I could feel the world trembling beneath my feet, and took a seet on the nearest bench... Zarathos and the Ghost Rider... mere dupes for an even greater and as yet unnamed entity, playing spider in a great web of events he's set in motion just to keep us confused and off-ballance! It was a lot to take in at once without strong herbal tea to settle the mind. Lunadinne's presence on the next pew told me she too was mulling over all that we had just learned.
As the hours quietly passed in deep thought, each of us on our own little island wrestling with the turn of events, and our future roles in the days ahead... The elder Cleric burst from the door to the lower chambers with good news!
There is a way to reverse the spell on Wiston! We all leapt from our seats, knowing that this news comes up against an hourglass overturned somewhere, the sands running ever downward as our chance slowly slips away from us...
You must gather the folowing items here by the 1st hour of the 8th day of this month, or Wiston's lingering spirit will slip forever from our grasp, beyond our ability to restore him! Less than 48 hours to gather 3 items of personal significance to the Bard...
We swore before the Cleric and Prior Jacob that we'd set to the task immediately lest the assassins track the battle to the very doors of this house of Avar! We would split up and give our enemies a harder time tracking us or focusing thier attacks.
Caldor chose to gather an Apple Pie from a Baker he knew of who would be preparing this dessert on this day as part of his menu...
I offered up a pair of Rogue Boots I had safely stored in my vault at the bank in Ilium...
Lunadinne offered to get the Fine Lute from a special Music Shoppe in Kalamen. I asked her to be carefull, and use her "secretive ways" to sneak between the cities and avoid our enemies if she could. She snickered at me and said she had a faster way as time was of the essence here. Outside she mounted her horse, said a cryptic little mantra, winked and said, "I'm off to Sergon, then Kalamen!", and vanished before my eyes. I was so flustered by all that has been piled on our shoulders this day, I had forgotten Luna's calling as a Mage at Sergon's Hold!
Caldor had already ridden off, and now I needed to get to nearby Ilium and back in one piece. It was a quick and nerve wracking trip to the Bank in Ilium... my eyes constantly scanning the guards, ready to defend myself if any turned out to be more infiltrators.
I returned to St. Abberday's just behind Caldor... anxiety was gripping me as we awaited Lunadinne's arrivel with the crucial final component. I summoned my falcon, Redeye on the steps of St. Abberday's, and instructec him to watch for the Elf-maiden he found for me earlier. Within an hour he flew back to the church and communicated that she was under attack. I ran inside to tell Caldor Rel'fes, and we raced outside the Church only to be passed by Lunadinne running in!
As she caught her breathe she reported Bugbears near the gate to Glendale!
The Cleric gathered us before him and accepted each component from us, then asked that we make sure none disturb the ceremony while he tries to rebind Wiston be'Leows' spirit with his formerly possessed body while breaking the dark hold on it...
We all summoned our familiars, and cast any empowering spells as we watched the door with our best weapons in hand... waiting for party crashers.
After several long minutes... the light momentarily brightened within the Church, not to a blinding brightness, but noticeably brighter, like the difference between a candle light, and a torch. Then the light settled back to normal... and the ceremony was done, we could almost see Wiston's spirit being bound to his now cleansed body!
There was a slight shudder of his form, then a sudden intake of breath as his eyes fluttered open. We 3 warriors nervously clutching our weapons as we dared to hope all was well.Upon sitting upright... Caldor and Sir Jacob relaxed as they looked into his eyes and recognized the return of thier old friend. The celebration was short lived as the gentle Bard's ears were bombarded by recounts fo the attrocities visited on Lomar in the days since he trekked North. His jubilation turning swiftly thru sorrow and finally anger at how he was used to destroy friends and allies.
A rage familiar to Caldor filled Wiston's eyes as he asked for a simple robe to cover himself in until he made it to Ilium's Bank where he could again properly equip himself... Lunadinne quietly hinted at the sum to be reimbursed for the Fine Lute she purchased for the Ceremony to have him returned to us. She placed his pack in his hands, and we all told him we had heard nothing of Hugmush during Wiston's rampage thru the lands. Wiston told us that 2 of his Journals and a book of Hugmush's ramblings were still unaccounted for. He also confirmed everything we learned from the Scrying Pool.
Setting his jaw firmly, Wiston asked if we would help him get a little payback by clearing the road near Glendale. Lunadinne and I promised him an armed escort to the Bank in Ilium. Caldor stated he would remain there at the Church as he had business with Prior Jacob that was delayed by these important matters...
Wiston had raced thru the doors while Luna and I were making our farewells...
We jumped into our saddles and raced after Wiston toward the gates of Glendale... The halfling was a site to behold! Bare-knuckled he faced of against 4 bugbear warriors and dispatched them be we could draw our bows! We managed a piece of the action with the 4 waiting outside Glendale, Wiston was content with just 2 of them this time...
Lunadinne and I rode beside him on the way to Ilium, and marvelled that if he's this good bare-handed and unarmored... the halfling must be a holy terror armed and armored! After seeing him safely to the Bank, and re-quipped, Luna and I made our way to the Stables North of Ilium, exhausted but elated...
We had ushered the return of a Legend, to Lomar's defence! We will help however we can with the location of Hugmush and Wiston's missing volumes. The Sun rises, and begins with a great ray of hope for the new day!
Fahlos Jaedmin- Ranger.
I had returned to Ilium after a time of meditation and reflection at the Spring Shrine... I had been mulling over the events of the past few days, and the losses to Lomar that had been mounting all around us. My fellow riders had been successfull in destroying the desert forges being used to make the "Master's" army of Drone Armors, only to learn of the fall of the Northern Tribes and the Gnome Kingdom...
As I rode out of Ilium, I encountered the mighty Ragnar speeding along on a matter of personal business. He spied me and took note of my glum mood... we exchanged tales and brought one another up to speed on all things, especially the fall and apparant turning of the Bard Wiston be'Leows and his brother Hugmush to the forces fo the Ghost Rider.
Ragnar tried to lift my spirits, then told me the "Elven Lass" was seeking me and sped off...
I hadn't seen the Magess Kimerlie since our successfull run on the Necromantic Cult nestled in the Caves of Chaos... so I surmised he was referring to Lunadinne.
Summoning my familiar, Redeye, I sent the falcon aloft to search the nearby grounds for my sister-in-the-saddle. He reported that she was nearing Renford, so I rode on to intercept her. Lunadinne was in an excited state from her latest adventures and I found her spirit infectious, her smile soon had mine returning... we decided we needed a day or 2 out of Lomar to renew our spirit of adventure. Our destination would be... the shores of fabled Tokaro! We had both admired the exhibit on it in the Kalamen Museum and promised ourselves a scouting mission there sometime ago. With all our fellow riders out of Lomar on various missions, now seemed the perfect time for a simple day trip.
We chartered a boat at the docks outside of Fort Brenard and the crew took us speeding out to sea, boasting on thier prowess at dodging Sea Monsters... I gave Lunadinne a warning look about her rambunctious sense of humor, begging her not to scare the sailors (private joke there)! With the seaspray on my face I felt invigorated to the full, and ready to face whatever we found on that distant shore.
We toured the village near the Port, and got a look inside the Monastery there... just 2 well armed tourists taking in the local culture. Our wanderlust took us out the western gates and into the wilds... the rumors proved true, Tokaro is home to demons! We were swiftly set upon by Hook Horrors out prowling for whatever they considered food or prey. Some hours and several Orc battles later, I felt like my old self again and we chose an accessible hill to make camp and rest before night fell on us in this foreign land. Upon this hill was a gated cave with 2 giant swords place blade-first into the ground, like giant crosses. We sequestered our mounts, and let our sense of adventure steal over us. We went stealthily thru those great gates to see what lie beyond.
Wonder of wonders! We found a great blue-eyed Cyclops tending a forge there.
Whispering to each other from our hiding place, Lunadinne took the initiative to speak to the Cyclops while I prepared to cover her with my bow lest things turned unfriendly. We learned the cyclops was a merchant, and chose to sample his wares.
Swapping stories with him, we whiled away much of the night in his company. We set out for the port before sunrise, and on our way eastward, were beset by some now familiar foes... the Scorpion Warriors of the tribe we fought in the Salarma Plains! Our mood for revelry was now turned to one of vengeance. My rage at what Lomar suffered of late boiled in my blood, and switching from bow to sword and shield I lept into the fray. When the battle was over, Lunadinne and I decided we needed our home soil beneath our feet. After debarking at Fort Brenard, I was resigned to return to the Spring Shrine and consult with the Druid and Ranger there about recent events.
As we rode into Renford, all was peacefull... until, suddenly there was a call to arms and 2 town Guards suddenly locked in battle there in the street. Glitterpist, always decrying his skills in hopes of finding work, stopped his spiel and took up his bow! Luna and I were stunned and didn't know what to make of it until Glitterpist shouted, "Get the one in the purple cloak!" We saw that one of the guards was garbed differently from the others, and joined the fray as one of the regular Lomarian guards was struck down and others took up the call. We tried to subdue the one in the purple cloak, but he would not be taken alive, and our side was mounting wounded swiftly. The purple clad guard fought like a Hellion to his last breath which came several healing potions later. As we were examining him...we were struck from behind by two more of the fellows. Poor Glitterpist was struck on the noggin with such a resounding blow he crumpled to the floor instantly unconscious. The 2 Lomarian defenders with us were cut down as I laid out one of these infiltrators! Two more sprang from an alleyway and gave chase to Lunadinne, who swiftly wheeled her steed to the north to lure these blighters way from the now undefended populace!
More guards came from the post at the south gate to aid in routing these fakers.
After dispatching the second antagonist... I thoroughly search this false guardsman.
I found him to be a Cleric serving someone other than Avar... he carried a twisted holy symbol that radiated an unpleasant sickening warmth, as did his mace, and I left those items in the street. I took his armor and other gear to be examined by the local church. As I was riding around looking for my saddle-mate Lunadinne, I saw a sight I didn't think I would see anytime soon. Running up the street was Caldor Rel'fess and some kind of beast-headed being that fairly radiated holy power... and trailing behind them was a figure in armor wearing a helm shaped like a Dragon. I sat in my saddle awed at the presence before me! I heard the tales from Kyrian Hunter and others riding in Lomar's defence... this could be none other than the legendary Sir Drake!
I bowed to him from my saddle, momentarily dumbstruck by his presence. He hailed me and stopped a moment to take stock of me, then politely rushed onward stating that Caldor was calling for him... Lunadinne! In the heat of the moment I'd forgotten my saddle-mate! I wheeled Stormcloud again to the north and sped after the receding legends running before me. I arrived on the scene moments before the final blow was struck ending the battle Lunadinne had become mired in. She thanked her fellow defenders, and gaped at Sir Drake's armor while she stated that one of the assassins had in his possession, a backpack containing items and journals belonging to the fallen Wiston be'Leows. She presented the reclaimed pack to Caldor Rel'fess, who then stunned us with the news that they had struck thier friend down in a pitched and furious battle, and were even now conveying his body to St. Abberday's in Glendale to have him ressurected, and hoped to find Sir Hilgar, who was said to have a helm that might reverse Sir Wiston's alignment, and return him to the service of Lomar.
Sir Drake reported seeing no sign of Hilgar at his home, and decided we should all make haste for St. Abberday's, as these armor clad assassins were certainly no coincidence appearing along thier path to Renford and Sir Hilgar's home. Sir Drake astonished Lunadinne and I with an act of Polymorphing, changing to a Dragon before our very eyes then transforming back to his regal self. We knew this as no trick of the light, as the aura and scent of a true dragon came with the transformation. I could sense a smile of mischief emanating from under that dragon helm, and Sir Drake was suddenly a person rather than just a legendary presence among us. He was also admonished by Caldor for abusing the power of his amulet, just to show off for the nubes...
Sir Drake again told us to make speed for St. Abberday's as someone apparently didn't want Wiston be'Leows' body to reach that church. He chose to stay behind and watch over Renford, whose guarding force had just seen several men sent to the church or the hospital.
We rode thru the darkness, eyes scanning the road ahead, trying to spy trouble in the darkness before and about us. We made Intengwell Forest, and then Ilium without incident, but once again... Mieliki, bless her watchfull eyes, began stroking the hairs at the base of my skull! I warned my companions that I had that feeling again as we're neared the south gate of Ilium...
As we neared Glendale's fork in the road they struck... 3 more assassins garbed as Lomar's own guards, and a Mage in purple! The battle was furious and went badly quickly... Lunadinne was struck from behind while casting a spell, and as she fell from her saddle, her magic missile misfired in my direction. As the magic bolts struck me, I was stunned and left open to a blow that threw me from my saddle and to the ground below...
With burning fractured ribs and hazy eyes i gazed up to see my antagonist readying to bring that painfull mace down upon my skull! I looked across the battlefield to see that Caldor was also on his knees between two assassins, the mage in a crumpled heap at his feet, and Lunadinne unmoving on the ground a few feet from me... my eyes slipped closed and I whispered for Mieliki to catch me as I fell from this field, and forgive me my failure of the flesh at this crucial moment.
Mere moments passed as I was shocked awake by an invigorating energy, my body whole and the recent bruises' pain receding even from memory. Caldor and Lunadinne looked at me with that knowing smile, saying we ain't done yet! Gripping my sword and shield we rejoined the current fray, 2 assassins versus 3 very pissed off and refreshed defenders of Lomar.
Moments later, our enemies at our feet, we grabbed anything from them we could to present at St. Abberday's in hopes of learning who these people were. We presented our case to the elder Cleric there, and presented him with Wiston's body and personal effects. Prior Jacob called us all to the Scrying Pool, to bear witness to the events surrounding this fallen soul we had returned home. We Witnessed Wiston and Hugmush's ambush in the north and thier valiant and long fought battle with the Ice Demons, Ice Giants, and the Ghost Rider himself... We watched the treachery that laid these two brave heroes at the Ghost Rider's feet, and witnessed a foul ceremony in which a shard of crystal was inserted into the base of thier skulls binding them to Zarathos' will and forcing them to commit the heinous deeds to the Gnomes and Northmen. We were informed by Prior Jacob of Zarathos plans to try to unseat Avar as the Deity reigning over Lomar by destroying his followers, and severing his ties to his worshippers. But he told us that in the Prophecy, Zarathos, and his herald, the Ghost rider were doomed to failure, as they were merely pawns manipulated by a greater power, who planned to sweep in during the Chaos these two would unleash... and sieze the throne for himself! The Elder Cleric told us he must adjourn to lower chambers to look for a counter ceremony to the one that had bound and turned The Bard and his Brother against us.
I could feel the world trembling beneath my feet, and took a seet on the nearest bench... Zarathos and the Ghost Rider... mere dupes for an even greater and as yet unnamed entity, playing spider in a great web of events he's set in motion just to keep us confused and off-ballance! It was a lot to take in at once without strong herbal tea to settle the mind. Lunadinne's presence on the next pew told me she too was mulling over all that we had just learned.
As the hours quietly passed in deep thought, each of us on our own little island wrestling with the turn of events, and our future roles in the days ahead... The elder Cleric burst from the door to the lower chambers with good news!
There is a way to reverse the spell on Wiston! We all leapt from our seats, knowing that this news comes up against an hourglass overturned somewhere, the sands running ever downward as our chance slowly slips away from us...
You must gather the folowing items here by the 1st hour of the 8th day of this month, or Wiston's lingering spirit will slip forever from our grasp, beyond our ability to restore him! Less than 48 hours to gather 3 items of personal significance to the Bard...
We swore before the Cleric and Prior Jacob that we'd set to the task immediately lest the assassins track the battle to the very doors of this house of Avar! We would split up and give our enemies a harder time tracking us or focusing thier attacks.
Caldor chose to gather an Apple Pie from a Baker he knew of who would be preparing this dessert on this day as part of his menu...
I offered up a pair of Rogue Boots I had safely stored in my vault at the bank in Ilium...
Lunadinne offered to get the Fine Lute from a special Music Shoppe in Kalamen. I asked her to be carefull, and use her "secretive ways" to sneak between the cities and avoid our enemies if she could. She snickered at me and said she had a faster way as time was of the essence here. Outside she mounted her horse, said a cryptic little mantra, winked and said, "I'm off to Sergon, then Kalamen!", and vanished before my eyes. I was so flustered by all that has been piled on our shoulders this day, I had forgotten Luna's calling as a Mage at Sergon's Hold!
Caldor had already ridden off, and now I needed to get to nearby Ilium and back in one piece. It was a quick and nerve wracking trip to the Bank in Ilium... my eyes constantly scanning the guards, ready to defend myself if any turned out to be more infiltrators.
I returned to St. Abberday's just behind Caldor... anxiety was gripping me as we awaited Lunadinne's arrivel with the crucial final component. I summoned my falcon, Redeye on the steps of St. Abberday's, and instructec him to watch for the Elf-maiden he found for me earlier. Within an hour he flew back to the church and communicated that she was under attack. I ran inside to tell Caldor Rel'fes, and we raced outside the Church only to be passed by Lunadinne running in!
As she caught her breathe she reported Bugbears near the gate to Glendale!
The Cleric gathered us before him and accepted each component from us, then asked that we make sure none disturb the ceremony while he tries to rebind Wiston be'Leows' spirit with his formerly possessed body while breaking the dark hold on it...
We all summoned our familiars, and cast any empowering spells as we watched the door with our best weapons in hand... waiting for party crashers.
After several long minutes... the light momentarily brightened within the Church, not to a blinding brightness, but noticeably brighter, like the difference between a candle light, and a torch. Then the light settled back to normal... and the ceremony was done, we could almost see Wiston's spirit being bound to his now cleansed body!
There was a slight shudder of his form, then a sudden intake of breath as his eyes fluttered open. We 3 warriors nervously clutching our weapons as we dared to hope all was well.Upon sitting upright... Caldor and Sir Jacob relaxed as they looked into his eyes and recognized the return of thier old friend. The celebration was short lived as the gentle Bard's ears were bombarded by recounts fo the attrocities visited on Lomar in the days since he trekked North. His jubilation turning swiftly thru sorrow and finally anger at how he was used to destroy friends and allies.
A rage familiar to Caldor filled Wiston's eyes as he asked for a simple robe to cover himself in until he made it to Ilium's Bank where he could again properly equip himself... Lunadinne quietly hinted at the sum to be reimbursed for the Fine Lute she purchased for the Ceremony to have him returned to us. She placed his pack in his hands, and we all told him we had heard nothing of Hugmush during Wiston's rampage thru the lands. Wiston told us that 2 of his Journals and a book of Hugmush's ramblings were still unaccounted for. He also confirmed everything we learned from the Scrying Pool.
Setting his jaw firmly, Wiston asked if we would help him get a little payback by clearing the road near Glendale. Lunadinne and I promised him an armed escort to the Bank in Ilium. Caldor stated he would remain there at the Church as he had business with Prior Jacob that was delayed by these important matters...
Wiston had raced thru the doors while Luna and I were making our farewells...
We jumped into our saddles and raced after Wiston toward the gates of Glendale... The halfling was a site to behold! Bare-knuckled he faced of against 4 bugbear warriors and dispatched them be we could draw our bows! We managed a piece of the action with the 4 waiting outside Glendale, Wiston was content with just 2 of them this time...
Lunadinne and I rode beside him on the way to Ilium, and marvelled that if he's this good bare-handed and unarmored... the halfling must be a holy terror armed and armored! After seeing him safely to the Bank, and re-quipped, Luna and I made our way to the Stables North of Ilium, exhausted but elated...
We had ushered the return of a Legend, to Lomar's defence! We will help however we can with the location of Hugmush and Wiston's missing volumes. The Sun rises, and begins with a great ray of hope for the new day!
Fahlos Jaedmin- Ranger.
