Something about Avant’s behavior nagged at Aisha. Since entering the lab he’d been antsy and dismissive of the party. But entering the cave had made it significantly worse. Being perpetually on edge made his feathers and fur stand firm. It wasn’t as dangerous as when rage overtook his senses but the ruffled hide disturbed the nearby surroundings. No amount of instruction reached the animal. He broke the usual formation and stayed many steps ahead of his pack. Maybe it was an instinct of fully grown owlbears to lead their pack. However, the obvious distress on Avant’s mind made the formation uneasy.
Had he been able to explain what bothered him, the others wouldn’t blame his irate demeanor. In the dark corners of the dungeon he and Sariel had seen similar deceased forms. But only the owlbear understood what had been killed when the Artifact was retrieved. Cages were piled with bones of his kind. Cuts on the cage bars matched the very shape of his claws. He feared that his own future would be marred by uncontrolled rage and violence. One that would end either his friend’s lives or his own.
The language of owlbears could not be translated to express such complex thoughts. No matter how much he growled and roared, Sariel would never understand. There was no explanation for the others. The only option was to find whatever monster wielded the Artifact and prove it was nothing like Avant. Though the chances it was still alive were low. Logic dictated it would have died long ago. Even so he let out an inquisitive growl towards the ranger.
“It may have mutations prolonging its life,” Sariel replied. “Dragons are not the only beings with long lives. I recall seeing unicorns, griffins, and other humanoids being experimented on sapped of life.”
Vofric grunted. “Let us not forget the demon king’s penchant for unlife.”
“I would prefer not to kill someone or something forced into a state of madness,” Aisha grumbled.
“Doing so at this time is showing mercy.” Sariel said with the same distant tone that she had almost two years ago when the party met. The lab made her uneasy. Fear from centuries ago nagged at the back of her mind. But she refused to let herself revert to that form. There was nothing to cage her and allies by her side.
Avant knew he didn’t carry the same sadness as the dragon. That didn’t make him any more comfortable with the conversation. Thankfully he was far enough from the party to ignore it. Leading the party wasn’t the norm but it provided time to think of his own plans regarding the end of the dungeon. It wasn’t something the party normally did. Paths and monsters distracted anyone from thinking of their final reward. The current train of thought shouldn’t be possible. This tunnel was incredibly peculiar.
Avant paused, turned to Aisha, and chirped inquisitively. The Hero hesitated and pondered what Avant communicated. Not due to confusion but the clear understanding she had of the owlbear’s question.
“Um, Vofric, can you come listen to Avant?” Aisha asked.
“Should you not ask Sariel such a request?” he replied.
“Normally, yes. But I need to check something.”
Vofric and Sariel caught up to the party leader and looked at Avant. The hesitation confused Avant. Normally Aisha threw out a response with her best guess at his question. He chirped again. The dwarf raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.
“Hm. The dungeon is quite peculiar.” he said.
Aisha pointed at the dwarf and exclaimed. “You did understand him!”
“You say that as if you do as well,” Sariel stated.
“I do!”
“It may be an effect of this mysterious place,” Vofric said.
Sariel grumbled. “I agree. When we have delved previously, we encountered many things. Including the manufactured cavern in Wolden which routes to barracks. Nothing has been like this odd path.”
Everyone made a point to search for things off the clearly beaten path. The closest thing that could be called an opening were large claw marks along the walls. Otherwise there was only evidence of what once existed here. Holes where torches once hung were destroyed. Wooden shards were left from crushed structures that supported the tunnel. The presence of splinters led to more remnants of past meals of the beast. It was difficult to identify anything about them.. Only skeletons were left with dried blood coloring the dirt around them. Something had forcefully ripped the bones apart and scattered them across the floor.
Tattered leather and metal littered the ground from distant years. It was like walking through a timeline of armor through the years. Older ones had to be layered more to match up to the defensive capabilities of pieces like Aisha’s. There was little worth salvaging from the half century old scraps. Any possible improvements were already included on the party’s armor. It was obvious to everyone and yet Avant stopped to examine each piece near his line of sight.
He couldn’t imagine a full reconstruction of the pieces but knew that the cuts on them were made by something large. The smallest attack still eclipsed his claws in size. The doubts seeped into Avant’s mind. It was an overwhelming fear that he’d never faced. Whether the enemy was his kind didn’t matter. Any similar creature would be bad enough.
Unfortunately, Avan’ts master was the kind of man to think out loud. Kargon openly talked about how foolish others were to fear an owlbear without taking the time to train one. It was a kindness only Avant knew. But Kargon wasn’t here now. Only he could understand the owlbear without a single sound. Small movements were all it took for the monk to interpret his little friend. Kargon was able to calm the owlbear’s nerves with no trouble. The possibility of losing himself overwhelmed Avant. He roared before dashing away from the party.
“Avant, wait!” Aisha yelled after him. She immediately gave chase with the others in tow.
Less damaged victims of the unknown beast lined the walls. Rotting guts, muscle, and viscera were messily splattered on every surface. Skeletons were more put together with no unnatural breakage. It didn’t take genius level deduction to realize these were the most recent victims. Aisha wished she could stop to examine them. Maybe Vofric could deduce what exactly they’d be facing. It was possible Sariel could learn something about its mutations. But then Avant would be alone. That was the last thing he needed while spiraling from his own doubts.
The end of the tunnel opened into a room no larger than the barracks on the surface. More bones littered the floor but were different shapes from the humanoids found in the hallway. They were naturally bent in different shapes that supported the structure of bugbears and goblins. Fur and monster parts were scattered among the corpses. They had all been pushed to the wall next to an armor stand with nothing on it. Assumedly, the chest piece that was once displayed there was now equipped by a large spectral beast that sat in the center of the room.
Avant let out a sad growl as his worst fears came true. Only the fact that it wasn’t a normal owlbear brought him some relief. Its body was an ethereal black with smoke endlessly wafting off. Avant was almost fully grown and was still smaller than the ghostly creature. The only part not marked by distinct lack of form was the stone chestplate. It molded to the monster’s torso. As the party caught up and entered the room, the ghost’s eyes opened.
Blue orbs of light stared at the intruders. The spectral owlbear bristled and seemed to grow even larger. Aisha hovered her hand over the hilt of her sword. Vofric slowly moved to grab his warhammer and Sariel began summoning her bow. Within the shapeless form were the distinct tells of a creature about to charge. The monster bellowed loudly. Within the tremendous roar was a distinct voice.
“You abuse another of my kind?!” it yelled and ran at the party.
Avant leapt in the way and roared back. Everyone felt they would hear his voice but once again only understood the meaning. The young owlbear demanded the specter stop.
“Why defend?” it replied. “Or do they command you?”
The young owlbear barked back defending his allies. None were his master.
“You are forced into servitude,” the specter growled.
Once again Avant argued that his master was unlike what the ghost assumed. He was a caretaker. He and the party showed Avant nothing but kindness. They did not deserve the specter’s wrath.
Aisha stepped forward slowly, raising empty hands to show she meant no harm. It was a risk but she would take it for Avant’s sake. The others followed suit and stood by their furry ally.
“We would never do something that harmed Avant. He is an adventurer like the rest of us. You are correct that he fights. But that is not for us; it is with us. It his choice,” Aisha said.
“He shows not normal abilities,” the ghost replied.
The Hero knelt next to Avant and petted him. “Countless battles have made him grow exponentially. Everything he does is a welcome surprise. Though I admit I’m not entirely sure what he is capable of.”
Vofric hummed. “I believe he has shown bardic and barbaric capabilities on par with the average warrior. They manifest in rather unique forms as well.”
“Apparently, he is also capable of communicating via growls,” Sariel said, then turned her attention to the ghost. “Are you truly so foolish as to assume an obvious mutant would abuse another of our kind.” She made a point to have her left side prominently facing her adversary.
The specter took the closest approximation of a deep breath it could manage.
“Apologies. I not seen peace from your kind since birth,” it said. “My kind not have names except when companions give. Calling young one ‘Avant’ proved your motives. You wrong about new ability. I cursed to speak. Powerful enough to affect others near me.”
“What other mutations did they force on you?” Sariel asked. It seemed like a common experience from her days as a prisoner.
The specter wavered and let out a grizzly sigh. “The mages… killed many warriors. Used tricks on travelers. Absorbed abilities and forced on me. Not know how many. Not know all abilities. Only know rage and unlife.”
“They empowered you to retrieve that Artifact, didn’t they?” Aisha asked.
Only a nod was given in response.
“But we hatched Avant. Sure, he trains but that doesn’t explain why he has unique abilities.”
“Evolution,” Sariel said. “Veil wished to push evolution. It was likely a goal chased through centuries. Little did they know natural evolution would provide similar results in due time.”
The specter trilled. It was a kind sound Avant made when caring for his friends.
“Brings peace that my kind grew strong with no torture,” it said.
Sariel grunted. “I must agree.”
“We still need the Artifact. The demon king will probably come for it. Especially with Veil at his side,” Aisha stated.
The specter shuddered at the mention of Veil. There was little chance it could defeat the leader of the mages. They had never crossed paths but what was done in his name was enough to strike fear into an undead being. The ghostly apparition stared at Avant and stepped back to the center of the room.
“I protect Artifact. Only give to strong opponent. I challenge Avant,” it said.
There was an awkward silence from the rest of the party. Not because they didn’t trust Avant. Rather this fight could take time and they were sitting beneath a lair connected to the strongest being they’d ever seen. Their training was still lacking. But spending time debating was a problem in itself.
“Avant, prove to your ancestor that you are worthy of an Artifact,” Vofric said.
Aisha and Sariel shared a nod at their ally’s statement. The paladin had perfect words to inspire anyone. Avant looked ready for battle and stepped forward. The party stood aside while the specter took a fighting stance once more. But it didn’t move to attack. There was no electricity between the combatants. While no one expected animosity, it was peculiar that Avant seemed disinterested in fighting.
Avant thought about his master and when he fell. The monk never challenged someone out of sheer want for battle. Even during Dawncaster, he had been pushed by Aisha to fight the dragonborn. Kargon, his master, raised his fists only for his allies.
When Avant barked it was more inquisitive than aggressive. There was no logical reason for him and the specter to battle. The Artifact was a threat to the specter as long as it remained here. If anything, the specter could join the party. The demon king would be unable to easily find an Artifact. As a group they could assist the specter in seeking revenge. With assistance from comrades it would be possible to overcome any hurdle.
“Kargon once said he wanted Avant to only fight when there’s something to defend. He’ll be proud to know the little guy learned from him,” Aisha said. “The only defensible thing to do here is remove the Artifact from this place.”
The specter once again dropped its stance.
“Agreed. But the armor no go with me,” it explained. “Am bound here. When leave this place collapse.” With slow steps it approached Avant. “Can give armor. Accept and flee. Lab not survive.”
The young owlbear stared at his ancestor then turned to his party. His master wasn’t amongst them but the monk’s essence permeated from the Hero. She gave a thumbs up and nodded to the cub. Kargon’s lessons in risky sacrifice had paid off. Even during situations with unknown variables, the right hand was always willing to do what was needed. Avant hoped his master would be proud and barked affirmatively.
“It will be unfortunate to no longer understand the young one,” Vofric said.
“Word not needed. Only trust,” the specter said as it placed a ghostly paw on Avant’s head.
There was a surprising warmth in the familiar gesture. Unlike the usual ruffling from his friends, this was a blessing. The stone plate shattered explosively. There lack of sound and force lulled Avant into a fall sense of security. Beneath the stone was an intricate metal plate with an embedded gemstone almost hidden by the specter’s form. It flew out and collided with Avant. He held his ground as it reshaped and pulled the stones back.
The first stone knocked him off his feet unexpectedly. With quick reflexes he landed heavily on the ground as another stone towards him. Each rock pushed the owlbear but he held his ground by focusing just before each impact. Once the final piece was set in place Avant let out a bombastic roar. It was filled with empowerment and relief. The fears that weighed on him since entering the cave finally dissipated.
Within seconds the cave began to shake violently. The specter’s form pulled apart in an instant. There was no time to ask about the Artifact or its abilities. The party was thankful for the ghost’s warning as all were ready to depart. Avant’s familiar growl was accompanied by a blue energy that surrounded everyone. The command was obvious in its intent.
The group sprinted out of the tunnel. There was no waiting for an explosion. A gravitational surge appeared in place of the specter which pulled everything towards it. With Avant’s magic the group was able to fight against it. Unfortunately skeletons and rocks flew back at them as sharpened projectiles. Everyone was too focused on defensive maneuvers to realize what another bark from the owlbear had done. Aisha and Sariel knocked down anything nearby. While Vofric charged through with his warhammer.
By the time they arrived at the ladder out of the dungeon, the cave behind them had crumbled in on itself. Even then, gravity continued to pull back at them. Once they scrambled up it was clear that the pull was more powerful than they imagined. The fact that Avant’s magic could challenge such a surge was astonishing. The quakes grew more ferocious as the group rushed for the opening in the trees. Dirt and stone shifted violently while being torn out of the ground. Massive clumps floated in space momentarily before vanishing into nothingness.
Sariel had the easiest time getting through with her wings. Only a few seconds was enough to get close to the opening in the trees. Aisha wreathed lightning around her legs to assist in dashing through the small platforms. Though he was small in stature, Vofric was willing to try some way to get through the destroyed land. A mighty force swept his feet out from under him and sent him airborne. Moments of fear quickly dissipated as he landed on Avant’s back. The paladin had joked about riding the owlbear once he was grown. When it happened was lost on both of them. More surprising was the stone saddle that appeared on his back with structures that kept Vofric in place. Their combined magic augments allowed them to maneuver through the quickly dwindling platforms.
No one would leave without the others. With intact land at the edge of the enclosure, they were able to reconvene. Much to their chagrin, there was one last obstacle; a wave of high speed massive glass shards. Everyone prepared to protect themselves but stopped at Avant’s command. Though he had not intended it for his allies. It was another attempt at the spell that assisted in the cave. Gravity emitted off him in a wave that forced all the nearby blades to the ground. The shards continued to drag towards the massive pit behind the party but there was nothing stopping the party anymore. Minus their shock at Avant’s new power.
“Go!” Aisha commanded, pulling the others from their stupefaction.
Only a few empowered steps carried them out of the opening as the circle of trees crumbled. Being a few feet outside the circle made it apparent there was nothing else pulling them back. Sariel was the first to turn and look at the remnants. The expression on her face was one the others hadn’t seen before. Dazzling eyes and a wide smile basked in the destruction of the source of her nightmares. The anger would not fade but it could exist alongside joy. After all, only a massive crater was left of Veil’s laboratory.
Something about Avant’s behavior nagged at Aisha. Since entering the lab he’d been antsy and dismissive of the party. But entering the cave had made it significantly worse. Being perpetually on edge made his feathers and fur stand firm. It wasn’t as dangerous as when rage overtook his senses but the ruffled hide disturbed the nearby surroundings. No amount of instruction reached the animal. He broke the usual formation and stayed many steps ahead of his pack. Maybe it was an instinct of fully grown owlbears to lead their pack. However, the obvious distress on Avant’s mind made the formation uneasy.
Had he been able to explain what bothered him, the others wouldn’t blame his irate demeanor. In the dark corners of the dungeon he and Sariel had seen similar deceased forms. But only the owlbear understood what had been killed when the Artifact was retrieved. Cages were piled with bones of his kind. Cuts on the cage bars matched the very shape of his claws. He feared that his own future would be marred by uncontrolled rage and violence. One that would end either his friend’s lives or his own.
The language of owlbears could not be translated to express such complex thoughts. No matter how much he growled and roared, Sariel would never understand. There was no explanation for the others. The only option was to find whatever monster wielded the Artifact and prove it was nothing like Avant. Though the chances it was still alive were low. Logic dictated it would have died long ago. Even so he let out an inquisitive growl towards the ranger.
“It may have mutations prolonging its life,” Sariel replied. “Dragons are not the only beings with long lives. I recall seeing unicorns, griffins, and other humanoids being experimented on sapped of life.”
Vofric grunted. “Let us not forget the demon king’s penchant for unlife.”
“I would prefer not to kill someone or something forced into a state of madness,” Aisha grumbled.
“Doing so at this time is showing mercy.” Sariel said with the same distant tone that she had almost two years ago when the party met. The lab made her uneasy. Fear from centuries ago nagged at the back of her mind. But she refused to let herself revert to that form. There was nothing to cage her and allies by her side.
Avant knew he didn’t carry the same sadness as the dragon. That didn’t make him any more comfortable with the conversation. Thankfully he was far enough from the party to ignore it. Leading the party wasn’t the norm but it provided time to think of his own plans regarding the end of the dungeon. It wasn’t something the party normally did. Paths and monsters distracted anyone from thinking of their final reward. The current train of thought shouldn’t be possible. This tunnel was incredibly peculiar.
Avant paused, turned to Aisha, and chirped inquisitively. The Hero hesitated and pondered what Avant communicated. Not due to confusion but the clear understanding she had of the owlbear’s question.
“Um, Vofric, can you come listen to Avant?” Aisha asked.
“Should you not ask Sariel such a request?” he replied.
“Normally, yes. But I need to check something.”
Vofric and Sariel caught up to the party leader and looked at Avant. The hesitation confused Avant. Normally Aisha threw out a response with her best guess at his question. He chirped again. The dwarf raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.
“Hm. The dungeon is quite peculiar.” he said.
Aisha pointed at the dwarf and exclaimed. “You did understand him!”
“You say that as if you do as well,” Sariel stated.
“I do!”
“It may be an effect of this mysterious place,” Vofric said.
Sariel grumbled. “I agree. When we have delved previously, we encountered many things. Including the manufactured cavern in Wolden which routes to barracks. Nothing has been like this odd path.”
Everyone made a point to search for things off the clearly beaten path. The closest thing that could be called an opening were large claw marks along the walls. Otherwise there was only evidence of what once existed here. Holes where torches once hung were destroyed. Wooden shards were left from crushed structures that supported the tunnel. The presence of splinters led to more remnants of past meals of the beast. It was difficult to identify anything about them.. Only skeletons were left with dried blood coloring the dirt around them. Something had forcefully ripped the bones apart and scattered them across the floor.
Tattered leather and metal littered the ground from distant years. It was like walking through a timeline of armor through the years. Older ones had to be layered more to match up to the defensive capabilities of pieces like Aisha’s. There was little worth salvaging from the half century old scraps. Any possible improvements were already included on the party’s armor. It was obvious to everyone and yet Avant stopped to examine each piece near his line of sight.
He couldn’t imagine a full reconstruction of the pieces but knew that the cuts on them were made by something large. The smallest attack still eclipsed his claws in size. The doubts seeped into Avant’s mind. It was an overwhelming fear that he’d never faced. Whether the enemy was his kind didn’t matter. Any similar creature would be bad enough.
Unfortunately, Avan’ts master was the kind of man to think out loud. Kargon openly talked about how foolish others were to fear an owlbear without taking the time to train one. It was a kindness only Avant knew. But Kargon wasn’t here now. Only he could understand the owlbear without a single sound. Small movements were all it took for the monk to interpret his little friend. Kargon was able to calm the owlbear’s nerves with no trouble. The possibility of losing himself overwhelmed Avant. He roared before dashing away from the party.
“Avant, wait!” Aisha yelled after him. She immediately gave chase with the others in tow.
Less damaged victims of the unknown beast lined the walls. Rotting guts, muscle, and viscera were messily splattered on every surface. Skeletons were more put together with no unnatural breakage. It didn’t take genius level deduction to realize these were the most recent victims. Aisha wished she could stop to examine them. Maybe Vofric could deduce what exactly they’d be facing. It was possible Sariel could learn something about its mutations. But then Avant would be alone. That was the last thing he needed while spiraling from his own doubts.
The end of the tunnel opened into a room no larger than the barracks on the surface. More bones littered the floor but were different shapes from the humanoids found in the hallway. They were naturally bent in different shapes that supported the structure of bugbears and goblins. Fur and monster parts were scattered among the corpses. They had all been pushed to the wall next to an armor stand with nothing on it. Assumedly, the chest piece that was once displayed there was now equipped by a large spectral beast that sat in the center of the room.
Avant let out a sad growl as his worst fears came true. Only the fact that it wasn’t a normal owlbear brought him some relief. Its body was an ethereal black with smoke endlessly wafting off. Avant was almost fully grown and was still smaller than the ghostly creature. The only part not marked by distinct lack of form was the stone chestplate. It molded to the monster’s torso. As the party caught up and entered the room, the ghost’s eyes opened.
Blue orbs of light stared at the intruders. The spectral owlbear bristled and seemed to grow even larger. Aisha hovered her hand over the hilt of her sword. Vofric slowly moved to grab his warhammer and Sariel began summoning her bow. Within the shapeless form were the distinct tells of a creature about to charge. The monster bellowed loudly. Within the tremendous roar was a distinct voice.
“You abuse another of my kind?!” it yelled and ran at the party.
Avant leapt in the way and roared back. Everyone felt they would hear his voice but once again only understood the meaning. The young owlbear demanded the specter stop.
“Why defend?” it replied. “Or do they command you?”
The young owlbear barked back defending his allies. None were his master.
“You are forced into servitude,” the specter growled.
Once again Avant argued that his master was unlike what the ghost assumed. He was a caretaker. He and the party showed Avant nothing but kindness. They did not deserve the specter’s wrath.
Aisha stepped forward slowly, raising empty hands to show she meant no harm. It was a risk but she would take it for Avant’s sake. The others followed suit and stood by their furry ally.
“We would never do something that harmed Avant. He is an adventurer like the rest of us. You are correct that he fights. But that is not for us; it is with us. It his choice,” Aisha said.
“He shows not normal abilities,” the ghost replied.
The Hero knelt next to Avant and petted him. “Countless battles have made him grow exponentially. Everything he does is a welcome surprise. Though I admit I’m not entirely sure what he is capable of.”
Vofric hummed. “I believe he has shown bardic and barbaric capabilities on par with the average warrior. They manifest in rather unique forms as well.”
“Apparently, he is also capable of communicating via growls,” Sariel said, then turned her attention to the ghost. “Are you truly so foolish as to assume an obvious mutant would abuse another of our kind.” She made a point to have her left side prominently facing her adversary.
The specter took the closest approximation of a deep breath it could manage.
“Apologies. I not seen peace from your kind since birth,” it said. “My kind not have names except when companions give. Calling young one ‘Avant’ proved your motives. You wrong about new ability. I cursed to speak. Powerful enough to affect others near me.”
“What other mutations did they force on you?” Sariel asked. It seemed like a common experience from her days as a prisoner.
The specter wavered and let out a grizzly sigh. “The mages… killed many warriors. Used tricks on travelers. Absorbed abilities and forced on me. Not know how many. Not know all abilities. Only know rage and unlife.”
“They empowered you to retrieve that Artifact, didn’t they?” Aisha asked.
Only a nod was given in response.
“But we hatched Avant. Sure, he trains but that doesn’t explain why he has unique abilities.”
“Evolution,” Sariel said. “Veil wished to push evolution. It was likely a goal chased through centuries. Little did they know natural evolution would provide similar results in due time.”
The specter trilled. It was a kind sound Avant made when caring for his friends.
“Brings peace that my kind grew strong with no torture,” it said.
Sariel grunted. “I must agree.”
“We still need the Artifact. The demon king will probably come for it. Especially with Veil at his side,” Aisha stated.
The specter shuddered at the mention of Veil. There was little chance it could defeat the leader of the mages. They had never crossed paths but what was done in his name was enough to strike fear into an undead being. The ghostly apparition stared at Avant and stepped back to the center of the room.
“I protect Artifact. Only give to strong opponent. I challenge Avant,” it said.
There was an awkward silence from the rest of the party. Not because they didn’t trust Avant. Rather this fight could take time and they were sitting beneath a lair connected to the strongest being they’d ever seen. Their training was still lacking. But spending time debating was a problem in itself.
“Avant, prove to your ancestor that you are worthy of an Artifact,” Vofric said.
Aisha and Sariel shared a nod at their ally’s statement. The paladin had perfect words to inspire anyone. Avant looked ready for battle and stepped forward. The party stood aside while the specter took a fighting stance once more. But it didn’t move to attack. There was no electricity between the combatants. While no one expected animosity, it was peculiar that Avant seemed disinterested in fighting.
Avant thought about his master and when he fell. The monk never challenged someone out of sheer want for battle. Even during Dawncaster, he had been pushed by Aisha to fight the dragonborn. Kargon, his master, raised his fists only for his allies.
When Avant barked it was more inquisitive than aggressive. There was no logical reason for him and the specter to battle. The Artifact was a threat to the specter as long as it remained here. If anything, the specter could join the party. The demon king would be unable to easily find an Artifact. As a group they could assist the specter in seeking revenge. With assistance from comrades it would be possible to overcome any hurdle.
“Kargon once said he wanted Avant to only fight when there’s something to defend. He’ll be proud to know the little guy learned from him,” Aisha said. “The only defensible thing to do here is remove the Artifact from this place.”
The specter once again dropped its stance.
“Agreed. But the armor no go with me,” it explained. “Am bound here. When leave this place collapse.” With slow steps it approached Avant. “Can give armor. Accept and flee. Lab not survive.”
The young owlbear stared at his ancestor then turned to his party. His master wasn’t amongst them but the monk’s essence permeated from the Hero. She gave a thumbs up and nodded to the cub. Kargon’s lessons in risky sacrifice had paid off. Even during situations with unknown variables, the right hand was always willing to do what was needed. Avant hoped his master would be proud and barked affirmatively.
“It will be unfortunate to no longer understand the young one,” Vofric said.
“Word not needed. Only trust,” the specter said as it placed a ghostly paw on Avant’s head.
There was a surprising warmth in the familiar gesture. Unlike the usual ruffling from his friends, this was a blessing. The stone plate shattered explosively. There lack of sound and force lulled Avant into a fall sense of security. Beneath the stone was an intricate metal plate with an embedded gemstone almost hidden by the specter’s form. It flew out and collided with Avant. He held his ground as it reshaped and pulled the stones back.
The first stone knocked him off his feet unexpectedly. With quick reflexes he landed heavily on the ground as another stone towards him. Each rock pushed the owlbear but he held his ground by focusing just before each impact. Once the final piece was set in place Avant let out a bombastic roar. It was filled with empowerment and relief. The fears that weighed on him since entering the cave finally dissipated.
Within seconds the cave began to shake violently. The specter’s form pulled apart in an instant. There was no time to ask about the Artifact or its abilities. The party was thankful for the ghost’s warning as all were ready to depart. Avant’s familiar growl was accompanied by a blue energy that surrounded everyone. The command was obvious in its intent.
The group sprinted out of the tunnel. There was no waiting for an explosion. A gravitational surge appeared in place of the specter which pulled everything towards it. With Avant’s magic the group was able to fight against it. Unfortunately skeletons and rocks flew back at them as sharpened projectiles. Everyone was too focused on defensive maneuvers to realize what another bark from the owlbear had done. Aisha and Sariel knocked down anything nearby. While Vofric charged through with his warhammer.
By the time they arrived at the ladder out of the dungeon, the cave behind them had crumbled in on itself. Even then, gravity continued to pull back at them. Once they scrambled up it was clear that the pull was more powerful than they imagined. The fact that Avant’s magic could challenge such a surge was astonishing. The quakes grew more ferocious as the group rushed for the opening in the trees. Dirt and stone shifted violently while being torn out of the ground. Massive clumps floated in space momentarily before vanishing into nothingness.
Sariel had the easiest time getting through with her wings. Only a few seconds was enough to get close to the opening in the trees. Aisha wreathed lightning around her legs to assist in dashing through the small platforms. Though he was small in stature, Vofric was willing to try some way to get through the destroyed land. A mighty force swept his feet out from under him and sent him airborne. Moments of fear quickly dissipated as he landed on Avant’s back. The paladin had joked about riding the owlbear once he was grown. When it happened was lost on both of them. More surprising was the stone saddle that appeared on his back with structures that kept Vofric in place. Their combined magic augments allowed them to maneuver through the quickly dwindling platforms.
No one would leave without the others. With intact land at the edge of the enclosure, they were able to reconvene. Much to their chagrin, there was one last obstacle; a wave of high speed massive glass shards. Everyone prepared to protect themselves but stopped at Avant’s command. Though he had not intended it for his allies. It was another attempt at the spell that assisted in the cave. Gravity emitted off him in a wave that forced all the nearby blades to the ground. The shards continued to drag towards the massive pit behind the party but there was nothing stopping the party anymore. Minus their shock at Avant’s new power.
“Go!” Aisha commanded, pulling the others from their stupefaction.
Only a few empowered steps carried them out of the opening as the circle of trees crumbled. Being a few feet outside the circle made it apparent there was nothing else pulling them back. Sariel was the first to turn and look at the remnants. The expression on her face was one the others hadn’t seen before. Dazzling eyes and a wide smile basked in the destruction of the source of her nightmares. The anger would not fade but it could exist alongside joy. After all, only a massive crater was left of Veil’s laboratory.
