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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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"Just let him go."<br />

Lothar's hands tightened on his staff. "The skull is MINE. If you press the<br />

issue, I will take yours as well."<br />

"You can damn well try..."<br />

"Boss, <strong>do</strong>n't push it! Let it go!" Morte yelped.<br />

Lothar nodded, "The skull speaks wisely. Heed it."<br />

I growled, but Morte might've <strong>be</strong>en right. He was shifty, annoying, and was<br />

an impressive liar, but I could feel the power rippling from Lothar in waves.<br />

"Very well, then. How <strong>do</strong> I find a greater skull?"<br />

"Move aside the divan in the center <strong>of</strong> the room, and pass through the<br />

portal on the eastern wall in the cham<strong>be</strong>rs <strong>be</strong>low <strong>to</strong> the catacombs. The<br />

portal will remain active for your return. In the catacombs lie many skulls.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> great value lies within the interred crypts <strong>of</strong> the Dustmen, <strong>be</strong>yond<br />

the Drowned Nations. Bring that skull <strong>to</strong> me - as my wererat minions have<br />

failed <strong>to</strong> <strong>do</strong> - and I will see <strong>to</strong> it that your friend is returned <strong>to</strong> you. Perhaps I<br />

shall even answer some questions for you."<br />

I shrugged nonchalantly, "I've <strong>be</strong>en <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>mb you speak <strong>of</strong>. It is empty."<br />

"What is the meaning <strong>of</strong> this?" Lothar hissed in frustration, and I <strong>to</strong>ok no<br />

small measure <strong>of</strong> delight in savoring his consternation, "The <strong>to</strong>mb was so<br />

well trapped, so well-defended from scrying magicks, that it was a challenge<br />

even for me! There must <strong>be</strong> some explanation for this, and," he drew out his<br />

words angrily and slowly, "YOU will provide it <strong>to</strong> me. Go through the portal<br />

in the cham<strong>be</strong>rs <strong>be</strong>low and seek the answer."<br />

I chuckled, "It was my own <strong>to</strong>mb."<br />

"Your <strong>to</strong>mb? YOUR <strong>to</strong>mb?" He eyed me carefully, and for a moment I gulped<br />

thinking I had spoken <strong>to</strong>o much. The man might just have the magic <strong>to</strong> tear<br />

my skull free and keep it polished and picked clean on his mantle, "We shall<br />

investigate this more carefully. Fetch me a<strong>not</strong>her skull, then, as you seem<br />

attached <strong>to</strong> yours, and we shall see what answers I can provide. Our<br />

agreement shall <strong>be</strong> as <strong>be</strong>fore. Do <strong>not</strong> try <strong>to</strong> deceive me with just any bone,<br />

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