{"id":96,"date":"2019-04-16T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-16T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/single-post\/chapter-25-dicey-onions\/"},"modified":"2023-06-06T17:37:55","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T16:37:55","slug":"chapter-25-dicey-onions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2019\/04\/16\/chapter-25-dicey-onions\/","title":{"rendered":"Wings of Chaos: Chapter 25"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chapter 25: Dicey Onions<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The kobolds shook in their stooped, bowing positions. Awkwardly, Shale and the others kneeled. Keelan planted one knee in the mud but kept his chin raised to the ancient black dragon. The dragon grumbled and turned his massive head to Snapjaw, and the lizard man looked up. \u201cWhy have you bothered me with these\u2014people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw stuttered his response, getting to his feet. \u201cYour highnessss, we\u2014we found thesssse people wandering through our ssswamp. They claim to be in the\u2014the cult. I\u2014I thought you would want to meet them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMmm,\u201d the dragon looked at each of them and growled. \u201cI call you bootlickers, because that is all your kind is good for. Mmm, have you come to bring me more gifts, bootlickers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all nervously glanced at one another, unsure of who should speak. Fillip, looking startled, quickly pulled out a bag of coins and set them on the ground. \u201cWe have brought gifts, great dragon. We\u2019ve come to sign up with your organization and gain your favour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMy organization?\u201d The dragon\u2019s throat rumbled with discontent. \u201cThere is nothing to sign up for, little half-elf. I don\u2019t recruit your kind,\u201d he paused, and Fillip looked confused. \u201cThough, your kind has certainly tried to recruit me. Mmm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale spoke up quickly. \u201cGreat dragon, we had not expected to meet you yet, but we are on our way to the castle in the swamp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dragon stared at her for a long moment, then began to move, pulling the rest of his massive, scaled body out of the river and onto solid ground. Mud and water rolled off his black scales and kobolds immediately ran forward with hard-bristled brushes, scrubbing them clean. The dragon ignored them, moving his face uncomfortably close, his hot breath pervasive. Shale heard Keelan gag from the stench of rotted flesh and Shale held her breath, meeting the dragon\u2019s golden-eyed gaze firmly, though her heart was thumping furiously in her chest and her stomach was twisting in knots. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI haven\u2019t seen any of you around,\u201d the dragon finally said, inspecting them like ants at his feet. \u201cTell me truthfully, mm? What is your stance on the\u2014cult?\u201d He said the last word with a hint of impatience.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper stood, drawing his attention, and raised his paws. The tabaxi said something in draconic.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oszaren translated under his breath, something Shale was continuously grateful for. \u201cHe\u2019s apologizing for disturbing the dragon. He said he\u2019s here on behalf of Sammaster offering lichdom to the dragonfolk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSpeak for all to understand,\u201d the dragon said, overhearing Oszaren\u2019s translation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lichdom? Shale wondered. What was that? She made a mental note to ask Oszaren about it later.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper nodded and continued in his almost fluent common. \u201cWe are here to help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dragon studied him and said, \u201cMmm, Sammaster. That is a name I haven\u2019t heard in a while. Mmm. I don\u2019t think you have the position to offer me that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper slowly reached into his bag and held out Azbarra\u2019s spellbook. \u201cIs this enough to convince you?\u201d He asked. \u201cThe spellbook of a Red Wizard of Thay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dragon leaned his giant head nearer to study the book. \u201cMmm, NO. It\u2019s not. But I see that you are indeed a practitioner of magic.\u201d He thought for a while, a deep thrumming vibrating through his throat. \u201cPerhaps you can be of some use to me,\u201d he paused again. \u201cI\u2019m not convinced of your allegiance with the cult. It seems to me that you are\u2014lying. However,\u201d he said before any of them could object, \u201cthat is what I want. I am not fond of them myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip bowed deeply. \u201cHonestly, we came here to gaze upon your splendor. That is our reason for coming through the swamp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMmm, now that I can believe,\u201d he hummed. \u201cSome of my dragon brethren have fallen for the cult and their lies, but not me. I do not need their lowly offerings\u2014the world is mine already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI couldn\u2019t agree more,\u201d Fillip said carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMmm,\u201d the dragon seemed to appreciate the flattery. \u201cNow, then, to your deeds ahead. The cult does have something I desire, and I want you to retrieve it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo you do not have the whole world,\u201d Whisper said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat can we find for you?\u201d Fillip said loudly over the tabaxi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cA ring,\u201d he said, shifting back into a somewhat less threatening position, though the beast could still easily bathe them all in blood within seconds. \u201cYes, a ring rumoured to be carried by one of the cult leaders in the castle. Mmm, and a book. A great and ancient book. Perhaps,\u201d he sighed, his breath unbearably warm, sending the kobolds and lizard people quivering anxiously, \u201cperhaps we can make a deal, little bootlickers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe can retrieve these items for you,\u201d Shale spoke up, \u201cwith the help of your followers,\u201d she gestured to Snapjaw and the other lizard folk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dragon turned his head and Snapjaw nodded quickly, nervously, \u201cy-yessss, of courssse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dragon turned back to them. \u201cGood,\u201d he growled, \u201cand if you fail,\u201d he paused, his golden eyes piercing them, \u201cyou will be eaten.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFair enough,\u201d Shale managed to say, clearing her throat. \u201cW-what, may I ask, is your name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou,\u201d he breathed again, his massive chest expanding as he said, \u201ccan call me The Black Death.\u201d The dragon backed his massive body back into the river. \u201cGoodbye, bootlickers. Find my treasures for me.\u201d Then, he slowly dipped back beneath the surface of the murky water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The kobolds all stood immediately and began screeching and chattering as they ran, hunched, after the dragon. They saw the water ripple and move downstream, the kobolds close behind and disappearing into the gnarled trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan stood slowly, and they all looked at each other in shock. \u201cWe\u2019re\u2014alive,\u201d the paladin said in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think I shit myself,\u201d Fillip said, looking down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw and the other lizard folk told them it was another half day\u2019s journey to the castle. Oszaren told Snapjaw they would have appreciated a warning that he had called the dragon, but the leader shrugged his scaly arms and said in draconic, \u201cI knew you were too eccentric to be cultistsss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They walked for another hour through the marsh, Snapjaw telling them about the numbers living in and around the castle. There were approximately a hundred and fifty bullywogs, half that many lizard folk, and at least two dozen cultists. When asked, he guessed the ring the dragon wanted was carried by Dromore Borngray, the elf who was second in command to Rezmir. They asked Snapjaw if he knew of any poisonous plants growing in the marsh, and he sent an herbalist out to find some, the lizard man returning a short time later with a bag full of poisonous plants, which Fillip pocketed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They reached an embankment where a few lizard folk ran ahead and began pulling reeds from a group of five canoes. The fog had cleared somewhat as the day progressed, though there was still a heaviness to the air. Shale could smell the salt of the ocean breeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe will take the river from here,\u201d Snapjaw told them, and they added their boat to the river, throwing the crate into the water and shouting \u201chokey!\u201d The lizard folk were rather impressed by the boat as half of them boarded, Fillip joining Snapjaw in a separate canoe to convince him further for actions against the bullywogs. Trigger was excited to hop onto the boat and curl up on a wooden bench next to Reverence, the soft breeze pushing through the hair on his muzzle as they began to move.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They paddled up the slow-moving river for several hours, Keelan and Shale pushing the oars through the water in a rhythmic pattern that allowed her thoughts to drift back to what Whisper had said. Lichdom? <\/em>Why did that seem familiar? And what did it have to do with Azbarra\u2019s book? As she thought about it more, she tried to remember any mention of the name Sammaster and recalled their conversation with Leosin and Omthar just before they gave them the boat and sent them to Baldur\u2019s Gate. The monk sat with his hands folded on the table as he recounted the origins of the cult. \u201cIt started with a wizard named Sammaster, who was obsessed with the power of dragons. He wrote an ancient text claiming if the dragons were to be killed and resurrected, they would become immortal.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Resurrected. Undead dragons. A powerful necromancy. <\/em>Her hands shook suddenly, and she ground her teeth together, looking across the boat at Whisper, who was lounging with a book open in his paws. Then, she remembered something else. Something Whisper had said after Leosin told them about the necromancer of old. Dracoliches.<\/em> He\u2019d seemed excited at the prospect. Lichdom. <\/em>Finally, she was piecing it together. Piecing Whisper\u2019s actions into a coherent story. As they continued to paddle, she planned her next move, her eyes constantly going back to the tabaxi wizard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They brought their boat and the canoes to shore and greeted a small outpost of more lizard folk. Snapjaw introduced their group as new recruits to the cult, and they were allowed through. They picked their way through the trees and marsh for another few minutes and soon saw the castle looming in the fog. In the fields around it, the trees had been cleared and they walked through a grouping of large huts that had been built up out of the mud and had finely woven reeds as roofs. As they walked further, they saw to their left a jumbled mess of smaller, misshapen huts with crumbling roofs and surrounded by churned mud. In the mud lay the fat bullywogs with greenish, warty skin crusted in mud and thick, bulbous eyes that gazed lazily over the camp. There were at least forty of the bullywogs, and at least a dozen frog people double their size leaping around the huts or burrowing in mud.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The castle itself was large and looming in the marsh, the ancient stone structure built well enough to withstand the wet ground and salty sea air. It was three stories in height with four large round turrets outlining the rough rectangular shape of the entire structure. They came upon the castle from the south where they could see a stretch of muddy ground creating a small land bridge and fortified with a stonework bridge placed atop and leading to the front gates. A guard tower stood two stories tall by the outer wall and a bullywog stuck his head out of the top window and watched them approach. Shale saw also the dull glint of metal in the afternoon light, and noticed a dome created with interlocking mechanisms in a portion of the top story. She nudged Oszaren and asked him what he thought it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAn observatory, maybe?\u201d He said, eyeing the impressive structure from afar.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cReverence?\u201d They heard Keelan say, and they all turned to see the tiefling had stopped walking and was clutching his chest, staring off at nothing. \u201cHe\u2019s having another vision,\u201d the paladin said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The lizard people gave them their space as they stepped toward the monk and watched him. His expressionless face quickly turned pained and his orange skin went pale. His body seemed to go rigid.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis isn\u2019t like the other ones,\u201d Shale said nervously, watching him. \u201cKeelan, can you see if he\u2019s okay?\u201d Trigger yipped and ran to the tiefling looking concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan nodded and started toward Reverence. The tiefling started to groan in agony. Oszaren threw up his hands and shouted, \u201cdispel!\u201d then grabbed Reverence\u2019s shoulders and shook him, forcing his hand from his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s\u2014calling,\u201d Reverence said, teeth grinding and eyes still blank as Oszaren clutched his wrist.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The smell of burning flesh filled the air and they saw the front of the tiefling\u2019s robes were burning away, revealing a small amulet. It was a tiny skull statue with glowing ruby eyes. Fillip tried to grab the amulet, but it had buried itself in Reverence\u2019s flesh. The monk began to gasp, his breaths laboured and his eyes still lost. Whisper conjured a floating spectral mage hand and tried to wrench the amulet from his chest to no avail. Then, the tabaxi stood to his full height and raised two paws, glowing with purplish energy and bathing Reverence in their light. The tiefling shuddered, and the amulet was expelled from his skin and fell into the dirt, the ruby eyes going dark. Reverence teetered and collapsed, but Fillip and Keelan caught him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper immediately bent to swipe the amulet from the ground but Fillip kicked it and sent it into the long grass. Whisper stood and flicked his ears, then ran after it and pocketed the tiny skull and chain. Fillip shook his head and looked back at Reverence, who was unconscious where they\u2019d lowered him to the ground. Then, he gasped and awoke suddenly, grabbing at his chest for the amulet and looking confused. \u201cReverence,\u201d Oszaren said as they helped him to his feet, \u201care you alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence inspected his burned robe and flesh underneath and saw the amulet was missing, turning his glare to Whisper without hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDid you have another vision?\u201d Keelan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Finally, he nodded, tearing his gaze momentarily from the tabaxi. \u201cSaw\u2014the fortress\u2014but newer. There were\u2014dragons flying around it\u2014and a voice saying, \u2018now your\u2014first installment will be collected\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhere did you get the amulet, Reverence?\u201d Shale asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t\u2014say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw walked closer to them and spoke in draconic, and Oszaren nodded. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t delay here. Come on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m\u2014alright,\u201d Reverence was assuring Keelan, who patted his arm. The tiefling was still pale, recovering from a great shock. Shale knew that when the monk was strong enough to get his amulet back, he wouldn\u2019t hesitate.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw introduced them to the front guards as initiates of the cult and they were led through the front gates along the stone bridge, which continued into a covered hallway lit by dirty oil lamps. They eventually entered the open area of the castle. In front of them was a forge being worked by several lizardfolk crafting amateur weaponry who looked to enjoy the labour. The bullywogs seemed to be the castle guards, but they were lazy and always had a trail of flies buzzing around them, which they would occasionally catch with the quick snap of a long pink tongue in the air. The main area was an open courtyard where they could look up and see the three-story turrets and open sky, allowing the growth of vegetation and an unkempt garden inside. To their left stood two average-sized guards in black robes wearing bone masks to cover their faces. Their first proof that the cult was there. They saw more lizard folk passing by with straw mattresses and bedding. The castle was massive, and hid its numbers well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When the two robed guards noticed them with Snapjaw\u2019s men, one of them said, \u201chey, who are you?\u201d It seemed their kind were not common visitors of the castle in the marsh.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper turned to them and said, \u201cshut up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The guard who\u2019d spoken looked at his friend, then tightened the grip on the pommel of his sword. \u201cWhat\u2019d you say to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw raised a placating hand and said, \u201csssorry sssir. New recruitsss going to be outfitted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The guard stared for a moment through his mask, then his hand relaxed and he nodded, still watching them pass.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw quickly ushered them into another door next to the forge and showed them to a flight of twisting stairs. \u201cBed chambersss are upssstairsss. We can plan there.\u201d They all nodded and ascended the stairs, no one noticing for the moment that Whisper had not followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper started toward the guards, ears twitching, until he was ten feet from them. They were both a foot shorter than him, and he stared at them with contempt. The one who\u2019d spoken before said, \u201crecruit, I thought you were going to get outfitted.\u201d His friend tensed, looking prepared for a fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI am here to see Rezmir,\u201d Whisper said in a level voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI thought<\/em>,\u201d the guard repeated, \u201cyou were going to get outfitted.\u201d Evidently, the man had not taken well to being told to shut up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper reached into his bag and pulled out his spellbook, showing the leather front to the guards. \u201cTake me to Rezmir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They both looked at it and the talkative one said, \u201cthat\u2019s a book. What am I supposed to do with that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper glared. \u201cIs Rezmir here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShe could be, could be working.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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He tucked the spellbook away. \u201cShe is always working.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI mean she\u2019s out,\u201d the guard said flatly, then added, \u201crecruit<\/em>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you want to die?\u201d Whisper asked, tilting his head threateningly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The guard scoffed and looked at his friend, who was still tense. \u201cGo get outfitted,\u201d he told the tabaxi, stepping back to the wall, where they were flanking a doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper turned to leave, then flicked a paw and summoned his mage hand. The large hand flew at the guard\u2019s face and ripped the bone mask free. The man cursed in surprise as his pale freckled face was revealed, and he went for his sword. Before he could charge the tabaxi, Whisper summoned a flaming sphere which rolled into the man and caught his robes on fire. The man shouted and started to pat out the fire and as Whisper moved the sphere at him a second time, he and his companion ran at the tabaxi with their swords. Whisper threw up his shield spell instead and the blades glanced off the magical force field. As they tried to pierce the shield, he brought the sphere rolling behind them and it slammed into the first guard. The man screamed in agony as was quickly engulfed in flames and collapsed, skin blackened and smelling.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you want to die next?\u201d The tabaxi asked the other guard, who had paused to see his companion burn up in a matter of seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper could see his wide eyes through the eyeholes in the mask as he raised his sword again, taking a fighting stance, and said, \u201cyou\u2019re going to die for that!\u201d Then, he swung ferociously and, instead of using his shield, Whisper\u2019s paws started burning with white fire and he shot the flames into the man\u2019s face. He screamed and grabbed at his mask, throwing it off. He dove under the flames and sliced into Whisper\u2019s ribs with his sword, then jumped back. \u201cHelp!\u201d The guard shouted as he stumbled back, his face badly burned. \u201cSomeone help! We\u2019re being attacked!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper could hear some muddled bullywog croaking, but the lizard folk seemed to have steered clear of the fight as soon as it\u2019d started.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip rushed to the arrow slits in the lizard men\u2019s bedchamber and looked down into the courtyard where they\u2019d heard the shouting. \u201cDamnit,\u201d the druid said as everyone else ran forward to check, \u201cDid anyone notice Whisper is missing? He\u2019s killing cultists guards.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy?<\/em>\u201d Shale demanded, peering out. \u201cOh, damnit,\u201d she repeated. \u201cOur cover\u2019s blown.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSurrender now,\u201d Whisper hissed, but the guard ignored him, so he twisted his paws and shot the white flames at the man again, knocking him off his feet. The flames licked at flesh and the man did not stir, though Whisper could see the faintest of movement in his chest. Satisfied, the tabaxi dispelled the fiery spells and shouted to the bullywogs who had moved in but were not interfering. \u201cTake them to the infirmary!\u201d Whisper yelled, then walked away to where his companions had gone minutes before.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The bullywogs looked around in confusion, then some began to stir and went for the burned bodies, dragging them away. As Whisper started for the stairs, his mage hand floated back to him and handed him the stolen bone mask, which he pocketed with a smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, that\u2019sss not how I would have done it. We will have to act quickly,\u201d Snapjaw said as they stood in silence in the open room filled with dozens of straw mattresses. \u201cThe cassstle is large, but it won\u2019t take long for word to travel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip rubbed his forehead and said, \u201cWhere\u2019s the nearest bar? I can\u2019t deal with another Whisper-related thing today.\u201d As he said this, Whisper came up the landing and walked directly to Keelan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHeal,\u201d he said to the paladin, pointing at the cut on his ribs. Keelan complied, his glowing hands stitching together fur and flesh where the guard\u2019s blade had cut.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw gave Fillip directions to the kitchens where he could find a drink, and the druid quickly left. Everyone else chose to ignore Whisper\u2019s actions for the moment, but Shale\u2019s hands trembled as she clenched them into fists, watching the tabaxi sit on a mattress and start flipping through the pages of Azbarra\u2019s spellbook. It seemed the bodies were being cleared out, but the cultists would come asking questions soon, and she wanted to know the layout of the castle before that happened. \u201cOszaren,\u201d Shale said to the warlock, \u201cI think we need to sneak around the castle and see who\u2019s in it, and where the ring and book are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI say we rally the lizard folk,\u201d Keelan said, looking over to Snapjaw, who seemed nervous. \u201cSnapjaw has agreed to take down the bullywogs, and now,\u201d he glanced over at Whisper, \u201cour timeline\u2019s been set in motion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oszaren nodded thoughtfully. \u201cShale and I will explore the castle under invisibility. Keelan and Reverence, can you rally the lizard folk and see how many you can bring to Snapjaw\u2019s side?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapjaw nodded gratefully, and Keelan and Reverence agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe attack tonight. Spread the word.\u201d He placed a hand on Shale\u2019s shoulder, and she told Trigger to stay in the room as they turned invisible and snuck back down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale felt an instant weight fall from her shoulders as the tabaxi left her sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip strolled casually<\/strong> across the courtyard to the door where the two guards had been standing before Whisper burned their faces off. The door was now open, so he stepped through and peeked inside to see a large stretch of a room with high ceilings and rows of benches and tables. A great hall. At the end of the hall sat a large mound of gold and jewels, and a dozen men were sifting through the coins, counting and recording them on rolls of parchment. There was a small trail of blood smeared across the floor, presumably where the two bodies had been dragged to the infirmary. The trail led to a closed door. As Fillip stepped inside the great hall, a man shouted, \u201cyou! Stop there!\u201d Two robed guards with swords jogged to the druid, unmasked and looking wary. \u201cWhat do you know? Did you see who attacked the guards?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGentlemen,\u201d Fillip said calmly, \u201cI just came through here looking for a drink when I heard the commotion, but I\u2019m afraid I didn\u2019t see the attack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWho are you?\u201d The man demanded. He had dark, curly hair and a thick, tangled beard with streaks of gray at the chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMy name is Flop,\u201d Fillip said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s an odd name,\u201d the other guard said. This man was much younger, barely twenty if Fillip had to guess, with brown hair and a plain face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a very common name where I\u2019m from,\u201d the half-elf said with eyebrows raised and hands casually hanging from the pockets of his trousers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The older guard studied Fillip, but seemed to find he wasn\u2019t a threat, and motioned for him to continue. \u201cGo on then,\u201d he said, relaxing, \u201cyou can find a drink in the kitchens. If you hear anything, let us know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Fillip thanked him and made for the kitchens. That had been an easy one to talk himself out of, which told him there was a very good chance they were looking specifically for a seven-foot tall cat person. He pushed through the doors and was greeted by a larger human man in a dirty smock that pressed against his wide belly. \u201cGreetings,\u201d Fillip smiled, \u201cam I to presume you\u2019re the cook?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAye,\u201d the big man nodded, looking curious, \u201cdid you hear what happened outside?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI did,\u201d Fillip frowned. \u201cWhat did you hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOnly that some big cat killed a man and burned that poor boy badly. I could hear his screams when they woke him up a minute ago. They must\u2019ve put him to sleep, now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t bode well. Say, do you have anything to drink in here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHow much for one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNew recruit?\u201d The cook asked, walking back to fill a mug with ale from a tapped keg in the corner of the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Fillip said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFigured. We share everything here.\u201d The cook handed him the mug and he took a sip gratefully. The ale was rich and dark, if a bit flat, but still much finer than anything they\u2019d had at the roadhouse. He was curious about how they managed to get their supplies through the marsh. The ocean must be close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSay,\u201d Fillip said, setting down the mug and eyeing the bags of vegetables the cook had started to clean, \u201cyou wouldn\u2019t happen to need any help in the kitchens? I used to be a spice merchant, so I know a lot about flavours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The cook brightened. It seemed the man was used to working alone and was grateful for the company. \u201cCertainly. Here,\u201d he slammed an onion down on a table next to a knife, \u201cdice these onions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGladly,\u201d the druid said, setting down his pack and slipping a pouch of swamp plants into his trouser pockets. He walked around the table and tied an apron around his front and wrapped a hand around the red onion. \u201cTell me, how many people do we need to cook for today\u2026?\u201d as he began to chop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Oszaren and Shale snuck past the gathered bullywogs in the courtyard and entered a door at the end of where, three stories above, sat the mechanical dome they suspected was an observatory. The door was open and they entered a small sitting room where sat a hulking half-dragon figure with deep red scales and part of his muzzle torn out so the flesh was pulled back and gave him a wicked half-grin. He wore heavy, polished armour and was draped in black robes with the hood pulled partially up. He was lounging back in a chair flipping through the pages of a book, looking surprisingly comfortable despite the plate mail. Shale stared at the figure and felt Oszaren pull on her elbow, bringing her to the stairs and up the second level.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Inside the second level was an office bisected with another room. The door to the room was closed and Shale pressed her ear to it and heard the squawk of a bird. Then, a voice sounded from downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cM\u2019lord Borngray,\u201d the voice called up, \u201cthere\u2019s an issue downstairs. We could use your help.\u201d The voice was nervous, and they heard a book snap shut followed by a sigh, and the door to the bedroom opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

A tall, elven male figure stepped out with shoulder length pale hair. He had angular, handsome features and as he stepped out, he straightened his finely cut robes, which were intricately designed in gray and black spun patterns. He took the stairs down, and Shale went into the room to inspect it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

It was a bedroom, and in the corner on a desk sat a cage with a raven inside. It cawed again and fluffed its wings, seeming to sense their invisible presences. From downstairs they could hear an angry voice. Shale crept back out of the room to listen. \u201c\u2026Valaxarim, didn\u2019t you hear? We have a problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe will have to take care of it, for Rezmir,\u201d a deep, growling voice that Shale guessed belonged to the half-dragon, responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

A door slammed, and the voices were too muffled to hear. \u201cCome on,\u201d she heard Oszaren whisper, and they began to search the room for information. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Keelan and Reverence helped Snapjaw speak with the lizard folk, convincing them in covert conversation to rise and fight their enemies, and take the castle and land for their people. As they followed the leader, Whisper watched them until they were gone, then descended the stairs past the forgery and back into the courtyard, where he confidently strode through the centre of it and pointed to a group of bullywogs standing lazily in a corner. \u201cYou!\u201d Whisper shouted in common. \u201cWho is in charge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

One of the bullywogs ribbited and hop-stepped forward. \u201cBorngray,\u201d it said in strangled common. \u201cElf sir.\u201d It pointed across the courtyard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper nodded and spun on his heel and saw the elf emerging from a circular stone chamber beside a black-robed human in another bone mask. A moment later two other cultist guards appeared from the door of the great hall, helping a very burned young man with half his face red and blistered. Borngray stopped in his tracks and looked at the burned man. The man looked at his leader, then saw Whisper and pointed at him, shouting, \u201cThat\u2019s him! That\u2019s the tabaxi that killed Fendir and burned me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cStop him!\u201d Borngray shouted at once, and the guards released the burned man and ran for the tabaxi, though Whisper hadn\u2019t moved. Borngray strode forward and said, \u201cyou come in here and kill one of my men and injure another, then boldly stand out here like you\u2019ve done nothing wrong. Why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper raised his chin to meet the elf\u2019s gaze. \u201cYou should hire fewer stupid guards. These ones attacked one of Rezmir\u2019s own,\u201d he gestured to himself. \u201cThey attacked first and I defended myself,\u201d he shrugged, \u201cand I spared this one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The burned man sputtered but Borngray held up a hand to quiet him. He scrutinized Whisper, standing only a few feet from him, his guards now surrounding the tabaxi, their weapons drawn. \u201cAnd what makes you think my guards would allow you in to see Rezmir without qualifications? Who are you to the cult?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper sighed in annoyance. \u201cI spoke with the Black Death in the swamp,\u201d he articulated the words carefully. \u201cThe dragon does not want treasure. He wants a book beneath this structure, and a ring held by a leader of the cult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Borngray\u2019s middle finger on his right hand twitched subtly, and Whisper caught a flash of gold before the elf folded his other hand over it. \u201cWe should not speak of this so openly. Come with me.\u201d He turned and the guards sheathed their weapons, though still watched the tabaxi carefully as Borngray led him to a room. The burned guard started to protest, but the elf shot him a warning look and the boy quieted, physically drooping under the elf\u2019s gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Finally, someone who would listen to Whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Shale and Oszaren froze, still under the warlock\u2019s invisibility spell, as Whisper and the elf came up the stairs together and sat on chairs. The elf leaned toward him. \u201cYou said the Black Death told you he wasn\u2019t interested in treasure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper nodded, \u201cOnly the book and the ring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Shale felt an angry heat in her chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Borngray cleared his throat. \u201cSo, that\u2019s what\u2019s holding him back from joining us\u2026\u201d He paused and looked at Whisper carefully. \u201cHe didn\u2019t tell you what the book contained?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The tabaxi shook his head. \u201cI am a messenger,\u201d he said. \u201cI have bad news for Rezmir that will put her in a\u2026\u201d he trailed off, looking for the right word in common, \u201cfoul mood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this message?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper quickly told him of the caravan and Hama, and that it was taken by the authorities in Waterdeep. Borngray nodded, looking troubled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d the elf finally said. \u201cI suppose I\u2019ll have to cast blame elsewhere for your attack against the burned guards. But, yes,\u201d he seemed to be having an internal struggle, \u201cyes, it should be you who tells Rezmir.\u201d Shale wondered if the elf had other plans, or if he really did trust Whisper this easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have someone who will heal the burned guard,\u201d Whisper told him, volunteering Keelan\u2019s healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Shale\u2019s outrage grew. Of course, Keelan would heal the man, but that wasn\u2019t the point. In her invisible state, she dug her nails into her palms and thought, with complete certainty, I am done being Whisper\u2019s pawn.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Oszaren bumped into her and, finding her shoulder, whispered under his breath, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The two of them took the stairs up to the third level as Borngray led Whisper back down the stairs, saying, \u201cYou needn\u2019t stay with the lizards. I\u2019ll have a private room set up for you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

The observatory room was dusty and crowded with stacks of papers on wooden desks. In the centre of the room stood a long, metallic tube with various pieces jutting from it. The tube pointed up at the mechanical dome, which was closed but had gears on it and a wheel beneath it with chains. Shale could see a few papers moving subtly as the invisible Oszaren went through them, and a piece of parchment notes appeared. Shale placed a hand curiously on the instrument and ran her fingers along it. She grabbed onto a small piece with a gear and pulled, snapping it off and holding it up in her hand to inspect it. With a shrug, she dropped it in her pocket and continued to look around the room. \u201cWhat did you just do?\u201d She heard Oszaren say, and she jumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou startled me,\u201d she hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDid you just break something?\u201d He demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat instrument is a very delicate\u2014\u201d but, before he could finish lecturing her, they heard a scraping thump and a growl from somewhere in the back of the room. Shale saw the shifting of books as something large moved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOut, now!\u201d She said, and she saw Oszaren swipe up his parchment and pen and the two of them ran down the stairs before they could find out what sort of creature lived in there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They dashed down the stairs and back through the courtyard, Oszaren directing her to another unexplored room near the great hall. They passed Whisper and Borngray standing together speaking to other cultists, and they heard dishes being set out in the hall and could smell the stew and fresh bread. The bullywogs were already moving to the hall for their meal. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They waited until no one was looking in their direction, then opened the door and slipped through, leaving it ajar behind them. They entered a small stone temple room with a wooden statue of a five headed dragon on a pedestal. Shale walked up to it and whispered to her invisible companion, \u201cTiamat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI found something in the observatory,\u201d Oszaren said quietly. \u201cIt looks like they were tracking the dragon with that instrument, but based on their recordings, it seems like there were time dilations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have no idea what that means,\u201d Shale said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She heard him move around the room looking for papers, but it was mostly empty. She brushed her fingers along the base of the statue, looking for any sign of secret messages or trap doors that might lead them to a hidden room beneath the castle, where a certain book for a dragon could be held. She still couldn\u2019t understand everyone\u2019s obsession with books. She paused, noticing something in the carving itself. One of the dragon jaws looked to have a crack in the wood, and upon further inspection she saw that there was a spot on the back of its head that could be pushed. She pressed her fingernail into it, and the mouth opened with a pop and a dagger fell out. She caught it by the hilt before it could clatter to the floor and inspected the jeweled piece. The blade was sharp. She was just pocketing it next to the piece of instrument when she heard Oszaren\u2019s voice. \u201cWe need to get back. The invisibility will wear off soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

She waited until they\u2019d gotten back to the lizard folk\u2019s bedchambers and Oszaren had dropped his spell before she handed him the dagger. \u201cHere, it may be useful to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

He inspected it appraisingly. \u201cIt looks like it has magical properties, though I\u2019ll need to study it further.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Keelan said, jogging out of another room with Reverence trailing behind him, \u201cwe\u2019ve recruited a lot of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Shale breathed, choosing to keep her thoughts about Whisper to herself, for now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAlso,\u201d Reverence said casually, \u201cFillip just came by\u2014and said he\u2019s poisoned the meal. We told the lizard people\u2014not to eat any of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Oszaren grinned. \u201cGenius.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe may have a chance after all,\u201d Shale smiled as well, feeling that finally, something was going right for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Keelan beamed and crossed his arms proudly, then said, \u201cWe attack as planned, in one hour. Prepare for a lot of puking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Over the next hour, many of the lower ranked bullywogs and cult members dished up their stew and hot bread and ate, while other plates were carried off by lizard folk to those high-ranking enough to need not retrieve their own meals. The groaning and vomiting came not long after, and in that chaos, the lizard folk arose and took up their spears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Snapjaw made his speech in a hissing language Shale couldn\u2019t hope to guess, and it seemed to rouse his listeners, who shook their spears and glanced at one another excitedly. Finally, Snapjaw raised a fist and pointed to the stairs, and the lizard folk rushed down three at a time. The standoff would happen in the courtyard, as planned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Reverence dashed past them all in a blur of orange speed, some of his old energy coming back to him despite the lost amulet. He was going to close the portcullis, to keep any of the bullywogs outside from entering the castle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Drums began to echo from the towers, Snapjaw\u2019s signal to the rest of the lizard men to take up arms. Shale drew her blades and Trigger yipped next to her, his bushy tail wagging in anticipation. Once the last of the lizard men had cleared the stairs, she and her companions ran down, crying for blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The wave of lizard folk crashed into a disarray of vomiting and sickly bullywogs, who tried to defend the sudden attacks and were quickly pushed back. Cultists appeared from the great hall and Shale saw Fillip was among them, spotting his companions and pushing past to get to them. The cultists had paused, clearly thinking that the attack was just another scuffle between two rival races, but quickly realized it was more than that and drew their weapons. Noticing Shale\u2019s companions, one of the cultists screamed at them to attack. They all clattered together with swords and spells, and Shale was soon flanked by two men with greatswords, one of them catching her under the arm and drawing blood, Trigger responding by leaping at the man\u2019s calf. Keelan\u2019s hands were on fire and burning any guards who moved too close, and the paladin blew his warhorn, the sound echoing across the courtyard. Shale saw a flash of blinding light from the corner of her eyes and the men fighting her also paused to look as Fillip summoned a storm of lightning. The strike incinerated two men in an instant. Trigger bit into one of the men\u2019s ankles and was kicked off as Shale struck him, his shield coming up just in time with a surprised grunt. There were shouts from around the courtyard: more people coming to join the fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Whisper ran past the man who\u2019d fallen down the stairs into his private room and began heaving on the floor, the gooey remnants of stew and bread exploding in chunks over the stonework. Outside, he saw the red half-dragon looking confused as he stepped out of a door. He ran to the half-dragon and said, \u201cThe lizard folk are revolting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHelp me deal with it, then!\u201d He grumbled angrily, having crossed paths with the tabaxi for a brief second while he was with Borngray. He drew his greatsword and clanked forward in heavy armour, Whisper trotting behind him with tail swishing and cloak billowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

The large red half-dragon they\u2019d called Valaxarim appeared around the corner with several pale and sickly-looking cultist guards trying to clutch their weapons and hold back the vomit. Shale turned just as a massive sphere of fire slammed into the group from behind, incinerating the guards and sending the half-dragon stumbling forward in surprise. He twisted as the flames drifted harmlessly over his scales but was obviously unaware of who had attacked. Shale knew only one person who conjured a sphere like that. Valaxarim roared, choosing to flee the fiery sphere and instead evaluate the battle in the courtyard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The lizard folk had pushed the few remaining bullywogs, who\u2019d once doubled their numbers, back into a smaller room and up the stairs. Fillip\u2019s lightning continued to strike down on cultist enemies, and Keelan\u2019s blade was crackling with divine energy that burst apart anyone he hit. Shale\u2019s moonblade scimitar, given to her by the Emerald Enclave, went from a faint glow to a bright light as hope filled her. They were going to win this. She revelled in their victory, slashing down another cultist, when the half-dragon shouted above the fighting in a booming voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMargus, get your men out! The castle\u2019s taken!\u201d He was moving back. \u201cGet to the portal!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Shale felt her heart hammering in her chest as the cultists began to retreat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTO THE PORTAL!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/main><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 25 follows our adventurers in this Dungeons & Dragons campaign as they cross Faerun, fighting against the rising tide of the Dragon Cult, in this story based on The Hoard of the Dragon Queen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":745,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[86,14,15,13,16,21],"series":[],"class_list":["post-96","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wings-of-chaos-dungeons-and-dragons-series","tag-adventure","tag-dungeons-and-dragons","tag-fantasy","tag-hoard-of-the-dragon-queen","tag-series","tag-wings-of-chaos"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Giants-Gamble-Blog-PhotosArtboard-3-copy-4.png","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"amazon":{"key":"amazon","url":"https:\/\/music.amazon.ca\/podcasts\/09c34bbc-b359-49af-a286-31830ed5634c\/short-stories","label":"Amazon","class":"amazon","icon":"amazon.png"},"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_play":{"key":"google_play","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Play","class":"google_play","icon":"google-play.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0lcQCRs52MfYlKs35lVX4K","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"},"itunes":{"key":"itunes","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"iTunes","class":"itunes","icon":"itunes.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/feed\/podcast\/default-podcast","embedCode":"

Wings of Chaos: Chapter 25<\/a><\/blockquote>