The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)

[dragon wench]

Dragon Wench felt her skin crawl as she looked into the
all-consuming blackness of a never-ending labyrinth of tunnels and caverns; she wondered if they would ever escape, or if they were destined to rot in this foetid pit for all eternity. The battle with the Abomination drew increasingly near and she felt her heart lurch at the prospect. Fear of the unknown, anxiety, and utter weariness flooded her soul, and her stomach tightened in sheer dread.

"Damn, I'm a fighter, I will be useless to my friends if I can't pull myself together," she muttered to herself. Frustrated, hating the admission to weakness, Dragon Wench pushed a strand of hair from her eyes, and finally turned to Yshania. In a voice that betrayed exhaustion and a desire to succumb to taunts screamed by nameless, encroaching demons, she asked, "do you have something that combats weariness.....?"

As she waited for the druid to respond, Dragon Wench cradled her head in her hands and attempted to block out the anonymous horror that continued to echo and throb inside her skull, as though trapping her from within. Focusing, she tried to find the small spark of courage and inspiration that had been provided by the fragile snowdrop, just prior to their battle with the dragons. The incident now seemed so long ago, and as her thoughts drifted to the events of the last few days.....her reunion with Jerren, his sudden need to depart......the seemingly incessant battles, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within..... joy, grief, loss, futile rage....the feeling of being wrested from tenuous moorings by forces far beyond her control. Gripped by a sudden surge of helpless fury, she kicked savagely at the nearby wall and cursed violently into the nearly impenetrable dark that lay ahead.

[Yshania]

Yshania studied her friend for a moment before digging into a hidden pouch in her pack and producing a small vial. Removing the top, she inhaled the minty fragrance before handing it to Dragon Wench.

‘One of Mael’s’ she smiled ‘I…guess today has been an eternity for you hasn’t it?’ she asked quietly. Dragon Wench nodded mutely, a wavering smile her thanks as she accepted the potion. So much had happened, both women reflected. Only this morning Dragon Wench had fled from the kitchen, already feeling the wrench with the instinctive knowledge that Jerren intended to return to the void…so brief and intense their reconciliation. Only this morning, Gwalchmai and Yshania had discovered the portal wand dropped by Anicka and vowed to follow their comrade. Such an exhausting age had passed, with little time for reflection or appreciation of the full impact this day would have on the rest of their lives…friendships would be tested and proven, personal battles fought and with luck, individual demons challenged. Yshania gritted her teeth and something passed silently between the two women.

‘There is a strength to the Dark Flames…’ Yshania said softly ‘something that drew us together, continues to draw others to us, and maintains that bond. There is something here beyond our control, beyond common belief in human and elvenkind’ she fell silent for a moment before adding ‘whatever our personal demons, they are a common enemy’. She felt humbled to be a part of this group, and hated the darkness within her that was amplified and brought to the fore in this hell. This is her challenge. She would see this through, and learn control over the chaos. A chain was only ever as strong as the weakest link, and she determined this would not be her. ‘We have to be strong, for each other’. She retrieved the proffered vial from Dragon Wench and returned it to her pack.

‘You know?’ smiled the fighter ‘when we get out of this place, we should hit the nearest tavern and drink the barrels dry!’ Yshania grinned

‘That promise will keep me going for sure’ she laughed 'I will hold you to that one!'

[dragon wench]

The contents of the vial, both fiery and cool, burned their way down her throat, through her heart, and into her stomach, Nearly instantly her feelings of instability and panic subsided and were replaced by a sense of fortitude and inner calm.

"Thank you, I needed that....I was close to collapse," Dragon Wench whispered softly. Then, a smile hovered briefly in her eyes at the thought of spending some hard-earned gold in a well-provisioned tavern. For a moment, a grin lighted her features.

"We'd better make sure to go on horseback....that way we are less likely to get lost on the way back."

[Yshania]

'Oh my!' Yshania proclaimed '...being babysat by a rampant stallion and his equine wench?' She laughed heartily at the idea 'well we better keep them clear of the cider, my friend, if we stand any chance of getting back at all!' Their laughter rung unreal in this dark place, almost defiant and challenging in it's simplicity. Holding onto their sides, they laughed harder at the interest drawn from the others in the cavern. Thantor regarded them, somewhat concerned...and Gwalchmai, wore a flicker of a smile despite not understanding the joke. What was not lost on Yshania, was her free comment of 'getting back'. They would get back, they would find peace and a happy base to build a foundation. Something about the freedom of this laughter springing forth in this godforesaken place assured her that there was a promise, however tenuous.

'Now, if only we can locate the horses!'

[Gwalchmai]

Gwalchmai cleared his throat and tried to get the attention of his friends – unfortunately they still seemed to be fascinated by the cat creature, Aqua Chan. “Um, listen. I’m going to take the cows back to the portal room now so we can get them out of harm’s way. Anyone want to come with?” He wasn’t very comfortable about traveling back through the tunnels by himself, even though he would be moving with a small herd of bovines. He didn’t think he would get lost, but who knows what he might run into on the way.

No answer was immediately forthcoming, so he shrugged and said, “I’ll be right back.”

A soft whistle, and the charmed lead bull trotted up to him and accepted a little scratch between the eyes. “Let’s go, Teddy.”

[dragon wench]

At Yshania's mention of locating their steeds Dragon Wench's brow creased, and a look of concern crossed her face. She felt a pang of worry at the safety of Midnight Spirit and the other horses; suddenly the fighter longed to ride into the wind, and far away from the pervasive stench that perpetually leeched from the accursed passageways.

Sighing resolutely she shook her head and flexed her shoulders, grimly determined to combat whatever foe destiny threw in her path. Wondering at their next course of action she moved cautiously ahead and gazed into a sinuous tunnel that stretched beyond. The rock, she noticed, was softer here; it crumbled into dust at her touch, and seemed to burn into her skin....as though it might be acidic in nature. Both curious and concerned she motioned to those standing nearby......

[Bloodstalker]

BS walked up in time to hear Gwally say something about taking the cows back to the portal. He looked over the rest, and thought everything seemed to be under control. He walked over to the druid fell in step.

"I'll come along", he said. He was glad for a chance to get away from the tension he had been feeling since he arrived in this place. These tunnels reminded him of other tunnel, ones darker in his mind, that ran through the lower levels of his former prison. It threatened to suffocate him unless he was doing something. The walk would do him good.

[Nippy]

"Why not? I fancy a walk. I'm coming you two!" Nippy breaks into a jog and catches up with Bloodstalker and Nippy.

"How are you two doing? Any injuries? How are you finding this little excursion?"

[Gwalchmai]

Gwalchmai scowled at the perky young Nippy. “Oh, I just love it down here in the unnatural dark, seeking unnatural enemies, hoping that the unnatural tunnels don’t collapse on us at any minute….” He was deeply offended at the unbalanced environment they found themselves in. Cave-ins, Abominations, underground cows; none of it served Nature’s needs. The dark tunnel stretched out before them, shadows lengthened and dancing in torchlight. In his mind’s eye, he could see skillful Drow archers in every crack, powerful Orc strongmen waiting behind every turn. He shuddered and was happy that Bloodstalker and Nippy had joined him.

“Wait for me!” came a call from behind. They turned to see T'lainya running to catch up with them, he cloak billowing out behind her like silvery-blue wings. She shoved her way between the cows and gave the men a thin-lipped smile. “You may need help operating the portal controls.”

[Nippy]

"It is a tad dark isn't it? But look it this way, I'm serving good and representing my God and you are promoting the balance, returning the old caves to what they were. It can only result for the best of both of us..."

[Obsidian]

Farscape wasn't all that big, but he was pretty strong. And fortunately, Aegis was less big than Farscape.
"Cmon elfie, just a little further. Hey guys, darkflames. We could use some medical attention over here!" He stumbled again, catching himself and barely keeping Aegis up.

[dragon wench]

Gazing tentatively into the pitch black Dragon Wench wished, not for the first time, that she possessed infravision. Muttering darkly to herself she dug into her pack and found the helmet that would provide her with the ability to see into the tunnel's depth. Normally, she detested helmets; they were uncomfortable and reduced her sensitivity to the surrounding environment, but somehow the thought of groping through this unholy darkness unaided did not appeal.

As she glanced quietly at those gathered nearby, Dragon Wench commented that since their previous route had become blocked she intended to explore the passage that seemed to veer sharply downwards.

"If anyone wants to accompany I would appreciate it," she said softly.

[Mysteria]

Giving up trying to fade into the shadows after her encounter with Aqua, Mysteria finally joined Thantor. "We should make sure we don't drive the cattle into yet another ambush?, she suggested. Agreeing, Thantor joined her for some scouting.

Walking back to the main battlefield, something was troubling Mysteria, but she couldn’t really put her finger on it. Going over the events of the last few minutes, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. She’d been so enraged at Aqua-chan, but nothing, just nothing at all had happened! Her magic had just been gone, just like back in Georgi’s room …

“Thantor!" Mysteria exclaimed. She was all excited. “My magic was gone back there! Just like in Georgi’s room! There has to be another cat-creature round here, possibly the same one that kidnapped Georgi! Than, we might find…”

"Whoa, whoa. Slow down Mysteria," Thantor cut in. "What are you talking about?"

"My magic," Mysteria went on excitedly. "I was furious when I thought Aqua-chan was one of those cat people, yet nothing happened. There must have been an anti-magic zone there, just like the one the cat-creatures use. We could be on their trail."

"That is one explanation. There is also the possibility that it is simply a dead zone," remarked Thantor.

Backtracking their steps, Mysteria soon stopped as she felt a her magic vanish. “Here, it’s right here that I can't feel me magic anymore.” Calling for Fang, she let him search around, but though he growled from time to time, there was nothing conclusive that would lead them to believe that a cat-creature had traveled through this area. Too many cows had trampled through here for one thing.

“I’m sorry, Than," Mysteria said dejectedly after some time. "I guess there is no way to be sure if Georgi was taken this way or not." Thantor wasn't looking at her. He was looking down at the ground, wrestling with himself. "I should have been there… if only I wasn't so angry at her…"

Looking at Thantor, seeing the set of his jaw, the downcast eyes, she felt transported back to the old days at the village. That look of his. It was just like then, after the others were through mocking him…. so hurt but desperately trying to hide it, his hands balled into fists, fighting back tears.

“Than?”, she asked softly, reaching up to put a hand on her shoulder. He accepted her comfort, but lifted his head and said. "Right. No way to tell. Best move on." He moved away from her, changing the subject. "So tell me a bit more about your magic. Is it activated all the time by emotion?"

Understanding his brisk change of subject all too well, she complied, “Almost always. It only disappears for a time after a particularly heavy outburst, or in zones as this one. I don’t really notice it’s there most of the time, I’m so used to it. But I do notice when it’s gone.”

"Interesting."

"Maybe to you. I tried to … erm …stab a drow with some flowers earlier. Interesting wasn't the word that came to mind."

At that point, they were interrupted by Farscape's call and quickly walked over to them to help ...

[Gwalchmai]

The way back to the portal room was a relatively uneventful trip and quick, considering there were four adventures leading about twenty cows up a dark, narrow passage. Well, actually, the heroes had decided that some of them should do a little scouting, for safety reasons, so it was really two fighters walking before a cleric and a druid, who were leading the cows. However, the cows were rather smelly, and their scent preceded the whole party. Of course, the procession was also rather noisy, which would have the first thing noticed. So, to a casual observer, there would be the cacophony of lowing cattle to hear, followed by the scent of all those sweating bovine bodies inside the small dark tunnel, then the torches of a fighter and a noble monk to be seen, followed by the regal aura of a half-elven cleric, then a broad-shouldered druid with a large bull tagging closely behind, and finally a small herd of twenty other cows, all bunched together and hurrying to follow the torchlight. The casual observer also would have observed that the procession left something of a wake in their passage, and would have to step carefully to avoid it.

Fortunately, there were no casual observers, and the portal room was found without a hitch. T’lainya operated the controls, while the others encouraged the cattle through the portal one-by-one. Finally, the task was over, and Gwalchmai stood drinking in the fresh nighttime air that wafted through the open portal. He longed to step through and be rid of these dark, rotting tunnels. His reverie was interrupted by T’lainya.

“What’s to keep them from using the portals as we have to bring more food down for the Abomination?” T’lainya stood thoughtfully looking at the portal controls. “I can’t think of anyway to stop that from happening, short of…” she trailed off.

“Destroying the portal machines?” Nippy completed her thought.

The four looked at each other, with the understanding that this adventure may have just become a suicide mission. Then, without a word, they each found heavy staves, levers and tools, and began smashing apart all the machinery.

[Aqua-chan]

Aqua-chan noticed that the group had decided to move along to the points where they were needed -whether it be herding cows, healing friends, or just preparing for battle, it seemed that they were constantly focused on thier work and had little else on thier mind that they cared to share with others.

Unsure of what to do, she waited until most of the toop had divided up before she decided where to go. Seeing that Than was the person she knew the most, she decided to go with him...And with Mysteria, by the looks of it, as she had started walking in the same direction as he did.

She wanted to stay as close to them as she could without barging in on thier conversation. It never occured to her that they possibly didn't even know she was even there. There was nobody to blame but herself: her feline lineage did have a way of making her naturally stealthy without making far to much noise. It was a bad habit Aqua-chan had tried to correct, but it was near impossible to defy her blood line charactoristics.

Mysteria was exclaiming about how she felt her magic leave her during that momentary encounter, and how she had also lost her magic when a woman by the name of...Georgi, was it?...had been taken captive. It was very possible that she could have hit dead zones in random areas, or even Wraiths on other planes could have absorbed her energy as food at inconvenient times. Either way, some cat-like creature had abducted Mysteria's friend and they hadn't seen her since.

The hybrid scouted her memory for any cat-creatures she knew. There was the sphynx with a lion's body and a human head, but they were generally docile and incredibly rare to the sight of mortals, plus they used mind over strength usually, so it was unlikely that the sphynx was the culprit. Were-cats were a possibilty, but again, not likely. There were few alive yet and they stayed seperated simply because they were territorial. They would never work together in a pack.

She couldn't think of anything else. It was impossible for the Ishiatorian to be the captors because they were centaur-like, a charactoristic that could have easily been pointed out by Mysteria or anyone. Then again, maybe these creatures were...genetic mistakes such as herself? It was possible, but the odds were-

"Hey, I didn't see you back there," Mysteria snapped the creature out of her daze, "Try to make some noise so we know where to find you sometime."

"Sorry about that," Aqua-chan grinned in a friendly way, unsure that Mysteria fully trusted her now or not. "I'll work on it, I promise."

"Come on up here. You don't know what you're missing out on."

She nodded her head in thanks and picked up her pace to catch up with the two.