The journey of the Legend part 5

-It. I leave my room, and go to check in Max's room. He is in bed, sleeping, and I go to check on Leona. Maybe whoever rifled through my room was just looking for information- but, no. Her room is tossed as well, and she was gone. It didn't look like there was a struggle, or a fight, but it was definitely a mess. Maybe she is just staying somewhere else, like she went to visit Her uncle at the Estate. I go to check on Max, and try to wake him, but he is sleeping very similarly to someone who has been Drugged. Dammit! I should have told them to be careful. Be on the look out for suspicious activity. I go back to the front door, and poke my head out. I remember while I was in the Axes some of the Rangers could signal the others with bird call, and whistling. Never learning how to whistle, I try now, but it's more of just an exhale. No matter, I try calling out to see if Danerai is still around, but I get no response. Damn! Well , Max is out for a while, as I have nothing to wake him up with, and I can't go find Leona just myself, exhausted, in the middle of the night, while Caleb and his punks are out there. Closing, and Locking the door, I go back to my room, light some candles, and clean up my room, putting everything back. I feel there is a pattern, but I am too tired to notice, and I just want to get this done. I find my cleaning kit, Detach my arm, and clean my arm while keeping my axe next to me. I may be down an arm, but I can still swing an axe if those Bastards come back. I give my arm a good cleaning, oil it up, and put it back on for the night. It may not be as comfortable sleeping with it on, but I want to be ready for anything should someone come back for me. Putting my cleaning kit away, I try to find some sleep through all the thoughts swimming in my head. Leona should be able to take care of herself, and if she has been taken, Gods help them if she gets mad. But I don't know what would happen if she is hurt. Max should be ok too. If Leoan was taken, they probably didn't take Max, as he is probably too heavy for them all to carry. Damn...
 
I awoke when Max did, as he made a good uproar when he realized what happened. Turns out, everything was a normal day, and He went out to get something to eat from the food cart, and after eating, things get a little fuzzy. I tell him that Leona is missing, and he is, understandably, unhappy about that. I tell him that I am going to find her, and I will bring her back. He accepts this, gives me some grocery money, and tells me that the shop is going to be closed for the day. I think that is an excellent Idea. I gather my gear, tell Max to be careful, and head out to Aurane's place. It is nearly 1 in the afternoon when I get there, and it turns out his assistant is missing too, his place gone through. We set out to Rorin's estate, determined to get to the bottom of this, and preparing myself to tell Garfield. I'm guessing he isn't going to take this well. It doesn't take that long to get there, and when Garfield answers the door to let us in, I lay my hand on his shoulder and tell him that Leona has been taken. I was right, he doesn't take it well. Visibly shaken, he tells me that No One can find out about her secret, and if they do, they can not live. Shit. That complicates things a bit more too. I give Garfield my word, squeeze his shoulder, and we go into the mansion. Aurane has told the others of the missing assistants, and Rorin offers Garfield some time off if he needs it, and Garfield gladly accepts. Rorin brings us into the next room, and tells us that he has discovered a cipher that was used to make to note we could not decipher yesterday. and together, reading the message, we figure it out. It reads:
 
The shipment is still on track. They should be arriving in a week. Please ready the cargo for transport. You’ll be receiving the supplies in a day or so. Due to the persons snooping around we should move the cargo now that your supplies have been delivered. While further from the pickup, I believe we should move the cargo to the Dreams. Better to keep an eye on that Cerulean Sanctum. We’re to meet next at the docks in the northeast quadrant in two days.
 
The Dreams. we pick up on that. and the Docks in the North East quadrant. So. there will be a meeting at the "docks," or the temple of Pudge soon. It is suggested that we wait until then. I need to get Leona now. I have already wasted a night not being able to do anything, If we can find her now, she will be safer. Aurane feels the same about his apprentice. Everyone decides to go over to the temple of Dreams. The temple dedicated to the Unspoken One. not many people hang around that temple, and fewer go in. Perfect place to do some crime. Should have thought about it sooner. Melfina has an Idea she wants to try before we go anywhere though. She takes some blood she found under the temple for Lady Constance,where we found the cages, and mixing it with a bit of water, smears it around her eyes, which... start to glow..... (What?) With eyes Glowing like pools of blood, she confidently tells us that the owner of the rest of this blood is in the right direction for the Temple of pudge, and the right distance. Ohh... kay... creepy factor just went waay up. I look at the others, and While Marda is all nonchalant, Rorin is just hiding all of his emotions, and Aurane seems, upset? As if someone said his work not worth doing. Recovering from this stunning display, I suggest we get find some help, and since Elon is busy, the Bards college may be able to help us. Since Bridgette is the only one we know where she is, and we need more eyes and ears, we head over to her.
 
As we head over, I keep glancing over to Melfina, and notice that the blood around her eyes seems to be disappearing, and by the time we get to The Babblebrook inn, only a quarter of it remains. Bridget says she isn't really a part of the bard's version of the undertow, and can't promise anything. Apparently, a lot of strings were pulled to get all the bards patrolling last night, and she isn't sure that can be done again, but Melfina, her eyes still glowing that dull, blood red, takes her to a side and tells her Something. I have no idea what it is, and I have no Idea what language it was in, but it seemed to do the trick, as I watch Melfina talking to Bridgett, I notice that the blood isn't disappearing, it seems to be absorbing into her, or consumed by part of her..... Well. that's a might bit unsettling.
 
Time to head over to the Temple of Dreams. We don't stop to eat, having some trail rations provided by Marda. Maelfina offered just as her eyes went back to normal, and seeing us balk, Marda piped up to offer it instead. We made the trek over in silence, all of us dwelling on the events of the last night, and what lay ahead of us. When we get there we need to find out where the cobble is that hides the ladder down to the ziggurat under the temple, like the other ones. Aurane points out that the Cobble had always been on one side of the temple, off the beaten path, and I was able to find a cobble that was big enough, and the proper shape like the others were. Rorin supplies me with a crowbar, and I am able to pry up the cobble to reveal the ladder we were looking for. We try to climb down the ladder, and creep to the top of the stairs as quietly as possible, and before we even get to the top of the stairs, we start hearing voices coming from below. Going down, Slowly, cautiously, we peer into the ziggurat where we seem to have discovered where the kidnappers are! It looks like there are 3 of them standing and talking to each other, and 3 others walking around, as if guarding, but seemily kinda bored with it all. We can see that people are being held in cages, and I can see both Aurane's assistant, and Leona! I don't care if the others want to go in now, I am ready! How Dare they take her, and chain her up! I will not let this go without Punishment! Justice Will Be Done. Melfina says she has a plan, and we all ready our Weapons. I can tell Marda could have run in there first, but she lets Melfina go fist. and boy howdy does she!
 
Whispering a spell to herself, Melfina just walks right into the big goup talking amonst themselves and... changes. My stomach sickeningly turns as I see wings of Bone appear one her back, her eyes aglow once again with that skin crawling red, and she walks right into the middle of the group. Pointing at one of the group, and older man, a large scythe appear next to him, obviously intended to slice viciously into whatever victim she chooses. What! The fucking hell! Another wave of violent energy eminates from here, and the group of three start are visually stunned, and blood trickles from their eyes. A shadow of Death, she gestures, and the scythe sweeps down, and Blood flies through the air, the turtle in Melfinas pack popping out, and catching the warm liquid as it cascades through the Air. None of her opponents fall, but tehy must have been hurt. Hell, I feel a bit woosy just looking at the carnage. Rorin moves into the chamber, but does nothing more, possibly stunned by the Raw Carnage before Him. Aurane Chants up some divine spells, and small. spiritual guardians surround us, and as he moves into the vast hall he casts out his hand, and another weapon appears, this time a Large hammer similar to his own. As he walks into range of the enemy the guardians pelt the ones within the spells influence, both of them wearing cloaks, and his spiritual hammer slams into the older man, buffeting him. Again, none of his opponents go down. Hearty folk. but can they withstand the blows from the Black Blades of my Past.
 
"Heh. Let's show these whelps how to do this" I grumble to my self. No one could hear me, but that doesn't matter. I stride up to one of the cloaked figures, the one that was walking around, and I swing the battle axe in my metal hand. As the blade whistles through the air, the figure turns, reacting faster than anticipated. the Turn stops me from burying the blade in Her chest, and I look up to see it is marjore, the elf maiden that mocked us a few days before. A look of shock and pain appears on her face, and a shallow cut appears across her midriff. I use the opportunity to slide the hand axe in my scaled hand behind her knee, and cut into the back of her leg. The unexpected movement, and the leg no longer able to withstand her weight, she falls to the ground, and I bring down my axe, like a hammer blow to hot steel, and the head cleaves into her chest with a sickening crunch. My adrenaline spikes, and I use that extra energy to move on. Don't think about it. move on. Leona needs you. I walk over to one of the guards, there only to keep the kidnapped victims from making trouble, and I slash into him, cutting him down before he can react. I now stand before one remaining guard, the prisoners, and Leona, who is chained to the wall by her wrists and ankles by sliver chains. Leona rasps out- "it's about time you showed up." I quickly glance over my shoulder to see how the rest of the group is doing, as this guard, splattered whith his comrades blood is going to be stunned for just a bit longer. I imagine I will regret looking over for the next few days.
 
A horrific Wraith had materialized near the group of fighters, behind the older man, brandish large Claws. Was this another summon of Melfina's doing? What Is She?? The larger figure shimmers, and turns into an Oni, A large fearsome magical giant, holding a glaive to match his size. Not good. The Oni takes a swipe at Marda, who dodges under the blow, and returns a riposte with one of her blades, cutting deep into the leg of the Giant. Melfina Throws her arm forward, and a green ray flashes from her hand hitting the Oni who takes the spell in the face. He growls, seemingly unaffected by the damage done to him. The old man, who has yet to do anything, now speaks in the guttural tones known to those who deal with devils and demons, and a portal opens, and fades, leaving a monster. As Melfina sees it, she yells, "It's a Barlgura!" Well. Good. Now that I know what it is called, I can tell people to stay the fuck away from a Barlgura! appearing as a Large red ape, with tusks, the bulk hid the fact that it could move rapidly. Rorin jumps out of the shadows near the wall, and delivers a hard punch to the kidney of the other cloaked figure, who twists in agony, and Rorin takes a defensive stance ready for the returning attack. Aurane's celestial guardians swarm the cloaked figure, and leave him bloodied, but still he fights on. pulling out a rapier and stabbing at Melfina, inflicting a serious wound. Aurane uses his spectral hammer on one foe, while casting a spell to blind the Oni. The cloak with the rapier tries to flee, getting to a point near another entrance to the chamber.
 
 
I glance at Leona "Don't go anywhere" and Focus. The wolf, the falcon, the swift strike... I speed forward and try to trip Cloak. I can't let him get away and warn the rest of the goup. there must be a bunch of others out there, this can't be all of them. He doesn't fall to the floor, still able to stand even after I cut into his leg but with a final swing, the Black Blade is buried into his torso, dealing a mortal blow. As he falls, I turn to help my comrades and
-I see where the Gnolls have killed the villagers, leaving the bodies in a pile, most missing limbs or heads. killing just for the sake of killing. How can we kill each other over petty squabbles when evil creatures like these do all this damage. I look away from the pile, and see a child's body, missing the-
NO! NOT NOW. ONI. Pushing the memory away, I try to focus again. Get the Oni. The Remaining Guard I left stunned, gets out a horn and blows it, presumably to summon someone nearby. He then takes his crossbow and tries to fire at me, obviously still scared, as both shots fly wild, one narrowly misses Leona. He will pay for that. "pissant! you wait your turn" I call, gesturing at him with my axe. The Wraith Melfina must have summoned engulfs the large Demon, tearing into it with wild abandon. The Demon, ignoring the Horrific Wraith, moves up and ravages Melfina and Aurane, who are still battling the Oni. The old man is nowhere to be seen, nor is his body, which must mean he has disappeared using his magic. Damn. Marda Runs up to the oni, and unleashes a flurry of blows with her swords, dealing a significant amount of damage, and angering it. The Oni, still Blind, swings wildly at all three of the people in range, and manages to connect with all of them. After that attack, they are all looking rough, cuts and wounds showing, and bleeding. We need to finish this fight quick. Chanting a spell through a grimace of pain, she gestures at the Barlgura, but the monster seems to shrug off whatever the effect was supposed to be. Seeing no effect, she quickly heals herself. Finally, something I recognize from this mysterious adventurer. Out of the corner of my eye I see him. The old man who had disappeared, it turns out he somehow got over to the corner of the room opposite me, and he is casting another spell...
 
Just Before the fireball explodes in the middle of the combatants, I am able to throw my arm up, but nothing more. As the Blast from the fireball encapsulates the fighters, the heat from it is intense! But I have had worse burns from the forge. The flames die down in time for me to see Rorin walk up, and repeatedly Punch the Oni. His punches must have some sort of extra power behind them, as they seem to effect the Oni more than mere punches do. I don't have time to dwell more on it, as I also spot that Aurane is down from that fireball. That big ugly Barlgura is gone too, must have been sent back to whatever plane that bastard came from in the first place. Good. One more thing I don't have to worry about. I take advantage of Rorin's attacks distracting and wounding the Oni, move up to the opposite side of where Rorin was, as he jumped back away from it, and Swing my axes. Slicing into the top of the leg, which is about head high for me, I slice through it, and as the creature topples, I remove it's head. That's how you kill one of those. Simple. Glancing at the corner, I see the old man has dissapered, again, the coward. Now it's the turn of the little turdwaffle who shot at me. but as I get up to him, the friends he summoned come in, one of them flanking me. Fine. Can't fight his own battles huh. I hear Melfina and Marda taking damage, and this little twat behind me gets a cut into my back. From the periphery of my vision, I see the Wraith like form float over to an archer that has arrived, and.. suck some of his life from him. I don't want to know how that was done. I remind myself not to ask her. I hear Marda shout as she swings her swords, and the meaty slicing of them connecting with her target. Blocking attacks from both sides, I can't do anything about the archer, But Melfina takes care of him. She walks over to him, and drains the blood from him.... through his skin. like it all just came out. She just simply collects some in vials as her victim discovers what is it like to die from not having blood anymore. Fine. Ok. I probably wasn't going to sleep tonight anyway. Melfina then turns, and Uses another Heal on Aurane, but instead of the natual healing of most clerics I have seen, her's is painful to watch. it looks to be a forceful knitting back together, pulling the skin tight to close the wound, then growing back, instead of the gradual growth back you would see from when I heal someone. Grk. Focus now. don't want to take another cut form these guys on me. Rorin moves in and pummels the remains of Marda's target into the ground, and moves to check on Aurane and Help him up. Aurane, getting up, with eyes aflame calls upon his Diety, and a Wave of healing power emanates from him, I feel various cuts I didn't even know I had, and the wound on my back Closes. I quietly thank his diety in my mind, that it wasn't Melfina that did that. The Healing I received was much more soothing. I find an opening to cut down the Guard that shot at me, and I turn to the one who slashed my back, and tell him to bugger off. Banter was all it was, but he tries to take my advice. Woah! wait, hold on! where do you think you are going? Marda runs him down, and knocks him out. as she is tying him up, I turn my attention to the prisoners.
 
Aurane has beaten me to it, and it's not the only thing he was beating. The lock on his assistant, Kel, was getting a pounding by Aurane and his Hammer as he tried to let her out. I move over to Leona, and say, "I"m right here little one, I will get you out, but I need you to stay calm ok? I'm going to find the keys, I'll be right here, and you can see me, you are safe now." Searching the bodies, we find keys for all the cells and I find a shiny amulet in the remains of the Oni, who has turned into goop. Getting back to Leona, I find Rorin has already picked the locks on her ankles. I unlock the wrists, and pass the keys off so the others can unlock the rest of the kidnapped victims. Leona is really banged up, physically and mentally. I turn to pull her over to the other side of the Ziggurat, and see the carnage that was caused. The guards, one I nearly cut in half, the Cloaked figure, whom I slew. And Marjore. Marjore who lay on her back, a massive wound in her chest, blood still slowly oozing out of her chest, buy her eyes... Glazed over from death... eyes like..
-The corpses eyes were gone. picked out by birds most likely, I had to keep looking. The bandits had killed this group of travelers. The travelers had probably attempted to defend themselves instead of giving up their possessions. We had been hired to find these bandits by the local town, and get rid of them. sometimes the Bandits came back to the same place, to see who came investigating. All around our patrol were people who had done nothing but try to make an honest living. One was on her back, a young dwarf woman who had received a a wicked hack to her chest, probably from a giant cleaver the bandit lord is known to use. The cleaver had obviously punctured her lungs and she had died, trying to breathe her own blood, evidence of her coughing it up on her lips and cheeks. What a horrible way to die...--
nnnnnnNNO! NOT now. I take a deep breath, and close my eyes. I feel Leona's weight as she leans on me, we are walking across the chamber. I need to tend to her right now. She, and the other victims will need help. I sit her down against the wall, and I talk to her, simply telling her how to bend the metal bands for splint mail. It is something she already knows, but it is something else to think about, something else to focus on. We sit and talk for a while, as the other victims are taken care of by the others. Aurane is tending to Kel, making sure she is ok.
 
Once Leona is better, (and myself), I get up to talk to the others. Noticing I'm still covered in blood, I try to find some clean water to wash off, and manage only to smear some blood off my face. Discussing options with the others, we decide to take everyone to the Cerulean Sanctum. I get everyone's attention, and tell them we can't let them all go home at once. There are wounds to take care of, we can get them food and water, and make sure they are all safe. The group seems to be willing to allow us to guide them to the sanctum, so we take them up to the surface, and with the Companions surrounding us, we walk them to the sanctum. Leona is sticking with me, and Rorin is guiding our prisoner, the guard. All of us covered in blood must have been quite a sight, and we did attract a good amount of attention, but no one approached us. When we get to the Sanctum, we demand to be let in, and we are waved in, to be met by the Magistrate of the Sanctum Himself. He says we are going to a private room, to sort all of this out.