Godstone, a Forgotton Realms story

The last rays of light casts long shadows as the sun sinks into the Moonsea to the east, the Tower High, Zhentil Keeps tallest of the four spires attached to High Lord Manshoons residence within the Inner Quarter that sits atop a large hill where the compound resides. Flags bearing a black winged serpent in a diving set on a field of gold flames wave from the towers and above the gatehouses of the Trail Gate in the west wall on northern side of the Tesh River.

The High Impercepter of Bane, Fzoul Chembryl observes from his tower the black swarm moving towards the cities western gate, with curiosity and trepidation, his spies and clerics having informed him that the undead horde will reach the walls before nightfall.

Perrin marches his forces towards the gate and the walls of black granite, where two statues of armored men carved from polished bloodstone flank it, their eyes enchanted with orange fire each carrying shields bearing the Zhent crest. The solders on the wall sound horns and ring bells calling the forces to stand ready, the villagers and merchants still outside the walls look upon the creeping death that stretches a mile wide and deep, they scream in terror and the baily explodes into chaos.

Those outside turn into a frenzied stampede trampling those caught unaware trying to escape within the shelter of the walls as the portcullis slams down crushing bodies, sundering carts and wagons underneath and locking many more out, the ironbound doors are shut and barred dooming all to suffer Perrins forces.

”Liana! ” Perrin shouts, the courtyard falls silent and the people turn to look at the boisterous young man atop his decaying steed. ”Bring me Liana! ” He yells again, the power of his voice shakes snow from the roofs. Panic rolls through the city as the soldiers and the press gangs post bounties in the taverns, around the mercenary halls and thieves guilds for information on anyone named Liana. All through the city, gates are barred and secured denying entry or exit, chains are hung under the Tesh and Force Bridges to ensure none flee upriver or into the Moonsea, the mage guild enacts a teleportation negating field, fearing that this Liana could escape somehow before they could satisfy the demand.

From the window of her brother-in-laws manor house, Kistaen watches the chaos, thankful Liana had left two days ago, she wanted to warn her friend but fear of the message being used to locate Liana and bring the horde down on her head stayed her hand, such inaction was infuriating for the woman, so confidant and assured of herself. Carth could only affirm that her decision was the correct one, as they watch in horror as a woman is dragged through the street by a mob towards the Trail Gate and can only guess to what terrible fate awaits the unfortunate woman, for they knew she was not the first nor was to be the last this day.

Perrin watches as several women are thrown from the wall before him, none were a dwarf with twin braids, the last of the days light perishes into the hours of night and where his troops are strongest. Taking the pendant in hand, the veins flaring brightly, conjures the billowing green fog that creeps towards the city, slaying those unfortunately trapped outside and callously dumped over the wall. Wizards ignite the clouds with fireballs, burning it away harmlessly before it can enter the city, they would have attacked outright but the power of someone able to command such a force terrified them.

Reaching out with his extra senses, Perrin discovers a bounty of bones and corpses, the remains of invaders and defenders from times past below the city, he calls to them and the corpses break through their coffins, tear free from the mausoleums and claw out from under the streets to rampage and further send a message; bring him Liana. Not wanting a repeat of the loses he faced in Teshwave, he retreats to a ravine to let his new minions wreak havoc while he waits for Liana to surrender or to be given to him.

A man of slim build, dressed in dark red leather, a wide-brimmed hat and a fox fur cloak, walks along a long table illuminated by half a dozen candelabras, within a large cavern of stone, he sorts through a heavy sack of gold and passes out coins to the many seated and gathered around. ”Well done tonight lads! We grow our purses from the fat of those above and in the morn, well have more once I fence these at the market. ”

Goblets are filled with wine and a toast is given, ”Heres to the bloated tightpurses and swindlers! ” Cheers resound around the table and give way into joyous song, a halfling bard jumps atop the table, his curly brown hair bobbing, bells sewn into his bright colored clothing rin, cape flying behind as he spins and leaps, plucking a merry tune from his lute, to which his fellows pound the table in rhythm to.

An unruly bunch of thieves are we

Burglars, scoundrels and assassins

The rich and elite fear us when

We hound upon the shadowed streets

Fellow arms men, I ask,

Will ye follow me this night to snap their spines?

And reclaim what once ours?

Those craven!

Deceived we, backstabbed we

Never shall we tolerate their crimes again,

Now let the hunt begin!

When ye see us coming

Our cloaks o baleful black

No point o turning tail there no

Escaping our attack!

Ye canna live forever

No, ye canna live forever

We stalk beneath o black cloaks

A rookin we a go!

We bleed ta kingdom dry!

Now, hear me fellow warriors, I ask o thee,

Shall o campaign end?

There be more ta avenge!

Living in this land o sorrow

Too long ago, this kingdom was a golden

State of hope

We plunder from ta greedy

With blood an blade

We rob ta rich of their

Ill-gotten gain an make em kneel

Ye canna live forever

No, ye canna live forever

Come lads!

Justice runs in crimson rivers

With tales o ancient deeds

We follow in te steps

O our silent secret creed!

Ye canna live forever

No, ye canna live forever

An alluring half-elven beauty, her silver hair and glinting green eyes, joins in with a viol and a young boy on a flute, they dance away the night, the guild feasting and drinking their fill.

Topside of the old mines, the thieves guild leader finds his way through the nearly empty streets, with only the patrols of Zhent soldiers and clerics of Bane, the god of tyranny, only the foolhardy or desperate brave the open lanes after the undead emerged, he arrives at his favorite fence, All that Sparkles. The keeper greets the dashing man, ”Good day Jechan, how was your night? Safe I hope, I hear there are thieves about, one can never be too careful. ” The plump dwarf says with a wink.

Placing a satchel of stolen jewelry on the counter with a sly grin, ”As good as any other Lughun, I step lightly and keep my head down, least it finds the noose. Ive brought the usual fair for our usual bounty. ” Exchanging the satchel for a heavy purse of coin and gems which Jechan tucks into a small magical bag and slips that into a concealed pocket under his bright blue vest.

The doors chime rings and the shop keeper disappears the pilfered goods into a cupboard disguised by an illusionary wall before the door opens admitting a trio of enforcers, donned in gleaming half plate mail, helms resembling serpents adorned with a pair of feathered wings, their shields bearing the diving winged snake of the Zhentilar. ”Ah Jechan, youll understand my surprise to see you here, lets have a look at what you
e selling. ” The captains second searches the sly thief, finding nothing unusual, ”I doubt you
e here just to talk, now find yourself out of my sight before I throw you in the dungeon and have you broken on the wheel. ” Says the captain, a barrel-chested man with a perpetual scowl on his face.

”Captain Dogan, Id hate to earn your further distrust, ” Jechan gives a fast bow and equally speedily departure, finding his way back to his underground hideout, but first he had a few lovely ladies that demand his attention. ”Now with that scoundrel gone, what did he sell you? ” Dogan asks, folding his arms across his chest.

”Nothing good sir, he was simply looking at my newest wares, he has an eye for quality, and shiny baubles of course. ”

”I doubt that Lughun, doubt it without question, were it anyone but him I might believe you, theres nothing simple about that rogue. That lie will cost you double the tax this week and the next. ” Filling Dogans waiting palm with gold coins, ”If I catch Jechan in here again, well clean out your inventory and put you next to him, in the cages. ” The three begin to exit as a man in clean, dark blue robes enters, his short greying beard neatly kept, carrying an obsidian staff topped by a carved dragons head with a large sapphire in its mouth that glows with a dim unnatural light.

A leather-bound tome inlaid with silver, inked in dragons blood and protective enchantments, hangs off his shoulder on a thin mithril chain, and many pouches along his belt, a wool stocking cap hides his receding hairline, a length of which hangs to the side ending in a fuzzy pomp, and a black silk cloak woven with fine silver threads resembling a spiders web clasped about his shoulders and secured with a large ruby broach. Pausing for a moment, Dogan turns to the man, dressing him down with an observant eye, he disliked the Artists, too clever and unknown, ”Behave yourself old man, you had best stay within my good graces while in my city, I have a way of dealing with your lot. ” Flashing a ring that can turn a spell back on its caster.

Bowing slightly, ”I wouldn dream of it good Sir. ” Once the Captain leaves, he shakes the dwarfs hand, ”Good morning, Lughun, ” The man says in a cheerful tone, a thin smile lingering on his clean face.

”Domingo! Its been ages since Ive laid eyes on you, nearly three summers since your last visit? What trouble have you been stirring up? I do hope you
e not here to sell me another cursed relic, the last one you brought me turned the fool I sold it too into a wolf. ”

Waving away the notion that he would deceive his oldest of friends, ”Oh no, no, much more mundane. Ive been here and there, currently Im on an errand for Khan el-Zyvojokk and am in need of pearls, which he can acquire in the elemental plane of earth and stone. ”

Placing half a dozen enormous uncut diamonds and three fist sized rubies on the counter in exchange, Lughun takes them and disappears into the back room, returning with nineteen pearls of various size and color, from half the size of a mans fist to pink, blue and black ”Thats all I have, I hope its enough for your friend, I acquired these from an elf who in turn looted them from a sahuagin raiding party, ugly creatures, just ugly. ” Shivering with revolt at the monstrous devil shark kin that prey upon all above and below the waves.

”Thank you, Im certain hell be satisfied, as they say, when in a desert and parched, some water is better than none. Hows the wife? ”

”Good, good, you still need one? Her sister could use a man, and you certainly could use a wife. ” Lughun laughs while he empties the bag from Jechan atop his counter and begins to sort the rings, necklaces and other robbed jewelry, some still attached to fingers.

”Oh, heavens no, I can stay in one place long enough! Anything exciting going on? ” Asks the mage, exploring the shops jewelry and trinkets.

”The usual murders and robberies, Lord Anton was found stripped and stabbed, his guards dead not far from his home. Its scaring them into staying indoors, while that buffoon Dogan is taxing me to death. Business hadn been terribly slow until the most curious thing happened two days ago. ”

”Oh? Do tell. ”

”An undead army came to the walls and their master demanded someone named Liana. ” He had seen the horde as he arrived and could only guess what their masters goal was, he likely could besiege the city but something was holding them back, what he did not know. ”The city tore itself apart dropping anyone they found over the Trail Gate. Then the dead rose out of the very ground! It was already bad enough with people fighting for food on the docks but now with the city closed, it feels like the city is ready to ignite. ” Says Lughun, inspecting a ruby ring, cleans off the blood. ”How did you manage to sneak in? ”

Leaning on his staff while admiring an amber wand tipped with a white crystal and adorned with feathers. ”I flew in. ” Domingo says tapping the side of his nose. Lughun laughs, ”Will you be in town long? ”

”Just a few days, then I must return with the pearls, but I will be back after that, Im expecting a young man. Why do you ask? ”

”You
e welcome to stay here, the wife always makes more than enough food, Id swear shes afraid Ill starve. ” Jiggling his belly.

”Id love too, I have a few more errands to run, then I should be back before you close. ”

”Ill have Yadina make up the spare room for you and leave the upstairs window open. ” He says, both men laughing.

Stepping outside, the crisp morning air clings to Domingos breath as he surveys the open market bustling with all manner of people shopping defiant and confidant of the patrols, from the mother and her children, to the man in fine clothes surrounded by armed guards. The venders hawk their goods each calling over the other, stalls offering food to arms, silks found across the sea, and a variety of animals, the patrols keep a vigilant gaze for mischief and the most skilled of pickpockets earn their keep.

As Domingo decides his next errand, a group of laughing children run into him and nearly knock him down. ”Ho there! Ye near stopped this old mans heart! ” He says steadying himself on his staff, and takes one lad by the shoulder, ”Would you like to earn a coin my boy? ”

Looking up at him, the dirty boy of ten tells him, ”Let go gramps, Ive got all the coin I need. ”

The children disappear into the twisting alleyways, leaving him a bit puzzled, he works his way through the crowd, passing by a merchant selling a displacer beast, a large black-blue panther with six legs, a pair of whips four feet long that end in pods full of razor-sharp hooks protruding from its shoulders and the uncanny ability to cause its appearance to blur, seeming to be in three places at once.

Continuing on, he stops to watch a street performance of The Barons Mistress. A comedy about a wealthy Baron who did everything he could to hide his infidelity including dressing her as a man and how his wife took his fortune, estate and hair piece. Pausing at a cloth vender to touch the exquisite silk from across the Moonsea, its smooth fibers so delicate that he can barely see the thread, he buys a couple of magically ripened apples from a stand flanked by two armed guards, biting into the fruit and savoring the crisp flesh, juices dripping off his chin. Having seen enough, Domingo spots a tavern off to the side, The River, where a pair of young street urchins are being tormented by a couple of drunkards, ”Shoo, off with you! ” Hitting their ankles with his staff, they leave the children in peace and in a hurry.

”Are you alright? Those brutes didn hurt you, did they? ” Domingo asks.

Holding each other, the oldest boy answers, ”Yes sir, can we go? ”

”Oh, my yes! But first, I have a proposal for you, do you know where the jewelers shop, All that Sparkles is? ”

Each nod quickly, all knew to avoid the shop, the dwarfs cat had a way of growing to the size of a lion when customers had overstayed themselves or someone thought their fingers nimble and clever enough.

”Ill be staying there for a while but I want you to keep an eye out for a tall man about this high. ” Raising his hand, almost two feet above his head.

”He has tanned skin and walks like this. ” Standing straight as he can and marches with a fast gait.

Laughing, they nod again.

”He also wears a frost wolf cloak and if you
e extra vigilant, you might see a big black scar about the size of my hand on his neck. Now, if you do see him, come to the shop and find me right away. Can you do this for me?

”Yes sir. ”

”Ill give each of you a silver every day until you find him, then Ill give you ten more as a job well done. ”

He reaches into his robes, ”Oh my, it seems my coin purse is missing, hmm, whats that in your ear? ” He pulls a silver coin out of the boys ear.

Astonished, the younger brother quickly looks into the others ear expecting to find more coins.

Tossing them each a coin, ”It seems you
e full of good fortune, Tymora mustve blessed you this day, here you go, now run along. ”

The two sprint off down the street into the market to buy bread and milk. A man in a studded leather jacket, its rivets and buckles rusting from neglect, a half empty mug of ale in hand, who was watching the whole time, resting with his back against the taverns outside wall, ”Youll never see those two sewer rats again, hell, for half that price, Id do it for you. ”

”Ah but they will tell their friends and all of them will tell more. Im getting more for my money than they know. ” He says smiling at his own cleverness.

”Still, I say youll think again of my offer when they forget yours. ” With a loud belch, the man goes back inside.

Domingo continues his stroll through the citys market district, the large canvas tarps hung between the buildings to keep the elements off the shoppers, blue, green and red, sag heavy with snow, fading from the sun. The houses sit stacked two and three floors high with many living in relative comfort nearest the city center, while those by the rivers edge and south of the Tesh live in squalor, surviving on the refuse of the wealthy and ill-gotten coin. Those who turn to crime, find themselves in either a gang or the overflowing prison that lies beneath the central headquarters of the soldiers, awaiting a public execution or another punishment to fit the crime, without a jury, just an overworked magistrate doling out justice to slake his perverse joy.

Walking into an apartment, starts up the flight of stairs to the roof, unconcerned with the three thugs brazenly stalking him, through the halls. Looking over the vast city from his vantage on the roof, he sees the Tower High rising in the north and mage guilds tower to his east. He begins to cast a scrying spell but when he reaches for the reagent pouch and finds it missing, now understanding what the rude child meant, the boy having though he got away with Domingos coin purse, how surprised the scamp will be to find bat guano, feathers, copper wire, iron shavings and glass rods. With a sigh, he taps the heel of his staff on the roof and polymorphs into a hawk to the bewilderment of the thugs.

Taking to the skies, he circles the city center looking for a diviner, seeing none, he wheels south towards the sprawling harbor, full of ships from the across the Moonsea, a variety of vessels, from small single massed cutters to twin massed caravels, and galleons. At last, finding a small shop identified by a swaying sign painted with a crystal ball in the Foreign Quarter, he descends to land in the open windowsill and peers in to see many different reagents, gum arabic, a type of sap used for invisibility spells, sulphur and guano for fireballs, phosphorescent moss and fireflies that are needed for casting light, and various types of sands and dust used for sleep spells to sleet storms, even conjuring elementals.

Satisfied that he will find what is needed, hops through the window and resume his natural form, his wings melt into arms, bones cracking and muscles tearing, his beak receding into his face, feathers dissolving to flesh, straitening his robes, he begins collecting the materials he needs, when a wrinkly old woman steps out of the back room, her brown wool robe stained and patched with miscellaneous colored fabric, her thin white hair dirty and unkept, walking with the aid of a wood cane, greets him.

”Welcome, if you can find something, Im certain I can get it for you. ” She sits on a stool behind the counter to watch Domingo shuffle about filling a pouch with reagents and components required in spell casting. After half an hour, he deposits the contents on the counter before her and waits as she adds up the cost, slowly turning each item to examine it and several times forgetting where she was until Domingo tosses three gold coins down out of frustration. Quickly picking them up, she bites them with brown crooked teeth to ensure their authenticity, ”Why didn you just start with this? ” She says with a cackling laugh.

”I wanted to be fair, but you can seem to keep three numbers in your head. ” Picking up the reagents, she surprises him by taking his hand with the speed of a serpent and flips it palm up.

”For a silver, Ill read your future. ” Running a finger down the lines of his palm.

Pulling his hand away, ”No need but do you happen to have a crystal ball or a mirror I could use? ”

Laughing, ”Do you think so little of me? Of course, I do! Follow me young man. ” He follows her into a side room, pulling back a heavy curtain to a round chamber where the air is heavy with incense and a few candles lighting the storage room that serves for her scrying and fortune telling. Throwing back a blanket revealing a tall mirror, the dark wood frame engraved with magical runes.

”Shall I leave or have you need of me further? ” She asks, admiring his staff and cloak.

”No, no, Ill take my privacy, thank you. ” Once he is alone, he casts a divination spell and peers into the mirror, using it as a focus. Forming an image of Kanes face in his mind as the spell finishes, the surface of the mirrors bows and ripples, Kane slowly comes into view, showing the man sitting upon a horse, yawning lazily with a pair of women a short distance behind. He sighs in relief that Kane is well and on his way to Zhentil Keep, it would be less than a tenday and there was still the Elemental Plane of Earth to visit, the Khan was a patient being but Domingo was in need of the ring of earthen command that would let him speak with the stones.

Letting go of his focus on Kane, he brought up the undead horde, hundreds and hundreds of corpses and it was growing daily as skeletons and zombies rose up to answer the call, finding a man on the back of a horse, he could safely assume this was who commands such a force, but before he can get a. better look, the man waves his hand and the image goes dark. Tossing the woman another coin as he exits, returning to Lughuns shop on foot, he passes by piles of burning corpses, the result of Perrin, the formidable forces of the Keep had won out but at a cost, the people were losing faith in the Council who spent more time fighting one another and maneuvering for power than solving any problems.

Returning to Lughun, he shows Domingo upstairs to his spare room, the quaint little room is well furnished with a small iron stove, a dresser and footlocker. He sets down his things on the colorful patchwork quilt that lays on the bed and its feather filled mattress before the three of them go to the little kitchen across the hall where a healthy dwarf is humming over a hanging pot in the wide hearth stirring its contents, her dark brown hair put up in a bun, as is traditional with married women to wear their hair up, a simple but beautiful string of pink pearls lay around her neck, she dresses moderately even though Lughun provides her with anything she wants. The warm fragrance of clam chowder coupled with the warming garlic bread teases Domingos stomach. Lughun gives her a kiss on the cheek, ”Smells wonderful my love! Our guest has finally arrived. You remember my old friend Domingo? ”

Yadina fills a spoon and presses it to Domingos lips, ”Oh yes I do! My you
e quite pale and thin, I hope you
e hungry from the road, I try to keep Lughun healthy but it seems Im the one who benefits the most from it. ” She laughs patting her stomach. Domingo samples the hot milky broth, with seasoned chunks of potato, tender clams, bits of onion and a hint of sand, he can wait to eat. Lughun pours the three of them a cup of peach and vanilla tea from a black kettle that hangs next to the pot.

After dinner, Doming retires to the spare room where he draws a circle upon the floor with dirt and with a scroll of vellum in one hand, places a tuning fork in the center of the ring and begins working his hands in precise motions while chanting the words into a combination of triggers that will whisk him away to the Jeweled City and Khan Ghaamid Saah el-Zyvojokks residence. The dirt rises into the air to form a dome over him, reaching the crescendo of his chanting, the earth solidifies and shatters, sending him across the multiverse into the Elemental Plane of Earth. Appearing with a blink in a cave, the stifling air and darkness would make anyone panic, just having breathable air was enough to indicate he had correctly arrived, if but a long trek off.

Taking out a compass given to him by the dao, casts a globe of light upon his staff and follows the devices direction through the winding tunnels. The passages were often partially collapsed and littered with pitfalls from the ever-shifting earth and quakes, so when he came upon a perfectly circular tunnel, he took it as a sign that he was getting close to The Great Dismal Delve.

The going was smooth but when a rumbling began, he grew concerned and picked up the pace, as the trembling came closer, he started looking for an exit when a fierce glow and searing heat came from behind and worm of earth with a smoldering cone hot as magma at its head came into view. He knew the creature to be a ravenous and territorial thoqqua and ran on, evoking a spell to quicken his feet or become its next meal, gaining a fair distance on it, he at last found a branch and dove in as the worm carried on by with the intruder gone from its area.

Taking a break after making certain nothing is near, Domingo has a drink of wine and checks his position, he was closer but needed to ascend about three miles, if the tunnels cooperated. Coming to a black void, he casts light on a stone and tosses it into the darkness and to his surprise, the rock just floats, areas of crushing gravity or in this case a pocket of weightlessness would appear often to the doom of an unprepared visitor.

Thanking Tymora for his good fortune, leaps out after enchanting himself with flight and speeds upwards with a childish smile, he loved the freedom of flying, of being unbound to his responsibilities and while he had a quest to complete, there was always time for the small pleasures. Having to stop on a floating rock when the spell expires and memorize it again before he can continue, after two hours he exits the pocket and into warmer tunnels that lead to the Great Mazework with its confusing labyrinth of tunnels.

With aid of the compass given to him by Ghaamid, it did not take too long for him to find the Delve, a monumentally massive cavern with a ceiling that could not be seen, floating islands with mansions and palaces built upon them hang in the air and tethered by great chain walkways, it was one these that he was going to. The sweeping temples dedicated to each of the earthen deities outlined with glowing crystal, beside them rose the many palaces belonging to the dao, the masters of the plane and beings on unsurmountable power.

Crossing the span to Ghaamids domain, sees a blue dragon floating lazily overhead, the creatures body was the size of a galleon with wings double that. The palace was formed from gems and raw metals, platinum, gold, silver, mithril and adamantine, built by a madmans fever dream, there was no need of doors or guards and Domingo casually entered the foyer that was a hundred feet high with a spectacle of jeweled chandeliers overhead and where sculptures of unparalleled craftsmanship stood, passing by without so much a glance into the grand throne room of the Khan. Sitting sideways on a throne of the bluest sapphire, one leg over an armrest, lazily stroking the neck of a copper dragon that rests its head on his lap as he rests, the mage was a mere pebble before the boulder that was Khan Ghaamid and his companion Dephydoklarn.

”Ah, Domingo! ” his voice an avalanche that could flatten towns, ”I am surprised that you have come and bearing gifts I hope, for your sake. ” The dragons eye lazily opens to watch the diminutive man bow low, ”why you trust any mortal shall continue to elude me, they hold no allegiance but to themselves, ” Dephydoklarn says, the words tumble like slabs of slate sliding against each other.

”But you see, that is why I can depend on them, he desires something and will do what he must to collect the prize, if he is here than surely, he has completed the task I set before him, what say you, little mageling? ” the djinns onyx eyes turning to Domingo.

”Great and noble Khan Saah el-Zyvojokk, I am humbled to be in your presence and have come bearing the pearls of your hated and most inferior Aquarians, may they be turned to steam and flushed into the cursed well they bubble from. ” Without taking his eyes from the floor, he holds the pearls out before him, a group of stone-grey gnomes emerge and take the pearls from Domingo. Inspecting each for flaws which none can be found, the gnomes take the pearls away to fashion them into rings for controlling and combating the water elementals.

”They are pleased; therefore, I am. Take the prize you desire and know that you have earned an item of no small power, speak not my name in the presence of my earthen kin while you wear this band. ” Several different deep gnomes enter from the side pushing a cabinet of greenish adamantine on wheels, opening the door with numerous keys, present Domingo with his reward, a band of granite with veins of obsidian.

”I have not enough words with which to thank you with, the generosity is beyond compare and wisdom great, should you have need of me again I will gladly answer the call and carry out your will. ” tucking the ring away into a secret pocket.

”Then say no more, our deal is done and I have no further use of you at this time, take your prize and begone from here mortal. ” Ghaamid snaps his finger and a gateway rises up out of the floor, a muddy brown pool within the frame.

Dephydoklarns great ruby eyes narrow at the man, ”do well to remember our warning, Domingo Somar, we are aware of your goals and while we offer no direct aid, we watch with interest. ” With speed beyond that of a creature his size should be capable of, Dephydoklarn blocks the portal with a single claw, ”your life is still indebted to the Khan, wizard, do not assume to believe that we shall forget the bargain struck, your freedom for a service and this was not one of them. ”

”I would be a sore judge of character to dare think you would, your great memory will outlast the life of even the stones. ” If he stood on his toes and stretched his arms up, he could pull himself onto the claw, yet the dragon was content being cared for like some scaled housecat, for now anyway.

”Not quite that long, for I will one day unite with the rock and learn of their secrets, but that will be far, far after your short life. ” The dragon chuckles with the sound of a boulder being sundered.

Bowing once more before the pair, the wizard takes a breath and steps into thick portal to return to Toril and Lughuns spare room, sliding on the ring with a satisfied grin, the proposition had been daring and Ghaamid was insulted if not outraged at first for being asked for a reward that can control his brethren but Domingo was still indebted to him. There was more to be done but the planer shift was taxing and for now rest was in order, the journey had felt as though a few hours passed but he had been gone nearly a day.

With a good nights sleep and breakfast, Domingo gets right to work tracing another circle in charcoal and lighting incense in a brazier, with a haze of fragrant smoke, begins the summoning. His call is heard on Avernus, the first of the Nine Hells and is quickly accepted, in a puff of smoke, a red imp appears, no larger than a small dog, ”hi, hi, hi! ” the creature squeaks, ”you called, I answer, what can I do you for? ”

”I could use a little assistant, the more hands I have the better, eyes too. Ill make you a bargain, ” its burning red eyes light up at the word, ”Your servitude for your freedom. ”

”Hmm, hmm, ” tail swishing in thought about the offer ”Freedom is sweeter than a soul, a tantalizing offer, but when would my service be up? ”

Domingo smiles, ”When I deem your service is complete or when I die, to natural causes of course. I am quite certain you will outlive me, Im not as young as I used to be or look. ” He chuckles.

A sly little grin creeps across her face, ”You offer a fair bargain, but one caveat, I will need a nest of my own when you
e not on the road, access to good food and drink and an allowance, magical in nature or the occasional soul. ”

”Agreed. ”

”Deals a deal, Im bound to you now, what should I call you, master, sir, boss? You can call me Livazala or Liv for short, devils and demons sure do like their along names. ” She laughs, ”Now how about you let me out of this cage? ” he smudges the binding circle to release the imp, who does a loop de loop and wings over to sit on his shoulder.

”Domingo will do, no need for formalities. Now we have work to do, idle hands are the devils playthings. ” Smiling at his own joke.

Descending the stairs to Lughuns shop, takes a seat near the back where some of the rarest tomes and manuscripts are kept on rows of neat shelves, the pair are greeted by a fat black and white cat who rubs up against Domingos ankles but at smelling the imps sulfur and brimstone odor, hisses and scurries off. Livazala laughs at the furry creature, ”What a strange little thing, what does it do? ” Lughun looks at her, ”Hes a companion who eats mice, which happens to be quite important around here, little buggers like to chew on anything they can get their teeth into. ”

Livazala wonders what it would taste like and if it has a soul she could take, without further thought, wanders around gazing at the wares for sale, with a stern warning that should something go missing, she would be the first to blame.

”So, what keeps you here Domingo? Aside from your errand for the dao that is. ” Lughun pours a bit of brandy into his and Domingos coffee.

”Im expecting someone I met on my travels, he should be here shortly within the next two or three days, I was hoping to have some more time to do a little research but I suppose Ill have to make do with what time I have. ”

”What is it that you are looking for? Perhaps I can help, I do have considerable resources at my disposal. ” Lughun offers.

Clearing his throat, ”Im sure that your aware of the Netherese citadel of Thultanthar that returned after some seventeen hundred years? ”

”Aye, but that cursed place is floating above Anauroche and pray it never moves. ” Lughun breathes easy when Domingo gives a confirming nod. ”I was sent to investigate a man who had gone missing in that city, about five years ago. ”

Livazala curls inside of a nearby helmet to listen, her mouth stuffed with coffee cake and more waiting in each hand, she had heard those far above her station discussing the potential return of the great and powerful Netherese empire. Their magic had attracted a powerful enemy, the Phaerimm and the resulting war had devastated the realm, to combat the Netherese, the Phaerimm had drained the life and magic from the land until it was a barren husk, leaving their empire a vast desert, which all that remains is the sand sea of Anauroche. Before the cataclysmic explosion that doomed the remaining Netherese, the lord of Thultanthar had retreated his floating city into the Plane of Shadow, where they hid for almost two thousand years.

”So, you went in then? ”

”I did. One does not disobey their masters, especially mine. ” Domingo says with feigned reverence. He was granted his freedom to do as he pleases but when they called, he answered.

Spitting, ”I thought better of ye, but if even ye can shake such a yoke, then I can see why ye went, no easy thing walking into the lions den with a spear at ye back. ”

Nodding in agreement, ”Thultanthar, a city and fortress miles above the Shadow Sea at the heart of Anauroche, the man I was to recover had succumb to the corruption that now permeates all who live and all that is that place. He was under instructions to learn all that is possible of the Mythallar, a potent artifact that keeps the city aloft, but what he found or what he now seeks I do not know, it took me nearly half a year just to confront him. ”

”Whats become of this spy? I can see plainly you
e here, but him? ” Lughun asks.

”Indeed, what has become of him, I caught him as he returned to the city from the Plane of Shadow, but he had become something I was unprepared for, a thing of shadows, a shade. ”

Using a cloak that hide him from magical detection and with spells of invisibility, Domingo set wards that would sense the tears in the veil between the worlds, pinpointing the right one was the most difficult. With so many of the Shadovar as they called themselves, their goal was to become shades entirely by replacing a portion of their soul with the essence of shadow in a horrific process. c had achieved this and when Domingo had thought to bind him in a resilient sphere of energy, the man, now shade, leapt into a shadow and right through the trap.

”As he fled back into the Shadow Realm, I foolishly pursued him into that cursed realm and became his prisoner. ” Tainted with shadow, the man was at advantage and his magic easily overwhelmed Domingos defenses.

”How did you escape? If hes powerful enough to defeat even you… ”

With a resigned laugh, ”I am not so strong as to be without flaw or my betters. ” Wetting his throat, ”Trapped within his keep, as a tool to further what goals I cannot guess at, if it was not for the realm being in constant flux, ever shifting and changing, I might be there still. A quake collapsed part of the keep I was in and found myself freed, among the rubble I ran from his shadowy constructs, shadesteel golems and living darkness hounding my every step. ”

Taking a long drink of offered brandy before continuing, ”I came upon strange corridors that seemed more akin to tubes than halls, made from something other than the shadowstuff I had been in and found a chamber with several large tunnels branching off in weird ways. Within were a series of huge machines, to my surprise, they had direct conduits to the elemental plane of earth and fire, I assume to power them, anyways, I jumped through and into the earthen plane. ”

”And this dao saved you I take it? ” assumes Lughun, in awe of the mans tenacity.

”In a way, he allowed me my freedom in exchange for a service. Ghaamids gnome servants were exploring a seam of adamantine when they stumbled upon me and devices connecting to the shadow realm, the dao generously spared my life for telling him of the strange machinery. ”

”Ah, the pearls ye asked for. ”

”Not quite, I am still indebted to him, I requested my freedom and a magical ring, the latter of which is what I completed. ” With a heavy sigh, ”after recovering the items I had in the floating city, i left with all haste to give my masters the report of my failure and his betrayal, when I encountered a man under attack by a wyvern on my way east from Thultanthar, I told him to follow the River Tesh east to Zhentil Keep if he wished. Honestly, I didn expect him too, but there he is, on the way. ”

”How long where you there in that nightmare? ”

”Three years, three long years imprisoned within that wretched plane, a dark and twisted reflection of Toril. He bled me for everything I knew with tools and devices not seen in a thousand years, he rewarded my resistance with pain and cooperation with shadowy infusions, now on a moonless night when the veil between the realms is at its thinnest, I can see into that place. ” Anger at his own failure, fury and pain fill his steely grey orbs at the violence imparted upon his mind and body, at the injustice of fleeing his tormentor before exacting punishment.

”By the gods, its been three years since last I saw you! No wonder you look pale and thin, Ill get a cleric, their prayers can cleanse the taint from your bones. ” Lughun assures, standing to do just that.

Shaking his head, ”no my friend, there is nothing they can do, I found one in Desertbreach and the man tried as best he could but the rot is within my soul, whatever was done to me, a portion of it has been cut out and filled with pure shadow. ”

Livazala bursts from under the helmet, clattering to floor as she hovers Domingo face to face, ”our bargain is void! you deceived me into believing that I would collect on your soul! ” her eyes blaze white hot in anger, even devils do not lie.

”I made no such deal, never was my soul offered in trade, if anything I will be dead sooner than expected and you will have what is due. ” Domingo explains with a wry grin.

Recalling their agreement, she fumes at being tricked, so eager to be free of the Hells, she failed to do the basics of trade; double check before accepting any deal. Grumbling, she knocks over a few more helmets on her way to the cake where she stuffs the rest into her mouth.

The two share a smile, ”now what are your plans? Sit and study or give your report? with that look I take it they will be none too pleased with what you have for them. ”

”I can safely assume not. I will sit and wait, there is a lot I do not know and must soon if I am to try and correct what was done, perhaps I will be surprised by the traveler and if he is capable of aiding me. ” Giving the imp a wink. ”Have you any news? I would like to rest my flapping jaw. ”

Lughun gives a hearty laugh to dispel the gloom of Domingos predicament, ”Oh, just the usual, clashes with the orcs north and east, ogres and giants in the Dragonspine hampering the Zhents mining operations and with bandits and slavers everywhere, of course theirs the conflict with Hillsfar, which seems theres no end in sight. ”

”A shame Lord Manshoon or any of the bloody for that matter have any intent on doing more than sit, scheme, and grow their arses. ” Lughun sighs, refilling his cup with the last of the coffee.

”Oh? What is he scheming? ” Domingo raises his eyebrow in wonder.

”Typical Zhent lord, securing his power base, dominating the trade ways from Cormanthor and hiring out the Zhentilar army to anyone with the coin. Youve brought the first raw stones Ive seen in weeks, between the frozen sea and dead crops, Ill be surprised if theres not an uprising orchestrated by someone ambitious. ”

By evening, the two have done little more than keep the silence at bay when Yadina calls them up for dinner, ”come and get it before its cold! ”

Livazala is first up the stairs and seated, giving the woman a good scare, while Domingo helps Lughun lock up the shop before taking their own chairs.

Finishing their supper, she places a plate of fig rolls at the center of the table and Livazala is the first to pick one up and bites into the crumbly, sugar glazed dough shell, her mouth filling with the brown sugar and licorice fig jelly, she happily stuffs the rest of it into her mouth and begins on another before she even swallows the first.

They all move to his sitting room where Lughun packs a long pipe with a cherry tobacco, passing it around to everyone while they talk as Yadina knits a blanket with a pair of wooden needles.

Lughun takes a long draw from the pipe and rolls the smoke around his mouth and hands it to Domingo, letting the smoke escape from his nose, ”How much longer do you plan to be in town? Not that Im eager to be rid of you or anything. ”

Taking a couple puffs off the pipe before passing to Livazala, ”I am afraid that I will be your guest till I am not, should I cause any trouble give me enough time to gather my things and do not let me be a burden to spare my feelings. ”

Yadin harrumphs ”Oh, yell be out on your arse the moment I have tae scrub away anymore summoning circles, ye know damn well where the brush and bucket is at. ” Lughun tries to hide a smile and gets whopped on the head for letting her find out, ”don ye encourage him! Next it may be a balor and not an imp stuffing its face with my baking. ”

With the cozy fire and his belly full, a long yawn escapes from Domingo and the relative quiet of the market outside signals the end of the day and beginning of night. ”Its time I lay down, I thought I would be rested, but i feel as if I could sleep for several days. ” He laughs, excusing himself to turn in for the night along with Livazala who curls up at the foot of his bed, leaving Lughun and Yadina to finish the pipe before they too resign themselves to their own separate beds. Domingo dreams fitfully, tormented by memories of his isolation and interrogation is all too happy to be awoken by the rising chorus of morning shoppers and merchants peddling their wares not long after sunrise.

Sitting down to breakfast, they enjoy soft flaky biscuits covered in thick gravy with bits of pork topped in a yellow cheese, washed down by a heavenly mead. Domingos desire to explore the city is met with a sudden weakness and reluctantly stays inside to shuffle slowly around Lughuns shop inspecting all of the marvelous magical trinkets and jewelry that his friend has acquired while building a stack of books to read. The shop bell chimes continually with the entrance of customers, the first being Jechan who exchanges another bag of pilfered items for coins followed shortly after by the guard captain checking in on him, then a shifty man with a pockmarked face who sorts through the items that Jechan brought, buying most of the items to smuggle outside the city to resell abroad or smelt down and vender locally.

Through the rest of the day they see either aspiring adventurers shopping for trinkets to aid them in their battles and journeys or vapid nobles looking for the next shiny bauble to wear at their high society gathering. Livazala follows Yadina through the market while she does her daily grocery shopping, sampling any number of treats she can acquire by turning invisible and stuffing whatever into her mouth before the spell breaks. The day drags on slowly until evening when they sit down to a pigeon pie with a blackberry drizzle sprinkled with sea-salt flakes and served with a red wine that contains the subtlest hint of spiced plum and strawberries.

Well-fed and content, with the early signs of good drink fogging their vision after finishing the bottle of wine, Domingo and Lughun begin a game of chess while Livazala watches and Yadina continues to knit quietly. ”Tell me of this man you met, and what makes him so interesting. I know you don do anything without forethought. ” Lughun asks, moving his rook to take a bishop. Domingo leans back in his chair trying desperately to figure out how to save his queen from being taken by a knight, ”It was near Desertsmouth Pass when I saw the man beset upon by a wyvern, I spared him from a horrible death, I can always use someone as strong as he is, anyone who can survive such an encounter with a wyvern and that refuses to die, he can certainly endure what I may need of him for. ”

Domingo puts Lughuns king in checkmate between his queen and a rook, Lughun tips over his king in defeat, ”Then you had best recover quickly if he is to be here soon. ” Domingo agrees wearily and after wishing Lughun and Yadina a good night, shuffles off to his bed, slipping off into another restless sleep dreaming of suffocating darkness and unforgettable horrors.