The Orb of Shadows — Legacy Forums

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#41

Seabrum, having pushed aside his grief, looked for something to exact his vengeance upon.

Someone spoke to him, an archer, but the words seemed without meaning. He grunted in her direction, but didn't spare her a glance, so intent was he on finding his quarry.

Scanning the area, Seabrum caught motion in the darkness with his peripheral vision. The thing moved to flank the archer.

Verbalizing his fury in a scream, he lifted his axe to strike the creature at her back, to protect her naked side...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#42

Norah's head spun for a bit as she watched the red-eyed man attack the beast. As she stedied herself with her staff she ran her other hand over her wound. It cleared the blood from her hair and she brushed away the red powder that had collected in her hand, but the wound continued to bleed.
The mage now focused on the fight in front of her. The man was moving so fast that she didn't know if she could concentrate on him without getting lost in his movement. With a somatic gesture of her left hand, the Ikarani's weapons burst to more life then was instilled by their wielder, and cold flame licked upon the sharp edge of the crescent blades. The flames were small, never reaching great hight, and rippled along as the blades sliced air and flesh. Never harming the wielder of the blades, the fire caught on the deamon's flesh and armor.
Norah smiled slightly from her triumph of getting the spell to hold upon the swift moving weapons as the luminously-frozen creature began to burn with the icy blue fire.

((ooc: The spell is a magic energy, mearly in the image of flames so it won't speed up or slow down the thawing, but the creature is thawing none the less))

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#43

Eri jumped and stifled a small scream when the man rush behind her with a war-cry. Moving the horse around Eri saw what the man attacked, with his large axe. A dark creature, frightening, really. Startled, as Eri was never really great under pressure, she hesitated before she let her arrow fly.

The contact seems to do nothing to the beast, instead it advanced on the man. She cocked another arrow and shot again, into the neck of the creature. The dark beast didn't slow, and Eri began to wonder if she would have to use her short-blade...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#44

Piper was very startled when his swords suddenly burst into flame. The moment's distraction cost him another set of claw marks, this one across his back. He shrugged it off. Someone, probably that girl, was a mage. It didn't matter. It wasn't real fire. Even if he had still believed in the fire goddess, he was too much of a sinner and blasphemer for Din to bless him in such a manner.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#45

Battle axe on high, Seabrum brought the full force of his muscular frame in an over head strike at the demon.

The strike came from muscles honed through a lifetime of hammering and molding metal. A strike borne of urgency, desperation, and vengeance, using the same repetitive motion that was so familiar.

The demon raised a bracered forearm to defend the strike. Strong as it was, it couldn't prevent the axe from driving the bracer into it's face. The force of the blow was powerful and had the creature momentarily rocked back on it’s heels.

Seabrum used the time to roll the axe counter clockwise, at his right, back overhead. Maintaining that momentum he struck again.

The beast’s face exploded with blood, it’s now useless bracer falling to the ground with it’s hand and a lengthy section of forearm.

Anger erupted in a violent strike by the monster, to Seabrum’s chest. Pain erupted as his flesh tore, quickly followed by a loss of breath as the impact with ground knocked the wind out of his lungs.

Propping onto his elbow, a few feet away now, he saw the demon move towards the archer.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#46

Piper seemed capable of handling himself against this demon, and he was apparently being aided in some arcane manner by the blonde woman as well, for his blades suddenly appeared to be in flames, and the Ikarani was noticeably surprised just as the ranger was.

Aelstan took advantage of the moment of surprise and sprang forward into the fray, hurling the contents in his hand at the demon's face. Almost instantly the Sykorin Powder went to work, sparkling and fizzing as it came into contact with the beast's face. Within seconds the creature would be completely blind, and hopefully unable to defend itself, much less attack...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#47

Piper attacked again, his blades cutting deep. Surely this creature couldn't take too much more punishment, and then they could all run for safety before the other demons in the city took notice of them.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#48

The combination of attacks, along with the blindness that resulted from the Sykorin Powder, eventually defeated the demon. Just as he broke completely free of the frozen ice that had been enveloping him, the savage blows administered by the Ikarani had done too much damage.

The gaping wounds oozed an acidic blood that sizzled as it hit the hard stone and earth in the streets. Before long, the body of the Jandoshan demon began to smoke and dissolve, and once again all that remained was scorched black hide armor and a damage purple cloak.

Some of the villagers had begun to move closer to examine the creature, or what was left of it. For a few precious moments, there was silence. Not a peaceful silence, but the kind that hovers around everyone's periphery, like the calm before the storm. So much damage had been done, yet there did not appear to be any other demons in the area.

"Was this the last one?" asked Aelstan, looking nervously into the shadowy corners of each nearby street...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#49

Piper stood there for a moment, still tensed to spring, until he was sure the demon was completely dead. Then he resheathed his swords. "Doubtful," he said, his omnipresent whisper harsher than normal because of his panting for breath. "But I don't have the energy to take out another one, and would fare worse against multiple foes." As he spoke, he almost went down to one knee as the pain from his wounds finally hit him. He hissed as he regained his balance. "We should probably seek safety."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#50

"I agree with you, my friend," said Aelstan, all too aware that the Ikarani warrior was probably right. Twice they had squared off against one of these demons, and while they had emerged victorious in both instances, it was obvious that Piper was exhausted.

The ranger looked around the village. People were frantically calling out to see who had been killed, and the local guard had finally emerged. Women and children were being ushered back into their homes, while the braver souls remained alert.

"You know," said Aelstan as he calmly placed his hand on Piper's shoulder, "We haven't found the item that the demons took from that merchant in the back alley. My guess is that the demons still have it and have some plan they still have yet to carry out. I'm afraid this is only the beginning of something very sinister that we are a witness to."

The Warrenwood ranger produced another small pouch, and poured its contents into a small vial of liquid he held in his other hand. After shaking it for a moment, the liquid turned a pale green and gave off a slight fizz.

"Here, my friend, drink this and you will feel better."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#51

Piper took the vial and gulped the contents. This ranger had given him no reason to mistrust him, and anyway, Piper was beyond caring. He shook his head slightly as it hit him, then handed the vial back to Aelstan. "Let's leave this place." Piper started looking around, automatically searching for danger. He pointed down a small street. "I do not think the demons are patrolling that one."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#52

While the sounds of battle had diminished, the crying and wailing of some of the villagers mourning the loss of loved ones was too much to bear for Aelstan, and he was already missing the solitude of the countryside. But the Warrenwood ranger had business that had brought him to the village of Livien, and until that business was taken care of, he felt obligated to do what he could to help the people.

"You're right," said Aelstan calmly, looking down the quiet lane. There weren't many roads in this village, but this road led straight to the temple, and perhaps they could request the aid of the local clergy in this matter.

The ranger did a quick glance behind him as they headed down the road, and saw several people gathering, as if trying to piece together what had happened. He did not feel like sticking around and answering questions. Aelstan had always done his best work when he wasn't confined by the restraints of the local militia.

(OOC: If any of the other characters want to continue with us, this would be a good time to walk with us - as we seem to be spread out into several groups)

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#53

OOC: I've been waiting for D.R., locked in battle. I'll hook up.

IC:

Fearing more for the archer and less for himself, Seabrum swung his legs underneath him, into a crouch. Adrenaline pumping, chest bleeding, he sprang forward, landing back in front of the monster.

Seabrum anticipating a similar strike, to the previous one, from the demon, took a step in, as if to swing downward again.

The thing lashed out, not recognizing Seabrum's feint. Letting gravity drop the heavy double bladed head, Seabrum dropped to one knee while swinging roundhouse, viscously crunching the monster’s unprotected ankle.

Believing it defeated, Seabrum was shocked the thing didn't go down. Perhaps it was best to re-asses vengeance, he thought, and focus on survival.

He shot a glance in the direction of the archer, not really caring whether or not she followed, and bolted to a safer location to care for his wound.

Moving onto a secluded street, Seabrum went to sit in a doorway, with an awning. Tearing off a piece of it's fabric, he bandaged his chest.

He started to stand, when he saw two men approaching, but stopped when he recognized them to be some of the ones he saw fighting a demon earlier.

He let his heavy axe rest on the ground as they approached.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#54

"Gah!" Eri gasped for breath as she caught herself in the straps of her saddle as she followed the axe-wielder out of the monster's view. On their retreat she had shot a few more arrows, obviously a little late in their flight, but still effective. The creature gurgled and make angry noises that rose the hair on the back of her neck as they quickly shot into the darkness. Rearing in her horse, she jumped down to the blacksmith and checked his wound.

"Are you alright? Sorry, I panicked back there, I get a little creeped out by.....well, creepy things..." She shook her head, not really noticing the two men that walked towards them, she shuffled around in her bag and pulled out a vial of goo.

"This will help your wound!" She shoved the small vial into his hands and smiled. It was the least she could do for his help. Otherwise she would be dead. "Do you want me to dress that wound properly or are you gonna let it get infected?" She asked lightly.

{{ooc: Sorry! It was my bday weekend and I didn't have any time to catch up until today! XD }}

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#55

Recognizing the woman as an ally for the first time, Seabrum gave her a tight lipped smile, mostly seen in his warm eyes.

"Please," he said in low tones, lifting his arm to allow her access to the wound.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#56

Privately, Piper doubted that the clergy at the temple would be of little use, but at least that way was away from the demons. As they started down the alley, he glanced down at his chest to ascertain the damage. His cloak was half-shredded, and the shirt under it was ruined, but there wasn't any structural damage. It would cause him a bit of inconvenience, but that should be about it. His back felt like it was in a similar state. When the stranger with the ax spoke, Piper did little but bow to him in a slightly formal fashion, wincing as he pulled on his wounds. He'd let Aelstan handle the talking.

(OOC: for those of you just coming in, Piper is wearing a cloak, has a scarf pulled up over the lower half of his face, he has red eyes, and blond hair)

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#57

When Aelstan first noticed the two figures by the side of the narrow road, he took them for no more than a woman helping a drunk get off his feet. However, as he approached closer, he could see that both strangers were armed and that one of them had a pretty nasty wound.

"I take it you two had words with a demon back there!" said the ranger, in a dry attempt at lighthearted conversation. He wasn't sure, but he thought he remembered seeing the burly blacksmith a few moments ago, peering through a window at the action. He didn't recognize the young woman at all however, though he sensed a calming presence in her.

"My name is Aelstan, and this is my new friend Piper. We are heading toward the Temple of Shivaldar, down the road," continued Aelstan. "I don't think there are any demons in that direction, and the clergy may be able to help you with your wound, Smith. I suggest you come with us... you know, strenght in numbers."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#58

His wound neatly dressed, Seabrum stood.

Placing his open palm over his chest, he dipped his head and stated his name as was custom.

Having no where to go and no one left to worry about, he shrugged his shoulders at the ranger's suggestion, but moved to make preparations to leave with them.

Picking up his axe, Seabrum realized what a heavy burden the thing would be.

Shaking his head at the irony, he dropped the handle of the thing in the metal ring on his belt that formerly housed his hammer. How things had changed for him....

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#59

"Holy--!" Eri turned around, surprised out of her own skin.

"Jees...Hi, I'm Eri Connor," she stuck out her hand to the ranger-looking man, and took a side glance at the red-eyed man. "Yeah, we did have a run in with one of those creepy looking demons." She shuddered lightly, still only used to fighting her own kind, and not something out of a scary story.

"I say that your idea is a good plan," she smiled lightly, putting away some of the bandages and ointment she used on the blacksmith. She wasn't really a healer like her sister, but she knew how to stop wounds from getting infected. The clergy-men would be able to do a better job than she could. She eyed the blonde haired man a moment, even though he wore all black she thought she caught him walking a little awkward.

'If he's injured I can help him a little, I wonder if we have time...' Eri thought, tapping her bottom lip lightly.

{{ooc: sorry if I got Piper's clothing wrong, I assumed he's wearing all black?}}

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#60

(OOC: Close enough)

Piper looked around as if he was hearing something that was too faint for the others to catch. "We should go," he whispered.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#61

The four of them grouped together and darted swiftly through the darkness toward the northern part of the village of Livien, toward the Temple of Shivaldar. While not a big building, the temple was nonetheless an imposing structure of ancient stone from the early empire, lined with marble columns built into the walls for added support. Light could be seen emanating from within, though this was nothing new to Aelstan, who knew from his extensive travels throughout the realm that all churches kept continual flames near their entrance and by the interior altar as a way of reassuring the common people, and welcoming guests.

As Aelstan, Piper, the smith, and the archer neared the church building, they could see two men standing outside the entrance, speaking in hushed tones and looking around cautiously. As the ranger and his group approached to within speaking distance, Aelstan could see that one of the men was a cleric of Shivaldar, the God of Protection. The other man appeared quite a bit older, but was dressed in fine robes. Aelstan couldn't be sure, but it appeared that the cleric was accepting a donation of sorts from the well dressed elder, perhaps in exchange for protection from the demons seen earlier.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#62

Piper stopped near the flames outside as they approached, and made a small religious gesture, then passed his hand through the flame quickly, moving fast enough that he wasn't burned. Asking Din's blessing was merely a habit, now, that he had never bothered to break himself of. He doubted very much that there was any goddess at all, and if she did exist, she wasn't answering prayers anymore. Then he faded back to the back end of the small group, watching for trouble.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#63

Head on a swivel, Seabrum fell in line with the group, making their way to the temple.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#64

Harper jumped down from one of the terraced roofs. She had vanished into the shadows as soon as the men had let her go. She had been looking for the two men who saved her to thank them. Harper had found them but they had seemed a bit busy at the time. They had began to walk away from the scene where they had just killed one of the demons that had framed her. Harper had followed close behind keeping to the roof tops. Now she was following on foot keeping a safe distance behind. Harper stopped just behind piper "so what we queuing for?" she whispered quietly into the mans ear.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#65

Piper started as the girl crept up behind him, and his hand went to one of his swords. But he realized who she was before he pullled it out, and he relaxed slightly. "I believe they are seeking healing and possibly shelter from the demons," he whispered back. "Little good it may do."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#66

Aelstan was so intent on greeting the high priest on the steps of the church that he failed to notice the young woman sneak up on them from behind. The well-dressed elder looked cautiously at the ranger and his party, then parted ways with the cleric, who turned to face the strangers.

"Well met, outsiders!" exclaimed the priest with a stern but calming smile. "I am Father Keane. I take it that your visit to our church, on a night when foul beasts have been seen, is no coincidence? Please, come inside where it is warm."

Father Keane seemed like pleasant man just approaching middle age. He had a full head of graying black hair, and a neatly trimmed beard that the ranger suspected was groomed on a daily basis. He was wearing a cream-colored robe with a burgundy mantle that hung over his shoulders, and a morning star rested in his belt.

The cleric gestured for the party to join him inside. Aelstan glanced back at his new friends, and noticed for the first time that the young woman they had run into earlier had managed to catch up to them. Without pausing to greet her, the ranger nodded in approval and turned to follow the priest inside the warm temple.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#67

Piper followed Aelstan and the priest inside, without waiting to see if the others were following. It was warm inside, in fact, almost warm enough that he was a little uncomfortable with his cloak and scarf on. But he didn't take them off, merely stood where he could see the door and windows, his back to a wall.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#68

Turning to Aelstan, the blacksmith asked out of ear shot of the Father, "What sort of offering do we plan on making to afford these priests protection?"

Seabrum was sincere in his inquiry. In his experience, the clergy was fast to present an open hand, but slow to take any action. His faith in the group had waned even more severely in light of recent events.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#69

Harper smiled as Piper unfolded what they were doing. She nodded back to aelstan when he acknowledged she was there. She followed behind into the warmth. It ran over her and even though it was warm it made her shiver slightly. Harper pulled forward and stood just behind piper and aelstan. She smiled at seabrum and nodded her hello then walked over to the other woman who was with the group "Hi I’m Harper by the way!" Her voice seemed to float on the air as if trapped in a strong breeze. She flicked her black hair out of her face and smiled. Harpers smile faded as a dull pain ran through the arm she had injured earlier in the day. She looked down and rolled up her sleeve, a dark burn was all that could be seen. Small quantities of blood oozed out of the grazed patch of skin turning the burn a darker shade of red. Harper wiped away some of the blood and then wiped it on her cloak. The pain had vanished for a little while but now she was just standing around it had seemed to come back in full force. Harper sighed slightly as more blood oozed out of the wound. She hated getting hurt it usually meant that she lost her temper and she didn't like doing that. Harper had skills but she didn't like to use them to often either. They tired her out and made her sometimes lose Consciousness. Her power was strong but she couldn't control it like the others in her tribe. She had run away a few years back to find a young man who her mother said could train her, but she found out he had been killed by demons. Harper had lost all hope of becoming a fully-fledged guardian of the elements. She could summon creatures to do her will but that was about all. Harper had changed her course and become an ordinary person but she had never forgotten her power. But that didn't matter know as Harpers mind clicked back to the present she had to get her arm fixed up.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#70

Eri was taken back by the beautiful black haired woman as she approached her and offered a hand.

"Hello, I'm Eri," she responded with a slow smile. A young boy had come to take her horse to the stable yard before they had entered the monastary, and as Eri followed the other members of their party inside, she realized how hungry she was.

'I didn't do that much work, though,' she silenced her disapointment. What was important was that everyone was healed, fed and protected for the night.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#71

Father Keane led the strangers through the nave of the church and back into a small reception room, never once turning back to see if they would follow. The church was warm, and Aelstan sensed that Piper was not entirely comfortable with the temperature. He wondered why the Ikarani was so secretive about his appearance. Was he an outlaw? Ashamed of his heritage? Carrying out a secret mission?

These were idle questions that the ranger knew he could not answer, at least not yet. The blacksmith, Seabrum, seemed a strong fellow, and very respectful of the church. Aelstan knew that they would probably need to make a financial donation if they were to receive any help. He silently counted his coins in his mind as they walked past the pews...

As the party entered the private room, Aelstan noticed that there was another man, apparently waiting for them. Judging by his dress, the Warrenwood ranger took him for minor nobility, possibly the lord of Livien. He was a young man, but appeared wise beyond his years. He seemed confident, yet somewhat hesitant when the party arrived in the room.

Father Keane finally turned around to address the party. "My friends, I understand that you have many questions, and that you may be seeking healing. The healing we can provide, quite adequately, praise be to Shivaldar. We are joined by Sir Theodric, son of Baron Grath, and lord of the village of Livien. While I'm sure you need our help and have questions, I must confess that I'm afraid we may need your help even more...."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#72

As Aelstan spoke to the priest, Seabrum made his way to Theodric.

"Sir Theodric," he said, bowing his head low in greeting. Seabrum had done much business with the man and had come to know him quite well over the years. Theodric's recomendations had done much for the prosperity of his business and had made him well known throughout much of the region.

Just seeing the man lifted Seabrum's spirits. The beginings of a smile began on his face, but died quickly.

"What brings you to the temple? Has the estate been breached?" he asked in all seriousness.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#73

"The estate is secure, for the moment at least," replied Theodric with a contemplative look. "Thank you for asking. I'm afraid that not everyone in Livien as as safe, however. That is why I came to speak to Father Keane." The young nobleman gave Seabrum a comforting pat on the shoulder and turned to the older priest.

The room was a decent size, but a large ash table dominated the center and forced the party to stand in a circle around it while he high priest continued. Aelstan knew that the blacksmith would like to take a seat and rest his wounded leg, but decided to wait until one was offered by the cleric.

"My friends," began the high priest, "As you are aware, we have encountered some deadly demons that no doubt originate from the Great Abyss. As dangerous as they may be, I fear that there is an even greater danger that will present itself soon enough."

Father Keane paused for a moment and glanced around the room at the strangers. They certainly seemed capable of defending themselves. After all, they had apparently fought with a couple of the beasts and survived. After a few seconds, the high priest gestured toward the table. "Please, take a seat if you will. There is much I must explain."

Aelstan allowed the ladies to sit before he took a chair, and he wondered if Piper would be comfortable sitting in a confined room under such circumstances, but turned his attention to the priest.

"For over a century the Church of Shivaldar has served the small village of Livien, and served it well. We remain an unusually strong presence considering the small size of the village and its surroundings. That is due in no small part to the financial generosity of the people of Livien, and especially the family of Lord Theodric." The cleric turned and graciously gave a polite bow of thanks to Theodric, but the young nobleman was looking away as if preoccupied.

"In addition to preserving peace and offering protection for the people of the area, we have maintained other responsibilities as well. For the last ten years our church has held a secret artifact that we wished to keep away from the forces of evil. Few knew of its existence, and it was buried in a secure, locked vault several levels below the church."

Aelstan took a deep breath and gave a nervous look to the other members of the party.

"Just over a week ago we discovered that this artifact, known by those in arcane circles as "The Orb of Shadows", had been stolen. As much as this concerned us, we could not allow people to find out about such a dreadful turn of events. You see..." the cleric paused, as if contemplating whether or not to reveal any more information. He then tapped his fingers on the table for emphasis as he continued.

"You see, the Orb of Shadows is a useless artifact in the hands of good people. But in dark circles, if used properly by powerful forces of evil, the Orb can be used to summon the very demons we have faced tonight. In fact, it's likely that the demons we faced tonight were only summoned recently, and by someone quite powerful with ill intentions."

Aelstan immediately knew now why the demons had found the orb so quickly back in the Lusty Maiden. They were drawn to its power. They could sense its whereabouts. The ranger was fuming inside over the carelessness of the temple, but held his tongue in check. He looked over at his companions to see what their immediate reaction was...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#74

Piper did not sit. He still didn't think this place was secure, and wanted to be in as defensive position as possible. Besides, his chest, side, and back were hurting him enough now that he wasn't sure he'd be able to get back up if he sat down. "I do not know where this Orb is now. But I have an idea as to who helped steal it in the first place, and I know where it's been between the time it was stolen and the time it was brought back."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#75

OOC: Seabrum injured his chest.

IC:

Seabrum, back from his acknowledgement of Theodric, listened to the priest intently. As the conversation continued, he felt an aversion to religion building up inside. He would never act out or be anything but respectful. However, he had lost much at the carelessness of these men and with it much respect for the temple.

He had always tithed and paid his respects to the church.

Shivaldar, he felt, had turned his back on the village, if he had ever truly been with them.

When the one called Piper spoke out, Seabrum took notice. This one, he thought, will lead me to vengence.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#76

Harpers brow furrowed as she listened to the priest and the other's talk about this 'Orb of Shadows'. She dropped into the seat offered to her and held her injured arm in her other hand. She looked at Piper as he spoke about knowing stuff about the person who stole it and where they might of gone or something like that. Harper yawned as the last few nights of no sleep caught up with her. It was hard to concentrate but she tried her best. The heat made her feel drowsy and soon enough she was breathing lightly in the seat, her head lulling sidewards and her chest rising up and down slowly.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#77

Eri listened to the priest and when she sat down, she attempted to pay close attention, but the heat was very relaxing, and after a full day of traveling, and a mild fight of which she didn't really participate in, she was starting to loose some of her energy.

"So we're going to track down this Shadowy Orb, huh?" Eri muttered under her breath, she had both her elbows on the table, chin in hands and eyes half-closed. The other lady, Harper, was already lulled into sleep, and Eri was getting close. Knowing that it would be rude to actually fall asleep, she kept herself awake.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#78

The high priest could see that he was drawing two distinct emotions from the strangers; silent anger and weariness. Neither emotion was what he wanted, and Aelstan could see that. Aelstan also knew that Father Keane was going to be asking for their help in retrieving the Orb of Shadows, but didn't want to interrupt. Piper seemed to have some knowledge of who may have taken the Orb, but the ranger assumed he was probably thinking of the stranger that entered the Lusty Maiden and died carrying it.

"Piper, my guess is that the man we saw earlier with the Orb was not the original thief," said Aelstan in a balanced tone. "After all, the demons came after him and were on a warpath to retrieve it. Besides, remember the man's dying words?"

Father Keane cleared his throat and interrupted before the Ikarani could answer. "Uh, yes, I'm afraid I can help explain that. You see, the man you speak of was a hired agent, paid by the church, to retrieve the Orb."

The cleric looked a bit nervous, as if he was revealing information that he was reticent to part with. He glanced over at Sir Theodric, but the young nobleman looked eager to hear more.

"Eager to retrieve the orb, we hired a bounty hunter of sorts. This man was supposed to be an excellent thie.... retrieval expert. His asking price was high, but his reputation was well-known. His name was Eryllion, and while he seems to have succeeded in recovering the Orb, he died in the process, as you well know. We suspect he fell victim to a powerful curse the item carries with it..."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#79

Piper shook his head. "I was speaking of another, but no matter. What is this of a curse?" Somehow, he still managed to make himself audible, even though he had yet to speak in a tone above a hoarse, broken whisper.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#80

"We've never been entirely sure of the nature of the curse," continued Father Keane. "We just know that it has been part of our sworn instruction to never handle the orb personally, for apparently it has a very negative effect upon the mind and health of those with good hearts."

Aelstan could hold his tongue no longer. He wanted more answers, and wanted them fast.

"Excuse me, Father," the ranger interrupted, glancing toward Lord Theodric for approval. The young lord gave an encouraging nod, and Aelstan continued. "But why wasn't the Orb destroyed in the first place? Surely your clerical order must have known that there would come a time when evil hands would find their way into your vaults for such a purpose?"

The cleric seemed to have anticipated someone asking this question, for his answer came succinctly. "A good question, my fellow, a good one indeed. But I'm afraid that destoying the Orb would not only be quite costly, but would only serve the purpose of evildoers, for if the Orb of Shadows is destroyed, then another one may be created to replace it."

The cleric stopped for a moment to let the information sink in. A young acolyte with a shaved head and sleepy eyes entered the room, carrying a tray complete with wine decanter and several copper goblets. After setting the tray down, the young man immediately poured Lord Theodric a cup. He then offered some to Father Keane, but the high priest dismissed him with a polite wave of his hand, eager to continue.

"So as you can see, as long as the Orb remained hidden in our vaults, it could not be used to summon these creatures. Had we destroyed it years ago, it would have created more opportunities for Evil to wreak havoc upon the land. What we need to do is find a way to recover the missing Orb before someone has the opportunity to summon more of these foul beasts...."