A barren red landscape

His eyes opened, there was no sun above him and the sky mad an eerie red glow. The silver lining of the clouds he remembered was replaced by a bright orange glow outlining the moistureless forms. He looked around and saw that the landscape he had awoken into was just as barren and lifeless as the sky. The dirt he was lying on was of a dark ombre color and he could see what remained of a camp. Stones were arranged in a crude circle and some traces of footprints were still visible. He sat up and ran his hand through his thin wispy hair. He noticed that across a strip down the middle of his head there was a ropy scar rather than his hair. As his hand moved over the new surface of his head he remembered exactly where he was.

There was that priest who had given Lyzzar the key to the portal and asked him to go through it to defeat whatever aberrations had been using the portal. He, Lyzzar, Scarlan, Poofus, and Sintori had gone through the portal. He had caught a glimpse of the barren landscape but before he had even said a word the ground shook and rose up around him, the last thing he could remember was the red sky disappearing and darkness engulfing him as red stone walls rose up around him.

Now he was no longer trapped in those walls and as he surveyed the scene more carefully he could see some traces of his companions’ presence here. He was sitting at the mouth of a canyon. In one direction there was just two sheer walls made of red stone that grew in size the farther he looked. He shuddered, He had just gotten out from between such rock that he did not want to return to the mercy of whatever land this was. He looked the other way to the expanse that unfolded from the edge of the canyon. Here the landscape was littered with small boulders, much like the ones that the camp had been made of. There were also pools of green liquid scattered around the landscape. He looked closely at one as he saw ripples going through the acid. Two stalk like eyes emerged from the acid followed by eight small legs as the creature moved away from one pool of acid and toward another one. A hiss came from that direction as a larger creature emerged and snapped at the smaller one. After a minute of jabs and posturing the smaller one returned to his pool, the stalks of his blackish eyes bobbing above the water.

Bis stood, the small crabs would not be much of a danger to him but they would not be pleasant to deal with either. They lived their lives in acid, they had to have some sort of protection or special ways of survival and Bis did not want to find out what they were. He had seen in the distance what looked like the ruins of a camp of some sort. He could see what was left of the watchtowers from where he stood. He set off in that direction, giving the pools of acid a wide berth.

He could soon make out a few more details about the camp. The walls created a semi-circle around the camp ending with the two watch towers. Inside of the crumbling outer wall he could see one main building in the center. It was made of the stones that were abundant and the roof was made of something else that he could not identify. To the right of the main building he could lee cages, many of them. They were empty but judging by all of the bodies scattered around the clearing in front of the main bidding, they had not gotten very far. To the left of the building he could see two strange figures. It looked like they were fighting but he could not make it out too clearly.

He cautiously advanced to the camp and as he did the two figures came into focus. One of them looked like a large ape with armor on. He was cautiously attacking a creature that Bis had never seen before. It had an open maw and long head with eyes that were barely visible just above it’s mouth. Where it’s head connected to its neck Bis could see quills growing out of its body, small at first but they got bigger up to about a foot long. It also had a tail that was spiked and bout as long as its whole body. It was currently trying to lure the ape to attack it on the side within reach of the spikes or the spiked tail. The ape however was staying in front, preferring to deal with the teeth and claws than the quills.

Bis cautiously moved closer hoping that he would not be noticed. As soon as he judged himself to be within range he pulled out his crossbow. Moving as quietly as possible he wound it up and took aim at the quill creature thinking that he would rather face the ape than something covered in quills. His aim was true and the bolt lodged itself into what he suspected was the creature’s ribcage, hopefully in between the ribs to cause some internal damage as well. He quickly reached for another bolt, not taking his eyes off of the action in front of him. The ape had taken advantage of the distraction and had smashed the thing’s skull with one of its great fists. The creature had retaliated but the damage had been done and by the time Bis had reloaded the crossbow the ape had just about taken down the quill creature so Bis took aim at the ape. He let his bolt fly and just as he pulled the trigger the ape turned to look at him and the bolt lodged itself deep in its eye killing it almost instantly.

The two creatures were now both down and Bis approached cautiously. He looked around the encampment and did not see much more than he had not seen before. There were a lot of bodies lying around, most were covered in rags and a few others had armor on them. To the left of the main building he saw what looked like the remnants of the quarry. There were many stones but he could see nothing of value. He decided to enter the main building. It was a one story building and quite barren. He found some food but dared not eat it as it seemed inedible to him. The inhabitants of this hell could probably eat it but it could be poison to anyone else. He looked for any signs of his companions. He had noticed the wolf claw marks that were a sure sign that Sintori had been in the fray outside. He saw a staircase leading down to the basement and descended it slowly, listening to see if he could hear anything but the two creatures that were outside seemed to be the last survivors of whatever happened here. He was soon able to see the whole basement. There were two large open portals that seemed to be flickering. On the ground in front of the portal he saw half of the body of one of his companions.

 The druid Sintori had been ripped in half and the last of his seeping blood seemed to power the portal and was quickly running out. He looked around the room. He had to figure out which portal he should use, the red or the blue. Which one had his companions used. He frantically looked around as the portals both flickered and got smaller as he searched. He knew that he had little time. He approached the blue portal, he inspected it, looking through it as much as he could but was not able to see anything. He cursed under his breath, no clues here. He turned to the red portal but caught a disturbance in the blue portal. To his surprise a large clawed hand emerged from the portal dripping what seemed to be water. He moved quickly, not wanting to meet whatever was on the other end of that claw that was pulling itself through the portal. He quickly jumped through the red portal as he saw a large toothed face emerge from the blue portal then everything disappeared. 

A Bitter Cup

Scarlan looked down at his ale, he disliked the taste but the bitterness reflected his mood. He took a mouthful of the brew and his face contorted slightly. He had been sitting at that bar for most of the evening now. His large companion had been drunk for the last few hours and had made friends with local bards and the deep voice from under that thick beard had been sprouting ever more lewd lyrics as the bar began to fill up. Needless to say he had made himself the center of attention, both good and bad at the drunken pony.

Scalan’s mind had not been on his drink this evening. The last of the people who he had been ordered to work under was now in the dungeon somewhere under the city. He had no idea what to do. The man was a filthy drow but at the same time the kingdom that had saved his life only a few months ago had charged him to work for him and his companions. It was him along with Poofus whose job it was to help them, now two were in hell, one dead, one presumably alive, and the third was being held in the dungeon and there was nothing he could do. He downed the rest of the flagon and dropped a few silver coins on the table. He had no need for more drink, he needed time to himself, to figure out what would happen next. He went up to the room he had rented for the night and lay down, it was not much but better than the stones of hell which had been his last place of rest. He lay on the straw mattress awake for a long time but soon the fatigue of the past day took over and he fell asleep.

He was woken in the morning by a commotion outside of his room. It sounded like something trying to break down his door and he reached for his bow. He heard Poofus’ voice

Scarlan

He relaxed.

Ya better get out here quick. Seems our dark friend has flown the coop an’ took a few of the guards with him.

How do you know that?

Unlock the goddamn door and I will show you how.

Scarlan got up and walked over to let the man in. His bulk took up the entire frame as he entered the room wearing little more than pants and a tunic that he had hastily thrown on. In his sausage like fingers he was holding a rolled up scroll which he now held up to Scarlan. He took the scroll and unfurled it to see a description matching the dark elf who had escaped, complete with the lightning bolt tattoos under his eyes. There was a price on his head of 3000 gold since he had escaped, freed another prisoner and killed 5 guards in the process. How he had escaped from his bonds was still unclear.

It seems that our little jailbird had more in him than I thought. He even managed to take out a few guards on his way out. I ah, wonda how he wen about doin it.

Well Poofus, what are we going to do now, Bis is still in hell and Lyzzar has escaped from the prison and gone who knows where. Even if we find him what will we do, he is a wanted criminal in this city somwe won’t be able to return here.

How about we go into da city an see what we can fin’. There’s no point in us stayin here an mopin about it is there?

Alright, o where to first?

The Second Escape

Lyzzar watched the crossbow wielding figure who was backing away from him. The anger that coursed through his veins was larger than the pain he felt as the bolt had entered his back. He knew that he was lucky that his rough hands had then fed him the healing potion but his anger was stronger. He had to get away, and maybe kill the bastard while he was at it.
 
His captor snarled over the loaded crossbow
 
Get up and no muttering or moving your arms, you are coming with me or not going anywhere.
 
 Lyzzar looked at him with disdain as he got up, making sure that he didn't look like he was going to try anything and he turned in the direction the hooded figure was pointing at with his crossbow and started walking, making sure to glance back and listen to what the figure was doing. As soon as it got distracted Lyzzar would pull out a potion of invisibility and get away, to a safe distance at least.
 
His chance came quickly as his captor noticed a farmer who had been watching the encounter and tried to ascertain whether or not he was a threat. That small distraction was all Lyzzar needed, his hands went into his bag and retrieved the potion of invisibility and he drank it right away, we was not to be seen by the time his captor looked back in his direction. He started moving away, as silently as he could to keep the hooded figure from following him. Lyzzar watched as the figure looked around for him, frantically searching the ground for any sign of where he had gone. It picked up a bottle and looked at it, examining the contents. He cursed aloud as he pulled out a finger that had turned invisible.
 
Lyzzar kept moving away, he was not safe until he could put distance between himself, the town and his past captor. He moved silently through the fields until the black hooded figure was out of sight. Once he was sure he could not be heard he moved more quickly in the direction of the city. It was early morning by now, maybe his companions would be somewhere in the area though he seriously doubted it. He knew his invisibility would run out soon so he when he could he went to hide behind a tree. There he quickly cast a disguise spell. He was close to a farmers house and it seemed that he a\was just coming in from the fields. He made himself look like a wanderer, leather coat, a bow and arrow, and a face that was slightly scarred yet handsome and warm.
 
In this form he approached the farmer. When he got within earshot he hailed the man, who turned around surprised, having not seen anyone approaching. The man waved and Lyzzar approached. The farmer was a human, hunched yet strong from so many years of working in the fields. He had a square jutting jaw and a calloused hand which he held out to Lyzzar.

 

Lyzzar took his hand and shook it firmly.

Greetings my friend, I am a traveler from a long distance away. I explore the routes less traveled, hence you find me by your homestead this fine morning. Would you happen to know any places for a man such as myself to visit?

Roads less traveled eh? You do look the type, and your scars and weapons go to prove that you are who you say. Now there is a main road to the east but I suspect that is not a place for you. There is a small village of Faire to the southwest of here that is rarely traveled.

Lyzzar’s face brightened at the mention of such a village.

This village, is it far from here?

The farmer thought for a moment

It has been a long time since I have gone in that direction and it has gotten more dangerous lately. I suspect it is about a day and a half traveling on foot from here.

Lyzzar wanted to go to the village but on foot it would take a while.

Are you by any chance selling a horse, I have not found one for sale in the area and a horse makes travel much easier.

It was the farmer’s face that brightened this time.

 I do happen to have a horse that is no longer of any use to me, it can no longer pull a plow but it can sure carry a traveler. Come with me.

He motioned for Lyzzar to follow him to the barn. As the farmer opened the door to the barn the stench of manure and animals hit Lyzzar. He walked in and followed the farmer to where a speckled mare was standing. She seemed to be getting on in age and not in the best shape but as the farmer has said, she seemed good enough for his purposes.

Isn’t she a beauty, she has been with me for many years but alas even the best horse gets old. So how about it traveler? How does 250 gold sound?

Lyzzar’s face took on a shocked experssion.

For a nag like this, 250?! Outrageous, 150 at most.

The two bartered finally deciding on a price of 196 gold for the horse and some riding gear. The farmer led her out and saddled her for Lyzzar. As he was mounting the mare the Farmer took the reins for a moment.

I almost forgot to tell you, be careful; I have heard rumors of the drow attacking the villagers to the south.

Lyzzar’s ears perked up at the mention of his race.

Have you heard anything else about them?

My neighbor at the bar said something about his family in the dwarven city being attacked or in danger of attack by the drow but that is the extent of which I have heard about them. Truth be told, I didn’t know any of them were even living in the mountains around here until just recently. It seems their swords got sick of slashing each other and started thirsting for the blood of others. He shuddered. Be careful with those drow, them dangerous folk.

With that he let go of the reigns and turned back to his house where his wife was calling him for second breakfast. Lyzzar turned to the southwest and aimed for the village of Faire. He did not know if he could make it this day but he had to try. His eyes were drooping and his body was exhausted from all of the spells he had cast and his trek throughout the whole day today. The holes where the bolts had been pulled out of him after the two bolts had embedded themselves in him were starting to ache even though they had been healed up. He would go as far as he could today.

By midafternoon he could barely keep himself on the horse. He knew that he was not going to be able to make it to Faire that day without collapsing upon entering the town and he did not have the strength to cast any other spells. He spotted a farm nearby and decided he would try to spend the night there.

He approached warily, donning his gloves and covering his face as best he could. There was a farmer in his fields tending to what seemed to be some kind of tuber. He approached, now off of his horse and hailed the man. He looked up from his work, standing up straight and brushing the dirt off of his hands. Lyzzar approached, he tried his best to hide his face but he could not hide his exhaustion. As the farmer reached out and shocked his hand he was shocked to find that Lyzzar’s gloved hand pressed a few coins into his, they were the size of gold coins, he knew, and Lyzzar said.

I am an exhausted and hungry traveler, a place to sleep and some food would do me well as well.

The farmer looked at him knowingly, It seems you have something to hide, I will not inquire and the barn is open for you to rest your weary body traveler.

Lyzzar’s shoulders dropped ever so slightly and he let out a soft sigh of relief.

Thank you friend, I appreciate your hospitality.

He released his hand leaving the coins in the hand of the farmer who counted them, 7 gold coins was no small amount for a farmer and a smile crossed his face. He said

Right this way, I will bring your dinner to the barn of that is alright with you. Better not to alarm the wife.

The barn was large and housed a few horses and a wagon. There was hay piled up on the loft and the farmer pointed up to the loft saying

It would be most comfortable up there but you are free to sleep wherever you like. I will bring your food shortly.

Lyzzar thanked the man. He waited for him to bring the food, barely able to keep himself awake. When the farmer returned he brought a hearty stew of vegetables and some meat as well as a small wine skin. Lyzzar ate quickly and gratefully drank the wine. He thanked the man once more and waited for him to leave before he climbed up to the loft and woke his sleeping raven. The bird had been injured not long ago and had been recovering inside a large pocket in his robes. He instructed the bird to keep watch over him as he fell into a blissful sleep. He slept through the night and didn’t wake up till he heard the sound of the barn door opening. He put his robe on quickly and chanted a quick disguise spell, changing his appearance to that of a human with roughly the same physical features as him.

He climbed down from the loft to where the farmer was waiting with breakfast. He ate gratefully and started talking to the farmer.

What villages lie around here?

The village of Faire is the closest one. Other than that there are two more about a day’s travel toward the main road.

The village of Faire is where I am headed; can you tell me anything about it?

I figured as much. There are many figures like you who gather in Faire. I have learned not to pry so I don’t know much other than the fact that they buy large quantities of grain and other foods such as my beets. It is a bit too much for such a small village but as long as they keep paying well it is not worth the trouble to investigate who they are feeding.

Do you have any idea why they gather in Faire?

I dunno, I don’t like to pry into what ain’t my business.

Well I guess I should be on my way then, thank you for your generosity and information.

Thank you as well traveler, good luck.

Lyzzar mounted his horse once more and turned her toward where the village of Faire could barely be seen in the distance. It would take a few hours still to get to town.

The Long Road to Faire

Nosk let out a sigh as he and the drow, made it out to the fresh air. They paused a moment to catch their breath, they could not hear the guards behind them but it was better not to risk it. The drow put on his cloak and checked the pockets of his bag and pouches. When satisfied he turned to look at Nosk. The two of them looked at each other not saying a word. Half of the job was done, the drow was out of the prison. Now to take him back to Faire. Come, we must go.
The drow looked at him without moving a muscle. Why should I go with you? Where are you trying to take me? Nosk looked at him and glanced at the tunnel where they had just exited from. He thought he heard the guards now coming closer. He had no time for the drow’s games. We are not safe here now move
 
He waited and the drow eyed him suspiciously. Nosk was getting fed up. Did I save you or did I not? Now forward. His raspy voice deepening in pitch to a growl as he finished his sentence. The drow narrowed his eyes and looked at him but he flipped his hood over his head and started moving.
 
Nosk followed the drow, he did not know why he had been asked to free him nor did he care. All he cared about now was delivering him to Faire and getting his reward. They both said little as they moved quickly away from the clearing. Under the cover of night they could make it quite a distance before morning and he was loathe to stop then.
 
As the golden light of the sun peeked over the mountains to the south and the town of Forathon was just an outline on the eastern horizon they stopped. Nosk handed the drow a water skin and the drow smelled it suspiciously before taking a sip, then he drank enough to quench his thirst. They had passed a few streams but they barely stopped Nosk wanted to get as far away as possible. He had decided that 5 minutes of rest would be appropriate now and the drow looked like he had seen better days.
 
The drow now approached. What is your name and where are you trying to take me? He asked to which Nosk responded, You don't need to know, just go. The drow looked at him, I am not going anywhere else until I know where you are trying to take me and who hired you to do so. Nosk scowled, You will be going where I tell you to go and you will stop asking questions, now move. The drow looked at him challengingly, I am not going with you until you tell me where we are going and even then it is a long shot.
 
And where will you go? Challenged Nosk You can't go back to the city whose prison you escaped, you have little choice in the matter. The drow simply replied, I have friends who will find me I'm sure and if not I can go anywhere I please. It seemed that at that pint the drow was through listening to him and started walking in another direction. Stop right there we are going the other way you idiot!
 
Nosk took out his crossbow, silently and notched a bolt, aiming for the back of the drow who would not listen to him. He pulled the trigger and the bold flew true and embedded itself into the drow's back. He fell to the ground, limp. It seemed that he was already weak from the escape and the time he had spent in jail.
 
The hobgoblin walked over to the limp body, giving the drow a solid kick in the ribs before pulling out his bolt. He was not about to drag him all the way to Faire but maybe he had learned his lesson now. He rummaged through the drow's bad and found a healing potion that hadn't been taken out of his bag. He rolled the drow over and holding his crossbow in one hand he poured it into the mouth of the drow whose eyes shot open, Nosk now backed away pointing his crossbow at the drow. Get up and no muttering or moving your arms, you are coming with me or not going anywhere.
 
The drow eyed the crossbow and Nosk with angry eyes but he got up and started walking in the same direction as they had been walking. Nosk noticed that a farmer had noticed this whole confrontation but had kept his distance, cautiously peeking over at them but never getting any closer. Nosk turned back to the drow in front of him but to his surprise and shock there was no one there, the drow had disappeared. Nosk cursed out loud and started listening intently but he could hear nothing and as he examined the ground he found no traces of the drow.

 

The Gathering

The clouds gathered just as the people did. Slowly at first but more and more quickly until both the sky and the field were about to burst. We sat in the middle, eyes closed but minds open, seeing what our eyes didn’t. A hush fell over the world as everything waited expectantly. A hand gripped a stick and held it up, a raindrop fell from the sky, and it hit the stick straight on the tip. Now earth and sky met. There was no stopping it. The stick fell onto a drum of wood and skin and with the first soft beat the sky added to the rhythm, soft raindrops fell from the sky, a prelude for things to come. Another drum joined the first, this one louder and deeper than the first, as if to keep pace with the drums the rain suddenly got harder. A soft hum could be heard all around us, coming from the mouths of the thousands gathered around us. The rain, the voices and the drums now beat in unison.

A third drum now joined, this one with a higher timbre and we could feel the electricity in the air. I raised my arm high and brought it down onto the large drum in front of me. The sound came from the sky and the drum, everything else was drowned out but we all knew that no one stopped. The first two drums intensified their drumming as the rain drops turned into a stream of water falling from the sky. The high timbre drum chiming in over the hum, the rain, and the drums. My arm fell time and time again using the heavy rod of bone to deafen the world for one small moment before the hum, the rain, and the drums rushed back into our ears.

The drums and the rain waxed and waned. Sometimes it was so soft that it sounded like it was over while at others even the thunder could barely block out the intensity of the drums and falling drops that seemed to want to pound the earth and all on it into submission. The people hummed, the drums beat, the rain fell, and the thunder clapped with a never-ending certainty. The world lost to all but those you felt round you.

I heard the drum and felt the air electrify once more and I raised the bone high p above my head and brought it down once more. As my arm arced downwards the bone I clasped in my hand shattered and as my hand fell to the skin of the drum a soft peal of thunder erupted and then he drum was silenced forevermore as the bone pierced through the skin that used to be its own.

I could tell that the high drum had also been silenced, having played its last. My arms dropped to my side, unable to move. The rain now beat on me as I did the drum creating its own rhythm on my skin as it fell. A private rhythm that was unique to each person in the world. Soon the other drums slowed, then the second drum played its last as the rain slowed. Soon the melody on my skin began to fade and the soft drumming became even softer until it stopped.

We opened our eyes to see a man with a white beard and scarred skin holding a stick up into the air as the last raindrop fell and landed on the tip. He then took his drumstick, the bark now worn off and as we faded the old man stood and broke the stick, his drum would drum again while it was our time to fade.

Wolf

Copyright Pettryb

The eyes of the wolf pierced me as its fangs had just moments before. I was losing consciousness with those eerie eyes watching every moment, holding my sword in its mouth glowing blue from the energy I had stored in in just moments before. All around me I saw the swords of all of the other warriors fallen in this place before me. I have found for myself that the legend of the wolf was true. No one man can take on this creature to get to the place it protects. I was told that this was the only way to go to get there in time. I had to try, if I arrived late it would be worse than not arriving at all. The messenger had gotten to me late and had found me just waking in the local inn after a few days of rest. I recognized him immediately, a squire of my lord in the South. He told me that the king was dying and he had requested that I arrive at his side before he passed into the other world. Now I have failed him, my honor has been shattered. My soul would wander the earth forever in shame.

My eyes finally closed, the last thing I saw was the wolf approaching me once more. She planted the sword into the ground as I drew my last breath. All went black and for a moment I felt nothing, this must be the feeling of death. Then a strange feeling came from where my arm used to be. It felt like I was being pulled by a force of some sort, it was not painful but I felt myself getting lighter and soon it felt like I was floating. A ghostly voice inside of my head told me to open my eyes and as I did, to my horror I was floating above the field littered with swords. I was looking down at my own mangled body and sword whose energy was just fading. There were two wolves now, both looking at me, one black and one ghostly white. The dark one soon turned away and went back to it's vigil atop the mound surrounded by the swords warriors come and gone.

The white one was looking at me expectantly. The voice inside of my head spoke to me again. You have somewhere that you must go or your spirit will not be able to rest. The while wolf turned to face the east where I had been headed, the land of my Liege. It looked back at me expectantly as I took a step forward. With that single step I was beyond the mound and the wolf. One more and the black wolf was just a speck on the horizon. I started running, my steps taking me faster and faster to my destination. I could still make it in time!

I arrived at the castle, no one could see me but I paid my respects to the guards at the moat, I passed through the courtyard full of people, all who touched me shivered and looked around surprised for the reason. It was a hot summer day and it seems as they passed through me they felt the nip of what children called Jack Frost. I did not pause in the courtyard for long, I rushed up the stairs to my masters side, nearly giving the chambermaid a heart attack in the process as I passed right through her.

Now I stood at my masters side, the while wolf looking t me from the doorway. I paid it no heed, I watched as the Queen sat bent over her husband holding his hand tightly as his life slipped away. The princes who had been young boys not too long ago stood rigidly, trying to be strong for their mother and their sisters. The princesses sat opposite their mother, tears steaming freely down their fair faces.

I had my sword in my hand once again and all of my armor on as I looked on, standing in the spot left open for me. Armor clanged in the hallway and the princes looked out of the door expectantly, no doubt waiting for me but it was just a palace guard coming to inform them that I had not yet arrived.

Their faces dropped momentarily into sorrow, it had been one of their father's last requests to call me back for his last moments of life. An anguished wail came from the queen now and everyone looked at her. The hand of the king now limp in hers. The time had come and the king had passed. I dropped onto one knee at my post my head bowed. Then I heard his voice Old friend, bow not your head and rise, I ever glad to see you at my side. I did as I was told and looked up. There above the bed stood my master in ghostly while looking as he did ages ago when we fought side by side. I stood and looked at him amazed. He let out a deep laugh as he saw the confusion on my face. We must go now, there are others waiting.

With that he moved, leaning over to give his wife a gentle kiss on top of her head and then started climbing as if there were invisible stairs leading straight up from that spot. I turned and took one last look around the look and my eyes met those of the while wolf. It met my gaze and the voice in my head said Go noble warrior, your king awaits you. With that it disappeared and I began to climb into the sky, through the stone walls and wooden beams, following my liege through the clouds and into the heavens.

*Note* This image does not belong to me and came from Here

Road to Freedom?

Lyzzar sat in his cell, the darkness didn't bother him but the bonds holding his wrists together did. He had no way of getting out of his bonds, no matter how hard he tried. By now his wrists were raw from trying and try as he might he could not release any of his magic without the use of his hands. He had resigned himself to an uncomfortable sleep but even when he shut his eyes sleep was loathe to come. So he sat, waiting to see what happened to him next. It was apparent to him that this city had hatred toward the drow but he was not able to figure out now. All he knew was that with every minute he was held in captivity more of them would die at his hand.

He began contemplating how each would die, some would be bund alive, others would slowly be taken apart by his raven who was no doubt puzzled at the lack of his masters presence, trapped in his cloak in some chest, hopefully not suffocating. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He could feel the bird's presence. It was live at least, asleep and recovering from its encounter with that acid crab, he mused.

A beam of light appeared on the wall, the door as opening. Why had he not head the guard approaching, the brutes were loud enough to wake the dead. This had to be someone else, but who? Lyzzar moved to the corner of the cell, trying frantically to release his bonds. The beam of light on the wall got wider as the door opened silently and a shadow appeared on the wall. It was a small black shadow that moved silently. The beam of light disappeared as the door closed. The black cloaked figure approached Lyzzar. He raised his hands above his head, ready to do what he could to defend himself.

The cloaked figure moved closer and Lyzzar tensed up. An abrasive voice whispered from under its hood Come with me, don't ask questions, just know that I am here to free you, Lyzzar kept his hands in the air and said nothing. The figure moved, its hang going to its side and the gleam of a dagger could just be seen under the black cloth. The voice now said, Give me your hands, and let me free you. Lyzzar finally replied, Why should I trust you? The figure cast a quick glance at the door and hissed Shut up! If you are heard we will both be in over our heads. Just know that someone has hired me to free you and let me undo your bonds. 

Lyzzar looked at the creature in front of him, all parts of him covered save for the hands with rough skin and it seemed almost a yellowish orange color. He did not trust this creature one bit but what choice did he have. Lyzzar eyed the blade intently as he lowered his arms until they were within reach. He flinched as deft hands cut his bonds, expecting them to cut his throat as well. All the while thoughts raced through his head, had his companions hired such a person to rescue him? That was impossible; none of them would do that. The elf who loathed him and his race and the cleric whose only allegiance was the mead in the tavern. Those were all the companions he had left and they would not go so far as to spend their money on setting him free. For all he knew they had both parted ways, Poofus to the nearest keg and Skarlan anywhere else.

He was snapped out of his musings by another hiss from the figure that had by now moved to the door and was silently opening it. Get over here! Quietly! Lyzzar moved as quietly as he could, luckily bare feet make little noise. The door was open and soon he was out in the hallway and the other figure was closing the door. Just as he thought he was free the door made what seemed to be an impossibly loud screech. They both heard the guards go quiet. Go check that out. said one of them and the movement of chairs was followed by heavy footsteps in their direction. The black figure was gone in an instant, he had fled in the other direction without a second thought but Lyzzar knew that he could not be as quick or as silent as the rogue. He stood his ground and started muttering under his breath as the guard turned the corner. Just before he released his spell an arrow whizzed over his shoulder and stuck in the guards’ throat, he immediately sent three more bolts of magical energy at the guard, who was now as good as dead. Unfortunately his body made quite a racket as it fell to the stone ground. Metal plates had an unfortunate way of clanging quite loudly when they hit the ground with any force. Immediately they could hear the chairs move and worried voices get closer.

Lyzzar quickly stepped over the body while casting a disguise spell, his hands making the gestured and him muttering the words as quickly and accurately as he could. He took on the visage of the guard that had just been killed and picked up the sword from the man's scabbard just to complete appearances. He had no other choice from what he could see. The guards rounded the corner, facing Lyzzar immediately but they saw through his disguise even as he started to talk.

They exclaimed in surprise, seeing the body of their companion on the ground they let out an angry bellow and ran at him. Lyzzar was quicker though, in a flash he was by another door that he thought he heard someone in before. It was the one across from his cell. Quickly he used a spell to release the lock and swung the door open calling Fight for your freedom! and dropping the sword onto the ground. Before he knew what was happening an elf was standing in front of him crossing blades with the guard who was about to take a chop at Lyzzar. The elf's swordsmanship was almost unreal. It looked as if he were dancing with the blade and before Lyzzar could do anything one guard was on the ground bleeding from multiple wounds.

He felt the metal tip of an arrow dig into the flesh of his lower back and he yelped. Turning around but seeing no one. He would deal with that roguish backstabber later, he thought to himself as the words of a fireball spell came flooding out of his mouth, his finger pointing at the two remaining guards before him. Soon they would be reduced to ashes. The magical energy from within him erupted from his finger taking the form of a small orange sphere barely bigger than a finger. It flew past the elf's head, barely missing him and as it hit the first guard square in the chest it grew to engulf him fully. The ball continued to move while the man was still barely on his feet, white hot metal burning into his skin. He cried out in agony. Shit thought Lyzzar, This means more of them. He guided the fireball to the second guard as the elf dispatched of what remained of the second guard. The last guard watched in horror as the fireball came toward him, engulfing him fully as it did his comrade and the last thing Lyzzar saw before the guard was fully engulfed in flame were eyes full of terror and pain.

The body inside the fireball collapsed without another word, a silent scream could be seen on the lips of the now dead guard. The elf that had just been freed took the sword and turned. He stared at Lyzzar, an eternal enemy of the elves, but then ran right past him, spitting on the ground at the drow's feet as he passed. That was as much of a thank you as he could expect and about as much as he would have given if he had been in the same situation.

Lyzzar ran to where the guards had come from even as he heard the familiar hiss behind him Come here you idiot, you won't get out that way. He did not respond but kept running; he had to get his clothes, and his raven. He burst into the intersection of three hallways where the guards had left their food, drink and cards. There were three chests there as well, presumably to keep the prisoners belongings. He rushed to the first one and flung it open. A bastard sword and a loincloth must be the barbarian he had heard ranting earlier and snoring now. He rushed to the second chest, it was locked. Cursing under his breath he muttered the words to the spell that would unlock the chest even as he heard heavy footsteps and shouts from the floor above. He had no time. Relief briefly showed on his face, still disguised as a guard, as he grabbed his cloak and other equipment and ran back where his liberator had gone. He saw him peeking around the corner, holding his bow at the ready for anyone coming around the corner. An arrow whizzed by his head, apparently the cretin was not smart enough to recognize the disguise again. Luckily it had missed this time. He ran forward, dispelling his disguise to avoid any more arrows as he ran. He could hear the guards running down the stairs, their armor rattling loudly enough to wake the whole city, thought Lyzzar. He was counting on them not knowing which of the three hallways the guards had screamed from but that would hold them up for seconds at most.

As he rounded the corner he saw the black figure waving him on frantically. He was opening another cell door and Lyzzar's heart dropped. If this was a trap, the city now had him on the grounds of multiple murders. He ran on, not having any other choice but to trust the one who had cut his bonds and opened the cell. The orange skinned had was holding the door open for him as he turned to enter it, hesitating a moment until he saw that it was actually a tunnel and not a cell. That one moment was enough for the guards to emerge from around the corner. They both ran, as fast as they could, the door closed behind them, hoping the guards would not catch up. Fresh air soon tickled Lyzzar's nostrils as they approached the end of the tunnel. It seemed that he had been freed after all.