War Preparations Part VII - Road to White Hart

Discussion in 'The Library' started by Boris Mondragon, Dec 8, 2016.

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  1. Boris Mondragon

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    For a full two days the "Dragon" sailed north hugging the coastline. They passed many coastal towns quietly until Josephus called it out "Captain, Harvest on our right".

    "Dock her there Josephus. Lieutenant Bombardin make sure she is re-stocked and ready to return on a southward sail in two days. Razulah, get ready you are coming with me".

    Boris made sure he had the letter from Duke Stryker Sparhawk on him. this was the only assurance the wardens would let him pass through the forest areas. Both men wore black robes that would help conceal them. Weapons were ready as they had no idea what would be on their path to White Hart.

    They headed Northeast until they reached Hollaim then west on the road until nightfall. Both men took turns as one slept the other kept watch and a small fire going. They brought four days of steel rations in case of any delays, there was no time to hunt nor cook. On the second day they were stopped by a group of men who pointed arrows at them. Boris took out the letter from Duke Sparhawk and the leader of the group looked at it.

    "It bears the seal of the Duke and it looks legitimate. You may continue onwards strangers, make sure you keep it on the way back from White Hart". Boris and Razulah nodded to the Warden group and continued on their path to White Hart. They arrived late that afternoon at the gate and again were challenged by the guards. "Who are you and what do you want here?". "Captain Boris Mondragon and Razulah, I think Duke Sparhawk is expecting us".
     
  2. Stryker Sparhawk

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    One of the guards turns from the two new arrivals and signals a third guard atop the tower, who in turn launches a signal flare. A burst of brilliant green incendiary explodes in a bell shaped patterned and a low gong sound rumbles from afar off. The guard regards the Captain with a reflective gaze and asks the pair to remain at the tower.

    No guard leaves the area, but after a few moments the a distant thrumthrumthrumthrum of some mechanical device is heard, low at first, but increasing becoming louder. Reminiscent of the wind turbines that are scattered across the major cities, a large egg-shaped canopy rises up from behind one of the sharp rise of a hill and an airship comes into full view.

    "Follow us, please" says the guard who wears something of a leadership stripe, and two others form an escort party for Captain Mondragon and Razulah. The guards seem quite tight lipped about the whole travel, and just seemed focus on delivering the visitors to a flat area where the airship is now being tied up. Various crates and barrels are stacked on a staging area for freight, and half a dozen men and women are active working on getting a block and tackle ready off the side of the vessel.

    Just then, one of the men climbing down the rope ladder momentarily tangles himself on the bottom rung and then works to brush himself off. With raven black hair and deeply tanned, the man sports a neatly trimmed mustache and connected goatee and is dressed in riding leathers. The turbine noise begins to wind down as the man approaches. Smiling, he speaks with a distinct accent not of this land, "Good evening, gents, I am Stryker Sparkhawk. How can I assist you?"
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2016
  3. Boris Mondragon

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    Boris looked at the sharply dressed man who stood before him and quickly thought of the way he was received by the guards. He felt something was not right here. As he was about to speak to Mr. Sparhawk he felt the sound of wings flapping as Marak was circling White Hart. "Mr. Sparhawk, do not mind our friend above. He tends to show up if he feels there is impending danger. I thank you for receiving us and taking the time from your busy schedule".

    Boris reaches into his robe and hears the sound of arrows being cocked and aimed at both him and Razulah. "Mr. Sparhawk, I am only reaching for a journal and your letter in order to give them to you personally".

    He started adding things up as his mind was racing. He saw the look of concern from Razulah as well and gave him two quick hand signals and a nod. Razulah understood the signals which meant *We give this man the journal and get out of here as fast as we can*. He could also sense the warning from Marak as the bond between man and dragon had become stronger each day.

    Boris handed the journal to the one of the guards that was closest to him along with the letter. "If you wish to read the contents of this journal, feel free to do so. If you feel it may benefit you in any way then heed the warnings. If you think it is the ramblings of a madman, so be it. I also give you the letter you sent us for safe passage. I will not need this on my way back. I bid ye a good day and safe tidings to your ducal holdings."

    Those words were crisp and to the point. He felt unwelcome here and his visit to White Hart was done. He respectfully nodded to Mr. Sparhawk and headed back out towards the town gate along with Razulah. He came to the conclusion that this town and their leader may be attuned to the darkness in one way or another.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2016
  4. Stryker Sparhawk

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    As Captain Mondragon turned to depart, a voice behind him heavily accented asked the question, "Ini gix vur iejir, re wux dahakoan?" Several of the guard looked oddly at Stryker as he pointed up at the winged creature.

    "Good Captain, if your presence brings more of your good friends, please know that Snowsong Mountain might not be the best place for them to congegrate," Stryker explains plainly. "White Hart has always had its share of incurrsions, if I am to fully believe the tales of the wardens and their families, which I do, as they have spent hundreds of years in this forest mountain region. However, on the mountain itself is a mecurial spirit who tolerates our own presence at her whim." The air began to take a sudden chill as a few gusts of wind from the east descend from the snowy peaks.

    "I do thank you for bringing this material to us. I shall contact Cassyr Dubois to see what his opinion of these documents as he is the mage in residence of the Tower of High Magic. If you travel a bit back to the west, you may be able to find him in his tower down on Fawn Lake if you wish to meet him in person."

    The guards give the Captain and his companion the leeway to depart, but the feeling that the eye of the mountain itself was watching both Marek and the humans could not be shaken until well outside its view.

    Fawn Lake turned out to be a feeder lake for the upper Abundis River with a small settlement. Along one end of it, a dark tower is neatly tucked and as described by the town crier, the home of @Cassyr Dubois .
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2016
  5. Boris Mondragon

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    Boris turned quickly at the words from Mr. Sparhawk. He was no longer tense yet listened carefully at each word. His thoughts cleared and now he realized maybe that disturbance he felt was caused by the spirit of the mountain. " Mr. Sparhawk we thank you for your hospitality and advice. We will head towards Fawn Lake as ye suggests. We will seek Mr. Dubois and await his council and advice as well". He nodded again to Mr. Sparhawk and headed towards the gate.

    They had walked for a few hours when Marak landed in front of them. The dragon was agitated and Boris walked up to it gently patting his snout. "My friend, thank you for following us. We must continue on away from the mountain and its guardian spirit. It must also be protective of its people and the nearby towns. I hope Dwalin or Josephus fed you back in Harvest as i do not recommend you hunt in this area". The dragon nudged Boris sending him backwards and both men laughed as Boris landed on his arse.

    Marak took flight once again heading west. He would keep an open eye on the road ahead as Boris and Razulah kept walking until a large lake appeared in front of them. He noticed the small settlement near the lake and both men decided to camp here for the night just outside the town. They started a small fire for warmth, ate their rations and settled to rest. Once more they took two hour watches. They would enter the town the next morning and look for the dark tower and Mr. Dubois. They were glad Marak was no longer visible as the sight of a large blue dragon may not be receptive to a small settlement they had never visited before.
     
  6. Stryker Sparhawk

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    Afterward at the landing fields of Sparhawk Skyworks:

    Upon loading the next cargo shipment headed for Elysium, Stryker Sparhawk took Chief Logistical Officer Vincente aside for a quick meeting. 'Cousin Vinni', as he was called among friends, was both street smart and well liked among the warehouse operators of Brittany and Beran's Reach. He was a guy who knew a guy who had a guy who could get things done.

    "Take this shipment and make a brief stop in Aerie. Slip a note to Forsythe to be on the look out for the Captain. He can contact the Republic from there." Vincente nodded and climbed up the ladder of the airship, the turbines already spinning up for its next departure.

    Stryker then spent the next half hour to walk up the steep hillsides to the snowline to meet with the First House guards and warders. He paused there briefly to hand over the bundle of papers given to him by the Captain, issuing a request to have a scribe make three prints of the texts and have them sent to Elder Wei and The Speaker of the Mountain. In final remarks, he asked that the third set be sent by goshawk to Lord Lardbottom in Greyhold.

    With tasks handed out, Stryker went through a field of freshly fallen snow to the estate house and the warmth of home, hearth and the angel within.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2016
  7. Cassyr Dubois

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    Cassyr sat next to the fireplace in his favorite chair, sipping his tea. "Artemis, are you going to stand there all day or would you like to take a seat," Cassyr chuckled. Artemis is Cassyr's loyal servant but Artemis is very much dead. It had been weeks since any word had come from the Tower of High Sorcery in Rift's End regarding the order. The secluded areas surrounding White Hart means little news or travelers making their way to Cassyr's tower. He hasn't even seen Stryker Sparhawk in awhile and the governor had made several trips in the past to see Cassyr.

    "Oh Artemis, I have my seclusion to do my research but I'm still no further along in understanding the disturbances that are going on in this tower. Even the lack of intelligent conversation is making things painfully difficult," Cassyr said with a sadness in his voice. Cassyr threw his teacup across the room and yelled "LOOK AT ME!!! I'M TALKING TO A LIFELESS BODY I DUG UP OUT OF THE GRAVEYARD!"

    Artemis groaned," ehhhgrh."

    Cassyr stood up and began pacing the floor. He thought to himself quietly about his research into his theory on temporal displacement magic. Over the past few weeks, powerful disturbances have been occurring within the tower. Since these disturbances have started, time works differently in the tower. Hours go by within minutes and sometimes an hour in the tower is only mere seconds outside. "I know the presence of the tower here has caused these disturbances," he said quietly. "I need something new to work on so that I can get my mind off of things."

    Cassyr walked outside and gazed over Fawn Lake as his raven, Eberis, landed on a nearby fence post. "White Hart must never know what is going on here."
     
  8. Boris Mondragon

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    Razulah nudged Boris. "Captain, the sun has risen and it is time to visit the town. We may find some of the town folk and ask for directions".

    Boris stretched and got up immediately. "Razulah lets put out the fire and gather our things. We have no time to lose. Any sign of Marak?"

    "Nay Captain, seems he headed back towards the ship. It must be safe here or he would be around".

    Both men walked into the town which had a few people going back and forth. They saw a dark tower with a mysterious looking man standing outside its door. "Razulah, that may be the place and the man we seek, be calm and give me the last copy of the journal".

    Razulah reached into his pack and took out the last copy of the Journal handing it to Boris. "There Captain, we have more copies on the ship".

    As they approached the tower and the man standing outside, Razulah whispered to Boris "Captain, there is strong magic here, keep your eyes open".

    Boris approached the mysterious man and stood in front of him. "I am Captain Boris Mondragon, I seek a man known as Cassyr Dubois. I was sent here by Mr. Stryder Sparhawk",
     
  9. Cassyr Dubois

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    Cassyr squinted his eyes to get a better look at the two strangers who stood before him.

    "Well hello and good day to you Captain. I am indeed Cassyr Dubois, welcome to my tower."

    Cassyr yelled, "ARTEMIS, WE HAVE GUESTS. GET SOME MORE TEA READY."

    He was surprised to have visitors travel up the steep hills to his tower. Save for the citizens of White Hart, very few people have ever dared to walk in the shadow of the tower. He could feel the tension surrounding the two. They had something very important within their possession. Eberis took off and flew over the hilltops. Cassyr slowly watched as the raven disappeared over the horizon.

    After grabbing his pipe from his robes, he lit the tobacco and took a large puff off of the pipe. "Not too many people make their way up to this tower, let alone strangers," said Cassyr as his eyes slowly set back on the Captain. He took another large puff from his pipe and his gaze turned into one of suspicion. "So why are you seeking the Headmaster of the Order of the Black Robes?"
     
  10. Boris Mondragon

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    Boris looked at the man and the words *Headmaster of the Order of the Black Robes* stuck to his mind. " Mr. Dubois, I see you know my name, Mr. Sparhawk suggested I see you on my way back towards Harvest and show you a journal that may be of interest to you". Boris handed the Headmaster Mage the journal yet at the moment his hand and that of the Dark Mage touched a chain reaction took place.

    Again the transformation occurred and Razulah held Boris up as he fell to one knee. When Boris rose with Razulah's help his face had again transformed. A short snout appeared where his nose and mouth were and blood trickled out from his eyes which had turned red. This was the third time the transformation occurred yet as suddenly as it happened it also reverted back to normal. "Mr. Dubois, maybe ye can tell me of what is happening to me and if it has anything to do with the contents of the journal." Boris stood there catching his breath as he waited for the mage to read the journal entries and give him his opinion on the matter.

    Not too far away the blue dragon Marak approached yet kept a prudent distance from the tower. "Marak" said Razulah. "He is our self-appointed guardian and will not harm you unless we are threatened".
     
  11. Balec Fares deCani

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    "SON OF A KOBOLD!!!" cursed Balec, only partially under his breath. Far below, at the base of the winding path up the mountain, Balec darted between the buildings of the town and Fawn lake, filling a bucket with water and dashing back to splash it on the walls and roofs of the small buildings and warn the residents to flee or take cover. He eyed the winged beast as he ran, planning his dash away from the town should the foul lizard take notice of him.

    Balec huffed and appeared to tap his very soul for the breath to keep going. The air sucking into his lungs felt like pure dragonfire by the time he reached the far end of town and he spat and cursed as much as formed words warning the final residents; but when they saw the dark shadow in the air towards where he pointed, they quickly followed his urging into the canyon. Balec looked up at the last building in town, right on the shore of the lake. The high and wide roof of the Longbow Lodge would take *so many* buckets to douse. Despite, or maybe because of Balec's waterings, the plants in the yard had begun to wilt, and it had been close to a month since her proprietors had quietly disappeared. Balec leaned on the fountain and caught his breath as he debated whether it was worth the effort to douse the last house in town....

    ...and his eyes wandered up the jagged path at the North end of the lake; up to a tall dark tower that stood alone.

    "Cassyr!" Balec shouted and took off towards the path and up the mountain...
     
  12. Boris Mondragon

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    Boris heard the shouts coming from down the road. He looked at Cassyr then towards the sounds. He crossed his arms yet in that motion he gripped both longs words just in case. Then he noticed that Marak was getting closer to them and realized he had caused a small panic with his overprotective ways. He shooed the dragon waving his arms. "Marak, go back. You are scaring the folks for no reason. Wait for me near Harvest". He again looked at Cassyr and Razulah and did his very best not to burst out in laughter at the scene his friend Marak had caused. "Mr. Dubois, my sincere apologies as I did not think Marak would cause such a stir. I waved him away for now and he should not cause any more mischief here". When the man running up the hill finally arrived out of breath he apologized to him as well. "My good man, no need to fear the winged creature. He is my friend and self designated protector". Again it was hard to keep his composure as Razulah excused himself and walked behind a nearby tree to laugh until tears welled up in his eyes. A few minutes later Razulah appeared composed and winked at Boris.

    He looked at the man again and introduced himself. "Captain Boris Mondragon. Here to visit Mr. Dubois on our way back to Harvest and beyond" He stretched out his hand to the man noticing he was getting his bearings.

    "Well, Mr Dubois, what do you think of the journal and what advice can you give me as I must try to stop or delay the impending invasion".

    Boris awaited Cassyr Dubois' reply as he noticed the man deep in thought.
     
  13. Boris Mondragon

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    Boris realized that Cassyr Dubois needed time to digest the journal and the transformation he witnessed with his own eyes. "Mr. Dubois, I see ye may need more time to study things in detail yet I must depart. Our winged self appointed protector may be causing mayhem in the countryside. Please send us a message of your findings at your earliest opportunity and thanks for your hospitality". He nodded to Mr. Dubois and the man standing next to him that had run up the hill. He bid them farewell and descended the path to the entrance of the town. The map showed the exact path due west towards Halleim and Harvest. They moved quickly and with a sense of urgency. It was nightfall when they arrived at Harvest and were back on the "Dragon"

    "Lieutenant Bombardin, I am sure the "Dragon' has been resupplied and ready to sail". Dwalin nodded affirmatively and the order was given. "Josephus,, raise the anchor and head towards Rats Nest". Boris had remembered that eerie glow coming from that island and wanted a second look. The Dragon sailed onwards and Boris laid down to rest. It was during that rest that he had a peculiar dream. In that dream, a voice spoke to him "Boris, ye must have realized something stronger than you is at work. Much Intrigue, many lies as if an intrigue has been woven just for you. There is a woman ye will find on this travel that will impact your future. Though she does not believe it herself, she is a pirate at heart".

    Boris awoke startled by that dream and the sounds coming from deck. "Rats Nest in sight Captain" It was Josephus yelling from the top deck.
     
  14. Cassyr Dubois

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    Cassyr was shocked at the sight of the Captain's transformation but was mostly intrigued by the journal that he was given. His hands seemed to tremble as he flipped through the pages with his eyes caught on every word. All of the sounds that surrounded him were muffled and he hardly noticed Balec shouting at him. Strange images and thoughts ran through Cassyr's mind as he tried to keep his focus upon what he was reading. All of a sudden, everything had gone to black. He felt as if he were falling through a dark abyss with no bottom.

    The only sound that he could hear was a hushed whisper all around him saying...

    Within the Empty Darkness,
    Surrounded by Night,
    The touch of Death,
    Devoid of Life,
    The Collecting of Souls,
    To Be Consumed,
    When my Shadow Approaches,
    All of life is Doomed,

    "I AM THE VISION OF DARKNESS, MASTER OF DEATH"

    Cassyr snapped his head up and muttered under his breath, "Dominatus de Morte".
    "Where did you say you received this" Cassyr asked quietly. He turned around and noticed that he was standing in front of his tower alone with Balec heading his way. The two strangers had already left.
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2016
  15. Bow Vale

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    Grasping the lid and giving it a quick twist unveiled a squirming horde of wiggly worms. She had found this jar on one of the bandits she had turned into a pin cushion the day before, when him and his cronies had dare ambush her. Taking one out and giving it a quick sniff, as all good fisher people should, as if it was repulsive to her, a fish of taste and class wouldn’t be seen gobbling it up, and a wasted trip it would be. The west coast of Rats Nest, where she had a holiday home was usually good fishing, sometimes she caught so many the excess catch she enjoyed throwing over the Barons tall wall on the way back home. The Baron, the owner of this town was very elusive, even she hadn't seen him, but she knew he was around as by the next day the fish she had thrown over were always back the other side.


    Iggle, wiggle, which ones in the middle, I say it is y….o….U……Delving into the jar and picking the unlucky worm, a glint out to sea caught her eye. A boat, a fast boat by the looks of and heading here to the nest?....Hmmmm….pulling out her spy glass and rotating the big end, it came into full focus. 'Oracle Boricles'….it's the same ship and crew that had nearly caught her the other day at Tenebris Harbour, where she had narrowly escaped with her modesty intact. There was something about this ship that sent shivers down her spine, they were not necessarily bad shivers like she got when she knew she was going to be ambushed, but they were shivers of danger of a type she was unsure. Best make a speedy exit while time was on her side today.


    Making sure she grabbed everything today, she headed back to the docks, she wouldn’t go and warn the Baron there was a ship approaching as nothing in this town or its surrounds had a hope of not being seen from the vantage point he had at the top of his large tower. It was quite likely that the Baron had already sent warning to his guards to expect visitors and to release the demented howling wolf dogs from the basement.
     
  16. Balec Fares deCani

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    Balec's exhaustion turned to anger as he saw the horrid dragon respond to one of the two strangers' gestures ahead. "A tamed dragon!?" What did these men mean in bringing this monster to White Hart!? As he reached the tower, Balec barely restrained himself from slapping away the extended hand of the well-dressed man, but let fly with a verbal barrage as if he were trying to blow over the tower.

    The jovial sincerity of the travelling captain quickly turned Balec's initial anger to amusement, and Balec found himself extending his own hand before long, as the 3 men shared a quick laugh. The strangers were friendly, but abrupt, and before Balec could ask about their business in town (with a Dragon!), the captain gave a quick nod to Cassyr with mention of sending word of any insights about the journal, said goodbye, and strode off purposefully down the mountain with his companion.

    Exhaustion was setting in, and Balec's thoughts were drifting more towards a cool ale than whatever tome the strangers had dropped off for Cassyr's library. Balec wondered briefly how construction of the Law & Magic atheneum inside was coming along; there certainly had not been many visitors or publicity yet, and he would have to stop by to visit for himself one of these days. Cassyr barely seemed to respond to his greeting before Balec turned back down the hill in search of lighter company and beverage.

    As he strolled back down to the lake, Balec smiled to himself as his thoughts drifted... "Faces," he said aloud absentmindedly and he thought to himself, "that was some nose on the Captain, huh? Guess they say people always look like their pets..." he laughed as he drifted off in his thoughts. The laughter was short-lived as he his thoughts drifted from the Captain's, to Cassyr's face, as he studied the book. It didn't register at the time, but the look of the mage had been chilling, with his hands clutching the book far too tightly. "Moresay," Balec tried to remember through his exhaustion, and realized that he had barely been paying attention at all to the mage the entire time. "Morte." The word sounded familiar - and far more sinister - than scholarly. The pale, consumed look on Cassyr's face haunted the back of Balec's memories long into the evening, until they were finally replaced in full with only sloshing mugs, lovely maidens and jolly melodies at the Longbow Lodge.
     
  17. Cassyr Dubois

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    "This is a remarkable turn of events" said Cassyr. Ever since he obtained possession of the journal from Captain Mondragon, the disturbances in the tower occurred less and less save for the spatial displacement on the roof. "While this is amazing, I'm still left with many unanswered questions. Where is this journal from? Who wrote it? What magic is it that surrounds this book?"

    Cassyr stared at the book and began to lose himself again. The walls of the room began to darken until they were gone. Cassyr looked around himself and realized he was surrounded in darkness again.

    "What sorcery is this?"

    A menacing laugh surrounded Cassyr. "Who's there" Cassyr yelled aloud. He closed his eyes, raised his right hand, and muttered an incantation under his breath. Instantly, Cassyr was cloaked in a shield of magical energy. The laughing only grew louder. A beam of pure dark energy shot through the blackness and impacted Cassyr's magical shield with great force.

    "You are indeed powerful Mr. Dubois" an unknown voice called out. Each word seemed to come from all around. A second beam hit Cassyr's shield. The power behind the magical assault was of such magnitude that Cassyr could hardly keep his protection up. Cassyr attempted to pull his last reserves of power to hold the attack off but in doing so he weakened his magic shield. The searing beams of energy struck Cassyr and sent him flying through the darkness. "But you are not worthy to call yourself a Black Robe let alone the Headmaster" the voice said mockingly. "This tower belongs to me now and I have you to thank for setting me free."

    In a quick flash, the darkness had faded and Cassyr was on the ground outside the tower. He slowly stood up and grabbed his head. "What was that" he said. Cassyr walked back inside and reached for the journal. As soon as he touched the journal, he could feel his very life force slowly drain away. For a moment, he could not let go. It took everything that he had to finally drop the book. That same voice echoed in his head "I already told you that this tower is mine."

    Cassyr slowly stepped back from the journal. Shaken, he ran up to his study, pulled out some parchment, and began writing a message. Cassyr hurried outside and yelled "EBERIS, WHERE ARE YOU AT YOU DEAD BIRD." The raven could be seen flying over the mountains and making its way toward the tower. Once the raven had landed, Cassyr quickly tied the message to its feet. "Take this message to the gentleman that was here a few days ago. His name is Captain Boris Mondragon. It is urgent that he receives this message. Now fly fast." With haste, Eberis took off and disappeared over the horizon.

    "ARTEMIS, COME HERE."

    The reanimated corpse stumbled out the front door of the tower and walked up behind Cassyr. Without turning around, Cassyr said "watch after the tower Artemis. I have a few things to take care of." Cassyr started walking and began the descent down to White Hart on Abundis. The whole way down, he thought of the message that he wrote.

    Dear Captain Mondragon,

    I do hope that this message finds you swiftly. I believe that my tower sits on a doorway to the cage of a dark force and the journal you gave me was the key. Now, this dark entity has claimed my tower and I fear that it intends to spread beyond the tower. I must learn more about this journal and I believe you can help me. There is something dark and powerful about it that not even I understand. We must meet and discuss this. Not for my sake but for all of Novia.

    Sincerely,

    Cassyr Dubois
     
  18. Boris Mondragon

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    Boris slept soundly with the tea made from yellow leaves. He thanked Duke William Serenite, the Dark Knight who carried him from Necropolis and Arch Magus Magnus for saving his life. He was having a rather pleasant dream which included damsels who came and went to help him recuperate and lighten his spirits when the noise woke him up.

    "What is that noise". He opened his eyes to see this black bird at his window making this horrid squawking noise. "If I could only reach my boot I bet I could hit you between the eyes before you can flinch". Suddenly he noticed the bird had something in its talons and it looked like a note. "Allright I will not hit you with my boot but I cannot get up either". The bird seemed to understand and flew to Boris' night table where the message was dropped. It quickly got out of his reach as it must have understood Boris' intentions.

    He was able to lean up on the bed and look at what was written. He smiled as someone other that himself noticed the magnitude of what had been unleashed upon Novia. With great effort and pain Boris reached over to the quill and paper on the night table. "Mr. Dubois, I am glad you also know there is something out of the ordinary happening here. I was near death last night and will recover in one or two days. Once well enough to travel, I will send you a message with one of my black seagulls. There is much to discuss yet I feel we must do it in person. Lord Asapi may intercept our messages and we need to keep our plans from his eyes. There is something of note you must be aware of. It is more than one dark entity at work here. Last night I had a dream of Rats Nest and four statues under construction there in the main town courtyard. In my dream these four statues represent what we will face soon. I remember the face of Asapi but do not know of the others".

    Boris motioned the bird over to the night table and rolled up the note carefully handing it to him. The bird quickly grabbed it with its beak and darted out the same window. Boris looked out the window from his bed and made a vow "Sea Goddess give me the strength to send this evil back to where it came from. I do not care what price is required to accomplish this".
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2016
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