LXVIII. The Land of Himm

A month after leaving Uf, Lina, Green Arrow and the traders returned, wagons laden with new and exotic trade goods and purses bulging with profits. The adventurers’ share came to ten thousand gold pieces per person. "A tidy sum!" noted Edward.

Five days later, Zeff and the rest of the caravan informed the adventurers that they were ready to return to Kanak. "We thank you for accompanying us," said Zeff. "We could never have come so far without you. If you ever visit Kanak again, please look for us!" With that, the caravan departed from the Oasis of Uf. After about four months, including a lengthy visit with the brass dragons and the Enterprise security agents stationed at the dragons’ mine, the caravan reached its home in Kanak, where they became very rich from the sale of the trade goods they had obtained from Uf and points beyond.

Meanwhile, Lina couldn’t resist the urge to go shopping. She dragged Edward and Green Arrow along with her. Eventually, she came to Mojo’s House of Scrolls, an establishment selling scrolls, tomes, and maps, both new and antique. Piles and piles of scrolls, tomes and maps. Shelf after shelf stuffed full of scrolls, tomes and maps.

"Where did all this stuff come from?" Lina whispered to Green Arrow. "Looks like this is where all the lost books end up! I could browse here for days."

"Well, take your time," said Green Arrow. "This is your quest, after all."

After several hours of examining the available goods, Lina settled on three items that seemed more interesting than the rest: an old, painted parchment, an ancient and somewhat damaged tome, and a map. All the texts were in languages unknown to Lina.

She brought the items to the proprietor and asked if he knew much about them. He picked up the parchment first. It depicted an ancient king, taller than other figures on the parchment. The king seemed to be going to war. "This is an old, old parchment, from the days before the Rain of Colorless Fire," said the proprietor.

The tome was next. According to the proprietor, the volume described the ancient Suel Empire and its neighbors and surroundings. It was written in ancient Sueloise, which the proprietor did not speak. Hearing this, Edward left the establishment. After a short time, he returned with another man. "I found us a cleric," said Edward. "He’s agreed to help us read this tome." The cleric nodded, then, in return for a contribution of one hundred gold pieces from Edward, cast comprehend languages on the paladin. He began to quickly peruse the tome.

"Anything on Khemri?" asked Lina as Edward read through the ancient volume.

After about twenty minutes, Edward announced, "Ah! Here we have it!" He pointed to a section of the tome. "This is information on the ancient kingdom of Khemri. It seems to be in the same location as our notorious land of Himm!"

Lina immediately inquired of the proprietor (Mojo himself), "How much for this tome?" After vigorous negotiation, Lina pulled out five thousand gold pieces, and the tome was hers.

The third item was a worn, torn map on what started off as fine vellum. Edward translated the various inscriptions and legends on the map. It showed the far western area of the Sea of Dust (in which Uf was located), as well as the Dry Steppes. It also showed, at its left edge, the far eastern portions of lands named "The Celestial Imperium" and "Orkreich". There was also a notation, in an area far to the northwest of the Sea of Dust, beyond the Sulhaut Mountains, and extending from the mountains east of the Celestial Imperium, referring to "a dangerous land. Traders advised to proceed with extreme caution."

"How interesting!" said Lina. She had to have the map, and eventually reached an agreeable price with Mojo: two thousand five hundred gold pieces. The proprietor threw in the parchment for an additional thousand gold pieces. Edward thanked the cleric for his services.

Leaving the establishment, the adventurers found lodging (again at The Dusty Rug), and began their preparations for the journey to the land of Himm.

Next day, the adventurers sought out a cleric for hire. "Probably going to need some healing before this is all over," said Edward, "and I can’t do it all." Eventually they came across a moderately experienced cleric by the name of Aloysius, who was willing to accompany the party. He agreed to join the adventurers for a fee of one hundred gold pieces, plus two percent of any treasure obtained. The party instructed him to obtain the create food and water spell daily, so that they could travel light. Finally, the adventurers decided to look for a rug merchant who might have a carpet of flying. "Best way to travel over the desert," observed Lina. They were fortunate enough to find a dealer who had such a carpet, and paid a handsome sum to obtain it. It was good for about thirty-two miles per day, which should get them to the land of Himm in about a week or so, conditions permitting.

At dawn on the following day, the three adventurers and their hired cleric departed Uf. For two days, they traveled at speed to the southwest. Weather conditions were fair. On the third day, it was very hot and dry, but the day after that was again fair.

The fifth day began fair, but toward mid-day a large dust storm developed. Heavy winds prevented the carpet of flying from making any headway, so the party landed. Edward carried the cleric, while Lina and Green Arrow made their own way. After about four hours, the storm let up, and they re-mounted their carpet and continued.

It was now the sixth day out from Uf. "I think we’re in the general vicinity now," said Lina. The party began to search for any signs of the weathered mound of stone that would mark the location of the land of Himm.

Two hours later, Edward spotted something. A small bump on the horizon. The party immediately flew toward the location Edward pointed out.

Lina was suddenly reminded of the rest of her vision: "Four triangles and a square guard Thutep’s pride."

The adventurers reached the structure. A roughly square, tiered structure, formed from large rectangular stone blocks, having a flattened top, emerging alone from desert sands that extended for mile after mile in every direction. Marks on the sides and top of the structure seemed to indicate that some kind of external layer, or capstone, had been pried off the remaining structure.

Suddenly Lina has an insight. "It’s a buried pyramid!" she exclaimed. "And my vision! "Four triangles and a square"! A pyramid has a square base and four triangular sides!"

The adventurers landed. Edward folded up the flying carpet and stowed it. "Well, what now?" asked Green Arrow.

LXVII. The Lure of Power

To ME? thought Edward. Why would an assassin sent to take me out be carrying a medallion that he didn’t want me to handle? "Can I take a look at it?" he asked Gelasius. The wizard held it up before him so that he could examine it himself. It was a large golden disk on a chain. The disk bore a relief image of a large tome of some kind. The tome was surmounted by a spider.

"Do you know what the image means?" asked the puzzled paladin. Gelasius pondered the medallion for several minutes, then asked, "Didn’t you bring some kind of tome back from Erelhei-Cinlu?"

"Indeed I did!" replied Edward. "And someone doesn’t want me to handle this thing, so I think I’ll handle it!" With that, he took the medallion and placed the chain around his neck.

And ten seconds later, Gelasius was astonished to see Edward vanish!

Everything went dark for Edward. Shortly, though, his eyes began to adjust to the darkness. Soon he could see that he was in a large, darkened cave, and was standing inside what appeared to be some kind of magic circle. He could hear no sounds or see any other objects.

A voice rang out from the darkness beyond the magic circle. "You were very foolish, Edward Gallahand," said the voice, "to carve your name on the floor of my quarters!" And out of the darkness stepped a figure that Edward instantly recognized.

The Inscrutable Redactor!

The drow wizard regarded Edward, confined within the magic circle, with a mixture of contempt, anger and amusement. "Glooms have their uses," he began, "but they are simple enough to thwart, if you know their weaknesses." He opened his hand. Edward saw, to his surprise, that the medallion he had been wearing was now in the Redactor’s hand!

"It seems that you do," he continued. "Hence, my back-up plan. In case the gloom failed to eliminate you. A simple trap, really, for an overly-curious paladin," the drow sneered. "You have caused me an incalculable amount of trouble. Now, we are going to have a reckoning, you and I."

Edward surveyed the darkened cave, but saw little beyond the magic circle and the Redactor standing just beyond its boundary.

"I think," said the Redactor, "you shall start by telling me where you put it."

"It’s dark in here," Edward responded. "Can I brighten it up some?" And he cast daylight–to no effect. "Not a very gracious host, are you?"

"Among my people, you would be correct," said the Redactor. "Perhaps you would like to experience drow hospitality?"

"I doubt it," said the paladin. "I wouldn’t tell you anything anyway."

"Oh, you would," retorted the Redactor. "And I shall enjoy getting it out of you." He grinned evilly at Edward.

"Evil won’t win, and Lolth will get you anyway," said Edward.

The Redactor snickered at Edward’s show of defiance. He cast detect magic, and commenced to examine Edward. The paladin attempted to leave the circle, but was blocked by an invisible barrier: the circle was surrounded by a spherical wall of force.

After a short time, the Redactor began to analyze Edward’s magical augmentations. "Death ward, eh? A wise precaution." He paused. "But what is this? Such incredible power! You shall have to tell me all about this."

Edward responded by threatening dire consequences to the Redactor should he refuse to release him.

The Redactor had a scroll case by his side. He reached for it, and pulled out a scroll.

"Hey, now," Edward called out. "We’ve been through some times together. Can I at least know your name?"

The Redactor stared at the audacious paladin. "You cannot possibly be serious," he replied. "Names give power over their possessors."

"How about a nickname them?" Edward persisted.

"Human, you are wearing my patience thin," said the Redactor, "and I am known among my people for my patience. You may refer to me by title."

"OK," Edward answered. "You’ll be "SDE"". Stupid Dark Elf, he thought to himself. "Or just "Sid"".

"Disrespect," snarled the Redactor.

"So, Sid, I get it," Edward continued. "I’m in a fix. But surely there could be compensation for what we took?"

"Only the Libram," replied the Redactor.

"I don’t know where it is or where to find it. What else?"

"Once I recover the Libram, my power and influence will be greater than ever among my people," said the Redactor.

Edward suddenly had an insight. "Sid, here’s a proposition. We took it. Can’t offer it back. But, we can offer one thing." He paused, then boldly suggested, "Help in killing Lolth!"

The Redactor’s eyebrows arched. He was nonplussed. Of all the things he had expected to hear from a captive human paladin, this was not one of them. He quickly restored his previous domineering expression.

"That’s an exceptional boast from a mere human," the Redactor began, eyeing Edward. "Do you really expect to be taken seriously?"

"Answer this first: what do you conclude about the spell on me? The one you can’t identify? The one with the "incredible power"? Someone has given me great power!" He paused to let his challenge sink in.

"And besides, I beat you once before."

"More likely due to my own carelessness," retorted the Redactor, recalling how Edward’s opportunistic strike had brought him down.

Edward pursued the proposal, hoping against hope to somehow play on the Redactor’s fear of Lolth, resentment of female rule, and characteristically drow greed, ambition and duplicity.

"Think about it," the paladin suggested. "Combine our powers, and your name will be feared above all other drow!"

But the Redactor was not so easily co-opted. "Your god is a human god," he noted. "Success is speculative."

"I’ll be in this fight to the end," Edward continued. "Think about it: if Lolth is gone, you would gain great power over your people–even without the Libram!" He exerted every persuasive ability he possessed to break through the Redactor’s skepticism and mistrust.

The Redactor pondered Edward’s proposition. "If Lolth were overthrown," he mused, "the priestesses would lose power. Females would no longer be in control."

"Yes! Of course!" agreed the paladin.

"I’m marked by Lolth no matter what," observed the Redactor. No surprise: all drow fell to Lolth’s insatiable hunger and were torn apart and devoured eventually. Even those who did not allow the sum of all drow knowledge to fall into the hands of invaders.

"What assurances do I have from you?" the Redactor demanded of Edward.

What assurances to any drow have from any other drow? Or anyone else for that matter? And when have drow ever honored any assurances they give anyway? Edward thought to himself.

"I swear as a paladin of the mighty Hieroneous," he answered, "as a man of unchallenged honor. Also, you will have asylum with my friends and colleagues, and their protection as well. Of course," he added, "I must consult with my colleagues, but I have no doubt they’ll be agreeable. We all hate Lolth."

The Redactor was surprised by this last statement. "Why would humans hate Lolth?" he demanded.

"She is pure evil," answered the paladin.

"Many evil powers exist," replied the Redactor. "Why her in particular?"

"When I became a paladin of Hieroneous," Edward explained, once again exerting all his persuasive powers, "I dedicated myself to destroying evil. Lolth is evil. Assisting in her destruction would please Hieroneous."

The Redactor remained doubtful. "Corellon, I could see. Why Hieroneous?"

"Hieroneous hates all evil," replied the paladin. He continued to expound on the reasons he and his colleagues desired Lolth’s downfall.

Finally, the Redactor had heard enough. "You would have made a good drow!" he told the paladin. "I know you have more in mind than you’ve told me. But still, your offer is interesting. I will consider it." He turned and left the cave, leaving Edward to the confines of the magic circle.

It seemed like hours before the Redactor returned. "I accept your offer," the drow master wizard informed Edward. "As long as Lolth remains, I have no place, and less life expectancy. But such a plot may require years for its completion," he observed.

Edward nodded. "It may indeed. Likely will. We will need to establish some means of communication, so that we can both act when the time is right. Or when you need our aid."

The two spoke for some time on that subject, eventually coming up with an appropriate communication protocol.

"We shall speak again when conditions warrant it," said the Redactor at the conclusion of the discussion. "Now, I shall return you to the location you desire." Edward nodded, and the Redactor spoke words of power.

Suddenly, the paladin found himself back in the oasis of Uf!

Edward proceeded immediately to The Desert Wind to locate Abelard. He wanted to put the cleric on long-term retainer. The two men soon reached an agreement. "I could use a little more excitement!" said Abelard enthusiastically.

Having made arrangements in Uf, Edward next teleported to Greyhawk. The Enterprise had to be informed of the recent events without delay.

At the Enterprise’s hidden base in Greyhawk, Edward requested to arrange a meeting. With Vessa herself! "It’s that urgent," said the paladin. "I’ll pass it up the chain," the station chief told him.

Next day, Edward returned to the Enterprise base. "A meeting has been arranged," the station chief told him. The meeting would be on the Enterprise’s own demi-plane, to ensure security.

Edward accompanied the station chief to the secure room containing the portal to the Enterprise’s demi-plane. He walked through the portal to enter Enterprise headquarters.

Jacobus Catena, director of Enterprise intelligence, was there to meet him. He and Edward chatted briefly. "I have an urgent matter for Vessa’s ears only. For the safety of the Enterprise, among other reasons," said Edward.

"You’re here now," said Catena. "I’ll take you to the Tower. Vessa will meet with you there."

Shortly, having been escorted to the Tower, the highest (literally) level of the Enterprise, and been cleared through security, Edward was taken to a meeting room. A very plush, well-appointed meeting room. A few moments later, Vessa entered.

"Edward!" Vessa exclaimed. "It’s been a while." She smiled at the paladin. "You’ve got news. I’m interested. Do tell!"

The paladin briefed Vessa on the events in Uf, the gloom’s attempts on his life, his transport to a stronghold of the Inscrutable Redactor, and his alliance with the Redactor.

When he had finished the briefing, Vessa observed, "We really did well to recruit you, Edward Gallahand."

With that, Vessa disclosed certain information to Edward that he had not previously imagined to be the case. Including aspects of the long-range goals of the Enterprise. "This alliance with the Redactor should prove to be useful. If, of course," she added, "he’s serious about it and isn’t just using you to get to us or advance himself without actually taking the promised action. In other words, if he isn’t completely acting like a high-level male drow."

"The thought has occurred to me too," admitted Edward.

"Well, we’ll keep an eye on the Redactor," continued Vessa. "The time may be closer than you think."

"I should consult with my lord Hieroneous," said Edward. "This may affect his interests too. And I did refer to him in my negotiations with the Redactor, after all."

"When the time comes, we’ll take that into consideration," Vessa assured the paladin.

Edward and Vessa discussed certain other matters before the meeting ended. "You’re one of my top agents, Edward," Vessa praised the paladin. "Keep up the good work." After that, Edward was escorted back from the Tower to the portal, returning to Greyhawk and thence to Uf.

LXVI. Desert Gloom

"Now, will someone please explain what just went on here?" Edward demanded.

The brass dragons described the events of the past ten years that had led up to the day's dragon-battle.

"I see," said Edward, Green Arrow and Lina nodding in agreement. "It seems our arrival was particularly timely," added Lina.

"We would surely have been driven from our home, at the least, had you not come to our aid," said Iphess, "and for that we will be grateful evermore." She added, "And we will demonstrate our gratitude." And she and Simeheff did just that, rewarding the adventurers with a huge booty of gold, weapons, magic items and other treasures. The victors also searched the corpses of the vanquished, retrieving additional valuables.

Back inside the mine, the adventurers asked the dragons if they could tell them anything that would aid them in their mission. The dragons knew nothing of Khemri, Thutep or Neferata. They had, however, heard of the oasis of Uf. "A well-known trade center, one of the largest in all the desert," said Iphess. "Perhaps five thousand inhabitants." Lina described the death mask, and asked the dragons if they had ever seen or heard of such a thing. "Not this object specifically," replied Simeheff, "but Uf is known for dealing in antiquities. Perhaps one of the merchants there can advise you."

The conversation then turned to the dragons and their needs. "Would you possibly be able to provide us with long-term protection, perhaps an alliance of some kind?" asked Simeheff. "We would be happy to help protect the caravan route as part of such an agreement." Edward approved of the proposal, and, taking Green Arrow and Lina aside, suggested that they refer the matter to the Enterprise. All agreed that such an alliance would be favorably viewed by the Enterprise.

"We think that’s an excellent idea," Edward advised the dragons. "My companion will return to our home and consult with superiors in our organization. They may well be interested in making a deal with you." At that, Green Arrow teleported back to Darksea, where he proceeded promptly to the Enterprise station chief in the underground city to brief him on the recent events and the dragons’ offer. In the meantime, Edward and Lina brought the rest of the caravan, who had been hiding from the battle ever since it began, into the mine to rest and refresh themselves.

After the briefing, Green Arrow made a quick jaunt to Greyhawk to obtain a number of magic items, including additional arrows of cure critical wounds, a ring of evasion for Edward, an upgraded amulet of health for Lina, and another wish ring. Upon his return to Darksea, he returned to his estate for the night, then met with the Enterprise station chief the next day to follow up on the briefing. An agent from the Prime Material division of the Recruiting Directorate (an experienced diplomat named Orosius) met with Green Arrow at the station office, and informed him that the Enterprise had authorized him to negotiate with the dragons to establish an Enterprise presence in the mines and assist them in guarding the trade route. "Should make for some good field experience for some of our fighters," Orosius observed.

The two Enterprise agents teleported back to the brass dragons’ mine, where Orosius proceeded to negotiate an arrangement under which the dragons would hire Enterprise members to protect the mine and secure the trade route.

Three days later, the adventurers were ready to proceed on the next leg of the journey: a march of twenty days, covering about two hundred miles, to a small oasis. From the oasis, another month’s travel would cover the final three hundred miles to the oasis of Uf. The dragons provided fresh water and some food to the caravan, which would supplement the food and drink Lina magically prepared each day of the journey.

Since the climate was, not surprisingly, hot and dry during the day, the caravan traveled primarily by night, making camp and resting during the hottest parts of the day. Lina put the time to good use. Part of her share of the booty the party had recovered so far was a manual of bodily health. She found sufficient time for study during the journey to complete the course of training set out in the manual, and found that her constitution increased significantly as a result.

After twenty days, the caravan reached the small oasis (named Afar by the local inhabitants). They made camp on the edge of the oasis, and later conferred with local elders to obtain information on conditions along the route to Uf, as well as other information of interest. The locals were very happy to greet the caravan, which was the first to arrive from the northeast since the closure of the route over the Sulhaut Mountains by the deathdrinker. The merchants with the caravan made various deals with the inhabitants to the mutual satisfaction of both all parties.

Next evening, the party departed Afar. Thirty long, hot, but relatively uneventful days later, they reached a region where the desert sands began to yield to scrub vegetation and scattered trees, through which a dusty path began to lead. "We’ve arrived," said the lead merchant of the caravan. He pointed ahead. The party could see isolated huts, which soon were replaced by lone homes, then small groups of homes and other structures on either side of the path. At last, the path became a wider and more compacted road, ending in a large central square in the midst of a sizable desert community. Date palms and other trees grew thickly, and a large spring supported a thick growth of reeds and aquatic vegetation. The central square was filled with locals and, apparently, other traders who had reached Uf from points to the west and south.

"Well, now that we’re here, where do we go?" Lina inquired. The merchants were familiar with the town, having made numerous journeys there and back over the years. "Our favorite trading post here in Uf is called The Sleepy Camel," the lead merchant replied. "They’re hard bargainers, but they always are well-stocked with exotic items that fetch high prices back home. And they’re very well-informed about the area and its history."

"The Sleepy Camel it is, then," agreed Edward. The caravan quickly found a camp for their wagons and animals, and then headed into town.

The Sleepy Camel was a large shop prominently located at the west side of the main city square. The merchants led the adventurers to the trading post, which was filled with exotic goods of all sorts, and was busy with trading activity. The lead merchant spotted one of the shop’s dealers. "There’s Ahab!" he reported to the group. "Deals in artefacts. Known him for years." He headed toward the man, leading the rest of the group. "Heya Ahab!" he called out. "Ah, Zeff, my friend!" Ahab replied. "You have come back! We were afraid something had happened. No one has come from Kanak has come in close to a year." Zeff took Ahab aside and told him of the recent events, heavily embellished with tales of his own valor. Green Arrow’s sharp ears picked up Zeff’s boasting. He turned to Edward and just rolled his eyes.

Zeff motioned for Lina to come over. "Tell Ahab about the death mask," he urged. Lina described her vision of the death mask to Ahab in full detail. "Ah, yes!" the dealer replied. "I am well acquainted with such things!" He went on to explain. "The ancients in Suel, long, long ago, before the Rain of Colorless Fire, used such masks. Other kingdoms too used them, in lands that bordered Suel or were influenced by that nation."

"Have you perhaps heard of a land known as "Khemri"?" Lina continued. "That name, along with others, was part of my vision."

Ahab thought for a while. "I know of no such land myself," he answered. "However, there is a region of the desert to the southwest of Uf. It is known as the land of Himm. Perhaps that is the place you seek, under a changed name." He went to a room behind his display area and returned with a sheet of parchment. "Here, let me draw you a map!" Quickly he sketched out a map of the Sea of Dust, indicating the Sulhaut Mountains to the north and the Hellfurnaces far to the east. Uf was located about five hundred miles from the western edge of the desert, which was bounded by another mountain range extending far to the northeast and beyond the junction it formed with the Sulhaut Mountains. About three hundred miles to the southwest of Uf, he marked an area and labeled it "Himm."

"The area of Himm is empty desert but for an ancient, weathered mound of stone. It seems to be the only remaining sign that people ever lived in Himm," Ahab added.

"Fascinating," observed Lina. "Could the names "Thutep" or "Neferata" be connected in some way with the land of Himm?"

"Perhaps they were," said Ahab. "The names of the ancient kings, however, are long forgotten for the most part. But," he continued, "it is said that many ages ago, a mighty godling ruled a lost kingdom. His name was "Su". Perhaps he was the same as the "Thutep" you name."

"How about Neferata?" Edward prodded.

"Again, that name is not known to me," answered Ahab. "But there are old tales of an ancient queen of great beauty, beloved of her people. She is known as "Ivrat". Perhaps that name derives from "Neferata". And perhaps," he pondered, "the mask you describe was a mask belonging to her?"

"You have been a great help," said Lina gratefully. "We are most appreciative. May your trading long be profitable!"

"Thank you, kind lady," Ahab replied. "And now, seeing that you are knowledgeable and appreciative of such things, perhaps I might interest you in a fine antiquity?"

Oh well, might as well cultivate this fellow, thought Lina. Might prove useful. And so, after a brief negotiation, Lina purchased a small item.

"Well, time to get going," said Green Arrow, nudging Lina. "My good Ahab, would you know of anyone else who might have information about the land of Himm?"

"You might try the antiquities dealer at The Dry Hole," said Ahab. He provided directions to the other trading establishment. "Give my best regards to Rukh, the proprietor!" The party thanked Ahab once again, and then took their leave of The Sleepy Camel. They returned to their camp for rest and relaxation, and further preparation for the next stage of the mission.

The next day the party spent in the town, the merchants conducting business, Lina shopping, Green Arrow and Edward interacting with the locals and gathering information and a feel for the area. After a restful night, the following morning the merchants announced that they were joining a large caravan heading southwest toward points beyond the desert. "I’m up for some trade, especially in exotic goods from far-away lands!" declared Zeff. "Mind if I join you?" asked Lina. "Wouldn’t mind doing some sight-seeing myself. Might pick up a few things here and there, not to mention a gold piece or two–thousand."

Green Arrow spoke up. "I think I will go along too," he said. "Somebody needs to keep Lina out of trouble," he added sarcastically. Lina sniffed. Zeff and the other merchants were agreeable to this suggestion, especially in view of Lina’s powerful casting abilities and Green Arrow’s prowess with the bow. "See you in, oh, a month or so!" said Zeff, and the traders and the two adventurers left to join with the caravan at the western outskirts of Uf, as it turned out quite close to the party’s own campsite.

Edward had decided to remain in Uf. After the others had left, he decided to try staying at a different inn, just for the sake of variety (and comparison). He ended up at a lodge called The Dusty Rug, a so-so establishment but one only one street west of Uf’s central square. As he approached the inn, he looked up at something that had drawn his attention, from the corner of his eye. Crows, flying overhead again.

What are crows doing in the middle of a desert? thought Edward to himself. This can’t be a coincidence. Spies, no doubt. But from whom?

Putting aside concerns about avian spies, Edward walked into The Dusty Rug. The inn hosted only a few scattered travelers, and the common room was mostly empty. He sought out the innkeeper, and, when he could speak privately, inquired about the local services. He had a particular service in mind.

"Tell me, good innkeeper," Edward began, "would you know of any healers here in Uf, in particular healers who might be interested in earning gold?"

The innkeeper’s ears pricked up at the mention of gold. "Do you know of sick people who are in need?" he asked in return. "Actually, I need a healer for my own travels," answered Edward. "I would be most appreciative of any assistance you could provide in this matter," he continued, in his most diplomatic and ingratiating manner.

The innkeeper smiled cheerfully. "I like you, Mister Paladin!" he said. "I may have just the man for you." Edward took out his money pouch and pulled out fifty gold pieces. "I would need his services for one to two weeks," he said, laying the gold on the table across from the innkeeper.

Smiling even more broadly, the innkeeper informed Edward, "I know of a traveling cleric who owes me a favor! I am sure I can get him to take employment with you!"

"Is he here in Uf?" asked the paladin.

"Yes, yes, he has recently arrived," replied the innkeeper. "He is a wanderer, you know. Cleric of Fharlangn, as you might guess. His name is Abelard. Highly experienced. I will arrange for you to meet him here tonight."

Edward thanked the innkeeper for his assistance and prepared to meet the cleric later that night. At the specified time, the paladin returned to the inn’s common room, and found waiting for him there the innkeeper and Abelard. The innkeeper introduced the two, then left them to conduct their business. The two soon reached an agreement whereby Abelard would serve as Edward’s healer as needed for two weeks, with Edward donating two thousand gold pieces to Abelard’s church.

Abelard and Edward then went to their respective rooms to retire for the night.

Suddenly, Edward woke up. A woman’s scream, suddenly cut off. He looked out the window of his room, in the southeast corner of the second floor of the inn. He spotted a woman being dragged away into a dark alley by a cloaked figure!

Immediately, the paladin quaffed a potion of enlarge, then teleported to the spot he has seen the cloaked figure drag the woman away. He called out, "Are you in need?" He heard another muffled scream, then something dropping to the ground. It was very dark.

Edward ran to the alley. He spotted a face-down figure at the far end of the alley, barely visible in the darkness. Nobody else was visible. Quickly he cast daylight, illuminating the end of the alley, but saw only the woman. Rushing up to her, the paladin checked for signs of life. The woman was unconscious.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a tall, dark, cloaked figure appeared in the shadows behind Edward. The paladin was caught flat-footed! The attacker’s dagger struck Edward in the back. He gasped as the mysterious assailant drew streams of blood. He felt his very life essence under attack from the blade, but his scarab was able to block the life energy loss. But the attacker struck again, landing four more hits on the hapless paladin for severe damage, as well as a life energy loss that exceeded his scarab’s capacity to block.

Edward staggered to the fallen woman, took her up in his arms, and teleported from the alley back into his room, desperately trying to escape from the would-be assassin. Back in his room, he looked around. It appeared that nothing had followed him. Without lighting any lamp, Edward cast restoration on himself, then healed the damage done to himself by the attacker. He dismissed the enlarge spell.

The woman stirred. Edward promptly cast cure light wounds on her. When she was fully awake, Edward spoke to her. He learned that she was simply a local woman. He surmised that she had been seized as some kind of bait by the assassin (or assassins) whose real target was himself.

"Good woman," said Edward, "go to the innkeeper. Ask him to summon Abelard. This is urgent!" The woman thanked Edward for saving her, and rushed off to the innkeeper as Edward had requested.

Shortly the innkeeper arrived. "What has happened?" he asked, alarmed. Edward briefly recounted the recent events. "There’s an assassin on the loose in Uf. Don’t tell any of the guests! But tell Abelard he will face a foe capable of energy drain!"

While he waited for Abelard’s arrival, Edward left the inn again to look around the area. He spelled up defensively, and used his gem of true seeing. Nothing was there to be seen.

Abelard arrived at the inn. Edward called to him softly, and the cleric joined him in the darkened street. "An assassin may be near," Edward advised the cleric. "Following me. I’ll need a death ward spell when mine runs out."

"I must pray for that spell," Abelard replied.

"If you have any restoration spells, ready them now," Edward continued, "then stand back-to-back with me." Abelard did as instructed. The two waited for twenty minutes, but nothing happened. The assassin, or assassins, had apparently left the area.

Edward signaled to Abelard to return to The Dusty Rug. Once inside, he suggested they both occupy the same quarters. Abelard was agreeable to this, and took the first watch. After four hours, Edward relieved him. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred.

Next day, Edward and Abelard discussed recent events and Abelard’s role. "Do you come to Uf often?" the paladin asked. "I have been here from time to time, on my travels," replied Abelard. "The Lord Fharnaghn encourages his disciples to see the world, and this is certainly a more out-of-the-way part of the world. Which is why I like it," he added.

"Are there any good magic shops here that you can recommend?" Edward followed up.

"None that deal in the really high-end magic items," the cleric replied. "Mostly in the 10,000 gp range at best."

"I see," said Edward. "In that case, let’s make a trip to Greyhawk!"

"A bit far from here, isn’t it?"

"Not if you can teleport," answered Edward. He extended his hand. "Ready?"

Abelard grasped Edward’s outstretched glove, and suddenly the two were in Greyhawk, near one of Edward’s favorite local magic shops. Edward walked in, greeted the proprietor, and asked for two new scarabs of protection. "Ah, my friend!" the dealer exclaimed, "there has been a run on scarabs lately. Increased activity by vampires and the like." He went into the back room of his shop, then returned with a small case. "But for you, I just happen to have the last two scarabs in all of Greyhawk!" He opened the box and showed Edward the two new scarabs within. "And a bargain at only 51,000 gold pieces each!"

Edward tried to hide his distress at the price, which was fifty percent more than the standard price for the items. There must really be something abnormal going on in Greyhawk, he thought. "Is that the best you can do, for a loyal customer?" Edward inquired. "Ah, my friend, that is already lower than the price these items commanded just yesterday, with my customer loyalty discount included!" the dealer answered.

"Very well," said Edward. He retrieved a pouch containing platinum pieces and gems, and handed over the the dealer the equivalent of 102,000 gold pieces. "Thank you, thank you, my good paladin!" the dealer fulsomely replied. Edward took possession of the scarabs, bade good-bye to the dealer, and left with Abelard. He donned one of the scarabs, holding the other in reserve in his pack.

The paladin teleported himself and the cleric back to Uf. It was now late in the day, and they returned to The Dusty Rug for dinner. Afterwards, they left the inn and began to walk around the nearby streets. Abelard was well prepared with restorative magic. As they headed back to the dark alley where the woman had been assaulted, the two men both cast daylight on their weapons. Dusk fell.

They entered the alley. Edward requested a death ward spell from Abelard, who duly complied.

As the cleric cast the spell, from out of the shadows behind them the tall, dark, cloaked figure appeared. Edward was again caught flat-footed! The assailant’s dagger found its mark again, and again Edward was saved from energy drain thanks to his magical protection. The assassin ground its teeth, but otherwise was expressionless–literally, for the being lacked eyes. It didn’t seem to need them, however, as it landed four more blows against Edward, wounding him severely, and with its off-hand slashed Abelard and would have drained him of energy but for the cleric’s own protective scarab.

The assassin was over-confident of its abilities, and Edward took full advantage of that overconfidence. A short step brought Edward face-to-face (such as it was) with the assassin. The being seemed familiar somehow, but Edward couldn’t quite place where he might have seen such a creature before. No matter. Edward invoked the holy might of Hieroneous against the clearly evil being, and with two mighty blows of his greatsword, brought the assassin down.

Seeing the extent of Edward’s wounds, the cleric promptly healed him. Edward promptly seized the body of the assassin, stuffed into his portable hole, and, turning to Abelard, said, "Let’s get out of here and figure out who this was. Do you know a safe place? The Dusty Rug may no longer be much of a refuge."

"There is a place on the other side of the central square," said Abelard. "A shabby inn, called The Desert Wind. I know the innkeeper, and the bouncer." He gave Edward a description of the area sufficient to enable teleportation to the vicinity.

At The Desert Wind, Abelard spoke to the innkeeper. "We need a "special" room," he said. The "special" room was available, and the two men took it. Once inside, they secured the doors. Edward then pulled the body out of the portable hole, and they examined it. On the body, they found two daggers, and also a pouch. Edward opened the pouch. Inside there appeared to be some kind of medallion. He didn’t touch it.

The paladin turned to Abelard. "This requires consultation with experts. Come with me?" The cleric agreed, and again, the two teleported back to Greyhawk. This time, their destination was a tavern marked with the sign of the spider-eater. Edward quickly located the Enterprise agent stationed at the tavern and gave the proper recognition signal.

"Have to confer now," Edward told the cleric. He signaled to the nearest barmaid, who promptly attended. "Set up my friend here with food and drink," Edward requested, then whispered, "and send over some companionship too." He winked. The barmaid nodded and went about doing so.

Meanwhile, Edward followed the Enterprise agent, a half-elf named Cedric, into a secure private room. He told the agent all about the encounter with the mysterious assassin. He produced the body, and the daggers and pouch, from the portable hole. The agent, however, was unfamiliar with the being. "I’ll have to kick this one up the chain of command," said the agent. "I’m being hunted!" exclaimed Edward. "I need to know more, and soon!" He pointed to the daggers and the pouch. "Can you at least identify any of this?"

The agent glanced at the treasures. "I’m not a wizard," he said. "I’ll need to bring in an expert." With that, he teleported out of the room.

Edward sat tapping the table for the next half hour, until Cedric finally returned. He was accompanied by another Enterprise agent. "Edward, meet Gelasius," said Cedric. "High-level wizard. Good at identifying things." Gelasius nodded to Edward, who again produced the body and the items recovered on it from the portable hole. Immediately, Gelasius recognized what had been stalking Edward. "This is a gloom," he said. "Specialist assassin. Very dangerous." With that, Edward finally remembered where he had seen such a creature before: during the battle of Chalons.

Gelasius picked up the first dagger and examined it. "As I suspected," he said. "This is an enhanced weapon that also drains multiple life energy levels from its victims with each hit. It’s similar to the weapon known as a "souldrinker". Very valuable too." He put the first dagger down, then picked up the second one. "This one is also dangerous, but less so," Gelasius announced. "An enhanced keen dagger."

Finally, the wizard retrieved the medallion from the pouch and examined it. After a short time, he reported, "This medallion has an antipathy spell on it. It’s keyed specifically to you, Edward!"

LXV. The Dracontomachy: Not for Dragons Only

While the couatl was seeking help from the adventurers, Zizz soared in a looping path over the mine entrance and back over the western cliffs, casting heal on himself in the process. Just in time, as the lesser rust dragon flew straight toward the blue dragon and loosed a line of acid breath that Zizz failed to evade. The larger rust dragon rushed toward Simeheff. The brass dragon was stopped in mid-air and plunged to the top of the western cliff, felled by the rust dragon’s stunning breath.

On the valley floor, the godslayer quaffed a potion of cure critical wounds, then moved to back up the surviving stormlizard. The potion’s effect was undone, however, by two more light rays from the eladrin. The stormlizard in turn gored the celestial triceratops for heavy damage. The dinosaur’s attempt to gore the nearby godslayer was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Iphess flew up and north over the eastern wall of the canyon, seeking a brief respite to cure some of her wounds. The iron dragon refused to allow her to flee, and dimension door’d next to her.

And then, rushing in from the southeast, new combatants intervened!

Green Arrow loosed an epic arrow of death at the greater rust dragon. No harm! Flaming holy arrows, however, managed to inflict some damage on the creature, but the metal arrowheads then disintegrated, rusted away. The elven archer suddenly began to shake. The rust dragon’s frightful presence was affecting him!

As Green Arrow attacked, the couatl saw an opening and attempted to charm the greater rust dragon, but its attempt was easily resisted. Still worse for the elven archer, the greater rust dragon reversed course and bit him in a flyby attack for severe damage.

As the greater rust dragon came under attack from Green Arrow and the couatl, Zizz, hovering next to the lesser rust dragon, savaged the creature with devastating bite, claw and tail attacks. The tail attack was particularly effective, since Zizz was armed with a tail weapon. Only once. On contact with the rust dragon, Zizz’s tail weapon instantly corroded and turned to dust! And the lesser rust dragon wasn’t finished. He maneuvered into a flyby attack on the blue dragon and stunned Zizz with his breath weapon! The great wyrm blue dragon plummeted toward the western cliff bordering the valley.

Seeing Simeheff plunge to the cliff-top, the ghaele eladrin sped to him and healed the dragon with his healing magic. Iphess too made her way to Simeheff, via dimension door. No longer stunned, Simeheff then rushed the greater rust dragon and grappled the planar invader!

While Green Arrow was dealing with the greater rust dragon, Lina flew to within range of the iron dragon and used her wand to assay the dragon’s spell resistance. "See if you can stand up to this!" Lina taunted the dragon, before sending a black ray of necromantic energy. Not enough! The dragon withstood Lina’s avasculate. Lina, however, was unable to resist the terrifying presence of the monster, and found herself starting to shake uncontrollably.

The iron dragon was not amused by the sudden intervention of the adventurers. He looked directly at Lina and Edward. "Leave now, puny mortals!" the dragon hissed. "This is a matter for dragons. You have no business here." The dragon quickly cast a spell, and his scales began to shimmer with protective energy.

"That’s where you’re wrong," Edward replied, as he rushed toward the iron dragon and swiftly cast find the gap, boosting his ability to strike the creature. "Hieroneous, grant me victory!" the paladin exclaimed, invoking the full power of his patron god at the scaly creature. But mighty as it was, his swing missed the target!

From the battleground, an arc of electricity struck Edward, loosed by the surviving stormlizard. The godslayer finally destroyed the celestial triceratops, and maneuvered for his next attack.

The free-for-all continued. The lesser rust dragon wheeled around and rushed toward his iron dragon companion, casting iron guard on himself as he flew. The greater rust dragon managed to break free from Simeheff’s grapple, then flew toward the iron dragon and the near-by paladin.

Suddenly the ground in the midst of the valley erupted. Four huge blue reptiles emerged–bluespawn burrowers!

But the first two, amazingly, turned around and immediately fled the battlefield! The couatl had spotted them and targeted them with a fear spell, driving them off.

Lina’s and Iphess’ greater dispels nullified several of the iron dragon’s magical enhancements. While the two casters were dealing with their foe, Green Arrow, who had held up for Lina, struck the greater rust dragon, damaging its wing for critical damage! Edward activated his boots of teleportation to reposition himself away from the iron dragon.

The ghaele eladrin sped toward Simeheff and cast mass cure serious wounds, benefitting both the dragon and Green Arrow. Now revitalized, the brass dragon launched a firestorm at the three invading planar dragons, scorching the rust dragons but failing to damage the iron dragon. Said iron dragon’s scales again shimmered, and he advanced toward Edward, claws readied.

The godslayer positioned itself on the battlefied, and the stormlizard moved behind it. And then, another spray of rocks and dirt shot up from the ground, and four bluespawn ambushers emerged to join the fray.

Zizz finally came to his senses. Immediately, he took to the air, headed for Edward. As he flew by the mighty paladin, the dragon directed a black ray of crackling energy at him. To no effect–Edward’s scarab absorbed the attempted enervation. But the greater rust dragon flew around and back toward Edward, and struck the paladin with his stunning breath weapon. Edward was severely injured and stunned! Meanwhile, the lesser rust dragon landed in front of Iphess and bit at the brass dragon, drawing blood. Iphess did not let the attack go without response. "Name yourself, dragon!" she demanded. "Ukhuuz," hissed the rust dragon. "Then, Ukhuuz," screamed Iphess, "feel my wrath!" She struck at the rust dragon with every attack she had, and did–no damage! The creature’s magical protection blocked every blow and every bite.

The godslayer was able to land another blow on the brass dragon. As he did so, three more bluespawn burrowers emerged from underground, while the two who had not fled the battle rushed toward the mine entrance.

Lina saw an opportunity. After a swift assay of Ukhuuz’s spell resistance, she directed her own ray of blackness at the rust dragon. Ukhuuz bellowed in pain as Lina’s avasculate devastated the creature! But Lina in turn was stung by an electric discharge from the stormlizard.

While the great wyrms were engaged in battling each other, Green Arrow flew to Edward. Grasping the paladin’s hand, the elven archen then teleported with Edward to the mine entrance ahead of the bluespawn burrowers. "We have to protect the mine!" he cried.

The couatl and the ghaele eladrin used their magic against the ambushers and the iron dragon, driving one of the ambushers away and dispelling the iron dragon’s scales of energy. But the dragon simply re-cast the protective spell as it flew back above the mine entrance. Meanwhile, three more ambushers emerged from underground. At the same time, the three that had emerged previously loosed bursts of electricity at the eladrin. None of them did the eladrin any harm.

Both Zizz and Ukhuuz suddenly disappeared, driven away by the heavy damage they had suffered. The greater rust dragon, however, winged his way toward Lina, reached out, and brushed her with his huge claw. Instantly Lina began dancing about, compelled by Otto! "Remember my name, foolish girl!" the dragon bellowed. "I am Bruccaahav the mighty! You cannot defeat me!" Lina resolved never to forget that name. And also to make sure he never forgot her.

Now the godslayer, with several of the emerged burrowers, launched a full attack on Iphess. The godslayer was unable to land a blow, but three burrowers shocked the brass dragon with electric bursts, and also struck Green Arrow and Edward for serious damage. And three more burrowers emerged, but the couatl flying overhead struck fear in their bluespawn hearts. At the same time, Edward laid hands on himself to heal some damage he had previously suffered, then rushed out of the mine entrance and back toward the main battle.

Having survived the onslaught of the godslayer and the burrowers, Iphess attempted to dispel the dancing enchantment cast on Lina. Bruccaahav’s spell proved too powerful for her magic. The eladrin directed a flamestrike against the burrowers, but only did minor damage as the targeted bluespawn successfully avoided much of the flaming attack.

Overhead, Simeheff flew in Lina’s direction, then dimension door’d his way back to the mine entrance. But the iron dragon also soared overhead. Then, pointing his mighty head downward, the iron dragon blasted all below him with his breath weapon admixed with cold! A cone of sparks, fire and ice annihilated the godslayer, and devastated two of the burrowers and Iphess. Green Arrow and Edward screamed as they too suffered the effects of the dragon’s triple-energy attack.

And the battle continued as three more bluespawn ambushers emerged into the valley. Bruccaahav flew higher up over the battle and protected himself with iron guard. The bluespawn burrowers regrouped before the mine entrance. Three of the burrowers together swept the area with a blast of electricity, which shocked Iphess and Simeheff, as well as the three adventurers, for serious damage. Edward quaffed a potion of rage, enhancing his fighting prowess. The couatl scorched one of the burrowers. The ghaele eladrin’s flamestrike burned three of the ambushers for heavy damage.

Enraged by the attacks of the enemy dragons, Iphess rose up and struck the burrowers, and the stormlizard hiding behind them, with her sleep gas breath weapon. The creatures fell down unconscious. As she was attacking the burrowers, her mate attempted to free Lina from the dancing enchantment. He succeeded! Lina instantly stopped her prancing about. But overhead, the iron dragon flew through three-quarters of a revolution and landed on the eastern canyon wall. From there, the great wyrm attempted to dominate the heavily-wounded paladin. But Edward’s will was able to overcome the dragon’s magic!

A stream of acid from Bruccaahav seared Iphess as the rust dragon flew by. "I’m with you!" Lina called out, speeding to the brass dragon to confer a protective spell from acid damage. While the elven caster aided Iphess, Green Arrow sent five arrows of cure critical wounds speeding toward Edward. "Thanks," the paladin replied, "I needed that!" Meanwhile, Iphess cast heal on herself, restoring much of her vigor.

From above the battlefield the couatl blasted the bluespawn ambushers with a last fireball, killing one of the creatures. Telepathically, the creature informed Iphess, "I must now return to my home. Good luck!" And with that, the creature vanished from the battle, its summoning ended.

Now the iron dragon wheeled about overhead and bore back toward the adventurers and the brass dragons. A blast of sleep breath rushed upon them–and was resisted by all. But suddenly the lesser rust dragon reappeared over the battlefield, and apparently substantially restored to health! "Oh no," cried Lina, "he’s back!" "Look out, so’s the other one!" shouted Green Arrow. And then Bruccaahav was overhead and rushing toward the entrance to the mine. As he flew overhead, a greenish cone from the creature’s mighty jaws. Suddenly all of the adventurers’ metal weapons disintegrated, rusted to nothingness. Including Edward’s mighty mercurial greatsword!

Green Arrow immediately recognized that the party was in serious danger without the paladin’s fearsome weapon. Quickly he activated his ring of three wishes. "I wish that Edward’s sword had evaded the rust dragon’s breath!" the elven archer declared. And with that, the paladin’s sword reappeared in his hand as if suddenly reassembled from nothingness! "Well done, my friend!" Edward called out gratefully. He immediately secured the sword in the portable hole he had been carrying for just such purposes, and drew the mighty hammer of thunderbolts that he himself had quested for. Then he called out to the iron dragon, "Let us end this fight and work our our differences!" But the dragon only hissed with contempt, then roared, "We demand metals!" His claws suddenly seemed to take on an exceptionally sharp appearance.

Edward flew to Simeheff. "The iron dragon demands metals. Of course, we will defend you." He added, "Provided your claim is legitimate." Simeheff looked askance at the paladin, as if somewhat insulted by the implication that the brass dragons’ claim to the mine and its metals were anything BUT legitimated. But then he turned to more pressing matters. For while Edward had been parlaying with the iron dragon, Zizz had also returned, seemingly from nowhere, and also appeared to be in much better health. Ukhuuz suddenly disappeared, then reappeared inside the mine, where he positioned himself for combat with Simeheff. And Bruccaahav flew overhead, landing a claw on Iphess as he did so that set the brass dragon dancing! Even Simeheff’s breath weapon attack was insufficient to prevent the spell from going off, despite doing serious damage to the passing rust dragon.

Firiona saw what she needed to do. Swiftly she reached for a scroll, and read the incantation. A gate immediately opened, and through the gate emerged an adult force dragon! "Your assistance, if you please," Lina requested of the epically powerful creature. "But of course," the dragon replied serenely. Suddenly the creature blinked to a spot near Edward, who felt suddenly speedy, as if someone had cast a spell on him between the ticks of a clock. As Edward prepared to make his move, the force dragon blasted Bruccaahav and Zizz with his force breath. Both dragons took heavy damage.

And still the iron dragon continued to bellow, "We want the metal!"

Looping up and around overhead, Zizz returned toward the newly-arrived force dragon. A dark bolt from the blue dragon struck the force dragon–and failed to affect it. Ukhuuz’s bite attack was more successful, slashing Simeheff.

"That iron dragon needs a lesson in who’s who," said Lina. The elven sorcerer proceeded to dispel all of the great wyrm’s magical defenses from him. "Let’s see who’s tough now!" she cried.

Meanwhile, the speedy Edward used his wand of cure critical wounds, as well as his paladin healing power, to bring himself back up to nearer his full strength. He again called out to the iron dragon. "I, Edward Gallahand, paladin of Hieroneous, urge you to cease your attack. Let us resolve the matter peacefully!" But Simeheff was again miffed by Edward’s impertinent suggestion, and cried out, "This is our home!" He attempted to dispel Otto’s irresistible dance, but failed, leaving Iphess still tap-dancing about the battlefield–a strange sight indeed.

"No more interference, puny mortal!" bellowed the iron dragon. "I, Axomox, mightiest of iron dragons, will take what I came for!" And the great wyrm sent out a cone of sparks, but strangely admixed with ice. The triple-energy assault severely wounded the force dragon and Iphess, as well as Edward. But worse for the adventurers, Green Arrow as also caught in the cone. The elven archer shrieked in pain and fell to the ground, struck dead by the blast!

The draconic free-for-all contined. Zizz and Brucc both flew by the force dragon and blasted it with their breath weapons, while Ukhuuz launched an all-out attack on Simeheff, brutally slashing the brass dragon. The force dragon in turn teleported from the battlefield, to reappear inside the mine and behind the lesser rust dragon. But now Lina chose the right time to strike. A bolt of blackness struck the lesser rust dragon, as Lina’s avasculate devastated the creature. Simeheff struck back at the now-weakened Ukhuuz with his full might, biting into his foe’s neck and slashing with his claws. "Die, invader, die!!!" screamed the enraged brass dragon. Ukhuuz’s life breath sputtered from his bloody throat, and the rust dragon dropped lifeless to the floor of the mine.

While Simeheff was dispatching the lesser rust dragon, and the iron dragon soared far overhead, readying another attack, Edward rushed to his fallen companion. He searched through Green Arrow’s belongings, desperately searching. "Found it!" he exclaimed, as he retrieved the elven archer’s ring of three wishes, now reduced to two. "You’ll thank me for this later," the paladin muttered to himself. Placing the ring on his finger, he called out, "I wish Green Arrow had been fully healed before the iron dragon’s breath killed him!" Instantly Green Arrow began to stir, then suddenly he leaped to his feet. "Thanks, I needed that!" he said to the paladin, just as Edward had expected.

Still the free-for-all raged on. Zizz rushed up a hundred feet above the valley, then sent chain lightning at Iphess below. The brass dragon’s spell resistance was sufficient to resist the blue great wyrm’s attack. Iphess was able to cast heal on herself before retreating back into the mouth of the mine. But Zizz himself came under a fly-by attack from Bruccaahav, which inflicted heavy damage. And far above the mine entrance, Axomox prepared himself for his next attack with protective magic.

The rest of the adventurers retreated into the mine as well, before the force dragon, accompanying Lina, blocked the mine entrance with a wall of force. "Time for reinforcements!" Simeheff cried. Suddenly a gate opened up within the mine, and through the gate emerged a mighty solar. "Please, aid us!" the brass dragon urged the angelic being. And the solar complied, providing a mass heal to the beleaguered brass dragons and their adventuring allies.

Down bore the blue great wyrm toward the wall of force at the mine entrance. Suddenly, the magical barrier flickered, then vanished, dispelled! Seeing how Zizz had unintentionally aided him, Bruccaahav turned round and also headed for the now-open mine entrance. Green Arrow launched a volley of arrows at the on-rushing dragon. "Blast it! That dragon has iron guard!" the archer cried in frustration, as none of the arrows did any damage against the magically-protected creature.

Iphess successfully cast mass cure critical wounds, further restoring the adventurers and her mate. Lina, emboldened by the healing, flew out of the mine, accompanied by her force dragon ally. Swiftly she assayed the spell resistance of Bruccaahav. "Now I’ve got you!" she thought to herself. Another bolt of utter darkness shot from her finger and intercepted the greater rust dragon. The creature howled in agony under the effect of Lina’s avasculate. He howled again as the force dragon’s breath weapon dealt further massive damage. The rust dragon bled profusely, its flesh torn and its wings perforated. Now the summoned solar rushed to Lina’s side, and spoke but a single word. The power of the word struck Bruccaahav like a sledgehammer. With a horrible shriek, the rust dragon plummeted to the mountainside above the mine entrance, its life extinguished!

Hovering far overhead, Axomox further fortified himself against the inevitable attack from the defenders, and his scales shimmered with crackling energy. But he was not the immediate target of the adventurers’ retaliation. Instead, Edward soared upward to Zizz and smote the blue dragon with Hieroneous’ righteous might. The dragon bellowed as Edward’s weapon bit deep and devastated him with its power.

But the enraged Zizzetokhtaangkesh flew around and back at Edward, and caught the paladin in an antimagic ray, depriving him of his magical flight capability, among other things. The paladin plummeted to the ground and found that his magical items and protections no longer functioned. The blue dragon, in turn, was devastated by Lina’s avasculate, directed at the passing dragon from inside the mine entrance. "Got him for you, Edward!" cried Lina. The solar targeted Zizz as well, and brought the great wyrm crashing to the ground with a power word, stun, as Edward had previously crashed.

The force dragon tried to seal off the mine entrance with a wall of force, but was unable to prevent Axomox from diving from high above the battlefield to breathe another admixed blast of electricity, fire and cold. Lina, the solar and Simeheff suffered heavy damage, especially Lina, who fell mortally wounded! Green Arrow, who had previously teleported to Simeheff, hovered near the brass dragon as he made a fly-by attack against Zizz. The bite, unfortunately, missed its target badly.

Iphess had seen enough. "We require further assistance," she declared. A wave of her claw and the enunciation of mystic words of power brought a thundering seismic incident. Suddenly, a towering figure comprised of flaming liquid rock appeared. Iphess spoke to the creature. "Fight for me now, oh mighty burning one," she said. The magma para-elemental took its place on the battlefield, preparing to remove the puny humans below.

And equally suddenly, the ground before the mine entrance became active again–the sleeping bluespawn burrowers, and even the surviving bluespawn stormlizard, stirred, then awoke from their magical sleep! Instantly they began to charge toward the mine entrance! The nine remaining creatures rushed Edward and the force dragon and ripped into their foes. The force dragon in turn landed behind one of the burrowers and attacked, severely wounding it. The same burrower was further battered by the magma monolith, as Iphess concentrated on controlling the para-elemental creature.

Edward took serious damage and had no remaining magical protection. Seeing this, Green Arrow could think of only one answer: use the final wish in his ring to free Edward. "I wish," said the elven archer, "that Edward is no longer affected by the antimagic field he is now trapped in!". But the ways of magic are strange, even wild, especially when it comes to altering the fabric of reality via wishes. For as soon as Green Arrow completed his wish, Edward vanished!

The paladin’s sudden disappearance had little effect on the battling dragons. Simeheff tried to bite the prone Zizz, but amazingly, missed the seemingly unmissable blue dragon once again. The iron dragon was more accurate, landing next to Simeheff and delivering a powerful bite of his own.

Lina was at death’s door when the solar flew to her side and revived her with a heal spell.

With a mighty burst, Simeheff finally landed blows against the stunned Zizz. Unable to defend himself, the arrogant blue great wyrm could only shriek in agony as a last fatal wound put him down. But Simeheff had no time to gloat, as lightning from a number of the burrowers shocked him for serious damage. The monolith was blasted by lightning from four more of the bluespawn for serious damage, but, guided by Iphess, managed to strike one of its attackers in return. As the dragons battled, Green Arrow desperately tried to bring Edward back into the battle. "Bracelet of friends might work. I hope," he thought to himself. He tried activating the magical article. Nothing happened. Edward remained lost.

Meanwhile, Lina, now restored to vigor, targeted the iron dragon with a greater dispel magic. Two of the dragon’s defensive spells were eliminated. The force dragon flew to Lina, then took her with him as he teleported into the mine, near Iphess and behind the wall of force blocking the entrance. Outside, Axomox grappled the solar, which failed to dispel any more of the iron dragon’s magic or break out of the grapple.

The burrowers and the storm lizard, not deterred by the battle around them, continued their attacks on Simeheff and the monolith, dealing out serious lightning damage. Green Arrow peppered the creatures with a hail of arrows, one of which also struck the nearby iron dragon. "Looks like you could use some extra protection," Lina remarked to her force dragon ally, bestowing protection from electricity on the creature. "Many thanks," the force dragon replied, then charged at one of the burrowers seeking entry into the mine, passing right through the wall of force that was blocking access. The burrower was grievously wounded by the assault. Now Simeheff flew to the aid of the grappled solar, and slashed and bit the iron dragon, forcing it to fly up over the battlefield with the solar still in his claws. As the dragons flew overhead, solar still in tow, the monolith landed a fatal blow on one of the burrowers, then followed through to devastate the storm lizard and wound another of the burrowers. The tide of the battle had clearly turned.

Seeing their leader stricken down and their companions destroyed by the monolith, four of the burrowers broke off their attack and burrowed away from the battle. The others continued their electric assault on Simeheff. Green Arrow loosed arrows at the iron dragon, wounding it for heavy damage.

Lina dimension door’d out of the mine to the side of the force dragon, who advanced on one of the remaining burrowers and ripped it to shreds. Simeheff and the solar continued to attack the iron dragon, wounding it seriously. Not seriously enough: the mighty planar dragon’s admixed breath weapon blasted both Simeheff and the solar. The solar was brought almost to the point of unconsciousness, and Simeheff fell, mortally wounded!

Iphess was horrified to see her mate fall in battle, but still maintained her concentration to guide the magma monolith rampaging toward the three remaining burrowers, who had in the meantime redirected their lightning to strike Green Arrow, shocking the elven archer severely. "Need a few of my own arrows," he thought to himself, then drew five healing arrows from his quiver and restored much of his vitality by shooting himself with them! Then the monolith, guided by Iphess, advanced on the burrowers and destroyed one of the surviving three, smashing it to bits and burning it to cinders. The two remaining burrowers bellowed in terror, then turned around and followed their surviving companions in burrowing away from the battle.

With the burrowers removed from the battle, Simeheff, Lina and the force dragon flew toward Axomox and focused their attention on their most powerful remaining foe. Lina dispelled another of the iron dragon’s protective spells. Though Simeheff’s breath weapon did no damage, the force dragon’s powerful breath weapon broke through Axomox’s defensed and devastated the planar creature. As they attacked, the solar had just enough strength left to wish himself and all his allies healed!

The iron dragon knew that his attempt to seize the metallic riches of the mine had failed. Axomox let loose a final roar of defiance, and then, casting greater plane shift, left the battlefield forever and returned to his home plane.

Firiona and Green Arrow looked at each other. "Is it over?" asked Green Arrow. "Seems to be," replied Lina. "Unless something else comes up out of the ground." But nothing did come up out of the ground.

Something did come back out of thin air, however. About a minute after Axomox’s departure, Edward suddenly reappeared. He looked askance at Green Arrow. "Well, what did I miss?" he asked. "One second I’m in a dragon free-for-all, the next second I’m here and you’re the only ones left."

"I thought I was freeing you from the anti-magic field you were trapped in," answered the elven archer. "Seems I managed to do so, just not the way I had in mind. You must have been sent into the future, to just before the field would have ended on its own."

"Magic," said Edward, shaking his head. "Well, at least you finished the job."

 

LXIV. The Dracontomachy

The next morning, fully rested, and somewhat restored (except for the guards, who had suffered severely from the vitality-draining powers of the spectres and dread wraiths), the wagon train set off on the next stage of their journey. After seven days, they emerged from the Sulhaut Mountains to face their next obstacle: a tremendous desert, extending south, east and west as far as the eye could see.

They now followed the foothills of the vast range, along the northern fringe of the desert, where even the hardy desert vegetation soon disappeared into the burning sands. "We need to head west about a hundred miles," the merchants advised the adventurers. "Then we turn southwest," they continued. "Eventually we’ll reach an oasis, then the final leg will get us to Uf."

"That’s a lot of desert to cover," Edward noted.

"Then we’d best get started," answered the merchants.

After five days of difficult travel, the wagon train had advanced about sixty miles west. It was late in the day. The path the wagon train was following began to curve to the right. Suddenly Edward held up. "Do you see that?" he asked Green Arrow. The elven archer paused, listening. He heard what sounded like the sound of distant roaring. Both of them spotted something flying toward them at speed.

The flyer rapidly came into view. A couatl.

Edward heard the creature speaking to him telepathically. None of the others in the wagon train heard it.

"Can you help us?" pleaded the couatl. And it began to explain the need that drove it to seek the aid of Edward and his companions.

Ten years ago
Iphess and Simeheff, great wyrm brass dragons, life mates, long-time residents in the far reaches of the Sulhaut Mountains just north of the Sea of Dust, were enjoying their recent good fortune. Seismic activity in the area had caused a large rockslide that had exposed the opening of a large tunnel into the mountains. A subsequent windstorm had exposed a road leading into the tunnel.  Investigating the newly opened tunnel, the dragons came upon a huge mining complex, long-abandoned and the work of some unknown race or nation, perhaps the ancient Suel from over a thousand years ago, that appeared to have abandoned the mine suddenly and while it was fully operational. Vast metal ore deposits and large quantities of refined metals were piled and strewn about the complex. Nothing could have been more pleasing to a pair of brass dragons.

The two dragons began to assemble the metals into a huge hoard, and combined it with gold, silver, coins and other precious objects from their previous lair, which they soon abandoned in favor of the mining complex. They also made every effort to secure their new abode, and to prevent word of their discovery from leaking out into the wider world. For a treasure trove of this magnitude would surely attract plunderers from all over the multiverse if its existence became known.

And yet, despite their best efforts, word somehow did leak out.

Earlier that day
"Motion to the south, and dust," Iphess warned Simeheff, her mate. The two dragons were positioned just inside the entrance to the mining complex, which was about thirty-five feet wide by twenty feet high. A short, triangular valley, about sixty yards long and bound by tall cliffs, extended into the mountainside, ending at the entrance.

"How much can you see?" the male dragon asked.

Iphess focused her gaze out into the desert sands. "Great wyrm blue. Looks like Zizz," she continued. They had battled this particular great wyrm blue dragon, Zizzetokhtaangkesh, in years past, when they had dwelt in their previous lair. "And bluespawn. Four stormlizards at least. And a godslayer."

"Knowing the blues, probably more that cannot be seen, likely burrowing toward us," observed Simeheff. "We must summon allies."

Iphess was a master of conjuration magic, and proceeded to summon as many allies as she could. A pair of celestial elephants, a celestial triceratops, a ghaele eladrin, and a couatl answered her call.

The dragons and their summoned allies swiftly deployed outside the entrance to the mining complex, Iphess and Simeheff taking their places just outside the entrance, the celestial elephants on their right along the valley wall, the triceratops across from Simeheff to his left against the opposite valley wall. The eladrin stood to Simeheff’s left; the couatl flew overhead above the triceratops. The dragons and their eladrin and couatl allies spelled up as best they could in preparation for the onslaught of their blue enemies.

Flying farther upward, the couatl struck first, directing a fireball at the approaching stormlizards. All four of the Tiamat-spawn were scorched. The great wyrm blue dragon soared toward Simeheff. His stunning breath spell was countered by Simeheff’s dispel magic; his follow-up breath weapon attack did minor electrical damage to the brass dragon. The remaining defenders held their ground.

"Ambushers approaching!" the couatl warned Iphess as it continued to fly above the battle. It had spotted a horde of ten bluespawn ambushers heading toward the defenders from the right, along the edge of the foothills leading to the valley.

Zizz took wing and soared over Simeheff, attacking the brass dragon as he winged over and banked to his left, making a U-turn and preparing for another fly-by. His tail-slap missed Simeheff. The brass dragon, in response, flew up and over the valley wall and struck at his blue enemy, slashing at his back for moderate damage. As the two great wyrms battled, the godslayer (now seen to be a fighter as well) rushed toward Iphess. She instantly struck the enemy dragon with a chaos hammer spell, wounding and slowing the creature.

Now the celestial elephants and the celestial triceratops redeployed to form a wall to the defenders’ left flank, opposing the assault of the godslayer, and the advancing stormlizards. From above, the couatl launched another fireball, this time blasting the bluespawn ambushers for substantial damage.

The blue wyrm continued flying back over the valley, then turned back and fired a cone of cold at Simeheff. The spell failed to penetrate the brass dragon’s spell resistance and fizzled harmlessly. But now the ghaele eladrin’s flamestrike blasted the blue dragon, and Simeheff, soaring upward above the valley, followed with a fiery breath attack that singed his foe’s scales. Meanwhile, as the celestial elephants stood their ground, Iphess benefitted them, and the triceratops, with her wand of mass bull’s strength. The added strength was immediately put to use against the charging stormlizards. Both bands of creatures wounded their foes, but the stormlizards were confused due to the elephants’ protective cloak of chaos bestowed on them by Iphess. The triceratops joined in the battle, devastating one of the stormlizards.

Another fireball from the couatl blasted the stormlizards. But the flying serpent then spotted yet another group of foes approaching. "Burrowers!" the creature warned Iphess, as ten exceptionally large bluespawn burrowers appeared to the defenders’ right and then quickly burrowed beneath the sandy floor of the valley. As they did so, Zizz flew up and back over the right valley wall in a flyover attack against Simeheff, but his bite missed the brass dragon. But Simeheff continued on his flightpath, turning to the right until he was heading back toward Zizz. A blast of fiery breath seriously wounded the blue dragon.

The battle raged. The godslayer slowly moved into contact with the celestial triceratops, but the huge beast ignored it, instead focusing its rage on one of the stormlizards, which it fatally impaled on its horns. The celestial elephants likewise attacked the stormlizards, who struck back with a fury, in their confused state, both at the dragons’ allies and at each other. Iphess’ timely mass cure critical wounds kept the elephants and dinosaur in fighting condition.

Meanwhile, the ghaele eladrin cast holy star, producing multiple fire bolts at the godslayer for serious damage. Now the couatl focused its attention on the godslayer as well, blasting it with still another fireball. The godslayer in turn landed a vicious blow on the celestial triceratops. The eladrin continued with a holy smite, striking the godslayer and the surviving stormlizards. Iphess joined the struggle, flying to land behind the godslayer, from which position she bit and bloodied the blue Tiamat-spawn.

Overhead, Zizz flew in a 270-degree turn to assault Simeheff from the south. The blue wyrm attempted to dispel his foe’s cloak of chaos, but failed. Simeheff launched into a twisted Immelman and headed back toward Zizz. A word of chaos stunned and deafened the blue dragon, and he plummeted to the ground!

At the other side of the valley, the three surviving stormlizards moved into flanking positions about the celestial elephants and triceratops. Suddenly, arcs of lightning sizzled between the dragons, shocking the elephants and the dinosaur for serious damage! Enraged, the elephants struck back, battering two of the stormlizards.

Something made its way into the awareness of the couatl. Several immense creatures were present. Creatures that were invisible, and that were rushing into the battle. "Three dragons incoming. All invisible!" the winged serpent alerted Iphess and Simeheff. Before either could react, Simeheff heard the rush of wings beating the air, coming at him from his left. A slashing fly-by attack seriously wounded the great wyrm. The invisible attacker wheeled around and landed behind Simeheff. Another invisible attacker flew over Zizz, severely wounding the helpless blue wyrm, then turned around and landed between Zizz and the mine entrance.

Little did the invisible attackers know that Simeheff’s true seeing revealed their presence. Still, Simeheff focused on the visible enemy. The brass dragon landed south of Zizz and inflicted a savage bite wound on the blue dragon. While her mate was thus engaged, Iphess landed and breathed at the (not-so-)invisible dragon south of Simeheff. Her fiery breath weapon blasted the dragon for serious damage. But then yet another intervening dragon blasted Iphess with superheated sparks, shocking and burning her, then slashed at her as he flew over, inflicting still more wounds. The creature made a U-turn and landed west of the dragon that Iphess had blasted.

Meanwhile, the godslayer struck the celestial triceratops, but in turn was burned by another firebolt from the eladrin’s holy star. Landing next to the dinosaur, the ghaele eladrin strengthened the beast with bear’s endurance. The dinosaur needed all the help it could get: the stormlizards attacked it, and the elephants, with electrical bolts and gore attacks. In return, the brass dragons’ allies savaged the stormlizards.

The valley was now filled with dragons and dragonkind. Zizzetokhtaangkesh, the great wyrm blue dragon, and his bluespawn minions, battling the great wyrm brass dragons Iphess and Simeheff and their allies, and both battling the three extra-planar interlopers, two tremendous rust dragons and a ferocious iron dragon. Zizz, still deafened but now able to attack again, focused on Simeheff and viciously wounded the brass dragon. Simeheff attacked back for even more damage. But now the smaller of the two rust dragons rushed Simeheff from his blind side and attempted to strip the brass dragon of his magical protections and steal them for himself via a reaving dispel. The attempt was unsuccessful, and Simeheff battled on. From Zizz’s blind side, the larger rust dragon also charged, and laying a claw on the blue dragon, tried to make him dance. Otto’s dance proved resistible, however, and Zizz remained focused on Simeheff for the time being.

Seeing her need, the ghaele eladrin flew to Iphess and provided a timely heal spell. The female brass dragon then attacked the smaller rust dragon’s right flank rear, biting and drawing blood. At the same time, the iron dragon crashed into Iphess and also bit.

Off to the right side of the valley, the godslayer, no longer slowed, had slashed at Iphess as she charged at the smaller rust dragon, wounding her seriously but suffering from confusion due to Iphess’ cloak of chaos. The stormlizards swiftly linked up to deal more electric damage to the celestial elephants, the gored the dinosaur and one of the elephants. Their number was reduced to two as the celestial triceratops fatally gored the first of the stormlizards. But the stormlizards in turn took out one of the elephants.

The battle was becoming desperate. From his aerial observation point, the couatl spotted movement far around the bend of the foothills to its left. It cast see invisible to ensure that no hidden foes were also nearing, and detected for evil, but found none. Hoping that the approaching beings, whoever they were, might prove friendly and able to help, the couatl sped toward them.

Suddenly, the great wyrm blue dragon disappeared, only to reappear three hundred feet above the valley floor. The lesser rust dragon seared Simeheff with a line of acid. The larger rust dragon moved in and again tried to compel Simeheff to dance, but failed to overcome the brass dragon’s spell resistance. Iphess, seeking to reposition herself, withdrew back and up two hundred feet above the eastern wall of the canyon, while Simeheff retaliated against the larger rust dragon with a fiery blast that burned the creature for serious damage. Simeheff then flew up and over the west side cliffs, leaving the valley.

As the colossal dragons battled, the godslayer began to babble, still confused. The eladrin seized the opportunity and seared the godslayer with two light rays. But now the iron dragon joined the attack, biting the godslayer as he flew by to pursue Iphess. The two surviving stormlizards gored the celestial elephant and triceratops, killing the remaining elephant. The triceratops took out another stormlizard, leaving only one left to deal with.

Mid-day
The couatl approached the advancing wagon train. The party appeared to include at least one powerful fighter. Speedily the flying serpent reached the party.

"Can you help us?" pleaded the couatl telepathically to the fighting human below.

"Who are you?" answered Edward, aloud.

"I am an ally of two noble brass dragons. They are under attack from evil blue dragons and bluespawn of Tiamat. And all are now prey to three planar dragons suddenly appearing to intervene, for purposes unknown," the couatl explained.

"Why are you under attack?" Edward continued.

"The brass dragons can tell you more. Most likely to plunder the metals and the treasure they have discovered and accumulated."

Edward shot a quick glance back to Green Arrow and Lina. Then, scarcely pausing for their reply, he answered the couatl. "We shall assist you!" the paladin declared. Green Arrow, following Edward’s lead, advised the wagon train crew to pull off the road and take shelter, such as it was, in the foothills north of the road. He pulled an item out of his haversack. "Take this," he told the leader of the wagon train. "It’s a bracelet of friends. If you find yourselves in danger, activate it and I’ll be there."

Lina promptly shapechanged to solar form. "Let’s see what these dragons can do!" she urged. And the three adventurers accompanied the couatl to battle.