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                                   The Adventures of Katrina O'Share


The fog had turned to rain, I drew my cloak around my head and made my way to the inn witch was dimly lit by a flickering torch... I could make out the sign that hung above the door and it read The Pelicans Roost.

Well, it was better than being out in this fog and I could use the rest, I told myself. After months of traveling alone I had began talking to myself, I found comfort in it.

I put my hand on the door and braced myself for what ever it was I was walking into, I was never quite sure how I would be received at any Inn or Tavern. The warmth hit me full in the face and made my cold cheeks sting with pain, I took a quick glance at the customers sitting in the Inn. They where your typical seafaring lot, a dozen or so drunk sailors and a few fishermen, but there was a man sitting in a corner with his back to the
wall. One of my favorite places to sit in a strange town. Maybe he too, was a stranger in this little coast town; I would just have to find out.

I made my way through the inn looking for a table close to the man in the corner; I wanted to get a better look at him.   I found a table close to the fireplace, with a superb view of the man. He gave me a quick glance but I couldn't get a good look at him, if he would just remove that hood.
I took off my cloak and shook the water off of it and laid it on the hearth to dry. I shook the wet curls of my long chestnut hair, I could still feel the redness in my cheeks and now the stinging pain was in the rest of my body as it to started to thaw. My leather pants where damp and my boots where completely soaked. I would need to get a room for the night if I were ever to dry completely.

I took out my coin purse and counted my money, I was going to have to find a way to increase the amount I had in my purse. Maybe I could acquire a few coins from those sailors. They would be easy pickings. Nothing a charming smile and a quick hand could fix. The stranger in the corner was just going to have to wait. I needed to increase my money situation. I made my way to the sailors and brushed up agents the young man sitting on the outside of their table.
"Oh, excuse me, I must be more careful where I am walking."
Dropping a small handkerchief I waited for the chance to make my move. As if on command the young sailor reached down to pick up the scarf and I made my move for his purse, easy pickings... Young and drunk, perfect for an expert pickpocket, he would never suspect me. I was far to charming a lady to ever stoop to such a level, or so I made myself out to be that way.

Perfect timing and fast reflexes where the key to any good picks pocket. I slid my hand around his money purse just as he was bending down to grab the scarf, and pulled it to me as he came up and handed it to me. Kissing my hand as he gave it back to me.
I gave him my winning smile, another asset for a good thief. If you can get people to trust you they will never suspect you. I graciously took my handkerchief from him and thanked him for his kindness.
As I was making my way back to my table completely amused with myself I
caught the hooded man looking at me, and was he smiling?

A tremendous gust of wind blew open the door. Standing in the entryway was an old man almost frozen. One of the barmaids ran to his aid and brought him to the fireplace. Seating him on the hearth she ran to fetch him some tea. I grabbed my cloak and covered him. When all at once he reached outs and grabbed hold of my wrist. His grip was firm, not that of an old man half froze to death. I tried to pull away but he held me firm.
Pulling me closer to him he whispered,
" Reach into my pouch and pull out the brown wooden box."
I did as he requested me to do and found the box he spoke of.
"Now open it carefully." He whispered.
Opening the box, All I saw was a bunch of cards. He continued his demands by saying.
" Take the cards and offer everyone in the room one card let them choose there own card for that must be the way."

A bit bewildered, and as if under his control I did as he asked and began offering a card to everyone in the room. I made my way to the man in the corner; offered him a card and he refused. I was getting ready to return the cards to the old man when he sat up and stretched out a bony finger at the hooded man and said in a deep unnatural voice.
"you will draw a card, and you will do it now! " As if he too where being forced to he reached into the box and drew a card. The hooded man slumped over in his chair, then stood straight up, looking at the old man he said, " What have you done?"
The old man fell to the floor. The hooded man grabbed the old man and began shaking him demanding what he had done to him; the old man was limp like a rag doll. Then he looked around the room and saw all eyes where on him and he grabbed his pack and quickly left the tavern. I knelt down beside the old man and felt for his life beat, It was gone.

The excitement of the resent occurrence had left everyone in the tavern peculiarly quiet. Quickly the innkeeper offered everyone a free round of ale. The cheers from the drunken sailors cut the silence like a hot knife through butter.

I stood up and went to fetch the box the old man had given me. I didn't no what I was going to do with it I, didn't want some old lunatic's possessions, but it was a pretty box, and given my current money situation, (or the lack of) maybe I could sell it. Wrapping it in my cloak I made my way through the tavern and headed up to my room.

I put my key in the door and the lock gave way easily. My inner voice was telling me to be careful, before I had started this quest I would have ignored that voice, but I had learned that inner voice could save your life if given the chance. Carefully turning the knob I opened the door, the room was dimly lit with a candle next to the bed. My jaw dropped when I saw the hooded man lying on my bed. "What are you doing here?" I asked. I could tell by the looks of him that he was not well. Sweat had soaked his cloth, yet he was shivering as if he where cold to the bone. I made my way to the bed and laid my hand on his forehead, he was burning with fever, and his skin had a green tinge to it.

I went to the wash basin to fetch a cold cloth, I sat at the side of the bed and reached for his hood to remove it so I could lay the rag on his forehead when I did I was terrified with what I saw, this man was evil every inch of his face radiated it.

I jumped to my feet, I knew was that this man was evil. As evil as any creature could be. I also knew that he could have killed me long ago but didn't, why?

"I can answer all of your questions if you will just give me a chance to gather my thoughts."He stated.
Struggling to sit up, he propped himself upon the headboard and as if struggling for just the right words he began to speak. " I see you are taken back by my appearance, don't be, under normal circumstances you would have never even met me unless I wanted you to. You see I am from.... "

Drifting off into his own thoughts for a moment you could see the confusion fill his almost black eyes, I could tell he was wondering how much he should tell me. His shoulders slumped and he continued.

"Our people live hidden deep in the Nazine Mountains and rarely ever come in contact with others, but you see, several months ago I was sent here to retrieve a package for my family, it is of great magical value. My mother had made it clear that our family would benefit greatly from this and my life would be of no use to them if I should fail. So I have been waiting for the ship to arrive for several weeks now. I was to meet a man at the tavern and we were to make the exchange, but now I fear that will not transpire. You see. Taking a ragged breath he continued. " Do you know anything about the odd man who gave me that card?"
"No, I replied. Dose he have anything to do with this?"
"Yes, he has everything to do with this. Those cards you where dealing out where no ordinary cards. They where magical cards! I new I should not touch them, but it was as if that old man made me, I can't explain why, and now I am in a fierce inner struggle. I am compelled to seek help in destroying the magical object I was sent to retrieve. I know that if I where to do that it would mean my death! I fear my family, worse yet I fear myself! I need your help, we must recover the package I came for and destroy it before it falls into the hands of a great evil! You must help me!"

He slumped over and began to vomit profusely. I did what I could to ease his discomfort. He drifted into a fitful sleep, and all I could do was wait, and decide if I really wanted to get involved in this bizarre occurrence.

I sat there looking at this stranger, His chest rising and falling quickly. His brown hair and skin where damp a as his fever began to break. What was I doing here? I knew little about him and what I did know I was scared of. He told me his family was evil, he was evil but he was begging for my help. He needed help, and that is why I was there.

I must have drifted off to sleep, and when I stretched out my legs from under the chair I had been sleeping in I could here he was mumbling something to himself about seeking a mage by the name of Bazmor Quern.

"Who? I asked" Turning quickly he looked in my direction, he was talking franticly.
"You're awake, good. I think I have figured out what is happening to me and I think it can be stopped, but we must hurry we have little time. We'll have to by passage on a ship I am sure there is a ship sailing for Whillaqua."
Razing my stiff arms over my head I stretched and said.
"I would love to help you but you see I make it a strict policy to never travel with strangers and yes you are a stranger to me." I gave him a smile and held out my hand. "My name is Katrina O'Share, my friends call me Kat, and you are?"
"Zetrick, Zetrick Darnel." He shook my hand and began gathering things.
" So where do we go from here?" I asked.
Zetrick turned on his hill and threw a burning look at me with his cold brown eyes.
"You.... You haven't a clue as to the pure evil we are dealing with do you? We are dealing with the creators of pure evil!   If my family is capable of finding a magical item that would please them can you imagine what pure evil that item must be?"

I felt like a fool. Here I was excited about the adventure I had found myself in, when something I had no comprehension of was transpiring right before my eyes.
"Forgive me Zetrick, all of this is just so bizarre to me. From now on I will try and be more serious. Do you have a plan?"

"Yes," he replied. "As I was telling you, we will go to Whillaqua, and seek the assistance of the mage. Hopefully he will be able to take care of both problems. If he can't then maybe he knows of someone who can."

I had a million questions buzzing in my head, but we had plenty of time to discuss them on our voyage We left the room and I made my way through the fog to the shipyard. We agreed that I would find a ship that would take us to Whillaqua, and he would retrieve the 'Thing'. I was grateful for that.

My job turned out to be more expensive than I thought. I found a cargo ship willing to give us passage for three silver pieces. I knew the price was steep but I was not in the position to argue with the captain. I decided to wait for Zetrick, by the docks. The hustle of the busy docks was soothing to my raw nerves.

As the sailors and dock workers tended to there menial works I could not help but find the irony of all that was transpiring just a few alleys away. A man was defying his family all to save this world from some terrible evil. All because of some old man and his magical cards. What kind of magic could compel a person born and raised in pure evil to do something so out of his nature?
Lost in my own thoughts I did not hear or see Zetrick, approach. When he touched me on my shoulder I almost jumped out of my skin.
"You should be more careful" he scolded. All I could do was nod my head.

We boarded the ship and the first mate showed us to our makeshift cabin. I thanked him and we settled in for our voyage. We set sail without a single problem. I could see the tension leave Zetrick's face, I new that now I could ask all my questions.
" Did the man suspect that anything?"
"No, it all went quit well. We exchanged our items and left. I don't think he had a clue." Good I thought, now all we have to do is make it to Whillaqua.

For days we would sit on deck and talk about our different lives, I would sit for what seamed like hours listening to his story of his life with his family how cold and sinister his family truly was.
"Doesn't it bother you that you are nothing more to your family than a servant?" I asked. "No," he replied. "It was for the best for our family. With my service my family could obtain many powerful things, and power is life in our world."
Knowing the true evil of his family made me see the importance of this trip.

I could tell that he was torn with feelings of pride and shame all at the same time. What torment he must be going through. To be torn in opposite directions one the way of good the other the way of evil. I couldn't help but notice that as each day passed his affliction grew. He spoke of his homeland with less pride and more shame of all the wrongdoings he had ever done. It was obvious to me that he may never be the person he once was. In a selfish way I was glad to see it, if this mage could remove the spell that would end, and more than likely I would be dead. Zetrick still had enough evil in him to realize I knew to much to ever be free to leave without him. I tried hard not to think of this, but every now and then it appeared. Usually in the darkness of night, when I he was lost in his own thoughts, thinking of his options.

" Is this Bazmor's, like you, Is he evil?" I asked with hesitation in my voice.
"No, Bazmor's serves himself. I have sot his services many times in the past. I trust him with my life. You have nothing to fear."
Or so he thinks, I thought to myself I was scared, things where going to easy and trouble was always around the corner when things in my life went this easy.

We arrived in Whillaqua, midday, it was a glorious town. The streets where alive with action. There where so many shops, I had never seen the likes of it . It was easy to blend into the crowd. So many deferent people and races. We stopped at an herbal shop to pick up a gift for Bazmor's, Zetrick said it was a tradition he had started with the mage many years ago. As we made our way to the edge of town I noticed that we where seeing less and less people. I asked Zetrick about this and he told his magic and me that people feared Bazmor's, Rumors always circulated around town of the strange goings on in the castle. "People fear what they do not know." Zetrick replied.

We crested a small hill, and I saw the castle for the first time. It was one of the most beautiful, yet terrifying things I had ever seen in my life. It hung on a cliff that over looked the ocean. As the waves crashed on the rocks below it sprayed the castle with seawater causing a greenish black moss to grow on its walls. The whole thing gave the castle the appearance that it was oozing this slime from within the walls of the castle itself. The design of the castle itself was breathtaking. It looked as if the castle had erupted from the very cliff it sat on. I could tell that a superb masonry must have spent years building such a work of art. I couldn't wait to see the inside of the bizarre castle.
We headed up the cliff on a trail that was not often used. " Doses Bazmor's know of are arrival?" I asked. "I am sure he dose, In all the years I have known him he has never been surprised by one of my visits." Zetrick replied. We where almost to the top of the trail, I could see the huge wooden doors to the castle, and I thanked the Gods. My lungs where burning and I could not hear Zetrick for the ringing in my ears.

At that moment all I wanted to do was sit and catch my breath, but we only had a few short feet to go and I was not going to delay this meeting any longer. The ground leveled out and I was able to catch my breath. Zetrick paused at the great doors and asked me if I was ready. Resting my back against the cool wall I asked for a few seconds to catch my thoughts. Just then the doors opened and a tall slender man stood in the doorway. " Zetrick my friend, come in you must be exhausted from your long voyage." Looking at me he said, "Katrina O'Share, welcome to my home."
I was taken back by this. How did he know my name? A bit bewildered I followed Zetrick and the mage into the castle. The doors closed behind us with a loud thud. I can't express the fear that coursed through my body. Every doubt that I had about this plan raced through my head. This very well could be the last adventure I ever experienced. "You needn't fear Katrina O'Share; I will not let any harm come to you as long as you are in my home." The mage stated."How is it that you know my thoughts?" I questioned."All in due time Kat, all in due time."

We made our way through the castle. Along the walls where amazing tapestries. One depicted a wizard standing on a white cloud holding a lightning bolt in one hand and the world in the other. Another one had a black dragon incinerating a temple of worship. Such a contrast, no wonder Zetrick felt comfortable with this mage. He clearly knew the power of good and evil.

We entered the library and Bazmor's asked us to take a seat. I sat in red velvet winged back chair, next to the window. Gazing out to the sea I longed to be back in my homeland in the Nine Mountains. If I ever make it out of here I will go home. Drifting off into my own thoughts I didn't hear Bazmor's request for the box of cards the old man had left with me."Katrina, if I could disturb you thoughts we really should take care of the matter at hand." Bazmor's was standing at his desk looking at me. I gave a dumfounded look and Zetrick said, "The box Kat, he would like to look at the box." "Oh," Rummaging through my pack I found the box and handed it to Bazmor. He opened it gingerly, as if it might shatter at his touch. Lifting the cards he began to examine them. Shaking his head he rose from the desk and walked over to a shelf and removed a book with an attractive purple cover. Opening it he began to shuffle through the pages until he found what he was looking for. Nodding his head in agreement with what he read he put the book on the desk and began to ask me questions about the old man who gave me the cards.

I retold the story and told him of the fever Zetrick was struck with. Nodding in again he walked over to Zetrick and began to speak." Zetrick, I am afraid this is a terrible deed done to you. What was done can not be undone. No magic will remove it and nothing can stop the changes that are going to occur. What has happen to you is you have drawn a card from a 'Deck of Many Things' the card you drew has changed your soul. No longer will you be able to tolerate the evil you once lived in. From now on you will be compelled to do good for all living things. That is what compelled you destroy the magical item your mother desires so much."Zetrick's face was gray; he sat in his chair staring at the floor. It was obvious all of this was more than his mind could absorb at one time. I could feel his pain. He had just lost everything he had ever known. I wanted to comfort him but could not find the words.

Bazmor's rose to his feet and told Zetrick we would leave him alone to sort his thoughts and so we left the room. Closing the door the mage pointed to a room down the great hallway. Walking into the room I could tell that this was Bazmor's study. It was smaller than the library but much more comfortable. "Do you know why this happened to him, I know he drew the card and that is how, but I remember him not wanting to draw the card? It was as if he where forced to, could that be possible? " I asked.
Bazmor's poured us a glass of wine and sighed a deep sigh."Anything is possible, he was, is a Drow after all? I am sure he has told you of there ways. It's possible an opposing family set him up. If a spy where to have told someone of the magical item Zetrick was retrieving for his mother it wouldn't be that hard to set a trap for him to fall in. With this trap not only dose Zetrick loose, but his mother will have been delt a tremendous blow."
I don't know if it was the wine, or if all of this was too much for me to absorb but I felt very tired all of the sudden. I asked Bazmor's if I could lie down for a while. He told me he would show me to my room. Once in my room I tried to sort out all of the information that had been given to me. It just wasn't adding up. How was it that Bazmor's knew so much of what was going on?

My head began to swim. I needed sleep. Sometime during the night I woke with a dry mouth. I knew I had left my wine in the study, I decided to go and fetch the glass. Lighting a candle I made my way down the hall and back to the study. I could see a dim light shining under the door and voices mumbling. I figured it must be Zetrick and Bazmor's discussing the mater of the magical item. Moving closer to the door I pressed my ear up to the door and listened to the conversation. What I heard was not the voice of Zetrick, but a much deeper voice.

What I heard next was shocking. Bazmor's no longer speaking in the cool comforting tone he had earlier. Now his voice was cold and callous. He was demanding detailed information from the other person in the room. "Did you give him the package?" Bazmor's demanded. "Yes my lord, I did as you requested. I gave Zetrick the package and he gave me the cloak in exchange." "And what did you do with the body of the old man?" " He had a fitting burial." The deep voice chuckled Good, Bazmor's stated." Now all we have to do is rid ourselves of Zetrick and his companion and the treasure will be mine. I have devised a plan. I will tell Zetrick the magical item must be destroyed. I will encourage him to leave it with me. If he dose I will let him leave, if not well I will let you kill him." "What of the girl?" Asked the deep voice. "Leave her to me, I have something in mind for her."

I stood there for what seamed to be an eternity, my feet frozen by fear. Zetrick had been wrong! There was truly more evil in this mage than he or I for that matter ever realized. What was I going to do? I had to find Zetrick! He must know everything. But where was he? The last place I saw him was in the library.

I went back to my room and found the dagger my farther had given me. It wasn't much as far as weapons go but it was small and I could hide it better than a sword. Once more I left my room and made my way down the corridor. Stopping at the study all was silent. The light still shone from within. I had a plan, taking a deep breath I gently knocked on the door. The door opened and Bazmor's was seated at his desk reading a book, looking up he asked,"Katrina, what are you doing up?" The concern in his voice was so phony, why hadn't I seen it sooner? Well two could play this game.

I began to blubber. "Oh Bazmor's, I am so worried for Zetrick! Have you seen him sense we left him in the library? He has been so ill. I must see him to make sure his fever has not returned." With that I began to cry even louder and act like I would faint. "Katrina, you are exhausted. Why don't you go back to your room? Zetrick is fine. You can see him in the morning." "No Bazmor's," I clung to his robes. I must see him. I will never forgive myself if he where to fall ill during the night. Please help me. I must see for myself. Bazmor's finale relented and led me to Zetrick's room. He was sitting in a chair, looking out the window to the sea below. Looking up he gave me a weary smile. "Would you give us a few minutes alone?" I stated. Bazmor's gave me a questioning look, but then left the room. I knew he was just outside the door so I had to be clever in the way I was going to tell Zetrick my overwhelming discovery. Zetrick reached his thin hand out for mine and I walked over to him. Taking his hand in mine I asked how he was feeling and if his fever had let up? He replied in a soft and peaceful voice," My fever has left but for my affliction, I feel a growing sense of urgency to do something about the magical device, I will speak to Bemire about it I am sure he will know what to do with it."

I could feel my body tense just by the mention of his name I had to tell Zetrick what this mage had done to him but I was sure Bazmor's was listening outside the door. I had to make sure I wouldn't put us in any more danger so I agreed with Zetrick's plan to discuss the matter with Bazmor.

I started talking of plans to return home and listing every little detail hoping to bore our eavesdropper into leaving, after what seamed to be hours of rambling on a light rap came at the door. Sure enough, it was Bazmor's. " I hate to interrupt you but it's very late and I must retire, if you will come along now Kat, I will show you back to your room."Here was my chance. " I think I will stay the rest of the night here with Zetrick, if you don't mind. He's not looking all that well and I would never forgive myself if something where to happen to him." Bazmore was to tired to argue. He said good night and left the room. I listened at the door until I could no longer hear his footstep. Zetrick new something was going on and gave me the signal to wait.

Zetrick gave me a nod and I began to relay the events I had witnessed. I was sure this news was going to weaken my friend's condition even more but on the contrary he seamed to grow stronger with every word. I could see the anger grow within him and new that Bazmor's would receive all he deserved.

Zetrick was devising a plan to leave and destroy the magical device. " This will strike the deathblow to Bazmore. If he is working for a rival family failure will mean death. I he had done this for his own ambition his failure will seal his fate. We must leave now.
"Bazmore must rest to renew his spells. He is tired and in turn his spells will not be of any use to him."
"What about the servant?" I asked.
"If he is loyal he my be a tough fight, but if could be bribed he could be very useful, do you know where he is?"
"No, I replied. He left the study and headed away from the door. He may not even be here. For all I know he could be long gone."
"Well, we'll have to cross that bridge when it arises." With that Zetrick began gathering his things. "Do you have a weapon?" Zetrick asked.
"I have my dagger. The rest of my things are in my room why?
" I don't want to take the chance of being seen can you live without them?"
"Yes, but I would like a sword or at least a club. A large stick will work." I gave Zetrick a nervous smile.

For the first time he returned it and said, "We'll see what we can do." I think at that moment we both realized that this very well could be the last thing we would ever do.
Zetrick's face was sober when he took my hand and said "Katrina; you have been a true friend. You helped me out when you knew nothing of me. I am scared for the first time in my life. Not because of the danger we are about to face, but for the danger you face. Kat this is my fight. You don't have to fight it with me. I would never forgive myself if you where hurt or killed. You must let me do this on my own."
Fighting back the tears I stammered." But what if you're killed? What if you're hurt? Zetrick, I love you! I can't just watch you throw your life away."
"What life!" Zetrick hissed. "
"Why do you have to try and be a hero?" I said brushing away the tears.
Then Zetrick took my face in his hands and looked into my eyes with tormented eyes and said.
"Do you know what my life will be like now? I am an outcast now. I have no place to call home. My people won't take me and your people would be afraid of me. What kind of life is that? To know that where ever you go you are not wanted. I won't live that way. So if it is a hero I am being the at least you will remember me as something good, let me do that for you. Let me be a hero to you."

I didn't know what to say, I new he was right. Everything in me wanted to say 'No stay with me, we'll be all right, but in my heart I new I had to let him go. So there in that dark room I received my first and last kiss form Zetrick Darnel.
Neither one of us uttered the words but it all was said in our eyes. Brushing away the tears I left first. I told myself I wasn't going to look back. I would choose my own memories of Zetrick, and I didn't want to keep this one.
I made my way out of the castle.
It wasn't until I was on the path that I looked back, and what I saw will live with me forever. Zetrick and Bazmore where fighting at the edge of the cliff's. Zetrick's sword gleaming in the morning light. He stood there tall and proud like a true hero and to me he was. For only I knew the sacrifice he was about to make for this world.
THE END.