1995-10-07
Recovered original text · preserved verbatim
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NEVERWINTER NEWS
Issue # 102
Week Ending 10-07-95
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FRONT PAGE
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Congratulations to Osir1s for winning last week's News of the Realm contest.
Osir1s has earned the choice of 4 Pearls or Access to the GOH (Guild of
Heroes) WTG!
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On this fine Sunday afternoon I walked towards the Neverwinter Gardens..my
thoughts drifting to the task that lay ahead. Lord Nasher has heard of the
Gallant Prince docking in Port LLast...and it has been reported to him about
ungodly sounds drifting from the ship at night. I happened to be returning
from a patrol through the Lost Hills when he was receiving this news. I
volunteered my services...offering to take a group of adventurers with me to
explore this so-called "haunted" ship. As I reached the Gardens..I heard the
town crier's voice ring out for a call to arms for a group of brave
adventurers to meet with me...to venture forth into the unknown.
I was oblivious to the gardens' beauty..waiting for my future comrades to
show. One by one they walked towards me...eager to prove themselves in
whatever task that lay ahead. Dork266961, Nahia, Spellbnder, Mnementh15,
Tstimac and Tardeses decided to throw thier fate to the four winds. Greetings
were exchanged..and we headed out to Port LLast.
The journey was fraught with peril...I fear news of our mission leaked
out..falling pon unfriendly ears..as we were attacked in the town of Windy
Cliffs by Kraken spies. I was impressed by the skill of the group I was
with..as we showed these spies the meaning of fear. As the last spy choked on
his own blood...we were already regrouping and heading towards our destiny.
We passed through the city limits of Port LLast..dispatching the attacking
heards of Wild Boars making it to the Inn. There we went over our final
plans. We set out for the Gallant Prince.
We approached the ship..the guard warning us about the strange happenings..I
quietly informed the guard of our purpose. We then boarded the ship.
Immediately we were beset by Carrion Crawlers and Skeletons. We noticed the
tattered sailor's clothes drped on the bones of the skeleton's..and new our
worse fears were true. Dispatching this unholy group..we came upon the crew's
quarters. Ghouls and Zombies attacked..the
fate of the crew now answered. What could have done this? For what purpose?
We attacked..swallowing any fear we had..cutting a path as pieces of dead
flesh flew through the air from the onslaught of our weapons. Exploreing the
ship further...we came upon a man..obvioulsy the lone survior of the
crew..slowly turning to stone! he spoke to us..and we were saddened as we
could do nothig but watch this poor soul turn to stone before our very eyes.
Who could have done this? Why? There was one more room to explore..and
wihtout hesitation..we broke the door down. By the gods! Medusae! Of
course..who else
could have tortured that poor soul by turning him to stone..turned the crew
into undead with black magix..vengeance will be ours! Blood flowed freely as
we fought..but the end was never in doubt. The last medusae crumpled to the
floor..one question remained. Why? Tardeses then noticed something odd..a
lone brass button..on the floor near the dead bodies. We decided to take it
to the Lord Nasher...mayhaps something of importance could be discerned from
this token. We headed back to Neverwinter....knowing what we did here this
day was one step closer to ridding this great land of evil.
My thanks to Dork266961, Nahia, Spellbnder, Mnementh15, Tstimac and Tardeses!
Happy Halloween!
NW Kregar
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Fireball Booth!
The booth was held at 14,0 in wharves at 8pm est on 10/3.
Participants were...
Mech Akita
Alya Shayd
Bela Sedia
Kevinconne
Saberf1ame
UDL Demon
TK Oenonee
GK August
UDL S0ul
Prime Kom
Shock 5000
Zanar1
V Saul
Unbroken 0 -- left
Bregga 1301-- left
V Saul won the event by doing 77 points of damage with 2 fireballs! He wins 4
pearls and 1 free hour of online time.
NW Tempus
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October Trivia Results!
October 3, 1995
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*** First Place - Dwyvyrn: 25 points! ***
** Second Place - Sirhuma: 25 points! **
* Third Place - Llewdoc: 23 points! *
Random Drawing Winner - Panda Khan
(Due to a tie for first place, Dwyvyrn and Sirhuma rolled off)
____________________________________________________
The winners will have the time credited to their account and pearls credited
to their screen name.
* First Place - 4 FREE hours and 25 Pearls
* Second Place - 3 FREE hours and 20 Pearls
* Third Place - 2 FREE hours and 15 Pearls
* Random Drawing - 5 Pearls
Congrats and thanks from NW Baldor and NW Strahd : )
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Slay Living Booth!
kh0lari
bbw lover1
abzzscent
sol abysss
mansho0n
grezex
xanna rose
lafel
sol ent1ty
kymil nimn
nufn
dion83705
thalelaeus
All the above surived two slays from my hands an are the proud winner of 2
pearls each.. ;>
NW Hobbsie
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NEVERWINTER CALENDAR
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Be on the look out for those Mini Booths that seem to pop up out of nowhere!
Can you be at the right place at the right time when the NW calls for a
location?
Keep your eyes and ears open for these events! Watch for the banners!
New Player Tours:
October 12th Thursday 10:00 PM EST - Join NWA Marduk for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to
meet!;D
New Player Tour
October 13th Friday 2:00 PM EST - Join NWA Lethe for a tour of the Realm.
Those interested should keep an eye out for the banner telling where to
meet!;D
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Vengeance
As the boy cautiously lifted himself up from the settling dust, he refused to
cry or whine about what had just just taken place. Being the dutiful son of a
good cleric was not always easy as one would think and this time was the last
straw.
Again, two nasty boys from across the village had viciously jumped him
unsuspecting and stunk cloud, held him and then proceeded to humiliate him.
This was more then he could bare and vengeance he swore. Once his boring
healing lessons were completed he vowed to become a most powerful mage and
then exact his revenge.
His father sauntered over the hill, too late to intervene, but in time to
hear the oath that his son had sworn. Concern creased his brow and he
hastened home in order to arrive ahead of his son. When his son entered he
calmly stated, "Greetings, I see you are a bit late for today's lesson."
"Yes sir, I will be earlier next time. I suppose today's lesson is setting
bones and sutures."
Handing the boy a book not previously used before, the father stated, "Read
this and give me your findings; I'll be in the lab." With that he strolled
out.
With but an inward sigh, the son started reading the book, which was rather
old and leather bound, written in a fine ink with clear and concise script,
the text read something like this......
The young cleric lifted himself up out of the mud, he refused to cry or
comment on what had just happened to him. Being the son of a good cleric was
not always easy. It used to be just play, to see who could outdo the others
in mock combat. But now that their coming of age was drawing near, magic was
being taught to round them out and prepare them for their own days.
However, this time, not only was he bested again, but the aggressors to
demonstrate their arrogance, slashed the back of his right hand with a
dagger. Not enough to do permanent damage, but enough to leave a cruel scar
and to mark him as they would a misfit of magic.
How was he to compete with with these bullies when all he had were spells of
healing? They had ones that could immobilize someone or worse. His father had
not even taught him how to cause light wounds yet , while his antagonist
could shoot unseen missiles, shock him by the mere grasping of their hands,
and now it would only get worst. For now, they could become invisible and he
would not have any chance in which to properly prepare and defend himself.
The story continued as to how the ridicule continued from the mean bullies as
their power in sorcery grew. This only served for the young cleric, now mage,
to fuel his desire for power and revenge. No one yet knew his intentions
The journal ended with a story of this final battle:
Today is the day that I become the hunter and not the hunted. Today is the
day I shall have final vengeance. My studies are now complete at a prime age
of 30. I toiled solely on preparing for this day and my final test is now at
hand.
Thinking and grinning inwardly, I have a complete Grimoire (spell book) and
have 'borrowed' a few of my father's scrolls. My path is set, now all I need
do is rest prepare and wait.
As they come over the hill, I blast them with an unsuspecting ice storm,
which not even their petty minor globes of invulnerability could keep out. As
they stood a bit shaken and chilled, I let them know who had done it and why.
Now was the time for their death match. One which they could not hope to
survive. I knew my hatred and anger would carry me through from all the times
I was tormented.
However, I was a bit caught off guard at how rapidly they were able to react
and return fight. It was then I realized I had my work cut out.
The green forest was torn out from below us with the spells that were cast. I
was glad now that I had studied my healings well or I would not have
survived. Much of the woods started on fire, other parts had rain, snow and
freezing. It was like a harvest-day fireworks display.
This attraction had captured the attention of many preying evil critters. It
became a horrid battle not only against human foes but four legged ones as
well. The entire affair became too great to describe in this simple text with
all the powers involved. Bodies of the forest creatures, who foolishly became
involved, littered the forest floor and the fire was getting out of hand.
There were still more animals coming, and I started to fear them as much as
my foes.
Finally it happened, a spell rendered me incapable of being able to recall
any more of my memorized spells. At least, my opponents were both quite weak
as well. I had on my person two scrolls, still intact; a Dimension Door and a
Fireball. My victory was close at hand, but the animals of the wild were
looking for their own revenge for what had happened to their woods. They did
not look as if they would be very discriminating in who they would choose as
their next victim. I only had time to use one scroll.
The fireball would easily finish them, but there would then be no way I could
escape in time afterwards. I could leave and perhaps hope the critters would
finish them, but then I would not have the satisfaction of completing all
that I have sought for in vengeance.
I made my decision, reached for the scroll and began reciting and chanting
the words.......
This by far had been the most interesting study book, the boy had ever read.
Why couldn't all books be this exciting. Finally, turning the page to see the
final out come was ....... blank?!?
The page was blank, there was no ending, but he had to know how it ended.
Rushing to his father's room, he said, "I've completed the book, but can find
no ending."
Looking up from his own book, the father responded, "Oh, but there is an
ending. Think about it. What do you think happened: final revenge or ignoring
it and continuing on with ones life?
The boy thought a lot about it and said "Well, he had to ... no, maybe he ...
then again, he could have...... I don't know?"
Smiling the father commented, "Think about it and when you return we will
complete the story"
With that, the boy left a bit puzzled and was considering his own situation
as compared to the one character in the book.
Meanwhile the father rose from his chair and with an aging hand, placed the
book back on a shelf from which it had rested for many years. Sitting back
down and picking up his book, that same hand picked out a piece of folded
parchment which served as his page holder. He placed it on the desk. There
were initials on the marker labeled "FB" as faint as the scar on the back of
his right hand that placed it there.
Thinking to himself, he sighed, "Yes son, think about it."
Wld Wil
::: walking to a place before the fire infront of the great tree within the
square of Never Winter::::
:::The young paladin in red armor and sircoat opens a large red canvas case,
withdrawing a large 32 string harp:::
::: atop the harp is the head of a lion with webbed fore paws :::
::: the man begins strumming the cords to a tune played in something of a
slow 3/4 time (he needs more practice):::
::: soon some begin to recognize the tune as "Greensleeves":::
Aluric begins to speak (while still playing the cords );
"Friends some time ago Sir starbeard did commision me to put to verse a
sonnet unto the fair Lady Mikrael. Whilst fighting some local evils for the
towns people did I and Sir Starbeard converse in the mental way. But I must
here confess that I was not up to the task. Not for lack of words!
::: pauses his monologue till the laughter dies down:::
But because of the good sirs grief. Starbeard was even then engauged in
personal combat, player upon player and faring poorly, all the while
lammenting over his sought after lady. I accepted his commision. but found
that what I have been blessed to compose mayest not be what he was seeking
but tis how the spirit did move me.
Here now for youre pleasure if youre of a mind to listen is:
"Starbeard's Lament" :::key changes to "G" :::
::Aluric's tennor voice begins:::
Come in an sit by the fire with me,
an I'll tell thee a tale o sweet misery.
Tis a story of enrapturing love,
and a hand of "Fate" played by one above
Mikrael was Starbeard's desire,
the fair young lass set his heart to fire.
The flame of love in him did burn,
but the want of the maid caused his eyes to turn.
Look then upon his conduct when,
a fair lasses skirt he'd chase now an then.
For Mikrael he truly yearned,
then his Goddess one day of this did learn.
A gift of sight gave she to him,
in order for his soul to win.
With warnings of what might come,
did she let Starbeard look upon the one he loved.
The kiss of another made her blush,
and the blood to Starbeards head did rush.
Then caution into the wind did go,
for who was this stranger? He had to know.
Hate and pain where left to him,
no longer was her heart his to win;
in anger and in jealous rage,
with these our Rose Knight did turn lifes page.
So now for Fair Starr we do cry,
cause her Starbeards left without a goodbye;
to fight to the death is his one desire.
to loves heights he nolonger can aspire.
Yet cry with me for one so lost,
love has a price to pay and how steep the cost.
When all is over, said, and done,
tis a wonder, who or what hath won.
Come into the palor and draw ye near.
Tis this tale of woe that you shall hear.
Drink of Dolf's fine ale till the kegs are dry.
Tis then for loves loss that we shall cry.
Tis but for loss of love that we shall cry.
::: looking not about, Aluric places his harp within its case and walks out
into the
night air:::
" To Sir Starbeard I hope this helps to ease you pain. Unto my friends and
thoes of you who have kindly listened here gathered about. I bid thee take
what pleasure ye may find in love, and thank thee for the kindness of a
goodly audience."
Aluric
"The Game!"
(Submitted by Ryltarl)
" The Game Part 5 "
Looking back up at the sky Larenil says, " It is time for me to return
to Arach-Tinilith Velgla Jabbuk, thank you for the stimulating conversation,
and a most magnificent wine." Larenil grins at the last comment.
" Do you require an escort Jabbress? " , Tarl asks.
" Nay Velgla Jabbuk, I shall make the journey alone. ", Larenil replies
as she waves her hand and the two chairs and the small table disappear.
Larenil looks back once to see that the Velgla Jabbuk is gone. And she
thinks to herself, " This male must be watched closely, for he has shown that
he can effect even the Ulathtallar herself. "
From the shadows Tarl watches Larenil leave, knowing that she has won
this round in the game, but that he was not without a certain effective
counter maneuver. Then Tarl slips along the path in the shadows to his
hidden cave. Needing to spend some time alone before returning to the VDVM,
and his training there.
Larenil, Ulathtallar d'Arach-Tinilith lueth Ulfaerz'un'arr d'Sorcere
and
Ryltarl, Velgla Jabbuk d'Rilynt'tar
Sacrifice
(Submitted by Dirk Dirty)
It is cold, no freezing. Here I am stuck in these stupid mountains with no
fire, out of supplies, and completely lost. Equipped only with my dagger, my
clothes, and few pouches on me I set out to look for shelter for the night.
Anywhere to block out the bone chilling wind would do. So I set off from my
brief rest. As I walked along what I thought to be a trail, I remembered how
I got into this mess.
I was working in the herb and vegetable garden in the backyard of the house
when my mother called me in. Setting aside my tools I walked in casually to
see a great dinner on the table, one I might receive on a holiday. I asked
what was the occasion but received a cold shoulder and was beckoned to sit
down. Over the meal I was told I must prove myself worthy if I was to keep
the family name. I was told to see the village's High Master for a quest.
After dinner I went to bed for a big meal such as that always made me tired.
The next morning I awoke to find my family gone. The house was deserted as
if it had been ransacked. I figured they were in the nearby forest gathering
berries. Remembering I was to see the High Master I threw on my cloak and
left.
It was still early morning and that chill was in the air, yet today it seemed
to touch the very edge of my bones as if I were a skeleton. The streets in
the village were unmistakably deserted which was odd because the market
usually occurred at this time of day. I wondered again if it was a holiday.
I arrived at the leader's house in a few short minutes. I knocked at the
door but received no greeting. I knocked several more times with no avail.
I finally invited myself into the house to find it deserted. The house had
a hollow feeling to it that you might find in a tree stump. It was at that
moment I was struck from behind hard on the head. Before total unconsciouses
took over me a heard a sharp laughter from all around me.
I awoke in a damp cell. It smelled like rotten fish and was dirtier than
dirt itself. But that smell was overwhelming. I became quite nauseous and
almost passed out. I pinched my nose to block out the fumes. After
recovering, I searched my self to see what I had. My dagger that I always
concealed in my boot was still there. Other than the clothes I had on,
everything else was missing. Lucky for me I thought, now how do I get out of
here came next.
I took out my dagger and started to try and pick the lock. After many tries
and what seemed like an hour I heard a click. I pushed the door open and
became dazed. Now what do I do? I walked off in one of the two directions
and came upon a staircase. Odd, no guards. I creeped up the stairs slowly
because it was dark and I didn't know what may lay up ahead.
The room I walked into was huge and glamourous. There was a long oaken table
yet it smelled like fresh ceder. The ceiling extended many feet upward.
There were banners of all sort on the wall, one was my village's. Still no
guards.
I walked through hallway after endless hallway. My feet were sore and I just
wanted to rest. Eventually I came to what must have been the grand hall.
People were walking all over doing their daily chores.
Guards were posted at the doorway that I assumed was the way out. The one
thing that caught my attention though was the black ghost that seemed to
float across the marble floor. It was an evil wizard. From my point it
looked like a he. He held a carved staff of pine with a jewel that absorbed
all light on the top. He had a few scrolls in his hand. I predict he has
tremendous power.
Then the magician stopped. He held his high and sniffed. I became nervous
and quickly concealed myself behind the nearest curtain but still peeked out.
His eyes were hollow almost lost but they searched the room. He knew I had
escaped but was not sure of it. Those eyes then passed right over me, but I
was quick enough to get out of view. Seconds passed and I held my breath.
Nothing happened. With a quick sigh of relief I looked out again cautiously
to see the mage resume his walking. He left the hall to, wherever he goes I
guess.
Now how am I going to get out of here? It hit me. Find a guard's uniform
and put it on. Simple, was the first word that came to mind. I went back
the way I came and looked into many rooms. The last one in this hallway was
the right one, sort of. As I opened the door a guard looked up. His face
was stunned with surprise and shock, but that did not halt him. He
immediately charged me. I had little time to react and was thrown to the
ground. He tried to pounce on me, but I rolled away and was on top of
him. With a quick smash of the nearest pot he was a goner. I took his
clothes and tied him up, with a gag of course.
Now to leave. I came upon the grand hall once again. I surveyed the area,
searching for anything that would give me trouble. Eyeing nothing I started
to walk in to the room. When I came to the middle I stopped. I remembered
the wizard and how he left through the opposite door. Curiosity got me and I
went the path of the mage.
The hallway was like all others I had encountered. Long and leading in one
direction. Then I came to a fork. I saw a door at one end of the hallway.
The other way more hall. I chose the closest, the hallway with the door.
I creeped up without a sound and place my ear against the door. This was the
right way alright. I heard a man with a deep voice chanting and heard others
gasping when he stopped. I counted five in the room. The wizard then started
talking, he was angry. He said something about portal on the planes and
ultimate power. He said that my village was the destination and ordered his
sentries to grab the prisoner, me! That was my cue and sprinted down the hall
out of sight. I came upon the grand hall once again and walked at a casual
pace. Here was the moment, I walked past the guards. They looked at me and
walked toward me. The nearest stopped and saluted and the other guard
followed. I quickly returned the gesture so they would not become
suspicious.
I was out of the castle and walking through the local market. Now to get out
of the city and get back to my village. The castle I was at was only half a
days trip through tough mountain passes. The odd thing about this terrain,
is that as soon as one is through the mountains the land levels right out and
is endless plains. I took off the uniform that had saved me from danger and
headed toward the cities south gate. I passed through with a little wave and
a beckon to visit the city again. Now the race was on.
The trip to my village was longer than proposed. The weather was also oddly
different at this time of year. I found a shallow cave but it will work. I
gathered up a few sticks and branches. Tried to light a fire, but couldn't.
I pulled my cloak closer and tried to sleep. It was a rough night but sleep
finally came over.
I awoke to find it pooring rain outside my pitiful shelter. The sun was not
in the sky and there was a ere gloom over the land. I had to keep going and
reach my village, before the enemy did. I ran, ran with all my strength and
endurance. The mountains leveled out and a long stretch of fertile soil and
green land was before me. My village was near. As was a gray cloud too.
I arrived at my village to see a deserted lonely place once again. I saw some
villagers working as slaves ordered to do deeds. The wizard was here. I
took shelter in a dark alley and slipped on my uniform disguise once again.
I began walking about to see what had become. I noticed the center of the
village. There was a huge circle and mystic runes carved in the ground.
Just after I noticed it the mage came out and went into it. He started
preparing whatever he must do. The village became quiet and guards were on
the alert. One told me to watch out for an escaped prisoner that may be
disguised as one of us. I chuckled inwardly at the thought. But there was
no time for laughter. The magic-user had already begun his spell, drawing
power from crude and unholy sources. I could not let this happen, no matter
what.
I started walking to the circle, than sprinted. I drew my dagger. Guards
were already after me. There was no way I would reach the circle first. I
kept running though. The guards came at me in a big mob, and as luck would
have the lead stumbled and fell. That split second stop was all I needed. I
came to the circle. I walked in but received a shock that went all through
my body. The mage turned around wide eyed sensing the disturbance. That was
the last thing he saw before I drove my dagger deep into his throat. He
clenched his throat and coughed up blood. The threat was gone. The magic
stopped pulsing around me.
The guards though had not stopped. It was no use running. I stood there
killed a guard throwing my dagger. There were many, too many. It did not
matter though. I had saved the world from unthinkable danger. The last thing
I saw was my mother and the High Master with a group of humans leading an
attack. Then I was clubbed to death.
End Game
(submitted by Lian Storm)
I stood, feet planted, on Evermeet's beach. Dark grey storm clouds blotted
out the sun and the sea on the horizon had an eery green glow. Elbereth, free
of his azure prison, stood solemnly beside me. He was to accomany me on my
voyage off the island, the entirety of which I would spend with my mindlocked
inside his sword, and then take the weapon back and return. He was an elf,
after all, and Evermeet was his home. I however was only half elven, and
Evermeet refused to allow me sojourn. I had spent the last week in a small
room with no windows as a "guest."
With a sigh, I stepped off the beach into the water. Lightning crashed
between the clouds which were now almost black. The colors were frighteningly
familiar. They reminded me of the dream I had had before I came to Evermeet.
Lightning crashed on the horizon again, but this time a blue shape was
visible. Murmurs from the elves behind me told me I wasn't the only one who
saw it. Forgotten by the crowd, I took a step back onto the beach. The shape
hurtled closer at an amazing speed and by this time itwas obviously a dragon.
Saraphina, Elbereth, and many of the other robed elves began preparing spells
while the others scattered.
A high pitched shriek filled the air as griffon riders soared out of the
cliffs to the West. Even with their shining armor and deadly lances, they
looked like tiny toys next to the approaching dragon.
The blue dragon was nearly upon us. Some of the younger mages panicked
hurling spells that fell into the sea. The griffon riders formed into a
swarm, lances ready, and charged the dragon. A few lances tore holes in the
skin, exposing the creature's bones. Even from far below on the beach we
could tell it did no good. The beast was undead.
A hissing sound sprung from the thing's mouth in a twisted parody of a laugh.
Sparks crackled from its smile as it opened its mouth to breathe its deadly
lightning. Screams of both elf and griffon resounded through the sky. I
turned my head, unable to watch the slaughter, unable to deal with the memory
of the pain of that terrible breath. The screams stopped and I turned back to
see bodies, charred beyond recognition, crash into the waves.
And I heard it sing. My ears hurt as the dissonant notes ripped through the
air and all of the elves ceased their chanting and fell writhing on the
ground. The song was maddening. The notes themselves were painful to listen
to, but they followed a melody so purely evil that I could feel it stab
through my brain. I collapsed to my knees. Still singing, the dracolich
landed on the beach. I could see, now that it was close, its skin was pulled
gaunt over its skeleton and rancid yellow bones could be seen where the
griffon riders had wounded it. It reeked of those unfortunate soldiers that
are left to the carrion after a war. Electricity cracked on the edge of its
smile and its empty eye sockets glowed red. But most horrible was its rider.
Flowing long black hair over a black silk robe. Its decaying skin had turned
the color of rotting fruit and clung to its white skull, barely. It was a
lich, a wizard whose power had defeated death itself. Its very presence sent
shivers down my spine. But most terrible was the murderous green fire dancing
the black holes that once held its eyes. Those flames had been the cause of
Mia's death, of Elbereth's imprisonment, of the pain that haunted my dreams.
The dracolich halted its song as its rider dismounted. With a quiet laugh the
lich walked toward Elbereth. I stood shakily, my head still tingling, but the
elves, many now unconscious lay in the sand as if dead. Why weren't they
getting up? Then I realized, that my own weak half human ears had not heard
the song with the same clarity that the elves had.
Its laughter growing louder, the undead wizard stood over the gold elf.
Kicking his still body, the lich began an arcane chant. Elbereth stirred. In
a movement to fast for my eyes to follow, one of its decaying hands grasped
the elf's throat and lifted him into the air. There was a hissing sound like
frying oil, and Elbereth screamed, his musical voice distorted by pain. With
an evil smile the lich dropped him roughly to the sand. I tried to take a
step, but my legs failed me and I was pitched face forward into the sand. And
the rain began.
"Nilzt!" the elf gasped, grimacing as he touched the burn marks on his neck.
"Yesss," the lich hissed, "I never truly had the chance to thank you for the
ussse of your sssword." With a slight frown it kicked the blade away from the
elf. Toward where I lay. Elbereth's face betrayed his hopelessness as he
watched the blade spin away. The lich smiled and began again "Do you know
what Sssecretsss I found in that tower, worm?"
Elbereth turned his face away, ashamed at what he had allowed to happen.
"Sssecretsss of immortality, puny elf. I am no longer a weak mortal but a
god! And I could never have done it without your help. Of courssse, I did not
appreciate being ssso quickly forced into sssuch immortality. And I ssstill
have to repay you for that!" I could no longer watch, but Elbereth's scream
could not be blocked out as easily as his image. The elf had been kind to me,
and I could not allow him to die. I reached out for Eternity, managing to
grasp the hilt. I willed for it to heal me, blast the lich, do something
useful! There was a twinkle in the sapphire and I felt strong again.
As I stood, Nilzt, his back turned to me, hissed arcane syllables. I grasped
Eternity firmly and charged. The blade ripped through the black robe as if it
were no more than cobwebs and I heard the satisfying crack of bones as the
sword sank into Nilzt's back. I let out a yell of victory, but the lich cut
me short, grasping my neck as he had Elbereth's, his eyes narrowing to slits.
"Mia?! It'sss not posssible! I killed you!" As he turned toward me I could
see the sword protruding from his torso.
"Lianne!" Elbereth called, fear for me driving the pain from his voice.
"Of courssse," hissed the lich, realizing his mistake, "Really, what gutter
to you find them in, Elbereth? Ssshe hasss ssuch a sstriking resssemblance to
your daughter. I wonder how you would feel about watching her die?" It
smiled, and its icy fingers became burning hot. I screamed. Elbereth watched
helpless, wounded, and overwhelmed, his violet eyes growing wide. I flailed
till my foot touched Eternity. With my last ounce of strength I pushed the
sword out of the undead wizard to where Elbereth lay. My screams faded into a
gurgle of pain and the lich threw me to the wet ground. But it was too late,
Elbereth had taken his sword, and he now swung it with practiced ease. The
two battled again, sword and sorcery against power from beyond the grave.
This time however, Elbereth couldn't win. I crawled to Saraphina, every inch
seeming to take an hour. Behind me, a magic duel raged on, the likes of which
had not been seen in over five hundred years. I reached the middle aged elf
and shook her. She stirred but didn't wake up.
Elbereth and Nilzt lashed out at each other with their magic, sending sparks
of every imaginable color showering as their spells collided. Suddenly a deep
growl sounded behind the elf. The dracolich had answered its master's silent
call.
"Wake up, please, great lady." The imploring elvish plea was not mine, nor
meant for me. Divon lay on the beach beside Saraphina, desperately imploring
her to awaken. His soft but penetrating voice was answered by a flutter of
the cleric's eyelids. I found my own vision growing hazy, the feeling of
fluid in my throat. I coughed, and was disturbed to see red before me. Then
the pain was gone and I felt oddly peaceful. I closed my eyes and the screams
started to fade. I could not longer hear Divon's soft words, or
Elbereth's spells being spoken. There was only the soft singing of an elven
woman's voice and a warmth in my breast.
And the annoying patter of water droplets on my face. I was irked at the rain
for disturbing me. It drove out the peace I had felt. It occurred to me that
I shouldn't feel the rain anymore. I tentatively opened one eye, only to see
a concerned Divon looking into my face. He nearly cried out with joy,
scooping me up into a tight hug. I whimpered, still not feeling fully alive.
The moon elf's concerned look returned and he forced a vial to my lips.
Elbereth was fairing badly. He was forced in between the lich and the undead
dragon and shooting spells both ways. It was only a matter of time before he
ran out of prepared spells. A look of despair on his beautiful face, he
turned and held his hands out toward the dracolich. And shot a stream of
white hot flame at its head. Elbereth suddenly crumpled and behind him stood
Nilzt, a sword of pure magic in his hand, covered in blood.
Saraphina rallied the elves. Using her healing magic, she cured the spell the
dead dragon's song had put on them. Several mages shakily prepared spells,
but they would never complete them in time to save Elbereth. I ran as fast as
I could, but Eternity had cut my foot and I stumbled in the wet sand. And
then I saw it half buried in the sand. The sword! I grasped at it, willing
for it to heal me and give me speed. Nothing happened. The sapphire pommel
remained dull and lifeless. Screaming in frustration I stood up and ran for
the black cloaked figure. Raising Eternity's shining blade over my head, I
brought it
down onto the weakened lich's skull, cleaving it in two.
Still weak, I dropped to my knees by Elbereth. He was cold to the touch and
barely breathing. He would not last much longer. I jabbed Eternity furiously
into the ground, angry that it could not save him. I took his hand in mine
and cried.
Brilliant colors flashed above me as the elves fought against the dead
dragon. It screamed in pain as a hundred spells assailed it. I called to
Saraphina gesturing to Elbereth's body but she was too deep in concentration
to see me. I picked the elf up, trying to carry him back. But I was too weak,
and I sank back to my knees next to Eternity. Tears blotted my vision and I
knew no more.
************************************************************************
Divon was there to greet me with the sun when I awoke. He said I had slept
for three days and as many nights. I asked after Elbereth and his face grew
sad. I turned my head, tears forming again.
"Saraphina has been trying to heal him for three days now. She doesn't think
he'll live." He held Eternity out to me.
"You mean he's not dead yet?!" I asked, a mixture of joy and sadness
overwhelming me. I grabbed the sword from him and stood to run to my friend,
but fell back dizzily into my bed. Divon held his hand out to me, offering me
a shoulder to lean on.
We came to the chamber eons later. Elbereth's golden skin seemed dull and
dark bronze patches showed scars where his wounds were healing. Saraphina and
two acolytes were attending to him. One of them hissed at me as I walked in,
but the older moon elf restrained him coldly.
"My dear, it's good to see you back on your feet." The other two elves were
appalled to see their superior speak so fondly to a mere half elf, but they
said nothing. I began to ask about Elbereth, but she stopped me with a sad
shake of her head. "It's as if he doesn't want to go on. I'm sorry, Lianne."
I walked up to the gold elf and set the sword in his hands, allowing myself
to fall into it. The azure beauty of the castle seemed cold and lonely
without the elf. I could literally feel his presence outside and my mind
asked him in. There was no answer. I prepared to leave, but a hand touched my
shoulder.
"Elbereth?" I turned to see the gold elf. He nodded, smiling fondly. "Please
come back to us. Please don't die."
He pulled away from me. "No. I'm sorry." My look, full of hurt and
puzzlement, screamed "Why?"
"I'm old, Lianne. My place is with my daughter. I will never forget you." he
kissed my cheek. "Eternity is yours now," he added with a warm smile, "You
deserve it." He bowed and then he was gone forever. I choked a last goodbye.
"I will never forget you, my friend."
************************************************************************
"Are you sure you won't stay longer? You've only been on your feet a
fortnight."
"Nope," I said lightly, "I don't belong here anyway. Besides, theres a whole
world out there I haven't seen yet. It's been wonderful here and the
hospitality...well it's been wonderful anyway!" Divon smiled ruefully. I had
donned my old, patched travelling cloak, and looked like a bandit wearing
Eternity. The Selkie was sailing me out, albeit a little reluctantly. I gave
the elf a kiss on the cheek and waved goodbye.
"Take care of yourself!" he called.
"You too!" I turned to the east to watch the sun rise over a new day. A new
road....
The End
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