)Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)
Loner and Thantor had only gone a short way when Loner stopped short and gasped. She grabbed Thantor's arm. She had felt Kramor's pain from the acid cloud, and practically screamed: "Where is he? Where is he?!" No answer was forthcoming of course. Thantor cast farsight again but Kramor was not to be found. Loner, infuriated and depserate, tore the Katana from its sheath and hurled it into a tree.
"Hey!" a voice said. "How'd you like it if someone threw one-a those into you?!?"
"Ehhh," said Thantor, coming forward and grapsing the Katana to pull it from the tree's trunk. "Terribly sorry, an unfortunate accident. She needed to blow off some steam. And she can't see. You see she was wounded by a --"
"Hmph, a likely excuse!!" fumed the tree. "Take that!!!" And it swiped Thantor up the side of the head with a sturdy branch. The good news was, the force of the blow caused him to fall back, still holding the Katana. He ran to Loner and placed her weapon back in its sheath for her. "Pfeh!" he said, as they went on.
"Thantor," said Loner. "Kramor is in terrible trouble..."
Thantor sighed. Not having a clue where he was, there wasn't much else they could do, besides just keep going...
"Hey!" a voice said. "How'd you like it if someone threw one-a those into you?!?"
"Ehhh," said Thantor, coming forward and grapsing the Katana to pull it from the tree's trunk. "Terribly sorry, an unfortunate accident. She needed to blow off some steam. And she can't see. You see she was wounded by a --"
"Hmph, a likely excuse!!" fumed the tree. "Take that!!!" And it swiped Thantor up the side of the head with a sturdy branch. The good news was, the force of the blow caused him to fall back, still holding the Katana. He ran to Loner and placed her weapon back in its sheath for her. "Pfeh!" he said, as they went on.
"Thantor," said Loner. "Kramor is in terrible trouble..."
Thantor sighed. Not having a clue where he was, there wasn't much else they could do, besides just keep going...
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Gwalchmai
- Posts: 6252
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:00 am
- Location: This Quintessence of Dust
- Contact:
Sirs Keldorn and Ryan approached the three Flames with broad smiles. “So good to see you fine Ladies again!” Keldorn said with open honesty, “I trust all is well in your new keep?”
“Yes,” Dragonwench said with a hint of irony, “We are, as usual, embroiled in a fine mess. We are battered, separated yet again, several of our members are lost or acting strangely, at least one of us may be dead, and we’re having trust issues as well.” She spat at the ground bitterly, “Oh, yes. There may also be an Evil Army seeking to destroy your own Order of the Radiant Heart. But what else is new?”
“What else, indeed?” Sir Ryan said, sitting tall in the saddle, “We are here to investigate reports of unprecedented bandit activity in the homes of the Mountain Elves. The tidings do not bode well in these days of strife.”
“We believe that this Evil Army may have staged those bandit raids, just to lure you into a trap,” Georgi said, “Perhaps you should reconsider your course of action.”
“No need, my Dear,” Keldorn gestured to the horizon just as an army of Knights, Clerics, Archers, and Harpers rode into view, “We have come prepared. In fact, you three may wish to ride with us. Today promises to be a fine day for Butt-Kicking For Goodness.”
“Staying with the Radiant Hearts may be a good idea,” Vivien said thoughtfully, “If Gwalchmai is a prisoner of this Evil Army, it may be the quickest way to find him.”
“Yes,” Dragonwench said with a hint of irony, “We are, as usual, embroiled in a fine mess. We are battered, separated yet again, several of our members are lost or acting strangely, at least one of us may be dead, and we’re having trust issues as well.” She spat at the ground bitterly, “Oh, yes. There may also be an Evil Army seeking to destroy your own Order of the Radiant Heart. But what else is new?”
“What else, indeed?” Sir Ryan said, sitting tall in the saddle, “We are here to investigate reports of unprecedented bandit activity in the homes of the Mountain Elves. The tidings do not bode well in these days of strife.”
“We believe that this Evil Army may have staged those bandit raids, just to lure you into a trap,” Georgi said, “Perhaps you should reconsider your course of action.”
“No need, my Dear,” Keldorn gestured to the horizon just as an army of Knights, Clerics, Archers, and Harpers rode into view, “We have come prepared. In fact, you three may wish to ride with us. Today promises to be a fine day for Butt-Kicking For Goodness.”
“Staying with the Radiant Hearts may be a good idea,” Vivien said thoughtfully, “If Gwalchmai is a prisoner of this Evil Army, it may be the quickest way to find him.”
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
OOC: A little something for Waverly's overly active imagination
Trying to dispel some of the tension in the air, Thantor said, "You asked about the reality issue earlier. At the asylum, a group of us became interested in how it was that the magic afforded us by our god had no effect on the souls we tended but simple human kindness did. Unfortunately, a radical theoretical position was immediate taken up by one of our members, Priapismo. Flaming hard to understand, actually, but the thrust of it was that our god was incomplete. It started innocently enough, but the whole business quickly went to his head and soon he was seeing imperfection in every flower and bush. Dissention ensued, of course -- rocked the order to its core. Well, once he'd opened the Pandora's box there was no pulling back and a heated exchange ensued. Eventually they called in the local hatchet harpy for an overnight deposition but Priapismo refused to back down and it was like a tug-o-war with the Cyclops. He was banished, of course, and he quickly went south after that. I always thought they had been a bit hard on him personally, because ...
"Did you hear that," asked Loner suddenly.
"No. What did you hear?", Thantor shot back.
"It sounded like a scraping noise. It might be Kramor."
"Or Sir Eunuch. Stay alert, Loner. I did notice that his magic missile spells seem to fall short of their mark. Projectile dysfunction no doubt. Common in these evil lackey types."
Moving carefully through the swirling darkness, they soon saw a large man-sized object. It appeared to be a knight in rusty armor who was trying to reach a tub of lard by his feet. As they moved into view, he was barely able to squeak out, "Help... me." Moving cautiously, Thantor began to rub large quantities of lard in the various joints of the metallic warrior. "Oh thank you, that is so much better," said the knight. "Have you seen anyone pass this way?" said Thantor, "We are looking for a friend of ours."
"No, I haven't," said the knight, "but perhaps the Wizard would know. I was on my way to visit him and would be glad to lead you there, if you would like. It isn't very far."
"Alright," said Loner in a strained voice, "but let's go quickly. Our friend is in great danger."
[ 06-17-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]
Trying to dispel some of the tension in the air, Thantor said, "You asked about the reality issue earlier. At the asylum, a group of us became interested in how it was that the magic afforded us by our god had no effect on the souls we tended but simple human kindness did. Unfortunately, a radical theoretical position was immediate taken up by one of our members, Priapismo. Flaming hard to understand, actually, but the thrust of it was that our god was incomplete. It started innocently enough, but the whole business quickly went to his head and soon he was seeing imperfection in every flower and bush. Dissention ensued, of course -- rocked the order to its core. Well, once he'd opened the Pandora's box there was no pulling back and a heated exchange ensued. Eventually they called in the local hatchet harpy for an overnight deposition but Priapismo refused to back down and it was like a tug-o-war with the Cyclops. He was banished, of course, and he quickly went south after that. I always thought they had been a bit hard on him personally, because ...
"Did you hear that," asked Loner suddenly.
"No. What did you hear?", Thantor shot back.
"It sounded like a scraping noise. It might be Kramor."
"Or Sir Eunuch. Stay alert, Loner. I did notice that his magic missile spells seem to fall short of their mark. Projectile dysfunction no doubt. Common in these evil lackey types."
Moving carefully through the swirling darkness, they soon saw a large man-sized object. It appeared to be a knight in rusty armor who was trying to reach a tub of lard by his feet. As they moved into view, he was barely able to squeak out, "Help... me." Moving cautiously, Thantor began to rub large quantities of lard in the various joints of the metallic warrior. "Oh thank you, that is so much better," said the knight. "Have you seen anyone pass this way?" said Thantor, "We are looking for a friend of ours."
"No, I haven't," said the knight, "but perhaps the Wizard would know. I was on my way to visit him and would be glad to lead you there, if you would like. It isn't very far."
"Alright," said Loner in a strained voice, "but let's go quickly. Our friend is in great danger."
[ 06-17-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
As Darkpoet waited in the thicket, he could hear the sound of approaching horse. As he saw who it was, it made Darkpoet very happy. A the rider came closer, Darkpoet burst out of the thicket. He flat bladed the rider in the chest. Grabbing the ride by his tunic, Darkpoet put his bloody face close to the rider.
"Hello Anomen, remember me? I know you do, now I'm going to make you feel pain. Then I'm taking you to see Waverly. If I can find the monkey loving twit."
Darkpoet got rid of Anomen's armor, then tied Anomen belly down on the horse.
Then Jennabard came crashing through, and passed out at Darkpoet's feet. He looked at Jennabard, not knowing what to do with her. Shaking hi head, he fixed her wounds, made her drink some healing potions. He sat with her, waiting for to wake up. Every time Anomen, lifted his head, Darkpoet would hit him with his sword.
"Hello Anomen, remember me? I know you do, now I'm going to make you feel pain. Then I'm taking you to see Waverly. If I can find the monkey loving twit."
Darkpoet got rid of Anomen's armor, then tied Anomen belly down on the horse.
Then Jennabard came crashing through, and passed out at Darkpoet's feet. He looked at Jennabard, not knowing what to do with her. Shaking hi head, he fixed her wounds, made her drink some healing potions. He sat with her, waiting for to wake up. Every time Anomen, lifted his head, Darkpoet would hit him with his sword.
"Ah," sighed their new companion, while he plucked wildflowers. "You don't know how grateful I am for your assistance. I was beginning to be afraid I'd be stuck there forever --"
"Are we getting close?" Loner asked.
"Ehh, in fact, my lady, we approach now."
Before them, some distance off, a shimmering blue castle appeared.
"We need but cross this field, and we shall be there."
"Then let us hurry," said Loner, and went as fast as she was able...
"Are we getting close?" Loner asked.
"Ehh, in fact, my lady, we approach now."
Before them, some distance off, a shimmering blue castle appeared.
"We need but cross this field, and we shall be there."
"Then let us hurry," said Loner, and went as fast as she was able...
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Georgi
- Posts: 11288
- Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Can't wait to get on the road again...
- Contact:
"We are nearing the village the latest reports came from," Keldorn informed Georgi, as they rode. "Tis but a short way on the other side of this pass."
Dragonwench looked up ahead. "I don't like this. What if there is an ambush?"
Keldorn laughed. "My dear, I am sure our forces vastly outnumber this evil army you speak of. Even if they have prepared an ambush, they will be no match for our strength. Of course, if you ladies would prefer a safer position behind our ranks..."
"That won't be necessary," Georgi replied firmly. "We can handle ourselves, as you well know, Sir Keldorn."
"As you wish, my lady."
Dragonwench looked up ahead. "I don't like this. What if there is an ambush?"
Keldorn laughed. "My dear, I am sure our forces vastly outnumber this evil army you speak of. Even if they have prepared an ambush, they will be no match for our strength. Of course, if you ladies would prefer a safer position behind our ranks..."
"That won't be necessary," Georgi replied firmly. "We can handle ourselves, as you well know, Sir Keldorn."
"As you wish, my lady."
Who, me?!?
ooc: LMAO, Thantororiginally posted by Thantor:<STRONG>
Thantor began to rub large quantities of lard in the various joints of the metallic warrior</STRONG>
Did you learn this trick in prison? Please tell me Loner was off fetching water and was spared the spectacle Then darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time
OOC: Yes, but let's leave my childhood out of thisOriginally posted by Waverly:
ooc: LMAO, Thantor
[ 06-18-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
-
Gwalchmai
- Posts: 6252
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:00 am
- Location: This Quintessence of Dust
- Contact:
The Army of the Radiant Heart moved through the pass and into the village of the Mountain Elves. They stared at the decimation and destruction of the village. Desiccated bodies lay all around, hanging limply, impaled on spears or lying in curled husks, burnt by magical fire. The women had obviously been violated before being killed, and even the children had been murdered. Sir Ryan shook his head, “How this could have been reported as mere bandit activity is beyond me.”
“They must have a helluva public relations team,” mused Dragonwench. The town had been pretty once. Stone buildings and homes with neatly thatched roofs built around a central square filled with groomed oak trees. But now, most of the stone walls had been reduced to rubble, the thatch burnt, and the square had been the site of ritual execution. Dragonwench eyed the half-walls and trees. Not much cover for a battle, but the croplands beyond the town would be a killing field.
A low rumble from the mountain pass signaled the start of the battle as a small avalanche sealed off the route of retreat. A cry rose from the forest beyond the crops, and a hail of arrows drove the scrambling Knights to crowd into the remains of the small town. Keldorn and Ryan began barking orders, sending companies of men to protect the flanks and instructing archers to prevent any enemy from crossing the field. But Dragonwench’s eyes widened as she saw the tree line across the field suddenly sprout figures in full plate and tower shields, like the teeth of a dragon. No amount of arrows would stop the advance of that line.
The sounds of battle were loud within the town. The Knights and the Army of Evil were engaged in ferocious combat on all fronts, but the Knight’s position was holding. The stone walls and narrow alleyways provided enough cover for the Radiant Heart to have a slight advantage. Until, that is, the troops heard the first scream overhead. A long drawn-out "Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgh!” grew louder until suddenly a large oak tree literally exploded behind them with the impact. A dwarf lay dead in the ruins of the tree, impaled on a large splinter he had helped to make. “Holy ****!” cried one of the knights “They’re using Dwarven Throwers!”
“Language, Percy. Watch your language. There are Ladies present.” Sir Ryan said calmly, “Besides, they are using Duergar Throwers to be exact.”
“It’s a good thing they missed,” Keldorn said, slightly relieved.
“I think they were just getting the range,” Georgi observed as five more battle cries were heard coming toward them. These thrown Duergars found their marks, landing among the Knights. Two knights were killed outright, their armor and bodies cleaved in two. Six others went down as the angry, drunken Duergars survived the fall and began slinging their heavy axes savagely at anything that moved. Nine other knights were wounded badly before the Duergars could be killed.
Panic began to ensue. “We’re sitting worgs if we stay here in range of the Throwers!” shouted Keldorn. Ryan looked at the battle lines, seeking a way out. It seemed to him that the left flank was the weakest, and offered the best route into the trees, and possibly even behind the Evil Army. The Knights began preparing to battle through the left amid a rain of thrown dwarves.
****
Gwalchmai shuddered to see the Radiant Heart fall into the trap laid by the Evil Army, but was glad when he saw them holding their own in the town. He was confused, as he could see mages hurry toward the left flank and start casting invisibility on the evil soldiers, who then hid quietly among the trees. The left flank appeared to be weakening, while it was in fact becoming stronger as more invisible soldiers joined them from the front lines. Meanwhile, a troop of Snirfneblin illusionists ‘reinforced’ the front lines with phantoms of orcs, ogres, and hobgoblins. The first thrown dwarf had surprised Gwalchmai, but he soon saw the intent. They were trying, and apparently succeeding, to drive the Paladins out of the town and into the waiting arms of an invisible, secondary ambush along the left flank. There must be a way to warn them! The center was the real weak spot, not the left! But how could he get to the Paladins in time?
****
Georgi, Vivien, and Dragonwench paused, as the rain of Duergar seemed to stop for a moment. In the lull, surprised cries, grunts, and thuds could be heard from behind the area of trees where the throwing-catapults lay. Ryan and Keldorn stopped too, listening. Then, the familiar creak and loud clunk of one of the catapults being fired was heard, and another figure was seen flying toward the Knights. This figure was taller than the other duergar, and was dressed in robes rather than armor. Instead of a battle cry, they could hear, “Caaaaatttttcchhh Mmmeeeeeee!” as it got closer. “Don’t kill this one!” Keldorn shouted as the man landed with a dull thud on the hindquarters of some poor squire’s mare. The man picked himself up painfully, dusted himself off, and walked toward the Dark Flames and Paladin Leaders.
“Heya!” Gwalchmai said grinning, “Did’ja miss me?”
OOC: Does anyone remember when Dragon Wench gets back from vacation?
[ 06-18-2001: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]
“They must have a helluva public relations team,” mused Dragonwench. The town had been pretty once. Stone buildings and homes with neatly thatched roofs built around a central square filled with groomed oak trees. But now, most of the stone walls had been reduced to rubble, the thatch burnt, and the square had been the site of ritual execution. Dragonwench eyed the half-walls and trees. Not much cover for a battle, but the croplands beyond the town would be a killing field.
A low rumble from the mountain pass signaled the start of the battle as a small avalanche sealed off the route of retreat. A cry rose from the forest beyond the crops, and a hail of arrows drove the scrambling Knights to crowd into the remains of the small town. Keldorn and Ryan began barking orders, sending companies of men to protect the flanks and instructing archers to prevent any enemy from crossing the field. But Dragonwench’s eyes widened as she saw the tree line across the field suddenly sprout figures in full plate and tower shields, like the teeth of a dragon. No amount of arrows would stop the advance of that line.
The sounds of battle were loud within the town. The Knights and the Army of Evil were engaged in ferocious combat on all fronts, but the Knight’s position was holding. The stone walls and narrow alleyways provided enough cover for the Radiant Heart to have a slight advantage. Until, that is, the troops heard the first scream overhead. A long drawn-out "Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgh!” grew louder until suddenly a large oak tree literally exploded behind them with the impact. A dwarf lay dead in the ruins of the tree, impaled on a large splinter he had helped to make. “Holy ****!” cried one of the knights “They’re using Dwarven Throwers!”
“Language, Percy. Watch your language. There are Ladies present.” Sir Ryan said calmly, “Besides, they are using Duergar Throwers to be exact.”
“It’s a good thing they missed,” Keldorn said, slightly relieved.
“I think they were just getting the range,” Georgi observed as five more battle cries were heard coming toward them. These thrown Duergars found their marks, landing among the Knights. Two knights were killed outright, their armor and bodies cleaved in two. Six others went down as the angry, drunken Duergars survived the fall and began slinging their heavy axes savagely at anything that moved. Nine other knights were wounded badly before the Duergars could be killed.
Panic began to ensue. “We’re sitting worgs if we stay here in range of the Throwers!” shouted Keldorn. Ryan looked at the battle lines, seeking a way out. It seemed to him that the left flank was the weakest, and offered the best route into the trees, and possibly even behind the Evil Army. The Knights began preparing to battle through the left amid a rain of thrown dwarves.
****
Gwalchmai shuddered to see the Radiant Heart fall into the trap laid by the Evil Army, but was glad when he saw them holding their own in the town. He was confused, as he could see mages hurry toward the left flank and start casting invisibility on the evil soldiers, who then hid quietly among the trees. The left flank appeared to be weakening, while it was in fact becoming stronger as more invisible soldiers joined them from the front lines. Meanwhile, a troop of Snirfneblin illusionists ‘reinforced’ the front lines with phantoms of orcs, ogres, and hobgoblins. The first thrown dwarf had surprised Gwalchmai, but he soon saw the intent. They were trying, and apparently succeeding, to drive the Paladins out of the town and into the waiting arms of an invisible, secondary ambush along the left flank. There must be a way to warn them! The center was the real weak spot, not the left! But how could he get to the Paladins in time?
****
Georgi, Vivien, and Dragonwench paused, as the rain of Duergar seemed to stop for a moment. In the lull, surprised cries, grunts, and thuds could be heard from behind the area of trees where the throwing-catapults lay. Ryan and Keldorn stopped too, listening. Then, the familiar creak and loud clunk of one of the catapults being fired was heard, and another figure was seen flying toward the Knights. This figure was taller than the other duergar, and was dressed in robes rather than armor. Instead of a battle cry, they could hear, “Caaaaatttttcchhh Mmmeeeeeee!” as it got closer. “Don’t kill this one!” Keldorn shouted as the man landed with a dull thud on the hindquarters of some poor squire’s mare. The man picked himself up painfully, dusted himself off, and walked toward the Dark Flames and Paladin Leaders.
“Heya!” Gwalchmai said grinning, “Did’ja miss me?”
OOC: Does anyone remember when Dragon Wench gets back from vacation?
[ 06-18-2001: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
The three travelers finally arrived at the gate of the Sapphire City. The gate was really a massive door, with a small closed square around eye-level. Thantor pulled the bell-cord beside the gate, and the square slid back. A woman's face appeared.
"Hm, what do you want?"
Loner recognized the voice. "J--Jennabard?!" she cried.
"Huh?"
"Loner," said Thantor, "I...don't think that's really Jennabard, although...the resemblance is...uncanny indeed..."
"Look, I can't stand around here all day. I've got things to do."
The rusty knight spoke up. "We're here to see the Wizard."
"The Wizard?" said the woman. "Heh, the Wizard sees no one. He's always very busy doing...wizardly things. Good day."
Thantor shoved his hand against the little door, stopping her from closing it. "Wait," he said. "This is very important." Then he quickly cast Charm Person. "OH!" said the woman. "THAT'S a horse of a different color!! Come on in!!" And she opened the gate.
No sooner had the trio been welcomed exuberantly by the inhabitants, than the sky grew dark. A shadow had passed over the sun. Looking up, everyone saw written across the sky in black smoke: SURRENDER LONER
"It's the Wicked Warlock!" everyone cried. "We must consult the Wizard!" "Yes, the Wizard will be able to explain it!!..."
Loner, Thantor, and the Rusty Knight followed the crowd. After drinking potions of invisibility, they were able to sneak past the Wizard's door guard while he made an attempt at crowd control.
****************
The Wizard's hall was a vast, empty space, with dark blue curtains all around. The three travelers stood for a moment, waiting. "Uh, maybe we're in the wrong place?" offered Rusty. But no sooner had he said that, than a man emerged from behind the curtain in the far wall.
"M--Manveru?!" Thantor gasped. "H--how --"
Manvery just smiled. "Well," he said. "How do you like my home?..."
Loner stepped forward. "Manveru...YOU'RE the Wizard?! Is this some kind of a trick?"
"Oh no, my dear. I really am Manveru, and I really am the Wizard. How goes your search for your friend?"
"Obviously very badly, since we had to seek you out," Loner replied.
"Mmmm. I may be able to help. But there is one thing you must do first."
"There's no time!!" Loner yelled. "He could be dying!"
"Patience, patience. I know what I'm doing. Perform this simple task for me, and I will aid you as best I can in the rescue of your friend."
Loner sighed impatiently. "Well? What is it?"
Manveru paused dramatically, then said:
"Bring me the staff of the Wicked Warlock of the West."
"Hm, what do you want?"
Loner recognized the voice. "J--Jennabard?!" she cried.
"Huh?"
"Loner," said Thantor, "I...don't think that's really Jennabard, although...the resemblance is...uncanny indeed..."
"Look, I can't stand around here all day. I've got things to do."
The rusty knight spoke up. "We're here to see the Wizard."
"The Wizard?" said the woman. "Heh, the Wizard sees no one. He's always very busy doing...wizardly things. Good day."
Thantor shoved his hand against the little door, stopping her from closing it. "Wait," he said. "This is very important." Then he quickly cast Charm Person. "OH!" said the woman. "THAT'S a horse of a different color!! Come on in!!" And she opened the gate.
No sooner had the trio been welcomed exuberantly by the inhabitants, than the sky grew dark. A shadow had passed over the sun. Looking up, everyone saw written across the sky in black smoke: SURRENDER LONER
"It's the Wicked Warlock!" everyone cried. "We must consult the Wizard!" "Yes, the Wizard will be able to explain it!!..."
Loner, Thantor, and the Rusty Knight followed the crowd. After drinking potions of invisibility, they were able to sneak past the Wizard's door guard while he made an attempt at crowd control.
****************
The Wizard's hall was a vast, empty space, with dark blue curtains all around. The three travelers stood for a moment, waiting. "Uh, maybe we're in the wrong place?" offered Rusty. But no sooner had he said that, than a man emerged from behind the curtain in the far wall.
"M--Manveru?!" Thantor gasped. "H--how --"
Manvery just smiled. "Well," he said. "How do you like my home?..."
Loner stepped forward. "Manveru...YOU'RE the Wizard?! Is this some kind of a trick?"
"Oh no, my dear. I really am Manveru, and I really am the Wizard. How goes your search for your friend?"
"Obviously very badly, since we had to seek you out," Loner replied.
"Mmmm. I may be able to help. But there is one thing you must do first."
"There's no time!!" Loner yelled. "He could be dying!"
"Patience, patience. I know what I'm doing. Perform this simple task for me, and I will aid you as best I can in the rescue of your friend."
Loner sighed impatiently. "Well? What is it?"
Manveru paused dramatically, then said:
"Bring me the staff of the Wicked Warlock of the West."
From the outside, it’sappearance was that of a cyclopean fortress from the opium induced nightmares of a madman. Each block was rough hewn and the size of horse. The lines were jagged and no hint of symmetry existed throughout the monstrous structure. Most of the lower battlements were covered in sickly grey-green moss and the earth about the base was parched and cracked. But a warm light flowed through the misshapen windows and to peer inside one would be greeted with yet another spectacle.
Waverly sat in his throne room peering at a projected image of Loner and her party as they journey in search of their fallen comrade. Curiously, in attendance were a large number of winged creatures. Each bore the faintest hint of a bluish caste, and a pair of large black wings were folded neatly behind them. From the front, the most notable feature was a pair firm bosoms barely contained by a tight form fitting tunic bearing the runes: ‘Hooters.’ The winged Hooters girls made frequent trips to the bar for their master, furnishing him with pints of mead enquiring on the status of his evil plans. “Is it time to kill those new-age losers?” They would ask. Waverly would only smile and reply that the time was near.
Waverly sat in his throne room peering at a projected image of Loner and her party as they journey in search of their fallen comrade. Curiously, in attendance were a large number of winged creatures. Each bore the faintest hint of a bluish caste, and a pair of large black wings were folded neatly behind them. From the front, the most notable feature was a pair firm bosoms barely contained by a tight form fitting tunic bearing the runes: ‘Hooters.’ The winged Hooters girls made frequent trips to the bar for their master, furnishing him with pints of mead enquiring on the status of his evil plans. “Is it time to kill those new-age losers?” They would ask. Waverly would only smile and reply that the time was near.
Then darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time