The thought, brought through the albredine ring network, carries its own weight in pain and focused anger, spurring the Ranger’s stride. A startled guard barely manages to remove himself from the oncoming Ranger’s path as Maltris runs swiftly through the city gates towards his brother. Onlookers and passersby flinch away as the armed woodsman dashes by, his fully grown wolf hot on his heels.
Running to the end of the block where Mazrian and Kaelie’s home still shows the damage of recent battle, he pauses briefly, taking in the war preparations of his family. Trotting up to Samsaren they clasp forearms firmly before the Paladin hands over a waterskin. Taking a deep draught the Ranger nods, muttering “Thanks.” Glancing around briefly he turns his gaze back to the older Paladin. “So, what did I miss?”
Sighing briefly, Samsaren nods to his Squire who is paired with Khaelyn preparing their equipment. “They took another shot at the folks here. Khaelyn and Eckan handled it, though the house took the worst of it. More to point however, I suspect Mazrian decided to try to bring this to a rapid close and went off alone. His location cannot be found magicly, so I’m leaning towards something a bit more...predictable.” The Paladin nods respectfully towards the wolf seated at Maltris’ side. “Kaelie has a few items of his clothing, recently worn. Up for a hunt?”
Maltris nods. “Certainly, though trying to lead all of you will slow things down a great deal, especially if we’re trying to track at the same time.” The Elf squints a moment, thinking. “Though, there’s no reason why I need to limit myself to my own resources.” Closing his eyes briefly in thought, he then takes the shirt from Kaelie, tearing it in half. “Meet me at the Northern Gate,” the Ranger says, taking off without waiting for a response.
* * * * * *
Hurtling through the dusk darkened woodlands at a pace reckless in broad daylight, Maltris barely spares a glance for the warriors in his wake. Dashing briefly ahead, he examines a hastily concealed marking denoting the Ranger blazed trail ahead before taking off again. Slowing slightly he shouts over his shoulder “We’re closing in Brother, Etherian’s marks denote urgency”.
The group continues following the Ranger until finally arriving at the edge of the battleground, singed and blasted with powerful magics. Taking the scene at a glance the older Paladin turns quickly to his companions. “Khaelyn, Synamon, reinforce the mages, take the pressure off their defences to get them back on the offense. Maltris, pair with Etherian, targets of opportunity.” Reaching out casually, Samsaren catches Sendithu’s hand and brings it to his lips for a gentle kiss. His gaze never leaving hers, he says quietly, “Eckan, give us a Rally,” as he turns and strides towards the center of the battlefield, a shadowy, marbled golden light radiating from his armor.
The Paladin strides forward confidently, interposing his shield between the enemy mages and the besieged pair of casters, a silvery aura mixing with the golden glow suffusing him. Slapping the side of his sterak axe against his shield, a ringing tone of challenge, magically reinforced by his will, dragging the hostile attention of the mages towards him. With savage gestures, the azure spheres turn to launch themselves at the taunting figure.
Brilliant blue bolts of magical energy crash down upon Samsaren, his upraised shield shedding the blows like water against the vardite. As wave after wave smash into the Paladin’s defences, Eckan steps forward with his own shield forward to intercept some of the blasts. The two paladins begin to shift and dance, using their shields and armor to thwart burst after burst from striking home.
Behind the besieged pair, Liurilias, covered by huge sheets of protective ice, begins chanting. Joining the pair, Khaelyn joins her voice with his as they call out to Dergati. A translucent bubble erupts from the pair expanding rapidly over the battlefield. With its passing, the glowing spells and enhancements warding the Paladins flicker and fail, and the azure orbs of magic fade. Slowing, the bubble of magical energy washes over the cabalists and their rippling invisibility fades.
As the mages become fully visible, the Paladins charge. Before either armored warrior takes a second step a volley of arrows streaks from hidden archers, as drake-fang, navy blue, and jagged-horn arrows find new homes in the faces and chests of the enemy. The slaughter quickly turns wholesale as the Paladins reach the remaining mages quickly cutting them down.
As a still quiet comes over the battlefield the clerics gesture briefly, removing the anti-magic field they summoned. Glancing briefly into the cave mouth, Samsaren waves his companions over. The warriors slowly gather, as the Rangers and Sendithu pause to retrieve their ammunition, and Synamon briefly touches each of the fighters, healing their injuries.
“While I’d guess you boys surprised them,” he says, punctuating his comment with a brief glare towards Mazrian and Liurilias, “let’s assume hostility and possibly traps.” Catching Sendithu’s eye, Samsaren nods to the cave mouth. He glances around briefly before continuing, “Maltris, Etherian, let’s make sure we own this area and remain undisturbed. Eckan, Khaelyn, secure the entrance. I’ll go in second, let’s find out what we’re dealing with here.”
As the raven-haired Elf steps into the cave mouth and the Rangers move off, Samsaren grabs Mazrian’s shoulder pulling him close. “I get the why, but that was not a good move”, the Paladin murmurs quietly. As the Mage begins to protest, Samsaren squeezes his shoulder briefly interrupting him. “As I said, I get it, but we’re both old enough to know better.” Mazrian grunts sourly, nodding before the Paladin steps away.
Glancing briefly into the darkness, Samsaren traces a complicated pattern before him as five orbs of light form at the tips of his fingers. The orbs settle into a revolving pattern around the Paladin, lighting the path as he enters the cave.
* * * * * *
After the exterior is secured, the group gathers again inside the cavern. Spreading out to look over the copious notes, scrolls and magical diagrams Eckan calls out finding the body in the shadowed alcove behind the far table. Bending down to examine the corpse he begins to swear furiously. Pausing briefly in his tirade he raises his voice, “Sam, I know who’s behind this.”
The older Paladin strides over, kneeling beside the younger and nods for him to continue. “It’s Condran. No doubt, I KNOW that Pasabas.” The Squire hangs his head a moment before continuing, “I...I knew he was a problem, but I never thought...”
Samsaren pats his squire on the back, “We’ve a name now, and don’t have to deal with this alone.” Standing slowly he clears his throat, gathering the attention of his companions. “This is rapidly getting out of hand, and the local authorities need to know the score. Etherian - you’re likely the best received, head to the Crossing and bring folks up to speed.” The Ranger nods before heading towards the cave mouth.
“As for the rest of us, anything pertaining to the creation or use of that ritual, destroy it. That’s not something we need to become common knowledge.” The group nods, before methodically searching through the cavernous hideout.
* * * * * *
Sighing deeply, Samsaren steps from inside the heavy building before shutting the door behind him with a rough tug on the handle. Gazing back briefly at the jailhouse he shakes his head, before being joined by Sendithu. Sparing a glance at his face between a careful watching of the city’s streets Sendithu murmurs quietly, “I did tell you”.
Grunting softly to himself, Samsaren captures Sendithu’s hand in his, before bringing it quickly to his lips for a gentle kiss, “Mm, you did,” he replies, starting to walk southward, “I had to hold out hope however.” Glancing back over his shoulder, he sighs again. “The good news, the Judge, being a reasonable fellow, took into account being attacked first, and my erm, ‘advancing years and services rendered’, settled the issue of the bodies with a small fine to cover the cleanup and erm, repairs. Buuuut, they won’t accept our word for the Necromancer’s involvement, and won’t issue another warrant for his arrest. Not that he’d care.” Sendithu shakes her head slightly.
Samsaren squints briefly at the afternoon sun, “No, they’re choosing to turn a blind eye. However, it’s past being personal so we’ll handle it ourselves.” Taking Sendithu’s hand again, he brings her hand again to his lips, “After all, we’re well suited to it.” The two share a grin with more than a smidgen of implied mayhem.
Reaching the end of the block, Samsaren nods in gratitude towards Mistanna, as she brings a crimson moongate to life with a gesture. As the two step through Samsaren’s words linger briefly before the breeze carries them away, “Let’s go hunting, with the whole family”.
Another fine job! Reading your work is a pleasure. --Deb/Kaelie
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