At the small mound, Fingol pulls Indranil and Lorindel aside out of earshot of the others before the tribunal can begin. He covers his mouth and in Elvish says to Indranil, “Sir, I support you in that Rain is guilty of an infraction. And even if I didn’t, it’s still too late. You’ve arrested her, Chief Rahk and his warriors might see you as weak if you drop the charges now. As I see it you should charge her with negligence only, not insubordination. Especially in light of the fact, that Father Gar might be culpable; and he is, unfortunately, outside of our chain-of-command. You ordered her to fool the guards into thinking of the passwords. She had to get close to the door to make the ruse of guessing the passwords believable. And simply being close to the glyph might have been what set it off. If you believe that she did more, than you must prove it before bringing more serious charges.

“There is something else which you need to know at this point. I was charged not to tell others, needlessly. But now it is critical you know. Rain is more than a guardsman. She reports directly to the Prince’s spymaster. Who that is, I do not know. In any case, it is difficult to know what her motivations are given her role in the Prince’s regime. Moreover, it is difficult to know what the Prince’s reaction should be if we act poorly in this. Be as lenient as you can be, and still hold your command firm. Rain has more usefulness to the Prince than merely her sword.”

Indranil looks as if he swallowed a sour plum. When that passes he visibly relaxes. ”Fascinating news, Sir Fingol.” Then a flash of consternation passes across Indranil’s face and his features tighten again. ”Sir Fingol is there anything else I might find useful as military commander that you have not yet told me?”

“Nothing that comes to mind, sir. There are plenty of secrets around here already, I don’t see the need to keep any of my own.”

Indranil waves lightly and tries to smooth his face while he smiles to soften what he said. ”Perhaps a dance card would help me keep all the nuances of this mission straight in my head or else I might lose my mind! Thank you for confiding in me. I will guard that trust. A nice little conundrum she has presented us with indeed. So the little minx is in fact a spy. Please to the gods and goddess of all that is good I hope not to learn someday that Gar is the spy master! Wouldn’t that be ironic! I would love to know what is her mission and why did the Prince see the need to layer her in to the mix. Sir Fingol, does she know you know she is a spy?”

“No, I don’t believe she knows that I know.”

“Sir Fingol, she admitted she used ‘slightly more aggressive means’ to investigate the glyph and that was what set it off; she wasn’t just pretending nor was simple proximity the cause. She is damned by her own admission. The plan was simply to create a ruse by pretending to investigate while Newt sought to ‘see’ into the guards’ minds and not to send Newt away to a safe distance. No she screwed the pooch on this one in a masterful manner and left us quite a dilemma.

“I would love to bring Father Gar up on charges but we must suffer his presence as a diplomat and we have no authority over him; but shame on us all if we ever rely on him for our safety and success of this mission. No I agree with Aramek in this – that Gar knew full well that what Rain was about to do was wrong yet he saw fit not to say anything for his own enjoyment of the consequences and theater of it.

“I want to find a merciful manner to solve this crisis that leaves Rain’s head on her shoulders and our command intact. But what we do with her will depend on what she says and does in tribunal. I pray to Ehlenestra she is contrite and asks us for forgiveness thus giving us a reason to show mercy and soften our discipline.

“Brother what say you to this whole mess?”

“First off, I am relieved that there is a possible light at the end of this proverbial tunnel. We stand outnumbered as it is. I would hate to go into battle with one fewer on our side,” admits Lorindel

“Secondly,” says Lorindel with a slight chuckle, “This is precisely why I stick to the rank-and-file, so to speak, to avoid such conundrums. You know I’m not a leader…  Regardless though,” he continues, “whatever outcome you have planned will be but a hand slap compared to the lashing Rain will receive from the prince’s spymaster if her actions lead to the failure of this mission.”

A few minutes after Rain is hauled off to the small mound, Gar’s conscience gets the better of him. Begging Aramek’s and Adelina’s pardon, Gar says, “Excuse me, but I must set this right.” Then he crosses the bog to the tribunal. While crossing, Gar can see Fingol and the Marinus brothers conversing separately. Stepping ashore, he walks up to them as they finish talking.

“Milords, Master Aramek is correct. Full responsibility for Rain’s actions lies on my shoulders, and mine alone. As clergy, I have equal rank with a knight. Therefore the actions of the commoner Rain are my responsibility. Milords, in the name of all that is noble, I ask you to free Rain and punish me in her stead.” Gar goes down on one knee and holds his wrists up together, ready to be shackled.

Fingol considers kicking him in the head.

Indranil looks at Fingol and Lorindel then back at Father Gar and with a formal bow he says, “Father Gar you are most gracious and compassionate. Thank you for your magnanimity. Please rise, there is no need to kneel before us. While we cannot accept your offer to stand for Guardsman Rain we will take your example of mercy and compassion as guidance on us in our deliberations. Please return now to assist Aramek and Adelina in their work to find out the passwords. This is an important mission and one which your assistance is greatly needed.”

Indranil bows formally again. Gar lowers his head and looks forlornly toward Rain, then depart without a word. Indranil watches Gar as he proceeds across the bog back to the large mound.

Once Father Gar has left Indranil turns to Fingol and Lorindel and raising his eyebrows with a look that says, “would you believe what we just saw?”

Lorindel says, “Brother, if I had not been present to hear those words from the Father, my belief would be in doubt. There is most assuredly an ulterior motive beyond simple honesty.” A grimace washes over Lorindel’s face as he suggests, “You don’t think his admission was out of a desire to be punished? You know… like physically?” After regaining his composure, Lorindel adds, “Whatever the reason, I’m sure it will make itself apparent in due time.”

Fingol snorts a stifled laugh, “Uh… no…  I don’t think so. I am sure it was more a desire to skirt justice. If he was permitted to take full responsibility, then Rain would be released. And he is outside our chain of command, so he would escape punishment as well.”

Indranil says, “In regard to what you said earlier brother, I would hate to lose her blade as well and without her competing as our group’s blade master and egging on Sir Fingol who would keep him from day dreaming about his sketches all the time?” Indranil says this with a gentle laugh and playful nudge with his elbow at Fingol. “Now let’s convene this tribunal and get this behind us, we have much to do today before nightfall!”

“Hmm…” grunts Fingol, “Let’s get this over with.”

With that Indranil leads the knights over to where Chief Rahk has been patiently waiting in front of Rain and the two other guardsmen. Indranil takes up a large stick and proceeds to draw a large circle encompassing all those present. When complete, Indranil bows at each cardinal direction while intoning: ”We consecrate this sacred circle of truth here and now in the eye of the gods and mortal beings to hold tribunal for Guardsman Rain to understand her actions and seek justice. May the gods and goddess of truth and justice guide us in mercy, compassion and wisdom to know truth from falsehood and provide justice evenly in proportion to the situation. May all who herein now speak be held to truth and not falsehood.”

Indranil walks over to put Chief Rahk on his left, Sir Fingol on his right and Sir Lorindel on Sir Fingol’s right. Before him stands Guardsman Rain and a step behind her on her left and right her two guards.

Indranil pointing at the guard on Rain’s left he says,” Remove Guardsman Rain’s bonds and free her. During this tribunal she stands free.”

“Guardsman Rain you have been brought here to this sacred circle to know the truth and reasons for your actions and determine what justice, if any, fits the situation. Guardsman Rain you are charged with willfully and knowingly violating the lawful orders of your commander while engaged in battle. By your own admission, you actively explored the magic glyph protecting the main entrance thereby causing it to trip and risked exposing us all to counter attack before we were ready and able to defend ourselves. Furthermore you withheld full report of your actions while under my direct questioning in spite of me twice admonishing you to speak every detail. Furthermore you made mockery of the process in front of the entire war party. These actions significantly affected the safety of the mission and the good order and morale of a military unit under color of battle. Guardsman Rain, I advise you that no decision has yet been made as to your guilt or innocence and that any judgment is not yet made. Such judgment will be based on your words and actions inside this sacred circle of tribunal, as well as character references from your good friend Guardsman Aramek and Father Gar and your own exemplary record so far in our campaign. I counsel you to speak openly, truthfully and completely, without anger or malice nor predisposition in order that we may understand your actions and apply justice and remedy if necessary. Guardsman Rain what say you to these charges?”

Rain expresses no emotion as she rubs her wrists where the ties bound her. With a calm voice she answers. “Sir Indranil, Chief Rahk, Sir Fingol, and Sir Lorindel, I would first like to apologize for my emotions getting the better of me earlier. At the doorstep of our enemy I put all of us further in danger as well as clouded my ability to defend my actions and made me look young and foolish. In the future I will remember to keep them in check in proportion to the environment I find myself. Of the charges you read I agree with them all with the exception of one. It certainly was not my intention to leave any detail out of my report. My guess is that if I did it was my own emotional state and lack of discipline that allowed it. I thought I explained that it was not my intention to trip the glyph, only that I was concerned that without the skills to know any better it may be tripped by Newt by accident. If the device were a simple mousetrap I only attempted to brush away loose leaves and twigs from it before Newt stepped on a twig mistakenly, possibly causing her death. It was ignorance on my part, blinded by ego which allowed me to undertake such a foolish action. To this I am guilty. I should not have made the attempt at all. I should have trusted that Newt would have been more than careful and weighed that with the consequences to everyone should I trip the glyph. It was a casual and unwise decision on my part. With emotions unchecked I was unable to fully articulate this. Another heavily paid price for learning my weaknesses I am afraid. I will not allow this to happen again – by my actions alone will I prove this.”

Indranil speaking sternly and formally but with warmth in his eyes, says, “Guardsman Rain you have spoken Truth inside the sacred circle. You have accepted responsibility for your actions. Your remorse and contrition is noted. Your apology gratefully accepted. The gods smile upon you. The pathway to leave this unfortunate event behind us is now beckons but you must lead us upon it. I have two questions for you: What punishment do you believe is warranted for your actions, and how can we trust that in the future you will follow our orders?”

Rain had been looking between all those standing before her, but she shifts her gaze into the eyes of Indranil, though still showing only neutrality in voice and countenance. “Sir Indranil whatever punishment beyond belittlement in front of my peers, being stripped of weaponry and bound on the brink of battle, and fearing for my very life you believe I deserve I will accept. Truly. As for trust, I have nothing further to give you save my future actions.”

Indranil looks levelly at Rain and says, “Well said Guardsman Rain, you will accept whatever punishment we meet out. You stand and look the Dragon in the Eye. Bravery beyond that one could not ask for. Let us now hear from your judges.”

Fingol sounds genuinely irritated as he growls, “She has been through quite enough already. Let’s be done with this quickly and get back to the Deathwalkers. I say take some portion of her share and donate it to the poor and sick of Westkeep. That’s punishment enough.”

“Is that true, Rain?” snidely asks Lorindel as he approaches her. ”Have you been through enough? Give a portion of your payment to the needy?” he continues with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice. ”You think that punishment fits your actions?” With a scowl on his face, Lorindel threatens through clenched teeth, “Rain, I swear, if you do anything other than fulfilling your instructions to a T, it will be I who disarms you and returns you to Westkeep in shackles!”

Lorindel raises his arm and swings, though stops short just before slapping her across the face. He grabs her by the chin; his eyes squinted and his brow furled in rage. He leans in to whisper his final threat. What Lorindel actually hisses in Rain’s ear for her alone is, “I swear Rain, you seem to have the worst string of luck when it comes to my brother. Please, I beg of you and for the success of this mission, do nothing further to raise his ire or suspicion. I know your intentions are just, but in Indranil’s eyes, it is a challenge to his authority and therefore a challenge to the Crown. Now, for the sake of moving past this unfortunate distraction, I suggest you react as if I issued the harshest curse to your entire bloodline.” Lorindel steps back, but not before spitting at Rain’s feet. He returns to his spot next to the others.

Rain continues the same neutral countenance she has worn since being arrested throughout Lorindel’s threats and says nothing. As his spit hits the ground in front of her, she lowers her head and keeps it there… staring at the spittle sinking into the marsh dirt. Lorindel, there is nothing you can do or say which will make me trust your brother or any of you now, she thinks to herself. I will certainly play the part of an obedient grunt and do it well. I will follow every order, taking little initiative… staying out of the way… being without notice…keep myself safe from your High and Mighty justice. But don’t think me a friend. I am not friend to any of you. It was my mistake in thinking I might have been… my mistake. I won’t make it again.

Chief Rahk grunts, looks over everyone, and then says in Common, “The disciplining of your own warriors is not my concern, yet I thank you for doing me the courtesy of inviting me to this tribunal of yours. Yet this is not the way of the lizardfolk or the Malarat tribe. If one of ours is disobedient they are chastised on the spot and then they either submit or they are driven from the tribe. We do not administer beatings to weaken our warriors. We do not dock pay as we do not deal in money except when trading with outsiders and then we only buy what is needed for the tribe. We do not kill except when an offender has directly and purposefully threatened the tribe and driving them away will not secure the tribe’s safety. If someone feels that they would make a leader they can challenge the leader at any time. If they lose, they submit – or leave. We have no ranks and classes as you do. We have no abstract laws and principles. For us, survival of the tribe is the only law and only the insane would go against it. We do things directly and immediately and move on. This one has submitted and been chastised. If she were my warrior, I would ask her if she challenges me for leadership. If not, she must either submit or leave the tribe to form her own. If she submits, that is well enough. We do not cripple our own warriors, esp. one such as this, they way you humans do in order to satisfy these legal abstractions and this unwieldy idea of ‘tribe’ you call civilization. Do as you see fit. She is not of my people and I have given my opinion since you asked.” Chief Rahk, having had his say, steps back and nods to Indranil to proceed.

Indranil bows low to Chief Rahk, and says, “You have honored us with your presence and wisdom. I thank you.”

Indranil bows to both Sir Fingol and Sir Lorindel.

Turning to Rain he speaks, “You have confessed your actions, expressed your acceptance of the punishment this tribunal sees fit to render and heard from your judges. Guardsman Rain before I render my final judgment in this matter I ask you one final question: Will you swear to follow my orders, or my lawful designate, completely and without reservation until we have returned to Westkeep?”

Rain looks up to meet Indranil’s eyes and says, “I swear.”

Indranil then says to Rain, “We accept your oath and submission. We have had your life in our hands since we arrested you. We now return it to you without reservation. Your punishment is the humiliation of this field tribunal and 10% of your share will go to a charity for the poor and needy – of your choosing – once we are back in Westkeep.”

Indranil bows to the four cardinal directions, and says, “Gods and goddesses you have observed this tribunal and found that the Truth was heard and fair justice delivered. Be where you will and come again out of your compassion for us.”

Indranil then uses his boot to break the circle. Bowing to Chief Rahk he says, “Chief Rahk, please excuse us a moment. We will rejoin you on the mound shortly.”

“Rain, Sir Fingol, and Sir Lorindel, please join me for a word.”

Indranil waits until Chief Rahk and the two other Guardsmen have gone and turns to the group and says, “Okay that bit of … difficulty… is behind us.”

“Sir Fingol, please return Guardsman Rain’s weapons and pack.”

Fingol quickly returns Rain’s weapons.

Rain accepts her pack and weapons, but pulls her hands away from Sir Fingol when he attempts to check her wrists for injury.

Indranil says, “Damn it Rain, please do not make me do that again. I like it not. We need you and your… unusual approach… to things. However, we can’t afford to have you violate orders nor comply with them to the exact letter, as my brother said ‘to the T.’ We are a small unit that must operate with some element of personal initiative and independence so long as it is tempered and guided in the spirit of the mission profile and stated orders. We are not some large army where unquestioning compliance is critical to holding the line of march and battle. We all must have trust in each other and the confidence that everyone is doing their part, and watching each other’s back. It is a fine line requiring judgment and maturity. You took a chance and it did not work, spectacularly so.

“So this ‘bit of theater’,” Indranil looks at Lorindel with a frown, “you have had to endure was done to maintain unit discipline and is certainly punishment enough considering that what you did actually had great benefit for us. We can’t very well reward you for screwing up as royally as you did, it would not be good for the order and morale of the unit, but the truly interesting outcome of this unfortunate turn of event is that you actually did some good.

“Blowing the glyph has done two things: One, It will cause them to suspect we will be coming through that door so they will concentrate their defense there and leave the other doors more vulnerable; and two, the fact they did not come out and attack us tells me they are at much reduced troop strength and more vulnerable to our attack. Both of these give me more hope than I had.

“As I said before Rain, your unusual methods are needed and in this case worked out to our benefit, but I can’t very well reward you for it as it could have easily gone the other way and been a disaster for us all. You must have some god on your side.

“Rain, do your best to follow orders yet continue to show your own personal initiative and judgment to further our cause. Next time trust me to share your ideas with me… first if possible?

“Now let’s get back and see how Aramek is coming with the other passwords. We also have to finish preparing for tonight and tomorrow’s attack.”

Rain is tcaught off guard at Indranil’s more open comments and especially his admittance to her actions being beneficial. Are all Elves plagued by multiple personalities? she thinks to herself. It is no wonder Humans are so cautions around them. She uses all of her skill to keep surprise from shattering the cautious neutral posture she has adopted for self-preservation. Trust him? Is he kidding? Trust the most dangerous leader she has ever had the missfortune of having to follow? It is going to be a long trip back to Westkeep Rain, best keep your wits about you around this one and his cronies. She says nothing as she dons weapons and pack and walks with them back to the large mound.

As they are walking back Indranil throws an idea out to the other three, “Say you three… if Newt can read a person’s thoughts and see and hear what they do around them, do you think she can put an idea into someone’s head? Moradin’s Balls can she read all our minds?!”

At Indranil’s question concerning Newt’s abilities Rain thinks, She is gonna be a problem too… I should have seen that from the beginning. I am going to have to remember at all times to keep even my thoughts quiet – constant vigilance. When I get back I need to speak with Seda… Her, oh gods Rain don’t even think her name anymore. I’m gonna have to let Her know all about Newt.

Fingol goes to look over the woodpiles for a suitable branch to strip and fire harden into a quarterstaff. As Fingol is preparing his weapon, he turns to Indranil and Chief Rahk, “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the Deathwalkers cleared the large mound of their dead before they retreated. We’ve got more than the dozen warriors to deal with. That necromancer is going to have enough zombies to replace all his losses.”

“Sir Fingol, you are full of good news! Moradin’s Balls! This assault turns my stomach. I see no clear plan ahead of us and see us leaving many of our friends dead in the hell-hole. You’re suggesting blunt trauma type weapons for the assault? Is that why you are whittling a large stick to play with? I like my Morningstar and shield, but perhaps you’re right for the others who only have swords they might use the time tonight to prepare quarterstaffs and clubs. You know for a diplomat and artiste, you make a hell of a fine warrior!

Fingol replies, “That is exactly what I suggest. Our fight against the first squad of skeletons went more poorly than it should because our guardsmen had swords only. We didn’t do well against the skeletons, cutting one little chip at a time. Anyone without a bashing weapon should fashion a staff or club for the next fight.”

Indranil, seeing that Lorindel is not within earshot says, “On a serious note, I have been disappointed in Sir Lorindel’s second in command leadership. He has not been engaged. And that bit in the Tribunal, I felt like smacking him! Frankly, I have come to rely on you more and more for assistance in leading the military side. It has been good to get to know you better. The ranger corp has always had fine soldiers.”

“Thank you for your compliments. I think your brother will support you better in a fight that is more his own.”

Indranil later seeks out Lorindel and says to him, “Brother, tomorrow is a big day for us all. As second in command you should be prepared to take over should I become incapacitated during the battle… or die. Have you been thinking about this? Brother I need you. This is my first command and the pressure of being alone at the top is overwhelming. I need you to take on more responsibility. I have not pushed you in this and I understand you have been frustrated being in a position where your ranged weapons skills and scouting prowess have been little used. But for what we face tomorrow I will need you to be a force to lead. Certainly you will be leading a squad into a gate by yourself. I just spoke to Sir Fingol and he is making a quarterstaff as he believes that we may face many more of the skeleton warriors inside. He is thinking ahead. I need you to start thinking ahead as well.”

Once everyone has returned to the crown of the hill, Indranil, seething, red faced, and clearly trying very hard to hold his temper states, “No one speaks until I give leave.”

Gar keeps his head down in a contemplative fashion with his left hand middle finger remaining on his amulet.

Indranil continues, “Sergeant Apone, have your crews continue to collect firewood but do not stray far. Battle may happen at any time now. Relay to the guards at each entrance that the fires must now remain lighted and burning hot. Collect the pile of arrows and picket stakes Sir Fingol and I made this morning and position them in from of all five entrances according to this drawing.” Indranil quickly sketches out the placement of the fires, arrow punji sticks and picket stakes in the dirt so that Sgt. Apone can clearly see what is needed and all the others may follow as well.

“We are not ready for battle with evil sorcerers until tomorrow. Our only hope now is to contain them. Pray to the goddess they still think the raiding parties will return to save them and they have the hubris to wait. No one will rest tonight. Crews will be working through the night to maintain those fires. Now, Guardsman Rain report on what happened at the main entrance and leave no detail out.”

Rain, wary of the fact that loud voices might be overheard inside the lair, responds to Indranil with an even, orderly but quiet voice. “We approached the entrance with intentions of me standing at the glyph with Newt behind me. Newt was going to do her thing while I stood in front of her for protection, both from the glyph and those inside should they have chosen that moment to attack. But before I brought her in close I wanted to examine the glyph one more time and attempt to discover the exact trigger, again for reasons of protecting Newt and the others there. Though I was certain of the glyph’s mechanism and very methodical in my approach I managed instead to activate the glyph. The lines of the glyph suddenly flared into full visibility, by everyone I would assume, and then turned into a spray of acid that soaked the entire inset space before the door including all vegetation and burning lines into the door. I, however, was able to maneuver around and between the spray so that only a few drops hit me.

“We heard them laugh inside, and then Newt said that they knew the glyph was tripped and were going to get the priest. I sent Newt to inform you and setup those of us at the entrance in a defensive formation in case the enemy came out before you came to give us your orders. The rest you know.” She finishes but continues to look directly at Indranil.

“Guardsman Rain I recall telling you expressly not to trip the glyph. Why did you feel it necessary to reexamine the glyph one more time? The plan was to get Adelina close enough to lift the passwords from the guards. Was this on your own initiative or were you encouraged to do so?”

Rain responds, “I was not certain enough of the mechanism. During our discussion on this sport earlier it occurred to me that I should re-examine the glyph, looking for exactly what would trip it… touch, crossing the boundaries… what made it go boom.” Rain recognizes that her voice is beginning to rise as she is being interrogated for attempting to make it safer for the team so takes a few seconds to calm down.

She continues, “I remember what you expressly said. I was attempting to investigate further to understand the trap better to make it safe. It was my decision. Mine. I misread something of the glyph and it fucking went off. That’s it. It could have happened any previous time I looked at it also.” Again her anger at this interrogation begins to get the better of her so she stops talking but continues to look only at Indranil.

Indranil looks back at Rain for a long time then shakes his head. Turning to Aramek he says, “Guardsman Aramek, please tell me what happened from your perspective.”

Aramek responds to Indranil’s question about his understanding of what just happened at the door. “In our earlier conference Rain said that trying to disable one of these glyphs would be one of the most difficult things she’s ever attempted, and incredibly dangerous. She said she’d prefer that Father Gar attempt disrupting it using magic first, but if that should fail then she would be more than willing to give it a try. I made my feelings clear at that time that the risk to any of my friends was too great to take that kind of chance and that we should barricade the doors with burning wood to force the enemy out. I suspect that Newt’s remark about the strength of the glyph may have put it in Rain’s mind that it might, and I emphasize, might not be that dangerous. I was with the group for the express purpose of trying to cause one of the enemy on the other side of the door think of the password, so that Newt would be able to pick it out of his mind. Your instructions were clear, Sir Indranil, that we were not to trip the glyph or try the passwords until we could finalize our plans on how to breach the mound. I note that Rain requested Father Gar’s presence ‘just in case’ anything went wrong while we were trying our ruse to get a password. When we were standing near the door Rain whispered something to Father Gar and then he whispered something back. Immediately thereafter he conferred magical protection on Newt and I, then herded me back about 25 feet from the door. The next thing I know, the glyph has been tripped, we’re running for our lives and we’re now about to deal with an attack while totally unprepared.

“I will admit I am not the most law-abiding citizen in the world, but I also know when it’s okay to ignore instructions and when it’s not. When Master Parwyn gives me instructions on how to brew a particular potion, I don’t just decide to throw in whatever herb I think will make it better because I know that the consequences can be disastrous. On this expedition I see you, Sir Indranil, as the person who knows what he’s doing and I’ve tried to follow your instructions to the letter. Thus far I have remained alive, so I figure you must know what you’re doing. Although I did not hear what transpired between Rain and Father Gar, I am almost certain that, at the least, Father Gar knew exactly what Rain was going to attempt, in spite of your instructions, and did nothing to dissuade her from trying to disarm the ward.”

Aramek looks angrily at Father Gar and says, “Father, throughout this expedition you have made your contempt for any instructions you didn’t agree with very clear. You continue to act as if you are better than the rest of us and above following orders. Your attitude, so far as I’m concerned, has endangered us all. I realize that I have no high station as a citizen. I am not your social equal but just a lowly guard. But in this instance I am willing to suffer whatever the consequences may be, should I survive, in order to have my say here and now! I am committed to seeing this affair through to the end. I want to find Newt’s parents. I want to somehow get through to Reece and try to help him return to his mother and father. And I want to survive. I feel as if your selfishness has jeopardized us all.”

As Aramek glowers at Gar, Rain says, “As far as the whispering between Father Gar and myself that Aramek refers to, I told him that this was a very tricky ward and my slightly more aggressive investigation may have consequences. I asked him to move the rest back, especially Aramek and Newt, and to protect them. He indicated that he would do as I requested. That is all. This was not a conspiratorial trick conspired by Gar and myself. I made a mistake and accidentally tripped the glyph.” Becoming truly angry now she finishes, “If anybody here wants a head for this fuckin’ military tribunal then it’s mine!”

Gar shifts from a prayerful attitude stroking his little Green Man and raises his hand, waiting patiently to be called upon to speak.

Aramek, shaking his head in understanding, looks to Indranil, indicating that he would like to respond to Rain.

Indranil looks over at Father Gar and says, “Put down your hand Father Gar, I will call upon you in good time.”

Gar lowered his hand.

Indranil looks at Rain and says, “Guardsman Rain be silent! You will speak only when I give you leave to do so. Insubordination in battle is a capital offense. You have endangered us all by disobeying my lawful orders and you have withheld information from me. I suggest you quickly learn the finer points of self discipline and get a grip on your anger, for your life depends on it.”

“Sergeant Apone, have two of your guards attend to Guardsman Rain, remove her weapons immediately and bind her hands.”

Sgt Apone directs Frost and Ferro to do as Indranil bids.

Indranil turns to Lorindel, “Brother, string you bow and nock an arrow. If Guardsman Rain resists her disarming, moves or speaks without leave shoot her.”

Lorindel complies as instructed. “I’m sorry, Rain,” he says.

Rain adopts an impassive face and does not resist. She only stares straight ahead saying nothing.

What a day! Newt is stunned by this turn of events, but doesn’t try to say anything after seeing Gar shut down a moment ago. She watches, sad and uncertain, as Rain gets bound.

Indranil says, “Thank you for your patience Father Gar, I can see you have something to add. What would you like to add?”

Gar stands up and bows to Indranil and Rain and begins in an even voice, “Milords, I was only following the whispered orders of our squad leader, guardsman Rain, it is true. She told me to protect Newt and get back. Rain is a great leader who can command my complete trust milords. However, if Rain can read minds as well then perhaps she felt my longing to know what only she could tell us. Rain grew up with locksmiths, I do believe. Only she could hope to disarm it and evade its harmful consequences in the beat of a heart. Only she could give us this necessary knowledge that we needed. No one could ask her. No one could deny her. Certainly not I. Only my unquestioning obedience and the protective powers of Obad-Hai does she deserve, within range to heal her in a moment’s notice, if she would only read my mind and discover the secrets of the glyph. I was greatly pleased at her display of big hairy eggs.”

Turning to Rain, Gar asks, “Are you a sorceress who can read the minds of others, milady?”

Then looking around at everyone with a half embarrassed look on his face, as if he didn’t really say what he said or as if Gar is not all there, he changes the subject. “Milords, to save wood and to keep from smoking out the Deathwalkers before we are ready, may I put out the fires for you?”

Indranil says, “Father Gar, no you may not put out the fires. I believe my command was utterly clear that the fires must now remain lighted.”

“Sir Fingol, Sir Lorindel, we will now withdraw to the small mound and hear the case of Guardsman Rain and confer judgment upon her. Chief Rahk would you please join us in this grievous task? I would value your great leadership, wisdom and impartiality.”

“Sergeant Apone your two guardsman will remain guarding the prisoner while you lead the rest of your squad in placing the arrow punji sticks and picket stakes per my diagram, once these entrenchments are complete then continue gathering wood for the fires.”

“Chief Rahk would you please have Lts Ahsk and Raz lead the over watch on the entrances placing five of your strongest and deadliest warriors as guards on each entrance and the balance providing aid to Sgt Apone’s squad?”

“Aramek take Adelina and Father Gar and explore the other four entrances to see if Adelina can lift the passwords from them using her site. Use any passive techniques between the three of you to learn about them – but do not use any active magic or manual manipulation to investigate or engage them. Do not trip any glyph or use the passwords should you find them out. Father Gar you are to follow Guardsman Aramek’s orders.”

“The main entrance now has no glyph or trap protecting it and they will expect us to come from that direction. It is all the more important we find additional ways inside in order to attack from multiple directions simultaneously or we face a gauntlet of death. Gaining access to the password or passwords for the other four entrances is now critical. That is a large temple below us and a handful of defenders can hold out for many days against a much larger force.”

Adelina pauses, looking from Rain to Gar to Indranil. Soon she heads silently back to the doors, saddened by events. She turns to make sure Aramek and Gar are coming.

Xalakae scans Rain, Gar and Indranil, in that order. Random thoughts pour thru Rain’s head at this point. Bad Rain… this is bad. Indranil is such a fuck, lying about trust and honor. Why the hell didn’t I just take it easy and do what the prick wanted… cause if that went off with Newt at the door it would have killed her, that’s why. Indranil doesnt care! What a backstabbing prick! Rain, you need to calm yourself. Calm down! Why the hell am I thinking about my mother? Oh shit… Newt! Newt can you hear me? Can you hear my thoughts? If so… beware of Indranil, he cannot be trusted. Stay close to Aramek. If you get back to Westkeep and I don’t, go see Sedara… tell her I sent you to her… tell her… tell her I love her… and thanks. If I make it back to Westkeep… gods I hope so… I need to find Fergus. He will know how I can get out of Westkeep unnoticed. Shit… this sucks.

Gar notices a tingle or buzz like someone is trying to cast a spell on him but he is able to shake it off, locking Xalakae out of his mind. Gar looks around, particularly at Aramek and Adelina, to see if it could be one of them doing something to him. Is Adelina trying to read my mind? Adelina has just turned away from him to look at Indranil. Aramek is also focused on Rain and Indranil. I should say something to Indranil. I should… but Indranil is such a schmuck! I don’t even want to get into it with him. I’ll remains silent, for now.

Xalakae finds that Indranil is saddened and thinking, How could Rain betray my trust like that – forcing me to discipline her? Why do I have to be the bad guy? Everyone seems to misunderstand my actions. I have no wish to be the boss or tell people what to do all the time! Can’t they just do the right thing on their own? This is too much pressure trying to keep everyone alive and accomplish this mission! If only I had a real friend, someone to confide in and share the burden. Damn Gar! I wish I could smack him in the head and bring him in front of the tribunal and not Rain but can’t as we will need him… Maybe I can find a way for Gar to get “lost” on the way back? How in the hells are we going to be able to get inside the shrine without an unacceptable death rate and loss of these good people that I have grown quite fond of? We just need to get on with it so we can get the hell out of this gods forsaken place. I am so sad about Rain. I really like her. What is going on with Adelina? If she can “see things inside people’s heads” can she put things there too? That’s a scary thought! Who is she? I am so sad about Rain…….. Could I have handled things differently? I don’t really see how I could and still maintain discipline and not show favor.

Xalakae isn’t too surprised by what s/he found in Indranil’s mind. As s/he goes about heir tasks s/he considers what to do with this information. Father Gar is a canny one. How many times have I seen his thoughts? Never? Maybe I can make a friend of Sir Indranil – he certainly feels the need for one, and my list of friends is even shorter than his. I wonder what kind of relationship he would have with Rain. It would be awkward for him to marry below his station. Oh, how I wish I could put things in others’ heads! Or at least send my thoughts to them.

Gar focuses his mind for a moment and then mentally knocks three times on the center of Adelina’s forehead. When Gar focuses, he mentally removes any shields he might have to Adelina’s probes so that from that moment on she may read his mind freely. When he thinks he has her attention, he sends her a focused thought, She’ll be okay. We’ll protect her.

Adelina looks Father Gar in the eye and nods her thanks to him.

Before leaving, Aramek says, “Sir Indranil, as I said a moment ago, I believe Newt’s remark may have led Rain to believe that the ward might not be as dangerous as we initially supposed.”

Then Aramek looks at Rain with a truly pained expression and says, “Rain, you are my first and only true friend since I arrived at Westkeep and I, Master Parwyn and his family owe you our lives. It’s not my intention to get you in trouble and I don’t hold you solely accountable for what’s happened.”

Rain continues to look ahead of her at nobody in particular with a look of stoic resignation.

Looking at Father Gar, Aramek continues. “Sir Ragnbjorn made it clear to us that you, Father Gar, have some authority on this mission and I feel you have abused that authority, because I believe it should have been your duty, when finding out what Rain was willing to attempt, to remind her of Sir Indranil’s orders to us, rather than encouraging her to take such a dangerous risk. I consider you more responsible for what’s happened through that omission, simply because you have been entrusted with some authority over this mission and had a responsibility to see that Sir Indranil’s orders were followed. I didn’t come to Westkeep with the intention of becoming a soldier but that, for better or worse, is what I now am.  And I would much rather be back at my master’s shop, learning potions, but I’m not. I’m in the middle of a swamp surround by enemies who want me dead. In the final analysis, I believe we all want to see this mission successfully concluded with the least loss of life and I am willing to put my life on the line to accomplish it. But I don’t want to needlessly lose my life simply because we are unable or unwilling to work together.”

Gar silently bows to Aramek.

Turning back to Sir Indranil, Aramek says, “Please consider all the facts before making your decision.”

Indranil responds, “Thank you for your insight and wisdom Aramek.  I will make sure it is weighed thoroughly when we speak again with Rain.”

Indranil gets up and leads the tribunal towards the small mound. He has asked Sir Lorindel to take the rear position with his bow ready.

Indranil asks Fingol to hold onto Rain’s pack until the matter is settled, inside the pack they have secured the daggers the Guard found when they searched and disarmed Rain. Her swords are strapped to the outside of the pack. They also make sure the invisibility potion from her belt pouch is transferred to Fingol’s pack.

Indranil asks, “Adelina, it appears your seeing into another creature’s mind involves hearing their thoughts and/or words as well as seeing what they see. Would it possible for you to try and lift out the password to the glyphs from the guards if you have time and focus?”

Newt replies, “Yes, Sir Indranil, I think that would work. I think we could trick them into thinking the password and I should be able to see that. May I have someone to help me do so?”

Rain responds, “I believe we would need to attempt to open the door for the glyph to release. I will accompany Newt to one of the doors for her to do her thing.” She smiles over at Newt when she says this.

Aramek says, “I would suggest that a couple of us get by one of the doors along with Newt and have a conversation about the fact that we need to try to figure out what the password is. Even try saying a few. The fact that we’ll be talking about guessing the password may make one of the enemy on the other side of the door actually think of it.”

Rain chuckles softly saying, “Nice.”

Newt says, “Aramek just summarized my plan.” Turning to Sir Indranil, “My lord, do we have your leave to go try this?”

Indranil responds, “Rain, take Adelina and Aramek and see how creative you can be to procure those passwords. As before, please do not to trip the glyph or try the passwords until we can finalize our plans. Before you go, what is the range that sets off the glyph? Can we get right up to the door without setting it off? Do you have to touch it or try and pass through it to set it off? We will need to know to plant the fuel for the fires tonight. The rest of us will stay here and continue discussing our plans for tonight and tomorrow.”

Rain responds, “Sir Indranil, I would prefer if Father Gar were with us… just in case.”

Indranil nods his assent. “Go ahead Father Gar.”

Newt stops the small party a safe distance from the main door. Speaking in a low voice, “We need to make this look, sound, and even smell real if it’s going to work. That means that one of you needs to kneel near the glyph and fuss with it like you really are trying to get through it, doing everything but setting it off. I’ll be right behind – and I mean right behind that person, trying to see their response. The others will make conversation as Aramek said, suggesting possible passwords or actions. Even if they think the password, I may not react right away. I want to keep focusing on them as long as I can, in case they give more information about the glyph or anything else. If it works, I’ll fill you all in soon enough. Please don’t disturb me unless it’s a matter of some danger. Everybody ready? Who’s going to examine the glyph first? Okay, let’s step up to the door now and make it look real.”

Rain says, “I will kneel in front of the glyph. You can be right behind me. But first I would like to examine one more thing with all of you at a safe distance. I want to make sure it is safe for when you get close to it, Newt.”

Newt says, “No argument from me. Just be careful yourself.”

With arrogant nonchalance, Gar uses his magic to study the glyph, while doubling as Newt’s human shield.

As Gar does this, Rain leans in very close to his ear and whispers ever so softly “Make sure you are all back at least five yards. Protect Newt and be ready with your healing power. I’m gonna disable this fucking thing now and be done with it.”

Gar responds, “Just give me a few seconds more to confer resistance upon us all milady.” Then Gar blesses Rain, Newt, Aramek, and himself as well and then herds everyone 25’ back from the door.

Rain approaches the door, takes out her masterwork lock-picking tools and begins to inspect the glyph once more.

With some urgency in his voice, Aramek says, “Father Gar, I believe we are here to ascertain the password, if possible, not to enter the mound. The last thing I want to do is set off the glyph or otherwise invite our enemies out of the mound while we are still unrested from the day’s efforts. Please don’t do anything that will cause the enemy to come out at this time.”

“Lady Rain is seeking knowledge.” Gar tries to smile reassuringly but utterly fails.

As Rain carefully steps through the nearly invisible mystical traceries of the glyph that are woven over the inset area in front of the door she feels a tingling from the necklace of black scales she had put on earlier. Now standing in the middle of the glyph with her back to her friends she pulls the scales out from beneath her shirt and armor and on the back of one she feels an inscription carved into the scale. Looking at it she sees the word “base” in the Amedi language. Considering that it might be the password for the glyph or perhaps a command word to activate some type of magic she takes the chance and says the word softly. The tingling then spreads over her body. It soon fades into a barely susceptible feeling of being protected, though from what or to what extent she cannot be sure.

Facing the door, tools in hand, Rain smiles wickedly to nobody in particular. Today is a good day. She carefully begins to deactivate the glyph. Lady Sedara had taught Rain that when trying to use magic items or disabling magical traps the main thing was to trick the magic. In the case of using magic devices attuned to those with arcane or divine power or for a particular type of person, the skilled agent should be able to mentally convince the item that its conditions had been met. In the case of disabling a magical trap like a glyph it was a matter of cutting through the magical triggers, finding just the right traceries and clipping or unhooking them with a gesture or better yet one of the clips from the set of masterwork tools she had been given. From a rational point of view it was ridiculous. One should not be able to defuse a trap by cutting through intangible lines, but when magic was involved logic went by the boards.

Unfortunately glyphs are tricky and attempting to defuse one can just as often (or more often) set it off, as Rain does in this case. After cutting the wrong line the traceries suddenly flare into full visibility and then turn into a spray of acid that soaks the entire inset space before the door – searing away all the vegetation and burning lines into the door. Rain stifles a yelp and draws back into the clear space she has found in the center of the glyph as the deadly drops are scattered all about her. When it ends, she finds that she had avoided doom by inches, for none of the traceries directly crossed her body, and the few drops of acid that did fall on her only left a painful red itch but did not melt her flesh away the way it had everything else that was touched by it. The tingling from the necklace had flared up at the same time and is now fading back to a subtle feeling of protection. Harsh laughter can be heard through the door, but the glyph is no more, now that it has been activated. Rain breathes a sigh of relief to find she is alive and in fact unscathed.

Rain casually walks out from the tunnel wearing a wicked smile saying in a hushed tone, “Okay, it’s safe now. Newt, wanna come back with me to the door to get this done?”

Xalakae wasn’t expecting her to actually try to disarm the glyph yet. Rain was only to inspect it or fake disarming it. Still, Rain apparently thought she should do that, so Xalakae keeps to hier’s part and scans the minds beyond the door.

“Shush. Let me focus.” It seems Newt is already trying to do her part.

Xalakae senses the thoughts of one of the Deathwalkers. He is speaking to the others, “Shush, let me hear. I don’t know if it killed one of them or not. I thought I heard someone and the glyph did go off. Eww! You can smell it! Damn, maybe they got out in time! But how? Oh shit, now this door’s unwarded. Quick someone tell the Adept!”

Newt says, “They’re going to tell the Adept that the door is unwarded. I think we may have company coming. Nothing about any password.”

“Newt, run and tell Indranil that I accidently tripped the glyph and what you heard and suspect. The rest of us form up behind the lizardfolk. Now.”

Aramek is increasingly angry at the fact that his concerns, warnings and suggestions have been totally ignored. Rain has shown herself to be head-strong, encouraged by a priest that seems to have no regard for anyone but himself and has decided he will be the one to take down the sorcerer inside the mound, regardless of what harm may come to the rest of them. Aramek was almost beginning to like Gar, but this has gone far enough.

 With a real sense of exasperation Aramek says to Rain and Gar, “What have you done?! Now they know we’re at the door and the glyph is no longer in place. You’ve tipped our hand and I, for one, am in no shape to fight even one strong sorcerer.”

Angry, Aramek turns on his heel heads back up the mound.

Newt runs to tell Indranil. “Sir Indranil! Rain tripped the glyph. Inside they realized the glyph was gone and went to tell ‘the Adept.’ It wasn’t from them, but I think they may be coming out.”

Indranil calls out, “To Arms! To Arms! Chief Rahk spread your warriors around the five entrances in preparation and shot on sight. Sgt Apone have your men wait in reserve at the crown of the hill to see where they may be needed and to provide covering fire. Knights and Father Gar, Rain, Aramek, and Newt come with me to the main entrance.

“Rain have ready an indivisibility potion. Your chance may come to slip behind the debased adept and slay him quickly. Everyone remember, the minute we identify the adept everyone must turn and fall upon him. Overwhelming speed is our only chance.

“By the goddess this is ill.”

Almost as an afterthought Indranil yells as he runs to stand over the main entrance: ”Chief Rahk, have your warriors dump the fire wood that has been collected so far in front of each of the four mid-hill entrances and set them on fire. Hurry! This must be done at once. We have to slow their exit if we are to have a chance of living. Father Gar please help them fire the wood and return as quickly as you can.”

Fingol runs over to Indranil and in Elvish asks, “Sir, who should take the second invisibility potion and serve as back up to Rain?”

The fires are started and everyone waits in their positions, but after all that nothing happens. Nothing and no one stirs from inside.

Xalakae is getting nothing from inside the mound, at least not from the main entrance. Assuming that s/he checks the other entrances, she does pick up thoughts from there – restless anticipation, wondering if you are all going to break in through the main entrance now that it is no longer warded. Wondering if the Adept or Reece will set a new ward just inside the main entrance.

Newt returns to the entrance and resumes watching the door. In a few moments she moves to look at the other doors, each in turn.

Almost tonelessly, Newt says, “They are restless, waiting, wondering. They wonder if the Adept or Reece will set a new ward inside the door.” Blinking as if waking up, she questions, “Does that mean that Relikez can’t cast spells?” then turns back to the doors.

Aramek, still seething at the way he believes Gar engineered this entire fiasco, uses his magic message to quietly say to Indranil (and only Indranil), “Now we’re for it and this could have been avoided, were it not for Father Gar’s meddling. I’m angrier than I have ever been and if I survive this, it will be no thanks to that ridiculous excuse for a self-serving priest.”

“Good Aramek, you are right, this is ill timing. We will get to the bottom of this. I will want everyone to speak their mind plainly and without reservation to all the knights and Chief Rahk so that we may make fair hearing so please when asked don’t hold back your observations.”

Indranil exclaims, “By the Goddess! Knights, Chief Rahk, Father Gar, Rain, Aramek and Newt follow me to the crown of the hill. I want a word. The rest will remain on guard and at full alert.”

Indranil before leaving says to Lt. Ahsk, “please lay the wood in front of the main entrance and fire it too. The fires must now remain lit.”

Fingol runs over to Indranil and in Elvish asks, “Sir, who should take the second invisibility potion and serve as back up to Rain?”

Replying in Elvish, Indranil quietly says, “You Sir Fingol, you are quick and sure with your blade. Please join with me at council to hear what ill has occurred. I will need your perspective and patience as I am hard pressed to contain my anger.”

Fingol looks around for Aramek. If he is anywhere nearby he wants to get that potion. This is no time to be unprepared!

Indranil enjoys dinner with his friends. He waits until everyone has finished and become more settled to clear his throat and say, “Friends it has been a long night and full day and everyone has worked very hard. We started late last night, fought a major battle and then secured our position. Unfortunately it appears we are not yet able to rest yet, we still have much to do to prepare for tonight and there is much to discuss before we set our watch schedule and get some much needed rest before the morrow.”

“First, let’s start with the reports from the scouting parties, work crews and Rain who led an investigation of the entrances with Father Gar, Aramek and Adelina. Sir Lorindel, please tell us what you found.”

Lorindel reports, “The scouts and I have not found any other entrances or exits, either around the bog or on either of the mounds. There only appear to be the five entrances, the main one at the head of the pathway, and the four around the middle of the large mound. All are sturdy wooden doors inset ten feet into the mound, bound with iron and trapped with a glyph.”

“Thank you Sir Lorindel. That is somewhat disappointing to learn there are no secret doors accessible to us.”

“Sergeant Apone, what are the results of your collecting fuel for the next 24 hours? Do we have enough to fire each of the five entrances – minimally through the night?”

Sergeant Apone says, “Yes, it will take us a few more hours, but with the help of Chief Rahk’s warriors, which they have been giving already, we should have enough wood to create a fire in front of each door.”

“Thank you. After dinner, please put together a work crew to complete the collection effort.”

Newt holds her hand up to comment about that.

Indranil looks over at Newt and says, “Adelina do you have something to add to Sergeant Apone’s report?”

Newt says, “As an alternative to fires at all doors, perhaps we could bury the doors we don’t want to open up, ‘though I’m not sure if that would save us any labor.”

Indranil nods his head and says, “We will need all our ideas and that is a possibility. Rain, please tell us what you found and what your team’s recommendations are.”

Rain replies, “As some of you know by now there are four additional entrance doors further up the mound each facing a different cardinal direction. That makes five entrances in total. Each seems to be protected by a warding glyph of significant power. Only one who knows the secret password can bypass them. Father Gar believes he can dispel the warding but he will not be able to attempt it till tomorrow. If that is unsuccessful then we suggest attempting to trip it from afar, perhaps by tossing one of our late bone friends over there into the glyph. If none of those tricks work, then I could attempt to disarm one of them. It would be very tricky and dangerous given the potency, but I am willing to try.” Looking at Aramek, Gar and Newt she says, “Anything to add?”

Shaking her head Newt replies, “No.”

Gar raises his hand and begins without waiting for a further response. “Milords and miladies, I should be able dispel one or two of the wards tomorrow, not more, if we cannot open the trap otherwise to get inside.”

Indranil is cheered by the optimism of Father Gar. “Aramek and Adelina what can you add?”

Newt says, “They have guards immediately inside each of the doors, listening for whatever they can pick up of our plans and actions. I’m not certain how many guards are inside.”

Indranil looks at Aramek and asks, “Aramek?”

Aramek shakes his head, “I have nothing further to add.”

Gar butts in again to the group after scratching his head, “Excuse me milords. Can someone please explain to me why this particular magic ward is so dangerous? Why can’t we set it off using firewood or something and see what happens? Why is our most gifted locksmith, Guardsman Rain, so reluctant to tackle it? I am curious.”

“I think the problem is that we don’t know how dangerous the glyphs are, Father Gar.” Fingol answers, “If we knew they were harmless we might simply ignore them. If we knew they were lethal, we might try to dig our way into the mound and bypass them entirely.  As it is, we have to use our best judgment and decide how to deal with them.”

“Thank you, Sir Fingol,” begins Gar, “I am not one to let fear stop the acquisition of knowledge. I would not hesitate to throw rocks or limbs at the glyph from outside the entrance, just to see what would happen. If this council decides to take that action, of course. I see no reason to waste magic upon the doors if all mundane options have not been fully explored.”

Fingol responds, “I agree. It’s my thought that if a glyph is not triggered by piling firewood on the doors, it might be destroyed by burning the door. In which case, your magic might prove more useful inside the mound. As I doubt these are the last traps they have laid for us. However, we shouldn’t set off the wards until we are ready; either for our attack or to mount a defense against a counterattack. It appears that the Deathwalkers are content to wait behind their warded doors, at least for now. For now, it suits us to let them wait.”

Indranil states, “The issue is that the five doors are warded with magic which I am told is of a powerful and deadly kind. We are not just going to start throwing things at it and risk blowing us all to hell and back. As it is magic I was hoping our sorcerer and our cleric would lead the investigation to understand them. Father Gar and Aramek I ask again what can you tell us about the magic glyphs and how might you suggest we defeat them?”

Gar looks incredulous at Indranil. “Milord, I just answered your questions, would you like me to repeat my answer more slowly?”

Indranil face turning red states, “Father Gar I grow weary of your insolence.  You have answered nothing. Your answer was vague. You can’t tell us what kind of magic it is nor how powerful it is. Nor can you tell us if you can, with certainty, disable it; nor how many times you could do so. You best recommendation was “mundane efforts” to throw things at the doors or let Rain try picking the lock with the threat that she could kill herself. As this is magic I expect you to lead this effort not sit back with insolent comments and let others do your work. If you cannot add value then be silent.”

“Milord,” responds Gar who does not know what it means to be silent, “I answered all that I know. I have a spell to dispel wards. I have volunteered to prepare one or two versions of it for the morrow. You may not have more than that. Although like Sir Fingol, I would prefer we find alternative ways to dispel it and save the magic for when we get inside the mound, where there are sure to be more wards. Then I followed up with questions with what I don’t know. If my assistance is not required, then I will shut up. However, if you want me help, you will need to listen to me.” Gar neither smiles or frowns. He just looks at Indranil. Turning to Sir Fingol, Gar bows without standing and says, “Thank you milord for answering my questions so thoroughly.”

Aramek, quite out of character and losing patience, quietly but forcefully says, “Enough! My lords, Father Gar,” he looks at them all. “I am not adept enough at the moment to be able to dispel magic wards.  If Father Gar can do that and if it’s turns out to be necessary, then I suggest we allow him to do so. Meanwhile, talk of throwing things such as bones, sticks or stones at these doors is a complete waste of time. I suggest we set aside our animosities and get back to quietly figuring out what our next action is to be. This constant bickering among ourselves serves no purpose but the enemies.”

With that, Aramek remains angrily silent.

Gar first raises his eyebrows and then bows his head in appropriate remorse.

Rain follows up by placing her hand on Aramek’s shoulder and saying quietly “Quite right, Aramek. My understanding of these types of traps is that when discharged they detonate. This causes damage to those near the discharged glyph. It may be possible to discharge them from a distance, but I do not know how. I would be very surprised if something thrown into them did the trick, they are magical traps not physical after all. While I am certainly up for the task of attempting to disarm a glyph, I have both Aramek and Newt urging me against the attempt. I trust their judgment. We can try throwing some things into the glyph from a safe distance… say greater than 15 feet. If that fails I suggest we allow Father Gar to unleash his ward destroying magic upon one of them.”

Fingol steps forward. ”I think we are getting needlessly irritated with one another.” Fingol can’t help glancing at Father Gar as he says this. “I also think we are assuming a great deal about each other’s plans and why they won’t work. All these concerns are valid, but it’s not impossible to find a solution which counters all of them. If we use a rope to pull the first logs onto the doors, than no one is risked by getting close to it until we find out if a log will set it off. Then, if wood does not set it off, we can get within … how close did you say, Rain? 15′? And build up the woodpile. Father Gar can start the fire from twice that distance. For that matter, Father Gar might be able to burn the doors apart without the need for wood. However, a fire would be a way to prevent the Deathwalkers from counterattacking. As I said earlier, I doubt if the ward would survive if the door does not. Still, Father Gar and Guardsman Aramek can use their abilities to tell us if the ward is still somehow still effective after the door collapses. At that point Father Gar would have to use his magic. You may all debate these ideas of course, but I would expect they can be refined further. Still it is an example of how we can find solutions by listening to each other.”

Gar listens attentively, nodding affirmatively throughout Fin’s summary of the situation.

Indranil says, “Quite right Sir Fingol, thank you. This is simply an idea sharing time. Decisions will be made later. And, we will not attempt any task until we have discussed all our ideas thoroughly. There is no need to be hasty at this point.

“Father Gar, would you please explain something about your magic? I am most concerned whether dispelling of traps reduces the use of your healing spell; which we will need to counter the debased priest inside. You stated you could dispel up to two glyphs – tomorrow after resting tonight – but that would then limit your further use of magic if we find more traps inside. Will using your magic to dispel traps also reduce your healing spell or are they two independent spells? We will have to think carefully about using any magic that reduces your effectiveness against his life stealing spell.”

Gar nods his head and considers his words. “Sir Indranil, each morning after I meditate, I pray to share in the god’s miraculous power. These are what you call my “spells.” Obad Hai has granted me many rare spells, mostly in my dreams, most I have never used before. This is one such spell. In addition to these limited number of spells each day, I have powers that are related to my special domains. As you may have been able to guess, I have domain over fire and weather. Because of this, I can breathe fire all day long. It is my favorite and most effective weapon, milord. I can also cause a storm blast of wind and rain as often as I desire. You have witnessed both many times. On top of all this, I can channel life giving positive energy, as many as eight times each day. When I do so, the living are healed and undead are repelled. However that does not protect us from the evil cleric’s negative energy. It simply heals us after he damages us. So, no, Sir Indranil none of these spells to which I refer will decrease my ability to channel positive energy and repel undead. They are different altogether.”

Indranil bows to Father Gar, “Thank you Father Gar. That is tremendously helpful, I am ignorant of the ways of magic and greatly value your tutelage in its fine points. I fear I may not retain all you told me so please do not be angry if I ask you again.” Indranil smiles as he says this.

Gar laughs too, finally relaxed.

Indranil asks, “Do you have any positive energy spells left for today that you can do tonight? I am sure you will find some irony in my next question… Chief Rahk is still not fully healed… Perhaps he could benefit from more of your healing power? Now that we have decided not to attack today but rather to bottle them up overnight, I think the benefit of fully healing Chief Rahk to ensure he is at peak for tomorrow’s attack is worth the risk. What do you think good sir?”

Gar stands up and bows deep to Chief Rahk. Striding silently across the circle, Gar fondles his little Green Man and calls out to nature, “Obad-Hai! Your friends Chief Rahk and I call upon you for healing once more.” Gar lays his left hand upon the chief’s shoulder with a smile upon his face as he heals his last wounds.

Returning to his spot in the circle Gar announces, “I have some questions for Obad-Hai….” Gar bows to Indranil, who returns the bow, and sits down. “Please continue milord. I can listen to you and commune with the gods at the same time.” Sitting in a half lotus, spine upright, his eyes begin to flutter as he slips into a trance, though his eyes are still open.

Rain says, “These glyphs are in the form of faint traceries of light, which are damned near impossible to see unless you know what to look for. When completed by the priest he undoubtedly set some sort of password or action that will allow passage through the doorway without triggering the effect. Without it, we are liable to be affected by attempting to enter, break or even touch the doorway. Activating the glyph in this way will cause some sort of blast or harmful effect in the area around the glyph, roughly three to five yards out. I can attempt to disrupt a glyph, but this is nothing like pick… er… fixing something as simple as a lock.” She smiles at her own slip, and then sobers. “This would be the most difficult thing of this sort I have ever attempted, and incredibly dangerous. Again I would like Father Gar to attempt disrupting it using magic first, but if that should fail I am more than willing to give it a try.”

Aramek follows Rain’s comment with, “I’m not that certain that even Father Gar has the power to disable these glyphs. I believe that, while they may bar us from entering, by barricading each exit with bonfires and shutting off their air circulation, we will be able to force them to come out without endangering any of us,” and he looks at Rain, “while trying to disable their wards. The best I could do, at this point, is study the warding to figure out what type it is.  But I feel that would be wasted effort as well, since disabling it may not be on option.”

“I don’t believe learning more about the glyphs is wasted effort,” Fingol starts in “even if we cannot disable the glyphs. Father Gar says that he can protect a person from different types of harm. Perhaps this would be enough to save someone from serious harm when they open the door. Although, as you say, it would be preferable to force them out, rather than finding a way in.”

Newt says, “My Lords, it occurs to me that perhaps they have exaggerated the power of the glyphs even to their own men. Although their men believe the magic will melt our flesh, we don’t really know how strong the glyphs are.”

Indranil looks around the circle and nods towards Rain and Aramek saying, “Rain and Aramek thank you,” and then to all, “and thank you to all for your hard work so far today. Let us put the planning on gaining entry aside for a moment as I need to bring something to everyone’s attention that could very well color our decisions quite differently. Young Adelina came to me midday with some intriguing news. Intriguing in its content as well as the question on how she was able to obtain it. Adelina, I am sorry to put you on the spot but the time is here for you to be fully forthcoming with us all. Our lives depend on your answers. Everyone here trusts you and understands you have our best interests at heart.”

Newt’s jaw drops. Her eyes turn to Sir Indranil, hurt and shocked at this betrayal of her confidence! After the initial shock she squares her shoulders, sets her lips in a tight line, and silently attends as Indranil relates what she gleaned from the minds of the Deathwalkers about their motives, their disposition, the Adept, and the presence of Reece and Relikez.

Though he doesn’t let on to anyone just how shocked he is, Aramek is stunned by this news as a myriad of emotions pass through his mind. How can this be? How can I ever tell Master Parwyn? Reece came out here to try to find a way to defeat the Scarlet Brotherhood. Perhaps I can find a way to let him know that Westkeep is no longer under their sway. That his father and mother are frantic about his whereabouts. There must be some way I can get through to him.

Fingol can see that Aramek is struggling to maintain his composure, and actually doing a really good job of it.

Indranil concludes, saying, “I believe you all recall our final audience with the Prince in Westkeep when Aramek read to us from a certain diary? I believe our cracking this nut below our feet has suddenly become a bit more difficult and dangerous. We are now facing three evil sorcerers. What say you all now?”

Gar whispers softly, “A witch I like.”

Already pissed off, Newt’s head whips around, eyes shooting daggers at Gar. After a split second of dagger eyes, Adelina looks a bit confused. Wait a moment – did he say, “A witch he likes”?

Gar is oblivious to Newt’s reaction.

Rain leans over to Newt and says quietly, “So you really think that priest exaggerated the power of those glyphs to his Deathwalkers?”

Newt calms herself then whispers to Rain “I only know that their troops believe the glyph will kill us. But if you were an evil priest and wanted your troops to feel secure, why would you tell them your glyphs were only so-so? Maybe the glyphs aren’t so potent as the Deathwalkers believe. But that’s just me thinking. Could be really bad, like we first thought.”

Indranil can see that Adelina is deeply upset and this almost breaks his heart. He looks at her sadly and says, “Adelina, I remind you of what I told you earlier today before you confided in me that. I told you I would not keep secrets that would endanger us. All our lives are at stake and a wrong decision can kill us all. We are a small party alone in the middle of the Hool camped upon an enemy fortress with three evil sorcerers inside. As commander I must have all the information I can to make the least bad decision for us tomorrow. I – we – need your help. So I must ask, who are you and how do you know these things?”

Newt, with the verbal venom only a slighted teen girl can muster spits out, “What does that matter, so long as the information I gave you is correct? And it is!”

Rain stands and with a neutral, almost confrontational, voice says, “Sir Indranil, are you sure you want to pursue this here and now?”

Lorindel comes up to Rain and places a hand on her shoulder. “Think about what he says and you’ll know it is necessary,” he says. “In different times and under other circumstances I would validate your questioning. But neither time nor peace are luxuries we possess.”

Rain’s look of discontent diminishes though she does not sit. She seems a bit antsy like she has made up her mind about some course of action and is itching to be about it.

Indranil stands, drawing himself to his full height and sternly says, “Enough! I am tired of the games and bickering. We are losing daylight and we still have much to do tonight to prepare. We are in the middle of a battle. Yes, Guardsman Rain, in fact now is the time. How do we know it is correct? You want us to determine our battle plans on intelligence that has not been corroborated and or validated? That is not sound tactics. As long as I am military commander of this expedition I will do as I see fit in order to make sure you all return to Westkeep alive. This girl we saved and adopted into our small war party seems to have resources at her command that materially impact us all and could be the difference between life and death. Each one of us has put our life on the line to save her and find her parents. It is time she returned our trust with trust of her own. Battle is trial by fire and fire the test of steel. It is time she grew up.”

Indranil turns to Newt and says, “Now stop pouting and speak up. You may keep your past to yourself but I want to know how you know these things.”

Chief Rahk also stands and draws himself up to his full height and hisses to get everyone’s attention. “I agree. Sir Indranil is wise. I almost died the first time I attacked this place because I did not know what I was facing. Many good warriors died because of my ignorance. We cannot trust ourselves to the guesses of a child unless there is good reason to do so. And we must know if her sources of information are trustworthy are part of some trap that perhaps even she is not aware of.”

Rain remains where she is, next to Newt, and says nothing.

“Adelina,” Fingol says in a calmer tone, “You say you do not need to explain yourself because we already believe you. Well, we would all like to believe you, but evasiveness destroys credibility. Please share all that we can. Many have already died here in part to find clues to find your family.”

Indranil sits back down and nods at Chief Rahk and Sir Fingol. Leaning close to Fingol’s ear he says quietly, “Bless you sir. I do believe your diplomatic skills have come into their own.”

Gar snaps out of his trance. “It’ll be okay Newt. They’ll understand.”

Newt, flummoxed by Gar, sputters, “You… you stay out of it!”

Lorindel says to Newt, “Please, do as my brother asks. Though your battle is a personal one, it is bigger than just you and your family. It is apparent you have gifts beyond what you present. As Sir Indranil has said, your secrets are yours to keep. However, before we can act though, we need to know we have chosen the correct path.” Lorindel then returns to his seat.

Indranil bows his head to his brother acknowledging his words saying, “Your words are wise and a soothing balm to the pain I have been forced to cause. I welcome them brother.”

Newt glares at Indranil. The glare lasts a long time in an awkward silence. Finally, she says, “I see things,” as if she expects Indranil to understand.

“By the Goddess Adelina that is wonderful!  How much control do you have over what you see?”

Newt, in a quiet and thoroughly miserable tone, responds, “I don’t get visions like a priest might. That’s not what I meant. Let me think about how it’s worked in the past, so I can speak clearly just once – it will save many questions.” She pauses a few moments before continuing, ”When I ‘see’ things, I see what is in a creature’s head. And I don’t know how much control I have. It wasn’t very long before I met you that I learned I could do it at all, and I’ve never spoken of it before. I didn’t want to. People wouldn’t understand.” She looks around at the people in the council, afraid of what she might find in their eyes. “You must think I’m a feak now, or maybe a witch. But if I am, I didn’t now it. I didn’t mean to be.” She finishes, somewhat lamely, “Anyway, sometimes it works when I try it, and other times it doesn’t. I’ve never thought to test it by method. I just don’t know.”

Rain puts her hand on Newts shoulder in support.

Gar tries to give her a reassuring smile.

Xalakae succeeds in picking up Indranil’s thoughts. S/he finds that he does feel very badly for having to put such pressure on Newt, but he knows the safety of everyone requires it. Now that he is in command he knows what people mean when they say it’s lonely at the top. Now he gets it. He’s truly worried about making the wrong decisions and getting people killed. He is very grateful for Chief Rahk and his brother Lorindel’s support. He is also increasingly bewildered and consternated by all the vagaries of magic and the supernatural that are making everything so unpredictable. He idly wonders if Newt sees dead people.

Indranil says, “I can assure you that I do not think you a freak. I am not much for labels and titles. Your friend Rain and I have had a few long, thoughtful conversations about that. We are who we are and we are what we do. I judge not by titles and labels but by action and deed. Out here we are all we have and rely on each other. Rest easy Adelina you are amongst friends. I am sorry to push you… I know this causes you pain… but I must…I am growing more and more concerned about our situation. Learning that Reece and Relikez are here and that we face not one but three sorcerers I count our chances of success getting inside and winning a battle as quite diminished now. We need to use every possible skill we have amongst us to stay alive and win the day. I think you are still reluctant to tell us everything about what you can do. We do not think less of you, in fact you may be the very one to save us all. I have sensed since we found you that you were key to this mission. Please tell us everything. Hold back nothing.”

Newt, her curiosity piqued, asks, “My lord, who are Reece and Relikez? Are they known to you? By your leave, I could go to the doors and try to learn more of them. Also, we have Father Gar and good Aramek. Surely they even the odds considerably. Why, the Deathwalkers only outnumber us in mages, and only by one.”

Rain asks, “Why do we believe them to be sorcerers?”

Gar raises his hand and speaks without waiting further. “Sir Indranil, you asked our opinion about Reece and Relikez. Here is my opinion. Our plans are good and solid. We must move forward without unhealthy fear blocking our course of action. Perhaps it would be best to focus on smoking them out, rather than sending Rain in as a spy. That is up to you to decide. However, when I count our clerics and sorcerers, we are even with those inside, if perhaps somewhat less experienced.”

Erratic social skills or not, Newt feels warmly toward Father Gar upon hearing this, and turns a small, quick smile of gratitude his way.

Gar still seems oblivious to Adelina’s seesawing emotions.

Indranil syas, “Father Gar, I am delighted you are so sanguine about our chances. Please tell how you consider us as even? I count two for us and three for them, with one of them being a powerful death cult priest far stronger than either you or Aramek. It would be like me fighting Chief Rahk!”

Gar just blinks and smiles silently, eyes lowered, not meeting anyone’s gaze.

“Aramek,” Fingol says with a stronger tone, “perhaps, you could tell us why you shudder to hear the names Reece and Relikez,”

“Sir Fingol, I’m filled with many different emotions and questions right now,” Aramek replies. “As you know, Reece is my master’s missing son and Relekez, Reece’s friend. According to his diary entries, he suffered greatly during the occupation of Westkeep by the Scarlet Brotherhood and finally lost hope when his beloved was taken away for betrothed enslavement. He came out here to the marsh to find a way to fight the Brotherhood. It’s my impression that he may have been a bit of a ne’er-do-well, but not necessarily evil. Certainly he loved his parents and his fiancé. And I’m not so sure that he’s a, as you said, powerful sorcerer. My reading of his diary did not leave me with the impression that either he or Relekez were powerful sorcerers. My main concern is that I may now be involved in bringing about his death, when my intention all along has been simply to find word of his whereabouts. This is causing me great confusion and pain.” Aramek looks down at the ground with a heavy heart.

Fingol nods. “I understand very well. Sir Indranil told me that Newt believed he was inside, and I felt the same conflict. I would not want to use the potions Master Parwyn gave us to assassinate his son. To speak nothing of the friendship I feel for the father. If it is at all possible, I would prefer to capture them. They will have to be taken in custody back to Westkeep, but perhaps they would understand that the prince means only good for the town and they would disavow their evil. This might be a wild hope, but I think we are all here thanks to the power of hope. It might help us if we knew what profession Reece was apprenticed into. Do you recall if that is mentioned in his journal? I have been assuming he is a sorcerer or wizard because Master Parwyn mentioned that he kept a snake as a familiar. Still it would make more sense that he would be apprenticed as an alchemist to take over his father’s shop.”

Gar feels the same as Aramek and Fingol, so he chirps to the group, “I agree. We must bring Reece home with us alive at all costs. The others are expendable and can be killed.”

Fingol says, “Perhaps when you rest and pray, Obad-Hai can grant you some magic that will help us capture Reece.”

“Hmmm,” muses Gar, “Yes, maybe, I’ll contemplate it and let you know what I can come up with. And oh, by the way, when I tried to call upon Obad-Hai a few moments ago, my prayer was picked up by some lower level deva with a thick accent who told me that Obad-Hai was busy right now but that he will answer all my questions at our regularly scheduled meditation time tomorrow.” Gar rolls his eyes and smiles, “gods…”

Indranil asks, “Why is capturing Reece and not Relikez desirable? For that matter why is capturing them at all interesting?”

Gar raises his hand and speaks simultaneously, “Milords, since I made the original statement, Reece’s appearance brings in a host of familial and friendship obligations for several of us here. Relikez is incidental. Anything we could learn from Relikez, we can learn from Reece.”

Half listening to the conference, Newt considers what just happened and the injustice of it. They said they needed to know if they could trust the information she gave. Now that she has told them how she got the information, did that somehow make it more valid? She didn’t think so. This conclusion angers her. She stops that line of thought and attends to the conversation, recognizing that they all need to focus to deal with these Deathwalkers.

Fingol says, “I think we would like to capture them both. However, it would be difficult to capture either, I would think. I hadn’t set my sights quite that high to capture them both. If it can be done, I would like to try. The advantages are several; they can be questioned for more information about the Deathwalkers. They may even know where the city is, or something about it. The most compelling reason, though, is our relationship to Master Parwyn. It would be difficult to face him and have to tell him that we brought about his son’s death.”

Newt sets out with Rain and Aramek. She holds her amulet in front of her, as she has seen priests hold a holy symbol. As she does so, she tries to extend her senses, paying particular attention to the doors while staying clear of any possible traps.

Rain abruptly comes to a stop and backtracks to Indranil to say, “Sir Indranil, might I also suggest that you send a group to go retrieve our packs. Who knows what unscrupulous sorts may attempt to pilfer them in our absence.” She smiles. “Besides, I am getting hungry.”

Indranil calls out, “Sgt Apone while you are collecting the wood have a team grab our pack and set about getting a mess put together. Then rotate everyone through to eat.”

“Yes sir,” Sgt. Apone replies.

Fingol pulls Indranil aside and whispers in Elvish, “There may be one other hope. My father had Rain gather up the items we took from Noch’s body. Among them was a powerful poison. My father didn’t ask her to destroy it, and I don’t recall anyone making a point of doing so. I didn’t ask what happened to it. I don’t think it good to ask about it now, but I think that Rain’s chances to take out the cleric might be better than they would appear.”

Indranil replies, “You make a very good case for not sending Rain into the shrine, but rather having her use the invisibility potions to get close to the priest once he is outside and use the poison on him. I am assuming it is the kind that can use to coat a blade or arrow with.

“Anyway, I would like a sneak look inside the shrine to know what we face. However, I think we have to deal with the uncertainty of not knowing the layout. I agree with you that it would give us an advantage to know what we face inside, but the likelihood is that the invisible spy would step on a trap or be caught when he/she makes a mistake. Then we would lose someone and gain nothing.

“So the potions would be better used to launch a strike against the priest as part of the overall assault. Impairing that priest by taking his unholy symbol or possibly killing him outright would only be possible with the team present to back up the strikers. Otherwise, they would be killed quickly after they made their attack.

“Sir Fingol, your council is most valuable and greatly appreciated. Sir Ragnbjorn asked my brother to be the second in command of this mission, but I am concerned that Sir Lorindel’s heart is not in leading troops and he is more concerned with his individual performance – or lack of it. I hope leading the scouting mission will allow him to recover his warrior spirit and dignity of command. He is impressive in his element – as we all are, I suppose. I am certain that he’ll do well. If he finds an escape tunnel, I hope he’ll be able to tell if it’s been used. Or that he’ll call either of us to inspect it for tracks.”

At the bottom of the mound, Rain, Aramek, Newt, and Gar gather around. Four of the lizardfolk archers stand above the entrance ready to shoot anything that might come out. Gar points out that there is magic but no poison guarding the door. Aramek also works his magic and finds that it is a faint abjuration form of magic that is guarding the door. Rain sees that there is indeed a glyph inscribed on the bottom of the door that will activate if certain conditions are not met. She had been trained in disabling such things with her tools by scratching out just the right lines using one of her long metal picks, but she has had little actual experience doing so, and erasing the wrong line would set the glyph off.

Xalakae moves right behind Rain, trying to perceive thoughts through the door, while acting as if she’s observing Rain.

From within Xalakae senses the thoughts of three Deathwalker warriors. S/he hones in on one of them who is thinking, Yes, they’re still out there. Hah! Let them try to get through this. The power of the Priest of the Dark One will melt the flesh from their bones, and then he will make those bones rise up to fight for us! We will all have our revenge on these slavers and their cannibalistic snakeskin allies. The power of the Dark One is now on our side and we will never be enslaved or colonized again! Just try to open that door. Yes, just try it. We’ll laugh our guts out as yours melt into the ground. Even if you don’t, scores of our warriors should be back any day now from their raids on the river. How many of you are out there? Doesn’t matter, our raiding parties will sweep you all away. Even if you break in you will have to face our priest, the Adept of Annihilation, and his servants Reece and Relikez. There is a mental shudder as he thinks of these two. “Come on, try and open the door! We want to hear you scream for a change!”

Newt steps over to stand with Aramek and keeps him between herself and Gar.

Aramek says to Rain, “My friend, I recommend against fiddling with that glyph unless you are absolutely certain that you can disarm it. As it is, our enemies inside will have no problem coming out and if we’re going to go in, it won’t be until tomorrow afternoon anyway. I suggest we just let Sir Indranil know for the present.”

Rain looks at Aramek “I agree. This is a dangerous glyph…”

“Rain, wait” says Newt with some urgency. “May I speak with you? Alone? Now.”

Interrupted by Newt, Rain stands and says, “Sure, over here.” She leads Newt several yards down towards the path leading off the mound.

Rain stops just short of the path, where nobody can overhear them. “What’s up?”

“Rain, find another way in. I have a bad feeling about this. That glyph is really powerful. They want us to go in that way and believe the glyph will kill us. Go look for other ways in.” Without waiting for Rain’s response she turns adding, “Excuse me. Sir Indranil needs to see me.” With that, Newt heads off to find Sir Indranil.

Rain catches up with Newt and walks with her up to Indranil, saying only “Thanks Newt.”

Gar says to the sorcerer, before Rain and Newt are out of earshot, “I could have a spell to dispel the ward tomorrow, Master Aramek. Do you have spells like that as well?”

“Good Father, that’s good to know, in the event we need to break in. I suspect the fires at the entrances and the blockage of the air vents will rather have them trying to break out and your spells will be put to more damaging effect against the enemy, rather than their door.” Aramek smiles.

“True, true,” Gar considers. “I wouldn’t want to waste more than one spell on the project,” He smiles and rubs Aramek’s back with his right hand, “but all options should be explored.” Gar continues to look at the sorcerer with a mischievous grin.

Gar stops rubbing Aramek’s back with a squeeze to his shoulders and let’s go respectfully. He clasps both arms loosely behind him. Changing the subject to pass the time he says, “Master Aramek, I remember that Master Parwyn makes potions and such, but does he also make magical arms from time to time?”

“No, Father Gar. His area of expertise, and the reason I was originally sent here, is his abilities with creating potions, poultices and such.”

“My lord!” Newt calls out fretfully, interrupting Indranil, who is speaking with Chief Rahk. “My lord Indranil, I must see you – and only you – right away!” As she says this she looks at the others and gives a particularly pointed glance at Rain, who had followed her.

Rain waits at the top of the mound, looking out to survey what everybody else is doing.

Indranil with a mid level bow says to Chief Rahk, “Please excuse me,” and then nods his head to Adelina and walks to a spot where they can talk without being overheard and asks, “Adelina what is it?”

“My lord! I have more information that you need.” Newt, near to freaking out about something, continues pleadingly, “…but first I need your solemn promise you won’t ask how I came by it! I assure you I got this information without putting our people at risk or with any nefarious means! Please, milord?”

“Adelina, I can’t promise to do something, or not do something, if I feel the lives and safety of our party is at stake. You will have to trust me that I will use my judgment and discretion wisely for the greater good of all and the success of our mission. I hope you have seen in my actions so far that I have done everything humanly possible to protect you and our party. Now take a deep breath and tell me what you need to say.”

Newt looks like she’s about to cry, but does as told. She takes a deep, considering breath, then, before she can change her mind, speaks very quickly and quietly so others – like Rain, eavesdropping nearby – won’t hear. ”About the Deathwalkers…They see us as slavers, and believe they are fighting for their freedom. They’ll fight very hard because of this.”

Just before Indranil can respond Newt continues, “There’s more. They are expecting scores of warriors – their raiding parties – to return any day now.”

Newt pauses only long enough for a quick breath, again cutting off Sir Indranil’s inevitable questions. “Their priest, they call him the ‘Adept of Annihilation.’ He has two servants, called Reece and Relikez, and these two make even the Deathwalkers shudder. I don’t know exactly what that all means.”

Slowing down, Newt says, “I’m sorry. That’s all I have. Please believe that they believe this!” She appears frightened, almost like a child expecting a punishment, as she waits for his response.

Indranil looks solemnly at Adelina and asks, “Why are you so upset to bring me this very valuable insight into the enemy?”

Lip still trembling, “Um… well, because I thought you would ask other questions. One’s I’d rather not answer, or can’t answer now.”  Ashamed, and unable to meet his eyes, she continues more softly and trailing off even more “I’m sorry. I don’t want to look like I don’t trust you…”

“Adelina, by the goddess I am fond of you… rest assured I want nothing but the best for you. I can see you are deeply conflicted and uncertain whom to trust. I have tried hard to provide you a safe place to recover from the shock of your parents going missing and seeing the slaughter at Cypress Hills. I have not pushed you because I trust your intentions and know that you mean us well. Yet at the same time I believe there is more to you that you are letting on and that at a time and place of your choosing you will reveal more about yourself. Until then you must know I am your friend and protector. I will die before I let anything happen to you.

“I am not worried about the Deathwalkers expecting the return of their raiding parties. We dispatched them in the battle of the Javan River with Chief Rahk’s help. The fact that they are expecting rescue makes me feel a bit better about waiting to attack them until tomorrow. Their confidence in their ‘forthcoming’ rescue will make them complacent and should ensure us a relatively safe night.

“What you have told me about Reece and Relikez is shocking. I must think about this and consult with Sir Fingol.

“But please Adelina can you not tell me how it is you know these things? If you can’t or won’t say I understand, but please, the more I know about each one of us – our strengths and weaknesses – the better able I am to plan and protect our party and ensure we all live to see Westkeep.”

Newt looks up and says softly and more calmly, “Thank you my lord. I don’t want you to die for me.”

She looks around to see who might be listening. Newt notes Rain’s careful ‘inattention.’ Then she rises up on tiptoes to whisper, super softly, in Sir Indranil’s ear. She holds that pose, considering. There is no whisper.

Returning to a normal stance, she meets his gaze and says in a more normal voice, “I’ll tell you, my lord, when I can. I’m sorry.” Then she turns and walks quickly toward the closest known entry to the mound, apparently returning to work.

Indranil watches Newt walk back towards the main entrance and then motions to Rain, “Guardsman Rain – a word!”

Rain turns from where she is surveying the other sub-groups and walks over to Indranil saying, “There appears to be a warding glyph of significant power protecting that entrance. It can be bypassed by one who knows it’s secret, but based on input from Aramek and Newt, I would suggest we leave it alone and concentrate on the other entrances to their lair.”

“Yes, yes, yes as to your given mission we will talk a bit. Don’t play coy with me Rain. You trailed Adelina up here like a wolf tracking her prey scaring the daylights out of her. Then you stood there pretending you could not overhear. However, I think I am getting to know you and I could see every fiber in your body alert to her every word.”

Before Rain can come back with a snide reply Indranil waves her down saying, “I am not going to punish or reprimand you. I have learned to trust your instincts; and when the hairs go up on the back or your neck mine do too. You exasperate me sometimes! How many times must I prove to you my good intentions; that I am not some slave master, gang leader or pimp like you grew up with looking for way to trample and abuse you under my boot? We are alone in the Hool standing above an enemy fortress with a very small force. We must trust each other or we will all die. I would like your thoughts on what you overheard.”

Rain smiles but speaks a serious tone, “I came back up the hill with Newt because I had information you needed to hear about the entrance. Nothing more. And if you think so little of me that you believe that I would slink up here only to eavesdrop then you really do not know me at all. I in no way believe you to be a gang leader or punk from the street, you have proven yourself to be a very good leader and I have no problem following your lead. And I hope through my willingness to spy out the lair that you know I would risk my life to save any of you. Even Gar, gods help him. Indranil, I do trust you. What you think of me because of my background is your business, but please know that I do trust you and see your good intentions. With that said, I have shown some slight exasperations at your military methods. While I do believe you could do better in handling non-military folk such as I, that is my issue and I will deal with it.

“Yes I did overhear your conversation, but my guess is that you planned it that way. Otherwise you would have moved Newt farther away from those of us on top of the mount to ensure privacy. It is not my fault that I can pick up things others usually miss.” At this her smile widens.

“So, my thoughts? Obviously you and I both know who Reece and Relikez are. I think we can use that to our advantage. Maybe by invoking the name of Reece’s fiancé, or saying that she still lives. That may be enough to throw both of them off at a crucial opportunity.

“Newt was also able to provide some very detailed information about that door. Apparently she knows that it is a very deadly sigil that the Deathwalkers expect to kill a good number of us.

“As for Newt herself, I really don’t care what the hells she is hiding. I wish she would just get over it… and soon. I know how I feel about her. As long as she has not hidden some evil Deathwalker side of herself with intentions of stabbing us in the back when we engage the Priest, I don’t care about her background. I doubt it would alter the feelings of friendship I am growing for her. But that is her battle, and I respect her fight with it.

“Anything else, Sir Indranil?” she finishes, deliberately using his title to accent the fact that she does respect him.

“When you return from investigating the other doorways for magical traps let’s sit down and talk with Aramek.”

“Will do. Thanks for your trust Indranil.” She looks around for Newt then heads over to her.

Sir Fingol!  Do you have a moment?”

“Of course, Sir.”

 “I just had the most interesting conversations with Newt just now. Newt came across some fascinating information about the Deathwalkers and was fraught with anxiety lest I ask her how she came to it. I think her… whatever… is starting to manifest. She was terrified I would make her tell me how she came about the knowledge and made me promise not to make her tell. Apparently she can read magic Deathwalker glyphs. The main entrance is warded with a glyph of significant power protecting it. I find it fascinating she can read it but thankful she could and warned us as going in that way would likely kill us.

 “She also seems to have insight into the situation down below. Indranil repeats to Fingol what Newt told him and then pauses with an expectant look on his face as he waits for Fingol’s reaction.

“Reece?” Fingol says incredulously, “Oh my, we have to share this with the others. Reece figures into some things that happened in town, you came in at the end and may not recall all of the details or the significance to us now.”

“Master Parwyn is an alchemist in town. He was the victim of a burglary. If you remember, one of the assassins that attacked Prince Prospero had a statue and a journal in his pack. These were among the items taken from Master Parwyn’s home. They were the property of his son, Reece. The thief matched the description of the assassins that targeted our Prince.

“Aramek should be told about this. Aramek read the whole of Reece’s journal. Father Gar was with me when we investigated the store. I am sure it would interest him as well. We should tell everyone of course, but these may have the most to share.

“How exactly this information is to be used, I don’t know. It does mean more bad news though. Besides an evil priest, we will have to deal with at least one evil sorcerer or wizard. I don’t know anything about this Relikez, but Reece was an arcane spellcaster of some sort before he left Westkeep. He lost his love to the Scarlet Brotherhood. I am sure she was put to some sort of vile servitude. He started worshipping an evil god, Nerull I believe, in his thirst for vengeance. The journal entry that Aramek read to us said that he found some ancient power out here. A power that would help him get his revenge. If he wants to wipe Monmurg off the map, he has my blessing. The only problem is that Westkeep lies between him and that city. He must be stopped!”

Indranil takes this in and responds, “Sir Fingol, I am relieved you know so much about this past history and have ideas what to do. I confess I was at a loss what to do and that is why I sought you out straight away.

“Wait! Now I remember the name Relikez. He was a friend of Reece in Westkeep. A painter if I recall. And now he is feared by the Deathwalkers? I wonder what a painter becomes that elicits such fear in dark hearts!  Another unknown set before us.

 “Anyway, I am perplexed how Newt was able to read the glyph and understand what is below, but I do trust her. There is more. Rain followed Newt up the hill and overhead Newt telling me this information. She agrees with you that we must talk to Aramek.

“Considering all this, it sounds like waiting to attack until tomorrow is the right thing to do. The Deathwalkers below are as likely as not to leave us alone tonight thinking we will soon face their reinforcements from the rear when they return. They don’t know we killed them all in the battle of the Javan River. I hate the delay, but with so much unknown we need everyone to be at full strength. If we wait until tomorrow, perhaps Father Gar would, before beginning his rest, would heal Chief Rahk to full strength. Unless the Chief survives this fight, any victory would be hollow. Westkeep would have lost its best friend in the Malarat tribe.

“Wizards, clerics and sorcerers! They give me indigestion and a headache. Bah! Always with a ready excuse why they can’t do something and leave the heavy lifting to us eh?”

“How goes your hunt to recover arrows to replenish our stock? I have an idea for tomorrow. Since we can’t use the main entrance, why don’t we reverse trap it with an old fashioned trap of our own? Perhaps we can take some of the arrows that can’t be restored and dip them in the poison potion and then plant them on the path in front of the entrance? When the Deathwalkers storm out to ‘surprise’ us they will get a nasty little surprise of their own; with first a nice warm fire and then something nasty to step on!”

Fingol’s eyebrows knit together at the mention of the poison, “I don’t like the idea of using poison. I’d prefer to not speak of it with anyone else directly. I see the use of poison as evil. I suppose it is hypocritical of me, but I don’t want to be directly involved while at the same time I am glad for the hope it may give us here.  Perhaps I am wrong anyway. I don’t know for sure that Rain has it. It’s just that it would surprise me greatly if she didn’t. And if she won’t use it now, I wouldn’t have a guess what she’s going to save it for.”

“I believe she has it still,” Indranil says. “She did not say she didn’t when I described the assassination plan to her. I do not see poison as inherently evil. In this case I consider it capable of the greater good of keeping us all alive. Stepping on a sharp arrow is not going to kill any Deathwalkers by itself though it might kill them from infection but not in time to help us. If you are not comfortable being directly involved then would you be okay making the arrows and then leaving the task of dipping them in the poison and planting them to another?”

“The arrows should slow or stop a charge or escape, and fortify a defensive position. I hadn’t thought that they would kill anyone.” Fingol pauses, ”As for the poison, I don’t mean to stop anyone from using it” He still seems uncomfortable with the idea.

Indranil replies, “Sir Fingol, war is hell, and we flirt with evil every time we pick up a weapon in anger, but if it means you live and they die then I have no quarrel with using poison. Arrows won’t stop a concerted rush, it might slow it down a wee bit, but the first few attackers through will have broken off most of the arrows. Without poison to drop them it won’t have much impact. What would work well as a barrier would be mid to large sized stakes backing up the arrows. I was envisioning a three-part barrier: fire, poison arrows, and then stakes. That would really slow and hinder a charge out of the main entrance.”

Fingol responds, “If they do charge us, gods grant that they are that foolish, I’d like to have enough arrows for a few volleys. It’ll make the delays they face from the obstacles that much more deadly.”

Midway up the mound there are four more doors like the entrance door each one facing a different cardinal direction. Like the entrance door they are concealed behind foliage, sturdy and iron bound, and most importantly trapped with a glyph. Newt stops to examine one.

It occurs to Xalakae to wonder how the Deathwalker whose mind s/he read knew that Rain and the others were outside the door. Xalakae once again searches for thoughts to read in an attempt to learn the answer to this. Once again s/he is able to probe the mind of a Deathwalker on the other side of the door. S/he finds that they are simply hearing the movement of armored people and the muffled sounds of their conversations on the mound through the door.

S/he reflects back on the uncomfortable conversation s/he just had with Sir Indranil, thining to hiermself, I know it would be better if I told him, or at least told someone. I could then help the group more freely. But what is the prime directive of our people? ’Remain undetected.’ That is what I have been taught all my life, and I must not lightly put it aside. Disregarding this most basic of rules may even jeopardize my life, or worse, the lives of my parents! So I have to keep my secrets.

Here comes Rain. What will she ask me now? What should I say to her? They’re not going to like me much, for much longer, if I won’t tell them about myself. That’s the only way they’ll believe I trust them, and that they can trust me. Focus, Xalakae!  Just focus on learning about the Deathwalkers!’

Rain heads down the mound and finds Newt examining one of the entrances. Not the one with the glyph, but the next closest one. “Newt, thanks for your warning earlier about the glyph. I mentioned your concerns in detail to Indranil. I believe you are right, we should leave it alone for now. Let’s go back and see what Father Gar has to say about it though, he has not had a chance to weigh in.”

She pauses, and then continues, “I hope you don’t feel I have betrayed your confidence in telling Indranil. Whatever ability you have to know the things you know is a boon for all of us. The other day on the beach I pushed for you to open up to me… that was a mistake, you don’t know me well enough yet and I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Rain. You didn’t betray anything, this time or earlier. And like I said, I overreacted before. I feel like I am the only one who’s betraying anything. If I tell you and Sir Indranil things, I’m betraying trusts and people may die – possibly starting with me. But if I don’t tell you, some of the people in this group may also die – also possibly me. It’s a difficult position to be in when you want to earn people’s trust. And that’s the thing. I trust you, and I need your trust but can’t offer much right now to earn your trust. It feels terrible. Like I’m using you, but that’s not what I’m doing. Really. I just don’t know what to do.”

Newt stays seated there, making no move to go to Gar as Rain had suggested.

Rain smiles genuinely and offers a hand to help Newt up, “I had no idea it was like that. Newt what I know or guess about you is safe with me. I will not discuss it with another save Indranil or any of those you decided to open up to. Anyone else who questions the source of information you have gleaned through your abilities will not find a correct answer from me. I have your back, friend. Now let’s go find out what Father Gar thinks of this dangerous glyph.”

Newt cheers up visibly at being called “friend” and accepts the help getting up.

Newt, now smiling, “Okay, and we can tell him about the other glyphs, too, but I suspect they are the same.”

“Oh, and they’re listening behind the doors. I suppose I should tell that to Sir Indranil, but I bet he’s already guessed, so I’ll tell him after we see Father Gar.”

As Rain and Newt approach Gar and Aramek at the magically trapped entrance, she stops about 15 feet short of the door and motions for Gar and Armaek to join them. When they do, she says quietly, “Ok, here is what we know. First they are listening behind the doors so we need to keep our discussions quiet. Second, that glyph is very powerful. Any attempts to disarm manually would be foolish I believe. The other four entrances around the mound above us seem to be similarly trapped. I have heard what Aramek had to say before Newt and I had to step away… Gar, what are your thoughts?”

Newt flashes a quick smile at Rain before turning to listen to Father Gar’s comments.

“If you are too afraid to open it, milady, I can spare one dispel ward spell for the morrow for wherever we need it.” Gar’s eyes twinkle at Rain.

Newt marks that twinkle and determines to watch Gar’s approach to Rain in the future.

Without waiting for a response from Rain, Gar zeros in on Newt. “Can you hear or see them listening to us?”

Taken aback, Newt’s smile turns to a look of shocked terror for a split second before she can compose herself. Angrily, she shoots back “Yes! I can hear them when I’m close enough to the door!”

Rain stares blankly at Gar for a brief moment then puts hand to rapier hilt and continues in a serious deadpan tone, “Father Gar, you are out of line. Indranil and I did not want to bring this up yet, but you have forced my hand. If you continue to come up with simple and logical solutions to problems which quite obviously take repeated meetings in committee to form overly complex resolutions, then we will be forced to terminate your association with us… by steel,” at which Rain half draws her rapier and continues to stare down Gar.

“Milady Rain, the mission is to get you and then us into the shrine. If you cannot open the ward tomorrow, I can. That is all I said. How does this deviate from the group plan?” Gar smiles mischievously at Rain and then burst out laughing at Newt, “Born a witch, you’re going to be handy having around.”

Newt, raising her voice involuntarily, “Wha…? Who said I’m a witch? What do you mean by saying terrible things like that?!”

As Newt’s voice rises, Rain says in a low even voice, “Please keep your voices low, both of you.”

Gar tries to smile reassuringly toward Newt and in a quieter voice, “I mean no disrespect, mi’young lady. I would bet money that one of your ancestors was a magical creature: perhaps a sorcerer, perhaps a witch, perhaps a fairy? It appears to me the gifts of your ancestors now flow in your blood. Was one of your parents more mystical than the other?

Newt, indignant, lowers her voice and hisses to Gar, “You need to choose your words more carefully, Father. You’ll get someone hurt, loosely saying things like that.” Still through clenched teeth, crossing her arms, “And never you mind about my parents!”

As Aramek hears this exchange, he turns to Gar and says, “Father Gar, I don’t understand why you seem to enjoy upsetting the people around you. To what purpose?”

Gar cocks his head, “It is not purposeful, Aramek. But it does seem to happen a lot.” Gar grins innocently.

Aramek sighs with a bit of exasperation, then turns to Rain and Newt and winks, giving them a ‘well I tried’ look.

Rain replaces the rapier in its scabbard and shaking her head slightly says, “He is just being an ass, it’s his natural disposition. Gar, if you can indeed dispel a glyph tomorrow that is great news and I think our best way of dealing with them. If you have nothing further to add then let’s let Indranil know what we have found and our suggestions on dealing with it.”

She pauses for any further comments. If there are none she turns and heads off to find Indranil.

Gar silently smiles and follows Rain with the others up the hill.

Newt watches Gar go, a dark look on her face. When he is well away and the others have started up, she follows grumbling, “Witch indeed, says the barely sociable prayer monkey!”

Rain stifles a short laugh.

Before long everyone has hiked to the top of the large mound, which is about the size of a three-story building.

Chief Rahk is beaming, in a reptilian way, at Indranil and the others as they join him. “I am glad to see that you have all made it without any further losses. We have them trapped. Father Gar, do you have any healing power left? It looks like all of you as well as some of my warriors are in need of it. If you have such power, now we can all gather around it together so that we will be well enough to continue this fight.”

As if waiting to be asked, Gar bursts forth with a resounding “Om!” A wave of positive energy spreads out over the hilltop and all who are embraced by it have their wounds erased as though they had never been, with the exception of Chief Rahk whose grievous injuries are now mostly gone though still sore.

Indranil shakes his head sadly and sighs. “Father Gar that was ill advised. I fear your impulsiveness might mean the failure of this mission. I was hoping we could all discuss and agree upon the best plan before proceeding. It is too late now. I can only hope you have not killed us all in your pursuit of chaos.

“Chief Rahk, Father Gar had only three more bursts of healing power left to us this day, and his power is the only magic counter we have to the great evil power of the Deathwalker priest still inside. While we are diminished from our attack this morning he is still at full strength with support from an unknown number of cultists and demonic presences. Father Gar’s use of the healing has reduced his reserve to only two more.  None of us was in immediate danger of dying and we all would have been healed simultaneously when he would have used his power against the depraved priest inside. I considered waiting more tactically sound.

Gar rolls his eyes in response to Indranil but otherwise says nothing.

Indranil continues, “Now, let us all go in turns with ideas for assaulting the mound. Chief Rahk, please as leader of the lizardfolk what are your suggestions for the final assault within? Once we hear from Chief Rahk then the knights, then Father Gar, then the Guard. and lastly Adelina.”

Rain shakes her head slightly and takes a step away to place her on the outside of those gathered, turning around and looking back over the bog from the top of the mound. She can still hear what is being said in council though.

Lorindel shifts over towards Rain, leaning over to her he whispers, “He only sees the best path to victory, but he is a wise tactician. Unfortunately he forgets that not everyone is under his command on missions that extend beyond the military. Perhaps I will remind him of that… if there is an appropriate time.”

Rain smiles lightly and says, “Yes I agree. He does have fine tactics and is good about viewing problems from several different angles, but he does need to work on his people skills. Bettering that, he will make a fine leader.”  She adds a bit humorously, “…if Gar doesn’t find a way to kill him first.”

Lorindel flashes a wink before slipping back.

Newt examines the rest of the mound (from a distance) while staying close enough to hear the discussion and waiting her turn.

Chief Rahk says, “If this were my nest, I would have a secret escape route. We should scour this mound and make sure they have no way of getting out. Then those of us with axes should start chopping through those doors. Once we’ve broken them open we can move in from all sides.”

Chief Rahk takes out his atlatl, holds it up and says, “Talking stick!” He passes it to Indranil. Indranil bows low to Chief Rahk and accepts the atlatl.

“We have a choice. Attack today or wait until tomorrow. Attacking today we are diminished in our magic but waiting for tomorrow leaves us very vulnerable overnight when in the dark and cold we would be at great risk for the Deathwalkers to breakout and easily overwhelm us. I have no doubt the Deathwalkers will attack us again when we are most vulnerable, it I think it will be tonight as they know time is not on their side.

“As Chief Rahk has pointed out we do need to know everything possible about the mounds. We might want to spend the rest of the morning scouting both mounds thoroughly and having Rain, Aramek and Father Gar – with a strong force of lizardfolk warriors protecting them – spending time on the entrance to understand the nature of the magic surrounding it and if possible defeating it.

“If we do attack today, Chief Rahk’s plan of a multiple point of attack is one we should consider; but at the same time it is risky to separate our forces across – at least as we know at this time – five points of entry. We would have to think on that carefully.  We have no idea what we face below.

“I would most love to sneak a spy inside if we could find a way to do so. My thought is for Guardsman Rain to take both invisibility potions with her and drink one at a time to sneak inside and find out everything she can in her ten minutes of invisibility. With this knowledge our attack would have a much better chance of success. It would be quite dangerous and if she is caught she will likely be killed in a horrible manner. Rain we would never order you to do this.”

Indranil hands the atlatl to Fingol.

Ignoring protocol of the stick, Rain turns and responds to Indranil, “Then I volunteer.”

Fingol takes the atlatl a little awkwardly. “Thank you… and thank you Chief Rahk for your thoughts. I agree that the mounds might very well have an escape route. If it is a tunnel leading out of the bog, it probably goes under the pathway. That would be the easiest to engineer, in any case. Otherwise the tunnel must be deeper and would be more subject to flooding. We should look for an egress at the end of the pathway in the forest. We would have to search the whole perimeter if it is not there. I don’t know how much time we have.

“As for an assault, I don’t know what to recommend. We cannot surprise the Deathwalkers, but perhaps we can misdirect them. If possible, we could open more than one doorway. Then they would have to split their forces covering more than one vulnerable area.

“Perhaps the best use of the invisibility potions would be to have one or more of our number slip inside during the assault and, unseen, seek out the priest and assassinate him. The volunteer or volunteers would not be so cut off from support and we might get the first big punch in on our main opponent. Whoever does this is still likely to be killed. As I understand invisibility, it is dispelled as soon as an attack is made. The second potion then, might be needed for escape. I would like to be considered for this assignment.

“I am chiefly concerned with the priest. His ability to do damage with his negative energy could wipe us all out, and he could do so quickly. Once any of us see him, we must call out to the rest of the group and everyone must concentrate fire on him. And I am thinking we need to use ranged attacks, of course. So we should take an inventory of arrows and javelins.

“Oops, one last thing. Father Gar, I think I asked you this before, but since it has to do with the priest, I would like to ask again. Can you interfere or counter the evil priest’s negative power with your positive power? Such that he would not damage us?”

Fingol hands the atlatl to Lorindel. “I too will volunteer,” says Lorindel. “Hopefully I won’t run out of space too quickly.”

Indranil holds up his hand before Lorindel can pass the atlatl and says, “Sir Lorindel is there anything else you wish to add to what Chief Rahk, Sir Fingol and I have spoken on planning?”

“Actually sir, there is,” says Lorindel. “I volunteer out of loyalty and duty. However, I am quickly seeing the diminishing returns of my presence. As you know, my training has focused on stealth and hit-and-run tactics. In this current campaign, I can do neither. At a distance, I am only wasting ammunition, and at close ranges, I am a mere practice dummy. I fear that I am at best a drain on resources that might be better spent elsewhere. If it is not tactically prudent, I will stay behind.”

Gar stands as he takes the atlatl from Lorindel and bows to Chief Rahk, Fingol, and Indranil. “Milords, I will leave military decisions to those more capable than myself. However if there are any suicide runs to do today, then I make my claim upon it, upon all rights of honor. Our two great war-chiefs, both human and lizardfolk, have given me the task to kill the evil cleric. He’s mine by law and right. Give me Rain and we will come back alive. While today is indeed a good day to die, I do not want to die needlessly, if I can avoid it. So here is what I propose:

“As you say, secure all exits and look for more tunnels. But let us take a break until tomorrow morning to rest and fill our bellies. If the gods are merciful, Aramek and I may again find ourselves flush with power by then.” Gar looks up at the rising sun and nods to the trees, “It is worth a try.”

In answer to Sir Fingol’s question, Gar turns to him. “Milord, I cannot stop his life draining energies. I can however restore your energies, when I have the power.”

Looking around the circle he looks into each person’s face, “The priest must be killed first and foremost, fast and efficiently. Every one of you knows that I alone have the power to assassinate the powerful cleric with one swift move.” Gar’s eyes drift and settle on Indranil and a sweet smile fills his face, “especially a humanoid that wears fabric. If I die, it might even be a safer world for you.” Sobering, “But the cleric’s ass is mine. Not Sir Fingol’s. Rain and I are uniquely suited to being able to walk in and out alive, to torment you more. We can do it milords, and live to tell about it.” He says smiling again sweetly.

“You should also know that once the cleric realizes we are there, he might be able to dispel our invisibility. A second potion will then be useless. This is a two-person job, whomever you send, milords. Please let us scout, guard, and watch for their priest and their tunnels and then take a little break. This is my advice milords, do with it as you please. Today we should rest. Tomorrow we fight. And I will assassinate him for you, with your leave.”

After a long pause, Gar switches from Common to Draconic, “Tomorrow will be a good day to die, but first I must have meat! I’m tired of palsied crackers. If the lizardfolk will cook in our nest, I will join them for BBQ Deathwalker.” Gar stomps his feet. “If I am going to die tonight, it’s going to be with their brethren in my belly.” Gar thumps his chest.

Fingol holds up his hand, “Father Gar, peace… please. Your speech makes me realize that an attempt at assassination would be impetuous and unlikely to succeed. It would be far better to use the benefit of the invisibility to snatch the cleric’s holy symbol away. Without it, he would be unable to cast spells or channel energy. We have enough numbers here to overwhelm him when he left with only arms and armor to defend himself.”

Smiling and nodding, Gar’s finger wags in response to Fingol. “I like it, might work. It’s not fool proof but it might work. A cleric could still summon a holy symbol if he has his hands and voice but he may not even need them to work his evil magic. Gagging him and binding him are likely to work too, but even that is not guaranteed to control a powerful cleric. He needs to die, fast.” With that, Gar spits a bolt of fire into the center of the group to punctuate his remarks and his silence. Then he hands the atlatl talking stick to Sergeant Apone.

Fingol leans over to Indranil (covering his mouth) and whispers in Elvish, “The greatest danger a squad faces is a suicidal soldier. We can’t pin our hopes on him.”

Indranil whispers back in the same language, “Indeed. He will need more than fanatical words to convince me he has an actual plan that can actually accomplish more than getting himself and Rain killed forcing the rest of us to retreat leaving this mission a failure.”

Rain suddenly looks alarmed and walks into the middle of the discussion, waving her arms for everybody to stop talking. She then says in a very low voice for both Indranil and Rahk to hear, “Maybe we should not discuss battle plans on the enemie’s roof where they may be able to hear us. We don’t know how well these air holes carry.”

Newt gasps and whispers, “Oh…” It simply hadn’t occurred to her that the Deathwalkers might be listening.

Indranil raises his hands in the air to gain attention and says, “Rain, your caution is warranted and well advised. I thank you for reminding everyone we are in enemy territory and need to exercise tactical caution. Chief Rahk and I do not feel it necessary to move the meeting for two reasons: First we don’t think the Deathwalkers can hear us as long as we speak in low tones. We are sitting on top of the mound with 30′ of dirt between them and ourselves. The nearest doors are 60′ away and the air holes are too small for human passage. Second, moving the leadership to the tree line and leaving the main body of our forces here is very risky. The risk of the Deathwalkers overhearing is less than the risk in separating the leadership and leaving them vulnerable to a sneak attack from unknown forces in the Hool.

“Please everyone take Rain’s words with care and keep your voices down. Do not shout, howl or stamp your feet. It is also wise to remember at all times we are engaged with the enemy below us in hostile territory. Remain alert and vigilant to attack at anytime from magic and conventional means.

“Now Rain, please take your seat and let us hear from Sergeant Apone, then Rain – your complete thoughts – Aramek, any of the other Guardsmen who wish to speak, and lastly Adelina.”

Rain nods and returns to the edge of the gathering, resuming her gaze over the marsh.

Fingol walks over to Rain, “I think your warning is wise.  Perhaps you and some of the other guardsmen would plug the air holes with sod, to block our voices.”

Indranil calls out to them, “Hold! No action yet until we are agreed what to do! If we block the air vents it will start to smoke them out by backing up their fire pits, and they will swarm out before we are ready. That may be what we want but let’s be ready.”

Sergeant Apone says, “I don’t have anything to add really. I’m no tactician or strategist, just a simple sergeant. Still, I think that Chief Rahk and Sir Indranil have been doing a fine job so far. If we had left that creature to hold the small mound after it retreated the first time, it might have attacked us on our flank later, or worse cut off a retreat if we had needed to retreat. It’s a good thing we finished it off. And it was also a good thing we fell back when we did when the skeletons attacked the first time. We were almost out of ammunition and we would have been nothing but helpless targets from the forces on the mound until the skeletons were fought off. By falling back we were able to get more ammunition from the Deathwalkers killed in the ambush, arm some of the lizardfolk warriors here with bows, and catch our breaths for the second engagement. And that went very well. We swept through them without taking any more casualties, not even any of the lizardfolk. No, I’m quite satisfied with how this battle has been fought.

“As for now, if we can hold them inside until tomorrow morning that might be the best the way I see it. With Aramek and Father Gar at full strength we’ll have a better chance against whatever is inside. But the question is whether we can keep them locked up in there – esp. at night.” He hands the atlatl to Rain.

Rain turns away from the marsh and walks into the center of the group. In a low voice she says, “Sgt Apone is right, we should wait till we are full strength before we continue. That will stress out our enemy as well, who are undoubtedly waiting for us to bash in the doors at this very moment.

“As has already been suggested, we should thoroughly search the area for their emergency exit, then trap, alarm and block it and every other entrance found. Then we post hidden two-man sentries at four positions around the bog to view any activity. We come up with two engagement plans, first if they come out while we recoup and second for hitting them when we are fully restored and prepared to hit the compound.”

Rain hands the “talking stick” to Newt.

Newt takes the atlatl, not remembering that she was supposed to have been last. It’s clear she’s still uncomfortable being the center of attention like this. Still, she squares her shoulders, steps forward and clears her throat. She speaks clearly, though softly in case her voice should carry to the enemy. She makes sure to meet the eyes of everyone in the circle.

“I think we are in a difficult spot. We must have magical power to oppose their priest, but we are now nearly out of spells. I don’t believe we’ll be given the time we need to refresh our spell power – I feel certain they’ll disrupt Aramek and Father Gar in their meditations, and if we try to wait we’ll lose the initiative we’ve won atop this mound and we’ll still have no magic to back us up because Aramek and Father Gar won’t get their rest.

“It’s a long time to wait on the enemy’s door, a day and a night. It’s not reasonable to hope they’ll leave us alone that long or that we can keep our casters undisturbed during that period. Because of this, I think our attack should start as soon as possible. We will be no worse off than if we tried waiting, only to end up without spells anyway.”

Fingol nods while making a noise of agreement.

“I agree that we should find all the doors we can and block what we won’t use. We shouldn’t split our numbers, but may have to because the entrances are too narrow to get many of us inside quickly.”

Having finished, Newt looks shyly about her then steps out of the center. She looks for someone to pass the atlatl to. Aramek coughs to get her attention and holds his hand out so she gives it to him and then quietly steps goes to the edge again.

Aramek looks around and then begins, “It seems clear to me that this area is one that’s not riddled with caves. This marsh is far too wet for that. Whatever tunnels there are here have been purposefully dug and if there are any other bolt-holes, the most likely location would be under the path, but I even doubt that.

“I don’t, for a moment, believe this mound was intended to withstand a siege nor do I believe it’s filled with supplies.

“Let’s face it. They know we’re out here and waiting for them. And they also know they cannot come out except in virtual single file. Depending on the number of escape holes I believe we could barricade the escape routes, post guards (on a rotational basis) and have a campfire in front of each exit. The fire will provide heat for our cold-blooded friends and provide an ever present source of fire should we need to set alight the huge bonfires we ought to be piling against each exit tunnel door.

“I also believe we should be prepared to cut off their air supply. It seems to me that the quality of the air down in the mound is going to become pretty rank, even if we don’t block the air vents.

“We are actually, I believe, in a better position right now for being able to keep them bottled up while we gather our strength – physical and magical – than if we were to precipitously charge in there in our current weakened state.”

Lt. Ahsk steps over and takes the atlatl. Since he is the next highest-ranking lizardfolk warrior after Chief Rahk, none of the Guardsmen dares object.

“Having been in battle with these humans I would like to say a few words. The only ones besides Chief Rahk who were able to do any real damage to that creature were Father Gar, and the Guardsman Aramek, though Sir Fingol and Sir Indranil surely helped by hitting it with oil. I am one of the survivors of Chief Rahk’s first attempt to destroy this evil priest of the dead. We were lucky to escape with our lives. I believe that if we are going to defeat him we will need Father Gar and Guardsman Aramek at full strength as they were when they fought that creature. Though Father Gar’s bolts of flame may not be enough, if he uses the same amount of flames he used during the battle against the creature, he may not kill the evil priest of the death god, but he will surely cause him great injury.

Lt. Ahsk points to Rain. “This is one of the deadliest human warriors I have ever encountered. Even using weapons not at all suited for combat against those skeletal abominations, she destroyed more than her share, and showed herself able to leap over them and get past their ranks. If she can do that in the fight tomorrow, she may indeed be the one who can strike down the Deathwalker priest.” He pauses, “That is, if Chief Rahk doesn’t get to him first, provided that Gar can offset the priest’s life stealing aura.”

At Lt. Ahsk’s words about her, Rain reddens just a bit but does not convey any other emotions. When Lt. Ahsk finishes and hands the stick over to Lt. Raz, Rain leans over to Fingol and says in a low voice, “What was that you were saying about the rapier, Sir Fingol?”

“When I want to roast marshmallows, I’ll be sure to borrow it from you,” Fingol retorts.

Rain laughs quietly then returns her attention to the meeting.

Lt. Raz passes the atlatl back to the Guards, but none of them has anything more to add. That atlatl then returns to Chief Rahk.

Chief Rahk says, “I am in favor of building fires and keeping all the entrances blocked. We must make sure we have found all the possible exits too. If we can hold them in there until tomorrow morning, then we can set fire to the doors and after they have burned away we can move in and dig these Deathwalkers and their priests out of their nest. Let whoever knows how check them first for traps so we can circumvent them. They may be hoping that their other forces will return and rescue them. They probably do not know that we massacred their raiding parties by Cypress Hill. So their hope will betray them.”

Chief Rahk keeps the atlatl but nods to Indranil. “What do you propose now that you have heard the council of all who would speak?”

Indranil looks around the circle into each person’s eyes seeking to know their heart and soul, for he knows what lies ahead; some of those he sees now will not live to see another day.

“It is as I thought; we are split between attacking today and waiting until tomorrow with sound reasons for both plans. Yet the enemy rarely takes our best interest into account and is likely to strike when they believe we are weakest.

Indranil’s eyes glaze over and he gets a faraway look in his eyes, “My father used to tell Lorindel and I that it is easy to make a good decision; what is hard is making the least bad decision. We have no good choice in front of us.”

His voice trails off and silence remains for some minutes. The quiet is oppressive and the very air is ominous and threatening.

He takes a great breathe and lets it out while whispering the name of Ehlenestra, “Please Lady, grant me the wisdom to make this decision so that my friends will live to see the morrow.

“We attack tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM when the day is long, hot and humid; the air still and most creatures asleep and lulled.

“I am loath to wait because we have succeeded so far by being bold and aggressive.  But it is likely we will need all our magic to overcome the priest and any surprises he may have in store for us. It is likely that the Deathwalker garrison is a meager number.

“However, we have much to learn to form a final plan and make our final decision. We know not how many Deathwalkers are still below or what surprises may be in store for us, but we do know a priest of great power lies in wait.”

“We do not have the supplies to lay a long siege to this mound. There may be hostages inside we have still to save. Laying siege they are likely to be killed for food or used as human shields given the chance. We cannot wait longer than tomorrow.

“We need thorough scouting and mapping of the mounds and surrounding perimeter.  Sir Lorindel, we finally have a mission well suited to your skills. I place you in charge of the scouting efforts. And, yours is the most important single task in this mission yet. You have got to find us an as yet unknown and secret entrance we can insert our spy. You are to find every single bolt-hole from this rank rat’s nest and plot it on a map and return to this location with your results no later than 4:00 PM. Split your scouts to cover both mounds and the perimeter of the bog and pay close attention to the end of the path inside the tree line and old ruins we camped at. Leave no stone or moss unturned. Chief Rahk will loan you 10 of his men to assist, have a few of them swim and scout below the surface. Sir Lorindel, if you find such a secret entrance – send a messenger to me at once.”

“Rain, you are in charge of discovering the secrets of the main entrance. You will have Aramek – who could separate you two anyways – and Father Gar. Take Adelina with you and ask her to carefully extend her senses while holding her amulet and asking silently for guidance. Determine the nature of the magic of the entrance, but do not spring it until you speak to me first. Chief Rahk, she will need a guard of four.

“Sgt Apone, you are in charge of the work party. Chief Rahk will loan you five of his men to assist. Take the day and collect every piece of wood and burnable fuel you can and collect it in front of the main entrance and each of the four doors we now know about. Break your backs and work like there is no tomorrow. We must have enough fuel to fire a blaze at each entrance that can burn through the entire night and be so hot as to be impassable.

“Chief Rahk, we need two guards posted at each entrance and at the four cardinal points around the perimeter of the bog. That is 18 guards to keep watch and cover the scout, work and entrance parties.

“Chief Rahk, Lts. Ahsk and Raz, Sir Fingol, and I will remain here and refine our assault options and be able to assist anywhere we are called upon.

“Our primary objective tomorrow is to find and kill the Deathwalker priest. Once he is identified, everyone, no matter the risk, must divert their fire and attack the priest. Once he is killed the rest will break and be easy to mop up. We will have to find a way to make him appear, either through a lure or through coercion.

“If we can insert a spy into the mound we will do so. Rain you will be our spy and on you alone will fall this mission. You will have no more than ten minutes to scout, and once you make contact you must disengage, as your cloak will evaporate. Your primary order is to scout below. We need to know what we face. Your secondary order is given the opportunity steal the priest’s holy symbol if you can do so without risking discovery or you may assassinate him if you have 100% confidence you can succeed in one strike. I remind you that all our lives are at stake and deaths will needlessly occur if we enter the shrine without foreknowledge, so I plead with you to take no unnecessary risks and only attempt your secondary mission if it is clear you can do so successfully. I leave it to your judgment and the keen sense of survival that has stood you in such good stead your whole life.

“Father Gar, your offer to enter the shrine to assassinate the priest is noted gratefully but you are too important to risk in such an unknown manner. You are to remain above with us in the leadership ranks with Chief Rahk and I in such a position to attack the priest once we see him. Once above ground he is yours to kill. I pray your power is as strong as you asserted.

“Aramek your idea of smoking them out is brilliant and will be a key part of our attack tomorrow. We will close off all their vents several hours before we attack. Sir Lorindel will by then have those all mapped out. We must coerce them to leave the shrine and kill as many as possible outside before we storm the entrances. We do this minimize our casualties. We have not the strength of arm and armor to assault this shrine easily. If the gods and goddess smile upon us then the smoke will have incapacitated them and forced to out and we can cut through them quickly to reach the priest.

“The doors are iron bound thick wood which we cannot breech with our hand axes in one afternoon. We will have to burn through them. Hopefully the fires burning through the night will have sufficiently weakened those doors that they will be easily chopped through. Once the fires burn out we will knock through the charred remains and open the holes, if they have not already tried to get out on their own.

“Go now and may the gods and goddesses smile and guide you. We all have much work to do today to be ready for the night and tomorrow’s battle. Our lives depend on our efforts to prepare. We meet back here no later than 6:00 PM for another council to review our progress.”

Aramek, with a grim look, says to Indranil, “Sir Indranil, we cannot fail in this righteous endeavor. We must rescue Newt’s parents at all cost and by Ehlona, we will give better than we get! Right Snoop?”

An enthusiastic squeak is immediately heard.

“Oh, thank you!” Newt gives Aramek an big, appreciative hug.

Gar frowns and lays a gentle hand upon Adelina’s shoulder. In a soft voice he says, “Milady, while visions do not always match reality, nothing about the present excursion matches the vision Obad-Hai sent me about where we will find your parents. Please try not to get your hopes too high. I have faith we will find them, but I will be shocked if they are here. This place is but one step on the journey, but do please pay attention to any childhood memories that may surface while here. It will be our next clue where we can find your parents.”

Then looking from Rain to Aramek to Indranil, with a hand still upon Newt’s shoulder Gar says, “Let’s not raise the girl’s hopes needlessly. When we are standing in front of a rock faced mountain city, somewhere on the skirts of these marshes, then it will be time to rejoice that a family reunion is near.”

Turning to Adelina once again, Gar says, “Faith is good, when it is not an empty vessel.”

Without waiting for a response Gar turns and walks away to clear his mind. He heads towards the main entrance to meet the others there, muttering to himself or perhaps calling upon his god.

Indranil, smiles and nods to Aramek and then takes a bit of jerky out of his pocket asking, “May I give a small treat to Snoop?”

Before Aramek can even open his mouth to reply, Snoop is on his shoulder, happily squeaking his acceptance of the treat from Indranil.

Indranil hands Snoop the treat and then a thoughtful look crosses his face. “Aramek, do you remember we spoke about using Snoop as a spy? What are your two feelings and thoughts about him sneaking down an air shaft tonight and taking a look around?”

Newt releases the hug and looks slightly alarmed at Sir Indranil’s mention of hazarding cute little Snoop. However, she remains quiet.

Rain’s smile at this scene of Indranil offering a treat to Snoop turns sour on her face and she looks hard at Indranil for suggesting such a thing. She says nothing, however, and waits for Aramek to reply.

“Good Sir Indranil, I have no doubt that Snoop would be willing to try such a venture if I asked him,” at which a chirrup comes from Snoop, “but please keep in mind that ferrets, while indeed living underground, dig their tunnels generally into a hillside, much like halflings, and if there is an entrance tunnel it’s usually on a downward sloping diagonal or a very short vertical shaft. While Snoop might, I repeat might, be able to get down a long airshaft without falling, I fear once he leapt to the ground he would have no way of getting back up again. I do apologize, but I must decline to send my best friend into such a situation.” Aramek then bows graciously to Indranil, while Snoop licks his sorcerer’s ear.

Indranil rubs his chin, and says, “I understand and respect your choice. It was a question and never an order. Your caution is wise, look what happened to good Oro last night. I am certainly happy you two declined that mission last night! I am eager to see what is beneath us to inform our attack plan, but not at the expense if our people. What lies below will remain an unknown to us. Welcome to the life of a soldier! For God and King go us poor wretches! Ah, now if one of you mages had some special spell to project their spirit that would be nice, eh?”

Turning to Rain he says, “Rain, please carry on.

Immediately after Indranil has finished speaking, Rain turns to Aramek, then Newt, and smiles, “Well my friends, let’s be about it.” As she begins to walk down towards the trapped hidden entrance she says “Aramek, how long will your magical shielding remain on me?”

Aramek says, “About two hours.”

Indranil calls out softly, “Ah, and Rain? Please make sure Father Gar does not do something… hasty.”

As Rain has already started down the mound, she answers over her shoulder, “Heh, like anybody has the power to stop Gar from being… Gar.”

Indranil chuckles to himself, “Indeed,” as he turns to head back to Chief Rahk and Fingol.

Before Lt. Ahsk can get back, and before any other instructions can be given, the skeletons begin heading back to attack Indranil and the others who are still at the end of the pathway.

“Sir, those things are coming back,” warns Sgt. Apone.

Gar glancing back at the skeletons, “Ah, don’t worry about those.”

Indranil calls up to the large mound, “Chief Rahk, we will meet the skeletons and crush them between us and Lt Ahsk. Please watch our back as I expect a last effort from the Deathwalkers while their skeletons try and distract us.”

Indranil turns to Aramek and asks, “What magic do you have left?”

“My lord, there’s little I can do besides whisper a message to someone at a distance, move a light object a short distance or deliver a small ray of frost. Unfortunately, my magic missiles are depleted. I suspect the most damage I can do now is with my crossbow and willow staff.”

Indranil replies, “Aramek you have done much already to help gain the mound and that is as much as any man, woman or lizardfolk here can do. We are glad for your strength and courage!”

Indranil says, ”Father Gar let us try and handle them with conventional close quarters combat and dispatch them. Save your magic for the base priest.”

“Oh for him, my chosen weapon is endless,” responds Gar softly.

Indranil lays his hand on Father Gar’s shoulder and says, “Your passion is inspiring for us all. But please save your resources until we truly need them. I am confident we can dispatch these skeletons. We know not yet what we face. It is essential we save all your skills for the final battle and saving those that will be in great need. None of Lt Ahsk’s troops is in enough dire straits right now to warrant a healing. It would be a waste.”

Gar looks from Indranil to the hand on his shoulder and then back, not amused. “Milord, we are not on intimate terms. You do not have permission to touch my body for your pleasure, milord.”

Fingering his little Green Man Gar prays, “May Obad-Hai grant the power to detect magic.” Gar adds for all to hear, “There is a magic trap or alarm across the main entrance to the mound. Can anyone disable it?” looking towards Rain and Aramek.

Indranil, having quickly dropped his hand from Gar shoulder, grits his teeth and says, “Thank you for alerting us to the potential trap. That is why we proceeded carefully.”

Gar smiles pleasantly at Indranil. “Thank you milord.”

To the others, Indranil says, “Everyone be careful to avoid the main entrance to the mound until we can spring whatever trap it is.”

Aramek answers, “If it can be set off by moving something inanimate through the space, I could do that – so long as the object doesn’t weigh more than a rock.”

Indranil says, “Aramek your idea is excellent. Once we finish the skeletons let’s have you give it a try from a safe remove.”

Rain responds “I would be happy to take a look at it after these skellies.”

After drawing his sword, Lorindel says, “What I wouldn’t give for a good old club right about now.”

Still watching the skeletons, Newt fills the few moments of nervous waiting by asking Lorindel, “You’d prefer a club to your fine sword, milord Lorindel?”

“Aye. Under other circumstances, I’d prefer my sword, but when all you’ve got to fight are a bunch of bones, there’s not a lot there to stab or slash,” explains Lorindel. “Good luck with that spear. Best to use it to keep those ‘skellies’ at bay.”

Newt suggests, “Let’s re-kill one of these skeletons, then throw the corpse into the trap to set it off.”

Rain snorts a short laugh “I like it.”

Indranil sets himself, Aramek, Rain, Sgt Apone, and three guardsmen on the right. On the left he puts Fingol, Lorindel, Gar and three guardsmen. Adelina is kept sheltered as best as she can be between the two lines.

Gar hands Newt his morningstar to defend herself.

Adelina accepts her place. It makes sense, but she’s still frustrated being kept from helping. To Gar she says, “Thank you, Father Gar. This is simple enough I should be able to use it.” She sets her spear down within reach and hefts the morningstar.

Then the skeletons are upon them. Rain lunges with her rapier and shatters the skeletal lizardfolk warrior’s breastbone then moves to cut through its spine with a swipe of her shortsword. The pieces fall into the bog and Rain moves on to engage another.

Fingol breaks off some ribs with a strike of his light hammer. The skeleton in turn clubs Fingol in the ribs.

Indranil’s strike with his morningstar is blocked by the skeleton’s heavy shield and then he is almost driven to his knees as the undead horror bears down on him.

Lorindel manages to stab his foe in its skull, but it keeps coming, clubbing him in the stomach.

Sgt. Apone and the Guard, armed as they are with shortswords, are not able to do much damage at all to the skeletons either, though Apone is hit in the left leg by one of their clubs.

Aramek tries to shatter one with his quarterstaff, but the skeleton blocks with its shield and smacks the sorcerer in the ribs with its club. Aramek has the wind knocked out of him and clutches his side while trying to keep his guard up against any further blows from the skeleton.

“Ah, shit,” Gar jumps to the side to get a clear view of the skeletons, touches his little Green Man with his left hand and raises his right hand. He shoots forth a storm burst to scatter their bones as he screams, “Go back to hell!” The skeleton is pushed back by the spray, but remains intact and able to fight.

Rain crosses her rapier and shortsword backs up a couple of paces and then leaps somersaulting in the air past the skeletons on either side of her to land on her feet behind their lines. She begins stabbing and hacking at the one fighting Aramek.

For his part, Aramek begins blocking the skeleton’s blows with his quarterstaff.

Fingol and his enemy trade blows, but neither he nor his foe are able to get past the others shield.

Indranil lands a blow with his morningstar but receives a blow in turn.

Sgt. Apone, Drake, and Hadsyn are each buffeted by the skeletal lizardfolk’s clubs, though again their shortswords are able to do little more than chip off pieces of bone when they are able to connect at all. At least Ferro and Kash are able to move around to flank the one fighting Drake, while Dale flanks the one fighting Hadsyn.

The skeleton facing Gar holds its shield up and to ward off the rains and winds of Gar’s storm burst and manages to club Gar in the right leg. Gar stops the rains and tries instead, opening his mouth and blasting the skeleton with a single bolt of flame. Unfortunately the skeletal warrior ducks the blast.

Again using her rapier and shortsword combination attack, Rain takes apart the skeleton attacking Aramek.

With ferocious roars, Lt. Ahsk and his warriors leap out the waters of the bog and begin laying into the skeletons with their own clubs.

Indranil now has lizardfolk warriors encircling the skeletal warrior in front of him, distracting it enough so that he is able to land another blow with his morningstar that sends part of the skeleton’s skull flying into the bog. The skeleton doesn’t seem bothered by that and maintains its attack against Indranil, slipping past his guard and landing a blow whose impact is fortunately absorbed by Indranil’s chainmail shirt.

Lorindel finds that it is very difficult to try to attack a creature with no internal organs with a shortsword, and receives a club blow to his right foot for his troubles.

Gar has a little more luck, as his next fire bolt hits and reduces the skeleton attacking him to ashes. Gar looks as surprised as everyone else.

Lt. Ahsk and his warriors continue beating down the skeletal remnants of their old comrades in arms, smashing two of them to inert shards of bone.

Rain weaves her way into position to help Fingol against his opponent. Between the two of them they hack it to pieces. Unfortunately, Rain takes a blow to the back of the head by the skeleton behind her that Lt. Ahsk and Frost had not finished off yet.

The skeleton he was fighting having been destroyed, Indranil moves over to help Ferro, Kash, and Dale take down the skeleton they are still fighting. He succeeds is smashing off its head with his morningstar, but the foul thing keeps attacking anyway.

Aramek and Adelina do their best to stay out of their way of the others. Gar also finds that there are no more clear targets for his fire bolts.

The remaining four are quickly surrounded and smashed to pieces until there is nothing left.

Indranil says, “Well Done! Who still has healing potions with them? Who is injured?”

After victoriously howling at the skies, Gar calls upon Obad-Hai to allow his eyes to detect poison, but there is none around – except for that which Aramek carries with him that was taken from Noch.

Aramek asks, “Is anyone in need of the cure light wounds potion?”

Indranil responds, “Aramek, please hang on to your potion until we determine who is in greatest need.”

Turning to Indranil in a calm but clear voice for all to hear, Gar says, “Are you finished inflicting undue pain and suffering upon your troop milord? May I heal them now?”

Adelina can’t help but turn and look at Gar and Indranil, surprised by Gar’s attitude toward one of higher station.

Indranil says to Gar, “No not yet. No one is in immediate danger. We will treat our battle wounds with conventional first aid and distribute our healing potions to those five in greatest need. You will save your spells for greater need. First let us move to the top of the mound and connect with Chief Rahk to treat our wounds and then discuss our next steps.”

Rain recovers her bow and says “Sir Indranil, while plans are being made maybe a few of us should remain here to investigate this trapped entrance. Maybe try Newt’s plan for tripping it.”

“Rain, why don’t we just throw a skeleton where we think the trap is?”

Rain responds, “Yah – that was Newt’s plan and what I wanted to try. I would like to investigate the trap first though.” She smiles, “I’m curious.”

Fingol hands Indranil his cure light wounds potion saying, “I’ll stay down here and watch the entrance. Give this to whoever needs it.”

“My lord, I still carry a healing potion!” Newt moves to hand hers over to Indranil as well.

Indranil says, “Sir Fingol, hang on to your potion until we get to the top and assess everyone’s need.”

Smiling warmly at Newt, Indranil says to her, “Thank you Adelina. Hang on to it until we get to the top. You have been very brave today. Do you feel left out? I have tried to keep you safe but I sense you are chafing that I am too protective. Do you wish a place at the front line? Rain and Aramek, do you think she is ready?”

Adelina replies, “You are right, my lord. I appreciate your protection, and I do so want to help. I will take my place at the front if you think it best, but in truth I do not have a warrior’s heart.”

Rain responds to Indranil, “Yes, I would prefer that she, Aramek, and I stay as a team though. If I need to separate for more stealthy operations, then the two of them will complement each other well.”

Aramek adds, “I’m afraid I’m probably overly protective and will defer to Rain’s judgment. If anyone is a good judge of fighting abilities, it’s my friend Rain.”

Indranil asks Lt Ahsk to leave four of his archers directly above the entrance with bows strung, arrows nocked, and orders to shoot anything that appears in it.

Indranil says to the group, “Everyone, please join me at the top for the war council I loath to leave anyone below. It is too dangerous and you could easily be cut off from aid and support. We now have the high ground and cover. It is our turn to use it for our advantage.”

“Rain and Adelina your idea is excellent and it is likely the war council will agree to let you all ‘explore’ the trap, but later and under a full action plan. For now please join us at the top. We need your ideas too.”

“Aramek, I think it will be time soon to use the invisibility potions.”

“Father Gar and Aramek, you detected some magic at the entrance. Can you tell what it is? Was there poison?”

Gar replies, “I only had the briefest moment to look at it milord before the skeletons attacked, but it appeared to be a magic trap or perhaps a magical alarm. I have not yet had the time to ascertain whether poison is present, but I haven’t seen any poison used by anyone or anywhere yet. I would like to spend more time looking at the trap with Rain when we finish here.”

Aramek comments, “Also, burning wood at the doors while blocking the air vents might be a good way of ‘smoke the enemy out’.”

“I’m practically down before I’ve been much use,” admits Lorindel. “I’d better take one of these healing potions before I’m taken out.”

Though it is only a matter of seconds, it seems like days as everyone withdraws back to the tree line and regroups. During the withdraw, the Westkeep Guard start taking hits from Deathwalker arrows, but twice more Gar calls upon his healing power and the wounds vanish as though they had never been.

In the end, once they have gotten past the tree line and out of sight of the enemy archers, only Chief Rahk is still suffering from any wounds, and even he feels much stronger than before. Of the lizardfolk warriors five were lost during the battle. Thanks to Gar’s healing magic, Sergeant Apone and his men have completely recovered from their wounds, but they none of them has more than a single arrow. Fortunately, the Deathwalkers killed in the initial ambush each had a full quiver, so the Guard are able to replenish their quivers.

Chief Rahk insists on leading them all back to the ruins where their packs have been stored. Seven of Chief Rahk’s warriors are left behind, submerged in the bog, hidden among the reeds to watch for any movement of the enemy. Other lizardfolk warriors begin making a fire to burn the bodies of their enemies that they have dragged back to camp. They also begin distributing the rest of their equipment. Chief Rahk gives the dead leader’s longsword to Lt. Raz. Lt. Ahsk takes the leader’s longbow and full quiver. Ten of the lizardfolk warriors take longbows for themselves and distribute the arrows.

Lorindel distributes 60 of the arrows from his magically bottomless quiver and keeps the remainder for himself. The lizardfolk archers now have a dozen arrows each.

While the others are refilling quivers, Rain stealthily slips the sack she found in her pack. Assured that the others will only think she is rummaging for something inside her pack, she quickly checks the contents of the sack. She finds perhaps a 100 gold coins, a simple brown cord necklace with six coin sized black scales, and a straight pin or brooch set with a shiny ruby. She puts on the necklace with the scale disks and slips it under her tunic and armor, then reties her pack.

When Rain comes back, Fingol gives her a couple arrows. “Here, promise me you’ll kill something with them.”

Rain smiles, “Thanks Fin. Dead – got it”

“Yeah… and not me, Okay!” adds Fingol.

Newt says in a quiet, discouraged tone to no in particular, “They were laughing at us.”

Gar points out to Fingol, “The skeletons retreated when I channeled positive energy, milord. The time to push forward for the final assault has come.”

Chief Rahk says, “The warriors will alert us if they look as though they are going to come out after us. If so, perhaps we can set up an ambush for them here.” He nods to the fires his warriors are starting. “There is no need to hide our presence now. If we can warm ourselves enough we may be able to fight them at our full strength, at least for a little while.”

One of the warriors left behind comes back to report. “Chief Rahk, the Deathwalkers are heading over to the small mound. They have blankets and poles and it looks as though they are going to find a way to carry the corpse of that creature back with them into the larger mound.”

Kneeling down to scoop up a dark handful of dark musky soil, Gar breathes deep its rich aroma. Then with one swipe of his hand, he rubs it into Rain’s hair and grunts, “Monster dung good for hair and luck.”

Rain pulls her head back away from Gar’s hand shouting, “What the Hells! Why’d you do that?”

Purposely ignoring Rain, Gar turns away, pulls out his crossbow bolts and steps into Aramek’s personal space to softly say, “I have something for you, milord….” as Gar hands Aramek the crossbow bolts, tacky with dung.

Aramek, taking the bolts and, at the same time looking for water to rinse them with, says sarcastically to Gar, “You’re much to kind and considerate, my lord.” Finding a nearby pool, Aramek dunks the grungy bolts in the water and cleans them off.

Though her hair now stinks, Rain slaps Gar on the back and offers a friendly smile. Somehow she feels he has been but a ghost of his normal self lately and is happy to see him return from his mental journey. She also says to him in a low voice, “If a logical reason does not present itself soon for this crap being in my hair… there will be repercussions.”

Gar smiles innocently.

Then to Newt and Aramek she smiles broadly and says, “Come on Newt… let’s make those bastards choke on their laughter, shall we?”

“Right behind you, Rain!” replies Newt with a wicked grin.

Indranil says to all assembled, “While we had to retreat, it was for good reason to rearm and heal ourselves. We actually accomplished quite a bit. We killed the creature and upwards of half the expected Deathwalker garrison in the shrine.”"I suggest we immediately attack the mound again. I think without the creature to block us, our knowledge of the quicksand trap, and time to warm the lizardfolk we can quickly gain the mound.

“Based on their animating the lizard warrior skeletons I don’t think we want to risk them being able to reanimate that creature.

“I would suggest an assault like this: Chief Rahk will order his warriors into three groups. The first group, composed of four warriors, will provide a shield wall for Fingol, Lorindel, Gar, and the Guard who will be shooting on the move in a fast walk up the path. The second and third groups will be composed of 15 warriors each, who will swim up the left and right sides of the path, keeping pace with the fast walking humans. Fingol, Lorindel, and I will lead the human party such that when the humans arrive at the quicksand booby trap our lizardfolk warrior allies will proceed through single file to skirt the quicksand pit as quickly as possible and then reform their line to reform the shield wall. Then the humans will run single file across and reform behind the shield wall. Once we are all across then race to mound as fast as our lizardfolk allies can run to engage the Deathwalkers in close quarters combat.

“What does everyone else think?”

Rain speaks up, “I agree. Quick action is best, let’s hit them now.”

“Anything that will get me closer to the action,” gripes Lorindel. “At these long ranges, I’m practically useless.”

Laughing, despite the recent carnage, Adelina rejoins with, “Only ‘practically useless.’  Your brother thinks you make a fine shield. I think we should go as a single group, spreading out only enough to avoid getting us all hit by area spells.”

Fingol says to Indranil, “I have to point out that we have expended a great deal of magic in the attack. I am uncertain if we can recover from another such attack. And yet, I feel that we can dislodge the Deathwalkers from the mound. It’s the cleric that I am concerned with.” Fingol takes the remaining 2 flasks of oil from his pack, taking out his journal and putting it into his pack, he slips one of the flasks into the journal’s pocket. “If we see the cleric, perhaps we should use this oil. Father Gar could ignite it.” Indicating Indranil to whom he hands the other flask of oil.

“Father Gar, perhaps you could explain how a priest of evil can drain life. Or at least the factors of how it is done that apply to our situation. If he is distracted, say by being hit by flaming oil, would it disrupt his ability to use the power? Would it also affect his spells?  Would a priest of a god of death have the ability to heal his followers such as you do?”

Gar bows low and says, “Milords, in the same way that I can heal the living and harm undead, the evil priest could present the image of his god and channel negative energy to wound all those near him and empower the undead. Yes, spells might be negated. A priest of a death god would be able to use healing spells but only on a single person at a time, and his ability to do even that would be very limited if he could do it at all. I can heal and repel undead only a few more times today, milords, but I’m ready to lead the assault against the undead if that is your decision.”

Fingo nods and says, “I say, if we attack, we should try to do so when the warriors are encumbered by the creature’s carcass – preferably when they are out in the bog. If we can cut them off, they would fall quickly, and they would have fewer men to defend the mound.”

Indranil says, “Sir Fingol, wise advice. I agree catching them in the bog would be outstanding. Chief Rahk, how soon will your warriors be warm and ready to go?”

Newt interrupts to ask, “But they are moving the carcass now, are they not? And yet, we should wait for the lizardfolk to be warmed properly, or they’ll suffer more losses.”

Fingol responds, “We can at least move to where we can fire some of Lorindel’s arrows at them! Let’s not let them walk away with that thing.”

Chief Rahk looks over to where the lizardfolk warriors are roasting the carcasses of the Deathwalkers. “We are ready to go whenever you are. However, my forces are lizardfolk warriors and not humans. I will give you the ten who now have their own bows to accompany you and your warriors up the pathway. But the rest of us will go beneath the waters where their archers cannot see us. We will emerge on every side of the large mound and fling darts at them and then rush them as quickly as we can. While your forces stop them from bringing in the body of that creature, we will clear the large mound of their archers.”

Indranil says, “Let’s do it!”

Gar growls his agreement.

During the battle discussions Rain leans over to Aramek and says quietly, “Hey, thanks again for that magical barrier you put on me… that is a nice trick.”

Smiling, Aramek says, “You’re welcome, Rain. You’ve certainly come to my rescue a time or two and, while I may not have your skill with weapons, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve to offer help to a friend.”

Indranil wraps the meeting up saying, “We are all agreed then. We attack immediately.  Hopefully our allies are warm enough. But we can not wait and let that creature be animated.”

 “To Battle! Ehlenstra!” Indranil shouts to rally them. He leads the march back to the end of the tree line and then oversees the deployment of the assault force according to his plan.

Aramek says to Indranil, “Please don’t forget we have the invisibility potions, if they can be of any use.” Indranil and the others are too preoccupied to respond however.

Rain, though, hears Aramek and with a wide smile says, “I’ll take and put them to great use!”

Another of Chief Rahk’s warriors reports to him. Chief Rahk nods and turns to Indranil with his mouth open in a reptilian smile. “My warriors have found a way into the bog that cannot be seen from the large mound. I will go with them and we will swim under the waters to the large mound and attack it from all sides. We will start as soon as you are halfway up the path.” Chief Rahk then leaves with his warriors except for Lt. Ahsk and the ten lizardfolk archers.

Soon Lt. Ahsk and his archers are moving swiftly up the pathway, with the Keolanders led by Indranil behind them. At the small mound they see a group of Deathwalkers trying to rig up a litter and a raft to bring the carcass of the dead creature back into the shrine. As soon as they see the charging lizardfolk they drop what they are doing, take up their bows, and jump for cover.

Arrows come in from both the large and small mounds. Both Lt. Ahsk and six of his warriors take hits. As soon as they come up to the halfway mark on the pathway they begin returning fire, as do Fingol, the Marinus brothers, and Sgt. Apone and his squad. Five of the Deathwalkers on the small mound are wounded.

Indranil yells, “Lt. Ahsk, have your warriors fire on the large mound while you advance on it. The rest of us concentrate your fire upon the Deathwalkers on the small mound until we kill them. Then we will advance on the large mound to support our lizardfolk allies! Aim your shots, we must increase our accuracy!”

Rain kneels down next to Gar and targets the same Deathwalker, saying “Aramek, same target – let’s take this guy down!”

Aramek replies, “You got it!”

Newt crouches down behind Rain and asks, “What should I do? How can I help?”

Indranil who is standing nearby and over hears says while he is shooting, “Adelina is there anything you can do that you have yet told us about? Now would be a good time!”

Adelina responds, “Sorry, milord. I’m not accustomed to battles.”

Lt. Ahsk leads his archers forward, firing as they go though they can’t seem to hit anyone, just as Chief Rahk and his warriors burst out of the bog at the edges of the large mound. They hurl their darts with their atlatls at the archers on the small mound managing to wound two of them, and then turn to charge up the sides of the large mound. Rahk’s second dart hits the leader on the large mound in a joint in his banded armor.

The Deathwalker archers on the small mound turn their fire on Segeant Apone and his men. All except Sergeant Apone are wounded, Dale grievously though he is able to continue fighting for the moment. A Deathwalker leader in banded armor on the small mound fires and strikes Indranil, an arrow that penetrates his chainmail and lodges painfully in his side.

Ignoring the pain, Indranil fires back to wound one of the other archers, for the leader has ducked behind the willow tree. Gar’s crossbow shot takes one of the archers down. Rain also manages to wound one. Seregeant Apone and the Guard manage to wound two others.

Fingol shouts, “Sir Indranil, they have good cover. Let’s either bypass them or have the lizardfolk swim over and attack hand to hand.”

Indranil shouts back, “Sir Fingol, a few more aimed shots should eliminate them. I do not want them shooting us in the back.”

Rain yells, “Sir Indranil, we should step into the bog for cover!”

“Good Plan Rain! Everyone step back into the bog by the path. Father Gar we need your healing to finish this! Keep firing from cover, we almost have them!”

On the large mound the Deathwalker leader and his archers all retreat back inside the mound, Chief Rahk and his warriors have now taken it and are beginning to beat and hack at the doors they find concealed in the underbrush halfway up the mound.

Lt. Ahsk and his archers also move into the bog to use the pathway and the reeds growing alongside it as a cover and since the Deathwalkers on the large mound have gone inside they fire once again upon the small mound. Three more Deathwalkers fall to arrows from the lizardfolk or the Guard. The rest, seeing that the large mound has been closed to them and that their position is untenable, begin withdrawing from the small mound into the bog.

Indranil yells, “Lt. Ahsk, swim your men over to the small mound and dispatch any wounded Deathwalkers you find! The rest of us back to the path and on to the main mound!”

Lt. Ahsk nods happily. He and his warriors leave their bows on the pathway and take to the water. Not too long afterwards, the six Deathwalkers and their leader who were wading for the tree line are pulled under the waters of the bog.

Rain mutters to those closest to her, “Finally!”

Newt waits in the reeds for Rain, and then follows her, “Now we’ll get this done!”

Indranil calls over his shoulder as they advance down the path, “Aramek we now lay siege to the mound itself. Perhaps those invisibility potions will come in handy!”

Rain pipes up with excitement, “I have them… want me to take one and head up to do what damage I can?”

Indranil says, “Not yet Rain. Let’s gain the Mound and take stock of the situation then decide how best to penetrate the interior. I suspect the unique skills you gained growing up will come in very handy indeed in the next few hours.”

Rain smiles wickedly at Indranil’s comment.

“Damn it! I’m tired of wasting ammunition,” huffs Lorindel. “I’ve got to move in and stay swift else it is as if I’m flicking sewing needles at a mountain side.”

Indranil and the others now come up to the quicksand pit. Without anyone firing upon them from above, it is a simple matter to find the solid ground on either side of it and walk across to the last dozen yards of the pathway – the part lined with skull topped polls. As they make room for one another, though, the skeletal lizardfolk warriors rise again out of the bog and begin to climb up onto the path.

Indranil stows his bow across his back, draws his sword, and lowers his buckler into a defensive ready posture. He shouts, “To arms! Prepare for close combat! Ehlenestra!”

Rain drops the bow behind her and draws rapier and shortsword, still with a wicked smile on her face.

Gar immediately holds forth his little Green Man and booms, “May the power of Obad-Hai repel these undead and heal my friends!”

Indranil and the Guard members who were wounded immediately feel their wounds close. At the same time the skeletons recoil from the Green Man and begin heading away out into the bog.

Gar smiles at Indranil. “The way is open for you now, milord.”

“My arrows are useless against those creatures,” says Lorindel. “I’ll press on.”

Rain begins looking around the mound in front of her, carefully searching for any further traps on the way to the concealed entrance.

“To the big mound!” growls Gar, “I want a piece of evil priest.”

Indranil bows low to Father Gar and says, “Again we thank you! May Obad-Hai smile upon you and yours for many generations to come my friend, it is an honor to campaign with you; but be ready, as we still have not encountered the depraved priest. I suspect the worst may still be ahead of us and we will need all of your wit and strength to see us through to victory.

“Let the skeletons go, they are no immediate threat to us. I suspect once we finish off the vile cultists inside those skeletons will rest in peace of their own accord. Sgt Apone, have one of your men watch our rear in case they return. I would not want to be surprised.

“Form up in ranks. Secure your bows, as we may still need them. Ready your combat arms. We march to the mound but proceed carefully looking for more traps. Now that we are not under immediate attack let’s take time to be careful.

“Lt. Ahsk, return to us!”

Lt. Ahsk and his warriors begin slogging back to the pathway, though they give wary glances at the skeletons retreating across the bog.

“Chief Rahk, have your warriors secure the entrances across the mound to prevent them from coming out. Do not attempt entry at this time. Please meet us at the top of the mound to hold one last war council to determine our final assault on the inside to scour this wicked nest once and for all.”

Chief Rahk leaves at least two of his warriors at each of the four concealed entrance found on the four sides of the mound, and then heads up to the top of the mound with the rest.

Gar speaks up, “Milords, if you give me that other invisibility potion, I’ll serve roast cleric to our lizard friends for breakfast today yet.” Gar does not appear to be jesting.

Adelina recoils, “Ugh!  That’s disgusting!”

Indranil looks over his shoulder at Father Gar and says, “Father Gar, your courageous volunteer spirit is noted. We have two potions at our disposal. Let us not be hasty. First we gain and secure the mound and discuss what we plan to do next.”

Dawn in the Hool Marshes is cold but at least clear and sunny. As expected a group of armed and armored Deathwalkers head out from the large mound, stroll down the long pathway across the bog, and into the surrounding swamp. There are ten hunters armed with longbows, hand axes, and long spears in leather armor. With white paste and ashes they are marked with images of bones and skeletons. From beneath their helmets their auburn hair hangs down in dreadlocks. The leader is dressed in the same kind of banded armor that was found at Newt’s hut. The group chatters in Amedi, but as soon as they come among the trees they fall silent. They sense something is wrong, perhaps they saw a reptilian footprint, or glimpsed a broken branch, or heard someone shifting in the muck. Whatever it was they begin to look around as they ready their spears.

Then the attack is on, Fingol and Indranil let loose with their bows, both arrows embedding themselves in the rings of bronze encircling the leader’s chest. They don’t seem to have penetrated very deeply though as the leader pulls out a horn and blows three mighty blasts upon it. Gar calls upon the power of Obad-Hai and the lizardfolk are filled with such a joy of battle that they overcome the sluggishness induced by the winter chill and with their atlatls they send a rain of darts down upon their foes. To their credit the Deathwalkers do not panic but instead begin to withdraw in good order back to the pathway, though all of them have taken hits, some more than one.

Chief Rahk, his lieutenant Raz, and their squad of ten come out of the reeds to cut off the hunter’s retreat. Chief Rahk is a fearsome sight as he is fully armored in the shell of some gigantic turtle with a matching helmet and bearing a large darkwood shield. He and those with him cast their own darts at the Deathwalkers to deadly effect as three of the cultists fall to this new onslaught. From the tree line Indranil fires again and hits the leader in the right elbow. The leader drops his spear but picks it up again in his left hand and hurls it in desperation at Chief Rahk, only to bounce off the lizardfolk chieftain’s shell armor. Gar spits out a flame burst from ten yards away that engulfs the leader in flames, soon he is nothing more than a charred husk to be kicked aside in the general melee.

The Deathwalkers know that they must break through Chief Rahk and the warriors with him and get back on the path across the bog. They lower their spears and charge but the lizardfolk warriors quickly form a shield wall. Only three of lizardfolk warriors are even hurt and the charge is easily driven back. Ahsk, Chief Rahk’s other lieutenant, is unable to control his battle lust and he charges out of the tree line along with the other warriors he led in the initial ambush. With their clubs they mercilessly fall upon the seven remaining Deathwalkers, eventually abandoning their clubs to rend at them with claws and teeth.

Seeing what is happening Chief Rahk abandons all pretense of strategy and bellows a challenge in the Common tongue from the end of the pathway to the Deathwalkers in the shrine. “Come out and face me cowards! It is I, Chief Rahk of the Malarat tribe, come to bring vengeance and the wrath of Semuanya down upon you! We will rend you limb from limb, feast on your remains, and your skulls will be our chamber pots! Come out you wretched killers of women and children! Face real warriors!”

The only answer is a hail of arrows from the large mound, it seems that there are at least a dozen archers at various places on the mound. Most of their arrows fall harmlessly around Chief Rahk, but a couple stick in his shield and a few others bounce off his shell armor. The Chief’s tail lashes back and forth in a fury and he pulls forth a battleaxe of exquisite dwarven make and brandishes it at the shrine roaring in fury. His lieutenants and warriors are all now clustered around the beginning of the pathway beating their clubs on their shields, lashing their tails, roaring and hissing and working themselves up into a frothing rage.

Fingol says to Sir Indranil, “Sir, we may not have drawn out more Deathwalkers, but our situation is still good. We have destroyed their hunting party and outnumber the remaining defenders – if our guess is sound. I say we still try the push into the large mound. And if we are to try it, let’s form up right away before they can fortify the entrance further.”

Indranil responds, “I agree Sir Fingol! No time to lose. Let’s use the battle lust of our allies to lead the assault on the shrine! Chief Rahk! You and our party to the midpoint and then onto the small mound! The rest of you warriors – Charge!”

Indranil, quickly turns to Sir Lorindel, “Brother, lead the archers and follow the lizardfolk.  See if you can direct and concentrate your archers’ fire on one enemy target at a time to kill them.”

Lorindal nods to his brother. He signals to the archers to ready for the next wave.

Rain, hearing Indranil’s new plan, nods her head and says, “Newt, stay close to me. Aramek, you too.”

Newt says, “I know!” through clenched teeth, but does stay very close behind Rain, long spear at the ready.

Rain puts her arm on Newt’s shoulders affectionately for a few seconds and says, “Yah… I do that to Aramek all the time too. Old habit.”

As everyone moves into position under Indranil’s direction, Aramek takes hold of Rain’s arm and mutters an incantation, “Sorch-kiraso.” As an invisible field of tangible force surrounds Rain, Aramek winks at Rain and puts his finger to his lips. Then he performs the same protective spell for himself.

Rain turns to catch Aramek’s eyes briefly and smiles warmly. She turns back and says under her breath, “Nice.”

Rahk leads his warriors onto the pathway and the lizardfolk warriors march forward with shields interlinked in a steady stride, but after their initial burst of rage at their foes they again succumb to the chill that has left its frosty mark upon the ground as revealed by the rising sun. The further they march upon the path the more lethargic and sluggish they become, but sheer outrage and willpower spurs them on where otherwise they would be able to do nothing more than sun themselves upon the rocks. Arrows continue to rain down on them from the archers on the large mounds who appear to be concentrating their fire upon Chief Rahk but not a single arrow is able to penetrate his shield or shell armor. Bringing up the rear of the advance, Lorindel and the Guard concentrate their fire upon individual archers on the hill, but it is difficult because they are more than 200’ away and using the trees and brush on the mound for cover. Nevertheless, three of the Deathwalkers are hit. Lorindel finishes off one of those wounded with his own shot. Indranil finishes off another wounded Deathwalker with a shot that hits his foe squarely between the eyes. The third of the wounded Deathwalkers is hit a second time by Indranil, but is still able to duck back behind a tree despite his wounds. Fingol also fires upon the Deathwalkers but is unable to hit any of them. Aramek and Gar use their crossbows, but the range is too far and their bolts land among the trees and brush of the mound.

It is beginning to look like Chief Rahk’s invincibility, the lizardfolk shield wall, and the archery skills of the Keolanders will be enough to get them all the way to the mound, but halfway across the pathway the lizardfolk are attacked from the bog. Chief Rahk stops the advance and points to the side, but it is too late, on the left side of the pathway a large nightmarish crustacean with a maul surrounded by tentacles erupts out of the bog and lurches across the path, its slimy bulk partially blocking off the pathway and menacing the rest of it with its massive claws. Its small dark eyes fix on Chief Rahk and his warriors with a hungry stare, and the tentacles dripping from its mouth squirm excitedly as it reaches out and grabs one of the warriors with a claw and snips him in two. Its other claw reaches for Chief Rahk, who ducks beneath it and tries to chop it away at the joint, but the mottled armored carapace is too strong and withstands his blows. The lieutenant named Raz and other lizardfolk warriors rush the creature but their clubs are also ineffective against it. With a surprising nimbleness the creature dodges away from blows and scuttles back and forth snapping it pincers angrily. Chief Rahk keeps hacking away at it with his axe, and does manage to put a dent in it, but it is hardly enough to put the creature down.

The Deathwalkers in the meantime continue to fire down upon the lizardfolk, wounding two of the warriors who managed to move around to the back of the creature, and in doing so exposed their own backs to the mound. The Keolanders return fire, but only Fingol manages to wound a Deathwalker archer. Aramek sends a magic missile careening unerringly at the creature. It hits it between the eyes, and causes it to lurch back just a bit, but otherwise it does not appear to be greatly injured.

Indranil yells, “Brother, keep your squad firing on the mound, see if you can get their archers suppressed while we deal with the monster.”

Indranil keeps firing on the mound as well, as does Fingol and Rain.

The creature tries again to grab Chief Rahk but its claws slip off of the chief’s polished shell armor. One of the other lizardfolk warriors is not so lucky. The other claw grabs him and cuts him in half, scattering the pieces into the bog.

In the back ranks, Gar cast aside his shield and calls out, “Obad-Hai, grant to me the wings of the sea!” He then dives into the bog and begins swimming at great speed alongside the path.

Aramek fires another magic missile at the creature which again impacts for what seems to be little or no effect, though once again the half-elf sorcerer has drawn its ire.

The lizardfolk warriors at last surrounded the creature on all sides except the bog side. They continue hammering at it with their clubs but only once in a while does the creature even seem to feel the blows. As they do so, arrows from the mound continue to fall on them, wounding the two warriors nearest the mound who were previously injured. Some of Chief Rahk’s blows with his dwarven battleaxe finally seem to crack the creature’s carapace, yet still it shows no signs of weakening.

Lorindel and the Keolanders continue their own barrage against the Deathwalkers on the mound, concentrating their fire on one position at a time. Though Lorindel doesn’t get a hit, Sergeant Apone and one of his men manage to take out one of the archers who had been wounded previously.

Indranil continues shouting instructions, “Aramek keep casting your magic at that creature to stun it. Fingol, get your oil out and start throwing them towards the monster!” Indranil fires off another shot and wounds one of the archers on the mound.

Fingol immediately begins rummaging through his pack to get out the flasks of oil.

The creature continues trying to grab Chief Rahk but is growing clumsier in its attempts, though one snapping claw does grab and viciously bisect yet another lizardfolk warrior.

Gar finally reaches a point just below the large aberration and when he does he shouts, “May the fires of Obad-Hai cleanse this marsh of its defilers.” He then breathes forth a great gout flame from his mouth that engulfs the entire creature. Unfortunately the flames are not enough. Though its slimy covering is now burned away and the creature chitters in rage, it looks no less able to continue the fight than before.

Rain continues firing upon the mound but again her shot only buries itself in the underbrush.

Aramek casts his last magic missile and as before it strikes the creature right in what passes for a head. The creature shakes itself, chitters again, and snaps its claws angrily.

Encouraged by Gar’s example, the lizardfolk warriors dive into the bog and begin attacking the creature from that side, as others edge along the right hand side of the path to help surround the creature. They all keep bashing at it with their clubs from all sides, but the creature is quick and even when struck the clubs can’t seem to even dent its hard shell. The Deathwalkers on the mound succeed in wounding another of the warriors, and one of those who had already been hit twice before succumbs to his wounds when a third arrow buries itself in his back.

Lorindel also fires back, but again his shortbow just does not have sufficient range to hit anything on the mound.

Chief Rahk continues to hack into the creature’s shell with his battleaxe.  With the creature surrounded, he has an easier time hitting in and around the same spot.

Sergeant Apone and his guardsmen manage to concentrate their fire on the same Deathwalker that Indranil wounded and another arrow finds it target, the Deathwalker ducks back behind his tree, hurt but still alive.

Indranil yells, “Father Gar, get ready to do that again. When Sir Fingol starts throwing oil upon the creature burn it to hell.”

Fingol, having moved up closer now that the forward ranks of lizardfolk warriors have moved off to surround the creature, lobs it over the heads of those still in front of him and the oil flask lands and breaks on the creature’s back sending oil running down its carapace and even stinging its eyes.

The creature, harried as it is, is quite open to Xalakae, who slips in to observe its thoughts. “Argh! These little nibblets are putting up too much of a fight, and those death-worshipping morons aren’t helping! Screw this! I’m leaving!” Having had enough the creature lurches away, dives off the pathway over the heads of the lizardfolk in the bog, and scuttles off towards the small mound.

Gar scrambles back up onto the pathway and spits a flame bolt at it, but the bolt lands in the bog next to it with a fizzle and a cloud of steam. By that time the creature has already immersed itself in the bog enough to rinse off the oil from the flask.

Eight lizardfolk warriors head into the bog after the creature, but Rahk calls out to all his warriors in Draconic, “Stop! Let it go! Our true enemy is up ahead! We will finish the wretched thing off later. To the shrine! For the glory of the Malarat!”

As the lizardfolk rally around their leader, the contest of archery continues. The Deathwalkers concentrate their fire on Gar, seeing the power that he wielded and sensing an easier target than the heavily armored lizardfolk chieftain. Two arrows bury themselves in Gar’s side, they are painful wounds but his chainmail shirt prevents them from becoming lethal. Sergeant Apone and the guards manage to kill another of the Deathwalkers in their return fire, but sharp eyes can see that more reinforcements are showing up from within the mound to replace the casualties.

Indranil says, “Rahk you and those eight kill the monster. The raiding party will join. Gar with me! Fingol give me two oil flasks. You lead the main assault!”

Fingol hands off the oil flasks and moves forward to lead the advance on the fortress.

Arrows continue to fly back and forth between the two sides. Gar is hit once again in the ribs, this time targeted by a Deathwalker leader in banded armor from atop the mound. One of the lizardfolk warriors leading the advance is also hit. An arrow from one of the guardsmen in turn wounds one of the Deathwalker archers.

Chief Rahk pauses for a moment and then barks out new orders to those warriors on the pathway, “Let Sir Fingol lead,” then he dives into the bog and says to the eight still there, “We shall go after that thing.” With swift strokes he begins to catch up to the eight warriors as the creature crawls up onto the small mound and it turns to defend its lair.

Frost runs up through the ranks with Gar’s shield and turns it over to him, and then prepares to head back to his unit.

Gar sets his shield and not a moment too soon, for the Deathwalker leader overhead is still targeting him, but this time his arrow hits the shield. Gar raises his right hand and calls out, “Obad-Hai, grant me power to bring forth the dark way!” With that the shadows in the surrounding area deepen and begin to coalesce, becoming a 5’ wide ribbon of darkness that stretches from the pathway to the mound. “You now have your bridge milord,” says Gar to Indranil.

Indranil moves to cross the bridge quickly with a cry of “Ehlnestra!” Unfortunately, he is too heavy for the bridge and he slips through it and into the bog with a splash, to the great amusement of the Deathwalkers watching from the large mound. He has no choice now but to wade over to the smaller mound in water up to his waist.

Gar looks at Indranil and shrugs, “Sorry milord, I did tell you it could only take up to 200 lbs.” He then hurls his shield over to the small mound and then dives in after it, swimming almost as fast as the creature did, even with his chainmail shirt and other equipment on. He is soon right up near the edge of the creature’s lair.

Indranil trudges through the bog and up ahead he can see that Chief Rahk has managed to catch up to his warriors. They are about ten feet from the mound.

Rain moves across the newly formed bridge. Speaking to Aramek and Newt behind her she says, “This should hold us, but if not prepare to swim”.

Newt shouts, “Let the creature go! It’s done fighting. Get the Deathwalkers!” As she does this she follows Rain after rain makes it across.

Aramek, reaching into his inside pocket to be ready with the invisibility potions, yells to both Rain and Newt, “Wait for me,” and heads across the bridge, hoping it will hold him as well. He also makes it across without any problem.

The other Deathwalkers begin targeting Fingol who has moved to the lead on the path. He is struck in the ribs and right shoulder, but the hits are mere scratches, the main force of them stopped by his magical chainmail shirt, though they are still quite painful.

Fingol pulls out his longsword and shortsword and in Draconic shouts, “The archers! Charge the archers!” as he begins running as fast as can down the pathway – right into a patch of quicksand wherein he quickly sinks up to his shoulders. Fingol can’t help but notice the laughter issuing from the mound. Fortunately he is able to toss both of his swords back onto the path.

Lieutenant Raz and his warriors were too sluggish to charge but they do make it up to the edge of the quicksand. Lt. Raz quickly stretches himself as far he can over the quicksand and holds out his club, Fingol is able to get a hold of it and hang on, but Raz is too enervated by the cold to pull him back to the edge.

Lorindel and the guard continue to fire upon the mound. This time Lorindel manages to wound one, and one of the guardsmen wounds another.

Rain, Aramek and Newt now stand on the edge of the small mound among the reeds and the skull topped poles. At the far side of the mound they can see the creature curled up unmoving near the reeds and poles.

Rain shoots it with her bow but her arrow just bounces off its shell. The creature doesn’t even stir.

At the same time, Xalakae knows that it is thinking, “Yes, that’s it. Fire at my old shell you little nibblets. Just a little closer to these reeds and you’ll be mine.”

Newt warns the others, “It’s just a shell. The creature is probably hiding in those reeds.”

Aramek, seeing that the creature has temporarily abandoned its shell in order to lay a trap for Chief Rahk and his warriors, whispers, “mesagho” and his voice sounds in the Chief Rahk’s ear, “Beware, the shell is empty and the creature is lying in wait.”

Chief Rahk gets the message as he emerges from the bog onto the mound and begins signaling to his eight warriors to encircle the mound while submerged in the water.

The Deathwalkers begin to target lieutenant Raz as he continues to try to pull Fingol out of the quicksand. One arrow nicks him in the shoulder but he barely seems to notice it. Other lizardfolk warriors crowd around to help him pull Fingol back or to hold up their shields to cover Lt. Raz.

Indranil finally makes it up onto the smaller mound. Chief Rahk crouches down and motions for the others to do so as well. Gar comes up as well and confers the protective spell of resistance to harm on Chief Rahk with a touch. Chief Rahk nods in silent appreciation. The eight lizardfolk warriors continuing circling around submerged beneath the waters of the bog.

On the pathway, arrows continue to rain down, and one of them wounds one of the lizardfolk trying to help Lt. Raz get Fingol out. Fingol yells to Lt. Raz, “I’m going to swim for it. Get under a shield!” he takes a deep breath, lets one hand go and pulls with the other for a boost and begins swimming back to the edge of the quicksand.

Lorindel and the guard continue to fire back, and this time Lorindel’s arrow finds its mark and takes out one of the Deathwalker archers.

Lt. Raz is hit again and so, no longer having to try to pull Fingol back, he takes out his atlatl to return fire, but the enemy archers are too far away and his dart merely hits a tree. One of the Keolanders manages to wound another of them however. At the same time Lt. Ahsk leads the other ranks of lizardfolk off the path and into the bogs now that the creature has been chased back to the small mound and the pathway is blocked. They swim submerged beneath the waters where the archers can’t track their movements.

Gar confers resistance upon Rain and continues waiting with the others.

Finally the eight warriors emerge from the water and begin clubbing the creature on the mound that was trying to hide behind the reeds, it swings around in surprise and snaps at them but is unable to grab any of them, but neither do their clubs seem to have any effect on it.

Rahk moves in, “For Oro! For Semuanya! For the Malarat!” He begins hacking at it repeatedly with his battleaxe but is unable to break it open or hit the area he broke before.

Indranil lobs a flask of oil at the creature, but it slips off its back unbroken into the water. He yells, “Aramek, keep hitting with your magic missiles!”

“I’m all out! I still have my crossbow though!” Aramek responds.

Rain and Aramek fire at the creature, careful to avoid hitting Chief Rahk in the back, but their arrow and crossbow bolt bounce harmlessly off its shell.

Newt stays in place not wanting to get in the way of Rain or Aramek and wondering why they are all risking themselves fighting a creature that had already tried to leave the battle.

Gar comes over and bestows his blessing of resistance upon Newt as well.

On the pathway, Lorindel is struck in the right foot, while Apone manages to wound another enemy archer.

The creature continues to flail around as it is beset on all sides. The clubs of the warriors, and Aramek’s second crossbow bolt rebound off of it. Rain’s second arrow passes over it harmlessly. Chief Rahk however is able to hit it hard enough to split its shell open again.

Then Indranil succeeds in hitting its back with the second flask. As oil again runs down the creature’s shell he calls out, “Father Gar, hit it with your fire now!” Gar spits a bolt of fire at it and its back goes up in flames. It clicks and chitters in rage and pain and fixes its black eyes on Gar.

Fingol finally pulls himself back onto the solid earth of the path in time to see Lorindel, who had just wounded yet another archer, take two more hits, once more in the right foot and another in the right leg. Lorindel collapses on the path not ten feet from Fingol. An arrow lands right near Fingol’s outstretched hand before he can even get to his feet.

Sergeant Apone and his guards keep firing, wounding another of the Deathwalkers, but it is clear that it is not enough, as there seems to be no end to their reinforcements.

Up ahead in the bog on either side of the final part of the pathway flanked by the skull topped poles the water churns and boils. Then it erupts as the lizardfolk who were trying to swim beneath the waters reemerge as do their new foes – the skeletal remains of the lizardfolk warriors who died during Chief Rahk’s last attempt to destroy the shrine. Though their scales and flesh have sloughed off, they are still bearing shields and wielding clubs.

On the small mound the desperate creature finally manages to catch Chief Rahk in one claw and one of his warriors in the other. Chief Rahk’s ribs pop from the pressure and he roars in agony and flings away his axe and shield. He struggles with the pincers to keep them from closing all the way and shearing him in two even as the warrior is sheared in two like the others. The creature lumbers forward, crossing the island swiftly as it is determined to get at Aramek and Gar, the only others besides the Chief who have been able to hurt it at all. The flames on its back continue to sputter but the creature only seems all the more enraged by it.

Then amazingly, Chief Rahk’s roar changes to one of triumph as his mighty arms actually break the creature’s grip. He pulls the pincers apart and actually goes on to snap the claw in two. The creature reels back in shock but Chief Rahk has already leaped for its tentacled maul, rending into its soft flesh with his bare claws. The Chief pulls his claws out of the beast dripping with gore and viscera, turns and raises them over his head as the creature collapses behind him and howls his triumph so that all in the marshes will know that Chief Rahk avenged his fallen warriors. The other warriors on the small mound also take up the cry, as do those still fighting the skeletal remains of their brethren in bog. Then he pauses and the humans standing near him can see that he can barely stand, his chest and back are bloody and broken from the creature’s claws and he is panting struggling for breath. It is all he can do now to stand unbowed in the face of the ongoing battle in order to continue to hearten his warriors.

Indranil calls out, “Aramek help me with the Chief. We must move him away from the carcass. Father Gar, heal the Chief. Rain and Adelina look for an entrance but don’t go in.”

Even though Rain has not fully agreed with Indranil’s plan so far, she continues to follow his orders. She immediately begins looking around for some kind of hidden entrance or passage and Newt joins her as asked.

Gar calls back to Indranil, “There’s no time to move him!” Then he calls upon Obad-Hai to cure the wounds of the Chief. Chief Rahk’s immediately begins to breathe easier as the healing energy allows his broken ribs to knit themselves back together.

On the pathway arrows continue to fly back and forth. One catches Fingol in the back before he can be fully covered by the shields of Lt. Raz and the three other warriors waiting to help him back up. Two other arrows hit Lt. Raz as well, but they don’t seem to have penetrated too deeply into his thick scaly hide. He is still in pain from the multiple hits he has taken, but he bears it stoically. Apone and his guards manage to sink two arrows into one of the Deathwalkers, but they can’t tell if he is dead or just hurt. Lorindel still lays unmoving on the pathway.

Fingol calls out to Indranil, “Reinforcements!” He then moves over to help Lorindel. Lt. Raz and the lizardfolk cover him with their shields as he does so. Soon he has taken the arrows out and begun binding Lorindel’s upper thigh to slow the bleeding to a trickle.

Indranil calls out to Gar, “Hurry to heal Lorindel and Fingol. Everyone else, retreat to the tree line to regroup.” Indranil’s spirits sink, for his plan failed and perhaps his brother is dead because of it.

Gar is already crossing the mound. He flings his shield back towards the pathway and then dives into the bog after it, once more swimming with the speed of an eel or large fish.

Chief Rahk gathers his remaining seven warriors on the small mound and dispatches them, submerged, back into the bog to ring the large mound and make sure that the Deathwalkers do not try to escape.

Just as Rain hears Indranil’s call for a retreat she stumbles across a rotting sack in the underbrush.

Hearing Indranil, Aramek calls to Rain, “Let’s go!”

Rain says hurriedly, “Aramek and Newt… follow Indranil back to the tree line. I’ll follow shortly”. She then, from a concealed position in the reeds next to the sack, begins to provide support fire while the others retreat. She is keeping half an eye on the retreating group on the pathway so that she can begin her own full retreat to catch up with them when the time is right.

Aramek is deeply conflicted. He’s ready to go with Rain but he also doesn’t want to endanger Newt. Reluctantly he says to Rain, “Okay but be careful.” Then to Newt, “Come on, let’s get back to the tree line.”

On the pathway, Fingol picks up Lorindel as Lt. Raz and his warriors continue to shield him, as the enemy continues to target them. They back up on the pathway alongside the warriors in the bog who are withdrawing in an orderly fashion from the skeletons.

Gar finally makes it back to the pathway, with Rahk right behind him. As soon as he gets over to Fingol and the others he intones, “Om,” and sends out a healing radiance that embraces Chief Rahk, Lt. Raz, Fingol, and the withdrawing lizardfolk warriors.

Lorindel revives saying, “Thank you, I’m okay now.” He is still shaky but otherwise able to stand on his own two feet and keep up with the retreat.

Arrows continue to fly back and forth, two lizardfolk in the bog are wounded, but so are two of the Deathwalkers on the large mound. Sergeant Apone shouts to Fingol, “Sir Fingol, we’re down to our last four arrows!” Fortunately the skeletons break off their pursuit.

Indranil calls out to Rain, “Come on, its time to get out of here!”

After wounding one of the Deathwalker archers, Rain puts her bow away and grabs the sack, holding it under her cloak as she heads off the small mound and through the bog back to the tree line.

After the discussion breaks up, Newt finds Aramek when Rain is not around. “So… Aramek I was curious. What is your story? How did you come to be in the guards?”

Aramek looks at Newt and smiles. “Well, I guess it was blackmail that got me into the Guard. Shortly after I had been apprenticed to Master Parwyn, the word went out that I had a “pet” ferret. And they’re illegal in Westkeep. The Captain of the Guard came to my master’s shop and the only way we could keep peace was for me to join the guard as a sorcerer. Otherwise it would have caused real problems for my master and probably meant the end for my Snoop and I would have fled Westkeep before I’d let anything happen to my best friend.”

“How did you come to know Rain? She’s really nice, even though she acts all tough.  And she really cares a lot about you. Is there something more there?” Then she quickly adds, “You don’t have to answer of course. I’m sorry if I’ve opened a sensitive topic.”

“Rain? – Yeah!  We seem to hit it off from the first time I met her in the guard. Newt, please understand that I grew up alone. No brothers or sisters and completely isolated from other kids. Rain is like the little sister I never had and I feel very protective of her.” Aramek whispers, smiling, “Even though she’s convinced she’s the one protecting me. Snoop and I will do everything we can to take care of her – even though she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Please stick close to her and learn all you can. You couldn’t find a more capable teacher.”

Newt laughs a bit. “That’s really funny – and sweet – that you both are protecting each other while the other thinks they are the one doing the protecting! And who would have guessed that cute little Snoop is a criminal by his very existence! I would think they’d have more sense than that in a rat-infested city. But they were smart to use that leverage to recruit you. I hope it wasn’t too rough, leaving your master.

“Your childhood sounds a lot like mine. I didn’t get to interact with other children much until, well, it seems like just a little while before the Deathwalkers attacked that I got to play with them at all.”

“I’ll take your advice about learning from her. I feel bad, though. She was asking me questions the other night – prying, really. And I yelled at her. I can see now that she was just trying to learn about me for the good of the group, but it seemed different at the time. I said I was sorry, but I just hope she doesn’t hold it against me for too long. Do you think she will?”

“No, don’t worry,” Aramek says. “I know, for a fact that Rain likes you and just wants to be able to better protect you.

“To be honest, it’s clear to me that there really is something very magical about you but I sure can’t figure out what.

“I know that I never really realized my magical abilities until my dad talked to me a bit about the fact that my mom was a powerful sorceress in her own right and I had definitely inherited her abilities. But in my case, it’s my ability to use magic, while in your case it’s something innate about you.

“Any way, please don’t worry about Rain. Even if she may seem a little pushy, she really does have your best interest at heart and she’ll do everything she can to train and protect you. Work with her and, if necessary, let her know again that you’re sorry you got angry with her. After all, we’ve all been under a lot of stress – especially you.”

“Thank you Aramek. That helps me feel better about a lot of things.”

Newt yawns and stretches. “I suppose we should get some rest while we can. Sir Indranil will have us up early enough, I’m sure. Good night Aramek. See you in the morning.” Adelina steps away, to set up her bedroll and rest for the few hours remaining.

Later that night as Oro is sent out to scout the small mound, Fingol has his bow ready, but otherwise, he can’t think of anything to do. ‘May the gods look favorably on Oro’s courage.’

Rain says to Indranil, “What would be best said in Common to Oro in this situation? Good luck? Good hunting?” She smirks then says, “Or should I just leave it the hells alone this time?”

Indranil looks at Rain and says, “Well you should ask Sir Fingol, he’s the diplomat. But I suppose would say something like, ‘May Your Eggs Be Many and Fertile’ would be close to good luck. But knowing how trouble follows you like white on rice he might think you are proposing!” Indranil laughs quietly and winks at Rain.

Fingol leans close to Rain and whispers, “Whatever you say – don’t tell him he reminds you of your mom’s luggage.”

Indranil beckons to Rain and Aramek, “May I have a word with you before we bed down?” Once they are off out of earshot of the others Indranil asks, “What have you found out about Adelina over the last four nights while you shared watch with her? Any luck getting to the bottom of her identity and magical abilities?”

Rain responds, “Not really. Newt is her own girl and she will tell us in her own due time. I may push again, but for a few more days at least for now we are going to have to trust her.”

Aramek says, “If Newt is more than she appears and she knows it, she will tell us in her own time. For now, to me, she’s just a young girl who has lost her family. We’ll know what we need to know when the time is right.”

Indranil says, ”Hmm… A puzzle she remains. Well you two get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.”

Indranil pulls his blanket around his shoulders and says in a low voice to Fingol and Lorindel so only they can hear, “What do you two make of Adelina? There is something about her I just can’t put my finger on. Aramek said he senses magic about her, but said it could just be a spell of protection someone else placed on her, and that she had a amulet that was magic but he couldn’t tell what type or what it did.”

“There must be something special about her,” answers Fingol. “I don’t see how a ‘normal’ child could have survived the massacre at Cypress Hill, when no one else did.” Fingol whispers back, ”What else is odd about her is that she would have witnessed the battle… slaughter I would imagine… and yet she seems so innocent. She acts half her age, really. I have met young ladies her age married and running a home. But the pieces are intriguing. I don’t believe you were in town yet, but Father Gar and I met a Master Parwyn who said not all wizards and sorcerers had animal familiars. Some carry an item that focuses their power. Wizards study many years to learn magic. Of course, we’ve all heard that. Sorcerers come to it intuitively. I think that is why they are looked down upon for some reason, although, I wouldn’t have the balls to show disdain to a sorcerer myself. Perhaps Adelina is such a one, not truly aware of her power yet. Anyway, that might account for the magic about her and the item. Well, it might… I don’t really know a great deal about such things.”

Indranil says, “I asked Rain and Aramek to teach her the martial arts as well befriend her and if possible find out whether she has any magical abilities that could help or hurt us. Rain told me before we settled down tonight that so far she has not found out anything. Young Adelina is quite unforthcoming. I do agree she acts quite young for one of her age and seems rather locked down. It is one reason I am a little concerned. If she is a sorceress and has some experience where due to stress she ‘comes into her magic’ it might have consequences and blow back for all around her. I was hoping that guided by a friend and mentor she might ease into it. Ach, but I like it not that I know so little about magic.”

As they are talking Chief Rahk approaches with a couple of his warriors. It is hard to read his features, but he seems agitated. “I have dire news to report. We watched from the reeds as Oro went into the water and swam submerged to the small mound. We could not see him out there but as we were waiting he dived off the mound back into the water and in the light of the waning moons we could see and hear him swimming back to us as fast as he could. To his credit he never cried out, but something was coming for him from the direction of the path, and it was fast. We could not see what it was but it was at least as large as our warriors if not bigger judging from its wake. It caught him before he got halfway back from the island and pulled him under. He did not resurface. It was too dark to see what it was, and Oro did not cry out, as he did not want to alert those in the shrine. We will mourn him later, for he died courageously and in the service of his people, but it seems we may have to rethink our strategy.”

In Draconic, Lorindel replies, “Oro will be remembered with honor.”

A little shaken, Fingol says, “We should all live as bravely as Oro. His fortitude has bought us this chance to change our plans. He has saved many lives.”

Indranil adds, “Farewell good Oro may your eggs bring you much honor in the future,” Then to everyone else he says, “Clearly the Deathwalkers are in some unholy alliance with some creature, but the plan to distract them is still good. If we can still take a third of them out with an ambush here beyond the tree line, that would help us immensely. So we’ll wait until the hunters have crossed the footpath, ambush them, and let the sounds of battle call out more of them from the main mound. Then Sgt. Apone and his squad led by Lorindel will hide in the tree line fire upon them as they are on the footpath, and then the rest of us from hiding will attack as well.”

Fingol speaks up, “Sir Indranil, I think that is the best that can be done. I worry about two things. My worry for the success of the overall plan is that the Deathwalkers will not take the bait. We must be sure that they believe they can rescue the hunters. To that end, I would make the assault on the hunters as weak as we dare.” Fingol glances over at Chief Rahk as he says this, “I don’t like the idea of risking more of your warriors, but unless that fight appears to go badly the rest of the Deathwalkers might simply fortify the mound. Only your men should attack, or the Deathwalkers will know something is afoot. They should attack, and then feign retreat. That might get the remaining Deathwalkers out in what they would see as an easy ‘mop up’ operation. I expect they would find that too tempting to resist. After all, I am sure they are eager for more victories against your people as bitterly as you have fought against them!

“Secondly, I still worry for the safety of the hostages. We could send two men to the mound using Aramek’s invisibility potions. But the idea is so fraught with peril that I could not ask anyone to take the task, although I would volunteer. I am so eager to realize the hope of saving anyone held inside.”

Chief Rahk responds, “I do not object to risking any of my warriors in this, as long as I know that you and your warriors and especially Father Gar will back us up. We can certainly attack the hunting party and then fall back into the trees and amongst these ruins. However, the creature in the water is mine. If it should try to come up out of the water or if we need to get to the smaller mound I will take care of it personally as the warchief of the Malarat tribe.”

“The gods give you strength in that fight!” says Fingol.

“Thank you, Chief Rahk,” says Indranil. “We are most grateful for your warriors!”

“The ambushing of the hunting party while it needs to be noisy should be overwhelming and quick and Father Gar with his boost spell along with Sir Fingol and I will back it up. Sir Lorindel and Sgt. Apone’s squad will be hidden in the tree line ready for the rush of reinforcements we hope will follow.”

“I do like the idea of a small number of warriors appearing at the base of the foot path to taunt the Deathwalker reinforcements as they come out of the shrine and then to fall back into the trees to rejoin the main war party. Chief Rahk, perhaps ten or so of your warriors can lay hidden from the hunting party and once they are ambushed appear on the pathway?

“Sir Fingol, I am very uncomfortable with sending two people – even volunteers – into the main shrine alone. The potion only lasts five minutes. Let’s wait until we see what happens after the distraction and ambush.”

“Chief Rahk, if you are willing to hunt that monster, then I suggest after we conclude the distraction and ambush, we venture out upon the causeway and have Father Gar build us a magic bridge to the small mound. I would be honored to assist you in assaulting the small mound and killing the creature who took Oro’s life! I think once we have gained the small mound we will have more options for the final assault on the Shrine. Chief Rahk, Sir Fingol, and Sir Lorindel, how does that sound?”

“Very good, Sir Indranil,” replies Fingol.

Chief Rahk says, “Yes, it does sound like a good idea to take that small mound using Gar’s spell if we can get that far up the path, but we’ll be taking fire from archers on the large mound the whole time unless the rest of you can cross the pathway and break into the mound quickly. That concerns me. Certainly we can advance more slowly with our shield up, but even then our shields are not so large as to cover our whole bodies, esp. those who will be in the front ranks.”

Fingol says, “My hope is that the main force of the Deathwalkers would be engaged in the forest outside the compound, where we would have the advantage. This may not work out, but if the attack on the hunters and the taunting work as hoped, than they will send most of their strength out to save their hunters. This would mean we would be attacking a small force left behind in the mound. This may make the difference in itself, as there may not be enough of the savages left to put up a concerted defense. Perhaps this smaller force would even see the hopelessness of the situation and give up. Although, they worship a god of death, and such a thing may be too much to hope for.

“We could advance as you describe. Before Indranil advanced his first plan, though, I had envisioned building mobile breastworks that would protect our front lines from archers. Your warriors could move them forward as our archers follow providing cover. I don’t know if we could make these screens in the time we have left. And I think the plan may be too intricate to be workable. I’ll leave that for you all to judge,” bowing to his peers. “It makes the advance more survivable though.”

Indranil says, “Our best guess is there is between two and three dozen remaining Deathwalkers plus their priest inside the shrine. If we can eliminate a dozen from the hunting party and another 6 – 10 from the ambush we would then have to deal with only 6 – 14 remaining. That makes the final assault much easier.”

Rain speaks up, “What do you think about forming a small strike force of those of us who are more stealthy. We could be very useful as ranged support or flankers to support Sir Fingols charge.”

Indranil answers, “Yes, Rain, that would be good, you are included in the assault force that Sir Fingol is leading shooting arching shots from the back down upon the mound over the heads of Sir Fingol and the lizardfolk.”

Adelina asks, ”So are the same people rushing to get into the shrine? Let’s make sure we cover the distance quickly and get inside. I don’t like the idea of staying outside in a big fight. Oddly enough, I feel like it will be safer in there – at least at the start.”

Indranil responds, “No one is going to rush into the shrine. If we gain the mound in this first push we will then pause and discuss our plan to enter the shrine. Much depends on the assault on the mound and the smaller mound. Adelina, you are to stay in the rear with Rain.”

Newt says, ”Glad I asked.” Mumbling, she adds, “I knew the part about staying with Rain.”

She says to Rain such that it doesn’t disrupt the other conversation, “Do you make as good a shield