Shila backs away from Darwin, watching him carefully, preparing her
magic. You aren't quite clear on the situation, but you know to
trust your friend. Darwin shakes his head and sighs loudly.
'Go ahead... try what magic you will to rid me of this curse. I assure
you, it will not succeed. I was one of the first exposed, and as such,
the Onyx will not be taken from me so easily. Though I wish it were...'
he trails off.
Shila stops her casting immediately. 'What? You want to be rid
of the Onyx? But you're possessed by it! I don't understand...'
'You're wondering why I'm not shambling about, doing its bidding like
those you've heard of in the old tales.' Darwin said. 'It's not
a difficult explaination. I fought it off.' Responding to the incredulous
looks of both Shila and yourself, he continues. 'It is possible! My
brother gave into its temptation of power, but I fought it. The Onyx
has taken root in my body, but not in my soul. The Onyx 'gifts'
those who it inhabits with strength and increased magical abilities.
These I have, but I dare not use them. If I were to do so, it would
seem like an invitation to the dark power, and I would have to hold
off its advances once more.'
'But what happened here?' You ask again. You don't really care to
hear Darwin's story. As far as you're concerned, if he has the Onyx
within him, then he's not to be trusted.
Darwin looks to you, and, without changing his tone, continues.
'These people were taken by Sean. He needs recruits for his armies,
you see. After the mayor of this city had been corrupted by the
Onyx, it was a trivial matter to get the people of the town to come
along. So our town is empty now, and I stand watch, making sure
no others come from the Eastern side of the High barrier.'
'But your friend Ryan tried to kill us!' you object. 'How does that
fit into your little plan.'
'If you had been subjected to the Onyx,' Darwin begins, his voice
betraying anger for the first time since he had spoken. 'then you
would not need to take my word that death is much better than
possession.'
You decide not to argue. You cannot risk making the man any
angrier than he already is. He continues of his own accord,
however. 'But now you have arrived.' he says to Shila. 'Your order,
long ago, created a way by which the Onyx can be driven from
someone. I wish you to take me to your temple, as I have a request
of them.'
'You just said' You say, before Shila has a chance to reply.
'that there was no magic that could help you. So why are we going
to the temple instead of to that tower?'
Darwin looks somewhat surprised. 'I do not go for myself, Sir. I am
going to request a favor for a friend. Then, I would go to the tower
to confront my brother myself.'
'I would take you to our temple, Sir Tanner.' Shila looks at you,
and you can tell that she's annoyed at you for interrupting her. 'The
clerics of Eleein do not turn their backs on someone in need.' Shila
finishes, glaring at you.
'I thank you, cleric.' Darwin says.
'My name is Shila, and this is my companion Spencer.' she says.
'Your offer is a generous one,' Darwin continues, smiling at Shila's
interjection. 'But, I think that your companion would prefer that we
go directly to the source.' he says, looking to you.
