From: daemon102@aol.com (Daemon102)
Date: 08 Aug 1998 04:18:06 EDT
Lianas and Savias 'popped' into the stall with the waiting horses just as the albino girl and her party left the stable. They watched in silence as two guards made there way up to the hay loft. Lianas and Savias shared a conversation telepathically. The dopplegangers had worked too hard to see it all go to waste.
Lianas was thru running. He wore Daemon's Elfin chain mail and his Cloak of Invisibility. On his hip rested 'Diamond', Daemon's Sword of Sharpness. Invisibly, Lianas move to the ladder near the loft. Once in position, Savias stepped out from hiding and made to mount one of the horses.
"Don't even think about it shapshifter!" came the call from the hayloft. The beginings of a spell forming on Savias' lips as he turned around in mock surprise. "Cover me, I'm going down there." Michael told the other man who hefted a crossbow at the shifter.
As Michael's feet touched the ground they were cut out from under him. A blinding flash of multicolored light sprayed from Savias's fingers at the would be archer. Lianas rejoined his companion. "We need a distraction Savias. A nice fire should do." The mage began a second spell but Lianas stopped him.
"Save your majiks. We'll do this one the old fashioned way." Lianas picked up a torch and put flint to steel. "Make yourself invisible." He told Savias as he once again lifted the hood on his magical cloak. The second guard was coming around as two torches landed on opposite ends of the stable. The hay lit off almost instantaneously as the two invisible dopplegangers walked from the rear door of the tack room.
Horses bucked and kicked trying to free themselves from the blaze. As the two shapeshifters left Valensa keep they could see the mass of confusion the fire had caused. To add to the havoc, Savias summoned an insect swarm in the courtyard. One last touch, he broke the seal on a special scroll. Ten minutes later the Delayed Blast Fireball rocked the walls of the keep destroying the outer guard house.
Footprints in the Sand(Daemon)
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From: brianna1o2@aol.com (BRIANNA1O2)
Date: 13 Aug 1998 07:54:19 EDT
Gods, this couldn't be happening. She knew that if she could just stop for a few minutes it would all be a terrible, terrible dream. She would wake up back in her bed and everything would be alright..... Everything Would Be Alright....
They had reached the Great Hall. The once beautiful room was now a shambles. The fire that had begun earlier had burned itself out, contained apparently by majiks to this one room. But the damage was great. The tapestries across the walls were destroyed. The walls themselves had been charred heavily, a heavy smoke floated still in the air.... there was blood on the thick rugs where the fire hadn't reached before being extinguished.
The five noticed these things only on the edges of their thoughts. The Great Hall was empty of people, and nearly silent. The only sounds they could hear came from the Throne Room beyond. The sounds were hurried, angry, an oath or two.... something shattered. The sound of a battle raged from beyond those large oaken double doors. They approached the doorway quickly, yet cautiously.....weapons drawn, unsure of what... or who... they would
find beyond.
As Bree peered into the Throne Room she saw the *battle* before her. Her Aunt Destiny, alone and wild eyed, tossing furniture around as if it weighed nothing. As they stepped in, Destiny's eyes lit up with triumph. From beneath the throne itself she withdrew a small object and looked at it intently for just a moment before secreting it in her blouse.
The smoke from fire in the Great Hall had started to find it's way here.
Bree coughed........ "Aunt Destiny?"
Date: 13 Aug 1998 07:54:19 EDT
Gods, this couldn't be happening. She knew that if she could just stop for a few minutes it would all be a terrible, terrible dream. She would wake up back in her bed and everything would be alright..... Everything Would Be Alright....
They had reached the Great Hall. The once beautiful room was now a shambles. The fire that had begun earlier had burned itself out, contained apparently by majiks to this one room. But the damage was great. The tapestries across the walls were destroyed. The walls themselves had been charred heavily, a heavy smoke floated still in the air.... there was blood on the thick rugs where the fire hadn't reached before being extinguished.
The five noticed these things only on the edges of their thoughts. The Great Hall was empty of people, and nearly silent. The only sounds they could hear came from the Throne Room beyond. The sounds were hurried, angry, an oath or two.... something shattered. The sound of a battle raged from beyond those large oaken double doors. They approached the doorway quickly, yet cautiously.....weapons drawn, unsure of what... or who... they would
find beyond.
As Bree peered into the Throne Room she saw the *battle* before her. Her Aunt Destiny, alone and wild eyed, tossing furniture around as if it weighed nothing. As they stepped in, Destiny's eyes lit up with triumph. From beneath the throne itself she withdrew a small object and looked at it intently for just a moment before secreting it in her blouse.
The smoke from fire in the Great Hall had started to find it's way here.
Bree coughed........ "Aunt Destiny?"
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From: olyviarose@aol.com (OlyviaRose)
Date: 13 Aug 1998 16:36:21 EDT
Olyvia worked in the kitchens of the Keep. It had been a great honor for her, and by extension for her family, when she became a kitchen maid here. During the time she had been here she had seen one Lord assassinated (some said the job had been hired by his nephew), one Lord of the Keep killed brutally, and another come to take his place. This last changed nearly all the laws of the land when he came.
She had seen the Lady leave for reasons unknown. (There were rumors, of course, but Olyvia never listened to rumors about the Lord and Lady. It could get you into trouble with the new Lord of the Keep.) She had watched the young daughter of the Lord come to Valensa and nearly instantly fit right in with the people here. She had even watched as an entire off-world tribe came to live in the mountainous region, relocated here by the Lord Daemon who
was also their Tribal Cheiftain. Oh yes. She had seen much in her tenure in the kitchens of the Keep. But she had never seen a day such as today before.
Olyvia stepped from the kitchen door of the Keep into the cool shade of the back dooryard. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew that she didn't want to be inside while it was. The Princess Brianna had run through the kitchen like a demon from the Abyss was chasing her. The Lady Khrysta, Argent and another man had all been following with the same speed and determination. Chaz, one of the younger, newer guards had bringing up the
rear.
As she stepped out of the door, she expected near silence and a chance to think for a few minutes about all that was going on. What she saw and heard scared her near to death. The horses were going crazy in the stable. She could hear them kicking at the walls and nearly screaming in fear and pain. She saw the first licks of fire coming up from the hayloft. Standing there she was nearly mesmorized by the surrealism of what was before her.
The thick black smoke.... The tongues of bright flame.... This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't be...........
"FIRE....... Fire in the Stables!!!" She ran back inside, not even aware that the harsh, ragged voice was hers. "The stables are on fire!!!....... Gods.... The boys!! Julien!! Duncan!!" She headed at a dead run back to the stable. At the door she found a young guardsman dragging Michael from the flames. Looking inside she could see the boys, lying at the end of the row of stalls. The horses were all still in their stalls, thrashing
wildly to get free. She ran past the young guard, barreling into the burning building to get to the lads. Grabbing each of them with one hand she began to back out of the stable, dragging both of them. She thanked her luck that neither of them were large young men, but rather slight lads still for if they were she wouldn't have been able to get both of them. As she neared the door, one of the horses broke free of it's stall. It ran wild-eyed,
not even seeing because of it's fear. It headed straight for her and the open door beyond. Without even thinking, she fell flat as the large, black stallion leaped over her. Coming back up, she fixed her grip on the boys ankles and pulled them outside. The young guard left Michael and ran to help her with the boys, and they moved them well away from the burning building. By this time the back court was filled with people.... all trying to get
organized to put out the fire before it could spread to the other buildings. There was a long line between the well behind the kitchens to the stable, with buckets of water being passed from hand to hand. Olyvia and the guard ran back into the flames to open the stall doors before running out, coughing deeply from the smoke. Hopefully the horses would have enough sense to run out the open door, 'cause it was a certainty that no one was going to be
able to get back in again to lead them out if they didn't.
Date: 13 Aug 1998 16:36:21 EDT
Olyvia worked in the kitchens of the Keep. It had been a great honor for her, and by extension for her family, when she became a kitchen maid here. During the time she had been here she had seen one Lord assassinated (some said the job had been hired by his nephew), one Lord of the Keep killed brutally, and another come to take his place. This last changed nearly all the laws of the land when he came.
She had seen the Lady leave for reasons unknown. (There were rumors, of course, but Olyvia never listened to rumors about the Lord and Lady. It could get you into trouble with the new Lord of the Keep.) She had watched the young daughter of the Lord come to Valensa and nearly instantly fit right in with the people here. She had even watched as an entire off-world tribe came to live in the mountainous region, relocated here by the Lord Daemon who
was also their Tribal Cheiftain. Oh yes. She had seen much in her tenure in the kitchens of the Keep. But she had never seen a day such as today before.
Olyvia stepped from the kitchen door of the Keep into the cool shade of the back dooryard. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew that she didn't want to be inside while it was. The Princess Brianna had run through the kitchen like a demon from the Abyss was chasing her. The Lady Khrysta, Argent and another man had all been following with the same speed and determination. Chaz, one of the younger, newer guards had bringing up the
rear.
As she stepped out of the door, she expected near silence and a chance to think for a few minutes about all that was going on. What she saw and heard scared her near to death. The horses were going crazy in the stable. She could hear them kicking at the walls and nearly screaming in fear and pain. She saw the first licks of fire coming up from the hayloft. Standing there she was nearly mesmorized by the surrealism of what was before her.
The thick black smoke.... The tongues of bright flame.... This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't be...........
"FIRE....... Fire in the Stables!!!" She ran back inside, not even aware that the harsh, ragged voice was hers. "The stables are on fire!!!....... Gods.... The boys!! Julien!! Duncan!!" She headed at a dead run back to the stable. At the door she found a young guardsman dragging Michael from the flames. Looking inside she could see the boys, lying at the end of the row of stalls. The horses were all still in their stalls, thrashing
wildly to get free. She ran past the young guard, barreling into the burning building to get to the lads. Grabbing each of them with one hand she began to back out of the stable, dragging both of them. She thanked her luck that neither of them were large young men, but rather slight lads still for if they were she wouldn't have been able to get both of them. As she neared the door, one of the horses broke free of it's stall. It ran wild-eyed,
not even seeing because of it's fear. It headed straight for her and the open door beyond. Without even thinking, she fell flat as the large, black stallion leaped over her. Coming back up, she fixed her grip on the boys ankles and pulled them outside. The young guard left Michael and ran to help her with the boys, and they moved them well away from the burning building. By this time the back court was filled with people.... all trying to get
organized to put out the fire before it could spread to the other buildings. There was a long line between the well behind the kitchens to the stable, with buckets of water being passed from hand to hand. Olyvia and the guard ran back into the flames to open the stall doors before running out, coughing deeply from the smoke. Hopefully the horses would have enough sense to run out the open door, 'cause it was a certainty that no one was going to be
able to get back in again to lead them out if they didn't.
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From: daemon102@aol.com (Daemon102)
Date: 16 Aug 1998 04:07:47 EDT
Destiny looked up at Brianna as she entered. Her eyes were still glassed over from the spell placed on her by Horus. She crossed to her as the rest of the group entered. "Great, now we won't have to work as hard."
Brianna tilted her head slightly. "What are you talking about aunt
Destiny? Work so hard at what?"
"At finding your father's murderer. The Avenger can do it for us."
"Who's the Avenger and why would he be better suited for finding
daddy's killers then us?" Brianna's hands rested on her hips.
"I thought Hae-war was know as the avenger." Khrysta interjected. "At least that's how Daemon explained it to me. Hae-war is the god of
vengence right Destiny? Of course it would be easier for a god to find
the doppleganger than it would be for us baby." She tried to comfort her
daughter.
"Of course, we couldn't have done it earlier, but now that there's no doubt. . ." Destiny was talking so fast that the group was having a hard time following her. "Brianna, use the amulet."
"Huh?" Brianna replied. "Aunt Destiny, you lost me about a mile back. What good would stoping time or teleporting do us now?"
"No Brianna. Daemon didn't explain the amulet to you when he gave it to you did he?" Brianna shook her head. "O.K. I'll go over stuff that pertains to us now. I'll explain the rest later. The Amulet of Horus is a very powerful artifact. It was a gift from Horus to my brother to help balance the power that Tassenofett's demon possesed.
"Among it's other powers, the Amulet has the power to summon the Avenger. The Avenger is Horus' Avatar. He is the embodiment of the god here in the realms. The Avenger is the ultimate bounty hunter. He can track across the very planes of existance. All we need to do is summon him and give him this ring." She removed the ring from her top.
Brianna removed the Amulet from around her neck and offered it to her aunt. "Here aunt Destiny, you do it."
The Mistress of Fire held her hand upright. "No my child, you must summon the Avenger yourself. The Avenger will only come to the aid of one who lost a parent or a child." Destiny whispered the command words to the girl, then stepped back as the girl repeated the arcane phrase. Within seconds a swirl of mist appeared, and from it, the Avenger appeared.
Date: 16 Aug 1998 04:07:47 EDT
Destiny looked up at Brianna as she entered. Her eyes were still glassed over from the spell placed on her by Horus. She crossed to her as the rest of the group entered. "Great, now we won't have to work as hard."
Brianna tilted her head slightly. "What are you talking about aunt
Destiny? Work so hard at what?"
"At finding your father's murderer. The Avenger can do it for us."
"Who's the Avenger and why would he be better suited for finding
daddy's killers then us?" Brianna's hands rested on her hips.
"I thought Hae-war was know as the avenger." Khrysta interjected. "At least that's how Daemon explained it to me. Hae-war is the god of
vengence right Destiny? Of course it would be easier for a god to find
the doppleganger than it would be for us baby." She tried to comfort her
daughter.
"Of course, we couldn't have done it earlier, but now that there's no doubt. . ." Destiny was talking so fast that the group was having a hard time following her. "Brianna, use the amulet."
"Huh?" Brianna replied. "Aunt Destiny, you lost me about a mile back. What good would stoping time or teleporting do us now?"
"No Brianna. Daemon didn't explain the amulet to you when he gave it to you did he?" Brianna shook her head. "O.K. I'll go over stuff that pertains to us now. I'll explain the rest later. The Amulet of Horus is a very powerful artifact. It was a gift from Horus to my brother to help balance the power that Tassenofett's demon possesed.
"Among it's other powers, the Amulet has the power to summon the Avenger. The Avenger is Horus' Avatar. He is the embodiment of the god here in the realms. The Avenger is the ultimate bounty hunter. He can track across the very planes of existance. All we need to do is summon him and give him this ring." She removed the ring from her top.
Brianna removed the Amulet from around her neck and offered it to her aunt. "Here aunt Destiny, you do it."
The Mistress of Fire held her hand upright. "No my child, you must summon the Avenger yourself. The Avenger will only come to the aid of one who lost a parent or a child." Destiny whispered the command words to the girl, then stepped back as the girl repeated the arcane phrase. Within seconds a swirl of mist appeared, and from it, the Avenger appeared.
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From: daemon102@aol.com (Daemon102)
Date: 21 Aug 1998 01:28:49 EDT
Standing nearly seven feet tall, the avenger stepped from the mists. His features were sharp, hard lines and his nose hooked slightly. Long black locks of hair hung below his shoulders. His leather armor was form fitted and his soft boots were split so that it seemed he only had two toes. A long black cloak hung over broad shoulders.
His eyes were his most noticeable feature. Twin black orbs bespoke of superior intelligence and their placement slightly farther back indicated his predatory nature. All at once without moving his head, the Avatar of Horus took note of every detail in the room. Moving to stand before the pale one holding the Amulet of Horus, he spoke.
"I am Peregrine the Avenger, Avatar of Horus. Why have you summoned me here?"
Brianna was forced to avert her eyes from the avenger's piercing stare. "My father was kidnaped by a group of men. A doppleganger had been hired to replace him. Only Lianas knows who is responsible for my fathers death."
Destiny withdrew the ring from her top. "Peregrine, I am Destiny, Mistress of Fire. This ring was used by Lianas to speak with whomever was holding my nephew. I would like them both brought back here."
"Daughter of Horus," Peregrine replied. "While I understand your request, you know it must come from the child."
Bothered by being referred to as a child, Brianna grabbed the ring from her aunt and shoved it into the avenger's chest. "Take it. Go bring back Lianas and who ever he was working for." Inside, she was near her breaking point but she refused to let anyone see her that way now. Slowly she moved towards the dias and stood before he father's throne.
Argent had kept a respectful distance understanding Brianna's desire to appear as strong as Daemon would have in the same circumstances. Assuming his dragon form, the Silver Dragon coiled at the base of the dias effectively isolating Brianna from her family. "Move!" she screamed at the avenger then sat down in the throne holding her head high.
Peregrine walked to the window and rolled his shoulders. His "cloak" was actually a set of wings tucked close against him. With a nod to Brianna the avenger took to the skies tracking his prey. Captain Thomas moved as close to the dias as Argent's body would allow. He took to one knee and held his sword out in both hands.
"Lady Brianna Satyriasis, my sword and my life are yours to command."
Date: 21 Aug 1998 01:28:49 EDT
Standing nearly seven feet tall, the avenger stepped from the mists. His features were sharp, hard lines and his nose hooked slightly. Long black locks of hair hung below his shoulders. His leather armor was form fitted and his soft boots were split so that it seemed he only had two toes. A long black cloak hung over broad shoulders.
His eyes were his most noticeable feature. Twin black orbs bespoke of superior intelligence and their placement slightly farther back indicated his predatory nature. All at once without moving his head, the Avatar of Horus took note of every detail in the room. Moving to stand before the pale one holding the Amulet of Horus, he spoke.
"I am Peregrine the Avenger, Avatar of Horus. Why have you summoned me here?"
Brianna was forced to avert her eyes from the avenger's piercing stare. "My father was kidnaped by a group of men. A doppleganger had been hired to replace him. Only Lianas knows who is responsible for my fathers death."
Destiny withdrew the ring from her top. "Peregrine, I am Destiny, Mistress of Fire. This ring was used by Lianas to speak with whomever was holding my nephew. I would like them both brought back here."
"Daughter of Horus," Peregrine replied. "While I understand your request, you know it must come from the child."
Bothered by being referred to as a child, Brianna grabbed the ring from her aunt and shoved it into the avenger's chest. "Take it. Go bring back Lianas and who ever he was working for." Inside, she was near her breaking point but she refused to let anyone see her that way now. Slowly she moved towards the dias and stood before he father's throne.
Argent had kept a respectful distance understanding Brianna's desire to appear as strong as Daemon would have in the same circumstances. Assuming his dragon form, the Silver Dragon coiled at the base of the dias effectively isolating Brianna from her family. "Move!" she screamed at the avenger then sat down in the throne holding her head high.
Peregrine walked to the window and rolled his shoulders. His "cloak" was actually a set of wings tucked close against him. With a nod to Brianna the avenger took to the skies tracking his prey. Captain Thomas moved as close to the dias as Argent's body would allow. He took to one knee and held his sword out in both hands.
"Lady Brianna Satyriasis, my sword and my life are yours to command."
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From: khrystawlf@aol.com (KhrystaWlf)
Date: 21 Aug 1998 18:00:39 EDT
Khrys watched as her daughter took her place on the throne. She could feel the waves of anguish and desolation nearly rolling from the young girl. She could feel that Bree, her darling baby, was holding herself together by a mere thread. So verra young to have been put through all of this. Too young. But her *Baby* still. Without a word, she moved so as to stand behind and to the side of the throne.
When she reached Argent, coiled protectively around the steps, she paused and fixed the dragon with a look not often seen upon her delicate features. A look of determination, and by the Goddess you had best stay out of my way. Argent shifted slightly, just enough to allow Khrys to reach the throne. Taking her place behind her daughter, she rested one hand on Bree's shoulder. Silently she gave of her own strength to the girl. For a moment, it
seemed as if the world were frozen in that space and time. The Avenger had begun his hunt with a singlemindedness that was frightening. Captain Thomas was kneeling with head bowed and sword drawn, swearing fealty to his new Queen. Argent, coiled protectively around his mistress. Destiny and Zach still looking at the window through which Peregrine had left on his mission.
The stillness of the moment was broken. Bree lifted the sword from the raised hands before her. She held it for a moment, studying the those around her, then she handed it back to Captain Thomas, hilt first, with all the ceremony and outward composure of the Queen that she now was. "Captain Thomas, I thank you for your dedication and oath. It gives me great honor to accept your oath of fealty." Standing behind the throne, Khrys's eyes shone
with pride, love and not a little fear for her daughter. The servants of the Keep had clustered near the door to the Throne Room, and there came a ragged, half-felt cheer for the new Lady of the Keep.
As Bree looked to the door and smiled weakly, near breaking into tears, a cry came from the rear of the small group. A young man forced his way to the front. Pulling his forelock as he saw the Throne occupied, he bowed his head. "M'Lady Brianna. There's a fire in the stable. We've been acarryin' wa........" He broke off as Bree quickly stood. For a moment she stood before the throne, saying nothing. Suddenly she turned to her Aunt with
tears she refused to shed in her eyes. Opening her mouth to ask for help, she was able to only say....."Aunt Destiny, would you.............?"
With a soft nod to her Great Niece, Destiny ~ Mistress of Fire ~ made her way from the Throne Room to contain the flames.....
Date: 21 Aug 1998 18:00:39 EDT
Khrys watched as her daughter took her place on the throne. She could feel the waves of anguish and desolation nearly rolling from the young girl. She could feel that Bree, her darling baby, was holding herself together by a mere thread. So verra young to have been put through all of this. Too young. But her *Baby* still. Without a word, she moved so as to stand behind and to the side of the throne.
When she reached Argent, coiled protectively around the steps, she paused and fixed the dragon with a look not often seen upon her delicate features. A look of determination, and by the Goddess you had best stay out of my way. Argent shifted slightly, just enough to allow Khrys to reach the throne. Taking her place behind her daughter, she rested one hand on Bree's shoulder. Silently she gave of her own strength to the girl. For a moment, it
seemed as if the world were frozen in that space and time. The Avenger had begun his hunt with a singlemindedness that was frightening. Captain Thomas was kneeling with head bowed and sword drawn, swearing fealty to his new Queen. Argent, coiled protectively around his mistress. Destiny and Zach still looking at the window through which Peregrine had left on his mission.
The stillness of the moment was broken. Bree lifted the sword from the raised hands before her. She held it for a moment, studying the those around her, then she handed it back to Captain Thomas, hilt first, with all the ceremony and outward composure of the Queen that she now was. "Captain Thomas, I thank you for your dedication and oath. It gives me great honor to accept your oath of fealty." Standing behind the throne, Khrys's eyes shone
with pride, love and not a little fear for her daughter. The servants of the Keep had clustered near the door to the Throne Room, and there came a ragged, half-felt cheer for the new Lady of the Keep.
As Bree looked to the door and smiled weakly, near breaking into tears, a cry came from the rear of the small group. A young man forced his way to the front. Pulling his forelock as he saw the Throne occupied, he bowed his head. "M'Lady Brianna. There's a fire in the stable. We've been acarryin' wa........" He broke off as Bree quickly stood. For a moment she stood before the throne, saying nothing. Suddenly she turned to her Aunt with
tears she refused to shed in her eyes. Opening her mouth to ask for help, she was able to only say....."Aunt Destiny, would you.............?"
With a soft nod to her Great Niece, Destiny ~ Mistress of Fire ~ made her way from the Throne Room to contain the flames.....
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From: brianna1o2@aol.com (BRIANNA1O2)
Date: 21 Aug 1998 18:14:02 EDT
After her Aunt had left to deal with the fire in the stable, Bree sat heavily back into the throne. The thought occured to her that the throne was too large for her to fill..... that she couldn't do it. Her mother placed a calming hand again upon her shoulder, and again she felt the warmth and strength flowing into her. After a moment that seemed an eternity, she rose from the throne and made her way to
the back court and the stables. On the edges of her mind she new that she was trailed by Argent (again in elf form), her mother, Zach, Captain Thomas, Chaz and a few of the servants that had followed them into the Throne Room. She took little notice of them as the scene before her began to make sense.
Her Aunt was not to be seen, and she knew that she had *entered* the fire to direct and control it. The fire itself was guttering and nearly out. But the damage had already been done......... The stable was nearly destroyed and the sickening sweet smell of charred flesh told the story of the horses dead in their stalls. There were a few running loose in the yard.... but far too few. Of over 30, she could see only 7. She noted that her
father's black stallion had escaped the inferno, and a part of her deep inside leaped irrationally at the sight.
A small group of guardsmen and servants were clustered around what looked like several figures on the ground next to the Keep wall across from the stable doors. She looked to her mother, pointing as they hurried towards the group. "Someone may need healing there." She was so intent on the people before her, that she noticed neither her mother's nod, nor the look of pride in her eyes before hurrying to help. The group parted for them, showing
a woman sobbing with grief at the three still figures lying before her.
Olyvia looked up as Khrys moved to her side, her face grim, streaked and grimey with tears, eyes dark. "M'Lady. They be dead. Their young necks broken... jest .... snapped.... like that." She made a gesture with her hands, as if she were breaking a stick, and the tears fell heavily. "Michael, 'e was alive when young Derek here dragged 'im out of the stables. But 'e lost so much blood..... so much blood." Khrys took Olyvia by the
shoulders and helped her to stand. The older woman's shoulders heaved as they worked through the crowd to Zach. She heard her mother ask him to help Olyvia back to the kitchen and find someone to fix her some tea. Zach nodded and took the woman to the kitchen, even as her mother turned back to her. She felt warm, strong arms go around her, and the tears that she had been fighting back fell........ Dimly, she heard Captain Thomas take charge of
the situation, seeing to the boys, and Michael..... She felt Argent pick her up, carrying her to the door and she curled into the protectiveness of the elf.... She turned her head for one last look as they stepped through the back door to the kitchens. She saw her Aunt flow, almost like a liquid, from a small flame that stubbornly flickered in the slight wind. As she watched, her Aunt looked at the small flame. It flickered and died away......
And the tears flowed free....... and the darkness fell.....
Date: 21 Aug 1998 18:14:02 EDT
After her Aunt had left to deal with the fire in the stable, Bree sat heavily back into the throne. The thought occured to her that the throne was too large for her to fill..... that she couldn't do it. Her mother placed a calming hand again upon her shoulder, and again she felt the warmth and strength flowing into her. After a moment that seemed an eternity, she rose from the throne and made her way to
the back court and the stables. On the edges of her mind she new that she was trailed by Argent (again in elf form), her mother, Zach, Captain Thomas, Chaz and a few of the servants that had followed them into the Throne Room. She took little notice of them as the scene before her began to make sense.
Her Aunt was not to be seen, and she knew that she had *entered* the fire to direct and control it. The fire itself was guttering and nearly out. But the damage had already been done......... The stable was nearly destroyed and the sickening sweet smell of charred flesh told the story of the horses dead in their stalls. There were a few running loose in the yard.... but far too few. Of over 30, she could see only 7. She noted that her
father's black stallion had escaped the inferno, and a part of her deep inside leaped irrationally at the sight.
A small group of guardsmen and servants were clustered around what looked like several figures on the ground next to the Keep wall across from the stable doors. She looked to her mother, pointing as they hurried towards the group. "Someone may need healing there." She was so intent on the people before her, that she noticed neither her mother's nod, nor the look of pride in her eyes before hurrying to help. The group parted for them, showing
a woman sobbing with grief at the three still figures lying before her.
Olyvia looked up as Khrys moved to her side, her face grim, streaked and grimey with tears, eyes dark. "M'Lady. They be dead. Their young necks broken... jest .... snapped.... like that." She made a gesture with her hands, as if she were breaking a stick, and the tears fell heavily. "Michael, 'e was alive when young Derek here dragged 'im out of the stables. But 'e lost so much blood..... so much blood." Khrys took Olyvia by the
shoulders and helped her to stand. The older woman's shoulders heaved as they worked through the crowd to Zach. She heard her mother ask him to help Olyvia back to the kitchen and find someone to fix her some tea. Zach nodded and took the woman to the kitchen, even as her mother turned back to her. She felt warm, strong arms go around her, and the tears that she had been fighting back fell........ Dimly, she heard Captain Thomas take charge of
the situation, seeing to the boys, and Michael..... She felt Argent pick her up, carrying her to the door and she curled into the protectiveness of the elf.... She turned her head for one last look as they stepped through the back door to the kitchens. She saw her Aunt flow, almost like a liquid, from a small flame that stubbornly flickered in the slight wind. As she watched, her Aunt looked at the small flame. It flickered and died away......
And the tears flowed free....... and the darkness fell.....
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From: brianna1o2@aol.com (BRIANNA1O2)
Date: 28 Aug 1998 12:53:49 EDT
She was flying...... flying high above Valensa..... towards the coast to the South. She could see the checkerboard of the fields as they passed far below her. She could feel the wind, blowing cool as it rushed by her face, through her hair.... drawing the long silver-white tresses behind her. Her Falcon pendant hung from her neck, bathing her in a soft blue-white light. As she turned her head to
look about her, she could see her pale arms through the transparent overlay of dark feathered wings. This did not surprise her in her dream. It seemed a natural thing to her there. She looked forward again..... watching, waiting, determined........ She was hunting.....
Bree tossed fitfully in her large bed. Khrys sat by her beside, watching her daughter sleep. She could sense some of what Bree was dreaming, her empathic bond with her daughter showing her the images as well as allowing her to feel what Bree was feeling while dreaming. The images disturbed her. This was no ordinary dream. This was more of a..... sending..... almost a joining of two beings into one. The clean smell of mint and lemon filled
the room as she took a moist cloth and again wiped the persperation from Bree's forehead and cheeks. She knew that her daughter wasn't ill. She knew as well, intinctively, that neither the sleep, nor the deepening dream were harmful to her. Bree would awaken when the dream was over...... When the Hunt was over.......
Date: 28 Aug 1998 12:53:49 EDT
She was flying...... flying high above Valensa..... towards the coast to the South. She could see the checkerboard of the fields as they passed far below her. She could feel the wind, blowing cool as it rushed by her face, through her hair.... drawing the long silver-white tresses behind her. Her Falcon pendant hung from her neck, bathing her in a soft blue-white light. As she turned her head to
look about her, she could see her pale arms through the transparent overlay of dark feathered wings. This did not surprise her in her dream. It seemed a natural thing to her there. She looked forward again..... watching, waiting, determined........ She was hunting.....
Bree tossed fitfully in her large bed. Khrys sat by her beside, watching her daughter sleep. She could sense some of what Bree was dreaming, her empathic bond with her daughter showing her the images as well as allowing her to feel what Bree was feeling while dreaming. The images disturbed her. This was no ordinary dream. This was more of a..... sending..... almost a joining of two beings into one. The clean smell of mint and lemon filled
the room as she took a moist cloth and again wiped the persperation from Bree's forehead and cheeks. She knew that her daughter wasn't ill. She knew as well, intinctively, that neither the sleep, nor the deepening dream were harmful to her. Bree would awaken when the dream was over...... When the Hunt was over.......
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From: daemon102@aol.com (Daemon102)
Date: 03 Sep 1998 07:33:35 EDT
A fortnight had passed, and Peregrine made his way back towards Valensa Keep. It had taken no time at all to track down the doppleganger Lianas. The majority of his track was finding the MindFlayer who had hired him. Lianas was unaware of the exact whereabouts of the Illithid.
"Faerun. . . that's all I know. He works out of Anauroch. He approached me. The ring was the only way I could contact him. When Karu-chi needed me he teleported me to him somewhere underground."
Peregine had scouted for days before finding a trail leading into the bowels of Abeir-toril. Unable to fly through the caverns, the Avenger was forced to walk. He locked Lianas up in a magical cage. should he try to change size or shape, the cage would adjust itself accordingly. After two days with the Avenger, Lianas knew there would be no escape.
"What's gonna happen to me? Where are you tsking me?" To the Avenger, the words of his captive where never heard. The Hunt was Peregrine's only reason for existing. He would not sleep until the Hunt was over. The one who summoned him would not wake till he returned with his quarry.
The creatures of Underdark avoided the Avenger. The intelligent ones knew his was not of this world. The unintelligent ones only knew they were scared. When he entered the Mindflayer's lair he didn't question what he found. There in the center of the liar, a single Illithid was bound and gaged. He walked to the prone creature. "You are the Illithid known as Karu-chi?"
The Illithid could only nod. He was somehow shielded from his psionic abilities. The midflayer community had sacrificed this one to save themselves from the Avenger's Hunt. The elder brain had commanded it once Peregrine's precense had been detected. Now Peregrine had his quarry and was inside the great hall.
Brianna woke from her fitfull sleep as Peregrine neared. She dressed in her Dragon Rider outfit and had Argent send word to Flame. Aunt Destiny would planeshift and step from the fireplace in any second. She belted on her father's swords. Apparently while she had slept someone had gotten a belt that better fit her petit waste.
She asked a single question before stepping into the Great Hall and on to the Dias. "How long?"
"It has been more than a Tenday that you slept." Argent replied.
As she had expected, Destiny steped from the fireplace and took up a spot behind Brianna's throne. On Brianna's left Khrysta stood and at the base, Argent and Captain Thomas stood. Everyone was surprised when the Avenger entered empty handed. He made a gesture and the two captives appeared.
Lianas was still in Daemon's armor and cloak with 'Diamond' on his hip. He had given up taking on any form other than his natural ambigious one. It was easy to see that he was already broken. Karu-chi was still bound and shielded. The collar of his robe was higher than he held his head.
Brianna almost felt sorry for them. Then she remembered why they were here. "You may go Peregrine. Vengance will now be mine." She dismissed the Avatar of Horus. Peregrine stepped into the mists that had formed and was gone. "Lianas, you can remove my father's belongings or I will remove them from you."
Argent opened the cage and it disappeared. Captain Thomas leveled a crossbow at the shapeshifter. Lianas offered no fight and soon the clothing was a pile at his feet. All he could do was study the floor and wait to die.
Brianna then addressed the Illithid. "I don't know your name, but I am sure you know who I am. If you can explain to me how and why my father died, I will kill you swiftly. If you cannot, you will be fed to the flames with Lianas."
As if reading Brianna's mind, Destiny summoned two Salamanders from the fireplace. They grabbed Lianas and took him back to the elemental plane of fire. Karu-chi, unable to communicate telepathically only shook his head and pointed to his small beak-shaped mouth. Brianna withdrew the Scimitar of Knowledge. It would be the first time she ever used the sentient blade.
She placed the blade before the doppleganger. Before she could explain what she wanted Karu-chi to do, he ran forward onto it. The sudden movement had caused Captain Thomas to let loose a bolt. As the Illithid died on the sentient blade, images were passed to Brianna. She began shaking from the mental onslaught.
Khrysta and Destiny both reached out to support Brianna, and they too shared in the mental movie. She shuddered as she watched the brain transplant operation, but it was the last image caused her to drop the Blade. It was distant as if seen through another's eyes. In his mind was and image of Daemon, alive and walking. Karu-chi believed or had been told that the Albino had somehow survived.
Destiny looked to Khrysta who was comforting her daughter. "If anypart of my nephew still lives, he was find his way back here. If another wears his body, but shares his abilities, then Daemon is still alive." The Mistress of Fire leaned down and kissed her grand-niece's forehead. "I will do what I can. Daemon is immortal Bree, remember that. It would take more than an operation or an Umberhulk to kill him. Whomever is sharing his body will find
you. I know it."
Brianna could only afford her aunt a weak smile. Two weeks of sleep and suddenly she was exhausted once more. Khrysta and Argent lead her back to bed. Outside the keep the world went on. No one was the wiser that somewhere, somehow, part of Daemon still lived. His godling body joined with the mind of another.
The End
or is it???
((I hope those that read this enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. My greatest thanks to the assorted cast of guest authors. You know I couldn't have done it without you. By the way. . . this whole story is © 1998 J.M. Cestare. The man behind the Dæmon))
Date: 03 Sep 1998 07:33:35 EDT
A fortnight had passed, and Peregrine made his way back towards Valensa Keep. It had taken no time at all to track down the doppleganger Lianas. The majority of his track was finding the MindFlayer who had hired him. Lianas was unaware of the exact whereabouts of the Illithid.
"Faerun. . . that's all I know. He works out of Anauroch. He approached me. The ring was the only way I could contact him. When Karu-chi needed me he teleported me to him somewhere underground."
Peregine had scouted for days before finding a trail leading into the bowels of Abeir-toril. Unable to fly through the caverns, the Avenger was forced to walk. He locked Lianas up in a magical cage. should he try to change size or shape, the cage would adjust itself accordingly. After two days with the Avenger, Lianas knew there would be no escape.
"What's gonna happen to me? Where are you tsking me?" To the Avenger, the words of his captive where never heard. The Hunt was Peregrine's only reason for existing. He would not sleep until the Hunt was over. The one who summoned him would not wake till he returned with his quarry.
The creatures of Underdark avoided the Avenger. The intelligent ones knew his was not of this world. The unintelligent ones only knew they were scared. When he entered the Mindflayer's lair he didn't question what he found. There in the center of the liar, a single Illithid was bound and gaged. He walked to the prone creature. "You are the Illithid known as Karu-chi?"
The Illithid could only nod. He was somehow shielded from his psionic abilities. The midflayer community had sacrificed this one to save themselves from the Avenger's Hunt. The elder brain had commanded it once Peregrine's precense had been detected. Now Peregrine had his quarry and was inside the great hall.
Brianna woke from her fitfull sleep as Peregrine neared. She dressed in her Dragon Rider outfit and had Argent send word to Flame. Aunt Destiny would planeshift and step from the fireplace in any second. She belted on her father's swords. Apparently while she had slept someone had gotten a belt that better fit her petit waste.
She asked a single question before stepping into the Great Hall and on to the Dias. "How long?"
"It has been more than a Tenday that you slept." Argent replied.
As she had expected, Destiny steped from the fireplace and took up a spot behind Brianna's throne. On Brianna's left Khrysta stood and at the base, Argent and Captain Thomas stood. Everyone was surprised when the Avenger entered empty handed. He made a gesture and the two captives appeared.
Lianas was still in Daemon's armor and cloak with 'Diamond' on his hip. He had given up taking on any form other than his natural ambigious one. It was easy to see that he was already broken. Karu-chi was still bound and shielded. The collar of his robe was higher than he held his head.
Brianna almost felt sorry for them. Then she remembered why they were here. "You may go Peregrine. Vengance will now be mine." She dismissed the Avatar of Horus. Peregrine stepped into the mists that had formed and was gone. "Lianas, you can remove my father's belongings or I will remove them from you."
Argent opened the cage and it disappeared. Captain Thomas leveled a crossbow at the shapeshifter. Lianas offered no fight and soon the clothing was a pile at his feet. All he could do was study the floor and wait to die.
Brianna then addressed the Illithid. "I don't know your name, but I am sure you know who I am. If you can explain to me how and why my father died, I will kill you swiftly. If you cannot, you will be fed to the flames with Lianas."
As if reading Brianna's mind, Destiny summoned two Salamanders from the fireplace. They grabbed Lianas and took him back to the elemental plane of fire. Karu-chi, unable to communicate telepathically only shook his head and pointed to his small beak-shaped mouth. Brianna withdrew the Scimitar of Knowledge. It would be the first time she ever used the sentient blade.
She placed the blade before the doppleganger. Before she could explain what she wanted Karu-chi to do, he ran forward onto it. The sudden movement had caused Captain Thomas to let loose a bolt. As the Illithid died on the sentient blade, images were passed to Brianna. She began shaking from the mental onslaught.
Khrysta and Destiny both reached out to support Brianna, and they too shared in the mental movie. She shuddered as she watched the brain transplant operation, but it was the last image caused her to drop the Blade. It was distant as if seen through another's eyes. In his mind was and image of Daemon, alive and walking. Karu-chi believed or had been told that the Albino had somehow survived.
Destiny looked to Khrysta who was comforting her daughter. "If anypart of my nephew still lives, he was find his way back here. If another wears his body, but shares his abilities, then Daemon is still alive." The Mistress of Fire leaned down and kissed her grand-niece's forehead. "I will do what I can. Daemon is immortal Bree, remember that. It would take more than an operation or an Umberhulk to kill him. Whomever is sharing his body will find
you. I know it."
Brianna could only afford her aunt a weak smile. Two weeks of sleep and suddenly she was exhausted once more. Khrysta and Argent lead her back to bed. Outside the keep the world went on. No one was the wiser that somewhere, somehow, part of Daemon still lived. His godling body joined with the mind of another.
The End
or is it???
((I hope those that read this enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. My greatest thanks to the assorted cast of guest authors. You know I couldn't have done it without you. By the way. . . this whole story is © 1998 J.M. Cestare. The man behind the Dæmon))