First Steps to the World -- All Welcome

[darciar]

Darciar gaze never leaves the men on the ground when he asks plenny. "are these the slodiers who destroyed your town? if so i have no reason not to fight along side of you. i have seen these men do unjust things and even if olny a few of the men were involved in killing the poor animal the other night the others are their company. and thats good enough for me."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo dismounts and checks the wounded rider. He is trying to crawl away, but his spilled guts are slowing him. The mercenary takes out his dagger and approaches. The wounded warrior turns and manages to pull out a dirk and swing it towards Udo. A quick jump and Udo kicks away the knife. A second blow lays the man flat on the ground, taking away the helmet. The man's face is scarred, and there is a touch of madness in his eyes. Udo says, grabbing the warrior's hair " Tell me where is your camp. It will be quick that way.", while he puts his dagger on the man's throat "Otherwise, it will be really nasty. I'll cut your hands and leave you for the wolves. It's your call." The warrior looks into Udo's eyes, and suddenly smiles, opening his mouth in a crude parody of laughter. His tongue has been cut.

Disgusted, Udo looks a moment away, and says, softly, "I'll take that as a yes." A swift movement, one or two twists...

Udo approaches the group with the head in his hand, still dripping. Looking at the distance, he says "Tie them together. After that let's wake them up and see what they know..."

[Rasputin the Rover]

The unconscious rider stricken by Rasp starts to come to. He moans and shakes his head. He realizes he has a foul cloth in his mouth and begins to gag. "Will you tell us what you know?" Rasp says. The man nods his head and Rasp takes the old sock out of is mouth. "What is your name young man?"

"M-M-My name is Gelphoo. I am a private in his royal highness Herpes army. We have sacked Kiner and are scouting new cities to attack. You have killed my friends. What will you do with me?"

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo has an absent expression as he approaches Rasputin and the prisoner. he takes a pike from the captured horses, and places the head on one end. Then he sticks the pike in front of the man Gelphoo. The prisoner looks up and starts to pale when he sees the remains of the warrior.

Udo winks at Rasputin, takes out his dagger, and starts talking in a quiet voice, "Well, well, well...kid, we don't have much time for introductions. Let's say we are the winners. That makes you one of the losers. You can lose a lot today...unless you talk to me...."

While talking, Udo is cutting the skin from the head, making sure Gelphoo is looking at him...

"Tell me, ...loser...what creatures in your army are capabe of tearing walls and scorch the earth, and of course...where the hell is your camp ? How many men are with you? "

Udo has peeled half the skin already..."You see, I like to work with my hands, but I only have one head to play with...TALK NOW! Or I'll start playing with YOUR HEAD!!"

As he yells at the prisoner, Udo pulls the rest of the skin from the head. The staring eyes look blindly at the prisoner, who is trembling now and turning a sickly gray green colour....

[darciar]

STOP UDO! its not right! hes dead quit playing with your food!. interupts darciar. ill get him to talk. darciar lifts up his boot to show the others the underside. row after row of sharp spikes are protruding out of the bottom of the boot. darciar walks over to the prizoner and places his right foot on one of the prizoners feet. he gently pushes down at first and then after he a few seconds slams his foot down followed by a screem from the captive. "hurts dont it? they inject light poison into whoever gets stabbed by them. dont worry the pain will only last a few days. or if you dont want to talk i can make it kill you right here right now. or if that doesnt work i can always have my friend finnish his methods. darciar glances back at udo.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo is a bit surprised by Darciar's method, but as long as it gets the man speaking, he is unconcerned, so he says, " I can always peel you, kid...make your choice...or meet your maker."

[Rasputin the Rover]

Gelphoo cringes in pain and says "Please stop, I will tell you anything you want to know!" Darciar steps off his foot and along with Udo and Rasp listen to what the captive starts to confess. "The giants you speak of are the Cabiri. They do not eat rock but have forged tools that pierce brick and stone and reduce it to rubble. The scorched earth is from their forges they use to temper their weapons and tools. They are most prized by His Highness. To capture or kill one of these beings would be disaster to Herpes."

Rasputin gets the prisoners attention "Where are they and how many attacked Kiner?"

Gelphoo looks to his questioner, "There was a division of 2000 against Kiner and the losses were horrendous. There are 3 Cabiri and maybe 500 soldiers remaining outside the town. While the town is sacked there are pehaps 3000 inhabitants remaining. Herpes will be sending reinforcements in the morning. Please let me go, I will flee in any direction you point...just don't kill meeeeee."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo listens to Gelphoo, carefully considering the situation. Proper timing of the Kiner forces is paramount to get a tactical advantage.

He steps away from the captives about ten paces and motions Rasputin, Darciar, Catella and Plenny to approach him. "Keep your voices down and an eye on this rabble" he whispers, " We must send word to the army to double-time it to the Kiner Plains. One of us may go, or send a mesage in any possible way to this effect...As to our prisoners, we must remember the High War Convention. We cannot curse souls for the deeds of the flesh, so we cannot make them ghouls, spectres or such. If we let them go, they will join the Herpes ranks and we will lose the surprise element and probably the war. I am for having them summarily executed, according to lawful standards. But also, according to the same law, it must be an unanimous decision among high ranking officers. We are all volunteers, so the principle stands in spirit if not in form. What do you say ? "

[darciar]

Darciar mumbles under his breath something unintelligable to the others.

What was that" asks rasp,

Dacriar looks up with eyes ablaze with fury."i said 'OR GID A DRUNG SKRUFF ELGRAM URG UM BOKI GRUNGI!' translated to 'i want to kill SKRUFF(insult) weak enemy who cursed GRUNGI(dwarf god)!' If it comes down to killing him i will do the honnors!"

And with that said Darciar sitts down on the ground takes off his boot and starts sharpening the spikes on it, still muttering in his forign native tounge... ***** boki Grungi! *********** Drung Skruff Urg!******** **********!

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin eyes Darciar, "As much as I want to rid this realm of the invader and his minions, we should spare Gelphoo for now. His information may prove valuable in the short term. You may take your revenge out on the remaining riders." Rasputin then looks to Plenny and Catella, "You two must ride back to the army and bring them forward to the outskirts of Kiner. Send up a black plume of smoke from your camp so that we may locate you from inside the city. We will send a messenger with our battle plan for you to execute."

Plenny reaches into his pouch and produces a stag handled folding knife, "Have your messenger produce this to me to identify themself. Come Catella, we have to hurry."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo nods in approval, and turning to Darciar, says "Get those three ready. I'll give you a hand in a moment."

Then he approaches Catella and Plenny, " Take more horses from the prisoners and make double time until you reach our forces. Tell the commander to ready the troops for cavalry maneuvres. See you in battle."

Udo now approaches Rasputin, eyeing him with curosity. "If I heard you correctly, you said "locate you from inside the city" What's in your mind, your Holimess ?"

[Rasputin the Rover]

"Udo, I believe we can use Gelphoo to aid our approach to the Herpe encampment without being discovered. We can create a diversion and then slip into the city and locate the resistance while the enemy is otherwise occupied. We should be able to formulate a battle plan once we eyeball the situation. It's only an idea and you and Darciar's input would be most welcomed."

Rasputin looks to the prisoner Gelphoo who is nodding beseechingly, "Yes my lord, I will aid you in any way I can if it will keep me from being skinned alive!"

The Holy man looks to his friends with a knowing grin..

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo nods, and says, "Very well, let's see to our guests", with a gesture to Darciar, and they walk to the prisoners.

" Take off your uniforms, now. Your Holiness, please tie them on a row, neck to neck, and neck to ankle. Darciar, kill the first that tries to escape."

While the wretches obey, Udo calmly collects the clothes, banners and leathers and makes a pile near the horses. Now the prisoners are properly secured, a sorry looking lot. Gelphoo is still shaking, and they look at him with a mixture of anger and disbelief...

Udo takes his longbow, and he is starting to string it when he feels a sudden heat in his chest, a painful ache as if he was being split....

The demon is looking at the prisoners, red eyes staring out of Udo's features, turning the barbarian's face into a mask of primitive, feral bestiality, a bluish light forming at his feet and hands, black, striped hands with claws...but the transformation is incomplete...the voice comes out, inhuman, roaring, " GLORY TO MASTER !! KIIIIILLLLLL !!! SERVANTS OF BRAIDUR WILL DIEEE!!! "

The demon jumps high, and takes in his hands the ropes, with an impossible move, the wretches are tossed up and slammed to the ground with a ghastly sound, bones crushed and stuck into the ground, blood seeping into the dirt.

The red eyes look into Gelphoo, "I will get ya, maggot...not today...ya will pay fur yar sins..."

Turning, the demon stares at Rasputin and Darciar, " I am Usulutan, I SERVE THE MASTER !!! Tha maggot has the warding runes, ya are safe...for now...GLORY TO MASTER!!! "

The demon is gone, and Udo falls to the ground, bleeding from nose, mouth and ears, grabbing his chest...

[Rasputin the Rover]

"Udo, your demon friend has re-appeared and made short work of our honored guests." Rasputin looks to Darciar who is in a stunned posture, mouth agape. "Darciar looks as if he has seen a monster or something." Rasputin chuckles.

Gelphoo is in a state of utter terror. Never before has he seen such devastating power and malice. "YOU, YOU ARE A DEEMONN!" he cries to Udo. "Please, stay away" he begins to sob.

Rasputin takes Udo by the arm and helps him up. "Are you alright? You seem a little more put out this time. Your friend introduced himself as Usulutan and is seeking vengence on Braidur's servants. I believe Gelphoo is one of them."

Rasputin starts to disguise himself with the clothes and armor in the pile. "Awfully stinky people, I must say." He looks to Gelphoo and says "When was the last time you people bathed?"

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo is feeling queasy, but struggles to be still in front of the rest. Taking a swig of water, he washes his mouth, spitting it - red colored - into the ground. Still shaky, he sits and looks at Rasputin and Darciar, who is still eyeing him with open eyes... He laughs silently and says, "So it's Usulutan, huh? Well, he sure is no cousin of mine, as far as I know. It´s hard to keep up with the family, these days."

Udo takes the overmantle and robe of the headless warrior, since the mail and garb are not too different in their looks. These stink really bad, like bedding for the Rompo's hide.

Darciar walks by, opens his mouth as if to speak, but thinks better about it and moves on, loooking for things that would fit his body.

Udo joins Rasputin and the dwarf, "Let us eat before we ride. I feel like dead, maybe I am and haven't noticed..."

[Rasputin the Rover]

The foursome eat in quiet. Gelphoo waits until all the others start eating before beginning his meal. Rasputin looks to his companions and says, "These disguises will get us past a casual inspection but if we are challenged I say we begin the scuffle and not wait for our foes to get in any surprises." Gelphoo says "I will do my best to guide us around the heavily traveled areas. Believe me, I do not want to be captured as the lone survivor of my party."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo nods, agreeing with Rasputin. "You're right, we will move preferrably in darkness, keep a low profile and avoid engaging any troops unless it's inevitable."

Turning to Gelphoo, he says, "As for you, remember my dear cousin from the underworld. I expect you to be completely loyal to us, because if you're not...well, you'll beg me for skinning your sorry hide before he comes to pay you a visit. " The wretch just blubbers something and sinks his head between his knees, avoiding Udo's feral look...

When the meal is over, the skin of firewine passes among the group, a last drink before the coming darkness.

"Come on, Gents, let's ride to Kiner..." Udo walks to his horse, checks his gear and mounts, waiting for the rest to join.

[Red Warrior]

The quiet swordsman sat atop his ride in the darkness just off the path a distance behind the small band of travelers. The warrior's eyes trained on the small group of individuals. Red made out two men, a dwarf, and perhaps a woman. His sight in darkness was well trained, but he was no owl. The Paladin stroke his chin, over his thin goatee and considered his approach. After the encounter with the horsemen, Red knew this group should not be taken lightly.

He signaled to his stallion to go ahead. As the Red Warrior approached not only could here the clops of his horse's hooves, but also the light "clink, chick, clink, chick," of the lone knight's armor hidden under long brown robes. The warrior rode atop a great steed as grey as a February sky. He was a impressive figure of a man, sitting tall on his ride.

When the Red Warrior got within sight of the group he leaned forward on his saddle, cocked his head to the side and said, "Going for a hunt tonight, are we?"

[Rasputin the Rover]

Danger whinnies in the direction of the stranger and his grey as Rasputin mounts. "We are men on business. There is war in this land and our friends need help. How is it that you travel alone?" The foursome ride up to the newly arrived stranger.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo eyes carefully the stranger, approaching at a slow pace, while loosening his axe in the saddle. A rare sight indeed, a full plate clad warrior...No arrow or spear will do the job, if it comes to blows...While waiting for the rider to answer, he gestures to Darciar to approach from another direction, but the dwarf seems to have already decided to do so.

At twenty paces, Udo halts Gheryddwen and nods silently to the rider. If it is a trap, it can be said that the man keeps his cool....

[Red Warrior]

Red raised an eyebrow and his eyes moved in the direction of the dwarf, but otherwise did not acknowledge him. "Oh believe me friend, I'm well aware of the war in this land." The swordsman's mind was instantly flooded with dark painful memories, but he pushed those aside for the moment. "You wouldn't happen to be planning on taking on a few giants with this lot, would ya?" Red remained casual with his arms folded, leaning on the horn of his saddle.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo points in the direction of Darciar, and says, with a grin that does not get to his eyes, "Our dear friend over here is the Giant Killer. The rest of us are only after the ladies."

As he speaks, he puts the battle axe on his lap. The axe head still is on the left, so the warrior can see he will not attack...yet.

"You speak of war. We are on our way to it. What battles have you fought in this land? You carry no crest or banner of any faction. And by the way, I'm Wulfden. What is your name and intentions, if we may ask? "

[Red Warrior]

The lone horsemen shifted in his sadle. "The reason I carry no crest, nor banner, is because I no longer have any country, nor home to speak of." The warrior's tone grew very dark, "Prince Herpes has many crimes to speak of," and red spat at the mention of the warmonger's name. "I suspect your headed to Kiner, eh? My intent is to join your mission, for reasons of vengence, or justice, depending on how you look at it." The knight signled to his stallion, Nebule, to take a couple of steps forward. "I carry no name anymore, who I was died when everything I cared about burned..." The rider's eyes shut for a moment, and shuddered at thought of the past painfully burning in the pit of his soul. The moment past and he looked up, "You can use all the help you can get, and believe me when I say that my blade will be more than helpful. Call me Red." The warrior held out his hand in greeting.

[Red Warrior]

((Folks, I'm going out of town for the weekend, so unfortunately you will not get my response to new posts until Monday. Have fun this weekend.))

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin lowers his head at the mention of Red Warrior's loss. "I am sorry to hear of your loss. My name is Rasputin the Rover and I am the Holiest of Holies. We welcome your aide and hope you get retribution. It is a fire that burns deep within the soul when loved ones are taken before their time." Rasputin points to their prisoner. "This man is our prisoner and has agreed to help us evade the enemies scouts until we get to Kiner. He is called Gelphoo."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo looks at the Paladin, nods and says, "Of justice I've seen little, but of vengeance, plenty...just remember it is a dish better served cold, if you want it."

Moving to Red's side he clasps the offered hand, getting a firm grip in return. "Very well, Sir Red, if we make good time, you may get more than what you are looking for."

Turning his horse in the direction of Kiner, he motions Rasputin to his side, and starting a trot, he says to Red, "Rasputin and me need to know more about the giants you mentioned."

Turning in the saddle, he motions Gelphoo to follow, and calls to the Dwarf, "Darciar, keep an eye on him. If he runs, kill him." The dwarf still keeps a somber expression, but he nods and rides at the rear.

[Red Warrior]

Red looked down at Gelphoo with such hate, and disdain that would be reserved for vermin, but gave it just a moment and moved on. He put Nebule into a trot next to Wulfden.

"I appreciate the respect comrade but I'm afraid I have yet to earn the title of sir just yet, my hands are not entirely clean, please, just Red for now." The swordsman looked over his new allies, relieved he would not be walking into the hell that awaited them alone. "The first thing to understand is that with a giant's big size comes with big appendages. The Cabiri have big ears, and big noses, which means its very difficult to sneak by them. Giants do have one weak spot though," Red sighed, "unfortunately, that weak spot is at the bottom of their feet."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo smiles from the phrasing, says in a lighter tone, "I´ve seen a lot in my wanderings, including big appendages...those who have them usually become dependent on them, right? But my question is not only where they are vulnerable, but how do they fight? In coordination with others, by themselves? Does someone order them into battle? When you say the bottom of their feet you mean their ankles, if they have them, or the soles?"

[Red Warrior]

Red rode and talked turning back and forth to address all his companions. "From what I've seen there are three mountain giants; we called 'em bergrisar where I'm from. The achilles tendon at the back of their ankles is attached to an artery that delivers blood to the bottom of their feet. In order to keep their feet in good shape to carry all their weight they need continuous blood flow there. If you puncture the artery, they can't stand, and they'll bleed out quickly. However, you can obviously see the difficulty in trying to get to that weak spot." Red took out a thin pipe from his side pack, filled it, lit it up, and blew a few smoke rings. "In my experience the bergrisar are loners, but these three seem to corrdinate there attacks, which leads me to believe that they might be under the influence of dark magic."

[Rasputin the Rover]

"Yes, dark magic would make sense. If it is so, we will have to locate the mage and deal with him." Rasputin looks to Gelphoo questioningly, "Do you know if the giants are controlled and if so by whom?" Gelphoo smiles widely at the Holy One and says "I know that this is how the giants are controlled. The wizard who controls them is called Rahut and he dresses in a jade colored robe. You can not mistake him."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo is thinking about Red's words, gathering his cloak to keep the chill out.

After a while he straightens in the saddle and turning to Rasputin, he says, "Your Holimess, do you have any arcane way of sending a message to Plenny, Catella or Captain Negerev? I need them to adapt the heavy cavalry lances to our coming task...I remember that Catella spoke about some invisisble allies in the Kiner Forest."

[Red Warrior]

Red's thoughts raced for a moment. He wondered what Wulfden was refering to in the depths Kiner forest. Bad memories dwelled there for him, and he had no disire to return there anytime soon. Red blew a few more rings a smoke around his stallion's ears, and turned to the others, "do you plan on a frontal assult with your army?"

[Rasputin the Rover]

While stroking his beard in remembrance, Rasputin remembers Catella's words about Princess Finola's magical forest creatures and begins a nature pet call spell. "My communication with woodland animals is not as good as it was when I was a boy, but I believe when my spell is answered I will be able to send a written message back to the army on the river, Udo. I have made a request to a flying friend of Finola. It should be answered momentarily. I can send a written note to Catella. Would you have me ask her to reinforce themselves with lances by the time they reach the outskirts of Kiner?"

[Udo von Krieg]

"Not exactly. I remembered how the steppes tribes I visited with my Grandfather used to hunt wild cattle in a way that may be handy. Tell Catella that one corps of heavy cavalry should fit a steel crescent, sharpened on the inner curve to their lances. It should be about 5 palms from tip to tip. This corps must equip the most protective armor they can get. Our rendezvous remains as before, but if necessary, we will wait for these weapons to be ready."

Udo turns to Red, and says, "Red, I have always thought that a commander that only can order a frontal attack should be hanged. We will maneuver the enemy until we can expose his weakness, and then, we will use our maximum strength to crush them.

I would also like you to know that Wulfden - Mad Wolf- is my war name, which I use with strangers. You are part of our company now. My name is Udo von Krieg, heir to the house of Valsdrahil -if anything remains of it- Smuggler, Slaver, Mercenary and such. I will be honored to fight by your side."

[Red Warrior]

The Warrior put out his pipe, and placed it back in his bag. "The honor will be all mine. But since we are going to war, I will call you Wulfden, it seems to suite you comrade." Red smirked and rode on with them, his mind wondering, and imagining introducing Herpes' gut to the tip of his sword. Then he thought back to when he was first met his new allies. "Wulfden, what did you mean you were on this mission for the ladies? Are there fair maidens to be rescued?" The swordsman's mood began to lighten considerably.

[Udo von Krieg]

"As you wish. So far, the only fair maiden we have met is the daughter of Lord Tungel... fair she is, but hardly needs any rescuing, I'd say... My joke about the ladies was intentional. We met somewhat unexpectedly, and I usually don't discuss my business with strangers, Red. Old habit. Besides I was ribbing Darciar, he being our giant-killer." Udo glances back to see the dwarf keeping watch on their prisoner, with a twisted smile on his face.

"If we live after the battle, Kiner will be freed; I guess there you may find a fair lady, as to maidenhood, just hope the Herpes army has missed one or two."

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin chuckles at Udo's humor. "It is my understanding that any maiden that has laid with a minion of Herpes, that she will belong to Herpes forever. You must be very selective in your choosing Red or you may regret it. Udo, I have made a note to Catella with your instructions and await a winged messenger to my call." As the group ride on a hawk circles and swoops down to the Holy Ones outstreched arm and takes the note from his hand and flies south. "She will have that message shortly."

[Red Warrior]

The Red Warrior chuckled at Rasputin's comments, and watches as the hawk flies into the darkness.

[Rasputin the Rover]

The riders come to a meadow and can see above the treetops in the distance a large orange glow towards the northeast. "I would say we are close to Kiner or what's left of it." Rasputin looks to his companions. "Let's ride on and attempt to enter the city."

Gelphoo raises his head. "Be careful to avoid entering from the west or south entrances. Those are being besieged by Herpes. We must round the city and enter by the north or east entrances."

[Udo von Krieg]

The familiar sight of a siege takes Udo out of his brooding. The sounds of the assault are faint, but real. He looks at Gelphoo, then at Rasputin and raises his eyebrows in a silent question. It may be a trap.

"Gelphoo, if you try to mislead us, I will send your soul to hell. And I will be there to greet you...Are there any guards at those gates? Special codes ? Speak now."

[Red Warrior]

The lonely swordsman's eyes fell on the walls of Kiner as they came into view, very familiar walls. Red looked at the wretched Gelphoo for a moment, and barks at him, "Speak, vile scum!"

Gelphoo stutters out, "da da da east entrance is the least g-g-guarded. A minimal company of troops st-st-stands watch there. Its shut with a thick iron gate, and da da da lieutenant holds the key on his p-p-p-person."

"Is that all, worm?" The Red Warrior growled at him.

The evil servant swallowed and continued, "Before we left Kiner, I also heard talk of The Great Rahut casting magical traps, or enchantments in p-p-p-preperation of a sneak attack."

Still glaring at Gelphoo, Red said to his friends, "I believe he is telling the truth comrades, these pathetic scum don't even have enough honor to be loyal to their own."

[Rasputin the Rover]

"There is a special place in the after-life that is reserved for the souls of the repentant Gelphoo." The Holiest of Holies reads the mannerisms of their unwelcome guest and believes he is being truthful. The group circle the city to the east and begin to close in on the gate with confidence and what Rasputin the Rover feels as undaunted courage and righteousness. "Beware, my friends, this is going to be our most important manuever. Gelphoo, take the point and remember, you will be the first to die if you betray us."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo silently strings his bow and places the quiver near at hand, clearing his left arm from the folds of the cape.

He nods to Red and Rasputin and joins Darciar at the rear, covering the backs of his comrades and ready to dispatch Gelphoo at the slightest hint of treachery. A single word is said, "Alert", to which Gheryddwen reacts with his training, becoming more attentive to his surroundings. Darciar also answers, with a grim face, "Yes, General, I know my job..." Udo is about to laugh, but just nods and looks ahead...

Even in the twilight, he is able to see very clearly...as if he had taken Black Weed again, sounds are richer and even the faintest breeze in the grass is heard...he has no explanation for this, so he just accepts it. He is only worried about the magic wards at the gate, that may be their ruin...

[Red Warrior]

The Red Warrior puts on his helm obscuring his face, completing his suit of armor, and unsheathes his sword. The bright metal of the Warrior's Great Sword of Vorath is hidden under a permanent stain of blood running its length. The knight says mostly to himself, "by the blood of all my enemies, I swear Prince Herpes, I will see yours spilled before this day is done." Red nods back to Udo, and Rasputin, signaling he's ready.

[brett stars]

lol thats funny prince herpes

[Red Warrior]

lol thats funny prince herpes
BRETT! If your not gonna add to the story you can't post.

[Rasputin the Rover]

As the riders get closer, they can see that the gate is in chaos. There is much fighting and explosions are in the near distance lighting the sky and giving an eerie, hellish glow to the city. A little closer and they can see the first gatekeeper hanging out the window of his post with a spear in his back.

"Watch for archers and make a small target. We make it to the city and..."

Just then a loud roar is sounded and the earth shakes. The city wall now has a gaping hole in it and there in all his glory is one of the giants with a menacing look and begins to approach the riders.

"Holy Crap!" Rasputin shouts and begins an incantation.

[darciar]

"are you ready rasp." growls the dwarf. and in a split second the incantation is complete and the dwarf vanishes. a startled look from red only lasts a second or tow before the warior looks back to the giant.

from apparently nowhere the dwarf speaks not caring if the giant hears him or not, actually hoping it does. "u thought udo was joking about the giant killer thing didnt you. well i will need all the cover i can get so you four make as much noise as you can ill go for the ankles!" and the party hears a faint rustling sound in the direction toward the giant.

udo knows the spell wont last long as suprised as he was that the two had this manuver planned without him knowing he reacts without any hesitation and starts toward the giant hollering warcries. red follows almost as quickly and rasp stays back with glepho chanting spells even louder.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo grabs a handful of arrows, and draws his bow, aiming for the Cabiri's eye...he shoots, missing the left eye, but the arrow slams into the giant's eyebrow..but the giant does not slow, so he turns to its right side, yelling to Red, "Take the other flank!! Draw him out !!" A second arrow misses, the third gets into the Cabiri's mouth, who howls in pain and anger...but sweeps a massive foot towards Udo, missing by a hair's breadth, and
rising a lot of dust that leaves the barbarian almost blind..." Raaasp !! Slow this bastard now !!"

[Red Warrior]

Red kicks Nebule into his fastest sprint, and the warrior speeds straight toward the creature's ankles. His longsword sang with a ringing sound as he made a swift cut on the inside of the giant's lower leg as Red rode right between the two big feet. The massive monster roared in anger and annoyance rather than pain, and focused his attention on the knight with no banner. Red reared his horse daring the giant to chase him, and Red rode away from the group with the abomination in hot pursuit.

[Udo von Krieg]

Through the dust, Udo sees that Red is goading the Cabiri, but knows that Darciar needs the monster to be close, even if moving. He jams the bow and arrow into the quiver, and gets his spear in hand. "RED ! TURN IT AROUND!!" he yells, while kicking Gheryddwen forward, closing with the giant. Grasping the spear, he gets ready to dismount.

Red is holding the Cabiri's attention, so Udo jumps from his horse as they get close, runs close to one foot and shouting his warcry, buries the spear into the Cabiri's ankle. The giant howls in anger, and tries to turn. Udo's thrust must have cut a sinew, because it misteps, slowing down a bit...and giving Udo just a moment to barely escape alive..."DARCIAR, you misbegotten trickster, GET HIM NOW, DAMN IT !!! RED, RED, MOVE IT IN CIRCLES !!" Udo is not sure if the knight is hearing, and runs for shelter while reaching for his hatchet...

[Red Warrior]

Through the chaos Red makes out Wulfden's cries, "Alright, big and ugly" he shouts at the monster, "come get me, you big piece of Merda!" The paladin circles around the giant in a big sweeping arc. Red bends down and whispers to his steed, "Stay with me old friend, this freak can never catch you," As he says this the Cabiri swats at them as they were insects. Red begins to wind his path like snake, doging each blow narrowly. Red yells to his companions, "FUTUO! I can't keep this up forever!"

[Rasputin the Rover]

As Red passes by, Rasputin pulls his hands from the sky and unleashes a Holy Fire blast directly into the face of the gargantuan. It lets out a scream of pain and is claws its burned out eye sockets. "Fall on him men, take him out now!" Rasputin cries out hoping to be heard over the din of battle. He then looks around for any more of Herpes soldiers and is shocked that they are at this moment alone with the blinded giant.

[darciar]

the incantation ends just as darciar jumps with twin daggers in hand very long almost as long as the dwarfs arm about the size of a grown mans leg hip to knee. the daggers were sharp but not quite sharp enough. the daggers cut through the giants skin but not enough. darciar has lost what advantage he had unless rasp can muster up another spell. it has been a while since darciar had used those two special daggers, and he had gotten careless and not sharpened them often. but they will have to do.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo is still half blind with dust, bleeding from a cut in his leg, but seeing the dwarf in trouble, grabs his hatchet and yells "HOLD ON, CUT AGAIN!!" And running to the Cabiri's other leg, he throws a cut to the giant's tendons with all the strength he's left.

The blade bites halfway through the sinew, and Udo is drenched in blood as the Cabiri's howl bites into his ears, making him sick and dizzy. The blood has loosened his blade, and yanking it out, he manages to spin around to hit again. By more chance than anything else, the blade cuts the tendon and sticks into the bone beneath. The blood is coming out heavily, and weaponless now, Udo retreats to the rubble of the walls...

[darciar]

as the giant falls Darciar tries pull his special daggers out of the giants leg. but to no avail. the daggers were very expensive but not worth the dwarfs life. so he jumps off the giants ankle and onto the hardpacked dirt below. the giant will bleed for about an hour before finally dieing and by then the enemy will know of their pressence and their giants death. they had lost the element of suprise. but Darciar couldnt help but think they were running strait into a trap. but if all worked out their plan would still work and they would still crush the opposing army and darciar would still find the enchantress. he hoped she hadent been wrapped up into this mess somehow. those beautiful, and delicate hands were not made for battle. but darciar also didnt believe her mind heart and soul could resist a good fight.

[Red Warrior]

Red reversed direction and headed back toward the battle. The knight headed toward the giant's neck. Red gave low sweep ducking under the giants flailing arms. His sword cut his juggler which began gushing blood. He turned heel and tried to retreat but when the giant reached for the new wound on his neck he caught red with one of his large digits and Red went to the ground and rolling several times before finally coming to a stop. "Oh culus."

[darciar]

with the giants wailing loud in his head Darciar tries to make sense of the situation. he could tell that he was the only one still around the giant, but couldnt see any of his companions. he figured they were near and that at least rasp wasnt hurt. he hadnt actually gone into the heat of battle. so he decided to look for the others. he would start with the new one. he wasnt sure how well that one could handle himself so it seemed most logical to look for him. after a few minutes of walking around the giants very large feet he spotted something close to the giants ear. the dwarf had very keen eyesight but with all the dust that was settling and the shere length of the giants body he couldnt see exactly who or what it was laying on the ground. he did see a lot of red covering the figures body. and fearing the worst started at a dead sprint that would last 10 minutes until he got all the way to the figure. just as he started running darciar thought to himself 'why do dwarves have to have such short legs!'

[darciar]

ooc- ok im confused how big exactly is this giant. i seem to have set a size so is that what everyone is going with then?

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo walks -slowly - to the Giant's side, breathing heavily, and nods in acknowledgement to Darciar. " You were extremely brave, comrade. Well done." Udo starts taking off the blood drencehd robe, throwing it to the ground. "This monster smells like a barrel of rotten fish, I'd say. I hope this creature has no kin near, we cannot stand a second fight right now..."

Udo takes his hatchet from the giant's ankle, cleaning it on the rags he has discrded, with little success...

"Let's see to our Paladin friend, it seems his tin garment is keeping him on the ground, huh?" Udo walks along the fallen corpse for twelve meters or so, and moves towards Red, gesturing to Darciar to come along...

[Red Warrior]

Slowly sat up, and got to one knee. Leaning on his sword, groaning and grunting, Red got his feet. He took off his helmet, wiped the sweat from his brow, and spat towards the fallen giant. "Well, that was fun."

Red waved when he saw Krieg and Darcier walking his way. "Well, comrades, who's next?"

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin advances to his three exhausted friends and says "You men are a sight to behold. That was exciting, eh? I think I will take a look at our dead foe and see if there is something of use to us."

The Holy One rides Danger over to the slain giant and gives him a poke with his staff. There is no response from the corpse and it appears he is not breathing and his eyes are wide open and glassy. On the giants belt is a pouch. Rasputin dismounts and using a dagger cuts open the cloth sack. Several coins and eight rubies spill out along with a scroll. He gathers them up and mounts his horse and rides back to the group.

"It looks like Herpes doesn't pay his help as much as I had hoped." Rasputin hands out the money and rubies in equal shares and unravels the binding of the scroll and opens it. "Udo, I think you better take a look at this. It looks to me to be a battle plan dated today!" Rasputin hands over the scroll.

[darciar]

the dwarf didnt understand battle formation well so he walked away to sit under a nearby tree to gain some of his strength back. 'the tall ones will call for me when they need me.' darciar was growing fond of the little group. he had expected the millitary folk to be ones to be loose with orders and structure. instead they let him do what he wanted most of the time. the dwarf was never forced to do anything he didnt want to and was never just expected to listen to either of the two men he had joined company with less than a week prior. his ideas were actually heard and actually the last battle tactic was thought up by him. well after a few cleverly placed words from rasputin to make the dwarf feel like the whole plan was his own.

'but', darciar thought to himself, 'will the same relaxed command be there once they join with the main force of udos army?' darciars thought was cut off short when he was suprised by udo calling him. "darciar, the plan is..."

[Udo von Krieg]

"...changing rapidly. I have a feeling that our mission is not as clean cut as we expected. Some wants us - at least Rasp and me - as it says over here, 'the Bearer of a Thousand Curses and the Dragon Blood sibling - guess that's me - have left for the reborn city of Kiner, to the benefit of our Lord Braidur.' At least they are not counting on either Red or you, my friend, which makes you our wild cards."

"Rasp, if the armies they have stationed here in the cities and in the forest move according to this orders, they expected us to be caught in a double pincer...I don't see the reason, the move would weaken their ranks...this reserve regiment...hold the five Cabiri in the rear....nonsense...surround the sacrifice..."

Udo suddenly stops reading, looking at Rasputin. Handling the plan over, he says, with a sigh, "If they execute this, they will surround our force with a pentacle, with a Cabiri in each point. Does this ring any bell to you, your Holimess? "

[Rasputin the Rover]

The Holy One looks over the plan again and shrugs. "It looks like another impossible situation where all hope is lost." He then begins to chuckle and then laugh with gusto. "They are so focused on our destruction that they have left themselves defenseless to Negerev. Catella and Plenny are surely in contact with him by now and we should soon be receiving a dispatch as to your army's location. Let us find a high point in the city and get a better view of the battlefield. It will be easier for the messenger hawk to find us also."

[Rasputin the Rover]

The group moves out and begins searching the ruins of the city. Soon, they hear a muffled cry behind a half collapsed house wall made of brick. Rasputin peers into the rubble and discovers an elderly woman in a starkly disheveled condition. She has tears running down her dirty face and is horrified at the sight of the stranger. "We mean you no harm ma'am. Is there anything we can do for you? My name is Rasputin and my friends and I have come to aid your city."

"Aid my city you say?" she sobs. "There is hardly anything left of it! My husband and two sons are feared dead and my house is a pile of bricks."

Rasputin looks down in embarrassment and says "Please tell us your name. Is there a place we can take you to get you out of the elements?"

She stands up and attempts to gather her thoughts. "My name is Fairchild Winker. The town has a cavern where a spring supplies our water. If there is anyone alive, they would go there. Its not far."

"Well come with us Mrs. Winker, we will see what has become of your husband and sons."

[Athonese de Courtenay]

darciar still sought the enchantress, Athonese,whom he hoped she had not been wrapped up into this mess. Chivalrously, he believed that somehow those beautiful, and delicate hands were not made for battle. Still, darciar also didnt believe her mind heart and soul could resist a good fight.

It was odd, thought Athonese, as she washed the blood from her newly calloused hands and contemplated the carcass of her would-be attacker, but she could swear that her friend darciar was nearby. And Udo, that lean and virile warrior, hovered at the periphery of her consciousness. Perhaps it was time to perform a "Seeing" . . .

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Meanwhile, back at the Don't Drop Inn, the patrons' tongues never ceased to wag as each newcomer brought back tales of giants, dwarves and warriors. Amaryllis was exhausted from making hearty meat pies and stews to build up the strength of the many travellers who patronized the Inn. Everyone, it seemed, had a keen interest in being at theri peak in energy and health. Oh if only Athonese were there to help. Where could she be?

[Athonese de Courtenay]

. . .if only Athonese were there to help. Where could she be?

Tales filtered in of an enormous army of Cabrili giants led by the jade-eyed wizard, Rahut, he of the terrible beauty, like that of a fallen angel. it was said the almost unbeatable giant throng was marching under Prince Herpes' green banner, the one with the red eye inspired by Great Demon Braidur, known as the Torturer, with good reason.

Athonese was gone and no word of her had come from her, from Armand, nor from Amaryllis' half sister, Lyllyhanyha, who had vanished from Eriwar Monastery. Armand could take care of himself, of a surety, but Amaryllis feared for Lyllyhanyha, a gentle, fragile beauty who,from what little Amaryllis knew of her, was ill-equipped to defend herself outside of the realm of books. If only their mother had seen fit to tell Amaryllis who had sired Lyllyhanyha but, alas, it was only happenstance that led to the discovery of the girl's very existence!

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Athonese unpacked her left saddlebag, removing several small velvet bags. From the first she extracted some oil of lavender, a few drops of which she sprinkled onto her wrists and inhaled, taking a few moments to let the scent clear her mind and relax her. The next bag yielded a small, lightweight, and intricately carved jade stand. From the third bag she took a lovely crystal ball which she set onto a stump so that light shone through it. Taking some deep breaths to further centre herself, Athonese began . . .

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Heavily disguised, Armand gazed sadly upon the ruins of what was once a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, its beautiful arches and spires now little more that an useless pile of rubble. The stained glass was in fragments, refracting the light in such a way as lend a surreality to the scene. What had happened here, Armand wondered?

Poking through the debris, he happened upon a portion of a flag. Who had carried this torn green banner? Where had the monks gone? There was a heap of what appeared to be clothing half-concealed in the undergrowth. Closer investigation revealed it to be a gown made of heavy burgundy-coloured velvet. What was a woman's gown doing here in this male domain? This was no nun's garb!

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Athonese unpacked her left saddlebag, removing several small velvet bags. From the first she extracted some oil of lavender, a few drops of which she sprinkled onto her wrists and inhaled, taking a few moments to let the scent clear her mind and relax her. The next bag yielded a small, lightweight, and intricately carved jade stand. From the third bag she took a lovely crystal ball which she set onto a stump so that light shone through it. Taking some deep breaths to further centre herself, Athonese began . . .


Meanwhile, back at the Don't Drop Inn, Amaryllis embarked on a similiar process and as both women gazed in their respective balls, an image formed, that of a cavern with a spring. What could it mean?

Suddenly, the image faded and each woman found themselves gazing into the cool grey gaze of Udo.

A third time the image faded and was replaced, this time by that of a beggar mounting a donkey, and barely recognizable as Armand. He appeared unharmed as he rode away from some manner of ruin into the shelter of the nearby forest.

The crystal yielded nothing else, as each woman bemusedly contemplated what she had seen.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo has been silent this while, half listening to Rasputin remarks, feeling intense pain on his left side ribs...feeling dizzy, he fells fresh blood coming onto his clothes, while distantly aware of the newcomers, then as his vision is blurring, the unpleasant taste of blood rises in his mouth...

The barbarian falls, laying on his side with a wet stain on his mail, and through broken links, the jagged edges of two ribs are poking out of a nasty looking wound. Udo's face is graying quickly.

[Rasputin the Rover]

"My Lord!" His Holiness exclaims. "Mrs Winkler, our General has been hiding a mortal wound and has hidden it to his detriment. Is there anywhere close we may carry him to safety?" The tearful woman looks over the prostrate Udo and declares "Follow me quickly, we must get him to the cavern!" Rasputin motions to Red and Darciar to make haste and fashion a primitive cot to load Udo onto. They follow the older woman down a warren of demolished alleys until they reach an intact doorway. The woman motions them through the open doorway and the trio hasten down a long flight of stairs to a dimly lit cavern floor. There are perhaps 4 dozen citizens milling around in a state of despair as the group reaches their midst.

"We need a healer!" cries Mrs. Winkler.

Almost immediately Udo is being examined by an elderly man with a large satchel. "I am Crumont, the town physician. Let me get his armor removed and take a look at his injury."

Rasputin looks upon his longtime ally and says, "Doc, you got to save this man or all hope is lost. "

[Athonese de Courtenay]

After the "Seeing", the beauteous Athonese mounted her lovely Arabian mare and, placing her fingers betwixt her ruby lips, whistled shrilly, calling her silver wolf, Argent, to their side. The trio set forth, guided only by Athonese's intuitions, in the direction in which she fell sure led to the cave with a spring viewed in her crystal ball.

Some hours passed and, driven by hunger, she shot an arrow at a rabbit and, upon dismounting to retrieve her prize, Athonese spotted signs that men had led horses through the underbrush. Creeping quietly forward, leading her mare, and with Argent following, silent as a ghost, Athonese was uncertain why she felt no fear. Why surely these could as likely be foes but she was still channelling, following her inner mind's directive.

Finally Athonese found herself on a small rise and was able to see, none other than that elegant warrior, Udo, in what appeared to be considerable extremis. No sooner had she resolved to hail Udo's companions and proffer what healing magic she had then . . .

[Udo von Krieg]

The barbarian lies now, in the care of his friends, barely hearing what goes around him, deep in a slumber that comes not from fever or poison in his blood. Memories of past sins and glory burden his dreams, while a heavy darkness seems to creep into his bones. I'm dying, he thinks indifferently...

Udo wakes up suddenly, standing in a shadowed place, naked. A heavy stench of decay rises from the cold mud he feels though his fingers. Only the bracelet of the demon Usulutan remains on him. No wound is visible, but the pain remains, a nagging remainder of his mortality; but when he touches the wound, no bones or blood are there. Suddenly the bracelet comes alive with a blue fire, as a shape becomes barely discernible in the shadows...

A swaying shape slithers into the light, ghastly to see and fouler in smell, like a mad god's creation, a thick, muscular torso, covered with hair and topped by a bald head, feral eyes, rolling with no apparent control, a smiling mouth filled with long sharp teeth, all this joined to a thick serpent's body, with vermin scurrying between the scales...It looks briefly at the bracelet, a slight shiver goes through its scaled body.

"Welcome, Lord. Our massster waitsss in the Chamber of Delightsss. Pleassse follow me." The baritone voice of the creature is even more unsettling than its appearence. Since violence is not inminent, Udo follows the beast, noticing that what he has taken for mud is actually clotted, rotting blood, which echoes his steps with small sucking noises.

Back where Udo's mortal body lies, the bracelet lights with a soft blue shine...

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo stirs, and the hand with the bracelet turns into the black striped claw of the Demon. The fire grows in intensity at the transformation...

[Athonese de Courtenay]

What magic was this, Athonese wondered, gathering her mage cloak closer around her and mentally reviewing what debuff she should have ready.

[Rasputin the Rover]

Grabbing the doctor by his vest and pulling him away from Udo, Rasputin says, "Everyone against the wall! My friend is having a seizure!" The Holy One begins blessing his companions and thinks to himself, this will be either very interesting or horrifyingly bad, and begins to smile..

Mrs. Winkler is shocked at what she is seeing.."What should we do?", she asks his holiness.

Rasputin looks to her "Close your eyes and pray...alot".

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo follows the creature, wading through the rotten slime, through a maze of passages that ooze into what becames a dimly lit corridor. The odor is stronger, and there is slight movement at the edges of his vision, but his guide does not seem to be bothered, so he shrugs it away. After some time, sound appears to come from the end of the passage. When they reach its end, an archway appears, clouded by what looks like an iridiscent mist.

"Pleassse go thisss way, Lord. You are being expected by our Massster." The creature slightly bows and leaves Udo retracing its path...

Well, I guess I cannot fault hell's hospitality, thinks Udo. If I'm dead and about to pay my dues, I'd better get going...and he walks into the mist, seeing nothing, feeling nothing but blood slime oozing trough his toes.

Udo comes out of the mist into a vast, steamy garden, lighted in reddish and amber tones, with tall plants unknown to him swaying with a damp breeze. At the end of the garden, a tall, hulking figure turns towards him. A clear, educated voice says, "Welcome, son of Valsdrahil! How fortunate I feel to meet the last of your lineage! "

Out of the shadows a tall, statuesque body confronts the barbarian. But no head, just a luminous haze where it should be. The masculine body belies the sex of it, clearly femenine in gender, since it only wears an ornate cape, widely spread to avoid the pretense of modesty.

You are defenitely not my type of date - thinks Udo. No reaction is apparent in the creature - maybe it does not read my mind...or has really good control.

- "Who are you?"

- "Please forgive my manners, I forget myself. I am Braidur, Master of the Repentance Realms."

- "Braidur the Torturer?". At these words, Braidur turns sharply, a slight edge to his voice. - Pride, thinks Udo, so definitely you don't read my thoughts...

- "I am called so by my enemies, yes. So unfair, I'd say...my creativity in the art of forceful sorrow is undervalued by others, such as your unrefined acquaintance, Usulutan. Did you know he has claimed your soul already? "

- "Really? He's not the first to try getting it, but still clings to my hide so far"

- "Let's walk through my realm, Dragon Lord. Let me amuse you as much as you deserve"

Don't get any funny ideas, ladyboy, Udo thinks. No reaction. Good. At least it cannot read my mind. How can I escape?

Braidur gestures with his hand and an ivory portal appears in front of them. "This way..." He steps through, Udo follows it to another place...

Back in Kiner, the striped hand moves over Udo's body to stop above the wound. The blue fire gets more intense, and the outer border of the bracelet starts to melt, flowing down to from a silverish strand that flows downwards...

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Athonese is intrigued by what she sees but, strangely, feels no fear. The other physician is seemingly paralyzed by fear, as are the others whose lips move with motley prayers. Only Rasputin is silent, his gaze calm and unblinking, the meriest hint of a smile hovering about his mobile lips.

Despite Udo's apparent possession, he was still in need of care, lest his life be extinguished upon the demon's withdrawal. Athonese moved swiftly to Udo's side, fingering her protective charm's as she did so, and selecting an appropriate debuff.

Her lustrous eyes gazed down upon proud Udo and her glorious breasts heaved within her tightly laced bodice as she bent over him and began to cast healing spells, and to apply salves and poultices, aided by the demonic hand.

Meanwhile, . . .

[Udo von Krieg]

The shining strand of metal touches Udo's skin, burning a wavy path as it moves of its own, towards the bone shards coming out of the wound. The smell of burnt flesh and poultices rises while the metal thread moves.

As if moved by an unseen hand, the thread passes through bone, once and again, tightening and bringing them together, hissing as it weaves itself into the flesh, an insane web that sets the tissues until they are joined.

The flowing metal stops moving, the remainder of the strand falls quickly on Udo's side, burning the warrior`s chest. The protective runes tatooed on his armpit are untouched. The smell of burnt flesh is intense even as the metal cools, leaving a mesh of hard metal weaved into Udo's frame, its size like that of two large coins.

The clawed hand moves slowly, writing five signs on the wound's edge, using one nail as a carving tool. Blood flows slowly, mingling with the still hot metal. The signs are roughly set in a pentacle pattern, like the battle plan Udo and Rasputin were discussing before.

The blue fire disappears slowly, along with the Demon's hand. Udo's arm falls to his side, his breathing more even now...

[Rasputin the Rover]

The healer Crumont begins to shake his head in disbelief then confronts Rasputin, "Your friend is not of this world! Are you also possessed by a demon?!"

Rasputin smiles, "Not to my knowledge sir, but I do enjoy my mead on occasion and have had some curious experiences. Do not fear my friend as he has come to aide you in your fight against the usurper Herpes. He commands a vast army which at this moment is marching here to relieve you and your fellow citizens. Udo's past has burdened him with this possession which I have found no cure. He will regain his wits shortly. His mortal injury must have caused this episode. Again folks, any danger we were in has past and we are sorry for the fright this may have caused."

Mrs. Winkler lets out a heavy sigh of relief "Are you certain he will not harm us?"

His Holiness clasps her shoulder "His episode seems to be lessening. We can leave him in the care of this enraptured young lady. Come, let us find out what happened to your family, shall we?"

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Athonese welcomed the opportunity to provide succour to Udo, to whom she had felt an inexplicable attraction from the start. After all, she had experienced no shortage of suitors, and without the demonic "baggage", Still, there was something that connected her to Udo and, no coward she, Athonese was determined to explore it.

Her delicate yet strong hands moved with a practiced skill over Udo's sinewy form, the feel of his flesh delighting her even as she took note of the sheen of perspiration on his brow, and his elevated pulse rate.

As she smoothed back his hair, Udo's eyes opened, his gaze almost mesmerizing in its intensity as her turquoise orbs met his amber ones.
Udo's lips parted and he rasped "You! Did you know that darciar has been searching for you?

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo is still weak, and after these words, he lapses into unconsciousness again, breathing more evenly now...

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo passes through the ivory portal, which vanishes after him. The rotting blood persists, but this hall is colder and less dark. A different Braidur is waiting, a perfect woman's body now, with male genitals, still without a face...

"You mentioned this demon, Usulutan, is it a servant of yours? How can he get into my body?"

Braidur's voice is full of spite: " No servant, not at all. He serves another master, Merdianegor the Pure. An unrefined savage, I'd say. They deal in... absolutes. Sin or purity. No middle ground, no room for what I call sinful progression, the delightful little steps that move a being towards its own doom. That's where my creativity comes into play, Dragon Lord. I'm an artist at extracting repentance from a soul. Just look at the walls..."

More light allows Udo to have a better look at the walls...into a hideous vision. What he has taken as a lava wall is actually a mass of bodies, upon which awful wounds, deformation and mutilations appear, heal and open again in matter of seconds. Faces are a nightmare by themselves, projecting an inhuman agony that is revolting. Udo lower his eyes, shaken. Fortunately, no sound is heard. As if reading Udo's mind, Braidur says,

"I have silenced them for you benefit. It may distract you from our conversation. As to your second question, he is able to reach you because of the Black Weed. It has taken a part of your mind, which serves as the bridge to reach your plane of existence. This was planned since you were a boy by the servants of Merdianegor, some of which live in your mortal world. You have met two of them already. By the way, the bridge cannot be undone. Even if you are dead, he can come through your ashes, if he wishes."

"Why do you tell me this? What do you want?"

"I do not want nothing. I already have you. You are dying from a Cabiri's wound. Soon you will become a new canvas for my art. You are special, very special, Dragon Lord. Your repentance will be performed by myself. It is a rare privilege you will be granted..."

Udo feels something burning on his left side, and looking at himself, five runes appear on him, glowing intensely.

Braidur is closing on him. As the hall starts fading, Udo sees the new shape coming towards him. The vision burns like a cold brand into his brain, sheer terror grips his soul and he screams as he disappears form the Torturer's realm...

"AAAHHHHH !!!!" Udo finds himself in a strange place, but he sees the familiar faces of his comrades..."What's going on?"

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Meanwhile, Amaryllis is mesmerized by the visions apparent within the crystal ball which she holds, and which has drawn the eyes of Athonese. together the two beauties watch, aghast at the horrors unfolding in front of their eyes. Inwardly, Athonese weeps and wonders what spells she can conjure to oppose such evil?

Meanwhile, Amaryllis wonders aloud "Are these true visions or some horrible hallucination? Can this be truth or some trick of the mind?"

Such unspeakable horrors were almost more than a sane person could bear to imagine . . .

[Rasputin the Rover]

Mrs Winker leads Rasputin through the cave in search of her family. Shortly they come upon someone Fairchild knows. "Isabel its me, have you seen Fert or Pev? They left the house and I haven't seen them for almost 2 days." Isabel looks her former neighbor up and down. "I saw Pev about an hour ago getting water at the spring. Maybe he is still around." "Thanks Izzy, take care." Mrs Winker leads Rasputin deeper into the cave and they come upon a large group holding buckets...

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Meantimes, darciar is still searching for his dear friend, even as Athonese wonders how they will finally rendezvous . . .

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo, still dizzy, gets up from his bedding, looking for his clothes and armor. He feels no pain, and when he touches the wound and the metal scar, it feels cold to the touch, but otherwise is completely numb. A heavier rap with the knuckles brings the same result. "Good as new" he thinks, absently scratching the back of his neck while getting his shirt on; however the blood stains on it, whose smell reminds Udo of Braidur's halls, he finds particurlary disgusting so he casts it away, revolted. Bare chested, the mercenary leans on the wall, looking for Rasputin among the people gathered in the cave.

Looking at Athonese, he says " After all these years, we meet again, Moonwolf Amazon. You haven't aged a day from since, I'd say. Your friend Darciar should be around, if he has not chosen to become invisible again..."

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Athonese is riveted by the sight of the bare-chested Udo who, demonic possession or not, has the ability to make her feel weak at the knees. His very voice travels along her nerve endings, making her shudder with a rush of pleasure as she gazes upon his masculine beauty, her thighs clenching involuntarily. Blushing, she reflects on how fortunate it is that her clothes conceal much of her reaction to him, or at least his unchanging expression leads her to believe that he is unaware of her response.

What was it that the man had said? Ah yes! "I had forgotten about darciar's capacity for invisibility. The dwarf is most cautious, and wisely so. Perchance he is watching over me, even now."

As though in answer, there is a sudden sighing breath of air in the otherwise airless chamber . . .

[Rasputin the Rover]

The people milling around the spring look at Fairchild with familiarity while frowning at the tall, long-haired holy man. "Mother!" comes a shout from nearby. Almost instantly there is a hail young man embracing his mother.

"Pev, I thought I lost you. Where is your father?" Mrs. Winker asks.

"He has gone to the Abbey of Flese with Mr. Fosht. They are scouting the enemy from the bell tower." Pev replies.

"I must go there!" Rasputin exclaims. "Young man can you lead me? I promise to take good care of him Mrs. Winker and send him right back to you."

Fairchild glares at Rasputin "If you must, so be it. But I warn you, holy man or no, if he does not return to me you will need an army to keep me from you! Go now, I will wait here in the cavern."

His Holiness takes Pev by the arm and leads him back to where Udo and the group were left. "Udo, I see you have come back to the land of the living. Good show! Now this here is Pev and he has agreed to take us to a nearby Abbey where we can scout the area. There I hope to summon our messenger from Catella. Let's hurry shall we?"

[Athonese de Courtenay]

With a sharp whistle, Athonese brings her mount to her side. Amaryllis appears, almost simultaneously, leading her mare. The two beauties mount in fluid synchronicity, one pair of turquoise eyes and another pair of jade eyes, both trained upon fearless Udo, awaiting his word.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo smiles absently at His Holiness remark, walks over to his gear, and slowly gets himself armed. Out of his saddlebag he takes a necklace of blue beads, and a long stripe of black leather, which he ties around his left wrist and forearm. Knives, dagger, hatchet, bow and quiver are set on their usual places.

Passing by Athonese and the newly arrived amazon, he nods to them and says "Get ready for battle. Wait for us with Red. Darciar may be with him or maybe otherwise missing."

Turning, he joins Rasputin, gripping his shoulder. "A word with you Rasp..." getting aside, in a low voice, Udo says, "My friend, what we face is evil beyond our expectations. I have seen our enemy in his domain and may have survived only by the intervention of my own demon. Avoid the Cabiri and go after their master...As for myself, this...contact with Braidur has tainted my soul. Spare a prayer for me before the battle starts..."

Leaning back Udo continues, "Show us the way, Your Holiness"

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Sadly, the recent events were giving Athonese pause, and his words brought her up sharply. It would be interesting to meld her blood with one of dragon lineage, ah what fearsome warriors she might bear, but three in a bed might be a bit daunting, rather than erotic, when one considered the Udo/demon relationship. Would that there was some kind of salvation for Udo, he of the rippling sinews and swift intellect.

"We must pray to the Goddess for Udo, Amaryllis. Blessed be."

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin nods to Udo "I will be praying for us all my friend." He then looks to the Amazon women, Red and Darciar. "We seem to have misplaced an important asset while battling the Cabiri. Would you help us by finding Gelphoo and bring him to the Abbey. You will be able to find us by looking for the circling hawk."

Pev says "Let us go now!" Udo and Rasputin follow.

They weave along the city streets, careful to not bring attention to themselves and soon come upon a large collection of dead fighters. Pev looks upset but tries to hide his emotions from Udo and Rasputin.

"What is it son?" His Holiness asks.

"The fighter with the blue shield is my brother Trev. He didn't make it. I couldn't tell my mother." He lowers his head and keeps leading.

Soon they come to a large, heavily damaged but still standing building with a bell tower. "This is the place. I will go see to my mother. Good luck to you and your friends." Pev waves as he retreats back to the cavern.

Rasputin looks around and sees Danger and Geryddwen feeding on grass close by. He whistles and motions for Danger to stay put.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

As soon as the others had left. Athonese's silver wolf, Argent, glided forward from the shadows where he had watched whilst unobserved.

Amaryllis smiled as Darciar disappeared from view upon the wolf's entrance.

"Well, it seems as though we must occupy ourselves safely. Ah well, we can't always be where the action is, I suppose," sighed Athonese.

"Indeed, and one never knows when we shall happen upon a scouting party. Goddess knows that tis far from safe to travel since the Great War began and time is not improving matters."

Argent growled softly, as though in agreement.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo absently looks at the ruins around the tower, and then seeks any signs of movement in the horizon. A faint rumble can be heard, echoed by the tower structure and the bell itself.

"Rasp, any signs of the troops? If we are attacked now, we will not hold for long..." Udo lets a deep sigh, and continues,

"Like I told you, the Cabiri are dangerous. A wound from them may be deadly, since they seem to carry some venom or infection. Do not take any chances with Rahut, kill him on the spot. When our corps arrives, Red, Darciar, Athonese and her comrade will take a regiment each and engage the remaining Cabiri. I will join Negerev and attack the Herpes legions...

I do not know who is behind the plan we saw. All I can say is that there are factions in the supernatural world that are using us for their purposes. Find out who is pulling Rahut's strings.

And, by the way, I may not return alive. The memory of my trip to the Netherworld makes me feel tainted, so I will ride into battle to be either cleansed or ignored by Arasnör, Lord of Strife and War. If I'm worthy, I will survive. You will command this expedition if I fall. Just don't try to make saints out of soldiers, will you?"

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasp smiles at his friend "It is hard life and tomorrow is not a promised gift. We will do as you wish." His Holiness then closes his eyes and reaches out an arm. Soon a screech is heard and a fierce but divinely wonderful hawk lands and is rewarded with a bit of jerky from Rasputin's pocket. "Good boy, now take this note to Catella." He tethers a small parchment to the hawks leg and releases it into the air. "Negerev will await you. Good luck Udo and do what you must. I will heed your warning. Now I must instruct the others on their assignments." He whistles to Danger who comes to him shortly and nuzzles the Holy One. "I hope you are well rested Danger, this is going to be an exciting day that will be remembered by these good people for a long time." Rasp tightens his saddle and looks out to the pentacle formation of Herpes army and sees his target on a scaffold at the center. The jade robe is unmistakable in the distance. He then reaches out his hand and offers it to Udo. "I will pray for you my friend. If we fall this day, remember that there will be a place for us in His kingdom."

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Amaryllis and Athonese made haste, after the departure of Udo and Rasputin, to ready themselves. Darciar was not in evidence. Argent gave no indication of his presence.

"Where has the dratted dwarf gone now?" exclaimed Amaryllis.

Athonese merely shrugged in response and carried on in her usual efficient manner, checking the cinch of her mount, sharpening her weapons, and making sure that her potions and salves were well-wrapped.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Darciar, betimes, was making his own discreet preparations, including leaving some small signs which he knew could be read by Armand, should he happen that way. Oh if only his old weapons' master, Henri, were here! Where could the man be? Darciar, sighed and resumed packing, after a brief prayer to the Goddess.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo grasps the hand of Rasputin, and embraces his friend. "I wish I was as confident as you, Rasp. I will join the ladies, Red and Darciar. We must reach Negerev and finish our job, for better or worse..."

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo calls Gheryddwen, finding him in good shape. The tall horse nuzzles his hands, and he can feel its breath on his fingers. "No way, boy. No treats today. We are going to war." Udo smiles, patting the horse on its cheek. Then he checks his saddle, noticing a sore near the back edge of the straps. "You are a brave soldier..." he whispers as he puts some salve and a rag under the strap.

Mounting, Udo says to Rasputin, "I'll be back at afternoon, maybe earlier. Be careful, and do not engage our enemies. See you in battle."

Udo turns back, and he reaches Red, Amaryllis and Athonese. " Join the Holy One near the bell tower. Rasputin will brief you on the plan. Get ready for action...Where the hell is Darciar?"

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Where the hell is Darciar?"

"Here, Lord Wulfden," replied Darciar,appearing from around a large tree, and still fumbling with the laces of his breeches, making it clear what he had been doing. Darciar touched his cap most civilly, moving cautiously forward and giving a wide berth to the wolf, Argent. Argent, for his part, appeared to be far more interested in Udo than in the dwarf.

In another part of the forest, Armand was making a stealthy approach, ever mindful of the signs that others had passed this way and, judging my the damage to plants and saplings, had been a large enough troupe to give one pause. "A man must keep a sharp lookout to survive," he muttered to himself.

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin pats Udo's horse on the hind quarter as they ride away and waves. While waiting for his other friends to arrive he decides to take Danger on a walk about the abbey. Around the rear of the building he finds the town grave yard. The grave diggers are busily burying their dead. Two men are at the back entrance to the abbey in a heated debate. Rasputin dismounts and approaches the men. "Excuse me, one of you gentlemen wouldn't be Mr. Winker by chance?" The shorter and stockier of the men points to the other and says "That's him, hard headed and as big a fool as has ever come down the pike." Fert Winker is not what Rasputin was expecting. He is a stout looking warrior who by the looks of it has had a very hard life. "It is you Fosh that are the fool. We cannot sit here and wait for that army to demolish Kiner. I am having the remainder of the town guard and any other able bodied man mustering at the cavern. We will not let the enemy decide our fate."

Rasputin can't help but grin at the two men. "My name is Rasputin the Rover and have just arrived with my friends to aid you. We have a plan that might interest you Mr. Winker."

"What are you, a cleric? We are not interested in any sermons padre, its time for action." Winker chides.

"Oh, you will find I am not just any cleric Mr. Winker and my friend is a general with forces outside Kiner that have come to defeat your foe." Rasputin smiles.

Winker's face changes to a broad smile. "Well now, that's the kind of news I thought we would never get. I am all ears."

Rasputin says, "Please wait for me out front. I am waiting for some friends to arrive and we will go over the plan then. Would you men allow me to pray in your abbey? It has been too long since I have talked to Him."

"Go right ahead, I'll be out front." Winker says.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Others were saying their own prayers. Fortunately, the Goddess was listening and, ere long, the paths of Armand, Darciar, Amaryllis, Athonese, and Red crossed.

The reunion was joyful, but the news Armand brought was disturbing. Before his telling was finished, a frown was upon every face.

Brigands were nearby. An monastery had been razed, and its occupants missing. These were evil times indeed!

[THE GLOCK]

Sir Glock was feeling rather nervous. No more than usual, but nervous nonetheless. He and the small group of men he had been leading around the countryside had just finished burning a rather large stack of corpses inside a rather small Monastery, and he was worried that there may be a guard force inside the small town he could see down the horizon.
True

[THE GLOCK]

He was nervous, but he'd rather die than show his men how nervous. Brigands, Hell! They'd run away from the army they deserted, but they robbed the villages and monasteries for the food and supplies they had because they were to fight the enemy. If only they had some more allies...

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo smiles at Darciar, rising an eyebrow, "Well Darciar, I am sure you can appear whenever you are needed. I have a job for you. Rasputin will brief you about it."

Udo makes a pause, looking into their eyes, searching for the faintest trace of fear or doubt. But none is there. Determination, concern, anxiety he can see, but not the seeds of fear...

"I will bring our troops to battle. For all your valour, there is more I will ask of you. There is much at stake, more than what I can understand. If we fail, these lands will see ruin. So I need you to lead. You have a better idea of what is happening here than any Captain marching towards Kiner."

Udo looks at Armand, saying, "I will require your report when I'm back."

"Now, Commanders, please join Rasputin."

Turning, Udo lays heels to Gheryddwen, and gallops towards the lower Ferian, losing himself in the distance.

[Rasputin the Rover]

Rasputin slowly enters the sanctuary and bow his head and begins his litany as he heads towards the altar. He is weary from his long days of travel and battle. His bones ache and his muscles are knotted. He kneels at the ovoid chantry and raises his eyes to the sky and arms straight out from his side with his palms up. He begins aloud "I am here Father. Your faithful son who walks the path you have made for me. I do not know where it goes or where it ends but if it ends here today I ask you to protect my friends and their families. We have come against an evil in this place that is beyond any I have ever experienced. If it is not to much to ask, may I have a bit more ability and luck? Not for me do I ask but for these people." The Holy One genuflects and waits for his answer.

Momentarily he feels a tingle in his feet that rapidly spreads through his body. He smiles as he feels all his pains and stresses remove themselves from his being. "You are most kind Father. Your will be done."

Rasputin easily rises and begins to leave out the front door and sees in a pew a familiar face. "Gelphoo? It is good to find you. I have a job for you."

"Oh Holy One, I watched you pray. You are blessed. If you have a job for me you have but to ask." Gelphoo replies.

"Well, come with me then. We await friends out front. It is time to finish your former master." Rasputin leads Gelphoo out the front door.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

While Armand had been describing what he had found at the monastery, Udo had looked increasingly troubled, and his face darkened like a thundercloud when he heard how Armand had found a lady's gown.

"What was the name of that place?" rumbled Udo and when Armand replied, "Eriwar Monastery", Udo released his breath with a sharp hiss as a look of startlement when across Rasputin's handsome visage.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Rasputin found himself regretting the acuteness of his hearing. Udo would be ill pleased were matters as Rasputin feared.

[Udo von Krieg]

Udo rides fast, in the direction of his army, his mind racing with all the implications that the last events may have. After two hours, he allows Gheryddwen to walk while he eats on the saddle. Looking ahead, a silhouette appears to be camped at the next turn of the road, about half a mile ahead in the valley.

Looking closely at the figure, he almost jumps out of the saddle. The figure seems to have a big mirror besides it, and the campfire shines with a bright blue flame...

" I'll be dammned... " Udo tries to get around the apparition, but it remains always ahead of him. When he turns to his left, it is still there...

[Athonese de Courtenay]

That evening, Amaryllis and Athonese both tossed in their sleeprolls. The next morning, the two women faced each other with bleary eyes, fatigue etching lines into their beautiful faces.

"You look as wretched as I feel, Amaryllis", remarked Athonese.

"Oh my dearest friend, I had vague, troubling dreams, in which I had a terrible sense of dread, but could not identify the source. The only thing I saw clearly was a young girl's face, with chestnut hair and eyes the colour of moss agates."

Athonese looked startled. " I saw that same girl's face but, in my dream, she was in an underground passage and then, wearing an oversized nun's habit, she was running through the forest while brigands were sacking the monastery, using a battering ram and catapults to breach the meager defenses. A tall, fierce man was in charge, a wizard, dressed in silver and black, with a face terrible to behold, not because he was unhandsome, far from it, but because his eyes were cold enough to freeze the blood in your veins."

Armand, overhearing this, uttered an expletive under his breath, and then muttered "Letinius, by the Goddess!"

"What do you think the dreams meant?" The query came from the dwarf Darciar who looked smaller than usual, shrunk in upon himself with fear.

"We have other more pressing matters to attend to. Udo is counting on us" said Armand.

"Well, I feel compelled to do a seeing said Athonese, 'ere I do aught else."

Armand opened his mouth to protest but closed it as Athonese reached in her bag for her crystal ball. From long experience, Armand knew it was best to let a woman get her way, once her mind was made up.

Meanwhile, while Athonese was stilling herself, opening her mind, and gazing into the crystal, Udo and Rasputin were busy . . .

[Athonese de Courtenay]

While Udo and Rasputin were occupied elsewhere, Athonese and her companions were ii-pleased by what the crystal had revealed. there was nothing for it! Her conscience, and that of Amaryllis and Armand, allowed for only one course of action. Split up, leaving Darciar behind to carry on with Udo's man on the mission set by Udo. Athonese, Amaryllis & Armand must proceed, posthaste, to rescue Udo's daughter. Any delay would mean her life or, at the very least, her soul, and none of the brave three could countenance such an outcome. Their farewells were brief, in consequence. Darciar was saddened but hoped the Goddess would watch over his friends. Hopefully Rasputin's God would look over him but Darciar was not certain but that he should not prevail upon the Goddess for Udo, as well.

[Udo von Krieg]

"Very well, then. Have it your way..."

Udo gets back to his original course, walking his horse. After a while, he comes close to the stranger's camp. A big, man-like being rises as the barbarian arrives, nodding towards him with some reverence. "Welcome, General. Please be seated." There is a small stool close to the blue fire, in front of the mirror, a heavy, ornate frame with exquisite filigree in gold and silver. Priceless.

Udo seats, not looking at the mirror. He can guess what will be there, anyway...Reflected on the perfect surface of the mirror, the demon Usulutan, beastlike, powerful, sits in his black striped skin, the fiery orbs in his face following Udo's every movement.

"General, I apologize for this minor distraction. When we are done, it will be as if no time has passed. I am Merdianegor, Master of the Crimson Heavens. I have important news for you."

'Damn my rotten luck, out of the fire into the frying pan' thinks Udo. "I am honored, your higness. You are far from your realm, I'd say..." the irony is not spent on both beings, but only the demon in the mirror reacts, a low hiss and a thrust of the body towards the warrior. Udo is now believing that it is capable of crossing. But if they meant to kill him, he would be dead already.

"Indeed. It will not take long." Merdianegor pulls back his robes, uncovering his face. He is pale, almost an albino, but his eyes are not red, but yellow, glittering in the sunlight. Otherwise, he looks just like Udo's twin. Every hair, scar or spot is duplicated, but in shades of white. Udo stares, then grins, shaking his head. "Mirrors within mirrors, your highness? What do you require?"

"Aahhh, General, this shape is for your confort. As you may remember from my brother's realm, our true shape may be...disturbing, don't you think? My request is simple. Kill Braidur."

"Ha! Don't joke with me, your highness. I am just a mortal man...How I am supposed to deliver what you ask? Besides, I would ask a high price for this service, if I could do it."

"I have more than enough, General. You were chosen for this purpose. Turgal has served me well. You have become familiar with the Black Weed, which opens the portal to my domains. A million years of your time have gone into this quest, in world after world, until you were born. A true heir to Valsdrahil, the Dragon. Your ancestors, were human in form, but not fully human...Larger bodies, keener senses and brutal strength. All comes from your lineage. You can take a blade in your body and it will not go as deep as in a common man. Now you will fill your purpose...here is your payment."

Merdianegor tosses something at Udo, which he takes with his left hand. Looking at it, he turns pale, almost as the Demon Lord, an ice claw gripping his heart...

"Oh yes," says Merdianegor "we have her. The dent you made when you gave her the amulet, the runes, all is there. Your daughter is my price. It is up to you to say whether it is high or low.

Now listen to me! The Cabiri must die. If this is done, He will have to come to destroy you to conquer these lands. You must kill him then.

After this is accomplished, your daughter will be returned. Do not fail."

"Why do want this ?? Spare my daughter and take me !! Let her go !!"

Merdianegor laughs softly, and rising he pulls his robes over his face. "I already have...you. Your girl is just an incentive...as to the why, let's say that our Parents disapprove fratricide...Goodbye, General"

Udo screams with anger and turning towards the mirror, he sees his child walking upon a field just a few paces behind Usulutan...he draws a knife and jumps like a tiger to the mirror...to fall on the grass besides the road. The fire, mirror and demons are gone in the blink of an eye, like an unpleasant dream...but looking at his left hand, he is still gripping his child's amulet.

Udo's anger is consuming his heart, as he mounts Gheryddwen and gallops away to reach Negerev. True to his demonic word, the sun seems to have gone backwards in the sky, as Merdianegor promised.

[Rasputin the Rover]

Gelphoo and Rasputin leave the abbey to discover a large rabble gathered outside. Men with pitchforks, double-bit axes, machete's and spears. Rasputin sees Fert Winker and gives him a thumbs up. Rasp then leaps upon a high brick wall, or whats left of it.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please, I need your attention." Rasputin shouts with staff held high. "I am Rasputin the Rover, Holiest of Holies. I come from far away and bring friends to aide you against our common enemy. My friends are now encircling Herpes army as we speak. They will not be denied. I do not boast or lie, your day of deliverance is at hand. We have a plan that will defeat them but it requires your participation. It will not be easy."

"What must we do?" comes a vigorous shout from the crowd.

Rasputin looks upon the confident faces of the crowd, man and woman alike, and says "I need you to divide into squads of eight. Select a leader and send him or her to me here. Lets act quickly, we don't have much time."

His Holiness jumps down from the wall and is met by Fert and Gelphoo. "I thought you were waiting on friends to arrive?" says Fert.

Rasputin slightly grins and shakes his head. "Let me say this my friend. There is a time for action and now is the time. They will come if or when the can. They are not necessary, you are. My good friend General Udo von Krieg is commanding the army outside and he will be making his move. We must be ready. And one other thing....never trust a person who looks into glass balls. They are easily distracted and for the most part cannot be trusted." He smiles and whistles for Danger who promptly comes around the corner of the abbey and greets Rasp with a nudge from his muzzle. Rasp pats his horse between the ears and gives him a treat. "Are you ready boy?" He whispers to his horse.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Many hours hence, the brave trio of friends sits by a fire roasting a couple of rabbits for their meal. Afterwards, Amaryllis does a "Seeing" and is well satisfied by her vision of Rasputin, who seems to have matters well in hand. As for Udo,he is a troubled man, torn between his duty as a parent, and his duty as a warrior and man of courage.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

The friends were becoming bewearied. There was an enemy behind every bush it would seem and the crystal ball was strangely bedimmed. And Athonese had become ill, with some nameless kind of ailment which made her shake like the ague, clouded her thoughts, and tangled her tongue. Amaryllis and Armand were debating whether than to continue searching for Udo's daughter or to seek a healer for Athonese.

Just as their debate became heated, Darciar appeared, on a mission for Udo. Darciar was able to assure the friends that Udo was dealing with that and other matters, with the aid of ever-increasing numbers of folk, and so they could seek a healer with easy consciences.

Relieved, the trio set off again to nearby Maneustra where matters had begun.

Darciar, with a last concerned glance at Athonese, set off again to continue to do Udo's bidding.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Unbeknownst to the weary trio, their long-lost friend and mentor, Henri Chappelle, was very near to them and wondering when, and if, he dared return to his beloved Maneustra. Who would believe in his innocence, he wondered? Was he to be forever slandered, his character blackened, by circumstancial evidence? How to discover if he still had friends? Hmmm ...

His cart wheels rattled over the rough terrain as he pondered the matter, Little Troll bouncing excitedly at the seat beside him, her quick eyes dancing as she gazed at the castle's turrets rising above the trees on the distant hilltop.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

"Shall we be stopping at yonder castle, good master?" asked Little Troll as the castle loomed slowly larger as they approached, a brooding medieval fortress overshadowing the verdant countryside.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

Henri was deep in thought and did not hear Little Troll's voice except as one would hear the chirpings of a bird whilst engrossed in a book. He was deeply lost in the vivid chapters of his past life, revisiting the saga of betrayal and fear, all freshly revived by the sight of Maneustra, looming ever larger as the horses strained against the harness, pulling the gypsy caravan easily over the travel-hardened ground.

[Athonese de Courtenay]

When Henri's cart grew level with Maneustra's gates the horses were startled by an old woman stepping from behind the briar roses, pruning shears in one hand and a basket half full of beautiful blooms in the other. At the horses' snorts, the woman turned her head, her face brightening in a broad smile.

"Henri! Can it really be you? The Goddess be praised!"