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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 22, 2006 11:04 AM |
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Edited by TDL on 24 Jan 2006
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The crow was seemingly sitting on Hathar's shoulder, while the latter continuously tried to feed the bread to the bird. The dwarf was smiling, still, he was confused how and why this black flyer approached him.
The streets were now totally empty, only shadows of cats, lit by the lantern lights, were to be seen. Hathar seemed to have gone in every possible direction, but was unsuccessful with his search. The village had no runemaster, he thought. And he was quite right, as people around were astonished by Hathar's arrival. There were no dwarves there.
"Oh, drat!" he swore. "Where can I find a runemast'r... This village has none..."
His words echoed through the empty streets. A flock of pigeons leapt into air and flew away, towards the forest nearby. The crow turned his head and watched them fly, but after what seemed a minute, he returned to his favored position of looking as if he was immobilized.
Hathar reached the crossroads. If he turned left, he would reach the tavern. If he turned right, he would reach the city gate and the forests and he had explored the place already. He decided to head straight where he had not been before.
The streets were narrow. There were no stalls here, only thatched huts and hovels. The dwarf walked slowly, as there were no lights in the alley, only the dim moonlight.
Suddenly, the bird leapt into the air and flew away. Hathar, caught by surprise, shouted at the bird, demanding him to return, but the bird had already disappeared, so the dwarf continued walking straight.
"A dwarf in the city, eh? A rare view, I must say..."
Hathar turned back with his battle-axe in his hands. A wimpy old man was standing in front of him with the crow on his shoulder.
"Wh..."
"Who am I, you ask me..." old man said. He was old, but his sparkling eyes made him look younger. "I am Tarn, the local runemaster you searched for. I have ears everywhere..." he touched the crow. "Come on in."
The man turned left and disappeared into the darkness. Hathar, followed by thumps of his heavy boots, followed him. Suddenly, they stopped and entered one of the huts.
Tarn lit the torch nearby and invited the dwarf to go inside. The inside of the hut was completely different from the outside. Everything inside was decorated with redwood. The fireplace was made of pure marble. There were three corridors, each leading to a different place. Hathar followed the man into one them.
After two minutes of walking, what seemed to be extremely long, as the hut was small, though it actually wasn't. They reached a chamber with bookstalls, bookcases all around, another fireplace and a large wall of various stones with something sparkling set inside.
They approached the wall - a strange gleam was to be seen in the dwarves' eyes. The runes were gleaming, lit by their magical powers. Though there was nothing special about the runes themselves, as they were made of black obsidian and coal and a strange mark was drawn on it, the rune gave off waves of magical energy that were soothing.
The dwarf took out his rune belt where a set of runes where inserted.
"I am searchin' for some runes... And I want to recharge these... They were unused, so they lost their pow'rs. And of course, I need to add some."
"Hathar," the dwarf was surprised as he hadn't told Tarn his name, "I will give you some runes. I am a poor man and I need gold, however."
"There is no problem with that..."
"Then choose from my selection and give me your runes." Tarn smiled. "Let us do the deal..."
The night was nearing its end, as the rays of sunlight appeared when Hathar and Tarn finished their job.
"I am sorry for keeping you so long... I know that you are heading for the Cauldron's Keep, so beware, as there are dangers far beyond your imagination, my dwarf friend. I sense that no one really knows how powerful these dwarven runes are and how powerful they become in the dwarven hands."
He left.
The dwarf was both confused and content. He was finally prepared for the journey. The runepower was immense, he was feeling it rise. The rune belt gleamed with various colors.
"I am ready... I will heed your words, Tarn... You helped me a lot..." Hathar entered the tavern, ordered a mug of beer and took a seat in the farthest corner. Somehow he did not want to sleep. He knew that he must reflect on many things now. "Let us wait for the others... for the Cauldron!" he raised his mug, took out his pipe and sat back...
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 24, 2006 08:12 PM |
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The sky was just beginning to lighten as he dismounted his horse. It was a long ride to Winterhaven and back for just a single night. But he couldn't leave to Cauldron's Keep without his most important possessions.
Richard took his packs off the horse and stroked it in appreciation. She ran hard for most of the night with only a few short breaks. He tied his horse up outside the tavern and walked inside. He spotted Hathar sitting in the corner and decided to have a seat with him. It was too late to get any sleep tonight. He would have to wait until the following night.
"Greetings, Hathar," he said with a smile as he sat down across from the dwarf.
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Go Red Sox!
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 24, 2006 08:43 PM |
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Edited by TDL on 24 Jan 2006
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"Greetings!" Hathar said, his voice ascending. He was undoubtedly happy that Richard came down - he sat there, smoking his dwarven pipe. "A mug o' fresh dwarven ale would do good, young mast'r!" the dwarf smiled and took out his seemingly emptied sack of gold. "Bartend'r, two mugs o' ale, please! I insist!" he finished with a large smile and a wink.
Hathar put his rucksack on the table and decided to empty it and check if everything is ready. Knifes, books, dwarven sundial, runes - he attempted to hide them from Richard, as he was a careful and cautious person - shortbow, light axe, a shield and a set of healing herbs and potions he got from Tarn, the old runemaster. Hathar thought that something was missing, but the major part of what he thought he would need in their journey. He remembered that his sack of gold was almost emptied, but smiled at the thought of what treasures lie in Cauldron's Keep. He went to his chamber he ordered last night and picked up the bag and the poster that were put on the tidy blanket on his straw bed. The innkeeper remembered... The letter must have come...
A moment later, he was sitting and smoking his pipe again, wondering what Richard was thinking. He was a shady person - a mysterious one, just as Mark. All magicians are... And Mark's words still echoing in his head... That troubling thought...
"Your ale, sire." the bartender approached with large mugs in his hands - one for Richard and Hathar.
"Now, Richard, let's wait fer the oth'rs. I am eager to start the travel..." the dwarf grinned, his face reddening as always. "Cauldron's Keep, we go..." he started to sing, ending speaking in the dwarven tongue and again falling into his thoughts, smoking his pipe calmly and gazing at the hallway.
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Lord_Pc
Promising
Famous Hero
Groin-Grabingly Clever
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posted January 25, 2006 07:18 AM |
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Dan was fully rested after an early night and was somewhat exited about returning to Cauldron's Keep, despite his previous visit costing many adventurers thier life and almost his own. he got dressed and packed his specially chosen tools of his trade, aswell as his trusty pairing of a short sword and dagger. He was set so he headed downstairs.
He sat down and had a nice hot meal then looked for Richard. He was sitting with a new face, a dwarf no doubt. Daniel made his way over to them. "So another one has joined. well, i am Daniel, but call me Dan" He said reaching out his hand towards the dwarf
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Da-da-dada-HEY-dada-da-da
Two goldfish were in their tank. One turns to the other and says, 'You man the guns, I'll drive.'
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 25, 2006 07:34 AM |
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Having awoken from a restless night's sleep, as is normal for most beings when excited about the next day's happenings, I grabbed my bag of goodies and headed out of my room. Lightly stepping down the stairs I tossed the bedroom's keys to the Innkeeper and quickly glanced around the room. Richard was sitting at a table across from a dwarf and someone else. I pulled my hood lower over my face to hide my distaste for the dwarven folk. My past with them was about as ugly as the race from which I was born in. Our people despised one another with a deep loathing and hatred. A mutual trust of distrust. Why this dwarf showed up was unknown and will prove to be a nuisance, making my task more difficult. I puased for a moment before deciding to walk over towards their table.
"How many are we waiting on Richard? I'm anxious to get this journey underway. If you would like, I'd wish to scout ahead in case of any strangers along the path that seem dangerous. That is after you tell me in which direction we are heading..." I spoke softly, keeping my feature's hidden and my head turned away from the dwarf. I did not need him knowing of my true heritage and didn't want to arouse any suspicioun too soon in our adventure afterall.
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 25, 2006 08:19 AM |
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Richard took a look at the stranger wondering why we would need anyone to scout ahead when he realized he did not yet know this man's name. He scratched his chin and bit his lip to make the odd look he was giving this man more like he was in deep thought rather than suspicion. He raised his eyebrows and answered the question.
"No, I think we'll be fine," Richard said with a half-fake, half-real yawn. "This party seems to be more than capable of thwarting off a few foes. If we couldn't I doubt we'd not be venturing to a place like Cauldron's Keep." Richard threw his head back and let out a sigh.
"I'm so tired," he said stretching his arms. A thought suddenly popped into his head. What kind of adventurer didn't know where Cauldron's Keep was? Every adventurer would know it's directly north of town.
"If you do want to go ahead and scout things out though, the keep is to our south, so take the southern road out of town. Oh I almost forgot. We never formally introduced ourselves. My name is Richard."
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Go Red Sox!
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 25, 2006 10:03 AM |
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Looking outside one could just see the sun rising. So it was just about time to ready and go. At the moment when Richard was talking to Hathar and the stranger the door opened and in walked Annunhalion and Robin. Apperantly they were out to grab something to eat since Robin was licking his muzzle quite quicklly with a sattisfied look on his face. Annunahlion laided down his backpack and equipement on a nearby table and now they were able to see just what he was carring. Not too much actualy, a medium size leather backpack, filled to the top. A long bow, of darkbrown wood engrawed with golden letters and bound in green leather. A pouch filled with all sorts of arrows and a longsword.
Annunhalion turned to Richard, not minding anyone else.
"Sorry for being a bit late. Robin persisted on going hunting so that kept us a bit. And since it's sunrise I expect it is time to get going..."
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 25, 2006 11:41 AM |
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Mark showed up wearing his robes, and kitted out for travel.
He held a staff, not one of a magi, but for walking support.
Gloves kept his hands concealed, controlled.
"Richard, there is a storm coming this way. I think we should leave soon, once everyone is here."
He looked at those who were.
"To those who don't know me, I am Mark."
He ran a gloved hand over his newly shaven head. His gloves were warm. He wanted to get out there.
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John says to live above hell.
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mvassilev
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted January 25, 2006 01:48 PM |
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Mvass woke up. He went downstairs and outside, and saw the man Richard. He went up to him. "I am Mvass," he said. "We're glad to have you with us," Richard said.
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Eccentric Opinion
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 25, 2006 04:51 PM |
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Richard reached into his pocket and pulled out a watch. It was still very early, but he knew that they should leave soon. Mark after all was a spellweaver. He could sense a storm coming from his magic. But Isildur hadn't come downstairs yet.
"Isildur isn't here yet," Richard replied. "We should wait for him, storm or no storm."
OOC: If Dragon Slayer doesn't post by the end of the day, we should just auto his character to come downstairs, so we can all leave.
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Go Red Sox!
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 25, 2006 07:41 PM |
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I looked at Richard tilting my head, pondering as to why he'd tell me the Keep was to the south. I figured he must be joking, yet I decided to play along with his jext and would start to head south after his introduction of himself.
"It's a pleasure Richard," I leaned in closer and whispered my name into his ear, "and I am Ike. I ask that you keep my name to yourself as I do not trust many of our fellow adventurers on this journey. Where I'm from they say that a name is what gives us our power, so the fewer that know mine the better. I shall head south as you've instructed good sir." I said this last bit pulling away and turning to start walking south.
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 26, 2006 05:40 AM |
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As Ike walked away, Richard decided to let him head south for a little while. He could always ride out in a few minutes and tell him he was headed in the wrong direction. Besides he prefered to keep that odd man with the group. Anyone that paranoid to not to give his name must have some good reason, less he be mad. In either case Richard knew he had been be weary. He hoped Isildur would be down any minute.
Just less than ten minutes after Ike left to the south, did Isildur come outside to greet everyone. Everyone agreed they were ready to leave. Richard walked over and mounted his horse.
"You guys go on ahead. I sent our scout in the wrong direction, so I'm gonna go ride out and catch up to him. Just take the road north."
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Go Red Sox!
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 26, 2006 07:44 AM |
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Having walked briskly south I found a fallen log and decided to sit there and wait for Richard. Prsuming of course that he'd ride out to tell me I was heading in the wrong direction. As I sat and waited I thought and pondered on what the rest of his merry band were doing. It wasn't long until I heard the beating of hooves in the distance...
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 26, 2006 09:17 AM |
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Mark set off with the rest of the group, sitting uncomfortably on his rented horse. He knew how to ride, but not well.
They started off slowly, he took in the scenery. The fresh air, the wind, the open space, he felt as if he had been released from his cage.
Mark looked around at the others, some chatting and laughing, and soon the sky started to darken. His eyes began to sting, and all sounds echoed in his ears, too loud.
It was happening again, this was no storm. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them they glazed over again.
Richard, the Dwarf, the Ranger, all his other companions became irrelevant. His mind was blank.
He kept on riding, unaware of what he was doing, or where he was going. He could still respond to questions, follow orders, but once the Scath had taken him over again, his mind and soul would be chained.
For how long, no one knew. No one really noticed.
He hoped that someone, anyone could free him, although to be as lucky as last time would be.. a miracle.
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John says to live above hell.
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 26, 2006 11:04 AM |
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There was nothing better than a morning jog. The air was fresh with the scent of the morning dew still in the air. He loved it and new that Robin was enjoying it too as he was rnning freely in the tall grass, running off from time to time to chase a bird, squirel or deer, but he always returned with a clear smile on hisf ace.
The journey so far was uneventfull. While some were on horse he chose to walk. Keeping up the pace was not a big problem and he ran ahead of them sometimes to play with Robin.
Now he slowed down to walk and took out his knife. A long curved blade with what looked like a wolf head on the bottom of it's handle. He ran his finger across it. It was still sharp. Annunhalion looked at the reflection of the trees around him a put it slowly away.
He then saw a white figure ahead of him, Robin. He ran forward to catch up to him and to chase eachother for a while.
So far it was looking more like a trip into the forest...
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mvassilev
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted January 26, 2006 02:02 PM |
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Mvass thought, "These fools will be easy to destroy. But why did Richard send that scout south? I don't get it. Why are these people going to Cauldron's Keep, anyway?" He rode up to Max, who was looking strange, somehow. "Why are you going to Cauldron's Keep?" Mvass asked him.
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Eccentric Opinion
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 26, 2006 02:56 PM |
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"Why are you going to Cauldron's Keep?" Mvass asked Mark.
Mark stared at him, pleading for help, helpless. The others hadn't noticed anything had changed. He would have to escape from this on his own.
"I travel to Cauldrons Keep.." Marks voice paused. "For my own purposes." His head turned away.
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John says to live above hell.
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted January 26, 2006 08:12 PM |
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Hathar was humming his dwarven songs, following his mates. It was not long since they left the tavern, or so the dwarf thought, and it was morning still, so the dwarf thought he should do something to keep him from becoming bored. The journey was yet not that amusing, still, he believed that in future it would become quite interesting.
The consequent clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoed throughout the lands. As Hathar preffered to use his feet and thumping boots instead of horses, he was trying to keep up with the group. However, this dwarf was not to be underestimated, as he once was one of the windrunners, the front line of the dwarven battalions, known as hirds. This time, he went slowly, drowning into his thoughts and watching other group members.
Everything seemed to be in order, still, he from time to time watched Mark, pondering about the words he heard the evening before. Mark was in a deep reflection, as the magicians often are, but as the dwarf wanted to speak to him, he felt somehow weakened, confused, could not think properly. Maybe that was usual for those that communicate with magicians, but for Hathar... Dwarven senses made him tense...
The clip-clop and the chirping voices of the birds awoke him from his daze. The dwarf could see Annunhalion with his wolf in front and decided he was up for a conversation. He entered the grassy grounds and slowly went forward, trying to keep up with them.
WHAM!
Hathar ducked as he saw a wide shadow approaching him from behind. His heart was beating, veins getting filled with bloodlust and thirst for battle. He was about to reach for the belt, when he saw what was lurking behind.
The crow!
Hathar thumped on the ground and started laughing when he saw the bird floating above him, staring straight into his deep eyes. The very same bird of the runemaster Tarn.
"It seems that ye will never leave me." the dwarf grinned at the black-green crow. The latter was gaping stupidly, his beak forming something tjat resembled a smile. "Guys! It seems as if I am followed!" the dwarf laughed and let the crow land on his shoulder, getting back on the road again.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted January 26, 2006 11:44 PM |
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(OOC: TA, I decided to perhaps try and explain why you had become possessed, but it's up to you whether you feel it should stay or not. Just pop me an HCM and I'll take this OOC out once I hear from you.)
He continued to watch the smoke.
Ike had gone to the South for reasons unknown, but it was likely he simply wanted to be alone one last time before delving into the choking companionship of his party. Pehaps he was testing Richard as well, but it mattered little. After a while, His ally would return to the group as if nothing had happened and they would accept him back with open arms. That Richard was far too trusting, or so it seemed for the moment. Suspicion would likely grip the man before long, but it would be too late by then.
As each of the troop gathered up his stuff and prepared to make the journey to the remote keep where He resided, the Guardian returned to His weathered throne and watch unexcitedly for something to catch His eye. The wait wasn't long, for as Mark the secret spellweaver returned to the group, He noticed something was different. Magic power swelled within him, its source still a mystery, and he carried with him an aura of power that could be felt even from the Keep, at least by those who were attuned to the sorts of powers he wielded. Perhaps Mark himself remained unaware of what he was capable of accomplishing. The Guardian dissipated the smoke and began to wonder.
That power could be a threat to my magical traps beyond the treasure room if it is allowed to flourish unchallenged. Perhaps it is time to take a more direct approach in dealing with this one. He had done the same to Richard long before, but the rogue had escaped with his life somehow. His will was absolute, and he would no doubt push the party to go further than they would have without him at their side. Richard masked his power, so the same trick wouldn't work twice. Yet, Mark was wholly susceptible to His feats of conjuring, for, even suppressed, his specialized powers were revealed with utter constancy, a tribute to his power but also a great weakness.
The Guardian stood from the throne and approached the smoke vent once more, yet He did not intend to spy on the now-approaching party. He waved his hand, and out of the mists appeared a phantom beast, Scath, that could chain the minds of any who wore their powers out in the open. The terrible creature had been released before to prey on those who grew too strong, who became a threat to the Keep's security. Now it was Mark's turn to know the helplessness of possession. He pointed in the direction of the party and commanded the beast to find the great power that lay off beyond the edge of the Keep and to feast upon his power.
He decided to watch Scath work this time, to make sure it completed its task. As the creature darted out of the Keep and high into the air, then diving into the spellweaver's mind, the Guardian couldn't help but smile.
The task was done.
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>_>
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 27, 2006 07:03 AM |
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Richard saw a hooded figure in the distance sitting on a tree stump turn to look my way. He slowed the horse to a trot once he recognized the man to be Ike.
"Greetings!" Richard called. "I need to apologize, I sent you in the wrong direction. I meant to say the keep was north, not south. The group headed out a few minutes ago. Hop on so we can catch up."
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Go Red Sox!
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