New Swamp: Into the Heart of Darkness Chapter 3

[Dungeon Master]

Dragonlance

New Swamp: Into the Heart of Darkness
Chapter 3



It is Early Eve, 10th Day of Campaign, The Night of The Meeting of Karsk and Dobyn, and Reuniting with Prince Silvanoshi.

Moved on from that damned Hellhole Village, it was a trek, as dangerous as it has been here, in New Swamp. Dark Tentacles reaching up from the wet marshes, a pack of Bog dogs, Earth Elementals, Giant Boars, Web birds and Giant spiders (Much to the distaste and terror of Rilla) all have stood in your way. Sable manipulated all these creatures, as she done all the animals of her domain according to eccentric Druid known as Socorro.

Now in a stone ruins of Elven-make, probably during the Time of the Kinslayer Wars.

Ria is the Eye in the sky, Archers are set in place, Wildrunners are out patrolling the flanks, all is quiet, all are on guard. Palianess is cooking up on cured beef, and eggs. Rilla is here, as is Jaxa Odan. Damara is out, Master Twoblades is taking a nap, after watch this morning.

Talidaar is resting comfortably, against a tree, smoking his pipe, on a hill. He has thought much on their situation, but now, he thinks of home, and his loved ones, especially his Lashia, who, is due right now. He sighs.

Ria contacts Talidaar’s mind, and he sees, what she sees. A Owl glides in, and lands in the tree above. You look up, and smile, it is Lashia’s Owl, Neila.

It looks down at you, and takes flight, if only to land near to your feet. You take the scroll message, from it’s leg, and she nips at your fingers to show you she has missed you. You read the message.

My Love,

How I wish you were here to see your beautiful Son and Daughter. They are precious Talidaar. I do not ant to bring your mind away from the important task you do now, but know we are okay, And I have given them hugs and kisses from their father. Las and Marilee came up to the house, and seen them. Keila* has been so cute with them too.

Nebriss went in your stead to help the refugees of Wolfgaard. They are going to the Forgotten Vale, in the Forsaken Mountains, as the Route to the North has been cut off by the Goblin Flanks. He did an amazing job, and you should be proud.

The Twins are now in the care of Nara Dawn, as I have left with Las to attend an Important Conclave at the Tower. I will let you know more, but it has to do with the Magic that has left us. I will be back home in a few days. I hope you are well, tell Damara I miss her, and come back home to me soon my Love.

Love,

Lashia

*is Marilee, and Jacob’s Daughter


Talidaar sighs again.

Shortly,
Liam, Approaches Talidaar. “Master, is everything okay at home, is there anything I can do for you? Is Lady Lashia okay?”

At the cooking fire,
Karsk, and Dobyn are with Palainess, getting a good meal for a change. Socorro administered anti-toxin, to negate the poison that was injected into you. Dobyn, you have given pain Medicine, and you are in bad shape. In fact, if not for your Dwarven Stamina, you would be dead right now. Your Arm, where your hand was cut off, is badly infected, and you have been treated for that too. It is well that you ran into Druids, gifted in the ways of healing and herb craft.


The Ranger, Jaxa Odan is here too, having made a friendship with Palianess, Rilla and Twoblades. He is guarded, and on edge, lest the Black Overlord show up at any moment.

The group has even learned more about the injured Ogre that Karsk and Dobyn picked up along the way. His name is Rath Stonebreaker. He ran away from Bloten after being judged to be inferior. The Party further learns what Karsk and Dobyn had only heard whispers about. That a new Race of Ogre has emerged in the Ogre lands of the Kalkhist Mountains. The Ogre Titans, created by a horrid Magic ritual involving vast quantities of elven blood. Samar, for the first time, moved closer to the ogre, to hear his tale. Samar stated that for the last 10 years, thousands of elves have been taken during Ogre raids. Rath was a bit slow, and was deemed unfit. He was strapped down, and they tried to give Rath a Lobotomy, to further the science of Ogre-kind. Rath escaped his binds, and set out for the unknown wilderness, he was chased, he was alone, and the drilling into his mind did not help his cause. The Ogre had a hard time relating this part of the tale. He fell into a ravine, when he broke both his legs.
The New information saved Rath’s life, for Samar did not feel he had a need to end this creature’s life, even if he was a Ogre. The knowledge of the Ogre-Titans did not make the day better, but at least they were more prepared for the future fight. As for Rath, he will not be running marathons soon, with the Magic gone, there is not much to be done for his injuries.

Samar goes to Karsk and Dobyn, “The Prince tell me that you saved him, many times over. For this, On behalf of The True Queen of the Silvanesti, I thank you for your patience, your bravery, and fortitude. I know the Prince can be…different…then one’s usual traveling companions. But I am afraid I cannot see you to safety from this Swamp until our mission is done. If you leave, then it will be goodbye. If you decide to press on with us, then when this is thru, The Wildrunners will escort you to near your destination, you have the pledge of the Royal House Protectorate. We will be moving out in the morning.”

Lord Twoblades also sits at the fire. It has been a hard last couple of days. But this is a worthy mission, and good company. Meeting Palainess was been a high point of this adventure, as meeting Karsk and Dobyn has been good as well. They are quite different from the usual fare of folk that you are used to. It still bugs you that Damara has not talked to you since that damn night at Morning Dew, but you are past it. Perhaps when this is all over, and there is time, amends will be made, for now is not quite the right time.

Elsewhere . . . In the Heart of Darkness

Click-click-click-click-click

“That’s the way Queenie, good, good. You have learned to walk now, my Masterpiece, my perfection incarnate. And soon we will add your son to my collection, one big, royal family.”

Click-click-click-click-click

Sable moves off to her next project. Exiled Queen Alhanna looks down at her long, spider-like legs. What a horrid creature I must be. Oh Silvanoshi, run, run fast, and far, and never look back. For your Mother, is truly dead.



Karsk and Dobyn - Changing Bandages
Matt

With a sickening suck of air and the odor of fresh puss Karsk gingerly peels the bandages off his friend’s arm. The pale dwarf – whose pallor has been even a shade lighter than usual since he lost his hand – involuntarily recoils and takes a quick breath through his teeth as a spur of coagulated blood is accidentally torn off. He shoots Karsk a look that, if physically manifested, could have drilled a whole through his forehead and punched out the back of his skull.

Karsk takes a patient breath. “I’m sorry, Dobyn” he says in his deep bass voice, “my hands weren’t exactly built for delicate work. Now hold still. I almost have it off.” He gently peels the last of the old bandage from Dobyn’s right arm and discards it. The arm looks terrible. There is massive bruising around the wound; shades of dark purple and red followed by an appalling greenish-yellow toward the outer edge. The interior of the wound is certainly no better. Although masked by patchy, red/black caked blood and a thin, tacky layer of plasma, traces of veins, tendons, bone and marrow are still somewhat visible.

Karsk turns from the sight and reaches into his healer’s bag to pull out a fresh bandage. “I’ve seen worse,” he says to Dobyn in his trademark stick-straight composure. He pulls out the roll and begins applying it to Dobyn’s arm. Karsk wraps the first few coils in silence before interjecting, “I think we should stay with this group.” He doesn’t look up to gauge Dobyn’s reaction. “I think they’re good people,” he continues, “and, as they say, there’s safety in numbers.”


Talidaar
Dave

He looks up at Liem, folding Lashia's note, and tucking it into a pocket of his robe. "Thank you, Liem, but there is nothing you can do for me right now." He gestures to the owl seated on the nearby branch "Lashia sent word. I am a father again." He smiles, but it is a wistful smile. "What I would give..." he mutters under his breath. He sighs, his gaze passing over the others of their encampment. Then his gaze sharpens, as he sees Karsk removing Dobyn's bandages. "Forgive me, Liem, but I see something I can take care of."

He stands, and moves over to where the Dwarf and minotaur sit. "excuse me" He says "But I would offer my help, if you would hve it." He looks at them both, and gestures to Dobyn's arm "Do you see those spidery red lines moving up from the wound? It is blood poisoning. If untreated, even if the wrist is healed, you still would die from the infection."


Dobyn
DM

To Karsk, Dobyn just shakes his head, and exhales, " You know they are going to the center of this pit, thru more danger, right? Traveling in numbers betters the odds, but we aren’t leaving the swamp, we will be going deeper. I thank these people for saving our hides, but the prince is back, safe with others of his kind, I question the rationale of this mission these people are on. The Queen might already be dead, we may be doing this for nothing.


To the Druid comes that comes to them, "My arm thanks you for taking over for that oversized nursemaid Monk, I thank you Karsk for making the damned attempt. Mister Druid there, might you carry spirits of the earth with you? I've had a horrible 10 years bereft of my gloriously needed, ale.


Talidaar
Dave

"Of course, friend Dobyn, but first" He says, taking a small gourd from a pouch "Would you be so kind as to take a draught of this?" Tinglig sreads through the dwarf's body, and a chilling, numbing centers on his arm. (Resist Poison) Then, he hands you a battered silver flask from a different puoch, and hands that to you. "Your Spirits, my friend." He says, smiling. Thn, he kneels down before the Dwarf, and produces a vat of ointment, which he gently rubs all over the wound (Cure Serious Wounds). The pain dissipates quickly.


Karsk
Matt

Karsk looks over Dobyn's much improved stump and gives a small snort. "Sure, take the easy way out," he says straight-faced, "I guess my puss-dripping rags aren't good enough for you." Dobyn, used to Karsk's banter, ignores the minotaur and takes a long drink of ale.

Turning to the druid Karsk says, "Talidaar...eh, Master Druid...please forgive me, I don't know the etiquette for addressing a man of your position, but if Dobyn and I are to be part of this group it seems we should be privy to what lies ahead. So far all I've been able to ascertain is that we're hacking our way through the swamp and the goal is to rescue Silvan's mother, the Queen. There is more of a plan than that...right?"


Talidaar
Dave

Talidaar seats himself next to the Dwarf "Well, the answer is no, and yes." He smiles slightly, and pulls a curious container from a pocket within his robes. It is wooden and flat, about five inches long, and three inches wide. Cunningly made, it appears to be all one piece, but the Druid deftly slides one side back to reveal several cigarettes nestled within the hollow. He takes one out, and slides the panel closed before replacing the box in his pocket. He then draws forth a small red crystal, about two inches long, and a half an inch around, covered in strange glyphs. He strokes his thumb along one side of the crystal, and a single candle-sized flame appears, dancing over the tip of the crystal. He lights his cigarette.

"We are all there is, true enough, but we have a few surprises up our sleeves. In truth, a larger force would bring down too much attention, the kind we don't need."


Dobyn
DM


"Ahhhhhh. Yes, this is what I've been missing." Dobyn says upon taking a long draw off the flask. "I can die happy now. Not that dying is on my list of things to do soon."

Then he says, "Something tells me it wouldn’t matter much if heavy Divisions came in here. The Black knows we're here. And we will al pay for that crime. Getting the Queen out, I still say that is a pipe dream at best. But what’s the matter Karsk, Shit odds are your bread and butter ain't it?"

He takes another swig, then adds, "Hell, I haven’t done much good in my life, Karsk here is trying to convert me, even though he is'ent trying to. For once I am in a moment of clarity. If we can save this Queen and get out of the Swamp, then I'm in."


Talidaar
Dave

A smile stretches across the Druid's face, and he says "Thank you, Dobyn." He turns to the Minotaur "And thank you, Bother Karsk." His gaze takes in the both of them "I know this situation seems insane, and probably hopeless...but then, that's what my friends and I are good at." He stands "I am glad to call you both 'friend'."


Dobyn
DM

"Mister Druid, I'll take all the "friends" I can have in a place like this. Before the kid started traveling with us, I thought Karsk and I was done for. Well, that ain't true, I thought the Minotaur would get out, and he would have most likely carried my sorry bones out of here, to his monastery. All of this happy joy joy business is new to me. My trek to Thordin was like if you dropped behind, and fell to the wayside, you were left there.

For A long time, I looked at Karsk, and knew he was going to get me out, I just knew it. Karsk, thank you, Thank you for getting me out of that hell."


Karsk
Matt

Karsk arches his right eyebrow. "What makes you think we're out of hell? It's possible that all we've done is discover whole new levels of it."


Dobyn
DM

Now Dobyn arches his brow, then he looks down at his bandaged stump. "It would seem the mixture of drink and my pain being calmed. Yes the mines were purgatory, and this place truly be the hell. Karsk, I worry about you now, Here, Try to Druid's flask, just a drink."

[Dungeon Master]

Meeting at the Elven Ruins
DM

A Scout-sized party led by General Mytarious of the Elven main force arrives at the elven ruins where the assault force is currently based.

Silven is asleep, And Samar and Damara meet Mytarious nearby.

"Prince Silven has been saved. Now we ready ourselves to go into Shrentak, where we think Sable is holding the Queen." Samar tells Mytar.

"Thank goodness the Prince is saved." Mytarious exclaims. "What is the Plan for extracting the Queen the to safety?"

Samar looks grim. "We have had a bit of luck, A druid of this swamp has made contact with us, and can lead us to her. A small, well armed band will go in and retrieve her. The whole of the main force will station themselves at the tree line, and if there be trouble, The Main Force will come down on them. Our War Wizards have vials to render us invisible, the Retrieval band will be invisible, and quick and quiet.

I will lead the Retrieval team.

Mytarious my friend, you will lead the Main Force.

And Damara, how brave and loyal you have been, I ask of you to take the prince to the City of Morning Dew. Here he will be safe."

Damara knows this is to be the most sacred of vows. She is instantly pissed that this should be left to her when saving Alhana is the most important mission. Is it because I'm a girl that I miss out on this fight. She feels like punching Mytarious for so quickly agreeing to the plan. Damn, she knows that this is all true, but that the Prince is the most important thing to the queen. Silven is the hope of the Qualinesti, Porthios, and of the Silvanesti, Alhana. That Silven merges the Blood of Kith-Khanan, and of Sithas, the bloodline of Silvos continues on with Fire.

"I understand the honor you have onto me General. I want you to first know that Prince Silvanoshi will be safe in my keeping, and I will guard his life with my own. That being said, I would tell you now that I would now tell you, that I would go in a moment to save the queen if you so wished. I will do my duty for House Royal, and will bring glory to House Protectorate."

She salutes and starts to turn away when Samar says,

"Commander Ambrodel, will you please tell Master Talidaar, and the Druid, Socorro? We have to plan this operation and I would like your input."

Damara walks away to find Talidaar.

Sable’s Hunter
DM

Grigorian moves thru the swamp, with frustrating annoyance. His reawakening had come unexpectedly. Now was the time for answers, and here is where he start. He comes across tracks. Elves first of all, a Minotaur, and two Dwarves. This one, and this other one will have answers that I seek. More likely they don't even know the questions yet. "Keep up Ghazi! You are slowing us down."


Damara Ambrodel
DM

Damara walks from the location where her brother and General Samar are making their plans. She is lonely. She looks around, and sees small campfires throughout the elfish ruins. She decides to make the Commanders wait, and she heads to her old friend, whom has never let her down.

“Palannis”? How about a drink.”

Palannis
Dave

Sitting at the fire, watching the comings and goings in the camp, the old Dwarf shakes his head. When He, Damara, and Lasha Ambrodel opened the Roaring Griffon in New Ports, he was - among dwarves - on the young side of Adult. "Only 196 when the doors opened. An' You thought you was too young to stop adventurin', and kickin' up fuss." He griped at himself "Huh. Now look at ya. What're you doin', trekin' around out here? You aught ta be sittin' in front of a fire...in a decent fireplace! With a deep mug o' the private stock, an' a Hogleg cigar!" Then he snorted "Yeah, an' I s'pose I should have a fuckin' gaggle a' kids, an' grandkids, an' great grandkids...Yeah, right."

Then he sees her stalk away from the two Head Honchos, and make her way across the camp, like a wildcat fresh out of the river. He grins "One things for sure, as long as Damara is around, I'll never feel old!" He chuckles, knowing all too well the danger inherent in pissing her off. "Damn! I definately dont't wanna be those two idiots right now!" He grins, and shakes his head, even as he pulls out a second pewter mug from his bag. "Lessee...I make it...60 seconds." He pulls over the skin of wine he'd been using then, with a roll of his eyes, he pushes it away, and pulls out a leather covered flask, and fills the mug with the it' contents. He corks the flask and puts it away, as he hears the faint scuff of leather on dirt, and hears her say

"Hey Palannis. How about a drink?" Banishing the thoughts of amusment at his being right on his estimate of time, and wiping the grin from his face, he turns and somberly hands her the mug. "Been waitin' for ya.”



Old Friends
DM

"Thanks. I can stay but a minute now, I have go get Talidaar and that creepy Swamp Druid and head back to the meeting. They are sending me back to Morning Dew, with the Prince. They are going into Shrenatak to save the Queen. I guess I just feel, like I knew this was going to happen. It's not even for the glory, it's just...I don't know Palannis, I feel like...This is the most dangerous spot, and they are sending me away because of it being Dangerous. I know the job I have been given is of the utmost importance. I feel seconded rate. I've always felt that way next to my brother. Ah listen to me, going on about this like a little girl. I just needed to vent.

Thank You my friend for being here, I know a swamp really is'nt your kind of place."


Palannis
Dave

"Well, shit, Girl! A' course a swamp ain't no kinda place fer an old geezer like me! Glad ta hear we'll be leavin' soon!" He drains his mug, and then pulls out the same leather-bound flask, and pours himself a snort. "Jest let me know when it's time ta go, alright? I'll be right here." He grins at her, as he knocks back the drink.


Damara
DM

"Thank you Palannis, I'll be back." She walks away, sees Eolise. She looks at him a moment, then walks on to Talidaar.

"Greetings Brother. Greetings Karsk and Dobyn. Brother, I am sorry to interrupt, Samar and Mytarious needs to see you and Socorro. We are going over plans for Shrenatak."


Talidaar
Dave

As soon as he looks up at her he can tell something is wrong "Of course Damara." Talidaar turns back to Dobyn and Karsk. "Excuse me, my friends. We will talk again, once I find out what the plans are." He stands, and starts off across the camp with his sister-in-law. "So, what's wrong? You look like you just took a bite of raw Goblin meat."




In-Laws
DM

"It is nothing brother. Do you know where the Swamp Druid is? His presence is also requested by the Commanders." She now has a serious look on her face, to better mask her inner feelings.



Talidaar
Dave

He looks at Damara a moment before answering "Sorocco went to check on a few things, but he should be back any minute now." He sighs inwardly. He knows that whatever is bothering her is going to remain a mystery. She obviously doesn't want to talk about it.


Plans
DM

Damara, Talidaar and Socorro arrive to the command area. Samar, Mytarious, Briana, and Kurran are already here.

Samar begins the planning session. "We believe our queen is in the ciy of Shrentak. I will lead a small team that will insert into that location to find and extract the Queen. General Mytarious will lead the Wildrunners and support if necessary. Socorro, can you please tell us about what you know of Shrentak?”

The Swamp Druid walks to the center of the circle. “Shrentak, the Citadel lair, of the Largest Black Dragon left on Ansalon. she is Onyxsablet. She began to transfer the area of Blode into a vast swamp now named the 'New Swamp'. She has also vanquished all other combatants, leaving her as the largest Black remaining. The Ogre's of Blode say that when she flies above, she can block out the sun. Her Dusky body measures by estimate, 120’ long. She considers herself to be the greatest scientist on Krynn. She may be right. She has created thousands of new breeds of plant, and animal life. I bring this up, because Shrentak is her laboratory, where she creates said, new life. As you have already witnessed personally, most of these breeds have been deadly. Word of warning, she loves parasites. She genetically creates them with glee. She is smartest, in my opinion, then all the Overlords, put together.”

Shrentak is the only city that is above water in New Swamp. I say city, what I mean is zoo. Only her warrior slaves live there peaceably, the rest of the inhabitance are locked up, or wander the empty streets. She keeps her most unusual horde here. Ogres and Draconians serve as trusties, helping to oversee the menagerie.
Among Sable's minions are Mintigoth and Ricandroth. Mintigoth (Oil) is one of Sable's most loyal underlings. Mintigoth flies the realm seeking news, trespassers, and new specimens to bring to his beloved master. Ricandroth (Dire), Mintigoths son, serves as the palace attendant keeping eye on the citadel of Sable's realm from her roost in Shrentak.

Not only has Sable mastered the art of creating Spawn, she has also, through experiments, created a new type of Spawn. Called the "Dark Spawn" it is "infected" with a pox that it spreads through contact like a virus, which turn the victims into more Dark Spawn loyal to the Black.
It truly is the heart of darkness.”


Stalkers
DM

Kliment moves about the scene of the battle. Nura-Drix was here. Dead Spawn, villagers are scattered. Huts burned, Burns everywhere, a Minotaur was here, Dwarves, Humans......Elves.

The Kapak stalker known Kliment is Sables best Hunter in her employee.

The Kapak is a race of venomous draconians known for their stealth. They are derived from copper dragon eggs.

He is six feet tall, he has a sleek torsos and long limbs. his scales are dull copper color tinged with green, his orange and dark brown eyes looks for tracks.
He has a short mane of blonde hair hanging from either side of his mouth. Soft pads line the bottoms of their feet, enabling them to move silently.
The most exotic physical feature of the Kapak is the poison glands located under his tongues that continuously secrete a venomous spittle. The glands are magical in nature, and are capable of producing a virtually limitless amount of thick, yellowish venom. He is wearing a Padded armor to conceal sound of movement.

Klimet speaks in a soft, high-pitch whine to his fellow stalker, "Return to the First one, tell her that hhe elves has met Nura Drix, and retrieved the boy-prince. They are on the move, from the south. they are 50 strong. Tell her there is a minotaur with them, she has been looking for one. The first one will be happy this night."

The companion takes off, circling around, and disappearing into the bog. Klimet looks for more clues, he moves on, north.

He stops...he hears something....

A flash of Red, a old man.....

"You would have been dead, I don't have the time for it. Go to sleep anyways."

The Red druid blows dust into the face of the Khapak, who return the favor by spitting poison at...nothing. The Red Druid moves so quickly that he is already away. The Draconian falls into the Swamp, and sleeps.

Outcome
DM

The Meeting at the Elven Ruins comes to a close. Samar is going to lead a group into Srentak, where Alhana is being held. Mytarius will lead a Security group on the outskirts of the City, and await word. Damara will take Silvanoshi to The City of Morning Dew, and get him out of Danger.

All that remains is to see who else is leaving the Swamp. Damara approaches Dobyn and Karsk. "Greetings to you, I have been charged with getting Prince Silvanoshi out of the Swamp, and I ask you two if you would like to join me. My friend Talidaar has called the Griffons to to come here, and pick us up. I believe Stratos can carry you Karsk."

Talidaar is asked by Samar if he can travel with him into the city. Sorcoro has also been asked.

The Elves are startled when A Red Robed Man appears amongst them at the camp, weapons are drawn. Talidaar, you recognize this man to be the fabled Red Druid, A Powerful Hierophant Druid.

Talidaar
Dave

Striding forward, unmindful of the bared blades of the elves, Talidaar stops before the Red Druid

"Greetings, Brother. What brings you out to this place?"


The Red Druid
DM

He is a craggy old, bearded man. He is fabled. You have seen him throughout your career. His presence at Moots was spotted at best. He always stuck you as being wise, and yet, a bit impulsive. That’s a human for you.

"Why you of course Brother."

He smiles. He has lost some teeth over time it seems.

"And to get the Elf Queen out her current predicament. What are we waiting for?"







Talidaar
Dave

"You have come to help us? That is wonderful news, Brother." He smiles "We are always happy to have someone of your strength and reputation aid us. Thank you."

Left in the Dust
DM

The Red Druid responds, "Very good then, follow me." He bows, Ladies, then he walks out of camp, in the direction of Shrentak, causing Samar and Mytarous to gasp at this human's swiftness.


Karsk and Dobyn to Damara
Matt

"A griffon carrying a minotaur?" Karsk asks dryly, "That could prove interesting."

"Shut your hole, Beef Boy," Dobyn snaps at Karsk. "Lady," he continues, turning his attention to Damara, "I'd chop off my other hand if it would get us out of this mud-hole-from-hell any faster. Count me in."

Karsk arches his right brow. "Well, if he's going," he says to Damara, "then somebody has to come along to keep him in line. Besides, I'd like to see the Prince returned safely. I would be honored to help."


Goodbyes
DM

"I want to stay with you Samar, and help you get my mom out of there!" The Young Elf says in quiet elvish.

"Silvanoshi, You are the heir to the thrones of the Elven nations. For once, think. You are everything to your mother, She came here to save you. Now, you must get to safety. We will get your mother, and be back to you before you know it. Now please, do this thing I ask of you." Samar says lightly, trying not to lose his patience.

This goes on for about five more minutes, before the elder General wins out. The Combined group has had to endure the this quiet back and forth between Prince and General for two days now. Its obvious they love each other, as Porthios has long been feared dead. Samar did not wish to become the Prince's father-figure, but it has naturaly happened.

And what of Porthios? That dark, masked warrior, that joined way back when the Eagle ship set out from Merwellyn port, has he fared all this time? He has watched from the shadows, wishing, wanting . . . missing his former life.

He had come to bitterly respect this General Samar. He had known of Samar's feeling for the dejected Queen of Silvanesti, Alhana Starbreeze, Porthios's wife. But Samar has always been loyal, and has, countless times, put his body in the way of harm, to protect the Queen, and Pothios himmself, as The who went into Silvanesti, to fight the dream.

This Dark Masked man has watched the goings on at the camp at the elvish ruins, taking it all in. He has been impressed greatly, with the Actions of Talidaar, Damara, and the Minotaur known as Karsk. He is torn as to go with Silvan, or go to rescue Alhana.

Talidaar and Damara share a moment, saying goodbye.


Rayna, Stratos, Caynar, and Solvern arrive to the elvish ruins, and await the order to leave. Karsk looks to see if one of these griffons is big enough to carry him out of the swamp. He is not disappointed. Stratos is huge, much larger then his brethren.

The Red Druid having already left, The Elves prepare to move out.

One final note. The Ogre that Karsk, Dobyn, and Silvanoshi came across, several nights ago, died in his sleep, despite Talidaar doing his best for the Ogre, his wounds to his brain was unrecoverable. Ironically, and somehow fitting, as he did in part, help save the elven prince, His body was lain to rest, under a caern of stone, from the elven ruins.


Palannis
Dave

"Hurmff! Well, it's about time we were goin', dontcha think?" He says gruffly to Damara. "Let's get, whil the gettin's still good!"


Good Bye
DM


Damara to Talidaar "I want to thank you for coming on this adventure Brother. You have been a great help to all of us. I'm sorry I must leave you now, but it seems I am the one to take the Prince to safety. Be careful, and return to us safely." Damara gives Talidaar a kiss on the cheek, and a quick hug for luck.

She departs, without looking back. She passes Lord Twoblades, she stops for a moment . . . "Lord Twoblades, we had a misunderstanding, and I am sorry for it. When you return from this, We will try a friendship anew. For now though, take care, and stay close to Talidaar."

She walks on to Rilla, and the two embrace. "My friend, how long has it been? Thank you for coming with us, into this dark hell. You should come with me."

"I know you your heart is heavy, you have a job to do, and mine here isn't yet finished. We will be together again soon enough. Palainess will pour us drinks, and we will be planning our next adventure. I love you, and don't worry."

Elsewhere,

Silvanoshi is carrying his pack to the Griffons. He stops, and looks around. The Black Masked man walks from the brush. "Prince Silvanoshi, I knew your father, He wanted me to tell you how much he loved you, and that you honor him with your bravery. He also wanted to get to know you, and for you to understand the sacrifices that your mother and he made was for the good of the elven nations. You must carry on the fight, to do so, will honor all the dead kings and queens of your peoples."

"Do I know you sir?" Silvan says, quite surprised at all this.

"Once maybe, in a dream Prince. Now, you must go, Commander Ambrodel will watch over you as her family has watched over all the House Royal since the time of Silthel and Kith-Khanan.

I love you my Prince, my King. Do not worry, your mother will be safe."
With that, the Dark Masked man disappears into the brush.

"Silvanoshi, come, the hour grows late, you must be leaving now." Samar says.

"Samar, do you who that Dark Man is? How does he know my father and mother?"

"Come Silvan, The man knew your father and mother longer then anyone. I'll carry your pack Prince."

And soon, The Griffons are carrying them away, to the south. Damara, Silvanoshi, Palainess, Karsk, and Dobyn. Carrying them to their new life, where their future is just beginning.