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From: [e-mail] (Lance Dooly)
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Subject: STORY: The Tales of Dark Haven (Chapter 36)
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Date: 26 Jan 1996 14:13:17 -0500
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------- The Tales of Dark Haven ---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                                                                            -
- These stories are from an on-going E-mail campaign, and are currently      -
- maintained by Lance Dooly ([e-mail]).  New stories will -
- be posted in rec.games.frp.archives and are available for anonymous FTP    -
- at tfnet.ils.unc.edu in /pub/dark.                                         -
-                                                                            -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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---------------------- Chapter 36: A Second Journey --------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(DM:)
    As you talk of artifacts and aid to get far away, Saicha will be
confused. The idea of using magic and storing it in items is foreign to
her and her kind. When you explain it though, she will understand the
potential of doing so, and when you explain the destructiveness of the
items sought, she will agree that they should be denied the Sons of the
Empire at all cost. When you explain some of the items' functions and the
need to get fast to the other continent and finding the items, she
suddenly alights with an idea.

    "There may be a way. Uncertain of it's true nature the
Ardanarzherdar are, but it could be a manifestation of what you speak of.
When you take the great river to your north, and follow it inland, it
will take you to a great swamp. In the middle of that swamp stands an
island. It is an unnatural construct. On the Island stands a city strange
and curious. It is called the Crystal Citadel by some, Reflex Central by
others. The centre of the city consists of a citadel. Inside that citadel
is a chamber, filled with mirrors. All these mirrors are portals like the
one mentioned in your list of items. The city has become a nexus of trade
to various places throughout the worlds, wherever the mirrors connect to.
However, if your quarry is in possession of such mirrors, mayhap one of
those is connected to one of the mirrors of Reflex Central. That would
bring you straight to the ones you seek. One warning. Reflex City is a
strange place. A meeting point of races and cultures. Open conflict is
not tolerated and curbed by the Prime Chancellor. However, the knife in
the dark, poison in your food and such methods of disposing of enemies is
looked upon as being acceptable."

(Silver:)
As Silver listens to Saicha describing the Crystal Citadel, she
becomes more thoughtful, perhaps a little worried. At the end, she
will blurt out a litany of questions ....

"This sounds a strange place indeed, but tell us - has this city been
in existence since you were previously around those many millennia ago;
Or is it a more recent construct ?"

(Saicha:)
"Yes mortal, a strange place indeed, even by our standards. It was ancient
even before my people came to these lands. It has ever been there, and will
forever be. It is one of the wonder of the universes."

(Silver:)
"How will we be able to tell where each mirror leads ? Which one should
we choose to take us closer to that which we seek ?"

(Saicha:)
"That I cannot answer you. You must find out by yourself. But the city
being as ancient as it is, and what with all the trade that has been going
on there for all these years, I doubt that there is any mirror whose path
has not been traveled. No. The people who live there must know those things."

(Silver:)
"Is there a cost we must pay to use these strange methods of transport -
some trial we must undergo, some restrictions that apply to those using
the mirrors ?"

(Saicha:)
"Again, I cannot answer you. Though we have had sporadic contact with the
city, being our neighbours those thousands of years ago, we never used the
portals, for we saw no need."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana smiled with hope. "How many mirrors are there? If the number is
too great then finding out which mirror is the correct one to our 'Quarry'
as you put it, may be quite difficult to discern."

(Saicha:)
"As I spoke earlier. You will have to find out by yourself."

(Tatiana:)
"The skullduggery I think we can deal with. The thing I fear is being
followed or tracked by our enemies. Surely they will try to stop us if
they learn we are going to the citadel. How do we move with stealth when
men with the powers of gods watch our every step?"

(Saicha:)
"Rest assured. The city is one of the Universes' Wonders. It's laws cannot
be overruled, even by the Gods themselves. The False Gods cannot directly
interfere with you in the city, however, they can attempt to meddle
indirectly, using local people, spies and assassins."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana seemed to relax. "Ahhh I see, this place is like neutral territory
to the Gods."

She turned to Saicha "Can you help hide our movement in some manner?"

(Saicha:)
"Nay. No outside power can interfere with the workings of the city and
those inside. Neither for good nor for evil."

(Tatiana:)
"Excellent. We might have a chance yet."

(Arlon:)
"Wait a minute. the old mages journal mentioned a Crystal Citadel; but
they seemed to indicate that the Ardanarzherdar were responsible for it.
You indicate that you were not; but have knowledge of it's workings. Very,
very interesting. We should go there with haste, it is obvious the Sons
know about it and will probably be their first objective."

(Saicha:)
"They may, or they may not. It is hard to tell. Should they know of our
attempts to reach the citadel, then yes, they will already have planted
traps to catch you, however the False Gods control subterranean tunnels
leading all the way to your continent. They and the Black Demons, like
your friend here, will most likely send their real envoys through the earth's
crust. IF they know where to go."

(Silver:)
"As you know the whereabouts of this Crystal Citadel, were you
thinking of transporting us all there ?" she asks of Saicha,
indicating the people gathered around the tower.

(Saicha:)
"Nay. That I cannot do. As I explained, I cannot interfere with the
Crystal Citadel. I can put you as far as the edge of the surrounding
swamp. From there you will be on your own."

(Silver:)
Silver needs to check on plants 'n' stuff at Rhuleck's farm before going.
She'd do that this day, and be ready to leave the next. "After all, we
only got to this continent a coupl'a weeks back. Shame not to enjoy the
sunsets for one last evening ..." (smiles at Shade)

(Shade:)
The drow sighs "If you really want to embark in such a difficult task -
he mocks a submissive, resigned look - I _HAVE_ to help you." he smiles
broadly and warmly "Count me in dear".

(Silver:)
Silver grins at Shade ...

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana looked down at her clothing with dismay as she realized she
might be traveling through a swamp.  He doe skinned bikini fashioned
outfit was appropriate for the sweltering heat of the Jungle in a
civilized environment.  But the perils of a swamp were something
different all together.

She furrowed her brow in thought, then spoke  "I'll need some time
to prepare for a swamp environment.  Can you give me an hour?"

She looked to Silver "I don't think we should delay any longer than
we should.  It only gives the enemy more time to prepare for our
coming."

(Silver:)
"Well, it was only a thought - I am prepared to leave now, if you all
feel this would be better. Though by waiting, we might all feel a little
more refreshed, and the sunset tonight will be especially beautiful."

(Keilan:)
Keilan is more or less ready for our journey whether we wait another day
or not.  "I say we leave now.  Time isn't on our side."

(Arlon:)
"I must agree with Keilan"  (wow, twice in one game day, Armageddon is truly
closing in :)  "we should not delay, at least no more than an hour or 2, given
the newest information we received.  I don't think we can afford to believe
that our adversaries travel will be slow if they travel some underground
network.  They could have various magical effects to help speed their travel.
Plus we should probably believe that they have a greater understanding of
where to go to retrieve the items of power than we do.  That could easily
neutralize any time advantage we gained even if they used normal travel in
the tunnels.  A day could mean the difference between doom and success."

OOC: Ahh, that felt a little better, my long windedness is back; just 1 thing
missing - 'Keilan, your seeing the rear end side of the argument again.' :)
Ok, I think I'm ready now.  :)

(Falrun:)
"As far as time is concerned, I'm ready to go now, but if others need more
time to prepare, that's fine with me also.  If our enemies are traveling
underground to get back to the other continent, and we plan on taking
magical transport, I don't think one day is going to make that big of a
difference, just as long as we don't fly", and a shudder runs down his spine.

(Silver:)
Silver looks *very* curiously at Falrun. *Must remember that* she thinks.

(DM/Saicha:)
    Silver asks for the group to be transported tomorrow, Tatiana wants
an hour, and Keilan and Arlon want to go as fast as possible, others voice
other concerns anywhere in between. To all this Saicha answers.

    "To me it matters not when you want me to put you there, you will be
better able yourselves to judge the matters of intrigue that dictate how
much time you may or may not have to tarry."

(Keilan:)
"Well enough.  A few more hours then or a day of calm before the storm?
I know I could spend the time well either way.  There are more preparations
for this journey than the last."

(Silver:)
Looking to Shade, Silver says "Perhaps the sunset at the Crystal Citadel
might be even better than here ..."

(Keilan:)
Keilan nods appreciatively at Silver's words.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana took Arlon's arm and pulled him aside for a moments private
conversation.



Tatiana & Arlon speak in private....

Tatiana took Arlon's arm and led him aside.  "You know how important
history is to me," She started.  "Almost as important as you are."

(Arlon:)
"I think we are alike in this."

(Tatiana:)
She took the champions ring off her finger.  "This ring has become
very important to me.  Not because it's magical, but because of
what it represents.  I'd like it to represent something even more."

She took Arlon's hand gently in her own.  "Would you wear it for me?"

(Arlon:)
"Tatiana!  I have heard of such tradition for humans.  At first this ring was
an item, a part of a pair with the wand.  Now it points to another pair .. us.
I don't know if the power of this ring will be fueled by magic or my
burning love for you."

(Tatiana:)
Her eyes looked into Arlon's with a passion searching for something
deep inside his.

(Arlon:)
OOC: I don't think she'll have to look very deep

Arlon's eyes will flare that strange bluish tint (glow).
"My love for magic and things ancient is dwarfed by my love for you ..
everything I have is yours."



And they return to the main group....

(Silver:)
Silver looks slightly surprised, seeing Arlon wearing the Champions ring,
then saw Tatiana and Arlon standing together, and smiled.

OOC: Smooth-talking elves .... ;-)

  Also, Silver wishes to bring some water from the river that has the
healing properties. 3 well padded flasks would be good.

(Arlon:)
"We should all get flasks full of the water from the good stream that runs
from Mindak's rock."

(Tatiana:)
"I thought that its properties couldn't be stored?" Tatiana asked
questioningly.

(DM:)
    About the Healing Water from Clearwater Brook. Yes, it will lose
it's properties of true healing in a matter of 6+ hours after taken from the
stream, but it is good water nonetheless, and will remain fresh better and
longer than normal water (sheesh, sounds like some ad or something! ;) ).



The party's attention turns to the magic items recently gained....

(DM:)
    First, some unfinished business. You had the magical items from
the old DD and the 'Champion' in the cave (You know, the body that now
seems to have been a mage from the Sons of the Empire), and asked Mendahl
and crew to identify them. This they can do. The ring will take some
doing, for the DD items, they can remember what they were from when the
items were wielded by their previous owners.

    First, the Ring turns out to be a ring of Fire Resistance.
    The Chain Mail, an Elfin Chain +2.
    The long sword, a Longsword +2, named Shadow Killer. When used by
a Good Character, it will shed light upon command as per a torch. An evil
being touching it will sustain an electrical shock.
    The dagger is a dagger +1, named Serpent Tooth, it's previous
owner was a thief who used to poison her blades (non-lethally).
    The Shield Bracers form a medium shield +2

(Silver:)
On hearing about the function of the bracers she wears, Silver holds out
her hands, concentrates, frowns, and then grips her head in obvious pain.
"*By Mielikki*, I felt the shields starting to form, but it felt like
someone was driving a knife through my head !"

(Falrun:)
"I have no interest in the bracers that Silver wears, I have a set of my own
that I am rather fond of."

(Keilan:)
"I would take them, but lately I seem to have some poor luck with magic.
Already I've lost a ring, and two potions."  He adds quietly, "My gloves
are gone as well."

(Silver:)
She takes them off and hands them to Keilan. "Try them Keil, with my
blessing. Perhaps you would be better suited ..."

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks quizzically at Silver, "Are you certain?  I really don't need
to feel knives through my head."

(Silver:)
"No, no" replies Silver, smirking slightly though still wincing.
"I didn't mean ... well, you know. I have a feeling that Mielikki is
guiding me in this matter. And since your gloves were so precious to
you, I thought a gift might ease ..." she shrugs.

(Keilan:)
"I would have thought Meilikki would be gentler in her reminders.  But
I suppose now is not a time for subtlety.  As for the gloves, they are
nothing.  I wish I still had my ring though.  I'm sure I'll miss it in
the days ahead."

Keilan examines the bracers but doesn't put them on right now.

(DM:)
    While you are still discussing stuff with Saicha etc as to where you
will be put near the edge of the swamp, and so on, Daermon S'Zrida'hn comes
running up to you guys, his arms filled with a piece of cloth with all kinds
of stuff wrapped into it.

    "Hey guys!" He shouts as you spot him, "Heard you were leaving, and
thought that you could use some help, so I brought you some knick-knacks
from my store that might be of help to you."

(Shade:)
The bard quietly greets Daermon using the handcode "Greets Brother, happy to
see you well."

(Silver:)
Seeing Daermon run up, Silver covertly waves at him in the manner she has
seen him use to Shade. "I hope you are feeling better now, Daermon."

(DM/Daermon:)
    Daermon weaves his hands in patterns to Shade and Silver, returning
their greetings, and asks how they fare.

    He carefully puts the cloth on the ground, and unwraps it, revealing
the following: 3 arrows, a ring made from a clear crystal and three strings
of leather with amulets hanging from them. He grabs the three arrows, and
looks at you guys, spotting Keilan.
    "You are the best archer of this group, am I right? Here, these are
for you."  The arrows are made of some bluish metal, and have no arrow head,
just end in a point. The bluish metal is engraved with small spidery script.
Daermon explains: "Be very careful with these my friend. These arrows
transform into bolts of lightning once shot from your bow. These are very
powerful weapons, but I have a feeling you may have need of them."

(Keilan:)
Keilan takes the arrows gingerly and examines them closely comparing
each to the other two.  "I hope not, but if so, I'll make sure I don't
miss."

(DM/Daermon:)
    Then he points at the other objects, and speaks:
    "I do not know who would benefit most from these items, so I shall
explain their functions to you. The crystal ring is sometimes called a
'death cheater'. The ring has been imbued with the power to fully heal a
person, even if that person is near death (in game terms, negative HP, but
still above negative constitution, the point of death). However, use it
wisely, for it can be used only once. Once used, the crystal will turn black
and crumble to dust. This amulet (he takes one that has a bright blue
polished stone on it) also aids in healing matters. It increases the
effectiveness of healing spells cast. (In game terms, all healing spells
cast by wearer are at full effectiveness, i.e. Cure Light Wounds always
cures the full 8hps etc) The other two amulets (He points at the remaining
two amulets, small crystalline forms of some golden coloured metal) bring
luck to their wearers in combat (In game terms +1 to hit with any weapon
used during combat). I hope these will be of service to you, take them and
be well."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana picked up one of the small golden crystalline amulets.
"I could use a little luck."

(Shade:)
After the alchemist has explained the different objects he says "Of course
I'd like to get both the lucky amulet and the death cheater, but I suggest
the first is better used by another fighter, Keilan?, and the death cheater
would better help the group saving Silver or Dithion which are able to heal
us."

(Keilan:)
"Well, the healing amulet should obviously go to Silver.  One of the
golden amulets should go to you, Falrun.  You're our best warrior.
As for the death cheater...I don't want it.  I don't like what it
portends."

(Silver:)
At this, Silver turns her head. "What do you ..." she starts, then nods,
in a resigned sort of way. "Yes, it's all so black and white for you, my
friend."

(Falrun:)
After picking through the items, "Yes, Keilan, I agree.  I'll take one of
the amulets that offers help in combat.  The healing amulet should certainly
go to Silver and I don't care much who gets the Life Stealer amulet."

(Shade:)
He turns toward Silver "Will you accept to wear the crystal ring, dear?
I wonder if the object appears to you to be an unacceptable disturbance
in the cosmic balance?"

(Silver:)
"I have no fear of such items, Ebu. But I would rather *you* had it. It
would ... settle my mind ... to know you were ... protected."

(Shade:)
"The same reasons would, of course, make me insist YOU take it - the drow
smiles and gently touches Silver cheeks - but I tried to be objective
about its usefulness to our group."

(Silver:)
Silver considers what Shade has said for a long moment.  Her eyes show
a lot more than she says. "Thank you, Ebu," she says quietly.

Silver inclines her head, adding "To increase the bounty that Mielikki
provides would be simply awesome. If no one else objects ..." and she
then kneels, picks up the amulet and examines it with eyes shining.

OOC: Unless someone else objects, Silver puts on death-cheater.
     That makes her have the amulet ensuring full-power healing, the staff
     and death-cheater. (I think).

(Falrun:)
"Don't worry, Shade, we can take what we want in a few decades, when these
humans start dropping like flies."  ;)

(Silver:)
Silver shivers, and narrows her eyes at Falrun.

(Shade:)
The drow shivers and casts a passionate glance at Silver, then he catches
his nonchalantly demeanor back and replies "Right Falrun, - he shrugs - all
we have to do is just sidestepping those stray fireballs for another century
or so. - he grins - A trivial task for the like of us."

(Silver:)
Silver hides a smirk, squeezes Shade's hand and turns her attention to
the upcoming journey, Falrun's comment forgotten (almost).

(Arlon/Ron:)
OOC: Ok so Silver now has: Staff of the Warrior-Priest, Healing Amulet,
Death Cheater, ring of Linne'Tari
Who is the real thief here :)

(Silver/Colin:)
OOC: Oooh ! Now *that* was funny ! Just watch your pockets ... ;)



(DM:)
    Then Mendahl asks Saicha for more specifics of the location she will
put you all down at, and she answers:

    "I will put you all on an ancient road of the Ilnikilzherdar empire.
It is now a shadow of what it once was, and they had to give up most of
their outlying provinces and fortresses. The road leads from their present
capital to one of their old deserted citadels. If you take the road to the
south-west, you will reach a bridge over a wide river. You should follow
this river south by south east, and it will branch after a while. Follow the
left branch, and that will take you straight into the swamp. Follow the
river, and after awhile, you will see the Reflex Citadel, you cannot miss
it, for it is built on an island in the middle of the river."

(Keilan:)
Keilan pays close heed to Saicha's directions to the citadel.  Nodding at
each turn and twist she mentions.

(DM/Saicha:)
    "About the citadel itself, I can only tell you this, what we heard
from rumors of those who have been there a long time ago. The God Az'Alion,
'He Who Keeps the Peace', is the protector of the city, and resides in the
citadel proper. Throughout the city stand great bronze statues. These
statues are a form of Shin'Moar, 'the inanimate made living', or what your
people call 'golems'. These Shin'Moar are under the influence of Az'Alion,
and will animate and attack those who break the laws of the city. It is said
that these Shin'Moar possess great intelligence once animated and have a
large array of mystical powers with which to deal with infractors. The Laws
are simple. No open conflict that might disturb the workings of the city, or
any other actions that might adversely affect the city as a whole. For
regular laws against such things as stealing etc, a 'regular' police exists,
in the form of a powerful mage guild which also controls a small but
powerful army to combat anything adverse that might try to enter the city
from the outside or through a portal."

    At the mention of the Shin'Moar, Mendahl and Daermon and Shilara
look very much interested, but they say no more for the moment.

(Silver:)
"Would there be a chance that one of us might break such a rule without
realizing that we were doing so ? If we did not understand the culture
that exists there, then could we do something inadvertently ?"

(DM/Saicha:)
    "That seems highly unlikely to me, for they are simple. Do anything
that will cause great damage or greatly disrupt the activities of the folk
who live there, and the wrath of Az'Alion will be upon thee. Use thy wisdom
and common sense, and thou shouldst be safe."

(Silver:)
"As for the Shin'Moar, are they considered to have a soul when active ?"

(DM/Saicha:)
    "Nay, as I understand, the Shin'Moar are lifeless statues until
activated by Az'Alion, and then their intelligence stems from the divine
guidance of him. It is said that parts of Az'Alion's psyche will inhabit the
Shin'Moar, and be their minds. Besides that which Az'Alion gives to the
Shin'Moar, they possess nothing that bespeaks of mind nor soul."

(Silver:)
"Do you have the parchment lists with the descriptions of the items
we seek, Arlon ? I know that I, at least, could not remember all the
details ..."

(Arlon:)
    "Yes, I compiled a list the night we read it.  I have the parchment
in my pack."

(Silver:)
Glancing around at her friends, she says to Saicha "I believe we are
ready to go once we have collected our belongings from the house. We
shall be back in half an hour."

OOC: Lets go ... ;-)



And so, most of the party departs to prepare and pack for the journey before
them....

(Tatiana:)
OOC: She will get some food and clothing more appropriate for journeying
into a swamp.  long but light pants, long shirts, waterproof sacks
to carry food and bandages, watersacks for fresh water.

(Keilan:)
After the division of magic and talking with Saicha, Keilan goes back to
the HQ to prepare for the journey.

Surveying what's left of the previous provisions, he trots off to buy some
more food for himself (since most of his was ruined in that fireball) as
well as some other things.

He returns this time with a good length of rope, a new whetstone, oil,
a square of cloth, and foodstuffs.  He has a large piece of honeycomb and
offers a piece to everyone.  "It's for luck."

As he packs his backpack, he goes over and takes out the bronze chain mail
that he got from Mindak.  He holds it up and feels it's weight carefully.
Puts it on and takes it off.  Eventually he tosses it aside.

Last he checks Raoh's collar to make sure it's on right.  Raoh scratches
at it once, but doesn't seem to mind it anymore.

(Silver:)
Silver will go back to prepare her belongings for travel, and before
leaving will present Keilan with a set of leather straps which form a
harness. "For Raoh - you or I can carry him if things get too wet around
the Crystal Citadel."

(Keilan:)
"Thanks."  Whispering to Silver since Raoh is near, "I'm gonna make him
walk the first bit though.  He needs to learn to like water.  I only
wish I had more time to spend with him."

(Silver:)
Silver glances over at the cub to see him looking quizzically up at her.
"Good luck, I'll bring something to help with the scratches you'll get..."

(Keilan:)
"Scratches I can handle.  He'll learn to like it eventually."

(Silver:)
"Either that, or you will ..." she grins.



And the group returns to Saicha for their journey....

(Shade:)
The drow seems to dive in some deep remembering, then he
shudders slightly "Ok, let's go."

(Silver:)
Silver touches his arm, and looks questioningly at him with concern
apparent in her eyes.

(Shade:)
With a warm smile Shade squeeze Silver hand "Worry not, dear, I was just
remembering the days in the underdark. It's a place of heavy, almost
overwhelming magic, in some ways similar to the place we are going to
challenge."

(Tatiana:)
Tuft flew out from the Jungle and headed towards the Eidolon, landing on
Tatiana shoulder.

"Okay, we're ready."

(Silver:)
Silver whooes a welcome [Tuft ! Where is she ...? ]

(Tatiana/Tuft:)
Tuft swiveled his head almost totally upside down, then back right
side up.  Whooing for Silver,

*My life is for Tatiana, she is who I belong with.*
*Besides, there is no future for us, Our life spans are vastly different.*

(Silver:)
[I understand, Tuft ... More than you know ...]

(Keilan:)
A dozing Raoh climbs to his feet as Tuft approached and then sat down
watching the bird interestedly.

Keilan looks at the cat and says, "Stop that.  You know full well you
can't play with him.  Hmm, you're not going to like the swamp, are you?
Well, if it can't be helped..."

(DM:)
    You return to HQ to pick up some last things, and Keilan takes off
to buy supplies for all and himself, replacing those items he lost during an
unfortunate accident, a close encounter of the fiery kind. All set, you
return to the Pentagon, where Saicha, Mendahl and Shilara await. Shilara
looks preoccupied, and nods slightly at your arrival mumbling a 'good luck',
and Mendahl speaks.

(Arlon:)
Arlon would like to have the fire wand; but does Mendahl want to keep it is
the question.

"Would the fire wand be of benefit to our travels or is the power left within
too small to be of consequence ?"

(Mendahl:)
At this Mendahl smiles sheepishly. "Ah yes. I almost forgot."
Mendahl rummages around under the folds of his great red and golden robes,
and suddenly his face lights up with an 'aha!', and he draws forth the
wand.

"Here you are. It's power is low, but as long as it lasts, it will be able
to aid you well."

(Arlon:)
Arlon will accept the wand and bow "Thank you, Master." I'll assume he
gives me the command word :)

"I'm ready to go."

(Silver:)
Silver looks with concern at Shilara, trying to catch her eye before we
go. "Goodbye, my lady ..." and she blushes slightly.

(DM/Mendahl:)
    "I wish you all good luck. Much depends upon your mission. What
threats arise against you I cannot foresee, but I doubt your quest will be
easy. Remember the True Gods are behind you, and may help you in strange
ways, but beware of the treacherous Sons of the Empire. They are wily as
well as powerful, a bad combination for an opponent. Go and seek those
artifacts, so we may yet triumph over this madness of the Sons of the Empire."

    Then Saicha motions she is ready, and before you can fully respond
to Mendahl, you are all dizzy for a fraction of a second. Suddenly, as you
open your eyes after shaking your heads clear, you are all (including Tuft
and Raoh) standing (Tuft prob flying above ;) ) on an old and overgrown
road. Saicha is still with you, and she points down one end of the road.

(Silver:)
"Ooooh. By Mielikki, that was almost worse than the last time. I hope
the mirror-portals are better." She closes her eyes and rubs her forehead.

(DM/Saicha:)
    "Go that way, and ye shall find the Cryshal Bridge, where the
Ne'Thander river flows underneath. Then follow my instructions. Blessings be
on your journey"

    After that short statement, without seeming to cast a spell or make
any motions, Saicha disappears, winking out of sight. You are left to your
own devices. The road is a grassy path where no brush or trees of any kind
grow. When shoving/digging a bit with your feet, you find that under a layer
of compact dirt lay flagstones of dark crystalline material. Keilan notices
something unnatural in the bushes on the side of the road. It is an obelisk
(square pillar of elongated pyramidal shape) crafted of a milky/clear
green crystal. The obelisk has several symbols and pictograms sculpted on
two sides. You get the impression this is an old road marker denoting
distances to objectives along the road. The obelisk's top is broken off,
and lies on the ground besides it, heavily overgrown. Another thing that
both Silver as well as Keilan notice is the complete absence of animal signs
of life or animal sounds. Tuft circles close by as if afraid of something,
and Raoh clings close to Keilan, also looking very uncomfortable or afraid
of something.
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-----------------------------End of Chapter 36--------------------------------
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