Here I Go Again...

What strange new place have I ended up in?

Surely someone or something has cursed me. Whoever or whatever is out there wants me dead. I should have known the month of peace, of normalcy, would have been stripped from me.

I woke up mid afternoon- or was it late morning?- covered in sweat from the heat. The discomfort of being hot and sweaty was soon forgotten as I realized I wasn’t in my bed. With a jerk, I sat up. From what I could tell, I was in a large, metal bowl. The sun was high and was relentless with the heat it radiated.

Once more I had been taken from my home and left for dead. Again I was missing things. My draconic ring and circlet weren’t on my person. I could feel the weight of my wings on my back. My skin looked so white against the basin of the bowl. How long my hair was getting. My vision was impeded for my bangs were falling into my eyes. I could also feel the strands of hair brushing against my jaw line and lower neck.

Despite not having my circlet to disguise myself, nor my ring that healed and protected me, I still had my halberd, my mithril shirt, and one of the daggers. Why wouldn’t the person who did this have taken both daggers? I thought to myself. There was another curious matter; I had my haversack and my old tunic back. Oh that tunic! What sick joke was Heironious playing? I was delighted to have had that outfit destroyed months ago. Now I felt iconic once more in my champion outfit I wore for Him.

As I hugged my knees, trying not to think about what was currently at hand, I did notice how worn my outfit was. It was as though someone had recovered my tunic from the acidic water in Rehm’s well. It was rough and frayed thin in areas. Why did that matter though? It just meant less cloth on my hot skin. How sorely tempted I was to rip the leotard I was wearing under my tunic from my body.

I hated my situation. I kept asking myself why I was letting it get to me. It must have been the heat. It wasn’t like I hadn’t experienced that before. Surely I’d be able to find my home again. I’ve been successful in doing so all those past times.

In an attempt to soothe my nerves and clear my mind, I squeezed the small stone embedded in my hand. That was the one comfort I had. The one thing that kept the crippling fear of being alone from setting in. I had Gemmel. He was only a short stone toss away. If I truly needed help, he would come. There was also Isaac. I figured he was hiding somewhere near by and would pop up at any moment... actually, it concerned me that I was taken and Isaac hadn’t done anything about it. Or was he destroyed? Would a ghost know where to find me if I was taken secretly?

I shook my head trying not to worry about Isaac too much. It didn’t matter, I still had Gemmel.

A small laugh just escaped me because despite knowing I could rely on Gemmel for help, I couldn’t stop becoming pessimistic. Seeing that there were other folk stirring in the metal bowl, I glared at them. Surely they were just as unfortunate as myself to be where we were, but I couldn’t help but hate them at first. Maybe it was because I wanted to be alone to brood- yet wouldn’t that have been worse? If those people were like me, taken from their homes by force, how fortunate I was to have them. All of us kidnapped, tortured, and left there to die. Surely allies with a common cause; to get home and possibly even to exact revenge on the person who placed us there.

However, my eyes were drawn to a dark shape on their skin. They looked the same, but something was distinct about each one of them as to make them different. A dread overcame me for surely those were the mark of Heironious and Erythnul. Here I was in the midst of them, alone!

“Isaac?” I decided to call out. It was barely whispered. My mouth was dry. I needed water.

“Right, which one of you thavali put snakes on me? Own up now, and I might not kill you!” a blue giant roared. I jerked my head toward him and was grateful there was a dead polar bear between us. I felt my chest seize up as fear coursed through me. Surely the man was angry, but his whole composure did not register as an ally in the making. I desperately wanted to run, but I didn’t want to risk being pursued. So I held my tongue, not daring to speak.

About as sudden as the giant had spoken, something else happened. Some of the bodies around us began to convulse. Three of them erupted into black beasts that had tentacles flailing about. I was paralyzed as I watched the monstrosities form. Were the marked beings turning into these hideous creatures? I thought.

“In Justice’s name I will slay thee!” a thunderous cry rang out. A fully armoured person just beyond the giant, charged one of the creatures near him. I heard his sword hit, but due to the polar bear couldn’t tell how successful his hit was.

The giant quickly followed suit. He let out a cry of anger and grew. It was impressive and yet had me wondering if he was to be trusted.

The creature closest to me began to squirm away. I saw it going after some other dark being who fled. Part of me wanted to not do anything, but I felt I should help; from a distance. I shot a fire bolt at the creature that moved away from me. The bolt hit and it appeared to really harm the creature. Not only did I harm it, but it changed course and began to come back toward me.

As he charged in my direction, I heard someone yell out, “Don’t use lightning!” For a moment I felt smart for having used fire versus electricity.

I scrambled to my feet as fast as I could, but not fast enough. The monster lashed out and hit me with one of it’s tentacles. Chills rushed through my body. I knew the creature had used a spell to deliver that chill. If I thought I was already tense, my body tightened more as it shook off the cold. My halberd and armor suddenly had a heaviness to them. I shook my head to clear my mind from the intense pain I felt. The creatures were much stronger than I though for I felt incredibly weak after one hit. Knowing how strong my mithril shirt was, it was unnerving how hard that creature hit me.

What was most unsettling was how unstable the monster began to look. It seemed crazed or like it was about to erupt. Not willing to let it kill me, I stood up, gript my halberd and charged a fire bolt on it. I then swung with all my might releasing only the fire bolt since that appeared to be most effective. The shocking grasp could wait for later.

My hit was true. The creature burned and did something rather familiar. It exploded upon my hit. In the last moment I remember of that creature was a blast of frost hitting me before the darkness took over.

Something seemed to call out to me, in a haunting manner. Perhaps it was just a dream. It must have been, for a shadowy figure formed. I felt it grab at me and pull me up. I was certain something awful was about to happen. My limbs were useless as I tried to will them to fight back. A dread overcame me as I remained helpless to this unknown figure.

Whatever was suppose to happen, didn’t for light pierced the dream as my eyes fluttered open. I still felt weak and some pain lingered from the attack I took.

My eyes quickly registered the blue giant above me as well as an old gnome, some dark skinned elf (that at the time I didn’t realize was a Drow), a female with white hair, and a heavily armored person. Alarmed as these marked beings hovering over me, I jerked to a sitting and scooted away from them.

“I didn’t mark you!” I exclaimed. Surely they thought I was the cause. Why else would they be surrounding me? Let alone, why wasn’t I in the metal bowl, I wondered.

“Then who did?” the armored man asked.

“I don’t know,” I automatically said. I knew who had done it. Erythnul and Heironious or one of their goonies got them. “When did we get out of the bowl?” I asked.

“Just now, before one of those monsters erupted in a massive lightning bolt,” the giant explained.

Suddenly the blue giant (actually he’s a Goliath, thankfully I didn’t call him a giant to his face) and the armored man began to bicker with each other. Supposedly the armored man had attacked the Goliath during combat... or the Goliath got in his way. It was hard to follow for pain suddenly shot through my back.

I cried out for a moment before stifling my anguish. Something had pierce my back between my wings. I reached behind to feel what had attacked me but felt an odd, slick, and slightly gritty patch of skin. I furrowed my brow confused. When I looked at my hand, nothing was on it.

“What’s wrong with you?” the Goliath demanded.

“I- uh, m-my back hurt suddenly. I- I don’t know-”

“Turn around,” he barked. I quickly complied, feeling uneasy under the Goliath’s scrutiny.

“Nothing there but the mark,” I heard him say.

“What?” I hoarsely spoke. I slowly looked at him.

“Your back bares the same mark we all have,” he repeated gesturing to the others. I gaped out of astonishment. My vision blurred as my breath became shallow. It had to be a lie, but why would he lie? His whole demeanor suggested he was an honest person. I wanted to cry. Had I failed? Was Heinul’s ultimate goal finally accomplished by branding their mark upon me? How had this happened!? How was it Isaac didn’t prevent this!?

I was livid. I was discouraged. It just seemed unfair. I had taken great steps to try and sever my involvement with destroying the God heads. Why were they so intent upon my destruction?

Looking around as I seethed in my skin, I could see the mark upon each of them. The right forearm of the Goliath and weaving around the Gnome’s neck (his beard giving it some concealment). Interestingly enough, on the other three, I could see the mark... glowing? Despite the armor and clothing they wore, the darkness that the mark emanated, pierced through. The armored man had his mark on his right shoulder, the dark elf above his navel, and the other female had her’s on her back like myself.

As I observed the placement of their marks, I caught word of them speaking of the area we were in. Helmridge Mountains, Kutur Pass, Baronies of the Goldtide, Athvala? It certainly wasn’t France we were in and I was most certain it wasn’t the Kingdom of Men either. It could be the Gnomish Kingdom, but it seemed more likely the Elven or Dwarven Kingdoms, or quite possibly some other continent I forgot about.

“Wait, where are we? What continent is this?” I asked.

“Goodness, did you lose your memory as well?” the Goliath asked. I had to wonder if he thought I was daft. Clearly there was something I was missing.

“Well, it’s late afternoon. We’re clearly in the arid part of Athvala. If we stay here, it will get very cold. I suggest we head toward the mountains and make camp there,” the Goliath suggested.

“I concur,” The armored man grunted in agreement. He then began to lead the way toward the mountains.

“Could we not be in the hills at night? Especially with no sort of encampment,” the dark Elf mentioned.

“It’d be better than this arid wasteland,” the armored man replied.

“And in the hills we can find cover,” the Goliath added.

“Yes, but we could also find Dwarves and therefore susceptible to Dwarf attacks,” the dark elf persisted. I thought it rather presumptuous of him to think Dwarves would attack us out right. Then again, if they are knowing of the mark like I was in my frst life, perhaps. But that was quite doubtful knowing how uneducated folk were of the mark since my return.

“Dwarves are good people,” the Goliath said.

“Whatever,” the elf muttered. I followed after the group as they headed toward the mountains. I was marked and felt my chances at surviving might be best with them. Also, they hadn’t tried to murder me, so clearly they were better company than some folk I’ve ran into in the past.

As we walked, my bare feet hurting from the dry grass we walked upon, I attempted to fly. After a few flaps, my feel landed hard on the ground. I was able to keep up right, but I was definitely not expecting to land so suddenly.

“What are you?” I heard the Elf ask, “I don’t know of many races with wings in this.. ‘up’ part of the world.”

“I was- er, rather still am, an Angelic-” I began before being interrupted.

“You said was,” the armored man had cut in. The whole party came to a stop, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Well, you look like hell, did it hurt when you fell from heaven babe?” the Elf flirted. I scowled at him.

“It did actually.”

People continued to press on, dropping the topic of who I was. Part of me was thankful since I didn’t want to explain.

As the evening turned into twilight, we found a little nook in the hills as the base of the mountain. As the others began to putter around setting up camp, I took a moment to look through my haversack. I was surprised to find my tent and bedroll in there as well as two of my three bags of tricks. I also found rope, rations, and soap. I looked at the soap. There was a lot. Whoever packed my bag must have thought I needed it...

The rations had mostly gone bad. I had about 2 days worth that were edible. From the looks of the others, they had a similar problem. The Goliath and the Elf went off hunting while I pitched my tent. We all kept to ourself for the most part, but seeing how large my tent was, I felt I should offer it to the female and the gnome.

The Goliath and Elf returned from their unsuccessful hunt. We all ended up sitting around the campfire, trying to keep warm as the night air became cold. I saw the Elf pull out a shovel and began to dig a line, muttering more about Dwarves and how awful they were. I thought about trying to summon a badger for him, but figured I wouldn’t encourage his paranoia of the race.

As we sat around the fire, I figured it was time I learned names. A pondered for a moment if I wanted to trust them with mine. It would be a test to see if any of them recognized my name. If I was lucky, they wouldn’t.

“My name’s Araja by the way,” I blurted. Heads turned toward me, some giving an acknowledging nod, “I figure if we’re going to be traveling together then we ought to introduce ourselves.”

“I’m Trickfoot,” the old Gnome said.

“I’ll tell you my name after you pass the Drow test which is surviving one day in our company,” the Drow replied. My eyes narrowed a little. I remembered the Asterial Drow that almost tricked me and my fellow comrades at the time to go with them. Apparently they were nothing but a band of slave traders. This Drow looked somewhat different and had an arrogance about him.

“Speaking of which,” the Drow continued, “Greetings denizens of the above lands. I am your new subterranean Master. You’re all pretty cool so far, but you’re now technically property of I, Bal Vyr.”

So much for not giving us his first name, I thought.

“By what right do you rule me?” the armored man asked.

“Are you trying to enslave a Goliath!?” the Goliath asked menacingly.

“The Drow are a master race and therefore due to that hierarchy I am at the top and you are to serve me,” he replied matter-of-factly. He pulled out a sheet of paper. I didn’t get a chance to see it before the armored man took it from him and ripped it. The Goliath walked over and grabbed Bal Vyr by the shoulders, thrusting him against the rock wall that encompassed us.

“No one enslaves a Goliath!” he roared.

“I didn’t say enslaved!” Bal Vyr retorted, “everyone else who isn’t a Drow is considered a slave in Drow society.”

I shook my head slightly. How was it a normal introduction got so carried away? I suppose it was good to know the kind of character the Drow was. Perhaps the Goliath and armored man would deal with him. They bickered back and forth trying to convince the Drow he wasn’t in his society any more and that slavery was unjust. The Goliath was set on making it known he wouldn’t be enslaved.

Things began to cool down somewhat as the Goliath asked the armored man, calling him a crusader, how to justly go about dealing with the Drow. The crusader thought for a moment.

“Since he’s not from our lands, he has the right to learn. He is clearly ignorant of our customs. He must be taught,” the crusader reasoned.

“Great. I’ll be sure to teach him,” the Goliath said. Then he looked the Drow squarely in the eyes, “And we’ll start with this. When someone misbehaves in camp, they sleep outside for the night!” The Goliath then threw the Drow well beyond the encampment boundaries. The Drow retorted something about how his kind don’t sleep.

I stifled a smile. Something about those two made me feel safe.

“Crusader, what do they call you by?” the Goliath asked.

“Grendel. And you?”

“A’aluke Cloudbreaker.”

They passed some more words between each other, both seeming to know of the other’s group of people. Cloudbreaker then returned to the fire while Grendel went out to he Drow. 

Once Grendel returned, watch orders were made. all the males taking turns. We then went to bed, the female, Trickfoot, and Grendel sharing my tent. Maybe it will prove to be foolish to welcome these strangers so soon into my space, but then again, I know I needed to do my part to be open if I wanted these folk to help me.

Day 248: Amy's Sanitation System

Joj 2nd, 4288: 248 Days in the Mortal Realm

Wow, I didn’t mean to completely ignore writing. The past month has been a constant stream of work, sleep, and working with the Engineers. Yes, Carl pitched the sanitation idea to the guild and they loved it. I’ve help figure out a design and have been overseeing the crafting. It is a white bowl propped up on a base. There’s a lid and a lever. One does their business and pulls the lever when they're done. The contents in the bowl are then purified. The lever also opens a hole in which there’s a container below that the purified sewage falls into. One could use it as fertilizer or dump it with their other garbage. When the hole closes, the create water spell is triggered and the seat is ready for use again.

It’s such a strange device, but I’m hoping this will help the citizens of Dijon in remaining healthy and halt the spread of diseases. Who knows, if Dijon benefits from it greatly, this could spread over the continent... maybe even the world...

It’s called Amy’s Sanitation System. I don’t think I’ve mentioned my alias name. Considering I was in France, I don’t trust my actual name to be used. Knowing Heinul’s cult was lurking about, I’m sure Araja would be a red flag and I’d once more find myself in more trouble than I’d care for.

Also, I'm quite worried. No response has come from Cortanna still. I am beginning to wonder if something terrible has happened to her... Perhaps she's decided to ignore what's been going on. Maybe she's settling down like myself. That's another worry even. The past month as been so easy. Busy, yes, but not having had to fight, it is relieving. Yet in the back of my mind... I have to wonder when my luck will run out.

Day 218: A Curious Idea

Oukhd 8th, 4288: 218 Days in the Mortal Realm

The job has been going well. It’s been rather uneventful. I miss being able to enjoy the day time, but I needed the job.

Funny enough last night I had a crazy idea come to mine. Raæin urged us to make sure we washed our hands regularly because the people of Dijon aren’t very clean. The illness Blindness was being spread in this place and Raæin suspects it’s do to the folk not properly cleaning themselves, especially in consideration to using the restroom.

I wish I was skilled in healing like Raæin and Meryth, but alas, that was not my talent. Instead an idea came to mind of making the restrooms sanitary. One would only need a chair to sit upon that had a whole. Then after doings their business, there could be a lever that cast purify food and water and just like that, what was unsanitary is sanitary. It was definitely an odd idea, but I figured I’d mention it to Isaac.

Isaac thought it quite strange. He ragged on me the rest of the night, making jokes about the whole idea. As soon as we walked into Carl’s place, he blurted my idea to him. I was certain he was going to join in on Isaac's incessant badgering, but after a moment he said that it was actually a very logical and reasonable idea. My mouth formed a smug smile as Carl took my side.

Tomorrow Carl’s going to go investigate the Engineering Guild and pitch the idea to them. I might have found a new form of income that’ll give me my day time back.

Day 212: House Obtained

Oukhd 2nd, 4288: 212 Days in the Mortal Realm

Carl, Isaac and I looked around the city Dijon. We saw plenty of homes for sale or for rent. One home had a great price but we’d have to live with a housemate who was loud and elderly. In the end Carl made the final choice and I am getting ready to hit the sack since tonight will be mine and Isaac’s first night on the job.

Still haven’t hear back from Cortanna. I can only hope she’s alright.

Day 211: Unexpected Laughter

Oukhd 1st, 4288: 211 Days in the Mortal Realm

I just realized today that in 17 days Isaac and I will need to be at the mine near Podunk. I mentioned that to Isaac. He suggested asking if they could meet us here. I reminded him that I had lost my feather tokens. He then pulled out his and said he could activate it. And so Isaac sent a message to her saying, “Meet us in Rehm. How soon can you get there?” and before letting it go adds, “Isaac’s alive.”

Laughter erupted from me at the thought of Cortanna receiving her message. I know if I thought a comrade was dead only to hear months later that they’re alive, I’d be ecstatic! How I wish I could see her reaction.

It felt really good to laugh so hard. It really set the tone for the day too. The city was large but only a few job openings. Isaac and I ended up taking a security position at the warehouses. It’ll be at night, but at least I have Isaac to work with me, meaning twice the pay for the both of us. We were one step closer to being independent of Raæin.

That night I mentioned to Raæin how I planned on getting my own place in the future. To that Carl mentioned that he had a retirement savings and would be more than happy to get a place. In all honesty it just felt like I was going from one place to the other, being dependant on someone, but my goal was to not need Raæin. Carl’s help would certainly let me reach that goal and so we agreed to find a place tomorrow.

Day 210: Home

Coqoj 36th, 4288: 210 Days in the Mortal Realm

I must say, I’m thankful for the composure I still have. I’m home once more with Raæin. It was a sweet reunion, but I can feel part of me keeping Raæin at an arm’s length away. There’s comfort knowing I’m with him, but I’m determined not to need him.

Last night when Isaac had teleported the circlet of Szen’s to the Ethereal plain, he told us that he could easily teleport us to France. Now of course this was after I woke up and we attempted to go back for Carl. I had rested in the ocean as a mermaid. It wasn’t the best of choices for cows and bodies were floating in the water I was breathing by morning. It was quite retched to say the least.

Quickly I got back on land and did my best to clean up from all the blood and feces. Isaac then suggested to go find the ornithopter and try using it to get to France again. I was doubtful since we still hadn’t had enough time to make fuel, let alone that part of town could have been burnt down. Still, we went and searched.

After a short time, we found the Roaring Rafters, ornithopter still on top. We walk in and soon discover Carl was tied up in a closet. Apparently I had returned to the right place the other night. The people who answered were the ones who had tied Carl up.

I figured we’d fly a safe distance from Threll, land somewhere inconspicuous, and continue to create fuel. That way I’d be able to finish flying us to France.

Our flight out of the city was soon interrupted by a red dragon pursuing us. Not being able to accelerate due to the broken windows, Isaac casted an illusion to make it look like we were crash landing. I landed the ornithopter and we waited. It had seemed the dragon had gone, but after a time Carl noticed the dragon was a few hundred yards away watching us. That was when Isaac got the idea to teleport us to France.

Isaac did warn us that there was a chance he’d teleport us to the wrong place, but if we succeeded we’d finally be back where I had wanted to be. Part of me felt irked that he hadn’t suggested such a plan sooner. I certainly wouldn’t have had the horrible experiences yesterday.

Carl figuring it’d be pointless to just leave the ornithopter and tavern as it was. So he set a self destruct mechanism before holding my hand as Isaac took us to Rehm.

It wasn’t Rehm we landed in, but the fauna we were surrounded in was that of France. I called for Raæin and a moment later a most welcomed image of a Celestial Charger appeared before me.

“There you are!” he greeted.

“Oh Raæin the stories I have to tell you!” I said throwing my arms around his neck. It felt wonderful to be back with my mentor.

“So tell me,” he said.

“First, let’s go to a safe place before I just start spewing details.” Raæin nodded. I told Carl to place a hand on Raæin’s flanks. Once he did, Raæin took a step.

We were in a large forest like town. It wasn’t familiar to me, but I figured it had to have been one of the elven settlements. From the looks of the folk walking around though, it was too diverse to be primarily elves.

I looked back to Raæin who had disguised himself in his MIra deguise.

“Still keeping that look up?” I asked.

“Yeah, no one here knows what I am.”

“Is this the place you’re currently healing?”

“Yes. I’ve actually been doing quite well. Let me take you to my place,” we all began to follow Raæin, “I must warn you though, that cult is very much here,” Raæin warned. The mention of Heinul’s cult scared me, yet intrigued me considering how Raæin has chosen to stay in the city.

“Tells us where and we’ll take care of it,” Isaac said.

“Uh, no. I’m not getting involved with that. I know they are here, but I don’t know where their headquarters are. Ah, this is my place,” Raæin said.

He opened a door to a quaint house  right off the main road. I was in awe at how well Raæin was doing. I’m still envious, but I have the determination to make my own way. I want to do what he’s doing, what Gemmel’s doing; help those in need with my talents. I imagine though that my talents won’t as needed and therefore some side job should help with meeting my physical needs.

And I must say, I’m trying to figure out what my talents are. What could I do as a job? I know how to fight... I know how to work with livestock and I can fly. I can fly an ornithopter... I’m sure I’ll figure something out, but enough of that.

The rest of the day was spent telling Raæin about what had happened since my kidnapping. How I almost turned into a lizard. How Gemmel saved me, twice. How Isaac met up with me and how he died. I told him about how we met Carl. When it got to Threll, I purposefully avoided telling Raæin about what had happened in the suite since that wasn’t a shining moment for myself. Isaac elaborated on about how he saved me from Szen while I mentioned how I almost was possessed by him. Raæin was impressed I wasn’t killed though admitted I always had a way of getting out of tight places. I assured him that my luck was soon to run out if I kept that kind of life up.

I can feel my mortality hovering closer to me each day. Not that I think I’m about to die, but each time I’ve come close to death, it has become that more apparent of how mortal I am. This notion that I’ll be protected is thinning. I know I need to strive to be more cautious. Hence my decision to settle down and not pursue the evil. If it comes to me, I’ll deal with it. But for now, I want to try and live the memory that I once thought was real. Where I lived a normal life in which no one revered me. Where I found joy in the daily things and hadn’t a care in the world to what the bigger picture held.

Raæin kindly is allowing the three of us to reside with him. I think tomorrow I’ll explore the city, get a feel for it and the job opportunities available.

Day 209: Escape From Threll pt. 2: Containing Szen

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

Pain. Intense, unrelenting pain.

I opened my eyes and in my haze began to weep. At least I think I was crying. I dared not move, no... I couldn’t move. The pain was so intense that memories of the moment are hazy. I’m certain my jaw was broken, my skull ripped open and other various fractures throughout my body. Despite the terrible pain, the tears were out of joy and guilt.

Gemmel stood before me. He held the circlet in one hand, heaving large breathes while the rest of him looked quite battered like myself. He had come and I wanted to hug him something terrible. I doubt my words can adequately express the gratitude and debt I feel.

He saved me! He came!

At the same time I felt ashamed that I needed him. Seeing how hurt he was, I wanted to shrink away and finish dying. I never wanted to get him hurt!

“Sorry that took so long,” Gemmel said. I wish I was able to speak because I wanted to scold him for saying that. “I wasn’t quite expecting that... I suppose I ought to sit down,” Gemmel then grabbed a piece of wall and pulled it down ward. He then sat upon it and looked at me. He seemed stunned to find my eyes watching him.

“Pretend you didn’t see that,” he commented. His mouth was pulled into a frown as he continued to endure the pain he was feeling, “I don’t know what’s going on... well, I suppose I should stop feeling sorry for myself,” and with that Gemmel picked up Szen’s dagger and stabbed himself with it. Instantly he was healed and made whole. He moaned a sigh of relief.

“And now you,” he said. I thought I screamed ‘wait’ at him. I was certain that dagger would kill me. Instead, for a brief moment, I felt a sharp pain on top of what I was already feeling, then it vanished. I laid on the ground in a pool of blood. My dress was nothing but bloody rags, my mithril and the vest being the only things intact. I saw Isaac reappear too.

My legs were shaking a little as Gemmel helped me to my feet. I let a sob out as I hugged him fiercely

“Don’t put that circlet on,” I warned.

“Huh, you think?” Gemmel teased. I hung my head. How foolish I was! Gemmel handed me the dagger, adding a thoughtful remark of, ‘so that’s how that works.’ I wish I had latched onto the comment, but my gratitude for being alive compelled me to thank Gemmel instead of question what he knew about the dagger.

“I would love to explain everything-” I began.

“That’s okay,” Gemmel interrupted.

“Explain what?” Isaac asked.

“I’ll tell you later Isaac.”

“Tell me what?” I ignored him.

“Anyways, Gemmel, thank you so much. I think it’s safe to say we need to get out of here-”

“Back to your warning, did you just put this thing on?” Gemmel asked, shaking the circlet at me. I gave a guilty look.

“Yeah..” I said lamely, “and I learned my lesson.”

“I would hope so.”

“Araja, we need to get going,” Isaac said to me.

“I know!” I snapped. I really wanted to talk to Gemmel and I was very much on edge with all that had happened. “I’m sorry Isaac, yes we need to get out of here. But I also want to let Gemmel know I plan on explaining myself.”

“Again Araja, no worries. Lets get on out of here first. Actually... where are we?” Gemmel asked.

“Threll,” I exhaled.

“Oh... I’m not suppose to be here,” Gemmel said gravely, “I best get going myself.”

“Yes Araja, we’re in Threll. Are you feeling well?” Isaac pried. I whipped around on him, frustrated with his continual interruptions.

“When have I ever been okay Isaac?! I’m talking to Gemmel!” I snapped again. When I turned back around, I was disappointed to find a pebble on the ground. The very pebble Gemmel left me with the first time. I heaved a sigh. I didn’t want him to leave yet, but I understood his desire to abide by the laws he was under.

“Thank you Gemmel,” I whispered to the rock as it sunk back into my hand. I rubbed the little dot, as though I was giving Gemmel another hug. As much as I wanted to be with him again, I also hoped that I would never need his aid. He’d already done so much for me. How would I ever pay him back?

“I”m sorry Isaac,” I apologized, “I was talking to Gemmel. He just saved my life...”

“Your imaginary friend?” I gave Isaac a curt look. He quickly asked a different questions, “So what happened?”

“You disappeared after trying to pry a ring off of Szen’s finger. Actually,” I looked back to where Gemmel was standing and saw the circlet was left behind, “that circlet contains Szen’s spirit in it.”

“Oh goodness, don’t put that on,” Isaac warned.

“No kidding,” I muttered, “Anyways, we should probably take that with us to prevent someone else putting it on. Then lets get out of here before that dragon comes and finds us.”

I picked the circlet up and was about to store it in my belt when a strange sensation overcame me. Looking at the circlet, I felt compelled to put it on. It seemed like a good idea. Then my sanity came back and I dropped the circlet.

“You okay?” Isaac asked.

“I almost put it back on.”

“You mean you already put it on once?”

“Hence the blood everywhere and how it was Gemmel saved my life.”

“I was wondering about that,” Isaac commented, “How about you wrap it up in some of your dress scraps?”

The remnants of my dress easily covered the circlet. I didn’t know how effective the wrapping would be, but I sure felt better about touching it and was able to store it in my belt. I then picked my circlet up off the floor and placed it upon my head. I disguised my clothes to look less bloody and made sure I was modest enough to go back out into public.

Isaac lead me down the underground corridors. The sewage was an awful smell once we arrived in that part of the sewers. Isaac took me to a ladder and instructed me to wait for him there. I figured he was checking to see if the coast was clear before having me climb up out of the ground. I didn’t want any attention drawn to myself and so I waited.

As I waited I could hear a cry. It sounded like someone was greatly distressed. I looked in the direction the crying was coming from. A chill ran up my spine as the thought that it could be a trapped crept in. The dragon had to be somewhere and surely if I pursued after the crying, I’d run into the dragon. Even if it was someone who needed help, what help would I be if the dragon was there?

Over the crying, I heard something from above. A man shouting, something crashing, and someone sounding like they were just hit. Isaac returned shortly after the commotion.

“Well, it’s safe to go out now. What are we to do if the wall is shielded again?” Isaac asked. I thought for a moment.

“We’ll leave with the ships. Let us make our way back to the port and I’ll turn into a mermaid. I can swim out with a ship when the moment presents itself,” I said. More wailing was heard.

“Should we check on that person?” Isaac suggested.

“No. I’m getting out of here and heading to the port,” and with that I went up the ladder.

“I’ll meet up with you at the port then,” I heard Isaac call after me.

I turned my hair a blonde color before pushing the door up and crawling out of the sewers. I noticed a large crowd of people crowded in the city center. I was about to start searching for the port when cries of alarm sounded.

“Is that a dragon!?” someone shouted. I was running as I heard the loud voice of the dragon answer.

“I shall rain fire upon your town!” it roared. The ground shook and I heard crumbling rock behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw the massive dragon ascend into the skies. He let out a fiery breath that sent a heat wave across my back. My heart raced as my adrenaline flowed. The crowd of people and everyone else in the town joined me in my run.

Get to the docks, I reminded myself as my feet pounded the pavement of the city streets. But I couldn’t see any sign of the port. I looked and looked, but saw nothing. Amidst my search, my foot caught on an uneven stone and I crashed to the ground. Thankfully with my mythril protected me from the fall and those who trampled over me.

Getting up wasn’t too difficult and once my feet were under me I was sprinting again. I fell once more a few minutes later and was able to regain my footing again. My lungs burned but fear kept me going. All I needed to do was get to the docks.

Thankfully the crowd I was running with all had the same idea; get to the docks. We rounded a corner and sails came into view. Hundreds of boats were all prepared for departure. I went to the nearest one and walked under the gangplank. I put my hair back to black and waited. I looked around seeing if I could spot Isaac.

After many minutes I walked back out into the crazed crowd. There was a mile or two to that port and people were frantically boarding ships. Some had even begun to set sail. When nearly half the boats had taken off, I could wait any longer. I figured if Isaac was looking for me, that if I casted flare, I’d get his attention since he could be floating above me somewhere.

The flare went off successfully. A few moments later I noticed someone floating in the sky. As it got closer I could see it was a young girl. Maybe 9 or 10, but she was coming right for me. Then my eyes focused on a more startling matter. Behind her was the red dragon flying right toward us!

Wherever Isaac was, I was done waiting! I turned around and jumped into the water. I swam as fast as I could, catching up to a boat and holding tight. Something about the forcefield last night had me convinced that single occupants would not be able to leave the city. Once the boat cleared the gates to the port, I then took off into the open waters, avoiding the other ships.

After 10 or so minutes of swimming I resurfaced. The city was quite the ways out though I could see clearly the dragon continuing to breath fire all over the town. There were mages there fighting back, but one could only hope they’d be able to maintain a strong force against such an ancient beast.

I took a moment to think of what I should do. Isaac was somewhere in the city. I hadn’t a clue where nor was I about to go back to find him. I knew I didn’t want to just leave without him, but I didn’t want to risk my life trying to find him either. He was a ghost and if he was killed or invisible, my search would be in vain.

My view of the city became interrupted suddenly by a familiar sight. The girl I saw flying toward me earlier was back. It was strange that this floating girl was still pursuing me. I withstood my ground, well place in the water, and watched her get closure. I was glad I had stayed put for once the girl was about 20 feet from me, I saw Isaac floating behind her.

“Isaac!” I shouted. I waved.

“I brought you a present,” he said. He then dropped the girl on top of me. With a splash the girl hit the water and myself.

“You’re a mermaid,” the girl asked despite my flopping around and trying to prevent her from drowning.

“At the moment yes,” I answered her before speaking to Isaac again, “Why is she a gift?”

“Because she doesn’t have a mom or dad. I thought you’d enjoy having another sister,” came his reply. My mouth dropped open a little. I could feel the girl hugging me to stay afloat. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but I wasn’t about to mislead her too. There was no way I could be a sister to anyone. It would mean getting too involved with them and too attached. How was it Isaac thought that that was a good idea?

“Um, no Isaac. We’ll find her some place to be, make sure she’s watched for, but I cannot raise her.”

“Oh,” the girl whimpered. Isaac kept quiet.

“Fine,” he said all defeated like.

“I’m sorry Isaac... I’m just not family material right now. Goodness, I thought you’d know that after everything you’ve learned about me,” I said somewhat heatedly. I assumed he was angry that I rejected his ‘gift’ but it was stupid. How was it he even thought I was prepared.

It may be over 3 month since that night with Meryth, but I know I’m not stable enough to be reliable nor is my life secure enough to provide safety. It still irritates me to think he thought that that would be a good gift for me.

Amidst my rejection of Isaac’s ‘gift’, from a far came a voice.

“Swim this way! We’ll help you!”

We all looked to the voice and saw a boat. I figured if they were willing to help us, then perhaps they’d be able to care for this girl. Swimming over to them was easy. They threw a rope over the edge to which I grabbed onto. I had switched my fin back into legs so the people on board wouldn’t think I was naturally a mermaid.

They were quite kind. Quickly we were given dry clothes (my ragged dress still strung about me). Thought the clothes were baggy, it was nice to be fully covered again and not have my mithril flashing in the sunlight.

Since being on the ship, I’ve gathered that we’re to head to the Man Kingdom. The only problem is we all were asked to contribute out money and jewelry to fund this expedition. After the Man Kingdom, we’d venture back down to the Gnomish Kingdom since the Man Kingdom seemed to be undergoing wars, but since the voyage would be a long one, there would need to be a common fund. At first I as well as everyone else, were for it. But then I remembered some of my jewelry is magical!

Oh, and before I get too carried away, there’s this old lady on the ship who is insanely rude and oppositional! I mean, I tried to console with her when everyone else was being particularly rude to her, but even my kind gestures was met with spite. Thankfully she was taken into her room and locked in, though later it made no sense why she ‘went along’ with the guards.

So yes, my jewelry is magical. I’d happily give up my Amulet of Wisdom and my Deflection ring, but my circlet? My Amulet of Health? My Draconic ring? No way was I going to part with them! Let alone if I unloaded my pockets, Szen’s circlet and the ring and pocket watch I got from him would certainly doom us all if I gave those up.

Isaac and I discussed in the privacy of our room, with the little girl there too, what we should do. I was determined to jump ship, but Isaac felt we should first take care of Szen’s circlet. I pulled it out and placed it on the floor. Isaac used  his ring to manipulate the clothe and expose the circlet. He tried to disintegrate it but nothing happened.

We were just about to try and summon it to the Ethereal plain so Isaac could place it in a lead box when the door opened. There were three men holding a bag. I assumed they were going around collecting the money and jewelry already. I wanted to run, but suddenly before my eyes was the image of Erythnul. His voice paralyzed me with fear to which I cowered in the corner. How was he here? I thought. I would have reached for my dagger to defend myself, but I was shaking too hard to have any control.

Araja, I heard someone call out for me. I peeked over the top of my hand and saw Isaac looking at me with concerned eyes.

“I-i-is he- gone?” I asked.

“I’m sorry, that was just me,” Isaac apologized.

“Oh my goodness! It is a ghost!” came voices from the door. Though Isaac said it was him who made the noise, when he began his moan again, I tried convincing myself it was just Isaac, but my fear of Erythnul overtook me again as images of Heinul danced before my eyes.

“STOP!” I wailed. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t move. It was one of the most helpless feelings I had felt in my life.

Finally the fog lifted and I was able to see Isaac hovering before me again. I took a few deep breathes and wiped my eyes. I was determined to get off the boat immediately before Isaac felt the need to scare more people. I looked to the circlet and saw it was gone. The girl was gone too.

“Isaac!” I screamed, “The girl and circlet are gone!” Without further prompting Isaac zipped out the door. I quickly examined the room to make sure I had my things. When I started for the door, I heard footsteps approaching. I stepped back, preparing to defend myself if I had to. Many guards and a cleric swarm into the room.

“Miss, are you alright?” a guard asked. Quickly I knew I would play innocent. I was more than confident isaac could manage himself and so didn’t care when I pretended to not know him.

“I’m fine,” I replied, throwing a quiver into my voice.

“Good. Do you know where the ghost went?” I actually hadn’t seen which why Isaac had gone out the door.

“I don’t know... it just left suddenly,” I cried, hugging myself as though I were frightened by the memory.

“It’s okay miss, we’ll take care of it, you have nothing to worry,” the guard assured me. I gave a quick nod of my head and soon they were gone. I waited a few moments before heading out into the hallways. We had to get the circlet back, yet I had to make sure I got off the boat before things got too crazy.

Unfortunately, things got crazy. As I walked down the hall toward the stairs that lead to the upper deck, a rumbling was heard. Screams soon followed and as I turned to look behind me, cows lowings could be heard as thundering hooves echoed up the stairs. I began to run as i saw the first of the cows stampeding toward me in the hallway. I still had 20 yards before I made it to the stairs and the cows were much swifter than myself.

Knowing I wouldn’t beat them, I jumped into a doorway. Surprisingly the door flew open and I lost my step, falling into the room as the first few cows ran past. In the next moment the door slammed shut; the knob missing.

“Oh, you’re back! I suppose to try and comfort me? Well bug off!” the old woman snapped at me. I didn’t want to deal with her, but until I could open the door, there was no choice.

“Why are you even in my room. Can’t you knock?”

“Ma’am, it was not by choice!” I snapped, “Now there’s a stampede of cows still out there,” some splashing sounds could be heard now, “and from the sounds of it are jumping ship! I will do my best to leave you alone as soon as I can get the door opened!”

“Don’t you get smart with me!” the old woman seethed, “I’m tired of you young folk thinking I’m weak!” She then pushed past me and ripped the door off its hinges. I looked wide eyed at the woman, alarmed by her strength.

“And who might you be?” she snapped, “And what is that?”

“Oh, put me on her!” a familiar accented voice asked. I lurked for the door to get a better view. Isaac stood in the hallway with a floating watermelon. On the watermelon was the circlet. “Even better, put me back on Araja!”

The old lady suddenly burst into laughter.

“My that is probably the most amusing thing I’ve seen in ages! How did you make it do that?”

“The circlet possess the wearer,” Isaac informed the woman. My mouth dropped open. I was already nervous about the circlet being right there with the old lady present. Having witnessed some of her strength, I was most certain that we’d be unable to overpower her if she tried to take it.

Isaac then dropped the watermelon. The fruit bursted upon impact into many bits and pieces. I screamed isaac’s name as the old woman picked the circlet up. I was sure she was about to place it upon herself when she suddenly knocked the door across the hall down. A man jumped, startled by the intrusion. The old woman grabbed him and placed the circlet on his head.

I watched the rings pierce the man’s head. He barely got out a scream before he collapsed in the woman’s arms.

“Huh, must not work on him,” she said. In one swift motion, she yanked the circlet from the man’s head and dropped him on the floor. She moved to the next door and knocked it down. Quickly I lunged at her. I wasn’t about to let her doom us all to Szen’s power. I wrapped my arms about her and endured her spiteful words. I found my strength as the thought of this woman being able to crush me, if she got her hands on me, triggered my adrenaline. I saw Isaac jerk the circlet from her hands and once he was safely up the stairs, I teleported myself to the base of the stairway and ran up them with all my might.

The edge of the boat came into view and without a second thought, I lept over it, changing into a mermaid. My pants ripped and I could careless. I was finally off that wretched ship.

I swam back to shore a ways off from the city that was still glowing with the fire of the dragon and those wizards who were still fighting. I sat on a rock waiting for Isaac. He found me a few minutes later to which he wasted no more time in securing the circlet. He transported it to the Ethereal plain and secured it in the lead box with the anti magic stone.

Finally a moment of peace washed over me. Here was hoping that the box would contain Szen until we knew how to permanently destroy the circlet. Hopefully tonight’s rest would go undisturbed too.