Heaven’s Strike

Part 1

The sun was just beginning it’s long descent towards twilight as the town portal shimmered into existence in the middle of the camp.  The inhabitants of the camp, startled at first by the sudden appearance of the bright blue portal, just as quickly resumed their normal activities, having seen such happenings time and again.  All but one.  The archangel Talish stood near his tent, observing the travelers coming through the portal.  He smiled.  Heaven’s Strike was home.

Home.  The thought crossed my mind as I walked through the blue light, only to appear an instant later in the middle of the Brotherhood’s camp outside Lut Gholein.  Where was home?  The home of my birth lay ruined by Diablo’s hordes, as did the beautiful town of Tristram.  My new home, the Brotherhood’s stronghold, stood empty miles to the west, as the entire force of the Brotherhood of Light was now encamped in the desert, preparing to strike at Duriel’s lair.  Would I ever truly find a place to call home, or was I ever to wander in search of something that could not be found?

Jerhyn, Drognan, and other notables from Lut Gholein had informed us that Duriel was the host for Baal, Lord of Destruction, and with his destruction we could weaken the trio of evil that was plaguing the lands.  As such, Tyrael, Arkaine and Talish, the triad leadership of our guild, moved with all haste to bring the entire Brotherhood to bear on that singular task.  Just weeks before, Lord Llane and Lord DoGG, together with Storm Raven and Rosdlim Lightbringer, had defeated Andariel, one of Diablo’s chief demons, and the one responsible for bringing Tristram to the ground.  Now, however, nothing less than the entire guild could be expected to defeat the Lord of Destruction.

We came through the portal one by one, each of us elated at the break that had come in the form of our mission.  The mission itself had been less than notable; as ambassador I had been dispatched to finish closing the alliance we had established with the Mongols of Mayham.  Sad, this once proud guild had fallen to such disarray.  When the rest of Heaven’s Strike learned of my assignment, they all had enthusiastically volunteered to accompany me, as the past few weeks of preparation and training were only working to increase the tension that was building in the camp.

Naturally I accepted their offers, since these dear friends had become closer to me than any others I knew.  Even though this mission did not include combat, the break in routines would be a welcome respite, and would only promise to bring us closer together.  In fact, the only thing out of the ordinary that happened was right after Strongmind had imbibed a little too much from the ale-skin, and as he mounted his horse backwards, he became convinced that his steed was truly put together incorrectly, a fact he would have to discuss with the local stable keeper should he ever get back that way.  After several leagues of enjoyment for the rest of us, Strongmind eventually drifted off to sleep, and the rest of the trip offered nothing of note.

Najj was the first through the portal, anxious and excited to be back with the guild.  Najj immediately surveyed the scene before her.  Spotting Gladstone, she ran off quickly, wanting to discuss some magic with the master-sorcerer.  Najj had become as much my sister as if she’d been born of my mother, and seeing here happy made my heart lift.  Kitty was close behind, as anxious to be reunited with DoGG as she was to accompany me in the first place.  She quickly spotted him working with the new recruits, and walked over to watch while he finished the combat lesson for the day.

The trip had been good for Najj and Kitty.  Both came to us from Kashya’s rogue guild, the Sisters of the Sightless Eye, but soon thereafter their paths seemed to diverge.  While Kitty continued to learn and perfect her martial skills, Najj’s interests led her to the Vizjerei clan of sorceresses.  While adept at dispatching foes with bow, sword, or pike, Najj was becoming equally proficient with her elemental magic powers, more content to freeze or burn an adversary than to pierce with steel or wood.  However, the trip had provided opportunities for the sisters to become re-acquainted, and learn to respect each other’s decisions and beliefs.  Their bond had tightened as we traveled to and from the Mongols’ castle, and my spirit soared to see them so.

Strongmind eagerly bounced through the portal, his quick wit and ever-present, infectious smile raising the corners of mouths of everyone in his immediate vicinity.  Strongmind.   My sword brother.  He was the first member of the Brotherhood I’d met, and we immediately recognized a kin-ship.  Although we took different steps and used different methods, we were inexplicably bound upon the same path.  Twin spirits and minds, people called us.  Often were the times where we would finish each other’s thoughts, and on more than one occasion Strongmind and I could catch each other’s eye, and know instantly what the other was thinking.

When I first met Strongmind, he was adept at the elemental magics.  However, as his skills and knowledge increased, he became more and more interested in the darker arts.  In his own words, “They’ll never expect to come up against a horde of their own kind, controlled by a mind on the side of the Light”.  This then was his path, to learn the ways of the necromancer, controlling undead minions as if they were recruits in his own personal army.  As soon as Strongmind cleared the portal he was off to the kitchen on an “errand”.  He was bound and determined to elaborate in some detail to Jabroni the cook his newest idea for food preparation.  I wondered how quickly we’d see the pots and pans flying out the kitchen door, with my brother head over heels soon after.

As was my custom, I was the last through the portal.  I, Kynnzak Dragynnfyre, Speaker of the Heaven’s Strike squad, had made it my responsibility to ensure the others’ needs were taken care of before my own.  As I came out of the bright blue doorway, I immediately surveyed the encampment.  Llane and DoGG were dismissing the new recruits from their daily combat training.  No sooner than the words “dismissed” issued from DoGG’s mouth, than Kitty was in his arms and the two of them embraced as if they’d never see each other again.  I smiled in appreciation of this strong love between my squad sister and my friend.  Llane was assessing the day’s training, as the new recruits scurried off to their next lesson.  Derinel stopped behind Gladstone, waiting for the arch-mage to finish his conversation with Najj so she could begin her magic lessons with him.  Tonderos was already talking with Lachdanan, 1^st cleric of the guild, about today’s lesson in prayer and sacrifice.  Vallaryn and Serro Maroo wandered over to the far side of the compound, taking a short break before continuing their martial training for the afternoon.

“Hail, Zak!” came a voice from my left.  I turned to greet Llane, and my countenance lifted as it always did when he and I were in company together.  Llane was the only member of the guild to call me “Zak” instead of the customary “Kynn”, and that alone made our bond special.

“How are the new recruits coming along?”  I asked.

“Well, very well indeed!” replied the war angel.  “I’m especially impressed by young Vallaryn, and am thinking of assigning him to the Heaven’s Strike.  With his skills, your squad could maintain the balance you cherish, and gain impetus in battle.” 

“I see.  I trust your judgment as always, bro.  I would be honored to receive him in the squad, but first the others must choose.  No decisions are made without their blessing.”

  “As with the entire guild, bro.  As with the entire guild.”  Llane’s wisdom matched his prowess.  He and DoGG were the natural choices to train our new members.  Their skill in combat and their bond as sword brothers had been called upon time and time again, and never once had either failed.  I quickly thanked him and continued on.

Elric was seated at a table near the entrance to the compound.  He looked as if he’d seen better days, and I knew the reason for his distress.  During my absence (and Najj’s) Elric took up the recruiting and alliance duties.  Lately it seemed that every young adventurer and wanna-be hero from Lut Gholein all the way back to Westmarch was flocking to our doors, wanting to be a part of something bigger than themselves.  I made a mental note to repay Elric in some way for filling in for me.

As I turned for my tent, I recognized Crusher, Arkaine, and Izael standing near the training arena, intently discussing something.  I wandered over to pay my respects, and as I approached I learned that Tyrael was away on some mission, and the Sightless Eye squad had not been heard from in over a week.  After greeting each of them in turn, Arkaine turned her dark, beautiful eyes toward me.

“Talish awaits thee within his tent, honored paladin, and has another task for you and your squad.  Once you have talked to him, let me know your needs and Crusher and I will make sure you are taken care of.”

I thanked her and started towards Talish’s tent.  I caught a concerned look in Izael’s eye, and immediately wondered what concerned him so.   I soon found out as I met with Talish and discovered the news.

“Hail to thee, Crimson Blade” greeted the 3^rd guild leader.  I immediately caught the significance of the greeting.  Two weeks prior he had dispatched me to sever the connection with the Mongols with a greeting of “Hail, High Ambassador”.   I knew immediately we were about to receive a combat mission instead of a diplomatic one.

“I thank thee and congratulate thee on your recent mission, noble paladin.  However, during your absence some events have occurred that bring concern to the Brotherhood.

“As you know, we received word that The Inferno is rebuilding their forces, and are intent on destroying the Brotherhood in revenge for their defeat at our hands in the early days of the guild.  Several weeks ago we dispatched the Sightless Eye squad to recover what news they could, and it has now been almost two weeks since we have heard from them.  They had been teleporting back daily with news of their progress, but their last portal appeared 11 days ago.  Since the portals are limited in their range, at first it caused no concern.  However, 11 days is too long to not hear from them.  I fear something dark may have happened to our fair sisters.

“Tyrael started to organize a search, and we uncovered other startling news.  Their may be a new assassin guild forming somewhere in the lands.  So far we have only rumors, but nothing has presented itself to contradict early reports.  During our search, we also ran into stories that the long lost Druids may yet be found.  Tyrael began scrying for some evidence, and yesterday he departed, stating that if what he discovered was true, we might just obtain another powerful ally in our battle with the dark.  He is currently searching for proof that the Druid’s still exist, and also will attempt to locate the assassins’ guild and persuade them to join the fight.

“But back to our dear sisters.  It is not like Delheira, nor the others, to not find a way to inform us of their activities.  We fear they are either dead or captured by dark forces, or worse, that they found The Inferno and are unable to make their way back.  Since the Knights of Honor are currently assigned other tasks, it falls on Heaven’s Strike to try to determine what happened to our amazons and sorceresses.  I pray you are successful in this quest.”

I left Talish’s tent shortly thereafter, having received a few other instructions from him and the last known location of the Sightless Eye Squad.  As I walked to my tent to take off my armor, I prayed to Ishtar for a successful journey.  Ishtar, the goddess of love and war.  The monks who had raised me taught me to love and respect this mix, and to love the elements that were so integral to both.  Balance between love and war, balance among all things, was a way of life for the monks and all the followers of Ishtar.  Their training had left no little effect on me, as balance was one of my life goals.

I smiled inwardly.  The monks had originally been trained themselves by the Druids, or so their legends told.  It would be a good thing to locate them after so many years of absence.  There were many questions I had that could not be answered, except by those nature based mages of long ago.  I whispered a quick prayer of luck for Tyrael.

The next morning, Heaven’s Strike was up early and finishing their preparations for the long journey ahead.  I had informed them almost immediately of our task, and they all started preparing as soon as the last question was answered.  Arkaine and Crusher had seen to all our needs, and as we prepared to depart through the waypoint in Lut Gholein, Llane approached with Vallaryn in tow.

“Zak, this young barbarian here has proven himself to have some good combat skills, and it would soothe my heart if you allowed him to accompany you.  We can consider it an advanced training mission if you like.”

I hesitated only a second before replying, “I am honored to have you, young Vallaryn.  Please get your equipment and join us quickly.”

My second of hesitation was not over Vallaryn, but over the look in Llane’s eye when he had made his request.  Heaven’s Angel, Llane’s lady-love, was among the missing sisters, and his concern showed more clearly than a light in the darkest night.  I determined then that this mission would not fail, and that Llane would be with his love again soon.

As soon as Vallaryn joined us, we activated the waypoint and were on our way……

Part 2

The air blurred, then shimmered, and then finally came back into focus as I traveled from the Lut Gholein waypoint back to the encampment of Kashya’s rogues.  My companions had already started for Kashya’s command tent, so I immediately stepped of the platform to join them.  We were only making a temporary stop here; to see what further information we could glean from the Sisters of the Sightless eye regarding our ranger squad.  The encampment was now little more than an outpost, Akara and the majority of the rogues returning to rebuild the monastery after Andariel’s defeat.  Kashya had stayed here to oversee the buildup of the camp, and within a week or two would be heading back to the monastery herself.

Our ranger sisters had indeed stopped here weeks past, on their way to where they believed they might find more information regarding The Inferno.  Kashya could only relay that they were headed north, towards the region of Entsteig, from where reports were coming concerning a dark, mysterious gathering.  Perhaps Akara, Cain, and the conclave of mages at the monastery might have more clues, she had suggested.  We thanked her and activated the waypoint once again to reach the monastery.

The world of Sanctuary was littered here and there with waypoints, a hold over from an ancient age that blended conventional magic spells and an unconventional magic the ancients had called “science”.  Crafted eons ago, the secrets of their origin and how they worked had been lost over time.  Through the efforts of many mages and scholars, the secret of the runes and glyphs that decorated the waypoints was rediscovered, and most of the known ones were used often.  They certainly did help to cut down the time required for a long journey.  Unfortunately, only major waypoints could be used to travel long distances, such as for the trip here from Lut Gholein.  Most of the others were tied to a particular major point, which meant that traveling via the waypoints required some planning in advance.

We arrived at the monastery’s inner cloister, and immediately headed for the cathedral where we knew the mage conclave was working.  Weeks ago, when the Brotherhood had moved and occupied a position outside Lut Gholein, our Vizjerei Wizards squad had journeyed here to assist in finding some way to defeat the Lord of Destruction.  Asorian and Meffe-X accompanied the four squad-brothers, and were even now on the verge of discovering the secrets they so desparately sought.

As we entered the cathedral, I surveyed the sanctuary that was abuzz with activity.  Rogues and squires hurried here and there, on some errand or another for a mage that had his or her nose buried in ancient scrolls and tomes.

“There they are, Kynn” offered Strongmind.  He immediately led us over to where our brethren were sitting, avidly discussing their progress so far.

“Hail, and well met, brother magi” I tendered the ritual salute.

“Well met, Heaven’s Strike” returned Khadgar, second speaker of the magi squad.  “What brings you to our humble home away from home?”  His smile was infectious, and we soon were bringing each other up to speed on the events of the past few weeks.

“Lothrien is cloistered with Cain and the other magi leaders, trying to discover how we can locate Duriel.  We know that he’s in Tal Rasha’s tomb, but there are many false tombs that we could spend days searching without any luck.  We know that we have to locate an ancient Horadric staff, but where it is hidden and how we use that staff to locate Duriel is still beyond our grasp.  We make progress each day, so it’s only a matter of time until we can go back to the Brotherhood with a solution to reach the Lord of Destruction.”

“It sounds like you’re doing well,” I stated simply.  “Any news of the Sightless Eye squad?  They should have passed through here some weeks ago, supposedly heading north toward the Entsteig region.”

“Indeed they did, Kynn.  They even took Ariel and Lykopis from here as they passed through.  Actually, Ariel had been longing to spend some time with her sisters, and Lykopis tagged along to relieve the boredom she was experiencing while “guarding” us in our work.”  He laughed at this last, knowing that with the destruction of Andariel, most of the land in the area was safe once again.

We ate lunch with our magi brothers, and made ready to depart post-haste.  There were no known waypoints to help us from here, so we readied ourselves for a long journey afoot.  The portal spells would not help either, since they had to be written specifically for a destination point, and we didn’t know exactly where we’d end up.  We did know that our journey was to take us north, towards the barbarian wilderness.

“Is there anything I can offer further to help you on your way?”  Asorian approached us as we were about to leave, and as I turned I could read the concern in his face.  “I wish I could accompany you, for Deionhara is my sworn sword sister, and I would be sorely vexed if anything harm should befall her.  Unfortunately, my skills are needed here.  Please do what you can for her?”  I assured him that we would do what we could for all the missing sisters, and walked through the northern gates around midday.

That night we camped near a bubbling stream, and after the night watches were agreed upon, we turned to our bedrolls and something to eat.  “I wonder what that mad cook Jabroni packed for us this time?” I quipped, remembering the time he tried to make stew jerky for the trek to free Cain from his cage in Tristram.

“He’s not mad, Kynn” Strongmind stately regretfully.  An unusual melancholy had settled on his face.  “If you only knew the grief he went through…..”

“I know, bro, I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have said that.”  As Strongmind’s countenance returned to his normal smile, I couldn’t help but recall the events that had brought Jabroni to the guild.  Once the head chef and baker to King Leoric of Westmarch, Jabroni’s pride of life was his son Marcus, whom he had named after his brother.  About the same time that Leoric’s son, Prince Albrecht, had disappeared, Marcus had been abducted from Jabroni’s cottage.  Dark forces were rumored to be responsible, but no proof could be found.  On one of our many forays through the mazes beneath Tristram, Strongmind and I stumbled into what we thought was an empty room, only to discover the lair of the renegade archbishop Lazarus.  As we entered the room, Lazarus was already raising the sacrificial knife above his head, ready to strike at the helpless boy on the altar in front of him.  Believing the boy to be Albrecht, Strongmind and I leapt into action.

As my sword cleared its scabbard and Strongmind’s spells tumbled off his lips, we were immediately besieged by succubi and Lazarus’ acolytes.  A fierce battle ensued, yet we were still able to edge our way slowly to the altar.  Annoyed at being interrupted, Lazarus began the ritual chant again, lifting the blade in the air to continue the ghastly sacrifice.  Just as we were about to reach the altar, I saw that Strongmind had been besieged by a group of succubi, so it was up to me to free the boy.  I tried to lunge the last few feet, but as luck would have it, I slipped in a pool of blood, and that moment’s delay proved to be an eternity.  I watched in shock as the knife entered the boy’s body, and felt a sickness creep over me as the life drained from his eyes.  No screams.  No tears.  Only that vacant look of despair that I will never be able to forget.

“NO!” roared Strongmind from somewhere to my right.  He reached down within himself then, and unleashed a fury I had never seen before, nor since.  Within seconds the entire room was ablaze with lightning and fire.  Had it not been for the altar and my shield, I would probably have died that day.  When it was over, Strongmind and I were the only ones alive, Lazarus having been burnt to cinders with his minions.  We carried the body back to Cain, who realized that it was not Albrecht, but the beloved son of the king’s chef.  When we found Jabroni and related the story to him, he could only stare at me with fury and disbelief.

“You…..!  you…..noble……knight!” spat Jabroni, rage and despair filling his entire being.  “You could have saved him!”  Strongmind and I tried to convince him that we had done our best, but it only served to enrage him further.  Eventually, he succumbed to a grief-born madness that, while only temporary, altered the way he would see me for what seemed the rest of time.  Strongmind was able to form a bond with him, probably because of the close bond he had shared with his own father back in Kurshville, and eventually he had persuaded Tyrael to let Jabroni cook for the guild.

We traveled in a northerly direction for 3 days, and as we entered a small trading town we decided to find an inn for the night.  As we walked the main thoroughfare towards what we’d been told was the best hostel in the village, we heard a raucous noise coming from an alleyway.  In the middle of the alley was a large northern barbarian, wounded in at least a dozen places and surrounded by almost two-dozen men.  At his feet lay five bodies, a testament to the abilities of the savage warrior.  Unfortunately, fatigue and loss of blood were taking its toll, and he was vastly outnumbered by the ruffians on all sides.  Still, the look of fierce determination, and the noble bearing which he struggled to maintain, instantly touched me and made my decision for me.

I immediately held my fist up at shoulder level, the Brotherhood’s silent signal to freeze in their tracks.  All eyes immediately swung to me, while mine were focused on the melee in the alley.

“Najj” I hissed.

“I’m on it, Kynn” she whispered back, and immediately headed straight for the thugs surrounding the proud barbarian, assuming her most winsome and enticing demeanor.  I flared my fingers straight out, signaling the rest to fan out and encircle the group.  My eyes never left what appeared to be the leader of the group, who was even now demanding that the barbarian surrender.

Several of the mercenaries had noticed Najj, but dismissed her as a bar wench trying to make an extra coin or two.  As she reached the group, she immediately touched the arms of the men to either side of her.  Moments later the men were face down, immobile from the freezing spell that Najj had sent into their bodies.

“Now!” I barked, and the five of us sprang into action.  Kitty swept in with her trident, forming a deadly arc that dispatched four of the bandits before they knew what hit them.  Vallaryn reared back and unleashed a fierce battle cry, and sprang upon the three that were nearest him, taking them all to the ground with a single leaping attack.  Najj’s dagger had found the soft spot between the ribs of two more, while I rushed through the crowd and assumed a barrier in front of the barbarian.  Turning, sword in hand, to face what I knew was a certain rush from the thugs, I saw immediately that Strongmind had dispatched three of the ruffians while making his way to their leader, who even now was having trouble breathing with my sword brother’s dirk at his throat. 

“Enough!” I ordered, and within moments the scuffle slowed to a halt.  “What has this man done, that it takes over twenty of you to try to kill him?”

As Strongmind relaxed the pressure of his dirk to the man’s throat, the scum spokesman swore a foul oath and spat, “He deserted our clan, and no one does that and lives!  We’re here to take him back, dead or alive!”

The barbarian had slumped to one knee, exhaustion and his wounds threatening to make him pass out.  “It doesn’t look like he wants to go with you,” I offered, “and as of this moment, he is under my protection.  Seeing as how we just slew half your force, don’t you think you should reconsider?”

The scoundrel hissed another oath, and vowed to fulfill his mission.  He abruptly changed his mind when, under Strongmind’s mental control, his dead compatriots slowly stood back up, and turned to face their former leader.  I’ve never seen anyone depart as quickly as he did just then, and we laughed as Strongmind sent the revived villains in pursuit.

We quickly turned our attention to our new friend, who was quickly fading as the adrenaline was leaving his body.

“Don’t move, brave warrior.”  Kitty’s fighting ability was matched by her compassion, and as she moved in to attend to his wounds, Najj did her best to make the savage warrior more comfortable.

The barbarian struggled to rise, but Najj gently restrained him to let Kitty perform her own brand of miracle.  He eventually passed out, and we carried him with us to the inn.  Taking turns watching over him and standing guard, morning came all too quickly.

“I thank you all for your help,” the barbarian stated proudly after he had downed a breakfast that would satiate three men.  “However, I must be on my way, for they are surely to send others to take me back.”  Through further conversation we found out that Khelben’s clan had succumbed to the lure of the Dark, and even now were striking at other clans and civilians throughout the region.  We argued with him for a half hour that he was in no condition to travel.  Finally, Najj threatened to finish the ruffian’s work if he didn’t listen to reason.

I removed a ring from my finger and said “I have made arrangements for the caretakers of this inn to look after you for a few days.  Stay here until you are healed, then follow this map to our camp in the Deserts of Aranoch.  When you arrive, seek out Elric and present him this signet ring, and he will accept you into our family.  Welcome to the Brotherhood of Light.”

We traveled for several more days, still continuing in a northerly direction.  We kept the peak of Mt. Arreat always in front of us, so we knew we were heading in the direction that our sisters were reported to have gone.  As we pushed further into the Entsteig region, more and more frequently we came into contact with fleeing peasants, and after inquiring as to what the problem was, Kitty found out that there was a large massing of the forces of the Dark not 3 days ahead.  We decided to start traveling at night, in an effort to evade any scouting parties that might be abroad.  On the morning of the third day, we reached a ring of hills that encompassed a valley.

Almost directly in the heart of the valley was a huge lake, and centered on an island in the middle of the lake was a fortress not unlike the one where the undead countess had been slain months ago.  Surrounding the lake on all sides were literally hundreds of camp tents, with legions of Dark forces encamped therein, completely surrounding the tower.  There was a single bridge that connected the island to the mainland, and it was even now littered with dozens of bodies; orcs and trolls and ogres of all kinds.  From this distance we could see about a half dozen bodies manning the parapets of the fortress.  Vallaryn’s sharp eyes confirmed that all six of our dear sisters were alive and defending the stronghold.

We had found the Sightless Eye squad.  The question that remained now was:  How do we get them out?

Part 3

The lesser orc chieftain was in an unusually happy mood this morning.  He grinned wickedly as he paced before the water-bound citadel, inspecting his forces and reviewing the events that had transpired.  The forces of the Dark had laid an elaborate trap, and even now the latest victims of their ruse were putting up a brave struggle to stay alive.  He and his brother, Rakanishu, had hatched the plan months ago, and their success had led them to be hailed as heroes amongst the lesser orcs of all sects.  Garbanza smile in anticipation, for though his newest victims had proved especially resilient, tomorrow would be the last day they viewed a sunrise.

We had searched the ridgeline in several directions before Kitty came upon the waypoint. Partially hidden under tall grass, it appeared as if someone had gone to great lengths to keep its location secret.  Inspection of the runes and glyphs on the waypoint revealed it had access to the tower.  Since we could find no paths or tunnels that led to the island fortress, we concluded that our sisters had used the waypoint to reach their current location.  It was odd, however, that they didn't simply return in the same fashion.

As with all other waypoints discovered to date, standing on the two symbols and reciting the    transport spell conducted each of us individually to where our sisters were trapped.  As we started the process, Vallaryn noticed the Sightless Eye squad frantically waving their arms to get our attention.  Mistaking their actions for excitement over being rescued, we accelerated our passage to the citadel.  As the air and images around me solidified, I prepared to step off the waypoint within the tower.  It was then that I noticed I was standing not on a raised dais, but on the bare surface of the tower roof.  Something was dreadfully wrong.

As we reunited with our ranger sisters, Delheira and I quickly briefed each other on recent events. The waypoint that we all had conveniently stumbled across had been a cleverly crafted, one-way    transport spell, with no way to get out of the tower save the bastion that led to the bridge across the lake.  Worse, Ariel had not been able to cast a spell for several days, and when Najj and Strongmind both attempted their own, we learned that none of our magical abilities had effect. From the information we could glean from our rangers, we discerned that something was preventing our magic from having any effect.  As if that weren't enough, their rations had depleted days ago, and fatigue and hunger were evident on all six of our sisters.

As we shared our rations with them, Heaven's Angel shared some info with us. "They keep the small black tent near the center of their camp heavily guarded, and their shaman all pay great respect to the area around the tent.  They seem to be led by a lesser-orc who appears to be one of the carver breed.  He visits the tent at least 3 times a day, and he always seems to be relieved upon departing.  It also appears as if whatever is dampening our magic doesn't affect their shamans' abilities to raise their dead."

The tower proved to be readily stocked with armors and weapons of all sorts.  Rooms were still    furnished, windows were still draped, and tapestries were still hung in tasteful fashion. It appeared as if the former occupants had either fled the premises unexpectedly, or they were no longer alive to enjoy their home.  With all the luxury and splendor of our surroundings, neither a speck of food nor a drop of nourishment could be found.  Our trap had been well sprung.

A quick inventory revealed that the fortress had enough arrows for the sisters to defend themselves for several more days.  However, with the enemy dead being resurrected, the Dark forces could last indefinitely while their victims slowly starved to death on the parapets.  We had to do something quickly, lest our new home become our tomb as well.  After hours of deliberation and sharing of ideas, it was Najj and Strongmind who came up with a viable plan.

Among their many talents, one that many did not know about was their tactical brilliance.  Several times Heaven's Strike had overcome a seemingly hopeless situation due to a plot conceived by one or the other of my swordallies.  They quickly outlined their plan to the rest of us, and after we had discussed it and unanimously agreed, the eleven of us set the plan in motion.

We took turns the rest of the day resting and guarding our position.  The Dark forces made no attempt to gain a foothold, evidently convinced of the deadly prowess of our archers.  That evening, as Lykopis, Heaven's Angel and Arrow guarded us from the parapets, the rest of us slipped through the bastion doors and slid soundlessly into the cold lake waters. We were all lightly armed and armored only in leather, since wearing our mail and plate would have quickly caused us to sink.  As we reached the shore, I silently motioned for the other 3 to join us.  Once we were all together again and had hidden ourselves, Najj, Vallaryn, Deionhara and I stood up and strode into the middle of the camp.

The Dark's reaction was more than predictable.  We must have appeared as apparitions, for the tumult and chaos that broke out was, at the least, comedic to watch.  Hiding our nervousness at what seemed to be a suicide mission, the four of us strode up to the nearest group and stopped.

As the goblin squad leader struggled to regain his composure, I smiled inwardly as Najj strode up and asked, "We appear to have lost our way, sir.  Could you possibly point us in the right direction?" His answer was lost to us as Najj's dagger slid neatly into his throat, and before his body hit the ground a shower of arrows fell all around us.  Within minutes our sisters had dispatched several dozen goblins and orcs.  The four of us quickly took advantage of the chaos, and headed straight for the small black tent that was our objective.  I noticed Strongmind and Ariel moving to catch up, providing a rear guard for us as we reached the first of the tent's guards.

A fast, furious melee ensued, and within minutes we were all but overwhelmed by the vastly superior numbers of the Dark.  The archers on the shoreline shifted their fire to our position, and Strongmind and Ariel at last reached us and joined our efforts. Retrieving fallen enemy shields and swords, we finally dispatched the last guard and turned for the tent.  As we barged through the tent flaps, we just as quickly halted in our tracks as we discovered the interior was empty.

The air shimmered and coalesced before us, and suddenly the image of Baal, Lord of Destruction    appeared before us. Evil laughter filled the air, and even as we noticed that the image's lips were not moving, a raspy, hissing voice filled our minds. "Your futile attempt will gain you nothing, mortal scum, for my power will crush you in the end!" The evil laughter continued to fill the air within. Then, even quicker than it had appeared, the illusion vanished and we heard a dull thud in the corner behind us.

Strongmind was standing over the body of a ghoul mage, his dirk sticking proudly from the ghoul's chest.  As he retrieved his precious blade, the rest of us quickly searched the tent. Deionhara discovered the chest beneath a pile of furs and rugs.  Within the chest lay a gray skull, twice as large as any I'd ever seen.  Evil power emanated from the eye sockets, and the wicked grin taunted us silently.

"That has to be what is keeping us from using our magic," Ariel observed. "If we destroy it, we could regain our powers." Her logic seemed to have merit, and since we could not find any evidence to the contrary, I turned to her and stated, "The honor is yours sorceress, as you and your sisters have earned the right." Her broad smile shone through the darkness as she reached into the chest to retrieve talisman of evil.  It was then we heard the tent flap move, and the telltale sound of a crossbow releasing a bolt.

I have never seen such speed of movement in my life.  As the deadly bolt hurled towards Ariel,    Strongmind was leaping through the air, his body flying in front of Ariel's and intercepting the deadly missile.  We all stared in horror as his body hit the ground, the poison on the bolt evident as it dripped to the ground near him.  We could do nothing but watch mutely as his life was ebbing away, victim to the vile concoction that coated the bolt.  We heard a gurgled scream and movement near the door, and a moment later the lesser-orc chieftain’s body was thrust through the door at the end of a pike.  Kitty twisted the pike and pulled it from the carver's back, leaving the lifeless body slumped on the floor.

We stood over Strongmind in shock and disbelief for a few moments more, turning the anguish into a rage that we knew could sustain us for the fight we knew was waiting outside.  Ariel raised the skull above her head, and hurled it to the ground, smashing it into a thousand pieces.  She and Najj noticed the magic returning, and a minute later we emerged from the tent with a vengeance.  Najj's fireballs and Ariel's frost nova exploded everywhere as Kitty, Deionhara, Vallaryn and I moved in with swords and daggers.  Delheira, Heaven's Angel, Arrow and Lykopis renewed their deadly assault, and we were immediately in one of the most pitched battles I'd ever witnessed.

We fought for what seemed days, even though only a few hours had slipped by.  The archers quickly ran out of arrows, and retrieving fallen weapons they hacked their way to our side.  Wave after wave of ogres, trolls, orcs, and goblins pressed us from all sides, and many times I feared we would fall due to the vastness of their numbers.  We might well have succumbed if not for the incredible willpower of our magic users.  Time after time they reached further within themselves, pulling from deeper reserves of energy and life force to unleash their magic one more time. Vallaryn's war cries repeatedly boosted our spirits, and I prayed fervently for the gods to imbue us with heavenly aid.

Suddenly we noticed we were not alone. As we dispatched one enemy soldier after another, we    watched in awe as their reanimated bodies rose and turned to face their former comrades.  Each foe we killed was back on its feet in moments, helping to turn the tide of the battle as our numbers slowly grew.  I cried out in elation as I glanced toward the tent and noticed my fallen sword brother propped up on one arm, concentrating as deeply as he could to control his revived minions to aid us in our fight.  Mortally wounded, he still found reserves of strength to help turn the tide of battle.

At length, through a combination of the magic bombardments, the fury of our counterattacks, and the over-tapped abilities of my sword brother, we realized we had killed or driven off almost all of our foes.  Somewhere we had lost track of time, and had lost count of just how many enemy soldiers were laying dead around us.  As we surveyed the carnage around us, the battle fury that had sustained us faded and we turned to the tent almost as one.  Somewhere near the end of the pitched conflict, the poison had at last won out, and Strongmind's body portrayed the inner struggle he endured to help save us.

My grief was overwhelming.  All of us were worn out from our efforts, yet we still found the strength to carry Strongmind's body back to the tower.  If a counterattack were to come, at least the walls of the fortress would shield us for a while.  While the rest of the group rested, I sat in the great hall cradling my brother's head in my arms.

"Why?" I silently cried out in prayer. 'Why was this allowed to happen?  Is there no justice in the    heavens?"  As I continued to pray for my sword brother, Ishtar's image slowly materialized before me.

"Why dost thou blame us, noble paladin?"  The image shimmered and sparkled before me.  "Why dost thou doubt our love for humanity?"

"Please. Bring him back," I pleaded with my goddess.

"Knowest thou what thou asks? Knowest thou the price that must be paid to do this?"

"I know the price. But allow me to pay it.  This man, my brother, gave his life to save another.  He should not be punished for that. I will pay the price."

"That cannot be, honored paladin.  The laws of the heavens won't allow it.  Only he can pay the price for resurrection." I pleaded for several minutes more, but knew that I would not prevail. Ishtar would restore life to my brother, but a portion of his life force would be taken, as well as the memories of this experience would be removed forever.  I finally conceded.  "So be it. Just bring him back."

Ishtar's image faded from view, and after several minutes Strongmind's eyes slowly opened.  All traces of his wound and the poison were gone, and I was quickly overcome by emotion.  As I sat there shouting for joy, the rest of the group came running in, elated to see Strongmind whole again. "If you can stop cuddling me for a moment or two, we do have a mission to complete," croaked Strongmind weakly. "By the way, where the heck are we?"

We rested for several days, regaining our strength and recovering from our wounds.  At last, it came time to return.  "Our mission is not yet complete," stated Delheira.  "We've uncovered some news about the Inferno, and were on our way to retrieve more when we fell into this trap.  We must needs continue on our way, as the information is vital to the Brotherhood's future."

Ariel and Lykopis chose to return with us, while the four ranger sisters picked up their mission and departed.  It took us almost a week to get back to the rogue monastery, where we learned the mages had obtained their information and had departed the day before.  We quickly took advantage of the waypoints to return to Lut Gholein.  Tyrael was still away, and several members of the Brotherhood were scouring the deserts looking for the talisman that would lead us to Baal.

That night I honored my promise to pay Elric back for filling in for me. As we made our way from our encampment to Atma's tavern in town, a feeling of warmth and acceptance slowly started to creep over me.  I realized that even in the midst of all that had happened, even in the turmoil and chaos that we found ourselves, I had at last found a place to call home.  It wasn't the village of my birth. It wasn't the beautiful stronghold we had built.  Home was the Brotherhood.  Where the Brotherhood was, there too was home.  As this new realization swept over me, we picked up our step to reach the tavern.

"Sir Dragynnfyre! Sir Dragynnfyre!" A young town guardsman was running up to us. "They said to find you. Come quickly! It's an emergency!"

Alarmed, Elric and I started to draw our swords. I asked, "What is it? What's happened?" After the past few days, I really was not ready for another armed fight.

It's the mage you travel with, sir, the one they call Strongmind. He's been at Atma's all night drinking, and now...."

My fear rose anew. If something had happened to my sword brother this soon, I was ready to take on the world. "What's happened to him?" I demanded.

"They told me to bring you back with all haste. He keeps stating he's bored, sir! He keeps saying he's bored!"

As Elric's grin broadened and turned into laughter, I hurried down the street to the tavern. As I ran all I could think was "Surely there's a dragon somewhere I could fight?"