FINAL REWARD: PART III
by: Taliaferro Erucolindo
The entirety of Giliath Lang assembled in Freeport, in the small courtyard behind the Jade Tiger Den. All had gathered at the call, and were curious to know what word had come to them about their long-missing comrades. Kiren discussed things quickly with Telree, showing him the message. Nodding to Kiren, Telree addressed the assembly. "My friends, this is a matter of grave importance. As many of you know, one of our greatest Warriors, Glorelion Galadhgil, left several seasons ago to search for his abducted wife, the Lady Lorfindur, Paladin of Tunare. We have not heard from him since, but as he was going deep into enemy territory, using magicks to assume the form of a Teir'Dal, we knew that communication with him would be impossible. We also knew that when he found his wife, he would certainly do everything in his power to bring her out of Neriak, or whatever foul land that she was being held in. That time may be upon us. Through the efforts of Thanoslug, who brought this news to light, we have word from Glorelion." A murmur passed through the guild, as Telree showed the message. It was a blood-stained piece of parchment, written in Elven hand. "Though the message was hurriedly written, the request for help is clear", continued Telree. Reading from the parchement, Telree relayed the message: "My friends, may the light shine upon us in our darkest hour. I have found my beloved, and we need your help to escape the clutches of darkness. There is also great evil afoot, and we need to assemble the items from the Ritual of Light once again. Those who bear them will know what to bring. Please hurry and meet us in Nektulos Forest, just north of the Wizard Spires. We are in hiding, but will keep watch for you. Discretion would be prudent, but please hurry and bring the items for the Ritual. May the light watch over you." Telree looked up from the parchement. "It is signed, simply, G and L". Telree smiled grimly at the irony of the initials.
Rekus bellowed out, "I say we storm Neriak!", drawing a like response from the Warriors and a good many of the other members. "Stealth might be the better recourse, I could speak to the local Halflings..." countered Hamba. "The Wizard Spires would make for a speedy entry, though that might be guarded," added Reinnie, drawing a nod of approval from Dalthorn. "Speed is of the essence, regardless of how we get there," said Komos. "Maybe travelling under the guise of the Teir'Dal themselves would give us cover," added Inelia. Many other voices began to debate over the best approach, though all were quite earnest in their desires to aid their missing comrades. As various battle plans were discussed, Taliaferro sought out Kiren. "We know that you and I have to be there. Not only because we'd both give our lives to save our friends, but also because you and I hold two of the items for the Ritual," spoke Taliaferro. "Aye, that much is certain. I don't think a frontal assault would be the best plan, although that may serve well as a diversion," replied Kiren, "Do you have the Shining Star of Light with you?" "Aye," replied Tal, "always. You have the Losse Onde?" "Aye, that just leaves Soulfire..." Kiren mused.
Soulfire. For her part of the Ritual of Light, Lorfindur had succeeded on her quest to recover Soulfire, a blazing holy sword. Following the success of the Ritual, and the binding of Darkness, Lorfindur went on to wield Soulfire up until the day of her disappearance, when the Teir'Dal Shadow Knight, Tarina, began impersonating her. Through the magic of a powerful Ring of Illusions, Tarina was even able to wield Soulfire itself, normally an impossibility for a Shadow Knight. When the deception was discovered, and the illusion broken, Tarina fled into the night, dropping Soulfire as the blade's holy flames turned against her. Since that day, Soulfire now rested in a place of honor, in the guildhall of Giliath Lang, located in the palace of Felwithe.
"So, what do you think then, a diversionary raid by the rest of the guild while a handful of us sneak through Nektulos to the meeting place?" Tal's words brought Kiren out of his memories. "Sounds like a good plan, let's talk to Telree," responded Kiren. Telree and the other officers agreed to the plan, and brought it before the rest of the guild. Telree began, "I, along with Rekus, Greyharte, Zosmann, Tatina and Wulli will lead a battle force on a diversionary raid into Nektulos from the North, on a direct line for Neriak. We will take enough of the casters and healers with us to keep us healed and battle-ready, and to teleport us out of there if need be." "Not like we'll be needing it, but they can come along and watch!" laughed Rekus, sharpening his axe. Everyone chuckled at the Barbarian Warrior, half-wondering if he was serious. "At any rate, we don't want to lose anyone on this raid," replied Telree, "so we'll be taking the majority of the guild along for that part of it, holding only a small contingent of healers and teleporters in reserve, in case we need to reinforce. Mummie will be in charge of the reserve force. The diversionary raid will make as much noise as we can, and draw as much attention to ourselves as possible..." "In other words, be our usual selves!" joked Soaren, drawing a few chuckles from his guildmates. ".....yes," smiled Telree, "be our usual selves. We must all be careful though. This is only a diversionary raid, but the Teir'Dal could respond to us with the entire might of Neriak. In fact, if they do, all the better," continued Telree, "because that will help the recovery team slip in unnoticed and find Glorelion and Lorfindur." "Who is on the recovery team?" asked Learic. "That team will be led by Kiren, so I'll turn things over to him to explain that."
Kiren stood and spoke, "The message from Glorelion comes to us with a request that we bring the components of the Ritual of Light. I trust Glorelion to know whereof he speaks, because Lorfindur was instrumental in the Ritual itself. Her holy sword, Soulfire, is one of the components of that Ritual, and I'm sure she longs to wield it again as well. Taliaferro and myself watch over the other two components, and as their chosen guardians, must keep them with us until they are needed. Therefore, he and I will be on the recovery team, along with a Paladin who can safely transport Soulfire. We'll also need a Druid for speed, and to teleport the six of us out of there once Glorelion and Lorfindur have been recovered. Are there any volunteers?" At once, every Druid and Paladin in the guild raised their hands, as well as several members who were neither Druid nor Paladin. Looking about the room, Kiren smiled at his companions, every last one of them willing to risk their lives to recover two of their own, some of them having not even met Glorelion or Lorfindur. "That warms my heart, my friends, and speaks well of the courage and unity of the guild, but we need our strongest people to be in the diversionary raid," said Kiren, "Stealth is of the essence, and due to the limits of teleportation, we need to take no more than four in order to provide room for Glor and Lor in the group to teleport out." Suddenly, Darshan spoke up, "Kiren? I'd like to accompany you and Tal. I can cast the necessary spells, and the three of us have adventured together many times before, so you know that I'll be able to handle myself. You give the word, and I'll teleport all six of us out of there." Kiren nodded. "You're right Dar, you've spent the last several seasons hunting with Tal and I, and we'll be needing the older Druids with the diversionary team and the younger ones in reserve. Welcome aboard. That just leaves-" Kiren was cut off by a loud cough from behind him. Turning around and looking down, Kiren saw the young Paladin of Brell, Thanoslug, staring up at him. Though much younger in years than Kiren, and new to the guild, Thanos looked up at Kiren with a maturity that the Fier'Dal Ranger had not seen, except in those who had been aged by personal tragedy, like himself. "Ye'll pardon me sayin' so, Kiren, but I seem ta recall tha' it was meself tha' brung the message ta ye and the rest o' the family in the first place," spoke Thanos calmly. "Now, I ken see where ye'd be happier bringin' along one o' tha older and more experienced Paladins with ye, and I dinnae wanna overstep me bounds, but seein' as how I've yet ta prove me worth ta me newfound family, I'd appreciate this chance ta do so now. Ye be needin' a Paladin ta bear Soulfire, and give it ta tha Lady Lorfindur, and I ken do that. Since the stronger Paladins belong on tha front lines, I think ya should consider lettin' me come along with ye, Tal an' Darshan. I've been prayin' ta Brell for the chance ta do somethin' ta set things right, after losing me blood kin, and perhaps this be the answer ta that prayer, helpin' ta restore ma new family." The room fell silent as all eyes focused on the brave young Dwarf. Kiren glanced at Tal, who smiled and said softly, "Reminds me of another son of Brell we once knew." "Indeed," nodded Kiren. "Welcome aboard, Thanoslug, time to bring the family home."
As the night drew on, battle plans were organized, prayers were said, blessings were given, and preparations for the next day's rescue attempt were made.