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[Xeen] Compendium Chapter 11
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Guldur and Elrond each took an arm and helped the injured Legolas to
his feet. The room swam around him and it was all he could do to avoid
fainting. "Will you make it friend?" asked Guldur. Legolas nodded,
sweat dripping from his ashen face. 

Removing Legolas from the dining chamber, they made for the nearest 
available room and placed the sick elf upon the cot inside. 
Accompanying the three men, were Katrina, Celesta and Draca. (I hope)
Katrina took orders from Celesta while the mage tried to perform her
healing rites over Legolas. An intense look of concentration washed 
over the young elfs' face. Her experience was limited but her efforts
were extreme, but at last she looked worriedly towards Draca and pleeded
with her haggard eyes. Wiping the sweat off her brow she said, "I'm afraid 
there is nothing I can do." 
--Dave Smart

Nodding, Draca whispered: "Ssstay, perrhapss asssisst laterr."  
Her eyes brimmed with compassion for the mage, who had done her utmost, 
but fallen short...  As she knelt to work, her hands already beginning to 
glow with an eerie greenish light, she sent a few mental instructions to 
the attending elves.

*Whatever you may see, or experience, do _not_ touch me.  It 
could endanger your very lives...  I will do what I can, but the years of 
oppression have taken their toll, and his soul's will to live is not as 
strong as were his words.  Your company may well make the crucial 
difference.  Speak to him what words of encouragement you can, and try to 
keep him 'here'.*

Draca first concentrated not on the visible wound (which was 
negligible), but on the dank, soul-eating maw that was Xeen's magic.  
Praying for the guidance of the Wise One and the Ancients, she followed 
her instinct.  She began to draw the damaging energy out of Legolas' 
body, watching carefully as it seemingly coalesced into a shadowy form 
between them, then began to dissipate as she took it into herself, 
tracing a finger over the rune of neutralization on her 'crutch'.  Her 
slender frame was wracked with the agony that she would experience for 
the needed time, but the damaging effects were seemingly no more.

Touching a hand lightly to the wound, she closed it, and sat 
back.  He seemed to be resting peacefully, but only time would tell.  
Meanwhile, she would need to rest, meditate, and ascertain that she had 
indeed conquered the taint within herself.  She knew the pain would 
likely be with her for a while, but the nature of the magic made it 
difficult to determine how long.  

She was glad that the studies with her mentor had included a 
lesson or two on Xeen's magic 'signature'... but doubted whether she 
could counter any serious attempts on his part to inflict harm...

Turning to Celesta, she sent *I have done what I can.  The 
determining factor now is his inner will to live.  I must now rest.  See 
to his comfort.*

With that, she dragged herself to her feet, and limped out the 
door, headed for the kitchens, then to whatever quarters she had been 
assigned.
--Margaret Tayti

His friends stayed by his side throughout the night. Legolas ran a fever 
and Celesta was kept busy in her efforts to curb it. It was as Draca had
disclosed, Legolas's internal struggle for life was much weaker than any 
of his beloved friends could have ever guessed and during the twilight 
hours he passed on to join his gods in their realm.

The next morning it was as if the man had never existed. There was much to
do and no time to be wasted on lamenting the dead. Such luxuries no longer
existed. Celesta bid thanks to Draca's efforts during the breakfast of the
following morn and that was about as much talk spent on the deceased.

Strawberry could not help but think how bland his food tasted this day.
--Dave Smart

Cari watched Semareth head over to sit on a bench. The look on his face 
was closed, and all of his barriers were up. She didn't follow up, but 
found a seat nearby when Proctor Benedict began to speak. She was very 
glad that the Proctor had quickly gotten to the bottom of the security 
situation.

When the Benedict had finished speaking Cari went over to where Semareth 
sat using a dagger to pry bits of shrapnel from his armour. He was 
entirely focused on the job at hand, and the look on his face was 
contemplative. He was unaware of her approach.

She was reluctant to disturb him, but she was concerned. Softly she sent, 
::Lord Semareth, is there anything I can do to aid you?::

He didn't seem to notice her, so locked was he in his own thoughts.

Cari knelt before him, and sent again, ::Lord Semareth . .. ?::

This time he looked up and became aware of her presence. "No child," he 
said in a low voice, "There is nothing you need do for me." His expression 
became less distant and he focused on her, saying, "Here is 
something for you to think on, Cari. . . "

Semareth leaned forwards, and as he did so his cloak shifted, revealing 
black obsidian. Cari couldn't help but look down, nor conceal her 
horror at how far the obsidian curse had crawled up his arm. Her eyes 
were filled with fear _for_ him as she looked up into his face, and there 
was nothing she could do to hide her emotions.  She found his expression 
calm.

He said quietly, though in someways he seemed to talking also to himself, 
"If you live your life fighting your destiny - you 
will remain trapped in it .. If, however, you live with it, experience 
it, then perhaps you will be given a chance to change it even without first 
realizing it." For a moment he quietly studied her face. Then said to her, 
"Think on this."

::I will,:: she promised, getting to her feet. She couldn't help but look 
at his arm again, which he had made no move to cover. She realized that 
she had never seen his expression so untroubled. ::Good night,:: 
she added gently, wondering if she could come to terms with what life 
offered as her teacher had done.

"Good night, child," he said before returning to the task he had set 
himself.
--Cathy Mosley

Well after Semareth had gotten what weaponary he needed, and Cari had 
gotten herbs and bandages from Draca, and also gotten a couple of daggers 
for weapons for herself, Semareth had indicated he wished Cari to sit 
with him again.

Semareth began by reciting a verse of scriptures from the Elhtden 
scrolls, one of the first taught to a disciple of Sh'al, and easily one 
of the most long-winded. It was easy for him to recall, and he did so 
word for word, each syllable pronounced just as he had been tutored. He 
closed his eyes as he spoke, and he could almost picture his mentor 
sitting before him as the sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows...

An impatient cough from his student halted his recital.
--Nick Takayama

Cari hated to interrupt her teacher, and though she found the scriptures 
beautiful, she felt that they had no pertinence to their present 
situation. Sh'aljien was dead and soon they would be part of a larger 
game in hopes of distracting Xeen from his Sword. ::Lord Semareth,:: she 
sent, ::Shouldn't we be concentrating on finding a way aid Sh'aljien's 
return - if there is a chance? We have so little time before we must 
begin the journey to face Dardt - then Xeen.::
--Cathy Mosley

Semareth scowled momentarily and leaned back.

"All of this is important," he replied, holding out his arms as if 
they contained the scriptures themselves, "I would not dare to imagine 
the church if any of this were forgotten.". He ran one hand over his 
face, feeling the itchy beginnings of a beard on his chin.

"Sh'aljien exists in the hearts and minds of his children, not in some 
other dimension of power. As long as his believers exist, he is out 
there", his outswept arm encompassed the room, "but in essence, he is in 
here..." his arm returned to tap firmly on his chest. 

He looked Cari in the eyes.

"In order for any god to 'exist', there must be people who are willing to 
believe in them. But beyond believing, there must be learning. Once you 
have both, it is possible for the god to exist within and around you."

He paused for no apparent reason, breathing in dry air, his eyes never 
waivering. Once it seemed as if he was going to speak again, then thought 
better of it, instead leaning back as if waiting for Cari to say something.
--Nick Takayama

She did not flinch under his intense scrutiny, but she felt deeply 
chastened. It had been easy to meditate and listen to the scriptures 
when she had become Semareth's scribe. There had been no safer spot in 
the Church for her to be than meditating in front of the shrine to 
Sh'al, and few distractions. Now, though, she realized how easy it was 
for her to slip back her graceless, direct methods for dealing with the 
world. Even Leathian, her first teacher, would have been ill-pleased 
with her impatience. Cari began to realize that in her hurry to seek 
results she could well be destroying the very goal that she prayed for. 
And did she really understand what she was praying for?

She lowered her head, then looked back up at Semareth, and sent, ::My 
apologies, Lord Semareth. . . .not just for interrupting, but not for 
understanding with my heart. I realize now that the beauty and strength 
of the Scriptures that you have been teaching me comes not only from the 
words and the lessons they teach, but from your belief and love for 
Sh'aljien.:: She remembered back to the conversation they had after the 
dagger attack, and the lesson she had been seeking to understand. 
::You said the other night that the more we fight against our destiny the 
more we become trapped in it - that to just experience could well open up 
doorways of opportunities.  . .. I have been fighting. . .in too much of 
a hurry to open myself to Sh'aljien.::
--Cathy Mosley

When Semareth and she had finished with her impromtu lesson and he had 
gone off to prepare his armour Cari decided she needed to seek out one of 
the Elves still awake. Before Semerath and she had parted he had told her 
that it would be wise to find armour for herself.

Cari had asked him about Elven chainmail, but he had said that only if it 
was of the non-magical variety; the type that was of superb craftsmanship. 

If nothing else, Cari decided, they might have a suggestion for her. That 
was if they were speaking to her.
--Cathy Mosley

Draca, upon returning to her room, raw deer haunch in hand, 
finished her meal, then settled in to meditate.  It was not long before 
she was in the necessary trance state, protected by the wards her staff 
could provide.  Looking inward, she noted with satisfaction that the 
nullification magic had worked, and there remained no trace that Xeen 
could use as a lever of control.  It seemed that the Wise One's firsthand 
experience had indeed come in handy...

Her primary concerns assuaged, she proceeded to contact her 
mentor, for it was time for the final preparations to begin.

*You seem troubled, Daughter.  The failing elf, or something more?*

*A bit of both, but I cannot allow my empathy to cloud my 
judgement, Teacher, and so will I concentrate on that which must yet be 
done.  I have thought much on the coming battle, and know that I lack the 
power to invoke the Demon-Drake's Truename, and that its invocation is 
beyond even the Proctor's ability.. You managed it once, but only with 
several others at your side - the greatest casters your.. our kind has 
ever known.*

*I have noted this trend in your musings, and kept silent, 
awaiting your decision.  I am also aware of your ideas on the matter of 
aerial 'distraction' of the changed familiar.  I can, with your 
permission, assist you in the finer art of precision flight.... as I have 
had cause to - once.*

*I don't under.. My _landing_?.. the day I Shared your mortal 
shell?.. I admit that I had wondered how I managed to land unhurt...  Is 
such control the province of our link, or something more?*

*<knowing chuckle> I always said you were one of my brighter 
students.. You are correct, Child.  There is more than the Link forged by 
the Gift.  You are aware of my deformity, and its limitations.  I was 
hatched with severely stunted wings, and the elders believed that I would 
never fly, but one kept me alive, sensing my potential for magic.  It is 
a portion of that very power that has powered my flight for millennia, 
and as a side-effect, imbued them with a great deal of power in their own 
right.   You bear them full-size, although my mass was far greater, and 
thus was I able to keep that power intact, Giving them to you with the 
strength that they have always held..

What this signifies to you is simple.   I know, and you will 
learn through me, how to _harness_ the magic.  It can provide much 
greater maneuverability, and higher speeds, than Dardt is likely capable 
of managing, even with his 'enhancements'.  Coupled with the protection 
of my Wand, you should provide adequate 'distraction' indeed.*

The remainder of the night, (with the exception of a few minutes 
silence when Legolas finally passed on) was spent in instruction.  Draca 
learned many tactics, maneuvers, and tricks, and began studying how to 
control the wings hidden powers herself.  [This was all done in mantal 
flight simulation, where her mentor created scenes based on his own 
Challenge experience.]

By morning, she was confident that her link to his experience was 
nearly seamless.  Joined with him, she could accomplish much that it 
would take centuries to master on her own.  The meditative state in which 
the training took place had permitted her body to rest completely, and 
she augmented this effect by playing briefly upon her harp before her 
solitude was interrupted by the monks' arrival, bringing her some much 
needed (and some redundant) healing supplies.  (After all, she was 
accustomed to making up dragon-sized batches of ointments, etc... and so 
was _relatively_ well stocked.  Anything _too_ redundant was returned to 
the monks, to be passed on to others or placed back in storage.)

At breakfast, she took a few moments to extend her condolences to 
Zeph, Celesta, and the others who had stood by Legolas' bedside.
--Margaret Tayti

Shortly before dawn a rumble of thunder woke Thai from a restless, 
nightmare laden sleep. Deciding to stay awake she settled onto the floor 
in a meditation pose, back against the warm stone walls and hands 
resting on knees. So she was when the dwarven maid knocked on the door 
as part of a pre-arranged wakeup call. 

Jarrad stretched and yawned hugely, deliberately, knowing she was 
watching. Thai smiled and stood in a fluid, easy motion before 
proceeding to dress. Her outfit, a sturdy Inquisitor's uniform borrowed 
from Zeph the night before, was augmented with patches of silenced, 
dark-ringed chainmail. Her hair she braided securely back on itself out 
of the way. 

Shortly the room was devoid of their belongings and the two were on 
their way to the dining hall.

At first the room was crowded with elves, humans and dwarves eating and 
talking, but as the room filled with elven warriors the civilian workers 
left to be about their business. 

Thai and Jarrad squeezed in next to Zeph and dug into the bowls and 
platters of food circulating around the room. One by one the other 
travellers and Legantors wandered in to join them.

A small group of elven and human monks clad in plain, undyed robes 
interrupted Draca's solitude to give her a leather satchel of medicine, 
supplies and herbs. A similar troupe outfitted Cari. A third with trail 
rations went to Zephyr. 

Her initial hunger sated, Thai suggested Zeph brief the group on what to 
expect from Dardt and the elves once combat was joined. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Indeed the meal tasted bland and conversation was spars at best. A
silent gloom had overtaken the usually lively affair of morning
breakfast in Haven.

To Zephillia, Legolas's loss was detrimental. He, along with Tel,
were her two strongest and bravest warriors. At another level, she
would miss her friend. 

Finally, Zeph spoke. "I have seen the whereabouts of Dardt's layer
in a vision. In all our other battles with the beast, it was always
on his terms. Now we may have the element of surprise on our side
and *that* may be the difference."

"His lair is but a days travel by foot," continued Zeph. "Or we may
teleport from this point with Zephyr's or Dryctor's powers. Another
option would be the use of one of our portals that will fix us on
a position closer to half a day than not from the layer. I prefer
to travel by foot." She then looked at Semareth knowing he too
would prefer that path. "If we use magical means," she said. "It is
all together possible that our course may be detected by Xeen.
Remember that I warned of the dangers when we entered *our* portal
prior to arriving here at Haven. There is no doubt that he is
watching our every move and what easier beacon for him to detect
than the use of strong magics in transporting our lot."

"Any objections or ideas?" she asked. "Please state them now and
quickly for time is of the essence."
--Dave Smart

::Dardt is a large dragon and probably feeds often being as large as he 
is. That means he scouts outside his lair, for large distances I have no 
doubt. If he sees us while we are travelling on foot, we will have to use 
magic anyway.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Aye!" answered Zeph. "But at that time our position is revealed to Xeen 
thru Dardt's eye and thus the use of our magic in attack or defense will 
not be the object of our discovery. Please continue."
--Dave Smart

::I prefer to use horses, or griffons even since Benedict has mentioned 
that there are some still in existence.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"I see," Zeph said. "The use of horse or griffon would hasten our travel to
or from, but would make detection and taking cover all the more difficult."
Then noticing that Thai had more to say she added: "forgive me. I interrupt, 
please proceed."
--Dave Smart

:: Do not apologize Zeph. I would rather hear your objections and comments 
now than to hear them in the afterlife.::

::Using griffons or horses, we will arrive less tired as well as sooner. 
If we take the griffons [and modify my other post accordingly <g>] we can 
go in another direction, circle around from the direction opposite Dardt 
will go when ordered to investigate, thus reducing the chance of being 
seen. If there are hills, mountains or rivers between our destination and 
Haven, travel by foot or horse will be much farther than by griffon.:: 
--Phaedra Whitlock

She shrugged and picked up a goblet to drink. ::The first alternative is 
to go both by portal AND by land. If Xeen notices the magical disturbance 
his tactics seem to be to send Dardt to investigate. That is why we were 
all attacked so soon after arriving in this future is it not? Send a 
diversionary force resembling our party through a portal. The rest of us 
proceed to Dardts lair and wait in ambush for him to return.::

::The second alternative is simple, but incredibly dangerous. Send 
everyone through the portal and wait for Dardt to arrive. If Benedict is 
correct Xeen may not interfere in such a gambit, he would be more 
interested in what we had planned, and the sport.::

She put the goblet down with a solid thunk. ::However, I do not care to 
be a gladiator to Xeen's Highlord.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

*That, perhaps, is where I come in.  It has come to my attention 
that I am the best candidate to engage Dardt, for _no_ Dragon can resist 
the lure of a Challenge...  Protection magic is permitted in such combat, 
so I would be in minimal danger, and I have... an advantage.  My size 
will make me a difficult aerial target, and there is no danger of my 
becoming 'unhorsed' as would a griffin rider.  I have thought much on 
this, and, should it become necessary, I volunteer.*

*Now for the other matter.  Should I become incapacitated, leave 
me.  Unless you are capable of carrying me without touching me <glance at 
Jarrad> you risk your lives.  [explanation from waaaay back about how she 
heals, appropriately truncated]  I apologize for my interruption. Please 
continue.*
--Margaret Tayti

After both had spoken Thai commented, ::Draca, if it comes to that I 
will help you as best I can, as will we all, but Dardt is not the main 
problem, he is only the first hurdle and your healing abilities will be 
irreplacable before we go against Xeen. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

A short time passed in silence as Zeph and the others let Thai's proposition
settle. Her words were sound. Zeph stood and spoke. "I think your first
idea is an excellent one." With a smile she added, "It would seem as though 
you are twice the strategist that I am." Looking about the table she again 
asked if there were questions or other ideas, adding that so far Thai's plan 
to send a diversionary party to draw Dardt was the favourite.

Strawberry stood and second Thai's support. "A most excellent plan of 
action!"
--Dave Smart

Semareth sat quietly in the shadows finishing his food while the others 
bantered about tactics. He heard griffons mentioned, and nearly coughed 
up his mouthful.

"Horses are better.", he spoke up, "Griffons are by nature magical 
creatures, and way too large. A dragon such as Dardt could smell them 
from miles away.".

He had donned a grey riding cloak, which only partially concealed his 
blued chainmail. He had managed to attach normal chainmail to the left 
arm in such a way that the rings linked seamlessly, ending in a chainmail 
gauntlet beneath which only darkness lay. His sword hung at his waist, 
and at his side rested the iron spear and shield which he had sequestered 
from the armoury. Both seemed proportional to his seven foot frame... and 
all too large for a normal man.
--Nick Takayama

Several of the elves gathered about the breakfast table nodded in their 
agreement.
--Dave Smart

"As for a diversional group," he continued, "if magic alone is enough to 
warrant Dardt's investigative eye, why risk good men? Unless of course, 
you really think it possible to determine exactly who it is that is being 
cast from zone to zone...". He shrugged, indicating his own ignorance in 
the matter.
--Nick Takayama

"If we sent a probe," answered Zeph. "Or any other non-sentient 
material, our enemy will know of our trickery and our
element of surprise may be spoiled." She then looked on sadly into 
the faces of her comrades. "No. It will be necessary to send a group 
of hardened and brave warriors to near certain death to attract 
Dardt and successfully fool the enemy in believing that the 
teleport is genuine. Perhaps a successful skirmish can aid in 
delaying Dardt's return to his lair and thus providing us the 
necessary time to travel by horse." Zeph became silent with a heavy 
heart. She knew there would be no trouble with recruiting a party 
of volunteers for the diversionary mission, it simply would be a 
distasteful task in accepting.
--Dave Smart

Seeing Zeph's discomfort Thai changed the subject once more. ::Draca, 
if you could brief us on the weak points of a dragon's anatomy, of where 
their defenses are least or their physiognomy makes certain actions 
difficult or impossible, it would suit our purposes to try to use such 
against the dragon.:: 

::Sem, as you know  I prefer horses too, but for this we need speed 
more than anything. If we circle around Dardt should not have the 
chance to see or smell any of us.::

::Griffons were created by magic once perhaps, it was too long ago to 
know for certain where they came from, but then so were all the races 
and creatures created by the Gods. They breed true, I know that much, 
and so there is little difference between them and a horse except that 
they fly.::

::If there are no more questions, Draca? Would you tell us what you 
know while the High Inquisitor's people make the arrangements?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Nodding, Draca shifted a little, her wings rustling as she 
balanced herself.  *I will inform you as fully as I am able, having 
recently witnessed a _highly_ successful attack on several dragon 
Elders.  Technology was the primary force at work there, but I have also 
viewed a few formal challenges...*

*Dragons are no less prone to illness and injury than most other 
creatures, when one takes into account their lifespans.  Illness and 
injury can cause small patches - sometimes only a single scale - of 
weakened armour.  Most dragons have such 'tender points', which can take 
anywhere from days to centuries to repair themselves.  They are difficult 
to spot, however, for they generally appear simply as slightly duller 
patches on the drake's hide.  Unfortunately, they are the only spots 
where weapons are likely to pierce readily,  especially in the case of 
older or larger dragons, whose skin tends to be thicker.*

*The best targets tend to be located on the head.  Eyes, 
nostrils, inside the open mouth, and ears are all vulnerable.  On drakes 
with no obvious earflaps, the auditory canal is usually <sends image> 
here.. it, too, is sometimes evidenced by a shift in iridescense in the 
scale pattern.. <image> thus.*

*Otherwise, the best advice I can give is this:  don't get singed 
on the first pass.  If Dardt is as large as you describe, he'll require a 
goodly turning distance, providing you with an opportunity to scan for 
weak points.*
--Margaret Tayti

After a couple of inquiries Cari was sent to speak with Tel about 
armouring. Nor was it difficult to find him, though she doubted her 
timing was good, for she had overheard that Legolas had died.
--Cathy Mosley

As Cari listened to the preposed plans she gathered together the pack of 
herbs the monks had given her, and struggled into the chainmail that had 
provided for her. She thanked Sh'aljien for the fact that they had found 
her some mail of light weight and good craftsmanship, but no magical 
properties. Also in her pack was a censor for dragonsbane - since she 
had  no skills to use against such a creature. She knew she could well be 
needed as medical support. For if Draca challenged Dardt, and the others 
were engaged in battle, she would be the only one left to treat the wounded.
--Cathy Mosley

Quietly eating the porridge with fruit which was provided, Jarrad listend 
as first Thai, then Draca made their suggestions, with addendums from Zeph.

Nodding in agreement with Thai's plan, Jarrad was also of the opinion 
that the extra speed and maneuverability of griphons, would be worth the 
risk they imposed when trying to remain undetected.

With the meal and preparations over, Jarrad prepared his pack, took some 
extra travelling rations from the supplies provided, and waited for the 
others.

It was time to begin.
--Paul Raj Khangure

As everyone else filed out of the room Jarrad saw Thai draw Strawberry 
aside privately and with his permission cast a protection spell on him. 
A few minutes later she touched Jarrad lightly on the arm and smiled.

He was glad to see that she looked slightly less tense than before. 
Although she might risk them all to get the Sword, the loss of any 
would bother her greatly.
--Phaedra Whitlock

When all of Thai's company had finished their morning routines
and the Church's meager breakfast, two red-robed elves came
and beckoned the group to follow.  They were acolytes from
Proctor Benedict's personal entourage, as had been seen the
night before.  No explanation was given, and the pair were
eerily silent as they led the assemblage into the deep recesses
of the Church.  Even High Inquisitor Zephillia Elessidel had
not seen these areas, they having been labeled "off-limits"
by the proctor and the conversation topic labeled "taboo".

Finally, after rounding the umpteenth corner and having left
the light of morning far behind, the corridor deposited the
company in a large, cavernous room, devoid completely of light.
Before anyone could ask, the acolytes had closed two, huge oak
doors which closed with a barely audible "clunk".  Before the
echo of the doors had even reverberated back to the assembled
guests, a shaft of light whose source was lost in the heights
of the chamber sliced through the darkness and illuminated a
solitary figure in the center of the room.  He stretched his
arms out in welcome, but made no sound.

Inexplicably, each person felt a subtle attraction drawing
them to certain places within the room.  This unseen force
could barely be discerned as anything different than each
person's own curiosity about the room, and yet it had the
effect of drawing each to a pre-selected section of the
chamber.

As each person wandered to the place to which they were drawn,
they noticed an engraved likeness of their face in the white
marble floor, bounded by a circle of pitch black.  A line of
deep blue tile led to the center and the lone figure.  As each
guest stepped into the circle, a faint glow slowly began to
illuminate the engraving, while a wall of colored light rose
from the circle, leaving an opening that faced the center.
When all had taken their place, the figure spoke.

"Welcome, my friends!"  It was Benedict.  "Today, you will
journey on a Quest that will be the most important thing you
have ever done or will ever do.  Today, you embark to do battle
with the great Dragon-Demon Xeen and wrest from him the last
surviving Sword of Xeen.  The path will be very dangerous, and
fraught with perils of which you have never dreamed.  It is to
this end, that I will pass unto you the protection of this
Church, with all the benefits that such a Blessing will carry."

Despite the proctor's spiritual speech, there was no religious
imagery or idolotry to be seen.  Strange that a religious
blessing would be performed in such a spiritually neutral
chamber.

Now, Benedict raised his arms slowly, and the light shaft shining
upon him began to grow in intensity.  He began to murmur words,
magical words, and his voice steadily began to gain in volume
until it filled the entire room, a loud, booming bass that com-
manded everyone's attention.  The light from the shaft was begin-
ning to sting eyes, when suddenly the tile leading from center
pulpit to each traveler burst into radiance, as if a valve had
been opened and the light coursed down the length of each arm.
When the brilliance arrived at each circle simultaneously, each
person felt a blast of sheer power, not malevolently, but as an
infusion to their own power.  Benedict was filling each person
with the power of the Church, his own power, to provide them
with strength to weather the coming battle.  It was nearly
overwhelming, and more than one person staggered under the load.
Benedict was casting his strongest protective wards that he had
ever created, a magical shield that had taken him all night to
create, and was now taxing all of his great arcane powers to
emplace.

Despite the concentration the elf was giving to his task, he
felt something...odd...in one of his guests.  Feeling around,
he discovered that the sensation was coming from High Inquisitor
Semareth.  It was a feeling of duality, very similar to what he
had felt when Xeen had taken Eldarion, and yet, this was not such
a malevolent relationship.  Had he more time, Benedict would have
liked to explore this strange sensation coming from Semareth, but
there was a considerably more important task at hand.  He focused
again on the protective ward.

The casting seemed to take a lifetime, but as suddenly as it had
come originally, the center shaft of light was instantly exting-
uished, hiding the proctor who had worked so hard for the benefit
of his guests.  The rays leading to the center similarly darkened,
leaving each in an illuminated circle that glowed like hot embers,
slowly dissipating in the darkness of the room.  When the last
speck of light had gone, a small crack of light on the side of
the room widened to reveal a doorway.  It was the very doorway
they had entered, being opened by the same two red-clad elves who
had led them here.  As silent as before, they beckoned the company
from the room and back to the main areas of the Church.
--Michael Dew

Once in the stables, Draca turned to Zeph and Thai, sending: *If 
it's all the same to you, I think I'll fly... <nearby horses shy 
noticeably>  I've.. never ridden... and my infirmity would require custom 
equipment...  <hopefully> Besides, we'll need a lookout, right? <raises 
an eyebrow and smiles>*
--Margaret Tayti

Thai raised an eyebrow at Zeph. It sounded like a good idea to her.
--Phaedra Whitlock

After Tel outfitted the last of the group with the armor, weapons and 
equipment they had asked for, the group went to the stables and then 
to an outer cave where lay the exit to Haven. 

Thai checked her horse's equipage and temperament before mounting. The 
short bow she had requested went into the specially designed saddle 
holster out of the way. 

A sharp eyed scout perched high against the outside wall reported low  
visibility and heavy rains, but no sign of the dragon. Sighing inwardly 
she pulled the hood of her cloak lower over her head and fidgeted with 
her gloves as the hidden dwarven gates were cranked open. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Just before the group set out, Benedict appeared on the main
stairs of the Church.  He looked very tired and haggard...clearly
the strain of the casting weighed heavily on the elder elf.  Still,
he wore a cheerful smile as he bid each a safe passage and swift
completion.  "My friends, I fear that I may not see you again, for
if you are successful, you will surely return to your own time, and
if you are not..." his voice trailed away, not expressing that which
needed no expression.  "May your Gods shine favorably upon you, and
may the Glory of Tynntangial be restored by your actions!  The story
of your gallantry shall be told for generations to come!  Fare thee
well!"  He waved enthusiastically as the party rode out of the
compound and off to destiny.
--Michael Dew

Zeph led the way out, followed by the Legantors and Thai's group. The 
party broke into small clumps as they followed Zeph through the driving 
rain to the first portal. 
--Phaedra Whitlock
    
Reaching the elven portal, Zeph and her inquisitors (the ones that would 
not be leaving via the portal) looked hard and long into the eyes of the
small party of Legentors that was to head out in an effort to draw the 
beast Dardt, until finally they broke down and embraced one another as 
if it were the last time the two groups would see each other alive. After 
a brief moment, they separated and statements of good wishes befell the 
ears of the elves as one by one they disappeared, never to be seen alive 
again.
--Dave Smart

Thai fingered the leather reins as if looking for faults. It bothered her 
more than she could say that those elves were going to their deaths. The 
idea had been hers after all. 

'Please Astarte' she prayed silently. 'Please let this all not be in 
vain.'
--Phaedra Whitlock

Zeph quickly mounted her great steed, a remnant of a once populace 
tynntangial breed of excellent equine. Then with a wave of her hand the 
march was set forward once again...
--Dave Smart

The company, with Draca scouting the heavens, moved forward to the 
north along a black mud-coated trail that swam with debris from a 
ancient fire. The sky was dull and heavy and soon let loose a fresh 
drizzle that soon added to the slickness of the path. "Be weary not 
to shift your horse too quickly," said one of the elves. "They may 
loose their footing and rider and horse will fall." 
--Dave Smart

Semareth adjusted himself in the saddle and patted his horse's neck 
gently. He was a good rider, but he did not take the elf's comments 
lightly.
--Nick Takayama

Cari tried not to grasp the reins too tightly, and risk jerking the 
animal's head. Instead she held onto the pommel, and continued to be 
swayed by the horse's constant motion. 

Each movement caused fire to burn through her leg muscles and up into her 
buttocks. She wasn't sure which agony was worse - her legs, or her 
shoulders from the weight of the chainmail. True, Elven chainmail was 
supposed to be the lightest made, but after several hours on a body 
unused to wearing it it pressed down, or shifted uncomfortable over a 
tunic that was determined to bunch up in odd places. She focused all her 
attention on remembering the brief riding instructions and praying to 
Sh'aljien that her horse didn't slip - she prayed quite often everytime 
her mount had to make a "hop" over gullies or ridges.

Her only comfort and consolation was that fact she had a warm, hooded 
cloak, which had been waterproofed by oil. So, for the first time in 
years, she was out in the rain and not totally drenched.
--Cathy Mosley