The Journal of Katherine, Entry 61

I rested, but did not sleep.  Deep inside me, the Light is strong and I feel It renews my energies. 

Today, we return to the palace, and the captain of the guard tells us the Kalif left yesterday.  This is not correct.  He is lying.  We avoid a major confrontation, so we leave the palace grounds.  Brute tells me there are guards loyal to the Kalif, and other guards, rougher, that seem to take their orders from the captain.  Brute wants to meet the loyal guards where they can speak freely.

We wait until evening and go to the tavern, as Brute must meet with the guards. Trevor wants to celebrate.  He did provide the invisibility for us all to escape without being noticed.  As Brute starts talking to the guards, Trevor orders a fine wine where the barkeeper must fetch it from the back room.  A few coins transfer hands, and Trevor takes a sip from his glass.  I turn away from that scene of smugness to focus on the meeting.  There is smoke in the air, and a strange smell.  Then I begin to relax.  I don't hear much from Brute's talk with the guards, but I am in awe.  Brute has a natural way to converse with these guards.  It is effortless.

Then my mind returns to the orphanage.  We see Cass, bloody and hurt.  She explains that one of the three prisoners left.  She tried to restrain him and was hurt.  Ohm Uri runs towards the palace hoping to catch him.  We gather our selves for another night to slip into the palace.

We catch up to Ohm Uri, who found the man, dead on the ground.  This is just strange.  Maybe the palace guards found and killed him.

We quickly enter by the servant's gate, and make our way, with Cass' help, to find the Kalif.  When we find him he is in a charm, the same charm as the other man.  Then, he speaks.  The words do not come from him, but we hear his words in our heads...

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 60

Ohm Uri dashes past me and up the gentle slope of the passageway.  Brute and Kull continue to battle the monstrosity.  Cass and I move out of reach of it and find Trevor.  We survey the scene, which does not seem real.  Unconscious children lay all over the passageway.  Before we can think on what we should do, Ohm Uri starts pushing a wagon to roll towards us.  Is he mad, or has he an idea?  He must intend to guide the wagon into the monster.  But, he is waiting, he is holding the wagon back.  The children are in the way!  I help Cass and Trevor move the children to a safe place. 

Without thinking, I close my eyes, and the forbidden power is there, ready and waiting.  I mentally reach for it, and mold it with my hands.  I shape it into a force flying but motionless, above the ground.  We lay them on it, as many as we can.  Then I move them to wide spot of the passageway. 

Mindlessly, I continue to move all of the children out of the wagon's path.  We signal it is clear.  Ohm Uri is awkwardly trying to hold the wagon and get a torch from the wall.  If he stumbles, the wagon will roll over him.  I motion for him to come, and yell to him that I can set the wagon on fire.  Then in an unbelievable display of agility, Ohm Uri jumps into the wagon, steering it as it gains speed.  He bumps into the wall on the far side, sending sparks into the air.  He wants to keep it from steering into the children.  He passes us and jumps.

The sorcery energy waits impatiently for me, a second time, and jumps at me when I think about it.  In an uncontrolled push, I thrust it to the wagon.  With a will full of rage, I think of the people that died to feed this creature's appetite, I think of the children possessed by it, I think how can the Kalif be so diabolical to harbor a creature like this.  The raw power, in seconds, tears into the wagon, breaking splinters off, making it an uncontrolled rolling mass of wood, metal and liquid fire.  It leaves a burning trail as it smashes into the creature, creating a huge fireball, and sending it back to the depths of its home.  I had forgot that Brute and Kull were still fighting the monster.  We run into the room, and find them safely behind the gong.

We take the children up the pathway to a second wagon, and we carefully place each child in it.  Trevor waves his hands in strange gestures, says words that I don't understand, and strangely cannot remember.  Then, all of us, including the children and the wagon disappear.  Ohm Uri makes a timely diversion, which confuse the guards and they open the gate in confusion.  This is our queue.  We steer the wagon right past the guards.  Ohm Uri gets up, running in the opposite direction from where we are going.

When we return to my orphanage, and I have my two acolytes get my other students from the temple.  I am exhausted.  We unload the children, putting them safely under blankets to keep them warm.  Kull makes swift work of turning the wagon into firewood to keep the chill away.  Brute checks on Veronica.  When my students return, they take control of the children, and of the saved prisoners.  Time will help them heal.

I retire to a corner of the room and record the events.  Upon reading my journal, I sob, dripping tears on the parchment.  Twice, I broke my vow not to use It.  The first time, was to help.  The second, was to destroy.  My anger used the power in rage.  What fate is for me at my temple, when I tell them?

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 58

My meeting with my superior goes better than most, for she agrees that my actions were best, regarding the codex.  How should I phrase my next question.  I want to be more than just a temple cleric.  I want to serve the community, to be accepted and advance in the priesthood.  Her reaction is worse than I imagined.  She believes the group I traveled with, especially Trevor, is trouble.  She again mentions the practice of sorcery.  I want to explain that I am unique and talented, and only use it for good.  She stops me short and tells me that others are scared - of me. 

I am stunned.  All my hopes are gone, crashing down like the rocks that fell and destroyed the monstrous army this past summer.  I hide a tear, as my mind races to find something.  How can I be here, but also not be here?  Do I break from the temple?  What about the new members of mine?  Then an idea.  I suggest to be in charge of a new orphanage since this town has none.  I would be in the community, but be away from it.  I tell her I have a rather large house by the water, but would make sure it is okay with my friends, first.  My followers and I can staff it.  My friends can be there, too.  Then the best news, the high priestess gives me her blessing to begin it.

About these friends, I thought that we would go our separate ways, but the Light works to keep us together.  Two issues must be handled.  First, the others should agree to let me use the river house for the orphanage.  And second, for some strange reason, Brute has a strong desire to report our failure to get the codex for Kalif. 

About the orphanage, Brute and Ohm Uri are fine with it.  Trevor agrees.  He is also very upset.  He spent an entire day overseeing workers to move almost everything out of the house.  He is more concerned with furniture and wine than with helping children, especially when they are so vulnerable.  But there is some good, for many secret passageways and a nasty trap are discovered. 

My superior must be right about Trevor.  When he was moving items from the house, he finds a locked chest.  He tells Ohm Uri to open it without first checking if it is trapped.  Trevor knows that I can uncover and find traps.  I am elsewhere, however, and it seems that Trevor is up to his old tricks, again.  Ohm Uri opens the lock and acid sprays, burning his face.  Then Trevor uses an illusion to hide the wound.  I eventually tend to the burn, but how can Trevor act this way?

The chest holds a single ring.  Finally, Trevor has smarts and gives it to me, so I can examine it.  I move into a different room, so the new followers do not see what I am about to do.  I have a knack with sorcery, so, I take the ring and start singing softly.  I close my eyes and focus.  The sorcery power is there, ready to bend and shape, to show me what this ring can do.  A sense of being light or weightless, it is working!  Then a darkness, and a vision of the witch Miranda appears in front of me.  She starts weaving a curse.  I open my eyes in a start.  The vision seems so real, like she was standing in front of me.  I rest, for working the sorcery is new to me.  I tell about the ring being light, but also cursed, like the other ring he found. 

Brute takes the ring and puts it on.  Nothing happens.  Knowing the curse, I am confident the Light will remove it.  Naturally, we try to remove it, and the curse holds it strong.  Then Camino, one of my new followers, pats Brute on the back, making him float to the far end of the room.  Brute's expressions are quite comical and I must cover my laughter, so I do not upset him.  The more Brute tries to control himself, the worse he becomes.  He tries to swing his sword, but has very little leverage, and his motions make me laugh even more.  Sometimes laugher is good medicine.

About the codex, all during our visit to Kalif, I bite my lip, hoping he doesn't ask me.  The conversations become precarious, but the whirly witty words of the Amazing Trevor spin a magnificent tale of our travels, thus, keeping Kalif from asking sharp questions.  I escape without saying a word.  Perhaps the Amazing Trevor has found a niche.

As we leave the palace, we see a heavily guarded caravan enter.  Brute and I notice something odd with the wagons.  I am not sure what I saw, but Brute is very impatient, willing his sword to ask the questions.  I calm Brute, for a confrontation here with little proof, can only end worse for us.  We agree to return this evening to investigate more.  I must stop writing this entry, for we are all here now, planning our next move.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 57

I feel like my continued acceptance in this order is hinged on the recovery of the codex.  In my prayers to the Light, I knew then and I now know, I made the right choice.  I gaze at the coals of the fire, keeping the chill of the approaching winter air away, and ponder if my superiors will see my point of view?  I will explain that I could not destroy it.  Our city, all of our civilized world, and all that we hold close to our hearts would be worse if I did.  I convinced my friends to bury it, safe within its cell, made for it by an ancient spirit that we all saw.  Will the order accept this?  The fire spits a hiss, as if to answer, but I know I am right.

All too soon the Royal Kalef will know of our return.  He will want to hear our discoveries.  But he will be most troubled by the disappearance of his seer.  He may think a coincidence is unlikely and we must be cautious.

Let me summarize our return. 

We left the city of Antaw when a sand storm approaches.  We tether ourselves, for we can barely see an arm length in front.  Kull leads the way, Ohm Uri, then Trevor, me and lastly Brute.  How Kull manages to travel the correct way is still a mystery to me. 

We make camp with the sand still pelting us.  We use shields to help keep the tent standing.  All but me fall asleep quickly.  I stay awake, because sand went everywhere.  I can only think about how to be rid of sand.  Whichever way I roll, sand is there, to rub and chafe.  And it is in places men do not worry about.

A few more days of wandering, and we happen to discover a pyramid.  We investigate the inside to provide relief from the closeness of the tent.  Exploring to make sure it is a safe resting place,we find, besides the horde of skeletal constructs, a pool of water, and when we drink, makes us more bold and an appearance of being younger.

Also found in this pyramid is a cursed one.  We find it dressed in rotten clothes and hooded, chained to a wall and appears dead.  Ohm Uri pokes the corpse, and to our surprise it moans and moves, still alive after many years.  When we lower its hood to expose its face, Ohm Uri and I are taken aback by the creature's features.  Its eyes are cut out, leaving dark holes in a grotesque face.  It murmurs incoherent babble, suggesting its tongue also cut out.  I quickly back away and pray to the Light to reveal what is this creature.  I get a very strong dark essence, and if set free, will try to destroy us.  We leave it, chained to the wall with shackles forged from the fiery pits of the dark,  sealing it back in its tomb.

We return to the portal soon after the pyramid without anymore delay.  Cass, who was the oracle for the ruler, waits for us as we enter the main room.  Cass ran away from the "master" with Ohm Uri's help before we left.  Cass explains that she was enslaved by her master.  Brute eluded that since Cass was found wearing Ohm Uri's clothes, and Ohm Uri wearing Cass' clothes, that something "else" happened.  Upon questioning Cass and Ohm Uri, I did not get a decisive answer as to the extent of their encounter. 

The coals are dying out, and the chill is returning to my cell.  I'll conclude with a note on my friends.  My friends, yes, I can call them friends, even though I know they are not true believers.  Brute, Kull and Trevor will see me to treat their wounds.  Brute thought that his kind, half elf and half beast, would not be welcome to my temple.  I assured Brute, that he has earned my trust and is most welcome.  The same for Kull, too.  Poor Trevor suffered the worst.  Mysteriously, he was injured and he collapsed when we return through the portal.  Trevor held the key for us to go there, and for our quick return.  I wanted Trevor to be so much more; I expected too much of him.  Realizing he cannot be a brawny fighter like Ohm Uri, a magic spinner and one with honor and morals like Brute, has been difficult for me.  I must not be so naive.  As for Ohm Uri - I am not sure what he will do next.  Soon, they will be too busy to visit a small priestess.  I will miss them and the adventures we took.

Back to my temple for me.  I must pursue my priestly climb in the temple.  First task, find new members and what better place to search than inspiration point...

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 56

After a short rest, we open the door on the far wall and see a huge cavern with lava at the bottom.  A narrow stone walkway bridges a platform in the middle.  Something is there, but we cannot see exactly what it is.  We start our cautious trip, knowing one slip and an unpleasant fall to a hot, burning death waits.  To our left, we see a second walkway, most likely accessible only from the middle room.  The walkway has two gaps, which if connected, would form a bridge straight across the room to a door on the far side.  It has two missing bridges.  Behind even farther, is a third walkway similar to this one. We all simultaneously conclude there must be two levers that control two drawbridges.  Brute finds a lever and soon, we hear a loud grinding, and a walkway rises from the depths to connect half of the bridge.

We move to the room from the left door, the one with a lava river and many statues.  Kull has the idea to put the statues into the lava river to make a stepping stone bridge.  With the strength of three men, he picks up a statue and tosses it in.  It sinks, but finds a bottom.  A little part is exposed.  More statues!  Just then a few start moving and attacking. 

Brute, Kull, and Ohm Uri's intense aggressive fighting gives me great concern, for they care not for their own health and safety.  I feel obliged to help.  All three take nasty cuts and bruises.  I run amongst calling on the Light for aid to bind their wounds.  And they keep fighting.  And continue to get hurt. 

I hear Brute telling me I am reckless.  Instead of running around, I decide to help and attack the statues, too.  I rush over to swing, but before I do, I rise up in the air.  "Put me down!"  I scream and see the creature's claw swipe, barely missing my legs.  "Brute, put me down!"  For a brief moment, I feel vulnerable, as he can easily carry me away or worse, but he did not.  The last time Brute picked up a woman, he took her home as a trophy.  But he sets me down, gently.  I put aside the anger and the animosity, realizing he saved my life.

I turn towards Trevor and plead with him so he can help with his magic.  But he tells me his magic effects the mind, and these statues have no mind.  I turn back to look at the three.  Ohm Uri is badly injured.  I focus on the sorcery power easily, but instead, I use it to reach for the Light, twice, to call upon the healing aid.  Ohm Uri is better. 

When all the statues on this side of the lava are destroyed, I suggest we rest.  Kull notices movement from a statue on the other side of the lava river. 

I curse.  And Kull has an episode.

His rational mind hides away.  Then a primal force unleashes.  His eyes roll back into his head and foam drips from his mouth.  He looks grotesque.  His muscles tighten.  Sweat beads on his flesh.  I fear for his wellbeing. 

He jumps over the lava river and throws his body into more statues, knocking many over.  Kull is up first and with single blows, statues break.  But more move and soon they surround him.  Brute jumps the lava and Ohm Uri also joins.  My concern for Kull makes me want to get over our makeshift bridge.  I'm not that agile, but I think I can do it.  At my first gesture to climb over the bridge Brute looks at me.  In the midst of swinging his weapon, he takes time to focus on me.  The battle waits for him to raise his hand in gesture.  One word: stop!  It hits me hard, like all the air slammed from my lungs.  I wait, sit down, and worry.  How can he know or see me when he is in the fight?  I focus inward.  I search for the Light within me.  I worry and I search.

Trevor taps me on the shoulder, returning me to this battle scene.  I look around, and the scene is quiet.  Stone dust from the statues cover our clothes and wounds.  No more moving statues.  No more still statues.  All are smashed and knocked over.  Kull is out, but alive and resting.  Brute extends me a helping hand to cross the lava river, over our make shift stepping stone bridge.  Once we are all safely across, again Brute follows the pathway through the heat, to turn the lever.  The magic or mechanics still work after a thousand years.  Just as impressive as before, a second bridge rises to finish the connection of the walkway.

We rest.

Day 4 of our trip in the desert

The day starts after our short rest, so we can recover our stamina.  I am not sure if the sun set and rose again while we rest, as we are deep underground, in an ancient temple.  Most importantly, my vision to the Light is clear now.  I worry that asking too much would cloud my vision, as I have witnessed this with others before.  The fighters are still in poor health.

For our food, I bless three, three day old loaves of bread, to nourish and give strength to our mighty warriors: Ohm Uri, Kull and Brute.  When I finish the blessing, the bread smells freshly baked, with a slice of butter on top.  The warriors are skeptical about the bread, but soon they feel the healing power.  I nibble on wilting vegetables, to push the starvation feeling away, while Trevor does not appear to eat much.  He is very strange and distant to me on this trip.  I talked to him before about helping with his magic, but all he says is that if he dies, the rest of us are stuck here.  On past trips, we grew together, but on this trip, we are growing apart.

We study the next room with the traps.  There are many grooves in the floor and matching ones in the ceiling, but no real order to them.  Ohm Uri enters with his magic shoes and walks on the walls, safely to the door on the far side and hops down and waits.

Brute takes a shield and rolls over a groove.  I hear loud metal whirling sounds and many large circular steel blades roll up from the floor and down from the ceiling in every groove.  This room is pure mechanical evil!  No creature can survive in there.  I gasp to think Brute may be in pieces when the whirling blades retreat back to their resting place. 

To my relief, Brute is not hurt.  The shield takes the blow.  The mind of Brute works to take this as a challenge when most men would give up in fear.  Confident, he continues to roll over a second groove and no blade comes up or down.  Trevor, thinking quick, tosses chalk, stating to mark that groove as safe.  There are many more grooves to mark, and with each move, I hear the loud whirling sounds and feel the vibrations of the cogs moving.  I find myself sneaking a smile as I watch the two of them find the safe route.

Kull is another challenge to get through.  His size alone has problems.  But Brute works to keep Kull calm.  On my turn, I summon courage to make the first step.  The noise, sight and vibration are enough to make one go running, but I freeze, envisioning the blade, stuck before, but now free, to slice through me, cutting me in half.  But no.  I pass intact, and it gets easier with each pass over the chalk marked grooves.

We cross the lava pit to yet, another room.  This room is cool, instead of hot.  Powerful magics effect this room after many years to keep this so cool.  It is filled with books and tables and chairs.  In addition to the door we came from, two other doors exist, one of ivory and one of ebony.  A small fountain bubbles into a basin in a corner.

Against my suggestion, Brute drinks from this fountain, for he wants refreshment after the room with the blades.  He says the water is refreshing and invigorating, then passes out, slumping to the floor, fast asleep.  No amount of prodding will wake him - a magical slumber.  I pick up a book, willing to read it, for we will be here a while. The writings are similar to a strange language I learned when I stayed at the priory.  I scan through the book, and with illustrations, I decipher some passages.  Two in particular state the codex will possess who ever picks it up, and destroying it will release a dark spirit to cause destruction.  This confirms Trevor's dream.  An item of power it is, but it is also a manifestation of pure darkness.  I cannot return with it.  Yet, I said before I would destroy it.

Brute wakes, finishing his sentence from where he left off, unaware of his long nap.  We can proceed.  I open the ivory door.  The room is cold and has no other exits.  A blue gem is encased in ice in the center.  This room gives me a pleasant feeling, but we cannot stay long, for we are here to find the codex.

Brute opens the ebony door.  A passageway leads to a round room with a large statue of a desert cat, three times the size of Kull, with glowing red eyes and a large ruby red gem on a chain around its neck.  When we enter, the statue of the cat starts moving.  And chaos engulfs me.

The three strong agile men run into the room, past the cat, or on top of it.  The cat seems to play with its three new toys, and Trevor runs to a lever on the left.  What?!  I am left alone in the corridor.  I follow Trevor and quickly state not to pull the lever, for it has magic, fearing the floor will collapse, if he does.  Visions haunt my mind of the whirling blade room.

I manage another scolding look from Brute as I rush to Ohm Uri and Kull, calling the Light to intervene to keep them alive while we all battle this monstrosity.  Strange for a cat, for it focuses on Trevor who is the only one not running around, and charges him.  Without hesitation Trevor pulls the lever.  A large stone falls from the ceiling, crushing the creature. 

This is almost comical, as if I were watching what a young pupil did with a book, years ago.  I forget his name now.  He drew a small picture on the corner of a book.  Then on the next page, he drew the same picture, just a little different.  He did this many times, and then he flips the pages very fast.  The funny scenes he portrayed came into motion, with large anvils falling, like this stone.  Our superiors were not amused when they found out, and punished him. 

After the stone fell, an outline of a door appears.  We open the door and follow the passage to a last room.  There are three iron bound books that all have slid from alters or tables.  The tables tilted due to an earthquake that happened a long time ago.  All have a dark aura.  Are there more than one codex?  I sit and meditate.  What can I do?  My judgment has been very poor recently.  I am failing with almost every decision.  I pray. 

In my prayers, I have dark visions of the iron codex, especially if it is destroyed.  The Light confirms me.  I also feel lifted as if floating through the air, flying and then back down.  I open my eyes from my prayer and the room is different.  One alter is here now, and only one book.  I shout to Brute as he is swinging at the book.  No!  Stop!  Don't destroy it.  The book slid from the alter and should be righted.  Then Kull, feeling the will of the Light, sets the alter straight, so it is level.  Then he picks up the book with cloth, so as not to touch it with his hands, and sets it on the alter.  Calm passes over me.  It seems a magical calm from the alter, and others must also feel it, too.  A vision of a boy appears, and says something we do not know, but also smiles, a kind smile, and then disappears. 

Brute picks me up, and proceeds to get out of the room.  He must still think I am in prayer, and many rooms and halls pass by before he sets me down.  We are in the entrance area where we started.  As he sets me down, a feeling of compassion, no, desire, washes over my entire body.  I think of Veronica.  In a fleeting moment, if I were her, then it is gone.  I push the feeling away, far away.  I close my eyes.  I fight this feeling and the tears swell.  Why must this be so difficult!  I want to only serve the Light!  I wait a while, prone.  After what seems like an eternity, I get up, controlled and without looking at anyone, gather my writing things and start recording these events.

Chronicles of the Amazing Trevor: Chapter Fourteen (Hallway to Hell)

I stumbled up the stairs from the cellar into the kitchen, still invisible under the effects of the ring which I could not remove.  The scene was an absolute shambles.  Did these people never wash anything?  Also, there were quite a few dead and dying persons on the floor. Pressing my hand against my bleeding side I watched as my companions put down the last of the ruffians.  I rejoiced to see that none of our plucky band were missing--except for Uhmri, who was probably elsewhere in the house of the Lady.

The situation was still very much up in the air.  There was a wounded assassin-flavored desperado and a black living statue downstairs and a witch with heaven-only-knows how many retainers upstairs.  We had mere moments before they rallied and attacked from all sides.  Naturally, Katherine took this as the perfect time to remonstrate with Kull for offing some alley-runner outside.  Ah, sweet K.  Apparently the fellow was actually the driver of the cart which brought in the new tranche of captives.  However he was unarmed at the time that Kull abruptly cancelled his future career plans by stomping on his head.  K was trying hard to explain about the ethical dilemma inherent in crushing the skull of an unarmed enemy and Kull was trying hard to understand why there was an ethical dilemma inherent in crushing the skull of an evil slaver.  Sensing that this might take a wee bit more time to resolve than we had at present, I braved the ethical dilemma inherent in simultaneously risking annoying both of them by interrupting suddenly.  So I interrupted suddenly and blurted out the situation below us, with cages full of slaves, piles of bodies, masked desperadoes, the black statue back on our trail, a powerful witch, so do try to keep up, won't you?

Brute asked, "Slavers?"  "Or worse", I replied.  "None leave alive", was his rejoinder.

K stanched my wound with the power of the Light.  Then we descended to the cellar and arrayed ourselves for battle.  Our goal was freeing the captives in the vault and to do that we would have to deal decisively with the statue and masked desperado.  With any luck the battle would leave the rather decent little wine cellar nearby untouched.  Kull and Uhmri faced the vault door.  Knowing that reinforcements might descend from the house above at any time, Brute guarded the stairs with Katherine, and I stood by to lend my skills wherever need was most.  We did not have long to wait.  The statue within was already pounding heavily on the massive door to the prison vault at the end of the corridor.  Despite its immense bulk the door soon collapsed into the hallway, revealing the dark figure framed against the lit room beyond.

To my surprise, Uhmri shot forward like an arrow and threw himself bodily upon the thing!  Kull moved forward with his sword, ready to rain blows upon it.  Seeing that the stone woman was well engaged, I dashed past as quietly as I could in my invisibility.  Slipping into the room beyond I sought out the masked villain.  I spotted him immediately, rising wounded and dazed from the floor.  I quickly cast my old standby, Dragon Image, hoping to finish him off quickly.  Alas the impertinent fellow saw through my reptilian mirage straightaway--no mean feat for a chap with only one eye.  Uhmri suddenly dove past me and slid along the floor towards him in a bold and clever maneuver which actually missed the ruffian quite entirely.

Behind me I could hear Kull and the thing of stone trading blows like titans. With only my old Color Spray still uncast I drew my dagger and moved to engage the masked one.  But I was distracted by the clamor of enemy reinforcements crashing down the stairs to where Brute awaited them with death in his hands.  Uhmri quickly leaped forward against the masked henchman and landed a perfect kick to his gentleman's bits.  The blighter collapsed nicely.  A scream down the hall told me that Brute had felled the first of the intruders on the staircase.  Things seemed to be well in hand so I grabbed the stricken henchman and attempted some blunt interrogation.  However he fought to break free and I slit his throat with my dagger.  Blood sprayed everywhere.  It was an unpleasant moment.  I do so abhor physical violence.  I checked the corpse for keys to the cells.  He had some fascinatingly ornate keys in his pocket, but then I spotted a rather more ordinary set on a peg on the wall.

K then entered the prison vault and took in the scene.  I suddenly felt rather ashamed of my blood-spattered appearance as I crouched over my fallen opponent, even though I knew she could not see my in my invisible state.  Then to my horror and consternation, Uhmri bent down and drank of the blood of the desperado, smeared it all over himself, and tasted of the red heart blood.

Then the Lady and her henchmen arrived in force from upstairs.  She attempted some spell, which the doughty Brute shrugged off, then set two of her minions on him.  With a mighty roar he cut one of them down with his first blow.  Kull finally brought the dark statute down, returning it to a motionless chunk of stone.  The battle was fully on.

I took the cell keys from the peg and began freeing the prisoners.  Uhmri, still covered in fresh scarlet blood, followed casually and began cordially shaking hands with each of the unfortunates as they emerged.  One woman staggered out and collapsed on him, smeared in the same blood.

Kull suddenly roared in outrage.  I glanced down the hallway and saw that a richly equipped man-at-arms had somehow gotten into the passage (later we surmised he'd used the laundry chute) and struck the massive odd-fellow from behind.

K cast some spell, I thought perhaps to discern the presence of any magic in the room.  Then she warned the freed captives to stay in the room because of the danger raging in the main hall.  And indeed the situation became even more dangerous.  Another noble-looking fighting man emerged from the laundry room and assaulted Brute from the flank as he battled a swordsman on the stairs.  Then Lady Miranda plied her fel talents again.

All of  a suddenly the two odd-fellows began screaming like madmen.  Fearing some witchery I stepped over and glanced down the hallway.  Kull engaged the man-at-arms with gusto.  But suddenly Brute came pelting down at me howling like a banshee.  I dived aside and he ran by into the vault room shouting "the horror!".  Having seen Brute face the fearsome chaos beasts by the lake like a lion I knew only a powerful enchantment could affect him thus.

As Brute dashed across the vault in seeming panic, Uhmri suddenly joined him and began running about screaming in mock fear.  Once again I wondered what was affecting the fellow.  Were his wolf pelts possessed of some strange spirit?  Was the enchantment on Brute contagious? Kull, too, appeared possessed of some animus and wrath blazed from his face like a sun gone wild.  Surrounded by three assailants now Kull wielded his sword with magnificent savagery.

Brute paused for a moment in his enchanted state and I quickly offered him my last bottle of wine.  A major sacrifice to be sure, but the fellow needed something and it was all I had.  Several large gulps revived him and he dashed back into the fray.  Uhmri then grabbed the seemingly floating bottle.  I hadn't meant him to partake of my final example of the vintner's craft but in his present odd state it might help restore him as well.

Brute rejoined the combat none too soon because his hulking battle-companion just then collapsed under a rain of blows.  As Brute engaged the two men-at-arms and the common swordsman by the fallen Kull, K and I positioned ourselves behind him and began casting our arcane best.  Uhmri simply hung about in the vault sipping from the bottle.  I thought to myself that we really must find out what was behind his odd behavior.

K unleashed an impressive blast of arcane power at the witch and caused quite an injury.  Then she cast some enchantment on one of the men-at-arms and caused him to stand staring off into space.  The other two fighters then rushed towards K to prevent further injury to their fel mistress.  The witch cast some hex on K but it dissipated immediately, perhaps due to the Light within our plucky priestess.  Brute cut down one of the men-at-arms and intervened to protect Katherine.  I stepped clear of the fray, took a deep breath, and performed a lovely casting of the old Color Spray on her witchyness.  Take that you wench!

To my consternation it not only failed to affect the vain trollop but rebounded from her staff and rained blazing rainbow sparks around me in profusion.  The sudden turn of events took me quite by surprise and I only narrowly avoided the intensely humiliating experience of being hoist on my own petard.

Behind me Brute felled the remaining man-at-arms and minion chap with typical efficiency.  K rushed over and channeled the Light into the expiring Kull just in time.  Temporarily out of arcane mana I crept up invisibly on the Lady at the end of the hall.  Picking a moment I thrust with my bloody dagger!  Alas, once again her hidden hexes turned aside my assault!  And now she was well aware of my presence nearby.

Another of the witch's armed minions leapt forward and managed to wound our Brute.  The witch dashed forward to take advantage of K's momentary focus on healing the prostrate Kull.  Sprouting long claw-like nails she raked them cruelly across the young cleric's back.  Angered by this assault Brute dealt a cruel wound of his own to his opponent, who staggered back to the wall and slid down to the floor gushing blood.  Katherine ducked away from the Lady and poured more of the Light into Kull.

Glancing past this unfolding drama in the hallway I espied Uhmri beyond.  The druid was still hanging about in the vault.  He had apparently finished off the last of the vintage and was mingling with the recovering people around him.  To my amazement he was alternately hugging and and fondling the male and female persons indiscriminately with happy abandon.  They seemed no less amazed by the behavior than I.

Alone but undaunted the witch drew out a dagger with a blade of a strange greenish metal.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 55

I am finally relieved of the anxiety I just witnessed.  I can record the events.  Let me start at the beginning of day three in the desert. 

We stop only briefly, for we enter the city before night.  The city seems buried in sand.  Only the tops of buildings show and some are damaged.  We see many animal tracks.  I imagine a pack of wolf-like monsters that would circle us and then wait for a chance and attack the weakest.  That would be Trevor and me.  Courage, we must not give in to fear.  Be strong, but be prudent, too. We notice a damaged dome, where animal tracks do not go.  We make our way there.  The dome seems like an ancient temple.  We find a way inside and down a hole.  Using rope, Brute lowers me and my light brightens this dark chamber.

We see many murals painted on the walls, depicting scenes from nature, implying this city was not always in the desert.  Also to support this, we see what appears as a map, and it definitely shows a river passing through the city.  One recurring image here is that of a spider.  I can guess that this temple was created to honor this spider.

We find a pair of metal doors in this room.  Brute pushes on the door, moving it slowly, causing sand and dust to stir.  We move into the corridor beyond.  It leads to a room with more murals and pillars and three doors, one straight, one to the right, and one to the left.  We open each door, ready for any ambush to charge out.  Behind each door is a room, but each room is different.

From the way we came, the middle door we choose first.  We see an unnatural darkness at the ceiling and grooves in the floor, and a door on the far side.  I pray to the Light, to see if this room has traps.  And there are.  But that does not help much, for we do not have a trapsmith to disarm the traps.

The next door we choose is to the left.  No ambush.  Here, there is a river, but not of water, instead of lava.  The river of lava enters from one side and exist along the other side.  And there are many life-like statues of people, made of stone, in various active poses.  Looking from my viewpoint, I get a strange feeling that these statues were not originally made of stone, but were once flesh and blood, then turned to stone.  There is a door on the far side, but there is no way to cross the lava.  The Light does not reveal any traps in this room.  So, before venturing into this room, we check the last, door, the one to our right.

The room beyond, has five stone statues of grotesque monsters.  And a door on the far wall, beyond.  Trevor and I wait at the entrance, as the others investigate.  Kull touches one of the statues, and it begins to move.  However, no others move.  This is good, for Brute and Kull work together to destroy this stone statue.  Then Ohm Uri joins the attack, by dropping from the ceiling, attacking from the back.  This makes an ordered attack turn into chaos, for another statue moves and attacks Ohm Uri.  Soon, the first statue crumbles to the ground.  But the disorderly movements by Ohm Uri, continually make other statues start moving and attacking.  Brute fails to dodge the claws a few times.  They also thrust with their horns on their heads.  These appear to leave deeper wounds, and Brute is injured many times.

Then the strangest thing happens.  Not sure if this new membership in the temple has altered his mind.  But Trevor rushes into the fight to help the fighters.  He should let the fighting be done by fighters.  This causes another statue to move and attack.  And it moves unchecked directly to Trevor.  He neither is fast nor as armored as the others.  Poor Trevor takes the hit on his back, and hit hard. 

I am distraught; I do not know what to do.  I just drop down on my knees to pray, to pray for help.  I see a bright flash through my closed eyelids.  I open my eyes and I see a heavenly angel.  He puts himself between Trevor and this monster. 

While the angel fights this statue, I move close, and I put my hands over the wound, but there is no blood from his flesh.  I ask the Light to bind his body.  The cut does close, but the wound is strange.  Brute, Kull, and Ohm Uri destroy the last monsters.  I find myself breathing hard and my heart racing.  I want to scold Trevor for his actions, as he could be injured more seriously.  But I am also in disbelief about Trevor.  He does not have blood like the rest of us.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 54

Day two of our sandy travel to the city. 

After I crawl into my blanket, I think of how all of these men have respected my privacy.  Much unlike most other men, Brute and Kull, especially, treat most women like their sisters, taking on a natural role of protector.  Brute already remarked about adopting Cass.  And make it clear to Ohm Uri, and Trevor too, that no one should harm Cass.  Cass is or now was the ruler's oracle, and she is staying with us at the mansion now.  I will tell that story later.  I fall asleep, gazing up at the stars. 

I wake to the sound of Brute's alarm of battle.  It is dark, very dark.  I jump to my feet, and focus the sorcery energy to shield me.  Within seconds, Trevor summons light to his lantern, revealing two giant beetles rushing the two of us.  The beetles are huge, about three feet wide.  I have never seen beetles this size before.  I pray for the Light to help.  A deafening sound hits the two giants and their armored shells crack and break, sending bug parts flying.  That is a close call.  Trevor moves the lamp around to reveal that the rest of the giant beetles were killed by Ohm Uri, Brute and Kull.  After my heart stops pounding fast, I crawl, a second time, into my blanket, to fall back to an eerie sleep.  What else is out there in the dark?

Before the sun rises, we pack and continue.  During our next break, I summon the water like before, only I notice under the water, the light concentrates in one area.  And this area gets hot.  Very hot, maybe, hot enough to burn. 

And today, Trevor does not seem to be effected by the heat, two days where he is fast and energetic.  The rest are sweating, and I am glistening.  It is very uncomfortable.  Brute confronts Trevor about having him use his spell on us to make us feel better, however, Trevor denies he did anything.  I suspect his connection to the mirror portal is somehow protecting him from the heat.

I omitted two earlier events and summarize them now:
Back at the house in Aden, the oracle, Cass, enters the house escorted by Brute and Kull.  She is dressed in Ohm Uri's clothes.  Brute has no end to the images of Ohm Uri walking through town dressed in some fashion of the oracle's attire.  I knew something happened!  Apparently, Ohm Uri had been foraging a feather bed for himself, and either picked the lock of her belt or paid a urchin to do it.  After the night, Cass, fearing for her life, takes Ohm Uri's clothes and gets far away from the ruler.  Then Brute and Kull find her.  Later, Ohm Uri, as guessed by Brute, enters the mansion wearing one of the dresses of Cass, including a veil.  I usually leave these types of stories out, but this time, someone must record this. 

For me, I try one more time with my temple.  I make true to my tithe vow and donate a handsome sum.  After a brief plea, they give me some divine scrolls.  I leave in favorable conditions, this time.

We camp for a second night, with the city of Andough much closer.  The sun sets behind us.  The rest of us are hot, exhausted, wet, dirty.  But not Trevor.  Its almost like he has an unearthly glow about him.  Gazing on his features, renews me of hope and strength.  Could this be the effect of the rune prayer I did before we left?  Could he really be a true believer in the Light?  It's times like this that are so precious.  If we make it back, we can remember ourselves here, and these thoughts.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 53

Preparation.  To travel into the heat, we arm ourselves with light clothing, food, and water bags.  We are apprehensive about the trip.  How to use the mirror?  Is it witchcraft?  How do we get back?  How do we find our way back to the portal?  Do we have enough water?  We assure ourselves about each question, and while as a group, we all have answers, but individually, we do not.  I especially am not convinced the travel is possible without witchcraft.  When all is said, we just trust each other.

Before we leave, I again chant my prayer and draw my rune on the floor.  It glows.  I almost lift off my feet as the energy flows into me.  I turn to the others, and ponder: are they enthusiastic like I am?  I last look at Trevor and say to him:  do you feel it: the emotion, the wonder, the bliss?  He must, since he is a member now.  But he doesn't answer, and then I add, "this is the best feeling, ever!"

An awkward moment passes, then Trevor gets out the four rings and remembers the one to operate the portal with the scene of the desert.  Trevor is the first to step through, then me, Brute, Ohm Uri and Kull.  I am in the desert.  The trip is done before I can blink my eyes.  It does not feel like we traveled far, yet, we are no longer in the attic of the mansion that I dislike so much.  We are now in a foreign, hostile land.  Trevor tells us about an uneasy feeling that if he dies in here, the rest of us will not be able to return by the portal.  That will not happen, if I can help it.

We trudge through the sand, following Brute's innate direction sense.  Step after step, the same scene, sand, sand, and sand.  Sand everywhere.  My mind wonders to Keith, my friend that I lost.  He once said that many find it difficult to work sorcery, yet it was easy for me.  But it has caused me some pain.  But it gives me such a rush, however.  I look again out, nothing more than sand.  I look to the right, and then to the left, and then where we came from.  All the same, sand. 

My mind wanders again, just like my legs feel like we are wandering over the sand, from nowhere, to nowhere.  I remember my first teacher of the divine.  He saved me from the streets when I was young.  An old man he was when I knew him.  He carried with him two glass pieces that he used to read.  He taught me to read, too.  Although he taught me the principles of the Light, he did not show me how to pray for intervention.  Again, that does not come easy for some, but for me, it has.  He also had other metal devices that he used to guide us when we traveled.  I was never good at those for it required memorization.  If he could be here now, Brute may learn something... 

Trevor grabs my arm and points to the distant city.  I try to focus on it, instead of my memories.  He states, rather smugly that he is correct.  I look at Trevor.  A feeling of dread washes over me.  I feel so terrible.  Trevor is doing whatever I ask of him.  He is so cheerful and full of energy.  He also took the vows of my faith.

We all travel slow, and the temperature is hot.  I try one of my early prayers to shield me from the heat, but it does not work like Trevor's freshening cantrips.  He has more enthusiasm, determinism, and resilience than Brute or Kull, on this trip.  How does he do it?  We press on all day, not stopping for anything.  Normally we would stop for Trevor, but he does not need to rest.  But we drink.  And drink.  The water will not last for more than a day, at the speed we drink it.  I have a plan for the water. 

Finally, we stop for the night.  I state to the others, that we will have water soon.  With complete mastery, I focus on the sorcery energy and summon a force in the air.  I bend it to make a dish, the size of a small table and set it in place.  I test it to make sure it stays without concentration.   Next, I call to the Light, to bring water, to rain from my hands, so that the drips are caught in the dish and suspend over the dry sand.  Quickly, the dish fills.  When full, I reach down into the water, cup it and splash it on my face, and drink.  It is very refreshing, pure, and clean.  I mention to the others to fill their water bags.  Then they can wash the grime of travel away.

With most of the water gone and the dish still floating over the sand, the setting sun's beam catches in the water and I see the colors of the rainbow.  For food, dried meat, dried fish, and dried stuff.  Yuck!  If this place is not dry enough.

Then night comes quickly.  An array of stars shine in the night, much more than the night sky of Aden.  My old teacher taught me the names for groups of the stars, and with his tools he recorded numbers and compared to numbers from previous days.  To me, it is magic, magic that I could not learn.

The others begin resting, while Trevor and I prepare for the first watch.  The first day finishes with no trouble.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 52

My day starts in the usual way, by doing my chores at the usual time.  However, today, I notice something strange with the others here.  Before, they were cherry and outgoing, but now, when I approach, they become quiet - more to themselves.  I suspect rumors of my past has reached them.  But I can hope for the better.

Later in the morning, early for one that enjoys his rest that is, I see one of my friends: Trevor.  A welcomed face to rest my eyes on, far from the suffering of the injured.  My spirit is renewed with energy.  I see him when I am about to talk to my superior about this item, and Trevor invites himself, despite my pleading that he not go.  He insists.  I am in a small room with the two people I never want to meet: my superior, one to look up to for guidance towards matters involving honesty, morality, justice and charity, and Trevor, the one that awoke my forgotten sorcery power and just about the opposite of my superior.  Let me rephrase that.  ... and Trevor, the exact opposite of my superior.

I tell of the dinner, of the request, and how we dealt with the witch and other members of the council, but sticking to the facts.  I leave nothing out, except details about the total amount, and any part with Trevor, unless questions are asked.  There are none.

I also add that I dreamt of it.  Trevor adds that he too has a dream of it, only the item oozed blood.  My superior says that I should go find this item, as a form of atonement.  When I ask of aid from the temple, my superior informs me that because others here do not trust me, they will not go.  I protest.  I only do actions that have a benefit for the Light.  Trevor also protests.  He should be spared this detail of my life.  The decision is made.

I make one more request of a different matter:  have Trevor become a member and true follower of the Light.  At this request, my superior is grateful as followers are always welcome.  I bite my lip hoping that Trevor behaves.  In a short ceremony, it is done.  I almost spontaneously radiate light for I am so happy.  I muster my training to contain the swelling of emotions.  I look down.  I find myself  hiding a reserved smile.  Yes!

After we leave, I am truly grateful of Trevor for his decision.  Then I state that I must try to retrieve the item.  I tell him I want to meet Kalef again.  Trevor is surprised about this, but I have a plan.  Since the decision is to go, we make our way to the market to resupply, specifically things for adventuring to a desert.  Once finished, we start towards the palace, but we happen to find a merchant selling jewelry.  

I stop.  In a flash, my head wonders to years ago, when I would have had a girl's fantasy of trying the items.  More recently, my life was dark, and I could barely find food.  Now, I have plenty of extra coins even after my tithe.  With the fist full of coins, I enter the store.  Now, I can enhance my priestly aura with a silver tiara and simple bracelets.  Trevor, seizing on the moment, points out a gem filled necklace, possibly emeralds, to match my hazel eyes and to my surprise, buys all of these for me, before I could deny his doing.

We have our meeting with the once ruler.  I try to scout his intentions, but he is vague.  I initially state that I accept, but I cannot give him a guarantee.  If I find the item and it is cursed or worse, my beliefs will not allow me to give it to him.  Then Trevor wants more time to decide and he agrees to give an answer in two days.  We take our leave.

We gather at the mansion and prepare to leave through the mirror to the desert.  Brute is his usual sure self.  Kull has a sled packed with items.  He hoists the stuff up the narrow, spiral stairs.  The bumps and noises he makes leave scratches on the walls.  Trevor is here too, ready.  Like expeditions that I read about, I feel a sense of amazement of the unknown, to survive with only our wits.  Once through the portal, we have only a short way to travel to the city of Andough.  I look at everyone, and notice Ohm Uri is not here.  What could he be doing this night?  Earlier this day, I asked if he would go. Without hesitation he replied yes.  We must wait till his return.  

Finally he returns, but he is not his usual self.  We decide to rest before we go.  

I look again at Ohm Uri.  My second view of him reveals something more.  A sight I have not seen in years.  One that my father would wear after being out.  I know the signs.  Ohm Uri has this same look now, one of a conquest victorious.  My intuition tells me it is a woman of power, but who?

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 51

Entry 51

Today the festival comes back and hopefully the lore master, too.  We gather at the Tankard, our favorite meeting place, to further argue over the money and what to do with it.  Ohm Uri wants to buy an fancy scroll case for the scrolls he is guarding, but I have never seen them.  I stress that we cannot spend too much quickly, as that can have a bad effect on everything.  Since we don't know what to spend it on and we cannot carry that much, eventually, we decide to store the chests in the secret room of the mansion.  I will make sure there are no more spirits haunting the place.   And we want to know what magic is contained within the items we took from the witch.

Trevor does not mention one word about his promise of following the light or how I enjoyed last night.

Before we go, I alone go to dress Kull's wounds.  I did have a nice time and it will most likely be the last time I am in the company of royalties.  Let me relive the events last night one more time.  I turn to Kull and start...

"The carriage slows to turn within the gate, passing through the white walls of stone.  We are inside the palace grounds, and it is immense.  Armed guards patrol.  The carriage stops at a grand entrance of stairs leading up to a large doorway.  A servant opens the door and beckons us to follow.  Brute exists first and assists Veronica.   Then Trevor.  And he extends an arm to me.  For a brief moment a thought passes: could I live like this?  My answer: I could not live like this when I should be helping the less fortunate.  I take Trevor's arm and hold fast for tonight only."

"Too bad, Kull, you could not make it.  I continue"

"We follow the servant who leads us inside.  The ceilings are tall and intricate artwork covers the walls from the floor to the ceiling.  A large chandelier hangs here.  It casts light in many places from the many candles lit within.   He leads us into a room and says, the grand ballroom.  I am amazed.  Not only are we to have dinner, but also to be honored in front of so many others.  I am glad I spent time preparing for this, for many of the women wear dresses with multiple layers of cloth, and low cut to expose their necks and shoulders, too.  This must be to allow plain view of the gem filled necklaces they have.  The men wear clean outfits and they smell pleasantly fragrant.

Kalef is a tall man and has a moustache that is curled on both ends.  He wears a strange hat, more like loose material wound around his hair.  He speaks, introducing himself and bids us to introduce ourselves.

Trevor goes first.  Even though I am at his side, I melt away to a dark corner of the room, as I must appear as his escort or assistant.  He is in the spot light.  To put on a show in front of royalty and as the honored guest too, happens once in a lifetime.  Many minutes later, he introduces me, "Katherine..."  To make sure everyone here knows of my role, I take the lead and continue, louder so Trevor will stop, "... a Priestess of the Light."  I then brighten the lighting around me for an impressive effect.

Then Brute and Ohm Uri introduce themselves, and Veronica.  Kalef remembers the stories, or shall I write, the tall tales of Brute's other adventures.  Brute plays into being modest, for he denies every one.

He motions for us to sit and dine.  At this, I glimpse around and notice this one woman.  She is also dressed in strange clothes.  She appears very exotic and beautiful.  I check Trevor's arm in my hand.  I do not want to spoil this night with him.  I remember a different time...

After dinner, Kalef asks if we could retell the story of how we vanquished the witch.  We all point to Trevor for this honor of storytelling.

I let myself relax and watch, the Trevor I see and like the most.  I sneak a glimpse of Veronica and she is fixated on Brute.  With that nagging question answered, I let myself be captivated by his show and storytelling spell, including his accents with pyrotechnics.  After Trevor finishes, their royal show begins.  Women of exotic origin perform a dance, accompanied by a few men playing drums.  The magic of the rhythmic sounds from the drums are matched by movement of the dancers, again spellbinding.  At this, I find I have tighten my grip on Trevor's arm.  The show ends and a blur of people meet us.   As the  night wears on, all of the guests leave.  But we stay and Kalef brings two chests into the ballroom and states that he is grateful to us for saving his life.  He feels he would be next if the witch succeeded.  Fifty thousand gold coins in the chest for us.  And ..."

I hear the soft breathing of Kull, sleeping.  He seems to not hear a word in his recovering state.  Kull, may I ask you a question: what do you think of Trevor?  Last night, all was fine, except at the end, for I find out Trevor works with sorcery without understanding it or the consequences it can do.  And he does not include me or tell me about it.  Today, Kull, you are an excellent listener.

After I return to the group, we move to the festival, but are side tracked by an archery contest.  Trevor, Ohm Uri and I stand together, and I see an elf girl that is the only one with any chance of matching Brute's skill.  But today, Brute is on fire, he even splits his own arrow from a distance.  Such marksmanship!  At the elf's third try, she winks at Trevor.  What?  Why did she do that?  Does Trevor know her?  Again, what has he not told me?  I focus on the match again, and it is over.  The official declares Brute the winner!  We all cheer, but it is short lived, for Brute gives the trophy winnings to the elf girl.  What?  Did she wink at Brute too?  What is this elf girl trying?

Brute collects his arrows and I, wanting to get to the lore master without more distractions, herd them quickly.  We find him, and ask if these items are cursed.  None of the them are, or so he thinks.  Still, magic items can be dangerous, for the magic has a life of its own.

And we also discuss the coins again.  My advice I add, is that with the three houses, we will want the funds to make repairs, or we should sell the houses, if we can find buyers.  And we did not talk more of going into the desert to find the item. 

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 50

Entry 50

I returned last night from a royal dinner and ball held at the palace of this city.  The once ruler of this city, called Royal Kalef, gave us a gift for saving his life.  Let me recall the events that led my friends and me to have this wonderful experience...

Last night, after we exposed and removed the witch, we took the six survivors and the four bodies of the ones that perished to my temple.  Today, we make the bodies presentable so relatives can identify and take them for proper burial.  Before the work begins, I watch closely the prayer an elder recites.  I have seen it before a few times and I think I can try it on my friends now.  I'm sure they will like it.  Soon relatives arrive and the scene is moving and intense.  I manage to strike an in depth conversation about the paths of enlightenment with one woman.  I know in my heart that she will return.

In the late morning I see two familiar faces approach me: Trevor and Brute.  I am so excited to see them for I have this new orison that I must perform.  But it must wait.

Trevor asks me to go with him to a royal dinner! 

My eyes light up.  Trevor might be making true to his quest of courtship.  How does he know royalty?  Why keep it a secret.  But, Brute adds, in a matter of fact tone, that a messenger came and invited all of us.  So  I am to attend a royal dinner.

It is my turn to show them the new orison, especially Trevor.  I am so excited.  I know I can do it, even if it is the first time I try.  I get them close to me, so they receive the greatest effect.  I draw the symbol of the Light on the floor of a little room using chalk.  I chant the phrase.  The image glows a light blue briefly, and a feeling of energy fills me with knowledge, skill and harmony.  I feel light as if taken off my feet.  But I sense that Trevor and Brute are not as enthusiastic as me.  The warning I know about this orison, is that true followers of the Light receive a stronger effect.  This confirms it.  I understand Brute, but Trevor, is not a true believer, I am so disappointed.  But...

I ask.  I plead.  He says yes!  I told him what would be expected: to attend regular services, donate vast sums of coins, and assemble for prayers at odd hours of the day.  The look on his face was so funny!  Of course, he would not be expected to do all of that!  Oh, I give him a hug and lift both feet from the ground having him hold me.  "Thank you," I whisper.  This is better than anything else in the world! 

I turn to Brute.  I try.  He turns out to be a bigger challenge and I tell him he will in due time.  He thinks he can give no as an answer.  But not today!  Today is a fantastic day, a royal dinner and Trevor to be a follower of the Light. 

When the bliss wears away, I find myself with them walking towards the inn, and more specifically, the part inside known as the Tankard, our meeting place.  Before we get there, we see a gathering of onlookers watching another scene where Ohm Uri has defended himself from a rival druid clan, according to Trevor.  And he must have done it well, for a member from the rival clan, can I write defected, and now Ohm Uri has a new student.

Once inside the Tankard, the injured Kull is about.  Kull was beyond death's door last night during the fight with the witch.  Before we eat, I say a blessing and thanks, for we survived this last battle.  The Light shines upon the food we eat and it strengthens us.

Trevor escorts me back to my temple so I can get ready.  I wash my clothes and myself.  Others have said I have a glow about me today, and one caught me humming a melody.  I'm just so happy.  I tell elders about this once royal ruler and that I am to attend a dinner at his residence.  They tell me of his history.  He gave up power to nobles and merchants that in turn formed a ruling council to handle the day to day mediocrities.  However, he retained his wealth.  My elders approve of me going and to represent for the temple.

With their blessing, I turn my focus to getting ready.  I wet my long hair and braid it.  Not all the girls at the priory could grow their hair as long as I could.  But it can be a burden and it takes time to work it.  I wear my fancy blue dress and make a wreath of flowers for a head band.  After my hair dries, I undo the braids, leaving nice long curls.  A  divinely radiant Priestess of the Light is my new look, fine to mingle among the royalties of the city of Aden. 

I take a taxi to the inn, and see Veronica ready to enter.  I stop to talk and ask if Brute is treating her well.  I told her she was lucky to have him, and to be fair, honest and faithful.   I also invite her to the temple service and to bring Brute, too.  Ohm Uri is there with Brute, however, Kull will stay resting for this night.  We wait for Trevor to make his grand entrance.  What a sight when I see him.  My mind wonders if he will sweep me off to a magical place tonight.  Will he demand an answer?  What else does he have planned for just us?

Soon, a carriage stops out side the inn, and a driver beckons us to enter.  The carriage is much fancier than any others that I have been in, and the ride much smoother.  The seating area is fully enclosed and has a small light source illuminating us as we ride.  We talk about what we expect tonight.  I see Brute has his bow, hand weapons and armor, and Ohm Uri is always ready.  A feeling of concern crosses my mind.  Being so caught up in the royal dinner and getting ready, did we let our guard down?  I turn to Trevor and ask if he has the ring.  He says he does.  We pass Broderick's mansion, the cemetery, the town hall and go into a part of town that I know little about.  Trevor extends his arm to me when we exit the carriage and I am at his side, for the evening.

We have our introduction to the former ruler himself, Kalef, and he states that he is grateful we saved his life and that the witch would have killed him next, if we didn't stop her.  Then late in the evening, after the shows end and the guests leave, Kalef wants to talk to us alone.

He again states his gratitude and gives us all fifty thousand coins.  Gold coins.  What could I do with that much?  I normally would have declined a large amount, but I cannot speak this time.  I cannot even form a coherent sentence.  That is a lot of gold.  I'll figure something out later.  In addition, he delivers in a single swipe of his hand, three papers, each being the deeds to the three homes that Broderick's father owned, to us.  I remember the conversation between Trevor and me when I found out that he did not go to get the deed months ago, but instead stayed in the house and discovered the secret rooms.

Kalef, then, intends to enchant us with wonderment of a strange place.  He talks of a great desert with a lost city named Antough in the center.  I interrupt, my interruption almost planned by him, for I confirm his claim of this city.  I also add that a war was fought and the city was destroyed and the land around it, for a thousand miles in a near perfect circle.  He is impressed with my history.  I pull Trevor's arm more, to keep me close.  Kalef continues, stating an iron codex is in the city and he petitions us to get it for him.  Again, almost planned, I lean forward and inquire why he cannot get it himself.  But he has.  Tried and failed.  And sent others but none have returned.  He says that we are different.  We have a special way to travel.  Too much for me, I break fully from his spell, and ask, "How do you know this?  I know of no way to travel like this." 

Then he introduces the strange woman that I saw before, her name is Oracle.  She tells us "...that one of you knows the way, for he has already traveled into the desert."  I think.  The mansion.  The secret room with the mirrors.  The four different mirrors.  I look over at Trevor!

That did it.  I curse under my breath.  I let my guard down with him.  I am hanging onto him all night.  I now take my arm away from him.  Why does he do this?  And then not tell me.  I find out that Brute knew, too.  I curse again.  Why do they mess around with witchcraft for it can be cursed and possible dire consequences follow?

Composing myself and controlling my disappointment, I state that we must discuss this and decide if we will do this.  My next thought: is the gift of gold an advance payment?  I do not like being played by anyone.  Kalef seemed to read my mind and said the gold is still a gift. 

On the return trip, we decide to leave the chests with Kull in the inn.  I am cold to Trevor and Brute.  I take a taxi back to my temple, alone, except with a fist full of coins.  Trevor, why must you keep things from me?  And Brute, too!  Such an enchanting evening, a wonderful day, and then this weight of rock drops.  Sleep is difficult at best.  I finally drift of to sleep.

I wake and record my entry.  The only dream I can remember is:  feeding the poor and starving of this city for a long time.

...I have much work to do today.

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 49

This is the same day as my entries 46 and 47, my story continues of how we are freeing the captives from the Lady Caldwell's house...

I am relieved that Trevor is fine and among us, as his solo trip to scout the house was not his demise.  I worried too much about.  But he is only half here, as I can hear his voice, but not see him.  Turning my attention to the injured, I call upon the Light to save the man that fell moments ago trying to kill me, for if given the chance, he can do some good.  I talk to Brute about Kull's behavior with the driver, but Brute replies that everyone in the house is guilty and must die.  Kull agrees.  I do not like their answers and they disregard the laws.  Were the men we fought just servants acting on orders?  We hear more people coming closer and we must move.  We choose down the stairs.  I leave the unconscious man and follow.

The stairs open to a large basement room with five doors.  Kull destroys a large black abomination of the witch that broke through a strong metal door.  We already fought this before in the crypt of the mansion.  Brute manages to stop more guards from entering the room from the stairs.  Seeing how the room is now safe for me to move, I make my way to the doorway where the statue came from.  Ohm Uri entered this room earlier, slipping past Kull fighting the statue.  Then I hear a high pitched loud scream from a man.  Is it Ohm Uri?  Or Trevor, with him invisible, I don't know where he is?  Then the scream is silent.  My heart skips a beat.

All is forgotten when I see the cruelty done to humanity in this torture chamber.  I fight a sickening feeling.  Cages are in places around the room.  My first thought: who would do such a thing?  People both alive and dead are in the cages.  The smell of decaying flesh, urine and feces are overwhelming. Some people look tortured, and their skin hangs loosely over their skeletons, void of muscle and tissue. 

Then a most strange sight, a body of the masked man prone on the floor, his hands clutching between his legs, his throat cut.  And a very bloody Ohm Uri chasing after a set of floating keys, unlocking cage after cage.  Trevor is alive and well, and doing the best he can to help.  But the captives are held in fear of this new vision of Ohm Uri, bloodied after his knife cut the last life from another defenseless man. 

Knowing Trevor is fine, I turn back to see how Brute and Kull are doing before I focus on helping the captives.  Surprisingly, Brute charges towards me and I narrowly jump out of the way.  He has an unnatural fear expressed on his face.  Then I see Kull go down fighting, surrounded by the witch's guards.  Kull has saved me numerous times and I must try to save him.  I would be cut down before I could get to him, so a diversion is necessary.  Then I see the Lady Caldwell.  She is certainly the instigator, behaving more like a witch than a proper lady.  She must be stopped.  I rationalize that the Light will be accepting of my next action.  The raw power is there, waiting for me.  If I can distract them, they will not desecrate the body of Kull and I can revive him later.  I thrust the raw energy towards her and close my eyes.

I get her attention!  And the guard's.  Kull is safe for a little while longer.  Then she reaches out to me with her witchcraft.  A strange effect causes my body to warm and to pull my skin from my bones towards her.  I rely on my training of the divine to resist this diabolical attack.  Then it stops and I am fine.  Brute is now back.  He kills a guard, allowing me to get to Kull.  I put myself between the inhuman and its victim, and call upon the Light.  The witch reaches out to strike me in the back, for I rob her of her prey.  I focus.  I do not feel any effect of attack.  Kull lost much of his blood, and I am not sure if he is alive or dead.  To my relief, the Light restores life into Kull.  Some of his pure spilled life force gathers back into his body.  The wounds close and muscles rejoin.  In moments he gets back up to help.

Brute seizes the vial creature so she cannot fight or work her craft.  Just then a maid enters the basement from the stairs.  More strange than the floating keys, the maid claims to be Ohm Uri.  The maid continues to state that a mirror possesses people and we must get the other Ohm Uri and the witch back to it.  Brute takes control of this.  Without hesitation I take charge of the captives.  They are tortured, sick, frighten, shocked, and more may die if not helped quickly.

Trevor stays with me.  I remove the ring and he is visible again.  When I see him again, a relief comes over me, of a burden lifted.  He does not notice my concern when I see a poor attempt to create a bandage covering a wound on his side.  How noble of him to not mention his own injury.  I am beginning to trust Trevor more.  He has honored my request to refrain from using the ring, unless I allow it.  He also kept my secret.  He helps where he can, and he does not kill the defenseless.  If only he could follow the path of the Light and donate time to help.  After stabilizing the surviving captives, I check his wound.  Suddenly, an image of the masked man's open throat wound appears, how grotesque.  I shake the chilly vision away. 

As I plan the move of the captives to my temple and the dead for a viewing for relatives, I think of my explanation to my superior of my absence.  I act in the interest of the Light and to the best of my abilities.  I will state the delicate issue of council members being involved with the witch, and my superior would help in serving justice.  She would stress that I am not out of trouble, and would still show reservations of my use of sorcery.  If she does not pose a punishment, then I most certainly will upon myself, for I made a resolution to not use sorcery.  Most importantly, my friends have actions that conflict with mine and when I have reasoned with them they agree, but in the moment of anger and fighting, they loose memory of their promise.  

I turn to Trevor.   "Can you help me get the survivors to my temple?  We will need as many as we can get."

The Journal of Katherine, Entry 48

I was called by my superior to tell the group here about a person that had a positive influence on my life.  I would choose my mother, but I knew her only until I was ten.  I remember more of my father after mother died, but the memories were so terrible.  I want to write about Keith.  He taught me the songs while I was at the priory.  But it was he, that got me into so much trouble.  Then there are Trevor, Brute, Kull, and Ohm Uri.  They all have had a positive influence on me, but I cannot tell a story about them when the chapter is not finished.  I might choose Puck.

Brother Puck is a cleric of my same order that I am now.  He found me shortly after I ran away from my father.  I was just thirteen.  I tried to get some food from a merchant.  All of my money was gone.  I had not eaten for a few days.  I watched the merchant, like a wolf hunting prey, waiting for a mistake.  I noticed only an older woman.  I thought it was only the two of them.  But I didn't know that he was watching me.  I found my time to be right, slip in, get the bread and run.  I could easily out run the merchant just for a few blocks.  But the merchant had two boys, bigger and older than me.  I did not see them, till after I took the bread.

The chase was on.  Confident of my running, I made to get away, to loose them in a crowded street.  And I lost one.  Now, to slip into the alley and to my hiding spot.  I turned and ran smack into the older taller boy.  He gambled on my route and got lucky.  I thought they would rough me up, for at first I looked like any other street boy.  But when I ran into him, we were entangled, and he could feel my developing body being a bit odd.  He grabbed my arms, and knew I was not a boy. 

This next part I have not told anyone about yet.  It has been many years to look back on this and only now I have the courage to remember it again, and to write about it.  I thought I would die in this alley, violated.  Then a bright light flashed, followed by a force of deafening sound.  I almost past out, or maybe I did.  The tight grip loosened.  His body slumped to the ground, or was it mine. 

Then I felt a whole energy fill me.  It was bliss.  My emotions went from the depths of the darkest cave to the highest mountain, in seconds.  I squinted my eyes because I had to know what happened, for the ringing in my ears defended all other sounds.  I saw a man emerge from the light.  He said his name was Brother Puck.  He was old and stout.  And the two boys were on the ground, still.  I just slid down in the alley and cried, I am alive and fine.  I sat there, still.  I had to know they were gone, never to see me again.  Then I found myself shivering.  When I got the wits back to me, Brother Puck took the stolen bread and me to the merchant.  He gave a coin, a nice coin, to the man and made me apologize.  Which I reluctantly did.

After this, Puck took care of me and he and I moved about, from village to town.  He taught me many more things while spreading the Word.  Eventually, he took me to the priory.  There are so many more memories to tell about us during those wandering days.

For my story to my superior, I told of Brother Puck.  And what I learned from him: to help the ones that cannot help themselves.  But to also know there are two sides of the story, and people are full of all shades of gray.  Be patient and tolerant, for people can change for the better.

Chronicles of the Amazing Trevor: Chapter Thirteen (The Lady Awaits)

We further scrutinized the members of the Council and their chamber from our vantage point in the balcony but at length we became peckish and decided to repair to the inn for supper.  The inn, which rejoiced in the lyrical appellation "The Taproom", was ready to receive us.  We were just tucking into the cook's finest when we chanced to overhear a man and woman nearby.  The woman was very upset because her brother and numerous other people, apparently mostly lower-class types, had gone missing of late.  Her male companion cautioned her not to get involved.  When he stepped away for a moment I went over and introduced myself.  Upon inquiring about the missing persons she mentioned that there was a notice board at the park with notes about some of them.  I assured her that we would do what we could.

Now, normally I'm not one for the gallant knight routine but in this case I suspected that these other disappearances might be related to the those of the Natal family.  As we discussed this new bit of news we were interrupted by a pair of gnomes, with the typically improbable gnomish names of Bulb and Gimp.  I glanced about and noted that our own gnome Boomtock had not returned from his perambulations.  Careless coincidence or careful calculation?  One could only speculate.  The two fellows were most anxious to meet with Boomtock, much in the way that a professional loanshark's kneecappers are anxious to meet their clients.  With little prompting they explained that the fellow had seduced a good many of the young lasses in their little gnomish enclave and his immediate return there was of the utmost importance in order that he begin his paternal responsibilities.  This did at least help explain why he was currently pursuing the life of a gentleman of the road with such gusto.  The two rushed off, allegedly to prepare a fun "surprise" for Boomtock.

Eager as I was to watch Boomtock enjoy his lovely "surprise" I went with the rest of our party to visit the notice board at the park mentioned by the distraught woman.  On the way we came upon a delightfully well-appointed carriage.  Glancing inside discreetly K espied a very fashionably dressed woman with light brown hair--and the young heir Broderick!  Just at that moment the coachman whipped up the horses and the coach moved off smartly.  I alerted my fellows and Uhmri, stout lad, volunteered to give chase.

The rest of us soon fell behind the Wolfskin Wonder and we decided to continue on to the park and rendezvous with Uhmri there.  Arriving, we found that there was indeed a message board with numerous notes pleading for help finding missing friends and relatives.  Several mentioned a place called Inspiration Point.  We then surveyed the scene as we waited for Uhmri to return.  A man in the tasteful attire of a wealthy gentleman-cavalier passed nearby with a small boy.  We overheard some persons nearby refer to him as Lord Cayden, however they also remarked that he seemed to have a different young boy with him each time he took the air.

Now, normally I would take an immediate interest in any potential patron with a noble title, but this business about small boys gave me great pause.  In my previous life with the carnival one of the clowns was found to be procuring young boys from panderers in the worst parts of town.  After finding him with one of them in a state of undress we left him at the bottom of a canal.  It's one thing to match wits with an adult, but quite another to exploit pathetic little urchins like I once was.

Boomtock then put in a surprise appearance.  We informed him of the two fellows from his village who earnestly desired to meet with him.  We also pressed him as to whether he did indeed have numerous offspring awaiting his fatherly attentions.  The gnome quite freely admitted to his multiple indiscretions.  However he then alternated between amusement and insouciance, interspersed with attempts to convince us that his pursuit of the adventuring life was a means to garner the funds necessary to support all the little tykes.  The company was quite united in our disapproval.  Boomtock then became distracted and dashed off.

Not long afterwards Uhmri arrived at the park, but immediately rushed off to join Boomtock who was chasing a squirrel around the park.  We were puzzled by this behavior, his former calling of a man of the woods notwithstanding.  Eventually K was able to persuade him to come away.  He said he'd followed the carriage to a fine house by the river and we immediately set off.  As we went along the tone of the neighborhood improved street by street until we found ourselves in a rather well-to-do area.

A reasonably well dressed bourgeois man passing by recognized me.  How nice it is to be noticed by a fan!  The countless hours of practice and rehearsal, the choreographed discipline of the performance--and all for the delight and edification of those rare few in the audience sophisticated enough to really appreciate it all.  The fellow was positively gushing with praise.  He'd apparently seen me perform a number of times and was quite impressed.  I basked in the well-deserved glory for a few moments but we needed to move along.  We took our leave and just as we were parting he said "I hope you'll be performing again soon so I can bring my son along to see you, Rovert!"

Rovert!  By the gods!  The imbecile had mistaken for that cheap charlatan Rovert.  I was of a mind to chastise the fellow but decided it was better to have a fan of the stage remain enthusiastic for future opportunities.

After a bit more walking we came to the house where the carriage had led Uhmri.  It was a fine house, three stories but smaller overall than the Natal mansion.  It had some lovely landscaped gardens around it and a high wrought iron fence.  Then, to our surprise, Uhmri approached the gatekeeper and said he'd brought his friends back as the Lady had requested.  Uhmri then calmly mentioned to us that the Lady was quite nice and they are friends.  We were rather taken aback.  The former druid had not said anything about speaking to anyone at the house, let alone agreeing to lure us back here.  I began to surmise that our rustic rambler might be under an enchantment--which was quite possible if we were indeed dealing with a witch.

Despite some misgivings we entered and followed a footman around to the rear of the house, which was along the river.   In back was a small, tastefully built plaza with a table and chairs set for guests.  A small pleasure barge was tied up by the bank nearby.  The lady we had glimpsed in the carriage awaited us there.  She was of very fair countenance but wearing a surprisingly casual dayrobe for meeting strangers.  I notice that there were a couple of servants but no armed guards in sight.  She was either a bit naive or more powerful than she appeared.  I decide that it is better to assume the latter.

We introduce ourselves and she confirms that she is indeed Lady Caldwell.  We are seated and served a rather decent wine.  The conversation is polite but a bit stiff on our part.  Lady Caldwell confirms that she has taken Broderick under her wing and earlier had her people move some of the furniture from the old mansion to her house here.  We inquire about the servant Kevin and she claims no knowledge of his whereabouts.  We then mention the two servants imprisoned in the house, one dead the other surviving.  At this she takes a sudden keen interest in the fate of the survivor.  To protect the poor woman we assure Lady Caldwell that the woman remembers nothing and is not likely to recover.  The Lady seemed very relieved to here this, which heightened our suspicions.

Later Broderick was brought out and Brute went off with him, under the pretext of seeing how the young chap's fencing practice was coming along.  As we continued to converse with the very charming Lady, some of us espied a rather shifty looking fellow with a strange leather mask or hood on slipping into the house.  From his demeanor it appeared that he was no stranger to the place and quite used to letting himself in.  After a bit more polite conversation we took our leave and she personally saw us out to the main gate.

Outside we traded theories and ideas.  It occurs to us that she does not look like the woman in the portrait with Broderick, which is reassuring, but it is still all a bit unsettling.  Uhmri is still far too pleased, and in a strange manner, to be her very good friend.  Then we spot the fellow with the mask just down the street, apparently having just departed the house.  The game is afoot!  He heads down a street and we follow as discreetly as a group consisting of a well-armed priestess of the Light, two hulking odd-fellows, a chap wearing a pile of dead wolves, and fashionable man-about-town is able. 

To our relief he is too intent on his business to notice.  We follow him into a decidedly low-rent area of town.  On the way Uhmri suddenly buys a roasted rat-on-a-stick from some questionable cobble-griller.  For a man who enjoys his food fresh, particularly after catching it himself, this was most odd.  And rather disgusting.  Even the odd-fellows disapproved, which is saying something.  And not long afterwards he suddenly acquiesced to the blandishments of a common street tart.  To our astonishment he immediately went behind a nearby tree with her and copulated with the utmost gusto.  What had gotten into the man?  Had the sights, sounds, and smells of the urban scene been too much for his sylvan sensibilities?  His behavior in the out-of-doors was rather rough hewn, as one would expect of his former profession, but he at least had some standards.  K suggested that perhaps he's been replaced by a changeling, like the one we met that evening in the woods.  I agree and suggest we should monitor his behavior more closely going forward.

By this time the masked ruffian had arrived at a small, run-down house.  At his knock four equally low-class types joined him, and all carrying sacks.  With the paid help of a street urchin we followed them to a Inspiration Point, a small beach backed by woods frequented by young lovers and other youthful types.  The ruffians were apparently there looking for someone to snatch.  And evetually they did, a young girl named Jill.  But we were too late to stop them.  Brute noticed the wheel marks of a cart on the far side of the woods and Uhmri rushed off ahead.  A chase after a pair of carts in the dark proved fruitless so we headed right back to the Caldwell house, assuming that was the destination.

At the house we met Uhmri waiting outside.  He told us he'd seen a carriage with Lord Cayden arrive.  Lady Caldwell came out to greet him in person and told him something like "I have something to show you I think you'll enjoy."  It was all rather circumstantial but we were sure we were on to something.  After a bit of hard consideration I put on the magic ring which made me invisible and had Kull lift me over the fence.  I hoped that my lovely Katherine would be able to remove it as before, but that would have to wait.

I began walking to the house.  With the influence of the ring everything went a bit gray and blurry in addition to the dark of night.  I made it to the house without being noticed and slipped inside.  There were a few servants bustling about, most likely preparing for the Lady's entertainment of her guest, the loathesome Lord Cayden.  Slipping upstairs I found the room where the two were conversing.  The Lord stood before a mirror, stretching in an odd fashion and remarking "This is wonderful".  He didn't appear any different than when he'd come in so it wasn't clear what he was getting at.  The Lady seemed quite pleased that he was enjoying whatever it was.

I tiptoed quietly around more of the house but it was unoccupied save for the occasional servant.  In one room I found a small boy, obviously Lord Cayden's latest victim.  Then I heard dogs barking outside.  My heart froze.  The ring might protect me from being seen but I doubted it would cover my scent.  I heard the Lady call out, apparently to the dog handlers, to find out what was the matter.  They shouted back that it was nothing.  I wondered if the dogs had caught wind of my companions outside.

Things were getting rather tight but I hadn't looked for a cellar yet.  One last quick look around and then back out to the fence I decided.  Slipping down to the kitchen I almost ran into the masked chap and one of his henchmen carrying in large sacks which appeared to have people in them.  This was it!  I followed them into the cellar and down a long corridor.  At the far end was a large, massive door fit for a fortress.  They went in and locked it behind them.  Clearly I had a bit of a wait ahead of me.  I had a quick look around the other rooms but they were quite ordinary.  I did, however, happen across a bottle of a decent red from the wine cellar; sneaking about in stately homes of the aristocracy can be thirsty work, as I am sure you are aware.

Finally the huge door opened a bit and the masked chap came out.  I figured that with me invisible I could probably finish him here in the cellar without anyone hearing.  "Come Dark Chaos!" I intoned, and two long, tentactular whips of pure dark chaos stuff shot from my palms and struck the villain smarty.  He panicked a bit then swung wildly about him with a sword.  I tried to dodge but as a civilized man I was unused to such exertions and he wounded me in the side.  To my surprise my blood was visible even while the rest of me remained unseen!  This calmed his nerves and he said that whoever or whatever I was, if I could bleed then he could kill me.  I told him that I was a ghost and that this was his blood and soon he would die.  I lashed at him twice more with my dark, shadowy tendrils and he fled back into the fortified room.  I followed.

The sight inside was not quite what I was expecting.  There were cages with wretched prisoners, a large pile of strangely dessiccated corpses, and a dark room off to one side with an open archway.  My quarry dashed for the archway and I unleashed a pair of my best illusionary hounds on him.  They engaged him nicely and I started to take a second look around at the room.  But then my attention was drawn to movement in the darkness through the archway.  An even darker figure emerged--it was the black stone statue from the secret chamber of sorcery by the crypt in the mansion!  My illusions would be useless against a thing with no mind, including my state of invisibility.  Then I heard a noise behind me.  The huge door was closing, turning the room into a deathtrap.  I lunged for the narrowing opening and slipped through with nothing to spare.

The others needed to know so I dashed back up the stairs to the kitchen, clutching my side.  Emerging suddenly into the kitchen I found my companions there, just finishing a bit of a dust-up with some of the Lady's retainers.