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dragon_fire372
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 Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:52 pm Post subject: Visions of Shadow ~ a continuation of Uncertain Quests |
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The storygame in this thread is not new per se. It is actually the second part of the story Uncertain Quests, currently located in the Fantasy Forest. This first post shall be a summary of the characters and action of the story thus far. Right now the story is waiting on reader response, as there is an unresolved decision point that must be decided upon before I can write any further.
So please, read the summary (or whole 19-chapter story, if you have the time  ), and join us in our quest! I hope you enjoy it, let me know what you think.
~dragon_fire372
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Characters
· Persivian the Sightless – Our main character, a wizard who is, as you can see from the name, blind. Quite famous for his power and past service to the former Emperor, he has only recently emerged from self-chosen isolation in the southern forests to visit old friends and investigate unsettling rumors about the Empire.
· Guia – Persivian’s familiar and longest friend. A small black cat, her tongue and wits are sharp indeed. Formidable despite her size, she has many mysterious abilities – she can discern truth from lie, sense unknown dangers, send telepathic messages, and get in and out of impossible places, among other things.
· Minaar – Strange young woman with a short temper, deep family loyalty, and untrusting attitude. Hunted for unknown reasons, she also has mysterious and uncontrollable powers that lie at the heart of the mystery.
· Dolan – Captain of the guard in a lord’s estate outside the eastern city of Elbberon, he leads a group of mercenaries in an attempt to capture Minaar.
· Jud’ami – A sailor and wizard of the sea and wind, Jud’ami is Persivian’s friend from childhood and most trusted confidante, apart from Guia. They studied their magic together during childhood and for a time worked together in their service to the Empire, and his reputation and skill as a magic-user are as well-known as Persivian’s.
· Verrad – the late-night visitor who called upon Jud’ami, asking after Persivian’s whereabouts. Mistrustful and stiff to the point of discourtesy, the friends later learn that his purposes are very sinister indeed.
· Lehrar – An old wizard, once Persivian and Jud’ami’s teacher and now a trusted friend and colleague, whom they intend to see for advice.
· Devanta – another of Persivian’s friends and the Matron Seer of the Academy. Only seventeen, the young woman is both an immensely powerful and an intensely sorrowful character.
· Borgen Oculdo – An earth/light wizard and the sister of Minaar, he helped with the creation of the Golden Star and was assigned to investigate the old Emperor’s death and to uncover the plot against the Empire.
· Kuria Bodes – Borgen’s lover and fellow investigator in the plot. Trusted completely by both Minaar and Borgen, she calls upon the companions with information regarding their search.
· The Shadow King – the great enemy in charge of the plot. An immensely powerful wizard using shadow magic, he is extremely secretive. Little is known about him as yet.
Chapter 1: Persivian and Guia are met on their way to the city of Maylin by a downtrodden
Minaar, guiding her horse-drawn cart away from the city. They introduce themselves, and Persivian ponders whether or not to speak more to her, despite Guia’s trepidations. He decides to do so.
Chapter 2: After some hesitation, Minaar asks Persivian if he knows about the Golden Star. It is a magical object built after Persivian’s departure from the city, and is a sign of goodwill to all the citizens of the Empire. It is said that if one carves a wish into it before the first star appears in the night sky, it will come true. It is partly because of the Star that Persivian is returning to the city in the first place, and Minaar’s question strikes both him and Guia as very curious. Then Dolan and seven mercenaries appear from the woods, proclaiming to have business to discuss with Minaar, and requesting that the wizard leave. He decides to stay, offer his wisdom in addressing the situation as he has done in similar situations in the past.
Chapter 3: Dolan tells Persivian that Minaar is a thief and he was sent to retrieve her. She vehemently denies it. Guia senses that Dolan is lying, and when she tells this to Persivian, the soldier attacks. Persivian quickly dispatches three of them, including Dolan. Three run away, and then he realizes that Minaar has run too – after killing two of the mercenaries herself. Persivian questions Dolan, who reveals that he was sent by his lord to capture Minaar but was told little else of the situation. When he tries to tell Persivian more, a latent spell takes effect, killing the soldier. The two companions search for clues on the bodies but find only an item enchanted to let its wearer see in the dark, and the pockets it. The only thing they discover about Minaar is that she ran off into the woods after taking one of the mercenary’s swords. Then Persivian and Guia search the girl’s wagon, and discover three magical gems and an envelope, with an address to someone within the city. Persivian decides to take the wagon and find his friend in the city, as originally planned, and investigate the matter more there.
Chapter 4: Persivian and Guia enter into Maylin in Minaar’s wagon, and stop by the city square to view the Golden Star before continuing on to Jud’ami’s home. Using a spell that allows him to see through Guia’s eyes, Persivian views the Star for himself, and notes the peace and hope that radiate from it. Believing it both beautiful and good, Persivian releases the sight spell and continues to Jud’ami’s home. He receives a warm welcome, and eventually shares his story and the reasons he returned to Maylin with his friend. They discuss the very likely possibility of a plot against the Empire, and determine to investigate the matter further. Before they can discuss plans, however, a visitor knocks at the door and asks Jud’ami if Persivian is present, because he has an important matter to discuss with him. Persivian decides to disguise himself and Guia in the shadows while Jud’ami invites the visitor in and questions him further, to see what they can discover by secrecy.
Chapter 5: Jud’ami briefly questions the visitor, and discovers only a little – that he wishes to discuss Persivian’s battle and ask after the location of Minaar. Apparently he knows the girl, but refuses to reveal from where, or what he wants with her, saying only that he is concerned and worried. His attitude plainly reveals his unwillingness to speak further, and Jud’ami dismisses him. Then the friends discover the purposes of the gems found in Minaar’s wagon, and learn that they were created in the same way that the Golden Star was. Then they must consider what to do in the morning. Persivian decides that they should split up and investigate separate leads.
Chapter 6: The wizards determine that Jud’ami will investigate the address while Persivian tracks down Verrad, after which they will meet again and visit Lehrar. Guia leaves the home to follow the visitor, so they can find him in the morning. The next day they carry out their plan, and Persivian and Guia succeed in speaking to Verrad. They learn more about him than Minaar, and the conversation is terse and wary on both sides. After Verrad learns that the companions intend to find Minaar themselves he departs abruptly, and they decide to find Jud’ami to see what he discovered. He had reached the address, and discovered from neighbors that the occupant is extremely reclusive and had not even been seen for nearly a year. Just as they begin discussing the next step, Guia becomes very upset and says she thinks they should speak to Lehrar immediately. Persivian decides to first ask her more about her sudden discomfiture, and then to trust her instincts.
Chapter 7: Together the three friends approach the academy, making what haste they may. When they are only a short distance away Guia cries out that Lehrar is in danger, and the wizards spur their horses to all possible haste. Unfortunately, they arrive at the Academy too late. Lehrar has been brutally murdered, and a broken mirror and the ash covering the desk are the only clues as to why. They postulate that Lehrar had been investigating the plot, been found out, and murdered when his discoveries led him too close to the truth. Persivian decides that Guia should accompany the spell-swords in locking down and searching the Academy, Jud’ami should stay in the room and investigate the evidence there, and he will go consult his friend, the Matron Seer, for more answers.
Chapter 8: After arriving at Devanta, the Matron Seer’s, quarters, Persivian asks for her help and is rewarded with the final scene of Lehrar’s life. He learns that as they had suspected, Lehrar had discovered something of importance just before his death, though what is unrevealed. However, Persivian also sees that Lehrar had hidden something in the corner of his room, and returns to try to find it. Jud’ami tells him that there are no further clues in the room except that the mirror was used to channel the killing spell. Then together they search for the hidden thing, and discover a secret compartment containing a brief message and the same address that Jud’ami had already investigated. Persivian decides that they will return to the house and search inside.
Chapter 9: Together with three spell-swords, Persivian, Guia and Jud’ami arrive at the house after dark has set, ready to investigate. It appears empty, but all three companions doubt that this is so. They explore the house’s interior without finding anything at all, but know that there is more that they have not yet found access to. Persivian decides that they must search for a trapdoor of some kind to find a way further inside the home.
Chapter 10: The wizards discover the way inside, and there witness a conversation between Minaar and Borgen Oculdo, who they discover are siblings. Between eavesdropping and speaking with the two, they discover that the old Emperor was murdered by magical means, that a group of wizards (Oculdo among them) was told by the new Emperor to investigate the death and the plot, and that an unknown enemy using shadow magic is trying to destroy the empire by means of creating a replica of the Golden Star, though with what powers and to what effect they have not yet determined. They also learn that Minaar also possesses great magic, but can’t control it, and that the enemy needs her power to fulfill his plan. Before they could learn why, however, the house is beset. They have only moments to prepare for the attack. Persivian decides that they will all stay and fight to defend the girl, and will try to capture prisoners for questioning, if possible.
Chapter 11: Six opponents, four of them wizards, burst into the room and attack Persivian and his companions. But their power is far less than the defenders, and they are defeated with relative ease. However, the last remaining attacker calls for aid and a portal is opened behind him, allowing five more enemies through. Still the companions fight well, and they manage to even the odds. Then they are beset by their great enemy himself, and the shadow wizard sends a spell through the portal that will mean all their deaths. Guia leaps into the onrushing spell, using her own magic to save the lives of her friends, but is captured in the process. Persivian, Jud’ami and Minaar are unscathed, but Guia is lost and Oculdo has fallen comatose, drained of all his magical energy. In fury the companions vow to lead the hunt. Persivian decides that the prisoners must be questioned to gather more information.
Chapter 12: After leaving the house with the casualties and prisoners (one of whom they discover to be Verrad), the companions are met by a group of spell-swords sent by Devanta to assist them. The leader of the group hands Persivian a bundle from Devanta. Inside, the wizard discovers the seer’s ring and a short message written in the girl’s own blood. It tells the friends that the ancient spell, sblochiave, is the key to discovering the prisoners’ secrets without killing them. The message also instructs Persivian to find Devanta after they’ve questioned the prisoners, as he will be given a name. Persivian decides to go to the library to research the sblochiave spell.
Chapter 13: After spending a great deal of time in the library researching the old and complicated spell, the wizards are confident that they have enough knowledge to remove the curse on the two prisoners, thus allowing them to be questioned. Persivian, Jud’ami and Minaar then make their way to the Prison Keep, into the cell where Verrad and his comrade have been taken. Persivian decides which questions to focus on during the interrogation.
Chapter 14: In the cell, one of the prisoners activates the curse himself before they can remove it, but the wizards stop Verrad from doing the same and are able to remove the sblochiave spell. With the aid of Minaar’s gems they begin the interrogation. They learn much about the enemy and how he operates. Even so, Persivian decides to question Verrad further.
Chapter 15: Persivian asks a few more questions, and they discover even more. In the end, Verrad tells them that Borgen is a traitor. Unfortunately, after this accusation the interrogation must stop. Minaar, enraged at having her brother called a traitor, loses control of herself and her magic. If it weren’t for Jud’ami and Persivian, she would have killed Verrad in her fury. They loose the influence of Minaar’s gems and Verrad refuses to speak more to them, terrified of what they already made him say. Persivian decides to send Jud’ami and Minaar to prepare for the journey to Elberron while he goes to see Devanta.
Chapter 16: Upon reaching the seer’s rooms, he finds that Devanta, too, has been murdered, and for a time is grief-stricken and overwhelmed. Once his companions find him, though, they realize both that Devanta knew what was coming and that she left them a message saying why. They find the message and receive her final vision, in large part a riddle except for one thing – the name of the Shadow King. Persivian decides that they must discover more about the Shadow King, based on the name they were given.
Chapter 17: The librarian refuses to allow Persivian into the library covered in blood as he is, so Jud’ami enters while Persivian and Minaar leave, to clean and bandage his hands. Shortly thereafter Jud’ami finds them with a messenger in tow. The boy tells them that Kuria Bodes wishes to speak to them, and Minaar tells them who the woman is. The wizards wonder if she can be trusted, as Minaar obviously believes, and if they should talk to her now or later. Persivian decides that they’ll ask the librarian to carry out some of the research while they talk to Bodes immediately.
Chapter 18: The companions find Bodes, and discover two things. First, though Borgen did betray them, it was without his intention or even knowledge – he was being spied upon through an enchanted amulet he believed came from Bodes, his lover. Second, they learn what the Shadow King plans to do. He intends to use a process to reverse the innate magical properties of gems and natural materials to create an artifact similar to the Golden Star, but with far more malicious and wide-spread effects. He will use this artifact to enslave and destroy the Empire. The reason he searches for Minaar is because the depth of her power is so great, he believes that it will increase the effects of his dark creation so much that it will cover the entire Empire and everyone in it. Persivian decides they must return to the library and finish gathering their information.
Chapter 19: Upon returning to the library, they find that the librarian has discovered an old map of the underground tunnels of the area beneath the city and their destination. While Minaar studies them further and Jud’ami searches for sources of information about the name they were given, Persivian ponders Devanta’s visions and realizes that Jud’ami is meant to stay behind as a spy, but is uncertain how to tell his friend. He joins Jud’ami in his search and soon finds a book that tells them even more about the situation. It speaks about the Malkeiado war, and they realize that this is what Devanta spoke of in her vision. Persivian and Jud’ami remember then that Kreysk dom Sella (the Shadow King) is the son of a Malkeiadian general, and hates the Empire because they defeated his country in the war. Minaar tells the two wizards that they have three options for reaching Elberron. Either they can go through a tunnel that begins in the city near the harbor and ends somewhat near to their destination, or they can cross overland on a short journey that will lead them to the entrance of another tunnel, which comes out right beside Criado’s estate but begins in the lands of a very dangerous lich lord. They can also make the entire journey on the surface. Persivian must decide which route to take, and whether or not Jud’ami will stay behind or come with them.
He has yet to make his decision.
_______________________________________
To go to Uncertain Quests, click here. Chapter 19 is on page 9.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
Last edited by dragon_fire372 on Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:58 am; edited 5 times in total
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Head Eater
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 5:18 am Post subject: |
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Assss thissss issss the ssssecond part of your ssssstory, and you are a proven writer here, I feel thisssss can be ssssafely moved here.
I expect chapterssss though, or your head sssshall be mine...
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Heads.
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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Despite depressingly low reader response I'm putting up a poll for the next chapter. There's no contention over our destination at least, hardcore undead action is iminent. But we still must decide if Jud'ami is with us or staying behind.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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DukeReg
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:39 am Post subject: |
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"Share our suspicions and ask if he will act as a spy for our cause."
What suspicions? Spy on who?
I just found this story again after I lost track of it a while back, and I seem to be missing something...
Edit: Oh yeah and the poll is listing 2 of each option instead of 1.
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Duke Reg
Completed SGs:
Tempting Fate
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:04 pm Post subject: |
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<grumble grumble grr>
Sorry guys, don't know what I messed up on that. I've just pm-ed Lilith, so hopefully it'll be fixed soon.
And kind of a quick rundown on the dp - Persivian, Jud'ami and Minaar have been discussing ways to get to an estate where they believe they can find more information about the Shadow King. But based on the last vision of the Matron Seer, Persivian suspects that Jud'ami may be supposed to stay behind as a spy, trying to find more information about the plot locally, rather than accompany them on their journey. Sorry for putting it so hazily on the poll - hope that clears it up.
No luck on the poll guys. Just try to keep your votes to the second and fourth options.
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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Player of Fates
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| Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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Woah, ok, my comp just typed some random stuff. I say he travels later.
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Pretty Thing
Vampires just got a whole lot Hotter
The Business
The fine print can kill you.
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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Visions of Shadow
“We go by way of Nuiden,” Persivian announced at last. “The less time we spend in the open once we exit the tunnels, the better. We couldn’t ask for a better arrangement.”
“What about the lich?” Minaar demanded. “I don’t think he’ll appreciate us – ”
“We’ll deal with him when we get there,” Persivian replied. “Right now I think we need to finalize our arrangements, get a few hours’ rest, and make ready to head out. I believe you wanted to check on your brother?”
Minaar pursed her lips but nodded. Jud’ami, however, looked at the wizard a little more knowingly. Something else was on Persivian’s mind, he knew, but he chose not to press the matter at that moment. Instead he said, “We’ll need to pack more food, and water as well. There’s no telling what kind of provisions will be available below-ground. Other than that, everything is arranged. We even procured another horse, so all of us will be astride.”
“Excellent,” Persivian murmured, but his heart was heavy. He did not want to say now that the third horse would be unnecessary. Jud’ami would not be coming.
How could he ignore the implications of the last vision of the Matron Seer? How could he turn his back on the guidance of such a prophecy? He could not. Jud’ami must stay behind, and discover what he could. Persivian only hoped his friend would understand.
It took a great deal of persuasion for the librarian to allow them to take the scroll with them, but they finally convinced the man that it was of vital importance, and having someone copy it was out of the question – that would take far too long. After many promises of magical protection, diligent care, and speedy return, the librarian consented, and the companions exited the library. Quickly they walked along the white paths to the hospice, where an attendant led them to Borgen’s room. The immensely clean and slightly lemony aroma of the halls was pleasing, but Persivian’s delicate nostrils still picked up the barely discernable scent of illness and pain. It was the same in any place dedicated to caring for the sick and injured – none of them, however comfortable they seemed, was ever truly pleasant.
The attendant led them swiftly to the second floor, where Borgen was being treated. The halls were already busy, brimming with morning light and hushed footfalls of healers and patients alike. Even so it did not take long to reach their destination. The attendant left them there to fetch the healer in charge of the light wizard’s care, and the companions entered the room. Borgen lay between the soft cottony sheets, utterly still except for his breathing. He looked rather pale but not nearly as sickly as he had after the battle. Immediately Minaar crossed over to him. Persivian and Jud’ami hovered near the doorway while the girl fussed over her brother, smoothing back his hair and holding his hand, as if her ministrations would do what the healers’ magic could not. As soon as the woman in charge of her brother entered, Minaar accosted her with questions; both women ignored the two wizards’ presence.
Persivian was silent, unaware of the slight frown creasing his forehead as he sought for the right words to bring up the discussion he knew needed to occur. But Jud’ami did see it, and took the task for him. “You’ve been thinking very hard, my friend, and I see that you do not like whatever conclusion you have reached. Talk to me.”
As usual, the Jud’ami’s gentle encouragement was all it took. Persivian explained everything about his interpretation of the prophecy, why he thought it, and what it would mean to the sailor. Jud’ami listened in silence, frowning and intent. When Persivian finished he did not move but merely stood, deep in thought. The blind wizard waited in trepidation for his friend’s reply.
At last Jud’ami nodded. “I think you are right,” he said. “Everything about it seems to fit.”
“You think so?” said Persivian, both relieved and selfishly disappointed.
“Yes,” the sailor replied. “We both know I am suited for such a task. I only wonder if you will be suited to yours.”
“What do you mean?”
“You will be alone, with only the company of Minaar and her uncontrollable magic. I know you are powerful and skilled, as is she. But you have never been without Guia, not since childhood, and then I was with you. Now you must set out on a quest both vastly important to the kingdom, and intensely personal as well.
“I have faith in you, Persivian. But I know, duty and revenge mingle oddly in the soul, as do grief and rage. If you set out on this path, you must be very careful.”
Persivian listened carefully, his brow now deeply furrowed. Jud’ami was right, he knew. He had always relied on his friend’s solid wisdom…and with a pang, he realized that it would soon be forfeited. “Do you think I can do it?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
The solid weight of Jud’ami’s hand settled on his shoulder. “I have faith in you.”
~ * ~
They returned to Jud’ami’s home after leaving the Academy. After seeing to the rest of the details of the journey with his companions, Persivian had retreated to the room he had occupied two nights ago, to catch a few hours of desperately needed sleep. Trying not to think that the last time he had slept on these cushions Guia had been with him, the wizard fell into an exhausted slumber.
When Jud’ami woke him he hardly felt any better, but he roused himself anyway. Minaar was already in the kitchen, bleary eyed and exuding weariness – obviously she had just woken as well. Jud’ami, however, seemed quite alert, and had lunch prepared at the table. “Come,” he said. “You must eat before you depart.”
Both complied, Minaar far more grudgingly. She had been rather against the wizards’ plan for Jud’ami remaining behind, but eventually conceded that she had no real say in the matter; it was the sailor’s decision. This did not stop her from shooting Persivian a rather nasty glance over her plate, and the wizard was left to sigh over the possibility of a very dour and unpleasant journey.
As he sat down, Persivian noticed two objects lying in the middle of the table, radiating strong magical auras. He looked pointedly between them and Jud’ami, who said, “They are for you.” Extending his senses, Persivian examined them more closely.
The largest appeared to be a staff of weathered, knotted driftwood. The bottom was tapered and tipped with steel, the top very wide and dense, and the entire length thick with magic. It was old, laid in the staff long ago, but still very strong. A quick inspection picked out spells designed for strength and reinforcement of magical energies, as well as a minor shield spell. There was another, more subtly woven into the wood, designed to enhance awareness and alert the wielder to danger. There was something more as well, but he could not tell at first what it was. Reaching out, Persivian picked up the staff delicately and ran his fingers along its length. It was very smooth, almost soft beneath his fingertips.
The rune of light was carved beneath the large knot at the top. When he felt it Persivian realized the nature of the spell he had sensed, but not identified. It was light magic, strong light magic, that would release from the staff in the presence of the undead. “Where did you get this?” the wizard asked, impressed by the power of the artifact he held.
“I pulled a few strings, called in some favors,” Jud’ami replied. “It was made by the one of the greatest exorcists the Academy produced. You found the light spell, I take it?” Persivian nodded, and Jud’ami continued, “That will weaken any undead who come against you, if it doesn’t repel them completely. I thought you might need it, where you’re going.”
“Indeed we might,” Persivian replied, still rubbing his hands over the staff with awe. It was a powerful object, as well as an important relic, and the wizard knew it could not have been as easy to obtain as Jud’ami let on.
“What is this, then?” Minaar asked, pointing to the other object. Persivian tore his attention from the staff and examined the other gift instead. It was a small nautilus shell, faintly orange and completely whole except for two small holes in the top, through which were strung a long leather cord. It too had a strong aura of magic, though of only a single, very recent spell.
“This is how we shall communicate, when we must,” Jud’ami replied. From beneath his shirt he pulled out another shell, the mate to the one on the table, and then he explained, “I made these this morning. When activated, we will be able to talk to and hear one another through them. Far faster and more secure than trying to send letters, and there is almost no chance of being overhead.
Clearly impressed, Minaar picked up the shell, turning it over in her hand, admiring the smooth perfection of it. “You made this?” she asked, handing it to Persivian to examine. He felt a little overwhelmed, for this was not minor magic. While he slept, Jud’ami had been busy indeed.
Meanwhile, the sailor answered, “Yes, I thought they would serve us well. We can’t use them often, of course – only when most necessary. Otherwise the spell may be noticed by the wrong sort.”
“This is wonderful, Jud’ami,” Persivian said.
The sailor broke him off before he could say any more. “It was the least I could do. I think you two will be in more danger than I.” Mouth quirked slightly, he added, “Unless of course you never get around to leaving, which will surely happen if you don’t sit down and eat.”
With a brief laugh, Persivian sat with his friends, and they ate in silence. Each knew that this was perhaps their last peaceful moment before their paths split, and they savored it as long as possible. But of course such moments never last forever, and all too soon Persivian was pushing his plate away. The moment was over; it was time to leave.
Jud’ami led them to the stables where the horses had been left, awaiting their departure. Minaar greeted her white steed with glad enthusiasm, rubbing its nose and murmuring softly. Persivian was more subdued as he climbed astride his appaloosa mare. They had decided that the girl’s second horse should remain with Jud’ami; one pure white horse was bad enough, but two would be doubly conspicuous. Despite their journey being largely underground, the companions did not think this an invalid precaution.
When Persivian was settled in the saddle, the staff comfortably slung across his back and bags laden with supplies, he knew the time had come for goodbye. “Thank you for everything, my friend,” he said, drinking in Jud’ami’s presence for the last time.
The sailor reached up and grasped Persivian’s hand warmly. “Until we meet again,” he replied, and Persivian felt his friend’s smile like a balmy ocean breeze. The blind man returned it, and turned to Minaar.
“Are you ready?”
She nodded and guided her horse after his. “Well met, Jud’ami,” she said as she passed. “I am glad we were able to meet.”
“As am I,” the sailor replied. He followed the two travelers into the street, and Persivian did not need to see to know that he was waving goodbye.
The companions rode swiftly out of the city, avoiding the main streets and leaving by the slightly less used eastern gate. Minaar did not speak, and Persivian was not inclined to start a conversation. They rode for hours in near silence, making only occasional comments that neither deigned to transform into anything but the slightest exchange. This taciturn manner endured through the afternoon and into the evening. Indeed, it was after they had set up camp for the night and eaten a sparse supper when Minaar finally breached the chill placidity with a rather unexpected question.
“Will you tell me about magic?” she asked abruptly. Persivian, who had been sitting motionless with his face turned toward the warmth of the fire, opened his eyes abruptly.
“What do you mean? Surely Borgen told you – ”
“Actually, Borgen didn’t tell me much,” the girl interrupted. “He seemed to think that since I couldn’t use magic, I didn’t need to know much else about it. But that isn’t really what I meant.”
“Then what do you mean?” Persivian asked.
Taking a deep breath, Minaar replied, “I want you to tell me how you use magic. More than that, actually – ” she corrected herself. “I want you to teach me. How to use it. My magic, I mean,” she finished lamely, halted by the expression on his face.
“You can’t control your power, Minaar,” he said. “Haven’t you had teachers before, who tried and failed to teach you its workings? I am not a tutor, how could I be any different?”
“You are the greatest wizard this kingdom has ever seen!” Minaar exclaimed. He shook his head, and she amended impatiently, “One of the greatest, at the very least. The wizards I spoke to when I was a child were not near your caliber, and I was so much younger then. Maybe now, with your help, I will be able to gain some control over it.”
Persivian felt her eyes upon his face, both plaintive and defiant. Suddenly he realized just how frustrating her situation must be to the girl – having so much power, but completely untamable, and always a danger if she lost control of herself. Perhaps it would be a good idea to try to teach her?
But Persivian had spoken truly when he said he was not a teacher. How could he succeed when others before had failed? Did he dare take their concentration off the task to fight what was likely to be a losing battle? They did not need distractions…and what if Minaar in control of her magic was more dangerous than her without control?
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject: |
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First chapter up! Don't worry, hardcore undead action is still imminent - next chappy, I promise! Enjoy
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:09 pm Post subject: |
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He should try to teach her what he can without endangering their safety or their mission. She is just going to be sullen and hostile if he doesn't agree.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:18 am Post subject: |
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| I agree with DukeReg...He should try at the very least. Besides, the training and teaching if nothing else may come in handy later.
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| Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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Nice chapter DF. Sorry I took so long to catch up, I started reading this about three times before I managed to complete it.
I'm with the others. He should try and teach her. However, start with something very small and simple, then they can work on from there.
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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teach her! tame the unfettered beast that is her magic... am i right in assumming the story is continuing (UQ) on this thread now?? or will i need to check back to the other one as well???
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, this is a continuation of Uncertain Quests. I'm actually going to turn that in as completed once I figure out who to tell.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:24 pm Post subject: |
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Well, it seems silly to post a poll when everyone is in agreement . She will be taught, at least a little. We'll see the beginning of that in the next chapter, and a lot more action and with any luck, a far superior decision point.
Till then
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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“Very well then,” the wizard said. “I will do my best, but do not expect much.”
The girl’s face relaxed in a smile. “Thank you, Persivian,” she said, relief and gratitude mingling in her voice. “I’m sure that you will – ”
“Please, Minaar,” he interrupted wearily. “Don’t thank me yet.” She fell silent, her expression losing some of its buoyancy, and Persivian pondered where to begin.
“We won’t do much tonight,” he said. “I am tired, and I’m sure you are too.”
“I don’t mind, I’m not that tired – ”
The wizard broke in again. “I need rest,” he said. “That can be your first lesson of wizardry – magic doesn’t function well when you are exhausted.” He closed his eyes, pondered a few moments, and finally said, “We’ll start with the basics of how magic operates. I don’t want you trying to use it if you don’t understand it fully. Once you’ve grasped the theory, then we’ll try for some control.” Minaar huffed impatiently, but consented.
They started that night. Persivian spoke, and Minaar listened attentively, drinking in his words with silent concentration. He told her of the nature of magic, how it existed as type of energy independent of all others, and how it took on two different forms. In the first, it existed in its raw state, which could be manipulated by any magic user with the will and courage to bend it. Courage, he said, because magic in this form was brutal to an unskilled user, as likely to harm the wizard in the attempt as to give the desired result, only truly tamable by precise ritual. Simple magic users, who had not the prowess to be trained as true wizards, relied on these rituals to work their simple deeds.
The other type of magic was elemental magic. The raw energy took on the temperaments of different aspects of nature, and became at once more malleable and more exclusive. Only wizards with an affinity for the same element could use such magic. They could call upon their element’s magic with far greater ease, and much less danger, than they could upon magic in its raw form, and it was also more reliable. Most magic users could only use one type of elemental magic, though there were some who developed an affinity for two. To truly master one’s element was the dream of every wizard, and only a very strong individual could ever hope to do so.
“Most only master one element, then?” Minaar asked.
“Yes, though there are exceptions. Jud’ami, for instance – not to mention your brother.”
Cocking her head, the girl then queried, “And how many master three?”
Trying to ignore her pointed tone, Persivian answered quietly, “Very few.”
The wizard went on to explain how a future magic-user developed, early in life, an aptitude for magic. For those with the skills to train as wizards, elemental aptitude developed as soon as control over the magical energy itself. These were taken in by tutors or academies to learn to command their art. Those without control of any specific element usually remained mere dabblers. If they were truly committed to magic, they sought out tutors to teach them the rituals of raw magic, and could become powerful in their own right. Few, however, had the discipline or desire for such a course.
Here Persivian stopped for the night, claiming great weariness. Minaar objected, but the wizard insisted – and it was well he did. He rose early in the morning, and they had no sooner awoken than he began again, this time detailing the histories of magic, from discovery in the earliest ages to prominent theories about its use, to the wizards who had used them. The girl soon found her head swimming with the wealth of information that was passing so easily from his lips, and she struggled to keep above the water.
Having spent the morning in a “brief” dissertation of magic’s past, Persivian spent the afternoon explaining the working of it – how spells were essentially strands of magical energy, shaped into patterns varying in complexity and power. The simpler the spell, the weaker the magic – the more complex, the stronger. He told her how magic, as energy, gave off telltale signs of its presence and working, commonly called the “aura” of the spell. Anything that used or came in contact with magic gave off some sort of aura, and though it could be disguised or hidden, it could never be eradicated. Magic users could recognize one another by aura, spells and enchanted objects could be distinguished by them, and recently cast spells lingered in an indistinct form because of them, sometimes even days after casting.
The lesson continued into the night. Occasionally Persivian questioned Minaar about the things he had told her, and she would do her best to recall the answers. Other times she would have to beg him to slow down so that she could comprehend what he was saying. Sometimes she was hopelessly confused, and often Persivian felt his patience stretching to its fullest bounds by his inability to make her understand. They had barely started, but already the work was taxing.
And yet, despite these difficulties, Minaar learned. She had a quick mind, and Persivian found that while he may have to repeat an explanation once, he never had to do so a second time. She bent her mind to remembering all he told her, in the hope that someday it would mean the difference between channeling her magic, and controlling it.
The pair had spent half a day in silence, time dragging along as they journeyed. The next day marked a significant difference. Persivian’s throat was dry and sore from so much unbroken talking, and the hours, though they did not pass any quicker, remained unmarked because of the intensity of the discussion. By the evening of their first full day on the road, both were exhausted, but could not bring themselves to feel cranky. There was so much yet to learn, both knew. But it was a start.
Persivian awoke the next morning to the silence of the woods. It was cold, and slightly damp, and the birds had not yet risen. Neither had the sun, he guessed; the stillness was the absolute stillness of a land still caught in slumber. The wizard supposed he ought to try for another hour or two of sleep, but instead pushed aside his blanket and stood up. He rose slowly, smoothly, relishing the stretching of stiff muscles and the rushing of warm blood through his limbs. Minaar was still asleep; he heard the even draw of breath as she lay across the fire from him. Like a cat he stepped around her dreaming form, and as he passed he caught the earthy fragrance that lingered around her, a scent of minerals barely detected.
Standing there at the edge of the clearing in which they were camped, Persivian was reminded vividly of his forest home to the south, where he had dwelt for the past five years. The landscape, the atmosphere of the dawn, the stillness was the same. Though there, he had a cabin, not a campsite. There he had isolated hours of personal study, not duty-bound underground treks. There, he had a companion as true as they came, not a girl who was little more than a stranger.
No matter, he thought, breathing in the tranquility of the forest. At least this is the same.
Behind him, Minaar began to stir. With a light groan of early morning lethargy, she rolled over and saw Persivian, standing still in contemplation.
“How long have you been up?” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
“Not long,” he replied. “A few minutes.”
Little more was said. Not long afterward Minaar pushed aside her blankets and withdrew into the woods, to perform her morning ablutions. Persivian started a small fire and began fixing them breakfast. Minaar returned to camp to find the wizard hunkered by the fire, eyes staring vacantly ahead while his hands stirred spices into their morning gruel, in an effort to make it more palatable. Observing his lanky form, barefoot and clad in the light pants and sleeveless tunic wizards wore beneath their robes, the girl could not refrain from asking, “Aren’t you cold?”
“Yes,” he answered with a smile. “But I enjoy it.”
“Because of your affinity to ice?” Minaar asked.
“Perhaps. We magic users tend to be more comfortable in our own element. I’m sure you’ve noticed that.”
Thus began their lessons again, Minaar asking questions, Persivian answering, both doing their best to learn. But as they saddled their horses and Minaar led them again onto the road, there was an element of solemnity to their conversation. Both noticed it, but neither wanted to remark upon it. It was not until midmorning when their talk began to lull, and finally ceased altogether. Only then did they broached the heart of the issue.
“We’re crossing Nuiden today?” Minaar asked.
“Yes.”
Uncertainly she continued, “How long do you think we have, until the lich sends his ghosts after us?”
“Ghosts?” Persivian repeated. He shook his head. “There are no ghosts in Nuiden.”
“What? But I thought – ”
“The lich enslaves spirits, true,” Persivian said. “But they are not ghosts. Far from it. To be a ghost, you have to be dead.”
Following this statement Minaar was understandably confused. The wizard explained. Undead creatures were so called because they ought to be dead, but were not fully. Things like ghosts, phantoms, poltergeists, existed in spirit only, while zombies and such inhabited bodies in various stages of life, or decomposition. They were dead, yet they lived on. Of all such creatures, only one could claim the distinction that though it was alive, it was as good as dead. These were the spirits that the lich had enslaved. They were created when, while they lay dying, their spirits were ripped from their bodies, which were then preserved, unable to die. The spirit was bound to the wishes of its master, and their life lent them strength beyond that possessed by most other types of undead.
These creatures could not be killed, except by the destruction of the body, hidden safely away in the heart of Nuiden. Yet their own power was such that should they attack you, you would feel the pain, and you would die by it. The spirits feared neither fire, nor water, as did many of their kind. The only element that could cause them harm was light – this weakened them, and repelled them, and if it was powerful enough, it drove them away. But if the will of the master was strong enough, they would come back.
The lich was strong enough.
Minaar listened to Persivian’s explanation with growing incredulity. When he had finished, she exclaimed, “And yet you still want us to go through Nuiden? Why didn’t we go through the other tunnel, where we weren’t going to be attacked by indestructible undead spirits?”
The wizard explained again that this particular tunnel emerged closer to their destination after they had crossed under the mountains, making their arrival at Criado’s much less likely to be noticed. They also had several factors on their side. It would be past noon by the time they entered the forest; the sun would be at its zenith. The spirits would be at their weakest, the lich’s borders more sparingly guarded. Maps indicated trails within the forest that led straight to the tunnel’s entrance, and with the staff Jud’ami had given him, Persivian should be able to repel any spirits that did try to block their passage – if their presence was even noted. Adventurers had reported surviving in Nuiden for more time than they would be in it.
“Well, if we putting our trust in the adventurers,” Minaar muttered under her breath.
The morning wore on, noontime came and went. Minaar guided them, traveling first south, then east as they approached the southern border of the lich’s land. With the map as guide the girl led them to the very perimeter of the forest: a shallow but swift river, flowing west out of the mountains. A stone bridge arched serenely across it, and the appearance of the forest on either side of it was much the same – vast, green, verdant, and not particularly frightening.
But the feel of the forest across the river was startling. Persivian sensed the magic like a clammy breeze, tugging his robes, caressing his face, grasping his fingers greedily. There was power there, beneath the branches, and it did not bode the living well. The wizard shivered.
“Don’t you feel it?” he asked Minaar, who was peering ahead with an attitude of concentration.
“I feel something,” she replied. “But it’s vague, like a cobweb brushing my hand.” Noticing his pallor, Minaar said with concern, “Are you all right?”
He nodded. “Once you are trained in the ways of wizardry, you become more sensitive to its power. The aura of the undeads’ magic is heavy in there. Not unexpected, but still shocking.” The wizard slung the staff into his left hand, and gripped the reins in the other. “Let’s press on. I sense no spirits close enough to notice our presence.”
Minaar nudged her steed forward, and the hoof beats thudded the ground with a muffled sort of finality.
There were about five miles between the border of Nuiden and the tunnel entrance. Minaar set them on a brisk pace, and guided them confidently across the mossy bridge and into the woods. The road was narrow and largely overgrown, but it was clear enough to bear them swiftly through the first half of their trek into Nuiden. Then a smaller path would branch off from the main road, and led them within fifty feet from where the tunnel entrance lay. Thus the map had indicated.
They entered the shadow of the wood. It was cool, despite the summer season. Shadows hung heavily over the path, thrown by trees grown massive, so greedy for sun that none of its rays could penetrate the reaching branches to the ground below. Persivian had expected the forest to be silent, but he was mistaken. The wind rustled the boughs above, the squirrels those below. Birds sang from the brush, and a pair of deer was startled from their grazing at the companions’ approach, and sprang away into the trees. Apparently the spirits were not close by. Or perhaps, the wildlife knew that they had nothing to fear from them. Hoping the first, Persivian closed his eyes and breathed deep.
Immediately he started coughing. Underneath the scent of pine and earth, of leather saddles and horseflesh, of the river behind them and the faint fragrance of minerals, Persivian had discerned another taste. It was harsh and cold and dry, like the spices used to embalm the dead. Along with it came a feeling, a rush of dark, malevolent power…
Minaar twisted around in the saddle to stare with concern as he doubled over, hacking violently. “What is wrong?” she cried, while Persivian clung to the saddle-horn and did his best to breath.
He shook his head. The spasm passed swiftly, leaving the wizard with shaking limbs and tearing eyes. “I’m fine,” he croaked, motioning the girl to keep moving. “Quickly now.”
The undead. He could sense them without the staff’s help. But he had not thought their presence would be so potent.
Hidden beneath the imperial boughs from the burning afternoon sun, Minaar led them at a swift and steady pace. It would not be long, Persivian judged, before they reached the trail into the woods, and from there not so much longer until they had reached the tunnel. They were furtive, they were alert – and yet somehow the wizard had never expected to go unnoticed.
“The trail is just ahead,” Minaar said, her voice barely audible above the jingle and creak of their equipment.
Persivian nodded, and then cocked his head. An aura, subdued and hidden a moment before, flared up before them. At the same moment, a warning tingle ran from the staff into Persivian’s awareness.
“There are spirits up there,” Persivian whispered. Minaar’s head whirled around.
“How many?”
“Enough to bring more to us,” he replied. His fingers tightened on Jud’ami’s gift. “We cannot avoid them.”
Fear evident in her voice, the girl queried, “What do we do?”
With an explosive whinny, the appaloosa reared. Minaar’s mount screamed in reply, dancing on the overgrown road in fear. The riders barely kept their seats, clutching the reins, trying frantically to bring the creatures back under control, and Minaar called for Persivian. He did not reply, preoccupied as he was – for now the undead were near at hand, and it was upon them that the wizard was focused.
There were two on the road before them. They did not shimmer in the light; their forms did not fade ethereally into the shadows. The spirits were solid, clad in battle-scarred uniform, bearing battle-weary arms, their eyes blank and their blades gleaming sharp. No noise did they make, no movement nor action of any kind. Automatons, marionettes without strings, and such fear did they inspire that the horses were out of control with it, Minaar losing her iron edge, and Persivian could feel panic, encroaching on the borders of his mind. Forcefully, he shoved it away.
Grasping his magic, Persivian called up a spell of darkness. He wove a cloth of it, tore it in two, and infused it with icy numbness. These he cast over the perceptions of the horses. Immediately they quieted down, confused and trembling, shaking their heads tentatively.
“Minaar!” he called, hearing clearly now her ragged, panting breath, the sword unsheathed and brandished uncertainly, the barely audible whimper escaping her lips. He edged his horse alongside hers and grasped her arm tightly. “Get a hold of yourself,” he whispered urgently. “Now, or you will not live long enough to do it later.”
Angrily she wrenched her arm away, but his words had done their work. Control was wrestled back from fear, and the pair turned their eyes upon the spirits once again.
Silent and still they stood; content merely to observe, for the moment. Though their physical appearance was much the same as it had been before their enslavement, they were startlingly colorless, bone-colored and bleached. Their faces, their hair, their clothes and armor were all the same. They wore the embodied memories of their own bodies locked far away under the lich’s care, but all hues had been robbed from them. In their eyes, everything was a uniform shade.
They had been enslaved moments before death, spirits ripped from moribund bodies. They still remembered their dying wounds. Pale blood dripped from colorless gashes, pooling about their feet in an endless stream. Washed-out faces twisted in unforgotten agony. They were not ghosts, showing indifference to their harms. Not the living dead – the dying life, trapped in time.
Of their entire appearance there was only one thing that stood out as neither colorless nor remembered. Each spirit held a weapon, a gleaming saber, with a serrated inner edge. Though white, these arms were not bleached and dull, but shone with the vitality of steel, the coldness of diamond. Spirit weapons, designed to kill.
The moment stretched as the spirits regarded the travelers inscrutably. Then as one they met each other’s eyes, and turned away. In a blink, they disappeared.
In the next, a terrible sound echoed to them across the treetops. It was low, angry, something between a laugh and a moan. Persivian felt Minaar’s shiver. “What was that?” she whispered.
“The lich,” he replied. “We need to move, now!”
Minaar nodded and urged her steed forward. But in a moment, she pulled on the reins with a cry.
The spirits had returned, but not alone. They had brought their fellows with them. Persivian and Minaar were the bulls-eye in a ring of undead – surrounded by white eyes, white faces, white blood and armor and cold, cold swords. None moved to attack, but now their mouths were twisted up into snarls –parodies of eager grins.
“The Lich comes, he comes, he comes for you,” they breathed, pressing forward, reaching out, fencing them in.
Persivian doubled over, gagging. The spirits were merely twelve feet away – the aura of them was sickeningly strong, their harsh scent saturated the air. “We have to run, Minaar!” he gasped. “We have to get out before he comes!”
Frantically Minaar twisted in the saddle. The scent of her fear was strong on the air; her eyes were wide and gleaming with terror. “Where?” She cried. “Where do we run?”
_________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
Last edited by dragon_fire372 on Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:48 am; edited 1 time in total
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:39 pm Post subject: |
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That was immensly difficult. Forgive me for taking so long, and I hope you enjoy. Decision point - carry on, or turn back? Try to battle the undead, or merely evade them? Must the lich be avoided at all costs, or should we welcome a meeting with him? Let me know your plans.
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~ Edmund Burke
Sans Dieu Rien Without God, Nothing
Visions of Shadow - 2nd part of Uncertain Quests! Chapter Two
Dreamwalker - Relocated to Linear Lane Sixth Chapter
Linear Story Nightrobber Now Complete!
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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WOoo, nice chapter DF, very well written.
One slight thing I picked up:
| Quote: | | But he had not thought their presence would be so poignant |
I don't htink poignant is the right word here, if I'm thinking of the right one anyway.
Anyway, DP. Tough one. Tough indeed. And what can they do, really? If they run, surely the undead would simply blink and catch them up? I'm not sure.
Perhaps try to flee first, break through at one point and gallop off, maybe if they get away it would be possible to cast some kind of cloaking spell? He probably would have done it already if possible, but hey, I'm just throwing ideas out here.
Otherwise stand firm and confront the lich, show it you're not afraid!
That's all I have for now!
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 11:18 am Post subject: |
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There's nothing wrong with the word "poignant" in the sentence itself, but I think the connotations with smell make it come across wrong. Dragon_Fire gave us such rich description of the smells of the place that it is first on our mind while reading. So when we read that sentence, we're thinking that Persivian didn't expect them to smell so much. Kind of hits us wrong on first impression. But it's a minor note and we know what is meant by it.
Incredibly well described and I love the emotion of this chapter, of the cold early morning and the wilderness. The very sudden appearance of everything they wished to avoid makes us feel frantic and yet hopeless.
BUT, if we really were so outmatched, why would the spirits wait for the lich? Perhaps they're not so powerful that they can not be combatted. Push through! Call upon the powers of light and charge!
As for which way to go... it think our best chance is forward. Going back delays the expedition and that won't do any good, especially now that they enemy is on guard.
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Mother Goose
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| Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:05 am Post subject: |
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"Puissant" maybe, or "powerful"? Or maybe he really is feeling sad for the zombies, trapped in the horror of their death moment.
Anyway, yes, they should try to break through the circle and get to the tunnel - I assume they will be safe there? Use all the light magic they can - maybe one of Minaar's gems has something to do with light and will be activated in this danger.
Going back gets them nowhere, not even out of danger from the zombies and the lich.
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dragon_fire372
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| Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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For some reason I though poignant meant something that it in fact did not mean. Fixed that, thanks for pointing it out.
I'll wait a few more days before putting a poll up...though really it might not be necessary. We'll see.
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Smee
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 2:58 am Post subject: |
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Woot... what a great morning!
Not only have I wrestled (temporary) access to IF at work (via bypassthat.com) but the first thing I discover is the continuation of this wonderful story.
Great to see it continue DragonFire. I loved all the discussion/explanation about magic, as I do in any story. Really liked the novel way of calming the horses too. Could you confirm the elements Persivian favours... is he one of the rare 3+ ? I'm guessing so from memory.
As for the DP...
Yep - F5 - onwards is the only way.
Lets avoid the Lich if possible, but don't flinch from a confrontaton. It can't be 'that' powerful (to so easily scare someone as powerful as Persivian) and be so close to the City, otherwise surely a large force would have been sent out to defeat him some time ago. He must be a threat, without being significant enough to warrant full assault. I'm fairly sure, push comes to shove, that Persivian can handle him with some aid from Minaar.
Happy Writing 
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dinranwen
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:42 am Post subject: |
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| I agree with Smee, *pokes Smee*, Continue on...I do hope to see this story continue on soon.
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