Session 26

             For the next few weeks I was bound to the castle. My life revolved around politics and social calls while my friends were killing a fungus god. Of late, I think my resentment had spread. Feeps had tried and failed to support my clearly torn lifestyle, and Killian had entirely given up on the prospect of our marriage, which I still continued to put off. I was simply going through the motions.
“You’re miserable,” Lysandra pointed out to me one night as we drank wine on my balcony.

I didn’t respond, but I knew this to be true. I should have been out there with my friends, fending off evil. That was how I could better serve Illium. Becoming a Magi was the wish Viceak had in mind, not reluctantly ruling. Yet, here I was.

I reached for the bottle and filled my glass. Lysandra watched reproachfully, but didn’t stop me. With a sigh, she quietly brushed Little Oddie, who observed the city diligently from the railing.

“I heard they will be back by tomorrow,” she tried to cheer me up.

I grunted in acknowledgement as I tipped my glass back. She attempted a few times to distract me from Illium. It didn’t matter, I drank until I forgot the night anyway.

I awoke to banging on my door.

I fell out of bed, then scrambled to my feet, throwing on a set of clothes. My head ached with every movement, and I almost jumped again when someone moved in my bed.

Lysandra. I sighed. I can’t keep this doing this.

The knock was more forceful this time. I swallowed, then hurried to answer.

“What?” I said, slipping outside to confront my callers. It was Dagon, with Maziel at his heels.

The dwarf chuckled. “You look flustered. Had a good night?”

He tried to peek behind me, but I shut the door and faced him. “Welcome back,” I snapped, “Now what do you want?”

“It’s noon, Taelim.” Maziel said calmly.

I pursed my lips. Gods dammit. “All right, but you’re here for a reason.”

“We killed Zuggtmoy!” Dagon blurted excitedly.

Maziel shoved him aside. “I need a favor.”

I cocked my head, folding my arms over my chest. “What kind?”

“We found Gnasha on our trip. She and a band of orcs have gathered in Asimba.” Maziel paused as if verifying I was comprehending her despite my questionable state. Tentatively, she continued. “I told her you could heal her hand if she went back to Stilt Town...”

“Do you know how much shit I get everytime I leave Illium?” I retorted.

“You could be there and back in a day with your magic.”

“Not the point.”

“Please, Taelim.” Maziel said quietly. “For me. I want no hard feelings between our parties.”

My shoulders fell. “Fine, I’ll take care of it.”

Maziel bowed her head. “Let me know when you get back. We’re planning another trip.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but the two had already turned to leave. A thought for a later time.

“You shirt is on backwards!” Dagon shouted before turning a corner.

I looked down and cursed, then stormed back into my room to change.

My tasks tended to come in waves, one after the other. I had hardly stepped foot in court before an attendant called for me in a panic.

“Princess!” The nervous man began, repeatedly peering over his shoulder. “There are, um, diplomats here to see you.”

“That wasn’t on the schedule,” I replied dryly, walking by. “Let Killian deal with it.”

The attendant squeaked and hurried to keep up. “They specifically requested you. Drow from Lowfort.”

I stopped in my tracks to face him, and the attendant only nodded his head vigorously. I could see the sweat beading on his forehead.

“I’ll deal with them,” I said at once.

The attendant wilted in relief. He bowed deeply, praised my name then scuttled off before I could change my mind.

As I made my way to the drawing room where the drow waited, I wondered and feared what they could possibly want from me. Or worse, from Illium. When I stepped inside, I faltered for a moment. Two women were waiting patiently at the table.

Outfitted in intricate black robes, a dark face with iris-less eyes looked up at me. She was beautiful. The woman beside her was outfitted in soft leathers, with a short sword at her side.

The first woman stood, drawing back her veil. “You’ve come at last.” She didn’t seem the least bit pleased.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting your arrival…”

The woman seemed to stand straighter. “You may call me L’triel, I come on behalf of my people.”

I nodded slowly as I took a seat across from them. L’triel’s bodyguard remained standing, hands behind her back. “I heard you’ve come all the way from Lowfort. For what reason?” I asked, actually striving to be polite despite knowing they had no right to call that place home.

L’triel smiled, we both saw through the other’s bullshit. “I’ve come to arrange an alliance.”

I was glad I hadn’t started drinking. I might have spit it out. “Is that so? Did you make the same offer to Stilt Town or Lowfort?”

“Guard your tongue, illegitimate one.” The bodyguard snarled.

L’triel raised a hand to silence the other drow.

I grinned darkly. “Bastard I may be, yet still in charge here. Remember that.”

L’triel leaned forward, folding her hands on the table. “We know the upheaval our presence has brought. As your friend, Maizel, might have once expressed, the drow don’t have a place to call home. Now, for once in alignment as a people, we seek that home.”

I sat back in my chair. By trying to take it from others. “You’re making enemies,” I said bluntly. “If you will stop your attacks by aquiring a home, then take Solstice. It’s an abandoned city we recently reclaimed.”

L’triel features scrunched in distaste. “That won’t do….We don’t have a fondness for the oppressive sunlight there.”

I drummed the table. I’m being baited. “And Lowfort won’t do? Your people secured that nicely, though I can’t imagine taking the orcs there as slaves has gone over well.”

L’triel watched me calmly. “That is not the home we originally sought.”

“Then you still want the Sump,” I said abruptly. “But you know they’ll kick you right back out.” I threw up my hands. “I can’t have an alliance with those who want to take their home by force.”

“Which is why we were hoping you could convince the locals to relocate.”

For a heartbeat I forgot to breathe. I just blinked at the diplomat, replaying her statement in my head, verifying I heard correctly.

“You want me to move the orcs and bullywugs out of their home, so you can have it?”

L’triel nodded, but her features had grown serious. There was a deadliness in it, and I briefly wondered who was protecting who of the two present.

“We are tired of warring, young princess. We genuinely wish to stop, to call the Sump home and live at peace with those of this realm.”

“And you can’t live in peace with those already there?”

She shook her head once, decisive.

I sighed, sitting up in my chair. “Suppose I can convince the others to move, to give you the Sump and call a truce. What do we get out of it?”

L’triel spread her arms, welcoming suggestions. “What do you wish of us?”

I chewed on my lips, contemplating the question. I already knew any bargaining with them was a risk. I should have brought Maziel. “Leave Lowfort, and free your slaves. If I can get the drow the Sump, you’re done. Don’t even think of taking over another territory, because you’ll shatter this precious truce you want.”

L’triel shifted in her seat, but I couldn’t tell if she was getting comfortable or just the opposite. After a few moments, she responded. “If you can secure the Sump for the drow, then I’ll do as you ask. You have an accord.”

I rubbed my temple, the pounding in my head had only grown worse. “I’ll see to the paper work.” Slowly I rose to my feet. “But that’s if I can convince the Sump tribes at all.”

I stepped out of the tree’s portal and into Stilt Town later that day. This was a solo trip, and one I desperately needed. A large patchwork tent was thrown up just outside the buildings under construction. Two burly orcs stood guard outside.

I approached the entrance, but crossed pikes barred my way.

“Really? I’m here to see Gnasha.” I told the orcs, who grunted something back in their own tongue. Hands on my hips, I briefly contemplated shifting into an elemental and tossing them aside. Before I could, the flaps were thrown open and a female orc, a head taller than her guards, stood in the doorway.

“Taelim. You’ve come,” she said in her deep voice, surprised I was actually here.

She gave the guards a single look, and they immediately drew back their pikes. She beckoned for me to follow inside the tent.  

Gnasha plopped down on the mats and hides piled on one side of the space, gesturing for me to follow. I obliged, trying and failing not to stare at the stump on her otherwise intimidating figure.

She waved it in front of me, bearing her short tusk teeth. “A gift from your friend.”

“I heard,” I responded weakly, scratching my ear idly.

“Did she also tell you how her people took my village by force!” She growled.

“Maziel swore she wasn’t a part of that,” I said, defending my companion.

Gnasha snorted, then looked away. “It doesn’t matter now. Most of my people have been taken, I failed them.”

I considered holding back details of my encounter earlier today, but she had a right to know. “A drow diplomat visited me in Illium today…”

Gnasha’s head swung back around, her eyes locking with mine. “Illium? Why there?”

I shrugged, “Asking for our help, my help.”

“With you? In Illium?” She repeated,uncertainly.

“You do know I run that kingdom, right?”

Gnasha’s eyes widened. “You, little savior of Stilt Town?” She grinned, amused at the prospect.

I swallowed and ignored the reference to my past actions. “Yeah, well, I was the bastard of the king’s wife, but no one knew until the attacks there. For some reason they want me to stay.” I shook my head and the facts with it. “Give me your arm, that is, if you want your hand grown back.”

Gnasha examined me carefully, then tentatively extended her stump. “Tell me more about the drow in Illium.”

So, as I invoked the regenerative properties to restore her hand, I told her everything that happened. When I was done, she only gaped at me, entirely ignoring her fully regrown hand.

“You can’t trust them!” She snarled.

“Who said I did?” We held eyes for a moment, but I caved in first. “I’m trying to get the drow to stop, Gnasha. If they will actually be content with the Sump, then maybe they won't invade every place they come across.”

“They won’t stop,” Gnasha said.

“Then we go to war!” I responded, voice strained. I sighed, shaking my head. “I don’t have any other way to get them out of Lowfort, free their slaves, and leave this plane alone. They want a place to call their own, and while I don’t agree with their methods, I want it wrapped up.” I faced her squarely. “Do you want to help me or not?”

Gnasha gazed down as her new hand, flexing her fingers for a few moments in silence. When she spoke, she didn’t meet my gaze. “What are you asking of me?”

“With the help of some other druids, I think we can shape some of the southern lands in Illium for the orcs and bullywugs to inhabit. Happily and safely under Illium’s banner. The problem is convincing them to go. That’s where I need you, they’ll listen to you. Trust you even.”

Gnasha folded her meaty arms across her chest. “They’re going to betray you, Taelim.”

“Maybe,” I replied. “But once the drow leave Lowfort, I’m placing a garrison there to support the locals, orcs you know and who I need you to lead. If they decide to cross us, that’s war on Illium. Maybe that’ll make them think twice. Who knows?”

Gnasha remained quiet for a long time, and I had all but given up on her assistance. Finally, she spoke up. “Fine, I’ll convince the tribes. If the drow break the agreement…”

“I know…” was all I said.

She extended her new hand, and I took it, glad to be done with the matter. Now I had to find my father, Elroar, because there was no way I could terraform a region by myself. More problems for a later time.

I was actually happy to go home. I looked forward to sleeping in my bed and having the day be over with. Naturally, nothing was that simple. Feeps had been waiting for me to return to the castle, surrounded by guards.

“Taelim,” he rushed to my side. “Come with me!” The centaur warforged grabbed my hand, and led me briskly down the halls and into one of the cellars. The guards kept a respectable distance, keeping an eye out for whatever danger I failed to see.

Feeps led me to a wooden table where a body was lying on top, covered with a cloth. He pulled back the sheet, and I gaped down at the familiar face of Timony, the wizard who kidnapped me not long ago. Feeps handed me a small note which read: “You’re welcome! -- OC”

I moved to a barrel, dropped down on the lid and laughed, my body shaking with amusement and fatigue. Feeps waited, mouth slightly ajar, as I wiped a tear from my eye.

“That was the son of a bitch who kidnapped me,” I explained. “But he’s good and dead, so one less problem I have to deal with.”

“Taelim, why do you get involved with these situations?”

I shrugged, “Doesn't matter now. I’d burn the body. He belongs to the Unseelie, and if they learned we had him...well, I bet Ornamental Chaos already has a target on their head for this.”

I turned and headed for the exit.

“Where are you going?” Feeps called after me.

“To drink myself stupid. Goodnight!”

Session 25

When I plane-shifted back to Illium, I found all of my friends there waiting. Thanks to boons from the Primordial, things were mostly back to normal. Mostly. There were now two Maziels, not clones, but living, breathing, scolding Maziels. Everyone else had their clones “deactivated,” which caused enough chaos as all of them collapsed suddenly throughout the city. So, we collectively dumped the spare bodies at the Mage’s Guild. What they did with them, I didn’t ask.

As for Primus, the man-made god had been disabled in a time spell like Solstice, so he was a threat for a later day. Klotonk also had another version of himself, but this one functioned on a soul gem much like Feeps. It annoyed me that this Klotonk bot was dragged everywhere on a cart, so I awakened a tree to serve as Treetonk’s legs. Now I could accurately say one of my good friends was a tree.

Startling of all was the pair of goliaths Cosmo had brought to Illium, former traveling companions of my friends. They were twins, a brother and sister. Kolae was a paladin of Melora, while Odison was a cleric of Pelor. Both didn’t seem to enjoy letting Primus sit in a time spell while some dragon, a nidhogg, needed slaying. I didn’t bother asking about their particular desire for revenge though, I had a castle to pretend I never left. Of course, that didn’t last long either.

Klotonk’s house was packed with people, so leaving Nails there was out. I decided to take her to the Sump. I didn’t think a Tiamat cultist was going to do very well in Illium, even if she didn’t remember her past. I hoped Dmitri the Miracle Worker might be able to bring back her memories. If she decided to try and kill me after that, I knew the risks.

It had been well over a year since I was last in Stilt Town, and I expected to see the rebuilt, if rundown village I almost burned to the ground. I didn't expect it to be gone entirely. The Muk Muk tribe of bullywugs were all but gone, and there wasn't an orc in sight. All I could see was a small hilltop amid the trees, and there, a small group of dwarves were laying the foundation for a building of some sort. The hill moved, as if trying to get comfortable, and everyone stopped working. They waited for the mound to stand still, then they resumed.

I turned, mouth ajar, to Maziel who had, for whatever reason, insisted on coming. Dagon, who had also tagged along for reasons unknown, ran off to the dwarves calling out, “My Prince!”

“There’s a perfectly good explanation,” Maziel said aloud.

“How did I know you were behind this?!”

Maziel held up a single gloved finger. “The drow invaded,” she responded simply.

I crossed my arms and awaited the rest. A miracle could wait.

“They took control of almost all of the Sump a few months back. The Muk Muks conceded, and fled deeper into the swamp. The orcs...Gnasha...didn't.”

“You're telling me this now?”

Maziel shrugged. “You seemed stressed enough with Illium.” She was silent for a few moments. “I, well one of my clones, really did try to help, even begged Gnasha to surrender…”

“I'm guessing that went well.”

“I took off her hand in battle and she took me prisoner. Then the drow army stormed in, burning the place to the ground.”

I heard Nails exhale beside me. I looked around and Maziel seemed to read my thoughts. “They're gone. Remember that insufferable group who called themselves Ornamental Chaos? Well...they allied with the Glaistig, and they and a forest army kicked the drow out.”

I cringed at the mention of the powerful Fey who killed my father. That was a hatred I let lie for the time being.

Maziel nodded her head at the hilltop. “Prince Xee was among the drow’s captives. We were freed, and he set to work making “amends” or whatever.”

“Where are the drow now?” I questioned bluntly.

“Somewhere in the Asimba Mountains, near Lowfort. Likely plotting their next move. They took many of the orcs as slaves.”

I cursed softly. Another item added to my list. If the drow were hungry for a territory to call home, somewhere besides the Underdark, it was only a matter of time before Illium got involved. Hopefully I could resolve things before then.

I turned and patted Nails on the arm. “Come on, let's find who we came for. I bet the drow couldn’t force him out.”

Sure enough, I found the albino in the same run down temple I had met him in last. When things were very different, and my world had only recently be turned upside down.

Nails went in alone, to make whatever agreement Dmitri sought, so I leaned against the doorway and waited. I made it a point to check on Radiant, but the sword that followed me didn’t seem to be interested in anything but killing dragons.

After about fifteen minutes, Nails exited the temple. She didn’t meet my eye at first, and I knew at once she remember everything.

“I’m sorry,” she said in a low voice, lifting her gaze to meet mine.

“For?”

“What we did in Illium…”

We held stares for a few minutes, and I could see the genuine guilt. “It’s all right, but now that you know…”

Nails was already shaking her head. “I’ve no intention of following Tiamat. It almost killed me in that tower.”

I nodded my head. “You’re free to come back to Illium you know. I just wanted you to have your memories back.”

Nails returned a warm smile. “You’ve been nothing but welcoming to someone who doesn't deserve it. But no, my path now lies in rectifying my mistakes.”

I held out my hand, and she took it. “Then best of luck to you. Stay safe.” I said, actually hoping she found atonement in whatever she was after.

“Thank you, Taelim. I owe you everything,” she replied. Without looking back, Nails turned and headed down a beaten path, eventually disappearing from sight.

After a few moments, I regrouped with the other two. I stopped in my tracks when I found Dagon sitting on the foundation of a fallen building. I hesitated, then did a double take. His arms were...normal. Gone were the silver hands of his punishment, and in those hands, he was holding what looked to be a very old, dwarven key.

Dagon blinked up at me. “Prince Xee…he’s forgiven me. He removed my curse.”

“That’s good, right?” I replied, peeking at Maziel who just shrugged.

Dagon waved the key distractedly. “He gave me the key to his kingdom…like he expects me to take over.”

I grinned and slapped Dagon on the back. “That’s great, you’re royalty now.” I paused for a heartbeat, my smile becoming a frown. “For your information, it blows. But, good luck.”

He gaped at me with sorrowful eyes.

Maziel saved me from another pep talk. “Taelim, take us back. Our business is concluded.”

Admittedly, I had grown to like the goliath woman called Kolae. Except her repeated attempts to convert me to Melora, but other than that, we got along. I especially enjoyed her spars with our soldiers, and by spars I mean how she almost always went untouched while she easily subdued the others.

As Kolae wrapped up one of her bouts, a tiny pygmy hawk landed on my shoulder. I took it into my hands and set to stroking its unbearably soft feathers.

“You. Are. Adorable.” I assured the diminutive creature, though it undoubtedly knew this to be true.

“He’s grown quiet fond of you,” Kolae’s deep voice interrupted my cooing.

“This is the real reason I come to watch you beat my troops into submission.”

The pygmy hawk called Little Oddie chirped in my hands, and I practically smothered it in affection.

“We’re all heading to the Asimba Mountains, for the dwarf’s sake,” Kolae said in her calm, methodical voice. “He seeks revenge on the corrupt queen of his people.”

“Something about Zuggtmoy I heard.”

“A foul alliance which we will right,” Kolae finished.

I blinked at her, but her features were hard and determined. Paladin. Riiight.

“You know I can’t come,” I started to explain. “I’ve gotten an earful from Illium’s counsel, and I promised Killian I’d meet with Lord Gerald Blacktower.”

Kolae just shrugged, clearly my business was none of her concern. She was watching Oddie.

“Perhaps he should stay with you,” Kolae inclined her head at the hawk.

I chuckled softly. “I can’t take your pet.”

“He’s not mine,” she replied softly. “Melora sent him to me, when I thought I lost my brother. He was my comfort. Now, I’m reunited with Odison, and this one seems to bring you some joy here.”

I let the small hawk nestle between my shoulder and neck, trying to ignore the tickle. “Well, I can’t say no to that. Unless this is a bribe to serve Melora, then no.”

Kolae threw her head back and laughed. “I don’t deal in bribes and trickery, young druid.” She rose to her feet, standing well over eight and a half feet tall. She bent down and placed a massive palm on my back. “Treat him well.”

I saw my friends off, transporting them via trees to the Sump. There they would trek all the way to the Asimba Mountains. It would be long, cold and treacherous, and I envied them. I turned back to the castle, tugging at my refined clothes. I tried, with every ounce of my willpower, to appear civil as I sat in the dining hall, welcoming the old noble in.

Of all the lords and ladies I had encountered as Illium’s princess, Lord Blacktower was by far the most unpretentious of the lot. Yet, it was his farmlands up north that Illium depended on, especially since the south was still recovering from the salted fields the Wroth left in their wake a year ago. He sat down ungraciously, accepting a generous glass of wine.

“Princess,” Gerald nodded. Since I last saw him almost six years ago, time hadn’t been his friend. His salt and pepper hair was swept back, heavily favoring the white. He hadn’t bothered to shave his stubble, making him more grizzled than gentlemanly. He downed his drink, and reached for the decanter.

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m guessing this isn’t a social call, Lord Blacktower.”

He chuckled, amused. “Princess Taelim, always to the point. I admire that.”

“I’m not my father, and no one expects me to be. What can I help you with?”

Gerald Blacktower folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “I’ve come for Jayce Valium.”

The name went through me like an electric current. Valium. I emptied my own glass. Holy shit, he’s still made of stone.

Blacktower picked up on my reluctance at once. “Lord Valium's house doesn’t deny the acts he committed, which almost ruined Illium, nor the justice he received. However…”

“His house is struggling up north.” I guessed.

Gerald nodded. “His stock was an old one, a respected one. Right now, the north is doing everything it can to support the rest of the kingdom. He may have failed as ruler, but he was a good lord who knew his lands well. Right now, we need that.”

He was staring at me now, almost pleading. But he had a point, and I had allowed a personal grudge to get in the way.

“All right,” I conceded, my voice distant. “I’ll release him.”

Gerald exhaled deeply. “You have my thanks, Princess. Managing the north will be that much easier. I assure you, we’ll see to it he serves out whatever term you have given him--”

I shook my head and held up my hand. “He’s served his time. Take him back north where he’ll at least be useful.”

Blacktower bowed his head. “You have my word. Once our business is wrapped up in the city, I will set off at once with Lord Valium.”

I didn’t bother to add anything else. By that time, dinner was being served. I peered down at the elaborate dish before me, but I had already lost my appetite.

Killian and I walked along the dark corridors of the dungeon in silence. I had asked him to tag along while I removed Valium’s petrification curse. He seemed to grasp my aversion to the task, and obliged me. I didn’t fail to notice the sword he strapped to his waist.

In the last cell, in the farthest reaches of our prison, we stopped. I unlocked the heavy door and threw it open. There, in the center of the space, was the stone figure of Jayce Valium, bearing a look of shock on his frozen face.

“You ready for this?” I asked Killian.

His blue eyes regarded me calmly, and he posted beside the door. “Whenever you are.”

I reached up and placed a hand on the stone, channeling restorative properties and dispelling the curse. Slowly, the stone melted away, and Valium was blinking in the dim, torchlit room.

“Taelim?” He uttered, a mixture of shock and confusion.

Though I had seen him a year ago, he hadn’t seen me. He had only known the wolf about to tear his throat out before Feeps interfered. Now, I faced him for the first time in years. For once, unafraid to do so.

“That’s right, Valium,” I said coolly. I pointed over to where Killian was leaning against the doorway, bearing a cocksure grin. “You remember, Killian right? You’ll be pleased to know he’s now the rightful King of Illium.”

Valium’s mouth fell open, which only widened Killian’s smile. “B-but...what happened?”

“I don’t have time to give a retelling, and frankly, I don’t want to. Lord Blacktower is waiting for you upstairs.” My eyes narrowed. “Are you going to cooperate?”

Killian moved toward me, and Valium’s eyes darted between us. He clicked his teeth, annoyed. “Just take me to Blacktower.”

“With pleasure,” I said, and led the way.

Session 24

The tower was shifting rooms at regular intervals. As Klotonk suggested, this continually created new paths, and made mapping our progress very difficult. At one moment a doorway was unblocked, at the next, we were locked in a room until it rotated in a different direction.

Currently, we were stuck at the end of a hall. Ahead, a junction waited. Its floors were missing entirely, only jutting black spikes protruded from the darkness below, even the walls were tiled with equally imposing needles.

Cosmo teetered at the edge, contemplative. “I think I can do this.”

“What's the point?” Maziel crossed her arms. “Another passage should open up behind us shortly.”

Cosmo's mouth fell open. “Hello? Loot.”

Maziel shrugged. “Your life. Taelim, don’t fly in and save him.”

I wasn’t paying much attention to the conversation, so I slid against the smooth part of the wall and waited.

The kender hopped gracefully over the first gap, clinging agilely to a spire. He swung around the spike, bestowing Maziel with his middle figure. Maziel cursed him, but Cosmo only grinned before leaping lightly to the next, and the next. In moments, he had disappeared around a corner.

A few minutes passed by. “Guuuuys?” Cosmo called out, his voice searching, but not yet imploring.

Maziel smiled darkly. “Yes, Cosmo?”

“Good news and bad news.” He paused. “The good news, I’m not trapped by much. The bad news, loot is a stupid book.”

Klotonk cast a fly spell at once, and was already floating around the corner before we could stop him. There was the sound of muffled voices going back and forth, then a shout. Then silence.

I looked to Maziel, ready to shapeshift, but she held up her palm. Another few heartbeats, and both of them were flying back our way.

Klotonk immediately scuttled over, plopped beside me and put the book in my hands.

I raised an eyebrow that seemed to say: You know how I feel about books. He tapped the cover which depicted engraved trees, so I opened it for his sake.

“It’s in druidic,” I said aloud, almost to myself.

“Can we read it? Pleeeeease?” Klotonk begged, nearly hugging me as he leaned over the pages.

Even Nails sat on my other side, equally interested, or lost. Her blank stare was hard to read. Everyone else seemed preoccupied with other ways to busy themselves while we rested. I stretched my legs and got comfortable.

“You did bring me back from the dead,” I smiled wanly.

“Yay!” Klo clapped his hands together softly.

I turned to the first page and translated.

We managed to get through almost all of its contents, but before the end we already figured out it was more than a story. It was a lesson, a powerful spell was imbued within the pages, and I could bring that very ritual into life. What that did to the book...I couldn’t say.

“Like an entire forest?” Klotonk repeated.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “In theory, I could awaken it and they would be at my command.” I stared down at the book, a bit daunted. “It would probably destroy this, but being able to cast a spell like that...”

“Whoa,” Klotonk offered, taking the sound right out of my mouth.

The floor rumbled beneath us, and in the distance we could see one of the walls shift. A new doorway was revealed. I quickly got to my feet, and stuffed the book in my pack for safekeeping. I couldn’t imagine when I would need a spell of that level, but at this rate, I was making enemies fast.

We worked our way into a large, circular room. There, the doorway sealed behind us. What looked to be a ritual was engraved on the floor in front of us. I, for one, didn’t budge.

Klotonk went forward, carefully inspecting the glyphs. Once he worked his way around the circle, he turned back to us slowly. “Well, the short version is: we need to make a sacrifice to continue.”

I threw up my hands, and even Maziel appeared frustrated.

Dagon tugged at his beard. “I mean, what kind?”

Our gnome wizard pursed his lips, thinking over the matter. “Technically, anything with a soul.”

Cosmo pointed at me. “Can you summon something small, and we can…”

“Are you serious? No!”

“Our options are limited, Taelim…” Maziel tried quietly.

“Nope.” I repeated, feet planted firmly.

“Well,” Klo said in a soft voice. “I suppose I can offer something. We came all this way…” From his robes, he produced a golden lion statuette and placed it on the floor. It expanded to full size, fur sprouting on its body. It let out a regal roar, coming to life fully.

It was beautiful, and we were going to kill it. “We” included all of us, because I knew I wouldn’t stop it, and neither would the rest of the crew. I stepped aside, looking away, and Maziel moved toward the lion.

I could hear Klotonk muttering something in a timid voice, then Maziel drew a knife and did the deed. It was over quickly, and from the blood-soaked floor a stairway erupted, producing an exit upward.

We ascended in silence. When we reached the top, we halted and stared at the sea in front of us, waves lapping at our boots.

“Whooo!” Cosmo leaped into the water, floating on the surface lightly.

The rest of us just looked, unbelieving.

“This can’t be possible…” I said, taking in the foamy waves.

Dagon was ankle deep in the water, chortling to himself as he splashed around.

“Taelim,” Maziel started, patrolling the edges, “Does this appear natural to you?”

“I mean, look and feel versus what should be possible…” I shrugged.

“So you don’t think it’s real,” Klotonk said, mumbling by my side. He was rubbing his chin, deep in his thoughts. Then, a wide smile spread across his lips. He walked forward, at first thigh deep, then he was neck high. Finally, he disappeared entirely. “It’s an illusion!” Klo’s voice called from somewhere in the sea.

The rest of us looked at each other, then back at the water. Suddenly, the image dispersed. We were in a long room, Cosmo was laying on his back, pretending to float while Dagon kicked at nothing.

Huh. I thought briefly, before I noticed the man with face tattoos at the far end of the room.

Klotonk was already chatting him up, and I got the strange feeling they had met before. The fellow went by the name Doresain. Lucky for us, he wasn’t the insane, sacrificial type. The idea of company didn’t appeal to Doresain, he was here for knowledge and nothing more. So, we parted ways, and I was happy enough it didn’t end in a fight.

We followed a path that ended with a full length mirror hanging on the wall. It didn’t exactly reflect our images. We could see beyond it, which showed another corridor and identical mirror there.

Cosmo was the first to approach, as he quickly discovered it was a portal. The kender stepped inside, and we could see the corridor stretch, doubling the distance to the back mirror. Dagon followed immediately after, and the corridor only grew longer.

“Ohhh!” Klotonk gasped, his curiosity getting the better of him as he jumped inside. Again, the corridor stretched even farther.

I looked at Maziel, and gestured to the mirror portal. “Age before beauty.”

The drow’s features soured. “Go through, Taelim. I’ll cover you.”

I sighed, and obeyed grudgingly, Nails right behind me. Naturally, this time the hallway's size didn’t alter. From the mirror in the back, an imp came through, sitting on his haunches. He bore a mask with my resemblance.

At once, Maziel leapt in after me, an arrow knocked.

“Easy, Maziel” I said, taking a step toward the imp. “I’m sure there’s a solid, if bizarre, reason to explain this.”

The imp mirrored my movements, taking a menacing step forward. I cocked my head, and it did the same.

Maziel’s arrow flew, taking the imp in the shoulder.

At that moment, a pain pierced my shoulder, causing me to cry out. I blinked at the imp, then at Maziel, who didn’t seem the slightest bit remorseful.

“Huh…” Dagon glanced over his shoulder and drew his maul.

“Don’t. You. Dare.” I growled at the dwarf, wiping away the blood where the invisible arrow struck me.

The dwarf swung, sweeping the imp off his feet. I slammed on my back, cursing Dagon’s name.

“Quit it, fool!” Nails shouted.

“What do we do!?” Klotonk called out, making distance between him and the imp.

“Stop attacking it!” I yelled.

“The mirror!” Maziel cried, drawing another arrow and firing it at the glass. It struck home, cracking the glass behind the imp.

The imp looked at some of the fallen shards, then picked up a rather large piece.

I swallowed hard. “Break it, quick!”

Arrows and bolts flew, shattering the mirror entirely. The imp let out a hiss, then dissolved into an ambiguous puddle before disappearing from sight.

Maziel reached down and helped me to my feet. “I enjoyed that.”

“I bet you did,” I grumbled, healing my wound. “But I’ve got some bad news for you.” I pointed at the empty frame. “Our path is gone.”

“You’re welcome, Taelim,” Cosmo concluded.

I waved him away, all out of cursing.

“I have an idea!” Klotonk said, standing beside the empty frame. “Wait here.”

“Like we have a choice,” Maziel answered gruffly. She peered at the first mirror that was still whole, as if ensuring it was there.

In a puff of mist, Klotonk vanished, and we hovered by the frame, holding our breath. A few minutes passed before the wall behind the frame was gone, and Klotonk was standing there, smiling. He stood in a circular room where a silver basin full of water rested on a pedestal.

The gnome gestured for us to follow. “I’ve just got one more glass to drink,” he added aloofly. He dipped his palm into the bowl and drank deeply.

Maziel and I both opened our mouths to chastise our companion, but at that moment, a set of three eyes appeared on the basin. The middle eye began to shine, and its ray of light hit the wall. There, a massive painting of a dark forest materialized.

I approached it warily.

“Step inside adventurers,” a voice rang out all around. “I'll take you wherever you please.”

We exchanged wary glances; we were used to false promises.

“Anywhere?” Klotonk wanted to confirm.

“Anywhere,” the voice purred. “Step inside the painting, you'll see.”

“No really,” Maziel spoke up. “You’ll take us to the Primordial of this tower?”

“If that’s what you want. We’ll go together.”

Again, we all looked at each other.

“I don’t think it’s lying,” Maziel turned to us, whispering. “I just think it happens to be evil.”

“I mean,” Klotonk began. “If it takes us directly to our goal…”

They turned to me, and I shrugged. “I’ve already died once today. Why the hells not?”

With that, we stepped inside the painting and told it where we wanted to go. The void we were in was in no way representative of what the mural depicted, even though we could see the basin room we came from. The moment we uttered the words we requested, the air grew unbearably cold, and frost formed around the frame and under our feet. The picture of the last room shifted. A different image took form, one of a massive cavern. There, a titanic white snake was staring our way. It curled around a black orb protectively, waiting for us to step through.

“See?” That same voice rang out. “As promised. Where to next?”

We all leapt out of the picture and into the cavern. The picture hung on the stone wall behind us .

“I see. I will await your return then, adventurers.”

I shuddered. Not if I can help it.

“I’ll wish for help with Primus,” Maziel said aloud. “Let’s not waste all our resources.” She moved forward, and the gargantuan creature of old lowered its huge head, turning so one eye watched the drow.

When Maziel was done, she stepped aside, and Klotonk went next.

The magic cat, Mug, popped into view, and rubbed against Nails’s leg. “You want to make a wish?” It purred.

Nails didn’t seem perturbed in the slightest. She glanced at me, then at the waiting Primordial. “I think I’ll pass.”

Cosmo ran up next. When he was done, he disappeared from existence entirely.

“Really?” Maziel threw up her hands. “What did he ask for!?”

I sighed. At least he has clones back in Illium...

I extended a hand for Dagon to go next, but he shook his bearded head. “I’m...still thinking on this…”

With that, I walked toward the Primordial. You and me both. I stopped before the titan, hesitant, as it tilted its head my way.

Your wish? It hissed in my mind.

Well, if Primus is resolved...I’m out of ideas.

You have nothing to ask?
I did get killed today, so I’m pretty pissed about that. I paused to think. In a way, I kind of want to be stronger, but I’m not sure how. It feels selfish to ask for something like that.

A peculiar laughter resonated in my head. Then I will grant you something that will make your attackers think twice.

A sly grin graced my lips. Sounds good to me. I had no idea what I had been given, I certainly didn’t feel any different. So, I stepped aside and let the dwarf approach.

Dagon chatted with the Primordial far longer than any of us. I figured he was thinking of the finest ale, or perhaps the perfect brothel, all were up the dwarf’s alley in regards to taste. I was wrong, because when he was done, he simply dropped to the floor. Then so did the rest of my friends, all except Nails.

Their listless eyes looked up at the sky vaguely, and they didn’t give off the faintest sign of life. I panicked, and Nails hurried to my side.

“What do we do?” She asked, trying to calm my own anxiety.

I was breathing hard, then turned to the Primordial, but it was already slithering out of sight. Shit. “Help me drag the bodies close together!”

Nails obliged, and we managed to get everyone clumped together. “Don’t let go,” I told her hurriedly, and she clung to my arm. Then we all vanished out of the tower, and plane shifted back to Illium.