The Abduction
General Summary
The lasers had mostly stopped. Octaviu carefully followed Ya'Rubu's trail, examining the new pillars and the gears on them. He seemed to be able to move them up and down. He tinkered with them for a time, until the energy shifted again, and the pillars sunk into the ground, forming a stairway down.
"You're up now, buddy," He slapped Dinu's back, and moved to walk beside me.
Dinu led the way down the stairs. I followed him, and Davina followed behind me. Kara and Cairnwood brought up the rear, both looking very distressed.
We descended the glowing stairs, into another hall, and then another room. It was empty but for the light coming from the grate on the ceiling. There seemed to be a room past the grate above us, if the light was any indication...
I raised my lantern to it. I could just make out faint embossed figures carved into the stone of the room beyond. They looked human, but posed very stiffly, in profile.
"Can someone climb up there and get a better look?" I asked, not looking to my companions. I was straining to try and make out the carved figures.
"Sure, why not?" Davina shrugged, "I think out of all of us, I'm the least mangled right now..." She pulled out the roped handaxe she'd used back on the beach. She swung it rather weakly, and let it go. I just stepped out of her way as the axe flew up and past me. It clattered against the grate and then to the ground. "One more go," She said, swinging again. She released, and missed again. "Again-" She said, winding up for another swing, but Dinu placed a hand on her shoulder. He reached for the handaxe, and she handed it to him. He whipped the handaxe around. He let go, and it connected, clattering through the grate and catching on an edge. Davina let out a sound of appreciation, and took to the rope, climbing like a cat to the top despite her heavy armour. "There's a latch or something up here!" She said, reaching through the bars with one hand. The rope didn't like that, swinging and wobbling as she reached. She swayed, her balance lost, and fell. "Are you alright?" Kara asked, offering a hand. Davina let out a grunt, but bounced back up quickly. She looked back to the grate, then to Dinu, "Okay, bud your turn." Dinu squealed as she slapped him where the crossbow had been earlier. "Oh god I'm so sorry," She quickly apologised. He waved her off, and took to the rope. He only made it about halfway up, before losing his grip. Davina caught him, and the two tumbled to the ground in a horrid clatter of armour. I flinched, and when I'd opened my eyes, Octaviu had already taken to the rope. He climbed all the way up and quickly grabbed onto the grate with both hands. He pushed an arm through, playing with something out of sight. Then there was a loud thunk as the grate shifted and fell. It looked for a moment he'd fall as well, and Davina had run to catch him, but the hinge of the grate held tight to the ceiling. Octaviu offered a quick thumbs up, then climbed the grate into the room beyond.
In our minds he sent images of the room. It was small, with the same black stone walls. Claustrophobic. The carvings in the walls held my focus most, though I could not make sense of them as telling anything. They didn't resemble any culture I'd read of, at the least. Still, they were humanoids, as I thought... Though there were also the spider-like dragons like we'd seen in Taharjin's tome. They made me uneasy. "You guys coming up or what?" Octaviu called. Of course. Davina went first, then Dinu. Ya'Rubu scrambled up next. I tried to follow, but it was a lot harder than he made it look. How on earth was he so agile... "Hold on to the rope, Rianemi," Davina said, "We'll pull you up." I did, and my arms burned from even that exertion... When we had some spare time I'd need to work on that, if we were to keep exploring all these ruins... I cannot expect the others to carry me everywhere. Though... Maybe there's a spell I could learn to help... I grabbed Dinu's hand as the rope brought me to the top. He pulled me through, and we sent the rope back down to Kara and Cairnwood. Now that I was in the room, the claustrophobia grew only stronger. It felt like a tomb. The carvings seemed to be a procession, moving through the room. They towered over us, and despite being portrayed in profile, their eyes seemed completely focused on the centre of the room. There, a plinth rose from the ground. It glowed slightly blue, as the rest of this place did.
"What is all this?" Kara asked, her voice quiet. "I think we'll have to save the full story for when we get back to camp," Dinu said "You better tell me something," Kara looked at him with disbelief, "We were sent here to guard this rock, for no reason, and yet it takes a full crew. Then, we find this strange place, and we're told to wait for reinforcements, I-" Dinu let out a sigh, "Well... We found a similar place back in Sewca, in the mines. The locals thought it was haunted. It... Sort of was."
I frowned, my gaze sharp on Dinu. He wouldn't... Kara watched him as well with an inscrutable look. Dinu seemed to squirm under it. "We've been tasked to find places like this and get them working..." He added. He would. I bit back an annoyed sigh, ready to jump in, to try and guide this conversation somewhere safer but... Kara was sharp. She'd see through me in a second. Even ignoring that, she knows Dinu too well. She'd probably be able to see through me by reading him... But we can't let just anyone know about this. It's too important. If it gets back to the council... I seethed. "By who?" Kara pressed, "Come on, Dinu. Tell me." "I..." He looked to the rest of us, "I don't think..." "Can you at least tell me I have nothing to worry about?" Kara asked, her tone pleading. "I can't tell you that for sure..." Dinu shook his head, "We knew this was dangerous going in. We agreed to it, despite that." Kara watched him again. "I dunno," Cairnwood's voice broke through the couple's discussion, "But it's better than going and sitting in the rain." "Maybe we should wait," Kara shook her head, "The council is coming in a week... They can handle it." There. "To be honest," Dinu said, his voice quiet, "I'm not entirely sure we can trust the council in this. It's pretty big stuff." Kara looked very unconvinced. "You can join us," I drew my words out, trying to sound annoyed, "You can join us, or go back. We'll be going until the end, regardless." Kara thought for a moment, then forced a wry smirk, "Well, I know this idiot needs someone to watch his back." Dinu lightly smiled back, "I might need another bolt taken out of my back..." I sighed. At least the questions have stopped. It would've been better if the chaperones left but... Fine. We can work with this. I walked up to a risen plinth. It looked like Octaviu had placed his spider-dragon figurine atop it. He was investigating the walls at the moment. I took the figure, lifting it. The glow faded as I moved it away. Interesting. I placed it back, then moved it around. The glow followed slightly behind the figure. If I was quick, I'd be able to draw simple shapes by moving it around. I thought back to some of the runes we'd seen, then tried to recreate them. One, two, three, then on the fourth there was a click. The blue glow of the plinth turned bright red, and lines of light snaked to the far wall. The light outlined two panels, which then shifted into a hidden recess in the wall, revealing a figured slumped over in the small alcove. I cautiously stepped closer, holding my lantern over the figure. At first glance, I thought it to be a human, but as it was illuminated I saw it to be some sort of mechanical. Its head was solid black metal, carved with elegant filigree that ran down to its chest. It was lined with familiar runes. Interesting. Its limbs looked skeletal, with the same filigree winding around it as the face. Octaviu let out an appreciative whistle. I mirrored the sentiment in my mind. It was beautifully crafted. A leg jerked. I startled, then saw that Cairnwood had poked it with his sword. I gave him a disapproving look. Still, the mechanical gave no reaction. Maybe... I left it to Octaviu, making my way back to the plinth. I took the figurine and made the same pattern as before, but in reverse. The blue returned after a moment. The glowing lines shot from the plinth this time, right to the mechanical. Octaviu bounced back just as a spark shot through the skeletal figure. It jerked, but didn't get up. Kara drew her sword, and Cairnwood tensed. "Hey, give me a light," Octaviu said, unconcerned with the two outsiders, "I think something's moved..." I returned to him, holding my lantern out for him. He nodded in thanks, and examined the mechanical's chest. It seemed to have opened, revealing a complicated interior. He took out some tools, and poked around at it. I watched his hands work as he deftly moved gears and panels and such from spot to spot. Eventually, he'd revealed a fist-sized empty spot, high in the middle of the chest.
"Guys I think it needs some sort of..." Octaviu looked to the others, "Heart shaped thing." I stayed where I was with the light, but glanced back at the room. There didn't seem to be anything else besides the plinth... Still, the others started poking at the walls and the plinth, much to no avail. Hm... I motioned to Octaviu to move, and took his place beside the mechanical. I had a vague idea, though it wasn't supported by much more than a gut feeling. I put my hand on the empty panel. It was cold, but... I smelled ozone and immediately pulled back, before I'd even realised I had. The pain hit a second later, and my heart beat a second out of tune. It had shocked me... But there was a presence for sure, I felt it. A glow spread through the mechanical. It twitched again, and its eyes lit blue. It tried to get up, but it didn't- I felt Razor magic behind me, and heard the clanking of armour as Kara and Cairnwood readied to attack. "Hey, calm!" I snapped, then waved them off, "Stay back, enough of that." "If this thing comes up and kills us all, I'm never talking to you again," Kara threatened, her lips pursed. "I can live with that," I said, turning back to the mechanical. Kara grumbled and stuck close to Dinu. "Begging your pardon, my lady..." Cairnwood said behind me, his voice placating, "...but maybe we should think this through a bit more? It could kill us all. " I looked to him, and my face showed my exasperation, I was sure. I waited a moment, then forced a smile, "Alright. I've thought about it, and-" His face lit up. "Yes, it may be dangerous, but I will continue working with it," I left it at that. Cairnwood bowed his head at my words. I felt a twinge of guilt, but quickly buried it. They can leave any time they want, and still have chosen to stay, after all. I would apologise for my rudeness later. There are more important matters than calming either of their fears at the moment, anyway...
"To be fair," Dinu offered an explanation, "We've seen things like this before, and they did us no harm..." "Right..." Kara said.
The mechanical buzzed in a broken pattern. I frowned. It sounded like it was trying to speak, though the words made no sense. Dinu came to me. I moved from his way as he reached to offer his hand to the mechanical. He flinched, and I knew it shocked him as well. The mechanical jolted again, and now its head moved and searched the room. It landed on Octaviu, and reached out. Octaviu looked to it for a moment, and then spoke to us. "It needs energy," Octaviu frowned, "Dunno what that would be, besides what you two already gave... It's probably not a great idea to keep doing that, either. We could keep giving and it'd just drain us dry..." He hummed in thought.
"I'm sorry, is he talking to it?" Kara spoke up again. I offered a quick nod, thinking. We did have two more here who could potentially offer 'energy'. I glanced back to Kara, then quickly wrote that thought off. She was too afraid for the door, and she's only gotten more afraid as we've gone further in. That left... "What? Me? Is it my turn?" Ya'Rubu perked up as I looked to him, seemingly reading my mind before I could even ask. When we were done here I'd need to tell him not to do that. Horribly rude... Ya'Rubu bounced over to the mechanical, mumbling to himself all the way. He sat in front of it, "Hmm... Hm okay... So if I stick my finger in this hole..." He jolted, then nodded. He crossed his legs, and closed his eyes, going very still. He reached his hand back inside, and didn't move. It was very clearly still shocking him, but through whatever mental fortitude he held, he didn't seem to mind. ...I'd have to ask him how he does that. Seems a useful skill. He kept his hand inside for a few minutes more, as the mechanical's glow grew stronger and brighter still... It offered another jerk, and managed to sit up straighter. Ya'Rubu pulled his hand back, "I think he's with us now." He pushed up, then left for the other side of the room, where he sat down into another meditation.
The mechanical looked to the rest of us, and in our minds it spoke, "Thank you, I feel much better." I jumped right in. Who knows how long this power will last.... "Where is the beacon?" I asked, "The obelisk." "...I'm sorry, I don't know what that is..." It cocked its head, "Who are you? Why am I here? I don't remember who I am. I don't remember I don't remember I don't rememberIdon't-" Its words sped together into a sharp whine in our heads. I flinched. "Idon'trememberIdon't-" It cut off, then spoke in its normal tone once more, "I seem to be having trouble with my physical systems..." A part of me felt some pity for it, despite my annoyance at how unhelpful it was. "Would you allow our friend to take a look at you and try and bring you back to... functioning?" Dinu asked. "Of course," It said, dipping its head. Octaviu returned to the mechanical's chest, poking inside with his tools. He didn't seem to have much luck, though. "Yeah I got nothing," He said. "Oh thank you," The mechanical said, "I'm sorry you didn't find anything, I don't mean to be a bother... Can you help me up?" I offered a hand, but he was incredibly heavy. I let out a gasp. "Oh I'm sorry, I am a bother aren't I?" It bowed its head again. I did not assuage its notions. I felt like it ripped my arm from its socket.
"I might be able to help?" Ya'Rubu said. Dinu motioned for him to try. I moved aside, watching as he looked over the mechanical. He put his head on the the thing's head, and a hand on its chest, and I felt magic working. "Oh... I'm sorry, no," He said, his voice sad, "I don't know."
"Okay, this is just too weird," Kara said, her arms raised, "I really think we should get out of here. This is crazy, crazy. Let's go-" "I'm sorry Dinu," She said, her eyes pleading, "I don't understand what's going on here, but I cannot stay here. This is too weird." "I understand, and I'm sorry," Dinu bowed, but did not move to follow her, "It's very weird, I know." Kara watched him. She swallowed, "Okay." Kara motioned to Cairnwood. He took to the rope, while Kara addressed Dinu again. "See you back at the camp," She said, "Don't die." Dinu nodded, and then the two were gone. I went back to the mechanical. Octaviu was poking around its chest once more. It continued to apologise, but Octaviu paid it no mind. It didn't seem to be of the same type as the one we'd met back in Sewca. It seemed... Simpler. It reminded me of the doors. There was a mind, yes, but it held a single purpose... Maybe this was the same? If so, what would its purpose be? A guardian? Then why was a piece removed, a piece it seems to need for function... My mind came back to the tomblike atmosphere, the silence pressing deep on us. Was this... a grave? The mechanical had been left in that nook, sealed until I opened it. It wouldn't have had a way out on its own. At least not one I could see... The mechanical was badly damaged, too, and its mind did not seem entirely there. Still, why would someone inter a mechanical man as if it were a corpse? I shook my head. Too many questions, and not enough answers. I could try and rectify that. "What was-"
A woman's scream rang out, and my voice died in my throat. A loud thud echoed from the entrance. In a second, Dinu had scrambled to the grate, and grabbed for the rope. He slid down, but it caught his armour, and in trying to get free, he only became more tangled. I hesitated only a moment. I told the mechanical I'd be right back, and ran to the grate. I leapt past Dinu, and to the room below.
Cairnwood lay motionless on the ground, with a spear sticking from his body. I ran to him, and tried to stop the blood but there was too much and my hands were red and- A loud rumbling came from the entrance. I looked up, and saw a figure standing on the stairs. His eyes glowed red as he looked back at me. His jagged armour was a deep crimson, and there was a person thrown over his shoulder, unmoving. Kara. He lazily raised his arm in a wave, and said in broken, Sau-accented Draksi, "Well, be seeing you." Then I saw, the floor had started closing behind him. I quickly threw a bolt of ice after him, but he was too far. It sputtered out before reaching him. Octaviu landed on the floor beside me, and Davina a moment later. She tossed an axe after the red-armoured man, lodging in his leg. The man pulled it out, and shattered it against the wall. Black liquid poured from the wound. The stairs burned where it touched, sizzling like acid through wood. A bolt of fire shot through just as the door closed. Scales showed through his burnt boots.
"Sure, why not?" Davina shrugged, "I think out of all of us, I'm the least mangled right now..." She pulled out the roped handaxe she'd used back on the beach. She swung it rather weakly, and let it go. I just stepped out of her way as the axe flew up and past me. It clattered against the grate and then to the ground. "One more go," She said, swinging again. She released, and missed again. "Again-" She said, winding up for another swing, but Dinu placed a hand on her shoulder. He reached for the handaxe, and she handed it to him. He whipped the handaxe around. He let go, and it connected, clattering through the grate and catching on an edge. Davina let out a sound of appreciation, and took to the rope, climbing like a cat to the top despite her heavy armour. "There's a latch or something up here!" She said, reaching through the bars with one hand. The rope didn't like that, swinging and wobbling as she reached. She swayed, her balance lost, and fell. "Are you alright?" Kara asked, offering a hand. Davina let out a grunt, but bounced back up quickly. She looked back to the grate, then to Dinu, "Okay, bud your turn." Dinu squealed as she slapped him where the crossbow had been earlier. "Oh god I'm so sorry," She quickly apologised. He waved her off, and took to the rope. He only made it about halfway up, before losing his grip. Davina caught him, and the two tumbled to the ground in a horrid clatter of armour. I flinched, and when I'd opened my eyes, Octaviu had already taken to the rope. He climbed all the way up and quickly grabbed onto the grate with both hands. He pushed an arm through, playing with something out of sight. Then there was a loud thunk as the grate shifted and fell. It looked for a moment he'd fall as well, and Davina had run to catch him, but the hinge of the grate held tight to the ceiling. Octaviu offered a quick thumbs up, then climbed the grate into the room beyond.
In our minds he sent images of the room. It was small, with the same black stone walls. Claustrophobic. The carvings in the walls held my focus most, though I could not make sense of them as telling anything. They didn't resemble any culture I'd read of, at the least. Still, they were humanoids, as I thought... Though there were also the spider-like dragons like we'd seen in Taharjin's tome. They made me uneasy. "You guys coming up or what?" Octaviu called. Of course. Davina went first, then Dinu. Ya'Rubu scrambled up next. I tried to follow, but it was a lot harder than he made it look. How on earth was he so agile... "Hold on to the rope, Rianemi," Davina said, "We'll pull you up." I did, and my arms burned from even that exertion... When we had some spare time I'd need to work on that, if we were to keep exploring all these ruins... I cannot expect the others to carry me everywhere. Though... Maybe there's a spell I could learn to help... I grabbed Dinu's hand as the rope brought me to the top. He pulled me through, and we sent the rope back down to Kara and Cairnwood. Now that I was in the room, the claustrophobia grew only stronger. It felt like a tomb. The carvings seemed to be a procession, moving through the room. They towered over us, and despite being portrayed in profile, their eyes seemed completely focused on the centre of the room. There, a plinth rose from the ground. It glowed slightly blue, as the rest of this place did.
"What is all this?" Kara asked, her voice quiet. "I think we'll have to save the full story for when we get back to camp," Dinu said "You better tell me something," Kara looked at him with disbelief, "We were sent here to guard this rock, for no reason, and yet it takes a full crew. Then, we find this strange place, and we're told to wait for reinforcements, I-" Dinu let out a sigh, "Well... We found a similar place back in Sewca, in the mines. The locals thought it was haunted. It... Sort of was."
I frowned, my gaze sharp on Dinu. He wouldn't... Kara watched him as well with an inscrutable look. Dinu seemed to squirm under it. "We've been tasked to find places like this and get them working..." He added. He would. I bit back an annoyed sigh, ready to jump in, to try and guide this conversation somewhere safer but... Kara was sharp. She'd see through me in a second. Even ignoring that, she knows Dinu too well. She'd probably be able to see through me by reading him... But we can't let just anyone know about this. It's too important. If it gets back to the council... I seethed. "By who?" Kara pressed, "Come on, Dinu. Tell me." "I..." He looked to the rest of us, "I don't think..." "Can you at least tell me I have nothing to worry about?" Kara asked, her tone pleading. "I can't tell you that for sure..." Dinu shook his head, "We knew this was dangerous going in. We agreed to it, despite that." Kara watched him again. "I dunno," Cairnwood's voice broke through the couple's discussion, "But it's better than going and sitting in the rain." "Maybe we should wait," Kara shook her head, "The council is coming in a week... They can handle it." There. "To be honest," Dinu said, his voice quiet, "I'm not entirely sure we can trust the council in this. It's pretty big stuff." Kara looked very unconvinced. "You can join us," I drew my words out, trying to sound annoyed, "You can join us, or go back. We'll be going until the end, regardless." Kara thought for a moment, then forced a wry smirk, "Well, I know this idiot needs someone to watch his back." Dinu lightly smiled back, "I might need another bolt taken out of my back..." I sighed. At least the questions have stopped. It would've been better if the chaperones left but... Fine. We can work with this. I walked up to a risen plinth. It looked like Octaviu had placed his spider-dragon figurine atop it. He was investigating the walls at the moment. I took the figure, lifting it. The glow faded as I moved it away. Interesting. I placed it back, then moved it around. The glow followed slightly behind the figure. If I was quick, I'd be able to draw simple shapes by moving it around. I thought back to some of the runes we'd seen, then tried to recreate them. One, two, three, then on the fourth there was a click. The blue glow of the plinth turned bright red, and lines of light snaked to the far wall. The light outlined two panels, which then shifted into a hidden recess in the wall, revealing a figured slumped over in the small alcove. I cautiously stepped closer, holding my lantern over the figure. At first glance, I thought it to be a human, but as it was illuminated I saw it to be some sort of mechanical. Its head was solid black metal, carved with elegant filigree that ran down to its chest. It was lined with familiar runes. Interesting. Its limbs looked skeletal, with the same filigree winding around it as the face. Octaviu let out an appreciative whistle. I mirrored the sentiment in my mind. It was beautifully crafted. A leg jerked. I startled, then saw that Cairnwood had poked it with his sword. I gave him a disapproving look. Still, the mechanical gave no reaction. Maybe... I left it to Octaviu, making my way back to the plinth. I took the figurine and made the same pattern as before, but in reverse. The blue returned after a moment. The glowing lines shot from the plinth this time, right to the mechanical. Octaviu bounced back just as a spark shot through the skeletal figure. It jerked, but didn't get up. Kara drew her sword, and Cairnwood tensed. "Hey, give me a light," Octaviu said, unconcerned with the two outsiders, "I think something's moved..." I returned to him, holding my lantern out for him. He nodded in thanks, and examined the mechanical's chest. It seemed to have opened, revealing a complicated interior. He took out some tools, and poked around at it. I watched his hands work as he deftly moved gears and panels and such from spot to spot. Eventually, he'd revealed a fist-sized empty spot, high in the middle of the chest.
"Guys I think it needs some sort of..." Octaviu looked to the others, "Heart shaped thing." I stayed where I was with the light, but glanced back at the room. There didn't seem to be anything else besides the plinth... Still, the others started poking at the walls and the plinth, much to no avail. Hm... I motioned to Octaviu to move, and took his place beside the mechanical. I had a vague idea, though it wasn't supported by much more than a gut feeling. I put my hand on the empty panel. It was cold, but... I smelled ozone and immediately pulled back, before I'd even realised I had. The pain hit a second later, and my heart beat a second out of tune. It had shocked me... But there was a presence for sure, I felt it. A glow spread through the mechanical. It twitched again, and its eyes lit blue. It tried to get up, but it didn't- I felt Razor magic behind me, and heard the clanking of armour as Kara and Cairnwood readied to attack. "Hey, calm!" I snapped, then waved them off, "Stay back, enough of that." "If this thing comes up and kills us all, I'm never talking to you again," Kara threatened, her lips pursed. "I can live with that," I said, turning back to the mechanical. Kara grumbled and stuck close to Dinu. "Begging your pardon, my lady..." Cairnwood said behind me, his voice placating, "...but maybe we should think this through a bit more? It could kill us all. " I looked to him, and my face showed my exasperation, I was sure. I waited a moment, then forced a smile, "Alright. I've thought about it, and-" His face lit up. "Yes, it may be dangerous, but I will continue working with it," I left it at that. Cairnwood bowed his head at my words. I felt a twinge of guilt, but quickly buried it. They can leave any time they want, and still have chosen to stay, after all. I would apologise for my rudeness later. There are more important matters than calming either of their fears at the moment, anyway...
"To be fair," Dinu offered an explanation, "We've seen things like this before, and they did us no harm..." "Right..." Kara said.
The mechanical buzzed in a broken pattern. I frowned. It sounded like it was trying to speak, though the words made no sense. Dinu came to me. I moved from his way as he reached to offer his hand to the mechanical. He flinched, and I knew it shocked him as well. The mechanical jolted again, and now its head moved and searched the room. It landed on Octaviu, and reached out. Octaviu looked to it for a moment, and then spoke to us. "It needs energy," Octaviu frowned, "Dunno what that would be, besides what you two already gave... It's probably not a great idea to keep doing that, either. We could keep giving and it'd just drain us dry..." He hummed in thought.
"I'm sorry, is he talking to it?" Kara spoke up again. I offered a quick nod, thinking. We did have two more here who could potentially offer 'energy'. I glanced back to Kara, then quickly wrote that thought off. She was too afraid for the door, and she's only gotten more afraid as we've gone further in. That left... "What? Me? Is it my turn?" Ya'Rubu perked up as I looked to him, seemingly reading my mind before I could even ask. When we were done here I'd need to tell him not to do that. Horribly rude... Ya'Rubu bounced over to the mechanical, mumbling to himself all the way. He sat in front of it, "Hmm... Hm okay... So if I stick my finger in this hole..." He jolted, then nodded. He crossed his legs, and closed his eyes, going very still. He reached his hand back inside, and didn't move. It was very clearly still shocking him, but through whatever mental fortitude he held, he didn't seem to mind. ...I'd have to ask him how he does that. Seems a useful skill. He kept his hand inside for a few minutes more, as the mechanical's glow grew stronger and brighter still... It offered another jerk, and managed to sit up straighter. Ya'Rubu pulled his hand back, "I think he's with us now." He pushed up, then left for the other side of the room, where he sat down into another meditation.
The mechanical looked to the rest of us, and in our minds it spoke, "Thank you, I feel much better." I jumped right in. Who knows how long this power will last.... "Where is the beacon?" I asked, "The obelisk." "...I'm sorry, I don't know what that is..." It cocked its head, "Who are you? Why am I here? I don't remember who I am. I don't remember I don't remember I don't rememberIdon't-" Its words sped together into a sharp whine in our heads. I flinched. "Idon'trememberIdon't-" It cut off, then spoke in its normal tone once more, "I seem to be having trouble with my physical systems..." A part of me felt some pity for it, despite my annoyance at how unhelpful it was. "Would you allow our friend to take a look at you and try and bring you back to... functioning?" Dinu asked. "Of course," It said, dipping its head. Octaviu returned to the mechanical's chest, poking inside with his tools. He didn't seem to have much luck, though. "Yeah I got nothing," He said. "Oh thank you," The mechanical said, "I'm sorry you didn't find anything, I don't mean to be a bother... Can you help me up?" I offered a hand, but he was incredibly heavy. I let out a gasp. "Oh I'm sorry, I am a bother aren't I?" It bowed its head again. I did not assuage its notions. I felt like it ripped my arm from its socket.
"I might be able to help?" Ya'Rubu said. Dinu motioned for him to try. I moved aside, watching as he looked over the mechanical. He put his head on the the thing's head, and a hand on its chest, and I felt magic working. "Oh... I'm sorry, no," He said, his voice sad, "I don't know."
"Okay, this is just too weird," Kara said, her arms raised, "I really think we should get out of here. This is crazy, crazy. Let's go-" "I'm sorry Dinu," She said, her eyes pleading, "I don't understand what's going on here, but I cannot stay here. This is too weird." "I understand, and I'm sorry," Dinu bowed, but did not move to follow her, "It's very weird, I know." Kara watched him. She swallowed, "Okay." Kara motioned to Cairnwood. He took to the rope, while Kara addressed Dinu again. "See you back at the camp," She said, "Don't die." Dinu nodded, and then the two were gone. I went back to the mechanical. Octaviu was poking around its chest once more. It continued to apologise, but Octaviu paid it no mind. It didn't seem to be of the same type as the one we'd met back in Sewca. It seemed... Simpler. It reminded me of the doors. There was a mind, yes, but it held a single purpose... Maybe this was the same? If so, what would its purpose be? A guardian? Then why was a piece removed, a piece it seems to need for function... My mind came back to the tomblike atmosphere, the silence pressing deep on us. Was this... a grave? The mechanical had been left in that nook, sealed until I opened it. It wouldn't have had a way out on its own. At least not one I could see... The mechanical was badly damaged, too, and its mind did not seem entirely there. Still, why would someone inter a mechanical man as if it were a corpse? I shook my head. Too many questions, and not enough answers. I could try and rectify that. "What was-"
A woman's scream rang out, and my voice died in my throat. A loud thud echoed from the entrance. In a second, Dinu had scrambled to the grate, and grabbed for the rope. He slid down, but it caught his armour, and in trying to get free, he only became more tangled. I hesitated only a moment. I told the mechanical I'd be right back, and ran to the grate. I leapt past Dinu, and to the room below.
Cairnwood lay motionless on the ground, with a spear sticking from his body. I ran to him, and tried to stop the blood but there was too much and my hands were red and- A loud rumbling came from the entrance. I looked up, and saw a figure standing on the stairs. His eyes glowed red as he looked back at me. His jagged armour was a deep crimson, and there was a person thrown over his shoulder, unmoving. Kara. He lazily raised his arm in a wave, and said in broken, Sau-accented Draksi, "Well, be seeing you." Then I saw, the floor had started closing behind him. I quickly threw a bolt of ice after him, but he was too far. It sputtered out before reaching him. Octaviu landed on the floor beside me, and Davina a moment later. She tossed an axe after the red-armoured man, lodging in his leg. The man pulled it out, and shattered it against the wall. Black liquid poured from the wound. The stairs burned where it touched, sizzling like acid through wood. A bolt of fire shot through just as the door closed. Scales showed through his burnt boots.
Report Date
08 Nov 2024
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