by Artemus Buttwyler, scribe of Chatwin

[this being the text of the Femmes Fatales second adventure, or at least the sixth and final part thereof]

"Well, all?" Zan asked. "What are we waiting for? We have a quest to finish, a mystery to solve, and hopefully, some enemy loot to pillage..."

Her sword drawn and ready, she ventured down the hallway, scanning cautiously for traps. Then she waited by the door to see if anyone else is game, trying to keep an eye out in the other hallway.

Jessa cautiously followed her friend, letting the others follow as they saw fit.

O'Dwyer moved to the end of this short hallway, to where it appeared to `T', and carefully shined his light in both directions, to see what he could see.

He saw that it went north for about 40' were it seemed to branch to the east as well as continue. To the south it went at least 50, and there was a door along the east wall. He heard no one, nor did he see any other light. "Wunderrr what's with these people, livin' dun `ere in the darrrk," he wondered.

Solace, lingered behind OD, and inspected the door in the south wall. She found Zan's ear pressed against it. Undeterred Solace checked it for traps, and found none. Neither of them heard anything from within so, they opened this door.

The room, 20 x 20, was quite dusty. In the northwest corner was a large clothes closet. In the southwest corner was an old bed. Beside it stood a table with two old benches on either side. In the northeast corner, there was chest on top of a pedestal. Next to the pedestal lay a prone body, facedown, with what appeared to bloodstains on the floor around it.

"Now if that doesn't suggest that there's a trap on that chest, then call me an orc and invite me to dinner with your parents" said Solace moving closer to examine the body for any hints on what sort of trap might be involved.

She advanced carefully towards the face down body. With the toe of her boot, she turned the dead thing over. "Another orc," she declared. "As to the means of death, however, yuck!" she blurted before having to back away slightly. For, as others were drawn to the horrid sight, they could see that the creature had been horribly mutilated. There were deep gashes in its chests and limbs, its eyes had been torn out, and both hands were missing. The chest wounds were not consistent with any weapon, and the arm stumps were ragged, with tendons hanging limply from them. "Sure weren't cut off," noted Solace.

This information suggested that it was not the chest which had done this. Still, erring on the side of caution, she took her time with the exterior of the chest before trying to open it. Once she figured it was safe, and since it was not even locked, she flipped open the lid. Inside, laying a top what appeared to be some ragged clothes, lay one of the missing hands of the aforementioned deceased orc.

Solace dry retched and quickly excused herself, saying she had to go get ready for dinner with someone's parents. A pale Solace leaned on her long sword outside the door, doing her best to keep her rations down.

Jessa briefly saw the hand before her stomach flipped in disgust and she had to turn away to avoid a repeat of Solace's reaction.

Zan decided not to take a look for herself...she thought it wise to take Jessa's and Solace's words for it being what it was..

O'Dwyer, who had been watching the hall, came to Solace's aid. "Not mooch out `ere ta see." Hearing about the sight she'd wished she had seen inside, O'Dwyer's curiosity took over. Leaving Solace to watch the hallway, he went inside. After observing the ghastly sight he wondered, "Now what could cause sooch damage?"

No one seemed to have any idea.

"Well, Lassies, `er we gonin' stay in `ere, or `ave yee had enou of this `ere corpse? What say we head out ta the `allway, and then shall we go north or sooth? Mee thinks I noticed an oopen door ta the sooth."

To O'Dwyer, Jessa replied, "I don't know what could have done that. An animal of some kind would be my guess, but I don't know any animal that would do that. We'd better be careful."

"How would an animal place the hand in the chest?" Zan raised an eyebrow. "Surely this is work of an intelligent creature..."

Jessa then nodded. "Let's try the south."

"I agree..." Zan nodded. "South, all?"

"All right, let's go south."

Serena wondered, her phrases came out in short thoughts, "Umm, perhaps it was an animal. Perhaps it was a person. Perhaps, they're the same...south indeed."

The consensus was south. O'Dwyer took up a position behind the two elves, using his lantern to light the way. They headed south about 30' where the beam from the lantern did, indeed, illuminate a partially open door on the west wall. In the opening, part in and part out of the room, was yet another dead creature. The part they could see, still 10' away, looked humanoid, disfigured, with a spear sticking out of its skull.

"The plot thickens..." Zan muttered. "I think we're getting close to something...what, I'm not sure..."

Cautiously, she continued to the door and examined the creature.

The creature, probably another orc, had deep gashes along its back, with an old spear protruding from the rear base of its skull. It seemed quite still, almost stiff in some way.

Daltonne followed Zan. She said, "What on earth could be goin' on 'ere? They all must be crazy."

"And we're not by staying down here?" Zan smirked, still bent over the dead thing.

All this was getting to Solace. Slightly squeamish, she hung back this time, taking out her trusty long sword and examining it to make sure it was still 'trusty'. Noticing there was a little rust around the hilt, Solace decided she would have to wrap it up at night when they returned to the surface. Trusty rusty long sword in hand Solace kept watch down the way the group had come.

Serena got near the corpse, "I suppose we could thank whoever or whatever this is, for blazing the trail for us." Then she added, "Perhaps, it fears getting lost down here, and in it's own sick way, is leaving markers."

O'Dwyer and his lantern arrived. The beam fully illuminated what did indeed appear to be an orc. Whether the presence of the light caused the noise, or everyone's concentration had been on the body, but murmuring, slobbering noises were clearly discernible now. The cleric raised the beam of the lantern in through the open doorway.

The room was about 20' x 40', with a dozen of so bunk beds along the east and west walls. There seemed to be a couple of other bodies, or parts there of scattered about the floor. The sounds however, came from a gaggle of creatures which were ripping at one of the bodies. The crack of a bone being broken by the mouth of one of them shattered the air. These creatures, seemed like five of them, were maybe 5 1/2" or more tall, with long claw like finger nails protruding from what might have once been human hands. As one turned and stared into the light, its long tongue and elongated sharp teeth were clearly visible.

As he continued to illuminate them, O'Dwyer said," Mehaps these be marrrkers we'd `a been betterrr off avoiding."

Solace's ears pricked up at the back as she heard OD's worried words. Grinding the tip of her long sword along the wall, Solace sallied up to the side of the door, eager to back-stab one of the vile monsters.

The first of these creatures began moving towards the party, its horrible nails dripping parts of whatever it had been eating.

"Well O'Dwyer ye may be right, but we're 'ere now and it looks like we 'aven't much say about what to do next. Zan & Jessa, are ye up to this? Then let's git to it," said Daltonne.

"Okay, blokes, who's idea was it to stay down here?" Zan quipped as she readied her plain old ordinary sword. She moved to attack the first creature as soon as it got into range. She quickly sliced at it with her ordinary sword, cutting its left arm. The creature was wounded but undeterred. It flailed away with both claws, narrowly missing the bold elf, and then had the audacity to try and bite her. Again it missed.

Jessa held her sword and shield at the ready, her expression stoic, especially with the sides fairly even, five of these beast and six Femmes.

"What's it gonna be, folks? Make up your minds now." Jessa saw the battle beginning so felt compelled to join in, but tried to stay slightly behind Zan.

Seeing the others ready their arms, O'Dwyer knew a fight was inevitable. But, these creatures seemed to have some human characteristics. He decided to try his holy symbol on the off chance that it might effect them.

"Evil vile things get thee hence, in the name `o Trrritherrron, the Suumonnerrr, I command thee," his voice boomed as he proudly displayed the triple `z' symbol of his deity. Either they were not what he thought they were, or his resolve was not sound enough, for the evil did not henceforth get. They certainly moved faster than zombies.

The other beasties broke away from their feast for the apparent preference of `fresh meat.'

Zan avoided the attacks of hers, then returned the favor with another cutting blow. Jessa slid her long sword into its abdomen, and both she and Zan had to side step as it fell, the contents of its inners oozing out. Daltonne took on one off to the left. They swung at each other, missing, but its teeth ripped a hole in her left arm.

O'Dwyer gave up his turning in favor of frontal assault. He moved to the right around the two elves, and drove his broadsword through the first one to come his way. What his symbol lacked, his sword gained, as the creature was felled in one swoop. Up close, he recognized them for what they were, "Bloody ghouls be they," he declared.

Solace had taken to the shadows, slinking around to the right. She came up behind the last one just as it reached the cleric. His sword slid wide of its mark. The creature bit the cleric solidly on the right arm.

Daltonne swung again, but the ghoul sidestepped, then came in swinging, its claws raking the fighter. She felt stillness wash over her, then it teeth sunk in again. Fear gripped her as she felt she could not move, then suddenly she could. Zan and Jessa advanced, but missed their swings. The beast raked at each of them, catching Jessa on the side. O'Dwyer suffering from the sting of the bite swung wildly, and Solace once again missed her target. Their opponent was apparently confused by having one foe before and one behind; its attacks missed.

Three ghouls, none of them wounded, still opposed the party, the Femmes had suffered some wounds.

"Daltonne, Jessa, to the rear!" she ordered. "Okay, blokes...should we stay or should we go?" The question hung in the air like the ghouls bated breath.

"Watch out everyone, it's about to get a lot brighter in here!" warned Serena as she removed the flute from its place in her bag and cast continual light upon it. She held it high, the sudden brightness causing the ghouls to stumble.

"If we can get a door between us and them, I can secure it magically," she offered. "Maybe give us some time to regroup!"

Solace's ire with these retched beasts was undeterred. She took keen advantage of this confusion, and desired to make up for her errant strikes, for which OD had paid dearly. She spun her sword in her grip and this time successfully sliced across the backs of the ghoul's knees. Zan, her offered retreat apparently ignored, used the surprise of the light to cut through the beast in front of her, slaying it in one fell swoop! So emboldened was she, that she carried her attack to the one on her left, and struck it as well.

O'Dwyer heard Zan's question, and would have answered "Rrrtrrreat," but upon witnessing Solace's resolve and embarrassed by his own failure to effect any of these evil beings, he got a new dose of courage. He cast a ~protection form evil~ upon himself, and joined Solace in her assault on their mutual foe. The wounded ghoul struck first, however, and the cleric was twice slashed by the deadly claws. Their paralyzing venom began its entry into his body. Miraculously, the cleric of Trithereon shook off its effect and struck back, missing badly. Solace again sliced into this one, cutting off one of its arms.

While Zan sidestepped a frontal assault, Daltonne and Jessa struck successfully from the side, killing this one. The lone ghoul swung feebly at Solace, then all converged upon it, and the last monster fell. Somehow, the Femmes had survived.

Solace picked up the slain ghoul's severed arm and beat its body, shouting "Die ye damnable, undead, ...um... scum of the earth, incontinent son of a bitch". Then she retrieved her sword and cleaned the blood off it. "Not a scratch" added the smiling Solace, examining her own body. She then set about helping OD patch himself up.

The battered cleric welcomed her help, and realizing the full extent of his health, or lack there of, cast a cure upon himself for good measure. Daltonne also seemed to be the worse for wear, so he cured her as well. He still had one such spell on this day.

Serena shoved the still glowing flute, back down into her bag, receiving a feline squeak as a result. " Oh!, so that's where you'd gotten to, you damn fraidy-cat." After hearing Solace belabor the dead ghoul with its own arm, Serena couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and say through an appreciative smile, "Well done good warriors, well done." Adding a soft clap or two with her hands, she continues, " It is deeds such as this that make for fine ballads and poems." Wrinkling her nose, " Tis fortunate that odors cannot be sung. I believe if you could do so, those verses to do with, mighty Solace and the ghoul's arm would chase the audience away." The mage's levity broke the gloom. A search of the room suggested that it had probably been a barracks of sorts, with rows of bunk beds lining the east and west walls. In addition to the dead ghouls, there were five human, or seemingly human, corpses, in whole or in part, strewn about the room. Each of them wore a Gold Medallion of Nerull.

"Well, sometimes justice dooz prevail," noted O'Dwyer, "Them that serve evil conveniently dune in by it."

Nothing much else was found in the room.

Solace performed some Conan sword swinging and headed out of the room... Out in the hall, waiting for the others, she nibbled on some rations and complacently enjoyed the absence of the Black Blade persona which Zan used to have. 'Yes that total bitch Black Blade did suck' Solace unprovocatively thought to herself.

"I heard that!" Zan growled. Turning to OD, she smirked and remarked, "Times like this I wish I still had the accursed sword...

O'Dwyer winced slightly, "Times like theees, I'm glad ya don't, Lass."

"Now, which was would we all want to head?" She asked the group. "Or, shall we turn back?"

Walking past Solace, Zan slapped the rogue on her leg with the broadside of her sword playfully, though aiming to bruise...

"Heh...I'm still the same old bitch," Zan smirked. "Just minus my sword..." Her last words seem to be filled with some sort of pained longing...

The others soon joined them in the north south hallway, as remaining in that room was really unthinkable.

From where they stood, the corridor headed south for about 50', then turned to the east. They could head this way, or reverse their direction and head north-where the corridor went beyond the stairway hallway another 40' with some openings, or they could retreat back to the upper level.

"I vote that we continue on. We have to rid this place of these priests and their followers." The stoic elf winced a little at her injury. "But, since we've already sustained injuries, I won't protest if the majority wants to turn back, even if we have to leave this evil alive to do so."

Solace nodded in agreement. Then, grasping her long sword, she skipped off quietly down the southern passage scouting out the turn to the east.

OD understood Jessa's ambivalence, as he felt pretty much the same way. But he knew the evil must be dealt with, as he has been summoned here after all.

"Just because we turrrn back, or go upstairs, doesn't mean we can't return. Perhaps if we could find a place to rest down here even, to restore some spells, might be a good idea."

Serena figured some place to rest and regain strength, would be wise. "I need to relearn my spells as well."

"Iffin ye need to replenish yer spells, well we kin rest. But I thin we hav to git rid of this evil iffin Zan ever wants to know the whole truth of that ther' sword. We kin come back after a rest." Said Daltonne.

Solace reached the corner and peered around, then moved out of sight. Upon her return she gave a slow, calm signal which suggested that they should follow. The others moved up to where Solace stood.

The corridor went west for about 30', then turned north. However, in this corridor, along the south wall, there was an open door. "Found this door open, though it can be closed and barred from the inside. Think I might have found us a place to stay, of sorts at least." All moved up to this open door to view what Solace's idea of a `sort of' place to stay might be.

They looked into what appeared to be a 20' N/S, 40' E/W room, "I think it was the jail," announced Solace. As all could see, there were some barred cells along the west wall (2 of them) and the south wall (4) of them. Five of the six cells seemed empty of life. The sixth, the third from the east along the south wall, could not be viewed, because it did not have the standard jail type cell bars. Instead, it had a dark door which had a black star fixed upon it.

O'Dwyer began to direct his lantern beam on the dark door with the black star " when Serena stopped him. "O'Dwyer, save your lantern oil." Serena removed her flute with the continual light spell upon it, chasing away the rooms shadows. Serena fervently hoped the shadows went. Once they did, the chamber seemed less menacing. O'Dwyer advanced and closely examined the black star. He wondered if it had any significance as a symbol, like of a deity or something similar? But try as he might, he could not recall any such deity. "Couldd signify eeevil, but nae fer certain."

"Hmm... a magical seal of some sort?" wondered Solace aloud. "Hey Serena, come take a look at this will you" Solace said, offering to hold/amuse the cat for a while.

Serena moved closer to the oddly decorated portal, and with her now luminous flute, took a better look at it. Chisim, on the other hand, after having been stuffed in Serena's pack with a continual light spell, would have liked nothing better than to be somewhere else. " Meoww ", was Chism's only comment, as she jumped to the floor and wobbled toward Solace.

To the mage, the star seemed more a decoration than anything to do with magic. "Sure does seem to be fixed to this door, though. Guess they really wanted it to stay here.

Solace had taken up the cat and was stroking it gently. The rogue gave the door the once over with her trained eyes. "Seems to be a very solid door, made of wood and iron, it does have a lock upon it. Other than that, there does not seem to be anything else odd about it. As if this whole place isn't odd enough."

"Purr," said the cat.

The other cells seemed empty. Each housed small beds with rotting mattresses and showed no signs of having been inhabited recently.

"Seems ta be this doorrr or nothing," concluded O'Dwyer. Solace and Serena concurred.

"Pleasant place," Jessa commented sarcastically.

"Shall we see if the door is locked?" She gestured to the door with her sword.

"I'm for it..." Zan went up to the door and pressed an ear to it, seeing if she could hear anything on the other side. She could not. Then, realizing that it was locked, she tried picking the lock...Try as she might, she could not get it open. "Seems I'm a bit rusty at that skill.," she admitted with a tone of sadness. "Why, as Black Blade I coulda," her voice trailed off.

Sighing, she turned to Solace. "Hey, brat," she groaned. "Why don't you take a try at this damned lock?"

Solace chose to ignore Zan's request, instead preferring to wave her finger back and forth in front of Chism's eyes to help her regain some co-ordination. Then with the poise of a Mohican, Solace said "Well, if you can't do it I'm sure there's no hope of me succeeding". Solace handed Chism back to Serena. Unfolding her kit she then selected a few of the delicate silver tools and began to work the lock. It took a few moments, a few anxious moments, but eventually Solace was able to open the lock, and the door. The small 10 x 10 chamber was empty save for a figure, draped in a dark robe, suspended to the south wall by manacles. The figure did not move.

Daltonne sighed and said, "Oh wunderful -- now what do we 'ave 'ere? O'Dwyer, mayhap ye got yer simbol at the ready? Well ladies, shall we?"

"Thanks, brat," Zan gave Solace an "ol' buddy, ol' pal" punch to the shoulder a little harder than she really should have, then ventured forth to the figure on the south wall, ever wary for traps, to study if the creature was in fact dead, sleeping, or unconscious...

"Yeah, call me 'brat' again Xena and you'll be on your back faster than you can say 'Owen Hart,'" Solace mumbled rubbing her shoulder, knowing she was easily as strong as Zantel.

At Daltonne's request, O'Dwyer readied his holy symbol. "This `errre time the eeevil will get thee hence," he assured his companions.

Zan and the cleric of Trithereon inched their way forward, closer and closer to the suspended figure, making footprints in the soft earthen floor of the chamber. Serena held the lighted flute high to aid their view. The cloaked whatever did not move. Zan reached forward with her sword, giving the cloak a gentle touch. When it did not react, she moved her sword more purposefully, trying to move the cloak in such a way as to see what it might cover. As the sword reached the hood, a skeletal skull could be seen.

Solace hung back as usual and did a few stretching exercises.

O'Dwyer's symbol was pushed boldly at the skull, but it did not react. "This `errre dead may just be the real McCoy," he declared.

Carefully then opened the manacles, and lay the bone body, all that was left of whomever this once was on the earthen floor. Once the cloak was remove, a close inspection of the bones revealed an intact male skeleton, with no obvious marks upon it.

"Poor fellow probably starved here," said Zan. "Wonder who he was?"

"Mebee this will `elp," offered Daltonne, who had rumaged through the discarded cloak, now holding out a small scrap of paper, "found it rolled up in one of them pockets."

The well-aged scrap was carefully unfolded. On it, in what seemed faded dried blood was scrawled, "Ring .... Bow,... chalice, ... malice" Bellow was the letter `T'.

O'Dwyer racked his brain and memory to see if he could recall any mention of a `T', person or place, so far in this adventure. When nothing came to mind, he asked the others to do the same. Try as they may, no one could remember a `T' of any significance.

"Wonderrrful," O'Dywer moaned, yet anetherrr unexplained sign."

He then asked his companions if they've agreed on resting in this room. "Surrr could use some time forrr prayerrr and reflection."

"I don' mind a rest if ye like," said Daltonne. "Now jest because we can't remember a name beginning with T doesn't mean we're stumped. I'm not much fer poetry - what might this note be tellin' us I wunder?"

"We might have not come across it yet, bloke," Zan suggested. "We still have more of this dungeon to explore...."

Jessa nodded, but remained silent, lost in her own thoughts.

Serena figured a rest was in order. "Yes, this place is as good as any other in this god forsaken hole."

So, the Femmes made themselves as comfortable as possible, taking turns with the watch, the door locked from the inside.

Serena retired to a quiet cell to begin the study of her spell book.

O'Dwyer suggested giving this room a good going over in case some other remains remained.

At which time Zan looked around suddenly. "Okay, where's the designated outhouse around here?" [thus becoming the second player in the history of JJ's Greyhawk campaign to even consider this topic. It was three years before the famed Chatwin Heroes ever took a dump. Perhaps that's what made them so heroic?]

Solace replied, "Third cell on the right seems free. Do remember to shut the door."

The chamber where the body had hung, and the empty cells were all searched. Behind some loose stones in one of the cells, not the outhouse one, was found an ivory tube. After no traps were found upon it, it was opened and a rolled up parchment was removed. Only Serena was able to understand it. "This is magical, and will open a locked door. It contains the spell ~knock~." She put it in her pack for now.

"Could come in handy later on," said Jessa. The elf leaned back against the wall, pulling out her whetstone and work on sharpening some of the nicks out of her sword.

O'Dwyer and Black Blade took the first watch, Solace and Jessa the second, Serena and Daltonne the third. At one point during the second watch, some footfalls were heard moving east to west, but the passed by without disturbing the door.

Upon hearing the footsteps, Jessa readied her sword just in case, but relaxed once they fade away. She made a note to herself to tell the others in the 'morning'.

11th of Patchwall, Godsday

And soon enough it was morning. Jessa told of the footsteps in the night. "Sounded like just one set, moving at a normal pace. Could have been a guard just passing by," she surmised.

Solace listened at the door for a while, as the others got out some food for breakfast. "Haven't heard anything or anyone," she said. She opened the door carefully. "Seems to be just like we left it last night."

"Which begs the question," Jessa said, "how do we know when it's night down here?" [Thus becoming the FIRST person in the history of JJ's Greyhawk campaign to concern herself about time in a dungeon!]

"Tis eeesy, Lass," responded O'Dywer with that gleam in his eye, "Ya jest consoolt yer sundial," indicating a wooden contraption on his left wrist.

Both Solace and Jessa allowed this one to pass, or did they? `Anyways', with breakfast over, and with new spells at the ready, the party prepared to leave their wonderful bedroom. Everyone made one last trip to the loo, "Never know when we might find another one," cautioned Zan.

And so, there was a door just outside on the left, one which Jessa could say the footsteps did not enter during the night, there was the hall which continued north and turned west , where the footsteps probably went, and there was the hall from whence they had come.

OD figured that the next door would be the most logical place to start. Willing to give it a try, he offered, "Carrre ta join me. B, errr I mean, Zan?", still not quite used to his friend's new character.

Zan nodded, "Sounds good to me."

Serena was rather cheery after a nights rest, " Oh well, hip hip and all that rot, as they say. Lead the way, mighty warriors."

Emboldened by the title `mighty warrior, O'Dwyer puffed out his chest and moved to this door, on the left as they headed north. With Zan at his side they gave this door a mighty push until it opened. Serena used the light flute so they so could see what was inside.

The room ran 20' N-S, 30' E-W, It contained a large wooden block in the center, around which ran a gutter, leading to a same well in the floor. Against the north wall were eight sets of manacles, each of which had brackets for arms, legs, and necks. In the far northwest corner there appeared to be some sort of lever in the wall.

Solace went to check out the well. It appeared to be dark stained, but dry and empty for as far as her sword could reach. "No one touch that lever till I get a good look at it," she said firmly.

Jessa offered, "An alter of some kind where the priests make sacrifices, perhaps." Glancing at the manacles, Jessa's face became grim. "Human sacrifices, by the looks of it. The gutter is most likely for catching the blood." Somehow, the elf managed to say all of this with a relatively straight face, though it is obvious she was still very upset by the purpose of this room.

The cleric asked the elf, "How come yee ta know such a thing? Them things of sacrifices be not in yer line of work, now are they?" He said this in a tone of admiration, not accusation.

Jessa shrugged. "When you've been alive for 330 years and over 150 of those years were spent as a mercenary, you tend to see a lot of things you'd rather not. "

O'Dwyer then moved towards this `altar' to see if his clerical senses gave him the same reading as Jessa's. "Morrre of a sacrificial chopping block, but I do believe, ya got the jist of it, Lass," he affirmed.

Solace, guided by Serena's light, moved over to the lever, and gave it a close look. From where she stood, she looked along the south wall, the across from the one upon which were affixed the manacles. "Yes, as I thought. It everyone would be so kind as to step back to the doorway?" she suggested. Once everyone had complied, she pulled the lever down.

"Phewt" phewted some spears from holes in the south wall, which then crashed into the manacled areas of the north wall. "Rather efficient, don't you think?"

"Aye," said O'Dwyer, "If yee be in the need of some swiss cheese of the like, otherwise, not a place I'd like to spend the night."

Impressed, Solace stood by the lever "Cool! Zantel, if you could just move a little to your left, that's right, a little bit more, great that's perfect, say cheese..."

Solace tore herself away from her day dreams and started preparing a rope with which to go down into the well, using the block as a point to tie her rope, while dangling a lantern from her belt.

Zan mumbled something totally unintelligible to the group, (but anyone from the 24th century would recognize it as every curse known to the Klingon language) and walked over toward Solace, peering over her shoulder, "accidentally" knocking her into the well...

Shaking her head from the daydream, Zan shrugged and wondered why such an evil thought crossed her mind... No doubt so did Solace.

"Well, this place has a rather homey decor, doesn't it?" she decided to comment with a hint of sarcasm.

"I'm guessing that Zan doesn't know what she is talking about, so to speak" thought Solace as she struggled to regain her footing on the side of the well. Fortunately she was able to regain her balance, no doubt to Zan's dismay. "This could well be the shortest sail ever made" Solace added with a laugh as she begins to descend.

Jessa decided to wait for Solace to either come back up or tell everyone to come down before descending into the well.

O'Dwyer wished he had his `whatever to common dictionary" so he could figure out what the heck they were talking about. As Solace eventually descended into the well, O'Dwyer readied his spear in case something else came up with her.

Solace let herself down carefully, using her feet against the wall to control the speed of her descent. The well went down about 20'. She soon neared the bottom, which the lantern light allowed her to discern was darkish in color, and slightly wet and slimy, as if blood had coagulated down here. There did not seem to be any way out from here, though Solace did her best to find one. The presence of many nagging flying insects and creepy crawlies in the guck encouraged her to climb back up.

"Rather disgusting," was her report.

Those who had waited above had heard no sounds from the corridor in the meantime.

"Lest one of you wants to take a sample for forensics," O'Dwyer offered, "I suggest we leave." He took a look at the spears which had been released earlier, but none of them were of good quality. He stuck his head out into the corridor and saw nothing out there. .

"Anyone coming with me?" he asked as he began to move out.

"I'm so glad I just did that" said Solace, packing up the rope and drawing her long sword again. She joined O'Dwyer at the door ready to continue.

O'Dwyer moved north and peered around the corner. Solace accompanied him, chatting as she went. "Can you believe BB just tried to kill me? She sure can take a joke well these days, I remember when she used to get really angry..." Jessa followed the cleric, giving Zantel a warning glance after Solace made her comment.

Zan gave Jessa an innocent look as she took her sword and made some fencing feints toward Solace's back. Then she put on her innocent look once more as she followed Jessa.

"You know, I could revert back to the good ol' days..." she mumbled under her breath.

Solace and O'Dwyer turned the corner and headed west. This corridor continued west for about 90', where it appeared to turn to the north. There was a door along the south wall at the 50' mark, and another about 70' along. O'Dwyer and Solace moved along carefully to the first door, which seemed similar to the others on this level. Solace listened and heard nothing.

Daltonne said, "Well, shall we git on with dis? Where is everyone? Either we are in the wrong place or we scared everyone off. Solace, is the door locked?"

"Well", Zan sighed softly, "the more places to explore, the happier I am..."

She and Solace checked to see if the door was locked. It was not. She and Daltonne eased it open, sword at the ready.

Seeing the bold elf and the brave female fighter step forward to open the door, O'Dwyer, the timid cleric, stepped behind them and let them at it. His sword and shield were at the ready also

"Some say too quiet," he thought to himself.

"That's easily fixed" shouted Solace. She then followed the two butch fighters, sword at the ready.

Serena asked, " A bit of light, anyone?" producing the illuminated flute.

The door opens with little difficulty. The room was 20' by 20'. The walls were barren. The central floor area was covered with a pile of bones. As the Femmes glanced about, some of the bones seemed to move, rise up if you will, from the pile. There soon stood six of them, warriors with full armor, helms, and swords. Their faces, though just eyeless skulls, faced the Femmes.

Daltonne asked, "Well Zan, shall we dance with these gentlemen?" She smiled and got ready to charge in with Zan.

"Sounds good to me!" responded the elf. Holding her sword at the ready, she prepared to attack along side Daltonne.

The two fighters moved forward and got in quick blows before the skeletal warriors had a chance to move. Their swords clattered on armor and bone, doing damage, but not as much as usual.

O'Dwyer was known as one who enjoyed a good two-step, so he followed these two ladies lead, only he brandished his holy symbol, that of Trietheron the Summoner, boldy, demanding that those bone faces who were not being attacked by Zan and Daltonne, `get thee hence' in some way.

Serena felt a bit less useful here, "Well Chisim, there is not much we can do, fore our trusty dagger, magic that it may be, is no match for yon bonny bunch." Then a bulb went off. "I say, let us not only give our comrades light to fight by, but a jaunty tune to swing by. Something with a lot of light!"

The cat agreed with a hearty "Meow."

"Could you perhaps play 'These Boots'?" Zan quipped. The Nancy Sinatra version, not the Megadeth one..."

The cat begins,

"Puss and boots are made for walking, That's just what they do. One of these days these boots are gonna Walk all over you,"

doing her best Nancy Sinatra strut. [megadeth actually covered this?????]

Solace watched O'Dwyer's turning attempt, and saw three of the bone men move off to the lower left hand corner, hands in front of their skulls, as if to hide their eye sockets from the cleric's symbol. Solace prepared to defend the cleric with boot and sword if any of them decided to advance on the cleric.

Daltonne and Zan continued their assault on the skeletons, eventually being joined by Jessa. These three skeletons proved little match for the three skilled fighters, getting in only minor wounds on Daltonne and Jessa before being reduced to a pile of bones once more.

The Femmes found themselves with three adversaries left, only they were being successfully held at bay by the might cleric of Tritheiron. .

"Well, let's finish them off and continue the pillaging--I mean, searching..."

O'Dwyer kept the skeletons at bay, advising, "OK, but yee best all attack togetherrr, cause me turrrning will be spoiled once any one `o yee does."

Forewarned, the fighting femmes coordinated their attack, rushed the skeletons em masse, gained an early strike, then another, and quickly reduced these three to nothing more that a pile of bones.

The room was searched. Other than bones and bone fragments, there seemed to be nothing of interest or usefulness, unless of course, one was interested in a skeleton for her doctor's office.

This left a return to the hallway, where another door on the southern wall beckoned, or they could by move past it and head north along the corridor.

Solace waited for the others to move, but they seemed fixated for the moment on the plies of bones. Undeterred, Solace headed over to the door in the southern wall where she listened, then examined it, and pronounced it suitable for opening. While she waited for the others to decide, she also scouted silently around the corridor to the north. There she saw the corridor run north for about 30' and turn to the east. She could just discern the edge of a door on the north wall of that east running corridor.

"Psst," she pssted, "Shall we look in this one?" indicating the nearest door," or are we heading north?" she asked her less than enthusiastic companions. "Or do you want me to do everything by myself?"

"I'd like to see that," Zan grumbled, "without you screwing up something...

"I say we go north..." she exclaimed aloud.

Serena said, " The door, the door. I'm all for the door, don't yah know."

"Oh yeah?" said Solace to Zan, "Well I may have been a little indecisive a minute ago, but I say we go through this door right here!" Solace stuck the point of her sword into the wood to illustrate her desired direction. The door took it like the trooper it was, and did not cry out, nor did it sap.

"Right behin' ye, Solace. We 'ave to check dem all so lead the way," encouraged Daltonne

O'Dwyer looked at Zan, "You may just have the better choice, as most of these rooms contain the walking dead," but he turned towards those at this door, "but curiosity has the cleric by the tail." He made certain his holy symbol was the first thing whatever might be inside would see first. "OK, Solace, Daltonne, let `er rip."

"Well, looks like you're outnumbered, Zan." Jessa adjusted her grip on her sword. "Let's see what's behind door number one."

Without further ado, Solace and Daltonne pushed this door open. It creaked and groaned, but otherwise did little in the way of threatening them. Serena raised the illuminated flute so they could all see what was there.

It seemed either a narrow room or short corridor, maybe 10' wide and possibly 20' long heading south. But it was difficult to judge this area, as it was filled with webbing, dust, and very dead air. Vision was very limited. Whatever this place was, it was not a place that had been frequented in a very long time.

Resisting an immature urge to dance around Solace, stick her tongue out, and sing "See? I told you so!" Zan hmphed.

"Well, we can go in and see if there's anything we can use..." she grimaced at the thought of venturing through spiderwebs. "Or, we can take my original plan and go back..."

Daltonne said, "Well we're 'ere now -- why don' we try to burn off some of these webs and see what we see. Iffin no one's been 'ere in a while maybe we'll fin' some clues or somethin'. I don' know but it seems like we 'aven't found much down 'ere-- maybe we missed somethin' earlier."

"God damn it" said Solace, in which god's name no one knew. Following Daltonne's advice she then grabbed a torch from her back pack, struck her flint against the wall dramatically, then lit the torch. Using the fire to burn off the webbing, she began to explore this area.

The webs evaporated in a musty smoke which caused Solace to cough and squint. She had to wave the smoke away with her free hand. It took some minutes for the area to clear. Now, it seemed more like a dead end corridor than a room. She walked the 15-20' of it, her feet sinking into the dust as she went. She arrived at the end. "A wall. Stone wall."

"Well, let's 'ave a look at the wall. Maybe a passage or somethin'," suggested Daltonne

"I agree," Zan stated as she began to look for any indication of a trap, secret door or otherwise... "If we don't find one, we'll backtrack and continue to head down that corridor I suggested earlier."

OD said, "Good idea. I'll keep an eye on the corridors, lest something sneak up on us." He glanced up and back down the corridor, spear at the ready.

Solace, Daltonne and Zan gave this dusty area a thorough search, and ............... it was up to the skillful elf to discover something unusual about halfway along the west wall. "Here. Right here," she indicated, "This part of the wall is not quite flush with the rest." She felt about the wall and floor until she discovered a loose stone under the dust of the floor. Under it, she found a lever, which once pulled, opened this area of the west wall. Solace's torch revealed a narrow, single file passage, no more than 4' wide and 5' high, which had been carved in an irregular manner. It went at least 10' in a north westerly direction.

"Good work, Zan. Looks like we won't have to take your way after all." Jessa smirked slightly at her long-time friend.

Pulling out her long sword, Solace pointed her torch down the passage, "I think it's best if I go first, you fighters will be too cramped in there to be of much use to anyone". Listening for any objections, Solace prepared to enter.

"Solace, wait! Take my flute instead of the torch. No smoke in your eyes or flickering flames to cause shadows to dance. If the shadows dance anyway...well, perhaps a dignified withdrawal would be good advice," offered Serena. But Solace did not respond, perhaps figuring that the flute might be needed in its more musical capacity sometime, and who better to blow it than she who has that as a skill.

"Now here's an interesting situation," Zan smirked, apparently happy to have Solace in front of her, "Solace, ol' buddy, ol' pal, you best be going first, since you have the torch. I'll watch your back."

Jessa nodded, "We'll be right behind you." Knowing her long sword would be useless in the cramped quarters (She'd probably end up chopping one of her friends' heads off), she sheathed it, strapped her shield to her back, and drew her daggers instead.

Solace ducked her head a little and ventured, sword angled rapier-like in front of her, the torch illuminating the way. She was followed by Zan, Jessa,. Serena, O'Dwyer, and Daltonne.

The tunnel passage went north then bent northwest, then west, in all taking them about 25-30 from the dusty hallway. Solace could see through the dull glow of the smoking torch that there was a door coming up along the north wall. As had been her practice, she approached the door intending to examine it, but before she even got near to it, still about 4' away, two blades whipped out from either wall, about 3' off the ground, crisscrossing like scissors at her midsection. Perhaps she heard them release, or perhaps she was just lucky, but the wily rogue stepped backward just far enough to avoid an unwanted appendix removal.

"Son of a bitch" says Solace under her breath.

"Well, someone's gone to some trouble to keep anyone away from here," she concluded. She carefully neared the door, and gave it the once, and for good measure, the twice over, before opening it. The torch light, and the flute light revealed a room of about 20' square which seemed filled with the dust of centuries. The air was stale and dry. On the east and west walls hung the tattered remains of tapestries, their message too worn to be appreciated any longer. In the center of the north wall was a chest on a large stone block. Above the chest, hanging on the wall, was an elaborate short bow without a string.

Solace turned to Serena as she watched whoever chose to enter the room. "No offence, but I don't want to carry around some gay flute, and a torch can be a useful weapon sometimes".

O'Dwyer had by now switched to his sword, as he realized that the spear would have difficulty in the narrow confines of the winding tunnel. He expressed willingness to go in and have a look around.

Daltonne was there too. Since O'Dwyer did not fill the room alone, she chose to join him. Solace followed with the torch illuminating the area in a modest fashion, casting shadows about the area. They approached the chest. The cleric and the fighter yielded to Solace's expertise, stepping aside to give her access to the chest. Solace moved forward, and was about to examine the wooden chest when -

Daltonne felt a strange touch, -or was it two?, upon her shoulders. Turning quickly, she saw but her own shadow cast upon the side wall by the light of Solace's torch.

Solace, ignorant of her comrade's distress, laid her sword down and prepared to proceed with her task. "Someone want to hold the torch" she asked?

As Daltonne turned to look around she said to O'Dwyer, "I say O'Dwyer, this place is creepy. I just felt something or someone touch my shoulders. Do ye thin ye kin detect some evil or whether there is somethin invisible 'roun 'ere? I thin I cud use a little healing too, iffin ye got any." She showed remarkable calm under the circumstances.

Hearing Daltonne's request, Zan said, "I've got a feeling, evil or not, that there's something in here with us..." Zan entered, prepared to fight with her sword.

Jessa had already headed over to examine the chest, sheathing one of her daggers on the way. Oblivious, to what was transpiring, she held the torch, and watched Solace fiddle with the chest.

O'Dwyer decided to aid his comrade first, and cast a cure upon her. Daltonne and Zan turned to face the alleged foe, but could not see anything at the present. Zan felt a slight chill, however, as something might have grabbed her left arm, if only for a moment.

By now Solace had opened the chest. Inside, she and Jessa looked upon what appeared to be a 9" tall ivory chalice.

Serena, puzzled by her comrades' conversation, raised the flute up higher and kept a wary eye on the shadows.

Solace picked up the chalice and tossed it from hand to hand, "Hmm nice" she said. Then, perhaps awakened by the bright light of the flute, she noticed something might be amiss. "Hey, OD, what's going on?" she asked.

But O'Dwyer had no time for a verbal response. Having healed Daltonne, the priest gazed intently wherever the continual light of Serena's flute aided his gaze. His discerning clerical eye noted that one of these shadows seemd to be not that of one of his companions, but one of its own creation. "Fiend," he pointed as he extracted his holy symbol, the silver `Z' on blue disk, and held it up. "Evil shadow get thee `ence" he declared, his voice firm and his stance true.

Low and behold, he of great faith successfully culled this shadow from the others. "I can `old it, I can drrrive it off. I know only magic can `arm it. What say yee?" he asked his no doubt impressed comrades.

"Holy Crap" said Solace accidentally doing her best to break the effect, "I don't believe it... It's amazing... I am actually impressed!" Then recalled from her self musings, Solace said, "Good one OD! I didn't think you could do it, pass an intelligence test I mean. It's a pity, an oversight one might say, that I don't have any magical weapons."

"That's because no one in their right mind would let you have a magical weapon..." Zan grumbled under her breath. "You'd probably hurt yourself..."

Solace nevertheless stowed the chalice away (hoping the others will forget about it) and pulled out her whip, ready to put a leash on the creature if the decision be to attack it.

O'Dwyer was tempted to take a bow for all those years spent in priestly college, an especially for that class he took in "Undead Identity" but... the shadow held his attention, for now. He wondered about the party's state of magical weapons.

"Well, I DID have a magic weapon, but, silly me, I had to give it up..." Zan chided herself.

"Well, I don' thin I 'ave anythin magical that wud 'elp, so either we take a quick look around and git out or we git it out," said Daltonne.

Jessa shrugged. "I have magical weapons, but none that would effect something of the metaphysical."

O'Dwyer now knew that fighting it was futile so he directed it out of the room. The shadow, under the control and in fear of the priest's symbol, had no choice. In fact it was quite willing to comply. In moments, the Femmes found themselves alone in this well tucked away room. There had time to reflect how fortunate they were that the cleric was able to turn a creature which they were ill-prepared to face. Was this dungeon too much for them, or had they missed something(s) along the way that would have better prepared them for this encounter?

Zan suddenly got an epiphany from above and snapped her fingers. "Maybe we should go back and check out that corridor I suggested earlier?" As she epiphanied from above, she also recalled that there was a significant portion of the above level which had been totally ignored.

Jessa gave Zan a slightly withering look and shrugged. "If we've reached the end of this hallway, that would be the next logical choice anyway."

As they mused on this, O'Dwyer turned to Solace, "Did someone say something about a chalice?"

Being the closest to Solace, Jessa turned to the thief and held out her hand. "Why don't you let someone look at that before you tuck it away for 'safe keeping'?"

Meanwhile, Serena reached into her bag and removed a slightly ruffled Chism. " You poor thing." " Were you frightened?" Asked Serena. The look on Chism's feline face left little doubt as to whether she was frightened or not and just what she thought of such a question. Serena couldn't stand it and broke out into a fit of giggles, that she was only partially successful in smothering with Chism's furry coat. This earned Serena an even more indignant glare!

"What chalice?" Solace responded to O'Dwyer's question, before Jessa ruined her ploy. Solace gave Jessa a scowl and tossed the chalice nonchalantly over to Serena for inspection. Solace agreed that it would be wise to try and find some weapons to deal with these sorts of creatures before proceeding. Of course, there was still that unstrung bow on the wall behind the chest.

Serena caught the chalice at the expense of Chism, who took a quick trip to the floor. The mage inspected the ivory relic by the light of the flute. As she did so, she fell silent, her gaze one of wonder, as she looked at the east side wall. To the others, it seemed she was deep in thought, though her eyes moved about.

This lasted for some minutes, then she shook her head, lowered the chalice, and turned to the others. "My friends," she said, "I have just had a vision. A old robed man appeared to me. I think he might have been a mage. His voice was soft yet firm. He said the following:

"Deep within the Castle Keep Lies a King in restless sleep Whomsoever holds the key Will learn the secrets of all three.

"The ending could be far or near, Depending on whose voice you hear. One thing now that you must know, Your choice now must be below."

When she had finished with the rhyme, she paused, then added, "He did not tell me his name, but I think I noticed a ring with the letter `T' on it."

"Well, now that is interestin'. We've got to go below. Jessa, what say ye look around in 'ere fer a secret passage to below afore we continue down the passage."

Jessa nodded in reply and began to do just that.

Serena got the rogue's attention with, "Your chalice, Solace," pitching the item back to her in a smooth arc. "Come Chisim, we're off again."

Jessa and Zan began searching the area. The walls seemed solid enough, and the chest seemed immovable.

O'Dwyer said, "Before you put it away, Solace, perrrhaps I could `ave a look at it. Maybe as a man o the cloth I might be able ta learrrrn something frrrum it?" He examined the markings on the ivory chalice. "Not surrre what faith it might `a been, but I get the idee that it was of good faith. "

Meanwhile as the others searched the room, those who messed with the chest began to figure that it would move, but there must be a trick to it.

Solace suggested that Zantel look for switches around the room. Solace poured some water around the edges of the chest in an attempt to gain some clue about the mechanics of it. She then organized some logical trial-and-error procedure by which to manipulate the chest. And finally as the proceeding two efforts failed to produce results, she investigated the inside of the chest more closely, leaning well into it.

It was about this time that Jessa and Zan, having searched the walls ever so carefully, finally arrived at the bow, that unstrung bow, that hung on the wall behind the chest. With nothing to lose, they tried to remove it. As they did so, the chest swung away from the wall, scooping up Solace and depositing her within, like the whale swallowed Jonah. Below where the chest had been was a hole, and a dusty wooden ladder going down somewhere below.

"The best thing to happen all night!" Zan chortled, staring down the hole. "I say let's go forth..."

Daltonne chuckled at the sight. "Now that was worth waitin' fer." She then opened the chest and helped Solace out. Solace emerged from the chest none the worse for wear, "That was fun, and there's nothing else in that dumb chest." She debated running it through with her sword, but seeing that the others were anxious to get a move on, or down as the case seemed to be, she decided against it. And, considering that the rhyme which Serena had `visioned' had suggested `going below' this seemed the logical course.

O'Dwyer shined the light of his lantern down the hole. The wooden ladder seemed to descend about 15' to what appeared to be a dirt floor below. Solace examined the ladder. "Seems to be in reasonable shape," she noted.

Zan and Daltonne, guided by O'Dwyer's light began to descend. The ladder proved itself to be adequate as the two bold fighters reached bottom. "Floor is pretty solid, but it's rather damp down here," reported Zan.

"That's fer sure," agreed Daltonne. "Now git that lantern down here."

O'Dwyer, Solace, Jessa, and Serena, began to make their way down the ladder. O'Dwyer reached bottom and began to scan the place with his light. A quick pass gave the general impression of a carved out cave, with a passage off to the north. The light also passed over what was probably another chest, and flickered off some gold reflections in a pile of white things. By now Solace, Jessa and Serena had reached bottom, the latter with the flute still all aglow. Its light confirmed what O'Dwyer's lantern had hinted at. Plus, it revealed the presence of a rather large, hairy spider which was clinging to the ceiling. Its hiding place exposed, it descended via its web slowly to the center of the cave, which seemed to be about 25' in diameter.

"I don' thin' I kin remember exactly but the last time we met a spider was it that 'heart of the wud' or somethin' like that? Did they give us somethin' in case we met another?" Daltonne readied her sword should she need to fight the creature.

"I hope it knows the spiders of the woods..." Just in case, Jessa loosened her sword in its scabbard. Jessa shook her head. "I can't remember anything, either. I don't believe so, though."

Well, as luck would have it, the spider's vision, in the well lit room, was acute. It spied the carefully woven webs on the shoulders of the Femmes. Since they had not taken immediate offensive action, it trusted the symbol, and climbed up the left side wall, and moved off into a crevice.

"Well, Daltonne, what say you and I join our comrades?" Zan suggested

"Alright Zan, let us be off so we kin git this job done and be out of this wretched place."

Watching the spider disappear, Jessa followed Zan and Daltonne on down the corridor.

Zan and Daltonne led the way along the carved corridor in a generally northerly direction for about 40-50'. It was then they came to another cave, this one extending some 50' to the north, thought there was a passage just 10' east of them. As O'Dwyer's lantern beam passed over this cave, it illuminated what appeared to be an old boat, its rotting hull sitting like the proverbial fish out of water.

As the Femmes pondered this seeming conundrum, Jessa had a flashback of some sort, she began to mumble, "Ring .... Bow,... chalice, ... malice." As these words were repeated, the others thought about all the items they were carrying, taking special account of those items which had been gained during this particular adventure.

Solace said, "Were we going to back track a little up there with the hope of finding a magical weapon, or did I miss something?"

"Well Solace, I guess we were, but we're 'er now so let's look aroun'. " "Jessa, that's gud ye remembered about the scape of paper -- now all we 'ave to do is figure what all this means."

O'Dwyer advanced slowly towards this boat It was about 30' long, along the lines of a northern fishing skiff. There seemed to be no explanation as to how it might have found its way to this cave. Using his lantern, the bold cleric examined the rotting hull. As the light reached the inside, it glinted off something metal. The cleric realized that the metal object was a hammer, in seeming good condition. It was somehow to familiar to him. He pondered this for a while as the others voices got through to him.

Hearing this, O'Dwyer also recalled the last clue about `going below', "I think we should stay doone `ere. Didn't Serrrena's vision occurrr when she `eld the chalice, and then the chest moved so as wee culd get doone `ere?".

Serena smiled as if a little joked had just been played.

Jessa tried to recall what else the party might have found. "Great. Well, either Solace or Zan has the gold candlesticks from the shack before we entered the dungeon. Either them or Serena has the talisman that we found in the room with the ebony suit of armor (the tomb where we left Black Blade's cursed sword making her Zantel), umm... Serena, as we all know, has the magic flute from the bridge with the troll. I don't think Morague has anything," then remembering that Morague had stayed outside to guard the horses, she went on, "I know I don't have anything, I usually give stuff to someone else. Either Solace, Zan, Serena, or O'Dwyer has the ring which is told about on the scrap of paper (I think we found it in one of the bedrooms at the beginning of the dungeon, but I can't be sure). As I said before, we just found the chalice and the bow, and Serena or O'Dwyer has the chalice. Other than that, I don't think we got anything else since waaay back, before we even got near here." With that she took a deep breath, then asked, "Anyone else who was with us since the beginning remember anything?"

Daltonne summarized, "Well, near as I kin remember we foun' that there flute that Serena's bin carryin' at the Troll bridge. We got lucky with the spiders because we saved their leader so now it seems we are protected agin any of their attacks. We found that ring in the room where that lady ghost disappeared an I thin ther' is the initial 'G' on it. Now we 'ave that chalice and bow and we jes met malice. I thin that's it."

That seemed to be about it. Of course, the bow was as yet unstrung. The flute had been played at least once, but nothing happened at that time.

Zan, mulled about how she had given up her black sword, "cursed, yeah, but it was magic too," and how no magic weapons had been found as yet.

"Meebee not, then again, just meebee," said the cleric. "This `ere `ammer rrreminds mee `o the kind what appearrrs when I cast me ~spirritual 'ammer~ spell. Neverrr beforrre even seen a rrreal oone. Usually jest appearrrs shimmerrin like in the airrr. Might jest coome in `andy," he declared.

Now that all the found items had been accounted for, perhaps it was time to make sure she who had what knew. Serena had the flute, O'Dwyer this hammer ... ??

Solace wondered aloud, "Maybe if we string up the bow and give all these things (chalice, ring, hammer etc) to one person (say Zantel given that she is the most used to spiritual possession) something might happen."

Solace, at a loss for what else to do, searched the boat. Other than some dust, nothing else was found.

Reluctantly, though knowing it probably necessary, Zan agreed with what Solace had suggested. "Might as well sees what happens," she said, taking the bow and attempting to string it. Try as she might, and certain that she knew how, she could not get a string on it.

Solace said, "Maybe you need all the stuff like I suggested." The elf grimaced at the thought that her rival might be right. With one more slight concession, "OK, I'll take the ring, but I really can't see any use for me to have those holy things..." Putting the ring on her left hand, the bow grasped in her right, a string `appeared' from the ring, and the bow was strung. Testing it, Zan judged it to be, "Quite strong, indeed."

O'Dwyer decided to carry the the hammer, since it seemed to compliment a spell which he could cast. "Should wee not be movin' frrrom `ere?"

Jessa watched the rest of the group distribute the items out. "I suppose either Serena or O'Dwyer should keep the chalice; maybe we'll find some use for it later."

"O Kee, Lass, I'll `ang onto it fer now," replied O'Dwyer.

"Well, I guess iffin ther' be nothin' else in this cave we should try this boat. Maybe it be magical and not so bad off as it looks." Daltonne looked into the water to see if she could see anything. There being no water around, she naturally saw nothing. "Must a been my imagination. Guess there's nutting here after all." To O'Dywer she said, "Cud you shine yer light around to see iffin there be any openins around, O'Dwyer?"

The cleric indicated the passage to the east which his lantern had revealed when they first arrived in this cave. "That be da only way, lest we go back up," he declared.

Jessa realized the futility of examining the ancient craft any further, "I'm not sure I'd trust my luck on it, but if it's the only way to go other than back... May as well give it a go if you think it's sturdy enough."

So, there being no other way, the Femmes decided to try the eastern passage. O'Dwyer, lantern in one hand, the chalice or hammer in the other, led the way, with Zan, wearing the ring and armed with the newly strung bow at his side. Solace and Jessa made up the second rank, followed by Daltonne and Serena, who held the lighted flute aloft to give extra light front and back.

A natural passage led about 40' east, till it opened into yet another large cave which extended 40' or so north and south, 30' or so east. A quick scan with the lantern revealed no other obvious ways in or out.

O'Dwyer decided to test out some of the newly acquired equipment, and Jessa theory of how any or all of these might be helpful. First, he took out the hammer and waved it about this new cave. He got no special feelings nor did anything seem to occur. So, he took out the chalice. He held it aloft, perhaps hoping for divine inspiration. For a moment, all were struck speechless, for, lo and behold, light emanated for the holy object a glanced upon the far wall. As they continued to watch in amazement, all saw a shimmering doorway appear in this wall.

The cleric broke the silence. "Lo and behold. Me eyes see what appearrrs ta be a doorrr of sorrrts in thee wall `o yonderrr. Saints be prrraised."

He set the chalice down, rubbed it, but no genie appeared. The misty opening did remain, however.

"Son of an Orc" said the slack-jawed Solace, "Well I guess its not the most amazing thing I've seen travelling around with you bozos". Solace then proceeded to examine the portal.

O'Dwyer was pleased that the group has finally amazed Solace, "It has been our goal t`amaze yee," he admitted. He followed her to this door, lantern in one hand, his new hammer in the other.

"Well, then, it's sally forth to the door, eh, blokes?" Zan suggested.

"You bastards amaze me every day" said Solace scratching her neck until it turned a little red and chewing on some salty dried meat. Solace then yanks out her sword and heads into the passage. Since only O'Dwyer qualified as a possible bastard, he took a bow no doubt?

Serena moved forward into the passage as well. Holding the light giving flute high, she said to no one in particular, "Gosh, this is exciting, isn't it?"

And so it came to pass that the Femmes moved through the misty portal and entered yet another chamber, another cave like chamber, maybe 20' in diameter, with no other exits. Solace waited for the others to enter. Zan, the newly strung bow in her hands, followed. The cleric, hammer on high, brandished the lantern in his off hand. Serena accompanied him, the continually lit flute making the room clearly visible to all. The air here was stale and very dry. Against the west wall sat a large sarcophagus lying against a rock. The sarcophagus seemed to be made of heavy iron. At the base of the sarcophagus, clearly visible in the beam of O'Dwyer's lantern and Serena's glowing flute, an inscription in a very old common tongue read, "Here lies Ethelwaine the Cursed."

As they took in this sight, an apparition rose up form the sarcophagus. The figure was draped in red robes and resembled a horribly mutilated man with terrible wounds about the eyes. Everything in the cave became bathed in a blood red light. The figure's mouth opened apparently preparing to emit some sort of horrible sound.

O'Dwyer quickly sensed something about this figure, "No idee what tis, Lassies, but noo doobt in me mind tis evil. And, whatever it `as ta say, can nay be good." Not that they could understand each word he had said, the rest of the party understood that this was a life or death situation.

Solace raised her eyebrows at the sight, straining to raise some amazement, but eventually failing (all out I'm afraid). "Everything just seems so parse' after that secret door. Hey Jessa, remember that shimmering portal we just came through, man that was something wasn't it!" she said, before blocking her ears and returning her attention to the ghost.

The stoic elf simply raised an eyebrow in the thief's direction and shook her head. To herself she thought, "This one would never have survived that damn maze thirty years ago..."

Jessa held her sword ready for an attack, though, she did not know what good a normal sword might do against a ghost. To Zan and O'Dwyer she said, "This might be your cue to try out those weapons."

Serena said, " Yuck! Let's see if yon grim faced apparition can appreciate a bit of happy music!"

As the party began to take offensive actions, the spirit began to wail. The sound started to assail their ears. This caused some minor discomfort, (*) but the music of the flute, as played by Serena, kept the sound at bay.

The Femmes set upon the spirit with everything they had. O'Dwyer's new hammer flew from his hand and held itself aloft over the spirit's head. The hammer struck at the spirit, but the ghost avoided its thrust. Zan fired arrows from the new bow, but both missed the mark. Jessa charged the spirit, driving Wolfwind sharply through the beast. The spirit struck back, its taloned claws rending two strips down the elf's chest. O'Dwyer commanded his hammer once more, and this time it struck home. Zan could not get a clear line of fire, so abandoned the bow in favor of her ordinary sword. She made a noble effort, but missed. So did Jessa. Daltonne had be guarding but realized that this creature was tougher than expected. She wailed in with her broadsword. Serena continued to play, frustrating the spirit's continued wail. The spirit struck again, this time at Daltonne. Once again the party took its best shots. O'Dwyer's hammer found the mark again. This time the spirit's skull seemed crushed. A blood curdling scream issued forth. Then, in a blinding flash of red flame, the ghost disappeared. The Femmes were alone in this cave, the sarcophagus their only company, Serena's music the only sound.

"I thought this one was the gud one -- or was there a Cedric too. I can no remember." Said Daltonne, wondering if they had done the right thing.

"Ethelwaine was supposed to be good, handsome etc etc, according to Artemus" said Solace, "Cedric was the bad one who apparently took control when Leefrick, the father, died and E was out adventuring, he may have returned and been killed by Cedrick... Apart from the names I believe my memory to be rather good on the subject."

Solace snapped out of her momentary maturity and proceeded to experiment with strange sounds because her voice sounds funny when she talks with her ears covered.

"Whateverrrr," said O'Dwyer, "ee's dead now."

"Maybe he be jes a restless spirit." Noted Daltonne.

"Well whut now? Shall we look in that sarcophagus?" Daltonne took the initiative and began to examine the ancient burial box. It was made of heavy metal [led zepplin?], probably iron. Solace gave it a thorough going over and pronounced it safe for opening. The three fighters combined their strength and lifted the heavy lid. As the lid opened a wave of comforting warmth enveloped everyone in the party.

"And suddenly, I have a warm and fuzzy feeling inside," Zan remarked, almost cheerfully, and would have hugged the next person beside her if it hadn't been Solace.

Solace gave Zantel a big hug and resisted the crown for a moment, before giving in and picking it up for a quick appraisal. "Holy crappadoodle," Solace exclaimed, "this thing's worth a king's ransom, four, maybe five thousand in gold." She turned the crown over in her hands and then tried it on for size. The weighty object slid over her head and hung loosely around her neck.

Inside they found a remarkably preserved corpse of a man in chain mail armor. The eyes of the body had apparently been gorged out, and the hands were missing. As well as this body, they also found a gold crown adorned with four large rubies, an empty sword sheath, and a white shield which bore the symbol of a gold chalice over two crossed gold swords. As they searched the sarcophagus, one of the elves noted a secret compartment beneath it. In here they found a scroll written in old common. Between them, O'Dwyer and Serena were able to read it aloud:

"This is the dark resting place of Ethelwaine the Good, who fell victim to his treacherous and usurping brother, Cedrick, bastard son of the King's cuckold, Godwin. Never was there so much wickedness unleashed upon a realm. May the gods guide us all to the light of Truth and redemption.

(signed) Tardelph, Wizard of the Gold Swords"

Zan examined her sword's hilt, then compared to the workmanship of the shield and sheath, wondering if there might be any similarities. There was a definite relationship between sword and sheath. The markings seemed the same, and Zan felt as if there was some `connection', a gut feeling, between the two objects.

Her attention was caught by the reading. "Tardelph?" Zan scratched her head. "Wizard of the Gold Swords? Hmmm...curiosity is getting the better of me..."

Still, she kept a close eye on Solace, watching her to make sure she didn't run off with the crown or shield, or the gems... when she saw the crown now around Solace's neck.

"Don't you have any respect for the dead?" Zan hissed, with a slight tap on Solace's shoulder. "Put it back before we get on his bad side..."

"Back off Zan, he doesn't need it anymore. Besides, I think it suits me." Solace twirled around and knighted Zantel with her sword. "Arise Sir Crap of Crapville" she said before quickly retreating to hide behind O'Dwyer.

Zan rolled her eyes. "Or, you can get on my bad side. Put the crown back. Now. It's not right to take from the good, dead or not."

O'Dwyer did his best to keep these two `friends' from fighting over this latest fashion. "It could just be our reward, or our just rewards, you know". He tried to examine the symbol on the shield to see how closely it resembled the chalice, which still rested on the floor I the previous chamber. From what he recalled, this symbol looked remarkably similar.

Solace nibbled on some dried meat, she watched everyone else ponder this development, her own mind a blank. Solace took off the crown and replaced it on the corpse's head, her hand touching its temples. "We should probably return all the artifacts to Ethelwaine" Solace said as if this sacrifice was her idea in the first place, "Come on Zantel, have some respect for the dead and give up that sword".

O'Dwyer wondered, "But if thee dead guy `errre was really good, then shouldn't we be puttin' `is good stuff ta good use? If we had left thee chalice, then we would not `ave got in `errre, and thee chalice and symbol on the shield, they be the same, as if we be supposed ta find it, right?" Spoken like a true follower of the Summoner.

So, what would Zan do with her sword, which was once the dastardly black blade? Would O'Dwyer feel the need for shielding? This and other questions hoped to soon be answered.

"Well, I can see how the weapons and such could be of use against the evil which has taken this place over," Jessa frowned ever so slightly, breaking her normally stoic expression. "I do, however, protest to the grave-robbing of a good and honorable man. I say take what we could use, but leave this crown and the jewels..."

"Well I'm not fer grave-robbin either but I be thinn' that we shud take all this 'ere stuff with us and use it to defeat whatever evil is 'ere. It may be that Edelwaine will return fer it at the exact right moment and 'elp us defeat the evil that is still in this place. We can't defeat anythin really evil with our non-magical equipement but iffin we are in the right room at the right time we may 'ave the means to defeat the evil. We don' 'ave to brin it back with us when we be finished, we kin always bring it back 'ere. But fer the time being I thin it is best we take it along. Why we can't just look a gift-horse in the mouth ye know and lord knows we are in need of some 'elp iffin we ever want to solve this mystery. Maybe it will be a way of puttin' Edelwaine's soul to rest once he is able to 'elp rid the evil. Ye know he can't carry this out 'imself. So what do ye say?" The others stood in stunned amazement, for in truth they had no idea that Daltonne knew this many words!

Serena said succinctly, "I agree with Daltonne."

"Well its decided then" said Solace, unsure of exactly what has been decided but happy to go along with whatever action is agreed upon. "The question is how are we going to put Ethelwaine's soul to rest?" she added.

O'Dwyer offered to perform a priestly ritual, saying a few words over the body, sprinkling some holy water. "Guess we should close the coffin back up as well," he asked.

He decided t hold unto the shield, "since it has the chalice on it; that be a clue which fairrr Jessa rrrememberrred."

It seemed the consensus was for taking everything for now, just in case it had a use. Solace put the crown in her pack. Zan sheathed the long sword. As she did so, she felt a mild energy surge through it. The sword now had a soft white glow!

As they made ready to leave this cave, O'Dwyer went out to recover the chalice. As he did so, it transported itself into the shield, like it had found a home!

The cleric noted, "Joost might coom in `andy again."

Solace saw Zan's sword glow and O'Dwyer's shield absorb the chalice. She frowned with determination and withdrew the crown from her pack. She banged it against the wall. "C'mon you stupid crown" she said, "work god damn you!". However, though it showed no sings of denting from this barrage, it did nothing else, for now at least. Solace disappointedly put the crown back in her pack and kicked the wall as she strode out of the dead end corridor.

O'Dwyer followed Solace, carrying the chalice bearing shield in his left hand.

Shaking her head sadly at Solace's actions, Jessa the elf followed her out. It had been a while since they had come in here, and no one was real certain of their whereabouts.

Daltonne expressed her confusion. "Not quite sur where we are but I thin we have to go back trough the cave and up into that room agin and I'm. Not sure where from there."

So, they back tracked through a series of caves till they came to familiar terrain - a cave full of webbing and a spider, a friendly spider, moving about above them. "There," pointed Daltonne, "them's the stairs we come down." Upon seeing them, the others recalled how they had descended the stairs some time ago.

"I guess thee way is oop then," said O'Dwyer. So up they went.

Again there was a certain familiarity with the surroundings. This room was the one where they had gained the bow and the chalice. It was also here that Serena had had a vision when she held the chalice for the first time, a vision of an old man, upon whose finger there had been a ring with the letter `T' who had told her that the way to go was `down below'. The door to the room was still open leading out into a narrow crawl space corridor which went back to the east.

Reminded of this, O'Dwyer began showing the shield which now bore the chalice around the room. Then he stared into the chalice on the shield, hoping for a rerun of sorts on the chalice `o vision. [a for-runner of TV] "Maybe Mr. T will return. He could be looking for his son `E'".

"Well now, this may be daft, but I be thinnin' that since this is Zan's quest she shud get all decked out with the sword, shield and crown and whatever else we got from old Ethelwaine and see what 'appens. Maybe Mr. T will come say 'ello. Or maybe we'll jes be ready fer the unexpected. How 'bout it Zan, are ye up fer it? Can't 'urt ye know. Where to now. Anyone remember where to go next?"

Serena, being the most fashion conscious of the group added, " Now that sounds like an interesting idea, indeed it does."

"The only problem is that Zantel is uncommonly common" piped up Solace, "and carrying off a royal impersonation will be, well, rather difficult to say the least... no offence intended of course" Solace added insincerely, turning around to face Zan. "Shall we return to the upper level of this horrid place?"

"'Uncommonly common,' eh?" Zan smirked "There's a new one...as I said before, I've been most comfortable with a sword...I think Daltonne is right, and I'm not the one to refuse an offer like that.

"As for returning back up...I agree..."

No one knew for certain what caused it, but it was at this moment, that each who held, wore, or possessed an item gained while in this fortress of Gelatint felt a minor charge begin to rumble through their individual bodies.

As those effected looked around in some confusion, the two not effected could sense something was up. Then a shimmering began to appear in their midst. It grew gradually calmer, clearer, until all could see a ghostly shadow of and old man, in what looked to be well worn and weary wizard's robes, with a ring bearing the letter `T' on the ring finger or his left hand. His face was deeply lined, white bushy eyebrows hugged the rims of aged, tired eyes. His lips curled upwards in what seemed to be a slight smile.

"He's back," said Serena, thereby confirming that this was the same manifestation she had witnessed some hours before when they had first ventured into the room, and found the chalice in the chest.

While everyone else stood silently O'Dwyer ventured with a, "And jest `oo may you be?"

The vision smiled warmly, "Why I am Tardelph, former mage of Gelatint, and friend to Ethelwaine the Good. You found my earthly body some time ago in the cell room. I am glad to see that you have survived this far. You now have all you need to rid this place of the evil which has ruled it for 300 years."

Jessa lowered her sword, which has been raised defensively up until this point. She watched him stoically as she replied. "Do you speak of that evil priesthood, good mage?"

O'Dwyer listened carefully as the spirit spoke. He compared whatever it said concerning religions to his own knowledge of those in this world.

The spirit responded, "Yes, I speak of an evil priesthood, that of Nerull. No doubt you have heard of it?" he asked of O'Dwyer.

"Aye, and they bee eevil, aye."

"And you, once the dark one, but now the child of light," he addressed Zan, "you entered this place with a sword bearing their symbol, did you not?"

Zan nodded, "Yes, I think I did." She vaguely recalled that Artemus, all those weeks ago, had identified some symbols on the former Black Blade as those of this deity.

"Well, it is so. Nerull has come to rule in this place, this once good place. From what I can see upon you, and what I know of your adventure here so far, I gather you have uncovered much of the mystery. Perhaps I should fill in some blanks, those blank places that history sometimes leaves." He motioned for all to relax. The Femmes sat upon the floor, intent on the story.

"You see, this was once a great place. Ruled by good King Leefrick and Gwyndolyn, his beautiful Queen, this was a major defensive fortress against any evil from the north. Leefrick was aided by his leftenant, Godwin, one to whom the role of second in command was like an oxen's yoke, too heavy a burden to bear. Leefrick and Gwynne had two sons, Ethelwaine and Cedrick. Well, at least Leefrick though he had two sons. For in truth, Cedrick was Godwin's child - though Leefrick never knew as Gwynne was somehow charmed into the affair, and died in child birth. Godwin kept the secret, though he made sure that Cedrick was well raised and trained in warfare. He also encourage Cedrick's natural jealousy of his older brother Ethelwaane, who would inherit the throne. When Ethelwaine undertook his voyage of discovery, Godwin made his play. He saw to the `natural' death of Leefrick, and, upon Ehtelwaine's return -yes, he did return, he was not lost at sea - he greeted the now king with open arms and 100 archers. Godwin's son Cedrick became king, and both became part and parcel of the dark arts, and the worship of Nerull. On Godwin's deathbed, he exacted a promise from his own son Hengus, that there would always be a place for the forces of darkness within these walls, or now, within what is left of them."

He smiled at his audience. "You have done very well for yourselves so far. You have dispatched Ethelwaine's restless spirit down below. The sound of the flute helped you in that regard. And, you have accumulated many items which will help you finish the job. You must drive the forces of evil from what is left of this once fine castle." He paused, as if for breath, as if spirits get tired, too.

Daltonne, "Well I'll be. Ye means we jes 'ave to git rid of these evil priests and that be it. Is this why Zan 'nd that there strange sword -- like someun chose 'er fer the job? Well where the hec 're these blasted priests so we kin be rid of their evil kind?"

"Chosen?" Zan arches an eyebrow. "I was 'chosen'?" She sighs. "I asked for adventure, not some cosmic champion trip..." With a shrug, she sighs again. "Oh, well..."

The spirit nodded in acknowledgement. "Whether you be chosen, or you have chosen this path, you are here now. As for the evil that now controls this place, it lays to the north. Find your way back to the main hallways and turn left. There are still a few more turns to be taken.

O'Dwyer asked about the nature of the items which had been found. "Any idee as to how wee can be best using these thins we have found?"

Again the spirit spoke. "You have the shield. It will protect you from evil. She with the sword can better fight evil. The ring and the bow must be worn together, to offer protection and to be more accurate. You have found the value of the flute as it repels sound quite well. Put each in the hands best equipped to use them. "

"Well, then...I say let's pick up arms and do battle, then..." Zan took up the sword up, which seemed well suited for her hand. She handed the bow and ring to Jessa. "You've always been the better archer than I, old friend." Again, these seemed well suited to their new owner.

The elf, having sheathed her sword and shouldered her shield once they discovered the ghost was friendly, nodded her thanks as she took the weapon. Sliding the ring onto her finger, she adjusted her grip on the bow and waited for the others. She felt better aimed and better protected.

O'Dwyer had the shield, Serena the flute. Solace still carried the crown in her pack. Daltonne, like the loafer to everyone else's dress shoe was still without new reward. "Meybe ther'll be supim fer me soon enough," she mused.

It seemed the Femmes were about ready to move on. They looked at the spirit quizzically, as if they were all asking if it had any other advice. The spirit began to fade as the old wizened voice said, "Head north, find the long and winding road, beware of the sweet song, and trust no one else but yourselves." The spirit was gone. A voice echoed, "Good luck."

"Maybe we can finally begin heading in the right direction." Jessa gestured towards the door. "Shall we?"

"I'm all to go," Zan nodded, falling into step next to her old friend, sword at the ready.

Serena fell into step with the rest of group. She brandished the flute, her newest weapon.

"Alright, le us be goin' iffin we 're to find the evil." Said Daltonne

O'Dwyer gathered up whatever he had, and followed along. "Think wee best `ead back ta da hallway and `ead north."

Solace joined O'Dwyer at the rear. "Now do good job of leading, Black Blade. And don't be taking any more of them detours, either," she directed. She debated wearing the crown, but thought the better of it for now.

The two elves led the way back through the crawl space like tunnel which the party had entered what seemed like an eternity ago. It wound southward some 20-30' till it reached a main hallway. This hallway ran north to south. To the south they recalled, were those cells where they had found the earthly remains of what must have been Tardelph, the former mage, whose spirit had been so very informative indeed. All agreed he had directed them north, so north they went.

Twenty feet to the north they found a door. Since no noise was heard on the other side, and it seemed safe enough, Zan pushed it open. They looked into a east-west hallway. To the east, this hallway ran at least 50-60' with no end in sight, though there were doors on its southern side some twenty and forty feet away. To the west, it ran 10' or so, and turned to the north.

Zan spoke, "Hmmm...let's check out the two doors..." she pointed to the south wall. "If there's nothing of interest, and there doesn't seem to be anything else interesting down that way, we'll double back and go down the west...okay?"

Jessa nodded. "Sounds good to me." She pulled out an arrow and nocked the bow, just in case.

And so they headed west to the first door. There being no obvious sounds emanating from within, no blood curdling screams or the like, the door was opened. The light of the flute revealed a room 20' x 20'. What seemed to be a huge pile of bones, human bones, filled the center.

"Whoo...not a good sign..." Zan mutters. "So, do we want to continue to Door Number 2 or shall we enter these modest accommodations and search for any secret passageways out of this place...?"

O'Dwyer readied his holy symbol in case any of these bones animated.

As stoic as ever, Jessa replied, "I some how get the feeling that any secret door we find here would not lead to somewhere we want to go."

There being no strong feeling towards entering, and no obvious reward for entry, the door was closed for now, and they moved on to the next one.

Again, no sounds could be heard from within. Once the door was opened, a 30 x 30' was viewed. This rather macabre room contained a large wooden block in its center. The blocked seemed caked in reddish stains. A large axe lay next to it. A gutter ran round the block to a small hole in the floor. Against the north (door) wall, eight sets of manacles were fixed. Each set had brackets for arms, legs, and necks. In the far southeast corner was a large lever attached to the wall. The elf frowned. "This room is very familiar... If I'm correct, we've either been here before, or a room very like this..."

"Now `at you mention't, this do seem familiarrr. Cerrrtainly I be recallin tha part about tha spearrrrs." O'Dwyer looked back to the west. "If it be not tha same room, I think we be knowing what it's ferrr. Maybe we best take that north turn back there." He pointed to from where they had just come.

No one expressed interest in investigating this room, [again?], so they heed the cleric's advice and retraced their steps west, then north. They headed north for 30', and then turned west along the hallway. This hallway had the unusual trait of having what appeared to be a stone wall on the right/east side, with a dirt, cave like wall on the left/west side. The hallway continued another 20' and then turned north. Where they stood now, there was a door 10' ahead on the stone, north wall.

"Shall we?" Jessa gestured towards the door with her bow.

Serena answered, "Hey, sounds like a plan to me!"

And so the door was opened.

In this 20 x 20' room were two upright sarcophagi against the far, north, wall. Each of them bore the emblem of the black Star. Between them was a stone altar with a blue flame burning above it. Etched on the east and west walls were strange runic symbols. In each of the two far corners of the room stood a hooded figure with head bowed. Each of the figures held a long sword, blade down. The figures were draped in black robes and stood about 7' tall.

O'Dwyer readied his holy symbol in anticipation of these two tall things getting anxious about the party's presence.

"Ohhh boy," Zan whispered. "I think we just opened a whole new can of worms..." She turned to Solace. "So...would you like to use your womanly charm on these fellows?"

The rogue remained silent.

Serena prepared to play the flute.

Daltonne, taking a more direct approach, prepared to fight. "Guess we better be ready. Jessa, Zan are ye ready? This may be it!"

The cleric strode forward and, as he anticipated correctly, [this time], the two hooded ones animated, raised their swords, and advanced towards him. In his strongest voice he commanded, "Beings of eevil, get thee `ence from this place."

The beings of evil showed no interest in getting hence; they raised their swords higher.

Jessa had time to flight some arrows before these things were upon O'Dwyer. She loosed two arrows from her new bow. Both arrows struck the one on the left in the chest. And then they were upon O'Dwyer. Their swords rained down upon him. He was able to step aside one strike, but the second landed squarely on his right shoulder.

Serena played the flute, but it seemed to have no effect at the present time. Daltonne advanced to O'Dwyer's right, and struck at the one that had wounded him. Her sword missed the mark.

O'Dwyer would like to have used his magic hammer and tried a spell, but he realized that the chances of the spell being lost were high. He resorted to his sword. His first swing was weak. The two eleves, swords drawn, advanced on the other creature. It took a couple of rounds, but the party was able to slay them without further bloodshed on their own part.

Upon examining the bodies, they realized that these creatures were part orcish in nature. The 20 x 20' room permeated evil. There were two upright sacophagi against the far, north, wall. Each of them bore the emblem of the black Star. Between them was a stone altar with a blue flame burning above it. Etched on the east and west walls were strange runic symbols.

"Kin anyone read the runes over there? Mayhap iffin someone puts on the crown they might be able to read 'em. Be ready everyone. Do we open one of these sarcophagi?" Daltonne asked.

This was tried, but the best reading anyone could get was that these writings represented evil warnings, nothing real clear.

Jessa frowned. "I don't like the feel of this place one bit. Are you sure opening those sarcophagi would be a good idea? Might just be hold something we don't want to deal with... Then again, they could hold the answers to this whole mess."

O'Dwyer offered, "I doone thin we'rrre sapoosed ta like this place, Lassie. I think that's why we'rrre `ere. Ta put an end to its dislike." His voice was soft and reassuring.

Solace examined the bodies and confirmed they were half orcs. "Each was wearing a nice bracelet, emerald I think," she said, holding two nice ones aloft. "And they had these gold looking medallions."

O'Dwyer examined them. "Nerrrul, lest I be missing me guess. They be in league with tha evil ones that we be seeking."

Curiosity could not be contained. Solace examined the upright coffins. Both seemed safe to open, both seemed empty. As she took a closer look at the one on the right she said, "Well, lookie here. Seems this one has an alternate way out." This statement drew everyone's attention to this one. Sure enough, the wily rogue had opened the rear, and there did seem to be an endless passage heading north out the back of it.

"Well I guess we shud go that way" pointing to the new opening discovered by Solace," said Daltonne.

"I agree with yee, Lassie," said O'Dwyer. In preparation he drew his sword, and readied his shield, since his symbol had not had a great deal of success.

The passage was more narrow than the other hallways, being maybe 8' wide. The walls were rough stone. A foul smell was noticeable, and it grew more vile the further the party went. It seemed a combination of rotting fish and putrefying flesh. This passage proceeded north for 50' or so, and turned east. Another 50' brought the femmes to a turn to the south. As they approached this turn, they could see a small chest, maybe 2' x 2', in a nook in the east wall.

O'Dwyer had no interest in the chest. He suggested that the floor be examined, for pit traps. "I could be castin' a find trrraps spell should we be needing it."

Daltonne agreed, "Sounds gud to me OD. Let's start checking."

The priest brought forth his spell. The floor at this juncture seemed secure, as did the hallway for as far as the cleric could see.

Unlike her companions, Zan played the role of the curious kitty. She went to the chest and spent about a minute examining it for traps. "Seems safe to me," she noted.

"Aye, I feel tha same way," said O'Dwyer.

So, the elf prepared to open it when she paused. "Funny, now I hear a sound within it. A pecking sound?"

After a moment's paause, "Serena..." Zan brooded. "Is your cat still around?"

Indeed, Chism was still around, as her head peaked out from Serena's backpack.

Zan explained that she wanted to have the cat sniff the chest...and gauge its reaction to what may be inside...

Serena brought Chism near to the chest. The animal dutifully sniffed, and then seemed very interested in this chest, scratching at it with a paw. Serena said, "She acts like that when food or prey is about."

"Thought so..." Zan gave Chism a pat. "So, kitty-kitty, shall we see what's within?"

Checking once more for traps, Zan opened the chest...

In the blink of an eye, a very small bird flew out of the opening and quickly escaped own the hallway, emitting a piercing melody as it did so. All that was left in the chest was a broken egg shell.

Jessa, who'd been watching Zan and the chest, blinked in surprise. "Why would someone put a bird's egg in a chest? And how did that bird manage to survive?"

"Perrrhaps so the chest could `give us the byrrird,'" said O'Dwyer. "Shall we continue?" He indicated the way they had been heading, which was the same direction in which the little screeching bird had flown.

Daltonne agreed with the priest. "Yes, let us continue. I be guessin' but I thin we are nearin the end of our quest." She probably got this idea because a little birdie told her.

And so the femmes gathered themselves and headed south. The light showed the passage continued south for 60' or so, and then turned to the west. As they neared this corner, maybe 20' from it, they began to hear what appeared to be sweet singing, very low and very soft.

Jessa raised one arched eyebrow, but said nothing. Putting away her bow, she one again drew her sword, but left her shield in its place. This elf trusted nothing here anymore.

Solace started to speak, but then fell silent, and began advancing forward as if intrigued by the music.

Serena had a thought, and gave the flute a toot. The singing which had seemed so sweet, now seemed harsh and threatening. Solace continued to move forward, "How lilting, how comforting," she said.

'Lilting and Comforting?' Jessa thought. She moved to place a hand on Solace's arm to stop her. "Wait, it's not what it seems to be."

The rogue hesitated, and turned towards the elf. Jessa could see that Solace's face was not its normal arrogant self. It seemed devoid of any emotion. The eyes were dull and limped, not focusing on her as they should. Jessa could hear the `song' become even harsher, as did everyone, save Solace. As their attention was drawn down the hall, they became aware of a large winged creature, with the head of a rather ugly female, emerging from the left/west side wall. Solace turned towards it and said, "Mistress?" in a monotone voice.

"Oh fer heavens sake. Pull her away from there, she's charmed. Come on Zan & Jessa we hav to git rid of this beastie." commanded Daltonne.

O'Dwyer decided `might was right' this time, so he tossed his new hammer, and cast spiritual hammer. The item flew from his hand and hovered over the head of the hideous harpy.

The weapon slammed down on the beasties' head striking her right between the eyes, stunning her. Then to everyone's surprise, it struck again! This second strike smashed through the skull driving the head to the ground, where the once fierce creature lay extremely dead.

"Doooon't knooow me ooun strrrength," said O'Dwyer, as the hammer flew back to his hand. As the others no doubt stood in awe of this magnificent weapon, he cautioned, "Coourse, it can oounly doo that soo many times, aforrre is disappeared frum me altoogetherrr."

"Well, it certainly saved us a lot of trouble." Jessa smirked.

Solace shook her head, then asked, "Hey, what's that?" pointing at the fallen beast.

To which Zan briskly replied, "Something which fell prey to your charms, or visa versa."

They stepped over and around the dead thing to the end of this passage. Here they looked left into the room from which the harpy had emerged. It was 20 x 20', coming back to the north. Inside they saw a large bed of straw on the floor. Scattered here and there were what appeared to be pieces of fish and fish bones. A barrel stood in the far corner. Against the south wall was a very large mirror.

This room was not their only option. To there right, the corridor continued for about 30' before turning to the north.

Muttering something about, "Hmm... Didn't know harpies were vain..." Jessa decided to venture into the harpy's den to take a look around. No sooner had she done so, then an 8 x 10' section of the floor collapsed beneath her, and she took a quick trip downward. A loud "ouch!" was heard from below. Those who looked down saw their comrade sprawled on the ground some 10' down, with a large spike sticking through her right thigh.

For once, the elf's stoic demeanor was completely gone, replaced by a mask of pain. Swearing loudly in her native language, Jessa considered her options. ~Stand up, blood loss, stay here less blood loss, but I don't exactly Feel like going anywhere either.~

Daltonne made the decision for her by sending down a rope to help Jessa. "Kin ye take hold of the rope so we kin haul ye up?" she yelled down.

Jessa looked up. "And haul me up off of this," she gestured to the spike, "too?" She looked thoughtful. "Well, that's one way to do it... " She hissed as she shifted the wrong way and let out another string of elven curses.

As the others made careful note of all these new word, especially if they ever had reason to curse elves, Daltonne helped the now red faced white elf get out of the pit. A tourniquet was placed on her leg. Since so much pain had already been invested in this room, the others carefully searched it. They found pieces of fish and fish bones scattered here and there. In the far corner was a barrel filled to the brim with fish. The mirror was fixed very firmly to the wall.

"Nothing much in here," they concluded.

Before leaving this room, O'Dwyer offered to heal Jessa, "Neverrr know wha t'we might meet next," he winked.

Jessa nodded and gave the priest a slight smile in thanks.

They ordered themselves and head west, that being the only choice other than retreat. This corridor went about 30' before turning north. Looking north, they could see some end in sight. For, some 10' in front of them was a door! It seemed a well made wooden door, and there was a large Black Star on its center.

"Looks like we may have found something after all..." The elf said in a low voice.

"Well, I'm all for opening it," Zan retorted, "But maybe a Detect evil spell would be in order?"

O'Dwyer decided to oblige, and cast the spell. "Aye, Lassies, EEEvil be 'ere, and les I miss me guess, there be eeeven more `o it beyond that doorrrr. Not often I get soooch a strong reaction ta that spell. We are in the presence of definite evil. Definitely."

"Guess he's sure about that one," said Solace. She approached the door slowly, examining the floor first, and then the door. "No traps that I can find. Maybe the evil is enough to drive the riff raff away." Solace stepped back. "Any volunteers?"

"Alright ladies, this be it I be thinn'-- Are we ready? Then let's be to it." said Daltonne.

Zan shrugged. "What the hell..." With her sword in her hand, she the looked over at the hinges to see if it swung in or out..., preparing for the proverbial good swift kick. The castle's carpenter had been an obliging sort, the door opened inward. And so it did, after been solidly introduced to Zan's firmly planted right foot. It flew open with a start.

They had time to take in the room. It was about 30' wide and 40' deep, bathed as it was in blue light. In the center of the far, north, wall, stood a large altar, above which and against the wall was what appeared to be a statue of a terrible looking demon sitting on a throne. In front of the alter with its back to the door, was a green robed figure. To its left and right, facing the party, stood a total of four heavily armed and armored fighter types.

As their eyes adjusted to the dull light, [Serena's continually lit flute had no effect on the lighting here] , the robed figure turned towards the party. A somewhat timid face looked at them. In a calm, yet firm voice, he said. "I, Wensan, welcome you to the heart of Gelatint. Have you come to serve Nerull? Or, have you come to be sacrificed to him?" There was a certain chill cutting through the party as these words pierced their ears.

"Neither." Jessa calmly raised her bow and prepares to fire at Wensan.

O'Dwyer, a bit more loquacious, replied in an equally firm voice, "We've coom ta put a perrrrmanent to your evils ways. I am O'Dwyerrrr, Prrriest of Trrriteron the Soommonerrr. I have been summoned ere ta put and end to you and your kind. I aim to do my best." With that made clear, the priest began and incantation.

Wensan did the same.

Daltonne readied for the fight which she realized was imminent.

Serena took advantage of the momentary standoff to quickly prepare herself. First she cast armor on herself, and then set out to drink her potions, fire resistance first.

"Neither." Jessa calmly raises her bow and prepares to fire at Wenson.

Both clerical spells went off at the same time. For the moment, the two creatures on the right seemed motionless, as did O'Dwyer, Serena and Daltonne! Jessa fired her arrows at the opposing priest, hitting twice! Wensan direct his two other fighters towards Jessa. "Get her! The others cannot help her." Their swords drawn, they moved towards her.

Jessa quickly put up her bow, sliding her shield onto her arm and drawing her sword with practiced ease. Without looking back at them, she said to Zan and Solace, "I could use a little help here, if you would."

Two of Wensan's fighters advanced on the lone elf. Up close, she could see their orcish complexion through the plate helm. Jessa got off the first swing, but missed badly. One of these monsters raked her with his long sword.

Wensan began a second incantation, as Jessa again struck at her foes. This time she drove Wolfwind down on one's shoulder, knocking him back a step. She ducked under one blow, and dodged another. A magical hammer appeared over her head.

Solace moved up to O'Dwyer and jabbed him in the back with her dagger. The priest suddenly moved once more.

With a warrior's cry, Zantel rushed forward, in front of Jessa, pushing her aside and slashing at the closest opponents.

"Come, hellbeasts! Taste my steel!" she cried, missing Fear all the while.

O'Dwyer kicked Daltonne real hard, releasing her from the hold spell. The fighter joined the fray with the other females.

The three women bore down on the orcish fighters, but they all missed. Not that these half orcs fared any better. But, Wensan's magical hammer bore down upon Jessa twice. Wensan also delivered a kick to one of his own held fighters.

The three women struck out at their opponents once more. This time Daltonne connected. These two returned the attack, plus they were joined by one of the others. But they failed to connect.

O'Dwyer cast his own hammer at the opposing priest, turn about being fair play and all. It slammed own on Wensan's head. Solace took advantage of all the sword play to creep around behind the remaining held creature, knowing she could not miss, and drove her long sword into its back. The creature bled profusely from an enormous wound, but still lived.

The battle raged. Wensan's magical hammer hit Jessa again. The half orcs struck. Hitting Black Blade and Jessa twice! The badly wounded one turned on Solace, but swung weakly. Zantel connected, as did Daltonne, slaying two of these foes, and taking some pressure off of the very beat up Jessa.

Solace struck but missed. O'Dwyer's hammer struck Wensan again, dismissing the other cleric's magical hammer. Zan and Daltonne had closed ranks in front of Jessa, and fought on against the one half orc, while Solace slew the other.

Wensan, seeing but one remaining ally, and being under the shadow of O'Dwyer's hammer, said, "Er, perhaps we can talk about this?"

"Or perhaps we could just crush yerrr ugly skull," said the priest of Triteron, but he paused momentarily. "What say yee, my friends, shall we be puttin' this scum out a its miserrry, or is therrre any reason for keeping `im alive?" O'Dwyer waited for some input, while watching Wensan intently, lest he try to cast any spell.

"I suppose Serena would have something to say, if she could," thought Serena. As if reading her mind, Solace used this break in the action to give Serena a swift kick. "Speak oh wise one," the rogue said.

"I'm with OD. I say we rid the world of one more slimy creature. What about you Zan, Jessa, Solace?" "Say yer prayers now Wessan 'cause that will be it fer ye." This was Daltonne's declaration.

Wensan cowered, seemingly awaiting the vote. His hands remained still.

Serena, wincing from the kick, but thankful none the less, considered Wensan with pity. " As for me, I cannot condone the out right murder of another living creature, and especially not another human being."

"Is what you're about to do, make you any better than this loathsome rat standing before you? "

" Why do we not just take him prisoner and hand him over to the nearest forces of law?"

"Do you all not want your consciences clear? "

" It's true, that we've all been through much pain and hardship and yes, it's also true that much of it can be laid at this man's feet, but I believe that we are the better for it, while he is the worst!"

Looking lovingly down on her loyal familiar, Serena asked, " Dear Chisim, what say you? "

"Meeeow!" Serena's eyebrows lifted in surprise, then she shrugged. "Oh well, guess I'm out voted. Chisim says to burst his fat head like an overripe melon."

"My conscious is clear -- this man has caused evil fer long enuff. What if he were to escape us? What would 'appen to other gud folk? Nay, my conscious is clear and I know what is right fer here and now. I say we not loose this loathsome vermin but be on with what we came to do."

O'Dwyer had been more than patient. "I be wid tha cat," he declared. "I be suumoned `ere fer a purrrpose, and me thinks tha purrrpose ta be ta rid da worrrld o dis `ere priest of eeevil." And with that, O'Dwyer brought down the magic hammer upon the head of Wensan. And, with that, Wensan went down in a very untidy heap. He seemed rather dead.

And, gradually, the overall air of the place freshened. If a building could have a mood, one would conclude that the mood of this building just improved in a very big way.

It was a simple matter to dispatch the remaining half orc henchman. The Femmes felt a great sense of relief and release. O'Dwyer had time to offer healing to Jessa and Zan.

O'Dwyer realized that he was pretty much out of magic. He allowed Serena to do the honors of detecting magic on the room and its contents. A thorough tour of the room revealed that the chain armor warn by the former Wensan gave off a magic hue. "Oh, yes," Serena also noted, "Zan, that sword of yours seems to be magiced as well."

"Well Serena, be ye unhappy with this outcome? I say we hav' rid the world of an evil that cud 'ave spread further than ye know. Be not upset, but rejoice. Can ye not feel that the air in 'ere is already less evil? Can ye not feel the gud spirits comin' to rejoice? I thin' we 'ave put to rest the soul of Ethelwaine and all those who died fer 'im. Chism knows and feels it too. What say you comrades, what say you Chism, do ye not feel some peace comin' oer this place?"

Daltonne stopped and listened to the peace and solace of the room/tomb. "Friends, let us search the rest of this tomb. I fer one am verra glad to be don' with this evil mess. Let us hope that it is indeed the end it."

Solace put her particular talents to use. She searched high and low for hidden compartments. She eventually found a secret opening in the altar. After successfully defusing a potentially deadly trap, she found a very dusty compartment which held some very old, dust covered, maybe gold ornaments of some sort. O'Dwyer was able to identify them as being those used in older church services, "Though I doot one such as that Wensan fellow would have used these. They seem ta be good in nature."

Serena sighed, as her shoulders slump in weariness. "I'm only saddened by the terrible price that peace demands, but yes, I do feel the difference."

Solace also brought out a sack which contained a significant amount of gems. She seemed quite pleased with this haul.

As all were quite exhausted, and most spells had been used up, the group decided to get a good rest until morning. Some tidying up of the room was done, and all bedded down for the night. And, a very restful sleep, perhaps the most restful in a long while, was had by all.

12th Patchwall, Waterday

Morning found all well rested.

O'Dwyer offered to to heal anyone who was still injured. Turned out, t'was Jessa and the priest, himself, who were most in need. Then he clearly stated his main goal. "I be thinkin' we done what we cum 'ere fer. Now. Let's pack oop and git oot. Time fer getting' back to chatwin. Surrre would be nice ta to see the light o' day."

Jessa agreed. "Yes, getting out of here would be nice." Unstringing the bow, she slung it over her shoulder and waited for the others.

The cleric followed his own advice. He began packing up whatever stuff he had, hoping that they could find their way back up to the top. "How fer below ground errre we? Neverrr a dwarf around when you need one."

"Far." Jessa guessed. She was looking very tired.

Daltonne agreed with O'Dwyer. "Yes, let's pack up and git out of 'ere. I thin we are finished.

Serena looked herself over and wrinkles her nose. " A bath, a bath, oh gods, a hot bath!"

Giving the mage a tired half-smile, Jessa replied, "Indeed. I could go for a dousing of hot water and soap myself."

And, so, they all gathered what they had gained, plus their regular belongings, and slowly, laboriously made their way back around, then up, then around some more, till they finally emerged into the sunshine of mid day. The court yard was much the way they left it. Their mounts were grazing on some old hay.

They knew they had a three-four day journey back to Chatwin in front of them.

Since there seemed to be a great calm about the area, the Femmes had plenty of time to make plans for the trip home.

Daltonne suggested that they might, "stop by and tell the spider, what was his name, the Heart or something, about the destruction of Wesan and then we can see how that lycanthrope is doin', Afterall, it be on our way 'ome. Can't really remember anyone else we met. Kin anyone else remember anything or anyone else?"

Jessa shook her head. "Though, I still don't know how we can help that poor man..."

Both, of course, were referring to poor Father Steif, a follower of Zilchus, who they had encountered what seemed like years ago shortly after they had left Chatwin.

Jessa wondered aloud, "Whatever happened to that female cleric we had with us? Morague? Are we supposed to pick up Morague somewhere, like the monastery or something?"

The others recalled that Morague had left some time ago, and they did not know where she was.

And so, with these two goals in mind, they took a well deserved rest for the remainder of this day, and prepared to set out at first light.

13th Patchwall, Earthday

They day broke clear and cool. The femmes awoke to find their surroundings pretty much as they had left them. There was one glaring exception- Solace was nowhere to be seen; nor was her mount. Zan was quiet naturally perturbed by this and began cursing the missing rogue. "I knew it! I knew it! Never did like her, from the very start she was a pain in the &^% **&^% *&#$%^7."

O'Dwyer took a calmer approach to the rogue's absence. He checked on the treasure and items that they had accumulated in the course of the adventure. "Mee thinks most `o what we got be `ere still. And, I found this `errre note."

He handed over the page so that all could see. It read:

"Time for me to pick up and be off. Been a pleasure to venture with you all, 'cept of course you, Black Blade, Zantel, or whatever other name you're gonna come up with when that dumb sword of yours does its next incantation. Don't worry- I took but my fair share of the treasure. See you all in the next life."

(signed)

Love to all, NOT you, Black Blade"

Solace

A count of the valuables showed that while Solace might have been a flake, and a royal pain in the buttocks, she was a somewhat honest thief. She had, indeed, taken but a share of the booty.

"Not much we can do `bout it. Best be heading fer home," declared O'Dwyer.

"At least she was honest." Jessa sighed.

And so they rode off.

They all thought on ways to help Father Steif, for nagging at their collective memories was the sneaking suspicion that they had the means to do so.

"Well maybe somethin' we found will 'elp the good Father. Now what have we gathered together on this trip -- flute, sword, I thin we found some yellow potions along the way. What else? Let's try to think." Daltonne began to take her own advice.

"If you can think of one...," said Jessa, "for I can barely remember what I have for items..."

They had ample time to think about it, for the ride out of the forest would take a few days.

Along the way they were met by a large group of spiders, who, upon seeing the weaving on each of the Femmes done by the Heart of the Wud, knew them as ones who could be trusted and given safe passage. The Femmes informed them of the success of their mission, and the end of the evil brought by Wensan and his cohorts.

16th Patchwall, Sunday

Days of traveling brought them out of the forest. They headed south long the forest edge, till they neared the area where they knew Father Steif resided.

"Anyone `ave any ideas what we might be able ta do for `im?" asked O'Dwyer.

As they were deep in thought, Father Steif, in human form emerged from hit small cabin. He contemplated his visitors, then a look of recognition set in. "Oh, you. You have returned. A pleasant journey I trust."

O'Dwyer answered, "Yeah, we did god rrreal good. Now we be thinkin' bout what be troubling you. Maybe we have the answer," he ended in question, one he was posing to his companions.

The only idea Serena had was her trusty flute. . Serena waved, swung, and played the item. While this entertained Steif, he felt nothing happening to him.

Daltonne said, "Now this may seem odd, But, how's 'bout dressin' up with all we 'ave. Put on this crown, hold this sword, or that hammer, try that armor, see ifin any of it makes you feel anything different."

Steif almost broke out laughing, but could see the bold fighter was serious. "Why not?" he wondered. So he donned anything he was given, in every combination imaginable, but still nothing did he feel.

"OK," said Daltonne, "maybe one of these potions will cure your lycantropy."

It was at this point, that most of the Femmes [those who were playing the character at the time, this is going back over a year of real time] recalled their visit to the monastery of Montelagro. Almost to a woman, and man, they uttered, "The waters of Montelagro."

They offered one of the flasks of the water [let's say the one belonging to the long gone Morague] to the infected cleric of Zilchus. He drank the draught and he began to feel a swirling through his body. Then he was at peace.

"I think that worked," he declared. "Yes, I think that worked." He sure seemed happy. He offered his cabin as a place to stay for the night, "And there will be fresh lamb for supper," he proclaimed.

The Femmes saw no reason to not stay over. And a fine feast was had by all.

THUS ended the adventure of Gelatint. For the Femmes, it was their last adventure. They parted and went their separate ways. Bonne chance, mes cheres!

Should you like any information about the Femmes Fatales email the Game Master via the address below.

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