Lord Blaine of Mistmoor Manor

Midnite, the 10th of Reaping, 585

The Seekers awoke and prepared for their assault on the vault!

Cassandra reported that she had slept fitfully. "Something about these cells and the bars that does not sit well with me."

"Gork, you must stay here and guard the woman again," said Lwcynda.

The goblin seemed disappointed till Lwcynda promised to bring him back a nice bauble from the vault.

Gathering their equipment, they began to head for the room on the third floor where they knew the mirror to be. Along the was they had to decide who would do what, say what, be where, as they approached the portrait behind which rested the mirror.

Grummie spoke. "All I be thinkin' is we stand clear of being seen in da mirror; like ta one side. Try it dat way firs'. Ifen it no work, den we may be needin' to hab someone stand in da view and' speak to it. An' ifen you not got instantly to do vault, you may be needin' to walk through it." He scratched his beard, thinking and walking and planning as they went along. "Do you be tinkin' we be bound wid ropes, to mak' a chain o' somefin' to be keepin' us from gettin' separated?"

Lwcynda responded. "Grummie, a while ago we were discussing showing a portrait or the skull to the mirror. Is that right? Well I guess we could start by doing that and saying the password. If we get in then we must be ready to fight. If it's an undead I can try to turn it but if that doesn't work I guess we can fight. If it isn't undead, but it must be by now, well anyway, if it has somehow survived this long then we can try other spells and try to kill it." She made some sense, in her own convoluted way.

"Drat smarknif!" the gnome cursed in a foreign tongue as he snapped his fingers and punched himself in the thigh. "I be forgettin' dat stuff'd bird 'n da note in it. We shoulda be' askn' da skull a'bout a showin' da skull to da mirror, and dat note too." He scowled and his face turned visibly red as he stomped a few times, "Grrrr! We be not knowin' if dat be how ta do it, o' if dat note be a trick o' da Erebus to be trappin' us."

The gnome finally inhaled and exhaled deeply as a huge weight seemed to rest on his shoulders. Then, suddenly, he glanced up and said, "Wait er minute. Mayhap da sisters can be recongnizin' da han'writin on' da note, aye? Where is it?" The gnome began to feverishly search their belongings for the note that had been stuffed up inside the bird carcass.

He stopped short. "Er, wai'. Dat may be a go' idea. Da note said me fader needed to be seein' hi'self right? We'll. I be sayin' we try it. Even ifen da girls be thinkin' it be a written in da hand o' dey misguided sister; well. Well, we need ta be tryin' it anyway. She may'a left da note to 'erself. So, lets go."

The gnome didn't only talk in circles but he had actually paced in a figure 8 and a few orbs during the late few minutes. Amid the self-punishment and the reasoning, he finally seemed to agree with Lwcynda's suggestion. And he was her equal in convolution as well.

Finally he declared, "I be a'ready when you are." He grabbed his short sword and poised himself for whatever would come next.

The party reached the upper floor and headed for the room where they knew the mirror to be. There was no sing of any of the sisters, or of the bird for that matter. Nor were there any other menacing stuffed animals.

They entered that bedroom [#32]. It seemed as it always had; nothing was amiss. The portrait of the beautiful woman still hung over the fireplace concealing the mirror. The woman looked very familiar to them all now, as she resembled both Rebecca and Reveri. "The girls' mother no doubt," mentioned Blaine, and he moved toward the portrait.

"I must be the one to do this, come what may." He right hand prepared to move the mirror. "From what you said on the way up here, we should likely put the skull in view of the mirror once I expose it. Then someone should say the entry word, 'Medussa,' and let us hope no one is turned to stone. For that is what a Medussa can do, or so I have heard."

"That is what is called 'too much information,'" said Cassandra. Looking around at Grummie she said, "No offence, but I think you might be a bit short, er, you'd be better to be ready. I volunteer to present the skull. And Lwcynda, if you would be so kind as to say 'Medussa?' I'd asked Andremar, but he might just stutter.

The mage seemed lost in thought, and was well away form the portrait. One of him was plenty.

The others stood away off to the side, so as not to cast any reflection. Cassandra and Lwcynda crouched down below the fireplace. And, as if they had rehearsed this moment their whole lives, Blaine pulled back the portrait, Cassandra raised the skull, and Lwcynda began to pronounce 'Medussa' when all heard a voice emanate from the mirror. The voice said, "Password?"

Lwcynda said, "Medussa."

Moments passed before Blaine, slightly off to the side, dared a peek. "I can see through," he declared. The mirror no longer reflected; the glass no longer existed. There was an opening into somewhere.

Of course, 'somewhere' was above the fireplace mantel. Furniture was moved to make the climb easier. Soon Blaine, Cassandra, Grummie and Lwcynda were at the top looking in.

They saw a gradually vaulted room with a circular stone floor. Level with the top of the mantel. The floor seemed covered with mounds and bags of coins. Golden goblets, crystalline statues, and a multitude of other beautifully wrought objects of the most valuable materials protruded from the mass of coins. Chests full of jewels spilled out here and there in dazzling sparkles of color, and suits of glittering ceremonial armor stood smartly about the perimeter of the room.

"I have died and gone to the kings of dragons room," murmured Cassandra.

"You and me both," said Blaine.

Blaine entered as if hypnotized. He stepped into the eerie 'area', for it was as if stepping into space. Were one to draw it on a map, it would have gone out of the front wall of the manse, where there was no room for it to be.

He was overcome by a mix of emotions- the joy of finding this room at long last, the relief that his worries might be over, the fatigue of this entire venture-

Dristarian smiled as he caught a tiny glimpse of the fortune as they moved into position. Remembering his last bout with magic, he sobered quickly.

"Best not to get too distracted," he said. But his words fell on deaf ears for the most part, as unfortunately, Grummie found himself enamored by the treasure trove. No matter of warning, nor memory of magic could break his distraction. His face seemed to glow with anticipation. His eyes were wide and one could see the outline of gemstones glistening in their reflection, or so it seemed anyway. Without a word, the usually vocal gnome trodded hastily into the room, like a zombie transfixed on its prey.

And like a cat in heat Cassandra, for the moment at least, was close on his heels! This was the treasure find of her dreams, the kind a rogue is a rogue for. She did glance about, just in case a dragon might be present. But, see very little danger in dim light she made for the mounds as well.

Blaine frolicked childlike in the mounds, tossing coins as he went, stumbling over the odd item here and there. "Look at this," he exclaimed, as he pulled a very fine long sword whose hilt had been slightly exposed. The blade glowed in the dim light. Grummie found more coins than even his heart could ever imagine.

Drist still stood with Lwcynda at the entrance. The priestess realized that there really wasn't enough light to see, so she cast a light spell into the vault. If this had looked like the treasure trove of all times before, it seemed all the more richer now! The gold coins shined in the light, the baubles, gems and jewels glistened and gave off reflections of their various colors.

Lwcynda followed the others into the room.

Twas about this time that a slight breeze was felt, a breeze caused by a bird, what seemed to be a real bird, a raven actually, which came swooping down from above. The creature lit upon the tallest pile of coins, and spoke, [in a voice vaguely reminiscent of Poe]

"MY congratulations, to you all. You have managed to do that which I could not. You have brought me the last of the Blaines. Having dispense with most of one generation centuries ago, I can now finish the job."

This shook Lord Blaine from his reveri. He still held the glowing sword. Perhaps it gave him some courage. He spoke in an almost firm voice. "Erebus?" he semi stated, semi asked. "Yes, yes, it would be you." He brandished the sword, pointing it at the bird, who sat some 10' away. "I think your beak is far worse than you bite." Blaine waved the sword round the room. "As you can see, I am not alone, asleep, or even afraid, for I too have friends with me."

The bird pecked at the pile, raked it a bit with one claw. "Funny you should find comfort in that, for I am not alone either."

Round the room, coins and gems started shifting, and bones, then heads with bones began to emerge from beneath the treasure. More than one dozen skeleton forms rose up. And they were accompanied by half a dozen shadowy figures.

Cassandra felt a chill run up and down her spine. "Damn. Why couldn't it have been a dragon." Then she felt a real chill as one of the shadows touched her arm. The gnome, whose pockets were bulging with gems, suffered a similar fate. Blaine stood transfixed as one of these shadows appeared next to him.

Lwcynda could see very clearly, thanks to her light spell three of these dark forms gliding towards her.

Grummie decided it was best to steer clear of these shadowy creatures until he could find some kind enchanted weapon in the treasure pile. Instead, he opted to charge up the mound and straight for the bird. "Attack!!!" he yelled as he pressed into battle.

No sooner did he start to move towards Erebus than the bird flew upwards and well out of any reach the gnome might have, laughing the traditional 'mouhahahah' as it did so. This laugh struck a cord in the gnome who suddenly recalled [intelligence check passed] that he did indeed have an enchanted sword! He drew the one had had gained from the druids.

Lwcynda invoked her special Protection from evil 10' radius of double duration to try and protect anyone near her. For this moment the spell encompassed Drist, Andremar, Seth who was still at the entryway, and Cassandra Andremar moved in close to Lwcynda, then shifted around, facing toward Cassandra.

"Get away!" he shouted, just as he began the invocation to bring forth magic missiles, aiming for the shadowy creature that had touched Cassie. He had decided that sleep would have little effect in this battle. Two tiny rays left the finger of his right hand and drilled into the shadow in question.

Cassandra for her part had drawn both her long sword and her dagger and went at this shadow as best she could. Under the extreme pressure of this moment, she struck with both weapons, and this shadow dissipated!

Dristarian had heard of animated skeletons before. In the tales told by those who had faced them, they were not supposed to be difficult. He didn't recall a story where there were this many though. And he wasn't exactly sure what the shadowy figures were. He just hoped he had enough magic in his blade to kill them.

Choosing the nearest skeletons, he decided to find out. His suppositions were correct on all counts. With one solid strike he broke one instantly into a pile of bones.

Using the sword he had pulled from the pile, Blaine said a quick prayer memorized in childhood, and struck out at the shadow that had missed him, striking it with a very solid blow.

The bird continued to laugh. "You have barely dented my minions. Soon you will all be shadows under my command!" He flew down at the gnome ripping him with a claw. Grummie felt a pain in his shoulder and was noticeably weaker! The gnome struck back but missed.

Cassie had felled the shadow, but she was surrounded by three skeletons, one of which successfully stabbed her with the short sword it carried.

Blaine proved a very resourceful foe. He ducked under the shadow's hand, and made two of the three skeletons attacking him swing wide. Only the last one got him.

Drist enjoyed the protection from Lwcynda's spell, and though surrounded by one shadow and two skeletons he suffered no damage.

Two shadows led the assault on the priestess, but she suffered no damage either.

Erebus continued to target the gnome. BY now at least Lwcynda had gained the center of the room, and he enjoyed the possibility of some protection. The bird swooped over but missed! Grummie attempted to jab at it. He pushed the tip of the sword into the bird's stomach.

Lwcynda now tried to turn the two figures approaching her. She elicited the aid of Mayaheine, demanding that they 'cease and desist.' The two shadows stopped in their 'tracks' and moved off to the southeast corner. The skeletons menacing Drist did likewise.

This freed the elf to move towards those around Cassie. He took out one, Cassandra another. One remained near them.

Blaine fought like a man possessed, or one who did not want to be so. He struck a perfect slick through his shadow, then another. It vanished! In turn he took another cut from one of the skeletons. Blaine was near his end.

Andremar noticed that a shadow and three two skeletons had surrounded the poor gnome. He fired a second volley of magic missiles at this shadow. In return, Grummie took two more strikes from this shadow, sapping some more of his strength.

Seeing how the priestess had taken hold of some of his 'friends' Erebus swooped in at her. Maybe it was her spell, maybe it was the holy symbol, maybe it was just one damn mad woman, but he flew by without drawing blood.

Seth arrived late to the open passageway. He noticed Drist and Lwcynda's backs were to him. If only he hadn't take time to relieve himself before going into the secret room, he would have been here when the party opened the mirrored door. He watched Lwcynda enter the room, making sure his trousers were pulled up properly. He climbed up the furniture to be behind Drist.

Upon hearing the gnome yell, "Attack" Seth tried to move past Drist to gain a better view. However, with Drist entering the room his vision was blocked for a short moment. When he saw the horror emerging from the treasure pile he reached for his iron sundisk wrapped around his neck while saying to himself softly, "Sure glad I stopped now!!"

'Under your command, huh?' Andremar thought, quickly trying to preparing his next spell. The fight, in his eyes, wasn't really going badly for the Seekers, though it certainly didn't seem to be going well either. 'Maybe if we can take out that bird...' the mage considered, before deciding on an appropriate spell for the occasion.

His spell weaving changed, but remained somewhat similar to that of the previous two chants. 'If that bird is still going after my colored missile', Andremar planned, 'I'll have to try with an acid arrow.' If we get rid of him before that, 'I think a normal magic missile against those shadows would be best, if they're still here at all.'

Lwcynda said to him, "Mayaheine has granted me the power to hold these monsters off for now so if you want to help the others or get that bird it should be fine for now."

With this encouragement, the gangly mage took careful aim, and unleashed his specialty spell, that of his own brand of colored missiles. Six, yes six!, bolts of red energy flew from his fingers and slammed into that damned bird. It screamed in abject pain as they penetrated his feathers. Not only did they appear to damage him significantly, but for the moment, the bird fell to the ground, its head spinning round as if disorientated. "I do believe I have stunned it," the satisfied mage announced to the crowd.

Grummie heard these words as if magic to his ears, for he still felt that the bird was the greatest danger in here. But he had more pressing problems to deal with. As the threat began to close in around him, the gnome suddenly remembered his woodland combat training. 'The clearing, there are no walls to put your back to, and a tree truck isn't the best defense in many situations either.' In an unprecedented move, the gnome removed his knife and wielded it in the hand opposite his druid-gift sword.

The gnome had rarely, if ever, shown prowess with two weapons at once. Nonetheless, he yelled, "Begone ya foullie haints," as he began to defend himself with the knife, and simultaneously press his attack with the short sword. His only regret was that he now had to concentrate on the more dire threat of the shadows around him, and was less able to attack the bird, which he considered to be the source of the undead menace. But to try to break away from these three foes now would have been too dangerous.

He struck at the shadow with his enchanted sword, running the thing right through. But it still 'lived.' He did manage to fell one of the skeletons with his dagger.

Knowing that it might be the last thing he ever did, Blaine swung madly at the boney creatures which surrounded him. He made the most of this last chance, the sword he found ripped through two of them, breaking them into bits.

Drist came to the gnome's aid. He quickly dispatched the shadow, realizing that it was the major threat. Cassandra struggled with the bone man next to her, not managing to harm it.

Seth moved to the center of the room where he could command the attention of the three remaining skeletons. "I call forth the power of my sun symbol. Boney evil get the hence!" The three were instantly under his control. He deftly maneuvered them to the far side of the room.

Lwcynda continued to hold her group at bay.

Andremar looked round. The reality of the situation came to him. The undead were under control; the bird was badly wounded and stunned to boot. And he alone could act. 'What's a mage to do?' he mused the most pleasant of musings. Calmly, as calm as he had ever been he moved to the winged creature as it stumbled about, trying desperately to regain its senses. But before it could, the mage brought down the jagged end of his staff, his magic staff, on the creature's head. And, not once- for the first strike was so true, that he had time for another- but twice.

The bird just lay there, and then a strange transformation took place. The bird slowly evolved into a man, a very dead man with a crushed skull. He wore somewhat priestly garb.

Cassandra said, "Well done my friend, all those night of riddling the trees of Chatwin with those missiles really paid off.

Lwcynda and Seth were happy to see him gone, but they still had those creatures held off. Lwcynda remained the others of her plight. "Excuse me, but there are still these," and she stopped short, for she noticed that the shadowy creature under her control were no longer there. All the remained were skeletons, two on her side and three at the far end.

Grummie said, "I telled yee t'was dat danged bird who be the real danger."

Lord Blaine just slumped to the ground.

Realizing that Blaine was in need of help, and he was the closest, the gnome stowed his dagger and drew forth a healing potion from one of his pouches. "Lwycnda, Blaine be needin' ya o'er here. Even ifen ya musta be release da boney ones... I be thinkin' he needs ya." The gnome quickly knelt and cradled the man's head in his lap, trying desperately to get some of the potion into him.

Blaine drank the vial down. The color returned to his cheeks. "Thanl you, my friend. Didn't know I had it in me to fight like that. Guess I got carried away.

Drist looked around. The fight seemed to be over. He hadn't expected it to end that quickly. He was almost disappointed - almost.

Grummie seemed to be taking care of Blaine, so Drist figured his best course of action would be to stay armed and watch for any other sign of trouble. He was still worried about their thiefly 'guest' downstairs, and expected her to show up at any moment.

But for now at least, she did not.

Lwcynda said, "I am going to help Lord Blaine. When I finish I will help you dispatch the rest of these creatures."

Grummie glanced up seeing the remaining skeletons that would undoubtedly attack once Lwcynda turned her attention away from them. "Shoul' we be bustin' dem skeletons while dey distracted? Bes' do so 'afore da magic runs out, eh?" He glanced at Andy and Lwcynda in hopes that they would confirm this.

Lwcynda stopped in her tracks. "Oops! Silly me. Been so long since I dealt with their kind, forgot I have to keep them at bay. Someone should see to them then."

Andremar took in a sharp breath, slowly sinking to the ground, sitting down now.

He'd done it. He really had. He'd killed the bird/man/demon--whatever it was--and helped the Seekers when the battle.

But the fight was over now. The adrenaline was wearing off. The mage took another deep breath, letting it all sink in.

Lwcynda said, "I think that Seth has two under his command. If you think Blaine is a bit better I will help dispatch mine, then we can deal with his."

Seth's face twisted with concern as he looked upon Blaine slumped on the floor. He almost forgot about the skeletons for a mere second, until he snapped out of his trance. In a hurried voice he says, "Will someone please dispose of those walking bones�" pointing his iron sun disk at the three skeletons trying to further themselves from his body.

As Grummie continued to tend to Blaine, he felt the unnatural effects of the shadow-touch wafting through him. In an angry snarl he said, "Comman' dem to be killin' each o'er." He didn't know if it could be done, nor did he really care. He never looked up and he said it because he needed to vent his frustration with the vile evil that they had encountered.

Unfortunately, both clerics in this party were basically good, so commanding the skeletons was no an option. But, once they had them cleverly divided in two groups, it was a matter of beating one group to chips and them dispatching the other. Cassandra, Lwcynda and Drist made short work of this. There seemed to be no one but the Seekers in the vault now. And the thief from downstairs still had not made a cameo appearance.

Slowly, Andremar climbed back to his feet, recovering his nerve while the others dispatched the skeletons.

"So, is it done then?" he asked of no one in particular. "I wonder if the sisters are free to rest now?"

Cassandra surmised, "Very likely. But maybe they will hang round long enough to thank us.

The mage surveyed the group, seeing that everyone was already taken care of as much as the could be. "Should we make haste back to our friends or is there more investigating to be done around here?"

As he finished speaking, Andremar glanced around the vault, taking in the vast treasure surrounding him.

He could not help but notice that Blaine was doing the exact same thing.

Dristarian paused and admired the treasure, just for a moment. Still feeling the rush of battle, he decided to use it to his advantage. "I'll watch the door." he said. He returned to the opening and stopped several feet away, resting the point of his sword on the ground.

One thing he became immediately aware of was that the opening was now closed.

Lwcynda, in a hyper state after the fight, babbled away, "Well, now that is done. Does anyone need some healing? How is Lord Blaine? And yes we should check on the sisters. And I guess this is indeed the family fortune. Now Lord Blaine has to figure out how to get this out or, just leave it and use it as he wishes since he can now get in and out and no one else can ............"

Blaine looked at Lwcynda. "I think I can sate categorically that this is the family fortune. I cannot conceive of another one being around here, at least not like this one. I think my debts are as good as paid, and you will all be amply rewarded." He breathed a giant sigh of relief. "Sorry, but I cannot even recall the details of our arrangement. Did I promise you a flat fee, or a percentage," he wondered somewhat aimlessly, "not that it matters really. I do not think you will disappointed."

"You got that right, your Lordship," said Cassandra, as she fondled some gems, allowing them to glitter in the light of Lwcynda's still active spell.

Seeing that Lord Blaine appeared to be feeling much better, the gnome collapsed into a large pile of coins and sunk happily into their embrace. As he smiled weakly he glanced over at their auburn haired benefactor and concern drooped into his brow. "Cassie, you be feelin' okay?" he inquired, having noticed she looked a bit pale and tired. "Sit lass, sit. Bes' ya be restin'"

She gladly joined the gnome by taking a running dive into a pile of coins.

Grummie simply felt more tired and heavier of body and spirit than he'd ever felt before. He couldn't manage to get up or do anything else. It was as though the weight of all this coin was pouring in on top of him. "Me jes be needin' ta rest," he said with a swoon.

"We all need a vacation," agreed Cassandra.

Blaine said, "I guess I will have to take a solid inventory, but most of the items, like those ceremonial suits of armor might just as well stay in here." He continued to rummage through the piles. "Here's a ring someone might want. And that sword I was using seemed very good. I doubt I'll have any use for it in the casinos of these realms."

Although the touch of the shadows had drained him so, Grummie perked up at the mention of the ring and the sword. "Might'we then be rummaging?" he threw a curious glance at Blaine. "Bless my soul ifen you be willin' to part with the likes of such things." Although he was wary not to get his hopes up, the gnome felt inclined to help with the inventory. "Aye, let me be helpin' ya find those unusual tid-bits wid'in da heaps." He began to scavenge through the coins for items concealed in the pile. "Lwycnda, might you be magicin' da room an' seein which o' dese mighty things be o' magical dwoemer?"

Lwcynda looked around and figuring it was pretty safe said, "All right -- I will cast detect magic."

And so she did. A good thing too, for many of the magics were well concealed under coins or gems. The party set about unearthing those things which Lwcynda detected. By the time they were done the was the aforementioned long sword, a dagger, a chain mail vest, that ring and two others, four vials, boots and a matching cloak, and a small owl figurine.

Blaine had been too busy counting his money to pay these items any mind. The words, "I'm rich; I'm free," kept echoing from his mouth.

This search had taken the better part of an hour, and Grummie felt some of his strength coming back. So did Cassandra.

Twas about this time when Drist, who had been guarding the closed wall/door, whistled softly, "The door is opening," he whispered sternly.

As he said this, his sword came up in position, ready to attack. If it was that thief, she was going to regret showing up again.

Grummie quickly grabbed the magical dagger, saying to Blaine, "Jes' borrowin' it. Bes' you be keepn' hold o' yea sword for a bit." The gnome then raced down the pile of coins, magic sword in one hand, magic dagger in the other. "Aye, I be likin' dis," he muttered to himself, feeling the weapon balance and liking it.

And as the gnome did so, a strange and wondrous transformation occurred. For this dagger in his gnome sized hand began to grow. It grew until it was the size of a standard short sword. It felt very comfortable in his hand.

Drist and Grummie stood side be side facing the now reopened mirror door. The others gathered near and about them, wondering if the elf was right. Had that evil, vile, female thief somehow charmed Joshua, murdered Gork, and was she now, with her vast band of ner'do wells about to write the final chapter in their adventuring saga?

The answer appeared in the form, the very attractive form of three young ladies, three fairly identical and spirit like young ladies. "My long lost relatives," breathed Blaine with relief.

"Come to see what we found?"

Rebecca spoke, "When the mirror closed we got concerned. Reveri and I felt some sense of relief and release. We went in search of our other sister, Regine," indicating the third girl, "whom I believe you, er, met, down below somewhere?" She looked at this sister, "You did encounter our friends here, now didn't you, Geenie?"

The third girl agreed sheepishly.

"And from what we heard, you were not very nice to them at that time, now were you?"

Again, Regine could not make eye contact. She nodded in the affirmative, adding somewhat roughly, "Told you already, wasn't my fault. He made me do it."

Reveri looked in total amazement at all that she saw in the vault.

Rebecca said, "OK, Regine, why do you not tell us all just whom you are talking about. Who was this he, and what did he make you do?"

Regine kicked some coins about the floor in a childish pout, "Was him it was," she blurted, her right hand pointing at the male figure, the quite dead male figure, the robed and cloaked male figure, which lay on the floor.

"I told yee," Said Grummie, "Twas more to dat bird den met the eye, even now. Tell us child. Tell us all about it." Then realizing he was facing her with a sword drawn, he thought about putting it away. As he thought that, the sword resumed dagger size once more. He could put it in its sheath.

Rebecca seemed confused. "Him? But I thought it was that bird, Erebus, that caused all the trouble."

Regine sat on the floor, her right hand running through strands of the now dead man's hair. "True, so true," she almost sang, "but he was a man as well. See, what you didn't know, what only I knew, what our special little secret was," she continued somewhat gleeful, "was that he could change. Something about him made him able to change. So when I got him as a present, he was a bird. And he never let anyone else ever see him that way. Only me." And then wistfully, "Just me." He told me he was a magical animal. And, if I ever told the secret he would lose his magic and I would lose my best friend."

The other two sisters shared a glance at this one, as if wondering why their own sister had felt them so distant. "What we do remember is that you got sick, very sick. Father sent out in search of healers, but none could ever find cause or reason. You had strange visions, fits of madness, were at times uncontrollable. Father did all he could, all any man could, till he was forced to confine you to your room, as much for your own protection as for ours."

Regine stood up and spoke like the young woman she should be, not like the little child anymore. "That's right," she confirmed, as if remembering for the first time in a long time. "I really was terrible. And, I should add terrified, for I have no idea what caused those fits."

Reveri had been standing in rapt attention. "Do you remember what you did? What you did to father, and to the rest of us?"

Regine stood silently, then slumped to the floor. "Yes, yes, I do. Erebus! He made me do it. Or convinced me I should. I remember after my confinement, he told me that the entire family was out to get me, it was only a matter of time before I would be sent away forever. He made me a cup of tea, a very delicious tea as I recall. We often had tea together now that I think about it. And as we spoke that last night, it all became clear to me. I had to destroy all of you before you did the same to me. He even gave me the weapon, a dagger. I killed you all that night!"

She exclaimed, then broke down in tears, sobbing, "I didn't mean it. He made me, he convinced me. It was him." She began beating the very dead man with her fists.

The other two sisters moved to here, to offer comfort.

Lwcynda said, "It is over now Regine, so there is no use for you to torture yourself. You were most likely under his spell and could not do otherwise. The evil Erebus is dead and now you and your sisters may go to your rest in peace. May Mayaheine bless you all. Thank you sisters for your help."

Drist grinned, "Yes. All is forgiven. But if you see any elves in the afterlife, don't tell them that Dristarian got beat up by a stuffed animal."

Drist had lowered his sword to a polite stance, but had not put it away. All was forgiven, but not forgotten.

The sisters all smiled.

Suddenly, the gnome found himself wanting to know more about this very evil shapechanging gift; but he didn't have the heart to further torture the poor girl. He wondered if the evil had truly passed now... for this Erebus - whatever he was - must have been a very powerful entity to have caused such havoc. And why? What was this evil being's motive? What would he gain by having this poor girl murder her own family? Perhaps they would never know.

Perhaps reading the gnome's mind, Lwcynda had a thought. Her detect magic spell was still in effect so she directed it over the dead man, this Erebus, for the first time. "Sure enough," she said, "his cloak is magical."

Turning to Blaine, Grummie decided to change the subject and hopefully, the mood with it. "Blaine, Sir. Now dat you be da lord o' such a bright future an' a wealthy manor, what be your firs' new comman? How be it dat you wish us to handle da thiefly Psyche below, eh?" he inquired.

For some reason, Blaine looked at Drist, then back at the gnome. "Well, let's see. From what she told us, she came here in the spirit of thievery. The sisters have made no mention of her, or any of her confederates, so I do not see her as essentially evil. And, now that you can see the full value of my estate, and you will all be amply rewarded -" here he drifted off a bit "-can't really recall what I offered you, but doubt we'll have to argue about it now," as he still seemed totally amazed by all that was before him, "I see no reason to take any steps against her. I found her rather pretty," he admitted, "so who knows where that might lead me?"

He realized that he was in the presence of two very pretty ladies right now. "Of course," he continued with the slightest of leers, "There are also you two -" as his gaze moved from Cassandra to Lwcynda and back again.

Cassandra blushed ever so much. "Er, well, hadn't we better be getting some of this stuff, er, well, at least the magic items out of here. We're gonna hafta, I mean, er, we should discuss the proper distribution of this part of our treasure." As she realized the heat that was her face she ran on to, "Maybe we should strip him of that cloak. Might come in handy some day."

The sisters seemed less distinct. They began to move out of the vault.

Blaine grabbed a couple of sacks of gold and followed them. He winked at Cassandra. "Grab what you want," he said.

Grummie helped gather up the remaining trinkets they had gleamed of magic. "Bes' grab a bag o' too of coin, no? An' we ken take dis stuff a'down the stairs an' put it wid dat found by da thiefs. Er." He realized Blaine was a bit taken by the lady and changed his word, "I be meanin' by Psyche. We ken be splittin' up what found there, m'thinks, eh?"

To the spirits that appeared to be leaving, perhaps forever, the gnome threw that casual fairwell, "Rest you in great peace, for when we someday be meetin' again." He chuckled as he went back to work gathering loot, "Mayhaps not too soon though."

Rebecca spoke, "Yes, it seems we are no longer long for this world, even in our transparent state. And men say they have difficulty seeing through women," she joked, smiling at Seth, her pseudo suitor."

Dristarian grinned at his compatriots. It seemed the apparent success of the group had made them a bit giddy. Standing knee-deep in gold helped a bit.

He still had nagging doubts about the ease of the death of Erebus and of the thief downstairs. "Tell you what, Grummie," he said. "You grab some for me. I'd feel better holding my sword when we go back downstairs.

"Grab me more?!" the gnome smiled at Drist. "Aye. I be a glad to be grabbin' more." The gnome seemed happy with his work and as he filled his pockets, packs, sacks, socks and hat. "Ready, I be. Bes' be movin' on downstairs, me'tinks - afore I leave a trail o' coin in me path."

Cassandra helped Grummie fill his pockets. Since he did not specify the cloak of Erebus, she said, "If you're not taking it in your pile, I will for now."

"Be cautious, Cassandra," said Dristarian. "Erebus may have been evil, or he may have been brought to evil by that cloak. I doubt it was crafted by honest hands."

Cautioned by the elf's statement, the rogue thought the better of the idea for now, and settled for a careful search of the body, without touching the cloak

Seth still a little shaken by all the recent activities, stared at the ghostly ladies and the treasure piled around him only now everything becoming clear. He dropped to his knees and start to fill his belt pouches. Once filled, he started to fill his nap sack with anything near him, not paying much attention the specifics-so coins, stones, gems or even rings, whatever his hands grabbed found their way into packs and pockets.

Blaine laughed openly at this. "Seth, my friend, I told you this would pay off. Just think of all the land you can buy, all the herbs you can grow."

Seth continued filling his hands with loose treasure. His eyes watched around him, looking at everyone's faces with their reactions. Occasionally he cast a glance behind him as if he was waiting on someone or something in hiding to sneak out upon him. A grin was locked upon his face.

As he exited the treasure vault, arms loaded with the loot Blaine had graciously awarded them the gnome heard the elf's warning and noticed Cassie's avoidance of the cloak. In a quick over-the-shoulder comment, he mentioned to Andy, "Bes' we be takin' it wid us. Jes' be a careful and not be a-wearin' it til' you gets to 'dentify it, aye?" The gnome then exited - enroute to the cellar.

Andremar conveyed this compromise to his friend. By this time she had found a few items of interest on Erebus' person. "This," she said holding up a shield shaped medallion about the size of her palm. "And then there's this note or letter to Erebus from someone whose initial was 'E.'" With Andremar's help, she got the cloak off the dead man, and stowed it in her pack for now.

And so, laden down with magic items and scoops of treasure, the Seekers, led by the cautious and armed Drist, left the vault for now. The three spirits, less visible than before, glided along with them. Rebecca moved to the front of the party, aside the still-doubting elf. "You know, Drist, my sisters and I are ghosts. Should anything dare to bother you now, I think we could deal with them in a swift and decisive manner." Reveri smiled, and Regine nodded in agreement. "If only I could have helped with that Erebus, for all he did to me, and to us," she sighed.

The walk to the basement level was uneventful. At the door to the cell room, Drist held up the party, "No sense in taking any chances this late in the game," he stated flatly. He opened the door carefully and peered in. "It's OK, I guess," as he threw open the door.

The Seekers saw the room was pretty much just as they left it. Gork and Joshua were engaged in some sort of dice game. And, since they were near the cell where Psyche was still inside of, they concluded that she was being included in the game. The largest pile of stones sat in front of the goblin. "Are you sure you never played this game before?" Psyche was heard to ask, but her head came up abruptly, realizing that the party, and the elf, were back.

The Seekers entered with their loot which they began spilling out all over.

The goblin's eyes lit up. "I missed you guys," he said. "What did you bring me?"

"A little bit of everything," Cassandra admitted. "Just about anything you want."

The magic items, [long sword, special dagger, a chain mail vest, three rings, four vials, boots and a matching cloak, a small owl figurine, and the cloak of Erebus] were placed separately on one table. These were in addition to the earlier found two vials plus the one remaining vial of arcane comprehension, and the blue jasper engraved with serpent, which Reveri had explained protected one from poison to some extent.

Whatever coins, gems and the like anyone felt like displaying were dumped about. Cassandra pulled out a particularly beautiful black onxy and presented it to Gork. "Here you go little guy, just to show we d id not forget you." The goblin seemed delighted. He lost himself staring into its darkness.

The rogue then produced the medallion and the letter. "Found this on Erebus. Don't know quite what to make of it." The shield shaped object what basically black with a red tear drop or blood droplet on it. Lwcynda thought it might be a holy symbol. With Seth's help they decided it might be that of Erythnul. At the sound of this name, all three sisters uttered an, "Ahhhh hahhhhhh, now that explains something."

Blaine asked, "Mind telling us before you leave this oerth?"

Rebecca spoke, "Erythnul, the goodess of hate, envy, malice and panic. I fear our father and our family was not on her good side."

"You can say that again," agree Reveri.

Rebecca continued, "My, er, our father was a major supporter of the goddess Mayaheine, like you are." She indicated Lwcynda, whose distinctive holy symbol, a sword with 'V's on either side, was always displayed on her chest. Mayaheine was, and I guess still is, the goddess of protection, justice and valor. Two centuries ago, the forces of good and evil were much more active in their roles in trying to effect the lives of us mere mortals. My guess is that Erebus was a force of Erythnul, and that's why he infiltrated out house, and did what he did."

Cassandra spoke, "Then the `E' on this letter could well be that of Erythnul or one of her minions. It commands Erebus to 'do what must be done' to the Blaines any way he can," she summarized. She passed the note around. All could see her summary was sufficient. The note was vague in its details, as to exactly what Erebus should do. But the overall goal, to eliminate this family which did not follow this evil goddess was abundantly clear.

There followed some moments of silence, until Blaine said, "Well, I guess we did good then, didn't we?"

Lwcynda agreed, "Yes, my friend, once again we did."

A female voice, that of Psyche, followed, "Then, do you think you could do one more good thing, and let me out of here. What kind of threat can I be to you who defeated a minion of Erythnul?"

Ignoring the woman prisoner, leaving that business to Sir Blaine, the gnome began the arduous task of inventory. No doubt, he'd perfected these skills in his pawn shoppe over the years, and he seemed very much interested in every piece of treasure. He began counting the loot, inspecting each item but refraining from touching anything more than necessary.

"Seems dere be 'nough magical trinkets for 'bout two each, and we ken divide up da coins we mana'ge to bring out even'so." The gnome then began searching around the room with concern draped over his beard. "Didnae da Psyche and her friend' be findin' stuff already dat was down 'ere?"

Cassandra pointed to a table in the corner. "That's what we took off of her." She walked over to the table. On it were still a fox fur cape, a jeweled short sword, a pouch of lose change amounting to about 40 gp, a star sapphire which Cassie thought to be worth about 1,00 gp and a small spell book.

Blaine looked over the stuff, "This palls by comparison to what we found in the vault, don't you think?" He looked over to Psyche who was still behind bars. "You did find this stuff here, somewhere in here, did you not?"

She answered, "Yes, we did. Just rummaging for what we could find. Never really new about any vault."

Blaine spoke, "As far as I am concerned, she is welcome to her cache. But I think that spell book belonged to my aunt. I should hold on to that as a family keepsake. But, if our magic casting friend here," he indicated Andremar, "would like to study from it, I have no objection."

"Hrmf," Said Drist.

Blaine grinned at the elf. "I appreciate your caution, but our female acquaintance has done nothing to cause us further distress. And my friend Joshua, whom she did imprison, has no qualms about her now, do you?"

The young man replied, "No, not really. He and her companion treated me well under the circumstances. I hold no real grudge."

Cassandra spoke, "One thing, did we ever check her loot to see if it had any magics? I for one, do not think she deserves magic."

Blaine admitted that this rogue had a good point. Lwcynda took the time to check for magical dweomers once more, but none of what Psyche claimed for herself was magical. "Then she may keep what she found," declared Blaine.

Seth intoxicated with happiness with the turn of events he blurted out "My pa will have him a new work horse, the largest one that I can find, old Tor is getting old" with a pause, and a breath of air "he must be at least fourteen years old." He looked around at all the treasure scattered about, delirious as never in his wildest dreams did he anticipate seeing this much treasure at one time.

Looking at Blaine upon his last words, "You really think that your aunt used that book." Then with a look of sincerity, "Wow her own hands feeling the texture of the cover and the pages within, that is special my friend, you should keep the book as an heirloom."

"Right you are," said Blaine. "The spellbook is mine. But Andremar there may study from it if he wishes.

Andremar nodded. "But first," the mage said, "I should try to determine the exact natures of the magic in the items we found. That knowledge should make it easier for us to divvy them up. No sense in me having a magic sword, now it there?"

Though the question was rhetoric, Cassie piped up with, "Not unless you want to take out your own appendix."

Ignoring her jibe, he began preparation for identify. He got the known magic items together on one table. As he did so, the gnome remarked, "We already knows de nature of dis 'dagger' fer when I touched it in the heat of battle it formed itself into a short sword. Does it do dat fer you, Cassie?"

The rogue tried her hand with it, but could not get it to transform. Grummie tried again, and sure enough, as he willed it, it transformed into a short sword. "Feels pretty good in me hand," he declared.

"Then perhaps that is where it should stay," said Cassandra.

It was also easy for Drist the elf to recognize the cloak and boots for what they were, those of elvenkind. He demonstrated how they aided in moving silently and blending into the background.

As for the rest, the mage began incanting, and examining, until he could form some pronouncements. It took much of what was left of the day, and left the party with a pretty exhausted mage, but he was able to determine that both the long sword and the chain mail vest had +2 enchantments; the rings were of protection +1, protection +2, and fire resistance; the cloak allowed one to shape shift into a bird, particularly a raven, and the owl would come to life upon the command, 'hoot'. In total they had found seven vials in the manse, one of which they knew to be archane comprehension. The others turned out to be 2 anti poison, two healing, and two gaseous form. And the knew the gem was of protection against poison.

The dagger only seemed to work in the hands of someone who was small, er, short, er, vertically challenged, such as Grummie, and these cloak and boots seemed to form fit every member of the party.

Cassandra spoke, "So, we come to the real fun part, who gets what? Maybe we should start with 'Who wants what, depending on who can use what, and maybe work things out. It is always a problem, albeit a pleasant one."

Blaine suggested, "Maybe each of you should state a first choice preference, or obvious choice, and then work from there. Of course, you could always roll bones for them. I just happen to have a set of dice handy."

"With your past, I'd have thought you'd have dispensed with them," said Joshua.

Blaine just waved this remark away. "So, who wants what?"

Drist, not being shy, spoke, "I already have a fair magic weapon. The cloak and boots or a ring of protection might come in handy."

Like Blaine, or anyone else including Psyche found the elf shy! His Lordship spoke. "The cloak and boots seem as if they were meant for you. Unless anyone objects?" Hearing no one else speak, he declared them the property of the elf. "We'll have to see about the rings," he said as he looked at the others.

The gnome nodded in agreement of Blaine's wishes regarding Psyche and her loot. He still held a few hard feelings about the thrashing he got in the dark, and his close encounter with her lantern. Nonetheless, he could have easily been called upon to search this place, thinking it abandoned and looting it -- without meaning malice.

Turning his attention to the division of goods, he decided to pick four items. He felt certain he'd only get a couple; but best to mention all that he wanted --- in order, and let the rest work out all by itself. "I be wantin' dese items --- but only my fair share o' dem. An' I listem' in da order I be wantin' em. 'Course, we all been friends --- well most' o us for a while now. No needs to be arguin', so I'll be willin' to take somethin' lesser on me list ifen you be disagreein' wid me." He cleared his throat and straightened his coat -- having dispensed with formalities. Okay, dis' ere magic shrinkin' sword be me first pick. And dat cloak or Erebus be a second -- cause I be liken da idea o' flyin. Ifen there be other who wantin' it, I'll take a potion o' gas form next, and da ring o' da fire protection next, eh? An' a fair boot o' da coins." The gnome concluded.

Blaine said, "You will all get a fair share of coins and gems, just stick to the items. I saw how that sword took to your hands. Think it was meant for you." Cassandra agreed. "Sure would come in handy if we ever went in a place where they had a blade size limit, or weapon restriction. And it kind of suits you." Blaine heard no complaints in this regard, so the interesting sword was given to the gnome. "Now about the cloak," he let this phrase hang out there because he wondered-

Lwcynda looked at the 'loot.' "Well I will try to detect evil on the cloak and if it is not evil I would like the cloak as my first choice. Failing that, I guess I would like the ring of fire resistance as a second choice. I'm not sure what Gork would like but I'm sure he won't mind whatever we might want to give him if anything."

Her detect evil failed to detect any. "Then I would make the cloak my first choice," she declared.

Blaine looked round. Seth looking at the gnome as he spoke up about the raven cloak, "Ummm, I would also like the Raven cloak or even the owl," his eyes lit up with raised eyebrows, "A friend about might be interesting, maybe even fun." He motioned his hands over to the table where the vials rested while saying, "There seems to be enough vials for everyone to have at least one, any of them would be fine for me."

Cassandra, too, had been eyeing the cloak once worn by Erebus. But, seeing as how a couple of others wanted it, she decided to stay grounded his her aspirations. "That owl seems interesting. Would make a nice pet. Someone to talk to when Andremar is out casting those missiles of his."

Blaine gave her a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, alright. How about this. What if Lwcynda gets that cloak. A flying cleric might be a sight, and I'll let Seth have the owl." She turned to the young cleric. "But that is on one condition. You have to stay with us and become a member of the Seekers. If you leave us the owl comes back here."

She looked at the goblin, "Yes, as Lwcynda says, Gork should get something. Maybe a weapon, or a and me down from one of us. That new long sword seems pretty good."

She looked longingly at the raven cloak, and the owl. "I will take that long sword, and that gem that protects one from poison. I do check most of the locks and traps and stuff. And you do recall that bout I had with the spiders, don't you?" Those who were there recalled how close they came to losing their favorite rogue. "And I will give my long sword to Gork. How's that sound?"

Blaine gave that concession his lordly approval. "This is going better than I thought. Now you still have those rings. And the vials."

Gork looked at Cassandra's old, now his new, long sword +1. "Meee thing eeets good," he declared.

Cassandra said, "We could put the vials, at least the healing and anti poison in the group domain, cause you never know who will need one some day." It was an anti poison that Grummie had graciously offered her that had saved her life but a few days earlier.

Blaine summed up, "So, that leaves you with the chain mail vest +2 which only a human can wear, the rings were of protection +1, protection +2, and fire resistance; and seven vials: archane comprehension, two anti poison, two healing, and two gaseous form."

"The owl, YES." Seth said with excitement, a continuous grin upon his face looking towards Cassandra, "You want me to sign on with the seekers, wow I would be honored though I do lack the experience that the rest of you have." Looking over at the chain vest then speaking up, "That magical armor would feel nice and the extra protection would be nice since I am going to be adventuring more." Giving a glance over to Cassandra.

The rogue smiled. "Both Lwcynda and I hope you will stick around." She spoke to Lwcynda, "Sister, do we have enough protection rings that perhaps are manly friend here could wear that new armor?"

The priestess considered her words. "Well, I prefer my elven chain, so I see no reason why Seth should not be well protected. Yes, our new companion should wear it." She looked directly at Seth, as she handed him the shirt. "Wear it well, and welcome." Cassandra offered a pat on the back.

The gnome looked a bit surprised, not realizing how popular the cloak that they nearly left would have become. Furthermore, he was quite pleased to see how everyone divided up Sir Blaine's trove, and he started considering his pawn shoppe. "I be a most likin' da potions really. Da gas ones, and a ring be me last choosin'. Da healin' potions and poison fixers best be kept in da group, eh? Ne're know who mi' be needen' em. Could be any o' us. But we ken divid 'em up for carryin' and just always be a willin' ta aid e-other ifen one o' use falls, eh?"

Cassandra realized they had been ignoring the gnome, a difficult thing to do. "Yes, take that potion of gaseous form. It may come in handy just before the next lantern gets in your way." She laughed and looked over to Psyche.

Blaine was opening the cell. The woman came out and walked over to the gnome. "No hard feeling, I hope. I really did not mean you any harm. Guess you won't forget me."

She then approached Cassandra. "Blaine has said that I can keep what I found. And, I think I should also keep what I had before I came here."

Cassandra look quizzically. "Sounds fair, but why tell me?"

"Because, my fellow rogue, you took my boots!"

Cassandra feigned her usual ignorance. "Boots?" She looked round the room as if to find them.

Psyche spoke and bit more forcefully. "They are in your pack. Your back pack?"

Cassandra's memory was sufficiently jogged. "Oh, those boots." Sheepishly she rummaged trough till she produced them. "Never even got the chance to try 'em out. What do they do anyway?"

"They help me move very fast, when I want to."

Cassandra asked, "Then why did you not just flee when you found us all here waiting for you."

Psyche nudged Cassie with a playful elbow. "Now what would be the fun in that?"

Cassandra smiled in understanding. She also handed over the boots, proving that there is too honor among thieves.

Cassandra looked back at Grummie. "Since no one seems overwhelmed by that ring, you might as well have it too."

The gnome accepted the ring of fire resistance.

"That leaves us with these two of protection. Since the Elf has certainly faced battle, and he has but that studded leather to protect him, why not let him have that best of the rings? Lwcynda and I, who do not have magic armor, could flip for the other one.

This seemed to make sense. But when Lwcynda put the ring on at the same time as the cloak, she realized something. "There seems to be a certain antipathy between these two items. I think the cloak affords some protection and it does not work with the ring."

"Well, I would not mind a bit extra protection, and Andremar already has a ring. Sooooo," Cassie said looking around and around, carefully keeping her eyes just above the head of the goblin who was slowly starting to comprehend, "I guess I could wear it for now."

Blaine reminded Andremar that he could learn whatever spells he liked from the book of Aunt Jocasta. "That should keep him busy for sometime," said Cassandra.

Lwcynda was already awarded the archane comprehension since it seemed hers to use. "And how about the other gaseous form for Gork?"

"Yeeeeees, how about eeeeeeeet?" said the goblin. He seemed quite delighted to ferret the vial away in his pouch.

That left the two potions of healing and two of anti venom. While group treasure, the gnome had suggested that someone be the designated carrier so as to come to another's rescue. Not a bad idea. This still had to be worked out.

Blaine announced, "From what I have seen, I think your individual rewards will be in the neighborhood of 2,000 gp. For each of you that is."

Cassandra whistled softly, "Nice neighborhood."

"Of course," his Lordship continued, "I still need an escort to Narwell, so that I can pay my debts. Don't think I should just traipse across the countryside alone, do you?"

Grummie gathered up his new belongings, finding pockets for them. He commented, "Bes' we split up da group items, no? What ifen we get split up som'ere and' da potion holder not around?" Suddenly, before receiving an answer - he thought ahead to the next leg of their journey. "Aye, me be willin' ta escort 'em, what you think folks?" He glanced around, as if trying to see the very walls of their crypt and view the sky? Rubbing his belly and glancing at Andy he inquired, "What be da time o' day? Should we be restin' firs, or head out a right away?"

Blain was taken slightly aback. "Heading out right away? My dear little fellow," his snotty tone, the one with which he had introduced himself to the Seekers way back in Chatwin had apparently returned. Money does funny things. "what is your hurry? We have this fine manse, not haunted after all, to rest and recuperate in. I need some time to go back to the vault and take a full inventory. Then there's your proper shares. Then we have to return to your village so you can put your wealth away. Then, and only then, can we head to Narwell."

Cassandra had been placing the group vials in certain people's packs, "for safe keeping. Grummie's right. They should not be all in one place. I agree with his Lordship. We might as well take a rest before we leave this place. Anyway," she turned to Drist, "we have to let old Psyche here get a head start, so she can better plan her ambush of us on the way home."

Psyche did not see the humor in the situation. "Actually," she said, "I was hoping I might stay on here for a while."

Blaine met her eyes. "Here? Oh, yes, here. Yes, I think I could find you a room."

"But I must leave for a bit. I have a friend somewhere outside. I am sure he's very concerned about me. Hasn't heard from me since you so kindly put me behind bars. Is he welcome too."

"Depends," said Blaine, "is he human?" Then realizing he might have offended some of the Seekers, he corrected himself, "Er, I mean, he's not some kind of beast or anything, is he?"

Psyche assured him that he was not. "Just a normal fellow, but very quiet."

"I can vouch for that," said Joshua. "never heard him speak, ever. But he is no threat to you, Jennison, er, your Lordship. He struck me as an OK guy, just a bit of a thief."

"No harm in that," said Cassandra. "No harm in that."

"Funny way to treat intruders," Drist mumbled, but quietly to himself. He had decided some rest would be good, since he was still sore from his previous wound. If it was still tender in a day or two, he would probably ask for healing again.

Psyche left her stuff behind, except for the boots which Cassandra had returned to her. "Be back later," she said. "Don't miss me too much will ya?" she asked in exit, looking at Drist as she did so. And then she was gone.

Grummie moved over next to Drist and nodded as he squinted and cast awkward glances at the door where Psyche had exited. "Aye, me be think' da same. An' what o' dis fellow, eh? Wha' to be keepin' him from robbin' us and Lord Blaine?" The gnome inhaled deeply, restless and uncomfortable. "But I be respectin' ya wishes Lord Blaine, an yer house. If he be a welcom' ere, den 'tis your b'sness."

Blaine acknowledged the gnome's concern. "I do see your point, my little friend. But I have a good feeling about that girl, er, woman. If Joshua accepts her, then so do I."

At first opportunity, the gnome whispered privately to Drist, "Wha' say ya we be taken' turns sleepin' in da room o'side da vault eh? Wouldn'a wan' no one gettin' a sticky finger, in da middle o' da night, eh?" Just in case someone overheard him, and he was being careful not to carry a voice. He hoped his long-time friends would realize who he meant, and who he didn't.

Cassandra's keen ears picked up his plan. "Not to worry. I think we'll all take a post up there. For all we know, there cold be others in this house of whom we are not aware. And, if that Psyche and her friend dropped into this place, no telling who else might happen by until his Lordship establishes a proper watch of his own."

She moved over to Blaine, "Speaking of which, what are you going to do with this place? Are you planning on taking possession, or are you going back to Narwell?"

Blaine did not hesitate. "This will be my home. My one true home. Sure, I will travel to Narwell on occasion, and even through Chatwin, but this will be my main residence. Guess I'll need a staff and all." He was still piling coins here and there, rummaging through jewels, making little piles, calculating in his mind how his debt would be met.

Then he made sure everyone was listening. And you, all of you, will always be welcome here. Some rooms will be set aside for you, whenever you want to visit.

Seth had paid little attention to his friend, Jennison's speech. Not wasting any time Seth unclasped his wool hooded cloak from his shoulder, letting the fabric drop to the floor covering his leather shoulder bag. He then slipped the new chain vest over his white cotton tunic, adjust the mail for comfort with a hop here and a tug there. "Nice, it fits great, thank you all", he said with an excited tone. He reached down and picked up his cloak, draping it over his back.

Seth had his head down, grabbing his shoulder bag as he said, "Is Narwell going by ma and pa's farm?" Standing straight up, his chest puffed out with pride with the new chain vest, "I think we should be going as soon as possible. However I do have to small bales of herbs that I need pick up near the front doors."

"No hurry there," said Cassie. "Think we'll be here fro a few days, get some rest, and we have to figure out how we are going to transport sufficient amounts of his Lordship's find to Narwell safely."

Seth could wait no longer; there was one thing he had to know. He took the owl figurine into his hand and said, "Hoot." Before anyone had time to realize what he was doing, they were amazed to see a real live owl sized owl appear before him. The young cleric had difficulty with the weight of the bird, so he told it to perch. It flew cross the room and lit on the open door to one of the cells. It began to look round. While Seth could not see through its eyes, he felt that the bird was telling him what it saw. "Wow, this is great. What a pet!" was all he could muster up for now.

"You do know," interrupted Andremar, "that it will not last forever. It can only take living form for about 8 hours each day. So use it wisely," he cautioned.

"Suppose you could take it with you to retrieve those herbs of yours. Why not store them in the barn for now. And maybe there's a wagon or something out there we can use for our journey back to the village," Cassandra said.

Blaine said. "I am going to make another trip to the vault. Anyone wish to join me?" He spoke directly to Gork. "You never got a chance to see the inside. Bet you'd like to bathe in riches just once I your life, now wouldn't you?"

The goblin could not contain himself. "Meeeeeeee? Oh, yeeeeeeees!" and he burst from the room, only to return in moments. "Weeeeech one eeees the vault room?" he asked.

"Come along, I'll show you," said Blaine, as he led the goblin from the room.

Drist had a different idea for the owl. "Perhaps it could go keep an eye on our new special friends," he said. "It just might come in handy to know where they are camping in the area."

Grummie spent the available down-time discussing security procedures with the members of their party, and with Sir Blaine if and when the occasion arose. The gnome began to wonder if Blaine might be thinking of hiring Psyche and her accomplice on, as his staff. Somehow, he doubted that a their restless spirits would be akin to such a task. Nonetheless, he thought it was in their best interest to protect the client's holdings, as part of their original obligation.

Seth had not been paying much attention to the group, as he was fascinated by watching the newfound owl. He walked towards the door looking towards Drist saying, "Going to look around the barn some since it is now day." Out the door he went, "Com'on hoot" was heard from beyond the door way. The owl followed cautiously in the confines of the cellar.

Cassandra asked Drist, "Do you think he understood? Maybe we two should at least head up to the main doorway to keep an eye out. While I sort of trust that girl, I do admit to some slight doubts." Cassandra headed for the door.

Morning, the 10th of Reaping, 585

Seth reached the main floor and followed the hallway to the main door. He walked out into a brisk early morning. The sun shined brightly as he grabbed the bags he had left out here. He then rounded the manse to the rear, and headed over towards the barn.

The side door was slightly open and no sounds could be heard.

Seth was about to enter the barn when his owl alerted him to something going on behind them. The young cleric took a step to the side, into the folds of the door. He looked across to the east where the owl had indicated. Seth saw three people, only one of whom he recognized. The rogue woman, Psyche, was leading two others across the rear grounds. Seth could see that one was a man, a rather non-descript man. Behind him was something odd. A dark faced woman, with pointed ears, followed. Psyche led them up to the rear of the building, opened the door there, and ushered them in. Seth figured they had entered the large ballroom. [#10 main floor]

Seth did not waste any time as he dropped his precious herb bales near the barn doors and darted off to the mansion, heading for the door. While running he said, "Hoot back over to the door", pointing to the door that rear door. The owl followed. Seth reached the door and opened it. He heard a familiar voice, that of Cassandra speak. "And just who might you be?" she said. The rogue stood across the ballroom, her hands on her hips.

Seth could see she was looking to his left, just outside of the kitchen. There stood the object of her attention. For there stood a dark woman. Up close now he could see she was an elf- a dark elf. He also heard footfalls upstairs. He looked at this woman, and then over at Cassie, a quizzical look on his face.

*****

Blaine, Gork and Grummie headed up to the vault. Cassandra accompanied them to the first floor, where she headed over to the front door, alone. "Want to wait for the return of the future Lady Blaine," she remarked. His Lordship only smiled slightly.

The other three continued up the main stairs to the vault room. Once there, Blaine spoke the password, and the amazed goblin almost turned and ran. Fortunately Blaine was quick enough with his hand to catch the little guy's shirt tail. "Not to worry. It is perfectly safe, for a safe that is." Blaine chuckled at his little joke. Gork just looked.

Grummie eased the goblin into the void space. Once inside, the goblin set about bathing in the riches he saw. "Weeeeeeeee!" as he slid from one side of the room to the other on a ice way of gems.

"Guess he won't mind helping," said Blaine.

Grummie set about the arduous task of guarding the vault. In doing he thought about the entrance. "Too bad 'bout mirror bein' da door an all. I was a hopin' ta be marketin' dat ting ya know. Seem'd ifen ya ken mayhap tame da t'ing it might spew out goo' folk, not evil ones." He shrugged as he considered all the possibilities.

Blaine could be heard to utter some form of agreement on this issue. Gork continued to play.

Chuckling as he went about his tasks --- the gnome chatted and bored everyone with his mind numbing meanderings, "Be tink'in if we show it a evil thief; we get ou' a reform one?" He chuckled, "Oh if we show it picture o' dead folk, we get live ones ya tink? Summon'd back to be speakin' wid dey kin one las' time?" The little gnome was about his usual business of schemes and hair-brained plans.

Grummie assisted Blaine and Gork with the inventory. He could adequately guard the vault from inside he thought. It wasn't long before a horrid though impaled him. Turning to Blaine, eyes bulging with worry. "What happen ifen... well, what ifen the mirror be broke while we inside?"

Blaine merely chuckled, "Well, then, my diminutive friend, we'll have seven years of bad luck, likely cooped up in here just the three of us."

This prospect did not seem to bother him as much as it did the gnome. Without much more thought, the gnome uttered the words necessary to exit the vault and decided he would feel much better with a guard on the outside. And there, he spent much of his time, occasionally opening the vault door and checking on those inside.

In just minutes Blaine came out, a sufficient quantity of wealth stowed in a bag. "This will pay my debts," he informed Gork and Grummie.

He headed towards the door. "There really is no need for you to stay here. It is only those of your group who know the passwords, and I trust you as much as you trust me. Might as well come back downstairs. We can settle up, get some food, make plans for our trip to Narwell.

Blaine, Gork and Grummie moved out of this room, along the hallway, and towards the main stairs. Sounds fo footsteps echoed below them, then they heard two distinct sounds. One was a door opening and closing. The second was the voice of Cassandra as she said, "And just who might you be?" She sounded directly below them in the ballroom. [#10]

*****

Psyche had already exited the manse, and gone beyond the walls to the east. She and her companion Broc had a prearranged meeting spot should they ever get separated. Once there she told her friend what had happened to her. "Turn about is fair play," she noted. After all, they did let me go. We can go back in a get our stuff. The guy who now owns the place, or at least claims to, says we're welcome."

Broc just nodded.

The dark one, the one who had accompanied them here, but never entered the manse, was less trusting.

"This is just too strange for words" Laranstyl thought. "Why would that lord or so he says he is, lock up Psyche and then let her go? He's giving away the loot she found too!" Laranstyl tensed herself for battle as she walked towards the ground of the mansion, expecting nothing less than an elaborate trap set to capture her and Broc together.

She had no doubt that Psyche was still in some way actually a prisoner and was forced to tell Broc to bring the supposed news to Laranstyl.

From there hiding place beyond the eastern wall of the grounds, they saw someone. It was a tall, thin man, walking from the front of the manse to the rear, then over towards the barn. He was accompanied by a bird-an owl.

Psyche spoke. "He's one of them. Got that bird as part of his treasure. Think he's a cleric of some sort." They watched as the man got near the barn, then Psyche said. "Might as well go back in the house." She started walking towards the eastern wall.

Laranstyl is not satisfied with Psyche's explanation. After all, she has been in there for quite a while... while Broc, well.. Broc can't communicate that well so she doesn't really trust him at this point in time too. However, Laranstyl does follow along, just keeping her guard up

Pshcye led the way across the grounds along towards the rear door of the manse. Broc and Laranstyl followed. They went up onto a rear porch to the door, which Psyche opened. She ushered her two companions inside, making no attempt to disguise their entrance. She acted as if she had every right now to be in this house. Laranstyl found herself in what appeared to be a huge ballroom, [#10 main floor map]. Foot steps could be heard approaching from the corridor to the north.

Psyche spoke. "Last I left them, they were downstairs. It's through here." She indicated the door on the left. [#12 main floor]

Laranstyl felt that something was wrong. She decided to cast detect evil on Psyche, reasoning that if she were under a charm, she might radiate an evil aura. To do so, the dark elf had to stop and cast. Psyche and Broc had move into the adjoining room by this time, leaving Laranstyl alone in the large ballroom. The spell went off, and the mage detect NO evil-none whatsoever.

However, before she could walk at all she heard two distinct and different sounds. One was a female voice coming from her left. It said, "And just who might you be?"

Turning, she saw a slim female, wearing dark green and leathers, with sword and daggers sheathed at her sides. She had auburn hair. Her hands were on her hips for now.

The second sound came from behind her, and the outside door opened and a young man entered. He was accompanied by a large bird, an owl. The man wore adventurer gear and a chain shirt. He had a large sickle in his right hand. He looked a bit surprised, and he gave Laranstyl the once over. He looked over to the other woman with a quizzical look on his face.

"I'm with Psyche." was all Laranstyl said, and so saying turned to move in the direction where Psyche and Broc went.

And so she did. She could hear footfalls behind her, but since neither Psyche nor Broc seemed to pay them any mind, Laranstyl stuck close to them and followed. They moved along the right hand wall of the kitchen and down a set of stairs. [#12, main floor]

Once at the bottom, they head through a room with lots of nooks and crannies, and stuffing? all around [#39], and into another room with cells all around.

There were three people already occupying this room. One seemed an average human male, dressed in standard clothing, no weapons or armor. The second was a rather beautiful human female in white and blue robes, with a chain shirt, mace, sword, as weapons but not drawn. The third was a chain shirt, sworded elf.

*********

Lwcynda, Drist and Joshua busied themselves with whatever in the cell room down below. The others had been gone about half an hour or more.

Seth and Grummie heard the dark one say something about being with 'Psyche and Broc' before she moved off into the kitchen.

Grummie dashed down from the upper floor, Blaine and Gork following behind. There he met Seth and Cassandra.

"Where day a tink dat one be from?" asked the gnome.

"NO idea," confessed Cassandra, "I heard people coming in the rear door, and came over to see. She was right there," pointing to a spot near the kitchen door, then went on in."

Seth volunteered that he had seen her cross the ground with Psyche and some fellow.

"More guests," said Blaine, "delightful wouldn't you say?"

"Deeeeeeelightful," agreed Gork.

They moved into the kitchen. Hearing footfalls going down the stairs, they headed down that way.

Lwcynda and Drist were wondering if a rest might be in order. "We have been up through the night," the elf noted.

Joshua said that he thought he heard someone coming, so he moved to the open doorway. "It's Psyche and friends," he said stepping back into the room.

They watched as Psyche entered accompanied by two others. One was a human man, medium build and height, wearing dull brown clothing and a leather vest. He had a sword sheathed at his side. The other was female, elven and dark skinned, carrying a staff.

Psyche spoke, "Broc, you remember Joshua," indicating the human male. "Laranstyl, Broc and I held him captive for a bit, but then they all held me for a few days, so turnabout is fair play."

She then acknowledged the presence of the other two. "Oh, and these two are part of a group who call themselves the Seekers. They hail from Chatwin. That one," the woman, "is a priestess of some sort. The other, well, let's just say he's with them.

Footsteps could be heard behind them, so Psyche stepped aside to allow entry.

A gnome, a goblin, a tall young man with an owl, a human female and another man entered.

This man spoke. "My. My Psyche. You are full of surprises, aren't you? Who have you brought with you?"

"This is my longtime companion, er traveling companion," she added demurely, "Broc. He cannot talk. And this" she continued indicating the dark elf female, "is Laranstly. She came along with us, but never once entered you mansion before this moment. She is a bit shy."

Blaine said that he was pleased to meet them both.

Everyone heard a bit of muttering from one of the cells. Coming out was Andremar, the gangly human, dressed in starred robes and that odd, floppy pointed hat of his. He took in the ensemble seen. "I, er, ah, well, I have now, ah, seen it, um, all!" His infamous stutter had returned. "I have an announcement to make," he said more clearly. "This will be my last adventure. Once back in Chatwin I intend to retire to my cottage where I will study magic and take up bee keeping."

Cassandra was stunned. Tears welled up in her eyes. "But, Andremar," she said, "without you we will have no mage, no one who can cast magic spells. Whatever will we do??????"

Pause dramticus, indeed!

Laranstyl said, "How coincidental... I happen to be a mage. Don't you think this is godsend?"

Grummie squinted at the new arrivals. He'd not been quiet up until now about his misgivings; and he would spend some time scrutinizing both the man and the dark-skinned elf. The sidelong stares were obvious as was the tone of his single word greeting, "Hello!"

The one introduced as Broc merely nodded. Psyche explained, "My friend cannot speak. He is mute. Do not take his silence in a negative way."

Lwcynda also turned to Andremar with tears in her eyes. "Oh, Andremar, you will be sorely missed. I can still see you outside my house practicing you many fine spells. We will all have to stay in touch and perhaps Gork might give you a hand once in a while."

Cassandra put an arm round Lwcynda, "Only you and me left now, old girl. Who'd a thunk it when we started all those years ago that it would be Andremar to call is quits first?"

Lwcynda offered welcoming words to the newcomers.

Drist eyed the three, "That's right. You need not worry about me. Lord Blaine has seen fit to invite you into his home. Until he changes his mind, you won't have to give me a second thought."

He bowed slightly to Psyche, "Until then."

Psyche curtsied, "I'll be looking forward to it."

Cassandra had been waiting on pins and needles for Drist's response to the new arrivals, well one of them at least. Hard to tell if she was happy or disappointed by his reaction.

Since he took the moderate road, she stepped forward to the woman she had trailed down from upstairs.

"Laranstly, is it? Where are you from? You say you are a mage? Well, you will have to go some to fill Andremar's shoes, er, I mean, hat."

Laranstyl stiffened at that. "I'm sure I would be an adequate replacement to him, in the event I'm with you anyway... you seem to take my admission for admittance into your Seekers...how so?"

Cassandra stopped in her tracks. "No one of us takes anything for granted. Well, maybe Gork over there, but he's only a goblin. You mentioned how coincidental your skills were in light of my friend's announcement. Seems you were the one making the overture. We've just welcomed you here, to this place."

She sat in one of the hard wood chairs that littered the room. "You have not yet told us where you are from, and while I am at it, how is it you know Psyche?"

The gnome chuckled lightly and turned to speak to dark-skinned elf, "Oh, let me a be apologize for assuming so. Mayhaps you be prefering we assumin' you be a hired to be cookin' us dinner den? O' cleanin' rooms fer us?" The gnome winked at Drist.

"Well... I hail from chatwin too, in case you've been too busy running around putting out fires, and not know that i am there. I knew Psyche here, and Broc, back in the village." Laranstyl stopped there before offering any further information. "How about the rest of you introducing yourselves."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow at this one, "The three of you have been in Chatwin?"

Psyche spoke. "You seem surprised. Did you think you knew everything that went on in your village?"

Cassandra looked at her feet, "Well, actually, I did."

Psyche smiled, "Guess you'll have to work harder at gathering information in the future." Then she eased up. "In truth, neither Broc nor I live in Chatwin. We are both from Narwell. We overheard his Lordship bemoaning his bad luck there one night. After a few too many drinks, he was telling his troubles to anyone willing to listen, whether he knew they were paying attention or not. News of this place spilled from his mouth like wine from his cup. We thought it would be an easy job."

Broc nodded, than rolled his eyes. Psyche continued. We passed though Chatwin on our way. No, we never learned of you Seekers either. But we did meet Laranstl. Sort of dragged he along.

The gnome chuckled lightly and turned to speak to dark-skinned elf, "Oh, let me a be apologize for assuming so. Mayhaps you be prefering we assumin' you be a hired to be cookin' us dinner den? O' cleanin' rooms fer us?" The gnome winked at Drist.

"Bee keeping," Seth said, always a few steps behind the conversation, with his custom smile looking towards Andremar. "Maybe back at your cottage I could help you with some plants that would help attract them bees better, like honey suckles." He followed this with a 'hahahahaha.'

Andremar said, "That would be nice."

Seth stopped chuckling as he looked upon the new visitors, with a serious look. He held up his arm, giving Hoot a place to perch.

The gnome grinned widely, unphased by the tension of Laranstyl's rebuttal. "Calm yourself dere now. I jez' be checkn' ta see how you'd be reactin'. Tis good character judgin' to see how you react. Seem' quite touchy, an' a quick to temper eh? Be jes' words now."

The gnome again chuckled and sighed, "No' 'nuf humor in da world now is dey." Shrugging he said to the dark elf, "You are welcome here as long as da Lord Blaine be tinki' so, an' ya not prove y'self unwordy o' company. We be a bit suspicious o' people we not be knowin', but ifen you be wrastlin' wid da likes o' beasie's we been tangl'd wid, den you would be knowin' why."

Grummie saw an opportunity and leapt at it, moving over to the woman he looked up and stretched out a hand of friendship, "I be Grumorald Featherfoot o' da Knight Owl pawnbrokers, but yea ken be callin' me Grummie. Why nae you be tellin' us about yerself and let us be knowin ya."

He didn't want to ignore the man that had joined them, but he could have sworn her hear someone say that the man could not speak.

"Name's Laranstyl, and I would like to hear from you people too about yourselves. As you can see, you are many and I am one.. Well three that is, including Psyche and Broc. I'm confused by just who is talking to me." Laranstyl replied in a more polite tone this time.

Lwcynda spoke, "Good day to you Larenstly. I am Lwcynda, a cleric of Mayaheine, and a member of the Seekers. We are companions who seek truth and we have been together for a long time. We are all perhaps a bit tired now for we have finally come to the end a great mystery and Andremar has suddenly imparted to us that he is leaving the group. We have not been in search of a new mage and most certainly did not expect to run into one here, but if you wish to join our group we may consider your 'application' after we hear a bit about you. Why don't we sit down and have something to eat and drink and talk for a bit. I am sure that Gork would like to practice his cooking now that he has some time."

The comely priestess turned to the goblin. "Gork, what do you say you cook up something wonderful for all of us, we all need a hot meal?"

"Meeeeee geeeeeets to cook?" he asked with glee. "And there's a keeeechen just up stairs!" He announced. He grabbed Andremar by the hand. "You must help meeee with the preparations."

Before the gangly mage had a chance to resist, the goblin had dragged him from the room.

Blaine spoke. "Actually, there is no reason for us to huddle down here in this basement area. Why don't we all go upstairs and find more comfortable places. Then we," he looked directly at Psyche as he spoke that word, "er, I mean you, could all get better acquainted."

He made for the door, but had barely moved when he stepped back. Entering the room were the three female apparitions, all with spirit like suitcases in hand. There forms seems less visible than it had been.

Rebecca spoke. "We have come to say three things. First off, we wish to thank you for making it possible to finally rest after all this time. Second, this is goodbye. Our time on Oerth is over. We are crossing over to the great beyond. Thirdly, since we each owe you a debt of gratitude, you Seekers may call on each of us once for a favor. Each of us has our own abilities. Reveri is more of a reader, Regine has some knowledge of magic, and I, well I am a jack of all trades. And we are all ghosts, so that might just come in handy some day. Choose wisely, for each of us can only appear once."

She turned towards the door, put her arms around her sisters, and the three of them faded into the air!

And with that a certain warmth went through the room.

Thus endeth the adventure, Lord Blaine of Mistmoor Manor.

This is not the last of the Seekers. To follow their further adventures, click to subscribe to the Chatwin Seekers mailing list which will allow you to lurk on these adventures. Or visit the Chatwin Seekers Group site to view the posts.

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