Doc Ryan the Thimhalen Mage walked off the Thimhalen ship Bright O'Morn and stepped onto the teeming and busy docks of Tlashtek City. For a few moments he gawked trying to take in this large New World he was seeing. There was nothing like this in the more pastoral scenes of his country. The mountains bordered the city on three sides and then led into a large bay where many ships rested exchanging vast amounts of cargo's and passengers.

The city still showed signs of the great damage it had taken two years ago when the Dark Lord had attacked the area. The walls leading from the dock and the buildings leading to the Center of the city as well as parts of the King's Palace were still largely in ruins. He wondered, idly, with all the facilities and power the King was reputed to have why the city had not been rebuilt by now? Dismissing the thought he decided to proceed to the Inn the ships Captain had advised him to seek.

Dodsworth Crazyhand watched as the Thimhalenite yokel walked off the ship. He smiled in anticipation of an easy mark. Sure mages were dangerous but this just leant some sport to the game. Mages were rich, in magic and items and this well dressed pigeon was ripe for plucking. Yokels should stay at home they would be much happier he thought as he started to follow his mark.

Jaul was a member of the Tlashtek Rangers working under the Chief Advisor Colonel "Red" Baron. Baron was a tough no nonsense leader and was a privileged member of the King's own cabinet! Jaul was a new member and was still under probation in his new position. Even so his training by the Tlashtek Rangers School stood him in good stead. Wasn't that the thief called Crazyhand?

Robberies had been on the increase in the dock area lately and Baron wanted a larger presence here. A crackdown was in order and Crazyhand was a prime suspect. Jaul's sharp eyes immediately saw the thief's target! A Thimhalenite mage. Corman McLear the Thimhalenite King was an ally and close friend to King Betred. He surely would not like his nobles being robbed. Seeing a chance to get off his probation Jaul started to follow the thief.

The Livyanu Cleric Kalain Woods walked through the main gates on the South end of the city, far from the Eastern Docks. His nose wrinkled in distaste at the sights and smells of the evil city! Had these people no shame? Heretics and Sinners each and every one, selling sisters and fathers into slavery! He disliked the thought of entering this den of iniquity!

Still accompanied by the Large Wolfhound at his side he maintained a steadfast pace and many warily moved a distance away from him. None dared to test the patience of a Livyanuian Speaker for they were known to be sudden in their punishment of sin! The whip, large dog and Shennuian Flame Pistol at his side insured all that he was not to be trifled with.

Kilain was on his way to the Inn of the Golden Balance. He had been informed that this Inn was at least safe and semi honest. If any place in this unholy place could be considered safe.

On the North side of the City at roughly the same moment. A Jelgai Cleric accompanied by a Towers Paladin also entered the city with a large crowd. Artunys Sendant and Ezekiel of Paylim Towers looked around and saw little signs of the damage that had taken place on the East Side of the City.

They knew that this side of the city had been held by a combined Jelgai and Towers force against the Dark Lord during the Great Battle of Tlashtek. There was no sign of any memorial though to commemorate the fallen or even to show remembrance of the deed!

The crowd watched with amusement as both said a prayer. Some of the comments they received were unkind but this did not deter them from their duty. The Inn of the Golden Balance was their target. They had met on the road and had decided to travel together for safety, for the countryside was dangerous with all manner of bandits and Dark Spawn! Neither had pried into the others reasons for being here. Finishing their prayers they continued on into the town.

Sirron the Chaka Forest Ranger and a Cy Clan in training entered the city through the Tower Gate from his country into the center of Tlashtek City. After paying his fee to the inspectors there. He moved out into the city proper. Most people could tell he was from the Chaka Forest and this excited little comment. Chaka Forest people were widely traveled and seldom of note. This suited Sirron just fine as well.

Sirron had a mission and his Cy Clan Masters had told him to go to the Inn of the Golden Balance. He was unsure if someone was supposed to contact him or something was supposed to happen. The Masters never gave more information than they had to. The only thing Sirron could be sure of was that something would happen there and that he had best not dally. With firm step he moved more purposely towards his goal.

At the Inn of the Golden Balance one bell later, Doc Ryan had negotiated for a room with the Innkeeper paying a silver piece for a week. The room was clean, had a private bath down the hall and seemed comfortable if not overly large. He had then come downstairs and seated himself to observe the room.

Crazyhand had sauntered in through the door as well and he ordered a local beer from the barkeep. Outwardly calm he inwardly cursed his luck silently. A Ranger was following him! Rangers should stick to woods and not cities he thought with contempt. This guy was a novice and not very good at following. Still he dared not act suspicious. He decided he would lead the buffoon around for a while. Taking a seat at the bar he watched the room through a large Crystallu Mirror.

Jaul followed the thief into the room. So far the thief seemed unaware of his shadow but there was little room to hide in the room. He saw the mage target and then the thief. Taking a table near the door he ordered a local ale as if he was off duty but did not drink it. He continued to wait for the thief to make his move.

A short while later Kalain entered the bar. He sneered in disgust! This early in the day and these sinners swilled drink and one of them a supposed lawman! Lawman? They didn't know the meaning of the word! Still he had been ordered not to make a scene. If anything a Livyanuian learned to obey!

Knowing the Dark Lord always lay in wait for the unwary he negotiated for a room and stored his belongings upstairs with his dog to guard. For who in his right mind would trust their goods to anyone in this evil place? The first thief that entered his room would make a good meal for his pet! He went down and taking a table near a Thimhalenite Mage he ordered a simple meal.

Artunys and Ezekiel entered shortly after the arrival of the Livyanuian Cleric. They decided to share a room and Artunys noticed the Livyanuian sneer in disgust. He could guess why. Two men were sharing a room? The Livyanuian took them for perverts! Artunys kept a straight face as he blessed all in the room loudly while Ezekiel took their goods to the room. Then he ordered a meal near the Livyanuian and called him brother! The thief hearing the blessing raised the middle digit of his left hand in disgust.

Sirron entered the room as the thief raised his finger at the cleric and was surprised at the insult that seemed directed at him. The Chaka Forest training though made it easy for him to ignore the rudeness. It would appear the thief at the bar hated Cy Clan. He would be wary.

He checked and discovered a space had been paid for in advance and reserved for him. His goods were swiftly carried up to his room and he was seated with a fine meal placed before him. The Cy Clan was nothing if not thorough, he thought.

As everyone sat enjoying the meal several Nylss Mountain Barbarians entered the Inn. The Towers Knight, and Livyanu Cleric could smell the stench of the Dark Lord about them. It was immediately obvious to many people that these were Bipars. The Bipars were reputed to be the most evil of the five barbarian tribes of the Nylss. There were five of them now in the bar. The Thimhalen Mage saw the Black Magic that surrounded them and suddenly became interested in his surroundings.

The lamps flickered and a cold wind seemed to fill the room as they boldly entered. The landlord looked scared as they came up to the bar and demanded Buzzberry Beer! The Livyanuian rose from his seat, obviously ready to confront them as the Barbarian leader of the party spoke. "I'm Loathsome Pissmire O' the Mountains! I piss on all of you little Wussie Girls! Either pay me to leave or get up and die!"

Barbarian under Horned Helmet is Dumber than He Appears?

As the barbarian issued his challenge to all, the thief Crazyhand was the first to react. He looked up from his beer with sudden interest, and a smile appeared on his face for the first time since he entered the bar. He quickly climbed up on top of the bar and standing tall he yelled in an auctioneer's singsong voice to the astonishment of all.

"I have 1,000 shiny new Tlashtekian gold pieces that says the Livyanuian can take you all by himself! Give me some odds here, five men against one! Five strapping and brawny fighting men from the Nylss against one fanatical but feisty old priest from Livyanu. Anyone want to give me ten to one odds? It's easy money, I'm sure to lose backing the old geezer but I'm a sucker for hopeless fights."

"I'll bet the Godspeaker won't even need weapons to kick sorry barbarian butts back out the door and he ain't even a fighter! I'm a sap for a good fight. All these guys offer a pretty pathetic challenge for a sporting event and the odds are all on the barbarian's side. Still it's the only action I'm likely to see going on so why not? I MIGHT get lucky!" Everyone continued to looked at him in astonishment.

"OK everyone, how about 7 to one odds? Seven thousand gold pieces bet on the Barbarians will net you 1,000 easy gold pieces back! Easy Money! C'mon, I'm bored. I'm a high roller and this is the best thing to come my way all day! I see no reason not to TRY to make some money off their sorry butts. So let them go ahead and fight it out and may the best man win. After all it's no scales off my Stitz-Platz! Let's see the color of your money! Still no takers? OK. Five to one against the Old man and its pure robbery that I'm reduced to giving you such good odds. I'll probably lose my hoop betting on the fanatic, but I'll do anything for a little betting action just to relieve the boredom!."

He raised a well-filled pouch and rattled it. The patrons could hear the click of many heavy coins inside. A crowd hearing the loud voice of the thief even from outside started to gather as the situation became interesting and possibly profitable. No Tlashtekian in his right mind missed a chance to make a profit, for money spoke loudest in this land of trade and business. Soon the thief could be seen spiritedly arguing the odds with several other citizens as the stunned adventurers watched in sudden interest.

Artunys was the first to recover and quickly spoke in the quiet Jelgain manner despite the newly created uproar. "I agree brother Tlashtekian, a poor challenge indeed. Still it would be unseemly for a man of the cloth and a cleric to kick ass on these poor ignorant," He wiped a scented handkerchief under his nose. "and quiet horrendously fragrant savages, when so many young and inexperienced fighters are about. I believe that we should allow the barbarians to retain some remnant of dignity since they have to go through life looking so ugly."

"It would be more seemly and proper for the Towers Knight and the two Rangers to take the part in disciplining these loutish fellows, for training purposes of course, or better yet one warrior and one Ranger. Just to keep it fair. We wouldn't want to be accused of abusing barbarians when nature has been so cruel to them already."

"I also have a large amount of money to bet and I am sure that our host could easily have a Spouting Mountains Dueling Mistress summoned for the event. We do want to be sure that all is legal and proper!"

"After all it would not be appropriate for an aged man of the cloth, no matter how fanatical to participate in such a lowly enterprise. That is after all why young fighters serve aged clerics such as ourselves. Our days of brawling for fun should be behind us. Fighting is a game for the young. Remember you should maintain your dignity as befits your age and station!" Artunys stated to the Livyanuian earnestly." The Livyanuian glowered at the Jelgai cleric and sneered in disgust at what he considered the 'Pretty Boy'.

Artunys, not put off in the slightest, also raised a heavy pouch and the clink of more coin was heard. He looked closely at the barbarians after a casual glance around the room. "I suggest that the losers should take a bath with much use of fine Chaka Forest soaps and a liberal application of brush and water! After all if we would have fighters beat upon them they should not only learn to be less rude but less offensive, in a personal sense, as well."

Jaul the Tlashtek Ranger leaned casually back in his chair smiling an evil smile. No one failed to notice though that his hand rested casually on the wand holstered at his side. "I must agree that the stench alone is enough to kill everyone in the bar! Could it be that Loathsome's mother was involved with a hunchback gnome named Jerry Curl who lives on a dung farm in the Dark Lands?" He tosses out twenty gold pieces as well. "I'm a betting man. I think they would lose. Now if they were to do anything so cowardly as refuse my honest challenge," He takes out his badge. "I just might have to arrest them for disturbing my drinking and for being a walking violation of the laws of nature!"

Sirron had watched the situation with indifferent interest. He had noticed no other threats but he had watched the thief closely. A diversion such as this was tailor made for the Tlashtekian criminal to pull something shady. He noted that upon spying Jaul's badge that the thief seemed very interested in the golden item. He was sure to the mages eyes as well as his own abilities that it was glowing with magical power. He noticed the Thimhalen mages interest in the item.

Turning his attention back to the main arena he noticed the growing anger on the faces of the barbarians. Filing the badge in his mind for later investigation he decided to speak before the situation escalated out of control. He addressed his first comment to Jaul.

"I think you do our guests an injustice friend Ranger. We of the Chaka Forest do not enter such duels lightly and I see no reason to participate in this duel myself, being a man of peace and having no grievance with my friends from the Nylss. However, the Nylss barbarians are brave fighters and would not dream of breaking Tlashtek law in any fashion. I am sure you misunderstand their gruff attitudes in challenging you to a friendly contest. They just chose to honor your fighting ability by giving you the opportunity to prove it."

"As a neutral party I would be glad to observe the duel as long as it is non-lethal. Perhaps you and the Towers Knight would like to take on three of the Barbarian Warriors. It would be unfair for me to take part. This match of three against one should not be a melee with all participants at once. In the interest of fairness, I suggest a tag-team contest."

He motions to the barkeeper. "If you please Sir, a Spouting Mountain's Duelist needs to be summoned if you would be so kind. We wish to have a non lethal tag-team event in your courtyard if you will so permit it. You also might suggest to the duelist whom you will summon that a bookie would be a good idea as well. Not that I mistrust our Tlashtekian friend holding all the money but I would prefer to have this done by licensed and experienced people." The thief glared at the Ranger. It was water off a ducks back.

Sirron continued calmly, "I am certain that the event will have many spectators." He motioned to the gathering crowd. He then tossed the barkeeper a silver piece and watched as he scurried out the door. I also have a substantial amount of coin with me which I would be willing to wager. To make the winners purse more generous than a mere 20 gold." He said smiling at the Ranger. "I would think that you would be willing to wager more on your own skills but I guess you are not as well trained or powerful as the Tlashtek propaganda encourages us to believe." The Tlashtek Ranger pumped his fist in an obscene and widely known gesture as the Chaka Forest Ranger remained deadpan.

Loathsome smiled showing sharp yellow canines. "Yeah, the Chaka Forest people are our friends. It's like he said." He points vaguely at the Chaka Ranger. "We want to challenge you, to a friendly contest. We just ain't used to your sissy ways." He smiled at his bully boys. "A Real Friendly Contest, and we wouldn't want to be accused of being unfair, now would we boys?" His men laughed in glee as the lead barbarian winked.

"So you want this to be with no weapons? Well we don't mind kicking you weaklings the old fashioned way. We'll even cover any of your bets. You can even pick a third person for your team if you want. Let's see now you got the tin can, the bush boy that hides his insults behind his badge and how about the fanatic for a third?" He pointed at the glowering Livyanuian. "He looks like he's ready to receive a whupping."

"We wouldn't want to be accused of taking advantage of the situation. We'll leave it up to you how many of you want to collect a brand new bruise coat! Heck we'll even buy you a friendly round of drinks up front to show there's no hard feelings. We would be real insulted though if you declined our hospitality and refuse to drink with us since this is a show of friendship with manners and all." The other barbarians laughed evilly.

"Just one last thought. You picked the kind of fight, and you can pick the location. We don't care where we kick your butts, but we want to pick two of the rules. Now that's fair ain't it? You wouldn't want to be accused of being unfair after all those nasty insults you gave us, especially from the Bush Boy with the badge. If he wasn't an officer of the law, I'd take that badge and pin it to his tiny little…"

"Ding Dong" rang a small bell held by the Thimhalentite magician as he danced lightly around the barbarians ringing it frantically and making strange clutching motions. Most of the people knew about Thimhalenites and ignored the insanity. After all no Thimhalenite was ever considered to be sane and even at the best of times they seemed to lack any kind of wit at all!

Doc Ryan though was not as crazy as most believed him to be. He knew that many people of the world did not understand the Thimhalen attitude. He found the magic surrounding the barbarians very interesting to look at. It was obviously of Darklord origin and appeared to be an identifying mark and perhaps a ranking system? This could be useful. How could he gather it safely though? Then he remembered his father's words, "The music of the Bells is excellent protection against evil influences boy, never underestimate the power of music from a bell. Every Bard in this country knows the power of music. The best bells of course are made in Crystallu. Still the dwarves can make excellent bells as well, but most bards prefer the Crystallu ones."

Taking out the bell he rang it to constrain the magic he was seeing and then carefully started to gather the heavy black and greenish clouds and placed it in his magical box for later use. He could not help but notice that the magic felt slimy and corrupted to the touch and he did not enjoy the feeling of it. When he completed it he wiped his hands in the thief's cloak surreptitiously while he was still talking with the other patrons.

"Exactly," stated Pissmire smiling as the bell finished his sentence for him, "This contest is all or nothing. Five of you put up everything you have with you in Tlashtek for this bet and we five match it with everything we have here as well. Loser walks away from the contest wearing only their frowns! That should make it real interesting. Second there ain't no other rules in the fight. It goes on till one or the other side is completely unconscious! Is it a deal?"

Kalain had risen to his feet almost as soon as the barbarians entered the room. He had placed his hand upon the finely crafted leather braided blade whip on his belt. "I don't pay sinners, especially Dark Lord Scum like you." He glowered angrily. " But I have no problem either in giving you the 'Lessoning' you so richly deserve."

"I will accept your challenge." He looked around at the others. "I need no help from sinners and weaklings to face such Darklord scum as this. Nor do I need help from so called priests of heretic sects who try to avoid fights while sending others to do his dirty work!" He stated bluntly looking at Artunys and then at the Towers Knight. "You would do well Brother fighter, to beware of your soul with the company you are keeping! Beware of falling in with sinners disguised as men of the cloth! Especially those who consort with debased forest creatures and serve the whims of a dark and evil master!"

He turned back to the Barbarians. "Bet as you will. I care not. I will not touch your tainted items. I will take only what I need to further my Holy Mission against your perverted ilk! Whatever amount I take here is my righteous due for my labors. All I gain from this degenerate place will be sold back to these greedy pathetic fools who tread the path of The Master of Evil! Their baubles will be replaced with clean uncorrupted food purchased from my own country to feed the poor and abused who need my aid. All will go to charity for I have no need of great wealth! Neither am I in love with the things I carry." He looked at the barbarians with unflinching stare. "You may have all I own in this Pig City if I lose. For the only way I will lose is if you kill me!"

"Utter all the rules and nonsense you wish. Try to make this seem like a fair contest by bringing in the Spouting Mountains perverted females to give an aura of legitimacy to your evil plans. I will not drink with you nor will I compromise my principles. If you wish to fight, let us start now and speak not of rules you intend to break anyway." He spat at the barbarians in disgust and loathing.

Ezekiel had decided to largely ignore the braggadocio of the barbarians and to attempt to sit them out. Now seeing his companions had decided to take the bull by the horns he determined that he should at least back them up. He addressed the Livyanuian first.

"You may desire no help but I will not stand by idly. My Queen has shown great favor to your King and I will not stand lazily by while you fight the minions of evil alone! I accept the challenge offered by these pathetic lackeys of the Dark One. I offer no insults and would not provoke a fight but neither will I act the coward, for has not Queen Elaine taught that evil must be faced with bravery and courage?"

Pissmier smiled, "Well now that’s two confirmed brave but very stupid fighters for your side. The tin can and the fanatic seem to be the ones and it looks like MAYBE the pretty boy with the badge if he decides to duck out from behind it. As for the teachings of your Queen Elaine, I'll bet the boys and me could teach her a few things she ain't never learned in no school. We could teach her why beds were made to bounce! That tasty morsel just needs the attentions of a real beer drinking man to put her in her rightful place!"

Ezekiel glared in anger at the barbarian. "You have insulted the honor of my Queen. I will make you pay for your insults. Take back your slanderous comments or face a pounding you will never forget."

"Apologize?" he asked confused. This was a new concept for the barbarian. "For being honest? You do want me to be honest don't you limpy? Take it all back? I think not. So either stop your whining and put your money where your mouth is or shuddup and sit down with the cry baby Bush Boy."

"Remember, since you're in the fight you're wagering everything you brought with you or own in this city if you take our friendly challenge." He looked crafty for a moment, "You didn't bring that tasty tidbit of a Queen with you I suppose? Me and the guys will show her a real good time and she'll be walking bow legged for a long time."

Stone faced, Ezekiel started to remove his weapons and armor as an answer. If they thought he would be helpless without arms and armor it showed they knew nothing about a Towers Knight. The Livyanuian had wasted no time either after hearing the insults. Queen Elaine was a close ally to his King and under his protection. Honor demanded that he would kill these oafs with his bare hands! The insult would not go unpunished by any Livyanuian.

The Tlashtek Ranger was suddenly hesitant though. An abrupt thought had crossed his mind after the initial joy of insulting the barbarians, especially since they seemed to grasp his simple insults more than the complex insults of the others. He was on duty. If he indulged in a common street brawl he could be in serious trouble! The goading by the barbarians and the other Ranger though irritated him greatly. Still the rules were clear, personal insults would have to wait until he was off duty! He was still on probation. "I can't fight right now, can we wait a little bit till I am off duty?" He admitted reluctantly. "I'm not supposed to fight on the job."

Pissmire laughed, "HAR! HAR! HAR! Yep. I knew it. Hiding behind his duties and his badge. Tlashtekians is good at getting peoples to fight for them. Just like that cowardly worm Betred did. He couldn't stand on his own feet and fight like any other king. He had to go crying to everyone else to save his sorry soft fat merchant butt! You guys are all a race of cowards, all talk and no guts. Why this guy works for a King that begs a woman to save him after he kidnaps her!

"You were big on all those insults a while ago hiding behind that badge and now you suddenly back down when the fighting is ready to start? Still I can see why you don't want to fight. You might get yourself hurt. You might lose all your stuff. OK we'll let you go girly boy. This is just a friendly brawl anyhow and we wouldn't want to take advantage of you. You just beg for our forgiveness real nice, Kiss all our Butts, and pay that twenty gold and we'll let you crawl out of here."

Jaul seethed in righteous anger. Enough was enough! He motioned over the Thimhalen Mage and started to hand him his stuff. "All Right Big Mouth, we fight. But guess what? I want to knock a few pieces off you myself so you're going to be one of the three we're fighting. Guess what? Were first because I want you so bad! It's worth the fine and trouble just to nail your scruffy hide. I want to see if I can fold you up like a pretzel and make you kiss your own backside!"

The Chief barbarian laughed. "OK, looks like we got three against three unless someone else feels Froggy? No? OK then unless someone else has something to say I think we should all have that drink." He received nothing but suspicious glares.

"No one wants to drink? What a bunch of wimps, you let a few friendly insults make you mad. OK, we're going to finish our drink, Good Buzzberry Beer, while we wait for the bookies and the Spouting Mountains slut to show. You guys can go play with yourselves." He finished laughing and turned his back in contempt.

A short while a tall statuesque redheaded amazon dressed in helmet, greaves and breastplate entered the room. Well muscled and moving with a trained fighter's grace she surveyed both groups appraisingly. Pissmier let out a wolf whistle of appreciation and she spit at his feet. The barbarian laughed in delight and grabbed his crotch. She ignored the stupid oaf.

"All right. The word is you want to duel here and now. Well there is room in the cobblestone courtyard. The competition is non-lethal. I remind you all that Dueling in Tlashtek is illegal outside of the Extensive Enterprises compound so if we get caught we are all going to jail. I take it everyone is ready to accept that risk?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. "OK, then we all take the same risks. That's fair enough. Three against three, no armor and no weapons except the natural ones you all possess. Losers lose all they own for five people. Winners walk away happy. Let's do it!"

The group moved out into the courtyard. As the spectators formed a huge circle Three well greased and stripped down barbarians stepped into the ring. On the opposite side the Livyanuian, the Towers Knight and the Tlashtek Ranger stepped into the ring. Again the redheaded warrior spoke. "Betting will commence Five barbarians and all they own against which five on the other side?" Jaul quickly raised his hand as did Ezekiel, and Kalain. The others looked at each other, who was going to be the other two? How would the stuff be divided? Would there be side bets as well by the others who risked nothing? Also what would happen if more Rangers suddenly arrived? It would seem that a leader should be elected to organize their chances for surely the barbarians would cheat in some way.

Brawl with the Law! Or If you can't be Good, be Good at it!

Artuneys stepped forward with a slight bow and smiling spoke softly. "You must excuse us, we are not a cohesive unit but a collection of chance strangers. I however would be more than happy to offer my goods against one of the barbarians." Almost immediately behind that Sirron also spoke. "I am not directly involved in the fight but I too will wager all I carry with me against the Barbarians. I would not want it said that I would not accept the risk."

Kilain went up and brought down his dog as well as the rest of his equipment and placed it with the others. He smiled and thought to himself that if he was killed the first barbarian to go after the goods would probably be killed by the feral animal. This made him smile at the thought. He then walked over and waited patiently for the opportunity to pound the barbarians.

The warrior nodded. "Very well, then all those wagering please place your items in the wagon near the landlord. The clothes of the defeated will be added to the pile later. " She finished with a wide smile. "I am now open for those who wish to make bets. Be sure that if you do not specify the amount you are wagering that your bet will not be accepted by anyone! The odds are currently two to one for the Barbarians.

The bidding and bets were spirited with odds of two to one against the party. The barbarians were parading and showing their muscles as they strutted before the audience. After a delay the referee stepped into the center and motioned all the non-participants' back. "Betting is hereby officially over. The equipment of both parties along with bets has been set aside in that big cart over there. Where the innkeeper and his men will keep those fellows with light fingers from examining the goods at length! " She remarked with a smile at Crazyhands.

"I warn all of you not directly involved in this dispute, that it is a "PRIVATE" fight!" She said looking pointedly at the Thimhalenites in the crowd. "Skragg and Zozan rules apply so there is no such thing as an unfair move or cheating, which sure makes my job a whole lot easier." She finished with a smile and some minor laughs from the crowd. "Does anyone have any questions?"

None were forthcoming. "Good, it shows the proper spirit. OK, get out there and fight and lets see you guys really stick it to each other, because if were all going to Betred's jail we might just as well have a good memory to talk about until Extensive can bail us out!"

Jaul stepped out into the center and smiled at Pissmier. "Time to eat Dark Lord crow." Pissmier just smiled, " Come and get me Bush Boy and he took a step towards the center. Jaul started to move forward in response and suddenly all three of the barbarians jumped in and raced at the "lone" ranger! The other two also jumped in, one from Jaul's left and another from Jaul's right. Pissmier laughed, "No rules except the ones we agreed to! Pound him good boys!"

Kalain and Ezekiel were caught by surprise and hesitated to see if the referee would do anything. She just smiled back at them and said, "Zozan/Skragg rules." With a roar of anger Kalain went racing in to try to intercept one of the closest barbarians. Ezekiel went immediately after the one on the other side but for a moment it looked like Jaul would be facing three to one odds! The others in their armor stood shocked at the sudden move by the barbarians.

Artuneys and Sirron looked at each other. They had taken their armor off and were therefore just as legal to run in and give assistance. Artuneys spoke quickly. "I see no pressing need to be involve. I am sure our warriors can handle this minor complication without us bumbling in to help." Sirron smiled, "I tend to agree. We did suspect some type of cheap shot if not outright cheating. I would like to see how our newfound acquaintances handle this. If it looks bad I can always go in then." In perfect agreement they continued to watch the fight intently

Jaul moved FAST, much faster than a normal human would or could. Like most Tlashtekians he had elf blood and in emergencies he could call on this speed. He would pay a terrible price later. Rangers were also trained in woods brawling techniques, a form of martial arts developed by King Betred. Now that training was about to pay off against the barbarians. He quickly ducked and moved forward in a low body block hitting the three just below the knees. All three went tumbling wildly over him as he continued to roll away! The three barbarians slammed into the cobblestones in a pile!

Kalain reached his antagonist first. He threw a punch at the barbarian who easily sidestepped it. He saw the flash of a set of Tpsolein brass knuckles just before the large ham like fist slammed into his face. At his speed he flipped backward like he had been run over by a Nylss war-horse and stunned, slammed into the cobblestones! The barbarian leapt into the air and smiled as his hobnailed boots fell towards the helpless priest!

Ezekiel quickly realized the two on the sides had been positioned deliberately to stop or slow down anyone else that suddenly raced in to help. Little good that did him. Towers warriors were trained in wrestling and boxing though. He feinted at the barbarian and then sideslipped to his left. Grabbing the return punch he moved the barbarians arm into a painful holding grip and slammed his foe face first into the ground. He then kicked him in the short ribs for good measure!

Jaul quickly came to his feet and racing forward, he grasped the rightmost barbarian by the back of his head and chin. With a twisting motion he quickly slammed the barbarian into the other two knocking them all down once again. He happily started to kick at the entangled group with great enthusiasm.

Kalain seeing stars and blurry eyed, sensed more than saw the hurtling boots coming in his direction and he barely rolled away just in time! The barbarian cursed and kicked the priest. Luckily the blow landed on his arm and although he would have a large bruise later it did not cripple him. The barbarian quickly continued to stomp and kick at the priest as he continued to try to dodge and block desperately.

Ezekiel had grabbed his dazed foe by the leather shirt he wore and started slamming his fist into the barbarian's face in a series of punishing blows! The barbarian tried to ineffectually block the powerful blows but the blood in his face and his condition made it a foregone conclusion. Moment's later quite unconscious the barbarian sank to the ground. Ezekiel figured the priest could handle himself, after all it was only one to one odds and he didn't look that hurt. He went to help Jaul.

Jaul was having a fine time. Using body slams and kicks he was able to keep the three off balance in the initial pile up. His foes though had gotten smarter. They had started to split up. It took little time for him to again be the center of the collective interests of three angry and battered barbarians. Approaching him equally from three separate directions they tried to trap him between them. Jaul; was playing a desperate game of dodge this and taking shots at his foes whenever possible. They would eventually wear him down.

Kalain was starting to get angry. He could feel the Dreaded Black Rage coming upon him. As a priest he was taught to control and not use this but the damage he was taking and his desperate situation was overriding his training. The barbarian was an experienced fighter and had the advantages of warriors training. While he had some basic training it was enough for him to realize that he was going to lose. In despair the "Black Rage" took over. What came next would shock the crowd!

Ezekiel unnoticed by Jaul and the barbarians calmly walked up to the closest barbarian and punched him hard in the kidneys! His second punch slammed into the surprised and suddenly pain twisted face of the barbarian followed by another hard punch to the solar plexus. Ezekiel methodically threw a flurry of seven more punches and watched the barbarian fall to the ground. Pissmire and his remaining crony suddenly stopped pursuing Jaul and stared with astonishment. Jaul seeing the opening drop kicked Pissmier!

Jaul was starting to get winded and weak, the enhanced speed was quickly draining his resources. Suddenly he saw an opening. Pissmire and one of his men had stopped and were staring in fear at something. Jaul leapt into the air and his soft boots slammed into the chief barbarian's face pitching him backward. Landing he started to slam his head against the cobblestones.

What neither Ezekiel nor Jaul noticed was the change in the Livyanuian. The Black Rage had taken over completely. Gone was the intelligence and wisdom of a human being as it was drained into the strength and constitution in moments. All that was left was a blinding fury and hatred. The barbarian tried to slam his brass knuckles into the priest and was surprised when it suddenly had no appreciable effect! Kalain came to his feet as the barbarian continued to slam blow after blow into his face. It did little good. Kalain reached out with a deceptively slow blow and ripped the barbarians still beating heart out of his body. He then proceeded with great glee to pull off arms, legs and head! With a bizarre expression and red colored eyes he looked at the one remaining barbarian with an unholy smile on his face. The Referee, in panic and shock, quickly blew her whistle to stop the match!

The Thimhalenite chuckled, and with a quick motion ran up and planted a huge kiss on the Livyanuian's cheek. The Livyanuian in shock suddenly stopped and looked at the Thimhalenite in surprise! The crowd seeing the change in his face suddenly erupted in strained laughter. Jaul and Ezekiel hearing the laughter turned and looked puzzled at the two standing in the mess of one of the barbarians. Had the Thimhalenite suddenly gotten involved? Why was the crowd laughing and the Priest looking so confused?

The remaining barbarian though took advantage of the lull and turned, pushing his way through the large crowd he ran in a blind panic leaving his unconscious and dead friends behind. A well-dressed noble stepped out and smiled in approval.

"I think the contest is decided. If you would be so good as to make the payoff's?" The Spouting Mountains referee still looking in horror at the priest nodded blankly and then went to make the payments. The noble turned to Jaul who was just coming to his feet wearily. "You look worn out. Have a drink of this Livyanu Rum it will help restore you. A good fight. I won 35,000 gold betting on you folks." Jaul took the silver flask from the obvious noble and nodding his thanks he took a deep drink. Feeling much better as the warmth flowed through him he handed the flask back.

The noble nodded, recapped the Flask and placed it back in his robe. Then in a loud voice that instantly got everyone's attention he spoke calmly, "It is now my distasteful duty to place you all under arrest for a variety of charges in the name of the King of Tlashtek. Jaul of Tlashtek you are under arrest for brawling while on duty. As is the Towers Knight and the Livyanuian Priest, who also has the additional charge of murder. The four barbarians remaining will also be charged with brawling. Does anyone dispute my authority to make this arrest?"

He looked calmly around and seeing no comments he smiled in satisfaction. "No? Excellent! I knew I was dealing with reasonable people. The rest of you may continue on your business of course, betting is not illegal in Tlashtek. Unfortunately dueling outside the Extensive facility is. Now if everyone will pick up their weapons, winnings and goods I'll lead you up to the palace where the King will be making a decision on this case." He turned to the landlord and motioned at the unconscious barbarians. "You there, that's a good fellow. Have this trash sent to the palace for judgement and mind you no escapes or it will go hard with you." The landlord bowed quickly and satisfied, the noble, with the party in tow sauntered towards the palace.

A short time later the group was led into the King's palace. They noticed that the seaward side of the facility appeared to have suffered widespread damage while the other sides show no damage at all. It seemed that no attempt had been made to repair the building in any sense. Jaul was quickly separated from the group at the door. (His story comes later.)

The party was surprised to be led into a well-furnished room. A large table had been laid with many fine dishes and several bottles of wine. As they entered several musicians started to play and several dancers began a dance at the end of the room. The noble turned to them and smiled. "It may be some time before your friend returns. May I suggest that you wait here for him? If there is any immediate need I am sure the servants will be most happy to attend to your desires. However, I might add that it would be poor form to attempt to wander around the palace on your own. There are other guests here beside you and they may like their privacy." He turned and left with a cheery wave as if he could not conceive that they would disobey him. There were no guards on the door.

Artunys smiled happily. " Well that was fun. Let's see what the barbarians had on them and divide up the loot." He quickly and professionally sorted out the barbarian's belongings. Crazyhands watched him especially close.

Pissmier:

Horned Helmet +1

+1 Leather Armor

Dark Lord Necklace (figurine, Magical)

Bastard Sword and dagger (both non Magical +1)

Heavy Boots, Cloak with Tozami fur.

Large pouch: 1,032 gold , 2 gems (Emerald, Topaz)

3 days Iron Rats, Folding cook pot, bottle of Buzzberry beer, Flask of water, Fishing Line and Hooks, snare lines and bait, Tinder box.

Strangely made small book with arcane symbols. (magical)

Barbarian 1:

Standard Leather Armor

Long Sword +1 and Shield +1 (non-magical

Heavy Boots, +1 Shennuian Cloak

Large Pouch 789 Gold, 32 Silver, 8 copper

7 days Iron rats, Cooking herbs, Skillet, Flask of water Wine

Tinder box

Barbarian 2:

Chain Armor +1 w/ax +1 (non magical)

Heavy Boots, Standard Cloak

Large Pouch 150 Platinum, 843 Gold. I large Black Pearl (Magical)

5 days Iron Rats, Tri Crossbow, fires three bolts per round, 20 bolts.

Flask of Parthanos Wine and one Hogshead of Acorn butter and Jelgain Sausage. +1 Tinderbox.

Barbarian 3:

Scale Armor +1 Magical (against encumber)

Gauntlets of Strength (Ogre)

Heavy Boots, well worn with a hole in the sole.

Large Pouch with 20 Gold and a very large Fire Gem (magical)

Flask of Pin Mint Wine. +1 Shennuian Rope, 6 days of dried fish

Small pouch of salt.

Fire Spear +1 Magical

Barbarian 4:

Spouting Mountains Bullet Armor +4 (light weight)

Longsword (normal) Dagger (normal)

Gatlin Bow with Quiver of 20 Grey Arrows. (magical burst of three or all arrows in one rd.)

Heavy Magical Boots +1 ( Wind Walk once per day Level /r

Large Pouch with 52 gold, and three gems, Ruby, Cat's Eye, Tourmaline

14 days Iron rats. Water skin, Lantern, two Flasks of Oil

Artuneys looked at the others. "I think we hit the jackpot my friends. I believe we should talk over and then issue these things out to those who can best use them. However, this book held by the leader looks interesting. A barbarian with a book? A novel thought indeed, I don't think those guys can read. It almost cries for examination does it not. With everyone's permission I would like to examine it and then make a report on it."

Doc Ryan the Thimhalenite mage peered closely at the book held by the cleric, "The book is trapped magically. You start reading that thing and it will have a very nasty result." Artuneys quickly surrendered the book to the mage. "Do you think you can deactivate the trap?' He asked in concern.

Doc Ryan was already mumbling to himself, "Hmm, very old magic, very clever magic, two spells? Yes two spells one done by a dwarf, no a human, no human and dwarf mix! Delightful! Dwarves doing magic? Rare very Rare! Dark Lord magic, not today's magic…non no different but the same. A wonderful puzzle. Looks like he crammed his in on top. No he linked it, now where is that link. Can't knock down one without affecting the other… clever, very clever." He continued to mumble and make strange poking movements as if he was prodding a snake.

Kalain disgusted stared at the lunatic Thimhalenite. "I think this is going to take a while. Let's go eat and let stupid here play with himself. If the book fries him then we know we need to take it to someone competent and we don't need to watch out for the airhead. Dwarves doing magic indeed. Preposterous! I have better things to do than listen to his ravings, and this book stinks of a Dark Lord trap. I want nothing to do with it and anyone else with half a brain wouldn't want to either!" Reluctantly all the party but Artuneys left to get some food. As for Jaul? He was having his own problems.

A Sword Hangs above his Head! Or Maybe it isn't so good being the King!

Jaul suspected he was in a lot of trouble. Arrested for brawling when he was supposed to be upholding the peace! He had been separated from the others, quietly and all to conveniently and now stood outside the throne room awaiting his disgrace and judgement at the hands of King Betred. It had felt good to beat that stupid barbarian into the ground and make him pay, but now it seemed that for every pleasure, payment had to be made. Well he would not whine and squeal. For the price he paid? That had been worth it! He had made his choice!

The door to the Throne room opened and Baron motioned the younger ranger forward with a stony look. Jaul marched bravely forward and into the Throne Room he had never seen before. It was richly appointed in the finest of items, each and everyone a valuable treasure. He had little time for looking though as he caught his first view of his King. Many of the nobles and servants of the court were there to witness his disgrace and punishment. Still he marched down the amphitheater type room before the crowd with his head held high.

The King was an elf but not a Namarustian, more a Crystalluian type. The type they commonly called a Dark Elf. It was rumored in the past that the Crystallu elves had been the nobility, if so the King came from a noble heritage. The King was fairly tall, about six feet but slim at about 190 lbs. He was young for a king perhaps about 22 years old. It was rumored he was well educated and spoke several languages fluently. His skin was naturally tanned and his dark hair was long and tied back from his head. He moved with a catlike grace that showed he was a natural athlete. His eyes were a startling green in color and sparkled with innate good humor. Jaul stopped before the throne and knelt as was proper and awaited the King's wrath. He must have really screwed the pooch on this one he thought.

The King, in a trained and melodious voice spoke, "It has not been uncommon for our elite to disgrace itself in the performance of their duties. When several soldiers of Task Force Charlie attacked the Queen of Namarushta, her General, and the ambassador of Crystallu the accusations had to be shouldered by the throne. I, as King, took the responsibility and the disgrace upon our country and myself. We have paid a heavy price for that affair in the opinion of other nations, as well as the comments and jokes at our expense!

He looked down at Jaul. "Today, another member of the Rangers is brought before this Throne. They are supposed to be the elite, the peacekeepers, representatives of the law and my personal liaison with the other nations! They are to present their country and King in the best possible light! Today, this Ranger was arrested for BRAWLING while on DUTY with members of another nation." He looked at the assemblage that had gone white-faced. "When this country was disgraced before my punishment was swift and decisive. The miscreants are still suffering in my dungeons! I vowed not to release them until the unit redeemed itself!" He stepped forward and motioned for Jaul to stand up and ripped the Probation Rank from his Uniform in one quick motion.

"Today that day has arrived due to the heroic and thoughtful actions of this Ranger! Well Done Jaul of Tlashtek!" He held up a medal which Jaul recognized as the Dark Lands Defense Medal, a Dark Lands copper piece with a Bronze colored ribbon. It had been issued to those who fought against the Dark Lord in defense of the Country! "Today several known minions of the Dark Lord insulted members of several foreign countries in an attempt to build up further propaganda against our nation. They were very vocal in their insults, especially to several of our neighboring Kings and Queens. Jaul risked all despite the consequences to turn this attack into a lesser instance. He took the responsibility upon himself and not as an official member of the law."

Betred smiled at the amazed Jaul as Baron watched with pride. "It has been many times said that Tlashtek is NOT a lawful nation. This is true. I want no blind obedience from the people that work for me. Today we saw a Ranger use his BRAIN and make the right decision. It speaks well for this man and the fine training program of the Rangers! Today, I have the honor and privilege of promoting you to Lieutenant Jaul with the commensurate increase in authority and of course payment. So Baron, This man is out of the proper uniform and accoutrements for a Lieutenant, so stop putzing around in the garden and do your job." He finished with a smile.

Baron nodded thoughtfully and bowed, "Of course your Majesty, it will be my pleasure. Let's go Lieutenant, we have much work to do." To the resounding cheers and clapping Jaul was led from the Throne Room in amazement and some confusion. As the doors closed behind him Baron slapped him on the back. "You did some good work today. A man of your talents shouldn't be wasted. I talked with the King and we have a mission for you. The King wants you to present the mission to the others who backed you up. How you handle it will be your affair."

Jaul looked at Baron, "I am not so sure I deserve this promotion, Sir. I was mostly just mad. Still I must admit I did enjoy kicking the Drek out of that barbarian!" Baron laughed, "Of course you were mad, but you should understand that you were observed by many citizens from many nations as well as our own people. You made all the right moves and you didn't actually get involved in the Brawl until they started to insult our King and several others. You did what a Ranger is supposed to do. You set aside your badge, authority, and career then you trashed that Dark Lord loudmouth, troublemaker. What you did will have good repercussions for our people and will do much to show our nation in a better light! So let's see if you stay lucky, huh?" He finished with a chuckle.

A short time later Jaul, in new Uniform and cleaned up with the Diamond Rangers Badge that showed he was a deputy of the King and a personal noble in his behalf, was ushered with Baron into the King's private chamber. The King was not in his formal robes and his crown was placed on a chair near him as he poured over pages of reports. Jaul noticed that the King looked tired. Betred though looked up with a sad smile and motioned for both to sit. Baron informally sat and propped his booted feet up and relaxed visibly. Jaul quickly sat down.

"Never become a King, boy. It's a thankless, sorry job and you're always wrong!" said Betred with a wry smile.

Baron nodded complacently, "Yep, I was a lot smarter when I was a private, I knew how to fix everything, the problem is other countries and our own idiots keep mucking things up."

Betred nodded in return, "You've seen the city. Two years since the Dark Lord ripped up half the city and we still haven't been able to repair or recover from the damage. Other countries are doing well so how come were lagging?"

Jaul realized the King did not mean this as a rhetorical question. He thought for a moment. "It would seem the King is not doing his job, your majesty." Baron laughed.

Betred smiled sadly, "See Baron, I was right, this one isn't dumb." He turned back to Jaul. "Your right. You see as King I have a problem and one I can't fix from my position. Allow me to educate you. The Dark Lord hit us hard. I determined I would try to wipe out the drek eating slime ball. I took my Token of Power and over charged it. Unfortunately it didn't get the job done."

"To bad," stated Baron bluntly. Betred nodded in agreement as he poured some Smoked Eel Wine for all of them. The charcoal colored wine sent a wispy gray smoke wafting through the room with its dusky perfume scent.

"He's right you know, it didn't get the job done. Do you have any idea how a Token is linked to a ruler? It's a symbol of our power and authority. It bestows additional power on a ruler. Without one I am little more powerful than that lay about over there drinking up my good wine!" Betred pointed accusingly at his Chief Advisor.

Baron nodded owlishly, "Mighty fine wine it is too. Besides you're always sending me where I can die Betred. I deserve a little wine from a cheapskate like you occasionally."

Betred nodded thoughtfully, "Next time you buy your own wine. Cheapskate indeed! I send you where you can die? A new motto perhaps or has some other country latched onto it all ready? Elaine perhaps? Well no matter, without a token I can't even bring our own nobles in line. Without making the nobles work I can't fix the country. I could try to use money and Extensive but there is a multitude of problems with that as well." He looked at Jaul.

"Extensive is not really a Tlashtek corporation as such?" asked Jaul.

Betred smiled ruefully, "Yeah, I own the blasted thing but everyone still considers it an out of country Enterprise and wants it to be strictly neutral. We almost had a War over that before the Darklord hit." Baron appeared asleep but it was obvious he was paying close attention when he again spoke.

"We would have gotten our clocks cleaned. We weren't ready for the kind of action that developed from that mess. Every ruler looks upon Extensive as an in country resource in their land. It is a hodge podge of laws, rules, regulations and opinions as you travel from place to place and no two facilities are alike. They mirror the cultures and are run usually by locals who like to do things their own way! Naturally their loyalties are with their own countries ruler in their own best interest of course!"

"Exactly" stated Betred tiredly. "If other countries see me using it as a club of any type instead of a cash cow, they will be all over me. Extensive is a moneymaker pure and simple and a land mine the rest of the time waiting to blow up in my face! Many countries would love nothing better than to have a pretext to hit us and take it away from me. Even the combined nobles can do so. My hands have been tied."

"Then it seems that you need a new Token of Power. Why haven't you ordered one, had one built by Extensive, or gone after one?" stated Jaul thinking fast.

Baron laughed again, "He got there faster than most of your advisors did Betred. You've been picking the wrong people as usual. I told you that you're too nice and people take advantage of your good nature." Betred shook his head in mock disgust.

"I'm a target. Everyone wants me to become their puppet and manage their money. I am a prize and not considered an equal. You've heard the rumors?" Jaul nodded as he put it together.

"If I ordered one, who would go get it? Could I trust them? Most people, thanks to elf and Dark Lord propaganda see me as someone you shouldn't trust. So have Extensive build one? I can't trust them. To many of the Kings have very large fingers in that pie! They would tamper with the making and I would be even worse off. Go get it myself? I can barely hold onto what I have in this position of power. If I went looking even in disguise I could have a palace revolt within moments of my departure or a huge array of Kings and Queens turning the world upside down to be the first to grab my buns!"

"Now I could have sent for components and tried to make my own but a search for components allows the Kings to manufacture those and them place them out for me to acquire or buy them. I could never be sure after the Rebecca matter that any of those items were unhampered by my enemies! My best move is to find several Tokens and make a pick of the one I want based on the research each party does to insure it is not meddled with. A Token will have a History, components don't! I would at least know what I am getting up front!"

Baron still with eyes closed and leaning back spoke again, "The same goes for anyone close to the King. We are all watched, and several countries have real fine spies. The secret wouldn't last an hour let alone the days we would need. That's where you and your friends come in."

"You are my best hope to date. After your public brawl of Dark Lord toadies it would be expected that I honor you and even meet with you. So your visit should excite little potential interest. I want you to go find me a Token or at least some valuable components. Now I could give you a long list of what to look for, but I don't know what you will find and I don't want to constrain you. Are you smart enough to save your King and country? I certainly hope so."

"Use your brains and instincts. Be wary of manipulation. Find me a Token that I can use to set things right. That badge will give you some authority, what little I have at this time, and may help you. You can draw on any funds you need but be very wary. The more you draw the more attention you will bring on yourself! Other's will notice and question the use of large amounts of money for with money is power and power use in this world is watched with great interest and care. It's all up to you and may the Attribute of Tlashtek smile upon you. Good Luck."

Jaul left shortly afterward and a servant guided him to the room where the others wait. Dismissing the servants and making sure the room was guarded from the outside to prevent disturbances he relayed his story to the others.

"So, " he finished with a smile, "it seems we are not under arrest at all, the King was thanking us because Darklord minions are proscribed here. Seems I did my job and you guys are being rewarded for helping me. Now we have the chance to go on a mission and make a lot of Gold. I want you to understand, we do not have to accept this. The King wants willing volunteers and is willing to pay for it. He suggests though that the payment would be best made at the completion of the quest since a large payment could attract the wrong kind of attention and make the mission more dangerous! So we have to decide what it is each of us wants and how we plan to approach this."

Artuneys spoke quietly, "I think it would be a good idea to accept this job. While you were gone I have done some research into the Barbarians loot and came across a strange book. With the help of our Thimhalen friend we were able to discover some interesting information that I would like to share with you if I may?" Jaul nodded in agreement as Artuneys started to read.

Elixir of Opulence

Appearance: The Elixir of Opulence is a very unusual and drinkable mixture. It is reputed to have a sweet taste. The color is normally a dark green with swirls of light green and black. On the vial is normally found the cryptic words 'Mega-Bucks! In Greed We Trust!' " I am not sure what Bucks is probably some form of Animal Life. It would seem to have something to do with money but may have some type of Greed curse on it."

History Ancient: The following is an excerpt from the diary of Kristiana that was held by the Dark Lord until very recently. "Kristiana as you may recall is the sleeping magician located in Mu Ug Luan A. Little was known about her until we got her diary. We now know that she made the suit of armor Damien used in the Battle of Tlashtek. It seems she had the ability of Design. She could tell exactly what components to use to create a desired object or affect making ceremonies easier. We also begin to see some of the forgotten information since the second Dark Lord War. It must have been a mess then. Everything we read seems to be a highly accurate account and relates to things we know to be true today. Unfortunately she seemed unconcerned and the information is sparse."

Page 18: "It is the darkest of times. The Sacred Trail has become very dangerous since the Dark Lord entered it to perform his latest Ceremony of Power. An attempt was made to isolate the trail by Keymon and Eadwill but somehow it failed. The power blow back through Crystallu is destroying the trees and has created a strange river people are calling Metamorphia. The elves of Crystallu have been horribly changed by the affects. Although they could not contain the Dark Lord in the trail they are pursuing him while he is in a weak condition. Keymon and Eadwill have pursued the Insane One and hope to bind him before he can cause further damage."

Page 22: " I have recently been approached by the Chief Cy Clan Quar Allerum and he has a preliminary design that seems have the concept for a specialized Token of Power. He says this will be needed in future generations, but he has been unable to design the components necessary to make it work."

"It is said the Cy Clan are powerful in fore seeing. They are poor craftsmen though and so they have come here for my aid. The Token is called the Elixir of Opulence. The Elixir is unusual in that once drunk it will transform the individual himself into his own Token of Power eliminating the need of carrying around an artificial channel and construct. I do not know why the Cy Clan feel the need for this item at this time, but I promised him I would finish the design of it and send him the formula for their files."

Page 86: "Today I finally completed the design of the Elixir the Chaka Forest has been hounding me for! They certainly have been vocal that I should complete it by today, although they aren't telling me why. Almost as I finished it a Cy Clan took the plans and fled the dwarf city. I have never seen them move so fast before. Anyway, I am glad it is over! Rumor has it that the Dark One has been seen near this city. I think it is unlikely he would be this far to the East with so many seeking him. Probably just panic on the citizens part."

Page 92 Final Entry: " I just completed a powerful suit of Armor for Eadwill and I am feeling very tired and sleepy. Must be just the let down from all the worry and work lately. I am still hearing rumors now that the Dark Lord is sneaking around in my palace. I find this amusing. Some people believe anything. I think I will go rest."

Known Powers:

1.) Generate Revenue!

The ability to take a failing business and make it successful. On a lower level it incorporates the ability to acquire money when he has none. Includes the abilities of Charm, Fast Talk, Pickpocket, Scheme, Lie, Cheat, Con, Swindle, Deceive and most other thieves' skills. Another words he acquires thief skills at the users level + 1

2.) Reform Object!

The ability to take an inanimate object and to either change it's nature or shape. (Can't do both) For example he could change a steel knife to gold, or change the same steel knife into a sword! One or the other! He can change an object only once but can change many objects so he should be certain about the change he makes. It can't be changed back!

3.) Invention and Tinkering Skill:

The Invention skill allows the holder to create new and

unique inventions based on special ideas or needs. The Tinker skill will improve an existing item or invention one time to one level. For instance if an invention is +1 he can Tinker once and Make it +2 but continued tinkering will not improve the device more! This will include magical items.

4.) Magic Coins: or (Nothing like throwing money at a Problem)

The ability to fill coins with a random magical power that works much like a Deck of Many Things or a Wand of Wonder. The powers of the Coin though are not as limited and may hold any type spell and even new ones with unusual affects! The bigger the coin used, the more power it holds. Power can be any level to include the Token power Level of the Creator. Normally the coins are Thrown or Tossed at an adversary but they can be set up as booby traps!

5.) Origin of all Evil:

It has been said that Money is the Root of all Evil because

its ability to blind people to danger or reality. The Token has the Ability to bestow a Curse/Charm of Reality Blindness much like an Illusion on the recipient even up to Death much Like a Spectral Creature. Lawful Goods are normally immune as are true Chaotic Evil's of high level. Lower classes of both grades may be susceptible with bonuses all others must save versus spell each round the curse is in affect. This can be done to a group or single person once per day.

Known Liabilities:

1.) The invention and tinkering skill has a 50% chance of creating something dangerous, hazardous, unstable, or down right deadly. It should be used with the greatest of caution.

Artuneys finished with a satisfied smile. "Gentlemen, I think we can do this Quest. We know what we want and it would seem that our first stop would be the Chaka Forest for this formula to make this item. The design seems to have been taken there and it should tell us all the components we need to make it. With Sirron talking to the Cy Clan on our behalf we should do well. I'm all for this, and I think I'll want my payment when I come back. I see no need to lug stuff I don't need around. We might even be able to have this made ourselves. The formula itself would be extremely valuable and could make each of us very wealthy if we control it!" This made Crazyhand and Jaul look with interest.

"I don't know if the Cy Clan Masters would release this to us. I will do my best to convince them of the necessity. However, in reading the diary this may be the point in time they fore saw its use. That could be why they sent me to here. It may be I am supposed to bring you to them." Sirron mused, "I don't think they sent me to observe a brawl and this seems important enough. Yes, it feels right. I think this should be pursued."

Jaul quickly spoke up. "You guys did very well. Were all local heroes right now. We have a sponsor with power, influence and lots of money. We have a target to shoot for. My suggestion is that we leave as soon as possible. The only thing we need to decide is what we want for payment but that can come later. The big thing is when we leave and how we get to the Chaka Forest. Do we go overland or through a tower? We could go by sea, but I dislike that idea."

"I don't trust you or your scheming, lying, deceitful infidel ruler." Kilain stated bluntly to Jaul. "Now you want to go get him something that will make him even worse. I remind you this is the same person who kidnapped the lady Rebecca and then turned her into a monster because she spurned his heretic advances. She had to be killed painfully to save her very soul!" Kalain looked at the others intently.

"He tosses you some baubles and some sad stories so now your ready to believe him? Well I'll tell you something toady, if you want me to help you your going to really have to make it worth my while! I intend to be paid up front due to the lack of trust I have for your ruler! He shafted us once, it won't happen again this time! Now tell me that ain't the honest truth? I would advise others to take their share in advance as well!" The dog near his feet growled in agreement. "I'm not going just because he waves some gold under my nose and neither should you!"

Ezekiel and Doc Ryan were still looking through the book. Suddenly distracted by the outburst from Kalain a blinding flash of light came from the book. Both were thrown backwards and a strange buzzing sound was heard. The book fell to the floor. The Thimhalen mage and Towers paladin lay rumpled on the floor. Crazyhands the next closest had a stunned look on his face. "I don't feel so good." He remarked as he sat heavily on the floor.

The Cure Might be Worse than the Kill! Or Wait till you see my Bill!

Kalain reacted immediately and with amazing speed as if he had expected this. He lifted the Red and Black Dragon shaped Shennuian Flame Gun as servants and the others, with cries of OH DREK, hastily scattered in panic from the line of fire. Pulling the trigger the bright yellow fireball belched out of the gun and struck the book! The book immediately turned black and was transformed to ashes in seconds! Satisfied at his handy work he grunted and placed the safety back on the gun. Kalain put the weapon away with great approval and smiled in contentment at the results.

Doc Ryan, Ezekiel and Crazyhands remained where they had fallen but Jaul, Artuneys and Sirron had taken cover behind various items of furniture and were looking at the Livyanuian in dismay and no little anger. The servants had wasted slight time fleeing out the door. If one listened closely they might have caught the words, 'flaming icehole, idiot, bastige, twit, moron, drek for brains, and other terms of familiarity and endearment! This affected the priest, not at all, for he knew he was on a Holy Mission in the land of the infidel! Kalain was thoroughly engrossed as he surveyed the damage with apparent agreement and then turned his attention to the fallen men.

The fireball had not only consumed the book, but an expensive Crystallu rug and several tapestries. Also heavily damaged and blackened was a very expensive antique Thimhalenite Table as well as two chairs with Shennuian Silk covers.

Many bits and pieces were smoldering and smoking from the blast in the same general area. The aroma of burnt hides, hair, meat, and assorted other burnt smells filled the room. Several items still had minor flames flickering fitfully on some of the objects. Smoke filled the room but was rapidly being cleared by the dwarf made ventilation system.

As the others warily watched the Livyanuian, he walked over to the thief and observed him for a moment. Crazyhands had not moved much after the flash from the book and indeed, seemed largely unaware of his surroundings as he was still sitting in a dazed condition on the floor. The fireball had passed close by his head on the way to the book and the hair on the right side of his face had been singed. He smelled faintly like roast pig and burnt hair. The side of his face was, noticeably, a bright red. He was making instinctive and uncomprehending patting motions on his face as if to put out a fire. It was obvious that while a fire was burning , Crazyhands was not at home!

Even as the others warily watched, Kalain picked up a large carafe of water and not bothering to empty it tossed water and carafe into the thief's face! The water hit Crazyhands in the face first shocking him slightly and then the carafe hit him a glancing blow a split second later with a loud bonging sound. Crazyhands looked about calmly and almost normally for a moment.

"Thanks," he stated pleasantly, "I needed that. How refreshing." Then he fell backward on to the floor and passed out. Kalain unaffected by the comment or reaction started to pull out his whip. Jaul, Sirron and Artuneys looked at him with horror and then raced out of their protection to stop him.

Artuneys whispered in shock to the Livyanuian as he stopped short in front of Kalain. "May I ask what you intend to do with that thing?"

Kalain looked at him like he was an imbecile. "I'm going to purge them of their sins of course. I warned them that the book was a Dark Lord trap. Did they listen? Now their very souls are in danger of eternal torment. The thief and magician will most likely perish, but I may be able to save the Paladin if I 'Lesson' him quickly and well! He has not the full evil in him like the others."

Sirron looked at the Livyanuian with a calm and deadpan expression, like he was an interesting species of insect. "Interesting viewpoint. I take it you intend to cure them by whipping the evil flesh from their already torn and injured bodies? Are you sure this is wise in their weakened condition?"

"Of course it is," stated Kalain positively. "They have been corrupted by the immorality of the Dark One. This could not have happened had they been free from sin and were properly wary. They opened the way for this wickedness to happen and happen it did. Their bodies are unimportant! It is their souls I must save. Now stand aside whilst I do what needs to be done. For it is obvious that the rest of you are to fastidious and feeble to do what must be completed to save their souls from perpetual anguish!"

"Well I suppose you know best, of course. Has it occurred to you that we have all of Extensive to draw upon for a cure and we are the King's guests? Perhaps Sirron and I should go seek other help before we take such drastic actions? After all the 'sinners' are unconscious. Would not the 'Lessoning' be better if they were awake to feel the full force of it? Another thing I think you should consider as well. Shouldn't others in the castle be alerted that a Dark Lord attack has taken place? Who knows what evil might be afoot elsewhere in the Palace of Tlashtek? Even the unrighteous deserve the chance to seek repentance and salvation."

Jaul and Sirron looked at the Jelgaian cleric warily at his unexpected comments. Had the Book somehow affected Artuneys as well? Kalain though, nodded in deep thought. "Well said. Perhaps you are not as evil and foolish as I first thought, although a 'Lessoning' would not be amiss in your case either." He missed Artuney's disgusted glare.

"Very well, bring the Extensive idol worshippers in to revive the fallen apostates. Also instruct them to bring the proper instruments and tools for the 'Lessoning' that I will inflict upon them to sooth their dishonored souls. I will remain to restrain the tainted ones in case they awake and try to follow their nefarious Master's evil plans. Go with haste and be wary of evil. Be certain in your mind that I will remain vigilant!"

Artuneys nodded and grabbed a puzzled Sirron by the arm. Then they quickly went out the door to seek aid. Jaul, thoroughly perplexed, taken off guard and unsure of the status of the Livyanuian watched the cleric closely as Kalain stoically stripped the three unconscious men and tied them with Livyanu leather string hides. Satisfied that they could not easily escape the cleric then took some sashes and hoisted them from the rafters. Leaving them hanging he started to pray. Soon the 'Lessoning' would commence and he must be ready for the evil that would certainly appear as a result! Jaul continued to watch him warily as he thought quickly.

To Jaul it seemed obvious that if any of the others awoke, the Livyanuian would start to whip the 'evil' out of them. His mind rambled for a moment on chaotic thoughts. {Whip it. Whip it Good! With Whip in Hand he can beat ANY man. Now that is a Majority Whip! What's the difference between a Livyanuian and a mule? The mule is intelligent!} Enough jokes, he thought! Forcibly he brought his attention back to the business at hand.

He looked closely at the dangerous cleric and remembered that he had torn apart a strong barbarian in a matter of seconds. Could he handle the cleric in a straightforward fight? It seemed unlikely that he could by himself. The cleric was too much of an unknown and Tlashtekians had always had problems in one to one confrontations with Livyanuians. A physical confrontation seemed to be chancy and extremely stupid at best.

He cursed under his breath, that Sirron and Artuneys might just as well have signed someone's death warrant! He had to find a way to head off the cleric problem before his dreams of nobility and a nice title went up in smoke! It seemed likely that he would have to depend on the Tlashtekian ability to deal with the cleric on his own level. Now he just had to sell him his latest idea. Piece of cake, he thought. With the cleric he wouldn't need facts, he just had to tell him what he wanted to hear! They needed a strong and stupid leader anyway. He smiled.

Once outside Artuneys shook his head in disgust. "MY BOOK! My WONDERFUL NEW BOOK! He just had to flame that book didn't he. It was INVALUABLE! A HISTORICAL resource and who knew what ancient secrets we might have discovered! If two powerful Token's were listed in just those few pages what other LOST ones might we have rediscovered? It was PRICELESS!"

"I can see the Livyanu FRAG UP FAIRY has visited us once again!" He looked at Sirron pleadingly. "Let Me Kill Him, Please, he's too stupid to live! His mind is to dull-witted to be left to wander by itself in the real world! He wants to meet his maker? Let's send him back with a complaint that he's defective. I think Brain Dead Qualifies."

Sirron laughed, " Sorry, but we do need him, preferably alive. Who knows what we will encounter in this quest? You'll just have to live with it for now. I think you'll survive. Still with your grumbling why do I feel like flypaper for freaks? You're almost as bad as that Livyanu cleric! It must have something to do with you both being priests! You're constantly pulling stuff that keeps us jumping too. I am sure some of the others would like to see you killed as well. Dealing with you to is like baby sitting but I ain't getting paid enough for this Drek!"

"Now do you want to tell me why we are out here in the hall instead of restraining that guy before he kills one of them? You and I both know that none of us, one on one could probably handle that cleric, especially if he goes berserk again. You're signing someone's death warrant there, maybe a whole lot of someone's. I get the impression that you don't want this Quest to succeed."

Artuneys looked at the Cy Clan Ranger carefully. "How can you think such a thing? Of course I want it to succeed! I just want it to be a success my way. You don't give Jaul much credit for brains do you? I don't expect him to get physical at all. I think he is to smart for that. He held his own with Betred, why not the Livyanuian? Anyway he will figure it out. You Cy Clan like to mix too much, you should just let people work their own stuff out. Someday it might get a bunch of you killed."

"Anyway, I saw the servants run this way when that moron pulled his gun. I want them to get some real healers in here. Let's face it, we aren't going to be able to talk him out of performing his own brand of 'healing' on these guys. I hope to delay him until we can get someone a bit more competent. Now let's go find a servant and have him take us to an Extensive Representative. I have some things I need to do"

Sirron nodded and followed the cleric down the hall. His suspicions had not been set at ease. He just knew Artuneys was up to some plan of his own. The question now was what was he doing? It seemed the only way to find out was to watch him.

Back in the room Jaul had his hand's full. The Paladin Ezekiel had just woken up and found himself hanging naked from a rafter. He had probably recovered first because of his dwarf built armor. The Paladin was not happy and was about to become unhappier. Kalain had noticed the Paladin had awakened and was getting ready to give him a 'Lessoning' with the barbed whip he carried. The evil hiss of the whip brought cold chills to his back as Kalain started to shake it out and prepare it. Ezekiel was desperately trying to talk him out of using it.

"If you use that thing on me, I'll kill you." Warned Ezekiel angrily to the Cleric as he struggled against the leather ties. Kalain appeared unimpressed and totally unafraid of the threat. He didn't even grace the threat with a reply. Ezekiel in desperation quickly looked at Jaul. "Well don't just stand there, cut me down before that maniac gets started! That whip will cut me to ribbons!"

Jaul smiled back, "Well, I don't know. Kalain may be right. He was right about the barbarians and the book. No one listened to him then. You might be a Dark Lord tool by now. Look at it from our view, we don't know what that book did to you guys. Artuneys and Sirron seemed to agree with him and left him to handle this. Who am I to stand in his way when so many priests are in agreement on your case?"

"You could be a danger to the whole group. So why not let the Father's be my guide when dealing with the unrighteous? After all who would recognize evil faster that a Livyanuian Speaker or a Jelgain Cleric? I am sure that being of the same religious bent as you they only have your best interests at heart." He sat down in a chair and leaned back comfortably.

"Still I want to be fair. Maybe we need to test you first just to be sure." He looked at Kalain and spoke in his best humble voice. "Speaker, would you say a testing is in order before a full 'Lessoning'? After all we may be past the point of saving his body and we might need to take special and more harsher steps than a mild whipping to save his soul."

Kalain thought carefully, " My influence must be having an affect, first the Jelgain heretic and now an infidel from Tlashtek. Both have made comments that make sense. Very well I can afford to wait. What do you have in mind?" Jaul whispered to him for some time and Kalain smiled several times. Sweat ran off Ezekiel as he awaited the verdict with some dread.

Jaul finally turned back to the Paladin and smiled. "Very well. I will release you if you answer the next question correctly. Betred the King of Tlashtek needs brave heroes for a Quest to find an untainted Token of Power. Vote for Kalain to be the Leader of the Quest and swear that you will serve him loyally and faithfully according to Livyanu law for the duration of this Quest and I will release you on the spot."

Ezekiel looked at the Ranger in surprise. "You want a Livyanuian in charge of this? Why would he want to be leader? His King hates the Tlashtek King. Also, I don't think that a pledge made under coercion still has to be honored."

Jaul smiled, "Of course you will honor it. A Paladin can not be coerced like that if he is a paladin. He would die first. For a whipping is really nothing if you thought this was for an evil reason. You are more curious why both lawful good clerics seem to feel the need to constrain you this way. However, you won't find that out unless you agree."

"I see that this appears to be the only way I'll get to the bottom of your plan. Very well then, you have my word. As long as I am not the leader, I guess I don't care who is and it's better than a whipping for no reason. I have patience, I'll wait and see, but if this plan of yours does turn out to be evil I want the chance to withdraw my loyalty if it is in conflict with my morals, otherwise you can go ahead and whip away."

Jaul looked at Kalain. "OK, he did agree. He is willing to make you leader and you know the Dark Lord would hate that idea. His addendum is logical and he will not withdraw from his oath lightly unless he has truly conclusive evidence. Can I let him go now?

Kalain spoke gruffly, "You have sworn to serve me on this quest by the honor of your country. He must also swear by the honor of his Queen and country. I would have no one changing their mind later. I want the oaths to be binding. Remember this, the Attribute of Honor, the one currently strongest in the world is watching! Dire will be the consequences for those that go back on their sworn word without good cause. After he has sworn you may release him."

Ezekiel wasted no time in confirming his pact, especially given the options he faced. He was quickly released once he had sworn his oath to the satisfaction of the cleric. Glaring angrily at the Ranger and Kalain he went to get his items to reequip himself. Jaul walked over to the angry Paladin as the Cleric went back to his prayers.

Ezekiel glared at the shifty Ranger. "You slime! I ought to kill you. Now we have that extremist in charge of us! I promised to serve him loyally for this quest but I sure didn't promise I wouldn't take a piece of hide off a certain scheming underhanded Tlashtekian Ranger!"

Jaul backed up quickly trying not to smile and holding up his hands. "Wait a minute will you? Let me explain." Ezekiel watched him but made no further move as he waited to hear his story. He would have time to pound him after he got an answer. "I had to do it this way," stated Jaul hurriedly, "First, I have to serve my King and we have to go on this quest. That means I need definitive answers and some organization to make this work! So far we have been a bunch of self-reliant strangers and it looks likely to continue! We have to get some organization or the Quest is doomed. Now most of you seem to be going through the motions without a commitment." He points at the Livyanuian. "Once you get him started, you have to admit, he is COMMITTED!"

Ezekiel watched as Doc Ryan started to awake and struggle feebly. The cleric he noted wasted no time moving over to him. "Him? Committed? He should be COMMITTED! He's an A-One Nut Boy and everyone knows it! Putting him in charge of this group is just asking for trouble!"

" Sure the Livyanuian is going to be a BIG problem. He will be a problem no matter where we put him. The easiest way to convince him to even go is to put him in control of the Quest. This way as leader he will NOT be the first to encounter the people we meet. We can treat him like a mushroom. He will do less damage as leader than he could anywhere else!"

"You know, that boy has real leadership potential. I'm sure he'll make noble some day, if he lives long enough! Picture his title, Upper Class Twit of the Year!" Jaul smiled in a, it's just us guys, manner at the Paladin. Ezekiel was not impressed and glowered back at the Ranger. Jaul quickly continued.

"This way if Betred does screw us over we can be sure that Kalain will give him nothing but grief! Now you were going to try to convince Kalain to go with us by appealing to Greed and Fame weren't you? Can you see this guy responding to that argument in a positive helpful way? I'm sure he would have thanked you for your inspirational and insightful comments."

"Let's face it, he is not Mr. Tact but he is more trustworthy than Artuneys, who seems to have several of his own axes to grind here." Ezekiel looked at Kalain and then back at Jaul. "Maybe you're right." He admitted. "Still that whip is pretty nasty and I hate being forced into things. If you had explained it to me beforehand and given me the choice I might not be so inclined to Kick your Butt, right now! As it is I am going to be watching you a lot more closely. I might even have gone along with you but I don't have that choice now do I!"

"Your right of course, but I'm between Tpsolein pirates and the Dark Lord here," stated Jaul sadly. "I have a feeling before this is all over that we're all going to do a whole bunch of things we don't like or want to do. Let's face it though, you don't really want to lead this bunch. Well, the good news is that I don't want to lead them either. They're all prime nut cases and we both know it! Can you imagine trying to lead them around or get them to do anything in an organized fashion? Even worse, you want Artuneys to lead it? Now there is a plan of action I would really hate."

"What's wrong with Artuneys leading it?" asked Ezekiel puzzled. "Sure he has some of his own agenda's but then we all do. He's smart enough and knows the territory. Why not back a winner?"

" He's too smart and too tricky. His strange agenda almost got you whipped! He so slick he could slide right past himself! Believe me, that I, as a fully qualified Tlashtekian, can recognize a con man when I see one! He insists he doesn't want to lead but he sure jumps in fast enough when he is up to something really sneaky."

"I suspect he is not just working for the Jelgai, either. He may even be a Dark Lord plant for all we know! He read part of that book and he didn't get zapped like you guys did. I bet you didn't notice that in all the excitement!"

"Put two and two together here, he wasn't zapped and neither were the barbarians who originally had it or they wouldn't have been carrying it around! I think we need that Livyanuian in charge to counterbalance our Jelgain friend and you have to admit Artuneys will have a harder time trying to control that hardhead."

"Everyone will have a hard time controlling anything in this mess as far as I'm concerned. You really think Artuneys is a Dark Lord spy? What is he after then and what does he stand to gain from all this?" said Ezekiel thoughtfully. He looked at Jaul and continued, "I must admit I don't know him that well. The book might have been just dumb luck. Still circumstantial evidence does appear to be on your side."

"Dumb Luck? I wish I had that kind of luck. Betred chose me to start this mission and warned me as well. He told me to be paranoid. Well I smell a rat. Do I have conclusive proof? No, not yet, but I sure intend to watch that slippery so-called Jelgain cleric real careful."

"Did you notice how he helped to guide us into that fight with the barbarians? Then the book he suggests we examine nails three of us. Finally he walks off with the Cy Clan so the Livyanuian can beat you to death."

"I have to ask the question, why didn't he heal you? He knows Livyanuians have no known magic yet, but he certainly has runic magic although we have yet to see him use it! Why leave Kalain to heal you, knowing he had no magical way to do it? Our friend Artuneys almost stopped this quest before we even started it! He left me to stop Kalain probably hoping I would be killed and then you others as well! Would you have felt like going on a quest after having been whipped by one of your allies? What really bothers me is that the Cy Clan Ranger seems to be in it with him as well. Cy Clan are known to be devious."

"So in our self defense I had to make a deal with Kilain. He also thinks Artuneys might be a Dark Lord or elf spy. I tend to agree myself, but it is only a gut reaction with no clear proof. So in self-defense we back Kalain up until we find someone better to lead. Who knows how this Quest will turn out? Especially considering that everyone seems to be following a Tlashtekian rule, 'Do Unto Others Before They Do It To You!' Now do you understand why I had to do this?" Ezekiel nodded acceptance, for now.

As the others had continued to talk though Doc Ryan had woken up in a very uncomfortable position. He could see the magic in the ties that had been used to bind him and he 'gathered' it mentally and dabbed it on himself. As long as he was touching magic he could affect and use it. He did not like the look in the Livyanuian's eye. He decided that some precautions would be both prudent and necessary. His parents had told him much about Livyanuians. He looked at the cleric approaching him with the magical whip and smiled politely. "I seem to be hung up here. Be a good fellow and help me down, please." He stated innocently and politely.

Kalain spoke gruffly. "You have been tainted by your sins and performed evil. The Dark Lord has corrupted your soul. I offer you the chance to renounce your sin and serve me loyally during this Quest. Elect me leader and I will know you have repented and will release you."

"Goodness Me! Did I do something evil? Then it seems obvious that I must be punished. Why if the Dark Lord were here I would thump his face for making me commit such terrible deeds. Still there is no excuse for this, no, none at all. I guess you will have to do what you must and I must obtain the cure. After all we can't have the Dark Lord controlling my actions. No, that will not do at all! You have my permission to go ahead and cure me."

Kalain nodded in satisfaction and respect, "For an addlepate you are a brave and honorable man. You recognize the evil within you more clearly than any of the others I have met so far. You make no excuses and seek not to avoid your 'Lessoning'. This pleases me that there is hope for you and your country."

"You would make a good Livyanuian. I will do my utmost to save your soul and will not spare my hand for your soul's sake. You honor me with your courage and devotion. If you die I will have your name added to the Scrolls of Martyrdom in the Chief Temple." Doc Ryan smiled, "That sounds like fun, can we start now?"

Ezekiel and Jaul were startled to hear the crack of the whip as it struck the mage. They looked at each other in surprise and horror! Surely the mage had not refused the cleric's offer? Still he was a Thimhalenite and certifiably crazy! The Livyanuian would obviously not accept craziness as an excuse for sin! Had the cleric even made the offer of release to the Mage? Had the Mage even understood what the cleric had said? Obviously not! Suddenly panicked they both ran towards the pair on the opposite side of the room with a look of dread on their faces.

Quickly the whip cracked again on the bare flesh of the mage and they could see the Livyanuian was not sparing the muscle power at all! The barbs gleamed and they knew that whip was deadly for in it's passage it cut a heavy tapestry on the much milder back swing leaving it a tattered ruin! Suddenly they stopped in surprise.

"That tickles." Doc Ryan noted giggling as the others suddenly came to a halt. No marks had appeared on his body although the force of the blows had him swaying back and forth. "How long will this cure take Speaker? I really need to get back to that book you know. Very interesting magic. You know if you hadn't distracted me I would have it all done by now." He said chiding the cleric. "Can't you do this a little faster?"

Kalain, nodded and redoubled his speed and efforts until the sweat gleamed on his face. The speed of the whip was phenomenal. It continued to hiss and cracked again and again on the flesh of the mage but strangely it left no marks, much to the amazement of Jaul and Ezekiel. Kalain tirelessly continued to whip the mage until suddenly the ties holding Doc Ryan burst apart dumping the Thimhalenite to the ground. Kalain panted in exertion and started to coil his whip, which miraculously had no trace of blood upon it!

"Is the cure done now?" Ryan asked innocently. "The swinging was fun and I enjoy a good tickle as much as the next person but I really must be getting back to that book. He looked around and noticed the burnt spot.

Kalain put his whip away stolidly. "You have been 'Lessoned'. You may resume your life. Go and attempt to sin no more." He stated ritually as he turned to view the still unconscious thief. Stunned and confused Jaul and Ezekiel helped the mage to his feet and were amazed that there was no blood on him. Had the cleric indeed performed some type of healing magic on the Thimhalenite with his whip? Even the burn marks appeared to have vanished as if they never were. Amazed and puzzled they helped the Thimhalenite to get dressed.

"Oh Dear," stated Ryan, "I appear to have mishandled the book. What a loss. Still I was able to get some samples of the magic it used. Maybe they will be useful later. " He looked at Ezekiel strangely, like his life depended on the answer. "Did I mention yet that I'm Hungry?"

Ezekiel confused shook his head negatively. " Well, I'm saying it now, I'm hungry! Is their any food left or did you guys eat it all?" Jaul and Ezekiel escorted the mage to the remains of the food on the partially burnt table. "Well there appears enough here to at least make a sandwich." Ryan remarked brightly.

He continued to rummage around the table. "What no Thimhalen Wormwood Brandy or Whiskey? How crude. Well one must do what one can in such primitive surroundings but you would think the King would treat his guests better than this." He sat down still stark naked and started to munch contentedly. It appeared that recovery of his clothes and items was the last thing on his mind.

"Now there's a simple character," remarked Jaul to the Paladin as both went to find the mages things. I haven't seen him do a sane thing since we met him." Ezekiel nodded, "Or anything right either for that matter. He's going to be a real problem when we get into a bad spot. We won't be able to watch Kalain, Artuneys and him too when we're up to our chins in Monsters and Traps." Jaul nodded, it was just what he was thinking. At least he and the Paladin agreed on something!

At that moment several healers arrived with five Livyanu Haulers from Extensive. With the healers were several Rangers along with Lord Baron. Baron looked at the mess as Crazyhands was cut down over Kalains protests. Baron looked at Kalain and spoke evenly. "We have more important things to discuss than some sinners. His own countrymen will handle him appropriately. You on the other hand have more important duties for your King to consider. Come and attend to something more important to the future of your country."

He led Kalain a little ways away from the others, "You distrust my King, and you may have reason to do so, but you have no reason to distrust my word! I am known to be loyal and truthful even to the foreign Kings. Would you accept my word of payment to you if you aid us on this quest?"

Kalain looked at Baron warily. "I have never heard of you betraying anyone. It does not mean there is not a first time for such betrayals are common in this world as well as your country, nor that you won't betray me this time if you can gain substantially from it. Still, I will consider what you say before I give you my decision. What is your offer?"

"I will give you the secret of Livyanu Magic if you will go on this Quest for the King's Token. I will give you this treasure here and now and will allow you to send it to your King so he knows that he gained it on your behalf. Your reward in your country will be great and you may even make Chief Priest since Hysander is known to be very old and should be retired with Honor. I do not say this for greed's sake but because it is truth. Your country would gain power as well as your priesthood. The Attribute of the Sky Folk would surely be pleased." Said Baron looking directly at Kilain.

"Your words have iron in them. I feel the truth of what you say. I will accept, but not for myself or any gain I may make from it, but for my King. I will have one condition for you though. That condition is that I will lead this Quest and Jaul will be my advisor and second in command! If he fails to advise me correctly then on his head should the blame fall."

Baron nodded, "Trust must be a two way street. Very well I will trust you to accomplish the mission and you will trust my word. I formally agree with your proposal. You will lead and Jaul will be your lieutenant. If his work fails to meet your approval then Betred himself will indeed punish him. If he is successful his reward will be the greater for it!"

"Inside the Haulers you will find all the items the party has requested to be paid with as well as some bulk supplies the party will need. Jaul will insure that everyone receives what they have requested. However, the Paladin has chosen a special reward in his request to us. If he succeeds he will be given a title and lands in this country. He will be appointed Towers ambassador to Tlashtek Heights. All he will have to do is take his oath of loyalty to the King of course."

"I wish you luck on your quest. Meanwhile, you will be shown to a new room where you can prepare your group. I will see about locating the rest of your party, I believe they stated they have some business with the castle Chamberlain after they told me of this attack." He handed Kalain the paper. Kalain looked at it with interest as Baron and the servants departed with the unconscious thief Crazyhands.

Livyanu Magic By Sage Benally

Ancient History: A deep look into history shows that Livyanuians did at one time practice magic. However in the reign of Cotton Fengis Bushtalot all magic was banned from the country as being sinful and evil. It appears that Fengis had a bad experience with magic in his childhood and being a barbarian he mistrusted all magic. His reign was typified by huge amounts of beheadings, burnings, impalings, witch trials and other similar activities designed to purge the populace of it's "insidious evil", as he called it. It was one of the bloodiest periods in Livyanuian history.

Recent History: I was recently approached by a group of adventurers with the strange task of researching and developing a form of Livyanuian Clerical magic. What makes this interesting is that this group appears to have funds that go well beyond a common mercenary band that make it likely that a King or Queen has funded them. I could not picture the King of Livyanu funding this enterprise so the question remains open at this stage. Still the search was an interesting one from the historical standpoint.

Magic Type: An in depth investigation of Livyanu today shows that magic is mostly of the Fighter variety. This seems strange in a land that is so religiously oriented. The Attribute of Honor seems to be manifested here most strongly. Several magical tests were run in Livyanu at the Extensive Facility trying to use Honor as a basis and none were successful. This was most unusual and quite puzzling. It was decided that a wider-range of questioning, of the populace, would have to be done to even get any idea if magic were possible here. This was quite dangerous to the investigators and several hundred were 'lost' through various encounters with the local officials. Several dozen more casualties were encountered through the dreaded "Green Sickness" for which no cure magical or otherwise has been discovered to this date.

The final outcome was found to be very interesting and now the answer seems so simple in retrospect. The average Livyanuian is much like a farmer or peasant. Their life is normally short, hard and brutal in the extreme. This burden is made no lighter by the priests in charge who would keep the populace on "the straight and narrow" to protect their souls. Sin is heavily punished and the average Livyanuian prides himself deeply on the amazing amounts of punishment they can sustain. It seems that many will even seek out the priests they call "Speakers" to confess the smallest of sins. This is invariably met with immediate and extremely brutal punishment.

It appears the people "Welcome" this and glory in it, reserving their anger for the Dark Lord and his "minions and toadies". The highest ranked of these is the elves who they hate with a passion that defies description! Many have even died from the more severe forms of punishments that have been devised to save their souls. This gave us the final clue. Livyanu Magic is sacrificial in nature! Martyrdom by the populace and the individuals. It seems that the more punishment administered in a righteous cause to a Livyanuian the more powerful his magic can manifest. Brutality can bring their magic to the fore!

This of course explains the "Black Rage" which is so prevalent in the Priesthood and nobility. It is an unconscious manifestation of clerical magic. So the more injury a Livyanuian takes the more likely he is to be able to perform magic. However he must be able to get past the "Black Rage" and try to consciously control the affect.

Summary: Livyanu magic is based on pain and suffering by the caster. For instance, if he wishes to heal someone he must take the wounds or disease of the person upon himself and thus conquer it. Only by the application of pain and suffering on himself can he cast spells. The higher the level of danger to himself or those under his care the more powerfully his magic can manifest.

Another example of this could be seen in Harpin's ceremony with Elaine. Elaine seems to have used Harpin's power instinctively. At one point the Dark Lord fired at Elaine with his powerful bolts of destruction and Harpin interposed himself between them! At the time it was thought the Crystallu armor saved him but further investigation at the Battle of Tlashtek shows that the Crystallu armor was not powerful enough to have kept that King from being cut in half! The pain and sacrifice from that sacrificial move must have allowed Harpin to cast a regenerate spell of immense power, for later he showed no signs of taking any damage at all. If this gift could learn to be consciously controlled it could be of great benefit to the Livyanuians, although they may not see it that way and will probably blame it all on the "Evil Elves!"

Even as Kalain eagerly read his document, Artuneys had visited the Extensive representative and had them alert the palace guards about the Dark Lord attack inside the palace. He had then made certain arrangements to handle the money the Tlashtek King was to pay them for the Quest. Satisfied that things were going well. He had sought out the Chamberlain so that he could store his goods in the King's treasure vault for safekeeping.

After all, he thought, you couldn't be too careful when the Dark Lord was about! Especially with that idiot from Livyanu flaming everything for it's 'evil' properties! Holding a letter of credit for his items given to him by the Chamberlain, he was escorted back to the room where the others waited.

Sirron was beginning to get an inclination of what the cleric was up to and was not sure whether he should interfere or not. He decided that his intervention would not be necessary and that it was part of the future the Cy Clan had foreseen. He decided to continue to observe.

Upon Sirrons and Artuneys arrival back, Jaul sat down and started to apportion out the loot. The thief was still undergoing treatment elsewhere in the palace so it was decided to set his items aside along with his clothes and other belongings. They were placed in the group area. With some difficulty the items were distributed.

Each Member received:

2 Mounts (Type was unspecified camels were issued)

1 Pack animal (Type unspecified camel was issued)

(No Packs or Tack or blankets were requested but were supplied by the generosity of the King)

1 Potion of Healing ( 1 D8 HEALING one dose)

1 Weeks Iron Rats (Beef Jerky, Dried Fruit, Flour, Dried Fish)

200 gp

(Food for the Camels and extra skins of water was not requested but was supplied.)

Short Bow with 6 fishing arrows and 6 hunting arrow in a Quiver.

Miscellaneous Group Items:

2 four person tents.

400 gp handled by the leader as a group fund

2 Short Swords and 3 Kabar knives

(One short Woods mans Axe was not requested but supplied)

1 Hunting Livyanu Wolfhound

a bowyers and fletchers kit.

Barbarian Items not taken are stored here.

Cooking Items, Skillet, Pot, salt, fish, Large Pouch

Heavy Boots One Good, One Bad

2 Flasks of OIL, and Lantern

1 Water Skin, 1 Flask Water/Wine

Cooking Herbs, Hogshead of Jelgain Sausage, 6 days Dried Fish(for one person), 15 Days Iron Rats (for one person)

1 Longsword, 1 Tinderbox, 1 Horned Helmet, 1 +1 Leather Armor

1 +1 Bastard Sword.

Individual Items:

Kalain: (Party Leader by Appointment)

Received his Payment in the Paper on Magic.

His share of Barbarian Wealth was converted to Charity. He kept about 10% of this for expenses. This was paid to him through an Extensive broker who took his 10% fee as well.

His Tourmaline, Cat's Eye, Emerald, and Topaz netted him 5, 034 gp as his share.

Jaul: (Second in Command by Leader Appointment)

+1 Elf made composite Long Bow

Quiver of 12 Standard Arrows effective against armor.

+1 Darklands Spring Blade Knife

10 recharges for his wand.

Taken From Barbarians:

Fire Spear +1

Boots of Wind Walking +1

Long sword +1

Shennuian Cloak +1

Acorn Butter

30 pp, 547 gp, 7 sp, 9cp

Sirron:

Magical Long Sword (+5 to Armor Class) Name Defender

+1 Namarushtian Food +1 to Constitution

Taken from Barbarians:

Gauntlets of Ogre Strength

Heavy Boots (The leader had you down for magical boots but their was only one set and he gave them to Jaul first!)

Leather Armor +1

Dagger +1

Cloak with Tozami Fur

Shield +1

30 pp, 547 gp, 32 sp, 8 cp

Ezekiel:

Elevation to Nobility and confirmation of Diplomat to Tlashtek from the Towers. (He must take an oath of loyalty to be a noble)

+1 Shield (Dwarf Made)

Shennuian Delayed Blast Fireball Gun (6 charges)

Taken from Barbarians:

Tri-Crossbow +1 (3bolts per rd) w/20 bolts

Very Large Fire Gem (magical) Which he requested mounted in his amulet. (This was easily done and was paid for by the King.)

+1 Shennuian Rope

Ruby

30 PP, 547 gp, 33 sp, 9 cp

Crazyhands:

Extensive Silver Credit Line

Immunity from taxes and Thieves Guild dues for Life.

One "Get out of Tlashtek Prison for Free Card'

Taken from Barbarian:

Nothing listed!

Side Bets made: received 2, 000 gp.

Artuneys:

Nothing listed as his payment.

Taken from Barbarian:

150 pp, 547 gp, 32 sp, 8 cp,

The book (Destroyed)

Necklace, pearl

+4 Bullet Armor

(The gauntlets cannot be issued, they were given to Sirron.)

Flask Pine Mint Wine, Flask Parthanos Wine

(Cannot be Issued the Toazami Cloak it was previously issued to Sirron)

Doc Ryan

Nothing established.

Taken from Barbarians:

Scale Armor +1

Dagger

(Can not be issued as the Bullet Armor +4 was previously given to Artuneys first)

Gatlin Bow w Quiver of 20 Grey Arrows (Magical burst of three or all in 1 round)

No bet made.

Jaul then packed the rest of the items away including the goods from the barbarians until someone would decide who was to get what. He then sat down as Kalain began his conference. The others listened as he outlined his plan.

"We will have to leave but I suggest we leave before first light tomorrow after a full nights rest. We have had a busy day. Make sure you have packed all your items and that they are readily to hand for in the morning. I see no need for a guard tonight so rest well."

"Tomorrow we will travel to the Extensive Tower and will go directly to the Chaka Forest, Extensive facility. I suggest you make all final preparations now and get some sleep. It would also be wise that if you have sins to confess that you should do so and accept your "Lessoning' before we leave on this Quest! I will be available to administer pardons and redemption. Prayers would not be out of line either. Many of you need them. If you have any complaints or questions see Jaul and he will arrange to have them resolved." He turned away to do his own packing and to send his magical sheet to the King by swift courier.

The others then started to prepare to move their equipment to the pack animals. Once done they ate a hearty meal and settled down for some rest. Artuneys after helping to pack the group gear had several servants help him by removing the empty Livyanu Haulers. As they followed him down the hall to get his gear from the King's vault. The servants lightly swapped jokes with the Jelgain noble.

Artuneys was making comments to his appreciative audience. "You know that just points up a Tlashtek nobles thought process here. They made this Livyanuian cleric the leader after he toasted half a room with a flame gun. Nothing like a good big screwup to get you promoted boys. The world sure ain't fair but that's the way it is!"

At the vault, Artuneys showed the guards his letter of credit. They again summoned the Chamberlain to get his goods out of the vault. Upon opening the vault door though the servants suddenly hit the guards with several powerful runic scrolled sleep spells! The guards and Chamberlains were pulled inside and the haulers were wheeled into the large area. The loading commenced with very little wasted time of motion! Artuneys watched as the professionals worked and was satisfied that he had been given competent help.

The vault was fabulous. It contained wealth beyond imagining! It not only contained all the items Betred had taken from the Dark Lands in the early months of his reign, but objects acquired throughout his career as Lord of Extensive. The items had been neatly categorized and were carefully stored. Here rested tray after tray of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and every other type of gem all neatly collected by size and type. Even magical Gems and Pearls were neatly marked and sorted.

Artuneys had brought the Five empty Livyanu Haulers each capable of lifting 4,000 lbs. easily. He would have needed 20 times that amount just to make a dent in the wealth of this vault. Artuneys could afford to be picky. He started with magical books and rare tomes of information. These interested him the most. He noted that several of these were stolen items from the Library of Shennu. Could it be these were the very books stolen when the Dark Lord first returned about four years ago? It seemed likely! Next he went after the magical gems. He saw several complete sets of Ioun Stones as well as several other types of gems as well. Magical Figurines and specialized Crystallu art items that were small and light weight were also of interest to him as well as many ancient scrolls!

It did not take his team long to fill the carts and then placing a cover over each of them they went out the door and closed the vault door tightly. Artuneys pocketed the keys. Another runic scroll was quickly used to cast an illusion to show two guards standing and guarding the vault. Artuneys had taken his opportunity in the vault to recover his belongings. He nodded to the leader when all had been completed. "My compliments to Lord Skragg. It looks like he'll get his books back after all. You know what to do with my share of the reward."

The chief thief nodded, "Pleasure doing business with you Mr. Jarvic. You sure have a way with the biz. Just let us know if you ever want to get out of the Attributes racket and into some honest thieving. You sure do have a way of planning a heist."

The others snickered at the jest but Artuneys just smiled. "Remember I was paid a commission and finders fee to recover items stolen from Skragg's library by the Dark Lord. The rest is to pay our 'expenses' for this operation. I will expect the Emperor to honor his deal and make sure my accounts are credited properly. I am not a thief, I just recovered stolen property and I intend to collect my reward for my honest work."

"Sure, sure, " stated the thief with a smile, "We better get going now before someone gets suspicious. The group pushed the heavily loaded haulers down the corridor and out of sight as Artuneys strolled back to his room. So Jaul didn't want to give me my payment, he mused silently. Well no problem, he had taken that into account and had arranged for his own payment for this Quest. Arriving back in the room he quickly fell asleep satisfied with the world.

A short while later Crazyhand had returned and had gone over his belongs. Those items that had been damaged were set aside and a servant was summoned to replace them with new items. He then packed his items and seeing that all was in readiness he decided to get some rest as well. It had been a hard day.

The next morning, Kalain aroused the group. Quickly and efficiently they packed their belongings and left the palace of the King. All was quiet and peaceful. Arriving at Extensive Kalain paid the 70 gold pieces required to transport the party and their animals to the Chaka Forest. It was still early in the day before the normally heavy Towers traffic started so he got a large discount. The group entered the Tower in single file and moments later appeared at the Extensive facility at the Chaka Forest.

Sirron took the lead at this point and lead them towards the palace of Gerain Allerum the King of the Cy Clan. They had no sooner left the Extensive grounds though when they suddenly found themselves surrounded! The Cy Clan guards in their robes suddenly appeared as if they had been invisible but Doc Ryan had noted no magical use! A Noble spoke in a voice that seemed to echo in their heads.

"You are under arrest for the crime of theft. Although your crime was performed in Tlashtek, the ramifications of this criminal lawlessness require that we examine you at length. Will you come peacefully or will we be required to use force?" Kalain and the rest of the group looked surprised at the sudden announcement. "Deja Vue." Doc Ryan remarked peering intently about. Artuneys just smiled.

Mentality of Change Or House of the Rising Cy Clan!

Crazyhands smiled and quickly pulled a special card from his belt pouch and handed it to the arresting leader. The card read, "By Order of King Betred of Tlashtek the bearer of this document has done what he has done by Order of the King of Tlashtek. If this document is presented in a foreign country the King of Tlashtek will make a full and complete restitution for the offense. Just present your Grievance and Bill to the nearest Extensive Facility and your case will be handled promptly and to your complete satisfaction."

The Cy Clan leader looked in surprise at the card and then back at Crazyhand. "You surely don't mean to tell me that you robbed the King of Tlashtek at his own orders?" Crazyhand looked at him seriously, "That is exactly what I'm telling you, and don't call me Shirley. You guys really need to chill out!" He then proceeded to take out a large pipe and stuff it with Gnome Weed. Lighting the pipe he puffed on it contentedly. Strange ghostly shapes appeared from the pipe and began dancing in the air.

The Cy Clan sheriff seemed unconvinced and looked at the thief in some disbelief. "I find this difficult to believe. Still your country sometimes acts very chaotically. We don't pretend to understand all of the ramifications of what your people do at our level." The Cy clan commented less sure of his position legally. He again examined the document carefully.

"The document is sealed with Betred's Kings Ring symbol and the card itself appears genuine. It seems we have no reason to hold you at this time." He gravely returned the card to Crazyhand. The thief was paying little attention to the sheriff and was watching the ghostly figures from his pipe performing some type of play in the air. The scene was in color but no sound issued. He absently took the card and placed it in his pouch.

The sheriff confused turned away and looked at Kalain. "Since the injured party has given you a document absolving you of all blame we apologize for detaining you. Welcome to the Chaka Forest. You may continue on your regularly scheduled search for enlightenment. Have a pleasant day cycle."

Crazyhands took time from his play and looked at the astonished party and showed them the heavily embossed Card, as he held it by the edges with thumb and forefinger. "Get out of Jail Free! Don't leave Home without it!" He remarked with a smile.

Kalain looked disgusted and shook his head in disbelief, " Only in the Evil Tlashtek Empire would they have criminals that are excused from crimes before they even commit them. Only sin filled infidel countries would honor such a document. You people have no shame! I can see this is what your King would perceive as 'True Justice'. I expect you also have a license to steal any time you wish? I also imagine that this document was also granted to you from your King?"

"Certainly, " stated Crazyhands, "All business endeavors are duly licensed by the crown and each person gets his legitimate profit for his labors. Revenue flow is increased and stimulates the economy, unlike your country where only the rich and Drek for Brains guys like you have the all the wealth. What is your religion but licensed robbery of the gullible, stupid and poor? You use fear and terror to maintain your religion, we are more permissive, moderate and enlightened!"

"Tlashtek is a free country! Where every person has the right to pursue their dreams of wealth according to their ability to do so! By the way here's your pouch back, there was nothing in there I wanted, or that I thought worth the keeping. Besides I needed the practice." He handed the Livyanuian his pouch back and smiled evilly.

The priest glowered at the thief for several moments and then the suspense got to him. He quickly opened the pouch and started to count his money as the others watched in amusement. It was all there.

Kalain glared at the smirking faces of his group. "Very Funny. While you all smile at me like imbeciles, what makes you think he hasn't robbed you?" The looks of astonishment and panic were plain on most faces except for Doc Ryan's.

The Thimhalenite mage appeared totally unconcerned as he watched several colorful and delicate fluttering butterflies that were still coming from the thief's pipe. With growing interest he moved closer to examine the strange figures. The others immediately started to check their own goods, but he was mumbling to himself. "Hmm, stir fried lawn ornaments in leopard spotted underwear?" Stated the magician strangely, as everyone scrambled to see if anything might be missing from their personal belongings.

Jaul was the first to look up and glare at the thief. "All Right Funny Boy, where's my badge?" he started towards the thief menacingly. He was caught short though when Ryan snickered, "In every day and in every way, I'm getting better and better!" he stated happily. "Busy Hands are Happy Hands and Idle Hands are the Devil's Workshop!" He told Kalian earnestly. He handed Jaul the badge. Jaul looked disgusted. "Ripped off by an imbecile! Not even a licensed thief! I feel so STUPID and USED!"

Crazyhands looked at Jaul intently. "I know when to steal and when not to. Stop blaming me because you lose things. You probably dropped it and the moron just picked it up. Why does everyone who loses something immediately blame the thief! That," he pointed at Ryan, "isn't capable of stealing his own shorts! A great lawman like you and that Paladin over there though should be asking the important questions! If I didn't steal from King Betred, you guys should be asking yourself who did?"

Artuneys spoke quickly, "It was NOT stealing. I was recovering stolen property and collecting my just and righteous fee for this adventure. How dare you intimate that I am nothing more than a common thief! I am NOT a Crook!"

Ezekiel looked at the Jelgain Cleric closely. "More like an uncommon thief and your definition of crook leaves a lot to be desired," he mumbled. " Just what did you steal from Betred anyway and how much? Where did you learn your morals? The Dark Lord School of Justifications? Stealing is not proper and you know it!"

Jaul nodded as well. "I have to agree, this is one of the DUMBEST stunts you ever pulled in the short time I have known you. I'll bet you don't even have a license to steal! The Cy Clan may be willing to let you off the hook but I certainly am NOT! You're under arrest! Now maybe you should come clean and the court might be lenient. Tell us the story so we all know what is going on. Do us all a favor too, try not to lie when your lips move."

Kalain took out his whip. "There is no defense for his sin. His guilt is obvious to all. I stand ready to administer forgiveness from his evil deeds. He is no man of the cloth, but a sinful hypocrite who uses his church as a cover to steal! The Dark Lord has tainted his soul! Bind him and listen not to his lies and I will purge him. He is a Dark Lord Tool and his words should not be trusted let alone listened to."

Crazyhands smiled, "I think he is guilty as well, but isn't this vigilante thing going a bit to far? We are not in Tlashtek so arresting him here seems to be a little far fetched." He looked at Kalain. "Who elected you leader and spiritual advisor? I sure didn't!"

Artuneys looked haughtily at the party. "Why should I tell you anything, you people already think I'm guilty and haven't even heard me out yet? I also have not elected that," he looks pointedly at Kalain, "my judge, jury and executioner! I am not hiding what I did! I had good and lawful reasons for doing so! Nor am I hiding from punishment. While I do not expect that we will ever be sent to any courtroom, I am willing to be charged and will defend myself legally! I will make a statement though that I want you to consider."

"Do you really think I could have 'stolen' from Betred in his own castle without his approval? Also you will notice that the Cy Clan knew of this before we arrived. If Betred knew and told them he would not have let us leave Tlashtek unless he wanted us to. So I put that down to spies trying to slow us down. Now we are not under arrest, nor are we likely to be unless we fail in our mission. I suggest you stop wasting my time by making judgements like a Livyanuian Fanatic and we get on with the mission." He finished by crossing his arms and glaring at the Party.

Sirron spoke gravely, "You are in my country now and this is the Land of Justice. May I suggest that the Cy Clan Council and King are more than capable of deciding the issues fairly and without undue emotion. Also, remember that I witnessed the matter personally and I am prepared to give my account as well. The Cy Clan sheriff stopped us because this event has ramifications far beyond what seems to be a normal theft. We are about to create new rules as well as laws and to establish a procedure that will have impact upon the justice systems of this world. Artuneys is right, I would not want Livyanuian Vigilantism to be the guide for Law and Justice in this world!"

Ezekiel spoke, "You witnessed what he did and remained silent? Does this not make you an accessory to his crime? You say this is an important case, for many reasons, but I am wary of Cy Clan manipulation. I think I will want to know what you have in mind before I place anyone's fate in your devious hands. As for the question of leadership Jaul and I have decided to back Kalain. Unless you others can come up with someone willing to accept the role and can present a clear majority then I suggest you are overruled."

"Fair enough," stated Sirron calmly, "trust is not an easy thing in this world when so much ambition and emotion rule. Allow me to offer you a moment's instruction. Please be seated and allow me to explain." He motioned to several benches in a pleasant looking grove near the garden like crushed stone path. The others nodded and seated themselves to listen.

When they had been settled Sirron stood before them calmly and addressed them as a teacher would address students. "Many rumors of the Cy Clan have crossed the world and many of them are untrue. Most times we allow those rumors to exist. However, now that you are in my country it is only proper that I instruct you in the basics you need to know at this point. Most countries perceive us as being lawful good but this is false. The Cy Clan is and are neutral in alignment."

"We make decisions based on logic according to a plan outlined by our King and Council. This Master Plan is called a Time Matrix and its final resolution is the goal of all our people. Each and every person in our country contributes to this plan and we try to do so unemotionally. We have emotions but are trained not to allow them to influence our thinking. I was sent to you because this group is necessary to complete a major part of the Time Matrix. My job was to bring you here. I have no idea why as yet but I have a suspicion which I may share later."

"We do not normally make judgements on such things as good or evil or even the breaking of country laws. However, we can bring them to resolution in a very competent manner. I strongly suggest that you let us do so in this case and that we take the time necessary to bring this to a satisfactory resolution. In exchange for your cooperation we may learn much of the Token we wish to procure. You were hoping to get this information and this may be the best way to do it, if you will trust me."

To the surprise of all Doc Ryan spoke calmly. "You tell us nothing, but want us to trust you. I suspect you have also manipulated this occurrence purposely, Cy Clan. You are the one that informed your people of the robbery that only you and Artuneys knew about! You have set up this whole court case so that you will gain something for your Time Matrix. You are neutral in MOST things but you are not neutral in your Matrix Plan I'll wager! So I want to know what will be the outcome of your meddling?" The others listened astounded to the insane mage and digested the information. Artuneys suddenly looked from the mage to the Cy Clan in suspicion and then glared at the ranger in anger!

"You ratted me out? I should have guessed! It's obvious now. Why? You knew what I was doing and you knew why." Stated Artuneys looking at him. "You know these charges of theft won't stick. What do you hope to gain?"

"You won't be on trial for theft." Sirron said calmly not denying the accusation. "You're on trial for violation of your moral code. Unlike us, you ARE supposed to be lawful and aligned with good. The theft was a symptom of a larger problem. It must be resolved in an efficient and correct manner. It will be resolved best here, so here you were brought. I have already gained what was necessary to successfully complete the resolution of my task in the Matrix. You are here and to continue on your Quest, a trial must be held. It is in your best interests to cooperate freely of course, but it is not required that you do."

Kalian spit on the ground near the Cy Clan's feet. "Now I know why my King dislikes you people so much! I suppose you will hold us here until the trial is done by not giving us the information we require? You know I will not steal it, unlike others I could name."

Sirron nodded, "You can leave anytime you wish, but if you do not permit the trial, why should we help you in return? You are free to roam anywhere in the world and we will not constrain your departure. You have freewill. The trial is necessary. It will establish procedures and methods of importance. Things that must be established! You will either aid us to do so or we will find another way. You are not the only avenue we have. "

Kalain glowered at the Cy Clan. "You offer us little reasonable choice, which of course was your aim. Very well then, I am still leader until someone has the power to replace me." He looked at the others. "The charge is that Artuneys has violated the precepts of his temple and has acted in a manner that brings disgrace upon it. Who agrees that he has done so?" Jaul, Crazyhands, Kalain, Sirron, all raised their hands immediately. "Who thinks the cleric is innocent of the charge?" Artuneys raised his hand immediately. Kalain glared at Ezekiel and Doc Ryan in suppressed rage. "Well?"

Doc Ryan turned around bent over and lowered his pants and smiled at Kalian through his legs. "Nothing like a full moon to prove a man's innocence," he remarked blithely. The group laughed at the embarrassed Livyanuian. "I see nothing wrong in what Artuneys did as long as he shares some with his friends that is," stated Ryan pulling up his pants.

Ezekiel looked stubborn. "I must also vote guilty after due consideration. He continues to hide information from us so I must question his motives." He told them. "This is an important case and one does not remove important status without knowing all the facts. I have still to find out the reasons why he did this. So far no one has told me why and I want to know before I make a final charge!"

Kalain nodded, but not in agreement. He thought the Paladin was being lax in his duty! Still, the matter had been settled. The cleric would be placed on trial! "Very well Cy Clan, you may have your trial. The world will be watching Cy Clan justice!"

Sirron looked at the Jelgain Cleric steadily. "Are you willing to accept Cy Clan Justice in this matter and do you agree that the decision is binding and legal upon you, even though you are from a different country?"

"Only for this one time, I will not have Cy Clan Justice dictated to my King! I know I am correct in what I did," stated Artuneys defiantly. "I am not afraid to state my position."

"Very well, If you will follow me I will take you now to the Hall of Justice. Their awaits our King and the Cy Clan Council. Jaul is elected to present the case for the prosecution. Artuneys will present the facts for the defense. Each will be given several chances to speak and to make their most telling arguments. Then a verdict will be rendered. The facts will be listed but supposition will be left off as will emotional outbursts."

Doc Ryan spoke again. The mage had just been caught by the Paladin 'pinching' the steel of Ezekiel's sword. The Paladin quickly grabbed it away from the insane mage. "Organization is the key to controlling Chaos," Doc remarked blithely with a serious look. "One should always render unto a King his utmost flatulence."

Sirron shook his head in confusion, "I haven’t a clue to what the heck he is talking about." He stated to the group. "Would you care to enlighten me?" He had little hope of a lucid answer but was surprised when he received one anyway.

"That is not just Sirron talking to us. Why is Gerain talking through Sirron, doesn't he trust his own man? Cy Clan are telepathic. Why not let the man use his own brain and lips? Two, Yes Two….Two heads are not always better than one especially when one is a known accident and the other is a dupe!"

As the others looked at Sirron again a strange feeling came upon them. It was like a vast unemotional intellect was examining them as if they were bugs. Then it faded completely leaving Sirron suddenly shaken and weak. Ezekiel concerned helped him to his feet. They gave him several moments to recover and then Sirron again led them towards a large villa surrounded with shaded trees and tinkling fountains. The flower garden was fantastic and the columns of the white marble villa with the bright read clay tiles on top were very picturesque under the sunny blue sky.

"Are you all right?" asked Ezekiel concerned. "We didn't realize that you were under mind control." He looked at the mage with respect. "I wonder how he knew?"

Doc Ryan was startled as the whole party suddenly stopped to watch him. He had been about to relieve himself but certainly didn't want to do it in front of an audience! Had they no shame? "I may be insane but I'm not stupid!" He remarked arrogantly. "Now go away! I need to tinkle! The nerve of some people." He finished mumbling to himself as he looked for a bush to hide behind.

The others entered the building. It was a large open space with a white marble floor. The floor sloped downward to a large circular area where the Cy Clan dressed in multicolored Shennuian Silk robes sat in chairs. Each Robe had a different and strange design embroidered colorfully in it. Artuneys and Sirron went to a table on the left clearly marked defendant. While the rest went to a table marked as Prosecution. A few minutes later Doc Ryan entered and made his way to the prosecution table and sat down. He appeared bored with the proceedings and seemed to go to sleep.

A Cy Clan with a strangely curling staff of light and dressed in gray robes with a colorful and strangely cubed design embroidered stood up and spoke in a calm quiet voice. "Today we meet on a most important matter. The defendant is accused of betrayal of his alignment without due cause. The case will be decided in this Hall of Justice. The Defense may offer his case."

Artuneys arose and suavely addresses the courts. His presence was tall, stately, dignified. He projected an aura of wisdom, competence and confidence. "Honorable Council. In order to understand the events I will be forced to take them in order. I will first offer several facts. My esteemed colleague has accused me of violating lawful good principles. I submit that his definition is incorrect."

"His definition tersely stated is that following the law is good for everyone and that order is the hallmark of the day. This is a decidedly stupid view in my opinion! If the law permits assassinations or slavery this is not a good thing but allows the perpetuation of evil. My client thinks I should be Lawful Stupid and blithely be forced to follow every arbitrary law right or wrong that has been laid out by any addlepated twit that has the natural birthright to be born to create a law!"

"My temple does not feel this to be true! We feel that the lawful part is actually comprised of two parts! The highest is the Spiritual interpretation of the law! The other and lesser part is the Literal Interpretation of the law! We feel the Spirit of the Law must override the actual literal interpretation of the law. What is the deciding factor?"

"Good is the guideline we use to make the decision. The most good for the most people for the longest period! This allows a lawful good to not have to be a lawful stupid and accept any insane law in any country! Many martyrs in many religions have proved that this is the higher ideal! Many religious leaders have been killed or tortured for following a higher law rather than the law of a particular culture and land. They support a greater concept than one envisioned by mortal man. For my opponent to attempt to hold me to something less is incorrect and this case should be removed and I should be declared innocent!" He sat down and smiled.

Jaul then stood and faced the Council. His eagerness and intelligence shown in his eyes as he faced them. His trained voice filled the hall and pulled all attention to him. His charisma was not less than Artuneys and the energy he projected was an excellent counterpoint to the more stately cleric.

"The defendant seeks to muddy the waters here. He states his interpretation of his temple's view. I will not fall into his trap of arguing his concepts and thus waste the courts time! I state that he has violated both ideals! Thus it makes it a null point on which theory he chooses to split hairs about. To make a proper determination we must look into his actions. The measuring stick he insists that we judge him by is not the literal interpretation of the law but the Spirit of that Law. Very well then I will concede him his yardstick in the interest of speedy and fair justice!"

"Let us now take his actions and measure them against his own stringent test! Let us examine his latest escapade and work backward! If he can pass his own test then there should be no further problem. However, if he cannot, then his guilt is without question!

Betred the King of Tlashtek sponsored us to seek an item for him in good faith. He treated us well, paid us more than fairly, housed and fed us. The rules of hospitality, while unwritten anywhere, state that you should not betray your host! This is the Spirit of the Law! It is not a written law anywhere in the land and yet the spirit of it is honored in all countries save the Dark Lands and Tpsolei!"

"Did our friend Artuneys obey that law? No! He then proceeded to rob his Benefactor and Sponsor with as much as he could walk away with! Is this right? Is it Just? Is it the Spirit of the Law! I say it is NOT!"

"Not only did he betray his sponsor but then he betrayed his own party by not warning them of the possible danger that was sure to follow! This is deceit! Nothing Spiritual about deceiving your friends that I can see! This is just one deed in the latest in a string of incidents that has made this person untrustworthy!"

"He has betrayed his goals, his temple's ideals and his sponsor in his lust and greed. He should be punished to the fullest extent of the law!" Jaul sat down and immediately continued in conversation with the others as he researched his case.

Artuneys was startled, the ranger had made an excellent case! He had underrated the Tlashtekian skill of talking. He would have to go farther into his defense than he had desired to! Letting no emotion show he again arose. "My opponent is skilled as well as able and from his view I am sure he is most sincere. However, he is inexperienced and does not have all the facts of the case and this causes him to make several erroneous conclusions! Let us examine the case he makes of betrayal, deceit and greed. If the court requires verification of my facts they may also question my witness Sirron who observed what happened. They need not rely on my word since my opponent casts doubts upon it!"

"Prior to my being 'hired' by this sponsor we were in negotiation about the hiring fee. I approached Jaul who was the liaison between the sponsor and the group. I told him that my payment should be for certain items that the King of Tlashtek had previously procured in his adventures. I did not tell him why I wanted them, just that this would be my fee! He was reluctant to meet my demands and told me so. He wanted me to change what I wanted but I refused to change. He eventually went away and dropped the matter assuming I was hired anyway! This was a foolish assumption on his part. I had received no fee or promise of one. I warned him that I was not working for free. He ignored my demands!"

"I determined that I would by pass him and talk to the sponsor directly! Perhaps the sponsor would be more reasonable! Awaiting my chance I sought out officials of the palace under the guise of a Dark Lord attack and asked to see the King. With Sirron in attendance I approached Betred personally and imparted to him my problem. He was gracious and most receptive and decided that as a cover for the groups activities we would arrange a fake theft! He showed me where one of his vaults was located and supplied me with assets from Extensive as well as several scrolls. He arranged for Security to be lax."

"My job under my sponsors orders was to make a robbery and from that I would receive my payment. The assets and men he placed under my control would not even be aware the King was involved. To all intents and purposes it would look like a robbery! However, it was to be my legitimate payment! Betred would advertise it in Extensive as the Robbery of the Century and this would allow us a certain amount of Prestige and Notoriety that could be very useful in our search! Due to the nature of our Quest I did not share this information with the others. So there was no real theft involved. I was under orders and serving our sponsors purpose. I carried out my end of the bargain."

"The prosecution has no case. I lawfully followed my orders and my sponsor's wishes. His whole argument is null because no theft actually took place. I did not lie it was my fair recompense for my services! A thing which he made necessary by his stubborn refusal to meet my price! If there was greed in this it was all his, for I am sure he managed to get HIS share!" Artuneys sat down with great dignity.

The Cy Clan clerk added the details of the robbery, Sirron's testimony from his mind and all the facts after they were verified. The facts were quickly made available to all the Council and to the defense. The party quickly read the details of the theft. For some moments Jaul digested the information and after conferring he again arose and spoke.

"Again the criminal hides behind words which he uses to cover his deceptive actions!" Jaul said forcefully. "He now jumps back to following the Letter of the Law! He leans away from his so-called Spiritual View and thus wins my argument for me! Greed! It was Greed plain and simple that motivated his actions no matter how much he attempts to cover it up with high sounding phrases! Why did he do it?"

"He wasn't paid enough? Why did he feel it necessary to steal for his fee five loads of treasure each totaling 4,000 pounds each! We are talking about a haul of 20,000 pounds of magical items. Most of them extremely expensive but small easily carried items. The haul in magical gems alone was worth a fortune and is more than most King's have in there treasuries! Now according to him he was just after books that he was 'recovering' for an unstated purpose. He fails to mention any real details of this. Those precious tomes alone would have been enough for him to make his Crime of the Century! His theft was overkill."

"Let's examine his argument though carefully. Betred said he could do it. He is justified and his theft is NOT a theft? Wrong! Spiritually, his own yardstick says he is Wrong! Just because a neutral justifies his robbery does not mean that it was the lawful good way to do it, or even that it should have been done that way at all! Let us look at the affects in the world around him. He has committed the crime of the Century and a Lawful Good priest did it. Everyone believes this for the publicity will be widespread and he has no proof outside of someone reading his mind and Sirron as a witness!."

"What is the damage to his reputation? We see the affects! What of his temple's reputation? Now the problem is bigger is it not? What of his countries and King's reputation? Was not Betred tarred with that brush when his men attempted the Rape of the Queen of Namarushta? Artuneys has betrayed his ideals, his temple's ideals, his country's reputation and his King's! His King is brother to the Towers so Elaine must also now feel the taint!"

"See how his justification, deceit and greed have spread the affects? Is this the Spiritual Way he espouses or the Lawful Stupid Justification he states he does not uphold? Do the affects stop there? No, they do NOT! This shortsighted priest now has become the example that stealing is OK, all you need is permission and a license to do so! Is this again, the Spiritual way? He has taught the lasting lesson that stealing is OK especially for a priest! Priests now have a license to steal, even if they have HIGH IDEALS as long as they can JUSTIFY it in word games! The Dark Lord loves such justifications, does he not? Well it is not OK for a lawful good priest to even entertain such a hint of scandal! The affects are more noticeable, are they not?"

"We expect such actions in Tlashtek from practitioners licensed to be thieves do we not? This obvious Greed and Deception by a Holy Man though is both disgusting and repugnant! Sure Lawfully and Legally he had permission to 'Steal' his fee and he did so filled with his own arrogance and self-importance! Spiritually though his actions defy the very words he used to justify his claims! He has tossed his own measurement aside!"

"Now I can offer many other occurrences of his shortcomings, manipulations, cons and criminal actions but see no need to waste the Councils Time! It is obvious to anyone examining just this one instance that he must present a Spiritual Example to the world and that does mean that he should not indulge in questionable activities that bring disgrace and chaos to the world. I am sure the Dark Lord would find him a suitable tool for interjecting poor morals into the world."

"It is the considered opinion of the Prosecution and those seated at this table, which include a Towers Paladin and a Livyanu Speaker, that the defendant is undoubtedly a tool of the Dark Lord and requires punishment and rehabilitation for his crimes!" Jaul sat down and knew that his arguments had proven to be telling. Artuneys looked shaken and angry.

The Cy Clan with the staff again stood. "We have heard enough to render a decision. The decision is clear. We will though spell it out point by point. Artuneys stated what the definition of Spiritual Law would be and we accepted this since it appears to be a correct and logical view. His proof on this score is accurate and the court adopted it when the prosecution so stipulated that they would use it."

"The prosecution then made a telling point of what that Spirituality of the Law was intended to mean! His argument was definitive and conclusive in this regard and since it followed the definition as laid down by the defense it was accepted. The defense then showed that while the defendant did follow the Spirit of the law initially, that still the letter of the law was not to be avoided or separated from this. While we accepted that the two ideas are tied together the outcome of following the letter appears to have sacrificed his Spiritual intent. This was later elaborated in the Prosecutions second argument. We feel the Defendant has lost this case despite his feelings still to the contrary!"

"Punishment is not the duty of this court. We are not the party that was most injured in this case. We have though established a precedence that alignment is IMPORTANT to maintain the balance of the world. As neutrals this is important to us as well. Artuneys your actions have caused excessive chaos and damage in the world. Your primary damage though is to the good name of your temple, your country and your ruler. You will arise and proceed to the door on your left. There you will find senior members of your temple and your King, Galebolt. They will decree your punishment to you. You will then return and name your punishment before this court. You may go now."

Artuneys his face pale and shaken arose with what dignity and courage he could muster and walked through the door. It closed behind him. The Cy Clan then turned to the rest of the party. Your conduct in this matter allows for a reward. You have discovered a menace and have taken the courageous step to police and handle the problem. You did not ignore it. Jaul will receive a special reward for his participation."

"Kalain, " spoke the Cy Clan, "for the rest of your group your reward will be what we know of the Token of Power you call the Elixir of Opulence. Your information was correct that we did have the formula worked out originally, however we still could not create it at the time it was discovered. The formula required specialized items and magical plants as components, and these items were not readily available. There was no Extensive Enterprises during that time period."

"It was decided to pay the elves at the time to actually create the formula. We sent the recipe and design plan to them and did not keep a second copy ourselves for security reasons. The facility was located near the southern border of Namarushta, which in that time was slightly farther south than it is now. The facility may either be in Northern Livyanu or still in Southern Namarushta. Your search will have to be there. If you discover the formula or potion it is yours to keep as a reward for your service."

"I have just been informed that Artuneys will be rejoining us and will now speak of his punishment. Please be seated." Artuneys came through the door, his shoulders slumped and a grave sadness on his face. He stood before the assemblage and straightened bravely and spoke.

"I hereby admit my guilt. Until I redeem the damage I have caused and made full restitution for my crimes I may not perform or act as a Spiritual Councilor. I have been ordered to submit myself to the leadership of Kalain and to complete the Quest for the Token. If I fail in any way to perform this task to HIS satisfaction he has the authority to dictate any punishment he wishes." All the treasure that I took except for items stolen from others will be returned to Betred and I will perform this task with no compensation whatsoever. The items that were previously stolen before Betred acquired them will be either returned to the rightful owner or if none now exists will be returned to the Tlashtek King! A recovery fee of those items returned to others will be paid to Betred to compensate him for the recovery."

He turned to Kilain. "From this moment on I am under your command and will take no steps on my own without your prior approval. I await your orders." The group watched as the Cy Clan arose and departed leaving group behind. "I guess the trial is over," remarked Ryan, "and I for one have heard enough talk about unimportant stuff. This place is boring. Let's go somewhere interesting."

"Well Kalain, " said Jaul, "You now have a clear majority in leadership. Where do we go from here?" Crazyhands though interrupted, "Wait a minute here. You're ready to go and search a border between two countries that hate each other's guts? Think of the border guards in that area? Think of the fact that if the elves see us we could become trees. Now we are going to go into that area with no idea where to look? What is wrong with that idea?"

"Now don't get me wrong, I'm on this quest like everyone else but that idea just sucks oozing Drek! How about a little thought here first? If the thing was sent to the elves and it was a special facility, then the only way we are going to find out where that facility is would be to raid King's Tree! How do we know the potion wasn't completed and is sitting in Twigg's treasure vault right now gathering forgotten dust? So if someone has got a better plan than I have I sure would like to hear it! BUT PLEASE, make it's something better than we are going in blind to walk around and look in an area that is about 3,000 square miles OK?"

"Now I can probably get us into Namarushta by way of the Extensive Facility. I can get us papers that will identify us as traders and we can get disguises for that. That facility is near Kings tree in about the middle of the country. That puts us closer to a viable target than you guys have offered!"

Jaul spoke, "Oh Great! We just got out of one trial and you want to go rob another KING? A nice thought, NOT, especially since we don't even know if the potion was created. You might be looking for nothing! Or it might not be in the area you think it is in. What if they did part of the formula there and then sent it to the Nylss? We just did another robbery for nothing!."

Artuneys spoke quietly, "It may not be my place to interfere but why not just ask for guidance? Surely a Vision could be supplied that shows a clue. If Kalain wishes to do magic why not make it a general rather than specific question?"

Kalain nodded, "Yes this appears appropriate. I will consider this. In the meantime this has been a long day. I suggest Sirron that you take us to a tavern where we can rest and plan our next move." Sirron nodded and the party left the Hall of Justice as the group considered their next move.

Yes, I am an agent of the Dark Lord, But my duties are mostly ceremonial!

A short time later the group had taken up residence for the evening in a small villa outside the Extensive compound. Sirron had informed them that this was a Cy Clan guesthouse kept for just such visitors and all was offered freely of the items inside, for their use. The party quickly placed belongings in their rooms and Artuneys began to prepare a meal for them while the rest sat at a table discussing the latest events at the trial. Jaul was berating them on the necessity for teamwork.

"If we don't start working together better we're all going to get killed. You guys need to accept the fact that Kalain is in charge." Stated Jaul forcefully. Sirron looked calmly at the Ranger, "Who needs teamwork? It seems to me we have done well enough. We have the information we require. I think we are doing quite well already without you trying to herd us like sheep. Still Tlashtekians did start out as sheep herders so I guess it's no surprise that you would act like one!"

Crazyhands also quickly spoke, “While many of our people are sheep herders it does not mean we are all sheep to follow the bleating of a lead animal. You would have us follow the butcher to the slaughter pens!” He looked at Kalain who glowered back. “I don’t know why you blackmailed several of the party to elect 'that' a leader but you have a majority with you, the Paladin, the Livyanu cleric and your slave! May I suggest that SLAVES can’t vote and that you now only have a three against three? I don’t want him to lead, neither does the Doc and I suspect Sirron doesn’t either. We had wanted Artuneys to lead so why don’t you compromise with us?”

“I suggest we eliminate both clerics as contenders! The ‘FATHERS’ have messed us over enough! Why don’t we retire them on both sides and we will each put up a new leader from each group? We have them run the leadership of the group who puts them up and the one that does the best job gets the leadership for the rest of the Quest! Now that should be fair don’t you think?”

Jaul glared at the thief and Cy Clan angrily, "This from the bum that sold us out! Do you realize that his public trial has now alerted the world that we are looking for Betred's Token? Let's face it, all the evidence was presented and the Extensive people were there as well as the local spies. It would only take them an hour to get the word back to every ruler, including the Dark Lord! They just have to go through a Tower or send a messenger through one! You got what you wanted and screwed the rest of us including Artuneys who trusted you. May I remind you that there is no 'I' in teamwork!"

“As for the thief, his arguments are not even germane! There are seven people in this party and his own King has stated that the Ranger will serve Kalain and the Quest. Kalain is already the leader so stop trying to start trouble!”

The thief shrugged and decided to wait to see if others would back his suggestion. The Cy Clan was also completely unruffled and unashamed as he replied, "This may be true but there are no 'I's' in a lot of other words as well. Now I suggest you stop your recriminations, which by the way has three 'I's' in it and we consider Artuney's suggestion of performing a magical ceremony about a Vision to see where we should go. 'I' for one would like to know what is involved in this." The group turned to the Jelgaiain Cleric as he spoke while he was cutting some chicken for a stew.

"To understand what I am doing you have to understand the nature of a ceremony. A ceremony is normally performed by a ruler and is used to raise a power level at the appropriate time. Some instances of this are the recent elevation of power that Harpin of Livyanu and Elaine of the Towers accomplished prior to the battle of Tlashtek. A ceremony is hazardous and if not planned and executed correctly, can have Dire results. The Dark Lord is an example of a failed ceremony and is considered mad." Artuneys looked at the group a moment and then continued on.

"The Vision we wish to perform requires that we seek the unknown location of the elf research facility. This means that we must design a ceremony that allows us to acquire knowledge we do not have. The most knowledgeable person to date on unknown things is Queen Elaine of the Towers or the Dark Lord in the Dark Lands, for he has much arcane knowledge.”

“Elaine is much less experienced in seeking knowledge having only recently acquired her powers. For obvious reasons we must eliminate Dark Lord influences so my choice is we base a ceremony on Elaine’s powers and hope for the best. Elaine is not our best chance but she is our safest one."

"Having chosen the correct runic target, a suitable location must be selected. Elaine received part of her powers in the Chaka Forest, luckily for us. It was at the river of Metamorphia. That is the best location of magical power close by that we can use. Getting to the area will present few problems for it is only a few days travel to the west from here."

"The final problem is the use of magical or SPECIAL components to aid in powering the Vision and to link to the attribute. Again, this is why I chose the Towers. The ruler of the Towers follows a pattern of linking the land and the ruler as one! This is useful. It allows us to use the component I have select to reach Elaine and through her the Attribute Power she commands! The amulet around the Paladin's neck is a special item and has a magical Fire gem in it. Like most noble markers it has been handed down from King to Noble to vassal."

Ezekiel glared at Artuneys, "You want to use my amulet? There's nothing that special about it. I received it from my master not Elaine. It's useless to you."

"Then you will have little reluctance to part with it for the good of the mission.” Stated Artuneys quietly, “Your Master, whoever he was, in whatever Tower he was in, probably ordered you on some service in the name of the Queen, did he not?" Artuneys did not wait for a nod or an answer. "When he did that he gave you the amulet. This means you are performing as a direct representative of Elaine. Even if Elaine did not hand it to your Master physically, which is unlikely. It still represents a TOKEN of her power and is a viable link and component. The amulet is probably much more than you realize."

“Perhaps Elaine even had it given to you just for this purpose. From the stories and ballads I heard about her ceremony and the battle at Tlashtek, she is known for giving out small things that have great importance later! Sometimes she does not even know why she does it! I suspect your amulet is made to be used now.”

Kalain spoke gruffly, "Components are usually destroyed in a ceremony are they not? This means the Paladin would lose his authority and link to his Queen. I will not order him to give it up to a criminal and infidel such as you! It must be his decision. Perhaps we could substitute or copy the item and use that instead?"

They were startled when Doc Ryan laughed harshly and with disdain. "That is the dumbest thing I ever heard! Did you not listen? You are contacting an ATTRIBUTE for a VISION! Even at the power level the cleric wants to use you will only get one carefully worded question! You dare not ask for more from such powerful beings and Elaine’s Attribute is STRONG in the world at this time. Would you ask your King to perform a ceremony with copied items? I suspect you would not live long past the suggestion!”

“You can't just manufacture or copy the special magical attributes of a component like it is on an assembly line at Tlashtek. The amulet is more than its physical properties! IT is selected for special ATTRIBUTES and LINKS that it uniquely contains. Do you want to end up like the Dark Lord or worse? Amateurs! Don't tell professionals how to do magic! I say give him what he needs or drop the idea entirely, but I will not force a slave to perform a suicide mission just because you’re to greedy to give him the tools he needs to perform the task!"

Crazyhands spoke up as well. I don’t know a lot about magic, but I do know that the mage and Jelgai cleric are right. You can’t just grab anything and say we're substituting it. We’re also fighting a time limit here. We just do not have time to go out and get the type of item we need quickly enough. Any outside item we get now has to be viewed with suspicion as well! Did not Betred warn us not to rely on Extensive items to heavily for they would be sure to be tampered with if any suspects the mission we are on? Well I have news for you guys. We all know the cats out of the bag!”

All of them, some embarrassed, looked at Ezekiel. He looked uncomfortable. "Destroyed? I don't want my amulet destroyed. There must be something else we can do? Besides, I don't trust the cleric and why should we listen to an insane mage, and a thief?" Kalain nodded in agreement. "Then that is settled. I will order the cleric to find another way."

Artuneys spoke calmly, "There is no other way available in the time we have. The mage and thief are right. Do you order me to kill myself or worse become a hazard making this insane attempt? If you so order it I of course must obey but on your head will be the results and the possible curse.”

“I find it interesting though that the Paladin is so in love with his material possession that he is unwilling to part with it for the good of the group. He himself admits it is nothing special to him, and yet he will not release it for the group need. It seems he violates the same law I was just convicted for. You will remember how vocal he was that I should be punished!"

Jaul looked at the cleric and smiled an evil smile. "Sour grapes. You lost at the trial. It is not up to you to judge another to be a criminal. I suggest you attend to your stew while we continue to discuss our options and you can keep your opinions to yourself slave!"

Artuneys said nothing but resumed preparing the dinner. He had come from a race of slaves. His people had just fought and regained their freedom. To again be in the role of slave chaffed but he had the experience a slave must have to deal with masters and live, nothing showed on his face. "As you wish Master,” he stated to Jaul. “However I warn you to express no wishes while you are in the Chaka Forest. It can have extremely unpleasant consequences."

Jaul continued to smile maliciously. "Take your advice? Well I WISH that things would start going right for us!" The whole group was startled by a calm voice saying, "As you wish so be it!" Looking in a darkened corner they saw the Cy Clan judge with the strangely curling staff of light. In shock some of them suddenly realized that this was the Chaka Forest King. He vanished as suddenly as he appeared. "Now you've done it," remarked Doc Ryan.

"You certainly have," stated a musical female voice from the doorway. "Please, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Maren, but you may call me Mar. I am a noble of wealth and taste from the Dark Lands and I came here specifically to aid you in your quest. You may now Thank Me." She entered the room with a graceful walk as the others continued to stare in shocked silence. This was a dreaded Dark Lands Noble? It seemed anti climatic.

She was slight but well formed with golden blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Her clothes were pastel Shennuian Silk and a silver dagger was attached to an elf made vine belt. She stood only 5 feet high and her pretty face reflected that she viewed the world as a joke. What held the parties interest most though was the same cold feeling that they had previously felt when confronting the barbarians. This was an agent of the Dark Lord and there was no doubt of that in any of the party’s minds. Many were immediately on guard.

"Now that was an improvement, Master," stated Artuneys, his face remaining deadpan, I am sure everything will be all right now. He turned to Mar. "I have just prepared dinner. Won't you come in and join us, lady?" Mar nodded, "Politeness from a lawful/good and a cleric? The world is full of great wonders is it not? Well at least none of you are making the horns and going GAGH at me! That is refreshing, for I am certainly hungry and thank you for your charity priest. " Kalain glared sullenly. "My slave oversteps himself! You are not welcomed here! Prepare to defend yourself!" He readied the whip as the others dodged to either side. Mar laughed, "If you whip me Rebecca will suffer fool!"

Kalain hesitated, "You LIE! Rebecca has been killed to save her soul. I see no reason to believe your lies and have no reason to hold my hand. Repent now witch of your evil ways and save your soul!"

Mar smiled humorously, "I do not lie. Try not to appear to be a bigger fool than you already are. You're King chained her to a tree and left her to die of hunger, thirst and exposure. Why should the Master have not rescued her for his own purpose. If you wish to save her soul for your King then I suggest you put that toy away and sit DOWN!" She stared challengingly into Kalain's face. “Did you think I would come here without sure protection? Harm me and the Dark Lords revenge upon you and this party will make the Battle of Tlashtek seem like a day in the park!”

Ezekiel spoke quickly, "She isn't lying. Elaine gained the power to distinguish Dark Lord lies during her ceremony. As your King trusted Elaine, I suggest you trust me." Kalain looked at the Paladin for a moment. "Very Well, on your head be the result." He sat down and watched carefully as Mar took a seat at the table. Artuneys quickly placed food and drink in front of them all and sat down as well. Few touched the food though as they all looked at the girl.

Mar thanked the cleric warmly for his courtesy and looked at the others. She smiled brightly and spoke. "You probably wonder what evil plan I am about to perform. Let me set you at ease. This is a truce or parlay and the Dark Lord as evil as you consider him has never broken one! Even when King Twiggs entered his realm they were able to negotiate with honor. I suggest you listen closely to what I say to you.”

"First, you are not going to be offered any kind of deal and you are not going to be threatened or be in any more danger than you are if you respect the power I represent by not harming his ambassador!"

Sirron watched calmly. "This is novel. No threats or offers to entice the greedy. The Dark Lord never does something for nothing. I will be interested in seeing what you are up to."

Mar looked at the Cy Clan like he was an imbecile. "Men, you can never change them, unless they’re in diapers! You think the Dark Lord is really that concerned with you people? My normal duties are usually just ceremonial. He didn't even bother to send a regular soldier to deal with you. I think you overrate yourselves. I'm just a lowly witch messenger. The only reason the Dark Lord concerned himself with you at all is because of your recent trial after your rather unique robbery. The Master found it most amusing." She looked at Artuneys.

“I am sure you have hidden your loot well and I suspect you have done so in such a way, that you are the only one who can lay hands on it. The Master was quite impressed with your talent. Should you consider it you would find riches and a powerful position in the Dark Lands. You need not answer now but I want you to know that up front so that you may consider it at length.”

"Why don't you just cut to the chase?" suggested Doc Ryan politely. Mar nodded. "OK, to make a long story short, The Dark Lord wants you to succeed in your mission. He is prepared to help you accomplish your goal. You will owe him nothing in return. You need make no deals with him, nor have any binding commitment upon you. We will give you some of the tools you need to succeed and the information you require to complete your goals. We will even hide you from the other rulers who now seek you. No one can hide you as well as the Dark Lord. The Master of Deception is very good at hiding things."

"Why do you want us to succeed? Does Betred serve you?" Kalain suddenly asked suspiciously. “I think you plant this idea so we will give up this quest. Well, I am not convinced of your truthfulness. You attempt to confuse and deceive us. I will complete the quest I promised to do without your aid!”

"Betred does not serve the Dark Lord any more than Harpin does." Mar responded, "I wish you all to consider this. Extensive is a facility that was originally created by the Master of Evil and it was sold to Betred. Why would the Master do this? Extensive is a necessity in this world. It promotes movement, communications and trade. That means it must be run by someone with enough power and ability to make it work correctly. Betred was chosen for that reason."

"To make my point Kalain, would you rather have the elves running it? Betred is at least human. I am sure the elves would be just as horrified if it was suggested that Harpin run it. Or maybe you would like to see the dwarves in charge?"

Artuneys spoke quickly to head off an impending argument, "Then why the attack on Tlashtek? It made no sense if you were going to make Betred a pawn. Why sell him Extensive, then attack him, and now help him? Your plans seem haphazard at best."

"Who said he wanted Betred as a pawn? That was your take on the Battle of Tlashtek but we made our position quite clear although most people ignored it." Mar contradicted, "Why should you believe Cy Clan propaganda or anyone else's when the facts are so easily discovered? Betred was using Extensive as a hammer against the other King's and even banned Dark Lord shipments! The Dark Lord decided to teach him a lesson and to test certain powers and abilities he had recently acquired. I suspect most of the other rulers jumped in for the same reasons. You act like personal animosity was the cause when it was just a symptom of the actual result. The Battle of Tlashtek was a test of power and a weapons testing platform. It was used to truly measure the power of armies and ruler’s abilities. If you look for anything more in it then you are a fool!"

Jaul was surprised, although it tallied closely with what Betred himself had stated about Extensive. The word he heard could be true for stranger things had happened. "You mean all those people were killed and all that damage done just so the Dark Lord could test his power! That's insane!"

"Not Insane you fool! Brilliant, Innovative, Imaginative, Intelligent, all of which have 'I's' in them. Teamwork is another way of saying you will allow fools to mess up your perfectly good plan with their stupidity!" Mar objected hotly and quickly. “The Dark Lord was not really defeated at Tlashtek you know. Consider that with just him and Damien he fought almost every other King in the Petal Throne world to a standstill! He was arrayed against the most powerful of your Kings, all four of them, as well as a host of lesser rulers and most of them have not recovered yet!

Sirron could not help but smile and Doc Ryan actually laughed loudly at the sour look on Jaul’s face. Mar meanwhile continued. "Insanity is a label for those who are ineffective in dealing with the world. You must admit the Dark Lord is very effective. The Dark Lord is a genius that is unrecognized as such by your propaganda. If it was not for him our world would not enjoy so many of the benefits we have today! So before you go throwing dumb propaganda around why don't you try to think!" Artuneys snickered, Doc Ryan fell out of his chair laughing. "I like her."

Ezekiel spoke up quickly, "As interesting as all this is, why should we do anything for the Dark Lord? As you so knowledgeably stated we are directly opposed to him and his plans. It would seem best not to have him as any type of ally."

Mar laughed musically, "Women don't make fools of men, they are do it yourself types! You're not doing anything for the Dark Lord! The Dark Lord could care less about any of you. However, that idiot over there made himself a wish! He just had to do it of course. The Dark Lord felt he owed you a favor after all the confusion you stirred up with your theft and trial. So, " from her robe she took a small scroll, "this shows the location of the elf research center that you seek. As you can see it is still inside the elf border, but just barely. The border guards are most efficient on both sides, so be careful how you go in."

"I suggest to you that you go to the Towers Queen and she can use her teleport ability to send you directly there. At that point you will find a guide, an elf female, who will help you to investigate the area and may be able to keep the First Ring away from you. Use the scroll and her or not as you wish, but it would be foolish for you to throw away this advantage. In the meantime, the Dark Lord has already taken steps to divert the other rulers from you. Since you have no way to stop him from doing it, I guess you have a choice of going and surrendering yourselves to the ruler of your choice or continuing on your quest!”

“Now if you don't mind I would like to eat this delicious looking meal and get some rest. I have delivered the map and the comments of my Master and I will leave tomorrow to take him back the news."

The group continued to argue through the evening and then each went quietly to their rooms to sleep although several guards were carefully rotated during the night. The next morning Kalain went to awaken the party and was surprised to see Doc Ryan sharing his bed with Mar. With a disgusted growl, which brought giggles from Mar and laughter from the mage, he stomped out of their room.

The next day they proceeded to the Extensive Tower where Mar left them to return to the Darklands. The rest of the party proceeded straight to the Towers. They were surprised when Sir Bernlad the Green Knight and one of the Advisors to Queen Elaine met them as they exited the Tower. “Ah, the Queen told me you would be arriving here today. I did scarce believe it possible but it appears she knew of your coming. I am to take you to her palace immediately. There you will meet with her, King Twiggs of Namarushta and the Knight Roderick of Arcadia Towers and diplomat to the elves. It appears you will have much to discuss. “

He turned to the Paladin Ezekiel, “I have heard that the Queen might be displeased at your recent actions. I hope you have sound reason for all you have done. I am sure you do but be aware that Her Majesty was most displeased to hear that you were involved in a robbery as an accomplice and have yet done nothing to show repentance for your actions. She is eager to hear the story of your adventures.” As he continued to speak several beggars, showing filth and sores approached asking for alms and charity. The Green Knight flipped them several coppers and in moments more and more beggars surrounded the party hemming them in.

I Must Be a Proctologist because I Work With Assholes!

As the beggars closed in around the party with hands outstretched Kalain was the first to react and not in a manner that the rest of the party anticipated. Some thought he would beat the beggars as loafers or possible attackers and they were prepared to restrain him. Others considered that he might give generously of his money as a cleric in an attempt to help alleviate the burden of the beggar's poverty. He did neither, proving once again that a Speaker can be difficult to predict.

Looking at the beggars in his normal, disdainful manner he commented in a quiet voice, "More heathen deceit surrounds me on every side. Is there nowhere in this sewer of a world when the liars, hypocrites and ghouls do not soil some part of it? Let the so-called Paladin deal with his own trash in his own country. These heathen souls are not my concern and the Dark Lord shall have his measure of them! I was not hired to be a garbage removal service!"

Kalain quickly pushed his way through the crowd ignoring the pleas and comments of the beggars as the party warily watched him. Ezekiel started after the departing cleric for a moment, hesitated, stopped and then looked at Artuneys. "I think you should deal with this," he stated. "I have more important things to do. I must attempt to convince Kalain to allow me to take the lead here."

Kalain unconcerned with the others continued to walk towards the Towers Queen's palace blatantly ignoring the rest of the party. Ezekiel wanted to help Artuneys but considered that the Livyanu cleric might be the more dangerous target. "No killing, and make sure nothing gets stolen." He finished. Sirron decided that he should attempt to back up Ezekiel with the difficult cleric.

Artuneys responded politely with a deadpan, neutral expression, "Yes Master, as you desire. I can understand why a noble such as you would not want to soil his hands with these filthy and wretched beggars. It is only correct and proper that a slave should deal with such as these on your behalf to show your true generosity of spirit. Truly you are a nobleman! After all you are an important person in this country and you have no time to waste, having more important tasks to perform. These decrepit individuals should be beneath your notice and of course that is what a slave is for is it not?"

Ezekiel was unsure if the slave was being sarcastic but the tone was polite and the cleric was not always clear. Perhaps Ezekiel had only mistaken Artuneys honest opinion for sarcasm. His comments could be taken either way but Ezekiel decided it would be best not to make an issue of it here. Especially since Kalain showed no signs of slowing down!

Artuneys quickly made his way through the throng and when he was slightly away from the party he acted quickly. He turned to the pressing throng and took out his pouch and stated, "This pouch of gold coins will be given to the most deserving of individuals to be shared amongst you and to do with as you will. The Attributes have smiled upon your wretchedness today. I will also administer healing Runes to all who have great need. Come unto me all yea who are heavily burdened and I will ease your sorrows!" The crowd immediately left the rest of the group and gathered around the Jelgai cleric blessing his name and crying out for his aid. The tumult of voices striving to be heard was enormous but the party was suddenly freed of the confining influences of the beggars.

Jaul had taken the opportunity to approach Crazyhands and Doc Ryan as the beggars had pressed around the party. He quickly spoke so that only they could hear his words. "I find this greeting suspicious and suspect the Green Knight and these beggars might be more than they appear."

"Now some very smart and enterprising individuals with excellent skills might be able to discover interesting information if these suspicious individuals were to be searched properly. I have no authority to make arrests in this land and so will not be looking for criminal actions here."

"Is not the Towers supposed to be a pastoral, agricultural land with an enlightened ruler? Agricultural areas are usually not known for a plentitude of beggars, such as we see here! Now if I was to focus attention upon myself, I am sure two such quiet and enterprising individuals would share their knowledge and acquired objects with one who has been so instrumental in helping." Without waiting for an answer he moved away immediately towards the beggars.

Moments later all the party, which now was spread out somewhat, heard Jaul yell above the crowd. "I have been robbed! Some thief has taken my valuables and BADGE! I know that I had them when I went through the Tower." He pointed at Ezekiel, "Look, has not your pendant been stolen as well?" Ezekiel who had stopped again in amazement at Artuneys speech was about to follow Kalain again when he suddenly looked down and indeed his valuable pendant was gone!

"Artuneys! You miserable dishonest, THIEF! I know you have done this! A known criminal such as you will not escape the Law of Betred of Tlashtek! I know you are the culprit with your magic and you have used it for revenge against the ones who have caught you red-handed in your perfidy before!" Jaul railed at the cleric. "Come forth and be searched you miscreant! I had considered voting to free you from your punishment but this is inexcusable!" He moved quickly towards the slave priest as beggars initially scurried from his path! Then suddenly realizing they would lose their gold and healing from the cleric they suddenly started to bunch around the cleric protectively and around the Ranger belligerently!

From some distance away and with the gap between the party members growing rapidly one could almost hear the chuckling of Kalain. It was obvious that he knew something the rest of the party did not. He was also not inclined to share it with such a rebellious and deceitful crew! He had business with Elaine and refused to get sidetracked so easily!

Something he had not shared was that when his King had performed his ceremony with Elaine each had also shared a linking of powers. This should have been obvious for had not the Dark Lord and the Elf done simultaneous ceremonies and become linked? Now he was able to tap very slightly into Elaine's power of Teaching. He knew what must be done while he was in this land and was stronger here than the others suspected.

Ezekiel and Sirron were caught flat-footed. Sirron quickly scanned the crowd with his mental abilities and discovered that someone had magically blocked them. He could get nothing from the group of beggars? Why? He sought an impression and discovered that the Jelgai Runes seemed to be the culprit! Was this deliberate? It would seem so if Jaul's statements were correct. Sirron looked steadily at the cleric for a clue as Jaul attempted to get at the slave through the beggars who were vigorously defending the father as best they could, but Artuneys face remained emotionless and nothing could be read from it or him.

Doc Ryan, had become bored with the party. The Ranger Jaul though had focused his attention on the magic that surrounded him. It was much stronger than the magic in Tlashtek or the Chaka Forest! Nothing really interesting was happening here with the beggars except for the strange protective rune that Artuneys had thrown over the party and the beggars. So Far this Quest seemed a waste of his valuable time when so much else was of more immediate interest. Take that glow in the sky to the North for instance.

To mundane eyes it would appear to be a simple Nylss Aurora Borealis, however to his magical sight he could see an enormous magical elemental of enormous power trapped in it's midst! This creature was infinitely more interesting than these tawdry surroundings or petty disputes, so ignored by the party, the mage simply walked away in the confusion unnoticed! There was much in this magical land to discover and magic to gather!

For Ezekiel and Sirron things had gone from bad to worse! Jaul was actually trying to push, shove, beat and generally berate the beggars out of the way. This group had started to prove more desperate and dangerous than they had looked initially. For some reason their powers suddenly appeared constrained in some way but why? Was it the work of Artuneys? What had he done?

Jaul was making no headway and indeed was hard put to dodge the many blows and kicks coming his way! Ezekiel looked quickly at the Green Knight, but he appeared to be unconcerned in any way. Indeed he was chuckling at the spectacle as he pulled out a flask of wine. He watched the Ranger with interest as he offered such advice as, "Watch out for that crutch! Good Move! Your punches seem a little weak, can't you even knock down a beggar?"

Sirron's carefully prepared speech of supporting a leader suddenly seemed to be a worthless gesture. No one appeared inclined to listen! Kalain had just walked away, and obviously still considered himself the leader even if no one would follow! He could be right, for had not Betred himself confirmed his position? Still Sirron did not think him the leader the party required! The leadership question had to be settled but how?

Ezekiel had no idea that this chain of events was going to happen, the others had moved to quickly before he could gravely assess the situation. He looked around for some way to stop what was happening but outside of physical force what option did he have? Yell at the slave? He was doing nothing but following the orders that Ezekiel had given him! Yell at Jaul, perhaps, but would he listen? Talk to Kalian? Kalain could obviously care less! Sirron seemed to be in some trance. Crazyhands was apparently doing nothing as usual, now where the heck had that crazy Thimhalenite gotten to? Maybe he was on the other side of the beggars or in the bushes again?

Kalain had continued undeterred towards the palace. He was on a mission. He would not allow the party or anything else to distract him. The others were paying for their love of the quick easy way and their love of the Dark Lord. They deserved the Chaos that always engendered from such contact. Especially that magician sleeping with that harlot of a witch! He suspected he could accomplish the whole mission without their interference before they even extricated themselves from their own chaos. He needed no pack of infidels to complete a mission he had promised to complete!

He smiled though considering the Paladins and Cy Clan's consternation. They would be wondering why their powers were curtailed. They would discover reasons but Kalain knew the real answer. The oath the Paladin took and was trying to circumvent was about Honor. Circumventing oaths was not Honorable and the links of his King with Elaine would bear heavily on the Paladin. He was fighting against the powers of his own land and they would not aid him. His helplessness was a warning in denying the power of Attributes. It would prove a valuable lesson!

He arrived at the gates and showing his Speaker's symbol he was permitted immediate entrance into the palace. Entering in he requested that he be taken to see the Queen Elaine. The servant was polite but firm. While the Queen respected and honored the King of Livyanu and his people, she was tied up in important affairs of state at the moment. Would he be so kind as to take the opportunity to instruct her House of Clerics of the Pitfalls of the Dark Lord? The House was even now in session and eager to hear him preach a sermon on the subject.

Kalain nodded sagely. The Queen of The Towers was wise. Her affairs obviously were important but still she did not waste his time as other Kings had. The opportunity to Preach the Word of Truth must never be overlooked. He nodded and bid the page to take him to the cathedral. Soon he was busy warning the assembled clerics of the temptations and evils of the Dark One. The rafters shook to the thunder of his voice.

Artuneys, his face betraying nothing continued to watch as Jaul continued to struggle with the beggars. Now who was considered the premier peacemaker in the world? He quickly went through the roster of King and Queens but none of them were particularly peace loving! It would appear that he would have to inscribe sleep runes. This would not be the affect he would truly desired but it would at least quiet the mob. However, he soon discovered that his Runes appeared to be conflicting with something the Cy Clan was doing! So, Cy Clan interference once again. He was developing a strong dislike of the meddling clan. Disgusted he decided just to watch the proceedings.

Jaul had proven to be right in his assessment that the beggars were more than they seemed! No beggar should be able to stand up to him like this! First even though they pretended to be beggars they reacted more like trained men at arms! Some of his blows detected carefully concealed leather pads under their rags. Sure they made the fight look good, but he could now clearly see that they were not beggars! The trick was the men he was fighting were secretly smiling at his attempts while attempting to hold the masquerade together.

Jaul suddenly remembered Kalain's comments about deceit. It appeared the Speaker had known even earlier than the rest that these beggars were NOT beggars. Still having created the diversion and then performed the test he had wished to make, he backed away from the beggars as if in disgust and glared at Ezekiel.

"Well? What are you standing there for like an idiot? You seem to feel you can lead, well you can't lead a horse to water! You act like you don't want your amulet back. Well if your not willing to help me, to help you, then you can get your own stuff back by yourself!"

"I've had enough of this. I'm backing Kalain." He turned to Artuneys. "Let's go slave, give your money to your friends for the fine show they put on. He looked again at Ezekiel. "I have been robbed in your country. I fully expect you to make full restitution for this outrage." Angrily he walked off in the direction that Kalain had taken. Secretly he was smiling.

Artuneys, having been ordered by the second in command, bowed deeply and apologetically at the Paladin. "I am sworn to obey the leader and that leadership has not changed. Kalain is the Leader despite what you desire and Jaul is the second in command by order of Betred. You will please excuse me 'Lesser' Master. I must continue to obey my decrees as well" He too walked off after tossing the bag of gold to the beggars and giving them a blessing with the Livyanu Rune Symbol of the Great Blue Axe. Was he also smiling inwardly? Perhaps.

Sirron during the scuffle had attempted to contact other Cy Clan. He was surprised when that contact was permitted! To his astonishment he was suddenly "talking" to Cyber Zei one of the Counselor's of the King! "Master Zei," thought Sirron in surprise, "I am ashamed to have interrupted your meditations!" Zei's quiet and humorous thoughts responded, "No shame is yours young man. Neither have you interrupted my thoughts. I am aware of your current problems. Be assured they will settle themselves without you attempting to force them. You youngsters are always so eager to force changed when you should concentrate on the larger picture."

"What have I missed, Master?" thought Sirron, confused. Zei thought back, "You are fighting against a natural force much like a river. When confronted with a river you do not confront its force directly by standing in front of it and bidding it to not be a river. The river must patiently be diverted into useful channels. Your group is in contention much like a river with eddies and currents. Like a river they too will eventually discover the channel of least resistance, like the river they will soften or remove the obstacles that oppose it. Like stones in the river some obstacles will always be. Like the river accept and embraced these obstacles and flow around them to continue your journey unabated. Be the river." The Cyber then faded out leaving Sirron in thought.

Sirron awoke suddenly to discover Ezekiel shaking him. "Wake UP! The Mage is missing! We have to find him. Kalain has left and so have Jaul and Artuneys. The beggars have left us and it is just you Crazyhands and I left here. If someone has any ideas now would be a great time to voice them."

Sirron spoke quietly, "Don't worry I am sure the mage will find us when he needs to, he has only been diverted by a stone in the river. I think we should go ahead and rejoin the rest of the party. He quickly turned and went towards the palace. Crazyhands shrugged and followed him. Ezekiel looked in astonishment. The Cy Clan was making as much sense as the Thimhalenite usually made! He slowly followed the others up the hill, the Green Knight snickering behind him. What had gone wrong with his Master Plan?

Upon arriving at the palace they discovered that Elaine was tied up in affairs of state. They also learned that Kalain was actively preaching. They were placed in a quiet area of the palace where they sat to have dinner and to discuss the affairs of the day. The magician still had not put in an appearance. A short while later Kalain arrived with a satisfied expression on his face and sat to eat as well. Ezekiel looked at the cleric and spoke earnestly.

"I think we need to come to an understanding. First I am not going to break my oath, but I see great obstacles in your brand of leadership. Since we are in my country perhaps you would be willing to accept my advice more." Jaul laughed sarcastically but said nothing. Kalain looked at the Paladin with contempt. "No."

Ezekiel was astounded, "No? Why not? It seems a reasonable suggestion to me." Kalain looked back steadily at the Paladin and his gaze included the Cy Clan seated next to him. "I do not have to explain my plans or justify my actions to you. You swore to serve me in this mission. I will not let deceitful infidels with insidious master plans of revolt slow my steps. Even when backed by manipulative Rangers!"

Kalain glared harshly and brutally at the Paladin. "You shall not interfere in my sworn duty. I was paid by the King of Tlashtek to lead! Jaul was made my second in command. The discussion is final. You took Betreds money. You swore to serve him and me. Serve you will. I will decide when I wish a new second in command. I will decide what advice I will take and not take. I am a Speaker and I say what will be! You will perform your assigned tasks to my satisfaction or renounce your oath and depart."

Sirron quickly spoke, "No offense Speaker Kalain, but having the Paladin advise you to aid our discussions could prove to be useful. We are after all within his country. Can we not have a partnership in which and Ezekiel and you could speak with the Queen?"

"Jaul laughed, "Interference has an 'I' in it though does it not? However so does the word traitor! Now we see the true Mastermind behind this proposal. It is obvious to me as well as everyone here. The Cy Clan wishes to slowly get his foot in the door with this honeyed talk of 'advising' so that later he can wrest control and turn the leader into a puppet to speak their words and deeds. In the words of most Paladins, 'This doth verily sucketh!" Crazyhands smiled in amusement.

Kalain unamused spoke again. "I tell you for the last time. I lead. I make the decisions. If you do not like this then leave. I point out the failure is not in leadership, it is the failure of the hirelings under me that ruins our success! Blame yourself for our failures. Artuneys is slave. I as leader hereby free him for he has served loyally. What say you heretic priest?"

Artuneys spoke quietly, "I am free and grateful for that freedom. I have been schooled and 'Lessoned' well by my so-called allies! Betred and my King Galebolt have told me, that I am to faithfully serve you on this quest. I have sworn to do so. You are the leader. I must honorably and lawfully cast my vote for Kalain for I have been unconvinced that the others are justified in your replacement. Kalain leads."

Kalain looked at Jaul who also responded. "I swore to serve you. Betred and Red Baron have commanded I do so. You are the Leader until you say otherwise! Besides I mistrust our Cy Clan friend with his wily words and shifty ways. His meddling has caused us much grief in loss of secrecy and party disruption. Kalain leads and if the others would give him honorable support we would not be in this fix." He smiled evilly at Sirron.

Kalain looked at Crazyhands who smiled in amusement. "You guys and your worthless arguments. I think there should be no leader and I know Doc Ryan thinks that way as well. Why should we need a leader? It has worked well enough up till now with every person doing what they wish. I chose no leader! Then this will remove the point of contention."

Jaul laughed, "You vote and claim the crazy one as your partner. I notice he is not here to make such a statement. I think your vote and comment are worthless. For look you, Kalain has three votes, Ezekiel and the Cy Clan two votes and you claim two votes. If the vote is now, the majority is still with Kalain and he still leads! Now it seems Kalain was correct in having everyone swear an oath to the Attributes to serve him for this Quest. Ezekiel, Artuneys and I have done so. I suggest that now the rest of you must also so swear to serve the leader or there is little sense in you continuing with us if you don't."

Kalain spoke in his rumbling voice. "Agreed, those who stay must now so swear as the Paladin, Jaul and Artuneys did before them. Then if they fail to obey, punishment of the Attributes will be levied. He looked at the Paladin. I also have a just punishment for the scheming you have done with the Cy Clan. You will find the mage and return him to us here for decision and oath as well. One thing is certain, I will either get cooperation or the Attributes will destroy you. Make your choices now! I have finished talking."

Kalain turned away but Sirron and the others still had much to talk about. What of the Paladins missing amulet and Jauls badge? What happened to the mage and where should they start to look? Was Artuneys a Dark Lord plant and had used his Runes to good affect? So many questions and so little time.

Is that a Bomb in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?

Even as the party looked around considering, a court page entered the room with two messages in his hand. Artuneys accepted the messages with a polite, "Thank You.", as the page scurried off. He opened the first letter and read it aloud.

"We have your mage. Sends lots of money to this Extensive Account # 841602913. If you sends enough, we'll give you back the whole mage. If you don't sends enough, you'll get what you pay for.

Signed,

The Snatcher!"

"Well, that's the first shoe," stated Artuneys with a sigh. He quickly opened the second envelope and read it as well.

"Your mage has been taken by minions of the Emperor Skragg of Shennu. The mage has not yet left the country. If you hurry you can still save him, especially if you use some intelligence. What am I saying? You bunch have all the intelligence of a sea slug! Still I have warned you, my job is done.

Signed,

Mar"

"The other shoe," finished Artuneys smiling wryly. "We also have to deal with the missing items and find out exactly what has been stolen. So if you don't mind I will set the example." He quickly emptied his pockets as well as his pack and peered at the contents.

"Hmm, no mage, badge or pendant here. However, it appears my pearl necklace is missing. Our thief appears to have chosen items that are easily concealed, it may be the pearls were magical someway? I seem to be getting poorer by the day, which I am sure, is satisfying to all my comrades. First they roast my book, then I lose my gold and now the necklace. Do I have anything else anyone wants?" He finished ruefully as he quickly replaced his items.

Kalain looked at the ex-slave with a deadpan expression. "Well, since you so kindly offered, how about that Parthanos Wine? I haven't been feeling to well lately." There was a moment of stunned silence as Artuneys realized Kalain wasn't joking! He sighed heavily and quietly handed over the bottle with no complaint as he thought to himself, "I should know better, thank you for teaching me humility." He then spoke quietly to Kalain with no expression on his face. "If anyone needs something to help them make peace it is you. Take it with my blessing." Crazyhands snickered in amusement.

Jaul stepped forward next and emptied out his pack and items. The others looked closely as well. "No mage here either. I am missing my diamond badge, and it appears someone likes Dark Land's Spring Blade Knives. The map to the Token Potion, the Dark Lord's witch gave us, is also missing! Fragging Great! We no longer have our map to the location! It was real nice of them to leave me my money though." He finished glaring at the thief in suspicion. "Now why do I think you did it? Didn't you have your training in the Dark Land's?" Jaul gathered his items quietly as he continued to stare at the thief.

Crazyhands looked at the suddenly suspicious party in disgust. "Like I always said, you guys lose something you always blame the thief. Well there is more than just one thief in the world. Still, I'll take your test, but I bet when you're wrong there will be no apology coming for the false accusation. " He emptied his pack and pouches as well.

"You may even search me if you wish." He commented as he studied his belongings. "Gee, No mage here either, no badge, no necklace or pendant, and no Dark Land's blade! My, my though, it seems my magical pipe and hobbit weed are also amongst the missing as well. Imagine that! Someone stole from the thief as well! Must have been all that excitement with the beggars."

"I must be getting old, but it does happen." Sarcastically, he picked up his items and put them away. "Some lawman we have in our group, he not only doesn't catch the REAL thief, he then accuses the wrong one. What a DORK! Did he ever think that the mage could have magically ripped us off and run away? The ransom letter and the letter from Mar might be to throw us off the track!"

"Some level of trust and honor you guys have. The best thief in the party is a lawful good cleric, the leader couldn't find his Butt with both hands in broad daylight. Now you guys lose a mage and a pile of items and your main concern is to search the thief in your own party? You blame the thief that has proven to be honorable and trustworthy toward every member so far and let the real culprits escape. You guys lost the mage, well you find him! I think it says a lot for self reliance that I am willing to continue on my own and I will probably do better for it. You guys go argue with each other and when your ready to do the right thing let me fragging know! Meantime don't ask me for any help!"

The others looked at each other. Could the thief be correct? Maybe the mage was under Mar's control! Wouldn't it be like the Dark Lord to paint such a deception? The others grimly stepped up as well, as the thief stepped back.

Sirron was next with his pack and he quickly placed the items out for all to see. The others looked as a formality. They felt it was unlikely the Cy Clan had stolen the items but it seemed only fair that all should be searched. Even Kalain had become interested during the Artuneys search and was watching eagerly to see if the thief would be discovered.

"I seem to be missing nothing." Stated the Cy Clan quietly. "Interesting. I either had nothing the thief was interested in, he didn't get to me in time or was afraid to make the attempt. In any event the missing items are not in my goods." He looked at Crazyhands. "I do not think the mage was a thief. Is it possible that Mar is correct and this Emperor Skragg did indeed make this kidnapping and does he have the ability to have taken our goods?"

Crazyhands considered only a moment, "It would explain much. The Thieves Guild is an Enterprise of Shennu and they license all thieves, beggars and kidnappers. They are specially trained and a high enough thief class could steal from any of us including a Cy Clan! If a ruler were behind it the only ones able and willing to pull it off this way would be the elves of Namarushta, Betred of Tlashtek, Skragg of Shennu or the Dark Lord. Now how much are you going to pay me for the information. How about making up the cost on my items that were stolen?" No one answered him and even appeared to ignore him.

Sirron nodded to himself and gathered his goods. He departed a short way from the group and taking a lotus position he appeared to be meditating on the possibilities. Crazyhands nodded in disgust. "Stiffed again by you idiots. Insults are all I get from you guys. I don't need this Drek! I think I'll go for a walk, if you guys are done with the house arrest? Anyone want to follow me to make sure I stay honest? I am going to see if I can get a line on the mage with the local thieves' guild. If anyone follows me, just remember you might blow any chance I have of finding out anything!" he looked at the others waiting.

Ezekiel was the next to approach the group. He quickly emptied his pack as well and quickly took inventory. The only one though who appeared interested in it at this stage of the proceedings though was Kalain. It was quickly discovered that the Paladin might have been the hardest hit next to the mage. While his pendant with Fire Gem was missing, so were his ruby and the Shennuian Delayed Blast Fireball Gun with six charges. Kalain laughed and Ezekiel had finally had enough of the overbearing cleric. He formally drew himself up and looked at the cleric.

"Kalain, you have insulted my Honor! As you yourself pointed out when I gave my oath, the Attribute of Honor is strong and it IS watching!" I challenge you to a non-lethal duel in the name of Honor for Leadership of the Group, which I honestly feel you are not suited to hold. Failure to honor my challenge is grounds for me to renounce my oath to you and to have you dismissed from the Leadership position. My challenge is open to any that wish to take part. The first person to rescue the mage will be the proven leader. Under normal duel conditions as the one challenged, you may chose weapons or location."

The cleric glared at the Paladin. "I will NOT accept your challenge. You are not a true Paladin. You twist your oath to seek power rather than serve one who is so obviously your superior. You are an infidel with no true concept of Paladinhood. I renounce and despise your challenge as being unworthy to be accepted."

Artuneys looked at them both and stepped between them. "The Paladin's challenge has merit and by treating him as a slave rather than a noble you have indeed sullied his Honor. You offer no apology but more insults. According to his oath he is not an oath twister or breaker but has a legitimate grievance in my opinion. I must side with the Paladin for he has issued a lawful and correct challenge which you must accept."

"As second in command," spoke Jaul quietly, "I too must agree. The Paladin has issued a lawful and legitimate challenge that your own HONOR requires that you meet before your One True God to prove the correctness of your view. You must either accept his challenge or step down. Also since the challenge has been made if you chose not to accept, then I will accept as second in command! Paladin, I have seen enough of your lawful competence and those of the fathers as well. I think I am better suited to lead than any of you are."

Sirron spoke from his position. "I have no time to enter a debate or conversation as to what you think is insubordinate behavior, but I can tell you this, with or without your help I will continue with the Quest. I say this though Livyanuian, Cleric or not, I know there are more important matters at hand and I have spoken of whom should lead. I suggest you pray to your God and hope that your incompetence will not lead to your doom." Then suiting his actions to words he arose and departed the room to seek his own way.

The thief laughed in glee. "The party is getting smaller and smaller is it not? Everyone has their own opinion of their own worth and self-inflated opinions they are as well. Well, I see no reason to remain here either. Perhaps when I return a leader will be appointed. Who knows perhaps I will discover and rescue the Mage first." Laughing loudly, Crazyhands then departed as well.

"The thief and Cy Clan have left gentlemen to seek the mage. I heard no words to begin so may I suggest if you are going to seek the mage that you leave now? As for me I have no desire to lead such a contentious and traitorous group. I intend like Sirron and perhaps Crazyhands to continue onward with the quest on my own. If you folks don't mind, or perhaps even if you do, I think I will start by seeking out Mar. She may have further clues as to the mage." Artuneys bowed and left the room as well.

Jaul wasted no time following the cleric out the door as Ezekiel looked at Kalain. "Do you now accept my challenge?" Kalain spit at his feet. "You ask that? Have I not given my answer? I will seek the mage because he is a member of the party. I will not do so to retain a command I already have. You others may do what you will. I will continue the Quest on my own! I need none of you, begone from my sight betrayer!" Kalain turned and walked out as well. Ezekiel seething wasted little time either in starting his search for the mage.

In another part of the castle Elaine brushed her hand across the magical mirror she had used to observe the party since their arrival. She looked at the smaller elf standing next to her with a wry smile. "It would appear there is major contention in this group. A sure sign of Dark Lord activity, wouldn't you agree?"

Twiggs Barkhaven nodded in disgusted agreement. "I agree. Elaine? I think you should have nothing to do with them. You are aware the Dark Lord desires you more than any other in the world. He may be attempting to use this party to assassinate you. I myself do not trust them. I will not meet with them or aid them in any way. I think you should have them all arrested and placed in your dungeon. After all did they not steal from Betred as well? I do not believe the Cy Clan propaganda that all of this was sweetly legal and a Jelgai cleric is at Fault for the whole thing. After all we both know your brother would not have sent an evil cleric on such a mission! I smell a setup."

"You may be right my friend. The Dark Lord has certainly been involved and has been seen aiding the group. I must agree your view has merit. I think a more stringent testing of this party is in order. My pages and servants will continue to tell them that I am currently unavailable until I perform my own tests on them. I think though that I will stop short of arresting them." She smiled at Twiggs.

"You're making a mistake Elaine." Twiggs warned her seriously. "You are just too trusting. I fully intend not only to not meet with them. I will double my local guard and will seal myself away from them. I will publicly insist they should be arrested and punished to the fullest extent of the law. I will declare them criminals to all the world and demand their execution as tools of the Dark Lord! I will activate my border guards with orders to kill on sight! I will even place a bounty on their heads Dead or Alive with Extensive. I will have assassins in the world chasing them for the bounty. I fully intend they should all die." Elaine looked at the elf as he passionately spoke and said nothing. She was not so sure he was not correct in his view.

Artuneys

Artuneys did not like the way things were going downhill. The party was fragmenting due to lack of support for a leader. It appeared the distrust the World Rulers had for each other was alive and well in the people under them. Indeed it seemed to foster a bitter rivalry that could change to friendship one moment and hatred the next! The Dark One was reputed to have the power to do this but to see it work from the highest to the lowest levels of society was enlightening and frightening in the implications of the Dark Lord's power.

He traveled quickly to Extensive and first sent a note back to his Temple. The note was in code and read "fabur sieth ptray! Cunitone moisnis moyn. ccatnot retseuqed" This was followed by a string of numbers. He then entered a Tower for the location in the Dark Lands. Mar had said that the Dark One was interested in his robbery and had passed him contact information. He was about to use it. He didn't want to be anywhere near the party when the situation got worse. Considering the individual reactions of the people he was sure that it would. This time they would not be able to frame him for their incompetence!

The cleric had no intention of meeting with either Elaine or Twiggs! He also felt that by approaching the Namarushtian border through the Dark Lands he would have a much better chance of escaping detection. After paying his fee he stepped into a Tower and found himself in the Dark Lands. As he stepped out of the Tower he suddenly felt like a mouse. He noticed that everyone had stopped to stare at him and in shock he remembered that Lawful/Goods were considered to be a rich treasure here. The situation did not look good! We shall leave Artuneys for this move. He has much to worry about. (OOPS!)

Jaul

Jaul was intent upon approaching the whole matter a different way. Surely things could not get any worse? Well Jaul was a Ranger and he had his own methods. He went back into the city from the palace and proceeded into a dark alley. It was not long before a beggar came down the ally. Jaul slammed the beggar up against the wall. Jaul was angry. Jaul asked questions. Pointed questions. Soon he had names and locations of the thieves' hangouts. He had rumors to follow. Jaul smiled.

Next Jaul proceeded to Extensive and approached the front service desk. He explained that he was on official business for King Betred. His badge had been stolen so he could not prove this. The clerk checked records. The clerk was gravely concerned. Jaul had an open account from the King. This was serious! Jaul was surprised at the level of cooperation. A Shennuian Detective and Sage, a Cy Clan and an elf Mage team were immediately dispatched to make the recovery.

Jaul mentioned that a party member might have taken the item. The link on Jaul was checked. Imagine his surprise when he learned that it had been sold to Extensive through the thieves' guild. Did Jaul wish to take the time to discover who had stolen the item? This would take more time. The item had passed through several hands and clues were small. This would take time! Jaul decided he did not have this time.

Could the team be used to track down the Mage who was kidnapped? The Extensive Clerk stated it would be easier if Jaul just paid the ransom! Knowing that secrecy now was useless. Jaul stated that the ransom should be paid. Moments later, a slip of paper was given to the Ranger and accompanied by several Paladins especially hired from the Towers. The Mage was indeed discovered in the Old Abandon Warehouse. He was in a darkened area and hanging from a cage. He had been waiting to rope someone. He was glad to be rescued! His items though were not recovered with the mage and none of the stolen items were recovered. Well at least Jaul had recovered his badge. It appeared he was now the official leader! Now how do you lead a party that refuses to be lead? He has a lot of worrying to do too.

Sirron

Sirron had sat and meditated in an effort to discover information on the mage. He received a general direction of the city, Worry from the mage and the impression that the Thimhalenite had no idea where he was or why? After proceeding out the door he wandered into the city hoping to receive other impressions. After wandering at some length for several hours he managed to pick up a faint impression. It was not long after that when he saw Jaul with Doc Ryan and several Paladins approaching up the street.

He quickly ducked into an ally to avoid them. So Jaul had discovered the mage. This was enlightening but disconcerting. Jaul was not his choice for leader. However, if he stayed away from Jaul and the party then they could not order him around. The logic seemed good to him so he quickly made his way to the Palace and attempted to send a note to the Queen and the Elf King who was rumored to be in the palace. He was surprised though when his message was returned unopened! Twiggs had refused to even let the page enter his area! Elaine was busy in affairs of state and could not be disturbed. This was bothersome and troubling to Sirron. He had the impression the leaders were deliberately avoiding the party. He decided he would have to meet with the party after all.

A short while later he returned to the Quarters to discover Jaul and Ryan seated there. "We have much to discuss. I have several questions I think we should look at. The first is, who has caused this latest round of confusion and for what purpose? Could Elaine, Twiggs or the Dark Lord be doing this? The second is does anyone still know where the Token is even though the map is missing? Third we seem to be here in Elaine's palace but she and the Elf King seemed to be avoiding us? Why? Are they trying to delay us? My instincts say that we should move onward but the questions is how many are still in our party? Is there even a party to move on with?" It appeared there were more questions than answers.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel decided on a different route. Angry at his treatment by the Livyanuian he went to the Green Knight who was from the same Tower as himself. The Green Knight allowed him entrance and listened carefully to the plea of the Paladin. When Ezekiel was done the Green Knight spoke quietly. "You wish to find the mage so that you may be leader of the party. Oh the folly of the young." He leaned back in his chair and motioned for Ezekiel to be seated. "Why would you wish to lead this party? They are tainted by Dark Lord corruption and will refuse to be lead out of it! By the way, I have repurchased your amulet for you. It was sold by the Thieves Guild to Extensive. You have at least two traitors in your party and maybe more. They have other goals than you do. That is why you have problems electing and supporting a leader"

"Sir, I am the best leader for the party. If I gain control then perhaps I can successfully complete this Quest and bring honor to our lands," replied Ezekiel hotly. As he gratefully accepted the amulet back. The Green Knight was still amused though at the reaction. "How can you gain control when none of the party will allow you control? You have two choices that I can see that might bring about the result you want. The first is to create your own party of loyal followers and attempt to complete the Quest on your own. Or failing that, support whatever leader is duly elected despite his faults and throw all your backing behind him to succeed!"

This course of action was distasteful to the young Paladin and it was reflected on his face. He looked at the Green Knight. "Will you aid me in attaining my goal to be leader?" The Green Knight shook his head sadly, "No, for I would be doing you no favor by placing you in that position and would most likely do a considerable amount of harm. While your goal is worthy in that you strive for the responsibility, it is a misguided effort because of the ramifications involved. You are a good man, but leadership for this Quest is not in your best interest at this time."

"Then it is unlikely the Temple will help me as well?" Asked the Paladin. "Very likely. However, we will not leave you out in the cold here, we will offer you a certain amount of non-direct aid that you may find useful. The first is that the Queen will not meet with your party members. She was scheduled to meet with you for a discussion, but after a warning and political pressure from the Elf King she has decided it would be to dangerous to do so."

Ezekiel was surprised at the remark. "Why is that?" The Green Knight looked at the young Paladin with some interest. "Political reasons my boy. In this world decisions are mostly made for political reasons. Elaine was placed on this Throne by a consortium of Kings and Queens. Foremost of these was the elf king! The elf king is dangerous and powerful. More powerful than our Queen. He has demanded your group be arrested, tried and killed. The Queen is unsure why he has this attitude but I warn you that the elves will be hindering your progress."

The young warrior could not understand why the elf king had exerted himself to such a degree! He had not even met or talked with the party so why should he be so forceful about killing them? The party could at least have tried to negotiate with the elves to obtain what they wanted? Now that door seemed to have been slammed shut with no apparent reason! He looked at the Prime Minister and raised the puzzling question.

"You want a solid answer? I may have none to give but I can speculate. Twiggs has a link with the Dark Lord himself. It is my opinion he may have a clue what the Dark Lord is doing with your party and sees you as a danger to the world. The other shoe is that it is a knee jerk reaction. The Dark Lord is helping you, so he is automatically against you. Either is enough for him to take action against your party. It may even have been him who had the mage kidnapped. According to current reports he is attempting to acquire all the most prestigious women in the world. It would be little trouble for him to have arranged the kidnapping."

"So Elaine will not see us or hear my plea for aid? Does she think we are a danger to her? Does she suspect an attempt on her life as well?"

"No, I think she suspects that her life is not in danger. However, she will test the party you may be sure of that. The test will be unusual and quite interesting. May I suggest that prayer, fasting and reflection would be useful before this test. Purification might just save your life. Now enough of this depressing talk. Have some lunch, then I suggest you go to the temple and prepare."

Several hours later having completed his meal and then finished his preparations at the temple he returned to the room to discover Jaul, Doc Ryan, and Sirron awaiting their return. Should he tell them of his discoveries or would it be better to do so after Elaine's test? Should he acknowledge Jaul as the leader or should he continue to try to force the issue?

Kalain

Kalain stalked out and asked to see the Green Knight. He intended to confront him about the missing items and the mage. He was told that the Knight was currently on the Queen's business and would he be willing to wait? He waited for over an hour and then growling in disgust he left. It had become obvious that the Towers nobility was not going to meet with him. He next attempted to gain access to the Royal Library but was not surprised that his access was barred there as well. It appeared obvious that the nobility was shunning him.

This was probably due to his perceived treatment of the Paladin and his refusal to honor his challenge. He was sure the nobles in this country were sticking together. It was obvious he would receive no help here. No great loss though. Spitting at the feet of the minor functionary who barred his entrance to the Library Kalain stalked out of the Palace in disgust.

After checking his supplies at Extensive he paid his fee at the Tower and departed to Livyanu. Once there he immediately made his way to the Temple and requested to speak to Hysander. He was immediately allowed entrance and explained what had happened. Hysander looked at the cleric and nodded at the important points then spoke, "I find no fault with you except that you should have accepted the Paladin's challenge but not to seek the mage, but as a Trial before God with the weapons being your might and power. However, you did what you had to do and I will not dispute it."

"It has become obvious that you must get to the border quickly and begin your search for this facility. I will send word to the King and he will have one of his Honor Guard fly you there and assist you in locating this Elf Den of Iniquity. Be Wary my son for surely if the Dark Lord knows of this Token and this facility enough to give the party a map then it MUST be a trap. Still you are Honor Bound to deliver it. You may have to lose Honor one way or another. I warn you not to do so at the peril of the other souls of the world no matter how corrupt."

"Now you should get yourself to the Temple for purification and knowledge whilst I brief the King on the situation. The information on Rebecca is especially disconcerting to us and steps will have to be taken. That may become a concern to you my son. Remember, that Rebecca is dead to us now. Her only hope for Paradise is to be "Lessoned" to her Death. If you encounter her you must do your duty or your own soul will be in jeopardy. No go and prepare for there is much hard work for you to do!"

Kalain went into the lowest portion of the Temple and requested that he be purified greatly. The lesser priests immediately stripped him and bound him near a raging fire. As two whipped his body another placed hot irons against his wounds. The Lessoning went on and on Upon its completion the unconscious body was taken and bathed in salt water and he was fitted with new items that had been tested and purified. Still weakened, Kalain went out to the courtyard and mounted the Spirit Horse provided him by the Honor Guard. With a leap the horse and guard took to the air and steadied into flight towards the border of Namarushta. Kalain smiled as he prayed.

Crazyhands

Crazyhands walked out the door laughing at the stupidity of the party members. He went down to the local thieves' guild and making a secret sign he was permitted entrance. Once there he went to see the Guild Master. He explained that he had been robbed and would like to recover his items if possible. Since he was a dues paying lodge brother and his account was up to date he was permitted this and in a short while he was given his pipe and weed back. Money exchanged hands for this but satisfied Crazyhands thanked the head of the Guild and departed.

He had not dared to inquire as to the mages abduction. He was on shaky ground there. As a member he was accorded a certain amount of respect. He could ransom his goods back but could not interfere in the operations of the other members. The code was strict. He could negotiate on behalf of the party but he did not have their permission to do so and was unlikely to get it! The situation being what it was it seemed he would do better on his own for now anyway.

Like others before him he decided to seek an audience with Elaine and Twiggs. He was not surprised though when they flatly refused to meet with a thief and possible assassin! 'That's what I get for being honest and letting people know up front what my profession is. They hire me for those skills and I loyally tell them up front! The fact of my honestly is overlooked and I am treated badly by everyone! I am now an immediate target whenever something is stolen or suspicions arise.' He thought to himself. 'It seems in order to be treated fairly I will need to go where I am not known. Perhaps others will value an honest thief! Well then, why should I not go on the Quest myself and gain the reward?'

So thinking the thief decided to go seek a group of herb thieves/smugglers. He told them of a rich treasure area he had heard about. The smugglers were interested and they knew ways past the border guards. Shortly afterward the group departed on fast Namarushtian spider mounts towards the southern border of elf land.

Doc Ryan

Doc Ryan awoke thirsty and with a headache. His items and clothes had been removed and he was dressed in a light woolen robe and rope sandals. He was suspended in a cage high above in a darkened area. He could not see the floor. He checked for magic but strangely enough there was none to be found. If his people had been involved then it would have been carefully removed or swept away. He looked in his cage.

He had one full bottle of water and one empty bottle. Both were made of glass. He drank thirstily from one and used the other for it's obvious purpose. He shouted to see if anyone would respond but no one did. He appeared to be alone. He took off a shoe to make a rope and then proceeded to try to open the door. He was unable to get the locked door open. He continued to struggle with it for at least an hour when suddenly a large door opened and Jaul walked in backed by several Paladins!

He was quickly released and a search was made of the premises. No clues and none of the other stolen items were found. The mages items some irreplaceable were also missing and not found. As they walked back to the palace under guard Jaul explained what had happened and chided the mage on his wandering off.

"We've got what it takes to take what you've got."

Kalain:

Kalain had spent much of the night in the saddle. As dawn tinted the sky red, they landed just outside the border of Namarushta. Making his way to a local Garth. Kalain was quickly welcomed by the local Garth Holder and given food and rest as the Honor guard stood by tirelessly and patiently guarding the cleric. Before falling to sleep Kalain prayed for a vision. He soon fell into a deep sleep. A short while later he suddenly awoke feeling hot and closed in.

He went outside for a breath of fresh air, nodded to his Honor Guard as he passed by him and looked out into the bright daylight. To his astonishment he saw Rebecca walking up a path towards him. She looked as she had before the curse of the Dark One had turned her into a monster, happy, contented and she smiled brightly at him in greeting. Even as she waved in cheerful greeting Kalain suddenly saw the Elf King jump out from behind a tree and grab her! He heard her scream of pain and fear.

He raced to try to help but his motions were agonizingly slow compared to the super speed of the elf! Even as he watched the Elf King smiled at him in disgust and scorn while Rebecca quickly fell prey to the dreaded 'Green Sickness'! Kalain continued to try to struggle forward with all his might but was too late. Even as he raced forward, the Elf King sped away with superhuman speed, leaving Rebecca in agony and pain. The change was rapid. She was soon transformed into a hideous elf maiden and what was worse was she was no normal elf but of the elven nobility!

As Kalain approached her in sorrow and hatred she arose and opened her arms in silent plea for aid but it was far to late. She had changed into a minion of Evil! Kalain knew that her death would be a hard one, full of pain and suffering. Even as he watched Rebecca slowly faded away just as he almost reached her. Kalain looked wildly about for some clue by which he might find her and was astonished to see Elaine sitting close by. Why had she come here? What had she to do with the affairs he had witnessed? He glared at her angrily. "Why are you here?"

Elaine looked at Kalain gravely. "Did you not request a Vision? A Vision is in my power, for it is a seeking of knowledge and education. I am here to instruct you much as I have your King. Despite your thoughts I am not your enemy."

"That was not the Vision I requested." Stated Kalain in a gravelly voice. "How does a Vision of Rebecca being changed to an elf help me? You say you are not my enemy, well neither are you a friend. I did not enjoy the treatment I had from you or your country."

"In your Vision you perceive the Elf King as Evil, you see him do what you surmise is the will of the Dark Lord. Now the innocent one, should you meet her, will perish by your hand. Is this the Justice you seek? Is this your Honor at work? By this action you contemplate, does not your slaying of her serve the purpose of the Master of Evil?"

"Bah! You answer questions with more questions. You have created a false and tainted Vision for you only give more questions to confuse me and make me lose my purpose! You know well why Rebecca must be Lessoned and why she must become a martyr! She is not a sacrifice for an evil end. You have twisted words and meanings so that now that she has changed she may be permitted to betray and lure others to the same fate she has met. Then they will all be used as tools of the Evil one. My purpose is clear, but it seems to me that you struggle to make me try to understand something you do not understand yourself!" Kalain looked at her closely and saw that his remark had hit home. Elaine was unsure of herself and the cleric could sense it.

"Are you then so absolutely sure of your purpose? You have no doubts in killing an innocent for sins you think she might perform in the future? What proof have you that she will indeed do this thing? I question you for as you say I am unsure of the rightness of your claims. While I question not your honesty and commitment. I do call in question your mercy and kindness. You seem to have none. Do you not have doubts as to your path as well?" Elaine asked him quietly.

"I have no doubts." Kalain answered back with conviction. "Mercy? I have mercy. I will save Rebecca from eternal torment at the expense of her tainted flesh. Kindness? I will be far kinder than anyone else will. I have souls in my charge. We pass through this world only temporarily. I offer them Paradise in a Clear Sky. Rebecca was happy before the evils of Tlashtek and Namarushta touched her. Tools of the Dark Lord they are. What are moments of pain and death in this world in return for the True Paradise? Would I see her suffer the torments of Hell for all eternity for a false kindness? You are so good at asking questions why not see if you can answer that one."

"You ask me of the Nature of Good or Evil. I will answer your question in Honesty and in Truth. You say Rebecca has been tainted because her outward appearance has changed. You see Evil as an all-powerful force without giving our side any credit for its power and protection. If Good is so weak and Evil so strong then it would have been wiped out long ago. I remind you that Rebecca was changed not because she sought evil! She was changed even as she sought to save others from the same fate. Others have forced this evil, by your lights, upon her. This is not corruption of her soul by the Dark Lord or his tools for she had no choice in the matter and free will is an important part of that choice. This means if she does no evil she can still be redeemed and saved from evil that has been forced upon her. All I say to you is before you accept that she is indeed evil, that you see the proof of it or the blood of her soul will be upon you! A heavy price you will pay for it priest."

Elaine began to slowly fade away. "If you seek the potion, then go into the forest with your guard. There you will find Rebecca. For Love of Honor and Justice she will lead you to the Potion you seek. Due to her changed physical body the task will be distasteful to her and will even make her ill. Your very presence next to her will cause her untold suffering. If you still feel then as you have stated now then slay her when she has taken you to the site before she can commit the great betrayal you think her capable of. If you are wrong in your view though, you will have to live with the result." Elaine finished fading, leaving Kalain standing in the middle of the trail. He turned and returned to the Garth.

He motioned to his guard to prepare and after blessing the household he walked without fear into the jungle. It was not long before he encountered the elf maid exactly as he had been instructed. He noted that the closer he came the more ill she appeared. He knew this was because of her now, evil nature, for what creature of evil could stand before his holiness? He followed her for a short distance until they arrived at a large Tree in the center of a small clearing. The tree looked as if it was half-dead. Rebecca with her back to the priest pointed at the tree. "That is the place you seek. Inside resides the Treasure. Also inside reside the protections that have been placed there. I have finished my task and must leave you now for I cannot stand your presence any further. You smell to me of death."

Kalain had not been able to bring his Wolfhound with him on his horse. His Honor Guard awaited his decision. Kalain slowly raised the Shennuian Flame Gun, but for what purpose?

Artuneys

Quickly the crowd gathered around the cleric and just when he thought they might actually do him some harm many started to talk to him all at once. "A REAL genuine Holy Man." Stated a woman suspiciously dressed like a concubine. "Welcome to the Dark Lands. Ain't many of your kind around here. No Siree," said an old man in tattered rags holding a large bag of coin clutched greedily to him. "Why not come to my house, I have a couple of daughters, one only twelve who would just love to see someone like you. If you don't like girls there's always my four sons, " stated a third lady dressed in rich robes. "He doesn't want to go to your house when my establishment is right across the street. Come with me your Holiness and I promise you will lack for nothing." The uproar continued as many shouted out counter offers.

Soon it looked like he was going to be part of a tug-o-war with Artuneys playing the part of the rope. Just as he was about to try to flee though the crowd, the people suddenly fell back from the cleric, and the circle about him widened quickly.

Two insect like troopers, members of the Legion of the Dead, the elite guard of the Dark One stood just outside the crowd. They radiated controlled menace like a huge ball of fire. They said nothing, but the crowd quickly fell back allowing an ornate sedan chair to approach. From the covered hangings Mar stepped daintily into the street and smiled brightly at the cleric.

"Welcome to the realm of the Master, Holyman. I am delighted you decided to ignore propaganda and visit our land. You must excuse our people. Your sort never deign to lower themselves to visit us …so openly." stated Mar with a grin. "They prefer to use our services more discreetly so as not to ruin their spotless reputations and images. As you might guess the master finds this hypocrisy faintly amusing. In the Dark Lands people are rewarded by their ability and find their place according to that ability. You have proven to have great ability at creating Chaos, so our Master favors you. The word will be passed that none will hinder your progress here." She looked pointedly at the crowd and Artuneys noted the fear in their faces. All immediately bowed low confessing their loyalty to the Dark Lord.

Artuneys carefully adjusted his robe, with a red face. During the struggle some of the crowd had taken certain …. liberties. The worst part was he was uncertain of the gender taking those liberties. Still he decided to not make an issue of it considering the fear he saw. He smiled kindly and attempting to recover his dignity he looked at Mar gravely. "I thank you for your intervention, I think. Your people have made me very welcome and I was warmed by their generous offers of hospitality and umm, affection. I must say I was impressed. I truly did not expect such a reception in your Lands."

"I have come to speak with you about the Mage and to attempt to discover what you know about his kidnapping." He was interrupted by Mar laughing with the tinkling of bells. "What I say amuses you in some way?" He asked puzzled.

"You are behind the times my Holy friend. Was not Jaul's wish to the Cy Clan King the comment that something would go start to go right? Well despite the forces arrayed against you, others will have a hard time fighting the Cy Clan King's power and that of the Master at the same time. Already your friend is recovered and safe. It was a simple matter to inform Extensive to insure the situation was resolved the way we wished it to be!" Mar stated with a smile as she climbed back into her chair. "Come join me in my chair and we will converse as we go to the palace of my Master." Artuneys quickly joined her and seating himself comfortably next to Mar, she again spoke as the chair made it's way through the streets.

"You are about to ask about the forces arrayed against you. They are comprised of various rulers who oppose you for their own purposes. Twiggs, the elf king, is the foremost of these. Harpin would also be against you but his honor forbids he act outside his own country in this matter. Emperor Skragg is the next most dangerous involved, that also means his toadies Corman McLear of Thimhalen and Brytteney of the Spouting Mountains all seek to oppose you as well. Elaine for the moment is neutral which is good for us. Queen Karen of Crystallu is more active and only opposes us nominally at this time. They are allied with Livyanu, which is strange, considering Harpin's normal dislike of elves."

"I find that you lawfuls are so confusing sometimes. I don't pretend to understand the many ways you people delude yourselves. For instance Harpin hates Namarustian elves because they are supposedly pawns of my Master and yet those same elves always seem to oppose our aims and views. Then Harpin makes a treaty with the Crystallu elves! A deal so well made with Queen Karen, who is notoriously short tempered and volatile, that she helps him to attain great power. Yet all know that these are the same type of elves as the Namarushtian sort! The only difference is the coloring and even that is changing as they, 'borrow' men from Namarushta to repopulate! This makes no sense at all! Your one of these people how about clueing me in?" finished Mar looking puzzled.

Artuneys chuckled, "Mar, if you weren't such an naughty little girl I think I would like you a lot. How can I explain a Harpin when I do not always understand or agree with him either? He follows a code of morals that are brutal, fanatical and frightening. It is reflected in those who serve him. They have removed any ounce of compassion from their view and justify it with high sounding ideas that have no basis in fact. They back it up with a savage philosophy that gives them a license to maim and kill at will. I do not like Livyanuians and consider them your closest kin." He finished with a smile.

Mar laughed as well. "Imagine that, Harpin, my Spiritual Brother, a tool of the Dark Lord! Leading his people down the road of Hell and Damnation! The world would freak! You must share this joke with the Master. He would certainly enjoy the irony of it. I will now show you to quarters where you can freshen up and have several hours to rest. If you require anything, just ring for a servant and it will be provided. We will meet again later when I introduce you to the Master and we will discuss the reasons for your trip."

A short while later Artuneys was escorted into the palace and spent the remainder of the day working on two important projects. Working at some length on a note he hoped to send to the party and several ideas, he then laid down to take a nap. It seemed like only a short time later when several servants awoke him bearing fresh robes and warm bath water with scented soaps and large fluffy towels.

Later that evening he was ushered into a rich banquet room. The table was heaped with all manner of delicacies. Wealth abounded in all the furnishings and on the garments and dress of many guests. All the women were amazingly beautiful and the men well made and handsome. All were dressed in costly and delicate apparel. Scantily dressed dancing girls and servants circulated amongst the guests as musicians played. Around the room were various forms of exotic entertainment.

Artuneys was respectfully ushered onto silken pillows at the low tables by two servants and seated in the honored guest spot next to the Dark Lord. Mar was seated to his other side and smiled and waved as he entered the room.

Directly behind the master of Evil stood a tall powerful looking warrior in a suit of shining silver armor and holding a powerful Trident. With a start he recognized two things. The first was the suit of Armor that Kristiana had made for Eadwill. It had been described in the book as impervious and it looked to be. Nowhere on it was there a mark from his titanic battle with Harpin that had almost destroyed the powerful city of Tlashtek!

The second thing he immediately noticed was the person inside the armor, it was Damien Stormdragon the ruler and King of Tpsolei! Damien was part sea elf and now part something else. It was said that Damien had made a deal with the Dark Lord for Revenge against the other Kings, mainly Harpin. The Dark Lord had granted him his desire. Damien looked at Artuneys for a moment with a dead complacent stare. The stare of a dead man who had died in agony! Artuneys shuddered under that gaze before Damien, always watching for threats, looked elsewhere.

Given this opportunity Artuneys studied the Master of Evil carefully. The Dark Lord was not in his customary armor or helmet, but dressed in rich robes and a crown. He was a small man and had the delicate features of the elf kind, but was obviously no elf, but a pure blood human! The Dark Lord was about five feet tall and of slight build. He had dark eyes and short black hair. His skin was very pale in contrast to his eyes and hair. He showed no visible signs of evil upon his face and even appeared as young as twenty although Artuneys knew he was much older than that! To Artuneys this was anti climatic. This was the dreaded Master of Evil? This was the slayer of uncounted millions and the nemesis of all that was good?

The Dark Lord turned and looked at Artuneys with amusement and suddenly the cleric's opinion changed again. It was not any expression that he observed, nor was it a feeling of magical power or even a change in the eyes and features but a gut instinct. He could feel the power and Charisma generated like a lightening bolt and he sensed a keen and powerful intellect being focused on him. Artuneys suddenly felt like a mouse hypnotized by a python.

"Welcome to my palace Artuneys Sendant of the Jelgai Mountains." His voice was surprisingly deep and rich for so small a frame. "I am well pleased with Mar for her work with your group. She has been richly rewarded and I am sure will continue to rise rapidly in the ranks of our land. What brings you to the Land of Shadows?"

Artuneys shook off the paralysis with great difficulty and decided that he should be respectful to the power seated before him. "Excuse me Sir, but you called this the Land of Shadows? I am unfamiliar with that term." The Dark Lord smiled. "You are polite and respectful. I like that. We may not agree on how things should be but we need not act like uncultured beasts either as befits our noble status. I save such behavior for those of our peasants who chose of their own accord such a lowly position. Since you are obviously no peasant I will not treat you as such. I give you permission to use my name. Be wary though, for to speak my name to often grants me great power and to say it without my permission could mean a terrible fate. My name is Dick Helmet." He smiled in tolerant humor.

"I call this the Land of Shadows because it pleases me to do so. Like Human Nature much can be hidden in the Shadows. I am reminded that you suggested to Mar that Harpin was much like me. In a way you are correct for where the sun is the brightest the Shadows may be small but they are darker as well. I found your comment amusing and I dare say Harpin would not see the humor in it. Such as he would though perceive it as an insult or threat. Be wary if you travel to his Land for he will remember this insult well."

"I originally came in an effort to recover the Mage of our party. I wish to thank you for helping us to do that so quickly. However, during my conversation with Mar I had another thought. If you knew where the potion was why did you leave it behind and why show us where it is now? It seems to be against your policy to strengthen those who appear to be your enemies," Artuneys questioned quietly.

"You have much to learn of power politics my boy, the other rulers are not truly my enemies," said Dick calmly, "They only believe they are. Actually they fight themselves and each other more often than they do me. It is part of the Chaos of Life and Death. Each struggles for power but can anyone really eliminate all the Attributes of the World and do they really want to do so?"

"We are all in a struggle and a dance with each other, Artuneys. A struggle to discover which Attribute will rule the others. While we as the players of the Attributes may be eliminated it is a power struggle pure and simple and others will replace us. It is a contest as old as time and will most likely continue long after we are all gone. The Attributes do not measure time as we poor humans. I suspect Time means nothing to such power. No matter what way the participants chose to present it to the people they control it is a matter of who will rule. All else is propaganda."

"To answer your question, why should I not chose to strengthen certain Attributes at one point and others the next? I have no hatred of any of the rulers. I even used to be amused by some of them and their convoluted rationalizations. That was when I was much younger, but great time wearies many a jest and it is difficult to see new things in the world when you have lived so long as I. I have forgotten more than most people ever learn."

"Now I do what pleases me or what it is necessary for me to do. You are right though. I discovered the potion many years ago but was really not interested in the potion itself for I was actually seeking something else. What do you know of elf magic?" Dick suddenly asked.

Artuneys was caught off guard by the question but responded thoughtfully, "Elf magic is word magic. The clearer the picture it presents the more powerful the magic. Elf magic is poetic in nature and is reputed to be 'prose heavy'. This means it conveys a powerful image or picture when spoken in the correct manner."

"Exactly," said Dick with a amused smile. "I see that your clerical training and your mind were not wasted. You see, after I performed my Great Ceremony, just before the last Great War, I became aware that the elves were working on a secret project. No, it wasn't the potion project. That was nothing compared to what I was after. You see I learned that there was a word of magic, called interestingly enough, 'The Deplorable Word'. It was said that with it the user only had to perform a proper ceremony and then utter the word and everything living would be destroyed save the caster."

"So you really do want the world destroyed?" Artuneys asked, "I had heard that you hated so greatly that you wished to destroy everyone and then yourself last to insure all life was gone."

"Don't believe everything you hear on the street young one. My interest is actually like everyone else's. Power. Who would dare to attack me with such power at my command? You must admit there is always someone out their wishing to rid the world of the 'EVIL' I represent. If you don't believe that go visit Livyanu, Namarushta or Thimhalen."

"My interest in the magic was solely for survival purposes. You must admit that such a powerful piece of magic would make a nifty deterrent for anyone attacking me. Besides that, would you really want the elves to be the only one to have that capability? It might mean that they would find a way to kill everyone but elves! To make a defense for it you have to know how the weapon works. So I sought it as much for self-defense as I did for the shear power of it. You must remember I was much younger then as well. Not all my decisions were wise ones." The Dark Lord smiled in wry humor.

"To get back to the main story. I was searching for this magical elf word. I figured Kristiana might have it. A lot of work was going through her in those days and she did have a talent for it. I surprised her one evening just as she was taking a sleeping potion. She had just completed the Opulence potion, but she was so tired she couldn't sleep and she wanted to get a good nights rest."

"The potion had been given to her by? You guessed it, the elves and the Cy Clan. It didn't make her sleep a little while though, as they had told her it would, it put her so far under I couldn't wake her up to get my answers! Last I heard she is still sleeping! Just like the Cy Clan and the elves, don't kill her she might be useful, just put her to sleep until you feel like waking her up! That was some potion!"

"I sure wasn't happy about that! I later got blamed for that one too. Not that I really care what I am blamed for mind you, but that was galling because it blocked me from getting first hand information! I almost felt like Betred must feel. Set up by the fragging elves!"

"Anyway, I traced the potion part to the facility. I figured they would be keeping the Word there. Since I was mad at the elves, I hit the facility with a surprise attack. Keymon was to slick though. He had left a message saying he had destroyed the word. Him and Eadwill together, just to insure that I could not get it and they had determined it was too dangerous a weapon for anyone! The message they sent told me they would declare that type of research as proscribed and they requested that I do the same. Since they left enough proof to convince me that they had destroyed it I decided to let it go."

"I did loot the place but since I got the paperwork on how to make the formula and the ingredients I decided to leave the elf created potion there. Who knows if Keymon or Eadwill had placed a trap in it? I later made my own potion and tested it on a limited basis. I can tell you it does work. I even keep a vial of it in one of my vaults somewhere. Betred is welcome to the original if he wants it. I don't care. It will be interesting to see if it is another Keymon trap don't you think?"

"So then, you wouldn't care to sell or give me some of that potion for Betred would you? It would seem you have little use for it and besides if Kalain reaches the elf site first I suspect he might even destroy it under orders from Harpin in revenge for the Rebecca matter. It would be just like him you know." Artuneys asked carefully with little hope.

Dick Helmet laughed in amusement, "Now why should I do anything of the sort? After all I am not reputed to be generous, kindly and giving. Still I admire your courage in asking, knowing you risk your very soul, according to your beliefs, by doing so. Still the Cy Clan has granted your party leaders wish. I have seen the efficacy of his powers and have no desire to test them again just now. I will indeed give you the potion you seek. It will not be tampered with. The question is do you trust my word?"

He turned to Mar. "Go to my vault and return with the potion he has requested and give it to him. Then arrange transport for your friend to Tlashtek, for tomorrow. Then I want you to go to his party which is still in the Towers and give them a message to meet with Artuneys in Tlashtek so they may all be present when he presents Betred with his potion." Mar smiled and jumping to her feet raced out the door laughing in glee. A short while later the potion was delivered and the message Artuneys had made was taken by Mar and she went on her way. The party continued and we shall leave Artuneys to his amusements.

Sirron, Doc Ryan, Jaul and Ezekiel

Jaul, Sirron, Doc Ryan and Ezekiel looked at each other as they waited for the others to show up. They waited most of the rest of the day and into the evening but the others did not appear and no word was sent from them. As they waited patiently, they had a court page go out and procure replacement items for the mage. The mage handed the young page a list and Jaul gave a message to him with his seal that authorized the page to draw the necessary money for the purchases from Betred's account.

Jaul decided that after a late meal that all should go to sleep and they would make a final decision in the morning. Not long after that all were comfortably asleep. Later that night Jaul suddenly awoke with a feeling of trepidation. He quickly armed himself and wandered out of his room. He was surprised to see the others there before him. All of them had the same feeling.

Following that discovery the group decided to compare information. Jaul was first to speak, being the nominal leader of the group at this time. "I have a feeling that Kalain, Artuneys, and Crazyhands will not be back and indeed may have broken away to pursue the quest on their own. Does anyone know where they went or why we should suddenly feel uneasy?" All shook their heads negatively. "Then it appears we have two choices, we either forget them or attempt to trace where they went. Sirron, I think you should handle that part. Do a quick trace job. I am sure with your Cy Clan powers you will be successful. Doc I want you to use your powers to help him when you are again equipped properly. Ezekiel and I will attempt to see Elaine and Twiggs one more time and try to get to the bottom of our problems here. It is already quite late tonight so we will sleep in late tomorrow. If we get no further useful information we will start in search of a different Token entirely. Is there any objections to my plan?"

Ezekiel spoke quickly, "I have it on good authority that Elaine will be testing us in some way. I suggest we do not attempt to approach her until she has done so. Rumors have it that the elf king is against us and wishes us destroyed. I think you will find that we can neither send anything to him, nor approach him. It is my personal opinion that we should not leave until Elaine's test is completed." He looked at the others in an attempt to gage their attitudes.

" The mage has not been tampered with in any way. He is the same way he was when he left us. My powers tell me we are wasting time trying to trace the ones that have left. Have you heard them asking for help? They are grown men and can make their own decisions," stated Sirron complacently. "They chose to depart the group and obviously do not care what happens to us. I suggest we do not waste time seeking them. They are not children and we are not parents. My powers also tell me that Elaine will not meet with us till tomorrow. Twiggs will not meet with us at all and even now is preparing to have us killed. If we attempt to force the issue we will be punished. Now if you will excuse me I will commune with my Cy Clan brothers and find out where Artuneys and Crazyhands are. I will not require the mages aid. If we are to succeed we must each escalate our skills and abilities, for our journey seems to be getting the upper hand."

As Sirron left them Doc was happy to see the arrival of the page with surprisingly , Mar, leading the way with his new items. He quickly looked over what they had procured for him. He found 1,000 gold pieces in a large pouch. A back pack with three Shennuian Robes of Spider Silk. A Thimhalen Magical box to carry magic he would gather or collect. A book on Petal Throne magic with two pairs of soft-shoes. Seven days standard food and one water skin. A Namarustian cloak with Toazami fur lining and a Jelgia rune crafted Amulet of Protection. Doc looked inside the box and smiled happily. "This is my original box! It has all the magic I gathered from the badge, the sword, the barbarians and the book in it!"

Mar smiled happily, "I insisted that Extensive return it to you as my gift. I thought you should have something to remember me by. I even got them to give you a Crystallu bell!" She said handing it to the mage. Doc Ryan smiled fondly at her. "For Dark Lands Scum you’re a pretty nice sort. " He remarked with a smile. Mar stuck out her tongue at him and turned to Jaul.

"I have for you word from Artuneys. Even now he has negotiated with my Master and he sends this letter to you. " Mar handed Jaul the letter, both Jaul and Ezekiel looked at it carefully and started to read it. Mar went to join Doc. They could hear her chiding the magician. "A Shennuian Robe worth thousands of Gold and you wear it like a sack of potatoes! I swear men are so helpless! You have no fashion sense whatsoever." Doc was protesting that he did indeed have a fashion sense and needed no help but Mar was relentless. Jaul smiled at the small woman's attempts to straighten out the Doc.

Opening the letter he read carefully, "I have discovered that the potion Kalain is after could well be a trap set by the elves. I have the real untampered potion and will be going to deliver it to Betred. Meet me in Tlashtek and we will present it as a group for the gain of us all. Do NOT, under any circumstances allow Betred to drink Kalain's potion. I have no idea what it will do but I am sure it will be dangerous. If you have time you might try to stop Kalain in Namarushta. If you are not in Tlashtek in two days from now, I will decide that you are uninterested and will give Betred the potion myself and gather the reward on my own. The choice is yours. Signed Artuneys Sendant of the Jelgai Mountains.

Sirron, after leaving the others had gone into his private room. Once inside he barred the door carefully and then sat and activated his Mental shield so that no magic could spy upon him. As he astral walked from his body he saw all the Cy Clan of this world as bubbles of light in a multitude of colors and sizes. Some were large and bright, others feeble but all were joined by the glowing strands of the links of the mind. He was quickly accepted and the knowledge he possessed was quickly assimilated. The Masters quickly supplied him with the information he needed.

"Doc Ryan is not under any outside, influence, control or curse. While Mar might hide it from you, even the Dark Lord himself could not hide it from us. Artuneys speaks with the Dark Lord on your party's behalf. He brings light to our goals as well, aid him as much as possible. Artuneys is more important than Crazyhands at this time. After Artuneys is successful then aid Crazyhands, for he seeks to do our will and he will require powerful aid. We will give you more power to accomplish our goals. Our plans near a critical nexus point in time and space. You must be ready to exert leverage against the powerful forces you will face. Kalain should not be ignored! Kalain is extremely dangerous and will bring ruin to our plans if he is permitted to proceed. He must be opposed. You must convince the party that he must be stopped. Artuneys will contact the party soon, move rapidly." The connection was broken and the next few moments were shear joy for Sirron. He saw new worlds and planes, time marched before him like a parade with side paths and intricate convolutions. Snippets of knowledge the memories of a lifetime and more came and vanished. His intellect expanded and then the meditation was over and all he felt was the loss of comradeship and knowledge.

Unsealing his room he walked out to see Doc Ryan in the process of equipping himself with his new items, with biting comments from Mar as to the proper placement of each item. She smiled at him as he entered. Jaul looked at Sirron strangely. "It seems the situation has changed radically and events are continuing faster than we can control them. Your idea of attempting to have us slow down seems to have been ineffective for events have continued to proceed at a rapid pace. I get the feeling we keep acting upon old outdated information." He handed the letter to Sirron and he quickly read it.

Sirron looked up. "We must stop Kalain." Ezekiel was surprised and looked at Sirron strangely. "You are actually trusting the Dark Lord and Artuneys, the fallen cleric? Have you considered Betred's opinion when we give him this present from the Dark Lord? Isn't anyone else suspicious of this besides me? We all know my opinion of Kalain but even I know he is not a willing Dark Lord stooge! Why do I think the Cy Clan is again manipulating us? No wonder Elaine wants to test us!"

Jaul looked at them both. "It seems we have a trust problem here, The Dark Lord is helping us and so far has come through for us like a champ. We keep on looking for the hook but each time we examine the circumstances everything comes up sweet smelling and clean. Everyone tells us the Dark Lord is this nasty, evil villain but we don't see it. Everyone said Betred was as well, but it looks like all propaganda. You have to admit Betred has appeared to back us all the way so far as well. Now the elf king and the fanatic king Harpin are supposed to be these great big Champions of Goodness and Light. Well Kalain has given us more problems than the Dark Lord has and the elf king has tried and convicted us without even seeing us. So who do you believe?"

Doc and Mar having finished with the mage walked over and sat down near the party. Mar heard the last part of the question and considered it for a moment. "I may be biased, Jaul, but I think you should stick with those that have proven to have your best interests at heart. You made the wish that things would go right. The Cy Clan granted that wish. The Dark Lord favors your task and it is the task you started to do. So far your journey has been strange in many ways but you are getting there despite the odds."

"Now Artuneys placed himself at grave risk to follow a hunch. He told you he would continue to pursue the quest while you ironed out the leadership problems. He sent you a message when he didn't have to. His message contains a warning of danger. If you ignore it for superstition with no real fact then you might as well have no help at all. It seems you have little choice to me."

Jaul nodded, "You did have a right to your say. Do you back her up Doc?" Doc thought for a moment. "The potions are magical, a while ago you mistrusted me as well, but I was cleared by the Cy Clan Ranger. If I see the potions and you trust me I can tell you if one is trapped or not by noting the magical differences in it. So far there has been a lot of well-earned distrust amongst us. I for one am sick of it and the constant questions. I will deal with what I know and not what others have told me and will make my own decisions. I will trust those who have helped me and are my friends. I say the Dark Lord has not betrayed us. Kalain left us and seems content to do things on his own. I say we trust Artuneys, Mar and the Dark Lord. Attributes knows I am no fan of the Cy Clan but I think Kalain should be stopped." Mar smiled at the Doc.

Sirron spoke next. "I have ways of knowing things, ways you people will not trust. You mistrust what you call our manipulation. I only ask that you understand that if Kalain takes his potion to Betred and the king drinks it, the world will suffer great consequences. What those are I cannot say because I don't know myself, but I feel it and know it will be true. We promised Betred we would attempt to find him an untainted Token. If there is any doubts on either Token then we must eliminate them both! However, Artuneys is smart. Smarter I suspect than Kalain! If I had to pick one or the other to trust? My powers say Trust Artuneys!"

The party looked at Ezekiel. "I have fasted, and prayed in preparation for Elaine's test. I am not so readily able to discount the learning and wisdom of my people." He looked at Mar pointedly. "You are biased and evil can show a fair face. While I detest Kalain personally I can not accept the blind trust you people show for the Dark Lord. It appears to me that the mage will support the woman he is sleeping with so I mistrust his motives. I mistrust the motives of the Cy Clan as well for they have only their own interests at heart here. I am the only Lawful/Good remaining in this party. I fear Artuneys has fallen to evil!"

He looked closely at the others. "I am one small voice crying out in the wilderness. If the Elf King thinks we are a danger to my Queen and my country, then I must side with him. He has supported my Queen as I do. If you join with the Dark Lord then I MUST oppose you all. Perhaps this is the test that Elaine has stated will be done. If so then I stand ready! Defend yourselves!" He raised the Towers Amulet upon his breast and it began to glow with power! The others quickly spread out and drew weapons and power themselves. Mar snarled at the Paladin as well and gestured in response. "You Fool!" she screamed.

Crazyhands

Crazyhands and his party of smugglers and poachers moved rapidly to a local Tower outside the city. Crazyhands had remembered through his arcane lore that Extensive Towers were NOT the only type of Towers. Many were ancient. They led to different and ancient places of power long forgotten and neglected.

The thieves and smugglers used these and many had been mapped into Namarushta as well. He and the party traveled throughout the rest of the day and they camped that night. Crazyhands settled down near the campfire and quickly fell asleep. He was startled when a heavy hairy electric blue foot suddenly tapped him on the shoulder. As he jumped awake he observed Skragg, Emperor of Thieves looking at him.

"You're losing time friend. The Dark Lord knows what Betred is up to and plans to monkey with the status quo as usual. It appears he has turned most of your party to Chaos. Only the Paladin still resists and even now prepares to combat four others. He is a Towers Knight as we both are aware, the more power he faces the stronger he is able to resist as long as he feels he is in the right! He is in his own country. The others are facing him at his peak power. This gives you valuable leeway.

This also gives Kalain the time he needs to procure the potion in Namarushta. We have no problem with Kalain getting the potion. To maintain our gains he must get that potion. The Dark Lord has made a duplicate potion, supposedly, but we suspect it to be a trap. Artuneys will attempt to deliver it to Betred and have him drink it."

"So you want me to make sure Kalain's potion gets to Betred?" asked Crazyhands with some suspicion. "Why? You and Betred are not friends."

"I know you are part of Betred's spy group, one of his new counter espionage force. I suspect even Jaul is not aware of your true rank. You hid it well, but little is hidden from me. Kalain must get the potion, true but neither potion must go to Betred! The Cy Clan desires that the Dark Lord Potion go to Betred. I am unsure why, for it seems a foolish thing. The Elf Lord wants Kalain's potion to get to Betred. That was why Kalain is getting elf aid to get the potion while others are tied up! Knowing elves and Livyanuians I suspect another elf trap! I am facing here three Kings of higher power than myself. I cannot see their plans but I know that either potion is dangerous for am I not also Emperor of Knowledge? Betred will not win with either course!

"So who should get the potion then? You?" stated Crazyhands sarcastically. Skragg smiled his fangs red and sharp in the firelight. "Why would I want that. The potions would do nothing for me. My recommendation is to destroy them both. I think you should try for the original formula document and I am prepared to help you steal it in return for certain considerations from Betred. Your words to him will carry weight. Send one of these to him warning him of both groups. Send it with your recognition codes. Tell him as much as you wish. Then I will aid you in penetrating King's Tree for the untampered formula. You see the elves always kept duplicate copies of research formulas. They would not tamper with it and plant false copies like our friend with the Black Helmet. With my aid and the aid of my allies we will steal the formula itself from Twiggs vault. Then I will help Betred regain his power."

"What do you get out of this?" said Crazyhands with a smile. "I don't see you as being very charitable." Skragg nodded, "Nope not charity, survival! If Betred becomes a tool of the other high level kings I might just as well start kissing butt now. You will notice all my allies are the lesser Kings and Queens? If Betred allies with us until we all complete ceremonies and reestablish the power levels then I will consider that ample payment. So what say you?"

"I will send a message to Betred of your warning and your offer. It was my intention to let Kalain brave the traps of the Dark Lord and elf lair and to take the potion from him if he made it out, if not, following him up to that point would only make my job easier. I am sure he would have given a good account of himself. Give me a few moments to consider your proposal. " Skragg waited patiently.

Welcome to Shit Creek - Sorry, we're out of paddles!

Ezekiel, Jaul, Sirron and Doc Ryan

Before the others could prepare the amulet continue to glow radiantly. In bare seconds the light was brighter than the sun and continued to increase rapidly! Brighter and brighter glowed the light and all in the room were blinded, with the lone exception of the Paladin. The Paladin drew his sword and stalked forward saying Prayers in a voice that thundered, his voice getting louder and louder. The room began to shake and the party was deafened and could hear nothing else. "He, who stands strong before evil, though he give his life, will attain everlasting reward." boomed the voice of the Knight as he drew his sword.

Mar was the first to feel the effects of the powerful burst of light. Her powerful magical disguise was ripped away in black and green tatters revealing an ancient crone dressed in dark clothes. The witch was hideously ugly and the familiar upon her shoulder, a small demonic creature glared at the approaching paladin and hissed evilly in anger. Jaul, Sirron, and Doc Ryan saw nothing of this though as they staggered back and attempted to block the light. It seem to reflect from every wall and corner though leaving them no relief and it filled the room and enclosed space leaving no shadows anywhere. The echoes of the paladin's voice seem to come from everywhere as well giving them little clue as to where he really was.

Mar spat a word of vile evil and abruptly vanished unable to stand before the power of the Holy Knight. Jaul attempted to react next. He made no move to draw weapons and even though blinded he attempted to speak in a vain attempt to calm the knight. Unfortunately for him, the paladin had also chosen to Pray, loudly! Jaul's words were lost. Jaul quickly drew his wand of magic missiles and attempted to fire where he thought the paladin was hoping his target had not dodged.

Sirron was also reluctant to use weapons on the Paladin and chose to rely on his instincts and training. It was wise that he did so but just as ineffective in stopping the paladin. Still it did allow him to avoid becoming an immediate target! Sirron attempted to dodge away blinded and deafened as he also tried in vain to calm the knight with words. He met with no more success than Jaul!

He, however, knew the placement of the people, the furniture as well as the other items of the room and he unerringly made his way to a corner. Keeping his eyes tightly closed he began to climb the wall and soon he had rapidly moved out of range of the Paladin. From his vantage point, he found it easy to proceed out a high window to give his eyes and ears a chance to recover!

The hurricane blast of magical light was especially bad on the Thimhalenite who could see magic. Especially sensitive to this kind of attack, the magical protection he had summoned against physical attack still passed the powerful brilliance through his shield as if it didn't exist! It was to Doc's credit that he was worried more about Mar than himself. He attempted to move towards where she should have been but he could not find her. He continued to stumble around the room seeking some way to retaliate until the paladin, using the hilt of his sword clubbed him senseless to the ground.

Jaul had decided that with little else he could do that he should at least protect Mar to the best of his ability. Unsure of where his target was he took a blind guess and fired his wand of magic missiles. The missiles sprayed wildly across a wall where Sirron had made his way out the window. Luckily the Cy Clan Ranger was already outside and safely out of the line of fire.

Ezekiel had paid little attention to the wild attack and calmly walked up behind the Ranger and brought the pommel of his sword down on the back of his head. Jaul silently crumbled to the ground as well. Looking around and seeing that the Cy Clan had fled the light slowly subsided and Ezekiel proceeded to tie up his two captives. Several minutes later Sirron risked a glance in at the Paladin who was calmly watching the window.

"Was this battle really necessary?" Asked the Ranger calmly to the Paladin. "I strongly suggest we stop fighting amongst ourselves for this just continues to stall us from completing our real objective. Either way two potions are making their way to Betred."

The Paladin his voice seemingly just as calm and peaceful although his plate armor gave no hint as to his true mood to the Ranger. "You still attempt manipulation at this time? I trust not a Cy Clan who appears to be assisting the Dark Lord. Your people are actively helping the Master of Evil and that makes you as much an enemy as these." He waved his sword towards the two fallen men. You heard nothing that I said and did not even consider it! I do not trust you people! So I will limit your actions. Already guards are on the way to place these poor misguided and deluded fools in the dungeon! I would suggest you submit to arrest or be declared a criminal in this country."

"What is the charge may I ask?" Sirron inquired without committing himself. "I should be allowed then the Queen's Justice as well. I believe that is the law of your country? The Cy Clan Attribute dictates that I submit as you request. I demand, as is my right for my friends and me the Right of Queen's Justice. Now your Queen Elaine must hear us out!"

"Ezekiel nodded gravely. "You have that right to make that demand. Surrender and you will be given a fair hearing by our Queen. I stand as your accuser!" Sirron nodded and climbed through the window and down the wall. Once there he turned over his weapons to the Knight. The other guards entered the room and after searching the three criminals and removing their items from them they picked up the unconscious bodies and proceeded to take them down a long circular staircase some distance down the hall.

A short while later Sirron with his companions was placed in a secured dungeon in the basement of the castle with two heavily armed warriors guarding the door. Sirron untied his friends and taking some water he attempted to awaken them. Once he had completed that task, he then told them that he expected to meet with Elaine soon and that they should prepare for the audience. While they went about repairing the damage Sirron spoke, "I think when we see Betred it may be best to tell him the truth."

Jaul looked at the other Ranger closely, "That we have no bloody clue which potion is the correct one or that possibly neither of them is a potion that we would trust? Don't you think that would sound a bit stupid, if not downright criminal?"

"I think you should state it a different way. For a Tlashtekian you must admit that was a bit 'blunt'. May I suggest that you tell him that our abilities have led us to two potions instead of one and perhaps we feel that he should make a selection on which he would like to use if either."

Doc Ryan laughed scornfully and spoke bitingly, "Every time I have listened to one of you Cy Clan I seem to get into more and more trouble. Now you want us to try to talk around the problem to Betred and attempt to deceive him so we won't look so stupid or incompetent? I begin to understand why Ezekiel was so concerned that he felt it necessary to attack such blatant stupidity! The only way this will work is if we discover the untampered potion ourselves or admit that it is beyond our powers to do so and recommend that they all be destroyed without using them! Then we admit we failed. Charge what we have used up to this time to expenses and don't claim any reward."

Jaul looked at them both for a moment. "Then we leave Betred with no Token and a worse mess than we found him in the first place. We just give up and say 'Sorry Old King but we fragged up the job and you'll have to make way for yourself as best you can? Right now he has a fifty percent chance of getting the right one. We may with some work be able to increase those odds but not by giving up or sitting in a Towers cell! We Tlashtekians are gamblers! I think Betred is man enough to take a gamble but we tell him the odds up front even if it makes us look bad!" He glared at both of them for a moment. "Now when in the Seven Hells of Curyic do we get out of here and talk to someone?" They all looked at each other for a moment.

Ezekiel having turned over his prisoners to the Guards was surprised to be immediately summoned to the Throne Room. This was the first time he had ever been permitted to see the area and he was quite surprised. The Throne room was built of fine oak lumber that had been polished with fresh pine oil The ceiling was made entirely of stained glass that contained pictures of historical events. The floor was made of a polished green and white marble that reflected back the light in a subdued rainbow of colors. Along each side of the obsidian columns that supported the center aisle of the ceiling were lined up the Knights of Eadwill in their brightly polished silver armor. These were all Champions of the Queen who had stood with her to face the Dark Lord in the Battle of Tlashtek.

As he marched down the aisle and knelt before the Queen he had time to look closely at her. Elaine was a tall woman with ash blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Elaine was not a small woman but was not overweight either. All in all she looked more like a Vikings dream warrior woman than a Queen but this seemed to be no hindrance in her ability to rule. Elaine looked down on him for a moment with a smile. "In this world of ours it is always difficult to know when to fight and stand ones ground. Today we have the opportunity to Honor a Warrior who saw his duty and despite the odds stood firm against it when everyone else around him counseled the easy path."

Eadwill stepped forward and removed the Diamond edged blade from Ezekiel's scabbard and handed it hilt first to the Queen with a bow. She easily lifted the weapon and deftly touched the blade to each of his shoulders and spoke loudly, "Rise Sir Ezekiel, for you have today earned your place as a Knight of Eadwill and ambassador to the Tlashtek Heights. May you continue to bring Glory to your House and to this Kingdom. She then replaced the sword in the Knights scabbard and as the Knights cheered him three times Elaine turned and left the Throne Room.

A short while later Ezekiel met with the Green Knight in his private quarters and raised the question about the ones in the dungeon. "Sir, when will the criminals be brought before Elaine for justice?" The Green Knight looked at the Paladin for a moment and sighed deeply. "What makes you think that we will?" Ezekiel looked startled for a moment and then spoke thoughtfully, "They asked for the Queens Justice, does this not mean that she has to have a trial and review their case publicly?"

The Green Knight laughed for a moment, "Not at all, my young and naive friend. It seems that you do not have a true understanding of our laws. You seem to be basing your assumptions on several laws in other countries. First off you must understand that a Knight is much like a Tlashtekian Ranger in his ability to arrest miscreants but it goes much farther than that. While the Ranger only has authority to arrest, you as a Noble Knight have the complete authority, much like a Livyanuian, to arrest, try and punish an offender! Our Justice is seated between the Tlashtekian and the harsher Livyanuian but we have much in common with both forms. This justice is called Low Justice because it allows a Noble knight to be able to judge immediately all who are beneath his rank."

"Jaul and Ryan are both nobles in their countries. I would submit that I would not be qualified to judge them only to arrest." The Green Knight nodded in agreement, "This is normally true but does not the Dark Lord have nobles in his country? Dark Lord minions are not welcome here and there are several laws that say they should be arrested or killed on sight. That is the Queen's Law and is already a stated part of her High Justice. This gives you leeway to arrest anyone you see breaking the Queen's Law. So in this case all she must do is review your actions. It does not mean that she has to delay a trial just so she can see every criminal personally!"

"Then Sirron is wrong? He thinks he will get his chance to plead his case before the Queen. Does he have no right to do so?" Ezekiel looked closely at the elder knight. "No, he has no rights at all as you perceive it. He has confessed from his own mouth that the Dark Lord is his ally! All three were ready to embrace the Master of Evil as their ally. I remind you that Tlashtek was not the only capital city ever sacked by the Dark Lord! Our capital city was one of the first ever hit and everyone in it was butchered under the reign of the False King Sir Robert who had usurped the throne itself. You did your duty and accepted responsibility for your actions and despite the odds you did what a Knight of the Towers is expected to do."

Ezekiel thought carefully for a moment and then asked the next question. "Has Elaine decided on this case?" The Green Knight arose for a moment and walked over and looked at the coat of arms upon his shield that was mounted over his large fireplace. Not looking at the younger knight he replied in a low voice. " Elaine has reviewed the case and decided that as a Knight you were completely and fully justified in the actions you have taken. The sentence for Dark Lord minions is death by hanging, dismemberment and burial under a crossroads at night in secret so that their spirit will have no idea where to walk and cause further trouble. Already the scaffold is being build."

Ezekiel nodded, "What of the fact that they are nobles in there own country? Would not Betred and Corman take offense at the execution of their nobles? I cannot see the Chaka Forest being pleased with this as well. Perhaps if they recanted and accepted punishment?"

"You have much to understand of the rules between the Kings. Betred may protest but I doubt it. You see one of the rules between Rulers is that anyone travelling to another country, even if he were an ambassador, must obey the laws of the country he is visiting! The King of Tlashtek arrested Corman himself, in that country for disobeying this law! While some Kings protested this, most abided by the law and all took no action!"

"In this case where Betred has forbidden Dark Lord influences in his country he dare not protest at all! Corman will not because he stands fore square against the Dark Lord as well! The Chaka Forest will also accept Elaine's judgement in this case because most rulers will back her rather than the Cy Clan. You will find her justice will stand against the entire King's and none will interfere for they have the same rights on you when you visit their lands! You will be expected to face the criminals as they are hung. I certainly hope you can pass this test." The Elder Knight finished as he turned to look at the young knight.

Artuneys

The cleric awoke in a comfortable bed the next day and was about to get ready to leave when he received a summons from the Dark Lord to appear. He was lead to a richly appointed office where he saw a bruised and partially burnt Mar with her clothes ripped and torn standing near the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord did not look pleased and Artuneys wondered what happened. He expected the worst.

"We sent word to your friends in the Towers. Without warning or provocation they had the nerve to attack my messenger! How do you explain this outrage? How could your so called allies have had the nerve to attack a harmless 13 year old girl who is no more than a temple functionary?"

"Sir, it must be a mistake! It must have been Kalain's doing for only he would have been so bold, fanatical and thoughtless! The last I heard was that they were arguing over the leadership of the party! Perhaps he has somehow forced the others to obey him for I could not see the original party members making that stupid a mistake!"

The Dark Lord looked at Mar and she quickly spoke, "This could well be Master, only the Paladin truly attacked me. I think the others would have protected me but had little chance to do so. Could the Paladin have somehow been converted by the Livyanuian cleric? He sounded much like him as he made his attack. It did follow a Livyanu pattern!" Mar smiled shyly at the cleric.

Artuneys was relieved that Mar did not appear to hold a grudge, for this would certainly make this an easier complication to work around. "Perhaps I should go directly to the Towers myself and attempt to straighten out the bad manners of the Paladin." Artuneys said to the Master of Evil, "It certainly should not be tolerated that a paladin would be allowed to attack a child. "

"I think that would not be wise in your case. If the Paladin does win and considering he has Queen Elaine backing him up and that is certainly likely, as well as the elf king supporting them, I think you would stand little chance. This would mean that Kalain would be able to go straight to Tlashtek and give Betred his contaminated potion. I suspect the elf lord may be goading the Paladin into an attack and he may even be a spy for the elves. I think you should go immediately to Kalain and seek to neutralize him, without telling him that you have been here," said the Dark Lord thoughtfully.

"You want me to kill Kalain?" Artuneys asked in shock. "Of course not," responded Dick. "I want you get his potion away from him so that he can't use it or give it to anyone else. Betred must not get a tampered potion that would most likely place him under elf control. Betred must be free to handle trade in a neutral manner or the whole world will suffer. I will send you personally, come with me." Quickly the Dark Lord left the room followed by a startled Artuneys as Mar went to rest.

Kalain

Slowly raised the Flame gun and carefully aimed it at Rebecca but was suddenly startled by a whumping sign close behind him and he felt a gust of cold air stir his against his neck. He spun quickly and pointed the gun at a startle appearing Artuneys. Artuneys raised his hands quickly and spoke fast, "Geez, don't shoot! I'm here to help you! Did I get here in time to help you get the potion and save Rebecca?"

Kalain was shocked but quickly holstered his weapon. "How and why should a fallen cleric help me? You say you can save Rebecca but I distrust you. Where have you been and how did you know I was here?"

Artuneys nodded and continued to speak quickly. "I have come from a certain ruler who says they have helped Livyanuians before on their ceremonies. I am sure you know which one I am talking about. I propose that between us we can do a ceremony that will harm the elves, save Rebecca, and still give Betred his potion as you promised to do. I remind you that while I did indeed fall that since that time I have supported you as well as I could and you yourself freed me. Are you willing to hear me out on this?"

Kalain nodded thoughtfully, it appeared that Elaine had decided to aid him willingly after all. "We start with the willing sacrifice of your Honor Guard. If he is willing to give his life for his future Queen, then you must flame him while my Runes protect him. Then we will enter and confront the traps and guards inside. Once we acquire the potion it will be my payment and I will take it to Betred. You will then have the guard burn this evil elf tree that symbolizes elf power. As this tree is destroyed we will use the power of its components to change Rebecca back to her true form. If you wish a greater affect, I am sure there are many magical plants here, why burn just one tree, let us burn this area and clear the land for Livyanuian settlement as well. Imagine your King's delight when Rebecca is returned to him minus all the evil influences and Kalain is the one who did it!"

Kalain looked at the Honor Guard and Rebecca. "I see the Honor Guard is the link to Harpin and thus to Elaine as well and includes the powers against the demonic with the Jelgai King. You supply that link, which is again a link to Elaine. Will the Honor Guard be destroyed by his sacrifice?"

"If the one who planned this ceremony is correct, then the answer will be no. I suspect the Guard will advance to the next level or power because of the links we use. Conceivably he could even make your King also rise a level as well since three Kings are involved in this ceremony. Are you willing to take the risk?" The Honor Guard nodded in agreement.

Artuneys quickly went to work placing several runes upon him and after an hour he nodded to Kalain who lifted his weapon and fired upon the guard. Standing apparently unharmed in the blast he an Artuneys then walked toward the tree and entered through a huge rift in the trunk. Inside the large hollowed out tree they say a circular stairway that clung tightly to the walls. With no hesitation they proceeded to the wall and started to climb up. They had gone only a quarter of the way up the stairs when suddenly a voice speaking in elfish demanded that they halt or face the consequences.

"I don't see anything." Stated Artuneys cautiously peering around. Kalain spit over the side. "Typical elf Drek! We keep going and if anything comes out we kill it. " He stepped forward and the several steps suddenly dropped from beneath him on a pivot. Kalain fell into the space, as did Artuneys, both hurtling towards the hard ground below!

Crazyhands

"Your proposal, on the face of it seems to be genuine but excuse me if I think there is a faint stench about your true motives." Said Crazyhands with a smile. "So now you give me an option of presenting Betred with a third possible potion, if the formula for that one has not been faked as well. Well now, isn't that just full of help? You wouldn't happen to have a potion tester around would you so that I can weed the bad ones from the good ones?"

"Short of making someone drink it and taking a chance of losing the right one? Nope. Still you have to admit, that by now only the Dark Lord knows for sure which one is the real untampered potion. Look how devious this all is. You're hired to find a potion. Seems easy enough for most adventurers. Now normally you go where the potion is, fight a few monsters and come back. Simple huh? Well the Dark Lord is King of Deception, we both have brains enough to know that, so who else set all this up?" Skragg looked at Crazyhands for a moment, "I know of at least four existing potions right now. The first is the one the Dark Lord gave Artuneys. The second is the copy Artuneys stole from Betred's Vault!

"Huh?" Crazyhands looked surprised. "You mean to say Betred had a copy of the potion in his own fragging vault? I don't fragging believe this!"

Skragg laughed, "Yep, but don't blame him for that. The potion was unlabelled and the book had not been discovered. No one in his right mind drinks a potion with unknown affects unless it is life or death. Artuneys was smarter than you guys knew or guessed. He put the pieces of the puzzle together quickly. Betred had raided in the Dark Lands and just taken the stuff and crammed it into his vault where it was sorted and left. After Artuneys had read that book he had a brainstorm so he made the deal to rob the vault with Betred. He just never told him the potion was there."

"So Artuneys grabbed the potion, perhaps an untampered one before he even left Tlashtek Heights and hid it. I'll bet by now he has recovered it and so he has two potions on him both which may be tampered or untampered. Knowing that sneaky bastige, I'll bet he made them look just alike and is waiting for someone to steal whichever one he thinks is the dangerous one." Crazyhands finished disgustedly. "Anyone have a fragging map, I can't keep up with the trails here."

"Yep so Artuneys has two, Kalain may well get one and I suspect Artuneys has gone to him but I am not completely sure because the Dark Lord is hiding them both at the moment. I think Artuneys is after Kalain's potion as well. Since I suspect they are all traps, I think we should go check the elf's Castle don't you?" Skragg finished with a smile.

"Seems I have little choice, my only hope is to try to trump his ace and you’re the Joker in the Deck. OK so how do we pull this off?" Skragg came close and whispered in his ear and Crazyhands started to smile. The next morning they were well on the way and after a full days worth of travel they arrived near the outskirts of King's Tree. Carefully a small group led by Skragg approached a small alter in one of the sacred groves and released a hidden catch exposing a tunnel. The escape route in case the elf nobility needed to leave suddenly.

The group quickly entered and carefully made there way through the tunnel. They had walked for some time when suddenly a large spider fell from the ceiling onto the back of one of the warriors and bit viciously into his neck injecting a paralyzing poison! The warrior fell without a sound. Even as the others sought to defend themselves a light lit in the tunnel and an elf guard appeared. "You're all under arrest, come quietly or I'll let the spiders have you all!" He stated sternly.

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.

Ezekiel, Jaul, Sirron and Doc Ryan

Sirron thought quietly for several minutes and then looked at Jaul strangely. "I have a bad feeling about this situation." Doc laughed, "Jail IS a BAD situation you moron," he stated sarcastically. "I've never heard anyone say that going to jail was a pleasant experience. Perhaps, you might chose to enlighten all us stupids with something a bit more useful. Especially since you weren't much help when the Paladin slapped us in here in the first place."

He turned away in disgust and began to examine the dungeon carefully. There was magic here and he could use it. Doc had no intention of waiting around for someone to release him. The fact that Mar was not in the same cell as they were worried him. "Barbarians!" He thought, "to treat a young girl in such a fashion."

Unfazed by the comments from the mage, Sirron continued, "Escape may be of the essence, and if we depart I think a reason or statement should be left behind for Elaine. While she may read or may not read it, that is not important."

Jaul looked at the Cy Clan with no little disgust and a lot of anger evident in his features. "What have I done so badly that they would lock me up with you TWO loonies? This leadership thing is for the birds. You want to escape? Then for Betred's sake, escape! I won't stop you. Want to leave a note for Elaine? Go ahead. I could care less, but don't you think in that enormous Cy Clan intellect you're suppose to have that our escaping is a statement enough?"

"All you guys are is a royal pain in the butt! This party had a fanatic, a fallen priest, a righteous mutineer paladin, a crazy mage, and a touchy thief who wants to be treated with honor. Now I have a Cy Clan seer/advisor who always gives either useless or the wrong advice when it is too late to do anything about it! Why don't you look ahead far enough so I can do something before the Drek hits my face?"

The Cy Clan turned away from what he considered the temper tantrum and concentrated carefully. He had never tried this power before but had seen it demonstrated. A few moments later Ezekiel came tromping down the steps in his heavy armor. He walked over to the guards and motioned them to move aside.

"By order of her Majesty Queen Elaine, I am to conduct the criminals into her presence. Release them in my charge and you may return to your posts." Ezekiel looked at the three in the cell. "I would advise you not to attempt to escape my charge. If you attempt to do so you will be killed." The guards unlocked the door and Jaul walked out angrily followed by Sirron and then Ryan.

Jaul quickly spoke hotly. "Have you no loyalty? Betred hired you to help find his token and you arrest us and keep us from completing the task he paid us for. You traitor!"

Sirron spoke to Ezekiel as well. "It would have helped if you had at least given us a chance to explain before you had us branded as Tools of the Dark Lord. It appears you and your Queen are as bad as that fanatic from Livyanu. Who appointed you judge, jury and executioner? Is there no justice in this land?"

Ezekiel said nothing but motioned with his sword towards the stairs. Seeing little choice the party started to climb the circular steps. However when they got to the top, Jaul suddenly noticed that Ezekiel was no longer behind him. He suddenly stopped and looked around but saw no sign of the Paladin anywhere! Sirron showing no emotion or surprise walked past Jaul and up the steps followed by closely by a mumbling Ryan. Both stopped and waited at the top and eventually the puzzled Jaul gave up and joined them at the top of the stairs where he commented in a normal voice. "Now I guess we get killed for attempting to escape."

"Attempt nothing." Ryan laughed at the ranger, "Can't you tell a simple illusion when you see one? We have already escaped. Some leader you are, you don't even know when someone breaks you out of jail. I think the Intelligence drops 5 points whenever someone is made leader, especially of this Quest. I suspect we are under a curse."

Jaul looked at him moment in exasperation. "Why didn't you tell me you made an illusion?" Ryan shook his head negatively. "What if someone was listening or watching? Besides he did it," he pointed at Sirron, "I just helped him a little with some of the side affects."

"I don't think this is the time we should be standing around and talking about what we already did when there is so much more to be done to set things right. We have to stop Kalain. Other guards are bound to get suspicious and show up soon," noted Sirron.

"Then why are we standing here now?" asked Jaul in a surly tone. "We are waiting for someone to open the door." replied Sirron shortly. "Door? Open the Door? You IDIOT! The door on the other side of the room is already open! It leads out into a corridor!" screamed Jaul in low voice.

Even as he spoke the stone wall midway across the room and to the right suddenly glowed with a yellow light and then a large hole sized piece of it quietly vanished. "That door." said Sirron without a smile but a satisfied look on his face as the others stared at him in amazement. A horned helmet with a barbarian under it stepped through the newly created hole and Loathsome Pissmire smiled at the party. He waved cheerfully and chuckled at the surprise on their faces.

"We were sent to rescue you guys by your friend Artuneys and our boss the Dark Lord. Seems like you guys busted out of Tin Can Prison on your own though. Good Work it saves us the time to have to go and find you. Were supposed to get you to the fanatic so you can stop him from screwing things up!" He finished bellowing loudly from across the room. Doc looked at him, "We still have to rescue Mar." The others noticed that Pissmire had three other barbarians with him and a dwarf that they figured had replaced the member of the band that Kalain had killed back in Tlashtek.

The lead barbarian smiled, "No need for that she managed to escape and warned the Dark Lord about the Paladin. That was why we got here so fast. I expect you'll be seeing your girlfriend soon enough." The other barbarians chuckled as Doc's face turned red.

Suddenly Ezekiel came through the door at the end of the room and with an exclamation of surprise he stopped in astonishment to see the party out of their dungeon cell. The party also noticed that Ezekiel had brought with him a substantial number of guards, even to Jaul there was little doubt that this was no illusion but the real thing! Doc Ryan took one look at the situation facing the three surprised parties and seeing the only obvious escape route, he raced into the hole with the barbarians. Sirron quickly followed Ryan and a moment later by Jaul himself. Ezekiel seeing the party running drew his sword and shouted his men forward. In heavy armor though the Paladin had no chance of catching the lighter, unencumbered escapees.

The barbarians after the party passed them also hastily withdrew as they collapsed the tunnel opening behind them. The refugees could hear the voice of Ezekiel shouting angrily behind the collapsed wall, "Halt! Surrender! Now there is no doubt you are working for the Dark Lord. You will be hunted down and killed….. " His voice was then blocked off as they raced through the tunnel as it continued to collapse behind them as they raced up it's length. The barbarians were laughing and whooping at the ease of their escape.

Ezekiel angrily wasted no time raising the alarm that Nylss barbarians had once again burrowed into the dungeons in a blatant attack on the Towers. This time they had released dangerous prisoners. Having fled the Queens Justice, there would now be little doubt that the party was serving the intent of the Overlord of Evil! Kalain had proven to be correct after all and should be warned. Ezekiel smiled. He knew where they must go and with the aid of Elaine's power he would be there before the criminals could possibly arrive! He turned away to make his preparations. The lawbreakers would not escape his justice so easily!

Jaul, Sirron and Doc raced through the tunnel and at the far end and managed to climb a small slope that quickly arose into a grove of trees near the castle. There they discovered strange mounts awaiting them! They seemed to resemble Giant HoneyBees but were much larger. These things were horse sized. Loathsome looked at the three in amusement. "The latest invention of Queen Aurora, we call them Spluds. They'll carry us to Artuneys. These things are great fliers and they can carry loads that would kill a mule. Don't worry, they're not that dangerous, give them some flowers to munch and let them get back to the hive every now and then and their as docile as a teddy bear."

Jaul eyed the Giant Bees warily. Loathsome smacked him on the back in hearty good humor. "This Splud's for you!" He remarked pointing at one especially villainous looking insect. "Mount up, we don't have a lot of time." Jaul glared at the grinning barbarian but did as he was bid. "Your name isn't Biggs or Church is it?" Jaul mumbled quietly in disgust. He received no answer though and didn't really expect one. Soon the party was mounted and with a loud humming noise the Spluds quickly took to the air and began the long journey southward towards Namarushta.

Doc had been in the saddle for a couple of hours when he noticed something very strange. His Splud and the dwarfs seem to be lagging slightly. He looked at the dwarf strangely and suddenly noticed that the dwarf was signaling him in the private language of magicians! A strangely quiet conversation insued. "What do you want?" asked Ryan curiously.

"I have something I was entrusted to give only to you. You recall that Queen Karen of Crystallu is favorable to your people and we have an alliance?" replied the dwarf.

"I do, but what makes you think I would believe you about anything?" stated Doc interrupting.

"Why don't you shut up and listen to the whole story and then make up your own mind?" signed the dwarf bluntly. "I was only supposed to make the delivery, what you do with it is your business. Catch!" He tossed over a potion vile with strange black and green swirls in it. "During the time this potion was made, the Crystallu elves were the nobles. Did you not think they would not make a copy of this potion themselves?" Queen Karen gives it to you as a gift, do with it as you will."

Doc frantically signaled to the dwarf in an effort to learn more but was ignored. Minutes later the two Spluds had again caught up to the pack and the journey resumed. Doc finally gave up and thought. Artuneys was known to have a potion, Crazyhands was after another and Kalain after a third, now he had a fourth choice. Which one was right? Were any of them the correct potion? Why would Queen Karen have given him such a valuable gift when it was reputed that her dislike of Betred was legend?

Artuneys and Kalain

As the two clerics fell through the air both reacted differently. Artuneys used the Ring of Spell Storing he had acquired while robbing the Tlashtek vault. Inside it had a flight spell and he was quickly able to arrest his fall and it allowed him to grasp Kalain as well. Kalain had attempted to free his whip in a hopeless attempt to try to snag something on the way down but stopped once the Jelgaian had proven that he had the situation under control.

Straining Artuneys continued to fly upwards bringing the cleric with him. "You need to go on a diet!" he complained breathily to the Livyanuian. "A priest of your stature should not have such a fat posterior."

Kalain glowered back, "I am not fat, and if you were to work out once in a while you might have enough muscle to do the job! It's shameful about how you have let yourself go using old age as an excuse. I shall have to lesson you on this later. In the meantime I'll say a prayer for you." Artuneys saving his breath but thinking uncomplimentary thoughts made no response but arriving at the top of the stairs he quickly deposited the cleric and landed heavily himself. A large voice with an undercurrent of reptilian hiss chuckled as they started to climb to their feet.

"Most amusing, small ones. It has been long since your race has visited me." Stepping forward from the shadows they noted a very large copper colored dragon approaching them. Kalain started to reach for his flame gun but Artuneys quickly stopped him. "You idiot! If you flame this guardian you might ruin your quest for Betred and you promised on your honor to complete it! How do you know where it has the potion? You might flame it and then we will never be able to finish your request, also what of your ceremony? If you flame us inside this tree your ceremony for Rebecca might fail. Let me reason with this monster of evil from a position of strength. Surely it will recognize your innate virtue and flee your presence for what evil can stand before a Speaker?"

Kalain looked at the fallen cleric distrustfully for a moment. "Very well I will allow you to approach the monster. If it eats you then I will destroy it. However, I will not bow to its will or make a deal with it. Give it a chance to leave after it gives me the potion and I will allow it to do so." Artuneys nodded and approached the dragon leaving Kalain behind and hopefully out of normal earshot. Just to be sure he placed a ward of silence around him and the dragon to be certain. The Dragon watched obviously amused as Artuneys created the rune.

"Are you attempting to protect yourself?" it inquired humorously to the cleric. "That petty magic you make could hardly be expected to stop me. Still if it makes you feel better about yourself go ahead."

"You're very tolerant for a guard dragon," said Artuneys as he completed his work. May I ask your name?" "You can ask," returned the dragon with a chuckle. Artuneys waited but no comment followed and he realized the dragon was not taking him seriously. He decided he would have to get the dragon's attention in a more forcible manner. "You realize what is outside this tree awaiting our orders?"

The dragon lowered its head until it was very close. Artuneys was extremely uncomfortable. The Dragon spoke quietly, "You refer to the Guardian Angel you have created outside. How could I not be aware of such a creature of power? You are not planning on making threats are you? I really do not like to be threatened. You won't get the chance to order that creature in here to battle me."

"I threaten a creature as powerful as you? You certainly do have a very good sense of humor for a dragon." Artuneys looked at the dragon his face betraying nothing, "No I only bring it to your attention because I dislike surprises. You see we need not order it, if we don't come out in a certain time frame it will destroy this tree and everything in it. I like to think of it as a bodyguard so that we may talk amicably and in privacy. You see that fellow I brought with me? He has no sense of the subtleties or protocols of our situation. He would prefer to destroy everything. I however prefer a more reasonable approach."

"I see, " stated the dragon in a somewhat surly voice, "What do you want?" he raised his head and deliberately looked elsewhere as if he no longer cared. He appeared to be uninterested in the conversation but Artuneys knew he had made his point. It was time to indulge in some slave like diplomacy.

"You see we came to ask you to aid us in a small way. You have a potion we seek with black and green swirls. It is a small thing. If you give it to us you will then be free to take your hoard and leave this decrepit place of confinement unopposed. After all you certainly must hate this rotten, smelly and small old tree. Having to stand guard here day and night to watch and guard your hoard must be exhausting. Deep in the Dark Lands there are many old castles and buildings so much better suited to a dragon of your stature. I have connections with the Dark Lord and I am sure he would have something suitable for you." Artuneys mentioned enticingly.

The dragon looked at him with renewed interest. "You mean the Dark Lord sent you here and my bondage is complete? I need not guard the potion further?"

"You are free to leave once you have given me the potion. The Dark Lord sent me here personally for that very task, but you will understand that my companion does not know this and I would prefer you to keep silent on the subject." Artuneys nodded knowingly to the dragon.

"Of course, Of course. Go into the next room you will find the potion there, I must see to the movement of the hoard. Thank you." The dragon turned and immediately walked back into the shadows and was soon out of sight." Artuneys turned and walked back to Kalain banishing his rune.

"What did you say to that creature of evil?" asked Kalain suspiciously. "I see no potion in your hand." Artuneys smiled happily. The dragon was of good alignment, it was after all a metallic dragon. It saw the righteousness of your cause and it states the potion waits for us in the next room. It went to pack a few belongings and leave. It heartily encourages you to destroy this tree and as much of the surrounding evil of the elves as you possibly can. It has guarded this place of evil for many years to prevent its misuse and now is glad you have come to release him from the task."

Kalain looked surprised and looked after the dragon speculatively. "The creature seems to be acceptable. Very well, let us get the potion." He walked into the room and found the potion standing in a small silver rack on a lone pedestal in the center of the room. He saw no sign of the Dragon. He walked back out and proceeded carefully down the steps but nothing occurred to interrupt their journey. Kalain gave the potion to Artuneys as he had promised. Artuneys smiled quietly as he followed the cleric down the stairs. He now had three potions.

As they arrived outside Kalain motioned for the guard too not only destroy the tree but as much of the surrounding area as well. With flaming sword the Guardian Angel began to destroy the woods. Several elves attempted to shoot at the Angel but it had no affect and they fled the area to raise the alarm. Even as this occurred Kalain and Artuneys concentrated their clerical powers and destroyed the Green Sickness that had transformed Rebecca! Kalain was overjoyed.

As the Guardian finished his task he was charged with the responsibility of returning Rebecca to the King. They departed immediately. Kalain turned to Artuneys, "I assume we go to Tlashtek now?" Before Artuneys could reply a familiar voice spoke. "No, you arrest that tool of the Dark Lord who stands next to you! Artuneys Sendant. I hereby arrest you in the name of Queen Elaine as being an associate of the Dark Lord. When your other criminal friends arrive you will be executed for your crimes!" The two turned, startled and saw Ezekiel the Paladin in shining silver armor instead of normal black armor and the symbol of Eadwill's Guards upon his shield, standing with drawn sword and obviously ready to strike.

Ezekiel looked at Kalain, "Speaker, you have been seduced by evil. You have harkened to the words of evil Artuneys Sendant who works against your purpose. Either repent of your evil ways and aid me now for a 'Lessoning' later or prove your innocence in a duel of arms!" Kalain and Artuneys both looked in shock at the Paladin.

Crazyhands

Not even for a second did Crazyhands believe the guard. Neither did Skragg and like a well-oiled team both went into action. Knowing he was the one the guard would most likely watch closely Skragg raised himself to his greatest height and slammed a shining steel incased knuckled fist into the Spider and with a squishing sound it was no more. Crazyhands seeing the suddenly rounded eyes of the guard looking at the ape used a loop garrote and cleanly removed the elf's head in one quick slice.

No other spiders dropped from the ceiling and no other action followed. Two of the other party members picked up the fallen man and left while the rest continued forward. A short time later opening a secret panel they appeared in the main throne room. The group was not surprised to see Breeze and Thistle with 20 elite guard confronting them. Skragg smiled at them and Thistle's eyes narrowed.

"You're under arrest. Throw down your weapons or you will be destroyed. Surely you do not think we would have left such an entry way unmonitored by more than one person?" stated Thistle bluntly.

Skragg continued to smile, "I think not and if you’re smart, you'll do what you‘re told and I'll tell you why. My friend here, " he pointed to Crazyhands, "is carrying a very large and powerful bomb. Any attempt by your Queen or if anyone here was to leave, we will be forced set it off. If Twiggs interferes in any way, we set it off, you don't give us what we want, and we set it off. I assure you the bomb will not only completely destroy this tree but everyone in it which is 90% of your countries nobility and power! The elves will never recover from such a blow."

"You wouldn't dare!" Breeze said angrily, "You yourself would be destroyed as well! Skragg laughed, "Your husband is Lord of Life but not the Emperor of Knowledge! What makes you believe I am the real Skragg? Even so you know that Skragg never makes a threat unless he is willing to back it up! Let me assure you that given the circumstances I have no reason not to explode that bomb if you give us reason. So before you act rashly, realize this, you have everything to lose if the bomb does go off. You have no idea what will set it off. You cannot get to this man fast enough without going past my protection and that will not be easy to do in the little time you have had to prepare."

"Also be aware that Britteny is ready to attack your country the moment the bomb does go off and will eliminate the other 10% of your nobles as well. Here are my demands. You will escort us by a circuitous route to your treasure vault. My man here will select no more than three items from that vault."

"All your guests in the palace will accompany Thistle, yourself and us. We will harm no one else and you will escort us out. Somewhere during your tour one of us will possibly hide the bomb in this tree. We will depart. Escorted outside by you to an Extensive Tower. Once we are safely out of range you may then search and discover the bomb. Upon discovery by you it will become inactive."

It was obvious that Thistle and Breeze disliked the situation but having no immediate way of changing it they agreed to the demands and all went as they stated until they arrived at the vault. Once their Crazyhands made some surprising selections. He discovered the green and black potion but no formula. He discovered Twigg’s stash of Extensive Enterprises Stock that he pocketed with a truly evil smile and he selected Lorega Jarvik, one of the guests! Both Thistle and Breeze protested the selection but Crazyhands was stubborn and Lorega was tied and bound, to be returned to the King of Tlashtek.

Shortly after this escorted to the King's Tree Tower, which was heavily guarded, the group stepped into the Tower and was whisked to the Extensive facility at Tlashtek! Skragg nodded to Crazyhands and immediately departed to Shennu with his warriors while Crazyhands using his authority took Lorega and himself into hiding. He decided to await the arrival of the others.

How do you bring a fool and his money together?

Jaul, Sirron and Doc Ryan

It had been a long time since the last rest break. The sun was beginning to set and although they had another couple of hours of daylight time, mainly because of the flying Spluds, Jaul decided that they should land while it was still daylight and a proper camp could be set up. What he didn't tell anyone though was that he had seen a flash of brilliant green light down near the ground in the heavy forest and wanted to investigate it. He considered if he should tell anyone else about it. Finally after looking closely at the barbarians he decided it would be wiser to say nothing to anyone, after all they were working for the Dark Lord.

Sirron was very weary, The power and concentration required to create the illusion for the escape had drained his powers. He had been trying to get some kind of impression about the intentions of the barbarians but discovered nothing of interest. It appeared that they were actually doing what they said they were doing. As the Spluds came in for a landing, he had all he could do to stay awake.

Doc Ryan had decided to booby trap his potion in case anyone attempted to steal it and then had carefully hidden it away in his magic box. He then decided to place some magic protection on himself to protect against magical attacks. While tired out he was not as worn down as Sirron and watched with amusement as the Cy Clan's head kept bobbing up and down. He started to make bets with two of the barbarians. The barbarian's were certain that Sirron would fall out of the saddle before they landed while Doc was just as certain that he would make it to the ground. It was close but Doc collected 5 gold pieces when Sirron did indeed make it to the landing site without falling off.

Once on the ground the barbarians and dwarf quickly set up a camp and Sirron was helped to rest under the boughs of a large tree. Doc looked at the tree carefully with his magical sight. The tree like many plants in this forest radiated elf magic. This type seemed to have some type of healing magic associated with it but it was intricately complex and he did not fully understand all of it. So he deemed it safe for Sirron to sleep under. Perhaps it would even help him. He had once heard something about the elves using companion plants. Maybe this was one such.

Doc spent little time looking though because he was having a problem. He had started to run a fever and his vision was becoming blurred. Soon his throat was sore and he was feeling weak. He also was placed to rest and soon was talking disjointedly. It appeared Doc was going to need some time to rest as well. Jaul looked disgusted. He had hoped to take Doc with him to help him examine the treasure. It appeared that circumstance had conspired against him.

Leaving the barbarians and dwarf on guard he told them that he was planning to scout the area and would return shortly. After leaving site of the camp he quickly changed directions and after walking carefully over some rocky ground and being careful of his back trail he managed to arrive at the site he had spotted from the air. It took him very little time to discover a strange treasure. Someone had obviously found the trove once before and possibly some items had been removed and the others had been hurriedly concealed. Whoever it was had never returned though and had possibly died somewhere else for little could be seen of any sign of danger.

Jaul bent over and carefully observed the items. There were five of them left and they were quite interesting. The first item was a green crystalline tree, an evergreen, delicately and painstaking made in intricate detail. The second item was a multicolored rod about six inches long, much like a roll of coins in shape. The colors seemed to move and change as he poked it carefully with a dagger. The third item was a crystalline green necklace with a strangely metallic green clasp. The Jewels on it all appeared to be very large and perfect emeralds. Jaul estimated that there were at least eight emeralds and each was easily worth 25, 000 gold pieces each. The metal was unlike any he had ever seen and the piece was certainly valuable.

The forth item was a small multi colored ball, much like a large marble. Like the rod it two was multicolored and swirled in ever changing pastel patterns. A small musical noise much like wind chimes could be heard to come from the ball when he listened closely from his bent position. The last item was a strangely intricate and ornately framed mirror. This intrigued him the most. The mirror was what had undoubtedly caught his attention from the air. The frame was the same strange green metal that was seen on the necklace. The mirror seem to reflect perfectly without distortion and he suspected it of being Crystallu manufacture which would make it most likely a highly prized magical item. The mirror seemed to have a strange greenish tinge to its surface.

After carefully looking for traps such as poison, deadfalls, and trigger traps he carefully and quickly picked up the mirror after first moving it with his dagger. The mirror felt cool but comfortable in his hand and he decided to try to use it to see if he could scry magically. He looked into the Mirror and thought of Ezekiel to see if he was following him. For a moment the Mirror seemed to clear and he saw Ezekiel with drawn sword. He appeared to be confronting Kalain and Artuneys, then the picture faded. Satisfied he hid the mirror carefully in his belongings and took the others as well.

As he walked back towards the camp he felt suddenly warm and flushed. A short time later as he staggered back into camp he was feeling decidedly shaky. It was with some surprise when the guard barbarian let out a yell and fled from him. He heard some excited yelling and something about a plague and moments later he heard the buzzing of the Spluds as they took off. The barbarians had not even bothered to saddle or pack the animals but had left the camp in some disarray. Jaul feeling weak collapsed into his bed and promptly fell asleep. His dreams were filled with flashes of green and views of the mirror. He tossed restlessly as his body took on a darker greenish tinge.

Sirron awoke the next day feeling refreshed and fit. He noticed the camp seemed to be in some confusion and the barbarians with their strange mounts were gone. He arose and remembered that Doc had not looked so good when he had last seen him. He decided to investigate. Doc still appeared to be running a fever and was sleeping restlessly. Sirron decided to try to get a psychic impression and was surprised when a slightly feminine musical voice spoke telepathically in his mind. He quickly looked around but saw no one.

"Your friends sickness is not a normal one. It has been imposed upon him by a magical device linked to the Dark Lord, which he carries in his magical box." Sirron still saw no one and the voice did not sound like a Cy Clan. "Where are you?" He asked in confusion. The voice laughed, "Inside you of course, you silly human. Are you going to help your friend? Be careful though his box is magically protected against intrusion, as is the potion he placed inside it. If you do decide to open it you will find a small triangular crystal inside. Destroy the crystal and he will recover."

Sirron looked warily at the box with a worried expression. "I find it most disconcerting that you are inside me. How did you get in there and what are your intentions?" The voice now definitely female giggled. "Well, that is a long story. Isn't it enough that I am here and that if you die so do I? My intentions are to live a full and healthy life so that should make you feel a lot better."

"Somehow that doesn't seem to have eased my mind any," remarked Sirron blandly. "What if I don't want you, can you leave?" The voice petulantly replied back, "You're not a very good host are you? Here I improve your health, increase your mental powers, give you good advice and offer you companionship and the first thing you do is tell me to get out! Well maybe I just won't help you anymore until you apologize. IF I could leave I would die and you would be worse off. So why don't you make the best of the situation? To bad I had to pick such an inconsiderate, unappreciative host. Your attitude sucks!"

"Stop nagging me." Stated Sirron red faced, "I just asked. There's no need for you to be so emotional. I apologize if I gave any offense and I certainly deeply appreciate any help you can give me. Do you have a name?" "Name?" The voice responded sounding puzzled. Sirron shrugged and decided to try again later. Time was wasting. He looked at Doc again and saw no improvement.

"You said his magical box is protected, and the thing is inside there, so how do I get to it to destroy it? Sirron thought to himself. "The voice spoke scornfully, "He has a fever you idiot. Take control of his mind and have him open it for you. Then you reach in, pick it up and destroy it. Even with enhanced intelligence you're not to smart are you?"

Sirron was frustrated with the voice in his head. "OK you're so smart how would you do this?" The voice was amused, "Like this." Sirron felt a strange twisting inside his mind and suddenly he was floating over his collapsed body. Holding his hand appeared to be a young elven girl with dark green hair, lips and eyes. She had a light green skin and the whitest and sharpest teeth he had ever seen. Her ears were large and pointed. She was looking at him in amusement.

Without a word she quickly dragged him to Docs body and they seemed to enter it. He tried raising his hand and it arose jerkily. He quickly fumbled with the box and forced it open and saw clouds of different colored magic swirling in the separated sections of the box. Embedded in the side of the inside cover was a small triangle with writing on it in magic. The inscription read, 'If you find this, I put it here to protect you from a terrible fate. If you wish you can now move and destroy it. Signed Mar."

The ranger could see the black and greenish magic swirling around the item. It smelled of death and was slimy and disgusting to the touch. He gingerly picked it up and closed the box. He threw the item on the ground and crushed it under his boot. He was suddenly yanked back out of his body and found himself back in his own. He felt weak and tired. The voice spoke to him. "I'll have you back on your feet in a few minutes and then I suggest you eat a lot of food. We don't have much left in the way of reserves. Now I guess you know how the Paladin and Kalain see Dark Lord influences. Gross isn't it?"

The Cy Clan did agree that it was gross. He arose slowly and began to eat some food left over in the pot and still simmering from the evening before. After eating he noticed Doc had awoken and looked much better. Both went to examine Jaul. The Tlashtekian was blackened from head to toe and appeared to be out of his head and raving. Doc looked at him in shock. "It's the Green Sickness. The Dark Lord has claimed him as his own. It appears Ezekiel was right and we have been under the influence of the Dark Lord! What do we do now?"

"You do nothing criminals!" A harsh but familiar voice rasped behind them. "The sinning is great. Confessed out of your own mouths you are, and look that one has the full sinning deep upon him. For such a one there is only one hope." Sirron and Doc quickly turned to confront the voice.

Ezekiel, Kalain, Artuneys and finally Crazyhands

Kalain spoke quickly, "So the fallen Paladin has started to learn what it truly means to be a Paladin. We shall see if you are correct. You say I have fallen because Artuneys is with me and has aided me. Then the proof shall be Artuneys. If we find he is a Dark Lord minion then you are correct and I will submit to your punishment with joy! If he is not then you must withdraw your charge. Do you agree?"

He turned to the Jelgain next to him. "Artuneys Sendant step forward and answer the charge of this Paladin! Your life hangs in the balance, for if you prove to be Dark Lord scum I will kill you myself!" Artuneys nodded and stepped forward. "I state now that I am not a servant of evil and never have been. I told this Paladin that I was going to the Dark Lands to continue the Quest. He raised no objection at that time. I also state honestly that the elf king, Elaine herself and Harpin have spoken with the Dark Lord but are not considered by anyone to be his servants!"

"It is my job to confront evil just as it is the Paladins. I chose to confront the Dark Lord at peril to life and soul to make the world a better place. I stand ready to pay that price now. Paladin if you truly think I am in league with the Dark Lord then your course is clear. You must kill me, here and now. My willingness to die is my proof. Slay me now with my blessing upon you," finished Artuneys kneeling before the Paladin and bowing his head for the strike. Kalain nodded thoughtfully, "Just so. What he says is truth, kill him if you are convinced of his guilt, then turn your sword upon me. I will not oppose you."

Ezekiel raised his sword and swung with all his might but it suddenly stopped resting lightly on the Jelgaian cleric's neck! A vision of Elaine appeared, "Well Done Champions of Law! Your FAITH has set you free. Ezekiel struck to kill having faith that he would do the right thing! Kalain had faith in his innocence. Artuneys had faith in the Justice of Law! You have proven your innocence for only by a willing sacrifice of your life can evil be stopped! The Dark Lord has spoken to you but you have avoided his trap."

"Rebecca has been freed from her fate and a great wrong has been righted. I will continue to aid you in your course. Travel to the Northeast and you will soon come across the ones the Dark Lord has truly touched. You will know how to deal with them. Crazyhands the thief awaits you in Tlashtek. Your Quest is almost complete but beware the revenge of the elf king." The vision slowly faded.

Ezekiel nodded abruptly and sheathed his sword. "The Queen has spoken. Rise Artuneys Sendant and take your place once again as a cleric of the Jelgai and a Champion of Law. Come we must go and arrest the criminals Jaul, Sirron and Doc. They have fallen to evil and they must not be permitted further opportunity to cause chaos in the world. Even now I smell the stench of the Dark Lord upon them to the Northeast." So saying he marched forward into the now smoldering woods.

Kalain looked puzzled but said nothing. It appeared the Paladin had gained power for he could feel no sign of the elf magic or Dark Lord powers he knew so well. Still things appeared to be coming to a close as Hysander had stated, so he said nothing but turned and followed the Paladin.

Artuneys calmly arose and picked up his belongings and also followed behind. He had finally been vindicated and restored to his rank. The true members of the evil had been discovered and were about to be captured. He looked forward to facing the Dark Lord stooges on a more equal footing this time. As they walked together they told each other of what had occurred since they had separated. They both agreed Ezekiel had done the correct thing and by escaping the others had proven themselves guilty.

About an hour later they arrived near the edge of a clearing and saw a strange sight. A hurriedly set up camp was in place but it looked as if several of the members were gone. Sirron was standing next to Doc and they were both looking down at a blackish lump on the ground. Artuneys, Kalain and Ezekiel listened carefully and heard Doc say, "It's the Green Sickness. The Dark Lord has claimed him as his own. It appears Ezekiel was right and we have been under the influence of the Dark Lord! What do we do now?"

"You do nothing criminals!" Stated Kalain grimly and with an air of satisfaction "The sinning is great. Confessed out of your own mouths you are, and look, that one has the full sinning deep upon him. For such a one there is only one hope." Stated Kalain boldly as he stepped forward with whip ready. "Seek not to avoid your just and righteous punishment, Sinners!"

Ezekiel also stepped forward and spoke harshly. "In the name of Queen Elaine you are under arrest Doc Ryan of Thimhalen and Sirron of the Cy Clan. There is nowhere you can run to escape my justice. Hearken well to the words of the Father and remove your weapons now!" He raised his sword and it glittered with a cold bluish light.

Sirron spoke back harshly, "I am not a Dark Lord tool! " before he could say more though he was interrupted by a smooth cultured voice.

"Ahh but you are." stated Artuneys as he stepped out of the trees as well. "What makes you think you are immune to influences of the Dark Lord? If you were not you would not have escaped with the aid of the Master of Evil." He pointed at Jaul, "This one has proven his greed by attempting to steal elf treasures in elf country. He was warned several times that this was dangerous but Dark Lord toadies seldom listen to good advice. They are to consumed with gain. "

Doc looked around carefully, "It appears we are outnumbered and somewhat at a disadvantage." He looked at Sirron. "I am open to suggestion." Sirron's thoughts raced. He knew he could easily escape the three but he would have to leave Jaul and Doc behind. This did not set well with him. Should he fight? The voice spoke convincingly inside his head. "I don't want you to do something that will get me killed. May I make a suggestion?" The voice spoke earnestly for several moments and then Sirron again spoke to the lawmen.

"You say you uphold the law. Very well, but we are in the elf lands! You have no authority to arrest us. All who travel to a foreign country must obey the laws of that country! That is a law that all the Kings have made! While you say we are tools of evil you still have no authority here to make such an arrest! Have you considered the ramifications if you do? Each King will have to pay and pay heavily to the Elf King for this violation and every King has to uphold it or they are tools of the Dark Lord as well!"

Ezekiel looked at them thoughtfully. Kalain looked stubborn. Artuneys though nodded in thought. "He is correct. If anyone can judge them here it has to be the elves. They could make a case that Kalain and myself are the criminals by elf law." Kalain spit, "We cannot allow these sinners to leave, to cause more trouble. Besides the elves are just stinking forest animals who serve the Dark Lord's will. Who cares what such think. I say we should kill them now!"

The Cy Clan nodded as well, "You have stated the full sinning is not in Doc or I. Very well, I accept your judgement. I will take your Lessoning if it will prove that I am not evil. However, Jaul is a different story. If Doc and I accept your judgements without complaint will you return Jaul to his own King for judgement by the laws of his people? We know Betred has stated that minions of the Evil one are proscribed. Let him deal with the results."

Ezekiel spoke, "This seems reasonable to me. He offers his body as sacrifice for another. This is a sign that the Dark Lord is loosening his hold and this one is willing to change. I say we give him his chance." Artuneys nodded, "I also agree." They both looked at Kalain.

"Very well, but he barters like a Tlashtekian offering two souls for one. Still the one is already hopeless and should suffer long and hard unto death to save his soul. On these two may be the results." He uncoiled his whip as Doc and Sirron prepared grimly.

Several hours later Doc was cursing the pain. Kalain had not used the magical ties this time but rope vines from the forest. Having no magic to protect himself this time, his back ran freely with blood. The magician's back resembled hamburger. Kalain had been satisfied and had not spared the whip this time either because the damaged did prove the magician's guilt! He would not allow Artuneys to heel the magician either. The Paladin had chosen not to do so as well.

Sirron's back had been just as bad, however, the voice inside him had thrown up nerve blocks to stop the pain and was now healing him at a truly phenomenal rate. His back was almost normal. Kalain took this as a sign of true repentance and was satisfied with the Cy Clans actions. Sirron thought to himself as he started to work on bandaging the Docs back. Kalain, at least, had not protested that little aid knowing the Ranger had no magical healing. Little did he know just how 'changed' the Ranger had become.

"You know Voice, " he thought quietly as he worked, "you're pretty handy to have around. To bad we can't help the Doc." The Voice was sounding a little tired, "We can but while you didn't feel that pain I certainly do! While I can help you I can't do the same thing for myself. I think you need to eat more. It takes a lot of energy to do this stuff."

"Eating? I've been eating like a horse!" Sirron stated in surprise. "Exactly, I've sped up your digestion and I have been using the energy as fast as I can to rebuild. I can't make energy out of nothing you know. Now you want to expend more on the Doctor. We need rest and more food. We can then do it better in the morning! Now go eat and get some sleep!" Sirron decided it was wise not to argue with the voice. So he talked in low voice to the Doc.

"Want to come clean and tell me about that potion you seemed to have squirreled away in that box of yours?" Doc looked startled. He then explained how he had acquired it and remarked that he was trying to keep it secret. Sirron looked at him closely, "We got this last thrashing because everyone seems to feel they've got to hide things. I for one am sick of that. I suggest you expose it or I will do so at the time of my choosing." He then turned and walked away leaving Doc to speculate.

The next morning dawned fair as the group began to march east towards Tlashtek. It would take several days for them to get to the border. Sirron mused that Doc would have a lot of time to heal. Kalain just picked Jaul up and tossed him over his shoulders and started to walk. The others followed. Doc was still cursing the pain but Sirron was slowly helping him to heal in small amounts so that the others would not notice. Doc was still grumbling. "I can't believe after the way we have been moving around that we have to WALK all the way back to Talshtek! I HATE adventures. I wish we were back in comfortable beds and enjoying life again rather than trudging in this Dark Lord forsaken wilderness!"

A quiet voice suddenly spoke from under a tree, "As you wish so be it!" Sirron smiled silently. The others started to yell as the trees suddenly faded from view and the group appeared in a comfortable room in front of a surprised Crazyhands. "Can't you guys ever knock?” He remarked in exasperation. “So when do I get my apology? By the way I managed to get the potion out of Twigg's tree. I suspect he is now really mad at us." The others looked at him in sudden suspicion. "Would you like to explain that remark?" asked Artuneys with dread.

"Not till you all apologize and pay me back or I'll give Betred the potion myself. I almost gave up hope you guys were going to show and I've been making arrangements to meet with him." Stated Crazyhands forcefully. He showed them the potion he had acquired, but failed to mention Lorega or the Extensive stock he had purloined in his recent adventure.

"Which potion shall we give him then?" Asked Kalain with an amused smile as he pulled out three potions enjoying the look on the thief's face. The others were surprised though when Doc also pulled out a potion and placed it on the table with the others. "I guess it is time for some honesty as well, especially since Sirron has made it clear that he knows I have it. I make it five potions now. Does anyone have any more?" Everyone looked grimly at the potions.

"Cute!" stated the voice of Jaul from Kalain's shoulder wheezingly, "Sheesh you guys stink! Put me down before I gag will you? You guys smell like you all died years ago and that someone forgot to bury you! Why is it so bright in here? This place feels like a tomb, funny, I never hated enclosed places before." He was making retching sounds as Kalain unceremoniously dumped him on the floor. It appeared Jauls transformation was completed. He was now an elf and not even of the noble class!!

"Can I kill him now?" asked Kalain looking at Jaul like he was a pile of garbage. "No." Sirron said calmly, "A deal is a deal and we are in Tlashtek where that law is rigorously enforced. Let his King deal with him. May I suggest we try to eliminate potions before Betred arrives? Just so we don't have any preconceived notions," he swept all the potions into his pouch and shook it vigorously as the others yelled in surprise. Before they could react he took them all out again and placed them in a row on the table. "Now lets judge each potion on its worth without any preconceptions shall we?" Jaul, still lying on the floor, vomited all over Kalains foot. Kalain in disgust wiped it on the elf's cloak as he heaved.

"May I suggest we find a place where Jaul can live with us? Otherwise we will never get this accomplished." Artuneys said with amusement, at the look Kalain was giving the elf. "I believe Extensive has antidotes they can administer to make elves more comfortable in human surroundings. " The others quickly agreed and they were soon in a more suitable area and Jaul was cleaned up and comfortable again. The others looked at the potions. Each decided to look in his own fashion. Ezekiel moved first and after several minutes chose out a potion. "This one smells to me of poison! I see no difference in any of the others." He handed it to Crazyhands.

Crazyhands examined it closely and made some tests. "The Paladin is correct. This potion is poisoned! It is eliminated!" So saying he turned and hurled it at the wall where it shattered and ran unto the floor. The stone smoked where the formula passed leaving a dark stain on the granite. The party looked at the remaining four as Doc stepped forward and searched them with his magical sight.

After a long look he hesitatingly raised one potion. "The color on this one is different from all the others. It appears lighter to me. This may be the correct potion." He handed the potion to Sirron, who looked back in surprise. "Why hand it to me? I don't have any type of magical sight and they certainly all look like the same color to me. I see nothing in particular that sets this one apart." Doc smiled, "I see changes in your aura, it has gotten stronger and more powerful and Cy Clan are supposed to be psionic. Let's just say I want your impression of it."

Sirron took the potion. Reading Objects was much more difficult than reading the impressions from people. He let his mind go blank and tried to reach out with his power. The swirls of green and black were almost hypnotizing as he looked deeply into the potion. The first impression he got was this potion was very old. He sensed no evil taint about it like he had when he had destroyed the Dark Lord object on Doc. He could pick up nothing else from the vial. "Well Voice?" He thought to his partner, "What do you think?" The Voice seemed distracted, "I sense nothing wrong with this potion either, it has almost no impressions on it at all. Almost like it was created in a lab but never actually touched. If this potion is trapped I can't see it. It seems to be a good potion."

The Ranger handed the potion to Ezekiel. "I sense no traps on this potion. It may indeed be the one we seek." Ezekiel sniffed the potion carefully, then keeping it carefully separated he sniffed each of the others and placed them back on the table. He again sniffed the potion carefully. "This one smells slightly different to me. It is lighter in smell than the others and may indeed be the basic potion without a tampering additive. It is not poisoned and I also believe this is the good potion." He handed the potion to Crazyhands.

The thief again ran several tests for poison and discovered none. He then carefully took out a small scale and placed the vial upon it. He carefully weighed each of the others and found them slightly heavier. He then placed the heavier ones back and again took the original. "To create the same potion affect you would need slightly more potion to counteract the additive you would place. The good vial in my opinion would be slightly lighter as the Doc has stated and slightly lighter in color as well. You can see this vial seems to pass that test where the others fail. I agree that this may indeed be the correct potion. I know little of the Paladins sense of smell or the Cy Clans 'impressions' but I would say this potion seems to be our best choice, if you trust a thief!" He finished smiling at the others. He handed the potion to Artuneys.

Artuneys made several runes in the air over the potion. The glowing lines were visible to everyone hanging in the air and the Jelgaian studied the runes carefully. "This potion seems to have no portents in the future as being dangerous or destructive. I believe the potion in and of itself has not been tampered with. That does not mean though that Betred or the drinker of it will not misuse or put it to evil use. Since this potion is clean I will not waste powers on the others. I do think this is the potion we should present."

Kalain took the potion and to the surprise of all shook it vigorously for a short time. He then did the same to each of the other three and then set them all down carefully in order and observed the results. He shrugged his shoulders still holding the first potion. I see no difference in the way these things settle and see no difference in them at all as far as color. There is no Dark Lord feel to any of the ones remaining which may mean the Dark Lord is employing deceptive magic to hide it." Jaul spoke up quickly, "The Doc did not detect any magic on the potions to make such a disguise."

Kalain glared at the now elf Ranger in hatred. "Fool! You ask me to take the word of a corrupted one on anything, especially on the advice of a degenerate forest creature with no soul? You serve the elf cause and all know that they have no love of the Tlashtekian King. I think Ezekiel should make the decision and decide if this potion should be given to Betred. I will not allow such a tool of the Dark Lord as you to even touch the potion that we have all tested." He looked at the others and spoke in a penetrating and deep voice that brought chills to each person.

"Know you this that I trust not this elf who has not repented of his actions. I feel he is not to be trusted and will work further harm. I will not give him this potion and I suggest strongly that he be killed. If you are too weak to do so then restrain him. If you insist on allowing him access to the rest of the potions than you do so against my express wishes and the outcome will be on your heads!" He stared intently at the Paladin. "We have not always agreed, but on this I think we do. Now is the time to take a stand and not allow the Dark Lord to further confuse us. I suggest we destroy them all in front of all of us the remaining potions and give this the potion we all believe to be the correct one to Betred and Honorably complete our Quest. What say you all to this?"

Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

Kalain passed the good potion to Ezekiel. “This is the potion that most of us believe to be the correct one. This is the one we will give to the Tlashtek King. I think the rest should be destroyed now.” Even as he spoke Jaul used his elf speed to snatch the other three potions and danced away from Kalain. He spoke quickly, “No way! Each of these other potions is worth a fortune and I am not going to permit his fanatical self from ruining my chances for a bigger profit!” Everyone expected Kalain to go after the elf but was somewhat surprised when he did not. Kalain nodded at the elf Ranger in agreement.

“You are a tool of the Master of Evil. Keep them if they amuse you. I am sure that your greed will prove to be your ultimate downfall. To insure that you do not tamper with Ezekiel’s potion in any way I will accompany him as bodyguard. If you wish to live do not come too near to either of us. You will be brought before your King though for his judgment.” He looked at Crazyhands. “You will need to come with us as well for several reasons. First you must watch your fellow countryman to insure he does not attempt to steal or change the potion we have selected. I believe you are loyal to your King so this criminal tool is your responsibility. Second it is only correct that both of you be there since it is your king. Finally you set up the meeting with Betred before we arrived so it is necessary that you be there as well.”

Crazyhands nodded, “Very well, I ‘ll need a short space of time to prepare for the meeting. After all, the King only expected to see me. It will take me a short time to do this. I suggest that the Paladin be segregated under guard with Kalain and the rest placed separately in a different area to watch Jaul. I will return shortly.” He then turned and left to make the preparations while the others went to different areas to discuss the issues involved.

Sirron started by talking to the Voice in his head. He learned some of it’s history and capabilities and so using his power he decided to Contact Twiggs the Elf king. Perhaps he could eliminate that threat. “Yo...Mr. Twiggs? You their brother? How’s the hood Mano? “ He thought with amusement not really expecting a reply. He suddenly saw the elf standing before him in his mind, carrying a silvery green staff.

Twiggs spoke angrily, "You are an irritating little human and a blot upon my days! The 'neighborhood' as you call it will be much better for the absence of your race. I am definitely not your brother! What do you want?"

Sirron spoke up boldly, “I was wondering why you wish to persecute my race or our party. It was a wise person that said that 'one does not destroy an entire tribe for the wrongdoings of one person.'”

Twiggs spoke ominously "Not persecute... eliminate.... the tainted ones and retain the ones it is possible to save by converting them to the proper view. Your race is a race of thieves, polluters, and corrupters. It says much that the Dark Lord is a Human. You rape, steal and plunder the land with no thought given to the pain and suffering you inflict upon it. This group of yours in particular has been very destructive. I am not after just one 'person' as you put it, I am after all of you.”

“You again steal elf property and would have even IF I had said no in the first place. You even send someone to my home and threaten by land with a bomb. You steal several items from me, set part of the forest on fire and take valuable magical and living plants from my land. How would you like it if I came to your land and did that to you? Maybe I should threaten to blow up your house, kill your wife and friends, steal your hard earned belongings, burn your farms down, and steal your children? I would daresay you would see that as a threat.”

“Now in typical human fashion you will say you did not do those things and it was your so called friends who were the guilty parties, but you have the symbiote I created. You were told not to enter my lands but you did. When Kalain and Artuneys burned my lands and stole the potion did you rebuke them or return to me what they had stolen? No. So you are an accessory to that crime as well. When Crazyhands with Skragg made his threats did you later try to set it right? No. So you obviously condoned his actions because you gained from it. Know this corrupted human... you will soon all know the vengeance of the elf king."

Sirron responded back quickly, “Yes, we trespassed on your land. But I can tell you this Elf King. You've been trying to take down the human race...and to no avail. Imagine a group of adventurers like us, with different backgrounds and with a very low ideal for cooperation amongst ourselves were able to deal destruction is such a way

Elf King. I myself do not condone actions that kill as well...unless it is in self-defense. I did not kill any elf nor torch any tree. Those that killed will be tried when they reach your land once more would they not? It would seem most logical to work with the humans to cooperate some standard to overcome these difficult and very disturbing crimes. That is what I will be trying to do, like true Cy Clan, to slowly change them to realize what his right and wrong. Once you begin to kill for hatred...you cross a line of nobility and honor...especially that of a King.”

Twiggs spoke in a voice filled with disdain, “ You know nothing and your statements reflect it. You know nothing of our history or you would not make such a foolish statement. Perhaps you should talk to your clerics and learn! I had the opportunity to destroy the Human Race totally! I declined that and it appears that is a grave mistake! Does this sound like that was my goal? Or still is, I still have that capability you know. I don't hate humans, I helped actually to put Elaine on the Throne, I do however protect what is mine!”

“As for imagining a group of adventurers like you? I don't have to do that do I. You have already made it clear that you are not a poor group of misunderstood people but criminals using the existing system in criminal ways for your own gain. You people have no true morals, or commitment. You just mouth the words piously to hide your criminal actions!”

“See you use the excuse I told you that you would. You say ' I ' didn't do it and ' I ' don't condone it and then your next words are that it is the evil elf kings fault for wanting to prosecute the criminals. While you want to gently TRY to teach them a lesson. You have done nothing to do so, but have accepted their actions silently because YOU personally gained from that action. Now you dislike paying the price of your criminal behavior! You people performed a TERRORIST Act in my country and now you try to make me the criminal for it. Your logic appears strangely flawed.”

“I am not going to kill them for 'Hatred'. I am going to kill them for several very good reasons. One is for words Like JUSTICE, which you as a Cy Clan should understand but obviously don't. Second I wish to deter others from doing the same thing in the future, for if you people are allowed to walk away from your crimes and claim your reward what will stop other humans from looting and destroying in our country so they can be wealthy in theirs? What makes them different from any racist Livyanuian who says we have no souls and we are evil forest animals? Finally, I do this as a favor to the world in combating the Dark Lord. Do you really believe this group of sorry criminals should become high officials in various governments of our world? People who are prone to Dark Lord manipulation? So no, I am not out to exterminate the human race. Humans are part of the same eco systems we are trying to save. What we are doing is eliminating the most destructive and thoughtless members of that society. If you will not police your own, we will do it for you.”

“No system is perfect. Not even the Elfin Kingdom can suggest that no crimes are present. And you also forget that I am a young Cy Clan Ranger. A Ranger respects the wishes of nature and does what he thinks is needed to preserve it. I follow that rule. You may not understand the actions that have happened...but the Cy Clan do believe in these actions...and hence justice is our ultimate goal. And don't forget you did not assist us in our cause. We then had no choice around the matter but to trespass onto your lands and accomplish the mission. If you wish to carry a grudge...I cannot persuade you out of it for you are a stubborn king. Even in this matter...I have no grudge upon your soldiers nor advisors...it is only you that cause this conflict. I will see to it that it ends in a peaceful resolution. If at anytime you wish to confer upon a diplomatic relation...I will be at hand. If you wish to persecute and kill...I shall defend myself to the end to preserve the values of justice and righteousness that I stand for. You are in the same stance...if you wish to rid this world of evil...why do you not just attack the Dark Lord? The same principle here holds in that case and in this one.”

“I am not saying crime doesn't exist. I am saying it exists too abundantly in this Dark Lord world. It does not mean though that I will allow criminals such as you to walk away. Again you display a lack of knowledge of our History. We have ALWAYS pursued those who come into our country and break our laws. Perhaps you ought to seek knowledgeable advice from the clerics. You follow no rules but the rule of gain for yourself. You are influenced of the Dark Lord and cannot see it.”

“Your position is ludicrous. You say because I did not open my house to you for your search that I am at fault? Think of it this way. You are sitting in your home and a group of thieves comes to your door and want entrance to your house wherein lie many rich valuables as well as your family. By your view I should open my doors and allow these people to go where they wish and take what they want. I chose like any reasonable and prudent person, to say No. Did you respect my wishes? No. You entered anyway, stole what you wished and performed acts of vandalism. You even take several members of my family as hostage to use or kill as you would! Now you leave and say this is my fault and I should not send the dogs and the law after you? You waste my time.” Having issued his final statement the image abruptly blanked out. Sirron decided it would be a good idea to mention this conversation to the others. He quickly explained the conversation word for word from his memory. It appeared Twiggs would not be swayed.

While the Cy Clan had been busy Artuneys had noticed that Jaul and Doc appeared to have their heads together and appeared to be making some sort of deal. Both became quiet as the cleric approached. Jaul quickly walked away and Artuneys looked at the Doc. “Whatever he is trying to convince you to do, I suggest you have nothing to do with it, ‘ stated Artuneys calmly.

“Why what are you talking about?” Stated Doc innocently, “I am not in cahoots with anyone. I am just continuing my search for magic.” Artuneys shook his head negatively, “You remember the runes I did over the vials and my comments to that? Well one of those runes was a look into the future. Jaul is now an elf and that means he is not thinking as a human anymore but as an elf. Elves have been known to ‘use’ Thimhalenites and then kill them horribly. He cannot be trusted. Twiggs can and most likely will influence him in some drastic way. If you aid him in his endeavors you will most likely only get yourself killed but the dangers for others may be much worse.”

“Hmm perhaps then I should limit my involvement?” spoke Doc musingly. “Are you insane? Dumb Question, of course you are, but insane shouldn’t mean you have to be stupid! Do what you will of course, but remember you were warned.” Artuneys finished in disgust. He turned his back and calmly walked away.

Crazyhands had left to meet with Betred and a short while later they conversed. It appeared that Betred would indeed owe a favor to Skragg for helping to discover the potion and now Skragg had offered a deal for Lorega and Twiggs share of Extensive. Crazyhands was willing to give this up to his King and soon Betred and Baron with several important court functionaries had departed with Lorega to Shennu to continue negotiations. One of Betreds doubles would actually negotiate with the group. To prevent another robbery, the more valuable items in the Palace Vaults were moved to a safe area outside the city. It was also decided that the False Betred would throw a party for the nobles that evening as a cover for him to receive the potion. All seemed to be in readiness. Crazyhands returned to the party and again met with them to give them Betred’s terms.

“Betred is ready to see us this evening under cover of a party for his nobles. He wants the potion that we say is the good one, but he is also willing to pay an additional fee for the three tainted ones as well. He is willing to meet with all of you as a show of good faith but acknowledges that perhaps you may not trust him so he suggests four of the party make the delivery and the others may remain behind or come as they wish. We will meet by way of a secret passage that Betred has reveal to me and we will make our exchange in the dungeons of the palace. At that time full payment with a bonus will be made. Any Questions?”

Kalain spoke first, “I will accompany the Paladin. I have already been paid and want nothing more. The Paladin and I will deliver the good potion to Betred then we will leave. Our business will be completed and we want nothing more to do with this. To insure we are not tampered with the Paladin and I will now separate ourselves so that I can put powerful magical protection on him. Attempt deceit at your own risk.” So saying he and Ezekiel departed.

Artuneys spoke next, “I think that I shall not go to visit your King.” He told the group seriously. “The last time I did so I was put on trial. If he wishes to pay me a bonus for the other potions he has only to allow me to keep what I already have.” Crazyhands nodded, “This was discussed with Betred and he has no reason for denying you your due reward. You may keep what you have and he will consider it a completed deal.” Artuneys nodded and turned away. Sirron looked at the cleric a moment and then at Crazyhands. “I see no further reason to participate at this time. The Cy Clan leadership informs me that my part of the Project has been completed satisfactorily and that it is time for me to seek reassignment back in my homeland. I wish you all the best and I to shall depart.” He quickly turned and also left the room.

As the others left Doc saw his chance. Cautiously he reached into his magic box and appeared to pat Crazyhands on the back. He then made a slight nod to Jaul. Jaul spoke quickly to the thief. “I heard some rumors about how you used a bomb to get into the elf kings palace. I really have a drastic need for such a device at this time. I am willing to pay anything to get it and I am sure you don’t really need it anymore. Could I persuade you to part with it?” Doc smiled to himself. After Artuneys warning he had a healthy respect and his tingling back still healing from the last whipping had made him cautious. He would pretend to cast the spells Jaul had wanted him to cast and then he would take a page from Artuneys and Sirron and run like the Dark Lord was biting his hoop!

Crazyhands looked at the elf and thought carefully before replying. “Sorry but I cannot give it to you for any price. I have a need for it myself and I am not sure that I want to trust an elf with a bomb when we go visit my king in his palace! Besides it would do you little good to give it to Skragg as far as I can see, and I am not so sure that you don’t want it for the elf King.” Crazyhands moved as he talked until his back was to the corner and he was facing the two remaining members of the party.

“Jaul thought a moment. Should he take the bomb now by force or wait? Kalain was not that far away and it would be the only excuse he would need to rush in and kill the elf. The Paladin would also surely assist him. The last thing he needed was a fight now. Suddenly he had a better thought, if he took it when they were with Betred it would look better! He could claim that he ‘suddenly’ discovered the bomb and was taking it away from a possible assassin. Kalain and the Paladin would be forced to help him and Crazyhands would not dare to set it off in front of his King. Jaul would look good, get the reward and would keep the bomb!” Smiling at his plan he decided to be ready.

“Very well, “ he stated as if he didn’t care. “I guess I’ll have to find some other way to placate Skragg, maybe I can do a different deal with him. It just seemed like the easiest way to take care of several problems but there is always another way.” He turned away nonchalantly and went to sit down.

“If you guys don’t mind,” spoke Doc earnestly, “I don’t think I’ll be going to the palace. The whipping by that imbecile has made me very sore and very tired. I’ll let you guys collect my share for me and I think I’ll go lay down for a while. He went over to Jaul and whispered as he left so that only he could hear. “I couldn’t get the bomb it’s to well protected for that but Trust Me it won’t go off if you take it from him.” Doc continued out the door till he was out of sight and quickly gathering his belongings he raced out the door at a run as if he was pursued by the hounds of hell. Arriving at the Extensive Transport tower he was not surprised to see Artuneys and Sirron in the line. He quickly walked up to them as if they were old friends since they were near the front he quickly butted into the line as if they had been holding a place for him. No one argued.

Later that evening a small group comprising four individuals walked to a little used dwarf secret passage and entered the underground dungeons of Betred’s Palace. The group traveled warily. Jaul and Crazyhands were in the front and about 10-15 feet back was the Paladin and Kalain. Crazyhands had no problem finding the well-marked trail through the catacombs and soon they met a lone figure that Jaul recognized as Betred. The group quickly fanned out and searched the surrounding area for signs of betrayal or traps. They discovered none.

Betred watched them amused by their caution. “It would be criminally stupid if I was to do anything so obvious before you hand me the potion you know. It should also be obvious that I have no need to betray you. If you have given me what I asked for I can give you more wealth than you can possibly imagine and never even feel the dent. You will be rich and powerful with the good will of the King of Tlashtek and Extensive. If you betray me I really have nothing to lose. If I do not recover my power soon I will not be calling the shots in the future anyway.”

Ezekiel nodded and brought out the potion that he showed to Betred from a short distance away with Kalain guarding carefully against the elf and Crazyhands as they stood farther away. “This is the potion that all the members of our group agree is the untainted version using all the magic, intelligence, and wisdom at our command. Jaul carries three other potions that we believe are tainted. However you may choose any one of them to drink that you wish.”

“I would be a poor manager if I did not trust the ones I have hired. I have no powers that would aid me and if all of you think this is the right one then that is the one I will take. If I can’t trust a Paladin then I have no hope at all.” Stated Betred quietly as he held out his hand for the potion.

Jaul continued to watch until he was sure that the others were watching the Paladin and Betred. He chose that moment to strike! Using his elf speed he quickly drew his weapon and slammed the hilt against the back of Crazyhands neck. As the thief fell to the ground unconscious he quickly kicked him in the head as well and frantically began to search the thief with his speed. Even as he struck he yelled, “Bomb! The assassin has a bomb! Quick help me to subdue him before he can set it off!” Even as Ezekiel started to turn he suddenly vanished from sight and a Flash of Light filled the catacombs.

The palace filled with nobles and enemies of Betred, despite the +3 dwarf built walls vanished in a hellish glow of magical power unrivalled since Betred had fought the Dark Lord. The blast spread outward from the site causing massive damage to the buildings close by. The blast damaged many buildings in the Extensive area as well. The cleanup and rescue would take many days. The death toll was heavy. When the blast cleared there was no sign of the palace or anyone who had been in it. All that was left was a charred rubble strewn hole in the ground.

Ezekiel had been fortunate. The protections on him had ‘Miraculously’ removed him from the site of the blast just before it had gone off. He was surprised to find himself in a fine palace with Betred still standing before him. Betred smiled at him. “I believe you have something for me?” Ezekiel still slightly shocked walked forward in a daze and handed Betred the Potion. Betred smiled and drank the potion. Suddenly he seemed to be more impressive, slightly larger and fascinating to look upon. Looking every inch a leader he nodded to the Paladin. “Your job is complete. My Thanks to you and your Queen for a job well done. You may go. Ezekiel still stunned and puzzled walked out the door and through the palace. He looked across the land of Shennu dazed.

Aftermath:

Betred sat back in contemplation. Red Baron had just finished briefing him on the events at the now destroyed Tlashtek Palace. Jaul had been a promising candidate but he had been a little too ‘green?’ was his amused thought. Jaul had proven to be too greedy. He had dealt with to many Kings using Extensive facilities and Betred had learned of the Rangers plans. However he had been doomed the moment he became an elf.

Twiggs had sent Betred a warning. He did not like bombs in his palace! His destruction of Betred’s Palace full of nobles had been a not so subtle warning that a Zero level king was no match for the power of a +1 King. Perhaps he should send Twiggs a payment in thanks for destroying his old palace. It would save him time in clearing the area for the much more powerful city and palace he intended to build. It would probably really anger the elf King. Twiggs knew who had won this round and it would do little good to antagonize him further. He decided to let well enough alone.

The group had taken his warnings of the elf king way too lightly and had obviously paid a terrible price for that neglect. When Crazyhands had reported that he and Skragg had robbed King’s Tree, Betred had known then that retaliation would be swift and decisive. A King could not afford the loss of prestige that such a coup would entail. He had feared the worst and had made certain arrangements.

So when Skragg had contacted Crazyhands to offer to purchase Lorega and the Elf Kings Extensive shares, Crazyhands had loyally reported it to his King. Betred used this as an excuse with his loyal nobles to make a trip to Shennu with Red Baron. During that time he had most of the valuable items move out of his palace and had left his enemy nobles there not knowing that he was leaving a duplicate behind for he wished to keep the trip secret.

To further the illusion he informed his remaining staff that he would have a big party and would be giving many nobles great riches that night and that he was about to step down and name one of the rival factions his successor. He then invited every enemy noble and traitor he could find or even suspected as being a problem that he could think of! Twigs was not the only one who knew how to scheme a scheme and the best part was that it would be obvious that the elves had done it for revenge. Betred was free of three problems all at once. Twiggs hadn’t won this one at all. The worst loss Betred felt he had suffered was Crazyhands. He had proven the worth and loyalty of the new counterespionage system. Betred would put that into effect immediately.

He had slipped out to the palace in disguise with Baron and had gone to deal with Skragg safely out of the line of fire. His influence had not ended there though. He had contacted Elaine and told her of his suspicions. He made a deal with her as well. He would have Skragg give her both Lorega and the Extensive shares in return for a better deal if she would get Twiggs to save the Paladin with her help. He pointed out that Twiggs could hardly be expected to have a complaint against the Paladin for he had actually tried to uphold the elf law and arrest the criminals! Surely he would not wish to murder one of Elaine’s innocent people for no reason! If she would deliver the Paladin and Potion safely to Betred in Shennu he would extend her a 1,000,000 gp credit line paid for by him as well. Twiggs would recover his immediate losses and some of his prized prestige.

Elaine had obviously gone to Twiggs and he had obviously relented on the Paladin for Elaine’s sake, not knowing that he was delivering to Betred the very potion he did not want him to have. Betred smiled. It would take him little time to reassert control and he had needed a new palace anyway. No one remained in his country with the power to stop him. He had even made several lucrative deals with Skragg and had extended his business venture into that country as well. The best thing was all those vacant heads of business that had suddenly departed, Betred was about to make a ‘killing’ in the business world. Betred sat back thinking. He had done something no other King had yet accomplished. He had gone from King to Noble and back again. Betred glowed with power and it was not all caused by the potion although it had certainly enhanced the powers he truly needed in this world. Betred was satisfied with the outcome of this contest. There would be other challenges later, but this one needed to be savored.

An unhappy Twiggs sat on his throne as Thistle arrived with the news about Tlashtek City. So the bomb that had been used against him had gone off as he knew it would. He had gotten one of the thieves at least and perhaps more. When the Cy Clan had stolen the symbiote he planned to use in his next Kings ceremony, this had angered him most of all. When Sirron had decided to contact him he had let the insufferable little criminal mouth his words, pious empty words, while Twiggs had appealed to the symbiote to help him.

The symbiote had agreed finally and had used the Cy Clans enhanced powers to force Jaul to set off the bomb when it had Crazyhands and Betred in the same place with Sirron blissfully unaware that this had happened and that he was the courier Twiggs had used. The fact that it was in the palace was icing on the cake as far as Twiggs was concerned. Later he had heard, much to late as far as he was concerned, that the real Betred was in Shennu and had taken the obviously correct potion. Betred was still alive and had gained power that the Dark Lord and Cy Clan had fought for him to have. He was proven right though. The Cy Clan had decided to eliminate the elves as he had suspected. The Cy Clan would have to be dealt with and for now Betred had won this battle. There would be other battles but he suspected that Betred might be more open an ally now. He had bigger game to chase in the Cy Clan. The best part for Twiggs was that the Cy Clan had already lost! They had gained what they wished but stealing from the elves was dangerous and 50 years from now his victory was assured. Elves took the long view. Twiggs sat back and thought.

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