“So, what did you do while we were busy studying?” Mero looks up at Bruq. The satyr looks well-rested. The bags under his eyes have disappeared and his gaze looks more lively.
“Oanoa let me browse his wares and spell ingredients. He said I could take whatever I want to use for my ‘ranger tricks’. I didn’t want to be rude and take everything, so I just took what could be necessary, including a few pieces of mistletoe.”
The half-elf overhears the conversation and joins them.
“Thank the gods for those goodberries”, Oslando says and he smiles at Bruq. He feels happy, fulfilled. It’s been a while since he has felt this good, although it could be that it just feels that way due to recent events. He feels like he has grown, now able to control magic through his weapons. It feels amazing.
“Can I have your attention, please?”
The Beholder levitates in front of them and Cyrzana stands beside him.
“While all of you were resting or studying, I did some research of my own to find the prophecy Hadriel mentioned to you. I didn’t find one that fit the description you gave perfectly, but I have stumbled across a few that did make me think of you.”
(Perception 17)
He holds up a black book. A thin layer of dust rests upon the wrapper. Upon closer inspection, they can see how faces pop in and out of the cover. Their facial expressions are desperate, forworn and pained.
“This book speaks about how a group of adventurers ends up in a pocket plane, as fate drives them to the Realm of the Seven Archdemons. No descriptions are given about these five soon-to-be heroes, but it seems too much of a coincidence for this to not be about you. Don’t you agree?”
They all nod in agreement.
“That means you really can’t get us home?” Bruq’s voice is filled with disappointment. “I really miss my home, Oanoa. Isn’t there a way?”
“There is always a way”, the Beholder answers, “but, as I told you before, my hands are tied. I can’t go against the will of a god. The story they have woven for you leads you to Abaddon. I can help you to get there. I can assist you in other ways, but I can’t let you go astray.”
Cyrzana takes a few steps forward. Dargothoth can see the glance of worry in her eyes.
“I can help you”, she says with a tremor in her voice. “I can draw you a map, give you something you can sell so you have the right currency there. I can tell you a lot about what you need to do and where you need to go.” She stops for a moment. “But I need you to do something for me. Please.”
Before anyone else can say anything, the priest answers on their behalf.
“Of course, Cyrzana”, he says. The friendly smile he shows is rather creepy. The others stare at him in disbelief. It can’t be the case he somehow just got a good heart, but Oslando backs him up.
“If we are there, it won’t hurt us to help somebody out. What is it you want from us?”
She rubs her hands together, probably out of discomfort. She stares at the ground for a few seconds to think about how she’s going to express her wishes, thinking about what to tell them and what not to tell them.
“I need you to visit my mother, queen Agraxia. I need to know why she exiled me. She sits on The Black Throne in the city of Baltahn. I will tell you all the details, but the Beholder has something he wants to ask you as well.”
She turns towards him and he lowers his head thankfully.
“Yes, indeed”, he speaks slowly. “As you know, someone or something has been blinding or killing my children.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “My offspring, the spectators I told you about, mostly reside in Abaddon, but I have lost contact with almost every single one of them. If you are there, can you please find out what has been happening to my babies?”
A feeling in Lyssa ignites, something she hasn’t felt before. It almost feels like something maternal is taking over.
“We will”, she says certainly. “You’ve been so kind to us, let us in to your home. You and Cyrzana have helped us tap into our potential and helped us grow. It’s the least we can do for you.”
The Beholder smiles, tears welling in his many eyes.
“Thank you.” He notices his voice sounds a bit broken and he clears his throat. “Let me give you one final gift before we part ways.”
He floats over to Mero and kneels before him. He lays his hand on his shoulder, comforting him.
“How would you like it if I gave you a new body?”
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten