After the council finished I headed directly for Arch Magus Balthzeer’s tower. What the hell was he thinking sending me on this venture? The King wanted this creature alive not in an urn! I found it hard to believe Arch Magus Balthzeer was this stupid after all these years I have been under him. This time I didn’t care who knew I was coming. As I approached the tower I had my magma sphere cast which kept those pesky vines at bay. I was completely incased in flames and molten rock. The gargoyles melted and became part of my shield as they attempted to subdue me. I walked into the main floor study and chanted words of demonic orgins to erase all the rune traps on the floor walls and ceiling.
Balthzeer sat behind his desk calm as ever and spoke forcefully. “I knew you would be mad Arch Magus Coridan but I would really watch the spells you go throwing around during your trip as Croff is as religious as they come. And I’m sure he would have a hard time working with someone who spoke such vile words. Come now old friend let us chat over some tea shall we?”
“You think a chat over tea will fix this underhandedness? If you wanted to get rid of me I sure you know a million other easier ways then sending me to this death trap of an isle with a quest about as possible as taming a phenoix or ruling the heavens!”
“Now, now, Coridan would I the one person who has covered up your indistretions and took your side every time your temper blew as a kid really send you to your death?” I was hoping you thought more of me then a teperary ally by now,” Balthzeer said with a nuturing tone.
“Let us sir and discuss this trip and why I chose you over every other Arch Magus shall we?” Bathzeer gestured in front of the fire place to a seat next to his.
I walked over and mumbled the incarnation to disperse my shield as it retreated into the fire place. It caught Balthzeer off guard as he leaned back in his seat. “What an interesting shield. Was that Fire Giant and Draconic you spoke? Balthzeer squinted his ears as to hope to hear it better.
“Umm never mind to the topic at hand. It is quite simple you see Coridan your job is not to capture this beast it is to bring Kozak, Croff, and Raddect back alive with you. I knew the only way this quest had a chance of success was if each Master of their respected art sent their most skilled and valuable men. And the only way that would happen is if someone could garentee their safe return. Since you are the only one I know capable of this in the entire kingdom I told the king I would make it so for his wish would be fulfilled. I knew you would come directly here with the will to burn down everything around you.”
“You old fool, has your age given you a wish to meet death sooner? Next time why not ask me before hand as you know I still owe you a great debt for buring my parents for me. One we will now considered paid in full I might add. Well I best be heading to gather my gear and supplies as three days is barley enough time to research what all might come in handy!” I stood up and started walking towards the door.
“You youngsters are always in such a rush. Coridan I insist you sit back down and finish your tea as I have already prepared the four books you would need as well as some other items I will be loaning you on one condition; you bring them back to me.”
As we sat there and drank our tea I have never noticed how much the old man enjoyed my company until this moment. It was like he was savoring each minute as it would be his last moments with me. And for good reason this could rightfully be our last chat for he knew what he had gotten me into and was worried. So worried in fact he had made a brand new enchanted red robe for me. It was enchanted with the highest of physical protection spells along with magic enhancing inscriptions down the sleeves and the inscriptions where in an old tongue that I even had to ask about.
“Don’t worry about the words Coridan maybe on my death bed ill pass you a hint, an old man can’t give all his secrets away now can he? Oh and one last thing. By request you should appear at the practice grounds tomorrow at day break to, let’s say learn how to interact with your party.” Balthzeer said as we stood up and walked down the stairs to the tower.
“Is there any other surprises I should know about old man?” I chuckled but im sure he could tell that I still wasn’t all to pleased with being thrown to the wolves like this.
That night seemed to fly by before I knew it I was standing in the practice grounds next to a nine foot ogre, a two foot dwarf, and a Centaur of eighteen hands. The king was so kind to capture us an armored belguwin to hone our skills on. This massive creature was close to a giant beetle with plant like tentacles. Needless to say not an easy catch, and at the same time not too much of a threat either. That is if you leave it alone.
Croff walked forward and started casting protective wards on the two melee types and him self, making sure not to catch me inside of his area spell. Kozak inherently stepped between Croff and our prey and Raddect took up Croff’s left flank. I was where I was supposed to be a few steps behind Croff. It was a relief that no one was still wet behind the ears and it appeared each already knew the part they where to play in this party. Which is something we all noticed as was made apparent when Kozak turned his head and nodded to me. That being said at this point there was no need for this little exercise.
We quickly confounded by my flaming arc wall cutting off any retreat. Raddect had entangling barbs wrapping around its eight legs and torso. And Kozak knocked it out with the blunt side of his axe in one blow.
“Well I don’t guess anyone is hurt?” Croff said with a joking tone.
Kozak finished cracking his knuckles then holstered his giant great axe across his back. We all stood there for a few moments staring at each other till Kozak broke the silence and informed us that he would be leader of the group and if there where any objection now was the time to settle it. Croff shrugged, I cared less, and you could tell that Roddect was hesitant to settle the leadership role the way the Ogres do. I mean Kozak stood eye to eye with Roddects a feat not many could attest to.
After I made it back to my home I finished looking over the contents of what Balthzeer had prepared for me and added a few touches of my own to the spells and tactics that might come on handy. Then I started to look over the lore of the isle. Before I knew it, it was time to depart.
That morning the King bestowed us all with a charm of safe travels. He had the finest ship in all his armada accompanied by two of the fastest war ship awaiting us at the Harbor.
“Captain Rumstow make haste on this journey and bring back my ships in one piece.
Kozak, Croff, Roddect, Coridan, Let the Captain command his ships and all of his men. But do no hesitate to tell the Captain if you need support he is here for you as are MY SHIPS. Understood?
“Yes M’lord.” Most of us answered in unison. But you could tell that the statement was directed towards the Captain.
The last of our goods where loaded on the ships the Captain approached us at the aft of the ship and said “you might as well make your self comfortable. It will be a full cycle plus one to the outskirts of the islands. One rule for you lot if your sea legs are weak puke over the edge and not on my floors. And one last thing feel free to anything aboard this vessel except the RUM got it?
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