Observing Saul

After several long hours, Saul stirs. Imperceptible to the casual observer Saul's index finger twitches. A motion not missed by the keen eyed Angori standing watch. Long years of warfare between his home tribe and rival clans made him very wary of the slightest movement. More often than not they concealed an attack.

With the motion of his finger a stiff wind swirls around the room. Unseen hands close and bar all the windows and doors. The fortress like warriors hall is sealed from all the world. The air stands still, feeling not unlike a vault. Just as the old dwarf liked it.

Any torches and candles begin to glow red as the form of Saul lies motionless on the cot.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kirell leaps to his feet, draws his axe, and with his back to a wall raises his left hand and begins to chant, in barely intelligible, deep guttural tone. (Captivate)

“I don’t know, but I’ve been told. It’s hard to run with the weight of gold. On the other hand I’ve heard it said. It’s just as hard with the weight of lead.”

Saul's form rises from the floor, levitating into a standing position it's arms outstretched and his face contorted in a voiceless scream. The eyes are closed but Kirell can feel eyes upon him.

As the spell washes over the body it is evident that it did not have the desired effect. The candles and torches extinguish leaving the entire room bathed in darkness. No noise can be heard, save the breathing of the large Angorian.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the fires die Kirell can feel a chill wash over him.

The Angori steps toward Saul and swings his axe (Theatrical Flourish), as he gropes for his most prized possession, The Barb of the Pyrewyrm, and looses a deafening roar (Burst Fear).

Friends come and go, but enemies gather at my feet in a heap.

The flamboyant swing fails to hit it's mark in the total darkness. From what Kirell can discern the spell from the relic did not have the desired effect.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kevass beats on the Warriors Hall door with the pommel of his sword. "Kirell are you alright we heard your roar in the tavern! Why is the door barred? Kirell!" Kevass awaits a response.

Says the Wise Old Owl

As the Angori attempts to regain his bearings, he shouts “Madness has taken the boy. Stand back I’m coming out.” With a roar Kirell charges the door in an attempt to force it open.

“Is there anything a man don’t stand to loose, if the devil wants to take it all away? “

Dreygor comes running out of the tavern sword and shield already in his hands. Didn't even bother to put on armor.

"We are coming Kirell hang in there"

Dreygor runs to the nearest window and smashes at it with the pummle of his sword.

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

The windows of the fortified warriors hall are shuttered with steel reinforced flame resistant wooden shutters, barring all entry. The main hall doors are Steel as well and barred shut with a timber that three men have to put in place, it is anchored in the wall by solid stone pillars.

Needless to say, getting the Angori out will be no small feat.

Saul floats slowly toward the tall victim, laughing maniacally. Darkness, thick and tangible creeps from under the door and out of the window's arrow slits. Grabbing at anyone near enough to it. The chill of death can be felt as the darkness climbs the walls forming a barrier from those without. The ground withers and blackens as the barrier is erected.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sabian follows the others to the hall. " Come on you two I've seen you shatter enemies shields and weapons with a single blow, as long as it's not made of adamant which it doesn't appear to be you should have no problem getting in, and hurry."

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

Crasist comes running up to the door of the warrior's hall. As the darkness seeps through the entryway, he reaches forward to pull Dreygor and Kevass back. "Stand aside!" he commands sternly.

Standing before the darkness, Crasist calls out. "Yea though fiends may tear at my flesh, I shall not falter! Though corruption and depravity may surround me, I shall not falter! Though all the evils of the world may rise up against me, I shall not falter!"

An aura of light surrounds the paladin, growing brighter as his words resound through the warrior's hall. "Unto the ending of the world itself, I shall not falter! Let all look upon me and know the wrath of the Shining Knight! In Lemesin's name, I banish you!"

Crasist slams his open hand on the doorway, blinding everyone present with a burst of primal radiance.

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Kirell staggers from his unsuccessful escape attempt. As he struggles to regain his wits, with his back to the door Kirell swings his axe wildly in front of him, and begins to chant. (Unto the Breach)

“I’d rather laugh with the sinners than die with the saints, the sinners are much more fun.”

In the street behind the towns folk at the warriors hall Corvax can be seen stumbling around he turns as he hears all the commotion at the halls front door but the quick turning of his head causes him to pass out. As he lays in a stupor he than vomits on himself.

"Sticks and Stones may brake my bones, So please don't hit me with either one."

Sabian rushs over to Corvax and starts examining him. (Diagnosis)

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

(Diagnosis)= Drunk.

"Sticks and Stones may brake my bones, So please don't hit me with either one."

"Sticks and Stones may brake my bones, So please don't hit me with either one."

As the paladin's spell of cleansing assaults the wall of darkness and Kirell begins his oratory, Saul swoops through the darkness retreating from the light piercing the doorway. He shrieks as the darkness is banished and slowly crumbles away from the exterior of the hall. The creature that is now Saul crosses it's claw tipped arms and closes it's black eyes. The creature sinks into the floor as the light returns to the room through the arrow slits.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Crasist falls to one knee in front of the door.  Sweat drips from his forehead.  His breathing is fast and heavy.  He does not speak, but motions for the others to check inside quickly.

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Kevass approaches the slit in the door  and pears into the Warrior's Hall "Kirell! Are you ok? What is going on with Saul? Where is he? Answer me. Open the door."

Says the Wise Old Owl

“Kevass, it’s good to hear your voice. Madness has taken the boy; or perhaps possession. He sinks into the corner against the light.  What ever it is, I believe I shall have to dispatch of him, although I could use a hand”. The Angori turns to examine the door in the light, only to find it barred with the enormous timbers the dwarf  had intended to keep the unwanted out. “I’m not sure I can open it”. Kirell turns to check on the cowering Saul, before placing his axe against the wall and putting his full power into moving the plank barring the door.
 
 
“I wish I was a headlight on a north bound train. I’d shine my light through the cool Colorado rain”

Saul has sunk into the earth of the floor. You can not see him at this time.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Kirell. Is there any rope in the Warrior's Hall? If we can get two ropes, we can feed the rope through the arrow slots in the front doors and tie them off to the timber. All of us out here can pull on the ropes and help you lift the beam." Kevass turns to the  town folk "Do we have any rope?"

Says the Wise Old Owl

" Have you tried ruining the door, I can just mend it back."

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

Kirell struggles to conceal his concern as he scans the room for any sign of Saul.
 
“Well, I can not kill what I can not see. The boy has disappeared. Crasist would you mind telling me, what form of demon have you brought into our town.”
 
 
“Indians gather on dawns highway bleeding. Ghosts crowd the young child’s fragile eggshell mind”

" Exactly what I was sayin, I don't know if we can trust this guy."

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

Crasist regains his breath and rises to his feet, stepping toward the door and giving it a good heave.  He speaks as he tries to free Kirell.  "I... did not know Saul was striken with anything other than his injuries.  If I had, I would not have endangered your town so.  I am a stranger to Jastrey, so I understand if you cannot take me on my word, but I'm afraid I have nothing more to offer than that."

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor takes in what all are saying while he quietly contemplates the matter at hand.
 
"It is obvious Kirell that Saul has taken on the disease of undeath that the vampire Crasist fought before heading here.  I have heard tales of those bitten becomeing slaves to the biter, how much of that is true I know not.  I thought they were just tales told to children to keep them in line.  You have to find a way to open the door Kirell, with all the weapons we keep in there I am sure there is a polearm you could use as a lever and I know there is a saw horse near the forge to use as a folcrum."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"Full of good ideas, and advice arn't we Drey?"
"Perhaps I'll just open it with his head. WHEN I FIND HIM!" 
The Angori continues to search the Hall for any sign of the...BOY?.
"Come Out...Come Out... Where Ever You Are".
"One of us is going to be the others lunch BOY."
"I'll eat whats left of your soul and take power for my own, but don't be scared I'll kill you first!"
Kirell weaves the taunt into his ritual trying to draw the deamon from hiding while inspiring courage in his companions,... and himself. "Unto the Breach, Lesser"
 
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
That which does kill us makes us stronger still!!"
 

As Kirell passes by Gecel's Training Dummy the magical forces inside it awaken the construct. It sprngs to life and changes several weapons in it's massive stone hands.
 
"What will you train ta day?" a familiar darven voice issues from the hollow helm of the golem.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kirell does not alow the dummy to distract him from his chant.
 
Continuing his dialogue with one hand in the air, and the other firmly gripping his axe, he moves slowly back toward the door, scanning the room carefully for any sign of Saul.
 
"UNDEAD" "HA" "Come out boy and I'll finish the job."
 
 
Friends come and go, but enemies gather at my feet in a heap".
 

The Training Dummy looks puzzeled.
"I cana train ya to be dead?!!??" ,the voice of gecel booms. The Training Dummy hops over on it's single spring loaded leg, it's arms poised in an attack position suitable to the hight of the angori.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

As he finishes his chant, Kirell turns his back to the wall and calls out to the training dummy.
"All me kegs are empty"
"I'll be needin to refill them".
"OPEN THE WARRIORS HALL!!"
Hoping he has struck a familiar tune with the training dummy Kirell waits for the Dwarfs automated servant to spring into action.
 
"If all you've got to live for, is what you've left behind, grab yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine."
 

"Kirell, can you unbolt one of the windows and crawl out?"

Says the Wise Old Owl

The Automation Springs into action, and shouts "Right!". With a serious determination the golem hops over to the massive door and timber securing it. With litle effort the training dummy lifts the timber with one arm and secures the level to lock it in the up position. Then the Golem throws open the door and bowls over anyone in it's way as it quickly bounds to the inn in all ugency.
It dissappears from view as the voice can be heard saying, "Gecel needs more of yer wonderful ale! I'm sure he has every intention ta pay ye......this time."

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Angori exits the Warriors Hall in a stroll and in what can only be described as a subdued tone says, “The boy sank into the floor when the lights came on, and I need an ale”. I’m buying, and I’m fairly certain I can leave tavern when ever I please.”
 
As he passes Crasist he says without turning to face him, “would you mind dispatching of your DEAMON before joining us?”
 
Kirell stops in the street, and picks up the vomit covered Corxax. “Hair of the dog that bit ya Corvax”? The two make their way down the street to the tavern as Kirell recites the tale of his latest exploit to the inebriated Corvax.
 
 
 
“I’d rather laugh with the sinners than die with the saints. The sinners are much more fun”. 

Dreygor watches the combat dummy run to the tavern, at once Dreygor is peering into the warriors hall looking for any sign of the thing Saul has become.
 
"Kirell, it isn't like you to back down from a fight.  There is still the matter of killing this fiend in town."
 
Dreygor draws his sword and turns to Crasist.
 
"I know this maybe unpleasent to you, but we must destroy him.  I know you didn't meen to bring this burden on the town, but it is here nonetheless.  Let us dispatch this foul creature quickly while its disoriented."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Sabian follows Kirell to the tavern.

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

"Sir Crasist, please come into the warrior's hall and help me evaluate the scene. Due to your experience you may be better equipped to deduce the severity of Saul's affliction, and where he has cowered off to. Also what the level of danger Jastrey is in. I am sure by now your convictions on this matter could be questioned, but I trust your resolve is stronger than ever to end your squire's suffering. Is there anything in the room that would lead you to know where Saul has gone?" Commenting to Dreygor "That dummy sounded a lot like Gecel didn't it?"

Says the Wise Old Owl

Crasist takes a few tentative steps into the Warrior's Hall, showing caution toward every shadow.  He retrieves a spare sword from a nearby hanger as he walks toward the bed where Saul had been sleeping.  After a few moments of careful observation, he lowers his weapon and slumps his shoulders.
 
"He is gone.  You can come in, now," he says matter-of-factly.  The expression on his face is one of distant despair.  "From what I know of these creatures, Jastrey is in no immediate danger.  If Saul is as he appears to be, he has already fled, and will seek a safe place to hide and recuperate."
 
He frowns.  "I feel even more foolish now.  The creature was likely waiting for a chance to escape my presence.  When I stepped away, it seized the opportunity.  I could have ended it... if I had known..."  He continues to stare at the spot where Saul had been.
 
Crasist returns the sword to its hanger and begins donning his own still-broken equipment.  "I will depart immediately from your town.  I doubt I'll be able to catch up to Saul, but I should have an easier time picking up the trail.  And there are Scorsha's minions to root out, as well."
 
He turns to Kevass and Dreygor as he fastens the last buckle on his armor.  "I will send word when I have located their dens.  You may then render your assistance, if you so choose.  Please know that I expect nothing of you.  So far, I've only brought trouble to your town, and would not blame you for thinking me untrustworthy or a nuissance."

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor eyes, the weary warrior then speaks.
 
"Although you have brought a vile undead into our mist, I donnot believe you did it intentionally.  Others are fairly quick to judge, and often times missread others.  I on the other hand perfer to error on the side of cautious trust, and give people a chance to show what their intentions are.  If you feel you must leave, please take a weapon that is not broken in half.  I can make many more, so it is not much of a loss for the hall.  Please send word when you have found their lairs and I am sure Kevas and I can convince the others to dispatch of them.  May the light of Lemesin guide you."
 
With that Dreygor starts moving around the hall opening windows to let the light filter in.

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Crasist takes the sword offered by Dreygor with a smile.  "You show me uncommon kindness, my friend.  Rest assured that it will not soon be forgotten."  With that he heads out the door and down a nearby trail at a quick stride.

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Kevass speaks with concern as Crasist exits the hall, "Be Careful Crasist."

Says the Wise Old Owl