Though the rain of stones was immediate, there was an air of calm around Aisha. Even her party members seemed rather unphased. Vofric and Avant focused on the most direct path back to the exit. With the dwarf’s hammer and owlbear’s gravity magic it was trivial to keep a clear path. Freckle stayed close to them and cut through the looser dirt to stop it from piling up. The members who had climbed to the Artifact returned to the ground and caught up to the rest.
“It’s rather frustrating that we are prepared for this due to Veil’s experiments,” Sariel grumbled as she made a wooden club to swat away errant stones.
“Pay it no mind and focus on reaching our destination,” Vofric replied. “Lest we dawdle and succumb to an avoidable fate.”
The group slowed to a stop as the road was completely blocked by a wall of dirt. The building that stood there minutes ago succumbed to a rapid passage of time. It crumbled near instantly to the weight forced on it. Internal structures were quickly breaking throughout the cavern causing a thunderous applause of snapping beams. The party turned to a new path and continued forward. Their pace quickened as Avant shifted gravity to push boulders with greater force. Some collided in the air with others with enough force to create a small rain of chipped rocks.
“Focus on keeping the path clear,” Vofric said sternly. “Errant debris, regardless of size, can pose a threat.”
Avant hooted affirmatively and used a more controlled force to plow through the path. With ease they reached the rope leading to their exit. Unfortunately the rain of bedrock made it difficult to simply climb safely. Stones were piling up around the group. Soon they would be overtaken. There was little time to decide what to do. All eyes turned to Aisha as she continually stared at the falling ceiling. Upon bringing her head down, she focused on the cliff face.
“Avant, gravity shift us towards the wall,” Aisha commanded.
He roared and sent all nearby debris flying. Immediately after he ran to the wall with everyone close by. Grumbles and confusion eked out of him as he worked out how to turn a force of nature. Kargon placed a hand lightly on the owlbear’s back. Avant turned toward his master and trilled softly. The falling rocks drummed around them but no longer distracted the beast. With a forceful push, he slammed a paw into the wall. Instantly, the group fell forward and stuck to it. Once everyone regained their footing, Aisha commanded them again.
“Kargon, Vofric. Clear the path!”
Fiery astral fists as large as the rocky storm easily swatted the projectiles away. Any that Kargon missed were quickly acquainted with the might of a warhammer. Instead of falling away, they were shattered then sent directly into the wall. They made for comfortable footholds when vertigo momentarily hit them. But many had spent time flying through the sky or falling during battle. This came from the uncomfortable feeling of running in a new dimension. However it was much faster than climbing. Less than a minute passed before they crossed over the edge and reverted back to normal gravity. The smaller cave had barely been affected by the quaking. The group took a moment to look back and realized just how quickly everything came down. It was almost as rough as when Veil’s laboratory imploded yet they felt less nerves. None had to speak to understand how each of them felt. Aisha was the first to turn towards the exit and leave followed by Kargon, then the others.
The sun was crossing over the horizon, welcoming the Hero as well as night. But that was not what anyone focused on. Nor was it the tattered Artifact in Aisha’s hands. Rather, it was the scarred dragonborn leaning casually on a tree near the entrance. Scars shining like obsidian trailed over crimson scales that gleamed like metal. A wicked smile of pearled teeth came across Elmud’s face as they recognized the group. Aisha immediately drew her sword and put her right arm out in front of Kargon. Her grip tightened around the book that remained in its grasp. Simultaneously, Avant and Vofric flanked their fiery ally. With a silent motion, Sariel signaled for Freckle and Spike to stay back. However neither retreated and instead prepared for battle.
The dragonborn exhaled sharply through their nostrils. “You really came out of my trap unscathed. It seems you’ve grown in the past year.”
Though Elmud addressed everyone, their eyes were affixed on Kargon. It was plainly obvious they were studying the scars that remained apparent on the monk’s body. The one across his face was especially clear when his goggles hung limply around his neck. Multiple things had to line up for an adventurer to be permanently scarred. Seeing the man Elmud hated most disfigured for all time by their own hand made him happier than expected. Aisha stepped further in front of Kargon and glared at her enemy.
“I doubt you were able to destroy Judgement without the demon king’s help,” she said snidely.
“You’d like to believe so, wouldn’t you? How could fire so easily destroy an Artifact.” They said it with a knowing tone.
Freckle muttered, “Are you saying this isn’t one?”
Elmud’s smile disappeared and he slowly turned their head towards the small woman. In a haunting voice they said, “Be thankful the Hero saved you but do not speak when I address her.” They continued after facing Aisha again. “The rodent is wrong, plain and simple. Artifacts are really nothing special. Some idiots came together and made magic items. Sure they had some special materials and enchantments but they weren’t so powerful they couldn’t be destroyed.”
Vofric bit his lip and turned away at the realization. Aisha only turned her eyes towards him. It was met with a slight nod. No words were spoken between them but understanding was evident.
“It’s not that the Arcanum Order couldn’t destroy the Artifacts. They chose not to,” Aisha said with clear disdain in her voice. It wasn’t clear to her or anyone if that was oriented towards Elmud or the Barbatos predecessor.
Elmud responded with a smirk. “It’s no wonder Master Aer was impressed with you. Correct. The leaders of your realm agreed some should remain hidden in case a threat ever arose that had to be defended against. I’m sure you’re aware they knew my master’s promise.”
“You mean his curse.”
“Semantics do not change facts, Hero.” Elmud insisted. “So, I did not require any assistance in broiling that flimsy book. None will be needed for any of the Artifacts. Though, I don’t mind leaving one intact for our friend there.”
Their eyes once again trained on Kargon. As if responding to the dragonborn, Pyromanic reflected the sun. The thin leather strap was tied taut in the back leaving two long tails that flowed in the wind. Of all the Artifacts, it looked the least sturdy. A firm grip wrapped around the goggles to protect them. He wasn’t sure what came over him but Kargon wouldn’t let his family heirloom get damaged so easily.
Elmud scoffed. “Truly we both have better things to worry about than an Artifact so useless it was lost by the fools who created it. After all, I must return to destroying the remaining tools you surely seek.”
Everyone’s attention was focused on the dragonborn but Aisha was more focused on an inkling of an idea. Even if all the Artifacts weren’t exactly what she believed, they clearly held power worth seeking. The only proof she needed was the fact that Aeraza wielded one as his own weapon of choice.
“Why destroy the Artifacts when Veil could wield any of them to your benefit?” Sariel asked. If the venom in her voice could be used for battle, Elmud would drop dead on the spot.
A wicked smile stretched across their face as they answered. “There is a certain joy in seeing the despair in our enemy’s eyes as they lose all hope. We already hold Great Sunderer and are close to… nevermind. Simply put, Master Aer needs no other Artifacts to conquer this realm.”
“The Ring of Planes, right?” Aisha asked. “How close are you?”
Elmud grumbled and swore under their breath. “That mind may impress Master Aer but keep pushing and he’ll cut you down without a chance to join the new world.”
“I don’t need that chance. He’ll be long dead before making the offer.”
“And what of your allies? What if they are offered the chance? Will you be able to stop them? Or will you cut them down if they stray from your righteous path?”
Not a single person flinched at the ridiculous notion. Sariel simply continued looking for a chance to skewer the annoying dragonborn. Avant and Vofric muttered spells with intention to fire them off at a moments notice. Freckle and Spike summoned giant quills that would launch at high speed. Aisha simply stood her ground and protected Kargon.
Elmud hated the lack of a vocal response. Though it was clear that his conversation partner was mentally indisposed. Something about Kargon’s demeanor struck the dragonborn as odd. Wide eyes were hyper focused on every miniscule movement the dragonborn made. Trembling fingers twitched at the slightest shift in the atmosphere. His stance was solid, almost threatening. A faint flame was emanating from inside the monk’s mouth. It was only possible to see due to his awkward toothy grin. As realization set, Elmud let out a hearty laugh. Reactively, Kargon’s fist tightened but only for the briefest second.
“I’ve spent enough time answering your trifling questions.” The dragonborn said while turning to Aisha. “I don’t know what changed between you two but do not hinder your lover next time. Something tells me he’s raring to go.”
With that they sprouted massive wings and took to the sky. It was clear Elmud had no intention to attack. At most they slowed down the party’s search by only a few minutes. But now Aeraza would be clear who was chasing after him. It wasn’t as though the party thought he didn’t know. But this cemented that few others could match Aisha or her ally’s pace or abilities.
The group stowed their weapons and finally turned to Kargon who was as confused as them. What everyone but he could see was the almost relaxed demeanor with which he stood. There was obvious tension inside him but it was unreflected outside. Only raw instincts and a joyous smile presented themselves. However, Kargon knew the grin was different than any other he’d ever shown. Drumming heartbeats pounded in his chest like the cacophonous rain they just escaped. A high-pitched tone rang in his ears that drowned out everything but the sound of Elmud’s voice until they left. Every sensation was extremely clear on his bare body as it prepared to attack.
They were all feelings he was familiar with. Ones that appeared when he flew into a rage or became fearful. For the first time in his life, a person had made him feel both. Though the fear subsided long before coming face to face with Elmud. And the tension of anger didn’t weigh on Kargon’s mind. Not yet at least. But the smile across his face made clear to him what his senses were screaming. There would be nothing except joy when battling his nemesis. He was excited to clash with fire and fists. Excited to prove Elmud’s victory was a fluke.
Though the rain of stones was immediate, there was an air of calm around Aisha. Even her party members seemed rather unphased. Vofric and Avant focused on the most direct path back to the exit. With the dwarf’s hammer and owlbear’s gravity magic it was trivial to keep a clear path. Freckle stayed close to them and cut through the looser dirt to stop it from piling up. The members who had climbed to the Artifact returned to the ground and caught up to the rest.
“It’s rather frustrating that we are prepared for this due to Veil’s experiments,” Sariel grumbled as she made a wooden club to swat away errant stones.
“Pay it no mind and focus on reaching our destination,” Vofric replied. “Lest we dawdle and succumb to an avoidable fate.”
The group slowed to a stop as the road was completely blocked by a wall of dirt. The building that stood there minutes ago succumbed to a rapid passage of time. It crumbled near instantly to the weight forced on it. Internal structures were quickly breaking throughout the cavern causing a thunderous applause of snapping beams. The party turned to a new path and continued forward. Their pace quickened as Avant shifted gravity to push boulders with greater force. Some collided in the air with others with enough force to create a small rain of chipped rocks.
“Focus on keeping the path clear,” Vofric said sternly. “Errant debris, regardless of size, can pose a threat.”
Avant hooted affirmatively and used a more controlled force to plow through the path. With ease they reached the rope leading to their exit. Unfortunately the rain of bedrock made it difficult to simply climb safely. Stones were piling up around the group. Soon they would be overtaken. There was little time to decide what to do. All eyes turned to Aisha as she continually stared at the falling ceiling. Upon bringing her head down, she focused on the cliff face.
“Avant, gravity shift us towards the wall,” Aisha commanded.
He roared and sent all nearby debris flying. Immediately after he ran to the wall with everyone close by. Grumbles and confusion eked out of him as he worked out how to turn a force of nature. Kargon placed a hand lightly on the owlbear’s back. Avant turned toward his master and trilled softly. The falling rocks drummed around them but no longer distracted the beast. With a forceful push, he slammed a paw into the wall. Instantly, the group fell forward and stuck to it. Once everyone regained their footing, Aisha commanded them again.
“Kargon, Vofric. Clear the path!”
Fiery astral fists as large as the rocky storm easily swatted the projectiles away. Any that Kargon missed were quickly acquainted with the might of a warhammer. Instead of falling away, they were shattered then sent directly into the wall. They made for comfortable footholds when vertigo momentarily hit them. But many had spent time flying through the sky or falling during battle. This came from the uncomfortable feeling of running in a new dimension. However it was much faster than climbing. Less than a minute passed before they crossed over the edge and reverted back to normal gravity. The smaller cave had barely been affected by the quaking. The group took a moment to look back and realized just how quickly everything came down. It was almost as rough as when Veil’s laboratory imploded yet they felt less nerves. None had to speak to understand how each of them felt. Aisha was the first to turn towards the exit and leave followed by Kargon, then the others.
The sun was crossing over the horizon, welcoming the Hero as well as night. But that was not what anyone focused on. Nor was it the tattered Artifact in Aisha’s hands. Rather, it was the scarred dragonborn leaning casually on a tree near the entrance. Scars shining like obsidian trailed over crimson scales that gleamed like metal. A wicked smile of pearled teeth came across Elmud’s face as they recognized the group. Aisha immediately drew her sword and put her right arm out in front of Kargon. Her grip tightened around the book that remained in its grasp. Simultaneously, Avant and Vofric flanked their fiery ally. With a silent motion, Sariel signaled for Freckle and Spike to stay back. However neither retreated and instead prepared for battle.
The dragonborn exhaled sharply through their nostrils. “You really came out of my trap unscathed. It seems you’ve grown in the past year.”
Though Elmud addressed everyone, their eyes were affixed on Kargon. It was plainly obvious they were studying the scars that remained apparent on the monk’s body. The one across his face was especially clear when his goggles hung limply around his neck. Multiple things had to line up for an adventurer to be permanently scarred. Seeing the man Elmud hated most disfigured for all time by their own hand made him happier than expected. Aisha stepped further in front of Kargon and glared at her enemy.
“I doubt you were able to destroy Judgement without the demon king’s help,” she said snidely.
“You’d like to believe so, wouldn’t you? How could fire so easily destroy an Artifact.” They said it with a knowing tone.
Freckle muttered, “Are you saying this isn’t one?”
Elmud’s smile disappeared and he slowly turned their head towards the small woman. In a haunting voice they said, “Be thankful the Hero saved you but do not speak when I address her.” They continued after facing Aisha again. “The rodent is wrong, plain and simple. Artifacts are really nothing special. Some idiots came together and made magic items. Sure they had some special materials and enchantments but they weren’t so powerful they couldn’t be destroyed.”
Vofric bit his lip and turned away at the realization. Aisha only turned her eyes towards him. It was met with a slight nod. No words were spoken between them but understanding was evident.
“It’s not that the Arcanum Order couldn’t destroy the Artifacts. They chose not to,” Aisha said with clear disdain in her voice. It wasn’t clear to her or anyone if that was oriented towards Elmud or the Barbatos predecessor.
Elmud responded with a smirk. “It’s no wonder Master Aer was impressed with you. Correct. The leaders of your realm agreed some should remain hidden in case a threat ever arose that had to be defended against. I’m sure you’re aware they knew my master’s promise.”
“You mean his curse.”
“Semantics do not change facts, Hero.” Elmud insisted. “So, I did not require any assistance in broiling that flimsy book. None will be needed for any of the Artifacts. Though, I don’t mind leaving one intact for our friend there.”
Their eyes once again trained on Kargon. As if responding to the dragonborn, Pyromanic reflected the sun. The thin leather strap was tied taut in the back leaving two long tails that flowed in the wind. Of all the Artifacts, it looked the least sturdy. A firm grip wrapped around the goggles to protect them. He wasn’t sure what came over him but Kargon wouldn’t let his family heirloom get damaged so easily.
Elmud scoffed. “Truly we both have better things to worry about than an Artifact so useless it was lost by the fools who created it. After all, I must return to destroying the remaining tools you surely seek.”
Everyone’s attention was focused on the dragonborn but Aisha was more focused on an inkling of an idea. Even if all the Artifacts weren’t exactly what she believed, they clearly held power worth seeking. The only proof she needed was the fact that Aeraza wielded one as his own weapon of choice.
“Why destroy the Artifacts when Veil could wield any of them to your benefit?” Sariel asked. If the venom in her voice could be used for battle, Elmud would drop dead on the spot.
A wicked smile stretched across their face as they answered. “There is a certain joy in seeing the despair in our enemy’s eyes as they lose all hope. We already hold Great Sunderer and are close to… nevermind. Simply put, Master Aer needs no other Artifacts to conquer this realm.”
“The Ring of Planes, right?” Aisha asked. “How close are you?”
Elmud grumbled and swore under their breath. “That mind may impress Master Aer but keep pushing and he’ll cut you down without a chance to join the new world.”
“I don’t need that chance. He’ll be long dead before making the offer.”
“And what of your allies? What if they are offered the chance? Will you be able to stop them? Or will you cut them down if they stray from your righteous path?”
Not a single person flinched at the ridiculous notion. Sariel simply continued looking for a chance to skewer the annoying dragonborn. Avant and Vofric muttered spells with intention to fire them off at a moments notice. Freckle and Spike summoned giant quills that would launch at high speed. Aisha simply stood her ground and protected Kargon.
Elmud hated the lack of a vocal response. Though it was clear that his conversation partner was mentally indisposed. Something about Kargon’s demeanor struck the dragonborn as odd. Wide eyes were hyper focused on every miniscule movement the dragonborn made. Trembling fingers twitched at the slightest shift in the atmosphere. His stance was solid, almost threatening. A faint flame was emanating from inside the monk’s mouth. It was only possible to see due to his awkward toothy grin. As realization set, Elmud let out a hearty laugh. Reactively, Kargon’s fist tightened but only for the briefest second.
“I’ve spent enough time answering your trifling questions.” The dragonborn said while turning to Aisha. “I don’t know what changed between you two but do not hinder your lover next time. Something tells me he’s raring to go.”
With that they sprouted massive wings and took to the sky. It was clear Elmud had no intention to attack. At most they slowed down the party’s search by only a few minutes. But now Aeraza would be clear who was chasing after him. It wasn’t as though the party thought he didn’t know. But this cemented that few others could match Aisha or her ally’s pace or abilities.
The group stowed their weapons and finally turned to Kargon who was as confused as them. What everyone but he could see was the almost relaxed demeanor with which he stood. There was obvious tension inside him but it was unreflected outside. Only raw instincts and a joyous smile presented themselves. However, Kargon knew the grin was different than any other he’d ever shown. Drumming heartbeats pounded in his chest like the cacophonous rain they just escaped. A high-pitched tone rang in his ears that drowned out everything but the sound of Elmud’s voice until they left. Every sensation was extremely clear on his bare body as it prepared to attack.
They were all feelings he was familiar with. Ones that appeared when he flew into a rage or became fearful. For the first time in his life, a person had made him feel both. Though the fear subsided long before coming face to face with Elmud. And the tension of anger didn’t weigh on Kargon’s mind. Not yet at least. But the smile across his face made clear to him what his senses were screaming. There would be nothing except joy when battling his nemesis. He was excited to clash with fire and fists. Excited to prove Elmud’s victory was a fluke.
