Dawn, Readying 21, 591 Common Year

Indranil says, “Cousin, I would wish to attack Tavasmok and finish the
Deathwalkers immediately this morning, and then go after G’ruk.”

Fingol says, “Lady Rain and I were just discussing strategy for the
negotiations. When we are clear on that, I would like to discuss what
we are all to do if those talks fail. So be patient just a few
moments.”

Drago says in Common when everyone is in earshot, “I can offer some
small concessions on behalf of the lizardfolk in our negotiations
today with the Deathwalkers. I think Ulmar and I should go alone to
Patriarch Tavasmok while the rest of you free Saeva. The Patriarch
already knows about us. And I will live with them here in either peace
or war, long after you are gone. Let the lizardfolk and changelings do
what the humans refuse to do for themselves, mediate a temporary
alliance with the Deathwalkers.” After taking a breathe momentarily,
Drago mutters in Draconic, “If they can’t work with their own species,
then truly they are only worthy of being our food source. Lost in
their factions of good and evil. Ptah!”

Indranil looks at Drago and replies in Draconic, “Drago I speak
Draconic and I agree the humans can get caught in their own struggles.
But we are all beings that deserve respect. Your allusions to us as
only being good for a food source is deeply disturbing.”

Rain replies in Draconic with a hint of anger, “Agreed. You would best
take better care of your words, Drago. At the very least learn to keep
those thoughts to yourself.”

Aramek says, “Indeed, friend Drago. As I have gotten to know and train
with you, I have not doubted your friendship. However, this kind of
talk can plant such a seed. Each race in our world has its good and
bad traits and good and bad individuals. I believe that even among the
gnolls, it’s possible to find those among them who could be
reasonable. Please don’t sow discord among us with such ill chosen
words.” Aramek crosses his arms over his chest and looks at Drago
expectantly.

Drago says, “Feedstock. For a thousand years the humans have been
feedstock for the beast men. This is the way of Thracia. This you
should understand. Human flesh feeds the city. Deathwalker flesh feeds
the city. ‘Why kill off its feed source?’ I ask myself. You really
pissed off His Majesty.”

Drago.” Fingol cautions, “Lady Rain and I are discussing the strategy
for negotiations now. Have patience and we’ll discuss next steps
soon.”

“Friends,” Fingol calls out, “Please disregard his comments. There are
greater challenges before us.”

Indranil turns away from Drago and moves to Fingol and Lorindel and
says quietly to them in Elvish, “I fear my penance from Ehlenestra
will be diffficult to keep,” he chuckles.

Lorindel chuckles as well, and then says back in Elvish, “Indeed. But
Brother, do not let Drago goad you into another argument. Most of
what he says is inflammatory for the sole purpose to elicit a hostile
reaction. If anything, your complaints will only fuel his desire to
egg you on.”

Fingol chuckles as well, “We don’t know that he doesn’t speak Elvish,
my friend! I think the worst thing you can do to get back at him is to
ignore him.”

“Indeed!” Indranil replies.

Meanwhile, Lady Rain and I need to confer…”

After Fingol hears Drago’s suggestion for the negotiations, He
whispers to Lady Rain in Amedi (out of earshot of the captives).

After that Fingol calls to Ulmar. “Ulmar, would you confer with Lady
Rain and I? There are some questions we must ask.”

Fingol pulls everyone together to discuss next steps:
“OK, we all have ideas for what we should do next, I’m sure.

My first thought was to try to negotiate for the release of Saeva and Ulpu’s son. My thinking is, that if we can negotiate for them quickly, it’s possible that anyone that needs to be evacuated could be sent to Melkot with our friends the dwarves.

I have heard the suggestion for a raid as part of the negotiation. I dislike this for several reasons. First, it is treacherous. While some would not see that as a problem, I do. Going to such a strategy first proves that we cannot be trusted. We would not be able to negotiate with the deathwalkers at all after that, and we would have enemies on all fronts instead of a possible shield for our further raids against Stronghoen. Second, the raid may free Saeva, but it leaves Ulpu’s son in the deathwalker hands. Ulpu has given us a great deal of help, and we should at least attempt to repay that.

Rain will be negotiating for us. Our strategy is that she will insist on the prisoner exchange first, and if that is refused (which is likely) she will offer an alliance. Hopefully Tavasmok is desperate enough for allies that he will accept our help. I would think that after the losses he’s suffered, he would be.

If the negotiations fail, I do not want anyone attacking the deathwalkers or Tavasmok. I consider Tavasmok too dangerous for us to take on. We also need him to be an obstacle to Stronghoen sending out his army. If Tavasmok attacks our first goal is escape. Throw tanglefoot bags and thunderstones and the Obscuring Mist potion, so he cannot chase us or use his spells then we run.”

Drago bobs his head while listening. “I like it. May I join Lady Rain for the negotiations? I would like the lizardfolk to join such a secret alliance; plus I am dangerous even when I am unarmed for her protection, milords. At the very least, if I become chief shaman today, I can promise that Thracian humans will no longer be used by the lizardfolk for non-feedstock purposes and that I will explore other food sources locally, if they work with us… and if I live to see another day. If you don’t want me to join her… then the status quo is fine with me.” Drago flicks his left wrist and smiles.

Rain smiles “Thanks Drago… but I think only I should talk with Tavismok. Less confusion. And to be perfectly honest I just can’t trust what you would say. You have proven only to be very unpredictable.”

Drago smiles, “Yes, milady. Know that I will protect you always.”

Indranil can’t help but smirk at Drago’s comments, “Drago by ‘status quo’ do you mean you will continue to look towards humans as food stock for your nascent kingdom?”

Drago smiles. “One cannot take away their only food source and not be killed by my cousins. Other meat would have to be found. One thing at a time, milords. Of course, Keolanders are not cattle. You are great warriors who make your enemies quake in fear at your approach. You are famed as Great Fighters throughout Thracia’s underworld. Truly.”

After stifling a laugh, Newt says “Drago, you mean that ‘you can promise that Thracian humans will no longer be used for feedstock purposes,’ don’t you? Because otherwise you’re still eating humans, and they won’t react well to that.”

Any sense of laughter leaves Newt’s voice as she continues. “ And while we’re talking about eating sentient beings, I think your people should stop it!”

Drago shrugs, “Meat is meat, sentient or not, but yes, I will endeavor to make it so, Lady Newt.” Drago bobs his head with a smile. “To eat or be eaten, this is the way of the world.”

“You and I will talk later!” says Newt, trying (unsuccessfully) not to get riled up. “Right now Sir Fingol is talking about smaller things than… murder for food” she ends, crossing her arms and turning her attention pointedly back to Fingol.

Aramek, looking distressed, leans over and whispers something to Newt.

Newt nods sharply in agreement with Aramek but says nothing aloud. She keeps her back turned toward Drago and her arms are still tightly crossed.

Fingol: “It sounds as if no one objects to this plan, nor has additional ideas. Let’s move out toward the villa. We will travel under a flag of truce, move to within 100′ or so of the villa and then call for Tavasmok. Lady Rain will then step forward, but not further than 30′ from us and certainly no closer than 30′ to Tavasmok. Then we’ll see how the negotiations fare.”

Evening in the Arena, Readying 20, 591

I suppose I should start from Melkot. That way Drago can get caught up with all the events; at least as I remember them and from my point of view…

My errand to Melkot was happy and unhappy. Drago must be wondering where our friends the dwarves and Father Adalwulff come into this tale. They were recruited there, and they have figured large in our successes.

Sir Aramek and Father Wat accompanied me to Melkot. We stayed at an Inn outside the city because I wanted to learn more of the town before presenting myself as a representative of Prince Prospero. While staying at the inn, we had the good fortune to meet a priest of Fharlanghn, Brother Cerball. He set up a meeting between myself and the governor of Melkot.

At that meeting we warned the Mayor of the danger Thracia might pose to Melkot. It was at that meeting, I first met Grim and Morgrym. They were the mayor’s guards. Unfortunately, we also met Serlo, Mayor Weibex’s advisor. It was he who conspired with an evil cult to kill Father Wat. The same assassins would have killed Sir Aramek and I, had Father Adalwulf not stepped in to save us.

The mayor then offered us support in our quest to end the danger Melkot poses. He gave us a generous sum of gold to buy magic which might prove helpful to us. We also gained the help of Father Adalwulf and Grim and Morgrym with their kinsmen, though they cannot stay beyond first light this morning.

We returned to Thracia and found our friends again. In our absence they had scouted a large portion of the city and learned a bit of it’s situation. I also learned that a falling out between Sir Indranil and Drago resulted in Drago’s expulsion from the squad. I am glad to have you back.

Now, let’s see… what happened next. So much has happened it seems like a month or more has passed.

I suppose the next major event was the fight in the Wight House. We were pretty hard pressed by a troop of gnolls, but in the end we prevailed. Sir Aramek proved to be quite proficient with his wand of Scorching Rays, and Sir Indranil dispatched a powerful leader of the gnoll clan.

It was after that, Sir Indranil decided we should pursue the gnolls up the cliffs to their village. We had another tough fight on our hands there too. I am glossing over a list of heroic deeds by all hands of course, but I am concerned with taking too much time. Still, it’s thrilling to recall Lady Rain’s heroics to open the gate, the charge of the dwarves and Indranil’s capable sniping which kept us from being stopped by the gnoll’s own archers. I’m sure we’ll all have a great time embellishing the stories in the coming days.

In any case, it was after this fight that we found ourselves with four deathwalkers captured and enslaved by the gnolls. Sir Indranil and I and Father Adalwulff differed on how to proceed with questioning them. This resulted in a major disagreement between Sir Indranil and Father Adalwulff, and they fought a duel. Fortunately for all, it was not to the death and Father Adalwulff showed both wisdom and mercy. However, it was after these events that Sir Indranil relinquished command to me.

Following that I asked Lady Rain to interrogate the prisoners. She learned a great deal from one of the women named Ulpu. Ulpu provided us with important intelligence including maps of the deathwalker caverns and warning us about Tavasmok. She also told us that both Adelina’s parents were held in the villa at one point. And while her mother was still in the villa, her father was sent elsewhere. We were left to assume and to hope that this meant he could be found in the deathwalker caverns. While discussing these plans, Sir Indranil and I differed on certain key choices. He decided to leave for the boat immediately.

Following our interrogation, we decided to launch a bold plan of raiding the deathwalker caverns in hopes of finding Adelina’s father. Then attacking the relief column of deathwalkers, when they marched through the city to the caverns. We hoped to make these attacks look like gnoll-work. And if Tavasmok took the bait, we would raid the villa in hopes of finding Adelina’s mother.

The events of that raid were quite different than planned, but resulted in our being found by Drago, Ulmar and Sir Indranil. So, all’s well that ends well, I suppose.

Following Fingol’s story, he passes his spyglass over to Sir Lorindel. “You’ve keen eyes. Keep watch for Tavasmok for us, while Lady Rain and I confer.”

Fin then turns to Lady Rain, “May I ask you to walk with me a while?”

They walk around the upper perimeter of the arena in as much as the ruins allow and engage in a quiet discussion. Upon returning, Fin turns to Father Adawulff “Good priest, You seem ready to endorse this idea of eliminating the deathwalker priesthood and taking over the deathwalker rank and file as a check to the beastmen. Have you thought through this idea? We are here with light provisions and will need to leave this place from time to time for fresh supplies. What happens to the check on the beastmen then? Do you think that a few guards is what is stopping the gnoll army? Or is it Tavasmok? I think eliminating him is far more destabilizing than anything we have done thus far.”

“As a priest of Pholtus I recognize that those aligned with Law can be
trusted to a certain extent, and though they may have evil ambitions
they also want stability and not wanton destruction. We might be able
to form a temporary alliance with Tavasmok if it is impossible to get
rid of him. Perhaps we can exchange hostages,” he glances at the
Deathwalker captives, “Saeva, and Ulpu’s family, for at least Jaana
and the two men. I will not condone giving up or betraying Ulpu
however, as she has come to the Light of Pholtus. Anyway, if we can
exchange hostages and form a temporary alliance to fight the Chaos and Evil of King Stronghoen then I think Pholtus will not be displeased.
But I will say that under no circumstances must we directly be
involved in any evildoing or the condoning of evildoing. If we can
make a deal with Tavasmok without tainting ourselves we might be able to get back Saeva without violence, and then together with them defeat King Stronghoen. But both we and they must understand that after the temporary alliance is over we will again be enemies. So we should be careful of the terms of the agreement so that we can make sure that we are clear of them when the fight against the beast-men is over.”

Drago’s Tale of Readying 18 to 20, 591

Looking around the group as he gathers his thoughts, Drago begins, “Please, no questions until after I finish my tale. However, my story is one of Chaos, a tale of both Good and Evil. I would therefore like to ask that those of you who can, to cast your spells now to discern the truth of my words. Open your mind and all perceptive skills you may have at your disposal. Newt, Ulmar, you may probe my mind deeply as I share.”

After the others have a moment to cast their spells, Drago begins again. “After Sir Indranil banished me from your merry little band three days ago, I went looking for Shaman G’ruk and the other renegade members of the Malarat tribe. I knew they must be around here somewhere. I found them in the swamp near the northeast corner of Thracia.

“The lizardfolk then took me to their encampment below ground. As you now know, their camp is heavily guarded by both lizardfolk and gnolls. The password is, or rather was, ‘We serve the king of the City of Eternal Light,’ although I suspect it has changed by now. Neither humans, elves nor dwarves can hope to make entry easily, even with the password.

“My kinfolk took me to see Shaman G’ruk, as I hoped. He is one crazy egg of a lizard. He’s become fat and comfortable in his power. His followers believe he is very powerful, that he is able to cast all clerical and arcane spells in the multiverse. I don’t know if that is true or not, although by this morning, I earned his full trust.

“Anyway, last night when we were feasting on Deathwalkers (humans are their food source) I learned more about their make-up. I was told they have been sending messengers out to all the lizard tribes in the swamps, to gather all those who have a like mind, lizards like themselves who want to destroy all of humanity.

“Chief Rahk and the other elders of my tribe of course strongly oppose such tactics. This is why Rahk sent me here to kill G’ruk, if the renegade fails to see the light of reason. Right now, there are about sixty lizardfolk in Thracia, although last I heard, most of them are guards down in Huvat Vex. Only a couple dozen are generally at their camp at any given time. A few more lizards arrive every day to join the revolution.”

Drago pauses, licks his lips, and considers his next words. “As you learned today, G’ruk seeks to awaken the legendary Immortal King, he who ruled Huvat Vex in the time before your Mammalian Hordes swept across the world, in the time when Reptiles still ruled the world. He believes that he sleeps somewhere below Huvat Vex, or perhaps elsewhere else below Thracia.” Drago shrugs. “I don’t know if it is true, but the other elders in my tribe do not believe in such tales. However, G’ruk claims to receive visions from the sleeping King.”

“Anyway, I also learned last night that because I descend from Kopep the copper dragon, I am G’ruk’s defacto heir as tribal shaman of the Malarat. It is the way of my people. Even so, the only way the other renegades are likely to follow me upon G’ruk’s death will be if I begin having visions of the Immortal King or find other clues as to his whereabouts.

“So, this morning G’ruk sent me on a mission upriver from their camp to find clues to the Immortal King along with some other lizards.” Looking to Newt, “The three who were with G’ruk, Newt. We didn’t find any clues, but we found some great treasure and fought an ancient beast. I don’t know what it was, but it had many razor sharp tendrils, with an eye on the end of each tendril. I received a gem encrusted magical shield and long sword as my reward for saving their lives.

“After we got back to camp, due to the trust I had earned, I was given a personal tour of the City of Eternal Light, Huvat Vex. The entrance to it is just like the ancient tomes described, the ones we found in the mound shrines in the swamp. It is below the temple of Zeus, I think his name is, but in the temple of some other unknown Goddess. There is a teleportation device that brings you there when you step on it! But again, it is very well guarded by gnolls.

“Huvat Vex is grand and beautiful. There is a giant crystal in the roof of the cavern that lights it with a bluish hue all the time. There are ponds and orchards with giant strawberries on them, all inhabited by dryads. There are four large ziggurats, each a different color, and an ancient palace where the king of Thracia lives. There are many powerful guardians everywhere one turns, including a huge five headed hydra that guards the palace.

“When we were in the palace throne room, there was quite a commotion. Evidently, they were very upset that you found, killed and ransacked the gnoll village above the cliffs. They were especially upset that you killed their women and children.” Drago chuckles. “King Stronghoen killed the gnoll leader of the tribe by twisting off his head for his failure to kill you as you climbed the cliff. Oh, by the way, King Stronghoen is a nine foot tall minotaur with terrifying arcane powers. He kind of liked me, though, because I refused to cower to his fearsomeness like everyone else.” Drago looks at Indranil and smiles toothily. “The minotaurs have ruled Thracia and Huvat Vex for a thousand years, since the beast-men threw off the yoke of their former masters, the humans who built most of the city.

“Anyway, and perhaps most importantly, because of your success in the battle against the gnolls, Stronghoen is now calling upon all the tribes of beast-men to come to Thracia to annihilate you and the Deathwalkers. Once they complete that task, they plan to wipe out all dregs of humanity from the swamps and the rest of the world like a great wave of angry beasts. In this one regard, G’ruk and Stronghoen are in complete agreement.

“However, I threw my own wrench into the works.” Drago giggles evilly. “I made a secret alliance with the King when we were alone together. Since I don’t believe I can yet kill G’ruk in a fair fight, I told Stronghoen the truth of G’ruk’s plans to break their alliance and kill the beast-men once they find the Immortal King, setting the gnolls, minotaurs and other scary monsters against the lizardfolk. Stronghoen and I made a secret pact, that he would lead the beast-men and I would lead the lizardfolk in our quest to kill all humans. Of course, I would never do such a thing… I only want G’ruk dead and the other lizards to see the beneficial light of peaceful inter-species relations, at Chief Rahk’s direction. If I am right about the Immortal King’s identity, he could be the key to wiping out all evil in this gods forsaken city. If G’ruk is right, we are all doomed.”

“Anyway, when I told Stronghoen about the Immortal King, he seemed very surprised. I don’t think he knew about the legend. He does now.” Drago giggles again. “When I told him about my belief about my relation to the Immortal King, he began to realize that if my story is real, then I am the true heir to his throne. Things began to go badly then, but our alliance didn’t fall apart. As long as he believed that he could control me, that my allegiance was to him alone, he didn’t kill me. He almost strangled me, but he didn’t kill me.” Drago smiles toothily as he rubs his neck.

“So… that is when His Majest took me on a personal ‘tour’ of the level below Huvat Vex, perhaps the lowest level, or almost. He has expressly forbidden everyone, even his own people, from going down there. However, he has guards posted here and there, and scary monsters roam around looking for food. He didn’t throw me into the dungeon, per se, it was more of an ancient corral for an unused arena, it might even have special quarters for minotaurs, much older than the arena on the surface. Minotaurs live there, even cows and calves. He left my door open too, almost daring me to try to escape, which would have been a very foolish thing to do, to wander around down there alone, blind in the darkness, with manticores and who know what else looking for a tasty meal.

“When Stronghoen left me, he said he was going to go test G’ruk’s supposed ‘great powers’ and would return shortly to begin my arcane training under his tutelage. So, yes, for a short time today, this dragon became the Dark Lord’s disciple. I am guessing that the only reason G’ruk finally moved his fat lazy ass out of his tent is because His Majest is after his ass. Thus G’ruk’s profound hatred for me.” Drago giggles again.

“So, Sir Fingol, as you can now see, Thracia did not devour me. I, as your spy, devoured Thracia and established myself as the leadership heir to our enemies, for when the time is right. Chaos between the factions follow in my wake.

“This is why I say we should let G’ruk be for now. The beast-men and lizardfolk will soon be at each other’s throat, at my doing. Therefore, I believe our next task should be to rescue Newt’s mother, who is locked up below the Deathwalker villa. Ulmar knows the way.

“Anyway, a few hours ago Bitterbark, Stronghoen’s dog faced major-domo, showed up to question me in the corrals. I quickly realized his true identity. He was overjoyed that I knew who he was because it meant that Newt must be in Thracia.

Looking directly at Newt now, “I never talked about you to anybody, Newt, not even your father. He figured it out by my reaction to him. Further, neither G’ruk nor Stronghoen have any clue about you, or your father, if I am not mistaken. I’ll let him tell his own tale though.

“Anyway, that is when Bitterbark-Ulmar helped me to escape, changing our shapes as we crossed the city, so we could warn you about the impending gathering tribes of beast-men and to find Newt. Doing so caused me to lose my alliances with both factions. I am now enemy #1 in all of Thracia, all because I decided that you deserve to live after all, even at the risk of my own life.” Finally, Drago ends his tale in silence, looking from one face to another with a smirk on his face.

Adalwulf’s face has increasingly darkened the longer Drago spoke. As Drago finishes he ruefully mutters, “I think I am beginning to see that my suspicions of allegiance to Chaos were misdirected.” He then forces himself to be silent to hear the others speak.

Fingol scans the city through his spyglass for a few minutes.

Ulmar comments, “The city of Huvat Vex predates this human city,” he
gestures to the surface ruins. “From what I have been able to gather,
Huvat Vex was the city of the ancient lizardfolk when they were ruled
by the Immortal King. Drago, I know you think the Immortal King is the
copper dragon Kopep, but I have to say that I have seen no indication
of any dragons, copper or otherwise, in, near, or under Thracia. In
any case, Kopep could only be hundreds of years old, but Shaman G’ruk
believes that the Immortal King may be thousands of years old. I
certainly want to rescue Saeva as quickly as may be, but I fear what
will happen if Shaman G’ruk should discover and awaken the Immortal
King.”

Adalwulf says, “Whatever we do, I must tell you all that I have very
few spells left, and those would not be of much use if we are to go
into combat again, whether against Patriarch Tavasmok or Shaman G’ruk.”

“I have faith that the awakening of the Immortal King will turn this land of chaos into one for good, rather than evil. So, yes, I have faith in the sound of the music of dragon’s blood in my veins. Thus I now seek the Immortal King. We each have a place in the revolution, don’t you think? Will G’ruk or Drago be proven the bigger madman?” Drago smiles.

Drago responds to Ulmar, “Yes, those are the prophecies of the mad
lizardman G’ruk, Master Ulmar. While I cannot claim to have visions of
the Immortal King like Elder G’ruk, the blood of dragons within me
seems to sing a song of faith, ‘I am here, I am here. No one knows
where, but I am here. Find me.’

“I agree, Master Ulmar, I found no sign of dragons. But I don’t buy
G’ruk’s refutation about his age. Kopep may or may not be the immortal
king, but we may be his grandchildren. When Kopep lived with my
people, he was in the form of a copper scaled lizardfolk and he bred
with my people. He could have been any age. How would one know, but
for the dreams of a mad lizardman? Anyway, it is said Kopep came from
around here, maybe from the Tors.

“I have faith that the awakening of the Immortal King will turn this
land of chaos into one for good, rather than evil. So, yes, I have
faith in the sound of the music of dragon’s blood in my veins. Thus I
now seek the Immortal King. We each have a place in the revolution,
don’t you think? Will G’ruk or Drago be proven the bigger
lizardmadman?” Drago smiles.

“I want to believe that, so we can watch for an opening to attack the villa and free Newt’s mother.

“But as much as I want to believe that, there is too much at stake to ignore the possibility that the Immortal King may be the leader the beastmen need to unite them against humanity. If that were to happen, the Great Druidess’s vision could become a reality. And frankly, without such a leader, I don’t see the beast-men rising above their factionalism.

“Ulmer, you said you thought Drago was mistaken. Could you elaborate on why?”

Fingol turns from scanning the city. “Drago, your tale is amazing. I
commend you for your resourcefulness. Please don’t take my abundance
of caution as an insult, or that I think you insincere. I believe you
are quite sincere, but you could be sincerely mistaken when you say
G’ruk is not an immediate threat. I want to believe that, so we can
watch for an opening to attack the villa and free Newt’s mother. But
as much as I want to believe that, there is too much at stake to
ignore the possibility that the Immortal King may be the leader the
beastmen need to unite them against humanity. If that were to happen,
the Great Druidess’s vision could become a reality. And frankly,
without such a leader, I don’t see the beastmen rising above their
factionalism.

“Ulmer, you said you thought Drago was mistaken. Could you elaborate on why?”

Ulmar responds to Fingol, “I did not wish to risk prying into G’ruk’s
thoughts. If he detected my presense he would have come after me I am
sure. And yet, his dreams are leading him on and, if anything, making
him even more hateful and vicious. I do believe that whatever power is
down there is leading G’ruk, and it is not a good influence on him. I
also have to wonder, though the copper dragon’s are mostly aligned
with the powers of Good, why would one so ancient have been trapped so
long in a place as dire as this? Wouldn’t his kin have freed him in
all this time if that was the case? And there are other types of
dragons as well, those not aligned with Bahamut, the lord of
benevolent dragonkind. There are the children of Tiamat, the mother of
evil dragons. Whatever is down there is ancient, and I believe it was
locked away for a reason. Don’t G’ruk’s followers themselves quote the
human loremasters who said, ‘That is not dead which can eternal
lie/and with strange eons even death may die.’ Those were not words
meant to give us comfort.”

Indranil replies, “Drago, you have done wonders. I must offer a word of caution. You are new to your powers and the nuances of them. I would caution to rely to heavily on the words of prophecy and vision for those usually are not what they seem on the surface. The powers of magic wil seek to twist the newly initiated to their purposes.”

“Cousin, I agree with you the main threat is the greater one to all of humanity. I also agree whatever has been locked away down there was done so on purpose. And if Grucka… excuse me, G’Ruk, is trying to free it and King Strongoen guard it it is likely no friend of humanity.”

“Although I do think a quick assualt on the villa might be possible to rescue Saevra first. Then we can go after G’Ruk.”

“So this power that has captured G’ruk’s ambitions may not be the Immortal King… or it may… or it may be powerful enough to unite the Beastmen whatever it might be.

“If that’s the case, I can’t help but think we need to stop G’ruk immediately. His meddling may awaken something that is too dangerous to ignore.

“Looking at these maps Drago drew of the second level of the caverns it would appear there is another entrance. (OOC: I am looking at the map titled Level Two Beastmen Cavern)” Fingol points at point at the top left of the page “Here is a stair leading down that ends very near the temple. What we need to know is if that stair leads from the outside. If we can take that, perhaps stop G’ruk before he does any further damage.”

“I can live that plan,” Drago replies to Fin. (Is this the map of the level below Huat Vex, beneath the palace? If so….) That hallway goes back into the palace. One secret on each side of the palace from below, that I saw. I am sure there are many ways down there. I suspect Ulmar will know some other ways. Seava first, then G’ruk. Agreed.”

Newt asks “Drago, how did you recognize my father? Before he said anything about me, I mean.”

Drago ponders a moment, then tells the tale in the third person.

“My, but gnolls and minotaurs certainly are stirred up, aren’t they?” asks the major-domo Bitterbark as he steps into Drago’s cell several long tedious hours later. “Let us chat for a little bit. I am curious to hear your tale.”

Drago blinks, stretches, and asks, “How so, milord?”

“I am curious as to what could have led the Keolanders they say you traveled with back to Thracia. Did you find a map or did someone lead you back here? Was it one of your former comrades perhaps?”

Drago nods, then replies, “The Keolanders found an ancient manuscript in a Deathwalker shrine in the swamps. Their clerics were able to translate enough of it to lead us here.”

“Is that so? There wasn’t a young girl with you from Cypress Hill?”

Drago gasps softly. He pauses, cocks his head, looks Bitterbark in the eyes and says softly, “Are you both safe?”

Bitterbark’s eyes widen. He puts his paw to his snout to shush Drago. Then he whispers, “So you know. Thanks the gods, our little one is safe; but maybe not for long. The gnolls and the lizardfolk are hunting them down as we speak. We must both get out of here at once if we are to save your friends. Gather your gear and come with me. I am Ulmar, the father of Newt. Her mother Saeva is still being held by the Deathwalkers in their villa. We can talk later, for now we must get out and quietly.”

Drago silently smiles toothily as he quietly gathers his gear and follows Ulmar as instructed. Drago is giddy with happiness. He slobbers absentmindedly. Newt will be so happy!

Newt ponders what she has heard carefully before saying “No one really knows who or what the Immortal King is, right? It could be Drago’s ancestor, or it could be some all-powerful force of evil? Drago, I feel terrible saying after you’ve helped me so much to find my family, but finding the Immortal King isn’t something we should risk. We should look elsewhere for your ancestor, and leave this thing to slumber in its cavern until those with power enough can destroy it.”

“Perhaps, perhaps so,” replies Drago. Looking around at everyone now, “However, I hope you all realize that if we kill G’ruk tomorrow, I will need to leave you for a time, to establish my dominance with the renegades. I may live or I may die, but it is my destiny to try. Perhaps Ulmar will consent to join me as my 2nd in command to assist in the conquest of their mind. He has a life established there as well. If the Immortal King turns into an evil reptile after all, we will have His Majest’s armies at our disposal to take it down.

Fingol shows a momentary look of surprise at Drago’s plans. “Remember that we will be reporting back to Westkeep, and so to Chief Rahk, regarding our actions here.”

Drago replies, “Thank you, Sir Fingol. Please do report to Chief Rahk on your return. I, of course, will not be leaving. This is the city of my ancestors. The blood of dragons simmers in my blood. I must follow its scent. Uh, uh, are you leaving soon? I have completely lost track of time.”

“Oh, and if we succeed, please tell Rahk about G’ruk’s death scene in detail. He will enjoy it.” Drago smiles.

Fingol shows a momentary look of surprise at Drago’s plans. “Remember that we will be reporting back to Westkeep, and so to Chief Rahk, regarding our actions here.”

Adalwfulf’s face has increasingly darkened the longer Drago spoke. As Drago finishes he ruefully mutters, “I think I am beginning to see that my suspicions of allegiance to Chaos were misdirected.” He then forces himself to be silent to hear the others speak.

Ulmar comments, “The city of Huvat Vex predates this human city,” he
gestures to the surface ruins. “From what I have been able to gather,
Huvat Vex was the city of the ancient lizardfolk when they were ruled
by the Immortal King. Drago, I know you think the Immortal King is the
copper dragon Kopep, but I have to say that I have seen no indication
of any dragons, copper or otherwise, in, near, or under Thracia. In
any case, Kopep could only be hundreds of years old, but Shaman G’ruk believes that the Immortal King may be thousands of years old. I
certainly want to rescue Saeva as quickly as may be, but I fear what
will happen if Shaman G’ruk should discover and awaken the Immortal
King.”

Adalwulf says, “Whatever we do, I must tell you all that I have very
few spells left, and those would not be of much use if we are to go
into combat again, whether against Patriarch Tavasmok or Shaman G’ruk.”

Ulmar responds to Fingol, “I did not wish to risk prying into G’ruk’s
thoughts. If he detected my presense he would have come after me I am sure. And yet, his dreams are leading him on and, if anything, making him even more hateful and vicious. I do believe that whatever power is down there is leading G’ruk, and it is not a good influence on him. I also have to wonder, though the copper dragon’s are mostly aligned with the powers of Good, why would one so ancient have been trapped so long in a place as dire as this? Wouldn’t his kin have freed him in all this time if that was the case? And there are other types of dragons as well, those not aligned with Bahamut, the lord of
benevolent dragon kind. There are the children of Tiamat, the mother of evil dragons. Whatever is down there is ancient, and I believe it was
locked away for a reason. Don’t G’ruk’s followers themselves quote the
human lore masters who said, ‘That is not dead which can eternal
lie/and with strange eons even death may die.’ Those were not words
meant to give us comfort.”

Indranil replies, “Drago, you have done wonders. I must offer a word of caution. You are new to your powers and the nuances of them. I would caution to rely to heavily on the words of prophecy and vision for those usually are not what they seem on the surface. The powers of magic will seek to twist the newly initiated to their purposes.

“Cousin, I agree with you the main threat is the greater one to all of humanity. I also agree whatever has been locked away down there was done so on purpose. And if Grucka… excuse me, G’Ruk, is trying to free it and King Strongoen guard it it is likely no friend of humanity.

“Although I do think a quick assualt on the villa might be possible to rescue Saevra first. Then we can go after G’Ruk.”

Newt changes subject, “Oh yes. I see. It was when he asked about a young girl that must have tipped you off” observes Newt.

“I’d like to know more about your personal goals. They seem to be coloring your judgment regarding the Immortal King. Is this your last, final clue to finding your ancestor? The consequences of contacting this being could be so dire—I think you should only attempt contact with the Immortal King after you have tried everything, everything else first.”

Adalwulf interrupts, “Pardon me Newt, Fingol, Drago, but I would like to say something. I must remind you all that until I rest, I will not be fit to channel anymore divine energies nor will I be able to use divine spellcraft. Therefore, I will have no chance of overcoming an enemy cleric. I am not even sure I am a fit enough vessel for the light of Pholtus to have a chance of overcoming Tavasmok on my own even fully rested. However, if we must confront him tonight, our only chance is to get his holy symbol away from him as soon as possible. Back there,” he gestures to the squat building, “Indranil, Grim, and I overcame two Deathwalker priests through teamwork, and because I was able to disarm the last priest of his holy symbol and stop him from killing us with the emanation of the deadly forces of the Negative Material Plane.”

“Also, and I am sure you will be surprised to hear me say this, “I agree with Drago, though I will honestly say that I do not fully trust him. The Deathwalker rank and file may not themselves be totally given over to evil. If their priests were eliminated we might be able to win them over to the light. In any case, I do not believe they are aligned with Chaos. They seem to be Lawful, and only as far as that goes may be fit temporary allies against the Chaos and for the moment greater evil of King Stronghoen and Shaman G’ruk.”

Newt says with a sigh “I don’t like it, but I agree that the rescue will have to wait until tomorrow. It may have been necessary, but it’s too bad the Deathwalkers were put on alert.”

With a sidelong glance at Drago and smiling wryly, Newt adds “And don’t feel bad about distrusting Drago. I think I’m the only person here who does.” Newt jabs Drago’s ribs with her elbow as she says this.

“I thank you Sir Fingol and Sir Indranil,” says Ulmar, “And all of you
for protecting my daughter Adelina, commonly called Newt, and I thank
you for your patience with her and ask you to please forgive her if
she ever had to mislead you. We taught her from an early age that she
must hide her true nature from others, lest it bring danger to her and
her family. For those who discover our nature have always either tried
to kill us, experiment on us, or control us so we could be used for
their own nefarious ends. You will understand more when I tell my
story.”

“My wife, Saeva, and I are originally from the Yeomanry League. We
grew up there outside the capital of Loftwick. My father was a freeman farmer and had even been elected on occasion as a representative to the Council of Common Grosspokesmen. Then, one day, our true nature was disovered by agents of the Scarlet Brotherhood. They tried to blackmail my father into becoming their agent, but when he refused and tried to reveal their plots he was killed. Fortunately, I discovered what was happening in time. I fled with my wife and daughter to Melkot, but they followed us even there. We finally lost them by entering the Hool Marshes. It was then that we stumbled upon these ruins. Newt remembers, though she was but a little girl at the time. Eventually we settled near the trading post of Cypress Hill and hoped that we would once more be left in peace and not forced to become anyone else’s agents or spies.”

“And what is that nature?” asks Adalwulf a bit impatiently.

“This!” says Ulmar as his skin ripples and transforms from that of a
human to that of gaunt, gray-skinned humanoid with long, gangly limbs
and a bulbous head with large, octopoid eyes. Its face is otherwise
blank and featureless. Ulmar then changes back into his human form.
“We are known as Double-Goers, or Doppelgangers.”

Newt involuntarily cringes as Ulmar changes. She can’t help it–it’s
just such a gross change from what she was always taught.

“By the light of Pholtus!” exclaims Adalwulf, stepping back and
grasping for his silvery sun disk. “And you say you are not creatures
of Chaos!?”

“We are not,” Ulmar says evenly.

Fingol puts his hand on Father Adalwulff’s arm, “Peace, Father, let him continue.”

Rain’s only reaction is to move up and put her arm around Newt. She says to Adalwulf “Good Father, are not humans capable of both selfless kindness and unimaginable horrors? I have seen both myself many times over with my meager 17 years of life. Why is it not possible for other races to be as such? I don’t think I will have a gnoll best friend anytime soon, but certainly most if not all races are capable of escaping their predisposed nature.”

“In the end, like Sir Indranil has said, what are we but the sum of our actions. Given that, I stand firmly behind my friend Newt and thus her family. I would like to humbly suggest get to know them before entering a final judgment.”

Indranil grinds his teeth and his hand strays close to the pommel of his sword, but then he takes a deep breath and calms himself, he thinks of the Green Elysian Fields and his patron Ehlenestra. His features resume a calm detached manner as he relaxes. He will let this play out undisturbed for adding now would only inflame the situation.

“Good Father,” says Aramek, “I believe you have now known me and and Sir Fingol long enough to trust us and our honest intentions. While I cannot presume to speak for Sir Fingol, I can tell you that I have absolutely no reservations in my trust and admiration for Newt. And it’s certainly because of her parents that she’s become such a fine person.

“Please open your heart and hold your dogma at bay. By now you know that things are often not what they seem. In this case it happens to apply to a good situation. We would not have made it this far without Newt’s help.”

“I apologize, Goodman Ulmar. It is not the teaching of Pholtus to
prejudge anyone, though I must say that it is his teaching to beware
the forces of both Evil and Chaos. I’ll be silent until I have heard
all.”

Ulmar smiles and continues, “Thank you Father Adalwulf, and again I
thank you all for the trust and care you have given already to Newt
and I. As you know, the Amedi who served the Scarlet Brotherhood fled
into the Hool Marshes when King Skotti invaded. In the marshes they
found those Amedi who had already come to Thracia long ago and revived
the worship of the ancient god of death named Thanatos. Patriarch
Tavasmok recruited all the Amedi he could and sent them back out to
make war on all who would not bow down to Thanatos, whom they called
the Dark One. Eventually they raided Cypress Hill. Saeva and I were
visiting with Newt at the time they struck. We hid Newt away and then
took on the forms of the Deathwalkers. We were soon discovered for we
did not have the time to become anyone they knew. When they questioned
us they realized that our mastery of Amedi was not yet perfect. They
took us back to their base, a shrine in the depths of marshes. There
was a high ranking cleric there who had us sent back here to Thracia
to come before Patriarch Tavasmok. Tavasmok soon divined our nature
and like so many who learn our secret he wanted to use our abilities
against his enemies. He imprisoned Saeva in a storeroom in the villa
and bound her with wards that would be triggered by any Doppelganger
who crossed them. He then set his undead to guard her. With Saeva as
his hostage, I had no choice but to become his spy among the
beast-men. The Deathwalkers captured some gnolls and I used my talents
to discover his name and secrets, then I took on his form and the
Deathwalkers killed him and his companions. I went among the beast-men
but soon found a way to switch over to the lizardfolk, for they were
not the creatures of Chaos and Evil that the gnolls and minotaurs are.
However, as I told Drago earlier, I do believe that their leader,
Shaman G’ruk is indeed leading the lizardfolk down an evil path. In
any case, this morning I heard that in the palace of King Stronghoen,
the ruler of the beast-men who resides in the underground city of
Huvat Vex, there was a lizardman warrior who had come to Thracia with
Keolanders. I knew I must seek him out and discover if he or his
former companions knew anything about Cypress Hill and whether there
were any survivors, for I imagined they had come in response to that
raid or other attacks by the Deathwalkers. That is when I found Drago.
He was not exactly imprisoned in the chambers beneath the palace, but
in fact he had become a special “guest” of King Stronghoen and had
been placed under the watchful eye of King Stronghoen’s servants. I
visited Drago in the form of King Stronghoen’s major-domo, a
dog-brother named Bitterbark. Using Bitterbark’s form I was able to
speak with Drago and lead him out of the palace and back to the
surface. I already knew that the Keolander’s and dwarves from Melkot
had been found and trapped within the Deathwalker caverns. Drago had
told me already that Newt was with you all, so we hastened to see if
we could rescue you. Then we heard, through a chimney in the caverns,
Newt cry out when she fell. We grew more desperate, or I grew more
desperate to get into the caverns to save her. Perhaps I should let
Drago explain the rest. But I believe Newt was asked a question.”

“Oh, and I should tell you that after freeing Drago, he and I also
freed a Deathwalker who had been condemned to death and was to be
roasted alive in the palace. We freed him because we did not wish to
leave him to such a horrific death, but also we needed to send someone to the villa to warn them that King Stronghoen was intent on gathering all the local gnoll tribes to sweep away all the Deathwalkers. I hope I did not make a mistake, but I judged that if the villa was overrun then Saeva would also be killed. I am sure Drago has more to say about this because he was in the throne room when King Stronghoen gave his order. But I believe Newt would like to ask a question.”

Newt nods (thinking ‘Ah! Now I see. I had wondered how that happened.’) as Ulmar describes how they were discovered.

Father Adulwulf says, “I apologize, Goodman Ulmar. It is not the teaching of Pholtus to prejudge anyone, though I must say that it is his teaching to beware the forces of both Evil and Chaos. I’ll be silent until I have heard all.”

Ulmar smiles and continues, “Thank you Father Adalwulf, and again I
thank you all for the trust and care you have given already to Newt
and I. As you know, the Amedi who served the Scarlet Brotherhood fled into the Hool Marshes when King Skotti invaded. In the marshes they found those Amedi who had already come to Thracia long ago and revived the worship of the ancient god of death named Thanatos. Patriarch Tavasmok recruited all the Amedi he could and sent them back out to make war on all who would not bow down to Thanatos, whom they called the Dark One. Eventually they raided Cypress Hill. Saeva and I were visiting with Newt at the time they struck. We hid Newt away and then took on the forms of the Deathwalkers. We were soon discovered for we did not have the time to become anyone they knew. When they questioned us they realized that our mastery of Amedi was not yet perfect. They took us back to their base, a shrine in the depths of marshes. There was a high ranking cleric there who had us sent back here to Thracia to come before Patriarch Tavasmok. Tavasmok soon divined our nature and like so many who learn our secret he wanted to use our abilities against his enemies. He imprisoned Saeva in a storeroom in the villa and bound her with wards that would be triggered by any Doppelganger who crossed them. He then set his undead to guard her. With Saeva as his hostage, I had no choice but to become his spy among the beast-men. The Deathwalkers captured some gnolls and I used my talents to discover his name and secrets, then I took on his form and the Deathwalkers killed him and his companions. I went among the beast-men but soon found a way to switch over to the lizardfolk, for they were not the creatures of Chaos and Evil that the gnolls and minotaurs are.
However, as I told Drago earlier, I do believe that their leader,
Shaman G’ruk is indeed leading the lizardfolk down an evil path. In
any case, this morning I heard that in the palace of King Stronghoen,
the ruler of the beast-men who resides in the underground city of
Huvat Vex, there was a lizardman warrior who had come to Thracia with Keolanders. I knew I must seek him out and discover if he or his
former companions knew anything about Cypress Hill and whether there were any survivors, for I imagined they had come in response to that raid or other attacks by the Deathwalkers. That is when I found Drago. He was not exactly imprisoned in the chambers beneath the palace, but in fact he had become a special “guest” of King Stronghoen and had been placed under the watchful eye of King Stronghoen’s servants. I visited Drago in the form of King Stronghoen’s major-domo, a dog-brother named Bitterbark. Using Bitterbark’s form I was able to speak with Drago and lead him out of the palace and back to the surface. I already knew that the Keolander’s and dwarves from Melkot had been found and trapped within the Deathwalker caverns. Drago had told me already that Newt was with you all, so we hastened to see if we could rescue you. Then we heard, through a chimney in the caverns, Newt cry out when she fell. We grew more desperate, or I grew more desperate to get into the caverns to save her. Perhaps I should let Drago explain the rest. But I believe Newt was asked a question.”

Newt says, “Well, I was listening to G’ruk, the chief and shaman to
the rogue Malarat. When he heard Drago had made friends with King
Stronghoen (I don’t think G’ruk knew the whole situation), he took
three warriors with him saying they would find and awaken the Immortal King. I got the impression this might be some reptilian deity. I also got the impression that G’ruk thinks this Immortal King will be on his side and will sweep all his enemies out of his way.

“Drago, I’m sorry to put you on the spot like this, but you later said
we didn’t need to go after G’ruk right then. Of course, Indranil might
have needed help at the time, but otherwise why did you say that?”

Just before Twilight, Readying 20, 591

Holoste hisses in Common, “Stop your jabbering! We must get to the villa now before we are captured and report to Patriarch Tavasmok!”
Drago looks from one to the other, then says, “Kašvestu selfn!” as he envisions himself as a 7.5′ minotaur. He then says in Common, “Sorry about slapping you back there, Holoste.” Then looking at both of them, “Is the Deathwalkers’ cavern below the villa?”

Holoste steps back a bit unnerved by Drago’s changes. “N…no. The caverns are that way.” He points to the west towards the conjunction of the canals that run north to south and east to west.

“Then you go back to the villa, Holoste,” says Ulmar. “We are going do what we can for those trapped in the caverns.”

Holoste looks as though he were about to object, but then Ulmar begins to growl. Holoste nods and runs off to the south.

“Good, he’s gone. Let’s go!” says Drago.

They carefully make their way east towards the canals. They finally
see the besieged building up ahead. Before it is a copse of trees,
behind which five gnolls, four hyenas, and perhaps a dozen or more
lizardfolk have taken cover and are training their bows on the wooden
door of the squat building at the juncture of the north-south and
east-west canals running through the ruined city. Ulmar holds his hand
up to caution Drago and then points to a 5’ hole in the ground
concealed among the weeds.

Just then, the sound of a young woman’s receding scream can be heard echoing up through the hole, as though she had fallen into it, but at a point further down than they can see. Then they hear the echo of a man’s voice crying, ““Newt! Hold on! I will send help!” The sounds of steel clashing on steel can also be faintly heard. The lizardfolk and gnolls behind the trees do not seem to have heard any of these sounds issuing from the hole in the ground.

Drago whispers to Ulmar, “Can we safely climb down the hole? Can you communicate with Newt yet?”

Ulmar is clearly agitated and upset by this. “No! I have no rope with
me, do you?” He asks in Draconic. “I can’t sense her! She is too far
away or…” He looks at Drago in desperation. “The only way down there
is the stairwell in that building. We must get in!”

Drago shakes his head in negation as he looks toward the gnolls and lizards to see if he can steal any rope from them with his mage’s hand. When he doesn’t see any, he whispers, “Here goes nothing.” In his most intimidating voice, he points to the door and calls out to the gnolls and the lizardfolk in booming Common, “Break down that door! NOW!”

“Break down that door! Now!”

Cackling like fiends of the Abyss, the gnolls, hyenas and lizardfolk
all leave the cover of the trees and rush the door. Javelins are
hurled and several stick in the door even as Rogi slams it shut with a
yelp. The leading gnolls slam into the door with their shoulders, but
it is too late, the dwarves inside have already bolted it shut. It is
at the moment that Indranil’s invisibility fades and he stands exposed
beside the door to the horde of beast-men.

Howling in surprise and berserk rage, the gnolls and lizardfolk turn on
Indrail. Aatu rushes to Indranil’s side even as one of the hyenas
tries to bite the beleaguered ranger. There is no time for any more
casting of spells, Indranil is forced to draw his sword and defend
himself. With a powerful blow he cuts down the gnoll in front of him,
but a hyena rushes him and bites into his leg. He sees that another
hyena has crashed into Aatu and pulled him to the ground by the
throat.

Drago pauses, astonished at Indranil’s sudden appearance. Then he smiles, enjoying the sight of him being mauled. He wishes he could sit back with a nice cocktail and enjoy the show, but he knows he needs to help him. Indranil would be very helpful to get inside the cavern. Still… Drago takes another moment to fantasize about BBQ elf for dinner before he says to Ulmar, “We need to help him.” He unslings his gem encrusted shield and draws his new long sword.

As Drago and Ulmar consider what to do, Indranil shears through the neck of the hyena gripping Aatu in its jaws. Its head rolls away as Aatu leaps to his feet and tears into the other hyena menacing Indranil. With a yelp the hyena backs away and then runs, the other two hyenas also turn tail and follow after.

There is no time to rest however, for the lizardfolk have backed away to hurl their last javelins at Indranil. His shield wards off all but one that pierces him in the right leg. Then the gnolls charge in with their spears. Aatu runs between the legs of one and trips him while Indranil swats away the spear of another with his sword and then slashes the hapless gnoll in the belly. Aatu bites the gnoll he tripped again and again before he is able to stumble back to his feet, blood running down his mauled arms.

Then the lizardfolk move in with shields and their primitive spiked war clubs. Indranil and Aatu are hard pressed on all sides now as Indranil calls out to the dwarves to open the door so he and Aatu can slip in.

Suddenly, as things begin to look hopeless, a minotaur bearing a finely made sword and a shield decorated with silver and platinum tracery along with inlaid carnelians and a gnoll with a lizardfolk shield and spiked club smash into the back of the lizardfolk warrior ranks hewing and smiting them right and left. Then the door of the squat building opens and Grim takes a swipe at one of the gnolls with his axe, he misses but now the gnolls and lizardfolk must turn their attention to him as well.

It is not a moment too soon, for one of the lizardfolk manages to strike Aatu with his war club. Aatu yelps in pain but continues snapping at the gnolls and lizardfolk around him. Indranil finds himself forced to back up against the wall as he is beset right, left, and center by gnolls and lizardfolk. With a powerful blow he lops off the head of the gnoll he wounded in the belly, and with his shield wards off the war clubs of the lizardfolk.

The battle continues furiously as Indranil splits the head of another
gnoll, and then turns his attention to the lizardfolk surrounding him,
spilling the guts of one who raised his shield too high. Only one
gnoll remains while he and Grim trade one blow after another but neither gives way though both are bruised and bloodied. Aatu dogs the gnoll’s heels but his leather bracers and thick fur protect him from the wolf’s sharp teeth. The lizardfolk are so intent on Indranil now that
they leave Aatu alone. Indranil works furiously with shield and sword,
blocking and parrying the lizardfolk war clubs, still he is struck
painfully in the left leg and the stomach. Bloodied but undaunted he
fights on against the half dozen or so lizardfolk warriors outside the
door. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees that by the treeline the
minotaur and the gnoll are still fighting, the minotaur having taken
down one foe, and the gnoll having felled two others. Still there are
at least five more lizardfolk warriors encircling them.

In the blink of an eye the battle changes as a hail of the black
fletched arrows of the Deathwalkers fall upon the lizardfolk. Half
their numbers are reduced within seconds, and the rest break away from the fight to dive into the canal running off to the swamps to the
east. Grim finally gets a killing blow on the last gnoll as the
lizardfolk fall or run and he beckons Indranil to hurry in. Indranil
looks off to his right and sees that the Deathwalkers have arrived.
Four of the fighters in banded armor are marching up the street,
already putting another arrow to their bows. Indranil sees four
more Deathwalker fighters with their clerics behind them on the roof
of the building to the southeast. Judging from the barrage of arrows
that came from the west, Indranil guesses that the other warriors are
just around the corner.

“Indranil, wait! I am Ulmar and we must rescue Newt! She is in danger.
Let us in with you!” It is the gnoll who was fighting the lizardfolk
warriors shouting from the treeline. He is already running towards the
door dragging the minotaur along with him.

As they run toward Indranil, the minotaur dismisses his spell and becomes himself again. When they reach him, Drago bows briefly and says, “Sir Indranil, meet Newt’s father, Ulmar.” He smiles toothily.

“Indranil, wait! I am Ulmar and we must rescue Newt! She is in danger.
Let us in with you!” It is the gnoll who was fighting the lizardfolk
warriors shouting from the treeline. He is already running towards the
door dragging the minotaur along with him. As they run toward
Indranil, the minotaur performs a gesture of spell dismissal. His
features shift into those of Drago.

“By the goddess! Drago! It is good to see you! Hurry, get inside! We
can talk later.”

The three of them and Aatu all rush inside as arrows begin to fall
around them. Indranil is the last to enter. Before ducking through the
doorway he casts Entangle to hinder the approaching Deathwalkers. He runs through the door and slams it behind him latching the bar. The
thunking of many arrows hitting the door can be heard as well as the
dismay of the warriors who were rounding the building but have been
stopped in their tracks by the vines and weeds that twine themselves
around their legs and feet.

Safe for the moment, Drago bows briefly and says, “Sir Indranil, meet
Newt’s father, Ulmar.” He smiles toothily.

To the astonishment of Grim and the other dwarves, Ulmar shifts and
his features transform into those of a human male with dark eyes and
hair, someone who very well could be the father of Adelina. He holds
his hand out to shake Indranil’s hand, but then sees the look on the
dwarves faces, “Oh, they didn’t know did they?”

Drago chuckles at the dwarves’ response.

Indranil laughs lightly and nods his head towards the astonished dwarves, “No, they didn’t know until now. It is a secret we have closely guarded at your daughter’s request. The fewer who know of your… skill… the better.”

Indranil bows to Ulmar and says, “Good Sir, it is an honor to finally meet you, the father of my comrade Adelina. And, it is an especial relief that you are safe and free from the Deathwalkers. My colleagues have risked all to reenter this City to search for you and your wife. Finding you is such welcome news. I am greatly pleased and eager to hear your story… when we have time.”

Turning to Drago Indranil not only bows lowly and fully but drops to his knees and with his hands clasped to his chest he says, “Good Drago, Please forgive my sins of hatred and bigotry. I have ill served you, done you wrong and great injustice. I beg your forgiveness. In penance I offer you my friendship and pledge of respect and honor. I have strayed far from balance and paid for it with the loss of friendship and respect. The Goddesses have offered me atonement and as penance I must seek to restore balance.”

Indranil waits upon his knees for Drago’s response.

Drago is astonished. He tries to speak, repeatedly, but no sound comes out of his mouth. Finally, Drago simply offers his clawed paw and says, “Rise, Sir Knight, all is forgiven. However, there are forces gathering beyond your worst nightmare that are bent upon the destruction of humanity.” Motioning toward Ulmar, “Between the two of us, we now know most of the secrets of Thracia and Huvat Vex. But first, we need to save Newt. We heard her fall into the pit from the hole on the surface and Ulmar can’t read her. We’re very worried. Can we go to her now and talk later?”

Afternoon, Readying 20, 591

“My, but gnolls and minotaurs certainly are stirred up, aren’t they?” asks the major-domo Bitterbark as he steps into Drago’s cell several long tedious hours later. “Let us chat for a little bit. I am curious to hear your tale.”

Drago blinks, stretches, and asks, “How so, milord?”

“I am curious as to what could have led the Keolanders they say you traveled with back to Thracia. Did you find a map or did someone lead you back here? Was it one of your former comrades perhaps?”

Drago nods, then replies, “The Keolanders found an ancient manuscript in a Deathwalker shrine in the swamps. Their clerics were able to translate enough of it to lead us here.”

“Is that so? There wasn’t a young girl with you from Cypress Hill?”

Drago gasps softly. He pauses, cocks his head, looks Bitterbark in the eyes and says softly, “Are you both safe?”

Bitterbark’s eyes widen. He puts his paw to his snout to shush Drago. Then he whispers, “So you know. Thanks the gods, our little one is safe; but maybe not for long. The gnolls and the lizardfolk are hunting them down as we speak. We must both get out of here at once if we are to save your friends. Gather your gear and come with me. I am Ulmar, the father of Newt. Her mother Saeva is still being held by the Deathwalkers in their villa. We can talk later, for now we must get out and quietly.”

Drago silently smiles toothily as he quietly gathers his gear and follows Ulmar as instructed. Drago is giddy with happiness. He slobbers absentmindedly. Newt will be so happy!

Ulmoar leads Drago back out to the arena. Luckily for them, no one challenges them. The arena is as empty as it was before. Ulmar doesn’t lead Drago up into the stands, however, but straight across to the western perimeter. He touches a stone and a section of the wall slides aside revealing a secret passage running beneath the stands.

“This way,” says Ulmar. “We will be less likely to run into anyone, and I can also sense if anyone is near us. Also, hold onto my shoulder. It will be dark, but I know the way.”

He enters, Drago following, and entrance closes behind them. The passage is narrow but only 20’ long. At the end, Ulmar touches a stone and Drago can hear the sliding of stone.

“Right past this tunnel is a stairwell that lead back up to the palace. They are not used anymore for reasons that will soon be clear to you. Do not be alarmed. The ancient Thracians thrived on all manner of perversities, but the stone gropers are harmless unless you strike at them. Then we will both be in trouble. So be calm!”

With that warning, Ulmar leads Drago up the darkened stairwell. As soon as they start up, Drago feels cold stone hands reaching from the walls on either side. They are flexible, smooth, and oddly soft, like animated clay. They caress, pat, and grope Drago and Ulmar from all sides, sometimes pinching or smacking them, but never going so far as to cause any real injury.

“Be calm, just enjoy it if you can. Do not strike the hands whatever you do!” warns Ulmar again.

Finally, they reach the top of the stairwell. The hands recede back into the walls. Ulmar opens yet another secret door and pulls Drago into another darkened passage at a right angle to the stairs. This passage is 15’ wide and runs on for some 50’. It is lit by a pair of baleful, glowing, amber colored eyes set into the wall on the left. They eyes chill Drago’s soul as he looks upon them. Looking back at the secret door they just came through, Drago sees that it now appears to be just another part of the marble walls.

“Come, Drago, the eyes are unpleasant but harmless.” Ulmar suddenly changes himself from Bitterbark into a lizardfolk warrior. It is the same kind of transformation that Drago saw Newt perform. His flesh ripples and shifts in color, shape, and texture. He casts aside the robe he had been wearing as Bitterbark and in the shadows retrieves a shield, morningstar, and three javelins that he had earlier placed there. He leads Drago halfway down the hall and opens another secret door disguised as a marble panel.

As the door opens it lets in a blinding blaze of light. Drago can hear a sizzling sound and feels a heat far more intense than the heat of the chambers beneath the palace. Ulmar shouts, “Damn! The way is blocked!”

Drago instinctively raises his shield to protect himself and peers into the blazing heat. As his eyes adjust to the light, he sees that the secret door opens into a room that is a large dome 50’ in diameter and 40’ from floor to peak. On the other side of the dome is a 50’ long hall with a single door on the right, two on the left, and a single door at the end of the hall. If the secret door is on the north side of the dome, then to the left on the east side of the dome is a door. At the apex of the ceiling of the dome is a large crystal that casts a shaft of sunlight that pierces the darkness of the room. The shaft of light creates a 10’ diameter circle on the floor directly in front of the secret door. It is this beam of focused light that initially blinded Drago is emitting such intense heat. On the other side of the beam an Amedi clad in rags in chained to the center of the floor. He looks up at the two lizardfolk and sneers, defiance in his eyes.

Ulmar sighs and says in Draconic, “We must wait for the beam to cross towards the center of the room. Perhaps in five minutes we’ll have enough room to squeeze by it. Eventually it will reach the center and burn this human alive. It is one of many sadistic games these beast-men play. As the beam of light cook this unfortunate, his dying screams will let the gnolls cubs in the chambers beyond that door know that their dinner will soon be ready.”

The human begins cursing the two lizardfolk in Amedi. His eyes are filled with hate, and also a growing fear as the beam of light inches closer to him.

Drago ponders out loud, “Should we kill him to silence him, or try to set him free? What if we turned ourselves into Amedi to free him? Do you know the language? I don’t.”

“He’s already seen us, so it’s too late to change our appearance now though I do know Amedi. I assume you have a spell to alter your own appearance?”

Drago nods his assent and adds, “But it is only illusion and only lasts a little while.”

Ulmar nods. “We still have to figure out what to do about him. Just a moment.” Ulmar falls silent and gazes at the Deathwalker for a moment. “Yes, he is a Deathwalker, in fact he is one of priests of Thanatos. His name is Holoste. He knows me, or knows of me. When Saeva and I were brought back to their villa, their Patriarch Tavasmok forced me to become their spy among the ranks of the beast-men. Tavasmok kept my spouse Saeva imprisoned in the store room of the villa, trapped behind magical wards and guarded by his undead. He told me he would kill her if I did not infiltrate the beast-men and report back to them. I have primarily stayed with the Malarat for you lizardfolk are not the creatures of Chaos and Evil that the gnolls and minotaurs are, though I believe your Shaman G’ruk is indeed leading them down a very evil path. The Malarat know me as the warrior Kassmak. Anyway, the Deathwalkers know of me, so this one might cooperate if we free him. However, freeing him might alert King Stronghoen all the faster, and Holoste will try to betray us to the other Deathwalkers. It would be safer for us to leave him to die, but I am loath to allow even one such as him to be roasted alive and eaten by the gnolls. What are your thoughts?

Drago shrugs, “Well, I am not opposed to roasted Deathwalker, nor to slicing open his throat to silence his screams and ease his impending pain.” Drago’s stomach rumbles its agreement. “Thanatos priests are more dangerous than an average Deathwalker though. Even so, if you can use your relationship with them to ease our danger, that is fine with me. They probably should be alerted to Stronghoen’s gathering of Beast-men tribes bent upon their destruction after all. If we help him as their ally and spy, perhaps Saeva will not be harmed because of it. It sounds like they already know your true nature?”

“They do, unfortunately.” Then his eyes widen. “If the beast-men overwhelm the villa, they may kill Saeva as well. Yes, we must rescue Holoste and send him to the villa to warn them. Look, the beam has moved away from the door. We must act quickly!”

Drago and Ulmar are able to squeeze around the beam and into the chamber beyond. Ulmar says to Holoste in Amedi, “Holoste, olen Ulmar, vakooja lähetitte keskuudessa peto-miehiä. Tämä soturi minulle on ystävä. Sinun ei tarvitse huolehtia hänestä. Nyt aiomme vapaasti sinua niin kiltti ja lopeta meidän huutaen.”

Holoste calms and replies, “Ulmar? Jos olet vapaa minua hakemaan minut pois täältä tulen varmasti kiittää teitä patriarkan Tavasmok.”

Ulmar replies, “Kiitos, mutta teidän ihmisten pitää vaimoni panttivangeiksi ja pakotti minut vakoilemaan teitä vielä ystäväni ja olen sitä mieltä, että meidän ei anna sinun kuolla tällä tavalla. Myös sinun ihmiset ovat suuressa vaarassa. Sinun on varoitettava niistä. Mutta ensin meidän täytyy murtaa näitä ketjuja.”

Ulmar turns to Drago, “Help me, maybe together we can break these chains.”

“Hmm… maybe a big glob of acid on the chains will help us break it?” replies Drago.

“Give it a try then,” Ulmar responds.

Drago then hacks up a ball of acid and spits it onto the chain. It burns through one of the links and the Deathwalker is free.

“Quickly, there is no time to waste,” says Ulmar. They head out of the dome and down the hall, taking the door at the far end. It opens up into the temple hall of the palace. Before moving into the courtyard, Ulmar shifts into the form of a gnoll and grasps the end of the chain hanging from Holoste’s neck. “If you want to leave you will let me lead you as a slave.” Holoste nods his understanding but is clearly not happy about it. “Drago, if you can change into a gnoll do it now. The hydra will not bother two gnolls and a human slave, but its touchy about lizardfolk as you probably know.”

Drago responds softly, “Kašvestu selfn.” and makes it so. Drago is now a gnoll.

As Ulmar said, the hydra doesn’t threaten them, though its eyes can be seen watching them in its pool. Crossing the lawn the harpies hover over them but then resume their station on the palace walls. The lizardfolk and beast-men in the small temple with the well barely spare them a glance. They make their way through the grove, whereupon Drago hears the sound of gentle laughter, and furtive shapes seem to slip in and out of the trees. Every now and then he almost catches sight of something or someone out of the corner of his eyes, but when he turns to look there is nothing to see.

“They are dryads,” Ulmar explains in Draconian. “They will not bother us. Here we are.”

They arrive back at the ring of fruit trees and the circular slab of marble with the checkered square in the center. Ulmar leads them all to the square and within seconds they are back at the large temple to an unknown human goddess in the upper cavern.

Ulmar leads them out of the cavern and into the rat infested cavern. Again they go unchallenged by the guards. He takes them to the right towards the long stairs that lead back up to the surface. At this point, Drago’s illusion fades and he appears once more as himself. Ulmar retains his gnoll form and continues to lead Holoste by the chain linked to the collar around his throat.

Suddenly they hear someone shouting in Draconian. From the entrance to the tunnel that leads back to the Malarat encampment, Igusadon, Iguanosuth, and Kopusuth emerge.

“Drago!” shouts Igusadon. “We feared for you. We were just about to go to the surface to fight the humans, for they have been found and trapped within the caverns of the Deathwalkers. But that can wait. Shaman G’ruk must see you immediately. He was enraged when he found out you were accosted by King Stronghoen. You must come with us to see him.”

Igusadon then notices Ulmar and Holoste. “Who are these? What business do you have with the Malarat?”

Holoste wisely says nothing, but Ulmar looks to Drago and then to Igusadon. He seems like he is trying to figure out what to say.

“Igusadon!” Drago smiles disarmingly and says in Draconic, “Hello my friends! Oh, Stronghoen is a pussy cat. Please give my regards to Shaman G’ruk. No time to talk now, but I am alive and well! We’re off on a secret mission for His Majest. You will see me again though, if we all live to see another day. Death to the humans!”

Drago slaps the Deathwalker softly and says to Ulmar in Common without waiting for a response from the lizards, “Let’s go.”

“Wait!” cries Igusadon. “Your mission can wait! Shaman G’ruk will see you now!”

“Oh really?” says Ulmar in broken Common. “You forget who is king of Thracia. King Stronghoen has told me that it is urgent I bring Drago and this human slave to the surface to advise Hssdk, your war leader, in his fight against the humans. It is urgent they speak with him now. Your shaman can wait. Hssdk will send Drago back when the battle is won.”

Igusadon grips his morning-star and for a moment seems as though he is going to draw it, but then his hand falls away. With a snort he says with more than a hint of mockery, “Of course we are all beholden to the great King Stronghoen. I did not realize Drago was on such an important and sensitive mission for the king. I apologize. Drago, be sure to come back straight away to see Shaman G’ruk when you have helped win the battle.” He then curtly turns and beckons for Iguanosuth and Kopusuth to join him. They head off back to the lizardfolk encampment.

“Hurry now,” says Ulmar, “before there is more trouble. From the direction of the underground temple they hear a new commotion. It sounds like the excited chatter of gnolls. “I fear they have discovered that you two are missing. Run!”

They rush up the stairs and arrive breathless in the upper corridors. They easily pass the gnoll guard station, as the gnolls are not aware of any reason to hinder a lizardfolk, gnoll, and human slave. Just as they reach the entry hall, however, they do hear cries of alarm in the Gnoll tongue coming from the hall behind them. Apparently the gnolls from the palace reached the guard station. The three fugitives rush up the stairs back to the surface ruins, and again they pass the gnolls waiting in ambush in the trees. Those gnolls also let them by without a word. Only seconds after they round the corner of some nearby ruins they again hear the barking cries and excited chatter of the gnolls from the palace.

“We must find your friends soon,” says Ulmar in Draconic. They will be scouring the city for us now, and they already have many warriors out here.