I was not trained for this. I was not molded into a warrior for this. I should be fighting for a cause, not... this. He spits into the sand of the arena in disgust. You know this has been weighing heavily on me lately, but I don't think I can continue any further. He looks around at the gathered spectators. These people will receive no further entertainment from me. I will either escape this pit, or I will die. Today.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
In the starlight, off in the distance but closing fast flying masses are traveling toward them. In their ears they hear the beating of wings and the sound of many many feet marching.
The ranger first at the ready, breaks form. With a single motion both weapons are in their sheaths and he turns to his men.
"With me, now." The Hestic in unison turn the rush for a nearby mausoleum. The stone door opens without a sound and the pale forms fall inside and the door seals behind them.
The forms from the sky rush closer and the sound of massive fleshy wings beating the air. The feet still further off but closing fast. A scream breaks through the quiet followed by the sound of gnashing teeth and the grunting of evil creatures.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Crimson approaches the bloodied form. Pulling a dagger from her boot she cuts the face free. The light is too distant to make out the form but if she dragged the body.
As quietly as possible she pulls the body toward the door frame. As soon as the head reaches the light she drops the body. Her breath is forced out of her from the shock. There, the word "betrayer" is clearly etched into the forehead of the corpse. Its eyes, so hollow without the glow of life. The last time Crimson looked into them was shortly after they parted ways those many years ago on that mountainside.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
**Perhaps the Celestial Father will shine upon us tonight with his favor.**
The roar of the crowd fills the arena. The smell of earth and stale blood from the matches before fills his nostrils. Guy deLyonesse steps forward. Known the the people as the Broken Saint his face is one of legend on the streets of Agronon. The mace is heavy, it carries with it the stories of so many who have fallen by the might of it's wielder. His grip tightens and his focus sharpens to a lethal point. Soon, foes of whatever kind will flow in and they will be broken upon his weapon. The warrior, the Broken Saint, will find redemption one day soon.
The massive stone doors opposite the pair creak open. The hinges groan under the weight. From the shadows a massive lizard roars into the stadium and on it's back a rider armed with a wicked lance. The creature charges without mercy headed toward Rhel and Guy.
Rhel begins to chant, his hand raised toward the oncoming foe.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
((Did we follow them into the Mausoleum or did they leave us outside? If we have a choice, this is my move:))
The sounds gave clear report to Kratimos the numbers that were headed their way, only confirmed by the ranger's tactical retreat. Kratimos followed him closely behind, scooping up Anna in his arms.
"Trip, Kratimos called out in a hushed tone, on his way to the mausoleum "I recommend not sticking around for this one"
Winthrop follows Kratimos as quickly as he can. "Probably a good idea," he says. "Besides, you've still got my mace." He offers a rakish grin as they follow the pale rangers.
The stone doors of the tomb close behind the party. For a moment, silence but after a short time you can hear the dragging of feet and the wailing of terrible creatures. A torch breaks the darkness and the sensitive eyes of the the elf and lycan both strain for a moment. The room is small but strangely clean and free of dirt. In front of the party a staircase leading underground.
Volstaid holds his finger up to his lips and begins to walk down the stairs, torch in hand.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
After Livia calls out there is only silence in return. She peeks her head in. She can see a hallway with walls adorned with old, dust covered, pictures and an old worn rug covering the floor. Opposite of the entrance is another door and on each side of that door are adjacent doors.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
The party continues to follow the ranger silently down the stairs. At first, the walls and flooring are finely carved marble, reflecting the mausoleum the were once inside. After several minutes of traveling , the stairs and surroundings become more earthy and the stone fairly rough.
Soon, the stairs meet a landing and as the party travels forward where a massive cavern opens above and below them expanding far beyond the light of the torch. Before them, to a bridge continuing in line with the path. As you cross the narrow bridge, the party can clearly see the magical etchings of runes carved into the flooring glow with a light blue fire.
At the end of the bridge, the path continues into the stone wall on the opposite side of the bridge. The path continues and winds through the stone. Volstaid stops in the middle of the path and turns to the left toward an ordinary looking wall. The path continues ahead into the darkness. Volstaid touches a stone to the left near his knees and it glows blue. Then he touches another to his right by his face. He touches four similar stones that faintly glow after he touches them. A secret door opens from the bare stone revealing another passageway. He walks through the open portal where a staircase carries the party downward for what feels like hours.
The stairs end at another landing and before them a wall covered in some kind of writing and a door painted on the stone with a red colored substance.
In a deep and powerful tone Volstaid speaks, "Rrolstead, Vashtole." He makes a series of intricate gestures. The paint seems to respond, glowing more intensely after each movement. When complete, Volstaid does one final gesture. The color glows bright and the stone within the outline of the door seems to slowly fade from reality until there is an open portal.
Jeremiah 20:9-But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
