Abandoned In Claddeau, Adventurers Book 1

Chapter 8 ~ Sariel Naïlo

The skeletal figure with antlers throws the orb back at Arthur (14+6 vs AC 13; 4Dam), the orb striking him as it spreads across his body and dissipates.

Perceval runs up to that grotesque thing (11+6 vs AC 15; 8Dam), and making some sort of mark on the dark caster.

One of the armored Triumvirate soldiers run up and strike at one of the shadows (13+4 vs AC 10; 5Dam), the creature's figure flowing with the halberd's blade. The figure is dispelled, weaving with the halberd's final slash.

Another Triumvirate soldier takes his chance with his firearm, flicking the end to prime his weapon, electric sparks forming (18-3 vs AC 12; 6+3Dam). A bolt of lightning cracks, sending a jolt at the nivallen who entered through the window on our left. He crumples to the floor with a violent thud.

Peep draws his bow, sending an arrow at the skeletal figure (19+6 vs AC 15; 5Dam). Thankfully, it lands its mark as it protrudes from his shoulder.

Kriv puffs up his chest, steps forward with his sword and sickle in hand. He takes another step forward. Suddenly, he throws himself on the ground, rolling around dramatically, "Oh please, spare me of this wasteful conflict! I am but a mere child!" However, amidst this redundant whining, it seems to attract the attention of everyone, even the skeletal figure. Kriv discreetly winks at us, trying to signal to strike.

I happily take my rapier and shield, charging towards the last phantom standing. I go for the strike (Adv11+6 vs AC 10; 6Dam) and stab into the entity. It isn't enough to dispel the thing as the other did, however.

Kethra runs to my right, charging with her mace in hand toward the remaining nokt (17+4 vs AC 12; 5Dam). She jukes him into a fake move, striking him with ease in the torso.

Unamused, he returns the favor with the swipe of a sword (3+3 vs AC 15) but he tries faking Kethra into jukes, but that was painfully obvious.

The lieutenant draws his smaller firearm (3+2 vs AC 15) and glances toward the skeletal figure but it fires off as he draws it.

The last shadow entity raises its hand toward Kriv (15+4 vs AC 17; 6Dam). As he's still wailing, he doesn't see it coming. A scratch becomes clear on his leg.

Arthur shoves his hand out towards the creature once again as it's distracted by Kriv (Wis save 7; 11Dam). This time, striking him for sure as he didn't catch it in another orb.

The figure shakes his head, whatever had struck him then, "You may have thwarted me here but I'll have more strength where I dwell!" He swipes his arm, quickly dispersing in a green, rotten-smelling mist.

The remaining shadow floats in the air, following the repulsive cloud.

Perceval rushes the remaining nivallen (16+3 vs 2+2), restraining him with ease, holding him by the neck.

I step up to the nivallen, eyeing him closely, "Where's the colonists?" I sneer, cracking my knuckles.

"We're better off dead anyways after what Arkith has done to us, you Colonist Hugger!" He snaps.

"Colonist hugger? I was raised by them after the Regalians had burned down Kokra! Between the two of us, we both have a united hatred against Regalia. Now, please, tell us where the colonists are." (16+2 vs 9-1).

The nivallen seems to relax his shoulders, breathing out in regret, "They're at Ledwill, waiting to be consumed by the necrotic energies to raise Arkengrath..."

"Never heard of him. Care to explain?"

"Arkengrath was once a powerful necromancer, challenging even the best of the Vrex Council. The carnage he's caused was unbearable for any living being that it nearly wiped the vren entirely."

"The vren?" Kriv asks, folding his arms.

"They're the most ancient race we have on record," the Lieutenant answers, "even so competing with the elves for that matter. They have a signature move where they catch the spells of others and use it against them, as you've seen with your friend here."

"Indeed. That vren you saw was Arkith. He's tricked us into fueling the restoration of Arkengrath as mere servants. He ordered us to kill others, for he reaps the necrotic energies from the dead."

"Thus breaking rules of stalking the target," I sneer, "You disown our traditions by breaking this etiquette! We're supposed to be stalkers of the wilds to help the lost and use our talents to benefit us as well! These acts of cruelty are treason to our name!"

A sickening, cynical smile spreads across his face, "Those are aspects the children are taught," he chuckles, "Who even raised you, sister?"

I try seeing what he means (Crit Insight) but he actually seems quite serious. Not a single sign of deceit could be sensed from him, "What do you mean by that? I was only a child until the Eskillian rescued me from the fires that burned Kokra! At least someone who knows us helped raise me!" A lump begins welling up in my throat.

"Sounds like he raised you from an outdated book-"

"Enough!" The Lieutenant demands, "We can't afford discussing culture while lives are on the line! There's a ritual that will only create far more problems than a bad childhood!"

"Then let's prepare before heading out," Kethra advises, "We can't simply go and fight Arkith like this. We need some rest first."

"Very well, do what you must if necessary. We must leave before sunrise, however, otherwise we may not we see it again." He waves his hand toward the door to his men, leading them out of the room with the kenku.

Peep waves a goodbye toward Snip, perhaps to never see him again.

Kriv scuttles toward Kethra, "If we're resting before going, you wouldn't mind healing this scratch mark?"

She rolls her eyes, "That's what I was implying anyways," she leads him out of the room but stops to look toward Arthur, "That includes Arthur and Sariel as well. I want us all to be ready before we embark," she finally walks out and down a hallway.

"Let him go, Perceval," I order.

"Are you-"

"Yes, I'm sure."

He releases his bony grip on the stranger, watching him closely instead.

"And what do you intend to do with me?" The stranger asks, "I could join you instead. I absolutely loathe that Arkith has his grasp on our kind-"

"Certainly. Just teach me about us is all I ask to have my approval."

"I hope you know what you're getting into, Sariel," Arthur whispers in my head, "I'm rather fond of you, so please, be on your highest guard..."