The Quest

The Temple of Wind

The closer to temples they got, the stronger the wind was. When they broke through the forest at dawn, trees were bent over and formed in the direction of the wind. The temples themselves were great buildings of granite. Trees grew out of the ancient structures and at the center was a great tree. It stood above all the others and it looked as though it had built out of the center of the largest of the temples. Most of the structure had fallen and broken apart, but at the very top was a chamber that was covered paintings of wind and trees. At the center was a gilded gate. Most of the room was open, with many open areas that were to small to crawl through but provided openings. Wind rushed out of it, evidenced by the wear marks on the tree. Virgil pointed to it.

"That is the Sword Chamber...isn't it?" Timothy said.

"From the look of those paintings...yes...yes it is." Pendleton replied.

"Where are they keeping Sonia?" Timothy looked to Virgil.

"I cannot be sure but most likely in the main complex." He pointed to the area behind the tree. There many small buildings were built around a large empty reflecting pool. At the far end was a stepped pyramid. "That is most likely the lair of the Creator and where they are keeping your friend. "Now remember everyone, stealth is our best friend here."

They all stood and were suddenly surrounded by demon sentries. All had spears leveled at them. All were very generic creatures with two legs, arms and a single head. The parts were different between all of them. They led them through the complex to the stepped pyramid. Inside a huge open area that was sparcely lit. Inside were lesser demons carrying around body parts. The floors were littered with pieces and parts used to create the demons that were part of the army. At the back stood the Creator demon. It looked the same as it did when it had kidnapped Sonia. A demon that had escorted them made some noises and the Creator turned around.

"Ahhhh, the heros." It's voice was low and breathy. "Here for the sword? Or something else?" It looked straight at Timothy and coldly smiled. It turned back around and waved a hand. "It does not matter. This is one of the most fortified garrisons for the demon armies. Even if you were to get to the sword you wouldn't get away with it. Split them up and prepare them for tonight."

They started to pull them apart. "Leave the Sword Bearer."

His friends were separated and Timothy stood alone with the Creator. The room was cleared of demons, it was him and the Creator only.

"Why not have me disarmed? I could come over there and kill you." Timothy asked.

"You and I both know that you don't know how to use that ring." The demon said as it turned.

"So why'd you leave me live?" Timothy asked.

"As you know I am a Creator. There are only eight of my kind and each of us were created with a hunger for knowledge. I was created with a want to understand human nature. Everything about you small insignificant creatures interests me. Leaving you and friends alive will assist in my studies. I was told to stop your quest, not to kill you...yet."

"Well that doesn't matter, me and my friends will escape, with Sonia and anyone else you have locked up here!"

The demon made a noise that may have been a laugh but it just sounded like air being let out of a balloon. "You can try but the only freedom you will have, will be tonight, and then after that I have some plans for you. I cannot wait to study the body and mind of the Sword Bearer. Take him to the cells with the others."

The demon waved one of its hands and turned back to a table covered in limbs.

"Wait!" Two wolf headed demons grabbed him by the arms and dragged him back a dark hall. "Wait, you can't take me!"