Adobe Acrobat Format - The Grey Company

Prologue
Omens
Compiled by Brisid
6 November 1996
The merriment in Torm and Nalynn's apartment went on well into the early morning. Water
splashed everywhere, dripping through the floorboards. A discarded, empty ale bottle rolled across the
floor. Then came the annoyed thumping of a broom handle from the floor below and the sound of buckets
being dragged and loudly slammed down. Giggling and drunk, they drained the tub and retired for some
much needed rest.
Nalynn's dreams were anything but pleasant. She dreamt of witches and unspeakable horrors--
boulders being cast down upon her, chased by an unseen and menacing creature. As she ran wildly through
a strange wooded area, she began to hear pounding. The farther she ran, the louder it became, until she
reached a precipice. She was trapped! There was no way out. As the pounding came nearer, she took a deep
breath and leaped from the precipice ....
Nalynn awakened with a start--heart pounding, drenched in sweat. The Falcon gazed from his
perch, alarmed, wings flapping. She saw Torm lying beside her -- oblivious to her distress. Only then did
she realize that someone was knocking at the door. She arose, taking care not to disturb her husband and
donned her satin robe and slippers. Quietly, she headed towards the door.
As she opened the door, she looked down to see a queer little creature, reeking of malevolence,
standing before her -- it was a young Green Haglet and it carried a black scroll. The Haglet handed it to her
and hissed, emitting a stench which caused Nalynn's stomach to churn. It vanished in a cloud of putrid
smoke. Nalynn shivered as she closed the door.
She inspected the scroll carefully; it was decorated with strange markings and secured with a sticky
black string -- as dead and diseased as the sickening creature which delivered it. She reached for the ale
bottle, but it was empty. Hands shaking, heart pounding, she released the string and the scroll opened to
reveal a message:
Vedui', Nalynn,
I was easy on you because you were in an area patrolled by
Nasher's guards. Next time you will not be so lucky. My slave
Gaden Zra has been very helpful in finding you. Braldt is still
alive; he is my personal slave and does everything I ask of him.
Soon you will join him and then we can give the perfect sacrifice
to Lloth. I have kept him hidden away so you cannot find him. Do
not attempt to locate him or else I shall do the unthinkable. Your
friend Riklaun was bested in combat from me until a friend came in
to rescue him. A pity. I will sacrifice him to the Spider Queen to
regain my status as Yathrin.
Ebonstarr
Nalynn remembered this witch--she had met her in Crossergate as she was returning from battle
with the Dracs. She wore long purple robes and had white hair--a woman of cold and cruel beauty... and
hurled threats, the likes of which Nalynn had not heard since the days when Riklaun was possessed by the
evil forces of Neverwinter. Nalynn paled and trembled, remembering the encounter. She uttered a strangled
scream which aroused Torm from his slumber and fainted. Running from the bedroom he arrived just in
time to see the scroll disintegrate, leaving nothing behind but the sticky string which had surrounded it. He
kneeled beside his wife and picked her up tenderly, carrying her back to the bedroom.
* * * * *

When she awakened, she told Torm what the scroll had said. "My love, I thought this was all
behind me now! Who is this witch and why does she torment me? And this business about Braldt... Why is
he being brought back into our lives? I still have no memory of this man, though I believe to be true the
stories I have been told. But that was another life and another person altogether."
She buried her face in Torm's arms and sobbed uncontrollably as he comforted her. If she had seen
his face, she would have noted the deepening furrows in his forehead and the look of worry.
"No," he whispered to himself. "I will not let her see that this distresses me. I must be strong for
both of us. And Ebonstarr must be found... and stopped. As for Braldt, well, that marriage was to another
creature, not my beloved wife... and she had the marriage annulled. Nay, I shall not worry about him, at
least, not now."
Chapter 1
After sequestering herself in the apartment for a week, Nalynn opted to finally venture out,
realizing that it was unlikely she could hide from this wicked witch, Ebonstarr for very longShe checked
herself in the mirror, making sure her raven-black hair wasn't misbehaving. Before she left she looked
around for Torm who had been absent for several days, but he was nowhere to be found. She grabbed her
favorite conical pink hat and walked out the door.
After wandering the streets for a few minutes she decided to catch up on the news of the realm, so
she headed down to the Meeting Hall to read the latest posts. She was touched by the groundswell of
support for her and Torm in the wake of the chaos threatened by Ebonstarr and smiled to think of the
wonderful friends they have made in the realm. Yet Ebonstarr's venomous threats had found their way onto
the boards in the Seekers' land. Frowning, she headed off for Port Llast and beyond, where last she had seen
her dear friend, Riklaun.
When she finally caught up with Riklaun, they decided to visit the Gallant Prince and seek the
brass button. After encountering many battles and a few newcomers, they were successful in their quest,
returning the button to Lord Nasher. But all she received for her trouble were a few Cleric scrolls, for which
she has no use. "Ah well, I shall place them safely in my vault, perhaps another can use them," she mused.
As she headed home she came across Torm, who was limping and in great pain. Running toward
him she cried, "My sweet husband! What has happened to you? Here, put your arm around my shoulder and
I'll help you back to our apartment."
Torm was barely able to speak, his pain so debilitating. Finally he whispered "Golfdsl...; It was
Golfdsl. He made a table jump in front of me, and it dislocated my knee!" Nalynn frowned, for this did not
sound like the jester she has come to adore for his amusing antics and anecdotes.
"Sweetheart, are you sure? That is so unlike Golfdsl. Perhaps you are mistaken. You know that
witch is out and about in the realms. Are you sure it wasn't she disguised as Golfdsl?" Torm winced and
thought about it "You know, he did seem awfully strange when he cast that table in my path." A chill ran up
his spine as a cold wind laden with evil intent blew across the square. "And he had white hair...Golfdsl
doesn't have white hair."
"Never mind my love, let me get you home now and tend to your wound."
She helped him up the stairs and into bed. Then she called for the Seekers' physician. She prepared
a potion and brought it to Torm. "Here, drink this. It's made from a special healing potion I found during my
travels in Crossergate a few weeks ago." The liquid smelled of mint and honey. Torm drank it and was soon
asleep.
* * * * *
A few days later Riklaun stood inside Nalynn's house. Nalynn looked at her friend, Swordmaster
of the elfin guild, Tel'Mithrim--The Grey Company. With his fair skin, anyone who knew him not would
assume he was a grey elf. Riklaun had had many interesting experiences when he had informed such people
he was actually an albino drow.
They had been adventuring together for many years, some of their exploits being so fascinating,
Tel'Mithrim's chronicler had recorded them in a tome titled Ravenlore. She had been a different person back
then... Literally. She had been a halfling then, but she was killed--by Riklaun. A drow control spell had been

cast on him through a mysterious dagger he had found. The gods gave Nalynn life again, but for some
reason she had been reborn as an elf, with no memory of her life as a halfling.
Riklaun cleared his throat, snapping Nalynn away from past memories. His stern look told that this
was a business trip, not just for a fun excursion into Neverwinter woods. His arms were folded on his chest
and was unmoving. Torm's raving did not faze the elf. The news had hit him hard. Riklaun would not let
Torm seek out Ebonstarr for it was an elf matter to be handled by the elves only. Several of the Grey
Company Elves stood outside waiting for Rik to finish.
"I do not give a damn about your petty racial ideals, Riklaun. Nalynn is my wife, and I do not take
kindly to threats to her." Torm said. "I will locate Ebonstarr with or without your help."
"No, Torm. For your own safety please stay out of this. You do not know Ebonstarr like I do."
Riklaun said. "You can help by keeping Nalynn safe and hidden. If Ebonstarr finds her, there is no telling
what that drow is capable of doing."
"But Rik, I can take care of myself." Nalynn interrupted. She stood up from the bed she was sitting
on. Rik turned to her.
"No, you have only just begun the training of Bladesinging," referring to an advanced elfin art of
battle. "There is much you do not know yet. Your training is not complete."
Torm picked up his scabbard and hooked it to his belt. "I am going Rik. Remember, I did save you
from that cursed dagger Ebonstarr gave you. You owe me this much."
"Torm, I cannot allow this. If you go, then who is here to protect Nalynn? Golfdsl is gone, Solack
is away on business. You need to stay here for her safety if nothing else." Riklaun turned to leave. "Be well
Torm, I have to go. Protect her with your life. If we fail, you will be our last hope."
With that, Riklaun left the house and took his best Bladesingers out to find Ebonstarr. Three
trustworthy elves armed with bows and blades stood ready. Another already was scouting ahead. They
would find Ebonstarr this day, or die trying.
Chapter 2
Nalynn returned home after a sojourn into the meeting hall. As she opened the door, she felt an
overwhelming sense of emptiness. Their apartment was dark, the curtains drawn. A single rose rested in a
vase which once held a powerful healing potion. Resting up against the vase was a note, sealed with wax
embossed by Torm's insignia. She read the note.
"My poor husband," she whispered. "Would that I had known our finances were so dire as to force
him to journey to other realms in search of fortune. How I wish I'd not tarried so long in the Hall, admiring
Solack's portrait; I might have been here to bid him farewell." She forced back the tears, knowing he would
want her to be brave and strong in his absence. She rose from her chair and grabbed her broom, sweeping
furiously at imaginary dust.
"Perhaps I shall go fetch Caesla. Now would be the perfect time to redecorate." Inspired, she
grabbed a sheet of parchment and her favorite quill pen. "And of course I shall be frugal" she mused.
Rummaging through her jewelry box, she found many gems she had acquired during her adventures in the
realms. "Ah, I think I shall visit the jeweler and sell some of these baubles. That should provide me with
more than enough money for this project."
Nalynn was diverted from her visit to Solack & Caesla by a strong urge to go down to the harbor.
Forgetting her parchment and pen, she left the Keep and headed toward the docks, knowing the smell of the
salt air would ease the emptiness she felt in Torm's absence. The harbor was in her view when the voice
came, unbidden, to her.
"Nalynn, fair Nalynn. I know you are out there, pretty lady. And I also know that your husband has
deserted you. My minions are everywhere and they keep me apprised of your comings and goings. Torm is
a formidable opponent, but not unbeatable. Lloth awaits you and I am obliged do his bidding. The task is
simply easier with your husband out of the picture. Keep looking over your shoulder - for all the good it will
do you. I, Ebonstarr, will find you soon.
"When I do, your life will be over. I laugh at the posturings of your fellow Seekers, little do they
know of my powers and prowess in battle. Let them fight! Let them try to protect you, careless child. Your
soul will soon be mine, as surely as is the soul of your late husband and my slave, Braldt2."

Nalynn shivered at the sound of that voice and looked apprehensively around. Where had the voice
come from? The sky was darkening with storm clouds, still she headed down to the harbor. She halfheatedly
hoped she would come upon Riklaun, but she remembered he was still searching for Ebonstarr
with his Bladesingers. "He should be here," she thought, considering Ebonstarr was surely near.
Suddenly a storm broke all around her. The wind howled and marble-sized hail fell from the skies.
Dark clouds all bearing the visage of the witch, Ebonstarr, glared down at her. Nalynn cast a teleport spell
to take her from the harbor to a safe haven. "Ebonstarr, thou shalt not take me without a fight!" she breathed
in the silence of her place of hiding.
* * * * *
A messenger boy walked with urgency to the great hall of the Grey Company. He knocked
nervously at the door, delivered his note and ran back up the street.
The message eventually reached the hands of the intended recipient:
Vedui', my friends,
I see that there is once again a great evil moving through
the lands and I am again happy to offer my assistance. Lady
Nalynn, I am once again at your service, when last we spoke I had
offered to help you and Braldt2 in your 'pig hunting' but around
that time the 'bill beholder' sought me out and took that
incarnation of Elven4ever out of the realms forever. But now that
I am back I would help thee if I could. Perhaps Riklaun could use
another hunter, or if ye need a friend to travel with in the
realms, just ask and I shall be there to help you and Torm in your
time of troubles. Now that the goddess has brought me back into
the realms I am eager to help bring good back into the realms.
Perhaps you could help me by retelling some of what transpired
whilst I was gone? I would love to hear your stories over a cup or
two of fey wine in front of a warm fire and learn of your new life
with Torm. Till we meet in the woods then, live life and fear not
the evil ones for we all will support you.
Aluve,
Your friend and cousin,
Elfin
Nalynn read the message from Elfin4ever with interest. She searched her memory, trying to recall
this kind elf who apparently knew something of her past life in the days when she was wedded to this
strange man, Braldt2. Alas, the effort was in vain.
"But, perhaps he is a link and can tell me more about this man who is supposed to have been my
husband. In all my searches through Neverwinter Nights, I have yet to come upon a restore memory potion.
And to regain my memories might bring more harm and sorrow upon my current life and my beloved
Torm."
She carefully folded the delicate parchment message and tucked it away in her jewelry box. "I must
talk to Riklaun about this fellow. He may be an ally in my fight against this witch, Ebonstarr."
Looking out the window, she saw it was a gloriously beautiful day. Recalling her earlier task, she
grabbed her own parchment and pen and set out to pay a visit to Caesla. "Yes, today will be a fine day for
redesigning our abode." The thoughts of Ebonstarr were quickly pushed out of her mind as she headed
down the hall toward their apartment. "I do hope they're in - I feel an inspiration upon me and must see what
Caesla has done."
Chapter 3
"Knock, Knock, Knock!" Nalynn rapped on Solack and Caesla's door...no answer. She sent her
falcon out immediately to find them. He succeeded in locating Caesla who was questing with SK Rayhn.

Using the falcon as a telepathic intermediary, Nalynn asked Caesla if she could enter their abode to see the
remodeling job Caesla had finished.
"Of course, you may enter, Nalynn. Our door is never locked." She thanked Caesla and entered.
Nalynn admired the decor and made many notes on her parchment sketch book, while being extra careful
not to disturb anything. The mural, in particular, caught her eye.
"I must be sure to find out where she had that made," Nalynn thought, making another note in the
margins. She left, closing the door tightly behind her. The Falcon was waiting when she emerged.
Tucking her parchment in her pocket, she noted it was time to meet Riklaun and hurried off to find
him. Nalynn waited at the Red Mage Inn for half an hour before she remembered he had canceled in lieu of
hunting for Ebonstarr.
She decided to take a trip over to Nightsedge where the battles were rumored to be exhilarating
and loaded with treasure. Along the way, a human traveler joined her--a lad known as Skeller111. Soon
after, they walked around a bend in the path and saw Riklaun, rushing towards them.
"Nalynn, I've been looking for you. I think Ebonstarr is planning something tonight."
They had just passed Floodblest when Nalynn felt a chill that pierced her clear to the bone.
"I am near, pretty one. And it is time for me to claim your spirit" the voice said. Nalynn recognized
the voice and knew it to be the witch, Ebonstarr. "Come and fight me you wicked wench" Nalynn cried. "I
have Skeller with me and we shall fight you and kill you."
"Ahh, surrounding yourself with 'friends', hmm?" the witch's voice cackled in her mind. "Do you
really think your feeble companions are a match for my powers? I am near; thou had best prepare to make
your peace with the maker, for I am ready to sacrifice you to the Spider Queen."
A foul storm wind suddenly began to blow and as the three stalwart travelers entered a skirmish,
suddenly Riklaun disappeared. An insane laughter rose above the howling of the wind as Ebonstarr
approached. Skeller decided he was not up to an encounter with the witch and fled as the storm continued to
rage. Nalynn prepared herself to do battle, searching the grounds around Nightsedge, hoping to find
Riklaun. She turned and saw a figure heading up the road.
"Vedui' Nalynn, tis I, Brisid". Nalynn heaved a sigh of relief as the elf approached.
"Hurry, Brisid, there isn't much time. Riklaun has disappeared and Ebonstarr is very near."
Just briefly, she recalled what she knew of Brisid. Many a time had they joked about his strange
name, and every time he had responded with mirth, "That's the name my parents gave me." He was a short
for an elf, but still taller than many humans. Although a grey elf, his pale skin was more characteristic of
that of a moon elf's.
The elf responded, "Fear not, milady, we will fight her together." Together, they fortified
themselves for the ensuing battle.
And then, she was there. Ebonstarr! With her foul minions of evil. "Witch! Vile creature from the
underworld! Where is Braldt? I demand you release him for I have great need to speak with him of matters
that do not concern you." Nalynn said.
Ebonstarr laughed. "Hah! Thee shall not see him until I have claimed Riklaun's soul--and yours.
What's this? I thought I had parted you from your 'friends'," the priestess said to Brisid, pausing for a
second. "Ahh, Brisid, is it? I shall make mincemeat of you too!"
The battle began. Nalynn and Brisid fought bravely as Ebonstarr cast spell after spell at them.
Nalynn's fireballs and missiles were of little use against the witch's power. As she prepared to cast a cloud
kill, she felt a fire in her arm. Looking down, she saw a dart had pierced her armor. The poison acted
quickly and she soon lost consciousness. Brisid fought on, until Ebonstarr, realizing the elf's power was also
formidable, retreated as quickly as she had appeared.
Nalynn awoke to find herself surrounded by Brisid, Riklaun and a stout fellow calling himself
Reddog. Weak and ill from the poison which still coursed through her body, they carried her to the Temple
of Helm to be healed. Nalynn was unable to pay the priests to heal her. Her companions graciously loaned
her a sum sufficient to match the price her jewels fetched, and the priests worked their magic.
They continued on their journey to Nightsedge and fell into a gate fight with a Drow known as
Lostroc. Riklaun killed him with one small lightning bolt, and they continued on their way. As they
searched for the dragons in this land, they encountered other travelers who joined them. Reddog was
restless, itching for a fight. Unable to locate any dragons, they turned their attentions to other areas and
came across a herd of griffons. As the battle began, Ebonstarr appeared.

Once again, they fought. Nalynn was grateful for the reinforcements. But as the last griffon fell,
Ebonstarr disappeared as quickly as she had entered the land, leaving no trail for them to follow.
"My dear friends," Nalynn said. "I am still weak from Ebonstarr's poison and must rest."
They understood as she parted their company. Casting a teleport spell, Nalynn returned to her
home. "Torm, my love" she whispered as slumber overcame her. "Please hurry back. I am no match for this
witch and she will not rest until I am dead."
Chapter 4
Nalynn entered the tavern, found a comfortable seat and summoned the barkeep. "Evenin' m'lady.
What'll it be this fine evening?"
"A glass of Elfin Fey Wine, if you please" she replied.
"That's a tall order, m'lady. A lad was in here the other night - a fellow named SK Majystc, perhaps
you know him? Anyway, he's drunk most of my stock."
Nalynn smiled. "Now, sir, are you absolutely sure that there's not a drop of the fine wine to be
had? I haven't much money, but I can certainly make a search of your wine cellar worth your while."
The barkeep eyed her suspiciously, "'Ere now m'lady. What kind of establishment do you think I
run? No Credit! I take only cash."
"Relax sir, I have funds sufficient for a glass of wine" she replied, placing several gold coins on the
table. "It's just that between the redecorating I'm doing at home and paying the priests at the Temple for
their healing potions to undo the damage caused by the poisons of a drow named Ebonstarr, I'm having to
live on a tight budget. And with my husband away in search of treasures, I think some consideration is due.
Just one glass, that's all I request."
He inspected the coins, took two and departed for the wine cellar, returning with a dusty bottle and
one glass. "You're in luck, m'lady. I found this vintage bottle stashed in the cellar." He poured the elixir into
the glass. "Beggin' your pardon m'lady, but did you mention the name, 'Ebonstarr'?" He inquired.
"Why yes, I did." Nalynn replied.
"Ah, well, then, that lad I mentioned before? Majystc? Well, he was here for quite a spell the other
night. He had a message for a lady he called 'Nalynn'. Are you she?" Nalynn nodded. "Well, then, I'm to
inform you that this Majystc fellow said that Ebonstarr has her assassins scouring the realm in search of
you. I'm sorry to tell you, that they are charged with a mission to kill you." Nalynn smiled bitterly, rubbing
the most recent scar on her arm--a grim reminder of the witch's potent poisons. "Yes, barkeep, I am most
painfully aware of her minions of death and destruction. But so far, I've managed to thwart her plans with
the assistance of a couple of fine Elves - Riklaun and Brisid - members of the Grey Company. Please, take
this coin as payment for delivering Majystc's message."
The barkeep returned the coin "Nay' m'lady, I'll accept no payment for delivery of this important
message. Besides, methinks you will need your money more than I." With that, he returned to the bar.
Nalynn gazed out the window as she sipped the wine, wondering if her message had been delivered to the
MOJOs. "Blast! Where is that falcon, anyway?" she wondered aloud.
The Falcon flew to the realm of MOJO with a parchment scroll bearing a violet waxen seal and a
fine silken ribbon. He deposited it in the mail slot, and flew away. A representative of the MOJO guild
discovered the scroll, along with many other letters, opened it and read:
Hail!
My name is Nalynn. I am a member of the Seekers and the wife
of SK Torm who is currently off in other lands. I began my life in
Neverwinter as a human thief and was first wedded to Braldt2 who
was killed by an Elf turned to evil. His name is Riklaun. Riklaun
was freed from his curse by Torm, but only at the expense of
Braldt2's life. Before he was "saved", Riklaun murdered me. My
corpse was taken to the priests at the Temple of the Helm where I
was resurrected as an elf with no memory of my previous life. I
have heard many tales of my former life with Braldt, though I do
not remember them. I wandered through Neverwinter in my new body
for many months, seeking clues to my past. Eventually, Torm and I
fell in love and I had a barrister of the realms annul my marriage

to Braldt so I could wed Torm. If you would like more information,
you can contact Riklaun and request a copy of the tome entitled
'Ravenlore'.
In recent months, a wicked witch by the name of Ebonstarr
has been stalking me. She seeks to destroy me by sacrificing me to
her god, Lloth. She claims that she holds Braldt under her spell
and will not release him until she has secured Riklaun whom she
intends to murder or enslave as well. Riklaun, Brisid and I have
been ambushed by her on several occasions, most recently in
Nightsedge. She is a formidable creature and travels with a most
hideous entourage of vicious creatures: green hags, medusas, etc.
To date, no one has succeeded in stopping her murderous rampage.
She frequents my dreams and sends her minions to torment me,
taunting me, issuing vile threats. I have been poisoned by her on
more than one occasion now, which has depleted my financial
resources to near poverty levels, for the priests exact a high
toll for their curative services.
To date, I have seen no evidence of Braldt in my encounters
with her, but have desperate need to talk to him to learn if the
stories others in Neverwinter tell me about my life with him are
true. Ebonstarr's reputation among the Grey Company members is
also well known - the Seekers are mildly concerned, but more
preoccupied with their war against S.A.T.A.N. at the moment. I
pray that you will read my story and serve as my saviors to stamp
out this accursed woman.
Sincerely,
Nalynn
Wife of SK Torm
* * * * *
Riklaun stood amongst the ruins of the Luskan Outpost. After searching for Ebonstarr for hours he
had decided to call it a night. As he approached the inn, he sensed a danger--one he had felt before.
Uneasily, he opened the door. Inside the inn, everything was normal. A human the elf didn't recognize sat at
a table reading from his spell book. Riklaun paid for a room and went inside and re-memorized his spells. In
the solitude of the room he pulled off his amulet and concentrated on the powers housed inside. The amulet
glowed brightly and the magic healed him fully. This gift from Nasher certainly paid off. Most of his gifts
usually were nothing he could use. He thought, "Maybe Nasher is blind in one eye and cannot tell who
stands in front of him."
After he finished, he went outside to probe deeper into the outposts eastern side. He followed the
path to the outpost and was soon beset upon by trolls. As he fought them he heard a familiar voice.
"So, I have found you at last," she said. "It has been a long time, Albino." Riklaun turned from the
creature he fought and faced the newcomer. A drow stood facing him.
"Ebon, I thought I was rid of you." Riklaun said. "I left the city years ago. I figured Lloth would
have destroyed it by now." Riklaun brought up his globe and circled Ebonstarr.
"She destroyed our house, but saved me to hunt you down." Ebonstarr said.
The two enemies circled one another. Riklaun swung his blade, testing Ebonstarr's defenses. She
took a hop back and started to mumble. "Elg' Ne'kalsa!" she spat. Riklaun stumbled back unsure of his
surroundings. His mind cleared quickly, and his thoughts came back. He looked at Ebonstarr and pointed.
"Loomi Tanya Lirva Amin!" Green smoke billowed from his fingertips and encompassed Ebonstarr. She
rolled out of the cloud, hacking and coughing.
"Bragollach Tel'llach!" he yelled, and a small ball of fire raced to Ebonstarr and exploded. Flames
licked her body and her dress caught fire. Ebonstarr quickly cast dimension door and teleported away from
Riklaun. "Irma Haeannon" Riklaun said and popped out in front of her. She brought up her whip and swung
it at Riklaun. Riklaun easily parried the blow, severing one of the heads of the snake whip.
"Elg'Cahal!" Ebonstarr said and then dove for Riklaun. They tumbled to the ground. She had a
firm grasp on his shoulder when the magic of the spell kicked in. Riklaun's eyes bulged. He started hacking

and coughing. He threw Ebonstarr off him and stood. Rik felt his left arm go numb. Poison! He fumbled for
the amulet around his neck. The amulet wasn't there! He looked around and saw a figure standing by a tree
twirling the amulet in his hand. It was the human that had been in the inn. "Greetings, Riklaun. I am Gaden
Zra. Looking for this?"
Riklaun coughed up some sort of purple fluid and dropped to his knees. He kept heaving the purple
phlegm. Ebonstarr walked towards Riklaun. "Ultrinnan Whol Lloth...," Ebonstarr began but stopped,
reconsidering her plans. "No, I think I'll save you for a little while. I think you'll make an excellent slave."
Chapter 5
Darkness prevailed inside the dank cavern. All that could be seen was a pair of glowing eyes. The
eyes dimmed and then disappeared. A low muttering could be heard. Suddenly a light flared up out of
nowhere, illuminating the cavern.
An elf crouched behind a rock, the light above him. He stood, and started to walk towards the
corridor leading out of the cave. He wore sturdy plate mail that shone in the dim light. The sword he
carried, also shone, but of its own accord.
"Riklaun, is it safe?" a voice whispered. From the shadows came another elf, though he looked as
if he had gone to war with the local dark elf city and lost.
"We are safe for the moment," Riklaun said. "No guards appear present. Ebonstarr seems lax in her
duties. Had she wiped my mind of all my spells, not just the combat ones, we would still be captive."
"We must hurry Rik, I cannot wait to see Nalynn." The dirty elf said. "And get a bath and fresh
change of clothes."
"Do not worry my friend, I will get you out of here." Riklaun said. "We both have missed you for a
long time. Once we get you to the surface, we will bring you back to full health. You have missed much in
your long stay down here."
"I know, from what you tell me, Nalynn is not the same little halfling I used to know. You said she
became an elf through re-incarnation. I have not seen my love for over nine months." He said.
Suddenly, from down the corridor came a loud bang and a bright light streaked towards them.
Blinded, they could not move out of the way of the lightning bolt. It caught Riklaun full in the chest and
threw him into the other elf, knocking him away from the path of the bolt. A hardy laugh came from down
the corridor. A dark elf laugh.
"So, you thought you could escape? Ebonstarr will be pleased that I have stopped you from doing
so."
Riklaun got up and rushed towards the dark elf who threw the bolt. He closed the gap quickly,
before the drow could throw another spell. The two fought fiercely with their twin swords. The drow backed
up just enough to cast a darkness spell around them. He laughed.
"You forget, I am also drow, albeit albino." Riklaun said. He pressed in, oblivious of the magical
darkness. Riklaun got the first hit and scored on the drow's left arm. The drow backed up and out of the
darkness. Riklaun leaped over the drow and spun, driving both blades into the drow's back.
Riklaun looked over at the elf that was with him and saw that another drow had come upon the
scene. As he went to help his friend he heard: "This is for Nalynn!" and then a fireball exploded, engulfing
the two elves. Riklaun put up an arm to shield his eyes from the blast. The fireball died out leaving bits of
burning moss and plant-life on the walls. Riklaun looked for the two elves and did not see either.
He ran up to the spot and saw only the charred soot of where they once stood. Riklaun dropped his
swords with a clang. His eyes began to water up and he knelt down. "Braldt...."
* * * * *
Riklaun was wandering through Vilnask with his long time friend Tadsbro, trying to put the death
of Braldt behind him. They worked their way quickly south to Crossergate, stopping only for a quick
banshee or two. They paused at the inn in Vilinask and saw many drow in the back room. They saw him and
instantly recognized him for who he was. After a few choice words and spittle on the floor. Riklaun headed
out.
The two went down to Crossergate inn with little obstacle. A drow came up behind them and told
Riklaun, " When you are ready, Riivin, the hills await." Riklaun turned to him.

"You are not worth my time and effort, but if you wish to die so foolishly..." Rik said. He then
turned to Tadsbro and told him to wait in the inn, for he would be but a moment. And that he was. As the
battle started they held all the monsters. Tathlin immediately fell to Riklaun's fumble spell. While he was
helpless, Riklaun threw two more spells at him, both connecting. The Drow stood held in a cloud of green
puke. His limbs still attempted to fumble about.
"As I said, Drow. You are no match for me. Go tell your Matron that you failed," Rik said as he
put another stink cloud on him. He decided it would not be totally fair to Feeblemind him, as he was already
humiliated. The monsters started moving again and quickly devoured him.
* * * * *
Riklaun and Nalynn stood in the Triboar inn. They had just returned from an outing to Red Larch.
Riklaun had a bag tied to his waist. The bag looked very full. He opened it to check the contents. Peering
inside, he saw that the couple hundred arrows he had purchased were still there.
"Nal, we made out good in Red larch. We bought enough arrows to keep young Randow happy.
Too bad Brisid is not here, we could use the company for the trek back through the lost hills," Riklaun said.
"Yes, I wonder where he is," Nalynn said. She picked up her back pack and slung it over one
shoulder. Just then a crash came from the outer room. The two friends walked out to see what was up. A
body was slumped over a table and a couple of Pathfinders were staring at it. Riklaun saw the body and
noticed the knife sticking out of the back. He moved closer and saw it was still alive. He turned the head to
one side and gasped. Nalynn dropped her pack to the floor.
"Ebonstarr;" Brisid said.
Chapter 6
The elf first felt the pain: a dull, throbbing pain that started at the small of his back and creeped up
to the back of his neck, where it joined another forming in his head. He opened his eyes and found himself
in a small room with an iron-bound wooden door, a couple chairs, and a bed he discovered he lay on. He
found his clothes, folded, on one of the chairs and his magical longsword and armor sitting nearby.
The elf had no idea where he was, but after dressing he felt slightly better with a tougher skin. He
turned to leave just when the door opened and a stream of light almost blinded him. He could make out the
silhouette of a tall female, elven. Flashes of surprise and then anger raced through his mind. Ebonstarr!
"Brisid! You're up!"
Nalynn ran to her shocked friend and embraced him in a bear hug that ignited new waves of fire
through his back. He grimaced and Nalynn immediately let go and apologized.
"What happened, Nal? Where are we?"
"I'll bring you up to date over breakfast. They have the best spiced potatoes here!"
Nalynn told Brisid of his near death experience at Ebonstarr's hand. She and Riklaun had
transported the injured elf back to Crossergate where there were better healing facilities due to the
continuous stream of wounded coming from the hills. He'd been unconscious for four weeks, constantly in a
high fever until the previous night when it had suddenly dropped.
"We're supposed to meet Riklaun in Nightsedge, so whenever you're ready, we'll go," Nalynn said.
"How did you know I'd awaken today..." Brisid started and paused, thinking. A ringing started in
his head. He decided he didn't have all of his marbles collected yet, so he stopped his train of thought.
After many assurances he was ready, they left for Nightsedge.
The journey to the woods of Nightsedge was uneventful. As soon as they entered, though, a veil of
evil seemed to settled over the trees. The two elves quickly unsheathed their swords and proceeded silently
into the darkness.
After ten minutes of slipping through the forest they heard murmuring. They peered through the
bushes and saw a dozen tall forms standing in a small glade.
"Trolls," Nalynn mouthed.
"I thought they only stayed in the Neverwinter Woods. What are they doing here?" Brisid asked.
Nalynn replied with a shrug.

They heard a groan and peered through the bushes again. A male grey elf was bound to a wooden
stake. The elf hung his head low, and white hair obscured his face.
"We have to save him," whispered Brisid.
"Sure you're ready?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
They separated to different sides of the clearing. Brisid peered over a thicket and accidentally
stepped on a twig. The trolls couldn't hear the snap, but the white-haired elf slowly raised his head. Brisid
realized the elf was not an elf, but an albino drow.
"Riklaun," Brisid realized with concern.
The conversing trolls grunted with a sound of agreement and one walked over to the bound drow.
With a flick of it's wrist, the troll's axe flew through Riklaun's neck.
"No!!!" Brisid yelled and charged out from his cover. He dispatched the two closest trolls with two
swings before they could raise their weapons. Waves of heat blew by him as a fireball scorched a group of
trolls a few dozen steps away. Nalynn ran into the glade swinging her broad sword through a troll. Tears
were in her eyes; she knew her friend had just been slain. Brisid turned to an advancing troll who was
showing off some intimidating moves. Brisid raised his hands and murmured, "Templa pilini'," watching
almost stoically as a magic missile burst into the troll's chest. He quickly drew a bottle of oil from his pack,
lighted it and threw it into the already regenerating troll. The elf then glanced at a charging group of
monsters and dropped a fireball on their heads.
Brisid saw a flash to his left and whipped his sword in front of his face to deflect another troll's
axe. The troll backed away, reconsidering the wisdom of attacking such an experienced fighter. Its thoughts
were abruptly halted as Nalynn's sword entered its chest.
Realizing there were no more opponents, they ran to their fallen friend. They heard a shriek behind
them and turned about to face a drow priestess. The shrieking was actually Ebonstarr's laughter.
"Ahhh... The great Riklaun has finally fallen. All alone, and from the axe of an insignificant troll.
Awww, poor little elves, are you sad your friend has left you?" the drow priestess taunted. "Don't worry,
you'll be joining him very soon."
She let loose her five-headed snake whip, and they writhed around, hungry for blood. Brisid
stepped away from Nalynn to surround Ebonstarr.
"No. I think I'll save you, stupid elf," Ebon said to Nalynn and muttered a spell, and Nalynn
disappeared.
"Tell me what you did to her!" Brisid commanded.
"You talk too much," hissed Ebonstarr who whipped the snake heads at the elf.
Brisid twisted his sword to block the heads, but two snakes got through and bit him with their
poison.
"Not this time, drow scum!" Brisid growled and chopped off the two snake heads. Two more quick
swings removed the remaining snake heads, and with a third he slipped his sword into Ebonstarr's heart.
"It is ended," murmured Brisid.
Another shrieking cackle made Brisid turn around. Ebonstarr stood forty paces away, unscathed.
"Did you really think you could best me, dumb elf?" Ebon yelled between shrieks.
He turned back to the body he had impaled. Brisid watched with horror as the body's lifeless face
changed into Nalynn's.
"No!" Brisid shouted in anguish. Ebonstarr's cackling stopped, and he turned back around just in
time to see a fireball collide into his face...
* * * * *
Nalynn and Riklaun stood over Brisid's restless form. "The drow priestess has some sort of control
over his dreams, probably created through the cursed dagger," a cleric said. "She keeps his mind awake, but
controls what he thinks. Even these blessed temple walls cannot stop it," a cleric continued, gesturing
around him. "It's like Lloth herself tied a fine string to him and gave the other end to Ebonstarr."
"Then we'll just have to sever it," Riklaun quietly stated.

Chapter 7
Riklaun decided it was time to call in some old favors. He stood in a dark section of town. Street
urchin littered the street and papers fluttered in the wind. A sign creaked in the wind. He looked up at the
sign and saw a raven perched upon the sign. He drew his cloak about himself and went inside the inn.
Gazing around at all the seedy types, he noticed several enemies of the Grey Company, some were most
noted for their cruelty. He brushed past one individual and he turned. Riklaun recognized the face. Tathlin
looked at him, perplexed. He did not recognize Riklaun and went on drinking his spice wine. "Apparently,
the Spider Queen had other plans for you Tathlin, " Riklaun thought, "else she would not have had you
resurrected."
Rik moved towards the bar and noticed a lone figure sitting in the corner who motioned for Rik to
join him. As Riklaun moved over to the table the man looked him over. "Rik, it has been a long while. Have
a seat," he said.
"Yes, it has Gmanfandan." Rik said.
"No, just call me Gman. I hate the formalities." Gman said. "So, let's get down to business. You
are asking around for information on the whereabouts of Ebonstarr. "
"Yes, I am" said Riklaun. "I am prepared to pay handsomely for the information."
"No need for that. We are friends, no?" Gman said, "You have lost many companions to her, most
notably and recently Braldt. I can give you the whereabouts of an elf who has seen her recently. The elf's
name is Rand. He is currently living in Nightsedge. Go to the third house on the left of the west entrance.
Knock three times quickly and then twice slow. The password is 'Omens'. Someone there will take you to
him."
Riklaun started to get up. "Thank you, old friend." Gman leaned back in his chair and melded with
the shadows. Riklaun saw someone he knew enter the bar. "Graywolf? What's he doing here?" Rik thought.
He quickly moved to the shadows and cast an invisibility spell on himself. He then watched as Graywolf
went to the bar and ordered a Fey wine. Rik moved towards the door and froze. He caught Graywolf
looking in his direction. Graywolf turned back to his drink. Riklaun left the inn and hurried on his way to
Nightsedge.
* * * * *
Brisid moaned softly as Ebonstarr's poison continued to work its way through his body. Looking
up from her post by the bed, Nalynn quietly dipped a silken cloth into the pan of cool water on the night
stand and swabbed his forehead.
In his fever, he reached out - grasping at demons she could only imagine he must be combating in
his delirium. She took his hand in hers and gently stroked the ailing elf's fingers. This seemed to quiet his
tortures as he sank deeper into a deathly slumber, breath heavy and labored.
"What can be taking them so long?" she wondered. "Riklaun has gone off in search of the witch
and I've seen nothing of Randow since he sped off several days ago. I pray no ill has befallen either of
them." She sighed deeply as she placed the cool cloth once again over Brisid's forehead. "I will not leave
his side until help arrives or Death overcomes my dear friend," she vowed.
As the room grew dark in the twilight she arose and lit more candles--one to place in the window,
the other to brighten the darkening room. She gazed out into the darkness beyond the window as storm
clouds began to gather. Flashes of lightning and a distant rumble of thunder. Nalynn closed her eyes and
shivered though the gentle breeze wafting through the window was cool and dry… for now.
* * * * *
Two floors below Nalynn, Tizer slowly sipped his mead, thinking about Brisid's terrible injury.
The poison was like nothing he had ever seen before. Many Tel'Mithrim members had hunted for a cure, but
to no avail. It was for this reason that Tizer decided to seek help outside the confines of the guild hall. No
apothecary in Neverwinter had a medicine which could cure the foul poison. Nor could it be neutralized by
any magic spell. It would take something truly unique to free Brisid from his current state.
Tizer rose from his table and left the inn. He climbed his favorite oak tree next to the old building
and scrawled a note on a piece of parchment paper:

"I am in search of a cure for a magical poison. If you who are reading this know of such a potion,
leave a message with the bartender of this fine establishment. Do not look for me, I shall find you."
Tizer then attached the note to one of his throwing daggers and tossed it through an open window
of the Rankled Boar Inn. It stuck onto the message board with other announcements of a less important
nature.
As Tizer was descending the oak tree, he caught glimpse of a shock of white hair moving swiftly
through the crowd of villagers. He followed it to the outskirts of town where he shouted a greeting to
Riklaun.
"Vedui' Rik! Where are you headed in such a hurry?"
"Vedui' Tizer, I am off to Nightsedge to find an Elf by the name Rand. He supposedly knows the
whereabouts of Ebonstarr."
"Rand? Hmmm.... Did we not have a Rand Shadowbane in Tel'Mithrim awhile back? I always had
a feeling he would show up again. He was always something of a trouble-maker if I recall."
"Well, trouble-maker or not, I need to find out what he knows about Ebonstarr."
"Do you mind if I join you? Perhaps he knows of a cure for the poison that has Brisid bedridden. I
also wouldn't mind seeing ol' Rand again after these many months."
"Yes, by all means, come with me. Rand was known to hate me, so I do not believe I will get much
out of him." Riklaun said.
Riklaun and Tizer moved off the road towards Neverwinter Square. As they left, a wind elf 'blew'
into the Rankled Boar inn. They got some much needed supplies from their vaults and headed east towards
Nightsedge.
* * * * *
The cool night breeze blew dry leaves down the dark street as a tall, black haired, female elf stood
in the deserted road and stared at a bulletin board.
"Well now, why would anyone waste a perfectly good throwing knife to pin a message here?"
She pulled the knife out of the board and read the note impaled upon it's blade. Turning the note
over, Sheil scrawled a quick message on the back. The female wind elf entered the tavern and, handing the
note to the bartender inside, she talked with him for a moment. He pointed across the room to a table with a
single, female elf sitting at it. Sheil nodded to the man and tossed him a gold coin. She walked to the table
and spoke to the elf known as Nalynn. After hearing the story of the poison blade and the drow, the wind elf
thanked Nalynn and strode out of the Inn.
The note left at the bar simply read:
Went to find the cure.
Will meet you here at this Inn tonight.
Sheilandri
A gust of wind blew leaves far down the dark road as Sheil flew into the sky. Looking back at the
brightly lit Inn, she spotted several dark shapes moving through an alley near the Inn. Sheil nearly turned
around to warn those at the Inn, however the words of the female elf echoed in her mind. "I know not how
much longer Brisid can hold against the poison." Sheil hesitated one moment more.
"I can at least give them some parting trouble."
She pointed towards the road and uttered a few strange words. A small dust devil appeared in the
street and floated into the alley. A flash of white hair could be seen on one of the dark shapes as the wind elf
vanished into the night sky.
Chapter 8
Dae walked the long road in silence and alone, as was the way of his kind. The wild elf shivered at
the sight of the bright inn ahead of him. He would not enter the well populated area under normal
circumstances. But these were far from normal circumstances. The note had been very vague. Calling upon

a favor, which was no small matter. It stated simply and to the point. "Come to the Rankled Boar Inn.
Trouble is afoot." A gust of air heralded his arrival outside the Inn and Dae blinked as he imagined a
beautiful elven woman flew off into the night. The wild elf wondered as he watched a dust devil form and
scoot into a nearby alley. The tingling sensation of danger hit Dae an instant before he spotted several dark
figures with flowing white hair.
"Trouble indeed." Dae muttered as he pulled his longsword from its sheathe and unhooked his
barbed whip. The spiked tip of Dae's whip caught the first unwary drow in the right shoulder and spun him
out into the street. Drow curses preceded two flashing daggers which flew towards the wild elf. The drow
knives were dodged and blocked as Dae pulled the hooked drow within striking distance. Dae remained
focused upon his opponent as shouts from inside the inn caught the drow's attention.
The two drow still within the alley cursed and darted down the street towards the dark forest
beyond. The drow warrior standing before Dae growled hideously as he pulled the barbed hook from his
shoulder and turned to flee. The wild elf's spinning kick caught the turning drow in the back and hurled him
against the sturdy wall of the inn. The unconscious drow fell limply to the earth at Dae's feet as the
occupants of the Inn rushed out into the street. Pulling a length of rope from his pack, the wild elf smiled.
"Shall we see what our dark friend here can tell us when he wakes up?"
Shortly the unconscious drow was secured to a sturdy chair at the center of the tavern, where all
the night patrons could keep an eye on him.
* * * * *
When the captured drow slowly regained consciousness, Dae leapt towards him and held a blade to
his throat. The dark skinned elf cursed in drow and spit in Dae's face. Dae growled.
"What were you doing outside of the Inn? Who sent you here and why? Tell me everything you
know, scum. Otherwise I will send you to Lloth's side so that she can torture ye endlessly for your failure. I
can see the fear of the spider queen in your eyes. You would truly be a fool not to fear her. So tell me what I
want to know. Now. Then you shall be allowed to walk freely out the door."
Dae waited for the drow to respond. As the foul black elf simply continued cursing and spitting,
Dae drew his blade back and prepared to strike. As the wild elf's blade swung rapidly toward the bound
drow's neck, the drow's eyes grew wide and he suddenly screamed, "HOLD!"
Dae stopped the blade an fraction before parting the skin and waited expectantly.
"I will tell you the truth about Ebonstarr and the antidote for the poison as long as you spare me."
* * * * *
Dae listened as the drow ranted about this and that. All of which did not sound any better than a
scared drow telling lies to save his hide.
"Very well, I shall honor my word and allow you to leave alive." As the wild elf released the drow
from his bonds, Dae removed the blade from the drow's neck and with a flick of the wrist took off the
cursed drow's arm.
"Now you are marked. I will know you if I see ye again."
Dae followed the pained drow out of the Inn and smiled as he carried his arm and fled into the
darkness. Wishing to know the story of the odd occurrences, Dae decided to follow the female wind elf and
her male elven friends.
Tilting his head back, the wild elf called out into the early morning sky, "Keeeeeyaa"
After few moments passed a shape suddenly appeared, flying low across the treetops. The giant
eagle landed before Dae and cocked its head to the side.
The wild elf leapt onto his companion's back and whispered into Klack's ear. The eagle launched
into the air, scanning for the wind elf and the grey elves.
* * * * *
Nearing Floodblest, Riklaun and Tizer spotted Tadsbro engaged with some Bugbears and a cloud
giant. Tadsbro had three bugbears choking against a tree and he was dodging around the cloud giant. The
Giant swung his club and Tad jumped over it. He cast Templa pilini' at the cloud giant, enraging it. The
giant backed Tad up into a corner and grabbed him by the neck. Tadsbro struggled in the grip of the giant.
Seeing this, Riklaun summoned his magic and cast several magic missiles which streaked toward
the giant. The giant roared and let Tadsbro go. The cloud giant turned and lumbered towards Riklaun and
Tizer. Tizer pulled out his sword and got ready. The giant loomed before them.

Tadsbro shook himself off and picked himself up from the ground. He saw the giant moving
towards Riklaun and Tizer and motioned for then to wait. Tad quietly moved up behind the giant and leapt.
He drove his sword into the back to the giant and they fell. Tad pulled his sword out of the giant's back and
wiped it off.
"Quel undome heru en amin," Tadsbro said. "What brings you out this way, Captain?"
"We are on our way to Nightsedge, in search of an elf named Rand. Tizer said. Would you care to
accompany us?"
Tadsbro looked at his two friends, "Let's get to the inn first, I could use a rest."
* * * * *
Above the outskirts of Floodblest a sky-blue kitten with sapphire colored wings hovered above the
treetops. It watched and listened for a moment as Tizer and Riklaun spoke together regarding their next
move. It then darted overhead and landed upon the roof of the Inn. A glitter of crystal hanging about the
Tressym's neck flashed in the moonlight. The words
Maer Cath
Bonded of Sheilandri
were finely etched upon the tag.
The kitten curled up in a convenient corner of the thatched roof and continued watching a winged
shape which circled in ever tightening spirals above the Rankled Boar Inn.
Chapter 9
A low, grey tower came into view as Sheil dropped out of the brisk western wind and descended
towards her destination. She breathed deeply of Shadowdale's night air and landed at the front door of the
old tower. Glancing behind her at the cracked flagstone path, the wind elf noticed several glyphs of
warding. Shrugging disconcertedly, she knocked upon the wooden door and waited.
After a few moments the door opened and a middle-aged human stands there rubbing his eyes of
sleep.
"Lhaeo, I must speak with Elminster as soon as possible. Tis a matter of life or death." Sheil stated
as he reluctantly allowed her to enter.
"Ahhhh, Life or Death. I have those forms around here somewhere." Lhaeo shuffled through huge
stacks of papers and books and, after an hour, finally smiled. "Here they are." He carried over a stack of
papers one foot thick and placed it upon her lap. "All of these forms must be filled out and then you will be
placed upon the one year waiting list. You are lucky. The less pressing cases go onto the five year waiting
list." Lhaeo grinned at the wind elf and walked back to his desk. "Just let me know when you finish those
and I have another stack for you."
A glimmer of mischief lighted her eyes as a gust of wind whirled about the room. The stack of
papers upon her lap vanished in the whirling cyclone.
"All done. Shall we go wake Elminster now?"
Lhaeo slapped his forehead as he frantically tried to catch the flow of paper leaving through a
small window. Muttering something about disrespectful wind elves, Lhaeo gave up and sat in a nearby
chair.
Elminster shimmered into the center of the room and gazed about. "Trouble Lhaeo?" Glancing at
the giggling wind elf, Elminster sighed deeply. "Aye, trouble indeed." The elder mage pulled a scroll case
from his cloak and handed it to Sheil. "Here is a recipe for the antidote to the poison which afflicts Brisid. I
trust ye will take it in exchange for a quick departure and an end to your paper cyclone."
The wind elf nodded affirmatively and winked. She darted out the open window as the cyclone
subsided, depositing the papers in a neat stack at Lhaeo's feet.
Sheil flew up into a nearby tree and sat on a branch. Sliding the scroll from it's case, the wind elf
read the intricate writing:
"The antidote is a standard healing potion mixed with Stoneroot and snake venom."

The wind elf leapt into the air and flew towards the only place she knew where Stoneroots could be
found. Shadow Gap came into view after a brief trip on the wind and Sheil dropped silently onto the path.
Hearing the snap of a twig in the forest behind her, the raven-haired elf twirled about to see three
brigands moving towards her with daggers in hand. Leaping back into the air, she pulled a throwing knife
from each of her boots and hurled them into the chests of the nearest attackers. As the remaining brigand
pulled out a longbow and prepared to fire on her, Sheil grabbed the round form of her chictah from her belt
and flung it. The chictah whirled through the air and passed through the man's neck. The throwing blade
returned to Sheil's hand as the brigand's head dropped to the ground.
After retrieving her throwing knives, the wind elf walked out into the forest. It took her an hour to
locate and dig up a Stoneroot, which she dropped into a pouch on her belt. She leapt into the air and
scanned the region for a place to find a suitable venomous serpent.
Sheil flew a good distance back towards the west and finally spotted a small swamp. The wind elf
hovered slowly through the marsh until she spied a green snake wrapped around the branch of a nearby tree.
Once again pulling a throwing knife from one of her boots, Sheil tossed the blade and impaled the snake
just below the head. She pulled a small empty vial from her belt pouch and extracted the venom from the
dead snake. Upon pulling her blade free, the snake's corpse dropped into the marsh, providing food for a
group of small hungry fish.
The wind elf leapt back into the sky and rode a strong eastern breeze back to the Rankled Boar
Inn. As she dropped out of the wind and landed silently in the deserted city street, Sheil spotted her kitten
curled up on the roof and staring into the sky. The female elf gazed up into the sky and took notice of the
strange winged creature above.
"Hmmmm. Wonder what that thing is?"
Sheil entered the Inn and waited for the elf who left the note on the board outside.
Chapter 10
Upon arriving at the Rankled Boar Inn, Riklaun, Tadsbro, and Tizer took seats at a table in the
corner to have some fey before they took their reveries. While they sipped their wine, Tizer noticed that the
note he had posted on the bulletin board was missing.
"I must go speak with the tavern master, mellonea. I will be back shortly," Tizer said quickly.
Tizer approached the bar and questioned the man standing behind it. Piotyr was a tall, bearded
man with a ruddy face and twinkling eyes.
"How may I help ye, Tizer?" he asked.
"I notice that my note is no longer posted" Tizer stated.
"Yes, that is true, m'lord, a beautiful Elf lass took it and seemed to fly to away on the breeze, so
graceful was she. She has now returned and is sitting at the far end of the bar, if you wish to speak with
her."
"Many thanks, Piotyr"
Before approaching the mysterious female Elf at the bar, Tizer returned to his companions.
"It is quite possible that the etriel sitting at the far end of the bar holds the cure to the poison
plaguing Brisid!" Tizer informed them excitedly.
"Well, we had best speak with her at once" Riklaun said, feeling a twinge of hope that his
companion may finally be freed from Lloth's grasp.
When the trio was about to leave their table, a large shadow passed over the ground outside the
inn.
"What in the name of Corellon Larethian is that?!" Tadsbro exclaimed.
* * * * *
Sheil glanced about the tavern and then strode out the door. She looked up into the early morning
sky and cursed.
"Why is that Roc still following me around everywhere I go?" she muttered under her breath. She
looked into her kitten's eyes and it nodded with readiness. The wind elven female and her small blue kitten
leapt into the air to end this threat once and for all.
Sheil glanced down at the entrance to the Inn and spotted three elves watching her.

"I wonder if they will help. This Roc is a bit much for a wind elf and her sky-blue kitten to
handle."
She pulled the chictah from her belt as the Roc spotted her and began gliding in her direction.
Sheilandri uttered a few words and waved her hand. A shield of wind formed around herself and the kitten
to add protection against the Roc's attack. Suddenly she noticed a barrel of spears outside of one of the
shops.
"Ahhhh, exactly what I need."
She uttered a few more arcane syllables and pointed at the barrel. Ten of the spears rose out of the
barrel and, as the wind elf turned and pointed at the approaching Roc, the spears darted through the air to
intercept it.
* * * * *
Before Tizer, Riklaun, and Tadsbro could reach the Elf maiden, she raced out the door. They
followed her to the outside of the inn where they were stopped in their tracks by the noisome screeching of a
Roc. The female Elf had directed ten spears toward the creature and they flew towards it with increasing
speed. Three spears pierced the Roc's side and it howled in pain. However, that did not stop its descent.
Tizer sent Riklaun and Tadsbro simultaneous telepathic messages confirming a plan. The trio
gathered their energy and muttered a few words under their breath. The air was alive with magical force and
their fingers crackled with electricity. Lightning bolts shot forth from their finger tips towards the Roc. The
three bolts merged together in flight and struck the foul beast squarely in the chest. The sheer might of the
three combined magical spells disintegrated the body of the Roc before it reached the ground. The Elf
maiden's shield of wind deflected the debris falling from the sky.
After the wind elf landed, Riklaun, Tizer, and Tadsbro approached the barely shaken female Elf.
"Vedui' etriel en amin, have you come through this attack unscathed?" Tizer inquired.
Sheil turned to look at them. She stared deeply into each of their eyes, as if searching their souls
for their true feelings. She smiled and began.
"Gurth gothrim Tel'Mithrim. Roc, Mereth en draugrim. You cast well. I am Sheilandri, from the
fallen city of Maer Eska, SkyHuntress of WindSong." Sheil bowed her head for a moment in memory of her
fallen king. "I read a note posted upon the board over there and have traveled very far to obtain the antidote
for the poison which afflicts Brisid. The note was signed with the name Tizer and I assume that one of you
are he." Sheil glanced directly at Tizer and smiles. "Ye are Tizer, correct?"
Tizer nodded affirmatively and Sheil indicated the entrance to the Inn.
"Shall we return to the tavern and continue this conversation at a table while I mix the antidote?"
Chapter 11
Inside the tavern, the female wind elf purchased a healing potion from the barkeep. He mentioned
he did keep several in stock for use after the occasional brawl. She returned to the table where the others sat
and began laying out all the supplies she needed. She took the bowl and wheat grinder which she borrowed
from Piotyr and set it upon the table.
"So, Piotyr and Nalynn told me a little about the situation here. Please fill me in on the rest.".
She opened her pouch and withdrew the Stoneroot. Placing it into the bowl, she ground it into a
fine powder. She then uncorked the healing potion and poured it into the bowl. She stirred the mixture until
it formed a thick paste. Sheil listened intently as they told her their stories. She pulled the vial of snake
venom from the pouch and added it to the paste. After mixing the antidote thoroughly, Sheil held the bowl
before her and smiled.
"It is ready. We must apply this salve to Brisid's wound. Will ye lead me to him?"
* * * * *
Nalynn started as she heard voices and footsteps in the hall outside the room. "How long have I
been asleep?" she wondered aloud. She looked over at the bed where Brisid lies. His color was ashen,
ghostlike - his breathing labored. The nights of worry and vigil had taken their toll on her but she

summoned as much energy as she could muster, sensing that help was near at hand. Even so, she jumped
when she heard the knock at the door.
Not daring to leave Brisid's side, she called out, "Enter! The door is open." The door swung wide,
revealing three Elves' silhouettes in the doorway. She recognized Riklaun instantly, but the others were
unfamiliar to her. As she stood to greet them, the last of her strength vacated her now frail body. She
collapsed from sheer exhaustion as Riklaun rushed to catch her.
Sheil allowed the male elves to look after the exhausted Nalynn while she sat at the edge of the bed
and uncovered Brisid's wound. The area around the wound was hot and red, the skin ashen grey. Sheil noted
that there is very little time left for him.
"I hope that enough time remains for this antidote to do it's work." Sheil stated prayerfully, and
without delay she began applying the thick paste all across the affected area.
"It will be a couple hours before I know if the antidote is working. You should take Nalynn to her
room so that she can rest. I will watch over Brisid in her place. Also, you should try to get her to eat
something. I suspect that she has neglected her own health during her vigil. Here, make her eat this."
Sheil pulled a small, silver colored leaf from one of her pouches and handed it to Tizer. "It will
restore her strength long enough for her to eat something and then she will sleep well."
Before the others were able to lead Nalynn from the room, Maer Cath, Sheil's blue Tressym landed
on the window sill. The female wind elf and her kitten seemed to speak without words for a moment.
Suddenly Sheil cursed.
"Riders approaching from the east. Type and number unknown. Maer estimates over twenty. More
trouble?"
"Sheilandri, watch carefully over Brisid, and do not let him come to harm if these riders are hostile
forces." Tizer requested urgently.
"I will take Nalynn to her room and make sure she is safe. Rik, the riders could be dangerous. I
trust your ability as Swordmaster to make the right decision."
Tizer carried Nalynn down the hall to her room. He gently placed her on the bed and inspected the
walls and windows of the room. He placed some magical wards of protection on the door and window panes
and went into the main meeting room. Tizer removed a clean glass from the cabinet and filled it with warm
fey wine. He also grabbed a couple of sweet cakes from the counter on his way back to Nalynn's room.
After writing a note to Nalynn which explained the current situation, Tizer placed the fey wine,
silverleaf, and sweet cakes on her bed table. He then started over towards the barracks of the Bladesingers
to hear what news they had found...
Chapter 12
After searching through the treetops for an hour to no avail, Dae and Klack returned to Floodblest
to see the elves entering the inn.
As the pair were about to land outside of the entrance, Dae spotted a bright blue kitten fly into one
of the windows. At the same moment, the sound of thundering hooves reached the wild elf's ears.
The pair rose back into the air and glided across the forest to discover the nature of the
approaching riders. As Dae and Klack descended towards the approaching horsemen, the wild elf gasped.
The giant eagle wheeled in the air and climbed back to a higher altitude.
"How did death riders get to be here? There must be an evil cleric nearby. Come Klack, we must
warn the elves, those skeletal riders will be upon them at any moment."
* * * * *
Riklaun looked out over the trail watching the riders move closer towards the Rankled Boar inn.
They were coming down the trail from Nightsedge. He then saw an elf riding an eagle coming from the
direction of the riders. The eagle lands softly on the trail in front of Riklaun.
"Skeletal riders approach!" The elf said.
Riklaun whirls around and heads to the inn. "Tizer, Tadsbro, The riders are undead. Tad, go warn
Floodblest's inhabitants. Tizer, we need to stop them from entering the town." He looked over the Sheil.
"Can you keep the patrons safe in here Sheilandri?" Sheilandri nodded.
Rik and Tizer headed out of the inn. They walked up to Dae. "How long till they arrive?" Rik
asked.

"About fifteen minutes." Dae said.
"Then we must go out and stop them before they get to the city gates." Riklaun said. As the three
prepared, two elves came down the road from Neverwinter. Modar and Starrbolt walked casually towards
Riklaun.
"What's going on Rik?" Modar said. Riklaun explained the problem to them.
The five elves headed out of Floodblest to take up positions on the road. The Skeletal riders moved
swiftly down the road towards Floodblest.
Nearing the ambush set by Riklaun they suddenly veered off the trail, galloping through the woods
in several directions still towards the town. One did not leave the trail but stopped on it and waited.
Chapter 13
Elvin neared the Grey Company hall, admiring all the freshly planted flowers, as he strode up the
walk. "I shall have to make a mental note of this. I must compliment Tizer on his garden!" Elvin pulled
open the door, looking for the Grey Company leader.
"Elvin?" A familiar voice speaks out behind him. "Sheilandri!! Vedui'...I...I search for Tizer. Have
you seen him?" She quickly told him of the impending arrival of the Skeletal Riders, and the elven plan to
stop them before they reach the city gates. "Sheil...I must go help them!!"
Without glancing back, he dashed out the door. Turning a corner near an alley, he did not notice
the figure standing in the shadows. A quick blow to the back of the head sent him sprawling, head-overheels
into the dust. Peering up with cloudy eyes, an evil toothy grin stared down at him, quickly fading away
as the elf drifted off into unconsciousness.
Sheil watched as Elvin dashed down the street to aid the other elves. Suddenly a dark shape struck
him from behind and stood over Elvin's limp body. The female wind elf was torn between guarding the
guild hall and rushing to the elf's aid. She summoned a gust of wind and called her kitten to her at the same
moment. The female elf focused the wind into a solid blast and propelled it towards the dark figure.
"Maer, go see what the creature is and help our elven friend if you can."
The sky-blue kitten darted off towards the dark figure and arrived shortly after the blast of wind
slammed into it. Sheil noticed the dark form crumpled to the ground atop Elvin's prone form. Maer darted
about the area and then dived to retrieve something from the jumble near the alley. As her Tressym kitten
returned, Sheil noticed that it is carrying the leg bone of a skeletal warrior in it's mouth.
"Is it dead then?" Sheil asked her brave little kitten.
Maer purred in acknowledgment and dropped the bone. Sheil glanced around the area and decided
that if she hurried she would be able to retrieve the unconscious elf and return to the guild hall without
danger. She flew down the street and pulled the elf out of the pile of bones. As she flew back towards the
guild hall carrying Elvin, two skeletal warriors leapt from the shadows and blocked her from entering the
building.
Sheil pulled her chictah from it's loop on her belt and hurled it at the bonemen. One of them
shattered from the force of the circular blade's impact. The other dodged as the spinning blade returned to
the wind elf's hand. A flurry of blue fur struck the bone warrior from behind and gave Sheil the distraction
she needed to dart past.
* * * * *
Inside the guild hall, she gently placed the elf on a nearby table and rushed back to the doorway.
As she looked into the street, the wind elf was just in time to see Maer, her brave blue kitten, pick up the
warrior and lift it high into the morning sky. A moment later the undead warrior dropped to the ground and
shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces.
Maer darted back to the protection of the building and licked the wind elf's face happily.
As she turned to see to Elvin, Sheil spotted several dark forms moving down the street toward the
guild hall.
Chapter 14
Through a thicket burst the ragged figure of Brisid, and a few seconds later, over a dozen ogres
hungry for blood. The elf ran around a boulder and found himself on a ledge overlooking a ravine. The ogre

pack formed a semi-circle that surrounded him, blocking any route of escape. The elf heard the dreaded
cackling that had been torturing him for many weeks. Ebonstarr emerged from the group of monsters to face
Brisid.
"Aw, my puppet, don't you want to stay with me?" taunted the evil priestess.
"I am not your puppet. . ." began Brisid.
"Ahh, but you are. Have you noticed that your life of late has been. . . uncomfortable? I always
seem to hunt you down, and you escape, just to be captured by me again, and you flee again, and I find you
always. You are my puppet. Lloth has given me control over your soul."
"You have no control over me, drow scum," the elf retorted.
"Don't believe me? Here's the whole story, puppet. All this torture I can give you because you are
actually sleeping. Your friends are trying so desperately to save your pitiful soul, they've enlisted the aid of
people you've never even met before. They think a simple poison is keeping you ill. The final result? An
antidote they believe will nullify the Spider Queen's magic. Insignificant fools!"
Ebonstarr noted with elation how she had confused her victim.
"Trickery! You lie. You will not find me again. I will find you and repay your misdeeds tenfold!"
Brisid declared.
"So you think. Remember, puppet, it will never be over. Go ahead, jump off the cliff. Or better yet,
let me help."
Brisid backed away from the drow and she conjured a fireball. As he leapt off the cliff , the fireball
collided into his back showering him with sparks and setting his clothes ablaze. He watched as the water
flew up to him. He closed his eyes. . . and landed on a dusty hardwood floor.
The shaken elf opened his eyes and discovered he was in a small room with a sleeping pallet, desk
and chairs. He tried to recall his dreams, but they faded too quickly. He shook his head as if to clear his
mind and looked around.
Clothes and his weapons sat in a chest in the corner. A putrid scent brought tears to his eyes. He
found the source was a paste that had been smeared on his back. Brisid heard a commotion outside the door,
so he dressed and buckled on his sword. As soon as he opened the door, bright sunlight filled the room,
blinding him. The weak elf raised a hand to block the morning sun and saw a figure on horseback bearing
down on him. Brisid barely lifted his sword in time to block a blade the figure had swung. The elf turned
around to identify the rider.
"Skeleton. And a night-mare," the elf spat as he watched the rider turn around for another pass.
The skeletal rider picked up speed to chop down Brisid, who watched calmly and raised his hands.
The undead monster heard the elf's words, "bragallach tel'llach," just before its bones were
scattered by a fireball.
With the immediate threat destroyed, Brisid looked around and saw many small battles raging
around him. One, he noticed with interest, included what appeared to be a small, flying sky-blue colored
cat!
"Now I've seen it all," Brisid concluded.
He started towards the unusual battle when movement at the edge of a forest caught his eye. More
than ten skeletal riders leapt from the trees waving their swords and began attacking townspeople.
Chapter 15
The yells and screams of the townsfolk could be overheard throughout the forest. The Grey
Company was not fast enough. The battle ensued inside the town's limits. Skeletal Riders trampled the
townsfolk under the hooves of their Nightmares.
Out from a thicket jumped Riklaun; he had fire in his eyes. He spun around and started to cast a
spell. Just then a nightmare leapt out of the bush.
Riklaun's magic missile took the rider off the undead horse. The horse kept charging though. It
reared up, spewing flame from it's nostrils. Riklaun rushed in and drove his sword into the belly of the
beast. He sent his other scimitar across it's back, neatly slicing it in two.
He looked up from the dead beast and saw a rider gallop into the inn. "Brisid!" Rik yelled, not
knowing that he already had left the inn. Riklaun ran towards the inn, just as the windows blew out. He
skidded to a stop and saw two elven females walking out of the inn. They were a little singed, but okay.

Riklaun gave a quick salute to Sheil and Nalynn and headed off to find Tizer, silently hoping Brisid had
fared better than the inn.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, Dae struggled with his own Rider. He and Tadsbro circled the beastly thing, they sent
spell after spell into it. Another rider came up from behind Tad and he whirled around into a crouch. He
took the Nightmare's front legs off and the creature tumbled to the ground. The skeletal rider got up and
moved in on Tad. Tadsbro blocked the first blow by the skeleton, only to be hit by the second. Wincing in
pain, he held up his sword in defense. He started to cast a spell and was hit again. Dropping to one knee, he
furiously fought off the blows. Just then the skeleton burst apart, showering him with bone fragments. Dae
stood behind the skeleton smiling....
* * * * *
Still in shock from the fact that skeletal warriors were invading the sanctuary of Tel'Mithrim, Tizer
removed the bow from his back and began chanting an ancient phrase. Within minutes, a glowing green
arrow appeared on Tizer's bowstring and he fired at a skeletal warrior which was approaching Dae Draug
from behind. It caught the vile beast in the rib cage and the potent acid dissolved the creature's spine.
Without the backbone to support its body, the skeleton collapsed and fell from the horse. However, the
night-mare continued to bear down on Dae as he was examining Tadsbro's wounds.
Tizer quickly scaled one of the oaks surrounding the grove as the horse approached. He shouted a
warning to Dae and Tad, yet Tad could not move quickly in his condition. As the night-mare galloped by
the tree, Tizer dropped down onto its back and steered it to the left, narrowly missing the two Elves. Once
upon its back, Tizer removed his enchanted long sword from it scabbard and drove it deeply into the nightmare's
neck. Black fluid shot forth from the wound and Tizer leapt from its back onto the ground. He rolled
to his feet just in time to see the wretched creature fall to the ground, writhing in pain. He retrieved his
weapon from the corpse and then ran over to Dae and Tad to make sure they were okay. Dae nodded
affirmatively, but Tad's face was getting pale as the blood drained from his numerous wounds. "We must
get him back to the guild hall, mellon, help me carry him through the carnage", Tizer said urgently.
"Aye, place him upon Klack, my eagle, and we shall take him there with great haste," Dae
responded.
Tizer picked up Tadsbro's crumpled form and gently secured him in the saddle of the great bird.
Dae mounted his familiar and flew towards the guild hall with Tadsbro.
It was then that Tizer spotted Riklaun running through the scattered bones. "Rik, Tadsbro has been
injured. Dae took him back to the guild hall for recovery. What are our chances for success without the two
of them? Are we still outnumbered?" Tizer asked.
Sheilandri and Nalynn ran up to the pair of Elves. "Brisid is awake! He dispatched a skeleton as he
exited the guild hall. They are very close, we must remove them from the immediate area!" Nalynn
informed them.
The group of Elves quickly decided what to do.
Chapter 16
As Dae flew back toward the guild hall he scanned the scene below him. The town was in chaos,
skeleton's and riders both together and separate were everywhere. A smile crossed the wild elf's face as he
noticed that the townspeople had taken heart in viewing the valiant efforts of the elves. An old woman beat
a skeleton over the head with an iron pot and it collapsed into a pile. Elsewhere two men strung a rope
across the path, tightened it to knock another rider from it's nightmare's back. In the center of town three
men held long sticks with sharpened points and brought down two charging nightmares.
Suddenly a sight filled the wild elf with anger. A small female child, no more than six years of age
ran down the street followed closely by a skeletal rider and his mount. The skeleton swung its mace as it
bore down on the frightened girl.
Dae yelled a wild elven curse at the rider and slid up the left sleeve of his green tunic. Many
magical silver tattoos on his arm gleamed in the sunlight. Dae tapped the tattoo of a streaking bolt with his

ight fore finger and pointed at the rider. The tattoo flashed with silver light and a brilliant streak of white
energy raced toward the rider and it's mount. Just as the skeleton was about to strike the young girl with it's
deadly mace, Dae's white bolt slammed into it's skull. The rider disintegrated under the white bolt which
continued downward to destroy the charging nightmare as well. As Dae landed Klack outside the guild hall,
young woman rushed from a nearby house and carried the small girl to safety.
Dae carried the wounded Tadsbro into the hall and placed him on a table near Elvin. Having no
healing powers to speak of, Dae tore strips of cloth, bandaged Tadsbro's wounds as best as he could and
rushed back to the entrance of the hall. As he reached the doorway a gust of wind blew past him into the
hall.
Dae leapt onto Klack's back and after spotting a fallen log nearby, an idea sprang into his mind.
Dae whispered into his eagle's ear as they rose into the air. Klack picked up the fallen tree in its huge claws
and slowly ascended into the sky. Dae guided his eagle back towards the location of the outnumbered elves
when something else caught his eye. A group of ten riders are raced down the road toward the hall in a "V"
formation. Dae and Klack glided in low and raced towards the group of skeletal riders. At the last moment,
Dae tapped his giant eagle's neck and the huge log was released as they skimmed just out of reach over the
riders. The huge log crashed into the group, killing all the nightmares and eight of the skeletons. As Dae
turned about on Klack's back ready to fire more spells at the rising skeletons, he spotted a group of five
women armed with pots and rolling pins beating the remaining skeletons into bone dust.
With a smile at the valiant townswomen, Dae and Klack glided off to rejoin the elves outside the
town.
* * * * *
Sheil heard of Tadsbro's wounds and that he was carried back to the hall. "I shall return to the hall
and see to his wounds and try to revive Elvin as well. Bring all of the wounded to the hall and I will tend to
them as best as I can." The wind elf vanished in a gust of wind.
As she arrived in the hall, Sheil spotted Dae rush out and leap onto his giant eagle. The wind elf
rushed over to the table where Tadsbro lay and began casting spells and mixing herbs. After a short time she
had patched up Tadsbro's wounds and he was in good shape except for a few light scratches which would
heal in no time. Next she tended to Elvin and healed the lump on his head. A simple spell awakened the elf.
Sheil helped him to his feet, a little dazed but otherwise in good shape.
Sheil glanced back towards the doorway and smiled as she spotted her blue kitten hovering there
watching for approaching enemies. Maer mewed quietly indicating that all was clear for the moment. Sheil
took a seat to rest for a moment and waited for more wounded to arrive.
"Hopefully there will not be too many of them. I am a Huntress not a healer." Sheil thought to
herself.
The tiny voice of her kitten spoke into her head. "You do very well as healer also. And that is what
is needed of you most at this time. That and keeping the guild hall clear of enemies so the wounded will
have a safe place to rest. All is still clear in the streets for now. Do you think the assault is over?"
Sheil shrugged and breathed a deep sigh as she walked over to the doorway and watched the area
closely for signs of movement.
* * * * *
Starrbolt walked out of the woods and onto the road. He moved with purpose towards the four
elves gathered there. He favored his right leg, for his left had a decent sized gash in it. "Tizer, the Riders
have been routed and are fleeing into the woods. Modar has gone invisible to follow them."
"Good, the attack had been stopped. Riklaun, get a couple of your Bladesingers and go after
Modar. He will need help. And Starrbolt, go to the guild hall and get that leg looked at." Tizer said.
"'Tis only a scratch" Starr said. "I can manage."
Before they could disperse to go after Modar, an elven form materialized in the road before them.
The form took the shape of Ebonstarr.
"Well done, mighty Tel'Mithrim. You have averted the attack on your guild. I must talk with who
ordered this attack."
Riklaun brought his sword up and swung at Ebonstarr. The blade passed harmlessly through her
neck. "Oh, Riklaun, you're alive. You know, you cost me a really good slave. It will be hard to replace him.
Perhaps your Modar will do. I will be seeing you again Rik. " With that she faded from view.
The elves looked at each other in confusion.

"I knew the undead were not Ebonstarr's style. I wonder who is responsible?" Riklaun said.
"Come, we better get going." Riklaun and Starrbolt, along with Brisid and Nalynn went off to help Modar,
hopefully before Ebonstarr could get to him...
Chapter 17
Tizer and Riklaun spoke in hurried whispers, anxious to reach Modar before Ebonstarr made her
next move. Riklaun, along with Starrbolt, Nalynn, and Brisid decided to search for Modar.
"Rik, remember that Rand still has vital information concerning Ebonstarr's activities," Tizer
pointed out. "I will go on to Nightsedge to find him. I don't believe you two were on the best of terms
anyway."
Tizer glanced at Sheilandri and Dae Draug. "Will you two accompany me to Nightsedge? If this is
just another of Ebonstarr's tricks, we are more likely to prevail if we are a group."
The two Elves nodded and Tizer, Sheilandri, and Dae set out towards Nightsedge. After walking a
few paces, Dae stopped, chuckling, and informed the other two Elves that it would be faster to ride Klack,
his eagle, who was waddling awkwardly along the path beside them.
"Well that is indeed a bright idea!" Sheilandri giggled.
Even after the day's grueling battle, Tizer had to crack a smile at his silliness. They all climbed
upon Klack's giant saddle, and he soared upward towards the sky. From their vantage point, they could see
Nasher's castle, a small grey spec against the green of the forest and the blue of the ocean. They flew for
two hours and landed in Nightsedge.
Other than a bit of tangled hair from the blowing wind, each Elf was intact. As they approached the
west gate, they encountered a group of drunken Orcs, looking rather disheveled, marching towards them
with sword tips bared. Pulling an arrow from his quiver, Tizer notched his bow and shot the missile at the
orc leading the pack. It felled him in one blow.
However, the rest of the smelly bunch did not realize that their leader had fallen, and simply
continued marching, trampling his body in the process.
Sheilandri summoned a cone of freezing wind to blow the foul creatures away. Several got caught
up in it and they were tossed high into the sky, never to be seen again. "Well, that was effective, perhaps we
need a bit more power..." Dae pondered.
As the remaining Orcs advanced on the three Elves, Dae whispered a command in Klack's ear and
the giant bird rose to its hind legs and let out a deafening roar. It flapped its wings with awe-inspiring force,
and the Orcs could not hold their footing. They were blown backwards with such velocity that they were
skewered upon the tangled branches of the trees in Nightsedge's forest.
"Poor creatures... Why they even bother is beyond me," Tizer chuckled nervously. Sheilandri
winked at him and said, "They were drunk out of their heads. We probably appeared as mugs of ale in their
deluded eyes."
With the Orcs no longer a threat, the three Elves entered Nightsedge through the west gate. They
proceeded to the third house on the left and knocked three times quickly and twice slowly, as Riklaun was
instructed by Gmanfandan in the Rankled Boar Inn several days earlier. They waited several seconds, and
when there was no sound of activity coming from within, they again knocked three times quickly and twice
slowly. This time the door opened a crack and a raspy voice asked, "What is the password? I must have the
password to let you inside."
Tizer quietly spoke the word "Omens" and a hand appeared to gesture the trio inside...
Chapter 18
As Modar cast his Invisibility spell the confusion around him was slowing down. He knew that
some of the undead were likely to survive the encounter and he was determined to follow them to their
camp in hopes of finding out who was behind this dastardly attack. Just before he disappeared he flashed
hand signs at Tizer letting him know that he was going to follow the survivors and would leave a trail for
him to follow when ready.
At first, the Skeletal Riders were very easy to follow as they fled the scene of the crime. After a
few hours they began suspecting pursuit and Modar had to slow down to avoid detection. Using all of his

elven blood and experience in tracking and hiding in the woods would be essential to continuing
undetected.
As the day wore on into night, Modar started to realize that they were not taking the direct route to
wherever they were going. It may take several days for them to feel satisfied that they had lost their pursuer
and felt safe to go wherever they were going. Modar settled into the "tracking" frame of mind and was
determined to continue undetected..........
Modar quietly watched the skeletal riders as they milled about in a clearing looking for something.
He crouched behind a large rock watching intently. The Riders seemed nervous of something. Suddenly,
several Driders leapt into the clearing and attacked the Riders.
Modar saw this and ducked down, an involuntary reflex, because he was invisible. He leaned back
up to see the battle rage. "Where is Riklaun and the rest of the Bladesingers?" he thought.
* * * * *
In a secluded spot within the reaches of Neverwinter, Ebonstarr was furious. "Fool!" She said.
Ebonstarr hit Gaden Zra with the back of her hand and he dropped to one knee. "You alerted the Grey
Company to 'his' presence! You had him attack the Grey Company's guild hall!
"Luckily, they averted disaster and saved the guild." Gaden Zra stood back up, only to be hit again.
"Mercy, Mistress. I only meant to rid you of them. I thought you would be pleased." Gaden said.
"I am not pleased at all. I wanted the Grey Company to suffer, to feel pain. But now they are
alerted and following the Riders." Ebonstarr said. "But they will not find 'him' yet. I have seen to that. As
for you, I no longer wish you to live. Guards! Take him away."
Two Drow males stepped up and took Gaden Zra by the arms "Nooo! I beg of you!" He said. He
tried to break free of their grasp, but they held firm. One back handed Gaden and he fell unconscious. The
took his limp form out of the room. Ebonstarr brooded over the fact that she would now have to alter her
plans for vengeance.
* * * * *
Back in the clearing, the Riders were no match for the Driders. The latter outnumbered their
opponents five to one. One of the Driders motioned towards the woods and out came two Remorazes. They
came into the clearing and began chewing up the remains of the Riders. "I must find Riklaun." Modar
thought.
He turned to leave and there before him was a Drider! An inhuman scream came from the beast as
it reared up for the kill.
* * * * *
Maer followed silently after the invisible tracker, using his Tressym color change to blend in with
the surroundings.
As the Drider rose to strike down the startled Modar, a dart of sky-blue fur flashed past the
Drider's face. The beast screamed in pain and rage as it's eyes were torn from their sockets by the kittens
long claws.
Modar easily dispatched the blinded drow and glanced around the clearing. The feeling of claws
resting upon Modar's right shoulder caused him to jump slightly. A friendly purr in his ear eased his fears
slightly as he glanced into the bright eyes of the elven kitten.
Maer licked the tracker's face happily and then fluttered off into the forest.
Glancing behind occasionally, Modar could swear that he spotted a flash of blue every once in a
while.
* * * * *
After Modar had cleaned out his shorts, he was still visibly shaken. The close encounter with the
beast had shattered his normally iron courage. He decided that he must wander the woods until he felt that
his courage had returned to face another terrible challenge.
Modar looked through the trees searching for Ebonstarr. He was surprised when she appeared a
few feet behind him.
"Vedui' Modar. Aww, did I scare you?" the drow priestess said.
Modar returned a threat, but was surprised when he couldn't hear his words.

"Like my special little silencer? Don't worry about all of your defensive spells. Today I will let you
live."
The elf yelled, or tried to yell, another threat, but felt slightly foolish with Ebonstarr's spell stealing
the effect. As he raised his sword to attack, Ebonstarr trapped him in a magical spider web.
"We can't have you swinging that toy of yours now can we? When your sorry friends arrive, tell
them I'll be waiting for all of you with 'Rand'. Oh, and didn't your mommy ever potty train you? Aluve',
Modar. Until we meet again."
Chapter 19
Feeling relieved that Rand was still in this location, Tizer entered the building followed by
Sheilandri and Dae Draug. The room was dark and a foreboding silence surrounded the three Elves. Tizer's
infravision adjusted and he saw five forms glowing red in the inky blackness. He turned to shout a warning
to his companions just as he felt a heavy blow to his head and the world faded from view.
He awoke to see three stern-faced Drow leering at him through the dim light. Beside him sat
Sheilandri and Dae Draug, still unconscious, both bound to chairs, as was he. The three had been moved to
this room where the air smelled of mildew and decay. Before Tizer could survey his surroundings, one of
the Drow spoke up speaking the common tongue.
"To you three fools I offer greetings from Ebonstarr, our mistress." A Drow with an eye patch
stated.
Feeling a bit groggy, Tizer replied, "Greetings yourself, dark one. Where is Rand?"
"I'm afraid you arrived a bit too late. You see, your friend decided to... leave town... indefinitely."
The patched Drow chuckled.
Before he could learn more, Tizer felt a stinging sensation in his arm and once again the world
went black.
* * * * *
Sheil awakened to find herself unable to move. Glancing around she noticed that Tizer and Dae
were also restrained in the same manner. She tried to use her magic but the restraints kept her from moving
properly. Closing her eyes, Sheil sent her thoughts to her small blue kitten. "I need your help friend. Please
come as quick as you can."
A short while later Dae and Tizer both woke up, and the three of them stared at their drow captors.
Sheil noticed that two of the drow were sleeping and the third one seemed to be nodding off every few
seconds as he struggled to keep watch.
Awhile later Sheil smiled as all three drow were sleeping. Something furry brushed against her
right arm causing her to jump slightly. "Tis me, bonded, I shall have ye free in but a moment." Maer spoke
into her mind as he swiftly untied her bonds.
Once Sheil was free, she untied Dae and Tizer and the three of them stood in silence glaring at
their drow captors. Maer fluttered silently about over their heads waiting to see what would happen next.
Dae smiled as he was freed from his bonds. Glaring at those who dared bind him, he let out a
wolfish growl. The growl woke the sleeping drow, however two of them only saw the wild elf's twirling
blades before death took them. The remaining drow warrior, wearing an eye patch, leaped to his feet. Dae
could easily have taken the drow's head, however he faked being off balance long enough to allow the
remaining drow to dive through the door way.
Quickly, the wild elf touched the symbol of a flame upon his left arm and the symbol of an eye
upon his right. Under the disguise of a flame arrow, Dae cast a flickering faerie fire onto the fleeing drow.
The bolts impact left the dark elf's back scorched, however the great effect being the bright copper glow
which outlined the drow against the darkness. The faerie fire, only visible to Dae and his two companions,
left a beacon for the trio to follow as they rushed from their "prison" and mounted Klack.
Soaring above the trees, Dae guided Klack on the silent mission to discover where the drow would
run to. From behind him, Dae could hear Sheil whispering arcane words to keep the wind from revealing
their location. Tizer, completes his own incantation and the three elves, Klack and the blue flying kitten
vanish from sight as they follow after the drow with ease.

Chapter 20
Riklaun strode through the forest on the trail of Modar. He was at point, Starrbolt was second,
Brisid third, and Nalynn at the rear. They moved quickly and purposefully, wanting to get to Modar before
Ebonstarr did.
They had gone for over an hour when they came upon the glade where a fight had taken place. Rik
fanned everyone out around the glade. Cautiously, he entered it searching for clues.
"Looks like the skeletal riders were ambushed here," suggested Brisid. Suddenly, Nalynn called
out.
"Over here!" she yelled.
The elves moved over to where she was and saw the remains of the Drider on the ground. They
saw the claw marks across the driders face and the gash on its belly. Starrbolt examined area and saw tracks
lead off into the woods.
"This way. " Starrbolt said and moved off. The elves followed Modar's trail through the woods as
he had followed the driders.
After a few minutes Brisid started to cough. Nalynn moved over to him, "Are you okay?" she
asked.
"It is nothing. Just a dry cough." he replied, coughing again.
The elves came upon a road leading through the woods. The driders tracks stayed well away from
it, leading deeper into the north-western part of the woods.
Brisid brought his hand up to his mouth, coughed and wiped it off on his breeches.
"You are not all right," said Nalynn, concerned for her friend. "You just hacked up something
purple!"
Brisid turned around to her and Nalynn gasped in shock. His face was ashen and pale. His eyes
rolled back into his skull and he collapsed. Nalynn caught him and screamed.
Rik and Starrbolt came over. "Brisid!" Riklaun said. "We might've underestimated the poison. It
looks as if he has not fully gotten rid of it yet. We need to get him to a bed quickly!"
Starrbolt mentioned that he knew of a place nearby, so he and Riklaun picked up Brisid's limp
form, and the elves headed west.
* * * * *
After a short while the woods seemed to brighten. Brisid had regained consciousness and was able
to walk slowly with the others, leaning on Rik for support. Sunshine broke through the canopy of trees and
revealed a glade.
The clearing had a garden in it and a house to one side. An elf was tending the garden and looked
up at the weary travelers. She wore a blue raiment that showed her to be a moon elf. Her bronze skin
contrasted well against her snowy white hair. A flute tucked in her belt completed the ensemble. She stood
to meet her visitors.
"Quel du, mellonamin, mae goveannen." she said with a smile. Starrbolt walked up and hugged
her. Riklaun grinned.
"Oio naa elealle alasse'" Starrbolt returned.
Nalynn looked at Riklaun, perplexed. She had not yet mastered the elven language. Rik looked at
her and smiled again. The female elf moved over to where Riklaun was.
"Vedui' Rik, it has been a long time," she said.
"Yes, it has Ilustriel. Nalynn, I'd like you to meet Ilustriel, former Tel'Mithrim," Riklaun said.
Through all the excitement of meeting her old friends, Ilustriel just then looked at Brisid and
gasped. "Come bring him inside, I can help him."
The elves moved Brisid, whose mind was spinning, inside the house and laid him down on a bed.
As Riklaun explained Brisid's experiences with Ebonstarr, Ilustriel went over to the kitchen and started
mixing a salve. Nalynn went to her and pulled out a small packet. "This is what is left of the antidote that
was given him. Perhaps it can help."
Ilustriel took the package and opened it. She took a whiff of the antidote.
"This stuff is impure. Perhaps that is why he has fallen ill again. I will purify it."
While Ilustriel began purifying the salve, Starrbolt looked around the house admiring what had
been done since his last visit. "So, where is your husband, Ilustriel?" he asked.

"He is out playing in the woods." Ilustriel said. "He should be back soon."
Starrbolt just laughed. "Playful as ever I see. Will he ever give up the adventuring spirit and settle
down?"
"Perhaps in a few decades," Ilustriel said as she smiled. She continued to mix the salve when a
commotion could be heard outside. Laughter filled the glade. The elves looked up to see an elf enter the
house, bearing no weaponry. A small elfling followed him in.
"Mommy, look what daddy did!" The small boy held up his hand to Ilustriel when he noticed the
company in the house.
The elfling's father stepped up to the visitors and said, "Vedui' melloneamin!"
"Quel undome, Lywnis!" responded Starrbolt.
"Vedui', Lywnis," Riklaun responded in turn. Nalynn sighed, clueless to the conversation.
"Hello, my name's Nalynn," she volunteered.
"Mae govannen, Nalynn.," Lywnis said and turned to the elfling.
"Endril, I'd like you to meet some of daddy's and mommy's friends. Everyone, this is our son,
Endril."
Riklaun says, "Ahh, named after a former captain of Tel'Mithrim?"
Ilustriel nods. "Yes, we just thought it'd be appropriate. Okay, the antidote for Brisid's ailment
won't be done until tonight, so if you'll wait an hour, dinner will be ready then. We're having...What did you
catch, honey?" she said, facing her husband.
"Um, I got a boar..."
"We're having poached boar tonight. It'll be fantastic!"
Brisid awoke as Ilustriel entered the dark room. He squinted as she created a small magical light.
"How're you doing, Brisid? I have something for you," holding out a vial filled with a black liquid.
"Oh, I've been better. What is that?" he asked.
"It's my own special healing potion," the moon elf responded.
Brisid looked at it the murky liquid skeptically but drank it, grimacing as it burned down his throat.
"It may not taste good, but it will do its job."
"If you say so."
"So, how're things with Tel'Mithrim?"
"The guild is doing well, but of course there're holes when you and Lywnis... eloped."
"Well, we didn't want a large ceremony, and we didn't think raising an elfling in Neverwinter, with
all its problems, would be a good idea.
"Agreed. The embroideries are beautiful," Brisid said, motioning to the many wall decorations,
barely visible in the dim light
"Thank you! Well, while Lywnis is doing, oh... what he does in the forest, and while I'm not
cooking, cleaning, taking care of Endril or tending to my garden, I embroider. This is one I'm working on,"
she responded, lifting a piece of cloth with the beginnings of a picture of a bow and arrow.
"Beautiful" Brisid repeated.
"I wish I had gotten to know you better before I left."
"Well, I had just joined. I was young and a little shy back then..."
Ilustriel nodded. "Well, I should let you sleep. I'll stay here for awhile to make sure you're okay."
"Thanks, Ilustriel," Brisid said as she took a seat near the door.
Silence filled the room and Brisid became drowsy. The last thing he saw before sleep claimed him
was Ilustriel gently tugging on her embroidery, trying to pull a stubborn knot through the dark cloth.
Chapter 21
As Tizer, Sheilandri and Dae Draug flew over the forest on Klack, Dae's giant eagle, they were
constantly watching for the glowing form of the Drow trotting through the woods. "He must think that he's
lost us... His pace has slowed." Sheilandri observed.
"Well that is best. Now maybe he will return to wherever it is he came from," Tizer responded.
From the back of the eagle, the three could see for miles and the landscape was aglow from the
light of the moon. A thin layer of mist covered the canopy of tree tops. It added to the aura of magic that
surrounded the forest of Neverwinter, but also helped to conceal the fugitive Drow.

* * * * *
After flying for an hour or so, the purple glow of the faerie fire spell stopped moving. Dae
commanded Klack to fly down closer to the tops of the trees where they could get a better look of what was
transpiring. A slow smile crossed Tizer's lips as he saw the Drow with the eye patch twist a tree branch on
an old, dead oak. The tree upended and a tunnel was revealed. The three Elves could see a very short way
down the tunnel with their infravision, but it was obvious that a closer investigation was in order.
The great eagle landed in a clearing about a mile from the site of the secret entrance. All three of
them knew that it most likely led to the dark depths of Menzoberranzan. As Tizer, Sheil, and Dae
dismounted Klack, Maer Cath, Sheil's Tressym kitten, flew around her head in a swift circles. It nuzzled her
ear and flew off towards the west.
"Maer has heard voices! They speak the common tongue and they are coming from the West. She
says they are small in number but she is flying ahead to decide if they pose an immediate threat." Sheil
informed the other two Elves.
"Well, the tunnel lies to the East, what shall we do?" Dae asked.
Sheil pondered for a moment then pointed east. "We should try to keep up with the drow. Maer
will check out the voices to the west and tell me who or what they are."
Dae nodded and took the lead walking towards the tree that the drow entered. The trio moved
easily through the woods and soon arrived at the location of underground entrance.
Tizer searched for a moment and found the trigger to open the tree. Pulling on the branch, the
group backed away as the tree tilted back and revealed the long stone stairway below it.
* * * * *
Maer fluttered silently through the trees until he spotted a group of humans around a campfire. As
he landed silently upon a branch, the kitten listened intently to their conversation.
"She said that the elves would show up here."
"I still would like to know why she wants us to kill them."
"She paid us a king's ransom in gold, that is reason enough for me."
"It still bothers me."
Maer repeated the conversation to Sheil. Sheil told him to come find them at the tree and he
fluttered off through the forest. A few minutes later the kitten arrived and landed on his companion's
shoulder. The three elves and the blue Tressym all descended the stone stair quietly as the tree slid back
over the entrance.
* * * * *
Back at the human's camp, a female drow strode into the firelight. "You fools. They have already
passed by you. You have ceased to be of use to me." Ebonstarr snapped her fingers and the sacks of gold
flew to her hand. As she left the clearing, the drow turned and hurtled a flaming ball into the camp.
"Should have known better than trust humans to do anything right." She muttered as she vanished
from sight.
Chapter 22
The elves finished dinner and they went outside. Ilustriel got a bowl and some water and went to
the bed where Brisid lay. She began wiping his brow.
Outside, Lywnis's son played. The boy saw Rik and went up to him, boy's eyes gleamed. "You are
really the Swordmaster?" he asked. Riklaun nodded and moved over to him. He knelt down to the boy.
"Here," Rik said, "This is the badge of office I wear." He pulled out a small badge that said
Swordmaster, Grey Company.
The boy frowned. "Anyone can get that made. Show me something else."
"Now, that is not what we say, Endril." Lywnis interjected.
"That is okay. Starrbolt, care to help out?" Rik said. Starrbolt smiled, got up and pulled his sword
out. Riklaun did likewise. They circled each other. Starrbolt feinted right and stabbed. Riklaun dodged left
and twirled around. The swords clanged together.
"You are no match for me Riklaun! " Starrbolt said jokingly.

"Hah!" Rik said. He lunged and Starrbolt stepped out of the way and brought the flat of his blade
against Rik's back. "Point!" Starrbolt said.
The two elves faced off again and this time Riklaun led with a series of thrusts and parried that
backed Starrbolt into the tree line. He lunged in and struck Starrbolt with a slap to the leg. "Point!" he cried.
They moved back toward the center of the clearing and Starrbolt tried a bit of trickery, he brought
his blade down on Riklaun while they were walking. Rik quickly unsheathed his second scimitar and parried
it, while he turned and slapped his other sword against Starrbolt's right thigh. "Point. Win."
The boy was awed. He watched as the two elves congratulated the other. The elves talked for a
while. A crash came from inside the house. Lywnis got up and rushed toward the house. He stopped when
Ilustriel stepped into the doorway. Her hair was a mess and her eyes glowed red. Her face showed a look of
torment.
"Stay back!" she yelled. The voice seemed all wrong for Ilustriel. Lywnis did not heed the warning
and came up to her. "Templa Pilini!" she yelled and Lywnis went sprawling.
Endril yelled, "Mommy!" and tried to run to her. Nalynn grabbed him and held him tight.
"Infidels!" Ilustriel said, "You cannot help Brisid. He is beyond your help. I control him and will
never let him rest." She laughed mockingly. Riklaun drew both swords and Starrbolt did likewise. "Harm
me, and you harm poor Ilustriel." An evil cackle followed.
"Ebonstarr! You get out of her." Riklaun commanded. He started an incantation.
"Why? This is so much fun." Ilustriel/Ebonstarr lifted her hand and admired it. "Such pale skin.
Kind of like yours, Albino. But you need to get a darker tan. Bragollach tel'llach!!!" Riklaun had just
finished his spell when Ebon's fireball flew. Nalynn dropped down, covering the boy from the exploding
flames.
Riklaun stood defiant against the flames as they licked his body. The spell had protected him.
Ilustriel looked at Riklaun. "Well, you were prepared. No matter." She stepped off the porch and headed
towards Riklaun.
Starrbolt yelled, "No you don't!" and rushed her. She cast a sideways glance at him and he slowed
down. The others in the glade also moved slower.
"There. They are out of the picture. I moved us into a different reality so we would not be
interrupted. You know, this mind really has some wonderful things in it. Maybe I should share some of it
with you ."
"I do not wish to harm Ilustriel." Riklaun said.
"Funny, she seems to want to harm you." Ilustriel said. She whipped out a dagger and swiped
across Rik's face. He backed up a moment too late, and a gash opened up on his cheek. "Oh, how nice.
taken by surprise. Did you know her passion is playing this flute?" Ilustriel pulled out a finely crafted elven
flute. She dropped it to the ground and crushed it under her foot. Riklaun started to cast a hold spell.
Ilustriel stopped him by throwing a lightning bolt into him.
Outside the battle, Starrbolt was looking at the space where Riklaun and Ilustriel were. He could
not see into the globe surrounding them. As he peered, he saw a bright flash. He twisted at the last second to
avoid the lightning bolt come out of the globe.
"By the way Rik, she had an affair with Carnaldave once. Thought it was really good." Ilustriel
said. "Just kidding...." Ilustriel cast another spell. Riklaun evaded it.
Riklaun stepped up to Ilustriel to let her have a swipe with the dagger. As she swung, He grabbed
her arm and twisted her around. He grabbed her other arm and held her to himself. "Now we wait your spell
out, Ebon."
"Aww. What would Lywnis think? You holding his wife so close." Ilustriel said.
"What have you done to Brisid, Ebon?" Rik asked.
"Nothing that shouldn't have been done a long time ago." She said. "I gave him his own personal
nightmare: me." Ilustriel squirmed in him grip. "Damn, do you have to hold so tight?"
An hour passed and Riklaun still held Ilustriel. The two elves still remained in the globe. Outside,
Nalynn had let Endril go to his father. She went inside to check on Brisid. His face was still pale. Nalynn
knelt down beside his bed and lifted his hand. A tear came up in her eye and rolled down her cheek. She
leaned on the bed and Brisid's head lolled to one side.
Nalynn noticed a thin red line on his neck. "Brisid!"

Chapter 23
The thin red line Nalynn noticed slowly became a small rill of blood, trickling from Brisid's neck.
Horrified, she quickly removed her jacket, and pressed the soft cloth firmly over the wound as she scanned
the room for a more suitable pressure dressing. NOTHING!!! Nothing within arm's reach. She called for
Lywnis & Endril "Come quickly! I need assistance with BriSid's wound - the foul witch has tried to mortally
wound him! I dare not leave his side--come now!"
Fearful of the globed elves, Endril, brave little Endril, tentatively peeked inside the door. He saw
Nalynn bent over BriSid, a blue, but rapidly turning red cloth under her hands pressed against BriSid's neck.
"Papa! Come quickly! Nalynn is trying to kill BriSid! We must help! Ebonstarr has taken possession of the
lady too!"
Alarmed, Lywnis rushed past his son, prepared to take whatever steps necessary to save his friend
and Guildsman. Sword drawn, he stopped just short of the bed, pausing to assess the situation. "Lywnis!
Stop! Endril misunderstands! Ebonstarr has slashed BriSid's neck, and thought she could hide the wound
until his life force was drained from him. I have stanched the blood flow temporarily, but I need your help!"
Lywnis sheathed his sword, turning briefly to his son "Endril, she is not possessed, but we must do
what we can to help her before BriSid is lost to us. Keep an eye on Ilustriel and Riklaun while I help
Nalynn. Watch for signs that the globe is dissipating." Endril nodded grimly and took up his post by the
door.
"Milady," Lywnis said, "What wouldst thou have me do?"
"OK, first, my jacket is filled with blood. Get me a towel from the linen drawer over there, that I
may replace this makeshift dressing." Lywnis moved quickly. Nalynn deftly replaced the bloodsoaked
jacket with the towel, made of finest Elfin linen. "Next, reach into my cloak and bring me the sewing bag
concealed in the front left pocket."
Lywnis searched frantically, "Blast, Nalynn! How many pockets do you have in this thing
anyway!" He finally located the bag and brought it over to her. "Now, open it and pull out the jar containing
the magenta colored powder...'tis a mix of arrowroot and hens' bane. Mix a small amount of the powder
with water to make a paste." Lywnis, so clumsy with cooking matters, moved swiftly nevertheless. When
the paste was prepared he approached the bedside.
"Now, quickly and gently, spread the paste over the wound as I remove this dressing. We will
work from one end of the wound to the other." Puzzled, Lywnis began following her instructions "what will
this do, Nalynn?" "Tis a temporary solution Lywnis, but it will briefly seal this wound while I prepare my
needle and thread." The two elves worked in tandem, until the wound was completely sealed.
Nalynn grabbed her sewing bag and rummaged quickly through it. "Ah, here it is!" she cried in
triumph as she removed a gleaming platinum needle from its fine leather sheath. Lywnis gazed in wonder
and alarm as she also removed a small Electric Spider from her pocket. "Fear not, Lywnis, it is under my
spell!" She uttered mysterious sounds, not Elfish, but not the language of the Seekers either - in fact, it
sounded strangely musical - a song without words. The spider began to dance and as it did so, it spun a
magical strand of thread, which Nalynn quickly gathered up. She tucked the spider back into her pocket and
threaded the platinum needle. Continuing her song, she gently stitched BriSid's neck wound. As the thread
pierced his skin, the makeshift paste dissolved, leaving neat tiny stitches in its place.
Finishing her work, she placed a light bandage over the wound. "I can do no more now, Lywnis.
We can only pray that we were not too late." Lywnis nodded solemnly, admiring her calmness under duress
and the meticulous stitchery.
"Nalynn, I have heard tales of your skills as a seamstress. But I am honored today to have
witnessed you at your craft firsthand." She blushed at the unexpected compliment just as they heard Endril
shriek.
"Papa! The globe is disappearing!"
* * * * *
Starrbolt stood with his sword unsheathed a few feet from the magical globe that separated
realities. He heard Nalynn's call for help and told Lywnis he would stay and watch for the globe to expire. A
minute later little Endril came out, mustered up his most courageous face and stood beside Starrbolt.
"What did Ebonstarr do to Brisid?" he asked.

"The mean lady cut his neck," the elfling responded, moving his fingers across his throat for
emphasis.
"I hope he's..." Starrbolt began as a figure straggled out of the woods. "Modar! What happened?"
"It's a long story. I'll tell it to you over dinner. You haven't eaten yet, have you? I smell poached
boar. That's how I found this place. My nose and my stomach led me," Modar said. His friend chuckled.
"Thinking of your stomach after..."
"The globe's disappearing!" Endril yelled.
Starrbolt turned to the elfling. "Endril, go back inside the house. Modar, you fit for battle?"
Modar nodded, "I guess I can wait for dinner a few minutes. What are we fighting?"
"I don't know," Starrbolt said as he and Modar raised their swords, ready to welcome any
unpleasant surprises awaiting inside the globe.
* * * * *
"You know, when your actions took me out of Lloth's favor," Ebonstarr/Ilustriel said
conversationally, "I had made many mistakes. Since then I've learned many things, such as: 'Violence is not
always the key to success.' This time the mistakes will be yours."
"So you think, Ebon. Once your spell ends we will get you out of Ilustriel and stop your vile
schemes," Riklaun spat.
"Ahh. 'Talk of the devil.' as some humans say?" the drow remarked as she noticed her spell
beginning to fade. "Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but other duties call. Aluve', Riklaun."
Ilustriel went limp in Riklaun's arms. Her hair fell away from her neck and Riklaun noticed a small
scar running below her ear.
* * * * *
"I'm going outside to help Starrbolt. Maybe you'd better stay here with Brisid, Nalynn," Lywnis
suggested when he heard Endril's yell. Before Nalynn could respond, the elf was already out the door.
Sighing, she took Brisid's hand in hers and squeezed. The hand squeezed back and Nalynn almost jumped
out of her chair. "Brisid! You're awake! How do you feel?"
Brisid opened his eyes slowly. "I feel... fine," he responded slowly, as if he had never heard the
question before.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! Didn't I just say I was?" Brisid yelled back, then, regaining his composure, apologized
calmly. "We must go," he stated, unsteadily standing up despite Nalynn's protests.
"What!?! Where? You were sitting bleeding in that bed five minutes ago and you want to leave?"
Brisid paused for a second, thinking. He finally said, "Trust me. Pl...Please, Nalynn." He stumbled
on the words as if they were foreign to him.
"Okay," Nalynn agreed reluctantly. They walked out of the room and Endril saw them coming out.
"Uncle Brisid, you're okay!" Endril yelled and slowly collapsed into slumber on the floor. Nalynn
looked to him and then to Brisid who had his arms raised from spellcasting.
"What did you do?..." Nalynn trailed off as realization struck her like an arrow. "You're not Brisid!
You're Ebonstarr!"
She started to run away when Brisid murmured, "Amin vasa lle sinta." Nalynn stopped as her mind
went blank. Brisid grabbed the feebleminded elf and pulled her out the back door and into the darkening
woods beyond.
Chapter 24
Riklaun eased Ilustriel to the ground. He quickly checked the mark on her neck.
"The line is deep enough to be life threatening." Lywnis moved over to his wife and gently picked
her up. He carried her towards the house, making sure to hold pressure on the bleeding wound.
"Modar," Riklaun said, "Glad to see you. Any success?"
"No, the Skeletal Riders were attacked by driders," Modar said. "They were in a glade not far from
here. The driders were with a couple of Remorazes. When I turned to leave to get you, I was attacked by
Ebonstarr. She caused my trail to disappear."
"That's okay, we can pick up the trail again." Riklaun said.

"Rik! Get in here!" Lywnis cried from the house. The elves rushed into the house to find Endril
sleeping on the floor. Brisid and Nalynn were gone. Lywnis knelt by his boy. Ilustriel was on the bed with a
cloth covering the wound. After a few minutes, Endril woke.
"Daddy! He took her! Mean Uncle Brisid cast a spell on me!"
"It seems Ebonstarr is body hopping. Brisid would never do that unless he was controlled."
Riklaun said. "He must be taking her to Ebon's hideaway. Lywnis, will you come with us?"
"No, I cannot old friend. I have to take care of my family. But I will give you some help. Come."
Lywnis walked out of his house and put his hands to his mouth. He made a strange bird call. After
a short while, a raven glided down and rested on his outstretched arm. He spoke in hushed tones to the bird.
The bird leapt to the air as Lywnis called out to it, "And do not peck his eyes out, he is under a spell!"
Lywnis turned back to Riklaun, "The raven is Lady Nalynn's protector. I gave him to her a long
time ago, back during her first few days as an elf. He has been with her ever since. Although lately he has
settled down with his own family, so he has not been near.
"Riklaun, I wish the best of luck to you. Take this vial, It will allow you to talk to the raven. I have
to see to Ilustriel. The wound is deep, but I have stanched the blood flow." Lywnis said.
"I understand." Riklaun gave him a hearty handshake. "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye
omentuva."
* * * * *
Dinalqua awoke with a start. Looking through the window, she noticed it was well past noon.
Despite her attempts to do otherwise, she had fallen asleep in the comfortable padded chair in the Grey
Company guild hall. She had heard about the Skeletal Rider attack but nothing of later events. Waiting for
many hours for some news had driven her to boredom, and sleep had pulled at her eyelids constantly.
She slowly stood up, restoring the circulation to her limbs and walked over to a mirror. She almost
shrieked as she saw her reflection. Her long blonde hair was disheveled about her face, and her pink cloak
was terribly wrinkled from her elfin chain mail. As she tried to persuade her hair into a decent arrangement,
four elves entered the room.
"Quel undome ," a male said. She looked at them and saw that two of them were twins.
"Vedui'," she said, slightly flustered with her appearance. The elves moved over to a table and set a
large bag on it.
"We have not seen you around here. Are you Grey Company?" one asked. Dinalqua nodded.
"Then let us make proper introductions. I am Tarion Peredhil, and that one, hunched over the gold, is my
Brother Edan." Tarion and Edan both looked alike, as they were twins. "This is the lovely Jem Val'istar."
The elf he pointed out had beautiful features. He then introduced Caran Pinnath. Dinalqua thought this last
elf was sly looking and seemed almost evil. But his expressions were of kindness. He was the thief of the
group.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Dinalqua."
"Dinalqua... A beautiful name. We come to seek membership into the guild. Can you help us?
What do you require for membership? Tarion asked. Before she could give an answer, a young elf burst
through the door. He saw Dinalqua and went up to her.
"Dina, Riklaun needs help." Randow looked and nodded at the other elves in the room. He told
Dina the story thus far as to what has happened. The other elves listened in earnest. "Can you come? We
must hurry if we are to catch up to them."
Dinalqua brushed her hair one last time and began to pack. "Yes, I'll help. Where are all the other
Grey Company members? "
"They are scouting out the area for signs of the ITB's. It is rumored that they plan to attack
Neverwinter again. They tried last year and were repelled by the Good-aligned guilds." The other elves
heard this and Tarion went over to Randow.
"Say, how much help can this Riklaun use? We are capable and willing to fight for our potential
new guild." The other elves agreed.
Randow said, "Okay, then, let's get going. He will need all the help he can get."
The elves packed for the journey when Edan walked up to Randow and asked, "So, why does
Riklaun need help?" Randow proceeded to tell him the whole story about Ebonstarr.
* * * * *

Brisid edged into a clearing. Nalynn stumbled behind him. He looked around for any signs of
pursuit. Seeing none, he went up to a tree. He pulled on a branch and stepped back. The tree lifted back to
reveal a passageway into the ground.
Nalynn, oblivious to what was happening, gazed into the sky. She watched a giant eagle circling
the clearing. Brisid grabbed her arm and said, "Come on." She tried to mutter something, but had forgotten
words.
She pointed to the sky as she was being dragged into the earth. "B-b-b-b..." she muttered.
"What?" Brisid asked. He looked around and saw nothing. Nalynn kept looking up and then saw a
smaller bird fly into view. The bird was pitch black. It swooped toward the tree as the door began to shut.
Brisid was already halfway down the stairs when the tree finally closed. The raven landed softly on the
ground, just inside the entrance.
Chapter 25
Nalynn gazed at BriSid in horror as she realized that Ebonstarr had taken possession of his body.
Before she could protect herself, there was a brilliant flash of light, followed by a darkness so profound she
was unable to comprehend its completeness. A momentary panic engulfed her before the witch's spell began
to weave through her. She was vaguely aware of her body. She tried to speak, only to discover she was
unable to utter a sound. She sensed movement -- her body was moving, though she could not feel her legs.
Struggling against the powerful magic, she fought in vain to break away, only to be overcome by a
wave of pleasurable sensations penetrating her brain and body.
As the magic possessed her more completely, she gave up her fight and relaxed, rapt in the visions
which now began to flit across her mind's eye.
His face loomed before her, she recognized it, though she knew not why. A handsome creature,
fine features, broad shoulders, a kind and gentle smile.
"Who are you?" she asked. "I am Braldt, thy husband. At long last, I see you again, my beloved
wife."
He took her in his arms, kissing her deeply and lovingly. She yielded to his embrace, allowing his
passion to overtake her. Such sweet ecstasy! She could not recall sensations so pleasurable. "Braldt, my
beloved husband! I remember you now," she murmured as he withdrew from her. Facing him once again,
she reached out to him, but the sensation of movement again assaulted her mind and his image began to fade
from her view. "No!" she cried,
"Don't leave me again! I cannot bear the pain if you are taken from me again!"
"Nalynn, my beloved, don't forget me! We shall be rejoined if you will give yourself to Lloth!"
There were fields, lovely fields of ripening grain; orchards bearing wondrous fruits the like of
which she'd never seen before. Somewhere in the distance, she heard trees sighing as the vista changed
again to a deep forest. A bird cried out, in a voice most familiar. She gazed into the sky and glimpsed a
great eagle but it was not he who spoke. A smaller bird off to the side--a raven.
"Nalynn!" it cried out to her mind "Help is on the way. Do not give in to Ebonstarr's powers! Fight,
or all will be lost!"
As she struggled to understand, darkness once again engulfed her as she fell into a whirling vortex
of sight and sound. Brilliant colors and exquisite music surrounded her. She plummeted through a tunnel,
saw jewels of unspeakable beauty and splendor. Deeper and deeper she went, lost in a wonderland which
brought tears to her eyes as she tried to grasp the meaning of this strange world.
"The jewels, the music" a voice whispered, "All of this shall be yours if you give yourself to
Lloth."
She came to rest in a large cavern studded with jewels and draped with fine silks and soft pillows.
The hand which had led her to this place withdrew from her hand as she fell onto a bed as soft as the finest
Eider feathers in the realm. The chamber was warm and comfortable; she tried to move but found herself
still unable to do so.
Light flooded into the chamber through a door, which she could swear had not been there a
moment ago. Through it, he came. "Braldt!", she cried out, "You have returned to me!"
"Aye Nalynn, 'tis I. This is my home - and yours now too. Ebonstarr has been most kind to me, and
she wishes this to be your home as well." He knelt upon the bed and took her in his arms. "Love me,

Nalynn! I've hungered so long for your touch, your body, which is rightfully mine, despite your betrayal of
our marriage."
She gazed at him incredulously. "Yes, I know of your marriage to Torm. Ebonstarr told me all
about it. I do not blame thee. I'm only disappointed that you had so little faith in our being reunited. But that
is behind us now. We are together again. There is only one last thing you must do to assure that we stay
together always."
"Anything, my beloved husband." she whispered, "I'll do anything to remain with you."
"You must pledge your loyalty to Lloth." he explained as he began removing her garments. "I will
help you, as I promised Ebonstarr I would." He embraced her once again and made love to her.
Nalynn shuddered with pleasure and arousal at the touches of her husband. Lost in the light of his
love, she opened her eyes to gaze at him. His eyes were ablaze with a fire of scarlet and gold, the handsome
face gone, replaced by a horrific visage - a Fire Elemental! She screamed as realization overtook her. "No!
You are not my husband!" she cried, struggling now to escape the demon's burning grasp.
The demon grinned maliciously as he ravaged her. "Give yourself to us, Lady Nalynn. Do not turn
away! Look deep into the eyes of your new mistress, Lloth!"
Her muffled screams echoed through the caverns as her mind tried to grasp the terror. Then, the
blessed oblivion of unconsciousness overtook her as the only escape from a horror too terrible to face.
Chapter 26
As Tizer, Sheilandri and Dae Draug were surveying the underground caverns, Tizer heard muffled
shouts coming from far up the stairway.
"We have been discovered!" Dae whispered worriedly.
Glancing down the passageway where he had heard voices, Tizer looked around for some cover.
However, with the exception of the lone table, the cavern was empty. Sheilandri ran to the openings of
several passages and looked down them only to see hallways disappearing into blackness where her
infravision reached its limit. Maer Cath flew to the ceiling of the cave and examined the stalactites. He then
dove down onto Sheil's shoulder to tell her something.
"Mellonea, Maer has an idea!" Sheilandri excitedly told the two Elves. "Tizer, can you shoot an
acid arrow at that large stalactite over the main entrance? It worked quite efficiently on that Roc outside the
Rankled Boar Inn. If we can block the entrance, there may be time to escape down one of the passages."
"That is an excellent idea! We should upend the table to protect us from the stone shards that will
surely fly in all directions." Dae added.
The three Elves positioned the table against the edge of one wall directly to the right of the main
entrance. They all took cover behind the piece of furniture, which was made out of hickory and very strong.
Then they all sat with baited breath as the steps and the shouts got ever louder from the main
stairwell. As they got closer, Tizer noticed that one was a female and one was male. At first, he considered
that the female was Ebonstarr, but the voice was stuttering inanely, so he reconsidered.
"Do either of you hear the flapping of wings farther up the stairs?" Dae inquired.
"No, I'm afraid I don't..." Tizer replied, puzzled.
"I don't hear anything either." Sheilandri said, "Klack could not have fit into such a small
passageway."
"No, but something smaller could have...." Dae pondered.
The footsteps came ever closer and Tizer started to prepare his spell. He took a pinch of powdered
sulphur from his component pouch on his belt and sprinkled it over the head of one of his arrows. He then
made several arcane gestures with his hands and spoke with words, "naara'pelini'". His arrow was aglow
with a green light and he put it to his bow string. As the voices became louder, he fired his arrow at the
giant stalactite hanging from the ceiling and hit it at the base. After a minute or so, the three Elves saw
pebbles dropping to the ground, but the large stone only moved slightly.
"It is not enough..." Sheilandri murmured.
She quickly waved her hands and spoke the words, "templa pilini'". A bolt of magical force flew
from her hands to the hanging stone and it exploded in a burst of energy upon impact. As the sound of the
footsteps increased in volume, the stalactite swung silently to and fro three times. Just as it released from the
ceiling, the three Elves watched with horror as Nalynn and Brisid stepped into its path.

* * * * *
"So, puppet, how does it feel to be helpless?" Ebonstarr's voice spoke to Brisid's trapped mind.
"Get out of my head, witch!" thought Brisid back in retort.
"Now, now, that's not the way to speak to your controller. I can do many things to you. Many
painful things..." the drow's voice trailed off as Brisid, or rather, his body arrived at a strange tree. He saw
his hand raise and push a hidden switch and a door in the tree opened revealing a steep stairway
disappearing into the darkness.
Looking back he saw the befuddled Nalynn gazing around. His hand grabbed her arm and shoved
her inside the tree. He followed after her, switching to his limited surface-elf infravision. He watched as
Nalynn, muttering gibberish, almost walked into a wall still with her normal vision. He felt himself steer her
down the cave.
As the door behind him finally shut, he heard a quiet flapping of wings. Ebonstarr hadn't noticed,
and he wasn't about let her find out by dwelling on it. Instead, he concentrated on the path and saw a larger
cavern up ahead. Nalynn kept mumbling, oblivious to her situation. A slight sizzle echoed throughout the
cave. Someone was in that cavern. Ebonstarr didn't seem to have noticed it either--she hadn't spoken to him
in quite awhile. Brisid hoped she was preoccupied. As he approached the opening, a large stalactite near the
portal swung many times and broke from the ceiling. Ebonstarr's mind snapped back into him with surprise,
but the surprise made her lose control of his body. Brisid quickly shoved Nalynn through the opening and
jumped back to avoid the falling spike. He just hoped whomever was in the room was better than he under
Ebonstarr's spell.
Ebonstarr swore in terms Brisid remembered from defeated opponents.
"Brisid," the witch said after she had calmed down, "I had planned on sedating you with a couple
of darts, but your interference has changed my mind."
Brisid unwillingly turned to face a wall. He couldn't stop his hands from raising to a spell-casting
position. He couldn't prevent the words of a spell from coming from memory, voiced through his mouth.
And he couldn't scream as his lightning bolt deflected off the cave wall into and through his body. The only
favor Ebonstarr granted him was losing consciousness.
* * * * *
Higher up in the stairway, a magical door opened spilling a dim light into the passageway. Three
dark figures appeared. They moved stealthily in the blackness, not out of necessity but of habit. They glared
at the unconscious surface elf with hatred and would have slit his throat had not their orders been precise.
Two hoisted the elf on their shoulders and departed. The remaining drow dropped a note onto the ground,
and as he walked back through the door, it closed, plunging the cave back into darkness.
Chapter 27
Sheil gasped as her wind blast knocked the stalagmite from its place. As the huge spear of rock
plunged toward the stone floor, Nalynn stood below the falling stalagmite for just a moment, before Brisid
shoved her into the room and jumped back. Dae caught Nalynn as she tumbled toward the floor.
Dae, Sheil, and Tizer all gazed back toward the stair way and noted that the stalagmite's fall had
pulled a pile of rubble from the ceiling with it. The passage to the surface was almost completely blocked
off, except for a five inch gap at the very top. Sheil moved over and knelt near Nalynn while Dae and Tizer
investigated the cave in, hoping Brisid wasn't underneath it.
Sheil gasped as she touched Nalynn. Calling out to the other two, the wind elf stated, "Nalynn, has
been feebleminded. Also I detect some faint traces of a mental link. I can cure the Feeblemind spell, but the
mental contact is beyond my skills." The wind elf mixed some dried herbs into a flask of oil. Using the
special oil, Sheil rubbed pressure points along Nalynn's forehead and neck. Uttering a few unknown words,
the spell was removed and once again Nalynn was able to use her full mental capacity.
"I have done all I can for her. If she is going to break free of the mind that has connected to her, it
will be her own will to do it. So, what is the story with the cave in and the other passages? Are we in any
immediate danger? Is the stairway sealed for good? What is that flapping sound?" Sheil slams the other two
elves with a barrage of questions.
* * * * *

"I have doubts, Dînalqua as to whether we will find Riklaun this night." Randow said with brows
furrowed.
"I am beginning to agree with you, my friend." she shivered in the night air, and huddled closer to
the fire.
With the dark and stormy night, the party of six had made camp under a rocky overhang for
protection from the blasting winds that whistled through the trees. It had not rained yet, but from the
lightning that flashed overhead, they all knew it would soon.
Jem had spoken little, just huddled close to her companions, not yet trusting as she should. Indeed,
the four were placed across the campfire, the small flame separating them from Dîna and Randow.
Randow looked at Dîna's shivering form, and offered his cloak for warmth. "It is not necessary."
she shook her head in protest, but silently thanked him at that added warmth as he placed it over her
shoulders anyway.
It was a bright flash of lightning that unveiled the creatures that had been lurking in the shadows
above the rock and in the woods. The first rider stepped forward, the skeletal hoof of its undead horse
stamping the ground at the lightning strike. Its bony face seemed forever turned in a macabre smile as it
raised its sword overhead and screamed the attack.
The four were quick to respond, but were fearful as they had never seen a skeletal rider before. The
twins flanked the lead rider, while Jem and Caran turned to search for others. Randow cast the first spell,
lighting up a small tree, brightly lighting the entire alcove. A total of seven riders were present, and as
another streak of lightning traced the sky, they all attacked at once. Swords clashed against sword, steel
meshing and clanging with steel and bone, and when the first rider fell, Tarion turned to cover his brother.
When that rider began to reform, Tarion was unaware and was wounded by a lucky stab to the arm.
Dînalqua raised her arms over her head, and cast a blazing fireball, and the outside riders scorched in the
flanks. Now there were five.
A second later, a second fireball burst from the woods and met squarely the lead rider. In a
concussive blast, the four elves were knocked off their feet and sent sprawling every direction. Dîna and
Randow ducked the blast, and were amazed at the power of that fireball. Another one shot from on top of
the overhang, and another rider fell. Randow turned, confused.
"Who saves us?" he shouted as yet another fireball tore through the air, blasting the confused
Skeletal Riders. Dîna looked to the sky as another flash of lightning etched it.
"I do not know..."
Edan helped Caran to his feet, while Jem, moaning and bruised, picked herself up off the rocks.
Tarion was close to the woods now, and shouted, "Show yourself, friends!"
There was a long moment of silence, waiting for they knew not who. The first efreeti entered the
clearing, its flaming grin a mockery of everything good. Another followed, then another. Soon twelve were
standing in the clearing. Randow looked confused.
"Why have you saved us, demon?" he demanded.
"Because, elf-meat, you are more important alive than dead to us!" and it raised its arm overhead.
The other eleven efreeti followed suit, and a wall of flame encompassed the party of six. Jem was the first to
speak after this, though her words were lost to the roar of their fiery prison.
Chapter 28
Dae turned as voices erupted from one of the side passages. The crashing of the stalagmite had
drawn the attention of a drow patrol. The wild elf stood in the center of the passage and prepared for the
assault. While Sheil looked after Nalynn, Dae pulled his twin swords from their sheathes and faced the
charging drow warriors. Tizer came up beside Dae and stood ready.
Several drow fell to their whirling blades before Dae was struck by a bolt of magic from a drow
priestess at the rear of the group. Both elves then stopped moving under the effects of a powerful hold spell.
The nearest drow dove forward and chopped Dae's right arm off at the elbow.
The shock of the wound broke Dae out of the hold spell and he quickly took the head off of the
warrior which struck the blow. As the wild elf peered down the passage at the few remaining drow, two
larger patrol groups arrived in the corridor behind them. Looking at the sixty charging drow, Dae glanced
back toward the three elves behind him and smiled.

"My friends, your struggle will not be in vain." Dae whispered to himself. The wild elf dropped the
sword from his remaining hand and, reaching under his long, black hair, he touched a symbol of a huge red
comet tattooed there ages ago. The room crackled with powerful magic as the wild elf changed from the
copper color of his skin to a very bright red.
The form of Dae Draug melted away as he became an enormous fiery comet. The huge red comet
flew off down the tunnel and incinerated the entire group of drow. Dae slowly floated back into the chamber
a short while later and collapsed to the floor. The tunnel behind him still glowed red from the intense heat.
Dae looked at his friends and smiled weakly. Then looking up toward the ceiling of the cave, he
called out in the ancient language of wild elves. "Meilikki, I place myself in thy glorious hands." With his
final breath, Dae bid farewell to Tizer, Sheil, and Nalynn and asked them to pass his parting words on to the
other great members of the Grey Company.
* * * * *
Blank and Macheala had been sitting at the bottom of the wall all night, cold, tired, wondering if it
was possible to break into Nightsedge after all. They had hunted all night for a door, drudging the woods
and stirring up all sorts of foul creatures, but through their troubles they found no solution.
They saw off in the distance, the faint beginnings of dawn, and they knew that with it, they would
be allowed entry to Nightsedge. However, they knew also that they were too late. The mayor would be
angry with their tardiness, and though it was not their fault, they would not get the job they had worked all
night for.
After several minutes, the glow on the horizon had not moved. This puzzled Macheala immensely.
What startled them both was another dawn, another rising sun, far distant to the one they had been
watching.
"Blank," Macheala said, "let's get a closer look at that sunrise...," pointing to the glow behind the
trees.
* * * * *
The three elves wandered through the forest looking for where the raven had landed. Riklaun, with
his mental link to it, moved quickly. He heard the voice of the bird in his head saying that it had flown into
a tree.
The bird led Rik to the tree. "He went in here." Rik said.
"That cannot be. How can a bird get into the trunk of a tree?" Modar asked.
The three elves searched the tree for a lever or button. They found none. Riklaun closed his eyes
for a moment. "A cave-in has happened in the passage farther down." he said.
"Well I cannot find anyway of opening the passage up," Starrbolt said, "so I will resort to magic."
He prepared a knock spell and cast it. Nothing happened.
"Let me try." Modar said. "Stand back." Modar stood about twenty feet away from the tree. He let
loose a lightning bolt spell and it hit the tree, sending chunks everywhere. The three elves peered down the
hole created.
"Let's go" Riklaun said. They dropped into the passage and started down the corridor. The raven
flew up and perched on Riklaun's shoulder. The elves continued down farther until they came upon the
blockade. Searching, they found no way around or through the cave-in. "This is not good. Brisid and
Nalynn went this way. We need to get through." Riklaun said. Starrbolt came up to Riklaun, handing him a
note. "I found this on the floor. It's about Brisid..."
* * * * *
"Hey, yous oer der. Wake oop!"
Brisid slowly opened his eyes and looked around. A dim light illuminated a small cavern. He was
surrounded with metallic bars that glowed of their own accord. Not wishing to try his luck, he kept his
distance from them. At his feet was a small bowl of foul-smelling gruel. He wasn't going to try that either.
Glancing around, he noticed the owner of the voice. A short gnomelike figure stood a few feet away in
another holding cell.
"You're a faerae elf, aren't ye?" the figure asked with a heavy accent the elf didn't recognize, his
features indiscernible in the darkness.
"Yes. Who are you?" Brisid responded curiously, examining the stranger.

"Gods! Yer staring at mae like ye've naer seen a deep gnome in yer life!" He continued,
reflectively, "Ahh, ye've prolly naer seen a deep gnome in yer life. Ma name's Dwaerten, Dwaerten
Stonepunter."
"Vedui', my name is Brisid," the elf said. "Where are we?" The response came from a drow
priestess who had silently glided into the cavern.
"You are being held by Ebonstarr, surface elf."
"You won't get away with this! My friends will come for me..." Brisid started into a line he had
heard often used in street plays.
"Of course they will, surface elf," the drow affirmed, smiling. "Of course they will, and when they
do come, they will die."
Chapter 29
Tizer and Sheilandri watched in abject horror as Dae Draug burst into a ball of flame. They
shielded themselves behind the upturned table they had used to block the falling debris. When all was
finished, there was no trace of Dae. Nalynn was still unconscious, battling with something unknown to her
companions.
The two Elves propped Nalynn up against the wall with their packs and left their cover to examine
the room. The stalactite that had fallen from the ceiling almost completely blocked the entrance to the
cavern. Tizer looked down each of the corridors that branched off from the room they were standing in. As
he was surveying the area, Sheil heard the quiet flutter of wings coming from the other side of the rock pile.
She waved Tizer over and they approached the great mound of stones.
Cautiously, they peered through the crack that was left at the top of the entry-way. Tizer jumped
back, shocked to see his mellonea standing on the other side of the rocks. "Vedui' Rik! How did you ever
find us??" Tizer exclaimed.
"'Twas the work of this wonderful black bird. He led us to the tree and we figured it out from
there." Riklaun responded.
"We must remove these rocks so the three of you can come through. Let me take care of it. Stand
clear," Sheil added with a wink.
Riklaun, Starrbolt, and Modar walked several yards up the stairs and around a corner. After
hearing the word from Starrbolt, Sheil made a few quick gestures with her hands and a powerful gust of
wind burst through the pile of rocks. When the dust cleared, the doorway was once again clear and the floor
was strewn with shards of stone. The three Elves up the passage entered the large cavern to find the walls
blackened around the edge of one hallway.
"Something powerful caused the charring of that wall... Did you witness it, Tizer?" Modar
inquired.
"Yes. I did have the displeasure... This eve an Elf of great integrity and bravery was lost. Dae
Draug sacrificed his own life to save us from the Drow horde." Tizer replied sadly. As the five Elves were
speaking, a groggy Nalynn approached them slowly.
Riklaun, who was the first to see her exclaimed, "Etriel Nalynn! How glad I am to see you!"
"Vedui' Riklaun..... and Modar and Brisid. Ohhh.... my head hurts terribly." Nalynn mumbled.
"Well, now that we are all awake and somewhat aware, what shall we do?" Tizer asked.
"Brisid, where is he?!" Nalynn asked, suddenly wide awake. Riklaun grimly handed the note he
had found to Nalynn. As she read it, her eyes widened and she urgently said, "We must find him! He is in
great danger!"
Sheilandri was not sure, but she thought she saw a strange flickering in Nalynn's eyes. However,
she remained silent so as not to cause trouble. The group of Elves could not see very far down any of the
corridors branching off from the main cavern. However, there were a variety of sounds coming from each
direction.
"We must decide where to go before another party of Drow discover our presence." Tizer
whispered.
"We'll take the left corridor" Riklaun decided. Nodding his accord, Tizer led them on. "Brisid
must be found. I know he's here somewhere -- he is sure to have left us a sign."
The band of elves made their way down the dank, dark corridors. The sounds they heard
alternately grew louder and then ebbed -- tortured, desperate sounds they were. Sheilandri shuddered, not

wishing to know what evil was being perpetrated to cause such anguished cries. She cast a wary glance at
Nalynn who followed along with the troop. "What was that strange flicker I saw?" she wondered to herself.
For her own part, Nalynn walked along in silence, the memories of Ebonstarr's pleasures and
torments still strong in her mind. She sensed a presence, but was unable to detect its location. "Yessss, fair
lady" a voice whispered in her ear, "I have many such pleasures and pains to share with thee." It was a
repulsive voice and some inner sense recoiled at its sound.
As Riklaun and Tizer forged ahead, a foreboding overtook them. "Danger is near Tizer, we must
be prepared," Riklaun warned. "The witch is most treacherous." Nalynn followed behind them with
Sheilandri bringing up the rear, a growing dread gnawed at her stomach. They reached another fork in the
underground maze; the elves paused to get their bearings. Silently, Riklaun pointed to the right. He took a
step forward. A snap echoed through the corridor as a tripwire broke, and the wall to their left disintegrated
revealing a horde of Fire Elementals and Ogre Mages.
They drew their weapons and prepared to fight. A fiery glow erupted in Nalynn's eyes. She whirled
and drew her sword, holding it against Sheilandri's breast. "One step closer and the she-elf dies!" she
snarled.
"Ebonstarr! Vile witch!" Riklaun hissed as he and Tizer closed ranks. The Elementals surrounded
them as they quickly cast their globes.
"Go ahead, puny elves, your globes will not save you here. These caverns have sapped your energy
and strength! Fight if you must, but lose you will."
"Riklaun, don't fight her." Nalynn said, struggling to free herself of the other who possessed her
mind and body. "Silence, feeble elf!" the witch sneered as she reasserted her claim of the elf's body. "Now,
shall we all go ahead into my chambers below?"
Facing overwhelming odds, Riklaun nodded to the other elves to sheath their swords. Solemnly
they walked, Nalynn cautiously poking her sword into Shiel's side. They decided it was better to visit
Ebonstarr before anymore elves died.
Chapter 30
Brisid watched his drow captor walk out of the cavern. "Who's that?" he whispered to Dwaerten,
the deep gnome prisoner.
"That's Sar'Nav'ell, some priestess from another drow house."
"Riklaun told me that he had destroyed Ebonstarr's house. We have always wondered how she has
so many resources." The elf changed the subject, "I have to get out of here. I wonder why they didn't wipe
all the spells from my mind." Before Dwaerten could respond, he had closed his eyes and was casting a
lockpicking spell. As he opened his eyes, laughter echoed through the cavern. The drow priestess was
standing in front of him, watching with glee.
"Did you really think Ebonstarr would make the same mistake twice? Riklaun had once escaped
because of an overlooked 'Knock' spell. This time you are surrounded by an anti-magic globe in addition to
the lightning bars. Your weakest spells will just fizzle. Your stronger ones will be amplified and reflected
back to you," the drow boasted. "By the way, you'll be happy to know your friends have been captured and
will soon be joining you. Then the party will begin." The drow laughed again and moved out of the cave.
* * * * *
Thirteen efreeti taunted and teased the captive elves, poking and prodding, laughing and mocking
them. Dînalqua sat on the hard ground, her dress singed, her mind frayed, her hopes dashed. The other
elves, Randow, and the party of four who stayed together, shot bitter words to their captors. The efreeti
responded by turning up the flames on their fiery prison bars.
When Macheala and Blank poked their head over the hills, the efreeti were all together in one
place. Blank was about to advise a cautionary rescue, when Macheala stood and released an Ice Storm. The
efreeti were thrown from their group, trying desperately to keep their flames intact, and four lost that battle,
their skin extinguished, they winked out of existence entirely. Blank, seeing the damage done, stood and
charged the battle with spells of every kind, in rapid fire succession.
One efreeti fell, then another, then another. The knights saved no magic against the foes, and soon
there were only two left. The one turned to attack the caged elves, the other hissed and disappeared, to
warm his master.

The elves were quick to react, doing what they could for the upcoming magical onslaught. The
dispel field around them kept them from using magic- but there were better resources than even magic.
Randow, with one gauntleted hand, picked up several rocks and thrust them into the fire that was their
prison, heating them immensely. He began to throw these stones at oncoming efreeti, doing little to no
damage. The others joined in the rock toss, hoping against all odds that it might help in some way.
Macheala let loose another Ice Storm, landing it just between the efreet and the cage. The stones
were instantly supercooled, and between the superheating and supercooling, exploded into thousands of
tiny, sharp projectiles. The efreet never saw his death, as rock shards ripped through him with the force of a
hurricane.
With the efreeti gone, the cage disappeared; the dispel field also evaporated.
They had no time to react when the fled efreeti returned, bringing with him a horde of others, from
baying Hell Hounds to Giant Salamanders, and Fire Giants clambering over the hills. They were all about to
be trapped.
Jem stood close to the precipice overhang, and it was at this time did she notice a breeze coming
from within the wall itself. Looking closer, she saw that there was a crack in the face of the rock that they
had not seen the night before. Her two companions responded to her cry immediately, and pulled debris
from around the fissure.
"Tel'Mithrim! A cave! We can escape!" Macheala turned to the elves, imploring them to leave.
The elves did not think twice, and all entered the caverns. All, except Randow.
"Knights, I will fight at your side!" he shouted to the two who had mutually decided to defend the
cavern opening as long as they could.
"Don't be foolish, elf!" shouted Blank, "Protect your elven friends!"
The elf resisted, but finally gave in, and as he entered the cave, "Tel'Mithrim will not forget this,
Sha'Quessir! May the light always shine!" and he ran into the cavern.
* * * * *
The chamber was damp. A magical orb hovered in the room, coating the walls with a green hue.
Ebonstarr stood next to the orb, with her hands resting gently upon it. Her eyes were closed and her head
tilted back. She spoke after a long while; "Soon, you will have what you ask for."
A low rumble was heard through out the chamber. "Yessssssss..."
"But now, I must greet our guests. One of them has been chosen for you..." Ebonstarr said. She
broke her link with the orb and straightened out her dress. She turned and proceeded out the room. On her
way out, she came up to Sar'Nav'ell. "Go and get one of the prisoners. We will need him for the sacrifice."
"As you wish." Sar'Nav'ell bowed and went off to the holding cell. Ebonstarr came up to a wall and
stepped through it. She entered a cavern, lavishly decorated with items from a drow city. A spider altar
stood in the center of the room, blood stains still fresh. A small tapestry hung off the back wall where the
throne sat. An eerie violet glow illuminated the room. From the corridor, came the group of elves. The Ogre
Magi leading them. They took up positions around the party. One of the effretti placed the elves weapons in
the corner of the room and then stood in front of them. Nalynn had returned to her former self when they
entered the chamber and was tied up, along with the others. They looked up at the altar and saw Ebonstarr
standing there. She was preparing a dagger for a ritual sacrifice.
"Welcome Tel'Mithrim." Ebonstarr said, "Today is a good day to die, don't you think?" She placed
the dagger upon a large bowl. She picked up a small deep purple kerchief. Emblazoned in gold upon it was
the form of a spider. She folded it precisely in an intricate pattern and placed it next to the bowl. She picked
up the dagger and moved around the altar. "Riklaun, I hold in my hand, the instrument of your destruction.
This dagger will tonight become more than just a piece of metal. I have fashioned it exactly as the one
before it. " She walked over to him and put it up to his face. "I think you remember it, don't you. You
almost destroyed your friends with it. Luckily for you a human came along and destroyed the dagger and
took you from my grasp. Lloth was not pleased. In fact, I presented her with a gift, the human who
destroyed the first dagger. Oh Torm, won't you come out?"
She motioned toward the tapestry and with a flick of a wrist, she illuminated it. The tapestry was
an exact replica of the one hung inside the Seekers walls. Attached to the wall above the tapestry hung
Torm, or what was left of him. Nalynn screamed. She rushed toward Ebonstarr. An Ogre Magi clubbed her
before she got too far. She crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath. Riklaun saw this and knelt down
beside her. She was unconscious but breathing.

"We'll have none of that Nalynn." Ebonstarr said. "Sar'Nav'ell, are you ready?" With that,
Sar'Nav'ell came into the room holding the deep gnome from Brisid's cell. She moved the deep gnome up
towards the altar. As she neared, the gnome stomped on her foot. She let go of the gnome, and he tried to
run. Muttering a prayer to the Spider Queen, Ebonstarr flipped the dagger over in her hand and threw. The
dagger impaled itself into the gnomes back, sending him to the ground. Crawling, Dwaerten tried to move
away. Ebonstarr moved up to him and stood in his way. As she stood there, the dagger began to glow.
Dwaerten screamed and arched his back. His body began to shrivel up. In a matter of minutes, the dagger
stopped glowing. Ebonstarr pulled the dagger out of the corpse.
"One more is all I need." Ebonstarr said. "Who shall be the one?"
Chapter 31
As the light of the tunnel entrance left them, Dînalqua mumbled softly and a small glowing sphere
appeared in her hand, illuminating the tunnel walls and floor. Turning, she saw a look of concern on
Randow's face.
"Worry not about the humans, mellon. Judging by what they wore, I know them to be of the
Knights of the Order, and quite capable of taking care of themselves. Besides, we must find the others."
Even Dînalqua was surprised with the harshness in her voice.
Having only one direction to choose from, the six elves continued on. After traveling along the
winding passageway for some time, they came upon an enormous cavern in which a rather large stalactite
had fallen from the ceiling. The walls of the cavern were severely charred, as if recently burned in a great
magical heat.
"It looks as if something big happened here," whispered Tarion. The six elves searched the cave,
each in a different direction, to try and discover what had transpired to cause such destruction.
Suddenly, Caran spoke. "I've found a way out!" As his words echoed in the cavern, the rest of the
party turned to look.
Noticing the amount of rubble and debris near the opening Dîna asked tentatively, "But whoever
did this, were they going out, or coming in?"
From another corner of the cavern, Jem replied, "In, I think. Judging by the footprints I found
going into this corridor." She pointed down a well trodden path, the second entrance to the cavern. This had
barely been said when they heard another voice coming from somewhere down the tunnel Jem had
indicated.
"Yeessssssss..." the voice was low, but definitely female. All stood in silence for a moment,
looking to one another, and then knew what they had to do.
Then Jem spoke again, "Before we follow that voice, I must tell you, these are drider tracks here..."
"Drow...," was all Dînalqua could say.
"We must stay on guard then, mellon," Randow cautioned as they started down the second
corridor. A little ways down the corridor Dînalqua stopped short, causing Edan to trip over his brother.
"What is the problem?" Tarion asked, somewhat annoyed at having been walked on.
"It seems someone had tripped a trap..." Dîna then mumbled something again and her sphere got a
little brighter. As Randow moved to take the lead, something caught his eye.
"Dîna, bring that light down here a moment, please." In response, she stooped down with the
sphere to see what he was looking at. As she did so, he picked up a piece of cloth. Looking at it closely they
both noticed fresh blood on it.
"I hope they survived," was all he could say. From somewhere down the corridor they heard a
scream. Randow and Dînalqua stood, turned and looked at each other. Then in unison, "Nalynn!"
At the realization that one of their guild was in trouble, they took off at a run, the other four trailing
behind. The party stopped when they reached a door that had an gold emblem of a spider on it. Listening
carefully, they heard movement behind the door, and assumed a party of drow was on the other side.
Whispering as quietly as possible, Dîna asked, "What now?" in an almost distraught tone.
Tarion replied softly, "Edan and I will distract them. The rest of you go ahead."
Nodding in agreement, Randow very cautiously opened the door. Seeing neither drow nor drider,
they all continued together. Then they heard another scream, this one, however, was not elven. Reaching a
corner, they all became silent again. Seeing the foot of an Ogre Mage, Dîna slowly moved to look around
the corner. Then without saying anything, they all knew what they would do.

Dîna cast globe on herself and readied her bow. Caran unsheathed his daggers quietly. Randow
readied himself for a fight. And the other three prepared themselves to take on the Ogre Magi.
"One more is all I need." Ebonstarr said. "Who shall be the one?" Upon hearing these words,
Dînalqua swiftly stepped around the corner, and let loose her first arrow. It sailed less than a finger's width
from Ebonstarr's face, the feather brushing her cheek as it flew by.
Having little time to duck, Ebonstarr barely avoided the arrow. She looked to see where it came
from and saw Dinalqua readying another one. Randow was at her side bringing up his bow as well. Edan
and Tarion in unison, each cast an ice storm. Edan's was directed at the Ogres and Tarion's was at the
Efreeti. The simultaneous blast shook the cavern as the ogres went sprawling.
"Inbau Nina!!!" Ebonstarr said. The efreeti moved in on the elves in the corridor. Randow quickly
got off two shots with his bow, felling one Efreeti. Caran cast invisibility on himself and slipped into the
cavern. He noticed Sar'Nav'ell slip away down the corridor and followed.
Ebonstarr moved behind the altar and started casting a spell. Edan and Tarion had pulled out their
swords and were attacking the first efreeti to come near the entrance when the lightning bolt burst out of his
torso and ripped through the elves. It bounced down the corridor, having done it's damage.
One of the Ogres near Riklaun started casting a spell and Riklaun kicked him in the shin. The Ogre
howled and miscast his spell. Riklaun looked at the others and noticed Tizer had already gotten free of his
bonds and was working on Starrbolt's . Tizer got Starrbolt free and they teleported to their weapons. Picking
them up, they proceeded into the battle. Modar had worked himself free and knelt down near Nalynn to
undo her bonds. She was in a state of shock.
Ebonstarr cast Minor Globe upon herself and advanced upon Riklaun. She brandished the dagger
and began swinging at him. He avoided each thrust. She pressed on forcing him back. Suddenly Riklaun felt
himself getting larger. Riklaun broke the bonds easily with his enlarged strength. He saw Tizer give him a
quick salute before going after one of the many Ogres.
Randow got up off the floor slowly. He noticed Jem laying on the floor, groaning. Dina was
leaning against the wall catching her breath. Edan and Tarion were still fighting the efreetis. Randow lifted
his bow and pulled two arrows. He drew back to fire when he felt a presence behind him. Twirling around,
he let loose the arrow. It flew down the corridor about twenty feet before impacting with a drow. The drow
cursed and rushed him. Randow had barely enough time to bring his bow up to parry the sword coming
down on him. The bow deflected the sword away. The Drow in front of him brought out another sword and
swung it. The blade sliced through the bow and cut deep into Randow's left shoulder. Grimacing, the elf fell
back to draw his sword. It was then he noticed five other drow standing behind this one.
One of them wore a patch on one eye. The Drow twirled his twin swords in a blur. Randow parried
the swords as best he could. He had never fought someone with two swords before. Randow moved into a
fencing position to best utilize his own sword. The drow pressed in and Randow deflected the two sword
thrusts. The Drow stepped back a bit and muttered something to his friends. The six drow all laughed in
unison. He moved back up and his blades became almost invisible as the twirled. Randow tried to parry
each blade as it came in but to no avail. One of the blades struck home and gouged a deep chunk out of his
right thigh. Wincing in pain, he dropped to one knee. The drow before him stopped his attacks.
"Pitiful Elf. Can you not fight better? You are unworthy of death by my hands." The drow said.
"But, I will make an exception in your case." He raised his sword for the final blow when Randow heard the
familiar words of elfish: "Runyalanta tel'menel". The drow looked up and saw Dinalqua and Jem standing
there, both casting the same spell. The two bolts of lightning exploded forth in a thunderous roar deafening
all in the area. The bolts arced down the corridor blasting chunks off the walls as they went. Anything in
their way was crisped beyond recognition. Looking over the carnage, Randow stood wearily up with the
help of Jem and Dina. They saw five bodies of drow in the corridor. "Where is the sixth?" Randow asked.
Chapter 32
The sounds of battle echoed into the prison chamber. Brisid stood in the middle of his anti-magic
jail trying to figure out how to escape. Sar'Nav'ell entered the cavern.
"Running away from the battle?" Brisid taunted.
"No. I will return shortly. Before I do that, however, you will die. I can't say it has been a pleasure
knowing you." The drow cast a spell, and the magical bars of the jail began to move closer together,
threatening to crush Brisid. Suddenly they disappeared, and an elf appeared a few feet behind the drow.

Sar'Nav'ell quickly spun and cast a lightning bolt into Caran. The first time through made the elf stumble.
The rebound from a nearby wall threw him to the ground.
Weaponless and spell-less, Brisid swung his fist into Sar'Nav'ell's temple, flattening her. He
cringed in pain as his hand went numb. Slightly amazed at the effectiveness of his attack, Brisid checked to
make sure the drow was unconscious, and he then knelt by the fallen thief.
"How do you feel?" he asked Caran.
"I've been better. Much better," the thief gasped. "When this is over, could you tell Jem Val'istar--
she's another elf that came here--that I've always loved her since the first time I saw her."
"You're going to be fine..." Brisid began, but Caran was already gone. He paused, praying that the
thief's journey to Corellon would be swift. "And I didn't even know your name." After binding the still
inactive Sar'Nav'ell with ropes, Brisid recovered his weapons and armor and strode out of the cavern. He
hoped the thief would be the last elf to die that day.
* * * * *
Sheilandri and Modar stood in a dark niche in the cave wall, watching over Nalynn. They hoped
they would stay inconspicuous as defending an unconscious elf was not easy. Their hopes were dashed as a
cowardly ogre mage, running away from the battle, dove into the space seeking a hiding place and landed
on the elves. Underneath the monster's bulbous torso, the elves could do nothing but squirm. The ogre
however, feeling something unknown moving beneath him, panicked and cast the first spell that came to
mind.
Instantly, noxious, green gas appeared above the ogre, knocking him out. After some struggling,
Sheilandri and Modar managed to escape, carrying Nalynn.
* * * * *
Graywolf carefully made his way along the passage. He slipped through the shadows along the
wall, alert eyes darting back and forth and pointed ears straining to catch the faintest sounds. The surface elf
paused, and took a dagger from his belt. Mumbling the words to a spell under his breath, he laid the dagger
on an invisible disk. He began slowly passing his hands over the dagger until it practically glowed with
heat. Then he pushed the unseen disk out in front of him, where it hovered along ahead of him as he walked.
The passage was almost pitch black, making it fairly difficult to keep his footing.
Suddenly, a form stepped out of a side passage and struck the heated dagger. Gray could see two
heat patterns in front of him. One of them knelt down to touch the fallen dagger, pulling his hand back
quickly and cursing in the Drow tongue. Quickly, Graywolf raised his hands, whispering "N'tess gothamin."
The two Drow stood frozen, struggling to move their uncooperative limbs. The surface elf walked up to the
two, drawing another dagger.
After dragging the two dead Drow behind some nearby rubble, he headed off down the side
passage. 'So far so good, let's see, Gmanfandan said eighty four paces down this passage...', he thought to
himself. After making a few twists and turns in the passages, Gray began to catch faint sounds of battle
ahead. He forced himself not to hurry, to keep checking the ground in front of him for danger. Three times
he stepped over tripwires near the floor of the passage.
Finally, he came upon a room. There was an orb floating in the room, casting a pale greenish light
over the walls. The light created eerie shadows around the room. Graywolf carefully made his way into the
room, slowly walking around the orb. After satisfying himself that there were no traps, he started to reach
into a pouch at his belt.
Graywolf's head snapped up, staring at the orb as it seemingly emitted a cackling laughter. From a
passage on the other side of the room, a lone drow appeared. The Drow was a male warrior, with one eye
covered by a patch. He already had blades in his hands, and he wasted no time in charging towards the
faerie he suddenly found in his path. Quickly, Graywolf extended his hand and said, "Templa pilini'".
Several blue bolts flew from his outstretched fingers, swerving around to hit the dodging Drow. The bolts
did little real damage, but they gave Gray enough time to draw his sword and a dagger and crouch into a
fighting stance.
The Drow sneered at him, and rushed forward, swords flashing. Gray parried the blades, feinted
with his sword and quickly slashed his dagger across the Drow's right arm. The Drow backed up, and began
circling Gray. He took in Gray's fighting stance, the quality of his blades, and the ease with which he had
just been wounded, and changed his mind about how to fight this faerie.

An instant later, Graywolf was coated in a flickering purple light. He backed away from the Drow,
trying to get back into the passage, then the lights went out. It was the darkest black that Graywolf had ever
seen, or not seen to be precise. He immediately dropped to the ground and rolled away from the last place
he had seen the Drow. Over his head, he could hear the swish of the Drow's blades. Graywolf suddenly
bumped into the legs of the Drow. Quickly he threw up his swords to block the blades that came swinging
down at him. How had the Drow gotten over here? Quickly, Graywolf jumped to his feet and dove away
from the Drow. He wasn't quick enough, though, as he felt the Drow's sword bite into his shoulder.
Graywolf hit the ground and rolled out of the darkness. He stood up slowly, backing up against the
wall. A dagger flew at him from out of the darkness, barely missing his head as he dodged away. The
Drow's booted feet struck Gray in the chest, knocking him to the ground. He managed to hold onto his
sword, but the dagger slid away across the floor. The Drow was hovering in midair just above Graywolf's
fallen form.
* * * * *
As the clashing of metal and sputtering of magic spells filled his ears, Tizer was locked in combat
with an ogre warrior. The blundering beast was far slower than the agile Elf and repeatedly bashed the stone
wall with its heavy club. Tizer leapt to and fro around the blows of the ogre's great weapon until he saw an
opening. Then, with a flash of green flame, Tizer's long sword severed the ogre's arm at the elbow. The fetid
creature howled in pain as it watched the limb fall to the ground with a fizz. While the ogre was off guard, it
took but one more swipe of the magical blade for Tizer to remove its head. The lifeless trunk fell to the
floor and a pool of steaming black liquid gathered around the body.
* * * * *
Riklaun, free of his bonds reached up and grabbed Ebonstarr's hand as she slashed down with the
dagger. He twisted her wrist back to make her drop the dagger. She muttered one word and Riklaun flew
back to the wall. Riklaun shook off the effects of the spell and looked at Ebonstarr, her hand already
dropping the knife towards his chest.
"No!" Riklaun heard. A dark shape tackled Ebonstarr and they dropped to the ground. Riklaun
looked at what had tackled Ebonstarr and noticed it was Tathlin.
"I will not be subject to it again!" The undead drow pummeled Ebonstarr. She brought up the
dagger and shoved it into Tathlin's thigh.
"I am already dead, Ebon. The magic will not work." he said. Lloth will not command me any
longer." Tathlin swatted Ebonstarr fiercely and stood up, pulling the dagger from his thigh. "This dagger
will not house me again!" He called upon magic forces of the likes Riklaun had seen before, back during his
time possessed from the Drow Dagger of Infinite Slaying. Tathlin started to glow blue and the magic arced
into the dagger's pommel. Riklaun saw this and leapt for safety. Tathlin exploded in a ball of flame. All that
was left of him and the dagger were soot marks on the cave walls. Riklaun got up and brushed himself off.
He looked for Ebonstarr but could not find her. She had escaped. The battle winding down, Riklaun saw
Randow come from down the corridor. He had several other Grey Company elves with him.
Chapter 33
Randow and Dina supported Jem as they walked into the cavern. Jem was badly singed by the
Lightning bolt. She had no feeling in her right side. Randow's arm was damaged. He hoped that he would be
able to use another bow again. They set Jem down on a rock, and Dina went up to Riklaun and Tizer.
"Ebonstarr's forces have been routed." Tizer said. "What was left have fled the area. Plus, no sign
of Ebonstarr at all. She has escaped." Riklaun looked glum. He knew that he would see her again, if Lloth
had anything to do with it.
Edan and Tarion were securing the area with Starrbolt and Modar. They searched the area for any
secret passages or rooms. Finding none, they gathered with the others.
Shiel had successfully gotten Nalynn back to consciousness and was helping her to her feet. It
would take a few weeks, but Nalynn would be all right. The death of her beloved Torm and the husband she
never knew, Braldt, were too much on her. Only time would heal her wounds.
"Has anyone seen Brisid or Caran?" Tizer asked. After the elves shook their heads negatively,
another figure walked down the corridor.
"Vedui' mellonea!" Brisid called. The others returned the greeting.

"Brisid, have you seen another elf by the name of Caran, a thief by trade?"
"I did--he saved my life..."
The clashes of swords interrupted him, coming from a small passage. He moved quickly through
the path towards a room that had a eerie greenish glow coming from it. He stepped into the room just as a
drow was bringing his sword down on Graywolf. He quickly cast Templa Pilini'. They arced into the drow,
stumbling him back. The drow looked at Brisid and sneered. He started muttering an incantation. Graywolf
leapt up and kicked at the drow. The drow away from the kick, causing him to miscast his spell. Suddenly, a
loud clap echoed in the small room and the drow lit up brighter than the sun. Electricity sparked from his
body in all directions as the lightning bolt exploded on him. The drow collapsed.
"Riklaun!" Brisid yelled. "You better come see this." Riklaun and Starrbolt walked down to the orb
room. "Check out the Orb" Brisid said. Riklaun went into the room. He looked at the orb. His name was
scrawled in it, seemingly floating in the mist within.
"I would advise against touching the orb." Graywolf said. Riklaun paid no mind and rested his
hands on the orb. His name disappeared and Riklaun went rigid.
"Riklaun," a voice boomed in his head, "You have not seen the last of me" Riklaun stumbled back
as The orb went black and dropped to the floor, shattering. Brisid steadied his friend.
"What happened?" he asked.
"A voice in my head." Riklaun said. "Ebonstarr?" asked Brisid.
"No, someone... something else..."
* * * * *
Ebonstarr knelt on one knee in front of the throne. Her gaze was upon the floor.
"You have failed me Ebonstarr. I do not take failure kindly." a female voice said from the throne.
"I was so close, Riklaun was in my grasp." Ebonstarr said, not averting her eyes from the floor. "I
had him."
"You may have, but your petty differences with him caused the one I was after to escape. I granted
you Nardana Fea, a Soul String, which you used ineffectively. I have lost a powerful slave Ebonstarr. He
cannot be replaced. Now that he is free, he will attempt to claim what was once his. I will not allow that."
"I will bring him back..." Ebonstarr said.
"You will do no such thing. I have other plans for you. You will serve me in a different aspect."
"As you wish, what may I ask will be my function?" Ebonstarr asked. "You will lead my accursed
of course." The drow, not thinking, looked up. She knew what that meant.
A yochlol, a denizen from a lower plane, appeared beside Ebonstarr and whipped one of its eight
tentacles into the drow, sending her sprawling. "Do not look up at her again!" it commanded. "You are not
worthy to look Lloth in the eye!"
Ebonstarr wiped some blood from her mouth and resumed her position. "Do not worry. Ebonstarr,
I will let you keep your powers," the Spider Queen said. "Do not think for a moment that I am not
merciful." An inhuman scream echoed throughout the chamber as the drow's form mutated.
Epilogue
Fresh dew on the grass sparkled with the first rays of dawn. The trees swayed in the slight breeze,
nudging the birds out of their slumber. Soon, the chirps and calls of the birds filled the morning air,
awakening the other animals of the forest. Within minutes the entire forest was alive, heralding the arrival of
a new day.
* * * * *
Lywnis looked after his wife while Endril still slept. Ilustriel had not regained consciousness since
Ebonstarr's possession. She had had a high fever for days, but that night her fever had broken, and she lay
on the bed, very quietly snoring, peacefully. "Things are slowly getting back to normal," Lywnis thought as
he placed a tray with a bowl of chicken soup by the bed. The scent drifted to Ilustriel. Her nose twitched
once, then twice. Her eyes flickered open. Lywnis smiled.
* * * * *
One by one, the thirteen tired elves stumbled into the sunlight. Though the bright light hurt their
eyes, it brought relief as they were finally out of the Underdark. The lively forest lifted their spirits only

slightly. They walked silently, each lost in their own thoughts. Though only three elves had died in the
entire ordeal, the loss was felt by all.
First came Modar and Starrbolt, leading point. The journey back to the surface had been
uneventful but long. In their weariness, they had almost gotten lost in the caverns twice, but the slight scent
of chicken soup, coupled with Modar's hunger, had led the party safely out of the caves.
Tizer, with a few other elves, followed. The damage to Floodblest from the Skeletal Rider attack
had been notable. Tizer wondered how many friends and family the townspeople had lost in the battle.
Beside Tizer was Sheilandri who scratched Maer Cath behind the ears. The low ceilings of the
Underdark had unnerved the elven cat, and he was only too happy to see the blue sky again. Sheil was
preoccupied, however, thinking about Dae Draug's death. Even though they had only known each other for
a few days, they had become good friends.
A few feet behind the group moved Jem who leaned against Randow, sobbing quietly. Caran's
death, and his last words declaring his love filled her mind.
Nalynn walked slowly nearby, still in shock from her husband's death. She knew returning to her
apartment would bring back many painful memories. It could no longer be her home. Brisid had offered her
to stay in his residence for awhile and she had accepted.
As rear guard, Riklaun and Brisid followed last in the group. Brisid absentmindedly touched the
scar on his neck, courtesy of Ebonstarr's possession. He hadn't had any nightmares since the said event and
hoped they were finished.
Riklaun was deep in thought. He had been repeatedly amazed at Ebonstarr's persistence. Worry
distracted him. As she had demonstrated, she would use any and all weapons against him, including his
friends. They would all be in danger as long as the priestess were alive. The group of elves walked into the
forest, slowly splitting up to go their separate ways home. Their wounds were great. With time they would
heal. And with time would come more good memories and adventures.