Author: Hawk
Title: Another Run
Copyright: May 2001
Rating: PG-13 (Language, Fight Scenes, Graphic Descriptions of Eating Hearts and Brains (With A Light Dab of A1, Perhaps))
Spoilers:
Buffy: Season 2 until Phases.
Highlander: Season 5 until Season finale. Richie Ryan lives and Season 6 does not take place.
Keywords: Buffy/ Highlander/ X-Files/ Forgotten Realms/ Bureau 13.
Summary: An ancient, forgotten enemy of the Immortals makes his return to Earth after centuries of exile. With the leaders and several other members of the team out of town, it's up to the Scooby Gang, with help from Methos and Robert McAllister, to track down and eliminate this threat. But, mysterious figures follow the demon, hot on his trail and with their own intentions regarding him.
Legalese: All characters except those noted below with their respective rights, properties and copyrights are the property of their respective creators, authors, owners, producers and agencies. These characters are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended or meant, and no money will be made from this story. This story may be copied in its entirety, and may be distributed as long as all copyright information remains.
The characters Borah (the elder), Borah (the younger), Arrin Parkin, Solace, Razor, Condor, Lark, Screw, Drake the Silerwor, Razor and Gath the sailor are mine. I can be contacted at hawk@wandererverse.com.
The characters Steve St. Wolf, Frank Iverson, Randi Jessup, Brian Jessup, and Robert McAllister are property of Steve Pantovich, as is the universe in which this story takes place. Steve can be contacted at steve711@concentric.net.
The character Robin Goodfellow is property of Mike Weyer.
The character Shaw Hunter is property of Tim Knight.
Author's Notes: This story takes place in January of 1999, just after the events in Faith's Story.
Here are the changes from normal shows that may play a part in this story:
Buffy:
1. Due to her drowning at the hands of the Master in Prophecy Girl, Buffy is Immortal.
2. Passion and Becoming never took place, so Jenny and Kendra are alive and well. Kendra has taken up residence at Buffy's and is attending UC Sunnydale.
Highander:
1. Richie Ryan is alive.
X-Files:
1. Mulder and Scully are Immortal, and married. Skinner's their Watcher. Anyone who doesn't like the relationship stories, you are warned.
The letter
Sometimes you just want them to know who you were
I write this so my life will not be forgotten. I am known by many names, the most common, at the moment, is 'The Angry One'. But my real name is Arrin Parkin. I am from the Hidden Valley located below the Eastern reaches of Spine of the World Mountains. I am the sole surviving member of the Sy'Tel'Quessir of that Valley. Finding my kin butchered by the Drow Elves when I returned from the Seven Seals Quest, I decided to repay their kindness by attacking any combatant Drow that I found. Soon my name and reputation became known throughout The Eastern Reaches of Spine. I became a General to Lofern the High King of Slorel the Village of High Elf's near my home. With his army I raked the area of Combatant Drow sending them to whatever God they worshipped without a second thought. War was my only ally, my only friend, and my only truth. I have fought Drow for twenty years now, though time has no meaning to me, for I am timeless. Not immortal, for I can bleed and break just like any other mortal, as it would appear as I lay in hiding inside a small crevice, barely keeping my eyes open as I write this with my waning strength. But I have found the Bow of the Rainbows. Although I cannot use it to save my own life, I possess the bow.
Looking over the clump of rocks that I am hiding behind, I can see a Drow Elvin community, busy with their day's work. Some have told me that the Drow have put a bounty on my head; they want 'The Angry One' dead and will pay a king's ransom, at least six magical items and Fifty Thousand gold pieces, for my head. Obviously the Drow have joined forces in this. It is a large bounty; sure to lure a handful of the most hardened Bounty hunters to come after me. Once I met Baurabus, High Priest of Corellon. He told me that Hate was a circle. Now, looking down on the community, like those Drow who must have looked down on my village so long ago, I understood what he was saying. If I get out of here alive, I think I would like to break that circle.
Son of Shobin Parkin of the Hidden Valley
Distant past
Toril
Slipping through a fissure in the side of the mountain, Arrin fell to the ground, his leather armor ruined from the battle with the pair of Hydras that protected the Bow of Rainbows. He escaped through a fissure in the cavern wall after having grabbed the Bow. He had left one Hydra dead by tricking the other to kill it with its deadly breath, while mortally wounding his unwitting accomplice with his lightning bolt spell.
The cavern where he now found himself was enormous. The overhead was at least another fifty feet up and the ground was close to one hundred feet down. Crawling between two rocks he looked down into the cave. His eyes widened as he saw a large Drow Elvin community. He raked a hand through his snarled hair. There had to be several thousand Elves down there!
The sight of them caused his blood to run cold. He was in trouble. Weak and with all of his more powerful spells gone, he was alone, armed only with the Bow of Rainbows, a weapon reputedly built for Shevarash, a demigod known to engage the Drow when he was alive. He knew that having it was reason enough for the Drow to kill him. He simply did not have the energy to escape; so he crawled between two rocks, pulled a cape of the Chameleon over him, and passed out from exhaustion.
He stood in a beautiful open field. A very wide river flowed through the middle of it. On an island in the middle of the river, he saw a beautiful crafted ivory tower inside the walls of a shining city. Only Elves or Dwarves could craft a tower so fine, every line had been clearly crafted to maintain the harmony within the large and prosperous city that was built around it, on each side of the river. Arrin was certain, as he looked all about, that this was a dream; but he could not wake up. Somehow he had returned to his valley, the one he had left two years ago. Tears stung his eyes as a single word flowed from his lips. "Portsmouth," he whispered. He knew that this city had not been built, well, at least not to the stage of completion laid out before him. As he stared at the White Mountain Dwarf and Aquatic Elf laborers, working in concert and was lost in his wonder, he failed to notice the Elf who drifted beside him almost as if he walked on air.
He kneeled as he felt a greater presence flood the area. Arrin waited for something to happen. He did not wait long. The Elf introduced himself in a warm friendly voice, "I am Morning Ray." The Elf stepped in front of Arrin. "I am the Avatar for Corellon Larethian, I have come so He can talk to you, Arrin Parkin."
"What would He want with me?" he asked, his voice tinged in awe. He did not understand why the father of the entire Elvin race had wished to speak to him.
"You, of all my children, have caused me to shed the most tears of pain and tears of joy. Now that you have found the Bow of the Rainbow, your reputation will grow throughout the land. Whether it shall be for good or ill only you can decide. I see in your heart that you are tired of the fighting," The Elf said, his voice hollow while his eyes focused on a spot far away. "It is time for you to return to the fold. Ponder hard on this, Arrin Parkin, son of Shobin; to come back into the fold, you must trust me to protect you from danger. If you do not enter my domain, you shall be shunned and will have to live as an outcast to everyone."
"This could be your future if you so choose." Morning Star's arms waved through the air, stretching wide to indicate the work going on in the valley. Then he brought his arms back in front of him and the lush green ground turned into a war zone. Legions of Elves fought one another while hundreds more laid bleeding, broken, and dead in the hot sun. "Or this. Choose wisely, Arrin, son of Shobin, for the balance lies on your shoulders."
Arrin closed his eyes to the horror. Then the sounds of battle were gone. He opened his eyes and found that he had returned to the cavern. He did not hurt as he had before his dream. Wounds that should have taken days to heal even with the three healing potions that he had drunk had healed in a single night. The fact that his body was ageless would not have helped the healing process; he opened his eyes and knew that his dream was an epiphany sent by Corellon to show him the Way.
Still concealed by his Chameleon cape, Arrin rolled over and looked down into the cave. He watched the activity down below. There wasn't much difference in the way the Drow lived their day from the way he had run and played as a child. For so long he had believed that they were monsters. But spying on them and their young now, he had come to realize that over the last two decades it was he who had become the monster.
Screams drew his eyes to a darker area of the cave where three children ran shouting at the top of their lungs. Arrin saw eight female fighters armed with swords running toward the darkness of the outer cave. Even his infravision could not pierce the claustrophobic darkness. He unconsciously picked up the bow and felt it throb in his hand, sending him an unspoken alarm.
He had no idea what the bow's powers were; but, somehow, he knew it was warning him of danger. Just as he knew the bow had healed him. He was unsure how he had known or how the bow had done it; but it was the only explanation that made sense.
As the group of fighters sprinted into the darkness, a second group of five females in robes moved closer. They stayed out of the darkness, waiting for something to happen. They didn't wait long. One of the fighters was thrown bodily out of the darkness, her back hitting the wall. She crumbled into unconsciousness. The bow throbbed even more violently when some...thing spewed from the impenetrable darkness. It was the head of an eighty-foot war worm, with the legs of a Drow sticking out of its mouth.
Arrin watched as the group of five magic users moved their hands in a complex pattern. Arrin did not recognize the movements. Then they stretched out their arms and pointed their fingers at the worm. As the first of the Magic users had completed her spell, the war worm crumbled into itself, leaving nothing but dust.
Arrin saw the men gather the children while the women searched the area for any more danger. They were just beginning to relax when the bow vibrated again, warning him seconds before a second war worm attacked, coming out of the wall just below him. The Drow fighters bravely pressed forward. Their magic users, exhausted after casting the disintegration spell, were now out of the fight. It was up to the fighters to defend their home. Arrin raked his hand through his sweat-drenched hair. He knew that the worm would kill more than half of the Drow before they could gather enough power to stop it.
He lifted his right hand, his figures spread out wide as he whispered a few words in Elvin. As he finished the spell the eighty-foot war worm shrank down to six-feet. The thirty-foot fall to the bottom of the cave would have done nothing to an eighty-foot creature, but to a six-foot boneless worm, the impact with the ground nearly killed it. Seeing the worm flatten as it struck the ground, the fighters rushed forward, hacking the worm to pieces before it could regenerate.
Arrin smiled down at the group of fighters, who hacked and slashed the worm, wondering what in the Nine Hells had happened to make the worm so small. As the Drow fighters gathered around the dead worm, Arrin slipped back into the fissure, leaving both the cavern and his hate behind.
Arrin strapped his bow to his back and strode back into the Hydra lair. He looked around at all the loot that lie about, and then cast a Teleport Other spell. He sent the treasure (mostly weapons and armor) to the cave he used to play in as a boy. The cave that he remembered had overlooked the hidden valley. He was three days from the valley where the Dwarfs and Elves labored together to create a glorious city. He stared toward the east, toward the valley. He believed it would take three days to get there. He knew he could make it in one if he teleported, but he needed time to reflect on what had happen. He needed to rethink his whole life.
Three days later, he arrived at Portsmouth's gates. It was not long after dark. Arrin set up camp about 40 yards from the gates. He knew better than to approach the city by night, since it was not yet finished and his orders were not to let anyone through gates after sundown.
That edict wouldn't be countermanded for anyone, including the city's ruler because the guards had no reason to know his true identity. Only six people knew his true identity. They were Hammersfell, the king of the White Mountain Dwarves, who was in charge of building the city; Sharksbane, the King of the Sea Elves, who controlled the valley's shipping interests, and the other members of the Five; Condor the Magician, Razor the Fighter, Gath the Thief, and Helda the Illusionist. The pact had been written in the blood of those six and Arrin himself; it was absolute and could not be broken by any member. It laid out the terms of the city, who controlled it, and who received recompense. Hammersfell, Sharksbane, and Arrin met twice a month but never in the same place, because Arrin did not trust anyone.
Laying out a tarp, he built a small fire. Then he placed wards that would warn him if anyone approached during the night. He then sat cross-legged with his staff across his knees, closing down his body's senses to rest.
The moon had just started its descent when an alarm brought Arrin out of his trance. His keen ears detected the crack of a twig downwind of him. He shifted his eyes without moving his head and waited for whomever it was to come closer and present themselves. The visitors were cautious but he knew they were humanoid; no animal would step on a dead stick, nor would one approach a fire, even though said fire was rapidly becoming a mere ember. Although he sat still, he was ready to spring into action. He held a shield spell ready to cast on his lips. When one is the constant prey of bounty hunters, a man had to be prepared at all times.
He heard three distinct footsteps now. The three men, unaware that they had been detected, started to move toward him again. When they came within ten feet of the camp, they stopped. Arrin guessed that they had stopped to study his camp. They obviously determined he was safe to approach because one of the trio announced their presence. "Ho, traveler! May we come into your camp?"
"Come on in," Arrin replied. "I have drink and food on the fire."
As they entered the camp, the three men wisely separated, eying Arrin as he sat near the embers. As they sat down, a second man asked, "Why did you stop out here? The city is almost on top of you. "
"I was told that this city closes its gates at sunset. " Arrin said. "I will wait here until the morning to be on the safe side."
"Sounds like a smart thing to do. " The apparent leader said. However, something wasn't right. From the way he stood, Arrin did not believe that he was the leader of the group. He'd bet his last coin that the one who had not talked yet was the leader. The way he watched everything and seemed to weigh it all made Arrin sure of his assessment. The big man went on by saying, "I don't like to enter any settlement after dark; you never know what you might find. "
"Who are you?" The second man demanded, cockiness in his voice. "I am looking for someone. "
Arrin carefully kept his expression impassive and neutral. "Is that a fact? Well, you will not find anyone here. " Arrin said, certain that these men were bounty hunters.
"Who are you?" the man demanded again, this time with more force in his voice. "You don't want to anger me. "
"I am Pac," Arrin said, hoping to avoid battle. "I am only a traveler who seeks more wisdom than I possess right now. "
"If you cross me, the only thing you shall find is the tip of my sword! " The man growled, drawing his weapon and pointing it at him. "So, give me a straight answer. "
"Put your sword away, stripling," Arrin murmured as he rose to his feet, his staff held before him. "I grow weary of your boasts. "
"There are three of us. " The first man said, also drawing his sword. "But there is little need for any hostility. Unless," he drawled, "you are The Angry One. "
"I'm afraid I must disappoint you." Arrin said, while his mind developed a lie to close that chapter of his life. "I believe a big fellow carried his head as proof back to the Drow."
"Who was the man?" It was the man who had yet to speak who had asked the question. He glanced at his two companions, then asked, "What did he look like?"
"A large, hairless man," Arrin said, describing the last bounty hunter that he had run across. "He had a scar running from his left ear to his mouth where a sword or something had cut deep into his flesh. Stood close to seven feet tall, dressed in leather studded armor."
"I know of whom you speak. " The man growled. "His name is Wirily. He was killed by the Angry one about a full moon ago. And since you were the last person to see him alive that leads me to believe that you are The Angry One!"
Arrin sighed, sad that his deception had evaporated like the night mist. "I am not someone you want to engage in battle," Arrin warned. Then he cast a series of magic missiles into the largest of the three bounty hunters, driving him back onto the still hot embers. As the large man tumbled into the campfire his clothes caught fire. Before the others could recover their wits, The Angry One turned on the second man and jabbed with his staff. He struck the man's jaw with his staff's end and broke it. As the injured man fell to the ground, Arrin directed a thought at his staff and it transformed into the Bow. He drew back its visible energy string and energy bolt materialized in firing position. Pointing the bolt at the man who had challenged him, Arrin barked. "Whether I be The Angry One or the great Razor, it matters not! You will leave me or you will die."
Surprisingly, a smile crept onto the man's face. Sneering, he said, "One of us will die this day Archer, but I have nothing to fear because a long life has been promised me. "
There was nothing else to be said. Arrin let the energy bolt fly. It struck the man full in the chest, driving him back into the tree. As his body slid, Arrin mumbled, "Stupid bastard. "
Arrin turned back to the fire. He decided to pick up camp and move closer to the gate. It would not be long before the sun came up once more.
"Is that all you've got?"
It was the dead man's voice. He turned around and saw the man stand up. "If that is all you have, you are in trouble. "
"So you have eaten from the tree..." Arrin said, hoping to distract him while he tried to think of a way to truly kill the man.
"Since you're going to die anyway," the man said, drawing his sword, "I'll tell you a little secret. I am what is known as a Silerwor to the people of this world. I am immortal."
"So...you're telling me you cannot die?" Arrin asked, a sinister smile coming to his face. "Well then, this should not hurt too much."
With those words, Arrin conjured a stonewall ten feet above the man's head. Then gravity did its work. The wall crashed down on the Silerwor, driving him into the ground.
Although Arrin didn't believe anything could have lived though that, he wasn't stupid enough to wait in case the Silerwor had beat the odds. Arrin slit the throats of the two other injured men, gathered his gear and fled. He headed north along the wall of the city, to the river that flowed though the center of it. He stopped long enough to take a quick bath, then he changed clothes. Afterwards, he attended to his morning ritual, then he entered the city through the harbor gate.
As he walked along the docks, he noticed the construction of a large warship in one of the dry docks. It was a three-mast ship with seven ballista, three on either side and one in the front. On the bow of the ship, just above the anchor, was a painted emblem of a pair of war claws crossed with flames surrounding them.
"The cross claw," A young aquatic elf said, intruding upon Arrin's thoughts. "One of four that we have been consigned to build for Gath the sailor."
Arrin smiled at the young elf. "Really? Boy," he drawled, "Do you know where I might find that old thief?"
"I believe he is at the Black Rose Tavern right now, sir."
After giving the boy a silver coin, he walked away from the elf and headed toward the Black Rose, near the main docks. The tavern was long known as one of the places the Five had gathered whenever they may have been in town. Since a retired adventurer that had worked with the Five on numerous occasions ran the place, the tavern accommodated their needs nicely.
Arrin shoved past the swinging doors and allowed his eyes to acclimate to the dim light before he fully entered and took a look around. He saw Gath sitting in a corner with a buccaneer and made his way over to them. Gath sent the buccaneer off with a nod of his head and Arrin sat down in the recently vacated chair.
"Well met, Gath." Arrin greeted as he looked at the thief across the table. "It has been a while since we have broken bread and shared a bottle of wine."
"Welcome, Arrin." Gath's face showed his surprise and pleasure at seeing an old friend. "Are you here to restock or is something else afoot?"
"It is over," Arrin said, knowing what Gath had meant. "I have had my fill of it."
"So what now?" Gath poured the wine and shoved some homemade bread and cheese Arrin's way. "Have you made any plans?"
"Rest, then obtain information about what has been happening since I have been gone." Then he pursed his lips in thought for a moment before he said, "There is also something or someone called a Silerwor. Do you know anything about that type of being? "
"A little, but first," Gath said with a smile, "have you seen my ship? "
"Yes." Arrin took a swig of the Elvin wine and kept his voice low. "Suppose you tell me why you're building a war galley in my harbor?"
Gath simply sighed. "Pirates down the river have been taking a toll for the past six months. They have demanded more and more from each ship that passes through. Last week a merchant carrying spices was taken; the entire ship was lost."
"And you're going to do what exactly?"
"I am going to go have some fun with the pirates." Gath said innocently, his eyes belying the false innocence of his statement. "Nothing for you to fret about. "
"Of course, my friend," Arrin drawled. "Exactly what will this 'venture' cost the city?"
"See, I was going to charge material and pay for the construction of the vessels," Gath said. He must have seen the frown on Arrin's face because he added, "But instead I have decided to pay for both and take my compensation from selling the captured supplies that I recover. Then, once the pirates are all taken care of, I will continue to patrol the waters for you for a reasonable fee."
"You will have to talk to the elders about that. " Arrin said while chuckling to himself. It was good to see that Gath had not changed too much. "Now what do you know about the being known as a Silerwor?"
"Stories is all," Gath said. "Seems that some of their body parts can be used in spells. Though they are supposed to be all gone, there is one thing I do know. Supposedly there is only one way to kill them. You have to cut off their heads. You know what that means."
"Oh, no," Arrin muttered.
Gath took two mugs from a passing bar maid and set one down in front of Arrin. Then he said, "You may want to think about hiring a swordsman. If the Drow really did put a bounty on your head and one of these things are after you, you are going to need help."
"I will work it out. " Arrin said, then took another swig of the drink in his mug. "Just make certain the sea ways are clear."
"They will be." Gath took a long drink that emptied his mug. He wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve and peered into Arrin's eyes. "Why don't you just go and see him? At least he can give you a sword. "
"I have a few swords. " Arrin replied dourly. Then he shook his head. "Don't you remember what happened the last time I used one?"
Gath nodded. "It was an accident Arrin. I am sure it would not happen again. " Gath said, laughing as he stood up. "It is time for you to forget and get on with your life. "
Arrin closed his eyes for a moment and his mind tumbled back to the past. When he had joined with the Five, Arrin had carried a sword. In their first battle, he had tried to take on a goblin. He swung his sword so hard that he missed the goblin and struck Razor in the leg. The wound was enough to take Razor out of the fight. Since they had journeyed forth without a cleric, the group had almost lost the encounter. Since that day, no one with any brains stood near Arrin while he fought with a sword. "You're right about one thing, " Arrin said crossly. "It won't happen again because I am not going to use a sword. "
"Your call, Arrin. But if you're going to use magic, have a teleport spell ready."
"Now that is an idea," Arrin said also standing up. "I can send him to the pits of Hell."
Without saying another word, Gath walked away shaking his head. He muttered, "Damn hard-headed Elf! If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.
Arrin's campsite outside of Portsmouth
His eyes opened as the breath of life returned to his body. He sat up and shoved the stones off of him. Then he scanned the area to make certain no one had seen his resurrection.
When the people of this world had found a way to kill the members of his race, their numbers had dwindled rapidly. At one time there had been more than a thousand; now they numbered less than a hundred. Since it had become common knowledge that his people did not die the normal death, the magic users of the land had harvested their body parts for spell components, offering as much as ten thousand gold for the brain and forty thousand for the heart.
Drake stood up, brushed the dust from his clothing and off his skull. No one had really known where they had come from, not even Drake. It was as if he had appeared one day, fully grown. He vaguely remembered waking to find a Demon who had smiled upon him as it held a bloody sword in its hand. As he had become fully conscious, the hunger struck him, nearly felling him.
It was a hunger he sensed couldn't be sated by food, no matter how much he could have eaten. He needed something else, something warm but uncooked. He stared at the Demon as it helped him to the table. "Why is it that I am hungry?" Drake asked.
The Demon smiled as he pointed at a human male who stood in a cage. His toothy grin sent chills down Drake's spine. "Kill him, feast on his brain and heart, and drink his blood, then your hunger will go away."
At first Drake was horrified. How could he eat a human being? Yet the hunger overwhelmed him. He stalked over to the fear stricken man in the cage. The closer he came, the more powerful he felt. It was almost as if he was dining on the man's fear.
Later, he came to realize he gained strength from his victims directly proportional to their age and vitality. During the next few years he fed on humans between the ages of 15 and 26. They seemed to be the ripest and the strongest prey.
Soon after, parents used his name to control their unruly children. He was feared and loathed far and wide, able to walk into a town and take whatever he wanted. Then ten years after his 'birth', the prey started hunting him.
The trill of the mourning dove ended Drake's sojourn to his past. He felt an unaccustomed, deep seated burning in the pit of his soul and bit his lip hard enough to draw his own blood. He had made a terrible mistake in telling The Angry One what he was. He cursed his own arrogance and stared sullenly at the horizon. It had been close to three hundred years since the last of his kind lived out in the open. Now they kept their heads down. Hidden among the normal aspects of humanity, he knew of a few of his kind who lived in Mirabar, the city on the other side of the mountains. One of them was actually the constable. Another worked in the stables as a hand, yet another worked as a storekeeper. All three were unsuspected for they only fed on adventurers who traveled through town; people who wouldn't be missed. If he could convince those three to arrest or somehow kill The Angry One, he might be in the clear.
Drake sighed, his hope fading. The Angry One would most likely warn others about him, anyone with half a brain could see that. Which means he had to be silenced, and silenced quickly. But he could not be the one to do it. The Angry one would see him coming from a mile away. He concluded the best thing to do was to have someone else to kill him. With this thought in mind he took the other horses and started heading south toward Mirabar.
Drake stayed off the main trails in the unlikely event that The Angry One had spread the word about him. In the brush, there were plenty of dangers; beasts like Orcs and Goblins ran rampant away from the main trails. Some of those beasts still scared the hell out of him even though over the years he had learned how to handle a sword. In fact, not many were as good as he with a sword. He ended all his battles by decapitating his foe, hoping to see the mist flow out of a human body. He had yet to experience that since coming to this upside down world.
He did not stop to rest that night. Time was essential. He had to get there, talk them into aiding him, then return with them before The Angry One had time to warn too many people.
Just before dawn, Drake reached the outskirts of Mirabar. As he walked into town, he saw someone toss some water out of the window of a tavern. He noticed the constable mounting his horse to take a ride around for his last patrol of the night. A rooster crowed, waking its master, telling him that it was time to rise.
He rode his mount to the stable and a plan began to form in his mind. He had heard the stable boy was a hot head. The constable was always pulling his ass out of fights. Indeed, he would have been dead long ago if it had not been for the constable.
He dismounted and stepped down on stray strands of hay that had been carried out of the stable onto the street. Drake felt the acknowledging pang of another Silerwor nearby. He faked a stumble and grabbed a hold of the pummel of his saddle. He caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and saw the stable boy approach him. Drake hid a slight smile.
"They are hunting us again." Drake mumbled just loud enough for the boy to hear. Before 'passing out'
"Who is hunting whom?" The boy asked kneeling down next to Drake. Lightly slapping Drake's face to try and wake him.
Drake let the boy 'try' to wake him for a while before coming out of his 'faint' opening his eye lids only a bit as he tried to keep the performance as realistic as possible Drake looked up to the lad with weak eyes, in a weak voice he said. "An Elf in Portsmouth--he identified me as a Silerwor and attacked. I...ran."
Drake watched the horror come into the boy's eyes and knew what the boy was thinking. All Silerwor knew that if one could be recognized than any of them could be, it was unthinkable that a Silerwor would announce publicly what he was as Drake had. Playing on this hunch, Drake reached into the pocket of his cloak pulling out a hand-sketched picture of The Angry One, holding it out to the boy he said. "He's the one. You will know him by the bow he carries--it is a powerful magic bow... it doesn't fire normal arrows."
Watching the bland expression on the young ones face Drake knew he would have to throw something sweeter into the pot something that would be sure to install fear in his heart. A slight smile came to his face as he though of it. Keeping his voice low like he was hurt badly he added the damning information. "But most of all, you will have to be careful for he is a Magic user."
Not wanting to over do it, Drake 'passed out' again hoping the young Silerwor would race to the constable. He heard him running away and his acute hearing detected the discussion between the two Silerwors. As he had hoped, the young one's inexperience and fear helped persuade the others to seek out The Angry One. Drake hid his smile of satisfaction. Everything was going as he had planned
"Hail the fire," A voice called from out of the darkness. Both Drake and Doug, the stable hand, turned toward direction where the voice originated.
"Come ahead," Drake announced, his hand close to the sword. Drake wasn't concerned about the stranger hailing them. It was common courtesy to call into a camp and announce one's presence. Anyone who did so was normally allowed to enter. Besides, he had no cause to doubt the capabilities of the members of his party to protect one another.
When he had gone to Mirabar he had only believed there were three of his kind in the city. In fact, it had turned out that four lived there. Doug hadn't been a problem and once the constable had gotten involved, it was easy to enlist the other two. Now they were all in a camp just outside the city waiting for the visitor to enter their moonlit camp.
The man dismounted on the fringes of the camp, his mount following him like a well-trained dog with its reins hanging. He stood just over six feet tall, his blond hair was uncombed, and his deep blue eyes bloodshot, and his clothes stained. He must have been on the road for several days. His shoulders had a great span to them, but at that moment they sagged. He had a great bastard sword with an ornate cross guard that circled back to guard the hand strapped to his hip. On the right side of the horse was a great shield with an emblem of a Golden Dragon on it.
Drake watched the man come toward their fire totally at ease. Then he froze in horror when he saw Doug step forward with a sword in his hand to attack the trekker.
As Doug swung down on the man, his victory seemed assured. But before Doug's sword could strike, it clanged on the side of the broadsword that the man had brought up in his defense. He had drawn his sword so fast, Drake hadn't even seen it leave its scabbard. Then as if the traveler was teaching a lesson to a novice swordsman, he lashed out with his free hand, striking Doug in the center of his chest and knocking him into a tree a good ten feet away.
As he watched the angry eyes of the traveler, Drake decided he'd better find out more about this man. He drew his own sword but kept the point down in a non-threatening manner and asked. "Who are you?"
"I am just a weary traveler. I meant you no harm, yet your man attacked me without warning."
By this time the others were awake. They stared wide-eyed at the man who now stood in their camp with a great sword in his hand.
"I humbly apologize for the boy's ill-considered attack." Drake said nodding at Doug. "What is your name?"
"I am called 'The Blade'. I am traveling to the Portsmouth to pick up some equipment for my journey. I stopped here because it is safer to stay with a group when camping."
Doug brushed himself off and said, with downcast eyes, "I thought he was a threat. I am sorry panic has caused you any distress, sir."
Turning back to 'Blade', Drake shook his head. "Please accept my apologies, sir. He is young and foolish."
"Young and foolish he may be," the traveler replied, still holding his sword. "However I believe he knew what he was doing. He just did not know to whom he was doing it too. I will travel on."
With that, Blade cautiously backed his way out of the camp as his horse followed him.
'Blade' knew there might be a way into the city, but it all depended on what ship was in port and whom you knew. He approached the gate nearest the dock with his hands in plain site and his sword tied to the cantle of the horse's saddle. When he saw the gate guard look at him, he raised his hands above his head, allowing the guard to know that he was harmless. "I am the one they call Razor of the Five. I understand that this is not normal; however, I request entrance into the city tonight."
"The gates are closed!" The guard called back, his tone final. "You cannot gain entrance until the morning."
"If that is what you wish." Razor mumbled as he went about gathering wood for a fire. He unsaddled his horse and left it loose, knowing that it would not stray away from him.
"Douse that fire!" The guard ordered
Ignoring the guard, Razor went about making his fire and setting up his camp. He knew the city laws better than the guard did. He ought to, he snorted. I helped write them, he mused. He was not going to move any farther away than necessary from the gate. He did not want any unwelcome visitors and something about that boy who had attacked him did not sit right with him.
Like the rest of the Five, he lived by his instincts, trusting them completely. When he had received Gath's message three days ago, his instincts had screamed at him, telling him to come to his oldest friend's aid. Sitting just beyond the fire's light, he thought about Gath's message. <A Silerwor? It's been five years since any of them were last seen. Where had this one been all that time and was that kid back there connected in some way to this whole puzzle?>
Drake was very upset about the young Silerwor's foolish attack on the stranger in the camp. After Blade had left, he turned on Doug and snapped, "You idiot! Haven't you learned anything during the past 15 years? Now they are going to know we are here! It won't take long for them to narrow down who we are. Then we are going to be hunted, again."
"You worry too much." The younger man replied with a laugh, staring in the direction that Blade had gone. "I will follow him and kill him just like we will kill this Elf. Don't forget it is you who came to us for help."
"I should not have asked you," Drake said. He turned away from the younger Silerwor and started to pack their gear. "We'd better go. I think he will return."
"I told you I would take care of him." The younger man snapped. Doug grabbed the reins of his horse and mounted his steed. "I will be right back."
As the horse trotted away, Drake felt a sense of doom come over him. Something about Blade did not feel right. Although he didn't know much about the traveler, he did know if the boy caught up to him, the boy would not be coming back.
He turned and looked at the others. "Let's break camp. We will move to the south end of the city and enter in the morning."
Blade made himself comfortable, placing his back against an old tree. He faced the fire, which, at first, would cause most people to believe he stood a good chance of ruining his night vision. That had been the reason the Guard had wanted him to put the fire out. However, Blade's fire served a more sinister purpose, it was a trap set to catch a very large rat.
He didn't have to wait long. An hour had not passed before a piece of twig snapped about fifteen feet off to his left. Smiling wickedly, Blade stuck his hand into his bag. As he brought his hand out, a small orb shined brightly in his grip. He stood up, drew his sword, turned, and pitched the small orb in the direction of the sound. A small area of the night became as bright as day. Caught in the revealing light, his night vision now ruined, the young man froze with a frightened expression on his face. As he struggled to refocus on Blade, he brought up his blade in a defensive position.
"We finish this." The Silerwor muttered.
"Let's dance, although I do not like to fight this close to the gates." Blade replied. "I will give you one chance to surrender your sword and walk away. If you do not take my generous offer, you won't be going anywhere."
The Silerwor snorted, raised his sword, and approached Blade. As they started the fight, they crossed their swords and began to circle, testing each other for weaknesses. Blade moved in a very definitive manner, pressing his attack in one area while dropping off in another, then moving his attack in another area. The smile on his face was easy as were his movements against the Silerwor. When he found a weakness in the Silerwor's defenses, he immediately pressed his advantage. He sliced a deep cut into his opponent's right side before pulling back. He let the wound bleed before attacking again. He scored another hit on the right arm, almost severing it. Then Blade went for the kill. He knocked the sword in his opponent's hands toward the ground and thrust his sword into the man's gut. As the man doubled over, Blade shook his head and picked up his light ball. He stuffed it back into the bag and started to walk off to break his camp, until he saw the blue sparks start to close his victim's wounds.
"A Silerwor." Blade snarled in disgust. The stories he had heard had all said that these creatures were cannibals who could not die unless they were decapitated. He drew his sword again and took the young man's head with one mighty blow before his opponent could revive.
Unfortunately, the stories hadn't told Blade what to expect next. Lightning bolts shot in all directions from the headless body, starting out quite small but soon filling the area. Blade dived behind a rock, hoping to survive the electrical onslaught. After a few minutes, the bolts died off. When he was sure the coast was clear, Blade stood up, dusted off his clothes, and broke camp because the sun had risen.
Then as the gate crept open, he slipped through the crack into the city.
Entering the city, Blade made his way to the Black Rose, knowing that if he were in town, Gath would most likely be staying there. Entering the tavern, Blade found only a few patrons sitting at the tables in the dark corners. He didn't know any of them, but guessed they were regulars as the maids made sure they were well taken care of. Looking around the rest of the room, he saw the owner of the bar and moved toward him. The owner was an elderly human with dark skin, retired from adventuring, he had bought this place and settled down, ready to serve young adventurers with wine, food, story and song.
"Well met, Rose," Blade said, his deep rich voice just barely above a whisper, "Have you seen Arrin or Gath?"
"Well met, Blade," Rose said with a smile on his face, for it had been a while since he had seen Blade. "Arrin is upstairs in his room and Gath just left for the docks. How fare the others? Condor, and Helda?"
"Last time I saw them, they were all good." Blade said. He took a seat facing the door before going on. "But it has been a while since I have run across their paths."
"When was that?" The Rose asked as he motioned over a waitress. Telling her to get one of the biggest steaks and a Mug of the best Ale the house had, he said, "Next you see them tell them I said fare thee well."
"I will do that the next time I see them." Blade nodded, keeping the knowledge of the attack to himself. The Black Rose was a good friend of Arrin's and he would close the bar down to take vengeance for nothing if he knew what was happening with Arrin. "When he awakens, tell him that I am here."
Just as Blade stretched his legs underneath the table and food was brought to him he saw the Elf in question standing at the top of the stairs, Arrin's eyes never stopping moving as he picked up all movement in the room. His eyes showed the most change in him; they were the eyes of a hunted man. A man who had been living on the edge, and who had worries on his mind.
In his room, Arrin carefully packed his things up. It had been four days since the Silerwor attacked him, so he was hoping that all was forgotten and that he could safely leave the city on another adventure. There was a lot he wanted to do and it was time for him to leave. There was more of the world he wanted to see. Now that his personal war was over, he wanted to stake out his home in the mountains and clean out the cave that he had secretly been stashing things in. In short, it was time that he got on with his life.
Stepping out of his room, Arrin stopped at the landing at the top of the stairs. He let his eyes scan the room, looking for anything out of place. Finally, his eyes fell on Blade, even though he was sitting in a darkened area of the room. Blade was a man one could not overlook; he was just too damn big. A smile came to his face as he moved down toward his old friend. Today he chose to wear the bright gold robes of a magic user. On the left breast of the robe was the emblem of a city councilman.
"Word came to me about your trouble." Blade said as he stood, sticking out his hand for Arrin to grasp in the adventurer greeting. Letting Arrin's arm go, Blade reached back into the pack that he had been carrying and pulled out a short sword. The sword hummed of magic, its pearl handle tailored for small hands, and its blade, though at first glance it was like any short sword, soon proved that it was like no other sword Arrin had ever seen. It was single edged; the back edge was smooth with a surface. "This should help you out."
Looking at the sword in Blade's hand, Arrin's eyes became as big as saucers, the natural almond shape of them almost disappearing in his surprise. Arrin's voice came out strange and tense. "Of all the people I know, I would never expect you to be handing me a sword."
Looking over his friend in disgust, Blade demanded. "Are you telling me that you still don't use a sword? How could you have survived all this time without one?"
"My bow, traps, daggers and magic." Arrin replied. He took a seat but did not accept the sword that Blade held. "I almost cut your legs off back then Blade, I have taken great pains not to have that done again."
"In all the time we have been apart, Arrin," Blade replied with a smile, "I remember that as one of the good times."
"Really?" Arrin asked in genuine surprise, as a plate of food was brought and placed down in front of him. "I have spent all these years hoping to somehow make it up to you."
"Well it looks like we will be fighting again side by side." Blade smiled as he explained about what happened the previous night and early morning. Telling him about his own knowledge of the Silerwor's, finishing with. "Whatever they are, wherever they came from, there is one thing that is definite. They are cannibals. Worse they are a type of Zombie to survive they need to eat the brains and heart of their victims.
"How have they survived this long?" Arrin asked, shock and disgust in his voice. "Surely someone would have done something about it."
"The Magic users all have bounties on them. Seems that the hearts of such creatures power spells as well as Dragon Hearts do." Blade replied, keeping his voice low so no one could hear the conversation. "As for me, well, their kind has not crossed my path until last night."
"You say they are outside the gate?" Arrin asked standing up and belting on the sword to make Blade happy.
"They were last night." Blade confirmed. "I went north of the city so I am betting they went south."
"Let us go see if we can put an end to their disease." Arrin replied as he walked toward the door, quickly followed by Blade.
Leaving the Black Rose after leaving a few coppers on the table, Arrin and Blade moved toward the southern entrance of the city. Each of them had a small amount of joy in their hearts as they walked down the streets. They would be fighting together again, the first time in close to 20 years. The bond between Human and Elf had grown strong in the time they spent together during the Seven Seals Campaign, more so with each other than with the rest of the party. Although they had respect for the other members in their group, Blade and Arrin had always tried to fight together.
Arriving at the southern gate, Arrin walked up to the guard who stood nearest the gate and asked. "Much traffic coming in this morning?"
"Two parties since dawn, sir." The guard replied, looking with surprise at the crest on Arrin's lapel. It was not often the Council members ventured out of the city proper.
Was one of the parties 4 big men?" Blade demanded, stepping past Arrin and giving a description of the four men who were left in that party.
Not unless they came in with the caravan that came in an hour ago." The guard replied, stepping back away from Blade. "The other group who came in were a group of women from the Elvin village to the East of us."
Turning to Blade, Arrin smiled and said, "Let's go check the two other gates to make sure they are not in the city. When we are positive of that, we will go out to meet them."
"Sir, are those the men you seek?" the guard called as both Blade and Arrin started to walk away from the gate. On hearing the guard's voice, they both turned around to see the four men they were looking for coming toward the gate.
"Just like old times." Arrin replied as both men walked out, telling the guard as he went. "No matter what happens, don't let those four enter the city."
Buckling his shield onto his left arm, Blade pulled out his bastard sword while saying. "Pull your sword it's time to play."
"I am not going to use the sword." Arrin stated as they moved closer to the four Silerwor's. They watched them spread out and effectively surround them.
"Now is not the time to be stupid Arrin." Blade barked, moving his back toward Arrin's as they prepared to do battle. "Pull the sword and remember that it has to be a decapitation blow to kill these things."
"I am not using the sword." Arrin stated calmly as he watched the two Silerwor's in front of him both pull their swords and start toward him. A sly smile came to him as he let them come.
"Pull that damn sword, before I decided to put my own sword up your ass." Blade ordered, his face turning red as he noticed the two ahead of him moving in for the attack.
"Blade did I tell you that I have been playing around with writing spells?" Arrin asked, his smile growing even wider as his arms came up to his chest. "Watch this."
Arrin started to concentrate on the two Silerwor's in front of him. His voice became low, and changed from common to Elfish as he cast a spell that he had only tried once before. Upon completion of the spell, Arrin looked up at the two Silerwor's and finished the spell by saying, "Welcome to my little corner of Hell."
As his words died out, a twenty by twenty-square box of Hell appeared, placing the two Silerwor's in the middle of it, also in the box was a baatezu from the 3rd level of hell. Seeing the creature, Arrin's smile grew even wider as he said. "My present to you. Do with them what you will."
Feeling the heat from behind him, and seeing the two Silerwor's in front of him freeze in shock; Blade took the chance of turning his head to see what was going on. The sight that greeted him was out of his nightmares. A devil that must have been fifteen feet tall, with some kind of boils all over his abnormally shaped body, had grabbed the two Silerwor's who were already starting to burn, and bit into one of them, ripping off his arm. The other just screamed in terror as the demon turned to him.
"Take them to the hell where you belong," Arrin said. Waving his hand and dispelling the magic, the demon and two Silerwor's were now gone, leaving the ground as it was before Hell on Faerun arrived.
"What in Tempus' name was that?" Blade bellowed as he turned back to one of the Silerwor's. The demon had moved in to attack him while his attention was focused on the Demon.
Blocking the swing of the Silerwor's attack, his full attention was not on the fight at hand. So he did not see Arrin moving to his left side and casting Teleport Other on the last Silerwor, which caused him to disappear and reappear in the middle of an active Volcano Arrin had come across. Now it was only Blade and the one he faced, but the fight was a fair match, for Blade was better than most swordsmen and Blade knew that he must survive. The two clashed their swords, starting the old ballet of the sword fighters.
Turning to watch the fight, Arrin recognized the last Silerwor to be Drake, the one who caused all the problems to begin with. Not knowing if fire would kill these things, Arrin prepared to cast Teleport Other again. Just before he did there was a brilliant flash and time stopped. Two men, one Elf and the other human, stood before Arrin as even Blade was frozen in time. Taking the advantage, Arrin finished his spell and sent that last Silerwor to the bottom of the large body of water that lay to the west of them before turning to the two strangers.
Looking the two men over and having heard about one of them Arrin decided to get a spell ready just in case, as he asked suspiciously. "Who are you and what is it that you want?"
"My name is Azuth. It is my job to protect the land from wild magic." The tall man said, looking Arrin over. Seeing that Arrin was not a true magic user, he went on, "Who gave you the spell that you cast, to bring a Demon here and how did you get rid of it so easily?"
Looking Azuth over, Arrin frowned. He had heard stories of the great Azuth, the servant of Mystra, but never pictured him like this, dressed in shorts with no shirt. A year ago when he had stopped off at Condor's house to drop off the latest spells he had come up with, they had talked about Azuth and what he did to people who wildly used their magic. It looked as if he finally came to the arch mage's attention.
Somewhat in awe, but determined not to show it, Arrin proudly straightened up to his 5'11" frame and coldly replied. "I am Arrin Parkin, Son of Shobin Parkin, survivor of the Seven Seals campaign, One of the Avenging Five, Lord of the City in Hidden Valley, First Student of Blade the Warrior, First student of Gath the Thief, First student of Hilda the Illusionist, First Student of Condor the Magician Major, High Archer of Spine, and Master of the Rainbow Bow. No one gave me the spell, I created it."
"So you're The Angry One" Azuth asked his voice low and menacing as he looked over Arrin. "I have been..."
"I am Morning Ray," The Elf from Arrin's dream stepped forward cutting off Azuth's threats. "I am the Avatar for Corellon Larethian, I have come so He can talk to you again Arrin Parkin."
"What is it that you would have me do?" Arrin asked kneeling down on one knee the bow across his raised knee.
"Kneel here child." The voice came to him almost out of the air. "Place your weapons in front of you and accept my quest and judgment. Fulfill the quest and all will come to you."
A warm, yellowish glow surrounded Arrin as he put his bow out in front of him and tossed the Sword over to Blade, who was still frozen in time. Somewhere in the process, Arrin fell asleep and awoke three days later at the Black Rose. Blade sat watch in a chair in the corner of the room. He too was asleep. Though Arrin did not know it, Blade had just fallen asleep after Gath walked out of the room, promising him that he would watch the room so no one would disturb the two.
Awaking from his deep sleep, Arrin secured the room. Leaving Blade to sleep, he left the room and purposefully moved down the street to the temple of Corellon Larethian, where he met with Baurabus, a High priest of Corellon, to start his training. In future years he too became a high priest of Corellon himself.
January 1999
Between Worlds
"This child's life force was the best I've ever had!" One man said to Drake, shaking almost post-orgasmically as he let the child Minotaur's lifeless body fall from his tense, muscular arms. He stood a couple inches less than six feet, with light brown hair and fiery red eyes. His face was relaxed and a look of rapture was in his eyes. Without it he looked like any other handsome male of twenty-eight. His body was like that of a dancer, lithe and ropey. "I could stay here and dine forever."
"Their blood is sweet and very potent." The Drake answered while letting the child Minotaur he had grabbed fall to the ground. He stood roughly six feet tall, with shoulder length blond hair and a massive barrel chest that tapered down to a tight waist and muscular legs. "I wish I had time to taste the brains, but in the Outer Lands there were those who tasted much more pure."
"Better than these?" the first speaker asked as they moved away from their victims, deeper into the tunnel and looking for a way through to the Outer Lands. "They must be strong."
"They are ageless." The Drake replied as he led the way, trying to stay out of sight. "The Minotaur's in this cave are guardians of the passage and have a strong life trail. So it is natural they would be good. Once we get through, however, it will be different."
As the two moved deeper into the tunnel, they did not think about their two latest victims. Nor did they worry about what would happen should someone miss them. The only thing on their minds was to reach the passage and grab an ageless one.
A good hour had past before the two children were discovered by a roving patrol that was assigned to keep the tunnels clear. Picking the children up, they hurried back to the main cave where their village sat, taking the children into the center of town where they loudly called out for Borah, their leader.
"What has happened?" Borah asked, coming out of his home. He was the largest Minotaur in the village, standing just approximately ten feet tall. He carried himself proudly; his eyes became sad as he noticed the two dead children, asking. "Who did this?"
"A Torilian Vampire did this, the life force has been taken from him." One of the patrol members said. Then, checking the other one he went on. "I believe a Silerwor killed this child."
"A Silerwor in our caves." The question was pushed from the mouths of a dozen Minotaurs who were standing around. "We must get rid of it."
"All guards post out to all openings." Borah ordered with a voice tinged with sorrow. "Captain, call for my son. I have an assignment for him."
Watching the guards run to their posts, he turned to the women. "Call in your children, no one leaves the village until it's over."
"Lord Borah, the passage to the Outer Lands has recently been used." A runner came up, stopping a few feet away while trying to catch his breath. "Your son was reported to be in the fields of Toril. I have detached a messenger to get him."
"I have a very important message for you to deliver, Lark." Borah ordered. Looking the young runner over and taking out a pendant that was shaped like a bow, made of a Rainbow diamond and handing it to the runner, he said. "Go with all speed to the Hidden Valley. Seek out the Lord of that Valley and give him this. Tell him that I am calling in his marker."
Every Minotaur over the age of five had heard of that pendant and who had given it to the Borah family. Taking the pendant, he wrapped it up in a felt cloth and stuck it into his pouch. The Rainbow Archer was a legend in the land, a wood elf that stood out in the Elven wars, which spanned close to fifty years and, if there were a winner to the whole thing, he would be it. Not the elves that lived above ground but him.
The Rainbow Archer was born to the Valley Elven clan of Parkin. Born Arrin Parkin, the firstborn of Shobin Parkin, now the Lord of Hidden Valley, which was hidden in the mountains of eastern Faerun, on the world of Toril. When he was about 25 years old, the Drow elves had wiped out his whole village. Only he escaped the massacre, having been away on the Seven Seal campaign. They said it drove him crazy and that he had attacked the world of the Drow like a mad man, going down into their world to kill the leaders of the Drow city who had launched the assault upon his village. Now, over 3,000 years later, he was the Lord and owner of Hidden Valley, with a city that housed close to 4,000 inhabitants, a true rag to riches story. The Hidden Valley was about five days ride from the opening on a good horse. If he started out with two horses, he could change them at Condor the Magician's house, then change again at Gath the Sailor's house, and make it in four days if he kept riding.
Willy's Alibi Room
Sunnydale, Ca.
"That was easy enough." The Torilian Vampire told Drake as they left the passage and landed in a dark room with blaring music and smoke. That it was some kind of tavern was obvious and one that they could find comfort in, for the place had evil in it. Walking up to the bar, they both ordered a drink, blood at room temperature. Having heard of the stories behind the Minotaur's duties, he turned to the Silerwor and asked. "Do you think they will send someone after us, Drake?"
"No I don't. But we won't be around here very long. So if they do come, they won't find us, and they will not stay very long looking for us." Drake said as he took a seat at the bar. Looking at the human who was serving and wondering what this human had going on with the demons in the room, he decided to play it quiet for a while.
"I don't know you two, but if you're here to hunt and prey on humans, just know that we have 2 Slayers in this town, with other hunters to back them up." The owner of the bar leaned over the bar and told the two, looking at them for a second he went on. "These people have killed over 800 of your kind in less than three days, and that was just the last time."
Reaching across the bar, the Torilian vampire grabbed Willy by his shirtfront, pulling him partly over the bar and bringing Willy face to face with him. "Human, do not now or ever treat my Lord in that disrespectful voice. If you do it again, I will kill you."
"Hey, don't kill the messenger," Willy said nervously, his voice a wine his eyes registering both shock and fear. "I just thought I would let you know what is in town, you two being new here and all."
"Why would you want to help us human?" Drake asked as he looked over Willy, disgust in his voice he went on. "You're not like us."
"I find it easier to run this bar when I am friendly with the locals," Willy grinned, looking around. "And I suppose that your kind needs to drink too. So I opened here."
"Well, Willy, these hunters and the Slayers do not interest me," Drake said as he looked around the bar. Seeing how full it was he went on. "They must not scare these others either."
"We don't go advertising that we are here." The man sitting in the next seat said, looking Drake over, nodding his head he went on in a respectful voice. "The Slayers keep our population down in this town."
"The Slayers?" Drake asked, a slight smile to his face. Looking at his companion, he went on. "Now Screw, that is one you would love to have. The Slayer is supposed to be powerful and her life force would be better that those children this morning."
"I hope you did not have those children in this town." The vampire said. Looking at Screw, he added. "I would not want to be you when the Slayers finds out if you did."
"Don't worry about us, the Slayers do not interest us." Drake said as he and Screw rose from their chairs. Looking the vampire over, Drake knew that the Vampires here were a lot weaker than even Screw was. "Listen for the calling. We will find a place soon and then we will be gathering force. I will show you how to kill a Slayer."
Sunnydale Motor Lodge
Sunnydale, California
11 AM
"Why I am back here on the Hellmouth I will never know." The man known as Adam Pierson mumbled to himself as he pulled into the parking lot of the Sunnydale Motor Lodge. The sun was still high in the sky, which he was thankful for. Steve, a friend of with whom he had worked together killing vampires before, had summoned him here. Now Steve was gone on one of his jaunts and had asked Adam to come in and fill the void that he and his group left when they left Sunnydale. His cover story was all in place; he would be teaching history at the local high school. Smiling as he thought about that, as he walked to the day clerk, who had immediately recognized him and tossed him a key to a room on the second floor. Looking at the key, Adam asked. "Do I pay now or when I leave?"
"Mr. St Wolf has already paid for 2 weeks for you. He has stocked your room as well." The clerk replied, going back to his book as Adam climbed the stairs.
Entering the room, he picked up the envelope that was on the small table near the bed. Opening it up, he moved over to the closet as he read the note.
Things have been quiet around the town. Most of the gang is here, so if you need them just give them a call. Willow may be stopping by to see how you're doing. Just remember that it is that time of the month and Oz does not have full control. Ted will be bringing pizza to you tonight about 6 pm. Have a good visit. Thanks for your help.
"Straight and to the point. Very well written Steve. Now for a nap, then patrolling tonight after the pizza and cold beer." Looking into the closet, he went over the weapons. Checking them against the list that Steve left for him, he saw a bolt action .270 for long-range work, with fifty wooden and twenty silver bullets, two 9mm Glocks with five clips each, 2,000 extra wooden bullets, and one hundred silver tipped bullets for emergencies. Finally, there were about two-dozen wooden throwing knifes and a heavy crossbow. More than enough, especially when the weapon I will be using most will be my sword. Closing and locking the closet, he went to take a shower.
The sun was just setting when he was awakened by a knock on the door. Picking up his sword, he held it along his right leg, out of sight as he opened the door peeked around the corner. Seeing Willow, he stepped back from the door, letting it come open as he made his way into the bathroom to get dressed. He called over his shoulder. "Come on in, Willow. Make yourself comfortable, and I will be right out."
"No problem." Willow replied as she started picking up the mess he'd left of the Pizza box and beer bottles. "I just put Oz up for the night and thought I would walk patrol with you. Maybe I can work a few moves out that I've been thinking about."
"The note says things have been quiet lately," Adam replied as he left the bathroom, pulling on his trench coat with the sword already in place. "Why don't you tell me how quiet it has been?"
"Well, we got two the other night." Willow said as she thought about it. "But it really has been sort of slow."
"So tell me." Adam asked, with a grin coming to his face, "Do you just want to have a boring night of patrolling, or do you want to go out and make something happen?"
"What do you have in mind?" Willow asked, looking suspiciously at Adam.
"When was the last time any of you been over at Willy's?" Adam asked, with an evil grin. Seeing the mischief come into Willow's eyes, he went on "I take it that it has been awhile."
"You're worse than Xander is for finding trouble." Willow replied as she walked out the door, followed by Adam. As they drove along, Willow kept her eyes moving; this was something that you just did automatically, living in Sunnydale. "What are we going to be doing there, anyway?"
"Oh, we are just going to see how many creepy crawlers we can find in the bar, and which ones we can kill." Adam answered with a smile on his face. It had been a long time since the thought of killing came into his mind. Pulling into the parking lot in front of Willy's, he went on. "Just do me a favor, be careful because Steve will kill me if I let something happen to you."
Foothills of the Spine of the World Mountains
Northern Faerun, Toril
Mid Day
Lark, the runner sent after the Rainbow Archer, was traveling east through the lands of Chex the Griffon. His eyes were to the sky, letting his horse pick its own way through the area. The Griffon was a noble creature with the taste for horseflesh, which often stopped travelers through his lands if they had more horses than they could ride at one time, and Lark had two of them. He was a full day into the Chex area when the Griffon decided to make his presence known.
The morning was crisp, if not cold, as Lark packed up to continue his journey, thinking that with any luck he would be at Condor's home by midday. Packing up the horses with his supplies, he did not hear the Griffon glide to a halt behind him. He jumped when he heard the Griffon say. "Those are some strong horses you have there."
"I can not give you either of my horses Chex," Lark said, slowly turning around to face the Griffon. Putting his right hand on the hilt of the long sword that he was carrying, he went on. "I have very little time to get to the Hidden valley and collect the Rainbow Archer for my Lord Borah."
"Tell me then, why would Borah want The Angry One so much," Chex asked, using a nickname given to Arrin during the Elvin wars as he eyed the flesh of the horses. "That he would risk sending someone across my lands with two steeds as well fed as these two are?"
"A Silerwor came through the tunnels yesterday, on his way to the Outer Lands," Lark said as he watched the Griffon lick its lips. They were both fine animals, just about the best that they had in the herd and he knew that Chex would do anything to get his claws on one. "On its way through it killed two of our children."
"I see you have a fine mare as well as a stallion with you." Chex said, seemingly not paying attention to Lark's explanation, which upset him. Chex's eyes drifted back to the young Minotaur before going on. "Maybe we can strike a deal."
"I don't want to make any deal that would cause me to lose these horses." Lark said, putting up a brave front in front of the Griffon. "I must get to Condor's."
"These two would make great breeding stock and should help replenish my land with horses." Chex went on as if Lark did not say anything. "So I should do something for you. I will take you to Condor's house, but make no mistake; the horses stay here."
Knowing there was no way around the proposal, if that is what you wanted to call it and obviously Chex wanted to call it that, Lark nodded his head. Knowing that Condor would give him horses when he found out what was going on he agreed. "I will accept a ride to Condor's house from you for the horses."
"Climb on my back and I will get you there three times faster than the horses would have carried you there." Chex invited. There was no time to talk as they flew east, over Chex's lands, and then over the forbidden forest. Chex started to make his decent at the beginning of a clearing at least a quarter mile in diameter with an old house in the middle. Around the house were four corrals with horses. One of the corals held five beautiful, black horses with fire for their manes and tails. Each of the horses was over twenty-two hands tall, with bodies that were just a bit smaller than a normal draft animal. Landing next to the stable, Lark climbed down just as Chex flew off, headed back to his home.
Seeing all the horses in the yard, Lark guessed that Condor had visitors and there would probably be a party going on. Condor was one of the most widely known Mage's in the Outlands, having adventured with some of the greater adventurers. Now, he stayed close to home, monitoring the magic of the world and teaching at a school for magic users. Lark had heard of the Black horses with fire for both main and tail before but thought they were myths. Wondering who could own such horses, he moved closer to the main house.
Arriving on the doorstep, he peered inside, trying to see who was there. The first person that came in sight was a fighter; he stood seven feet tall with thick, blond hair and cold, blue eyes. His body was golden brown, showing that he was used to being outside in the sun. At his side he wore a bastard sword; if one looked, and Lark did, there was three throwing knifes in specially designed sheaths that ran down the outside of the swords sheath. The pommel of the sword looked like a miniature crystal ball with a smoky center. This man was the one known as Razor, or Razor the Fighter, the leader of the Avenging Five. Standing next to him was a half-orc in a brown silk suit, the emblem of a broken token on the lapel. Though he wore no visible weapons, Lark knew the nature of Gath the sailor and did not suspect him to go unarmed even with his fellow Avengers. Sitting down in a chair directly across from Gath was a human woman, who wore a long flowing black dress that showed her figure to the best possible advantage. Her powder white hair was down to the small of her back; there was a large leather bound spell book in her lap. Standing next to a big chair, this would be Helda the Illusionist. Facing the group with his back to Lark was Condor. He stood very close to six feet tall, with hair almost as white as the lady's. He was wearing a black flowing robe that covered his body with enough cloth that it disguised what his body looked like. Standing next to the fireplace was the Rainbow Archer; he stood about an inch under 6 foot tall with shoulder length, thick, brown hair and piercing, blue-green eyes that looked older than his body's apparent age. He was wearing a deep, forest green cape over a royal, purple shirt and pants showing his station as a member of a royal family. Although he looked to be only about two hundred years old, Lark knew that he was closer to 3,500 years old. Like Gath, he had no visible weapons; his bow was across the room, leaning up against the corner. Standing next to him was a young girl with hair and eyes as red as hot lava wearing a simple purple dress. The smile on her face put the people around her at ease. Even Lark, who was just looking into the room, was calmed down by that smile.
Taking a breath to gather his courage, Lark stepped into the room and was met by a wall of silence as everyone in the room turned towards him. Never having been in this position before, Lark smiled and said. "Well met, Condor, master of this home. I am Lark, messenger to Borah. I have come in hopes of borrowing a horse to travel to the Hidden Valley, but seeing the Lord of that land is here, I would like an audience with him."
"Well met, Lark," Condor replied, a smile coming to his face as Lark stumbled though the proper respectful greetings of the land. Turning toward Arrin, he nodded his head and went on. "I would grant your audience with Arrin, however he is his own man."
"You may speak clearly here," Parkin said, moving over to shake Lark's hand. "In this room we are all friends."
"Please take a seat, Lark," Condor called out, seeing that he was exhausted and waving his hand, a chair appeared before him. "Tell us your story from the beginning."
Taking the offered seat, Lark put the pendant down on the small table in the center of the room before beginning to tell the story of what Borah had requested.
Willy Bar
8 Pm
Walking into Willy's bar, followed closely by Adam, Willow allowed her sea green eyes to scan over the clientele separating them unconsciously into four separate groups, the first group that her eyes fell upon were the college students, the kind who always tried to prove how rough they were yet some how they didn't have a clue of how much serious danger they were in. As her eyes passed over them she noticed how one nudged another as he indicated her. A slight blush came to her cheeks as she heard the rude comment he whispered to his friend. Her blush quickly faded, as the student called out in what he though was a sexy voice. "Hey baby, want to go to a party?"
Adam disgustedly looked over the trio while getting ready to verbally whip the boy, but was beaten to it by Willow who replied in a voice sweeter than a melon on a summers morning. "Boys, the only party you want to go to is in my pants and your not invited."
Not giving the boys a second though, her eyes fell on the second group, this group was just a cut above the vampires in her eyes, for they chose to be what they were, the dregs of society and proud of it. This group consisted of the outlaw motorcyclists, looking like rejects from the glory days of the Hells Angel's that plagued the LA area in the early sixties. If any of them were really as rough as they thought they were she would be extremely surprised.
The next group was the breed of demons she knew that mostly just wanted to live out their lives in place. Taking jobs as security at night while staying hidden during the day. These demons in their own way actually gave something to society, not taking anything away from it. A reason why Section 7 left them alone, and even helped them when it became necessary.
The last group watched Willow almost as much as she watched them. The fact they were not looking for a way out sent warning bells in the back of her mind. Quickly glancing at Adam she noticed that he was frantically looking around for something or someone, his hand under his jacket gripping his sword.
Two of the men at the bar stood up and faced Willow and Adam; they both wore what appeared to be some type of medieval studded leather armor. The first man, standing less than six feet tall with short brown hair and brown eyes, his frame was that of a swimmers slim build mixed with whipcord strength. Hanging from his left hip was an ornate long sword with a hilt made of a black onyx so black, in fact, that it appeared to absorb all of the light that touched it. His eyes locked onto Adam's. The second man wore the same type of sword in a sheath that was tied across his back. The hilt showing over his right shoulder indicating that he was probably left handed.
"Head Hunters." Adam growled as he withdrew his sword getting ready to do battle. Willow noticed the second man had also pulled his sword and moved to the left as Adam faced them. Watching the two separate Adam ordered Willow. "Willow, go home!"
"Yes." Drake replied as both men moved in to attack responding to Adams outburst. "My race, the one you sentenced to an eternity to the timeless caves have at last returned to our rightful home world."
Figuring it would be a one on one, after all the game did have it's rules, Willow watched in horror as the second man grabbed Adam and pulled him close. As he did so, two very strange things started to happen. First a look of pure rapture came over the stranger's face, at the same time Adams face started to daze over than slowly began to weaken. Why the speaker did not take the opportunity to take Adams head Willow did not know, however that was a mistake he would regret as she became worried over her friends safety. Her eyes became to get angry as she felt the power grow within her. She looked at the three combatants and ordered. "Separate."
The spell was instantaneous. The three combatants flew toward opposites walls. Drake flew back and his legs hit the bar, causing him to do a back flip. Landing on his head a loud crack was heard as his neck snapped. The man who was holding Adam flew back, hitting the wall behind him so hard that the fixings along that wall. Mostly pictures, fell to the floor, while Adam smacked against the wall just left of the door.
The college boy who made the rude comment promptly threw up when he heard the breaking of the neck while another boy who sat with him turned a shade paler. Picking up Adam's sword Willow walked over to him as Willy's clientele decided it was safer to disappear in case the police came. Bending down to shake Adam Willow said in a fearful voice. "Get up Adam, we have to get out of here."
Receiving no reply and fearing the worse, Willow was just about to pull out her cell phone when a cocky British accent came from behind her, a voice she was very pleased to hear under the circumstances. "Did he drink to much, Red?"
"Spike!" Willow exclaimed, coming to her feet as she spun to face the bottle blond vampire who was wearing his brown leather jacket. Handing him the sword she ordered "Take this and help me get him to the car."
Sensing the urgency in her voice and noticing they were the only ones in the bar, he reached down and picked up Adam. Putting him in a fireman's carry, he carried Adam to the car, depositing him in to the front seat before leaving. To maintain the Facade of being the big bad he could not allow anyone to see him helping the Scoobies.
Adam was still unconscious, mumbling in his sleep as he dreamed of a distant past, one that he had almost forgotten. While Willow drove them to Steve's house wondering why he had not recovered yet.
In his delirium Adam's mind drifted back to a time when he had died the first time. When things became really weird. All of a sudden people were after him, wanting to kill him for no apparent reason. At first it was always one on one, which was how the game was meant to be. He only had to fight once so far and that was with an immortal that was twice his age and out of shape. The immortal made a very bad mistake in thinking that Adam was not battle tested and that was a mistake as he had been in more than one battle. But then along came a totally different type of enemy, a type that knew no code. A type who had came after him in a group of a hundred. He had been running from them for more then twenty days now when he found a small tunnel to slip into.
The tunnel had not been used in many years. Adam knew that it would be a great place to hide until they stopped looking for him, or at least passed him by so he could backtrack and lose them. It was not fear that drove him into the tunnel, but a healthy respect for preservation. Traveling deeper into the tunnel, he noticed that it gradually widened out, instead of getting smaller. At the end of the tunnel, or at least at the end of this tunnel about five miles in, was a great cavern with about ten other tunnels leading out of it. In the center of the cavern was a huge chair made of bones. Sitting on it was a Great Beast. Even sitting down, he could see that it was closer to ten feet tall than nine feet and that it had the head of a bull and the body of an Adonis. Around its waist was an animal skin, showing that it had some intelligence and a bit of modesty. Next to his seat was a great two-headed axe. As if feeling the presence of Adam, the creature lifted itself out of its seat and turned to him, picking up the axe.
"You are in violation of the crossroads, Human." The beast challenged, although his voice was not that loud, the amphitheatre effects of the cave made it seem like he was yelling. "I will only give you one chance to turn back."
"With more than a hundred men looking for me back that way." Adam answered back, again the amphitheatre effects projecting the voice to make it ring out. "I think I would rather take my chances with you."
"Than you shall have the question. Answer it correctly and you can pass." The beast said as it stood up, picking up the ax. "Answer it wrong and you will die."
"What is this life threatening question?" Adam asked, moving closer to the beast while pulling out his sword.
"How is Man's life like the Sun's journey around the sky?" The beast asked, stopping just in front of Adam.
"I have no idea." Adam replied as he swung his sword at the waist of the beast, carving a shallow groove across its stomach as the beast danced back out of the sword's path. "But then I really don't care either."
Swinging his axe, the beast caught Adam with the flat of the blade, throwing him across the cave to bang against the wall. Not giving Adam a chance to get set, the beast charged him with his head down, aiming his horns into Adam's chest. As the horns embedded into Adam, the beast raised its head, driving them through his body and killing him. With a toss of his head, the beast threw Adam's body into the bone pile that was being built for its bed. Looking over at the body, the beast sadly shook his head, walking back to his chair to once more sit in it and contemplate the way of it all.
An hour after the fight, the beast heard the sharp intake of breath of a human. Turning toward the sound, he was amazed to find that his latest victim was once again alive with a sword in his hand. Standing up from his chair and grabbing his axe he asked. "What manner of Human are you that you would be resurrected without help."
"I do not want to fight you again." Adam said, knowing that it would be a silly question to fight this huge Creature, especially being as weak as he was after dying. "I only came here to escape the head hunters."
"Who and what are you?" The Beast asked, looking at the now whole skin on Adam's chest where two holes had been not long ago.
"I... I don't know what I am." Adam replied, his voice holding a scared tint to it. "All I know is that a group of men are chasing me to make me an ornament on their wall."
Looking at Adam and feeling that he was telling the truth, the beast motioned toward a space in front of his chair. Another chair appeared but this one was made of wood and leather. The beast offered. "Sit and rest for a while, and we shall talk."
"Who and what are you?" Adam asked, taking the seat. He was astounded when a table appeared before him, set with a plate of meat, bread, and mead in large mugs.
"I am Borah the Minotaur." The Minotaur answered as he took his seat, taking the bigger of the two big mugs and placing it to his lips. "I have been charged to care take the passage between your world and others, stopping travelers from venturing into one or the other."
"They call me Methos." He introduced himself, drinking from the mug and realizing that was the best mead he had ever tasted. He took another long, deep drink. "I only know that I cannot really die. Though I have been killed more times than there are days in one cycle of the moon. But I do not wish to be anybody's trophy."
"So what should I do with you, Holikade?" Borah asked, leaning back in his chair and having thought about what Adam had said.
"I was hoping to stay in this cave until they left." Adam said, also relaxing now that he knew that they would not have to fight again. Pointing to the other tunnels, he went on. "Unless you will grant me passage into those."
Condor's Home
Northern Faerun
The room was silent for a few minutes after hearing Lark's story. Then Arrin stood up and turned to his host. "I am sorry that I must make this a short visit, Condor. I must go; there is no telling what a Silerwor could do to this other plane. It must be stopped before it causes too much damage. There is no telling what kind of backlash it would have on our plane."
Standing up, the fighter Razor said, "I will go with you, you may need someone to watch your back."
"No Razor, this is something I better do on my own. However, if you're free for the next few days, I would like you to watch over my city as the Captain of the Guard. I will be putting a Doppelganger in my place until I get back."
"Just be sure you make it back." Condor said in a fatherly tone. Arrin was his first students and, even though he could not reach the "Mage" level, for a dabbler he was one of the best that Condor had ever seen, often making his own spells when something more traditional would not work for him.
"Other planes can be tricky," Arrin stated from experience, having traveled them before following fleeing Drow elves. Thinking over a list of things he should take with him, he went on, "Condor, I don't know when, or even if, I will be back. So if you don't mind, keep an eye on my Magic books, those that I don't take with me that is. If some of my spells fall in the wrong hands, all hell will break loose. Literally."
Knowing of some of the more powerful spells in his books, Condor agreed to take the books from the cave and made ready to go with Arrin. After saying his good-byes he nodded to the girl, who waved her hand. The room began to shift. When the blur left their eyes, Condor, Lark, Arrin, and Solace, the girl, were all in a large cave. The cave was close to four thousand feet in diameter; with smooth walls in the ceiling was a perfect circle, blown out at the top to let the natural light in. Around the walls, categorized in type, were weapons, armor, cloaks, jewelry, and some very odd items, like a pair of claws and a well. Over in a small cove, on a podium was a very large book. All around it, stacked in neat piles, were more books. A golden light surrounded them. In the middle of the floor was a large pile of riches, including Gold, Platinum, Diamonds of every color and size, and a few scrolls. The top of the treasure was flat and smooth.
Walking over to the mound, Solace climbed on top of it and laid down, almost instantly turning into a young Amethyst Dragon. The sight of her changing into such a large creature momentarily shocked Lark. < The stories about Arrin were true then, > his brain registered as he took control of himself. He followed the others to a small room in the back. Stopping at the door, he looked up to a small plaque that had writing in Elvish. He translated it to mean, "Time is money, don't waste mine."
"These are the only things I will be taking with me. The rest, if I don't return in 3 years, is yours. Except that which makes up Solace's bed." Arrin was saying from behind a desk, where he was writing on a small piece of parchment. Saying the last with a smile, he passed the list to Condor before going on. "Condor, if something does happen to me on this trip, I want your word that the Hidden Valley will be taken care of."
"You don't even have to ask, Pac." Condor replied, using his pet name for Arrin. Looking over to Lark, he went on. "Will I have to erase your memory about this place, or do I have your word you will not speak of it outside of this place."
"You have my word." Lark mumbled as he looked around. < Who would believe me? >
Packing the things he would need in three large backpacks, taking a couple of bags of holding just in case. Arrin went over the list with Condor one more time. "Ok Condor, here is what I am taking. Traveling books 1, 3 and 8, twelve scrolls containing healing, three scrolls of return, a scroll of lightning, 1 box containing 10 vials of healing, a box containing 5 vials of antidote, and 5 vials of acid, a couple of empty bag of holding just in case they work, and my bow along with 20 silver arrows. If I need more, I will make them as I go. Along with the standard camping bag, can you think of anything else?"
"You will need something to barter with. I would take some extra gems or diamonds," Condor replied, knowing what he took in his adventuring bag. Looking Arrin over he went on in the same concerned voice. "Arrin you must take time to talk to Corellon, have him release those powers that you gave up so long ago, your bow is nothing more than a standard bow, even though in your hands it is still a powerful weapon, it is only a bow and will not be able to protect you from some of the things you encounter. I know that you promised that you would not release your full destructive force any more after the Drow wars but you are going up against the last remaining Silerwor for all we know, and we both know that to live as long as he or she has that Silerwor must be very powerful."
"I will ask him when and if I need it, I believe that between the bow and my spells I can take care of the Silerwor and that is all I really intend to accomplish this trip." Arrin replied picking up the bow, moving over to the center of the cave before going on. "Solace are you ready to go?"
"Ready," Solace replied as she walked over in her human form. "The doppelganger will take your place the minute we leave."
Knowing that Arrin and Solace would need to save their spell energy, Condor cast the teleportation spell that took them to the portal that would lead them to the Silerwor. Before stepping into the portal, Arrin turned to Condor and said. "Three years, Condor. That is all I allow myself to take care of this problem. If you do not hear from me before the end of that time, don't send anyone after me, just carry on and take over the Hidden Valley."
"If anything happens to you," Condor replied, a grim tone to his voice, "There will be no place for the Silerwor to hide, for your friends would not take your death lying down."
"Take care, Condor," Arrin replied as he stepped though the portal, an unfamiliar swelling in his chest beginning to form.
Sewers below Willies bar
Waking up with a start Drake took a quick look around to find out where he was, he did not remember much after seeing Screw grab the ageless one from behind, deciding to let Screw drain a few minutes of life from him before taking his head, he watched as Screw became drunk with the energy that he drained from the bottomless well that belonged to Immortals. He remembered starting to move in to take the ageless ones head when his vision went black and now he woke up here in this strange place. He was not sure how he got here, only that he was and now with Screw laying across from him still in the drunken stupor he slowly looked around trying to figure out where here was.
The walls were smooth and bulged almost like a tunnel only it was perfectly round a small stream ran down the middle moving as if it was headed down yet he did not detect any major slope so he figured that the slope that made the water run was back the way from which the water came from. Going over close to the water he took a quick sniff and discovered that it was rainwater. Reaching his hand in he washed his face more to wake him up than the though of how dirty he must be. Using his hands as a cup he picked up some water and splashed it into Screws face hoping to wake him from the stupor. Seeing him more then opening his eyes Drake then moved back and waited for Screw to wake up.
"What in Tarterus happen?" Screw demanded as he sat up looking around to get his baring. "Where are we?"
"I don't know," Drake replied also looking around puzzled. "But where ever we are we better find a way out and right now."
With out further discussion as one they both turned west and started down the tunnel following the flow of the water. After traveling about a hundred yards they came to a place where the suns rays were beating down into the tunnel. Looking up Drake noticed that there was some type of opening up above only there was a lid of some type blocking the exit with two holes in it. Moving up to the lid, Drake lifted it but when he saw a fast moving huge object coming toward him he closed it and jumped down saying. "I think it would be wise for us to stay down here for a while."
Moving down the tunnel they noticed that the openings were placed about two hundred yards apart, and always with the same strange lid. As they moved toward the center of town the walls of the tunnel became larger and wider, there were two opening that were larger than the small holes that were always placed above the tunnel. Finally they came to a large cavern, the walls were all as smooth as the tunnel only here the room was square, with sharp defined corners. In it there were three openings to leave, two big doorways and a small opening above what looked like a large square pool with stagnant water. Placed in the center of the room were half dozen chairs facing the small well, for being underground the room was neat and clean, to the right of the smaller opening was a set of shackles placed for holding a person in place.
Though the place felt good to him, Drake was a bit uncomfortable and pushed on, followed closely by Screw who also felt the unusual evil in the room. As they moved farther through the tunnel Drake turned as if pulled by an unseen force toward the east into a passage that had a slight upward climb to it. As they walked up the passage they noticed a single door leading into a crypt of some type that had been used by someone as a hovel leaving their blankets and cloths thrown haphazardly around the room. The room had long been abandoned apparent by the rat droppings and the chewed blankets.
"We will use this as our home for now," Drake said kicking a blanket out of the way causing a rat to run for another part of the room. "We will just keep it quiet until we find out what is going on here. Than we will make plans to feed."
"I think we should grab one of those ageless ones and bring it down here for us to live off of for a while." Screw replied as he started to clean the crypt. As Drake walked around the walls making sure they would not be disturbed.
Between Worlds
Minotaur Caves
Stepping out of the portal Arrin, Solace and Lark found themselves in a great cavern. There were ten other tunnels leading out of it. In the center of the cavern was a huge chair made of bones and leather. Noticing the shocked look on the faces of both Arrin and Solace, Lark explained. "This is the Crossroads of the plains, normally someone of Lord Borah's blood will be sitting there. That it is empty can only mean one thing, something is terribly wrong."
That said, Lark took off at a run through one of the tunnels hoping that the others could keep up with him. The passage went east for about a mile before it opened up into another great cavern, this cavern was a thriving community of Minotaurs. However Arrin could feel the fear that radiated with in the area. Looking to where Lark went into an opening in the wall of the cave, Arrin turned to Solace and asked. "Can you feel the fear here?"
Turning to Arrin, sorrow showing in her eyes Solace replied, "I can both smell fear and death here Arrin, death of the young."
"That would be the two killed by the Silerwor," Arrin replied as his eyes drifted to a young male who was looking at him with suspicion and hatred. "Lets just stay here until the leader comes to us."
"Why are we here?" Solace asked knowing a bit about the markers and what they meant to Arrin. "How would these people have picked up one of your markers?"
"Just after I had quit hunting the Drow," Arrin replied, remembering back to when his life was more hectic and adventurous. "I was searching for people with whom to trade. My city was thriving at the time and we had more grain and food than we could ever manage to eat. I had just left my group when a bounty hunter who had been tracking me as The Angry One decided to make his move. He shot me with a poisonous dart, but luck was with me as I fell into a hole. Next thing I remember is waking up in a bed made of leather and feathers. It was the softest place I had ever slept in so I thought Corellon called me home. That was before Borah, a giant Minotaur, was standing over me asking me how I was. They saved my life, so I gave them a marker and told them that if they ever needed help that they could call on me. That was over a hundred years before I met you and we have been together for close to four hundred years, so I am figuring that what ever trouble they are having it must be big."
Walking into the center of town where it appeared that they had their meetings, Arrin and Solace stayed together. His eyes were constantly going back to the Minotaur whose eyes screamed with hate and prejudices. Arrin never understood how a being could hate everyone who was different, the world was just too large, and when you avoid those who are different you end up missing out on a lot of information that could prove important later on in life. Waiting for Borah, the leader of the clan, the two let their eyes drift around the compound. Noticing that there were only warriors present, a very uneasy feeling settled in Arrin's stomach.
"Hail, Borah, I am the Rainbow Archer." Arrin introduced himself as be watched the biggest Minotaur he had ever seen walk toward them. "First let me state my sorrow at having heard about the loss of your children."
"Thank you Archer." Borah acknowledged the greeting from Arrin. Not knowing any other name given to the Rainbow Archer he used that one as a title. "Long ago my people helped you heal from wounds that would have killed you. At that time you gave my grandfather your marker. You told him that if ever we needed you all, we had to do is to send it to you and you would take care of any problem we had. Does this promise still stand?"
"Your people helped me when I was hurt and weak," Arrin replied, knowing that this part of the meeting must be very diplomatic. Looking Borah over, Arrin when on. "All you need to do is inform me what I am to do for you."
"The Silerwor went though to the plain called Earth. Our history tells us this world is where they originally came from. However, I do not believe that they have a defense from them. Legends say that you have had more experience with the Silerwor than any one alive. Since we have monitored that world we know that our race could not go there and be unobserved we need someone like you who will do it for us." Borah said after they shook hands, moving to a table where they both sat and drank some wine. Watching Arrin for some type of response, which he had not detected yet he went on. "Normally I would ask you to bring him back alive to stand justice, however his crime is the murder of two children. I for one do not want to see him again, EVER."
"I understand," Arrin took the death sentence for the Silerwor with out batting an eye. Standing up he motioned for Solace to come to him as he went on. "What do you know about the place that he went to? And what am I too expect there?"
"Earth is a very strange place. They have wagon's that roll without the assistance of horses, strange birds fly making all type of noise." Borah started handing Arrin a fat scroll. "This is what we have noticed in the past 100 years, which is when most of the big changes have been made. The place you are going to gate into is on top of a weakening in the dimensional wall between themselves and what is known as hell. Hell is a place where demons thrive. You name the spook and you will find it here. Most are vampires. They are not like the one's you will see on Toril, these suck the blood of their victims. They are a threat to all that is good, but I am more concerned about the Silerwor. Kill it and then you can return."
Taking the scroll, Arrin and Solace followed the young Borah to the portal that the Silerwor had ducked out into. Before they could step through Borah asked. "Are you sure it is wise to take her with you?"
Looking over Borah with a faint hint of amusement he replied. "Could you leave the breath in your body behind? Could you leave your heart? No friend where I go, she will go."
"You're mated then?" Borah asked confusedly. For he, like the older Borah, had the gift of true sight and could plainly see that she was a young adult dragon.
"We are." Solace replied for Arrin, looking at the Minotaur with steady hazel red eyes. "We are mated but we are not lovers."
"Though keeping it like that is very hard." Arrin whispered into Solace's ears making her blush. Speaking up he went on. "What she means is that though our love is not the physical type of love, mentally and emotionally we are very much in love. So we are mated."
"I think I understand that." Borah replied as he opened the portal. Stopping them one more time before they went through, he said. "They have not had Dragon's on earth in close to six thousand years, please be careful."
"We will." Solace replied stepping though the portal following Arrin.
St Wolf's house
20 minutes later
Honking the horn even as she was pulling into the driveway at Steve's house, Willow quickly glanced over to the still unconscious Adam stark fear in her eyes. He had been out close to twenty-five minutes and it had never taken this long for any of them to stay unconscious. Seeing first Faith then Larry come to the window at her insistent honking she stopped the car making sure she put the parking break on as the driveway was up hill, she jumped out and raced over to the passenger side throwing open the door she tried to lift Adam out.
Hearing the horn outside and not sure who it was, Faith and Larry stood up from the table that they were playing cards at and rushed to the main window and looked out. Seeing Willow trying to manhandle Adam out of the car, Larry turned and called for Xander who was in the kitchen making him self a sandwich.
Opening the door both boys started for the car at the same time, Xander not having seen Willow pull up grabbed up a Glock 21 on his way to the door keeping it hidden behind his leg out of plain view. Seeing what was happening he pushed the gun under his belt behind his waist and advanced to help Larry who was already helping the unconscious Adam out of the car.
"What happen?" Faiths asked pulling the now crying Willow away from Adam, letting the guys pick him up and carry him to the house. "What is wrong with Adam?"
"I don't know," Willow replied as she started to recall what happen in Willy's bar. Trying not to leave anything out incase something was important. While following the guys into the house.
Placing Adam on the couch Xander facial expression turned thoughtful as if he was trying to remember something that he had read or heard. Then it hit him a memory from a book that he read and something that Shaw had told him. Turning to face Willow he asked. "Willow, did you just say that he grabbed Adam and then Adam became weak?"
"Yes that is basically what happen." Willow replied wiping her eyes and looking at Xander confusingly she asked. "Why?"
"It may be nothing," Xander replied still thinking, wishing that he were home near his books. "Then again we may be in a lot trouble."
"What are you talking about Soldier boy," Faith asked, her eyes on Xander.
"I read something like what Willow is describing in one of the books that I read about Shaw's world." Xander replied looking at Faith still recalling everything he had heard. "I believe what Willow was describing was a Torilian Vampire, Shaw herself was attacked by one. They drain the life force out of the victim not just the blood."
"There was another one with him." Willow said remembering back to the bar. "The second one just watched though as if studying the effects. He was smiling."
"But he did not touch Adam?" Xander asked, feeling for and finding a pulse trying to make Adam comfortable as possible he laid him down took off his shoes and put a blanket over him. Turning back to the group he asked. "Thing is what happen to them after Willow left the bar."
"I don't know but when I cast the spell I heard the neck snap of the one who watched." Willow replied. "What are we going to do?"
"Look guys I have a book that tells a bit about them at home." Xander said as he walked out the door heading for the car that they used while Steve was away. While wishing the others were here however they were all off visiting or taking some type of vacation. Buffy and Steve were in Hawaii, Giles and Jenny were staying in Seacouver, Washington for a meeting of the Society of Watchers, Robin, Amy and Shaw were all somewhere up north visiting family and Kendra was in Jamaica re-introducing herself to her family, Oz was at the school library locked up for the full moon. After mentally clicking off where they all were he added. "Why don't you all look for anything that Shaw had written on Toril. I am sure she has something here about them."
As Larry and Willow went about gathering the books and notes from the Library where Shaw did her writing, Faith slipped into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee and started making some sandwiches. Getting ready for a long night of research.
"Shit!" Larry shouted after about two hours of research finally slammed one of the books shut a look of pure disgust on his face. "The only thing I can find is that damn passage that reads like the Bionic man opening. "Vampires are more stronger, powerful, quicker, and deadlier then any we have seen""
"Cryptic much?" Faith asked imitating Cordelia's voice perfectly. Picking up another book she went on. "What's the matter beefcake, research mode has you wishing you were out fighting?"
"You can say that," Larry huffed as he picked up another book looking over to Willow who was doing research on the Internet he asked. "How about it on your side Willow?
"Nothing here either." Willow replied taking a quick glace over to Adam with worry in her eyes, as she noticed that he still had not moved from the spot that Xander put him in. "I hope Xander can find something."
"Hold on," Faith said as she looked over a passage that was in the book that she was reading. "The word Head Hunter is mentioned here in Michael's Demons:
"Through out the entire world there are no creatures of the Demons more feared than the headhunters.
"These creatures were humans chosen to become immortals, but before their immortality was triggered demons approached these humans and offered them both, increased abilities, especially strength and speed, and immortality. These humans, not knowing that they were destined to live forever anyways, were tempted, and often corrupted, by the demons. They defiled the essence of the immortals-to-be, requiring them to add blood, heart and brain of other intelligent beings to their regular diet, but also giving them some of the traits of the vampires.
"The exact ritual of change is not known and there are indications that it was lost even among the demon lords. How this came to be is a mystery. The ritual in itself also seemed to be flawed. Beside the death of the immortals-to-be, that gave them their immortality, and the loss of soul during that process, that prevented them from acting as the force of light they were supposed to be, that were most certainly planned effects of the ritual, it also robbed them of any memory before their death during the ceremony, any natural magical ability, making it impossible for them to ever learn any magic, and made them vulnerable to holy powers, may they be manifested through holy items, relicts, symbol or servants of the gods. Because of this it is a common belief that the ritual was not as much a pure defilation of an immortal-to-be, but either a melding of an immortal-to-be with a vampire or a ritual that completed the turning process before allowing immortality to activate.
"Whatever took place; their vulnerability to holy powers is not nearly as great as that of vampires. They cause displeasure, can seriously harm them and even dispel them from the vicinity of the source of holy energy, but they cannot kill them. Indeed the only methods to kill these abominations are the same that work on immortals, namely decapitation, pulverization, disintegration and combustion.
"To add to the already great danger they represent, they retain the ability to sense Quickenings, the essence of immortals, without their own quickening, that is believed to still be part of these creatures, being sensible. If they can absorb the quickening of immortals and get any use from them, like other immortals do, is not known, but some reports about these creatures suggest that this in fact is true. The opposite on the other hand is known to be true. Should a Headhunter be killed, his quickening will be released, just as that of every other immortal. Some sources report strange behavior of the immortals that absorbed such quickening, sometimes lasting for only a short while, sometimes being the beginning of a change in personality. If this is what became known as a 'Dark Quickening' is not known, as between the last mentioning of Headhunter's and the first use of the term 'Dark Quickening' more than one millennium passed. And with the Headhunter's presumably extinct so long ago, it is unlikely that this question will ever be solved.
"A warning for those who seek to complete the information about the creatures of darkness, all seers that ever tried to prey into the history of Head-hunter's either died or were permanently confused. How or why this happens is not known, but is believed to be linked with the loss of the ritual that once created the Headhunter's. Head-hunter's themselves are not the danger in this, as there are reports about seers having reviewed some battles between Head-hunter's and immortals or other creatures by looking for the immortals or humans involved.
"Though not much experimentation could be done with these creatures, a group of witches had contained a Headhunter for some time. Drawing upon the research they did on Vampires they tried to restore the soul of the Headhunter. While the report is not easily understandable it is agreed that the quickening caused a feedback that killed the witches attempting this spell. But like the creation of Headhunters this event is protected from scrying. Theories range from the Headhunter still having their soul but it is either contained or defiled to their soul having been destroyed.
"You said he called one of them Headhunters. If one of these things are what Adam and you came across Xander is right, we are in trouble." Faith said after reading the passage. Looking at the worry in everyone's eyes she added. "Uh guys, I think it is time we call in the big guns."
Xander's home
15 minutes later
Arriving home Xander silently slipped in the back door and down the hall to his bedroom he had noticed that his father's car was in the driveway, and hoped that he would not have to talk to him tonight. Starting toward his room Patches called to him. //Hey your dad is in your room. Been in there for a while, and he is drinking.//
"What's up dad?" Xander asked his voice as cold and distant as the icecaps in the artic. Noticing when he stepped into his room that his father was sitting on his bed with a journal in his hand. The journal was still locked and it was not a normal lock so he had no fear that his father found a way to open it yet. Stepping aside he let Patches in the room so he could get to the litter box that was in the adjoining bathroom. "What are you doing in here?"
"Boy I want the truth," His father demanded his voice slurred showing that he was inebriated. Throwing the book on the bed he shakily got to his feet matching Xander's own 6' height he went on. "What are you about when you're out all night? Don't try to tell me that you are studying, an idiot like you don't know how to study."
Shaking his head knowing that his father was going to go off, Xander waited for the inevitable as he picked up a few paperback books that they would need to research the Torilian Vampire. All the while trying to tune out his fathers demands and accusations, his own mind seething with questions that he had asked every since he could remember, questions that he still could not talk to Dr. Green about. Questions that he himself did not realize the meaning of. Questions like: don't you know I love you Dad? Or why can't you just stop drinking and accept me for who I am.
"Boy is you even listening to me?" Mr. Harris yelled becoming angrier as he realized that his son was not listening to him. "Don't ya have any respect for your mother or me?"
Letting his mind drift, to get away from his fathers abusive attitude Xander tried to think of happier times, something that has not been around since he and Willow played in the basement as children. Turning toward the door after getting the books he needed, without saying a word to his father he started to walk out. Wanting to be gone from the house as fast as he could he mistakenly turned his back to his father.
Seeing what his alcohol induced mind told him was a sign of disrespect Mr. Harris grabbed Xander's shoulder from behind and yanked, caught totally unaware by his fathers sudden outburst, as it had been a long while since his father physically touched him. Xander was shot back against the opposite wall where his head and back hit it hard his mind drifted off as he slid down the wall leaving a small trail of blood as he went.
Patches was just coming out of the bathroom trying to give the father and son some privacy. Feeling that Xander was getting ready to leave Patches was just making his way out of the room to see Mr. Harris make his move but realizing that he was too late to stop the attack Patches instantly changed to his other and jumped trying to lessen the blow that Xander would get when hitting the wall, again he was too late feeling that he was letting his companion down Patches took a guard position over Xander his yellow eyes drilled into a shocked Mr. Harris's eyes who was just starting to move in to kick Xander again.
Mr. Harris appeared to be trying to go two ways at once when he saw the six-foot long extinct Saber Tooth Tiger looking at him with those dead yellow eyes. The sudden appearance of the cat shocked Mr. Harris to soberness looking quickly around for something to use to defend himself while backing up into a corner. As Patches moved toward him herding him away from the door and into a corner.
Even as Xander went down the wall and as he transformed into his other, Patches transmitted at the highest level he could. //THIS IS PATCHES, SEND SOMEONE HERE FAST, XANDER IS HURT.//
The transmission was so strongly sent that all of the Guardian Spirits heard it even the ones who were sleeping. Duke who was about eight miles away with Randi and Brian also heard the call and he quickly woke up the other two telling them that Xander was in trouble and they had to leave quickly.
//Willow, You must go to Xander's house he is in trouble.// Lassie send to Willow who was sitting at the computer at Steve's house looking at Faith dumbfounded after she read the information of the headhunter. Receiving the message a shocked expression crossed her face.
The shocked looked passed quickly as she stood up and sent back. //What happen?//
//I am not sure yet,// Lassie replied as she was patrolling the house. //Patches is now in his Guardian form and is too upset to talk. I am moving around the house to make sure we are secure as the rest of the guardians are.//
//Thank you Lassie,// Willow replied standing up. Quickly glancing at Adam and seeing that he was still unconscious she looked at the other two and ordered. "Larry stay here and keep an eye on Adam. Faith come with me something happen to Xander."
Even though he would have much rather gone with the girls to make sure that Xander was ok, Larry knew a command when he heard one and nodded his head. He watched as the two girls left the house wondering what else could happen tonight. Walking over to Adam, Larry put on a new cold compress and went back to the book rereading the passage about the headhunter.
At Xander's house Patches was still watching Mr. Harris who was cowering in the corner with the only weapon he could find, a small stick with a pointed tip. Mr. Harris did not know what the beast was doing in the house or where it came from but this was not something in his mind, that cat was real and those large teeth were very real as well. He watched now puzzled as the cat moved over to Xander and lick his face. Prelude to taking a bite jumped into Mr. Harris's now sober mind. Realizing that the cat meant to eat Xander and probably himself, a fear gripped at his heart a dark stain started to grow in the crouch of his pants and a very awful smell emitted from the same region.
//Come on Xander, I know your in there wake up.// Patches sent to Xander in a very soft message, purring as he licked Xander's face again. Looking disgustingly over to Mr. Harris who was now balled up in the corner a wooden steak in his hand. Patches could smell the fear and the excretion coming from him, Patches tried to mentally send to him. //If you hurt Xander I swear by my bond to him that you will be nothing more than excretions in two days time.//
Turning back to Xander knowing that Mr. Harris was not going anywhere he licked him again sending to Lassie a tinge of worry in his thoughts. //Lassie, Where is Willow?//
//She is on her way.// Lassie replied as he relayed the request to Willow. //She says they are only two minutes from you.//
//What happen?// Dukes strong voice came cutting into the other two guardian's conversation. //Is Xander all right?//
//Duke!// The name was called out by both Guardians at the same time the feeling of relief was plain in the sending. Patches send came over Lassies as he went on. //Xander is unconscious his own father attacked him.//
Taking command of the situation if only for the Guardians as the leader of the "pack" Duke send a general message to the other Guardians. //Everyone stand down. Sherlock, is Joyce home?//
//Yes she is Duke// Sherlock replied, making his way to Joyce's room. //What do you need?//
//Wait till Willow gets there// Duke replied as Randi pulled up into the driveway at home. //If they cannot revive Xander wake her and get her over there as soon as possible.//
"Xander," Willow called out in a worried voice as she fell to her knees next to him. Seeing the blood she grabbed the pillow from his bed and used it to stop the flow that was still coming from the cut in the back of his head. Feeling for a pulse and quickly finding it she breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing that Faith would handle anything coming at them she set about to emitting first aid to Xander, calling back to memory everything that Steve and Frank had taught her.
Facing off with Mr. Harris, Faith let Willow take care of Xander. Her chocolate brown eyes bored deep into his, her voice was cold and emotionless as she announced. "Okay, asshole, I hope you got your will made out. If something's wrong with him you're wasted."
"Sab...Sab....Sabe.." Mr. Harris babbled not being able to finish the though that he was trying to get out. Patches had now left the room going back into the bathroom where he changed back to his normal self and left the bathroom from the other door.
"Oh I would not worry about that." Faith replied the smile on her face showing the disgust and contempt she felt for the man cowering in the corner. "You should be praying that he is ok."
"Move out of my way you little bitch." Mr. Harris barked as he pushed himself out of the corner. Finding his courage now that what he thought was a saber-tooth tiger was out of the room, believing that she would back away from him because of his age and size. In this he was sorely mistaken for Faith did not budge. This was the first family she had known since she was old enough to remember. The last person she considered family was Linda Pryce, and now that woman was dead, killed by Vampires. Steve and Buffy took her in, tearing her away from the dictating and demanding eye of the Watchers and giving her a semi if not full normal life. Now she could have friends who would love her and her them. There was no way she was going to let this man even though he was Xander's father anywhere near him.
Letting him come closer Faith knew that she would have to be careful not to hurt him too bad, after all he was no a demon, well not in the strictest since of the word and besides Cordelia would want a piece of him, too.
Mr. Harris still believing that this was just some girl albeit a very good looking one. He moved forward to push her out of the way to get at this boy. The boy he could not stand, the boy his wife of seventeen years tried to pass off as his son. He knew that Xander was not his son even though his wife had no way of knowing it, there was no way Xander could be his son, for he was sterile, and had been that way since birth.
As Mr. Harris stepped toward Faith, she moved with the speed of a Slayer. Dropping down to one knee she spun around sending one leg out in a spinning sweep she took his legs out from beneath him. Not wanting to hurt him too bad Faith did the one move she knew that was sure to take him out of the fight before it got started and he got hurt.
"Help me out here Faith," Willow ordered a note of command in her voice as she finally stopped the bleeding. "We have to get him to a hospital, I think he has lost a lot of blood."
"Start praying mister," Faith growled as she turned from Mr. Harris who still had not tried to get up from the floor. Walking over to Xander, Faith bent down and picked him up with no help from Willow at all, carrying him like a baby despite his size. Looking over to Willow she simply said. "Slayer strength don't leave home without it."
Walking past Mr. Harris who was still on the floor, Willow fought back the urge to kick him even though he was already on the floor and picked up Patches on their way out saying. "I think we better take you with us."
//Tell the others we have Xander and are in route to the hospital.// Willow silently whispered to Patches as she cradled Xander's head in her lap letting Faith drive the car.
//Sherlock, wake Joyce have her meet the girls at the hospital, they will want a grown up there.// Duke ordered having heard Patches send. //I am sure that Faith and Willow can get him emitted their own way however it would look a lot better if someone older was with them.//
//She is on her way.// Sherlock replied after a few minutes. //Is he ok?//
//We don't know yet,// Patches replied feeling helpless //Willow is doing what she can but he looks weak.//
Mr. Harris home
"Bitch get your ass in here. Mr. Harris called to his wife after taking a shower and putting on clean cloths. He was now sober but still very pissed off. "I want you to get in his room and throw everything he owns out on the front lawn."
"But..." Mrs. Harris replied meekly not wanting to bring her husbands fury down on her.
"Don't but me bitch." Mr. Harris screamed at the woman taking a d