Table of Contents - Introduction - Ch. 1 - Ch. 2 - Ch. 3 - Ch. 4

Chapter IV: Delusion Dispelled

The sorcerer sheathed his knife as Dylan turned to his sister's worried face.
Khelzar, what is the meaning of this? asked a frantic Muriel.
The sorcerer looked at his feet and said, Ukhin is dead.
Dylan looked down at the Main Gauche in his hands and said, Sis... what's going on here?
I-I can't speak of it here. Come; to the back room. said Muriel as she gestured them towards a door.
A few bar patrons had looked up at the sudden stop mid-song, but people teleporting in and out seemed to be a regular occurence. One man in the corner eyed Dylan suspiciously as he entered the door.
Dylan opened his mouth to speak, but Muriel said, Not yet. Khelzar, do your thing.
The distraught sorcerer nodded. Right.
A spark of yellow energy leaped from his index finger and the walls and windows rippled slightly. Dylan noticed the noise from the bustling city and the well-staffed tavern vanish instantly, replaced by a nearly-inaudible hum.
Now then, what happened? she asked.
They sent a Blackguard and two necromancers, said Khelzar. They decided to round up fighters from that village of yours and this kid got mixed up in it.
Dylan looked at his feet when Khelzar said, They managed to kill Ukhin right as we made our escape.
I'm sorry, Dylan, said Muriel. I never wanted to get you mixed up in this.
Dylan looked at her, puzzled. Mixed up in what?
I should start from the beginning... shouldn't I? queried Muriel towards no one in particular.
Do what you want. I'll call Clara. said Khelzar as he walked into the next room, adding, I have to report my failure as he closed the door.
Dylan, do you remember the story about father?
Dylan nodded. Yeah. He defeated a Necromancer who came after his caravan, right?
Muriel shook her head. The thing is... there was no caravan. Our father's merchant title was just a cover.
A cover? For what?
He lived and died as a member of our group. We are the Heretics.
Dylan's confusion showed on his face. The Heretics?
Yes; an appropriate name, considering our foe is the Church of Norken.
Norken? But... why? Don't they believe in healing and purity?
Muriel shook her head. Normally, yes. But their High Priest has been up to something for at least twelve years. It was our own father who discovered his identity as a Lich.
A Lich?! No; it couldn't be.
It is; I've seen it with my own eyes. High Priest Dralmia's goal is still not known for sure-- but we believe he wants to conquer the earth and amass a large army of the walking dead.
Dylan remained silent, so Muriel went on. The Necromancer that Dad defeated was also the Church's Illusionist. When he died, the illusion of purity fell and we saw him for what he really is. He has since been replaced by a Gnome Illusionist. explained Muriel.
Dylan spoke up. Does this mean that all the Paladins of Norken are... evil?
Muriel pursed her lips. She knew that he looked up to Paladins as the righteous protecters of the land. That Blackguard...
Does it?
Muriel nodded, and said, I'm sorry, Dylan. There are real Paladins out there, just as there are other religions.
Khelzar walked back into the room, accompanied by an awkward man with silver hair. Over his shoulder was a lute and on his side were two short-swords.
How far did you get in the explanation? asked Khelzar.
I gave him a rough summary; who's this? asked Muriel.
The man gave a short yet graceful bow. I believe we met yesterday, though I was in disguise. The name's Bradley Ju'lock.
Khelzar reached his hand towards Dylan. Can I have my amulet back?
Dylan, who had completely forgotten about the ornate pendant in his hand, looked startled as he dropped it into Khelzar's hand.
Thanks; I'm Khelzar. As you may have guessed, I am a master sorcerer. he said with a grin.
Muriel eyed Brad's lute curiously, then said, What's going on outside?
Oh, that. I suppose we should tell you that we need to get the hell out of here because one of the Lich's goons is trying to break the barrier.
Khelzar laughed. He's just kidding. There is an imbecile trying to break my barrier, but he will fail.
Khelzar walked up to the large door leading to the bar and drew out his dagger. I think it's a bit warm in here, don't you?
The door burst open as Khelzar released a jet of blue energy from the tip of his blade. The rogue was literally frozen in his place.
Well well, if it isn't the local scumbag Eddie. How ya doin'? teased Brad.
Argh! Khelzar; I've come to warn you-- the Blackguard is coming! said the frosted rogue.
Oh. This could mean trouble. said Khelzar before unfreezing him.
Muriel said, Sorry 'bout that, Eddie. But you know how Khelzar likes to blast first and ask questions later.
Yeah yeah... just don't forget who always gives you the heads up when you guys need it.
Khelzar looked at Dylan, and said, Don't listen to Bradley, kid. My policy is really blast first, ask questions never.
U-um... all right.
Bradley laughed. Lighten up, kid. We deal with stuff like this all the time. Our pursuer isn't here yet... and neither is the time to get serious.
The halfling began, Er, actually...
A blood-curtling scream sounded outside the tavern. Bradley drew out his two swords, and everyone else followed suit.
Eddie yelped and scurried into a back room.
Leave him, Khelzar said as if reading Dylan's mind. He doesn't have the guts to join us nor the foolishness to get caught with us.
Muriel held her rapier near Dylan's Main Gauche.
Stay behind me, Dylan. If this is who I think it is, I'll be fine.
Dylan nodded and stepped back. As the two blades came close, a spark of green energy jumped between the two.
And then, the door to the Boar's Head tavern flew open and an injured, smoldering Blackguard walked in.

The dim flickering light of the fireplace reddened the dark crimson hue of the Blackguard's blood-stained longsword more than Dylan would have thought possible. Drunks and barmaids alike scurried out of his way as soon as he kicked the door open. A wave of intense dread and fear overtook the bar patrons as he took one step into the Boar's Head.
No sooner had the behemoth of a man stepped foot into the tavern than he was surrounded by the two bards and the sorcerer. Dylan stood back and stared intensely at the large burning gash at the man's side.
Well if it isn't the dishonorable Sir Douglas the Fourth. mocked Bradley.
Muriel pointed her rapier at his throat. You attacked my brother... and for that you will be vanquished.
I'm going to kill every one of you! roared Sir Douglas as he raised his longsword.
Muriel swiped her sword from right to left, deflecting his sword effortlessly while Bradley struck his wounded side three times with his swords in rapid succession. Khelzar stepped back and launched a barrage of what he would later explain are Magic Missiles.
The Blackguard roared and swung his longsword wildly, forcing Muriel to hop back to avoid it and catching Bradley into a grapple. On her landing, Muriel tripped and fell on her ass.
Seeing an opportunity, the Blackguard broke the grapple and lunged forward to strike her down. Dylan unconsciously slashed wildly at him as he ran forward, catching the Blackguard across the chest with a disembodied slash.
The Blackguard cursed and stumbled back, raising his longsword to his face and preparing to heal himself with magic.
Now! Get back! yelled Brad right before Khelzar released an incredibly loud yell. Blood erupted from the Blackguard's nose as the magical noise gave the beastly man a horrible aneurysm.
What was that? asked Dylan, his ears ringing.
A Shout spell. answered Khelzar as the Blackguard collapsed onto the floor. Sound is one of the weapons in my arsenal to which most cannot defend.
The Blackguard struggled to get to his feet, but his efforts were cut off by Bradley's swords.
Muriel rushed over to Dylan. Are you unhurt?
Dylan nodded, and Muriel turned to Khelzar. Did you see it?
Khelzar nodded, and said, I've heard about this sort of thing. There were a group of six 'Psions' a few years ago who took down an entire fortress by theirself. From witness accounts, though, I'd have to say their power was... different.
Bradley sheathed his swords, having wiped the blood off of them. What do you say we get outta here? Let's take this brat of yours back to the Spire.
Dylan raised his eyebrows. The Spire?
Khelzar, who was fumbling through his pocket, said, It's our base. Hidden in a remote location known only to Druids and-- well-- us.
Dylan looked solemn for a second, then brightened up and said with a smile, "How awesome!"
Bradley tossed a 10 Ko piece at the bar as Khelzar pressed his thumb into the crevice on the amulet and the bar around them melted away. When Dylan next blunk his eyes, he was standing outside a large tower surrounded by picturesque forest.
Welcome to the Spire, said Bradley with a somewhat-catlike grin.

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