Rhistmaege

The Greigen Returns

I'm still not sure about this, but have to try for Rabby.

"Now have some patience. This is no cheap trick we're attempting." Craeve tied her long hair back, then removed a small key from a purse belted at her side.

"Durhere," said Craeve while tracing small lines in the air. Crackling blue lines formed as her finger passed, leaving a small rectangle suspended in mid-air.

"We'll need some things to pull this off. My access panel back home." She inserted the key into a small glowing lock at the bottom corner of the door. Craeve turned the key, pulled the 'door' open and reached a hand into the chamber beyond.

"What do you mean back home?" asked Dovi.

"Ugh, I'm afraid I should have tidied up a bit. Things are all over the place in here," she said while rummaging about.

"Why don't you just go in and get what you're looking for?" asked Dovi.

"Ah, now that would be much simpler, wouldn't it? Well, it can be done, but there is risk. If the door were to close behind me, becomes a one way ticket to oblivion. I wouldn't want you locking the door behind me. I'd never get out."

"There's one," said Craeve, pulling out a vial of black liquid. She handed it to Dovi. "Be careful. Don't unstopper it, whatever you do."

Dovi took the vial with both hands and held it far away from his body.

"And there's the other." Craeve removed a small black cloth bag tied with a strip of leather. She closed the door, turned the key once more and removed it from the panel. The rectangular glowing box blinked once, then dissipated. She returned the key to her purse.

"You sure you're committed to this? Can't have you backing out once we begin." She smiled encouragingly.

Dovi nodded his head. "I'm sure. I'm ready." Adrenalin surged through his veins. This is it. My first taste of magic.

"Good. Let's begin. First step will be the hardest. The Greigen is still in the area. Not far from here. We need to create a Brimstonian Tank. May feel claustrophobic at first, but rest assured, you will be able to breathe."

Dovi had the sudden recollection of his conversation with Magnillion about the Greigenharre: "art so wicked, I fear to delve into it more deeply." Are you sure about this?

"The tank. Are you sure it's safe? Magnillion said something about the dark arts..." trailed off Dovi.

"No magic is safe. Rhist has inherent risks. You can always back out. I'm not pressuring you to do this." She dropped her eyes away.

Got to try. I don't care anymore. I've nothing left. "What's next?"

"This gully will serve as the Brimstonian Tank. Once the chamber fills and we're submerged, we'll join hands until the Greigen perform their duties. When I release my hold on you, the water will recede. Rabby will be made whole again, and appear here at the bottom of the basin."

"Dovi!" called the Monster.

Dovi shook him out of his mind.

"Let's begin," said Craeve. She unstoppered the black vial. Dark elements emerged, drifting about lazily.

A festering sickness grew in the pit of his stomach. Indecipherable whispers found his ears. His mind dulled. Craeve appeared to contort into a misshapen, wretched hag for the briefest of moments. Dovi blinked ever so slowly. Craeve was back again, smiling and nodding with her beautiful black hair and smooth, flawless skin. This isn't right. Something is amiss. Despite his best effort, he could not will himself to move away.