bLuNtMaN looked at the strange note he had found in Nujel’m. Fearing the worse, he called for us to join him. Arriving we found the woman with the fiery hair waiting. Smiling she greeted us. “Welcome, welcome.”

Stepping to the front bLuNtMaN bowed and greeted her, “HAIL my lady. Are you still looking for the book?”

“For the book? I have long since passed caring about a silly bound cover filled with pages. she replied laughing, “It is a trivial object, which Minax will gain nothing from.”

Puzzed ,”Then why are you? ” He asked?

“I came here to talk… did you want to play with my pets instead? the woman said,winking. “I could surely arrange that.”

bLuNtMaN smiled back, “While we enjoyed your pets, we’d rather hear what you have to say.”

“So you came to listen then? It is quite intriguing that you gave Telemor the run around.” she said thoughtfull. “I would have thought he would not be so blind. Laughing, she placed on orb on the ground, “I assume you were looking for this?” she asked. “I happened upon a merchant, who had a nasty fire in his cart. The whole bottom burned out and look what I found inside. Or more aptly, in the dirt when he ran off screaming.”

Looking carefully at the orb, bLuNtMaN asked. “Whats that for? So that’s what the book was leading you to.”

“Me to find?  No, my pet. You are mistaken, I burned one of Minax’s little pets alive for the book, she seemed so interested in it. Any thing Minax is interested in, so am I but not for the same reasons.” Picking up the orb, she continued. “I believe you have the hinges already, do you not?”

bLuNtMaN laughed,” I’d not get on the wrong side of Minax.She has a very long memory

“She does, but so does my master.” the woman agreed. “But now where we…”

Caught by surprise,bLuNtMaN quickly asked, “And who is your master?:

Winking at him she replied, “I don’t kiss and tell, love.  I assume you are interested. stepping back she pointed to the claws on the ground next to the building.

Looking at them, bLuNtMaN saw they were the third part of the secret word, “Yes very interested.” reaching to pick them up.

She lightly pushed his hand from the claws, “Then we have an exchange, I give you the information, you do something interesting with it.”

“Like what?” he asked watching her carefully,leary of trusting her after the last encounter.

“Surprise me, set a few cities on fire for me.” blowing in to her hand.”

“You jest I hope.”  he said backing away.

Shaking her head in disappointment, “What, you don’t like to party or dance… such a bore. You didn’t really think I meant to burn the cities down?”

“Then now what?” bLuNtMaN asked, Moving closer to him, the Woman “Why then our business is concluded for now…All but one last bit. Didn’t you say you wanted to play?”  the air growing hot as she rubbed her hands together. “Here… have a ball! Try not to let the city burn.”  Manifestation of heat appeared.

“I knew we couldn’t trust you!” shouted bLuNtMaN as he joined the battle.”

“But love, it’s only a bit of hot air..nothing to burn down the city.” she laughed blowing him a warm kiss. “See that draft is getting cold. All my lovely heat is being taken away.” Fire began to surround her,

“Do what you wish with the knowledge, I do not need to see the end result,” and she was gone.

As the battle raged on,  Agais joined us.  Stabbing a creature,he shouted, “We’ll talk after these things are killed!”

Battle won, bLuNtMaN handed Agaris the orb.

Looking at it in surprise, Agaris asked.”Where did you get it? It was lost months ago.”

“The Woman of fire dropped it off.” bLuNtMan quickly explained how she had gotten it.”

Perplexed Agaris looked at him, “She just gave it to you? Wasn’t this what she was after?”

“It seems not, she just said she liberated it.” bLuNtMaN shook his head.  “It is strange, she wasn’t concerned about the book either.” Then he frowned. “She also told us she had burned up on of Minax’s minions.”

“This is strange. I thought she was one of Minax’s servants?” Agaris said confused, “So she is… helping us? That does not make any sense.

Showing the claws to Agaris,”she felt that we would put the knowledge to good use.” bLuNtMaN answered adding. “She may have he own motive.”

Thinking about what he had learned, Agaris thought out loud. “It is clear the lady is from Felucca. I wonder what is going on there.”

He studied the orb, I think it’s better if I leave this to Evidia’s hands.

Agaris: She was studying the orbs when we had them before.

Agaris: Wait at the hall,  I will send her there once I have retrieved the other orb and brought them both to her.

Arriving at the hall we found an excited Evidias.

“Hail, Evidias.” bLuNtMan greeted her, watching as she moved her hand between the orbs.

Wondering at the magic connecting the two artifacts…Evidias returned the greeting. “Do you know what there are?” she asked.

bLuNtMan studied the orbs, “Portals? A door?”

“No, not a portal. More like…” she stopped and moved her hand between the orbs again. “A lock and a key, the door is the lock and the hinge is the key… it seems strange to say it that way. But the door is heavy and only swings on the hinges… it’s… fascinating…”

“Sweet.” bLuNtMan said smiling. “Could we use these?

Evidias began circling one orb around the other. “I bet we could.” She contiued moving the orb along invisible lines that only she could sense. As she did, there was a click. “Did you hear it?” she asked excitedly?

bLuNtMan nodded his head,”aye.” When he looked over at us, we also nodded in agreement.

Frowning Evidias stopped moving the orbs. “Someone must have used these to seal things away. A powerful mage….”

“Such as Minax?” bLuNtMan suggested.

“I do not know, but I do know what we can do with them. Do you want to see? Evidias asked impatiant to try her idea. Where was the shop…In south east Britain yes?” she said opening a gate.”This way.” Arriving at the shop, we found a note on the table.  After reading it, Evidias began moving around the room.

“So… it must be here somewhere.” She looked around the shop then moved the orbs in the air. To our surprise she disappeared for a moment. Reappearing she began muttering to herself. “Why did they put it so far away?” Once more she used the orbs. This time a tear ripped between the two halves of Sosaria then was gone in a flash. Looking down at the lock and key, she shook her head. I have a feeling these were not meant to be found. She moved to  dagger and scroll were. “The dagger appears cursed somehow… and that scroll is…I do not like the feel of these, I’ll ask the king to send mages to find a way to move it.”

Shivering she moved away from them. “bLuNtMan, wasn’t there a dagger mentioned in one of the reports.”

“Yes, it was in Vesper.” he answered.

“Hum, But there is… something else here.” She began to follow the the invisible lines in the air. Stopping she stared at the spot when they met. “I wonder,” Evidias said as she used the orbs magic to turn the lock. A gate opened and we stepped through arriving in Felluca’s Vesper. With a feeling dread bLuNtMan prepared to defend Evidias. She had moved toward the side of the bank and was looking at some things on the ground. Moving next to her, he could see that it was armor with a note beside it.

“The armor… is enchanting but the magic is… painful…We should… go back… I feel so weak. It feels as if my magic is being siphoned from me.”  Before bLuNtMan could catch her, she fell. Her magic hidding her.

Hearing movment behind him, bLuNtMan turned to find Telemer Agent of Minax behind him. “What are you doing here. We drove you off once and will do it again.”  bLuNtMan demanded.

Telemer smiled, “I seem to remember leveling the lot of you. Now please politely walk away and I will retrieve my Lady’s new gifts.”

bLuNtMan stepped in front of the armor. “I can’t let you do that.”

“Have you forgotten my whispers?” and Telemer began to summon them. “Can’t you hear them?”

Telemer seemed to weaken. Holding his head in pain, Telemer looked at him, “What…are you doing to me? Stop… it…”

 

Knowing that it was the armor, bLuNtMaN quickly saw how he could use the information. “Weakling. It is so easy to steal your magic.” and he laughed at Telemer.

“What kind of trickery is this. You can’t do this!”  Telemer shouted moving to toward the portal.  Suddenly he stumbled, weakened by the magic. Moving back he shouted, “Eldevian, show yourself! Minax will not take kindly to failure. Do your worst.”

From the shadows, we heard a voice. “You will burn to a pile of ash!” shouted Eldevian the Mischevious summoning Slitherfiends.

 

Telemer and she disappeared. But not before dropping a strange object by the building.

In the midst of the battle,Evidias reappeared leaning on the wall.  “My lady are you okay?” bLuNtMaN asked.

“I’m still to weak to help with the battle,” she replied.

“No matter my lady. The battle will soon be over. Already their numbers are smaller.”

As he predicted, the battle  soon ended. We all moved to where Evidias waited. She was looking down at an object, “Where did this come from? Its magic is strong. Evidias moved away from it. As she did her strengh returned. Moving back towards it, she became weak again. “Its magic is strong. Evidias studied it, “Now I know why the Woman didn’t go for the object.  She fears the armor as well.” she moved towards it again, then quickly moved back. “Yes, the stronger your magic, the weaker is makes you…Imagine if Minax got a hold of this, and used it against the King.”

 

“If a powerful mage locked it away, it makes sense it was to protect magic.’ bLuNtMaN said frowning. “But I’m more worried that the Woman of Fire isn’t working with Minax.”

Evidias thought about what bLuNtMaN said, “I agree that is worrisome. I’m sure we will find more about who she is working for.”  Turning to bLuNtMaN she smiled. “bLuNtMaN… you did well.”

I think he believed you were making him weak.”

“ty.” bLuNtMaN said laughing. “Who will tell him I wasnt!

“Maybe he does not know what we found yet.” Evidias smiled back. “I’m sure he will stay far away from you.

Evidias stared at the strange carvings in the torture chamber. Not words, just shapes. They must fit together somehow.*

“Hum…what is it? bLuNtMaN asked catchting Evidias as she stumbled.

“Perhaps someone can take us back to the hall. I’m still feeling to weak to cast a gate.” bLuNtMaN quickly opened a gate and helped her through.

Once the torture chamber was secure. Evidias traced the indents in it. It should be safe here until we decode it.”

Looking thoughtful bLuNtMaN looked at the object.

“What is it, bLuNtMaN.” Evidias asked stumbling.

Worried bLuNtMaN,offering his arm for support. “Are you Okay?’

Leaning on his arm, She smiled at him, “Thank you I’m just a little weak. You had a thought?”

“Yes, If it took magic to lock all of this away… and it drains magic. How was it locked away?”
“I do not know.” Evidias replied, “You are right.  How did they lock it away to begin with?” staring at the strange orbs. “Someone sealed these things long ago it seems, when the world was separated.  They might hold the answers.”

“Still it is strange.  Who left them for us to find. It seems as if it was a trap.” bLuNtMaN said. “But I don’t think it was the Woman of Fire. She seems to be helping us or at least not working against us.”

“Is she helping us…You might be right,she views Minax as an enemy and we do the same for now… ? She is a puzzle.” Evidias said rubbing her forehead.”Perhaps, I do not know, I did not feel any ill intent from her, danger yes, mischievousness, yes. But not ill intent.”

Looking at the three objects,hidding a secret word.  Evidias sighed, “For now we seem to have stopped Minax, from obtaining something to use to kill King Blackthorn, and possibly Lord British. But that raises another problem, are there more of these objects hidden throughout Trammel/Felucca? What is happening in Felucca. its getting crazy! It is a shame Felucca has been so cut off from us”

Still woozy from the armor. She leaned again on bLuNtMaN’s arm.

Looking worried,”You need to rest my lady.” he suggested.

Nodding,”I am tired. I think… that the objects are stuck between worlds still. So, without the orbs, perhaps they cannot reach them? There is nothing more we can do until I learn more.”

“My Lady may I escort you back to the Castle?” bLuNtMaN asked.

Evidias smiled up at him, “Thank you, I am still unsteady.”

“More than honored.” bowing he walked out with her.”

Evidias turned back to us. “Good bye my friends.  I hope to know more when I see you again.”

 

 

A couple of days after losing the book, Agaris called a meeting. Lady Thalia could see he was tired and troubled. “While we have not found the book, we were able to question some of the Gargoyles who would speak to us in Ter-Mur, and they have seen nothing out of the ordinary. More troubling is the reports that Minax has sent more followers into Trammel .” Shivering Thalia looked around to see the reactions of the others. The others were as shocked she was. “I do have some good news, Evidias was looking at the parchments in Britain, and realized that there was a unique sort of magic behind them. I did not understand half of what she was rambling about. But I did get the idea that she meant to try to trace its path, back to the book.”

“That indeed is good news.” Lady Thalia noticed that Agaris was still frowning, “but why do I have the feeling that there is more?”

Agaris nodded, “While we know that the book is still in Ter-Mur. We have been unable to connect it’s magic to the Pillar we found.”

“Hum, has there been any signs of the other two words?” She asked.

Agaris shook his head, “Not yet. The guards reported that Adrian broke into the Britain Hall and was scribbling notes about the markings on the pillar. We are still trying to find out why the Thieves’ Guild is interested.” He turned to look at the pillar, “I believe that the book and the pillar are not related. Some how the guild seems to be one step ahead of us. I more trust the guild as much I would trust a starving man standing over the body of a half dead noble not to stab them and take their coin. While opening a gate, he told us that Evidias was waiting for us in Ter-Mur.” I’ve taken enough of your time. You should hurry to met her.”

We found a puzzled Evidias standing on the stairs leading to the city while drawing a few symbols in the air. At first she didn’t notice our arrival.

“Greetings my lady, how are you and the weld? Well I hope?” Lady Thalia asked?

She looked up in surprise and smiled. “Hello, Thalia, we are all fine. The weld are in good spirits. A little one has begun to learn to fly.” Talking to herself, she drew more symbols in the air, “No, that isn’t right.” batting one symbol away. She is moving again. At least she doesn’t have the book yet.” Evidias began to walk into the city. “I need to get further away from her.” she drew the symbols again. “No that’s no good…she’s in the city. Maybe more to the west.” Evidias walked a little west. That’s better, she’s not interfering with it as much?”

Puzzled the gathering looked at each other “My lady who are you talking about? Who is this she?” some one asked.
Evidias continued as if she had not heard the question. “The inn…No… the trail is to cold.” Evidias looked up.”Oh, she is the one who picked up the book.”

Still not sure who Evidias was talking about, Thalia asked if it was the lady with the bright orange hair?

“Yes, but it is more… fiery than orange. I saw her from a distance, talking to one of the Gargoyles.” Shaking her head, “She did something to the book. Now it has started answering her as if it is charmed. The book’s magic is interfering with my tracing where it has gone.”

“That must be strong magic to interfere with you, Evidias.” Thalia said frowning.

“Yes and now it keeps stopping the spell.” Evidias looked at us. “But I don’t think she is aware that the book is interfering. It is more like her magic is mixing with the book’s trail. That is what is causing the spell to mix-up. I need try to follow the magic.

At last after going north west. As we came up to some tents, she stopped. Shaking her head ,”No, not here. Too easy to find it in the refugee camp.” Evidias continued up the road. After a while we came to a hut. In front of it was a small fire. “This is the place.” Evidias studying the fire. “Yes, she walked around the fire then went into the hut.”

“My lady,” Adrianna shouted excitedly, “Here is the book!” Smiling at Adrianna, Evidias approached the book. Suddenly fire surrounded it. “Fire!” Why did she choose fire.” Evidias asked in surprise. “Why didn’t she could have placed it like the parchments.” Evidias shivered. “I feel something in the air. Sniffing the air, “Do you smell that?” All of the group shook their heads no. Closing her eyes, “I hear footsteps She is coming back.” Evidias looked at the book and approached it again. As before fire appeared around it. “Hum, I know I’ll hid the book and myself. Maybe then the woman will leave.” With a few words, Evidias and the book vanished just as the woman walked up to us.

“I knew heard footsteps.” her eyes narrowed when she saw us. “I knew it.” She ran into the hut. “Who took my book? I know one of you has it, give it to me!’

“What book?” Lady Thalia asked pretending to be confused. Looking at the others do any of you know about a book?” Everyone shook their heads no.

“I know one of you has it, I don’t suppose you could just return my book could you?” her voice slide thought the air like liquored honey and a hint of fire. “Any one who returns my book can have anything they want” she said smiling sweetly.

The air began to have the slight scent of fire. “What book? asked Lady Thalia. ” I don’t see any book.”

“Oh dearie…with your pretty eyes, tell me where it is. I can give you whatever you want.” she said reaching a hand out to touch her.

Baring his teeth, Artemis moved beside her. “I don’t think my friend would like you to do that.” Thalia said resting a hand on the greater dragon’s neck.

Suddenly the woman rubbed her forehead as if in pain. ” Your friend, she is close…I can feel it…blue hair. What is she doing?”

“”What friend?” Thalia replied,” This all of us.”

“Fine… fine.” the woman smiled again. the sweetest sickening smile I had ever seen. “Perhaps I should do this another way. Do you like fire…I like fire.” as she spoke the air began to turn hot. “I love fire…it burns away everything I hate.”

As she began blowing into her hands. Her hot breath casting a spell summoning creatures made of fire. She continued to rub her hands together “Come…make them warm, so warm they melt and burn.” Drawing their weapons, the warriors attacked. Their weapons shimmering with the cold spells cast upon them.

“You cannot dull a fire” the woman laughed. “It will burn on anything. Even your pretty clothes will burn turning to ash.”

As soon as one creature was killed she summoned another. Soon the air was so hot it her robe caught fire. Flinging it aside she waved a hand dismissing it. “Everything burns…even my pretty robe.” the woman said laughing.

At last the fire creatures were defeated. Frowning she looked at the burnt ground, “And still I cannot see where the book is. Hum, I suppose I will simply follow you. Eventually you will lead me to it. Not the book…perhaps it.” Then looking at us she began to rub her hands together.” I have something for you. A parting gift. Yes something special.” Blowing into her hands, she summoned Infernal spirits, then disappeared.

Before the group could move, everything dissolved into darkness as Infernal Spirit of the Fire’s burning eyes filled their vision. Quickly recovering, Lady Thalia released Artemis as did the other tamers.

When the battle was over, Evidias reappeared, stumbling while she let out a hot breath. “I found the book but… the magic tried to burn me for the inside. she…is….something. The way she has command of fire. I could feel it… like hot coals underfoot, like she was trying to        make me move.”

As Evidias recovered, Thalia explained what had been said. “She is going to follow us, hoping we will lead her to you and the book.”

“Follow you? I think it is the other way around after watching what she did in Ter-Mur. We need to leave. Where did the man go first with the book? Luna?”  Thalia nodded yes.

Evidias opened a gate to Luna. When we arrived she went right to the locked down parchment. “This is where he opened a gate?” she asked. Studying the parchment she shook her head. It wasn’t just a gate, it was a rip in space, but little more? Not a message at all, he was discarding the book. Hold on, Agaris gave me some runes. Lets see what they tell us. We grew silent as she chanted the runes, “Etem sipra, solust…” Nothing happened.

 

“What kind of spell is this? There was another rune to Vesper right?” and she opened a gate to Vesper’s bank. Once again she chanted the spell. This spell… its like it reads what has happened in a place.  I wonder, where that dagger is now and what it did? It seems tied to a long ago Moonglow. No matter.” She looked again at the page. “Maybe these are not clues.”

Lady Thalia pointed at the parchment, “We thought perhaps the pages were runes that would open a gate.”

Evidias thought about what Lady Thalia said, “That is a possibility, we need to keep going.” They are in a hurry to find something. Were there another parchment?”

“Yes my lady, one at the east Britain provisioner shop. Quickly we gated to the shop. Going in side to the parchment, she repeated the spell, “There is something here, I can feel it more than see it. .A powerful relic lies buried in between the mirrors of Trammel and Felucca, but it is cloaked in magic spells. Where was the other parchment?

“In Castle Blackthorn’ court yard.” Thalia replied.

Arriving Evidias studied the parchment. “There are faint traces of an object called the Chaos Hinge. Traces of it still persist but it has been moved. Picking up the parchment she studied it before dropping it. Strange, Agaris found it in the old hall and kept it.”

“Where there are hinges, is there not also a door?” Thalia asked.

Evidias shook her head. No, he said there was another orb. It was lost some where. Hum, a hinge and a door.

“Like the door we found in Ocllo, the one we couldn’t really open?”

Evidias nodded, “Yes like that…but…wait a moment. A door you cannot open perhaps you are on to something. Maybe you cannot open the door because it isn’t there and there are no hinges.” She looked at the note again. The King and Agaris must be told.”

Evidias turned to leave, “I will inform the King. Go and tell Agaris what we have found. He should be at the hall.” she said and recalled out.

Quickly we went to the hall. Horrified, we found Telemer an Agent of Minax there.

“Who are you?’ he demanded, “So you have part of it….but you know nothing.” He tried to run. But found it was blocked by Artemis and Lady Thalia.

‘You said we have part of it. Part of what?”Thalia asked.

“l know nothing… and neither do you.” he whispered. “You hear nothing…nothing but whispers. They come to you like little snakes crawling on your skin.” he began laughing, “Can’t you hear the whispers. So sweet and wonderful. Allow me to leave you with a final whisper.” His last whisper summoned strange whispers.

They were deadly, but quickly defeated. As the last one was killed, Agaris arrived.

Grabbing one eat and pressing his hand against it, “What was that sound?”

“Whispers, a agent of Minax summoned them. While we fought them, he escaped.” Lady Thalia explained.

“An Agent of Minax?” Agaris still pressing his hand to his head. Trying to stop the ringing sound of whispers. “Did he tell you anything?”

All of the group nodded yes, while Thalia answered. “He said we have part of something but know nothing.”

“Evidias says you got the book, but the Lady wasn’t what she appeared to be?” Agaris shook his head to clear the last of the ringing.

“No, she seems to command legions of fire. She doesn’t seem to be working with Minax though. Lady Thalia replied.

As I passed Evidias, “she said you found something in East Britain?

“Yes, Agaris, We found we found a scroll that spoke of an ancient relic buried between the mirrors of Trammel and Felucca. We also found traces of something called the Chaos hinge.” answered Thalia.

“Ah the hinge was an object I recovered. Other things were lost though…the door that wouldn’t open. Agaris frowned. “Perhaps the objects are things left behind when Trammel was created.”

“Evidias said that there was a mirror between the two lands and a red moon gate.” Lady Thalia paused, “didn’t Nystul use the gem of immortality to divide the worlds?”

“I don’t know, I did read that he used a crystal of some. Maybe certain objects were trapped between. No one knows exactly what happened when Trammel was created along side of Felluca. I should inform the King before anything else happens. He was there perhaps he knows more.” sighing Agaris,”Rest and we shall prepare for what comes next. It seems we won’t have to wait long.” He stalked off into the shadows.

 

 

Frowning Governor Jahajx Jov examined the dusty tower that Agaris brought. “You said these have been found the swamps outside Trinisc?”

 

Agaris nodded, “The royal guard are following the tattooed man and picking the towers up as he placed them. It hasn’t been easy. The towers make the creatures go insane and more violent. They are attacking each other and thing else in the swamps.”

The Governor carefully ran his hand across the carvings, “One third of a secret word. Have you found the other two parts of the secret word?”

“No,” Agaris said shaking his head. “But we did find what was stolen from Vesper, a pendant. The jeweler said it was made of the same jade as the tower with carvings on it. I think they are connected. When I asked where he got it, he said an old man had brought it in to sell. What  was odd, he  said, he gave the man less gold than it was worth and it didn’t seem to bother the man.”

“What of Adrian and the thieves guild? Do we know more about their involvement?” the Governor asked?”

“While I managed to track down Adrian. He was not very forthcoming with information, but the Thieves Guild seems to want the pendant as well. He simply laughed and said he didn’t seem to know anything. He hadn’t cared why they wanted it and didn’t bother to inquire.” Frowning, Agaris added, “Which of course, means he knows exactly why they want it. Before I could find out more, he disappeared. Slippery fellow that one.”

“What news of the strangers,” Jov asked? “Have they been found or what they are looking for?”

“We haven’t learn much more about the 4 strangers either. Agaris replied. “The woman has been visiting Ter-Mur for several days now, coming and going out of the city. She visited the palace as well. It sounds like she is searching for something or someone.”

“Do we know who she’s been meeting in Ter-mur?” asked Governor Jov.

“Jov, that is the odd thing. She has been avoiding contact with almost everyone. The Gargoyle’s said she seemed curious but harmless.” Agaris answered. “We are hoping she would lead us to one of the others perhaps, a contact, or anything.

“Has the man with the book been found?” frowning Governor Jov asked.

As Agaris was shaking his head, a royal messenger handed him a note. Reading it, he looked at Governor Jov. “The mage with the book has just been found. He is at the west Bank in Trinsic.” Without losing any time, he opened a gate. “Approach with caution. We don’t want to scare him off before we get the book.”

Arriving at the bank, Governor Jov found the man looking at the bank and then his book. “Greetings stranger, what brings you to my fair city?

 

 

Looking up the mage replied, “I’m just meeting a few friends.” looking nervously around, “Such a fair city, Trinsic is. Even the Governor comes out to greet you.”

“Ah, well new comers are always welcome! Who are your friends that are coming? I might know where they are.” Jov watched the man peering into the book.

Tapping his foot, the man tried to smile, “Oh, they have never been here before. I wanted to show them around.”

Just then some one in the crowded shouted, kill him and take the book.

Hearing the mention of the book, the mage held it closer ,”You should do something about the riff raff in your city though. Threatening a man in broad daylight.”

 

 

Motioning to a city guard, Jov tried to reassure the man. “You have nothing to fear within these walls. The city guards keep a close eye on anything going on.

“We were looking for a particular place.” the mage said opening his book. “Its near here.”

“A particular place?” Jov ask. “very few know this city as I do. perhaps I can help.”

Bowing, the mage shook his head. “No thank you, my friend is bringing the location. I can see that this is a busy day. I take it, some kind of festival is happening near here? Perhaps I should make way for you.” He began to move down the street. His way quickly blocked.

“No festival. every day is a party in my fair city.” Jov said moving closer to the man. “”This just a busy market day

“So many people for market day, I really should move along.” looking slyly at the book, he opened it. “Oh, you want my book? Maybe you just want what’s in it…? He turned to a page and began to chanting a spell. “Well here is something to play with.”

 

 

Governor Jov and his friends were suddenly attacked by large black wolves. Jov made a grab for the book.

Summoning another wolf, the mage slapped Jov’s hand away, “Get your hand off that! He pulled a parchment out of his robe. Burning the marks on to it, he sealed it to the ground and jumped through a portal.

“Follow him!” Governor Jov shouted. “The city guard can deal with these wolves.”

 

Not wanting to leave the Governor and guard, it was decided that only a few of us would follow the mage. Stepping through the gate, we found ourselves at the Luna bank. The mage was busy marking another parchment. Seeing us, he quickly sealed the parchment to the ground and opened a portal. “So you want my book?  Try to get it.” laughing, he threw it through the portal.

 

 

We ran to the portal trying to go through before it closed.” I see Ter Mur!” some one shouted. While we were focused on getting the book, he opened another portal and tried to slip away. We followed him through the gate. Arriving we found that Governor Jov and his guards had surrounded the mage. “Where in Ter Mur did you send the book?”

Smiling he replied, “Wouldn’t you like to know. Do what you want, but you won’t get it.”

Hoping to surprise him, Jov told him that the towers had been found and that Agaris has them.

It worked. He stepped away in surprise, demanding to know how we got them. “So your are the ones following us. ” Back off, the guild doesn’t take kindly to being followed.”

What guild could he be talking about, the thieves’ guild or another? Governor Jov decided to see if he could trick more information out of the mage. “You know we, of the thieves guild, frown on what you are doing. We know you took a pendant and demand you give it to us.” Unfortunately the ruse backfired. Instead of being surprised, the mage bowed, “Thank you for the information. Did you hear that Lira, you were right.” Then throwing down some powder, he disappeared.

 

 

Lira? Looking around the governor saw a small jade figure. The figure began to speak.

“So….you took my towers. Do you know how long it took me to carve them?” she demanded.

“Well since they were dusty, too long.” Jov replied. “They weren’t very well carved,” he added.

“Dusty, you’re calling my finest works, dusty? Lira the Cursed stamped her foot in rage. “I hand crafted them. You clearly know nothing of craftsmanship.”

“Out of curiosity, why did you carve them?” Lady Thalia asked?

Lira looked puzzled, “Why to spread discord. All those monsters killing each other. You can keep those statues… they were failures anyhow. They should have made the people attack each other… not the creatures.

“Why would want to use your art to sow discord?”

Frowning, Lira shook her head, “Only someone from Trammel ask that. Minax was right, you are all idiots here. I don’t know why they say we can find the artifact here.” she mumbled to herself. “Why place such a pretty chaos orb here.” She stopped remembering us, “Minax will not be pleased, I’ve said to much. No matter I can salvage this, I’ll kill all of you. Come my pets.”

 

 

Everything around us dissolved into darkness as Phantasmal Cu Sidhes’ burning eyes filled our vision. An infernal ooze setting equipment on fire.

Looking at us, Lira asked for us to attack each other as a teeny, tiny little favor. “Yes, all you have to do, is a poke here…a stab there and a few fire spells. It’s nothing really.

We moved to surround her. Lady Thalia raised her hand to slap Lira. “I’d rather smack you.”

Jumping back, Lira look slyly at us. “Wha… why not? We’re friends, don’t friends kill each other when they need to?”

“You don’t have to worry about Minax, you wont be making it past us.” Sad Panda replied,”

“How rude, Lira said backing way. Fine I tried to be nice and make things easy. But noo you wouldn’t just die. Now I’ll do it myself.” She summoned more Cu Sidhes.

 

 

Shaking his head in disbelief, Governor Jov signaled for the royal guards and spies to attack. The power of the Phantasmal Cu Shidhes was overwhelming. Regrouping, it was decided that the greater dragons and warriors would focus their attack on the Cu Shidhes. The mages divided their forces. Some took charge of healing while other directed their attacks on Lira.

 

Finding the battle was turning to our favor, she shouted, “You will burn to a pile of ash! while casting fire spells. When that was not effective she tried to bargain with us. ” Ouch that hurts! Hey stop that, this dress is new! Fine you can keep the statues, I can make more. Come on, pretty please, just die already.”

 

 

At last the mages’ poison spells over came her. Poisoned she sank to the ground

“Hey stop that! I’m not feeling so good…. Minax… isn’t going to be… happy….” her last words as greater dragon stepped on her.

 

 

 

After the battle we meet up with Agaris. He was disturbed when told that Lira had been working for Minax. “Did she make new statues? he asked. “I guessed it was only a matter of time, before Minax decided to start poking her head into Trammel  So… the chaos orb. That would explain why they did not take anything from the shops. If they are on an errand for Minax.””Have we found out what the parchments mean? Governor Jov questioned? “We were unable to get the book?”

Sighing, Agaris shook his head. “No and we still have no idea what they are for. They are marking those locations for some reason. I wonder if its some sort of… map or trail, but for who?

“The group seems to all be looking at separate things.” Thalia pointed out. “If they seek the orb, perhaps this is a trail that leads to it.

Agaris nodded, “It appears so, if they aren’t quite sure what they are after, could buy us time.”

We began tossing ideas out. “Wait a moment…What if the parchments… are more like a compass?” Agaris suggested.

“But most Compasses have 4 main points.” Lady Thalia said. “Perhaps with Luna as the center?”

Looking at his notes, Jov pointed out, “The parchment in my city, doesn’t fit with the others. Neither did the one found in Luna. Perhaps they message from the mage. He did seem panicked.”

“Excellent point, I don’t believe the Trinsic and Luna parchments were part of it. I think the Mage was trying to leave behind a message for the others. Telling them he was caught and had to abandon the search in Trinsic.

 

 

Looking at each other we all agreed that was possible.

“So… Trinsic was a message, and perhaps Luna telling them where he ditched the book? In case he was captured?” Agaris said while thinking out loud.

While continuing the discussion, Diggy brought up the idea that instead of map, they might be recall runes. “They are trying to open some kind of gate”.

“Aye,” Jov nodded in agreement.I was just thinking the same. thing. Or perhaps something similar to moonstones.”

“So…It is either that, or they need to open a gate in a specific place. “Yes, that would make sense.” Agaris said frowning. ” I’m betting it is something simple we are missing. I will send some spies into Ter-Mur to look for the book. on the off chance, that you were right.Suddenly he frowned, “That is going to be difficult. Relations are not bad by any means, but openly keeping spies in the Royal City? I’ll go inform the inform the King. He will be able to explain the problem to Queen Zhah. She needs to know that Minax is involved and that she has people looking for the Orb of Chaos.” still frowning Agaris left us. Our discussion went well into the night. But we were no closer to solving the mystery than before. At last each of us retired to our beds. Answers sometimes come in dreams.