Disclaimer:
Hello again! Well then! I finally managed to get my ass back in writing again (particularly because I'm so sick of studying college stuff 'n' all...). But I'm back with the eighteenth part of NNT. I know, I know, it's been forever since I last wrote. Sorry about that. You know what being a college student is like. Things happening here and there. Most of the time, I've been lazy though. Heh heh. Now what should I yap about first... oh yeah! Legal stuff. You all may shut your ears now. First of all (bla, bla, bla), as mentioned before, this story is totally fictional and has no purpose whatsoever to imply that any member of the BSB is gay. Secondly, also as mentioned before, the setting of this story is 100% based on TSR, Inc. Novels, the Forgotten Realms. The story is written purely out of fun and leisure and I have no intention of publishing it anywhere or whatever. Hmm... what else? Oh yeah, this story also contain homosexual elements, so if you got a problem with it, Boo-hoo. Go cry to mama. However, if you are looking for some hot monkey sex scenes, sorry dudes, you'll be most disappointed. I'm just not good in writing about that stuff :P (I'm a good boy, hehe) Let just keeps the detailed sex stuff behind closed doors. But if you like stories that goes nice and slow and have more to offer than just sex, oh well, you might like this one (I hope).
Well! Now that is gone out of da way, lets get on with the story. Hope you enjoy it. If ya got comments, objections, suggestions, tips, death threats, bomb threats, boos, tomatoes or cabbages to throw or whatever, just write to me at goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk
Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who e-mailed me of your comments and such. It's nice to know that you've enjoyed it. I live to serve (Hah!). All in all, thanks guys. I intend to make this story as long as I can. But ideas do tend to run out quickly. I can always think up of new ideas (if I can get my lazy mind going long enough. It really needs a kick or two at times but it has always serve me well... hmm... well, most of the time). But if you have any inputs, ideas or suggestions, feel free to drop me a note anytime you want, be it through e-mails, letters, pigeons, message in a bottle, Morse codes, talking drums, whatever.
Author's Note:
Another thing is, in case you didn't notice; I have changed my email address. So if you guys wanna drop us a note, sent it to goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk
Oh by the way, Andy and I would dearly love to wish all of you readers out there a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. Don't get too drunk and if you do, try not to wake up in bed next morning with some stranger beside you. Heh heh. :D Trust me, my brother Andy did it once, and boy, it was NOT pleasant.
Right! Enough mindless chatters, roll back the curtain, roll the drums and on with the show!
Drew and Andy
Last time, in NNT17...
"Aye! I feel it too!" cried Zen. "There must be an opening nearby!"
They rushed along in hopeful silence for several moments. Then as they rounded a corner, AJ cried out happily.
"There it is! We're free! We're... oh FUCK!"
AJ halted abruptly in mid-running, causing the rest to crash onto him.
"Jesus..." Howie spat out as he tumbled, armor and all, to the floor. Near him, he heard Tessaril let out a VERY unlady-like oath as she too fell to the ground, with Beth royally lay on top of her.
"Arrgh! I have dirt in my mouth!" Tessaril moaned as she spat desperately to the ground.
"Umm... guys... actually, that's the least of our problem." Said AJ softly.
Howie slowly look at what AJ is staring and let out a groan. Near him, Beth cursed.
Before him stood the wizard, Damien, flanked by two fully equipped Zhentarim war-masters and two skeletal warriors. Behind them, the sun shines brightly through a huge opening that leads to the Stonelands outside.
"Escape?" Damien smiled evilly as his finger began to move in the gestures of spellcasting. "I think not!"
With that, the Zhentarim war-masters and the skeletal warriors began to rush forward and Damien's voice began to rise in spellcasting...
A fireball flashed out from Damien's outstretched hands, racing over the advancing skeletal warriors and the Zhentarim war-masters, towards the group with terrifying speed, trailing fire and bathing the dark tunnel with golden-yellow light. Even as the fireball approaches, one of the war-masters fell upon Howie, silver blade descending dangerously. Out of practice, Howie instinctively raised his own sword to block the blade's descent.
The pause caused by the shock lasted for a second or two before Howie heard Tessaril shouted an arcane word of command and the fireball sputtered out in mid-flight in sparks of golden fire. Beside him, Zen drew his own blade and charged forward with a mighty roar.
"For Cormyr and victory!!"
A great clash of steel meeting steel broke out as Zen's blade met the blade of one of the Zhentarim war-masters. Movements amongst the shadow on both side of the tunnel indicates the both AJ and Beth have glided forward, blade and daggers glinting in the dark. An arrow from Derek zipped by and caught the other war-master at the shoulder, drawing a soft hiss of pain. While at the back of each party, Tessaril and Damien's voices raised again in spellcasting as they locked themselves in their own arcane duel.
"Oww!!!"
Howie turned quickly to the direction of the shout and saw AJ flying backward as one of the skeletal warriors backhanded him with one mighty swipe of its gauntleted arm. His own concentration was wrenched away as his own foe kicked him backward before launching back at him, blade slicing through the air dangerously. He blocked the descending blade just in time before the blade could cleave him into two, though the strength of the warrior behind the blade amazed him. This man seems to be stronger than he looked.
A pained grunt behind him almost shattered his concentration again as magic missiles swooped through the air around him to struck Tessaril. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Beth trying hard to get past the skeletal warrior to reach Damien but the skeletal warrior blocked her, slashing the air before it with it's jagged blade with an amazing precision that it took all of the thief's agility to dodge it. On the other side of the tunnel, Zen and AJ are battling the other skeletal warrior together; the other Zhentarim warrior lay unmoving on the ground behind them. An arrow whirled pass Howie as Derek launched his attack again. It streaks towards Damien, but the wizard dodge aside with a surprising agility, never ceasing his chanting.
His observation took him only a second or two before he concentrates back on the foe before him and thrust his feet forward to throw the warrior back and launched his own attack. The warrior blocked all his attacks easily before twisting aside and hurled a dagger towards him. Howie dodged the dagger only to realize his error. The dagger whirled past him and struck Derek at the shoulder. The young soldier cried out in pain as he stumbled backward and fell to the ground.
"Derek!" Howie cried out and launched another attack at the war-master. The war-master simply grinned as he met Howie's slash readily, his blade dancing before him in exact precision as he countered each of Howie's blows; clearly marking his superior training as one of the Zhentarim elite swordmaster.
Above them all, magic flashes time and again as the wizard and Tessaril continue their spellcaster's contest mercilessly - a sight that would please Mystra Herself. Volleys of magic missiles, lightning bolts, flame arrows and numerous other magical effects Howie could only guess at; sailed through the air above and around them. Occasionally, death spells and disintegrating rays lash out, causing all the warriors to jump aside to avoid them. The air around them itself seems to hum and crackles with magical energy.
Then, a shrill battle-cry eminated from Beth as the thief, finally losing her temper and patience, mustered all her strength and launched herself forward, blade swooping through the air like a vengeful shadow before slicing through the skeletal warrior's neck. Skull flew through the air and the rest of the skeletal body crumbled to the ground. Enraged now, possibly because of the several bleeding wounds all over her body despite her battered leather armor, Beth whirled around smoothly, blade in one hand and the other stretched outwards towards the spellcasting mage.
Damien blinked as he looked at the dagger that is fast approaching him through the air, his spellcasting falter as his concentration is broken. He was even more surprised that could move his own body quickly out of the path of the dagger, though not quick enough. The blade managed to inflict a small wound at his side.
Normally the wizard would have ignored such a cut. But the burning pain that eminates from the wound warned him otherwise. The wizard hissed as he stumbled backward, realizing that the dagger is poisoned. Through the pain, he heard Tessaril shouted a spell and cursed as a volley of magic missiles slammed mercilessly onto him. Shaken, he summoned all his will to withstand the sizzling pain and numbness caused by the magic missiles. Even worst, he could feel the poison working its way through his own body towards his heart.
Through the misty haze of the pain, Damien could see the female thief, Beth, sprinting towards him, her eyes glinting murderously, her blade sweeping through the air. Mustering his strength, the wizard blocked the blade with his staff and thrust his other hand forward, shouting an arcane word. There was a flash of magical light and the thief was hurled backward through the air, stunned, before crashing onto Tessaril who was busily chanting another spell. To the side, he could see Zen finishing off the skeletal warrior and AJ hurling a dagger towards him. Damien dodged the dagger but cursed as the poison that is wracking his body with pain makes his movement sluggish. The dagger struck his abdomen, and this time, Damien cried out in pain.
It was at that time, his contingency spell becomes activated. In moments, the world around him flashes with radiant blue-white light, and when the flashes vanished, he found himself kneeling breathlessly in his ritual chamber in Zhentil Keep. Deep in his heart, he fervently thanked all the dark gods he could think of for making him devised his contingency spell in such a way that it would whisked him off back to the safety of his domain whenever he comes close to death.
The pain due to the poison flowing through his veins is becoming more unbearable and Damien knew he doesn't have much time left. Weak and breathless now, he crawled towards his desk and rummaged through the numerous scattered vials of potions. His hands trembling as he searched frantically for the vial that contained the specific elixir that he had prepared for himself back when he was an apprentice - an elixir that could neutralize the effect of any poison. With a cry of triumph, he found the vial at last. Tearing open the cork, he drank the elixir greedily like a man dying of thirst before slumping to the floor, resting his body at the side of his desk as he relished at the smoothing embrace as the potion took effect. Never before has he come this close to death... and it is an experience he would prefer not to repeat.
At the ruins of Tandrull...
"Andy did what?"
Muragh squeaked when Brian told him what Nick said about his power.
"You heard me. Nick said that somehow Andy managed to link him to some new source of power. Something like that. Nick was quite vague about it but he said that you would know what it is. Any idea what he was talking about?"
Muragh simply stared at him quietly for some time. In his mind, Brian seems to get the impression that the skull is deep in thought. Occasionally, Muragh would mumble something inaudible as if he is thinking aloud.
"Muragh?" Worried now, Brian turned to look at Nick. Nick seems to be sleeping, resting after three hours of studying his spellbook. Absently, he put more dry wood into the fire. "Muragh, what is going on?"
"What is this? What power are you talking about, Brian?" said Sarelle worriedly. Beside her, Galadriel shifted where she sat as she listened to the conversation quietly.
"What else did Nick say?" Muragh countered.
"What do you mean?" asked Brian.
"Did Nick say anything else? About Andy in particular?"
"Something about him seeing Andy's past and... Muragh, what the hell is going on? If you know something, you better tell me."
Muragh remains quiet.
"Muragh..." said Sarelle.
"It is a long story, Sarelle. And it does not concern any of you. Even if it did, it is not my place to tell you. I promised Andy I keep this to myself." Said Muragh.
"Muragh," Brian said softly as he lifted the skull and stare at it intently. "Nick is my friend and obviously, whatever Andy did, it affects Nick. And anything that concerns Nick, concerns me too. So, unless you want to spent the rest of your undead life at the bottom of the chasm, you better tell me what the hell is going on!"
"Uh... Brian, you're gripping me too hard..." Muragh stammered.
"And it'll get harder soon unless you tell me."
"I... I can't! I promised!"
Brian sighed and decided to use another tactic.
"Muragh, Nick decided to use this new found power to storm the Citadel of the Raven, alone of need be." From where she was sitting, Sarelle yelped at the news and Galadriel stiffened. "From what you all told me, it'll be suicide... unless this 'newfound power' can make it possible. Can it, Muragh?"
"He is going to do what??" Muragh yelped.
"You heard me!" said Brian. "So tell me what you know! What is this new power he is talking about!"
Muragh gave a hollow sigh.
"It all began several years ago before Andy decided to retire from his adventuring life and settle down at the Sword Coast. We... that is our last adventuring group, not the one that he set out with from Waterdeep for they decided to go their separate ways by that time, were traveling across the Land of Thar, north of the Moonsea, and east of Zhentil Keep."
"Andy were just a mageling at the time, recently finished his apprenticeship and full of energy and curiosity about the world. But like all magelings, he lusts for power. And the fact that he desire revenge against the pirates that killed his family several years before that does not makes things any better. All these things make his lust for power even greater, and eventually, it makes him bitter and ruthless. In battles, he never hesitates to kill. He was merciless in everyway. I should know, because I was with him all the time. I witness some of the atrocities he performed."
"His power grew as they traveled on, but his thirst for power never diminished. He also became increasingly difficult to reason with. Then, when we were traveling across the Land of Thar, we were attacked by Zhentarim soldiers out for blood."
"We fought and slew but the Zhents outnumbered us ten to one. We were overwhelmed. They slaughtered the others, but Andy managed to teleported himself to safety. Wounded and bereft of foods and water, we stumbled our way across the land until we were founded by a group of warriors who called themselves the Battlelords of Tempus."
Sarelle gasped.
"You mean the fabled Cursed Battlelords of Tempus? The Scourges of the North?"
"Who are they?" asked Brian.
"Several years ago, there was a great battle up north of the Moonsea, causing great strife that stretches all the way from the Land of Thar, right across the Plains of Vaasa and Damara and even all the way to Narfell." Said Sarelle. "It was said that an Order dedicated to Tempus known as the Battlelords of Tempus suddenly went mad and started to wage war on every city and nation they came across, destroying everything in their path."
"The Battlelords of Tempus were originally a group of warriors, war-priests and war-mages who were touched by the War God himself at birth to be his Champions and Hands in the Realms." Muragh continued. "They wield great powers that stemmed from the very essence of the god himself and they walked the Realms to further the will of Tempus and ensure that the Ways of the Warriors are preserved throughout all time. When these warriors founded Andy, they immediately sense the Touch of Tempus upon him and immediately identified him as one of their own. They took him to their monastery amongst the West Gelena Mountains where they treat his wounds. There, they told him of what he is and it was there, Andy realized the significance of his uncontrolled bloodlust and desire for battles and power."
"For half a year, Andy stayed there, training as a war-mage and learned to control his battle-lust and his desire to kill. He forsook his faith to the goddess Mystra, and embraced the faith of Tempus, vowing to follow the Ways of the Warriors for all time. In five month, he became a full war-mage and was presented with the Staff of Tempus, the staff you saw yourself recently, which hold considerable amount of power. So he became one of them, the youngest Battlelord of Tempus in history."
"For two month, he traveled the regions, watching battles from afar and observing and preserving the Ways of the Warriors when the need arises. Occasionally, he would join the battle, siding one side or the other, be it good or evil, for Tempus was never known to side one army in a battle. It was well know that the Lord of Battles would side one army at dawn and then switched to the other at dusk. It is the battle that is important to the Lord of Battles, not the sides."
"But then the Zhentarim started to interfere. It started when one of the Battlelords decided to side with the army opposing the Zhentarim, and as the result, the Zhentarim lost the battle. Bitter with their defeat, the priests of Bane devised a plan for revenge against the Battlelords. With the aid of Bane, together with the combined power of the Zhentarim mages, they laid a powerful curse on the Battlelords, enhancing their darkside, their lust for battle and carnage and diminishing their sense of honor and loyalty to the Ways of the Warriors."
"It was then, the Great Battle ensued. Driven by their lust for battle, the Battlelords rode out and struck at everything they encountered. Cities were destroyed. Nations and thrones crumbled at their feet. Countless lives were slaughtered... men, women and children. Armies were sent from nations like Implitur, the Dalelands, Rashemen and even Thay to counter this threat but the Battlelords destroyed them all."
"Many attempts were made to counter the curse, but none of them succeeded. The curse came directly from Bane himself, and not even Tempus, with all his power, could undo it. But there is still hope, for not all the gods were pleased of these events. With the guidance of the goddess Mystra, a band of adventurers set out to seek an ancient artifact known as the Rod of Amerenth, a powerful item created during the ancient days of the Netheril, used by clerics of the old to break powerful curses when all other attempts have failed. The quest were treacherous and bloody, but in the end successful. With the aid of the power of the rod, the curse was countered... but only partially. The curse came from Bane himself, and eventhough the power of the rod is vast and powerful, the rod was still mortal-made... and who in this Realm have the power to challenge a god?"
"But the power of the rod is enough to partially negate the effect of the curse - not enough to banish it from the Battlelords' soul once and for all, but enough to free them from its thrall. It is also enough for Tempus to strengthened their will to fight the curse and keep it from surfacing. But the damage was already done. Cities were in ruins and corpses littered the ground, bathed in their own blood. While they have been freed of the curse, it still lay within them, like a dark beast crouching within the deep, dark recesses of their soul, gathering strength and waiting for the time when it is strong enough to rises and enthrall it's victim again."
"So the Children of Tempus, skilled and worthy warriors and battle-wizards all, were doomed; for as time passes by, they could feel the growing shadow within them and their internal battle grew harder and their strength dwindle. Some grew insane and took their own life. A small number embraced the darkness and were killed immediately by their brethrens. Most, however, took up their weapons and went off to battle, dying there in the way Tempus would want them to be - dying honorably in battle with a weapon in their hand. In two years, the Children of Tempus rode the Realms no longer. Not a sign appeared indicating their presence, not even a sliver of their shadows."
"Andy is the only one now that still walks this Realm. When the cursed was lifted, he realized what he has done. And thrust me, Brian, what he did was beyond what you could ever imagine. I know. I was there when he used the Power of Tempus to call upon a meteor swarm and single-handedly destroyed a whole city. I was there when he created a tidal wave of sand and dirt to bury an entire army. I was also there when he mercilessly slew Tristan, a fair and noble warrior and also his only lover at that time, who stood before him, hoping that their love is strong enough to guide him back from this madness."
"After the curse was lifted, memories crashes back upon him of what he has done and it nearly drove him insane. All his life, he lusted for power, and now he got it... at the expense of his own soul. Now you have your answer, Brian. This is the power you want to know about. This is the power that was given to Nick. If I were you, Brian, I'd start praying that Nick has the strength to fight the curse too!"
The group remains silence for some moments, each trying hard to digest the story in their mind.
"You don't need to worry about the effect of the curse on me, Brian."
Nick's voice drew the other's attention to where he lay.
"Nick?"
Slowly, Nick rose and shifted to sit with his back leaning against the wall.
"Andy only gave me half of Tempus' Power." Said Nick. "The light part that governs a warrior's honor and bravery. He kept the other part to himself. The curse affects only the dark part. It actually amplifies it."
Brian stood and moved to Nick, sitting down beside him.
"How are you feeling?"
Nick smiled. Brian looked at him worriedly. In Brian's eyes, it looks like his friend is not there at all. His eyes seem almost empty. If they were at home, Brian would say his bestfriend is... high.
"Nick, are you okay?"
Nick gave him an almost dreamy smile and laughed softly.
"I'm okay, B. What makes you think I'm not?"
"Well for one thing, you look like you're high."
"Maybe I am. It'll take time to get used to it, I guess. I'll get the hang of it after a sleep or two."
"What the hell are you talking about, Nick?" asked Brian.
Nick looked at him sheepishly.
"Do you have ANY idea how it feels like to have the power of a GOD raging throughout your veins, Brian? I feel like I'm all over the place in the world and at the same time I'm not. I'm seeing wonders... I... I can't even describe it! I see many different worlds... I..."
Nick shut his eyes tightly and concentrates hard to hold on to reality.
"Sorry," said Nick again as he smiled, "Just give me some time to get used to it."
"Nick!" Brian turned to see Muragh jumping and rolling across the ground to make his way towards Nick. Sensing urgency from the skull, Brian moved to picks it up before returning to Nick's side. "Nick, listen to me. I have a very important advice to give you. Open your eyes and look at me, boy!"
Nick opened his eyes in annoyance as he looked at the skull.
"You know, I can sent you to the moon if I want to, Muragh." He mumbled.
"Shut up, and listen! You must NEVER, EVER use that power. Do you get me?"
"What? Why not? It's MY power!"
"No, it is NOT! It is Tempus' power, not yours!" Muragh hissed. "He bestow it to his Children so that it could only be used on certain situations. No! Don't close your eyes. Open it and look at me!"
"Open your eyes, Nick and listen to him. He knows about these things. He's been with Andy for a long time now." Brian said firmly.
Nick grumbled softly and opened his eyes.
"Nick, I know how you're feeling right now. Believe me, I know. Andy went through the same thing as you are right now. He went through worst because he has to deal with Tempus' full power within him, not only half." Said Muragh. "Nick, the more you wield the power, the more you will loose control of it, and when that happen, it will consume you!"
"What do you mean?!" said Brian, horrified.
"The power of a god is never meant for mortals! Mortals can deal with a certain fraction of it. But the more he wields it, the more addictive it becomes, and he will draw more and more until eventually his body cannot handle it anymore. Then, the power will consume him. It takes a great deal of discipline and mental exercise for the Battlelords not to use the power unless it is absolutely necessary. Promise me you will not use it unless it is absolutely necessary Nick!"
Brian turned to Nick, his lips tightly compressed as he is determined to make Nick promise it even if he has to beat the crap out of him to do it.
"Nick?" asked Brian.
Nick closed his eyes and smiled sheepishly again.
"NICK!" said Brian again.
"Alright! Alright! I promise!" Nick grumbled though Brian saw a slight smile etching on his lips. In the distance, he heard Sarelle and Galadriel sighed in relieve.
"But I WILL use it to save Andy when I go to the Citadel of the Ravens." Said Nick, firmly.
"But..." Sarelle began but Nick cut her off.
"No but! I've made my decision about that!"
"It shall be your death, Nick!" Sarelle answered sharply.
There was a momentary pause as the companions thought this over in their mind.
"I love Andy to much to abandon him just like that. I will not leave him to the Zhentarim to be tortured and God knows what else." Said Nick, looking at Galadriel and Sarelle. "But I'm also not asking you to follow me if you don't want to. It will be difficult and definitely bloody. But I am still going, alone if I have to. I will use whatever means necessary to get Andy back, even this power. And I WILL get him back, even if I have to kill every single Zhentarim to do it!!"
" Before all the gods, Nick, storming the Citadel is not like walking into your mother's kitchen!" said Muragh in exasperation. "There'll be scores of mages there! And priests of Bane! And warriors! And beholders and Lathander knows what else they can conjure! Blast it all boy, those mages will blast you to ashes before you could even draw breath to cast your first spell!"
"You may hold the power of a god within you, Nick, but that doesn't make you a god yourself." Galadriel said softly as she stood to move towards Nick and knelt before him. "You are still a mortal like the rest of us. A single arrow through your heart is still enough to slay you, despite your power. You are not invulnerable, Nick."
"I will NOT leave Andy in their hands, Galadriel!" Nick yelled harshly before the elf. "I will NOT run away and skulk while knowing that Andy is suffering even as we speak! I will NOT!"
"Calm down, Nick." Said Brian soothingly as Nick broke down in his arms.
"It's not fair Brian! It's just not fair! I never asked to come to this world!" Nick sobbed. "I never asked to fall in love!"
"Nick, please." Brian whispered. A single tear slipped out of his eyes as he sees his friend's suffering.
"This is all wrong, Brian! All of this!" Nick continued. "We're supposed to be at home... with our families and friends... with Kev and AJ and Howie. And you're supposed to be with Leigh Ann. And AJ is supposed to be with Amanda. And Kev..."
"But then, it was all taken away from us!" Nick continued as he sobbed. "Then I met Andy, who meant the world to me. He was there for me when I was alone. He held me when I cried because I missed mom and dad and Aaron and the others. He gave me hope! And then, he was taken away from me, just like the rest! IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!!!"
"I know, Nick." Said Brian as he strained himself from sobbing too. "But believe me, Nick, we will get back home. I missed the others too. I missed my family and Leigh Ann. I missed all of them, but Nick, we cannot give up now. We will find our way back. Please, believe me. We must have faith. As for Andy..."
The last word came out as a whisper as Brian's control began to slip and more tears spilled from his eyes.
Some moments passed before Brian felt Muragh moving and then settling beside Nick's shaking form.
"Nick," the skull sighed, "I'm sorry for trying to stop you. I missed Andy too. He was the closest friend I ever had and we've been through a lot together. I guess... I guess I was scared. All the years before and after I've been reduced to this dismal form, I prefer to avoid confrontations rather than facing it. I'd rather flee than fight. Citadel of the Raven is a nearly impenetrable fortress and the mere thought of attacking it terrifies me. Who wouldn't? But you're right. As lover and friend, we should do something to get him out of there. You shamed me too. You've known him for such little time, and yet you are willing to die for him, as opposed to me. I will come with you, Nick. I don't know what I can do to aid you. Very little I guess. I'm just a skull who can see through illusions and maybe do one or two other little tricks but nothing else. But I will be there with you, if you'd still have me."
Nick remains silent, resting his face against Brian's chest.
"I too apologize for my protest." Galadriel murmured quietly. Brian looked at her. "Your courage shamed me, Nick. As a knight of the Sisters of Synnoria, I should have known better than to listen to my fear."
With a sighed, she slid out her sword and placed it before Nick.
"Your cause is a noble one, my friend." Said the elf. "You'll have my sword, if you wish it."
Brian smiled at the elf as Nick raised his tears streaked eyes to look at her.
"Sarelle?" asked Brian.
The priestess lifted her head to look at him and sighed.
"I promised Chauntea I'll look after you and your friends to the end, Brian." Said the priestess. "An angel of Chauntea visited me one night after we went to see that diviner at Baldur's Gate, with command from the goddess herself that I am to guide and keep you and your friends safe. I promised her and I will not break it. So if you're going to the Citadel, Nick and Brian, then my path lies that way too."
"Even without the goddess' commands, would I desert my friends at their time of need?" the priestess continues. "Nay. We've been through too much together Brian. You know me well enough by now that I will never desert you. I will come with you, Nick. We'll aid you in bashing some Zhentarim heads to get Andy back. Chauntea's willing, we'll come out of it all in one piece."
Brian smiled at Nick.
"We'll get Andy back, Nick. I promise you, we will."
Slowly, Nick smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, all of you." He said softly. "It means a lot to me."
Amidst the Stars Mountains, in the North...
"Kevin, love, you're bleeding!"
Kevin looked up from where he knelt as he wiped the cultist blood from his blade only to gaze deeply into Ken's deep blue eyes.
"It's only a cut, Ken." Slowly he rose to face the half-elf and smiled. "But it's nice to know that you care."
Ken leaned over and for a moment, it seems to them that they were alone in the world. Just two people greatly in love with each other. Nothing else matter. They gazed into each other's eyes, losing themselves in their own love. How many time before has they done this? Have many time has they stared at each other's soul and losing themselves in it? Could two people be more in love that this?
Slowly, Kevin touches the small scar on the half-elf cheek and smile.
"For some reasons that escape me, that scar somehow makes you more beautiful."
"Flattery'll get you nowhere, you know." Ken smiled as they leaned closer.
"Couldn't blame a man for trying." Kevin grinned mischievously. "Maybe, this will get me... somewhere?"
Ken's eyes widened and he gasped in pure bliss as Kevin slide his fingers a little way back to gently stroke the tip of the half-elf's pointed ears.
"Kevin, you tease... MMPHFF!!" The half-elf was cut off as their lips met. He groaned blissfully as their tongue danced with each other. The world vanished. The troubles of the world vanished. One would doubt that they would even care if a whole legion of the Dragon Cultist descended upon them at that moment. It was one of those pure moments when their mind and soul are laid bare and become one.
The moment passed and even then, their lips parted reluctantly. Breathless and stunned at the intensity of the moment, they continue to stare into each other's eyes.
"You, know I will always care about you." Said Ken.
"And you know I will always love you." Kevin replied.
"As do I." Said Ken and winked, the action caused Kevin to blinked once before becoming aware of their surrounding again.
"Umm... Ken?"
"Mmm?"
"When did we end up lying on the ground?"
Kevin chuckled as Ken blinked and started to look around and laughed.
"Should we care about it?" asked Ken as he kissed Kevin lightly on the lips. "I'd prefer to stay like this forever."
Kevin smiled and leaned forward again.
"Good point." He replied as they lost themselves into another blissful kiss. Their hands exploring each other body even as their tongue danced. Could it be love? Or could it be lust? People always say that it is difficult to differentiate love and lust and yet, when it comes to passion, we need both or everything would be meaningless. What would love be without a little bit of lust? And wouldn't lust feel empty without the presence of love?
"We picked a bad time to wear armor, love," Kevin smiled as he stroke the scar on Ken's cheek. "It's difficult to rip it off... compared to the rest of your clothes."
He stroke the tip of Ken's ears again, nearly laughing out loud when he heard Ken growled as passion finally took him over.
"Why hello there, little wolf," Kevin laughed as he kissed the tip of Ken's nose. "Feeling hungry, aren't we?"
Passion has definitely took over the half-elf as they rolled over, with Ken ending up at the top, kissing him roughly, without caring, without mercy.
A century later, gasping for breath, their lips parted at last.
"You should stop stroking my ears, Kevin." Ken gasped out. "'Cause you armor will not protect you from me when I'm... excited. And don't call me little wolf!"
Kevin laughed out aloud at last.
"I can't help it!" He laughed. "You look so damn cute... sexy... when you're excited. Like a wild animal. And I love taming wild animal."
Ken simply smiled at him, his eyes glinting dangerously.
"You don't know what you're asking for, love."
The moment was shattered when Sabre flapped from above and landed on Ken's head, causing Kevin to laugh again.
"Speaking of wild animal, look who just drop in." said Kevin.
"So I noticed." Ken grumbled. "Talk about mood killer."
"C'mon, little wolf. We better catch up with the others." Said Kevin.
Ken simply sighed.
"They truly love each other." Lamelle smiled as she glanced at the two kissing in the distance. Softly she sighed. "Ah well. The joy of youth. What I wouldn't give to be young again."
Garth, who walked beside her, chuckled roughly.
"Wouldn't we all, my dear lady." Said the cleric. "Wouldn't we all."
They walked on across the bloody scene towards the small pool where Myra, Keres, Alvin and Delg are standing.
"I'm surprise that there are so little Dragon Cultist guarding this area." Said Lamelle as she looked around curiously. Deftly, she stepped over the corpse of a dead cultist lying before her. "Myra said that this is the Druid Grove that was attacked when they first arrived here. And yet... if the Cult spend so much effort to eradicate the druids here, surely they would have spent as much effort defending it from being re-taken."
"Maybe they don't really care about this grove." Said Garth. "Their primary concern is the portal, which lie some way off within a series of caves and caverns within the Star Mountains. Perhaps, they attacked the druids here because they assumed that the druids would pose a threat to their plans."
"But a wholesale slaughter?" asked Lamelle.
Garth smiled bitterly.
"Ye're from Silverymoon, Lamelle. People in this region don't know much about the Cult. I on the other hand, hailed from Cormyr, just south of Thunder Peaks where most of the Cult power lay. I know them well. They are ruthless people. Merciless. A wholesale slaughter is nothing to them. They've done worst things than that."
"Why didn't Cormyr do something about it? Attack them. Eradicate them. King Azoun surely have more than enough force in his hand to take such action." Said Lamelle.
"The cult operates in cells, dear lady," Garth replied back. "pockets of followers scattered throughout the continent of Faerun. While each cell has its own leadership, the cult as a whole has no central power structure. No matter how many Cultists Azoun destroys, there'll always be others to take their place. It's a pointless task."
They arrived at the pool where the other waited for them.
"Took your own sweet time in coming, don't you, leviathan-belly!" Alvin grinned. "Did you two have fun in the bush?"
The thief was merely rewarded by a slap at the back of his head by Lamelle.
"Next time, it'd be worst." Said the sorceress.
"Where's Kevin and Ken?" asked Keres.
"Coming! Coming!"
From the forest, they saw the two rangers stumbling towards them, with Sabre perched comfortably on Kevin's shoulder.
"Strangely flushed and breathless, I see." Said Alvin snickered again, mischief twinkling in his eyes. Again he was rewarded by a slap behind his head, this time by Ken.
"The place has been desecrated." Myra said softly.
"So, this was the druid grove then?" asked Keres. Myra nodded sadly.
Kevin looked around to look at the once beautiful place, now filled with death and decay. Great pillars of stone ringed the lake, each supporting a piece of stone slabs that makes the lakes appeared to be ringed by numerous huge stone arches.
"Once the pool was pure and sacred. Filled with crystalline water and is soothing and cool to touch." Said Myra sadly. "Now it has been corrupted. Blood, death and decay have now tainted it. Never again will Silvanus or Mielikki or Eldath touch this place."
The druid looked walked slowly towards a small altar beneath one of the arches.
"Once a moon, druids of Silvanus would gather here to honor the Treefather." She continued sadly. "The archdruid would take his place on this altar and perform the holy ritual. At times, nature itself seems to be with us, praying in reverence. The very trees and animals would join us in our prayers."
"Now, the only thing I sense in this place is wrongness!" With that she knelt at the ground to examine some of the tracks. "Do you sense it too Garth? Keres?"
"I sense a familiar evil, though I can't seem to put my finger on it." Keres said thoughtfully.
"So do I." Said Garth.
"Undead." Myra spat in disgust. Kevin could see that she is trembling with anger. "They are the greatest perversion of Nature. A wrong upon the earth itself!"
Kevin nodded understandingly. Druids devoted their live serving Nature and preserving the Natural Order. Day is balanced by night. Fire and Water. Earth and Air. Life and Death. Naturally they would be the most sensitive when it comes to detecting the presence of undead monster.
"Do you sense any of them near here?" asked Keres as he slid Shadowcleaver out from the scabbard.
"They have been here, yes." Said Myra. "And they are close about."
She closed her eyes and pointed.
"The caves leading to the portal are in that direction. The presence of undead is strongest over there too."
"Then what are we waiting fer?" Delg grumbled as he hefted his axe. "Let's crush some undead skull."
"Hold a moment, Sir Dwarf." A voice spoke from behind them, causing them to whirl around, weapon at the ready.
Kevin gasped at the beautiful figure that floated before them. Before them floated a beautiful spirit of an elven lady, with flowing silvery hair and radiant white skin. She smiled at them gently and a soft breeze caresses them, banishing the feeling of evil about the place for a brief moment.
"It's the Spirit of the Forest!" said Myra as she immediately knelt to the ground in reverence.
"Aye, that I am. I bid you greetings, Servant of Silvanus." Said the spirit. She looked around at the ruined place sadly. "Alas, a great blow has been struck upon Nature this day and the forest weeps for its loss."
The spirit looked at them again as smiled again.
"I apologize for startling you, mortals, but I cannot allow you to rush into greater danger blindly, no matter how noble your intentions are."
"Spirit Lady. It is an honor to know of your concern about us." Said Keres as he gallantly bows before the spirit. "If you have any insights concerning foe, Spirit Lady, we would greatly appreciate it."
"You and your friends are marching into great darkness, Holy Warrior." Said the spirit. "Yet, into the darkness your path lies, if you are to achieve the goal of your quest to aid you friend here."
The spirit smiled at Kevin.
"You friends are still alive and well, dear child, though each are facing their own dangers and challenges, as do you right now." The spirit paused as if listening to something. "Though two of them are facing a shadow even darker than yours. But all these are pale in comparison to the ultimate shadow you and your friends are going to face in the near future."
"Umm... lady... I don't know what you are talking about." Said Kevin.
The spirit smiled and laughed softly.
"Ignore my mutterings, child. I do tend to wander off once a while. Concentrate on the dangers you are facing right now." The spirit continues. "Beyond those rocks and trees are the caverns that houses the Crystal Portal. A powerful portal created by the elves of ancient Eaerlann when they ruled this part of the forest. It is a unique portal in that; it can pierce through any sort of barriers. One can even sent an army directly into the throne room of the Royal Palace of Cormyr and no one can stop it. During the old days, the elves used it as a quick means to travel to the ancient elven retreat, the isles of Evermeet and back. After the elves of this forest decided to leave permanently for Evermeet, the master of the portal couldn't bring it to himself to destroy such unique creations. So, he charged me to guard it while he was gone. He planned to come back to dismantle it bit by bit and carry the pieces to Evermeet. Alas, he was killed while battling orcs near Suldanesselar down south, and no one has his knowledge to dismantle or destroy the portal."
"Recently, an evil group called the Cult of the Dragon attacked and slew all the druids here, except one." the spirit smiled at Myra. "How they knew about the portal or the means to use it, I know not. However they intent to use the portal to further their own evil end. I cannot allow that to happen."
"I have recently used my own link into the spirit world to contact the soul of the master-mage who created the portal. And he gave me the necessary details to destroy the portal. Here. Take this." She handed a glowing gem to Keres. She pointed at the word engraved on the gem. "Speak this word when you are next to the portal, and you shall summon me. I shall cast the spell that would destroy the portal as soon as you step through it."
"What about the defenses within the place?" asked Keres.
The spirit smile became saddened.
"That is your greatest challenge in this quest, Holy Warrior." Said the spirit. "The Cult is led by a powerful archmage, Halaster. You know him, for you have fought him before this."
"You mean that skinny, albino mage?" asked Alvin.
"Do not underestimate him, child. You have seen but a sliver of his full power during you encounter with him. At that time, he underestimated you and your abilities. Your next encounter with him will not be as easy."
"Figures," Delg grumbled.
"Halaster is aided by seven apprentices, each powerful in their own right. Two of these, you have faced and killed. The first is the invoker, Diana the Doombringer, the most powerful of the seven. The other is Lynxal, the master illusionist. The rest will await you within the caverns. And of these, be most wary of the Necromancer Nimron, and the Conjurer Orannon, for these two have power enough to make formidable foes. Be wary also of Thessil, the priestess of Talona. Kill her and Nimron, and you shall disable all the undead army they place all over the caverns. Kill Orannon quickly too, before he gained enough time to summon a demon to attack you."
"What about the cultist warriors?" asked Ken.
"Not much. I estimated about thirty. This is a small branch of the main Cult of the Dragon from Thunder Peaks. Most of the army depended on undead. The warriors are led by a formidable swordmaster, Dathtor Fireblade."
"Finally, your most formidable and deadly foe of all. The dracolich, Xhanthriy'llar. The dracolich occupy the largest caverns that leads to the portal."
In the background, Delg and Alvin groaned.
"I'm getting too old for this." Delg grumbled sourly.
"These are formidable foes, Spirit." Said Keres gravely. "If you can aid us in anyway, we'd be more than grateful."
"My power is only enough to destroy the portal child. But I shall aid you as best I can." With that, the Spirit beckoned at Kevin. "This forest is vast, mortals, and has existed since nearly the beginning of time. Throughout that time, many events have occurred and time and again, great heroes fell here. With the permission of the spirits of the owner, I have retrieved several items of magic that would aid you in your cause. Come fourth child and hold out your hands."
The spirit passed her hand over Kevin's and almost immediately, a long bow appeared, beautifully carved. Magical runes etched all along it, glittering as Kevin moved his hands over it.
"I give you Heartseeker. A powerful weapon created by the elves of Eaerlann long ago."
"It has no bow-string." Said Kevin curiously. He absentmindedly passed his hands towards the place where the bowstring normally located and immediately the bow began to glow. A strand of magical light appeared, acting as a bowstring and attached to it, readily nocked, is a glowing blue-white arrow. "Oh!"
"It doesn't need a bowstring or arrows, child." The Spirit smiled. "As you can see."
She turns to Ken.
"To you, I give you Dragonslayer." A glittering sword appeared in Ken's hand. "Few in the Realms dared to craft such weapon, for what would be a better way to tempt the wrath of Dragons. It shall protect you against dragonfear as you stare into the maw of such creatures, as well as granting you protection against the deadly dragonbreath. Use it well, child."
"I will!" said Ken breathlessly as he look at the sword in awe.
"To you Myra, I present you the Staff of the Elements. Once used by the archdruid Halbarad almost three centuries ago to battle the minions of Malar when they threatened to destroy the forest. Speak the first word of command etched on the staff and you shall summon three elementals to fight for your cause. Speak the second word of command and you can draw upon the power of the elements to summon lightning upon your foe."
Myra bowed deeply as she accepted the staff reverently.
"Delg Goldenstar, brave dwarven warrior of Clan Goldenstar. I give you this," she presented an ornately carved battleaxe to the dwarf, "Bonesplitter. It was once owned by the famous dwarf-lord Beldrin Stonecrusher, who used it to battle the army of undead led by the lich Tandrull during the Time of the Dead. May it serve you well against the Cult's undead minions."
"Garth Winterstone, faithful of Tymora. Your clerical power will be much needed when battling with the undead soon. But at times, a cleric must also take up arm to fight alongside the warriors. Take this." she handed a white mace to the cleric, "It's called Mystra's Blessing, created and used by cleric of Mystra long ago to fight minions of Bane. Hold it in you hand and the enchantment within shall protects you from any spells cast upon you."
"Lamelle Aldreth. You spells are numerous and powerful. But a mage is always most vulnerable when it comes to weapon combat. Take this robe, designed and enchanted by the elven High Mages of Evermeet themselves. Soft as silk it is, but stronger than dragonscale it can be."
"You're too kind, Spirit." Said Lamelle as she accepts the gift.
"Alvin Shadowstar, I give you this, the Boot of Speed. May it grant you enough agility to evades a mage spell and the speed you need to cover the distance quickly before the mage could cast another spell."
"And finally, Keres Truesilver, noble paladin of Torm. Your sword, Shadowcleaver, is a powerful enough weapon against any foe, especially against undead. But a warrior needs more than swords when it comes to battling powerful mages. Take this shield, the Shield of the Righteous. Blessed by the god Tyr himself in the ancient days to be used by his paladins and knights when given the duty to bring evil wizards to justice. It shall return any spells cast upon it back to the caster."
"I am grateful, Spirit." Said Keres as he accepts the shield gravely.
"I have helped you as best I can, dear friends. The rest is up to you. Defeat the cultist and the dracolich, and find the portal. Use the gem to summon me and I shall use the portal to sent you to your destination before I destroy it. Goodluck and farewell. May Silvanus and Mielikki be with you."