Session 11

This was an emotional session for me. As a player and character. Fun fact: it was supposed to be my last game, I was shipping off to live in Asia for a while. The battle to save Illium; and my DM had me sweating bullets.

This was my home. If I tried I could still picture crowds bustling through the market square. I remembered the ships docked in the harbor, an imposing show of our fleet and commerce. Then there were the high outer walls, dwarven made, barring danger from the peaceful city. Finally, the castle, the foundation of it all that watched its people with pride.

Now, as we teleported in the city center, my home was overrun. The demonic deformities that were Wroth burned and maimed in hordes. Contingents of dragonborn bearing the symbol of a five-headed dragon went toe-to-toe with soldiers defending fleeing citizens. Then the dragons. Five chromatic dragons flew across the city spewing flames and reaping chaos. Our guardians, the titan golems that stood at the four quadrants of Illium didn’t move to defend, they needed an heir.

No, gods, no... My mind raced, my wolf form whining as panic seized me. Maziel had one hand on my hackles, in a failed attempt to calm me.

“I have to lead the army!” Oliander called, turning toward the city gates. They were torn down, the impenetrable walls of my past now fallen, admitting entry to the Wroth that generations kept at bay. “Find the princess!” Like that, the Rose Knight sprinted away.

“Taelim,” Feeps began, “What do we--”

I bounded toward the castle, leaving my party shouting after me in a mad dash to keep up. I had to find an heir, Killian or Aunt Tylda, somebody to take my dad’s scepter and wake the golems. We had to fight back, or Illium would be ashes by morning.

How? How did it get to this? I bared my teeth as all I could think of was Jayce Valium sitting on my father’s throne, taking over and bringing danger to our doorstep with his arrogance.

The castle gates were unguarded. It didn’t surprise me that every capable fighter was likely doing their part in the battle out there. Feeps and the rest of the group caught up, panting, but the warforged took the lead, reading my intentions.

“We need to find Valium.” He said to me as we stepped inside. Home. The halls felt desolate, and we stopped at the first person we came across, a guard escorting an attendant inside.

The guard stopped and gaped when he recognized the warforged, eyes sparkling with hope. He opened his mouth to speak, but Feeps interrupted him.

“Take us to Valium!” The warforged demanded.

There was absolutely no hesitation. The guard turned on his heels and led us through the castle, up winding passages and halls of hiding citizenry with questioning looks. We hurried past marred memories that made me question the brash actions of a teenager those years ago. I knew where we were heading, my father’s study.

We stopped at the elaborate door, and the guard threw it open without ceremony. “My lord,” he announced. “Master Feeps has arrived!”

There he was, pacing the room like a peacock, tall bay windows overlooking the city and the turmoil outside. Jayce Valium, potential heir to the throne of Illium. He had been arguing with two guards and an attendant, evidently frazzled by the current situation and his inability to handle it.

“So you finally decided to show?” Valium said to Feeps with the inherited air of superiority that came natural. His eyes swept across our group. “And where is she?”

“I came as soon as possible, Lord Valium.” Feeps responded cooly. “As for the she,  I assume you mean Taelim?”

“Don’t play coy, warforged! Do you see this mess I’m trying to deal with? Where’s my scepter?”

I had forgotten I was in my wolf form. It felt natural, safe. What would have been a curse came out as a snarling growl and I pressed my ears against my skull. The room fell silent, except for the sound of discord outside.

Valium regarded me with a curious expression. “Elroar?” He asked, daring to take a step closer, forcing me back beside Maziel instinctively. I suppose I wasn’t over it. He smirked. “Ah, no, it’s female. Quite the bitch you have there.” He told Maziel, who said nothing in response. “Now then, where were we?”

“Taelim has the scepter,” Feeps lied. “It is her birthright after all. Now, where is Kililan?”

“Who are you to make demands?!” He pointed a finger at my guardian. “You try my patience, creature. Where is she with the scepter?”

Feeps glanced at me as I stood trembling, lips curled back revealing hungry fangs. The line between animal and human had been crossed.

“I am her guardian, directly expressing her wishes. Where is the Azure Prince or Tylda?”

Valium snapped. “Guards! Seize this lot. If they won’t tell me where Taelim is, we’ll beat it out of them!”

The words, the threat triggered something inside of me. Pent up frustration, loathing, nothing but worst intentions for the man who had frightened me into a corner, forced me away for fear of what he might do. I lunged. Eager to sink my maw into his throat, but it was too late.

Feeps knew me inside and out. Before I struck, he had whipped out the odd scroll the Incunabula gifted him, shouting out a spell before I knew what was happening. Valium cast one last look of annoyance before he turned to stone entirely.

The room froze, and I staggered back on all fours cocking my head at the turn of events, tail wagging against my will. Would I have killed Valium? It certainly felt like it, and I wondered if my guardian feared it as well.

The guards seemed to wake out of their daze, drawing swords and approaching us.

“Wait!” Maziel threw up her hands. “Change back, Taelim!” Maziel yelled while the rest of the party huddled defensively.

The name kept the guards at bay as they inadvertently searched the room for the missing person, their missing leader.

I obeyed, if uncomfortably. Well, they’ll learn the truth about what I am if I survive long enough to tell it.

There I was, half-elf form shifting awkwardly under their awed expressions. As if they didn’t believe I was here after all this time. They gaped at me, then Valium’s petrified from, then Feeps and the party.

“Um,” I began in a quiet voice. “I can explain…”

“Taelim!” Feeps commanded my attention, waving the scepter about. “Killian or Tylda. Now!”

I nodded and motioned to the guards. “Killian, bring him here quickly.” They seemed to hesitate, as if ashamed of some truth I didn’t yet know. “Hurry!” I called, shaking them out of it. They fled the room to do as ordered.

“Wooooow,” Cosmo commented once we were alone. “Is home always like this?”

I tried to laugh, but I felt nauseous. My head was brimming with worry as I paced in front of the windows. We need to fight. I need to defend the city. Then my eyes caught sight of something peculiar outside the city walls.

“Klo,” I called to gnome who scampered over. I pointed, directing him to my line of sight. “Is that--”

“A summoning circle…” He gasped, hand over his mouth. “The biggest I’ve ever seen.”
From there I watched the Wroth pour in, reinforcements seemingly unlimited. “We have to shut it down.” Out there, a black dragon patrolled alongside the ritual, letting out an intimidating roar. “That too…” I swallowed hard.

“And the four others,” Maziel reminded me as we observed a red dragon light up the merchant district.

The doors of the study were thrown open and two guards dragged in a semi-conscious Killian. He looked half starved half beaten, and the guards must have seen the fury in my features.

“Princess,” one stammered. “Lord Valium had us question--”

“Just get out!” I yelled, disbanding them. I dropped to Killian’s side the second the door closed.

Familiar blue eyes watched me from swollen eyelids, and he smiled despite his wounds. You look like shit, I wanted to tell him. Instead, I placed a hand on his chest and casted quick healing spells. He sighed in relief, as most of his bruises and cuts disappeared, revealing a familiar, if haggard man.

“Glad you made it,” Killian said hoarsely. “As you can see, Valium didn't take kindly to me finding you. Sank my ship and threw me in the brig. Don't know what he told everyone though.”

“Killian,” I said softly, helping him to the window so he could see for himself. He muttered a string of curses, and I turned him toward me. “I-I have to ask you something. A favor,” I hesitated, beckoning for Feeps. “How much do you care about Illium?”

He beamed and tried to lighten the situation. “As much as my left hand.”

Cosmo laughed and I rolled my eyes. Even Maziel chuckled as she leaned against the doorframe.

“Really, Princess,” he cleared his throat. “Just let me grab a weapon, I’ll lead a group outside. We’ll clean this up.”

I placed two hands on his shoulders, growing serious. “You’re the rightful heir of Illium.”

Killian blinked at me, then snorted amused. “Riiight. But really, I swear I can fight.”

Feeps lumbered over bearing the scepter, and I guided the warforged’s hand into Killian’s. The Azure Prince raised his eyebrows as he held the scepter. Gently, I pushed him toward the window where he could command safely.

“I promise,” I began in low, desperate voice. I had begun to feel it, what I knew to be true all along. That I was helpless to help my home. “I’ll tell you everything.” I started toward the door, motioning for the party to follow. “Wake the titan’s, send them after the dragons. Defend the city.”

“What about you? Where are you going?” Killian called after us.

“To do what we can.”

We sprinted headlong out of the castle, just in time to hear the low groan of metal moving into motion. The titans at the four corners of the city stretched their weary limbs, eyes alighting with magic energy. They smashed their fists together, goading the soaring dragons to draw near. Even from the courtyard, we could hear the echoing cheer of the people. The fight was on.

The titans heavy footfalls stomped over the fighting groups, weaving their massive feet through city blocks. The chromatic dragons made an enemy of each, diving forward for battle, but the black dragon lingered at the city gates, knowing full well what it protected.

It was odd to reach the city walls and stand atop the ramparts, staring back at the soldiers who eyed me with equal disbelief. They cheered our group, banging swords against shields, and knowing hope had arrived. At last, I never felt so welcome.

“Taelim!” Klotonk pulled me close, forcing our group to huddle. “I have an idea!”

“I’m all ears,” I said, admittedly distracted by whizzing arrows overhead. I yearned to fight something.

“I can dispel the circle! I’ll cast Invisibility on myself and make it over there. Can you distract the dragon?”

I glanced at the gargantuan black beast that spewed acid in an arc, keeping soldiers at bay and encouraging Wroth companions forward as they materialized in droves.

The gnome procured a handful of potions while we looked on, not doubtfully, just concerned with the thought none of us might make it out of this. He started to down them one after another sticking out his tongue in a grimace after each swig.

“Klo…” I tried, wanting to make excuses, but I knew we were quickly running out of options.

“You guys handle the dragon,” he said decidedly, finishing his last potion. “Leave the circle to me.”

I dropped to one knee and embraced him. “Be careful, buddy.”

He chuckled. “Of course!” He started to move, then added, “But when I get back, I wouldn’t mind taking a look at your dad’s book stash. I saw some pretty tempting titles.”

I grinned. “You got it.”

Then he was off, muttering his spell and disappearing entirely from sight.

“Hey guys,” I said to my friends, eyes locked on the black dragon. “Thanks for not bailing.”

Though they said nothing, I knew they had my back, as I undoubtedly had theirs.

“Soldiers clear out!” I called, waving my arms and creating ample spaces around us. “I’m about to piss off a dragon.”

I tilted my head up at the sky, black oil occasionally falling from the overcast ceiling. I reached up, muttering the words for my spell. Above, the clouds darkened into thick thunderheads, crackling with electricity. I slashed the air and pointed at the dragon as bolt of lightning slammed into the beast who bellowed furiously. I walked to the edge of the wall and repeated until its eyes met mine.

With a thunderous roar the dragon beat its massive wings and leapt into the air. With a few more flaps, it dropped onto the wall before us, revealing an impressive set of teeth. Its presence alone was enough to make us take an unconscious step back, except for our kender, who wouldn’t knew danger if it swallowed him whole.

Congrats, Taelim. You got its attention. This is where you die.

Every playful skirmish, every dungeon battle, each time we barely walked away didn’t quite prepare us for this ancient beast. But we gave it our everything, if not for our own hides, then for our friend working his way to the ritual alone; and if not for him, then for every citizen in Illium unable to defend themselves.

The black dragon clawed and bit, and we dodged and struck back. Acid burned beside our boots, and we stumbled around the difficult terrain trying to avoid being knocked off the towering wall, or slashed to ribbons.

We battled the beast for what seemed like an eternity, all of us at the end of our resources. But then, weary as we were, it snapped its maw forward, and this time found its mark. Feeps was swept upward in the dragon’s jaws, and I watched in horror as it crunched down, splintering my best friend’s body.

At that moment the air distorted, and a magical energy pulsed through the field. The dragon turned in horror to see the summoning circle had been dispelled, leaving no trace of Wroth in the vicinity. In fact, there wasn’t a living creature in hundred-foot radius. Nothing. The black dragon gazed around the city, evaluating. It realized something for the first time since they invaded: they were losing.

By now, the titans had killed at least one of the chromatic dragons, and were already teaming up on the others, annihilating danger as they went. Wroth were spilling out of the gates, fleeing droves, only to be cut down by Illium calvary.

The dragon dropped Feeps and leapt into the sky. It did one lap around the city, signalling for others to flee or follow. The remaining chromatic dragons joined, fortunate enough to escape pursuit unlike their ground forces. All that remained now was cleanup, but I was too distracted to think about it.

I slid over to Feeps, and wrapped my arms around him, refusing to let him go.

“Taelim. I am fine. Please do not worry.”

When he said that I wanted to cry. I thought I’d witness my best friend get devoured, and I couldn’t do a thing to stop it. I did a cursory check over his body, he appeared functional, even though the bite marks sizzled with acid.

“We’ll fix you,” I promised. “We’ll fix Illium too.”

He smiled at me, and I detected pity. “If that is what you wish.”

I said nothing. I truthfully didn’t know.

“Shit! Klotonk!” I jumped to my feet, but hesitated at Feeps’s side.
“Go!” He encouraged. “I will be fine.”

Cosmo, Maziel and I barreled down the steps and into the fields, striking down running enemies with certain satisfaction. When we stood at the center of where the summoning circle existed, not a single soul remained.

I closed my eyes and cursed. We’ll find you, Klo. I swear.

Eventually, I shuffled back to Illium and watched with pride as the city reclaimed itself. A towering half orc bearing the symbol of Kord carried the broken Feeps toward me. Off to an alley, Cosmo and a raging dwarf with silver arms were slaughtering remaining dragonborn.

Maziel hovered at my side, arms across her chest. “What now, princess?”

I shrugged. “I have no idea.”

Session 10

As I write this, I think: “But we did so much more than that!” Part of it stems from secrets involving in-game knowledge, and some of it comes from stories belonging to my teammates. After all, I’m only telling it through one point of view. It makes your realize how much you don’t know as a character, you’re just trying to make your way through the world.

Surprisingly we made it back to Stilt Town in one piece. One tired, frustrated and bickering piece. At the inn we spared no expense, each of us wolfing down meals, then melting comfortably into chairs by the fireplace, looking forward to actual beds.

Naturally, Maziel was the first to break the peace. “I’ve got business to attend.” She walked toward the door briskly before stopping. “And Taelim--”

“Stay out of trouble?” I finished.

The drow put a single finger to the tip of her nose, then headed out.

“She seems to be quite the enigma,” Zan said, looking after her.

I shrugged and sipped at my mead. “We all have our secrets.” Our eyes met and I stopped him before he could criticize. “And we’re entitled to them.”

“For the most part we share enough,” Klotonk chimed in. He was fiddling with a mechanical box on the table next us, squeezing tiny springs into peculiar compartments.

“Well, you aren’t the oddest group I’ve come across,” Zan admitted. “And the Sump’s been seeing a lot of them lately.”

“Hooray!” Cosmo cheered halfheartedly, cuddling with Barnaby on the floor beside the fireplace.

“I’m just sorry this is where we part.”

We all seemed to stop what we were doing to look at the monk.

“What do you mean, Zan?” Feeps asked, tilting his head so his feathered cap tickled my face.

“I had fun, don’t get me wrong!” Zan hurried to explain. “But like you said. We all have our secrets, and mine draws me away from Illium, where you folks plan to head next.”

“I’m guessing Maziel already knows.” I questioned casually.

The wood elf nodded once. He pulled out a yellowed map and unfolded it on the table. “This here’s Stilt Town,” his fingers followed a particular trail south. “You want to head to Freeport. That’s where prince charming will come get you.”

I scowled, but couldn’t resist matching his grin for long. I offered my hand. “Until we meet again.”

He took it and shook. “Until then.”

When Maziel came in that night, she looked different. Shaken. Zan had already gone, and only our group lingered by the dwindling fire. She pulled up a chair to an empty table. Klotonk was far too deep in a tome to be distracted, and Cosmo crawled somewhere in the rafters, Barnaby’s eyes searching various spots of the ceiling.

I leaned against Feeps who hummed a gentle tune, waiting for what I knew wouldn’t come. With a subdued sigh I got up and sat across from the drow.

“You look particularly peeved this evening, Maziel.”

“Taelim...” Feeps warned softly.

I held my head in my hand. “Really though. What’s wrong?”

The drow studied me carefully. I could see her lips twitching, considering the words but unable to form the order she sought. I sat back, patiently waiting, wondering if she might share her concerns or head to bed.

“What if I told you,” Maziel began, voice low and quivering. “That I met Lolth?”

My initial reaction was of course to laugh at the absurdity of it, but I bit my tongue. I recalled myself being saved by a deity I didn’t even pray to. Lolth did have a better presence within the drow community than most gods in their own, so I had no right to doubt. I clearly wasn’t a devout druid, tied to any nature god.

“Go on,” I said, tone neutral.

Maziel turned to stare upward, clearly spotting the snooping kender above. “My wish...she came to me because of it. Lolth knew, so we made a pact.”

“What sort of pact?” Klotonk asked cautiously, eyes peering over his book.

Maziel sneered. “For one year, drow loyal to her won’t kill each other, like they normally do…”

“And?” Feeps and I asked in tandem.

“In exchange, I won’t kill her.”

The room fell silent, and I learned back in my chair and whistled softly. Talk about responsibilities.  

It felt unusual to be on the road again, especially considering how much time we spent in the Sump. After everything we encountered. It was stranger still to know I was heading home, and bringing my circus friends with me. Literally. Mother was going to be so proud of my accomplishments.

The fastest route turned out to be a slender river that spilled into the vast sea alongside Freeport’s coast. So we rented a boat, and took turns paddling down the lazy river. As is natural, we found trouble. Feeps, being the largest and most conspicuous creature on the boat, proved an easy target for an ocean Drake. As we cruised along the river, the creature swooped down, and lifted him up as quickly as a passing shadow.

“Oh, nooooooooo...” Feeps’s voice echoed away as we all leapt up in the boat, rocking it and tipping it over. It was just enough time for Maziel to let an arrow fly and Klotonk to shoot out a spell. The drake shrieked and veered out of our sight, relinquishing its hold on Feeps who went splashing into the river ahead.

I hurriedly swam over, diving below to help bring my sinking furniture friend to shore. I grinned as water poured out from his harpsichord body like a walking fountain.

“My art is smudged,” the warforged lamented, and I laughed. I sometimes forgot he bore the horrendous tattoos from an untalented child with a paintbrush.

“I can always draw more.”

The crew caught up, having righted the boat and climbed back in.

“Hurry up, will you?” Maziel barked, sopping wet. “Before I hunt and kill that thing.”

We rented some rooms at a Freeport inn that sat with an unmarred view of the docks. This allowed me plenty of time to watch the waters, and decide whether or not I could back out. Too late now.

We cut timing fairly close, arriving just before the two week deadline Killian promised. We decided to take it easy until then, not bothering to take out contracts for eager adventures. So the adventure came to us.

As we finished up dinner, huddled in our own corner while rowdy locals and sailors filled the room, a peculiar trio stepped inside and caused a commotion that drew our attention. They were tall, gaunt figures, their bald heads bearing a crown of spikes from their skulls. Beneath their plain robes, their arms were entirely covered in bizarre linen wrappings.

The trio chatted up the uncomfortable innkeeper, quickly coming to an agreement after a sizable pouch of silver was placed on the counter. One of the female humanoids gazed around the room and her eyes fell on our party with evident interest. She leaned into her group, whispering to the armored warrior who then nudged the tallest--a male wearing an eye patch on his left eye.

After they concluded with the innkeeper, they walked toward us.

The tall one spoke in a raspy voice. "This one is Truth, of the House Ineffable.” He pointed to the female. “This one is Pain, of the House Exquisite.” He gestured to the warrior. “This one is Blade, of the House Indomitable.”

True to our nature. We said nothing and stared, trying and failing to discern anything about these particular people.

Truth regarded us. “This one does not prefer to waste one’s time. It bears the mark of the Black Snake, and the White Orb, correct?” His fingers swept across each of us.

Orb? What in the…? Oh, the Primordial. I guess it did resemble a black snake. How in the hells do they know we were there?

Feeps came to our silent group’s rescue. “This one does,” he thumbed his chest, attempting to politely imitate their speech. “But this one did not know that it was so obvious!”

The trio grinned, revealing a sharp row of teeth.

“Excellent,” Truth continued. “May this Three request an interview?” He hurried to explain after we exchanged glances around the table. “We are Inquisitors, Knights, Librarians. We seek stories and secrets.”

“This one is inclined to say yes. But first tell us: how did it know?”

Pain came forward. “This one’s story, raiment, purpose is to see eyes unclouded. It bears the mark of an Orb Chosen. But only the one, not the Black Orb.”

“There is a Black Orb? That sounds...frightening,” Feeps mused aloud.

“It has touched the White, but not the Black? What a strange creature it is! Is it sentient? What is it made of?” Pain rambled excitedly, drawing near.

“He’s not an it,” I interjected annoyed, forgetting my unease.

“He? Is that...a name, house, purpose? Define for this one, please.” Pain asked, then added, “This one means no disrespect.”

“Taelim,” Feeps said, patting my hand like a child. “It is their mannerisms. When they say “it” they mean “you”.”

I folded my arms across my chest and said nothing, waiting for the rest of the exchange to wrap up.

Feeps turned back to the group. “Well, I suppose that if there was a White one, there had to be a Black one too.” He cocked his head at them, addressing their original question. “Where must these ones go to answer its interview questions?”

Truth responded. “So, does it and its companions wish to speak with The Three in a private location? The Three have just purchased a stable to rest in.”

Again, we glanced around the table. For the first time in a long time, I felt annoyed with Feeps for putting himself at risk. In a secluded stable. With strangers who wanted to question us. And I wasn’t about to let him go alone.

“Yes! Stories and secrets. This is going to be great!” Klotonk piped up, practically leaping off his seat.

I could feel Maziel writhing besides me, and even Cosmo shushed Barnaby’s whines.

The Three turned to guide us out back, Klotonk practically skipping behind them with Feeps's centaur frame not far off. The rest of us trailed, checking over our shoulders as we went.

The Three rode Worgs, the massive snarling beasts dominated the stables, hardly friendly, even to their masters. While Klotonk and Feeps moved toward an empty stall with The Three, I neared the beasts alone. Maziel and Cosmo were gone. Typical.

They called themselves Incunabula, an ancient race of the Shadowfell committed to acquiring all manners of knowledge, secrets, mysteries and history. This often forced them into the role of scribe, treasure hunter and inquisitor to obtain what they sought. They kept history alive, all in the name of their god, Vecna.

The Three planned on journeying to the Sump, and since they happened to know that’s where we came from, they wanted information. Why we were dragged in the stables to do so, I had no idea.

“Be careful what you tell them?” I pulled Klotonk and Feeps aside, whispering as The Three waited patiently.

“Of course,” Feeps responded, hand on my shoulder. “My mouth shall withhold sensitive information, but for the sake of history and knowledge, I will share what I can.”

I nodded. “Just keep dad’s tower out of it, okay?” I paused. “And me, not like Ilium won’t find out, but still…”

“Trust me, Taelim.” Feeps said, turning back toward The Three and leaving me with the Worgs.

“Hey…” I tried.

Their alpha returned a half snarl half snort, and continued to watch our group with bared teeth.

Klotonk decided to go first.

Pain carefully unwrapped her strange bandages, giving one end to the gnome. “Memories will be...exchanged.”

Klo took the bandage reverently, the two closing their eyes as eerie markings seemed to glow on the linens. It happened quickly. Pain pulled back the bandage, inclining her head, leaving the gnome to shuffle away, his mind clearly racing with newly learned information.

The gnome stumbled toward me, regarding me and my clearly failed attempt to make new friends.

“They don’t like anyone,” I explained, as Klo moved to my opposite flank, away from the Worgs.

Feeps was up next, repeating a process similar to Klotonk’s. Still, it seemed to take longer, that or my irrational fears made me presume so.

When Pain pulled away from the warforged, a different expression came over her. She reached into her bag, and handed him a scroll. “A gift.”

My guardian took the scroll with a gentle smile. “Thank you.”
I watched The Three incline their heads, clearly content with what they learned. We left the stables and returned back to our inn, practically bumping into Maziel who materialized out of the shadows.

“That was...interesting?” The drow admitted, taking the lead.

“You saw?” I asked, glancing over at Feeps who seemed lost in thought.

“Mmhmm.”

A redheaded kender leapt off the rooftops and joined us. “Here I am!” Cosmo offered, clearly amused he too alluded our perception. Maziel looked as annoyed as ever.

We returned to our rooms, and hoped for an uneventful remainder of our stay. I should have known better.

“Taelim. Wake up and get dressed.” Feeps shook me softly.

I tried to roll away, but the warforged was used to this procedure by now, and began to play an off key tune on his harpsichord.

“Gods, I’m up!” I snapped groggily. Even through my half asleep state I picked up on his hesitation. “What’s wrong?”

“Get ready,” he repeated again. Worried. “Illium’s ships are almost here.” He paused, clearly contemplating what he should tell me. “An airship has already landed, and the Rose Knight is here…”

“Oliander?” I uttered in disbelief, rushing to get ready. Shit. The Rose Knight himself. An Eldritch Knight gnome, and the general of Illium’s army. I was either in serious trouble, or something was very wrong. Probably both.

Then we were there, part of the throng of people that swarmed the docks to watch Illium’s ships making berth. “This wasn’t the agreement,” I told my party in a hushed crowd. “It’s practically a hunting party. Where’s Killian?”
“Oh. My. Goodness!” Klotonk practically screamed, pointing at the airship. “I built that!”

I regarded the airship with wonder. I didn’t remember that belonging to my father’s fleet. It was certainly a wonder, and I couldn’t begin to fathom the ingenuity it took. I glanced down at my genius gnome friend and believed every word.

“I-I mean--the blueprints--I drafted them. I made the initial estimates, the specifications. I calculated…”

Then I drowned Klotonk out as he spewed on about algorithms he didn’t think were possible. Who had gotten his designs? Well, other than Illium. More importantly. Who finished them?

Maziel stepped up beside me as we. “So, not to plan then?”

“No,” I replied distantly.

“Do you still want to go through with this?”

“Yes, but, it feels wrong....”

Maziel pursed her lips. “Change into a wolf.”

“What?”

“Change into my companion, and we’ll take you to Illium.” She eyed me frankly. “Now! Before people take notice.”

I obeyed, sitting on my haunches and the ranger’s heels. She scratched my ear, amused. Just in time.

“Master Feeps!” A thin, unruly attendant bearing Illium’s coat ran up to our party, focused on the walking centaur warforged. His calls parted the curious crowd, making a clear path to our party.

“Castral!” Feeps called back cheerily.

“Master Feeps!” Castral cried, eyes brimming with tears. “It’s true. You’re returning to us.”

“Indeed, we are. All of us,” his arms swept across us, introducing the group as part of my entourage. Except for one crucial detail.

“But where is Princess Taelim?” He asked hurriedly, concern dawning.

“Yes, where is our princess?” A deep demanded. A fully armored gnome stepped into view. Alongside Illium’s crest, his armor was etched with roses. He tapped a slender flute against his leg impatiently, his natural talent outside of battle. Oliander, the Rose Knight of Ilium.

“General,” Feeps inclined his head respectfully. “We expected Killian, not a fleet.”
Oliander’s eyes narrowed. “Killian returned stating he found the princess and aimed to bring her home. Prince Valium didn’t take too kindly to the notion. He sent me in Killian’s stead.”

Unintentionally I growled at the statement, forcing Maziel to grip my muzzle tightly.

“Now then,” Oliander continued brusquely. “I don’t see Princess Taelim among you.”

“About that,” Feeps feigned a laugh. “Taelim, ever impatient, managed to secure passage to Illium...via teleportation. She should be there by now. She had us wait here for you.”

Even the Rose Knight raised an eyebrow at the warforged’s evident bluff. “The last five years you’ve presumably spent alongside her,” his eyes wandered the crowd, searching. “And you mean to say she went back to Illium on her own?”

“She heard of...troubles.” Feeps replied calmly. “You know how she gets.”

“And this is her entourage I'm to bring back?”

“Yes, she was hoping so...”

We hung there in silence, on the thin thread of Feep’s deception.

“Fine, then there’s no time to waste.” He signaled toward the approaching Illium contingent. “Give me a wizard. Now.”

A robed figured stepped out of the brigade, saluting the General.

“I want a teleportation circle to Illium. Get started.” Oliander commanded, and the wizard obeyed with another salute as we all made way.

Maziel whistled softly. “Guess there is no time to lose.”

I whined in agreement as the caster made quick work of the ritual.

“Come, Master Feeps, bring your group.” Oliadner beckoned, stepping inside the circle. He turned back to the waiting crew and barked orders. “Resupply and ship out, we have no idea what awaits at home.”

I watched familiar faces rush to obey as the rest of us stepped inside the teleportation circle dutifully. The urge to flee left me, replaced by eagerness to get home. I had never seen the Rose Knight so serious.

Oliander nodded to the wizard, and like that, we left that part of the world and returned to home. We were warped back to the center of the city, amid burning buildings and the sound of roars. Black oil fell from the sky, while fighting took place all around. Illium was at war.