Swordborn

Chapter 25: Lair

The party looks down through the transparent floor into a coliseum. A hundred feet below stretches a stone floor covered with thousands of large plant cocoons spaced every few paces. The rows of cocoons are connected by a network of vines that pulsate as they pump embryonic fluid into the gestating monsters within. At the center of the floor stands a circular platform, and above it hovers a being with a shadowy robe that flutters like a tattered sheet in the wind.

The evil goddess gazes over the field of cocoons, eyes lit by crackling blue energy. She no longer resembles an apprentice mage, and is now the fearsome sorceress they battled in the swamp. Though Kala's form has changed, Dayleth will always recognize her cold, murderous eyes.

Dayleth glances at Zulon, who is staring at the far end of the chamber with a worried expression. Dayleth sees dozens of muscled hog monsters standing in a row at the far wall. The line of muscle guards extends around the perimeter of the coliseum, hundreds of beady black eyes watching over the cocoons.

"They are going to be a problem," Dayleth whispers.

"Perhaps not," Zulon replies thoughtfully. "We must coordinate our attack. I'll drop first and cast a time spell to slow the guards. Your goddess blood should protect you from the spell. Kala will also be unaffected, but at least you'll be able to fight her without the guards interfering. You must enter after I cast the spell. I'll take care of the guards, you deal with Kala."

"What should Cain and I do?" Azaya asks, eager to participate.

"You cannot go below while the time spell is in effect, or you will be slowed." Zulon whispers. "My shroud will protect me from the spell, but you are still a frond, not yet able to summon your shroud, and will be vulnerable. Wait until I destroy the guards, then I'll disperse the spell. After that the two of you can drop in and help us battle Kala, though I'd prefer you remain up here."

Is she truly so formidable? Dayleth wonders, remembering how the shadow goddess failed to harm her during their encounter in the swamp.

"She's one of the strongest beings in all the planes of existence," Zulon replies, reading her thoughts. "You survived her attack because you are half demon, and because you wear armor of legend."

"Oh," Dayleth replies reproachfully. "Forgive my ignorance."

"No need," Zulon replies. "You are young, yet have come incredibly far. Most gods spend thousand of years discovering their abilities, and demons take even longer. It's the remarkable combination of your god and demon blood that has made you who you are, unique, beautiful, an astonishing creature. I'm humbled to be in your presence, princess, and honored to fight under your banner. Whatever happens here, do not forget me. Remember Zulon as a friend. Promise me."

"You have my word," Dayleth replies. "Fear not, wizard, soon we'll be standing at the pinnacle of Skyreach toasting our victory."

"I hope so," Zulon replies, but in his heart he doesn't know. "Remember, wait for my spell, then enter."

Zulon waves his tiny hand over the floor, creating an invisible opening in the transparent stone. He flies through the opening and hovers above the coliseum, his little arms held wide. A tan energy sphere expands between his arms, growing until it reaches the coliseum walls a hundred paces away. The wizard glows with blue energy, his fairy shroud protecting him from all disciplines of magic.

When the guards see Zulon enter the chamber they sound a bellowing war cry. Hundreds of snarling hog monsters rush toward the center of the coliseum, moving fast on their hairy goat legs, muscled arms thrashing in front of them. Their pace slows when they enter the time sphere. They're still running, but their movements have slowed to a trickle.