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

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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 my anguish, 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 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 still 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 him to get 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 told you! 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. While 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 cursed item on the ground.

“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 that 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. 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 stayed put.

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. As I began to search for the port, cries of alarm sounded behind me.

“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, red 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 mithril 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 one more time in my pursuit to the port. My lungs burned as I regained my feet again, but fear kept me going. I had to 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 the port and people were frantically boarding ships. Some had even begun to set sail. When nearly half the boats had taken off, I couldn’t wait any longer. I figured if Isaac was looking for me, that if I cast 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 a mermaid 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 fighting back, their magics streaking the sky with colors. I 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 destroyed 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 while waving a hand over my head.

“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? And was she the one crying?”

“No. The crying was from the red dragon. I had placed his gold into the sewage and he was mourning over his defiled riches. As for the girl, 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 we’ve been through these past few weeks,” I said somewhat heatedly. I assumed he was angry that I rejected his ‘gift’ but it was stupid. Seriously!? What was he thinking? 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.

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). Though the clothes were baggy, it was nice to be fully covered again and not have my mithril flashing in the sunlight.

While on the ship, I gathered that we were to head to the Man Kingdom. After a stop there, we’d venture back down to the Gnomish Kingdom since the Man Kingdom seemed to be undergoing wars. However since the voyage would be a long one, there would need to be a common fund.. and that was a problem for me. We all were asked to contribute our money and jewelry to fund the expedition. At first I as was for it, but then I remembered some of my jewelry was magical!

Oh, and before I get too carried away, there’s this old lady on the ship who was 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 were met with spite. Thankfully she was taken into her room and locked in.

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 the men got a hold of them.

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. I had have the mind to reach 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.

“Tilj Isaac! Stop doing that!

“Oh my goodness! It is a ghost!” came voices from the door. Once more Isaac let a moan out that instilled me the fear of Erythnul. I tried convincing myself it was just Isaac, but my fear of the evil deity 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, new fear erasing Erythnul from my thoughts, “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 swarmed 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... which I technically was....

“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 weird. 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 lowing 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 herah!” a familiar accented voice asked. I lurched 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 busted 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 grasp 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.

Next Entry

Day 209: Escape From Threll pt. 1

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Coqoj 35th, 4288: 209 Days in the Mortal Realm

I can’t describe how lucky I am at this moment to be able to write. If I thought last night was intense, it got worse. Much worse. Isaac was keeping watch while I slept in the suite. I hadn’t slept long when Isaac nudged me.

“Hey,” he whispered, “We’ve got company about to head upstairs,” he explained. My mind lit up, amidst the grogginess I was feeling, at the notion of people coming. I quickly turned myself invisible, grabbed the dagger and secured it about me. I then went to the window, opened it and flew out. I closed the window behind me to hopefully prevent them from following.

I went up to the roof and sat, hoping they’d leave so I could get some sleep. My hope was in vain. There was a distinct sound of shock below. As soon as I heard them announce to get a shaman who could see what spells had been used recently, I knew I had to go for my invisibility would soon be detected.

If I could just get over the wall, Isaac and I could leave Threll behind and figure out another way to get to France. I figured I’d be able to fly over the wall again. All Isaac would have to do was shoot another disintegrate at the force field and we’d be able to get out.

Unfortunately the guards were prepared. As I approached under the veil of invisibility, arrows and grappling hooks flew up at me. I flew faster and as the shimmer of the wall drew closer, I saw Isaac’s spell hit, only this time I smacked into the force field. Once more a familiar sensation took hold of me as a grappling hook successfully wrapped itself around me.

I was angry being caught. How unfair that evil was slain but the good were punished for it. Those were the last thoughts I had for a time. When I woke up, not having realized I had fallen asleep, I found myself in a cell. Isaac was hovering over me which was very comforting to not be alone.

“Good morning beautiful,” Isaac said. I rolled my eyes as a smile escape me.

“How long have I been out?”

“Probably a couple of hours.”

“Do you know where we are?”

“Yep,” he said clearly proud of himself, “We’re in the sewers. And guess what! Heinulfia’s cult resides here!”

I didn’t know why Isaac thought that was good news, but I corrected him that it was Heinul's cult since ‘Malfeiya’ was dead.

“Whatever, I killed them all too, well that is all but the leaders.” Isaac responded, “With that, we’ll need to carefully leave so they don’t catch us. One’s Szen and the other is a Red dragon. From the looks of that dragon, it’s a very old one.”

That had me alarmed. A very old red dragon would kill us outright. As much as I wanted Szen to pay for what he had done to me, I knew it was wiser to leave quickly and quietly. Isaac said he knew how to get out and went through a wall. I walked over to the cell door and right as I checked it I heard, “Oh hai there. What ah you doing heya?” It was the very accent I heard when I was poisoned!

Isaac came back in and said that Szen was outside disintegrating the prisoners. My eyes grew wide, but then again, part of me hoped he’d try to harm me. I still had my gear this time and I was prepared. 
We both stood back from the door. Isaac then casted his black tentacle spell. It filled up the hallway and my cell. We could hear Szen getting battered by them while I dodged the black tentacles with ease.

“I'm going to possess him, hopefully that'll do the trick,” Isaac informed me.

A few minutes passed when suddenly the tentacles disappeared.

“That’s betta,” I heard the accented voice of Szen, “Okay Araj-ya, I’m gonna open the door for ya and we’ll see what we can doo.”

Once the door was opened, I looked at the body of the man that had caused Hell for me. His hair was orange that couldn’t be hid under his wizard’s hat. His eyebrows and mustache were very full. He wore a striped blouse and a white apron with khakis. He didn’t seem like a typical wizard.

“Have him disintegrate me,” I said.

“I can’t do that when I’m possessing something. Nor can I make the person cast spells they know,” Isaac informed me, “But I can take off magic items.” He proceeded to find items to remove. There was 4 rings, a circlet and some boots, but each were attached to the body... The circlet had rings that pierced Szen’s head. The 4 rings he wore were so tiny that one would have to break his fingers off to remove them. The boots were some kind of demon hide that appeared to be infused with Szen’s legs.

However, Szen did have a dagger that looked like mine. I quickly snatched that figuring it’d be best to keep it on me.

“Hey Isaac, I have a thought. I’m going to use the dagger to kill Szen,” I announced.

“Um, okaee... I don’t like the ideya of this though,” Isaac said, seeming very hesitant.

I took Szen’s hand, holding his fingers, and brought the blade of the dagger down upon the palm. A strange lensing effect happened in which the dagger was reflected. I was baffled. Never had the dagger not been able to strike anything.

“Hey Aray-ja, how 'bout you give me that blade so I can try, okaee?” Isaac said suddenly. I hesitated. I knew I was possessive of the dagger, and now I had two... but Isaac just a moment ago didn’t want to be stabbed... Still, I handed over the dagger.

“Whoa,” Isaac said after taking hold of the weapon.

“Whoa what?”

“Uh, I blacked out for a moment. Why are you handing me the dagga?” Isaac said.

“Why’d you black out?”

“Not sure, but we should get out of here soon. It’s beginning to feel very uncomfortable inside Szen’s body.”

“We need to figure out how to kill him first!” I insisted. I didn’t know what was happening to Isaac, but it clearly wasn’t good. I was worried Isaac would lose control and we’d then be killed.

“Well, here. I might as well try and pry these rings off with his dagger,” Isaac suggested. I lifted an eyebrow. To me that sounded like a sure way to cut a finger off. But hey, if he was able to pry the rings off or cut them off, the less powerful Szen would be if Isaac lost control.

Sure enough, Isaac went to slip the blade under the ring only nic himself. A blood curdling scream escaped Isaac. The body disintegrated before me, leaving the ghost of Isaac momentarily, screaming. Another moment later he too disappeared.

I heard some items hit the floor as I looked around, trying to spot Isaac.

“Isaac?”

No response came. Something had happened to him, but what it was, I hadn't a clue. He was a ghost, surely he can't be destroyed.

I turned my attention to the items on the floor. I noticed the dagger was there as well as the circlet, a ring, a pocket watch, and a vest. I focused on the magical auras in the area and was nearly blinded by the deific level of healing that was happening. It was baffling how both daggers registered as healing but things kept dying!

The other items were strong, but I couldn’t figure out what they could do just by looking at them. I put the vest on and felt distinctly more attractive. Something about it made me feel good and sure of myself. I then picked up the ring and the pocket watch, placing them into my belt.

Last was the circlet. How I wish I had remembered the rings the circlet contained were the very rings that pierced Szen’s head! If I had, then I wouldn’t have placed it upon my head. However, curiosity got the best of me. I took my circlet off, feeling my wings grow and my hair shorten. I then placed Szen’s circlet on my head. As soon as my skull made contact with the device, I felt the rings pierce my head. The pain was so intense in that moment that I felt my eyes roll back before my senses faded to nothing.

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When I woke, my mind was still searing with pain. I barely was able to lift my head. I used a hand to brace myself. I felt one of the rings that attacked the circlet to me. With my other hand I swiped away the blood that streaked down my face. I doubt it did any good as I pulled my hand back and saw it covered in blood.

Using the wall as a brace, I got to my feet. My head felt like lead and all I wanted to do was lay back down, but I knew I had to get out of there. At the time I figured whatever power the circlet had would protect me like it had protected Szen.

Then I heard him!

“Oh, I was just getting use to that body. I guess I’ll take yours now Araj-ya,” the accented voice chimed in my head.

It was like my heart had stopped. I couldn’t hear anything but the echo of Szen’s voice and my inner voice screaming NO! How was it I had been so foolish?

I felt a darkness begin to sweep over me. In my panic, I remembered the stone in my hand.

Gemmel!

And so with a flick of my hand, as the darkness spread through my limbs, I cast the stone.

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Day 208: Threll...

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Coqoj 34th, 4288: 208 Days in the Mortal Realm

I knew I didn’t want to linger any longer on Burne’s island. There was something about it that just felt weird. When I woke up and looked out of the cave we had stayed in, the whole island was a molten mass of cooling lava (it is a wonder to me how the cave was spared). I had to fly so my feet wouldn’t burn. The Keeper of the Mountain, Burne, went with us to the area we had left the ornithopter.

When we arrived, all that was left of the ornithopter was a sheet of glass. I felt bad for Carl. He didn’t deserve to die. So I kicked myself mentally for not having gone back for Carl or to have asked Burne if he could have brought Carl to us. I shook my head and figured I wouldn’t linger on the misfortune of the ornithopter’s mechanic.

As I pressed on toward the ocean shore, I heard a sound behind me, like something growing, or a tree falling. I looked and was surprised to see the ornithopter and tavern intact. Quickly I went to the front door and opened it. Carl was sitting in a chair and was clearly startled by my sudden entrance.

“Woman, you surprise me,” Carl exclaimed, “You survive a bear attack and you survived the night in that lava flow.”

I ignored his confusion of my survival abilities and gave him a hug. It was short lived, I could feel Carl tense up as though I had touched him with ice. I quickly released him and adverted my eyes feeling somewhat embarrassed by my display of emotion. I was grateful he was alright.

“I didn’t know the ornithopter could merge with the ground,” I told Carl.

“What? No it can’t,” Carl retorted.

“But... a moment ago the building wasn’t here. I flew over the glass slick that was left behind.”

“I remember seeing you outside and was wondering why you passed on, but there hasn’t been any change here. I was actually contemplating trying to fly the ornithopter myself thinking you had gone off and got yourself killed.”

Carl’s survival I attributed to Burne having had something to do with it. He seemed to be in charge of the earth and rocks on this island.

I made no further questions and informed Carl that we would take off immediately, taking it slow due to the broken windows. Before going up to the ornithopter, I looked out the door and waved good bye to Burne. He gave a small nod of the head before turning and walking off.

“You sure you don’t want to stick around and say ‘Hi’ to Jaroo?” Isaac asked.

“I’d rather not. I don’t know if we’ll be as fortunate to survive another volcanic eruption,” I said. It wasn’t that I thought Burne was trying to kill us, but something about him being the Keeper of the Mountain didn’t register as him having complete control of everything that happened. Something felt off about him...

Once at the controls of the ornithopter, I revved the engines and began our slow ascent into the sky. I barely pulled the lever down to avoid any issue we might have with two broken windows. It was slow, but it worked.

We found another bit of land as we continued our zigzag navigation. As the sun was beginning to get low in the sky when I spotted it. There was a clear town with a large port on the coast line. There was a defining wall about the city too. I couldn’t recall any city like it on the coast of France, but we had to make more fuel and repair the windows. If it wasn’t France, then I was hopeful we’d be able to rest a week, restock, and head out again with no troubles.

I landed the ship on one of the docks. When I came out we were introduced to the dock master. We were informed that to park our ornithopter there we had to pay a fee. It was there that I quickly realized we probably weren’t in France. It cost 17 gold crowns. I tried to ask if a gold crown was equal to a gold coin, but the dock master laughed. I pursed my lips together and ducked back into the ornithopter.

“Carl, do you know how much a gold crown is worth?”

“Um, no. That doesn’t sound familiar.”

“Well, if we park the ornithopter here, we have to pay a docking fee of 17 gold crowns,” I explained.

“You know, Timmy and I would find an empty lot, park there, then I’d open shop as a tavern. That’s how we avoided docking fees.”

It was a brilliant idea. Not the most honest of things, but at least when Isaac and I left to figure out where we were, Carl would be alright and have his business to keep him afloat.

So we took off, flew over the city, and landed between two buildings. Carl then instructed me to act like a customer. He opened the front door before pouring a glass of water for me. Soon people were wandering in. They seemed a little surprised by the new tavern, but no one seemed to question it.

“Well Carl, this’ll probably be good bye. Isaac and I are going to take off. I’m hoping we’re close to home for me,” I said.

“Well, you’re welcome back here if ever you need,” Carl began before dropping his voice and whispering, “though that ghost friend of yours... you might want to lose him.”

I gave a polite smile and nodded my head. I had no intentions of losing Isaac. He protected me and I wasn’t about to sever that.

The streets of the city were cobbled and narrow. There was a section of city that opened up to a square. I’m pretty sure it was the town square considering the buildings there and the festivities going on. They built it smartly too. The town square sloped down in the middle to help rainwater drain into the sewers below. I asked a few people where I was at. They scoffed and rolled their eyes. After the 5th time of meeting the same response, I figured I wasn’t going to get anywhere with those folk.

I then directed my attention to finding an Inn for the night. I had no money, but I figured I might be able to work in exchange for a simple room. However after the 3rd concierge laughing in my face and declaring they didn’t offer charity work, I had decided to go back to the Roaring Rafters. I really didn’t want to rely on Carl, but I hoped that tomorrow I’d be able to find work and pay my own way to France. Yes, I was certain then that it wasn’t France though I hadn’t received any confirmation.

When I arrived back at the Roaring Rafters, I saw the closed sign was up. I knocked and received no answer. I knocked louder.

“Who is it?” I heard.

“Um, Carl?”

“Who?”

“I’m looking for Carl.”

“There’s no Carl here!” The person snapped.

I took a step back and looked at the building. It was too dark by this time and the glare from the lanterns made it difficult to see any distinct features of the ornithopter. I shook my head and decided I must have gone to the wrong building. So I went into an ally and began to get comfortable. I realized about that time that I had left the bag of holding, with all the food in it, with Carl. Funny how I knew it then that it was going to be a long night from the lack of food.

A few minutes later there was a sound. Someone was talking, ordering people to move. I could see the lanterns and realized that they were Paladins. They were sweeping the alley, telling the others that were there that they had to leave the city. I furrowed my brow thinking it strange that they were kicking us out for sleeping quietly in the alley.

Not wanting to cause trouble, I got up and walked with the other homeless folk. The Paladins were quite harsh too. I could hear them cursing the lot of us, saying to take our penniless forms elsewhere. Ever so often someone got shoved too. Quickly I was beginning to feel rather pleased that we weren’t being allowed to stay. The town definitely hadn’t been pleasant and so I figured it was best that I left with the homeless.

There was another city glowing in the distance. As I walked with the destitute folk, I asked them what country I was in. There were some chuckles all around, but someone did speak up.

“Can’t you tell?” the folk said, “This is Threll.”

My heart skipped a beat. I would hope that in the dim torchlight we had to guide ourselves with I didn’t look too shocked. I remembered talk of Threll. The place was supposedly evil. My desire to leave the continent increased. I had traveled too far north! I needed to go farther east and somewhat south now!

Suddenly I realized amidst my thoughts that the group of homeless had stopped moving. They were all eyeing me.

“What a fine dress that is you have.”

“Why are you with us?”

“I bet that dress cost a fortune!”

“We could sell it.”

As soon as my ears picked up their murmurings, I took to the sky. They sounded desperate and I wasn’t about to be robbed of my clothing. If I had another pair, I would have happily given my dress to them to hash out and sell, but I didn’t and I wasn’t about to go around nude.

I called for Isaac, who manifested next to me. I informed him we were going to go back into the city and make a better attempt to find Carl. We had to leave. He agreed. I landed in front of the gates to the city and saw that they were closed.

“Halt!” someone shouted. Isaac decided to disappear.

“We saw you! No point in hiding.”

“I’m... right here,” I said pretending I hadn’t noticed Isaac being with me.

“No, we saw someone with you,” they persisted.

“I was hoping to enter the city,” I said, ignoring their accusations. I took a few steps forward and noticed a shimmer on the wall. It was a force field about 20 feet out.

“Ha! We see you there! Thought our walls were just made of stone and mortar did you?”

“Show yourself or we’ll attack!”

I looked about me. If Isaac wanted to show himself, I figured he would. I was going to stand my ground, determined to keep the act up. A wizard came to the wall a moment later when Isaac hadn’t appeared. I could see the guards discussing with the wizard, gesturing toward me. The wizard cast some spell (probably 'see invisible') and looked back at the guards with a shrug.

“Where has your companion gone!?” One of the guards spat at me, “He was there with you when you were walking back up here and we saw him press against the force field!”

“Dom, calm down. Miss, what business have you at such a late hour? Can’t you see the gates are closed?” the wizard called out.

“It’s 8 gold crowns to open it at this time of night,” someone added.

“I could just fly over and save you the trouble.”

There were some chuckles and some mutterings. As I began to fly up and over the wall, I saw a flash of green light. For a moment it startled me, but I continued through, intent on getting back to Carl and getting out of Threll. In the back of my head, I figured it was Isaac using his gloves of disintegrate.

“Hey!” Someone shouted, “Stop her!” A horn began to sound. Were they seriously going to make a big deal out of this? I wondered. I then felt something wrap around my legs. The sensation of being jerked down engulfed me. I landed on the wall with a thud and charged my hand with a fire bolt to defend myself.

Suddenly Isaac manifested in the midst of the guards. Then it was Erythnul before me. My voice failed me as fear gripped my chest. The wizard and the guards all screamed and fled in fear. I fell to my knees and clasped my hands over my ears. Once I got my wits back, I realized it was just Isaac screaming at the guards. It irked me that Isaac had frightened me, yet I was grateful he dealt with the guards and wizard. As I stood up, shaking still, I had to wonder where Isaac disappeared to. I hopped up on the wall, about to fly off, when the wizard walked came around the corner.

“It’s me Araja,” the wizard said, “Isaac.”

“Really?” I had no reason to not believe since I was sure the wizard couldn’t have known Isaac’s name.

“Yep. By the way, I found some interesting things. For example, isn’t this yours?” Isaac said pulling the robe the wizard was wearing down. I could see the fine chain links and the familiar design of the collar. My mouth gaped as I realized who stood before me. It was the man who kidnapped me and left me for dead! It had to be! How else would he have had my mithril shirt!

“Hand that over now!” I demanded, jumping off the wall toward Isaac.

“Whoa, hang on Araja. Do you want to get into the city legally or illegally?”

“Legally of course.”

“Okay then. Lets first get the situation at hand dealt with. Then we’ll get you your items back.”

Thank Heavens! I thought, Revenge is at hand!

“I’m thinking I’ll say you’re an old time friend when the guards get back- Oh wait, here,” Isaac said while handing a circlet to me. I greedily snatched the familiar circlet and placed it upon my head. I felt my wings disappear and my hair grow long once more. How satisfying it felt to hide in my disguise again.

“I’m thinking you should disguise like a guard.”

“I’ll try, but my dress might give me away,” I told Isaac. It was easier to disguise outfits in color or other minor details. But making a dress look like armor will be difficult to say the least. My movements won’t sound like armor and heaven forbid if I tripped on the stupid train tonight.

Isaac shrugged, not seeming to care. Once my disguise was in place we made our descent down the wall stairs and into the city.

As we got down, we could see the other guards still in a panic from Isaac’s scream. The Captain of the Guards was chastising them for their cowardice. He then pointed to us, exclaiming how the wizard fared better than them. The Captain then asked where the ‘culprits’ went. Isaac quickly told them that ‘we’ had gone the opposite direction on the wall. The Captain assures Isaac that they’d take care of them and took off with a group of guards that were fine.

“I’m thinking we should get an Inn for the night and then find Carl in the morning when we can see where we are better,” Isaac suggested. It was late... so I opted for that. Carl probably would have been asleep anyways.

We walked into the Drop Inn. The concierge was asleep. Isaac marched up to him and announced that he wanted a room. The man sat straight up and blinked the sleepiness from his eyes.

“High Chancellor! Oh my, what brings you here tonight?” the man said out of shock.

“I need a room I said,” Isaac repeated. I found it interesting how well he owned up to the authority the person he was possessing had. I would have felt guilty and sure they’d see through what was happening.

The concierge looked from him to me.

“For the both of you?”

“What? No, he’s just escorting me,” Isaac lied, “Now about that room?”

“Oh yes, here,” the man handed Isaac a key, “It’s the suite. Um, on the house too. We are ever so grateful for your company!”

Isaac turned on his heals without giving a thanks. I followed him up the stairs and into the room. It was a grand room. A large bed with fine linen. A table with an assortment of fruits. A few sofas arranged around a smaller table. The curtains were drawn and the door had a lock.

“Well, since I’m escorting you, I best leave you. I’ll come back disguised and pretend to be a mistress,” I said. I really didn’t like the idea of pretending to be some prostitute, but hey, I figured that’d be a likely scenario if I were to stay the night in this room.

“Whoa, for reals?” Isaac asked almost too eagerly.

“It’d be just an act, so don’t be getting any ideas Isaac,” I said sternly.

“If you say so,” Isaac punctuated with a wink. I shook my head and smiled at Isaac. It was somewhat flattering, but I had more important things to think about. I wanted my mithril back and I was going to get answers from that Chancellor!

The concierge gave me a look as I came back down.

“What?” I asked.

“Oh nothing. It just seemed odd that the Chancellor had you guard him.”

“Hey, I don’t ask questions. I just do as I’m told,” I snapped, hoping I came off as a guard under orders.

“Yes yes, that is smart of you.”

I didn’t say anything else as I continued my way out. I went down an alley and examined it to be sure I was absolutely alone. I sensed for auras and only found my circlet and dress to be magical. I then grew out my hair, leaving it black, shrunk my height a little, and made my dress black with the opal adornments looking crystal like and a slit from my collar to my navel to show some clevage.

When I walked back in, the concierge once more was asleep. I thought about just going up the stairs unannounced, but I figured I’d play the part up. I walked up to the desk and placed my arms on it, resting my head on my right hand. I then noticed a bell on the desk to which I slammed my left hand on it to make a loud ring.

The concierge jumped to attention. Once he registered I was there, I pursed my lips and raised an eyebrow.

“Uh- H-how may I help you?” he sputtered.

“I was told the High Chancellor is expecting me. Which room is he in?”

The man cocked his head before his eyes lit up with realization..

“Oh- OH! Um, room three on the right,” he said without further questions.

I went up the stairs and knocked on the door. I saw the body of the Chancellor open it. Isaac gave me an impressed look to which I tried to not smile.

“You’d look even nicer if you'd let yourself smile,” Isaac commented. I laughed and walked into the room, my smile finally breaking free. I then dropped my current disguise to my usual one. I then looked at Isaac.

“I’m not here to impress Isaac. Now hand over his gear,” I demanded.

“There’s the Araja I like,” Isaac said with a smile. He then pointed over to the bed that had many items on it. As I walked over I noted in my head how Isaac pointed out I was mean a few weeks back but now seemed to like me that way? I quickly shoved that thought aside since I didn’t care much what Isaac thought of me. It wasn’t like we could be together anyways...

The gear consisted of my mithril shirt, draconic and deflection rings, my belt of many pouches, gloves of storing, cloak, amulet, and the dagger! There was a bag of holding, short sword, two wands and some slippers, but I didn’t bother with them. I was grateful to put my items on me and feel the protection they gave me. I was especially grateful for my mithril shirt. It felt just as strong as I remembered it being. I checked the magics on it and sure enough nothing had changed about it.

I looked back to Isaac who was sitting in a chair at the table. I somewhat regret what I did next. The dark thought of killing this man overtook me. He had cause Hell for me! I didn’t want to justify his innocence, clearly he was evil and he was going to pay!

The sheets on the bed I began to rend. Isaac seeing what I was up to pulled the chair closure to the bed and sat down again. I took the strips of sheets and firmly tied Isaac into place, taking special care on the hands and gagging him. Eventually I’d have to take the gag out for him to answer me, but hopefully Isaac will be able to instill such fear in him that he’ll be cooperative and not try to fight back.

After Isaac made a gallant effort to break free of the restraints and was unsuccessful, I gave him the cue to unpossess the Chancellor. Isaac came to stand next to me as we watched the gagged wizard mutter something about how foul cotton was and how only the finest of silks have touched him.

Finally the man’s eyes rested upon me and Isaac. He paled some.

“Now, here’s what I’m going to propose,” Isaac began, “We’ll happily take that gag from your mouth, but you if you so much as make a scream, I’ll destroy you.” Isaac then punctuated his threat by destroying the couch near by

The Chancellor paled further and made no sound. I carefully undid his gag. After dropping the strip of cloth to the floor, I got in front of him and pointed to my mithril with one hand while holding the dagger in the other.

“Why did you poison me and take my things?” I seethed at him. He furrowed his eyebrows questioningly.

“I did no such thing,” the man spoke plainly. His voice wasn’t accented...

“Then why did you have my things!” I snapped.

“When I got this job, they were given to me.”

“Who gave them to you?”

“I shouldn’t say-”

“Tell me!” I demanded placing the dagger to his throat. The man jumped a little at my brashness and let a whimper out.

“It was Szen! He was the one who gave me these things, saying they would protect me,” the man answered. I thought for a moment. Szen didn’t ring any bells for me, but I at least had a name now. “He travels around a lot. He’s probably not even in the country right now,” the Chancellor added.

“That might be... what do you know of Araja?” I asked.

“Who?”

Once more I could sense he was being honest.

“What does your position entail for you to do?” Isaac asked.

“Well, I’m just a Chancellor and at that I oversee all the other battle wizards on the wall. I also ensure that the laws are being upheld,” the Chancellor explained, “Our gracious King already has enough on his plate,” he added somewhat mockingly.

“What’s keeping him busy?” I asked.

“Well, we’ve had dragons invading our lands, but thankfully the King had made a pact with many Red and Black dragons. When the Gold and Silver dragons came to our borders, we were able to fight them off.”

“Wait, your King is aligned with evil dragons?” I asked incredulously.

“Well... yes,” the man answered seeming confused by my shock, “Look, I don’t know who you are, but Black and Red dragons up hold our peoples ideals. So you can take your so called righteous self elsewhere.”

My thoughts raced. I laughed to myself for being surprised by Threll’s King aligning with Black and Red dragons. I suppose it should have been expected. Also, I had, for a moment, considered letting this man go, but the dark determination I had to kill him was renewed. If I let him go, he’d only report to Szen what had happened. That was the last thing I needed.

I turned toward the bed and picked up the sword.

“Please! Don’t kill me. Take everything I have if you must!” the Chancellor begged. My stomach knotted up. Make it quick, I told myself, One less evil person in the world would make for a better place.

I made it a point not to look the Chancellor in the eyes. I picked up the cloth from the floor and tied it back into place.

“Here,” Isaac said. He then went into the wizard’s body and possessed him.

“I’m leaving the gag in to muffle any screams,” I told Isaac.

“What!” Isaac shouted, though muffled. He tried to jerk out of the chair, but I was pleased that my restrains held true. I then stabbed the Chancellor int he heart, Isaac letting out a muffled cry.

Isaac came out of the Chancellor’s body to which gagging and sobs sounded.

“Are you trying to kill him?” Isaac asked.

“Yes. What did you think I was trying to do? We can’t leave a loose end,” I explained.

“Here then. I can't stop him from talking,” Isaac said. He reached over and touched the wizard. Soon all sound stopped. I made another attempt to stab the man. He still was breathing and didn’t show any sign of dieing. Granted there was a lot of blood, but as I looked, I could see his wounds healing. In a panic I stabbed him again and again and again and again. I finally slit his throat but was shocked at how quickly it healed.

The Chancellor moaned.

“That’s weird,” Isaac said.

“You think!?” I snapped in a whisper, “Something’s healing him!” I could feel my hysterics rising.

“I took off all his magic items. Oh! I know! Stand back Araja,” Isaac said. I took a few steps back, almost slipping on the pool of blood that had become a 5 ft puddle.

Isaac pointed a finger at the wizard to which a green light shot out. The Chancellor disappeared- that is all except a piece of flesh that was about a foot in size. It looked to be some sort of tattoo. It wasn’t the mark thankfully, yet something curious happened. The flesh began to grow. We watched it begin to take the form of a man. Isaac then zapped it again with his disintegration spell. Once more all that remained was the fleshy part of the tattoo.

While Isaac zapped it a few more times, I figured I knew how to destroy it. I grabbed the dagger, hating that I hadn’t used it from the start, and told Isaac to hold off on his spell. I then stabbed the bit of flesh with the tattoo. The regeneration of skin stopped. Isaac then beamed the flesh again, barely missing me, and that time the flesh and tattoo was gone.

I’m still feeling a bit shakened from how horrible that experience was. I thought killing evil people would be easier. Yet I’m worried I’ll end up a cold hearted murderer. I’ve already killed and harmed a criminal amount of good people... I guess I just don’t want my nightmares to become true... I don’t want to be the evil one. I don’t want people living in fear of me.

Anyways, I’ll be staying the night in this room, even though the blood everywhere is disturbing. I’ve already washed my hands, face, and the dress, but I still feel icky. Hopefully some sleep will help me feel better about what had happened.

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