Mindariax's trials

[Dfrnchman]

The Ways of Freeport

“Fear! It is not just a weapon to keep our enemies at bay,” the towering ogre growled, “It is a tool for keeping the populace committed to building our great future. If fear and control is not maintained, our chances at surviving these difficult times are lost.”

“Yes, Commandant!” responded the two aspiring crusaders before him.

The Commandant looked down the gray and utilitarian street in front of the Temple of War and spotted a small ratonga eyeing in his direction. “Watch and learn,” he said.

As the ogre stomped towards the ratonga, Thardon, the human trainee whispered to his fellow student, a female dark elf, “This ought to be good.”

“You there!” the Commandant bellowed.

“Me, sir?” the rat man responded, obviously very nervous.

“Yes, you! I am an officer of the Freeport Militia and a high-ranking member of the Temple! Why were you just staring at me so?”

“I was not staring, sir. What reason would a lowly merchant such as myself do such a thing?

The Commandant grabbed the merchant by the neck and lifted him into the air. “Do you take me for some imbecile troll!” he shouted, “You could have many reasons, none of which are good for you! Maybe you are guilty of some crime, perhaps? Or maybe you are spying! Is that so?”

“No!” the ratonga gasped, “I am a loyal citizen of Freeport. I would never do such a thing!”

“That is for me to decide, not you. Know that I am watching you closely, you rodent!” And with that, the Commandant threw the ratonga down the street, who quickly scampered away.

“While ogres are not dumb anymore,” Thardon whispered to his compatriot, “They still can be quite blunt, don’t you think Mindariax?”

The dark elf just let out a small grunt. And how is that different from anyone else in this city, she thought to herself, Humans, Erudites, even my own Tier’ Dal have become so brutish here. At least from how I understand of how they all use to be. Aggressive yes, but not so thuggishly brutal.

The Commandant and his trainees

The Commandant walked back to his trainees and said, “That is how we maintain order and what will allow Freeport to grow to prominence, while those fools in Qeynos will wither and die.”

At that moment, a member of the Freeport Militia approached. “Commandant Tychus?”

“Yes, what do you want?” the ogre asked impatiently.

“The Overlord wishes to speak to you as soon as possible.”

“Very well. Inform him that I am on the way with haste,” the ogre responded. As the militiaman marched off the Commandant addressed the two trainees, “Looks like your training is cut short today. Return to your living spaces. We will resume training tomorrow.”

As the Commandant marched off, the trainees took their leave of each other, and Mindariax began a slow walk back to her apartment in Longshadow Alley, careful to monitor her surroundings without looking like she was. Despite the Commandant’s fiery speeches of the order of this city, one very quickly learned to watch their backs. Privilege and power belonged to those who could both take it and hold it, and those who didn’t have it were always looking for opportunities.

Passing through the gate from the main city proper into the alley, Mindariax felt the disappointment of the current home of the Tier’Dal that she always felt. Despite being one of the favored races of the Overlord, shown through the fact that they were the only race in Freeport who were not required to share their portion of the city with another race, the area still had a fairly run down feel. All about her, dirty street merchants attempted to peddle their wares, while others looked for opportunities to improve their lot, through any means necessary.

So many talk about the greatness of our race, Mindariax thought, yet we stab each other in the back and only worry about ourselves. This is not the way to rebuild.

Mindariax returned to her apartment, a small one-room rental with nothing more than a bed, a table and a few chairs, all provided through the graciousness of the Overlord.

“Bah,” Mindariax said under her breath, “the Overlord cares nothing about us, only his power. We sit her hoping for scraps and rebuild a past that no longer exists, and that I can’t even remember.”

Grabbing some left over food from the table, Mindariax sat down and once again tried to remember her past. She remembers being rescued from a small deserted island by a ship and brought to the Isle of Refuge, and from there proving that she was worthy of being brought to Freeport to build a new life. Here, she was forced to prove her loyalty to Freeport by executing some people who were trying to escape to Qeynos. No, not executing. Murdering.

Again, she could not entirely understand why these actions bothered her so much. Her people obviously had being performing such acts since before the founding of their old home city of Neriak. The god Innoruuk had used his powers of hate to create the Tier’Dal, so these acts should not bother her, and yet they did. Mindariax was sure the answers lay in her past, but anything prior to the world settling down after The Shattering eluded her. All she new for sure was that she was several hundred years old, but something had happened that had affected her mind such that she could not remember much. It was clear that acts that her people found perfectly acceptable bothered her immensely, but she could not say why. I must find the answers!

-------------------

Mindariax was still lost in her thoughts some time later when a loud knock came at the door. Keeping her hand on the hilt of her dagger, she carefully opened the door. A member of the Temple stood before her and said, “The Commandant wishes to speak with you immediately. Bring your weapons and armor with you.”

“I will be there shortly,” Mindariax responded.

She hurried through the city as fast as she could and still keep an eye on things around her. She found Thardon and the Commandant waiting for her.

“Good, you both came quickly,” the commandant said, “You are being given another opportunity to show your loyalty to the Overlord and strength our city.”

Mindariax immediately felt trepidation, but did her best to hold the same look of enthusiasm and anticipation that Thardon now had on his face. “What is our task, Commandant?” she asked.

“The Overlord has gained information that some would be defectors are going to flee the city. We will stop them and set an example to all who would betray the Overlord. They will be meeting their contact in an abandoned warehouse at high moon tonight in the southern section of the city. We will be waiting for them. Follow”

The three of them marched through the city to the warehouse with the Commandant briefing them on the way, “Wait for my order to attack. Cut down any who resist. I hope to question a few of them to gain information, but if we can’t, so be it.”

Tracking down traitors

Upon reaching the warehouse, they each hid in different places: Thardon between some stacked barrels near the back door, Mindariax in the shadows behind some unused ship rigging, and the Commandant behind a large crate near the center of the room. After what seemed like forever, the front door opened and about half a dozen Half-elves and Erudites entered, clearly regular peasants of the city. Shortly thereafter, two humans entered from the rear door, clearly pirates of some kind.

“So, do you have the payment to smuggle you out of here?” the larger of the humans asked.

“Yes, it is here,” one of the Erudites responded and handed him a bag of money. The human counted the money and seem satisfied.

“Good,” he said, “let’s get you out of here then.”

“Surrender in the name of the Overlord D’Lere!” the Commandant shouted.

The humans and one of the half-elves drew weapons and immediately turned to fight the three unexpected arrivals while the other defectors dropped to the floor in fear. Despite the even numbers, the armed defector and the two humans fell quickly. The remaining defectors began to beg and plead to the Commandant.

“Don’t kill us!”

“Spare us!”

“Be Merciful, please! I will never do this again!”

“You turn your back on the Overlord’s generosity,” the Commandant bellowed, “and you expect his mercy? He offers you shelter in these dark times, and you stab him in the back! Can you offer me something? Who was your contact to flee? Where did you meet them?”

One of the erudites spoke up, “These two humans were are only contact. We know nothing of their group beyond us. We came across them in the Jade Tiger Inn and took their offer to go to Qeynos. We wanted a better life there.”

“You think Qeynos can offer a better life?” thundered the Commandant, “A city of weak fools who fail to realize the realities of these times. Where the weak and useless are allowed to drain resources from those who are strong? You are fools! Have you nothing you can offer me to report back to the Overlord?”

“No sir, but we swear we will never attempt to flee again!”

“That is right, you will not. I will ensure of it. Your lives end here! Thardon, Mindariax, kill them.”

Mindariax spoke up in her most respectful tone she could muster, “Commandant, might we keep them alive and find use for them? The city always has jobs for even people such as these. Let them spend their days cleaning the streets with their bare hands or something.”

Never had Mindariax ever seen an ogre with both a look of confusion and anger at once, but it was not a pleasant thing. In a very measured voice the Commandant addressed Mindariax, “What…did…you…say?”

“I merely suggested, Commandant, that we….”

“Spare these weak fools!” he yelled. “Spare those who would accept the protections of our Overlord and then stab him from behind! You would us have the same weakness of these fools?”

Mindariax realized how close she was to finding herself next to the five kneeling and sobbing on the floor. “No…Commandant. I was just…suggesting alternatives. I didn’t mean to suggest we show weakness. Forgive my carelessness.”

The Commandant took a careful look at the Tier’Dal. Mindariax noticed Thardon looking at her carefully too. “Very well,” the Commandant spoke at last, “now kill these fools.”

Mindariax walked up to the first of the defectors and looked him straight in the eyes and tried to say “I’m sorry” with her eyes. The look of fear and disappointment that was returned would haunt Mindariax for the rest of her days.

 

 

 

More to come....

[Dfrnchman]

Difficult Choices

Due to the action the night before, there was no training session the next day. Mindariax spent the time wandering the streets with her thoughts. Why do I feel this way? Others of my race don’t. Most citizens of this city don’t. But no matter what, I cannot deny that I feel that actions like what I did last night are wrong. But is there a way to change things?

Eventually, Mindariax found herself at the Seafarer’s Roost in a quiet corner at the bar. Mostly she just sat there and watched the other patrons enjoy their evening, such as you could enjoy a night in a place where you could trust no one but yourself. About halfway in the evening, she noticed a human male who kept stealing a glance in her direction. Eventually, the man came over and sat next to her.

“You are training to be a member of the militia, are you not?” asked the human.

“How do you know and what of it? More importantly who in the name of Lxanvom are you?” Mindariax replied.

“Relax, Tier’Dal,” the man said, “I am Stilus Graphium and I am with the Freeport Observer. I noticed you training at the Temple of War. I am working on an article about former refuges from the Shattering who have come to Freeport and becoming loyal members of the Overlord’s armies.”

“What purpose would that serve? Wouldn’t stories about those at the pinnacle of society be more inspiring to the people?”

Stilus

“Actually,” Stilus said, “hearing stories of how one went from a refuge with barely the clothes on their back, to a trusted and respected member of our society can be just as inspirational. This is why we are doing these stories. Of course, they will probably be adjusted, but that’s how it is.”

“Adjusted?”

Stilus looked a little frustrated. “Yes. The Overlords people will no doubt rewrite the story and make it fit their ‘truth’ for the benefit of the Overlord. At times it does seem a waste of time to actually do some research on this. They should just have us find a person then make up a story about them, instead of going through a real story and ‘fixing’ it afterward. Would be less frustrating.”

Mindariax was surprised to here someone speaking like this to her. Part of her was screaming to end this conversation now, that it was treasonous to even be talking further to this man, but her recent feelings stemming from the defector incident overrode this instinct and she said, “Those can be dangerous words around here. Some might even say deadly.”

“Perhaps,” Stilus responded, “and while I do believe the security the Overlord provides keeps us safe from the orcs and other creatures that are found deep in the Commonlands and beyond, you have to wonder about the price. While silencing opposing voices can allow things to be more stable, they also limited alternative ideas that may be better. Creative voices that can make life more enjoyable. But of course, these are ‘difficult times’ and the Overlord has decreed that such things are a waste and can endanger our rebuilding.”

“You doubt the Overlord? Many consider that treason.”

“Most of those folks are also people who have been rewarded handsomely doing the Overlord’s dirty work. They are being rewarded with treasure and other gifts for stepping on the populace and preventing them from truly finding ways of helping us rebuild. I see it in your eyes that you have similar feelings. That things could be better. Don’t you want to see civilization truly grow and work for the benefit of all, not just those in power?”

Mindariax was unsure. That unexplained compassion that she knows she has wanted to agree with him, but the consequences of taking such actions would be severe. If the Commandant heard what Stilus was saying, he would kill him on the spot. What he says reaches me to the core, yet do I risk my life to find out exactly what is going on? After a long minute, Mindariax looked at Stilus and said, “What can be done to change things? The Overlord is quite powerful and determined to do things his way.”

Stilus smiled, “There are always actions that can be taken. Some small, some large. Think about what I have said. If you want to know more, meet me in the Jaded Tiger two nights from now.” And with that, Stilus left. Mindariax sat there for sometime, trying to accept that the conversation she had with Stilus had taken place. Clearly, this man was talking some type of treason. One did not usually speak such things in public. There was too great a risk of being caught. The eyes and ears of the Overlord were everywhere. Because of his power, no one could realistically challenge him. Yet, he felt safe enough to openly talk to someone who was basically a stranger. He obviously felt he was secure, she thought.

Over the next two days, Mindariax spent much time pondering Stilus’s message. She knew most Tier’Dal would not even consider for a moment to take such a risk. But she also knew she was not a typical member of her race. The fact that she could even consider helping a higher ideal that was compassionate was clear enough evidence of that. In the end, she decides to at least give Stilus a chance. At the very least, she may find some answers to her past.

On the night of the meeting, Mindariax went to the Jaded Tiger and watched for Stilus. After finding that he had not arrived yet, she found a quiet table away from anyone who looks suspicious and ordered a drink and waits. After a time, Stilus arrived and joined her. “What do think?” he asked.

“You have my interest, but I am not sure I am prepared to go along,” Mindariax responded. “How do I know you can truly make a difference here in Freeport? You may just be one person with no support from anyone? How can I be sure that trusting you will be worth the risk?”

“You are cautious,” said Stilus quietly. “That is good. Yes, I am asking for much trust, but the rewards are well worth it. And I assure you I am not alone. In fact, I have the backing of a significant figure within the city.”

“Who?”

“Ah, not so fast. You will have to do some work to find things like that out. Obviously, we are quite careful on what we let get out. But if you want to know more, I can put you in touch with my cell leader. His opinion’s on the Overlord’s policies came to notice, so he was forced to go underground, but the rest of the cell has avoided notice,” Stilus dropped his voice to a whisper. “He is hiding in the Serpent Sewers below the city. His name is Kenjedeau. Go to the sewers through Thieves Way and find him. Through him, you can gain our trust and begin working to undo the damage that the current leaders of this city are causing us all. Tell him an ‘Observer’ sent you.”

As Stilus walked off, Mindariax retreated back into her thoughts. Do I really want to go through with this? Yes, I may be able to put some of my concerns about the way things are here in Freeport to rest, but at what cost if things go wrong?

After some time, and still unsure of what to do, Mindariax left the bar and headed home. On the way, she looked all around her at what she could be risking. Freeport was never the most attractive location, but it was strong and secure. Or is it? Mindariax took a look at the people in the street. While the various guards of the city looked confident and proud, she took a good look at the rest of the citizenry. In their faces the looks she saw were not expressions of safety and security. They were of fear and trepidation, most likely born from the reality that even a misconstrued innocent action could result in imprisonment or worse. Even in those who tried to put on a confident and even superior appearance had the look of fear in their eyes that one misstep could cost them everything.

Upon her return to Longshadow Alley, Mindariax saw that these looks even came from her own people. All this talk about our superiority, she though, about how we are the Overlords favored race, yet we cower in fear just the same as any other in this city. Even the most ardent of his supports must watch their back to ensure a knife doesn’t find its way there. Frustrated and unsure, she made her way back to her room. Can there be a better way?

[Dfrnchman]

Into the Serpent's Lair

At the temple the following day, Mindariax went through her usual training routines, but with a constant state of distraction. Her thoughts kept wandering to her discussion with Stilus and her internal war on whether to accept the offer to fight for a different way, maybe even a better way. The Commandant was in exemplary form when it came to dishing out insults for being distracted.

“Mindariax! Stopping starring off in space like some meditating High Elf!”

“I’ve seen better defensive postures from a newborn! That is the worse I have ever seen!”

“You call yourself a crusader? Get out of my sight until you are ready to fight like one!”

With that last remark, Mindariax knew it was time to take her leave of the Temple for the day. Instead of heading home, however, she went down to the main city harbor and looked out over the sea. Somehow, the calmness of the sea seemed to clear her thoughts and cut through all the conflicting views in her head. There was no denying that, despite her Tier’Dal heritage, the ways of fear and hate were not hers, and that she had to make a move to try and improve things. She decided that she would search for Kenjedeau at nightfall.

As the sun set, Mindariax made her way to an access to the sewers, one not to far from the Temple of War itself. While the main city was kept clean an orderly, the tunnels below the city were anything but. Slime coated water that went half way to her knees filled the tunnel, and the only obvious occupants were rats. In the distance, Mindariax heard the rumbling of various gnomish contraptions used to pump the water into the ocean, like a drum announcing the arrival of something dark and evil. The side of Freeport no one sees, or wants to, she thought. Well, it IS a sewer.

As Mindariax moved through the sewers, she found rats were not the only occupants. Ratonga, minds infected and disease by the waste that ran through the sewer appeared from time to time, and they showed none of the fear that the merchant the Commandant had terrorized a few days ago had. Fortunately, their disease also affected their ability to fight, and Mindariax cut them down with her blade with little effort.

They call this Thieves Way, Mindariax mused, yet would even a thief want to come down here? On she plodded and fought her way through the dank tunnels. Where is the entrance to the Serpent Sewers?

After what seemed like forever, Mindariax came across a grate that was different than any others she had seen. It had a bronze sculpture of a snake wrapped around it. Given that no other grate had such an emblem, she took this as a good sign and opened the grate and saw a ladder heading down into the dark. Keeping a careful watch, and taking great use of her excellent dark vision, Mindariax began her descent into what felt like the endless abyss.

At the end of the ladder, she found another tunnel heading off into the darkness. Drawing her sword, she followed its path, keeping watch for anymore ratonga or other creatures. Unlike the level above, she saw nothing until she came to a large chamber. About half way across she noticed she was no longer alone. All around her, snakes of various sizes seemed to appear out of nowhere. Mindariax froze fast and watched them for any sign of attack. Surprisingly, they seemed to look at her and take notice of her presence, but they did not seem interested in attacking. What kinds of snakes behave like this? In the limited food resources down here, you would think they would be taking a lot more interest in me.

“Who goes there?” asked a male voice from the darkness. Mindariax slowly turned around and a human male stepped around the corner with a freshly lit torch. “Don’t be afraid of the snakes, unless you have a reason to fear me. They are well trained only to attack when I am threatened.”

“Not your typical house guard,” Mindariax responded.

“No,” the man replied, “but down here they fit in better. Now again, who are you and why are you here? Even with a dark elf’s vaunted dark sight, this isn’t exactly the place to take a stroll”

“My name is Mindariax and I am a crusader from the city. I was looking for a man named Kenjedeau. I was told I might locate him down here.”

A flicker of recognition briefly crossed the man’s face before he stifled it. “What are you looking for Watcher Kenjedeau for and who sent you?” he asked.

“I was told by an observer that the Watcher was down here,” Mindariax responded, quickly noting the title. Observer. Watcher. “As far as my business with him, that is between him and I.”

“Do you mean him harm?”

“Not unless he gives me reason to, and that goes for you as well,” she snapped.

The man smiled. “Well met,” he said. He waved his hand and the snakes backed off further. “Relax, my dark elf friend. I am Kenjedeau. I take it you are the one Stilus sent. I hear you are interested in out goals. Come. Follow me and I will discuss our organization and your possible role in it. The timing of your arrival, in fact, may have been quite fortuitous.”

Kenjedeau

Kenjedeau turned down a side corridor and after a small hesitation, Mindariax put her sword away and followed. After a couple of turn, the two of them came up to another grate, which Kenjedeau open up and entered and beckoned Mindariax to follow. Going carefully, she passed through the gate and entered a small room.

While still very clearly part of a sewer, the room that Mindariax found herself in was fairly neat and orderly, though it was quite small. There was barely enough room for the two of them to move around. A worn down bed rack with a few leather skins sat in the corner. In the opposite corner, was a dusty table with two chairs. Some scraps of food remained, obviously fairly recently eaten. Kenjedeau took one of the chairs and motioned for Mindariax to take the other. Carefully, she took the offered seat.

“So,” Kenjedeau started, “You are interested in trying to turn Freeport away from the dark path the Overlord has it set upon. You do realize the risks involved in this endeavor are high, correct?”

That’s putting it lightly, Mindariax thought. “Yes I do. But I feel that certain things must be done. The blood of many innocents are on the Overlords hands. Even those who may not be completely innocent deserve better treatment than what he gives out.” The images of the defectors she had to kill came quickly back to mind.

Kenjedeau looked thoughtful for a moment then said, “I must say I am surprised a child of Innoruuk would follow this course. Humans yes. Half-Elves and erudites yes, but a Tier’Dal. That is not exactly typical.”

“I am not sure why I have these feeling,” Mindariax responded, “but I have them none the less. I suspect it has something to do with my past, a past that for some reason I cannot remember.”

“You are unable to recollect certain parts of your past?”

“More than parts. I have no memory of anything from before the time just after the Shattering.”

“Given the chaos and suffering the destruction of Luclin’s moon caused,” Kenjedeau mused, “some might consider that fortunate.”

“Perhaps,” Mindariax responded, “but the loss of my past does leave many questions. I know that many of the things the Overlord does is wrong, but I don’t know why I feel this way. One thing I hope that helping change things will do is help me remember.”

“Interesting,” said Kenjedeau. “Of course, as am sure you realize, such mysteries will not always be solved, but I appreciate your apparent willingness to help. Of course, because of the way things are here in Freeport, we will need evidence to show that you are going to be loyal to us. I have a task for you to perform, if you are truly willing. Are you sure you are willing to risk your position and possibly much more for us?”

Mindariax looked away as she pondered the question. While she knew she was willing to risk her position, she also knew full well that in Freeport one usually hid their true motivations and goals from others. To do otherwise in a city where anyone could be a potential enemy, to do otherwise was suicide. Finally, she said, “I am willing, what is this task?”

Kenjedeau nodded and said, “A high ranking member of the city will be having a private meeting with some dissidents from Qeynos. They are working out a plan to severely weaken the defense forces of the city through some unknown vile means. Due to the distances involved, invasion to conquer the city is not something the Freeport Militia is presently looking at, but if they can hurt them bad enough, a few years down the road such a move may be possible. If Overlord D’Lere was able to control both cities, the evil his leadership is allowing to flourish will be almost impossible to overturn.”

“That would be grave,” Mindariax said. “What is it you need me to do about this meeting?”

“I want you to disrupt the meeting by killing the people there. I understand that there will be few there to avoid drawing attention. Qeynos has their spies here and the Overlord’s people will obviously want to keep this matter hidden. By killing all involved, it will disrupt the trust between the Overlord and the dissident groups. Also, if you can find any evidence of the details of their plans, that would be beneficial. We would be able to leak these plans back to Qeynos so they can better protect themselves in the future.

“The meeting is to take place in the Temple Street District at midnight. The barbarians in that part of the city can get quite rowdy that time of night, so any noise made should be cover quite well. Also, your position within the Temple of War should keep people from wanting to pay too much attention to you to avoid drawing unwanted attention on to them so you should be able to sneak into the meeting area quite easily.”

“Any estimates on the number of guards?” asked Mindariax.

“Two or Three. They won’t have large numbers, again to keep the meeting quiet. Will you do this?”

Mindariax again spent a few moments pondering. She knew that if such an action was being planned, she had to stop it. But then, the information that Kenjedeau had was probably not perfect, and being caught would have severe consequences. Death would probably be a welcome thing after whatever punishment the Overlord came up with.

Finally, she looked at Kenjedeau and said, “Yes, I will do this. Where exactly is the meeting?”

Kenjedeau gave her the exact location and then escorted her back through the sewers to Thieves Way and gave her directions on how to get back to the surface without attracting unwanted attention, either from those in the Way or on the surface. “Good Luck,” he said and then went back towards his hideout.

[Dfrnchman]

Actions and Judgements

A short time later, Mindariax was back on the surface and heading towards Temple Street. Looking at the position of Luclin’s remains, she saw she did not have a lot of time until the meeting, but enough that she did not need to hurry, so she took her time to get to Temple Street, continuing her internal debate about this task, getting involved with Kenjedeau and his group, and her own internal conflicts about right and wrong.

She found the site of the meeting not long before midnight and waited outside to watch for other guards and to watch for anyone entering. It did not take long for her to notice a couple of extra guards than usual in the street, and a few folks who were probably undercover guards as well. The city noble must already be here, she thought. Mindariax also noticed that, due to her armor identifying her as a member of the Temple, many folks were indeed giving her a wide berth. While she did not revel in the fear she was causing, she knew that Kenjedeau was right in this allowing her to avoid unwanted attention. Someday, that fear won’t be so oppressing and suffocating.

After a short while, Mindariax saw two cloaked and hooded individuals approach and enter the building. She waited for a bit, giving time for any meeting to get underway, then walked up to the building entrance. She resisted looking around at any reactions from the guards knowing that she might tip them off that she didn’t belong there. She quickly but quietly entered the building, trying to put on a show of “everything is normal” for anyone watching until she closed the door, then immediately took stock in her surroundings.

She found herself in an entryway to what appeared to be a small merchant shop with a staircase leading to an upper level. At the bottom of the stair was a single unalert guard who had not noticed her yet due to his inattention and various clothing wares for a barbarian positioned near the door. Quite sloppy on their part. You would think a city noble could hire more effective guards, she thought.

Mindariax quietly drew her dagger and using the various items in the store as cover, she snuck up as close to the guard as she could, then leapt to the attack. Had the guard been paying more attention, he probably would have stood a chance of fighting her off, or at least to be able to sound a warning. Instead, he had just enough time for a look of shock and to begin to realize his time on Norrath was over before Mindariax sunk her dagger into the man’s throat.

So far so good, Mindariax thought as she removed her dagger from the man. After checking that no one else was on the lower floor or on the staircase, she made a slow and careful climb to the top and looked around the corner. She saw a short hall with an Ogre guard at the end holding a very large axe. A short hall, but not short enough for her to sneak up on him as she had the human downstairs. Cursing to herself, Mindariax slowly unsheathed her sword and put her dagger away. She knew she would have to make this quick as those inside would probably be alerted to her presence. No stopping now.

After a few moments, she went charging at the guard. For an ogre, this guard was amazingly quick, but not quicker than Mindariax’s elven reflexes. The guard swung his axe at her, but Mindariax managed to parry the blow and swing back. She managed to hit the ogre’s off arm with a deep slash, but this only seemed to make him angry. He came back with a powerful swing that she just managed to leap out of the way of an avoid being cut in two.

Fortunately for her, the ogre’s swing was a bit too strong and his axe buried itself in the wooden wall of the hallway. Finish this quick! Mindariax thought. As the guard tried in vain to free his axe, she drove her sword into the guard’s chest with all her might. After a half strength growl, the ogre fell over to the side and Mindariax withdrew her sword as he fell. She pushed the body out of the way and hurried to the door he was guarding, from which she could here various voices in discussion. Not wanting to waste any advantage, Mindariax threw the door open and charged inside.

She did not get far. About two steps in she felt a spell hit her and freeze her where she stood. From the neck down, nothing would respond, though with the shock of what she saw in the room, a spell would hardly have been needed to freeze her movements. As expected, a Freeport noble in complete official armor and helmet stood before her, but on either side of him were the now unhooded cloaked men she had seen enter the building. Kenjedeau and Stilus! What is going on here?

Both men had a growing smile on their faces as they looked at the noble. “Looks like we caught another traitor to the city,” said Stilus.

The noble raised his hand for silence and pondered Mindariax with eyes nearly hidden by his helm. After a time, he said, “For all the opportunities and protection this city provides, it still amazes me that some think to change things.” And with that, the noble removed his helmet and revealed himself for the person who Mindariax had already recognized from voice. A voice the frequently was heard through out the city espousing the virtues of the militia and the glory of himself and Freeport.

Overlord Lucan D’Lere! Mindariax thought, her mind reeling in shock. “What is going on?” she asked.

Facing the Overlord’s wrath

“You have fallen into a trap, my dear,” D’Lere responded. “Kenjedeau here is very good at preparing tests for our citizens to check and ensure their loyalty. Most choose correctly and pass this test and go on to greatness serving me and improving the strength of this city. Sadly, a few choose poorly as you have, and seek to undermine the strength and protection that Freeport provide.”

“You mean undermine your corrupt power system, set up to benefit only a few and trample the rest,” Mindariax retorted.

“As you have probably heard time and again,” D’Lere responded, “These are difficult times. The weak can only survive under the protection of the strong. Resources are limited, so everything must be controlled. The hardy and strong risk their lives for the rest of the people, so they should gain certain privileges due their station. I would think if anyone would understand this, it would be a Tier’Dal. I have granted your people many privileges I have not the others, but then I guess even the best orchard has a few rotten pickings.”

“Privileges? Yes, we get our own section of slum! What a privilege that is!”

“Enough!” barked the Overlord. “I have no time to trade barbs with a traitor. Executioner, kill her!”

Mindariax heard the drawing of a dagger, and then felt it penetrate her side, poisons flowing into her veins. As she fell to the floor and began to lose consciousness, she did as many do in Norrath and called out to the long lost deities. Much to the surprise of the Overlord, his people in the room, and to Mindariax herself, she did not call out to Innoruuk, the father of the Tier’Dal, but to the creator of the Koada’Dal and Fier’Dal, the high and wood elves and the Mother of All.

“Tunare!”

[Dfrnchman]

Will post more in a few days.

[PontyEar]

What's wrong with picture links?

[eqlover]

WHOA! Great story going on here! I liked the picture that used the original EQLive Lucan D'Lere graphic, that really gave me a good laugh.

[Eriol]

Quite exceptional. The addition of images it an interesting difference, and you did it quite well. Not too many, but enough for what's needed. I myself have done a betrayal story (it's in my sig), but that was Qeynos -> Freeport. Interesting how you are going about the story from Freeport -> Qeynos, following the ACTUAL quest rather than an independant creation. But even with that, you make it sound genuine and not merely an "embellishment" on a game mechanic.I really do want to read the rest of this.

[Dfrnchman]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Sorry I havent been around to post more of the story until now. Been quite busy. Going to add a few more chapters.

[Dfrnchman]

A New Choice

Mindariax flew through images and scenes with the only common thread being the presence of herself in most of them. She did not recognize any of the events of actually having happened, but given her hidden past, this was about the only thing that was not a surprise.

One moment, she witnesses the birth of Tier’Dal girl. Small and frail as all infants, the child screams its first cries. A cleric of Innoruuk looks over the child, devoid of any compassion in his features. Finally, he decries that the influence of Innoruuk on this child is somehow weakened, and as such he sees poor tidings in the child’s fate.

Later, she sees herself as a young woman, studying with a small class of other Tier’Dal, with a stern instructor obviously singling her out for harsher treatment. Images of herself fighting off the infamous gnolls of Blackburrow flew by, both within their caves and at the gates of a city. She is unable to make out the city, but as one of the images fades, she sees a guard fighting beside her, a guard bearing the emblem of Qeynos. Throughout these battles, she sees herself not as a warrior, but as a conjurer, and one of considerable power.

These battles morphed into a titanic battle in a dark forest. Elves, light and dark, were in a huge struggle with weapons and magic flying in all directions. The battle rages in total chaos until a leader from each side steps forward. Even with the loss of her memories and the loss of much of history due to the Age of Cataclysm, Mindariax easily recognizes the two as Firiona Vie and Lanys T`Vyl, the Chosen of Tunare and Innoruuk.

Kithicor, thought Mindariax as the two leaders and their respective mentors, Laarthek and Galeth squared off. The main battle faded off as everything came down to this central clash. Weapons flew and magic was spun as never before or since had been seen. It was a dance of both epic and deadly proportions, a battle that history would pivot and a landscape changed forever.

Finally, it appeared that Firiona would defeat her opponent. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Laarthek quickly stunned his opponent and drew a black orb and cried out to Innoruuk. In a flash of fire Lanys T`Vyl was swept from danger to the dark cradle of her father, while Firiona, Galeth and the high elves fled. A dark wave swept through the forest and engulfed the Tier’Dal who remained. One of the dark elves, an older female, Mindariax noticed held a strong resemblance to herself, a woman who had the look of being betrayed upon her face. My Mother?

Mindariax felt the dark waves crash into her. Hate and despair were driven into her very being, as if trying to reclaim her. NO! I will not fall back that way! Then a light appeared, almost as if reaching for her. With all her mental might, Mindariax willed herself in the light’s direction.

The darkness redoubled its efforts to reclaim Mindariax as its own. Looking back, she saw Innoruuk himself, trying to pull her back into the fold. Back towards the light, she saw another face, though the brightness made it too hard to make out. Mindariax threw herself at the light. As hate made a finally grasp at her, she reached out and touched the light and the darkness was pushed back and vanquished. Finally, the light faded enough so she could see the face. A female of elven features stood before her. She radiated hope and growth and wisdom.

“Welcome home,” said Tunare. Then the light flared up again and Mindariax was blinded and dazed, and finally overwhelmed. As she lost consciousness again, she knew that the warmth of the light would never leave her heart again.

Images from a dream

“Mindariax, wake up!” spoke an unknown voice.

For someone who is dead, I sure hurt right now, though Mindariax.

“Wake up now, Mindariax, quickly,” said the voice again.

Slowly, Mindariax opened her eyes and saw an armored human woman staring at her. Briefly Looking around, she saw she was in a very run down stone building, from which the stench of death was everywhere.

“That’s better,” said the woman. “The pain will fade in a while. The chemical on my execution blade was able to sustain you in a barely living state, but just barely.”

“Who are you?” asked Mindariax.

“My name is Selindi,” responded the woman, “and I am one of the Overlord’s executioners. I am also an infiltrator from Qeynos. One of my tasks is to look for people like you who are willing to take a strong stance again the evil of D’Lere and to help them escape to safety.”

“Where are we?”

Selindi looked around for a moment, and then said, “We are at the graveyard of betrayal. It is a burial place for disloyal citizens that the Overlord has put to death. After I ‘executed’ you, you were brought here and were to have your body thrown into a nameless hole or be the subject of necromantic experiments. Fortunately for you, neither will happen. That is, if you can safely get away from the city.”

“I know of this graveyard,” said Mindariax. “It is outside the gates in the Commonlands correct?”

“Yes.”

“Now the only question is where do I go from here?”

“Freeport is obviously closed to you now. Your only option is to make your way to Qeynos.”

“How do I get there?” asked Mindariax. “I am sure the Overlord makes sure the route is not easy to follow.”

“Indeed,” replied Selindi. “There is a port on the opposite side of the Nektulos Forest. You will need to make your way there and stow away on a ship to the Thundering Steppes. From there you should be able to make your way to the Antonican Plains. Once there, look for a man named Vishra. He resides in the eastern reaches of the plains, not to far from the Steppes. He will aid you.”

Selindi’s chance

Selindi reached handed Mindariax a pack. “These provisions should get you to Antonica. There is also a silver amulet inside that you must wear once you get to the ship. This will let patrols know that you are not to be killed on sight, something that is usually the result for Tier’Dal found in the Bayle’s realm. I have also included a map of all the areas between here and Antonica. They are not perfectly accurate, especially in Nektulos Forest, but should give you a good reference.”

Mindariax took the pack. “Thank you for what you have done. I will remember this.”

“You are welcome. Remember, find Vishra. Hurry, we must both get out of here before the necromancers return. Farewell.”

With that, Selindi walked out, presumably back to Freeport. Mindariax waited a moment and headed out herself. This is not going to be a fun trip, she thought. Mindariax looked back to the east at Freeport in the distance, the Overlord’s floating citadel high above. Once a symbol of strength to her, now it was an emblem of evil and oppression. With one last sad look, she turned west and began her trek across the Commonlands and beyond.

[Dfrnchman]

Past Revelations

Despite the size of the Commonlands, sneaking across them was no easy task. Even at significant distances from Freeport, the Overlord’s patrols were still to be found. While her faked death gave her some time until her flight would be discovered, Mindariax chose to not take any chances. She only traveled at night, and while she stayed near them, she largely stayed off the roads. During the day, she did her best to keep herself hidden. This was not an easy task as the Commonlands were largely open plain, and good hiding places few to find. Several of the ones that did exist were already taken by various creatures that would take a strong exception to her presence in their lair.

After two weeks of traveling, however, Mindariax came to the gate leading to Nektulos Forest. It was here that she realized that sneaking through the Commonlands was the least of her tasks. The forest was well known for the dangers that lied within. Various powerful forms of undead were the most common threats, but owlbears, hostile wisps, and other aggressive forms of life were known to inhabit the forest. There were also legends of all sorts of power evil entities that made Nektulos their home.

At the height of their strength, thought Mindariax, the forces of Neriak controlled this forest. Then a greater evil drove them out, an evil that may still be present. Knowing that she was not strong enough to take on the creatures of the forest alone, Mindariax began a careful trek through the forest, alert for any dangers.

While the forest provided many more places for Mindariax to hide, the number of dangers also increased. Three times, various forms of aggressive vermin came out of nowhere to try and make a meal out of her. Several times, Mindariax almost blundered into a group of wandering undead skeletons hidden by the darkness even from her superb dark elven sight.

One advantage of the forest, however, was the lack of patrols from Freeport. Given its distance and the hazards that lay within, the Overlord did not wish to waste troops trying to control it, or even really keep a constant observation on what was happening. As such, Mindariax was largely able to keep to the roads.

A few places however, she had to leave the road and sneak through the forest itself to avoid dangers. This left her trying to avoid the raw hazards of the deep forest. Her only guide was her wits, her innate sense of direction, and the sketched map that Selindi left her.

On one of these occasions, to avoid a pack of owlbears wandering around the road, Mindariax found herself having to wander deep into the woods. Every time she tried to work her way back towards the road, she would spot some type of creature blocking her way. Four times she tried to cut back to the road, but to no avail, and in fact she seemed to get pushed further from the road each time.

Realizing she was not going to be able to get back to the road quickly, Mindariax looked at her map for options. She though about shadowing the road as best she could until able to rejoin it, but a mark further down the map indicated that would lead her directly into an area just marked with a skull, most likely a sign of high danger. She then noticed the eventually the road crossed a river, and then came back her direction for a ways. If she could cross the river safely, she could quickly rejoin the road and maybe even cut some time of her journey. The only problem was that it meant going deep into the forest, but given that the first option meant going directly into a huge danger, she opted to take her chances in the wood. After gathering her bearings, she headed towards the river.

About a day later, Mindariax came upon the river, and quickly realized this was not going to be as easy as she had hoped. The river was wider than the length of two dragons. As near as she could tell, even the tallest ogre would not be able to touch the bottom and still have his head up, so wading was not possible. On top of that, the river flowed with a pace that swimming across was clearly not an option.

Frustrated but determined, Mindariax again looked at her map. On it, an island was marked in the river less than a quarter days travel from where she was. Maybe there I can find an easier way across, she thought. Putting her map away, she began to hike towards the island.

When Mindariax arrived at the river, things seemed better than she had hoped. While the river itself had gotten longer, the island almost reached the bank she was on, and seemed to do the same on the other side. Also, a couple of trees had collapsed across the river, providing her with a natural bridge. Feeling that something had finally gone her way, Mindariax approached the log bridge to the island.

When she approached, however, she noticed that something was out of place. The forest, which to this point had been nothing but cold and dark, seemed to get warmer and not quite as dreary. Mindariax also saw few signs of the creatures of the forest, signs that had been so prevalent in other places. Cautiously, she stepped out on the bridge.

About halfway over, Mindariax thought she heard whispers. She came to a stop and looked around. She saw nothing but the forest and the river, and heard nothing but the raging water below her. Again, she continued across. A few steps later, again she briefly heard whispering voices. Stopping, she called out, “Who is there?” No responses came. Drawing her sword, Mindariax carefully continues across the bridge.

Whispers in the woods

When she came to the end of the bridge, again she heard the whispers, and this time they didn’t stop. “Who are you?” Mindariax again called out. All that replied were whispers, whispers too quite for her to understand. Proceeding slowly, she began to work her way across the island.

As Mindariax worked her way across the island, the whispers began to get louder. While they were not clear enough for her to understand them yet, she was able to discern they were coming from in front of her. Carefully, she pressed forward towards the voices. Nearing the center of the island, Mindariax saw a faint glow ahead. Suspecting this glow was the source of the whispers, she approached the light, hoping it proved to be as benevolent as the light in her recent dreams.

Stepping into a small clearing, she saw the source of the glow was a small wisp, floating near the ground. Strangely, flowers were blooming on the ground around this wisp. The air here seemed warm and almost peaceful. Approaching the wisp, the whispers became understandable. “Mindariax! Mindariax Tamuril!”

Apparently something here knows something about me I do not know, she thought. Mindariax had never known her full name, though this creature that was whispering to her was calling her Mindariax Tamuril. Definitely an elvish name, but I do not recognize it. When she finally reached the creature, she bent down and looked at it carefully. After a moment she asked, “Who or what are you?”

The response Mindariax received was quite unexpected. The wisp floated up to about eye level with her and then seemed to explode in a flash of light, momentarily blinding her. When her vision cleared, no longer was a wisp standing in front of her, but the most beautiful white horse she had ever seen, which glowed with the light of the sun.

“What?” she asked.

The horse spoke without moving its mouth “I am the Avatar of Growth. Due to an agreement between all the gods to remain out of the direct affairs of Norrath for a time, the Mother of us All is not able to be here. You seek many answers, and I have come to provide them for you.”

Tunare’s Avatar

While hopeful that what she had been longing for, answers to her past, were finally going to be presented, Mindariax had the skepticism of one who had lived under the Overlord’s oppression. “Why,” she asked, “would Tunare or her avatar be interested in a member of the race who fights so hard against her?”

“A valid question,” the avatar responded. “However, remember the history of the Tier’Dal. You were created by Innoruuk from the leaders of the high elves, who he had captured and tortured for centuries until he molded them into his agents of hate. The Mother has always hoped to redeem the perversions of her children that the Hateful One created.”

“What does all this have to do with me?”

“Let me reveal your history to you. Many of your answers lie there.

“It all started with your mother. For various reasons, she questioned much of the hatred preached by the clerics in Neriak. While anger and hate were part of her being, she found many of the ways of the Tier’Dal to be counter productive. While she still believed strongly in many of Innoruuk’s teachings, she never felt right with his belief in destruction being a ‘creative’ force. She felt that constant destruction ran counter productive to the best interests of the dark elves. Eventually, despite the unpopular aspects of her beliefs, your mother found a mate and a year later, she became pregnant with you.

“Hoping for a path to turn her former children back to the road she had intended, Tunare reached out and touched your soul. She blessed it with her influence and planted a seed towards the redemption of your people. As you went though childhood, you never embraced Innoruuk. While many of your people looked down on you, your mother worked hard to protect you and keep you safe. Things changed with the battle in Kithicor Forest.

The avatar paused for a moment as if lost in the pain of that historical battle, and then continued. “When Laarthek made his sacrifice to protect Innoruuk’s chosen, many Tier’Dal were killed and their spirits pulled into Hate while their bodies became the undead minions who rose at night Kithicor from then until the destruction of the forest during the Cataclysms. Your parents were among those who died.

“While your mother was willing to protect you and nurture you, the relatives you came to live with were staunch followers of Innoruuk. They did everything in their power to drive the influence of Tunare out of you, and they almost succeeded, but in the end, the goodness that had been planted in you prevailed.

“After studying magic and the ways of the mage from House Spurned, you fled Neriak to the city of Qeynos. While they were initially skeptical of you, they could tell you lacked the strong ties to hate of most Tier’Dal and gave you a chance to prove yourself. You acquitted yourself several times against the gnolls of Clan Blackburrow, including several probes into their caves and helping ward off an attempted major counter assault by the gnolls. Serving Qeynos, you became a mage of considerable power and respect. Many thought that there might be hope for your people, that they may one day all return to Tunare. You took the surname of Tamuril, old elvish for Redeemer, as a symbol that you were simply the first to change, and that others would soon.

“Then the gods were forced to turn from Norrath to prevent an adventurous few from potentially destroying everything.

A look of great pain seemed crossed the avatar’s face. “The departure of the gods had many impacts, such as the lifting of the mind veil on the ogres and letting loose the age of war. Your mind and soul were torn between two gods. Despite your best efforts, Innoruuk’s influence still had its seeds in you. Had the arts of a conjurer had its roots in the light and good it does today, you might have been protected, but this was not to the case. Your mind was torn apart, and you were left wandering the lands half mad. Only near the end of the Age of Cataclysms were you able to regain your mind.”

Mindariax looked away for a moment. She looked back at the avatar. “What should I do now?” she asked. “The history you have spoken of rings true in my mind, but what should I do?”

“Return to Qeynos,” replied the avatar. “You will most likely have to prove yourself to them again, but they are more open to refugees from darkness now than they were 500 years ago. It will still be a challenge, but I am confident you can overcome.

“Fare well on your journey, Mindariax. My influence will protect you until you leave Nektulos, but then you must use the strength in your heart and soul to face the dangers of this new time.” And with that, the avatar faded into thin air, leaving Mindariax alone.

My history and my destiny have both been revealed to me, she thought. I must not fail at this, despite the risks. She looked at the spot where the avatar had stood. The flowers that had been there remained strong, despite the departure of the influence of Tunare. Even in this dark place, the light can plant its seeds. With that thought, Mindariax continued on her trek across the forest.

[Dfrnchman]

Gates of Antonica

A few days later, Mindariax emerged from the forest to the port that could take her to Antonica. As the avatar had indicated, she had seen no sign of any dangers since their meeting. Nothing even as small as a simple forest snake, let alone an owlbear or skeleton, had been in view the entire trip.

Sneaking aboard a cargo ship proved to be quite simple. There were few guards here, and they seemed to have a rather laid back approach to security anyway. The port was separated from the forest by a large rock wall, which the creatures of the forest would not be capable of climbing, so those in the port felt safe.

As this port was primarily used for smuggling goods between Freeport and Qeynos, cargo was closely watched while it was sitting on the docks or moving to and from the ship, but not much else was. Mindariax found a ship bound for the continent of Antonica, and snuck aboard.

During the trip, she largely stayed hidden in the back of the cargo hold, though occasionally she snuck out to find some provisions to eat and restock the supplies she had been given at Freeport. Despite numerous close calls, Mindariax was able to stay hidden, largely due to the fact that the crew liked to hit the ale barrels on a regular basis.

After a few weeks, the ship arrived on the shores of Antonica in the Thundering Steppes. Putting on the amulet Selindi had given her, Mindariax began to work her way off the ship. Getting off the ship without being caught was not too difficult, but escaping from the port area proved to be another factor. While the security was no tighter than what was at Nektulos, the area around this port was much more open and exposed, and Mindariax wasn’t confident that having the amulet would prevent an over anxious guard from taking her down permanently. Twice, she was nearly spotted, but she was able to get past the guards and head of into the Steppes towards Qeynos.

While not as dark or as mysterious as the Nektulos Forest, Mindariax had heard that the Steppes could be just as dangerous. Prior to the cataclysms, this place had been the western reaches of the plains of Karana, teeming with life and open grassland. While many of the grasslands still remained, the terrain was much more mountainous, and undead were much more common.

Cautiously, Mindariax made her way across, shadowing the roads but never walking directly on them. She was not yet ready to trust in the patrols to be willing to ask questions before striking her down, so she decided to avoid dealing with them until she had to. Fortunately, what patrols from Qeynos that did exist were few enough that she was able to stay clear of them. She also saw several undead creatures in the area, but the openness of the Steppes allowed her to spot them at a distance and avoid them.

After a few days of following the road and her map, Mindariax arrived at the gates to the Antonican plains. This was going to be her moment of truth, for the gate had several guards and there was no way to sneak past it. If I am ever to be accepted here, I must show trust in them, she thought. Ensuring her amulet was well visible, Mindariax stepped out of the shadows with her hands well clear of her weapons.

The gates of Antonica

“Do not attack!” she shouted. “I am here as a friend and to seek refuge.”

Despite her call and no threatening stance, a dark elf appearing at their post was not something the guards were expecting, and not something that was very welcome. The guards immediately drew their weapons and watched her carefully. “Do not move!” one of them shouted. “Who are you and what makes you think one of your kind has any place here?”

“My name is Mindariax. I was told by a friend that I would be able to seek refuge with Qeynos. I have rejected D’Lere and fled the city of Freeport. I was given this amulet as proof of my intentions. I was told to seek out a man named Vishra.”

Four of the guards stepped forward slowly, weapons still at the ready, and all of them eyeing her amulet. After a few moments, one of them spoke, “Well, Mindariax, that amulet spares you for now, but be warned, you will follow our instructions carefully and exactly. But as captain of this post I warn you. Any suspicious actions, and I or my men will cut you down. Hand over your weapons…slowly.”

Cautious to make no unexpected moves, Mindariax drew her sword and handed it over to the guards. The guard who had spoken to her took the weapon and looked over it carefully. “Come with us,” he said.

The guards took her inside the gate and took her into a tent. “You will remain here, “ she was told. The apparent leader and one of the other guards left the tent, while the other two remained with her. Well, I am still alive, she thought. Hopefully, that continues to be the case.

After a time the captain returned with a man who was clearly not part of the guard. He was a graying middle-aged human man, who looked at her with steely gray eyes that seemed to pierce into her soul.

“Greetings, Mindariax,” the man said. ‘I am Vishra, and word was passed to me of your coming here. You obviously have courage, facing the difficulties of the journey here and coming to us openly. I understand you are looking for refuge. Tell me, why should we be willing to trust one of the children of Innoruuk within our walls?”

Slowly and carefully, Mindariax explained what she knew of her past. Her long discomfort with life in Freeport, her attempt on D’Lere, her flight and her conversation with the avatar, she did her best to explain why she had come. While the guards often shook their heads in disbelief, Vishra just started at her intently with eyes that revealed nothing.

Vishra

After she finished her story, Mindariax looked directly back at Vishra and did her best to return his strong and intent gaze. A silence hung over them as both Mindariax and Vishra both appraised each other. Finally, Vishra broke the quiet.

“Interesting, “ he said. “I sense you are being honest with me, at least as with the truth as you know it. Qeynos has offered safe haven for those who have fled from Freeport, but we need to see a significant sign that you have truly turned your back from evil. At the present, I see no such sign.”

Mindariax almost panicked. “But look what I have lost! I risked everything to stop what I thought was a major plot against your city!”

“And how did you deal with that plot?” Vishra responded. “You attempted to murder a city official from the dark. Without a second thought or looking for alternative ways of dealing with the situation, you chose an evil solution. I am not prepared to break bread with a murderer.”

“But what else was I to do?”

“Could you not have tried to find the details of the plan and try to find a way to get that information to us? Could you not have discretely found a less violent way of interfering with the attack? Yes, sometimes the violent answer is the correct and only option, such as our conflict with the gnolls here, but until other reasonable possibilities are looked at and rejected, conflict and violence and murder should never be a solution.”

Mindariax reflected on her actions. Could I have chosen a different solution, she thought. Maybe, maybe not. But I did not even try to find another solution. I failed this test, but it will not happen again.

“What is to become of me now?” she asked.

“A good question. While your actions may have been wrong, your intentions were good. You may yet find your way truly to good, but you have much to prove to us. There are a few others who have fled here and have much to prove as well. I will take you to them and all of you will be given a chance. Come with me.”

Vishra led Mindariax to another camp further past the gate. Well, at least I am moving towards Qeynos, she thought. I must make the most of this opportunity. Mindariax had little doubt that any wavering would get her killed, either directly by the guards, or by whatever wilds lay outside the fortified cities, as she would no longer be welcome anywhere if she failed.

Waiting at the camp were a dwarf, an ogre and a kerran. Upon their approach, the dwarf stood up and waved at Vishra. “Another refuge from Freeport, I see,” he said. “Don’t get many Tier’Dal here, but I guess with the turmoil in the world these days nothing should be a surprise.”

“Yes, Dworn, I have a crusader for you. This is Mindariax. With her joining the others, they have what they need to show if they are truly committed to living by our laws and traditions here. Allow them all to get acquainted. I will return tomorrow with their task.” With that, Vishra took his leave of them.

“Well, Mindariax,” Dworn said, “let me introduce you to the other refugees.” He led her up to the others. “This here is Tolok, a shaman of the ogres. And the quiet one here is Kevak, a kerran predator.” All three appraised each other. “Both of them arrived here in the last few days. Why don’t all of you tell your tales of why you came here and get to know each other. To prove your desire to live in Qeynos, you will have to depend greatly on one another, so you might as well get to know each other well.”

Tolok and Kevak took a moment to appraise Mindariax, then they returned to their seats at the campfire. Mindariax took a deep breath and joined them. Dworn hung back and observed the three of them as they began to talk.

Tolok

Tolok told his story first, how he felt that Rallos Zek had led his people to a destructive path, a way that had twice seen the ogres fall from greatness. As such, he felt he could no longer worship the God of War and had fled to Qeynos to learn about the teachings of Mithaniel Marr.

Kevak spoke little, but made it clear that he could not stand the oppression his people were under in Freeport. To be forced to live in close quarters with the erudites, who had been long in conflict with his own people, was a cruelty that Kevak felt had no justification. He fled to find a better and freer life in Qeynos.

Kevak

Finally, Mindariax spoke her long tale, including the avatar and what she new of her history. Kevak just sat there taking it all in without any reaction. Tolok listened with great interest, especially with Mindariax’s experience with the avatar. He also showed discomfort with mentions of Commandant Tychus. Dworn sat to the side, showing interest but clearly doing his best to cover any reactions.

After Mindariax finished her tale, Dworn stood up and said, “Well, you have a long and difficult task coming. I suggest you all get some rest.” With that they all retired for the night. As Mindariax lay down by the fire, she thought about the challenges she new lay ahead, and vowed to prove her new belief in good both to Vishra, as well as to herself.

[Dfrnchman]

First Tasks

Vishra and the guard captain returned mid morning with news of their first task. “The path to proving yourself and your dedication to the ways of Qeynos begins,” Vishra said. “The first task you must complete is to prove that you are willing to risk your lives in defense of our people against one of our oldest enemies. Since the founding of Qeynos, we have constantly been dealing with the gnolls of Blackburrow. For centuries, the city had little difficulty keeping them at bay. Then the Age of War and the cataclysms came.

“The devastation to the Qeynos Guard caused by the war and the ensuing chaos of the cataclysms allowed the gnolls to take control of a large portion of Antonica and were even able to frequently strike at the city gates.”

“Finally, we were able to repel them back from the city and push them towards their caves, but they suddenly seemed to stabilize their positions around the Archer and Bramble woods. Despite our forces best efforts, we were unable to drive them back any further. The gnolls all of a sudden seemed to have an uncanny ability to predict our movements and attacks.”

Vishra paused a moment and then continued, “We had a major mystery on our hands until the recent capture and interrogation of Sarn the Wayfarer, a high ranking gnoll. He revealed that the gnolls have gained possession of an ancient artifact that apparently gives their leadership amazing tactical insight. Your task is to find a way into Blackburrow caves and find this artifact and, if possible, take or destroy it.”

Tolok, Mindariax, and Kevak all looked at each other. This task was clearly going to be quite difficult, maybe even impossible.

“How do we sneak past all those gnolls?” Kevak asked. “The caves are probably infested with them. Just getting through the main entrance will probably be too difficult?”

“The main entrance, yes,” Vishra responded. “However, it appears that there is a secret way into the caves that the gnolls have left lightly guarded to avoid attracting attention to it. Unfortunately, we do not the exact location. You are going to need to find it.”

“Any ideas where to look?” asked Tolok.

Vishra nodded. “Yes. Seek out a gnoll who goes by the name of Towyn. He is known to be one of the main message runners from the caves to the gnolls in the woods. He was recently seen near the beach just outside the Archer wood. Track him down and use him to find the back entrance to the cave. Once inside locate the artifact and try to recover or destroy it. If unable to take or destroy it, gather what information you can and return to me. Are you up to this task?”

After a moment, both Tolok and Mindariax agreed and Kevak nodded shortly after. “Good,” said Vishra. “I suggest you be on your way soon. The captain here has your weapons. Good Luck.”

The guard captain handed Mindariax and the others their weapons back, as well as replenished supplies for their mission. Not only have they not killed me outright, but they are rearming me, thought Mindariax. They may not trust me yet, but they are giving me a chance. After all three were rearmed and ready to go, they headed out for the trip to the beach.

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On the morning of the fourth day, Mindariax caught the smell of seawater on the air. Shortly thereafter, their party came upon the shore of the sea once known as Erud’s Crossing.

“So this is where it started. Where the near decimation of my people at the hands of the Erudites began,” Kevak mused.

“I thought that the Erudites left Qeynos to avoid conflict,” responded Tolok. “It was only when the heretics began to practice forbidden magic that conflict ensued.”

Kevak snorted. “If they had been really interested in peace, they would have done what they could to fight against evil here, not run off and turned a blind eye. You cannot run from evil. Evil will catch up with you eventually, as it did with them and caused the split that resulted in most of my people being exiled to Luclin and probably killed in the shattering.”

“I think we should get back to our task,” interjected Mindariax to stave off further debate. We need to look for signs of Towyn or other gnolls. Kevak, that is probably going to be your specialty.”

After taking one more moment to look over the sea Kevak responded, “You’re right. Lets hunt some gnolls.” With that, Kevak began searching for evidence of the passage of gnolls.

Finding signs of gnolls having passed through the area was not difficult. Tracks and other evidence were to found everywhere. This presented its own problem, however. With so many tracks, trying to determine which were the ones they wanted proved difficult, and Kevak frequently would follow a set of tracks only to find they headed off in what was clearly the wrong direction, or appeared to be set up specifically to lead people astray.

Finally, after spending most of the day sorting through the tracks Kevak followed out a set that seemed to go into the sea. He said, “These seem to be the best chance of leading us to our target. I suggest we find a place to lie low and wait for someone to show. It is getting dark anyway, so any more significant tracking is going to be impossible.”

The others agreed and they set up a hidden camp in some bushes overlooking the beach. Mindariax took the mid watch, where her superior night vision would allow her to spot anything a lot easier, with Tolok taking the first watch and Kevak, who needed some rest after tracking all day, would take the last watch.

It was around dawn during Kevak’s watch that the fruits of their labors finally paid off. Three gnolls were spotted swimming to shore near where the tracks were. “How do we want to handle this?” asked Kevak. Mindariax thought for a moment and said, “Here is what we should do. First….”

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Towyn was big and strong for a gnoll. Few gnolls in Blackburrow, in fact, could match his size and power. Through his strength alone he could no doubt bullies his way to the top of the power structure of his den. The only thing holding him back was Towyn himself. He really lacked serious drive and ambition. Some even referred to him as Towyn the Lazy, though not to his face if they wanted to keep theirs.

Because of his laziness, however, he never really bothered to come ashore from Blackburrow’s hidden entrance at different locations to hide his presence better. The two gnolls who frequently came along with him on his message runs had often suggested that they vary their approach, but Towyn waved off their concerns. Given how the forces of Qeynos had been pushed back, he found it unlikely that they would have any scouts near where they came ashore.

As a result, it came as quite a surprise when as they were moving off the beach that an armored figure stepped out from behind some bushes and shouted for them to halt. It came as an even bigger surprise when he realized that it was a female Tier’dal that stood before him.

“What are you doing here, dark elf?” he asked. “Freeport is quite far from here. I suggest you flee while you can.”

“I do not serve the forces of Lucan,” responded the female. “In the name of the city of Qeynos, I order you to surrender. You will help me locate the gnoll named Towyn and I may consider sparing your lives.”

Towyn laughed. “Well, your search is at an end as you have found me. But while my life is safe, yours is not. Prepare to die, dark elf. You cannot stand against the three of us.”

The dark elf sighed and drew her sword. “Very well, Towyn, you leave little choice.”

Towyn grinned at the thought of easy prey and drew his blade and ordered his two warriors to advance and kill. Right then, there was a flash of light from behind him and he heard what sounded like a couple of bodies hitting the ground. Towyn turned around and saw his warriors lying dead on the ground, one apparently hit by a spell, the other with an arrow sticking out of his back. Stepping out from behind some logs were a kerran with a bow who was notching another arrow, and an ogre who clearly was a shaman and who most likely had cast the spell that had caused the flash of light.

Towyn's last stand

“I call again on you to surrender, Towyn,” said the Tier’Dal. It is you who are outnumbered and we need some information. You will tell us.”

While Towyn was lazy, he was fully committed to his den. It was obvious that this party was trying to find the hidden entrance to the caves, and this he could not allow at any cost. Towyn growled defiantly at the Tier’dal, then impaled himself on his sword. May Brell still be waiting for those of us who fight for him, he though as the darkness swallowed him.

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They all looked with dismay as the life bled from the gnoll. “This is not good,” said Tolok. “We can’t pull information from him now.”

“Maybe we can find something useful from the bodies,” suggested Mindariax.

As Kevak bent down to examine the gnolls Tolok asked, “What do you think we could possibly find that would give us the location of the way in? I doubt he carried a map or something.”

“Maybe we can find clues that will give us an idea of where we has been,” Mindariax responded.

“Like what?”

“Like this,” said Kevak as he held up what looked like the remains of a shelled sea creature.

“That’s just an ordinary shell fish,” said Mindariax. “They are quite common around here.”

“Not this kind,” responded Kevak. “They only are found in underwater caves located several fathoms under water. Several of my people hunt them just outside Freeport. Towyn here has a pouch full of them. He must have grabbed them for a snack coming out of wherever the secret entrance is.”

Mindariax looked out over the ocean. “So you are saying the entrance is in an underwater cave somewhere around here?” she asked.

“That appears to be the case,” Kevak responded. “The question now is how to find it. This coast is long and I don’t think we can hold our breath long enough to locate the entrance.”

“I think I can solve that problem,” Tolok said. Both Kevak and Mindariax looked at Tolok with a little surprise. “I know a spell that will, for a while, eliminate the need to breathe. That should make our search more likely to succeed.”

For a moment, Mindariax felt greatly relieved, then she took note of one aspect of what Tolok has said. “What do you mean by ‘for a while’? I don’t want to swim down just to find out I need to breathe again.”

The ogre shrugged. “Hard to be exact. A few hours by a gnome clock. I can recast it under water though, so we can stay down there. Just need to come up with a way to signal me when you feel the need to breath.”

After a bit more discussion, they reluctantly agreed that Tolok’s idea was the best option they had. Kevak scrounged up some seaweed that he made into a makeshift rope. They then attached this rope to each other’s belt to help stay together, as well as signal the others if they needed Tolok to recast his spell.

“Well, at least now we can spend a good part of the day looking for this entrance,” said Mindariax as they made their final preparations.

“Hopefully this won’t take that long,” grumbled Kevak. “My people may like living along the water, but spending long periods of time in it is not something we enjoy.” With that, Tolok cast his spell on all of them, and they went into the water.

[Eriol]

Keep it up. Your level of quality has not faltered.One thing though: you have to be careful not to give all of your characters too close of a mindset. The opposite danger is making your characters all too stereotyped (which you have avoided, and is much worse really), but they are "similar" in mindset in a lot of cases. Just a danger to be aware of. It's a problem I myself have, and so I recognized it somewhat here.

[Dfrnchman]

Actually, i did that intentionally to throw a few surprises at you later in the story. Some interesting twists are on the way =)

[Eriol]

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Dfrnchman wrote:Actually, i did that intentionally to throw a few surprises at you later in the story. Some interesting twists are on the way =)

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Alright. Suprises are good. =)One thing I didn't think of until later is also what you did with the gnoll falling on his sword. That's definitely something you rarely see from a "villian", or anybody else for that matter. Good job making even the villians non-flat characters.

[Dfrnchman]

Blackburrow

Unfortunately for Kevak, it did take a fair amount of time to find anything. Tolok had to cast his spell two more times before they stumbled upon a deep cave that had signs of possibly being the entrance they were looking for. Despite that the cave went deep into an underwater cliff side, a faint glow could be seen from deep inside. With Mindariax leading the way, they carefully went in with weapons drawn.

A short ways down the cave they found the reason for the glow. Lining the cave at carefully placed locations were faintly glowing crystals. By the organized fashion in which they were placed, it was obvious that these crystals were placed to help mark the path through the otherwise pitch dark cave. Wanting to stay hidden, Mindariax led the others along the path laid out by the crystals, but far enough away from them that they could not be easily seen. While not the most comfortable way to look around, it was a lot more comfortable than an arrow in the head would be.

After some time, they finally reached a point in the cave that appeared to go above the water’s surface. Concerned about any guards that might lie in wait, Mindariax signaled for the others to remain below the surface. So as not to expose anymore of herself than needed, Mindariax tilted her head to the side and floated up just high enough to get one eye above the surface. She then carefully and slowly rotated herself around to get a good look at the cavern.

The cavern above was not particularly large. There was a small rocky shore area large enough for about twenty or so people, maybe twenty-five if they were all gnomes. From the shore area a small passage went further off into the hillside, just wide enough to fit three people across. On the wall on either side of the passage was a large collection of the same glowing crystals that had been in the cave, give decent visibility inside the cavern. Mindariax saw a few crystals lining the passage as it went up. Other than that, there was no sight of any gnolls to be seen. Mindariax dropped below the surface and signaled to the others that the way was clear.

The three of them came ashore and took a moment to shake themselves off. After a moment of extensive grumbling about the condition of his fur, Kevak approached the entrance to the passage and looked around. “Looks like gnolls have been through here on a regular basis,” he said. “You can tell just by the scent of the place.”

Tolok looked down the passage. After a moment he remarked, “Not going to be a lot of cover down there. We will have to proceed carefully and with stealth.

Kevak nodded. “Just follow me and do what I do. And give me a little room between us, just in case.” With that, Kevak began to slowly make his way up the passage, with Mindariax and Tolok following.

The passage went up a fair ways, but was not guarded as far as they could tell. The gnolls clearly thought that this route was hidden enough that it didn’t need extensive watching. It wasn’t until they reached the end of the passage that they had their first opposition to deal with.

The passage ended in a small chamber with another passage on the other side. Standing next to this other passage was a fairly large and aggressive looking gnoll, clearly watching for the return of Towyn. After making sure there were no other gnolls in the area, Kevak quietly took his bow out, drew an arrow back, and quickly dispatched the gnoll. With that the three of them moved further into the cave.

Into the depths of Blackburrow

The new passageway was much larger, and offered many places to hide. This was quite fortunate, as it didn’t take long to start seeing patrols of gnolls in the area. Once they finally worked their way to a large cavern, Kevak guided them into a small hiding place in one corner. “Stay here. I need to scout ahead and I can’t do so with the two of you trailing behind me. Give me a little time, and be quiet. There is no telling how often gnolls come through here.” With that, Kevak crawled off to investigate the area.

Kevak was gone for quite a while. Just as Tolok and Mindariax began to worry about how he was doing, however, he returned with both good and bad news. “Well, I think I located the artifact. It is not to far from here and not too hard to get to. The gnolls must have felt that whatever they have guarding it from attacks from the front also was enough to protect the secret entrance from discovery.”

“Unfortunately, the artifact room itself is guarded by three of the biggest gnolls I have ever seen. It will be tricky to remove them quietly.”

“Well,” said Mindariax, “might as well get us down there. Once there we can come up with a good plan to deal with them.”

“Very well,” he responded. “Move very quietly and carefully. There are a few patrols between here and the artifact.” With that, they began to make their way down.

It took them some time and some difficulty to get down to the artifact. Tolok in particular had difficulty keeping himself hidden, as ogres were never meant for sneaking around. Twice, they were sure they were about to be discovered, but their luck held all the way down to the artifact chamber.

Kevak had not been exaggerating about the size of the gnolls guarding the chamber. Both of them were almost the size of Kevak and looks malignant to the core. Both of them carried swords that looked like they could cut any person in two with a single stroke.

From a hiding place not far from the entrance, they discussed their options. A direct frontal assault was out, as the guards would easily give off an alarm before they could be taken, assuming they could be taken. Tolok mentioned he had a spell or two he felt could drop them quickly, but none of them were very quiet spells, so they quickly ruled them out.

After rejecting several plans, they finally came up with one they felt had a reasonable chance of success. Kevak and Mindariax quietly snuck to either side of the guards. Tolok stayed behind and watched for any other gnolls approaching, as their was no way he could safely sneak up close to the guards. Once all were in position and Tolok signaled that it was clear they set their plan into motion.

Kevak struck with his bow first. He caught the guard to the right of the passageway cleaning in the eye, and he dropped like a marionette whose strings had been cut. The other guard immediately turned to face the direction that Kevak’s shot had come from. This exposed his back to Mindariax, who jumped out of her hiding place and swung her sword through the other gnolls neck, quickly removing its head and its ability to sound any alarm. After that they quietly removed both bodies into the corner where they had put their plan together and quietly moved into the artifacts room.

In the middle of the chamber on a crude stone pedestal was a crystal almost the size of a dwarf that glowed a sickly green. Off to one side was a table with several maps and planning scrolls, most likely used to plan the gnoll attacks on the Qeynos hills, and eventually the city itself.

Behind the table was a gnoll who was clearly one of the clan’s high-ranking leaders.

Fortunately, he was asleep in his chair, his head resting on the table. Not waiting to consult with the others or take a chance, Kevak snuck up behind him and slit his throat. Mindariax and Tolok gave him a shocked look, but Kevak just shrugged and mouthed to them “We can’t take any chances.”

After a moment, the three of them set about studying the artifact. As they approached it, they could actually feel its power and energy. They wanted to take it with them, but it was clearly too large for them to sneak out of the caverns. After some discussion and examination, Tolok indicated that he felt he could destroy the artifact with a spell.

“It doesn’t appear to be that strong physically,” he whispered. “As long as I concentrate hard enough, I should be able to destroy it, but it will take a few moments to cast the spell. The only problem is that we may be heard.”

Kevak clearly did not like this plan. “I didn’t risk coming all the way to Qeynos just to die. I could have stayed in Freeport for that. Vishra said finding it was good enough. We can’t take it with us and it is too dangerous to destroy. I say we get out of here and report back.”

Mindariax was inclined to agree, but then something dawned on her. “With the guards outside and the gnoll here dead, the rest of the gnolls will know this location is discovered and they will find a new place to hide the artifact. We have no choice but to risk destroying it here.”

Tolok looked at her for a moment, then nodded. Kevak looked not the least bit happy, but realized that Mindariax was right. Tolok had them move to the cover behind some rocks, took a moment to gather himself, and then cast his spell.

The result was not entirely expected. The spell hit the artifact and it seemed to shimmer under the force Tolok hit it with. For a moment, it seemed it would shatter, but instead it let out a huge blast of light and sound that seemed to shake the cave.

Once her eyes cleared, Mindariax looked at the artifact. While the glow from the artifact seemed significantly diminished, the crystal was still there. Worse, the sound the crystal had made had clearly drawn the attention of the gnolls. Off in the distance, they could hear barking and yapping that sounded like half the Blackburrow clan coming to investigate.

“Now you’ve done us in!” Shouted Kevak. “We are doomed and the crystal remains! We have to try and get out of here!”

“Wait!” said Mindariax, “the crystal appears weakened. Tolok, can you hit it again? This time give it everything you can!”

“Yes, I believe so,” Tolok responded, “but take cover, I have no idea what kind of blast we will get.”

“Kevak, get back here and take cover,” hollered Mindariax at Kevak, who was starting to make a run for it. “If you don’t you might get hurt by the blast.”

Kevak stopped and considered for a moment, then with a growl of anger jumped back into hiding behind some rocks. Tolok again began to cast his spell, this time putting as much effort and mana into the spell that he could. When the air seemed to hum with the energy he was pulling in, he let the spell go, just as the first patrol of gnolls entered the chamber.

The flash of light and sound was even greater than the first time Tolok had cast the spell. Mindariax fell to the ground, her highly acute elven senses blasted by what was happening. The intensity was so great Mindariax let out a scream that left her throat burning. Then it was over.

When her eyes and ears cleared Mindariax looked around the chamber. Where the artifact had been was now a scorched crater. The wall where the gnolls had come in from was just as black, as were the remains of the gnolls themselves. Tolok was kneeling next to her, clearly exhausted by the effort. Kevak crawled out from his cover, a little dazed but ok.

“Quickly, we have to get out of here now! “ said Mindariax. “Lets go!”

The three of them ran for their lives out of the chamber. There were a few gnolls in the next room, but they were all shocked and disoriented by what had happened. Mindariax and the others just ran past them and kept running, not wanting to waste the time to dispatch them.

As they continued to run, they ran into a few small patrols that were clearing coming to determine what had happened. Without even bothering to plan, Mindariax and Kevak just cut through them, with Tolok healing both of them and casting the occasional spell to help smite the gnolls from their path.

When they finally reached the underwater cavern, they felt like they would collapse, but they knew they had to keep moving. Tolok cast his underwater breathing spell on them all again and they dove in, coming under arrow fire from a few gnolls as they vanished beneath the surface.

They swam through the tunnel as fast as they could, then back to the shore, where they all but collapsed. They sat there for a bit, absorbing the heat from the sun as it approached the horizon.

“Well, that was fun,” Mindariax said dryly.

Kevak glared at her for a moment, then said, ”Vishra had better be impressed with this. I do not want to have to do something like that again.

[Dfrnchman]

Betrayal

When they return to Vishra’s camp a few days later, he was very much impressed indeed. “You have done well,” he said. “You have very clearly shown your willingness to take great risks in defense of Qeynos, far more than I would have expected from anyone. The city is greatly in your debt.”

“So are you ready to accept us then?” Mindariax asked.

“Not quite. I do have another task for you after you have rest. Don’t worry, nothing anywhere near as dangerous as what you did for us in Blackburrow. In fact, there shouldn’t be any danger at all. I need you to speak with a Felzik Drusin. Felzik runs a refuge smuggling operation helping regular folks flee here to Qeynos. We have had some difficulties with him lately. He has requested we send someone to meet him to discuss the situation. Probably wants to increase his fees. I want the three of you to go negotiate with him. Qeynos is willing to give him a slightly higher fee, as he has proven reliable, but not by too much. Go and see what you can work out with him.”

“Sounds simple enough,” Mindariax responded. “Do you really need all three of us for this though?”

“Hopefully not, but Felzik can be a bit stubborn sometimes, and he is a capable swordsman. Having three of you there should give you a position of strength in the negotiations.”

“Where can we find him?”

“He has agreed to meet four days from now in a field just east of Windstalker Village at sunset. I’ll give you a map when you leave to show you the general area of where you will meet him. Rest here for tonight then head out in the morning. Good luck”

As Vishra walked away Tolok said to the others, “We will probably need it. We used up what luck he had in the caves.”

The next day after the morning meal, Mindariax, Tolok and Kevak refreshed their supplies and headed out after receiving the map from Vishra. During the trek to the village, Kevak largely kept to himself. Ever since their flight from Blackburrow, he had been quite sullen. The closeness of their escape was clearly not something he was happy about.

Mindariax and Tolok, however, spent a fair amount of time on the journey in conversation. They talked extensively about their experiences that had led them to escape Freeport, and how they sought a new way of life in Qeynos. Tolok would in fact become very animated and excited about learning the ways of Mithaniel Marr. A conversation they had the evening before they arrived at the meeting site particularly moved Mindariax.

“I consider Rallos’s influence to not only be responsible for the near destruction of my people, but the shattering of Norrath,” Tolok said. “War for the sake of war or for outright conquest just leads to more death and destruction. Conquerors always like to say how when their particular war is over, peace and prosperity will be brought to the lands, and how all will live well after all is done. Instead, after they finish their conquest, they just look for more to fight, until the armies become to spread and civil strife explodes.”

“So you would now prefer to avoid conflict if at all possible?” asked Mindariax.

“No,” Tolok responded. “Conflict is part of existence. It will never go away and I feel there needs to be some balance between peace and war. What needs to be avoided is fighting just to fight.”

Tolok paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. “The really important thing to me is how we conduct ourselves in battle. The intelligent races of Norrath are supposed to be civilized and better than the lesser species that the gods placed around the world. Yet to become warriors and the like we are to strip ourselves of this higher place and be no better than basic creatures?”

Tolok sat up proudly. “This is why I want to learn about Mithaniel Marr and his teachings. A way that, even in the struggles of the battlefield, we remain true to our status as the higher races. To set an example for those who follow us and to ensure that there are ones who follow us.”

The pride and hope in Tolok’s voice as he spoke inspired Mindariax. Serving a high purpose, she thought. The purpose ensuring there are those who will remember us, regardless of what we do. Mindariax thought back to her frustrations with the conditions her own people were now surviving in.

“What you say rings true,” she said finally. “My own people constantly talk about returning to our greatness and glory of the past. Yet they are to busy fighting over the scraps from the Overlord’s table that they make no real progress towards achieving that goal.”

Tolok nodded. “All the races that now live in Freeport are in the same place. D’Lere holds out a fraction of hope to all of them, but in the end he only cares about his own power.” Tolok looked off to the west, where the city of Qeynos was. “Queen Bayle gives support to those under her protection that allows them to truly become what they want, and do to so without having to worry about who is going to try and take what they already have. It is a place where all the races can share in the greatness and glory that is our birthright.”

Tolok and Mindariax continued to discuss things for some time, and Mindariax found a strong bond of fellowship with the ogre. Both were looking for a better way, and they both seemed to have a realistic expectation of what was possible for their futures. Mindariax felt great hope in the future of things to come.

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The next day, they arrived at the meeting spot with the sun not to far from returning to the horizon. When they arrived, Felzik was already waiting for them.

“So, these are ones Vishra sent,” Felzik said. He took a moment to appraise each one. “So, what does that fool have to offer this time?”

Mindariax was a little taken aback by his tone, but then working a smuggling line probably hardened ones attitudes. “Qeynos is open to negotiation with you,” she responded. “You have apparently proven to be quite effective for them. They hope that they can retain your services.”

Felzik grinned broadly. “Yes, I have proven effective. But then that is to be expected. In my line of work you are either very successful or you die. Many probably wouldn’t care for the risks, but the reward is worth it.”

“Yes,” Mindariax responded. “I am sure with a decent fee and the reward for knowing you helped others is great. I am sure a little extra funds to better equip your operation will be useful.”

The smuggler grinned even bigger than before. “Oh yes, helping others is quite rewarding, especially when the person you are helping is fairly highly placed. Say, the Overlord of Freeport!”

“What?” Mindariax said in shock. “What do you mean the Overlord? You can’t be doing him a favor by sneaking people out!”

“Oh, the loss of a few citizens is no great loss, especially since they were traitors anyway. The information gained in discovering many of the routes used to get people over here to Qeynos, however, is quite valuable to the Overlord. With it, he will be able to significantly cut down on the number of those who turn against his patronage. He has promised me great riches and power to discover as much as I can.”

Mindariax drew her sword. “You will not be permitted to return to Freeport with that information. Surrender to us! You cannot hope to defeat all three of us.”

Felzik laughed. “You may be right. It would probably be a stretch of even my skills to stop all three of you. Fortunately, however, I will not need to do that.”

“What do you mean?”

At that moment, Mindariax heard a grunt of surprise from Tolok. Careful not to let Felzik out of her site, Mindariax back off to the side to see what was wrong.

Tolok was face down on the ground, his blood streaming out of two wounds in his back. His body was quivering in shock and pain.

But the real problem was what was the person who was standing behind him, his daggers wet with Tolok’s blood.

“Kevak! What have you done?”

Kevak mirrored Felzik’s grin as he answered. “Simple my little elf. I have no desire to serve that foolish weakling who leads Qeynos.” He stepped past Tolok’s still trembling form. “As Felzik said, the Overlord rewards handsomely those who do great things for him.”

A dangerous betrayal

“Yes,” Felzik added. “Just as I am to be paid well for finding the smuggling routes and inserting a spy into Qeynos, Kevak will no doubt be rewarded for things he will discover inside the city, as well as using his skills to…remove anyone who can make the Overlord’s plans for weakening Qeynos more difficult.”

Kevak nodded. “Fear not about how Tolok will be remembered Mindariax. I will be telling Vishra that we died well helping stop a betrayal. Unfortunately for you, you will be remembered as a traitor now in both cities. Of course, you won’t be having to live with it. Time to return to Innoruuk for you!”

Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light. Kevak was thrown forward, his daggers flying from his hand. Not waiting for Felzik or Kevak to recover, Mindariax swung her sword around and impaled Felzik with it. The look of shock on Felzik’s face widened and then went slack as life oozed out of him.

Mindariax then swung around to face Kevak, who was lying stunned on the ground. She quickly picked up his daggers then kicked him over on his back and held her sword at his throat.

“Looks like you won’t be getting rewarded the much after all,” she said. “I doubt the Overlord will be too happy with you now.”

Kevak looked at her with a faint trace of fear in his eyes, but a steady expression on his face. “So you will kill me now. Go ahead. Kill me like the helpless person I am now. I am sure your new masters in Qeynos will be so impressed.”

Mindariax felt every muscle in her body straining to release and send her sword deep into Kevak’s skull. Then she realized she could not do it. To do so would make her no better than those who still ruled Freeport.

She withdrew her blade. “Go. Return to your masters. Maybe they will spare you, though I am sure your penance from them will be great. That is, if you can sneak all the way back to them unarmed. I am sure going back through the Nektulos will be quite a challenge.”

Kevak stood up, snarled at her, and then took off. As soon as he was gone, Mindariax tended to Tolok. The wounds in his back were bleeding heavily and the additional strain of the spell he managed to cast to disable Kevak had clearly taken their toll. It didn’t take long for Mindariax to realize there was nothing she could do.

“I am sorry, friend,” she said.

“Not your fault, Mindariax,” Tolok said. “He had me just as fooled. I just am sorry that I will not be able to join the ranks of those who served Marr. I had a chance to show all the ogres could rise above what Rallos had limited to, and I have failed. No one shall remember what I tried to do.”

“Not true. Rest peacefully. I shall ensure that all will know what you tried to do. Ogres many years from now will sing the praises of Tolok.”

“Thank you,” Tolok whispered. Then with a last grin, Tolok faded into the next realm.

And with that, Mindariax did something that, even with the loss of her past memories, she knew that she had never done before. Something that probably very few of her kind had ever done.

She cried over the loss of a friend.

[Eriol]

I'll admit it wasn't as big a suprise, as I was LOOKING for it, and thus it was less than if you said nothing. Also making the title of the chapter also gives away the suprise. Oh well. It was still quite good though. I especially liked the Blackburrow sequence, as you could almost feel the tension and apprehension of them while sneaking through.I look forward to the rest, especially when Mindariax returns to Vishra sans two of her companions. I would think he would naturally be suspicious, and thus perhaps creating a new problem? But that is of course up to you, and so I will have to wait and see what happens myself!

[Trulaf]

I like the story. I especially liked the Blackburrow part. Looking forward to the rest.

[Dfrnchman]

Struggles of Faith

She ran. She ran harder than she ever thought possible. Miles and miles swept by, as she tried to flee the frustration and pain she felt. Was this how good and kindness were to always be rewarded? With death and betrayal?

She ran though the farms, the fields, and finally into a forest. Dodging trees, not caring where she was going or what crossed her path, Mindariax tried to flee the ugliness in the world. She ran until she finally collapsed from exhaustion and slipped from consciousness.

------------

Mindariax awoke again to the sound of another’s voice.

“You there, Tier’Dal! Wake up!”

Mindariax slowly rolled over onto her back and opened her eyes. Before her was a human female dressed in the armor of the Qeynosian Guard. The guard’s sword was not drawn and she was clearly eying the amulet about Mindariax’s neck.

“Who are you?” Mindariax asked.

“I am Sialla. I am a guard from the Gnollslayers Keep. I see you bear the mark of one who has fled Freeport and looks for a new home here.”

Mindariax nodded. “Yes, I came here looking for peace, though I have yet to find it.”

Sialla looked at her for a moment. “Peace can be difficult to find here at times. I also am a refuge from Freeport. My family fled when I was a little girl. I know the trials of coming here can be difficult.

“Yes,” said Mindariax. She briefly recanted her tale of what happened at the meeting with Felzik and the death of Tolok.

Sialla’s face contorted in anger. “Those vermin of Freeport! I am surprised you let that filthy Kerran go. So many monsters over there. I am glad you stopped Felzik though. The route here is dangerous. Most of my family was killed during the attempt. Other than myself, only my brother and mother survived. I look forward to the day to making Freeport pay for what they have done.”

“What do you mean by pay?” asked Mindariax.

Sialla looked around for a moment. “I see in the very near future we will start having battles with forces from Freeport. This will be especially true now that adventures from both cities are rediscovering lost lands and determining what is left of these shattered lands.”

Sialla paused and took a deep breathe before continuing. “When I come across anyone from Freeport, I will strike them down without mercy. I don’t care who they are or what they are doing, but they shall pay dearly!”

Mindariax felt the urge of vengeance that ran in Sialla. For a moment, she felt compelled to do the same. For all that the Overlord had done, from keeping people under his thumb, to the recent loss of Tolok. Bu then she realized this was not the way to take.

“You cannot just kill them wantonly. Yes, there may be times we need to use our weapons against people from Freeport, but what you want to do is wrong. We have to reach out to them. Many Freeportians do not want to live the way they do, but they lack the ability to do anything about it.”

“I do not want to hurt those who want to live as we do in Qeynos,” replied Sialla. “I just want to stop those who relish the ways of Freeport.”

Mindariax nodded. “I can understand that, but you aren’t going to help them by just killing people. In fact, you may do more harm than good.”

“How can that be?”

“If you engage in that kind of slaughter, think how the families of those you kill will feel. You would reinforce the dogma of the Overlord that Qeynos isn’t the fair city it claims to be. Remember, the Overlord often tried to make the Queen seem like a tyrant. Doing what you suggest would only reinforce that.”

Sialla pondered that for a moment. “But we can’t just let the evil of Freeport go unpunished! They must be stopped. Once the forces of Freeport are overrun and the city under the Queen’s rule, we can teach them the ways of peace and freedom.”

Mindariax thought back to her last discussion with Tolok, about leaders that tried to conquer under just such a premise. She mentioned this to Sialla. “Don’t you see, doing what you suggest might help in the short term, but ultimately it is self defeating. Yes, keeping our swords sheathed may mean a lot of painful moments, not to mention a lot of difficult choices, but in the end, we will ensure that freedom survives and that we can rebuild Norrath into a safe place for all.”

Sialla looked up at the sky for a long moment. “As much as I hate to say it, you may be right. You have given me much to think about, Tier’Dal. I shall consider your words. With that Sialla walked off, no doubt returning to her patrol.

Maybe there still is hope, Mindariax thought. The pain of Tolok’s loss and Kevak’s betrayal still ran strong, but she knew she must not let vengeance override her convictions. Tolok’s sacrifice gave me a chance. I shall not dishonor him by wasting it. With that, she regained her bearings set off to return to where Tolok had fallen to give him a proper burial.

A few days later, she arrived back at Vishra’s camp. Dworn was waiting outside and asked where the others were when she approached. Mindariax filled him in on everything that happened at the meeting. When she finished, Dworn had a very concerned look on his face. "Wait here," he said.

Dworn went inside the tent and returned a few minutes later with Vishra, who was carrying a small box which he set upon a table outside the tent. He took a cautious look at Mindariax and then opened the box. Mindariax could not see what was insde, but she could see a faint blue glow coming from inside.

"I understand your party ran into some significant difficulty," Vishra said. "I know you have told the stroy to Dworn here, but I would like to here it from you myself."

"Very well," Mindariax said. She went carefully over everything that had happened since she had left camp. She did not mention the meeting with Sialla, however, as she felt that was something she didn't want to reflect on the guard who she felt had been deflected from making a poor choice. Throughout her report, Vishra showed no emotion, but kept glancing into the box, as if looking for some kind of sign.

After several minutes, Mindariax completed her report and then sat waiting for Vishra's judgement. He sat there, looking into the box at whatever was there for several moments, then look at Mindariax with a look that seemed to penetrate down to the core of her soul.

Finally, Vishra closed the box and said, “We will make sure that Tolok’s sacrifice is never forgotten. I shall ensure that his story is passed on to those who can keep record of it so that he is properly remembered. Many refuges will be able to safely make their way from Freeport because of him.”

“As for Kevak, you were right to spare him. It would have been better if you could have arrested him, but you would have been hard pressed to keep him under control all the way back to here. Hopefully, however, we can properly deliver justice.” Vishra shook his head in frustration. “If any of you I had doubts about, it was Kevak, but I didn’t think he was involved in anything like he was.”

He then looked back at Mindariax. “I also recently had a visit from a Sialla, a member of the guard. She mentioned how you helped her look past her anger at the loss of most of her family. I see you have learned much about how to stay clear of the path of evil. I am very much impressed.”

“So am I close to gaining acceptance in Qeynos?” asked Mindariax.

“Yes, very close. Rest for now. We will talk more in the morning.”

"I shall. But may I ask what was in the box?"

Vishra looked at her for a moment, then gave her an innocent grin. "Just an old trinket," he said. "Do not concern yourself further about it."

[Dfrnchman]

Confessions

The following morning, Dworn came for Mindariax and escorted her to Vishra. When she arrived, she was surprised to see another dwarf with Vishra, this one with a flaming red beard and an intense expression. It almost seemed he had a barely control fire burning behind his eyes.

“Good morning,” said Vishra. “I hope you slept well. I have one last task for you. You have shown that you are truly willing to embrace a future here in Qeynos, but first you must resolve the past and confront your past crimes. You must go and speak to Magistrate Rachelle. She will have some questions for you to answer about your time in Freeport.”

He then waved the dwarf forward. “The trip is about two days from here. Dorvoln here will escort you to the magistrate. He is one of our newer warriors under training for the guard here.

“He also has some answers about your past that you have forgotten. Apparently he is a descendant of someone you new back around the start of the Age of War. I know you can’t remember those times, but maybe some holes can be filled.”

With that, Mindariax and Dorvoln took their leave of Vishra, and began their trek towards Qeynos and the magistrate. At first, they said nothing, until finally Dorvoln spoke up, “So, you do not remember a thing about your past then.”

Mindariax hesitated for a moment and the responded, “No, anything prior to a couple of years ago I cannot recall. Who is this person in your family I may have known?”

“Ah, he was one of the finest paladins an’ adventures the Crushkiller family has ever produced. Dorboln was his name. He went and saw and did things no one else in our family ever has. He was a member in one of the elite adventuring guilds of the time around the start of the Age of War.”

Mindariax and Dorvoln

The old adventuring guilds! Mindariax had heard of them. Groups of adventures originally banded together for mutual support and assistance in the old days. Several of them would go on amazing explorations of some of the most dangerous regions one could imagine. Velious, Luclin, the Planes of Power and beyond. In their day, these guilds had brought fantastic treasures that could do amazing things. Most were largely crippled and destroyed following the closing of the gates to the realm of Discord and the ensuing chaos that reigned right up to the cataclysms.

“Any idea how I knew him?” Mindariax asked.

“From what I can tell from his journals, he met you during a gnoll raid on Qeynos. He was amazed at the risks ya took to defend the city of the gnolls, especially with your being a dark elf. He sponsored you in his guild and you underwent extensive training. I haven’t had a chance to see how far ya went, but I am sure we can find out with some reading.”

Mindariax pondered that for a while. Finally she said, “Yes, I would like that. Maybe when my tasks are done and I have had a chance to settle and reflect a bit.”

Dorvoln nodded. “Sure thing. Just let me know when.”

“Thank you,” said Mindariax. “If I may ask, what ever happened to Dorboln?”

A sad look crossed Dorvoln’s face for a moment, then he said, “His guild was one of those who volunteered to go into Discord to help seal the portals to that realm after it was discovered about the detrimental effect that realm was havin’ on Norrath. He was last seen helping fend off a last attack by the Muramites as the portal was closed and sealed. Both he and several members of his guild were forever trapped on that side of the portal. Most likely killed without support.

“Despite their heroics, his guild was devastated by the loss of so many of its members. The Wars and cataclysms that follow further eroded their strength. Now, only a few members remain, and they are split between the two cities. Some of them have talked about rebuilding, as have many of the other guilds, but nothing as of yet.”

Mindariax though about what Dorvoln had said. About a friend she could not remember. “Maybe one day they will rebuild,” she said at last. “It sounds like they made a sacrifice that should be remembered in that way.”

-----------

After a couple days travel, they finally reached one of the outer guard towers to Qeynos. Dorvoln handed a message to the guards, who read it, gave Mindariax a hard look, then motioned for her to enter.

“Good luck!” said Dorvoln as Mindariax went in.

Inside, Magistrate Rachelle stood in full armor minus her helmet behind a desk covered with various paperwork. Off to the side a guard stood at attention, keeping a close eye on Mindariax.

“You are Mindariax?’ the magistrate asked?

“Yes”

“And you are here to confront what you have done during the time you were in Freeport?”

Mindariax hesitated a moment then said, “I am”

“Very well,” the magistrate said as she pulled out a quill and paper. “What types of acts did you perform while in service to the Overlord?”

“I participated in several acts of evil,” Mindariax responded.

“More specific please.”

Mindariax took a deep breath. “To learn my chosen profession, I willingly perform heinous acts.

Magistrate Rachelle made several notes on her paper. “I see. Well, go one.”

“ I also performed and act of serious treason.”

The magistrate looked at her carefully. “Go on,” she said.

“I attempted to assassinate a member of the Freeport nobility for the benefit of Qeynos.”

“Indeed,” the magistrate took some more notes. “Not exactly the kind of thing we like to benefit from. Anything else?”

Mindariax paused for a long moment. She wanted to stop there, but she knew there was one more thing she had to say. “I have also committed and act of unconscionable murder.”

Both the guard and Rachelle froze. “An act of murder? Explain.”

“I…I slaughtered some helpless refugees who were only trying to flee to Qeynos. They were defenseless, but I was ordered to kill them anyway.”

After pausing a moment Rachelle said, “I see. This last act is not one I can let go lightly. While your acts since coming here clearly indicate that you have a strong desire to live a better path, justice must given. I doubt you will face a death penalty, as you have shown you can be rehabilitated, but confessing to such a crime can bring a significant imprisonment. Are you prepared to face such a thing?”

Mindariax’s mind reeled. She had not been expecting this. She was about to reject what the magistrate was saying, but stopped. If I am truly to take a new path, I must settle the old one, she thought. I must do this, even if I suffer for a while. Steeling herself for what was to come, she answered.

“I did commit these crimes, and am willing to surrender myself for judgment.”

The magistrate looked at her for a long moment then loosened her stance. “Very well. I hereby declare you fit to be a citizen of Qeynos. You have worked hard to prove yourself repentant of your past evils and shown your desire to live by our rules.”

Mindariax felt her relief overwhelm her. “Thank you,” was all she could manage to say.

Magistrate Rachelle nodded to the guard, who left the room and a few moments later could be heard riding off somewhere, no doubt to let someone know she had passed her final test. The magistrate spent some time filling out some papers then handed them to Mindariax. “Now give me your amulet,” she said.

Mindariax removed it and handed it over. The magistrate placed it in her desk and handed her a new one. Where the first one was silver, this one was gold, though with a smaller gem attached. “That and those papers will get you into the city. Dorvoln will escort you to who you need to see. Welcome to Qeynos!”

When Mindariax stepped outside, Dorvoln greeted her with a big smile. “Congratulations!” he said. “We better be going. There will be some folks wanting to see ya in Qeynos, so we better hurry.”

[Dfrnchman]

The Return Home

The trip to the Qeynos gates was short, and they arrived well before nightfall. The guards looked over Mindariax’s papers with up most detail then finally let her and Dorvoln pass.

Dorvoln led them towards the main castle in the center of the city. Along the way, several folks gasped at the sight of a Tier’Dal in the city. She could tell many were distrustful, even hostile. Several, however, took note of her amulet and wore an expression mixed of surprise and hope.

When they arrived at the steps to the castle, they had a party waiting for them. Vishra was there, as was Dworn and the guard that had been with the magistrate, but the person who caught Mindariax’s attention was the leader of the group.

“Welcome to our proud city,” said Queen Antonia Bayle. “Vishra has told be of your exploits and I am proud that you have come so far. It gives me great hope for the future when one turns their back on the evils of the Overlord, and great comfort to see one of your kind make the trek. Come before me”

Mindariax stepped forward and kneeled respectively before the queen.

A steward of the queen stepped forward. “Your application paper please,” he said. Mindariax handed him the papers that the Magistrate had given them. The steward looked them over then addressed the queen. “All appears in order, my lady.”

“Very well,” said the queen. “Do you swear to devote yourself to the defense off the good people of Qeynos? To protect those who cannot defend themselves, and to confront evils wherever they exist?”

“I, Mindariax Tamuril, do swear that I shall do my utmost to do these things until my dying breath, my queen,” said Mindariax. She had not thought to use the name the avatar had told her she once had, but once she had said it, she knew it was right.

“Then I hereby declare you a free citizen of the city, to live freely.” The queen then removed Mindariax’s amulet and handed her a bright silver ring. “This ring marks you as a proud citizen of this city. May your journeys and adventures bring peace and prosperity to this shattered world.”

The queen then addressed the crowd that had formed at the base of the stair. Citizens of Qeynos! This is a great day! We have a new citizen, one who has rejected the evils of Freeport and has, at great cost to herself, shown her commitment to our way of life and freedom of all! Rejoice!”

Mindariax looked out among the crowd. Many had looks of hope and wonder in their eyes. A few still held looks of distrust in their eyes, and Mindariax suspected some would never come to trust her, whatever her future deeds would be. But despite all that, there was one thing she knew was true and would never be taken from her again.

I’ve returned home!

Home at last

[Eriol]

Not bad. Not bad at all. I do have a question though: was that final image doctored, or made with GM assistance, or does Antonia really come out to greet you? Nothing of the sort happens when you betray over to Freeport, so I was curious.Still, glad to see the story finished.

[Dfrnchman]

Image was fully doctored. Nothing like that happens in game. I simply took a screenshot of Mindariax in front of hte castle in North Freeport and spliced in Vishra, Dorvoln, Antonia, and the extra guard. Its similar to what I did with the screenshot of Lucan. That shot was taken inside Antonia's throne room when betraying the other way. I just dropped an EQ1 screenshot of Lucan on top of Antonia and blotted out what remained of her.

For the final shot from the story, I actually took the image of Antonia from that other shot in her throne room.

[Eriol]

The EQ1 insert was obvious (but was still OK, and didn't look too hokey), but you did such a clean job with the image in North Qeynos that it was NOT obvious what you did. I've seen videos in other games that the GMs were nice and spawned/despawned certain monsters, etc, so i thought it was possible here. Very cleanly done.

[Dfrnchman]

Thanks! I just wish the image for the Blackburrow chapter had turned out. Mindariax is cut into that one(She and Kevak are on the same account, so I couldn't have them both up at the same time), and I never could get things adjusted quite right.

 

I am beginning on the next Mindariax story, though it will be some time before its done. I have it outlined and am now fleshing out the new main characters. Hopefully will have it written in a few months. This one is going to be completely original instead of following an in quest game. It will take place about a year from when the last story ended, by which time Mindariax is a full Paladin and Dame.